Episode 048: Hell's Digger, part 1
Author's Note #1:
This chapter is going to be the debut of Goro's mid-season super mode: PteraDrill Armor. Remember back in #46, Sento left him the Pteranodon Full Bottle and Taki obtained the Drill Full Bottle through a Mole Smash. Also the caps of the said Full Bottles has the P/D, therefore it's a Best Match.
PteraDrill is going to function like Drago Knight Hunter Z and the Dead Heat Shift Car, as it causes the user to lose control of himself when first used.
Every villain in a story always has a backstory, so we're going to explore a part of Shingetsu's backstory.
Each time Goro plays chess in his office, it brings to mind Chairman Kougami, aka "cakeboss", of Kamen Rider OOO the way he does his hobby in his office. In Kougami's case, he bakes birthday cakes inside his office! In short, Goro is a younger, darker and edgier version of Kougami, while still amoral to a fault; Goro emphasizes hot-bloodedness in contrasts to Kougami's eccentricity.
"When the safety of the universe is once again threatened, the six Space Explorers are once again summoned into the stage of battle in their never-ending crusade against evil that plagued even in the depths of space. This is also a tale of a man in pursuit of his destiny, beneath his overwhelming pride is a sense of determination and selflessness."
(*Opening: "Darkest Before Dawn" by Daichi Miura*)
[~Itsumo kotae sagashiteita~] (I was always looking for an answer)
[~Nande sou kiku hito mo ita~] ("Why?" some people asked me)
[~Asamoya kemuru michi kakenuketa hibi~] (A path covered with the morning haze I used to run through it all the time)
[~Motto takaku sou negatta~] (Higher I wished to go)
[~Kuyashisa wo fumi katameta~] (Then came the frustration I had to stomp it down)
[~Ohh...oohhh~]
[~Kono sekai ni furisosogu asahi wo dareshi mo ga matteiru~] (Everyone is waiting for the rising sun that cast light over the world)
[~Hitori de mo hitori janai soko ni iru no wa kimi hitori janai~] (Even when you are by yourself you are not alone it's not only you who is there)
[~Ohh...oohhh~ Darkest Before Dawn~]
[~Ohh...oohhh~ Darkest Before Dawn~]
[~Ohh...oohhh~ Darkest Before Dawn~]
[~Ohh...oohhh~ Darkest Before Dawn~]
[~Kono sekai ni furisosogu asahi wo dareshi mo ga matteiru~] (Everyone is waiting for the rising sun that cast light over the world)
[~Hitori de mo hitori janai soko ni iru no wa kimi hitori janai~] (Even when you are by yourself you are not alone it's not only you who is there)
[~Ohh...oohhh~ Darkest Before Dawn~]
[~Ohh...oohhh~ Darkest Before Dawn~]
[~Ohh...oohhh~ Darkest Before Dawn~]
[~Ohh...oohhh~ Darkest Before Dawn~]
-Involvement (continuation)-
Goro had his thoughts about Shingetsu going into Touto where he plans to seek after Pandora's Box. His awareness to his sworn rival in a way that is more to him than just sheer raw power alone, Shingetsu has a dangerous mind, which makes him more extremely dangerous. Goro discussed this to Taki word-for-word. However, he refuses to be involved with the Touto government's affairs since they have no problem dealing with intruders at all, all while Build and Banjyou Ryuuga are still on the run from Touto's authorities. Therefore, Goro deduces that Touto will suffer bigger problems if these threats – Build, Banjyou, and Shingetsu are not dealt with. Also, Samus and her crew disagreed in getting themselves involve with the Touto government, but what's more important is that to keep the Kamui Tribe from invading the Earth.
"The guy will less likely flinch even when he's confronted with a lot of obstacles. He's got a Plan A. He's got a Plan B. He's got a Plan C, and so on. It shows that there are some bad guys out there trying to prove how dangerous they are not just by their strength alone, also with their minds. Even the most magnificent bastards know how to take full advantage their adversaries' flaws, that explains why he professes himself as a one-man army. Even if he treats his goons as expendable cannon fodder, he takes a stealthy approach to confound his foes. Once he's already close to achieving all his plans, that's a checkmate. He'll more likely hold the entire universe in his own hands."
And by emphasizing what Shingetsu is planning to do, he illustrates it by using his chessboard and pieces. He imagines Shingetsu as the "queen" piece of the board, and the opposing pieces in question would be the Touto government itself – the pawns are the Guardians, the knights, bishops, and rooks would be the Smash, the opposing queen refers to Faust, and the king would be Touto's government itself. If Shingetsu manages to take down all of the pawns with barely any effort, he'll be able to take on Faust. Then, lastly the Touto government which leads to a checkmate.
"It makes sense as not only between you and that Shingetsu wasn't just a battle of who's strongest, but also the smartest.", Taki also noted that both Goro and Shingetsu are not so different towards each other, especially when she observed their fight. "Right down to the superficial pride and to your cunning charms and charisma."
Goro chuckled, "Unlike him, I can accept a failure. I'm a trial-and-error guy who can figure out things what's suitable."
Then, he illustrates another – two knights against two opposing bishops and one queen. The two knights describes both Sento and Ryuuga who are keeping their heads low to protect the latter from the Touto government; two bishops may likely represent Faust's leaders who is more or less likely manipulating the Touto government in the shadows. Then the queen is Shingetsu.
"I have a feeling that this so-called Faust is using the Touto government to get Banjyou Ryuuga back on the cell.", Goro continued. "It's because Sento-kun also mentioned this one to me by the time he came here and returned here in Hokuto recently trying to solve the mystery involving a scientist murdered in Touto. If Faust is using the Touto government as their puppet for whatever their planning to do, Shingetsu's planning to expose their plans to the public to demoralize the Touto government. The likely of that matter is 45%. But, it's likely a part of his plot to take Pandora's Box for his own personal gain."
"That sounds very thorough.", Taki nodded.
"Exactly. It's because, Shingetsu has a dangerous mind like what I mentioned before. While he might be calling himself as one of the strongest in the universe, he knows how to back it up by treating things as if it was a game of chess."
-Receiving End-
Meanwhile at the New Command Center, Go and Mitsuzane had their minor injuries treated. The latter is even in a receiving end of a concussion to the point he had to apply cold compress on the affected part of his head. Dr. Hanaya Taiga visited the Space Explorers' HQ with Nico upon learning the presence of alien demons from outer space.
"Demons from outer space?", said the doctor.
"Yeah. These guys are totally different from the Black Cross Armada.", Mitsuzane answered.
"They're called the Space Demon Clan Kamui Tribe.", Samus added. "They're a nomadic group of intergalactic raiders. I heard from Planet Bird that they have conquered few planets than the Armada."
"You mean those guys are Mongols from Space?!", Nico asked.
"Yeah.", Go answered to Nico's question. "Their leader has some kind of ability to control time, kinda a call back to Cronus."
"And more recently, the Kamui Tribe has a second-in-command.", Mayu said from what the whole crew talked about the appearance of a maligned ninja.
"Worse, she's dangerous in comparison to that Izumi guy's busty ninja girlfriend!", the white Kamen Rider with a mouth also insinuates that Rakurai, the maligned ninja that the Space Explorers were talking about, has all the power and skills that rivaled even Taki. In a way, Rakurai is just like Taki, except that she's evil.
"A busty ninja... Where did I ever heard of that before?", Nico scratched her head if she ever seen playing a video game character, or in this case; a kunoichi with big assets.
"Izumi Goro, the guy who is ZETA Tech's CEO and developed those power armors for police and military purpose.", Taiga seemed to overhear about Goro and his company. "While he might be popular, he knows how to keep his head low."
"Guy's a lucky bastard to have a kunoichi for a girlfriend.", Mitsuzane joked. "Sounds like an understatement."
Either way, Samus and the gang need to rethink their strategy before they can once again confront the Kamui Tribe.
-Unlocking a Best Match-
Later that night, in the Izumi mansion...
In his workshop at the very basement of the mansion, Goro spent the night analyzing the red and silver Pteranodon and Drill Full Bottles even if they are a Best Match for the G7 Icarus XYZ system, Goro begins to question if when these Full Bottles are activated for the system, does it have any side effect to the armor's wielder?
Goro tried everything what he can do, even though his Build Driver confirms that the Pteranodon and Drill Full Bottles are indeed a Best Match, he's not certain about how to master its power. But, recalling what Sento said before moving on to solve mysteries in regards to his lost memories.
"A Full Bottle themed after a pterodactyl? Or rather, pteranodon. Why are you giving this to me?", Goro asked after he received the Pteranodon Full Bottle.
"I want you to find out the Best Match for this bottle.", Sento replied.
Goro pulls out the Drill Full Bottle that he got from Taki, back when she managed to seal the Mole Smash's essence. Ironically, he noticed that it has the P/D label on the bottle's cap, since he's able to notice the chances of a Best Match after observing the Full Bottle's label on its caps.
"I'm going to try that one with the Drill Full Bottle.", Goro continued, but at the very moment he's not certain on what way will he master both two bottles in a best match. "I'm still not certain if this affects the XYZ mode of G7 Icarus's system."
"Don't worry. You just have to believe on what you're capable of.", Sento reassured. "If you want to use the Bottles to master the Best Match, you need to keep your blood boiling. In short, get angry."
"Seriously?"
"Of course. In all ways than one, you must also believe in your devotion to protect the city that you love so much."
Fast forward to the current situation, Goro continued fiddling with both bottles, still uncertain what Sento told him to channel his anger to master the Best Match of the Pteranodon and Drill Full Bottles.
Moments later, Taki enters the lab, seeing Goro on his desk fiddling on the two Full Bottles.
"You been isolating yourself here for the past two hours. What's bothering you?", asked the ninja.
"I'm still wondering how am I going to access another Best Match.", Goro replied. "Back when Sento-kun left and went on with his detective work, I am left with uncertainty of how am I going to master a new form."
Upon hearing Goro's intent to unlock this Best Match at the same time uncertain about the downside if ever he thought he might lose control.
"I see. In a way, I used to be like that.", Taki said. "There is one reason why I don't want to use Mekki-Maru all the time. Both Rekki-Maru and Mekki-Maru are infused with shards of an evil blade; but the latter posed so much danger, all while I'm trying to find ways to control it. Even when Samus Aran used a weapon to reprogram my DNA that caused Mekki-Maru to lose some of its magical properties, it rarely responded to me even though I don't want to risk myself being corrupted by its influence. Mekki-Maru was the reason why that my master and adoptive father transformed into a maligned being of evil and ordered the entire Fu-Ma Ninja Clan to hunt me down. My pride was at fault, since that day I cast away all those foolish thoughts and I will no longer seek power."
"...", Goro listened and didn't make an interruption of Taki's story in regards to Mekki-Maru.
Taki continued, "Ever since I mastered the power of Tengen Toppa Evolution, true strength is not about the sharpness of one's sword. It's about believing in those people who put their faith in others."
"Exactly. It's about believing in not just yourself. Not the you who believes in me. Not the me who believes in me. Believe in the you who believe in yourself.", Goro quoted a certain anime in regards about believing in one's self is the key to achieve one's own strength.
"Right. You too have to do same thing, Goro."
"And, I need your help in achieving that.", Goro said. "If we can beat Shingetsu's lieutenant. I need to harden myself even further if we can beat maligned ninja together."
-Blackmail-
Meanwhile in Touto...
In the science institute, Gentoku and Utsumi began talking about the intruder who entered Touto. In regards to their secret and affiliation with Faust, they have to keep a low profile if they don't want their reputation with the Touto government to be tarnished. Gentoku's assistant decided to keep quiet about what happened when the intruder attacked.
"Sir, if that intruder attacks again, who knows what happens next.", said the bespectacled assistant.
"It's better if we ignore him. Capturing Build and Banjyou Ryuuga comes first.", said Gentoku while maintaining a cool composure while angered even after he managed to escape death. "Perhaps Stalk will be the ones taking care of the rest."
Suddenly, Gentoku's phone rings. The Prime Minister's aide answers the phone.
"Hello?"
A mysterious caller replies, "It seems you've been a double agent to both sides of the government and posing as a masked villain."
Gentoku freaked out when the mysterious caller seems to know about him. "W-who is this?!"
"My identity is none of your concern, Himuro Gentoku.", the unknown caller continued. "Or, should I say... Night Rogue!"
The aide to Touto's Prime Minister widened his eyes in shock to hear someone discovering his identity as Faust's de facto leader. "B-But, how?! How did you found out?!"
A chuckled can be heard from the unknown caller, "You seem surprised. I've been investigating you. It's a pity to think that you've been using the Touto government as your puppets while you are doing your lab work. If you don't do exactly as I say, I will not hesitate to expose all of your connections with Faust to the media."
Utsumi is puzzled to see his boss all paranoid while on the phone with an unknown caller.
"What do you want from me?", Gentoku asked.
"I heard that you used both the Touto government and Faust to hunt down Kiryu Sento and Banjyou Ryuuga.", the unknown caller replied. "If you wish to cooperate with me, you must also bring them to me dead or alive. If you do, I will leave you alone. But, if you don't I will make sure your days of running the government are over. This is not a threat, it's a promise!"
"If you want them so badly, who are you?"
"I told you before. You don't need to know who I am. What is it going to be? You either die a villain or you live long enough to see yourself as a hero. I'll be waiting a response from you."
The call ends. A puzzled Utsumi asked his boss who was he talking to on the phone.
"Who was that, sir?"
"Not now.", Gentoku dismisses the question. Then, he began to let his mind speak, ("I know that voice somewhere. But, who is it?")
Gentoku goes from hotheaded to properly paranoid after a mysterious caller discovered his true identity and association with Faust. Whoever is blackmailing him is likely trying to demoralize him, the Touto government, and Faust as well.
Elsewhere in an disclosed location, Shingetsu then put the phone back on his pocket. Days after evading the authorities, he manages to find suitable clothes to blend in within Touto, all while keeping his sword concealed under a guitar case.
"It looks like Himuro Gentoku is willing to give in to my demands. Everything is according to my plan.", Shingetsu smirked. As it turned out, he was the one who is blackmailing Gentoku to further his plans, even better he managed to use a voice filter to conceal his identity during the phone call.
Shingetsu moved on, exploring the city as a free man, all while he begins his plan to engineer Faust's downfall. In short, he think about getting rid of Night Rogue first, and if anything, Kamen Rider Build should he ever stand in his way.
-PteraDrill Armor!-
The next morning.
It was already dawn, Taki and Natsu begin their usual routine in their ninjutsu training. This time, the veteran shinobi allows Goro to take part so he can unlock the Best Match of the Pteranodon and Drill Full Bottles.
Now transformed into G7 Icarus XYZ in StealthCrow Armor, Goro is focused and he finally knows how to anticipate sneak attacks after a thorough trial-and-error tactics from Natsu.
Once both Taki and Natsu cornered the black winged Kamen Rider, Goro manages to tank hits from their attacks, shurikens, and their respective dual kodachis. Even without Shadow Winger's assistance, despite watching the 2-on-1 sparring while observing Goro, Goro himself keeps his two feet still even when taken a lot of damage.
Now that Goro manages to push both two ninjas back to a corner, it's time for him to finally unlock the power of the Pteranodon and Drill Full Bottles. He ejects the Stealth and Crow Full Bottles so he can insert the new ones.
*Pteranodon! Drill! Best Match!*
"Here we go...", said Goro as he cranks the lever of the Build Driver. And by doing so, the Snap Ride Builder forms on both of his sides - and halves of the suit form on his left and right.
*Are you ready?*
The halves of the new form encase G7 Icarus XYZ. Suddenly, something's wrong...
G7 Icarus XYZ starts go berserk and thrashes and flails around uncontrollably, Taki seems to notice something is wrong.
Inside Goro's head's up display, the OS begins to say the system is glitching and it needs to be rebooted.
"No, not now!"
"Sir, if the system cannot reboot, it will take a toll into your body!", A.G.N.I. warns Goro about the danger of forcing the transformation can be risky.
"No, A.G.N.I.! I can do this! It's going to take the user's determination to defuse this kind of situation than just analysis!", Goro replied.
"Izumi-san!", Natsu cried.
"Goro...", Taki whispered, knowing Goro is certain to unlock his new power by channeling his fury.
"Make my blood boil, eh? Well, in that case...", Goro smirked underneath his HUD, and decide to take Sento's words to heart.
As Goro tries to wrestle control of the Pteranodon and Drill Full Bottles, he lets out a loud roar, as he channeled his anger to full and he manages to regain control of his suit!
*Jigoku no Digger! (Hell's Digger) PteraDrill! Yeahhh!*
To the surprise of the two ninja, Goro manages to regain control of himself as well as his suit. Goro's new form is themed after a flying dinosaur - pteranodon, and a drill. The most distinguishing feature of PteraDrill Armor is the large drill mounted on G7 Icarus XYZ's left shoulder.
And thus, Kamen Rider G7 Icarus XYZ PteraDrill Armor was born...
See you next mission...
Kamui Tribe's demons count:
-Destroyed: Rexspider 1, 2, & 3 (Tsuchigumo), Meowitzer (Nekomata), Snorephant (Baku), Fraillow (Yosuzume), Rexspider Queen 1 (Jorogumo), Raywolf (Raiju), Pallyshoul (Karakasa-obake), Armor Dullahan x5 (Oboroguruma)
-Destroyed by Special Reaction Squad: Two unnamed creatures based on the Bake-Bi, One unnamed creature based on the Abura-Dokkuri, Gorgon Queen (Akamata)
-Captured by Taki: Ripperzel (Kamaitachi), Rexspider Queen 2 (Jorogumo), Croc-a-Chomp (Waniguchi), Glaciess (Yuki-Onna), Rexspider Queen 2 (Jorogumo), Shukaku (Tanuki), Kappa
Kamen Riders featured:
-Space Explorers' side: Huntress (Rider Gashat), Lazer (Rider Gashat; both sides with CR), Specter (Eyecons), Necrom (Eyecons), Mach (Signal Bike), Ryugen (Lockseed), Mage (Wizard Rings)
-CR side (all Rider Gashats): Ex-Aid
-Neutral: G7 Icarus (G7 Armor Keys, Full Bottles), Build (Full Bottles)
Genm's Life Count: 73
Full Bottles Count:
- Build:
*Organic: Rabbit, Gorilla, Lion, Harinezumi, Taka, Ninjya
*Inorganic: Tank, Diamond, Soujiki, Drill, Gatling, Comic, Ragna-mail
-G7 Icarus XYZ:
*Organic: Crow, Kamakiri, Kurage, Pteranodon
*Inorganic: Stealth, Bakudan, Scope, Ambulance, Drill, Ragna-mail
-Huntress:
*Inorganic: Ragna-mail
-Ryugen:
*Inorganic: Ragna-mail
-Mach:
*Inorganic: Ragna-mail
-Taki:
*Organic: Spider, Tanuki, Kappa
*Inorganic: Reizoko, Launcher, Robot
-Ryuuga
*Organic: Dragon
-Shingetsu
*Inorganic: Watch
Author's Note #2:
Nico's line of "A busty ninja... Where did I ever heard of that before?" shows that she likely recognizes Taki as a video game character due to the fact that she (and Emu) have a knowledge in video games also hints that Nico herself once played Soul Calibur.
Sento telling Goro how to unlock PteraDrill by telling him to channel his anger brings to mind how Shinnosuke unlocked his two other base forms - Type Wild and Technic. For Type Wild, Shinnosuke needs to be pumped up and motivated, while for Type Technic he needs to maintain a cool composure even when angered.
Goro managing to regain control of PteraDrill Armor is similar to how both Hiiro and Taiga unlock their Level 50 forms.
Shingetsu quotes Harvey Dent from The Dark Knight. This one is inverted as he says to Gentoku that he either dies a villain or live long to see himself as a (war) hero.
The drill mounted on G7 Icarus XYZ's left shoulder while in PteraDrill Armor invokes Super Galaxy Gurren Lagann.
