Episode 050: Shingetsu's Plan A


Author's Note #1:

Okay, time to give some focus on Shingetsu. First, we get to explore few details of his backstory. Two, how did he became the warmonging intergalactic criminal that he is now. And three, what will be his plans to destroy Faust to claim Pandora's Box for himself.

True to his similarities to Kamen Rider Baron, Shingetsu's tragic backstory differs that from Kaito. As Shingetsu is actually a fallen hero-archetype. In a way, he was once an intergalactic bounty hunter, just like Samus who served the Galactic Union Police apprehending criminals. That is until his home planet of Raia were invaded by unknown invaders that killed his family. Also, Shingetsu shares a similar mindset with Taiga/Snipe in a way that he has nothing left to lose ever since his loved ones were killed.

Taki's incantation whenever she transforms into Tengen Toppa Evolution is "Heaven and Earth, breakthrough!" (Tenjo-tenge, toppashite!).


"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~]


-Forgive me, Master-

Elsewhere in the depths of space…

In the Kamui Tribe's mothership, Rakurai communicates with her master. The maligned ninja was ashamed of her defeat at the hands of Kamen Rider G7 Icarus XYZ; whose human identity is Izumi Goro, Shingetsu's sworn enemy. Upon learning this, he knows Goro is growing stronger in order to rival his power.

"It's not your fault, Rakurai.", the vampiric warlord said. "It is in human nature to evolve, they start out as weak and inferior. But, as time passes they grow to find their true strength. Izumi Goro is proven to be my worthy opponent, he is indeed my equal in every way. Regardless, bringing you to take place in my stead was to test him."

"But, master?", she asked.

"Do not worry for me.", Shingetsu reassures. "You need to find your own strength if you want to beat those Kamen Riders, the same goes for Izumi Goro. For now, I want you to bring the Four Legendary Swordsmen to Earth and let him each to them."

"Yes, sir.", Rakurai bowed reverently to him as Shingetsu closes the communication.

Back on Earth, as Shingetsu maintained a low profile in his journey in Touto. Along the way, he hears a cry of distress nearby, a boy is stuck in a tree and cries for someone to help him to come down from the tree.

"Somebody, please help me!", the young boy cried, scared that he could fall down as he don't know how to climb down on his own.

Shingetsu approaches the tree and the child stuck. Despite his contempt towards humanity, it really makes him disappointed for a child not to brave himself to reach obstacles.

"Hey, kid.", Shingetsu calls out the child. "If you keep wallowing like that, you'll spend the days the rest of your life being picked on by others for being a wimp you are. Is that what you want?"

Harsh as it sounds, Shingetsu wants the child to be strong in his own right and never be a crybaby. The boy took his words as he attempts to climb down from the tree, and this time Shingetsu catches him. And the boy manages to walk on his two feet.

"Very good.", Shingetsu smiled to the boy after catching him in his arms. "Remember what I said, kid. Be strong and never fear anything if you want to grow up like a real man."

"Thanks, onii-chan!", the boy said happily and walked onward while engraving Shingetsu's words into his heart.

After a few seconds, Shingetsu himself moved on. His smile returns back to his usual frown. Shingetsu doesn't smile all the time, and rarely does so when something gives him an interest, like the presence of his sworn rival or anything that poses a challenge to him.

"What I hate…is my own weakness in the past.", Shingetsu muttered, and he recalled the fateful day that drove him into the warmonger that he is now. "Ever since that fateful day, I've lost everything. My friends… family… my home… everything."


-From Nobody to Nightmare-

Five years ago, Planet Raia.

Shingetsu was once an intergalactic bounty hunter working under the jurisdiction of the Galactic Union Police in Planet Bird. He led a group of mercenaries dedicated in enforcing justice to the Solar System.

Until, one fateful day when he returned to his home planet of Planet Raia. The planet was invaded by intergalactic space pirates from a distant planet. The raiders killed most of the planet's inhabitants, including Shingetsu's relatives, his mother and father, and his lover Izayoi.

Shingetsu's parents died in the middle of the onslaught, by the time he reaches to his Izayoi. It was too late, the death of his soon-to-be wife causes him to fly into an uncontrollable rage. Consumed with grief and despair, Shingetsu completely goes berserk, murdering the invaders without any second thought in retaliation for killing off all his loved ones and the people of Planet Raia. The raiders were not safe from his wrath and left a trail of bodies, bloodied, dismembered, and disemboweled in his wake. That is until, Shingetsu was the last man standing on the onslaught. Shingetsu never resorted to violence and he wanted to take things peacefully, but the moment he's pushed over the edge; he started jumping off the slippery slope.

From that day onward, Shingetsu was excommunicated from his mercenary group after the incident of Planet Raia came to light. He would eventually run away from the intergalactic law and formed a clan of nomadic demons with an objective is to rule the universe, that is the Kamui Tribe. Shingetsu started invading several planets and started wars against those who are standing up against him. And, for that matter, the Galactic Union Police labels him as one of the most wanted war criminals.

Flash forward to the present, nobody knows why Shingetsu is motivated to take Pandora's Box so he can take control of all planets to his will. It's all because that he wanted more power not just to become a god, but he wanted to be stronger. The fateful day when his family, friends, and lover were killed right before his eyes shows that deep down, he was too weak and he couldn't protect them. That explains he wants to create a world cleansed of the weak. Also, the reason he wants to accomplish his goals alone? He doesn't want any of his men to experience the pain he felt. The day he encounters Goro gave him the purpose to find his true strength.

"From that day onward, I have nothing left else to lose; my pride, my honor is all that is left in me. I was too weak to protect those people I loved and cared for. The only other thing is left for me is… to eliminate the weak and the foolish!", Shingetsu mused, showing that he started out as a man dedicated in protecting the peace in the stars to a tyrannical warlord in the galaxy. "And I will do whatever it takes to bring everything in the universe down to their knees."


-True Strength is Not About the Sharpness of the Sword-

Meanwhile in Shouya City...

Elsewhere in the docks...

(*cues: "Ten wo Tsuke" OST from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann*)

Samus, while transformed into Kamen Rider Huntress Creator Gamer once again clashes with Taki. The two women trade blows to determine what the two of them learn how the modern world has been kind to them or not.

"Heaven and Earth, break through!", Taki chanted as she undergoes into her transformation to her Tengen Toppa Evolution mode; her demonic mask quickly transforms into that familiar star-shaped visor. The kunoichi's ponytail is let loosed and her hair is dyed blue due to the spiritual energy influencing her body. The ninja charges at Huntress Creator Gamer, who responds by pulling out the Gashacon Breaker in Blade Mode.

Taki then pulls out Rekki-Maru and wields one Kris Naga blade and she comes to trade blows with the bounty hunter. Having mastered the godly power of Tengen Toppa Evolution, Taki is manages to match Samus in terms of power.

The kunoichi rushes towards Huntress Creator Gamer like a lightning bolt, unfazed by Taki's speed. Samus summons the virtual manifestation of her Varia Suit to back her up. With the suit being a summoned virtually, Samus remotely operates it with mentally considering how the suit activates through sheer willpower. Even when Samus is in her Kamen Rider form, she can simultaneously battle in both her power suit and Rider Gashats altogether.

Even with Tengen Toppa Evolution, Taki takes stealthy approach when she prepares to combines the two Kris Naga blades and then used her star-shaped visor, transforming it into the Gurren Boomerang-Zwei. Taki exclaims, "Double Boomerang! Spiral!" as she throws the two weapons like boomerangs and both cross like a shape of a double-helix and its about to land on Huntress, but Samus manages to evade before the weapons return back to sender.

By using the Mighty Creator VRX Gashat as a VR remote stick, Samus conjures a hexagonal-shaped buckler made of energy and equips it with her left hand, and the Gashacon Breaker on her right. Samus uses the said shield to block Taki's attack.

*Ba-Koon!*

Samus changes the Gashacon Breaker's mode from Blade to Hammer Mode, she manages push Taki away with a smack of the hammer. Taki manages to land on her two feet after being knocked away. After that, the two women get into a exchange...

"Looks like you even mastered how to draw out the power of the cosmos.", said the bounty hunter.

"I never intended to be a god in any way. But, I'm using the power of the heavens to vanquish evil.", Taki responded.

"I was hoping that you would say that. This happens if you have the determination to go beyond the impossible.", Samus continued.

"What?"

"In short, in what ways did you achieved your true potential?", Samus asked. "I achieved my own through by believing on my comrades and my devotion to protect the universe."

Puzzled by the question asked to her by the bounty hunter, Taki recalls the dialogue with Goro about true strength is achieved by not just the sharpness of the sword, it's also in the faith of those people around her.

"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."

Taki also reveals she did the same thing, "I know what true strength really means, it's not about the sharpness of one's sword. It's about believing in those people who put their faith in others. That's right, Goro mentioned about 'believing in the me that believes in myself'. So, I'm putting a spirit into it in a way I wield my swords with my own will!"

"Let's see if you're true to what you have said!", said the bounty hunter as she loads the Mighty Creator VRX Gashat into the Gashacon Breaker...

*Gashatto! Kamiwaza!*

*Ja-kiin!*

...Samus proceeds to press the A button of the Breaker to activate the blade once again. Samus once emulates the Space Sheriffs' Laser Blades by brandishing the Gashacon Breaker's blade to give it a shining blue glow.

*Mighty Critical Finish!*

The Tengen Toppa Evolution-empowered Taki and Huntress Creator Gamer once again clashed blades at unprecedented speed before they once again get into a gridlock again.

"You better remember these words after this battle is over:", Samus boasted. "Are you aware of who I am!?"

Taki seems to recall the familiar words, which happened to be muttered by one of Samus's companions, Mitsuzane. The last time she heard that was during the fight against Reaper in outer space.

"And remember these words that will echo around the universe: JUST WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM?!"

It shows that any of the Space Explorers themselves have the liberty to exclaim "WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM?!/WE ARE?!" to show that they are different, but they stand together united to protect humanity. No matter who says that many times, they are not to be underestimated no matter how strong you are.

"Right back at you!", Taki responds and manages to push Huntress Creator Gamer back.

The kunoichi decides to put her swords back into their scabbards. Taki proceeds to gather spiritual energy from her own and then draws out the power of the heavens. Both her hands are filled with energy, instead of unleashing her Ninja Cannon, she choses to use the Burst Spinning Punch.

"Space-Time Shattering...", Taki charges at Huntress Creator Gamer. "Burst Spinning...PUNCH!"

The Tengen Toppa Evolution-empowered Taki delivers a barrage of punches to Samus that's about faster than the speed of sound. The bounty hunter is in a receiving end of punches being thrown faster the eye can see for about 30 to 45 seconds. Afterwards, Taki turns away from her opponent. Samus was still standing after the finisher.

"What's the matter? You haven't laid a scratch on me.", the bounty hunter said.

"The battle is over before it already began.", Taki said.

It only take Samus to realize that Taki's attack taking effect after seven seconds as she is being ragdolled by the brunt of the punches thrown by the kunoichi. And, her energy tanks have been completely drained, leaving Samus's energy meter in her HUD to a redline. She's forced out of her transformation split-seconds later.

*Gashuun*

"What incredible power...", Samus could scarcely fathom an incredible power harnessed by one shinobi from the past. In a way, they're both not so different each other because of how they hardened themselves to becoming stronger that's near levels of god-like strength, and both of them deny being referred as some kind of god for that matter.

Taki's Tengen Toppa Evolution wears off in the aftermath of the lengthy battle; with her appearance returning back to its usual form.

"Tell me something, what are you trying to tell Goro about this Shingetsu?", Taki recalls before she and Samus fight, the bounty hunter asks Taki to bring Goro to their HQ.

"I want you to bring Izumi Goro to our HQ. This is important.", said the bounty hunter.


-Shingetsu's Criminal Records-

Later, Goro and Taki went into the Space Explorers' New Command Center. Once inside, the other Space Explorers - Mitsuzane and Mayu welcomed the guests while Samus brings a dossier that was sent to her by a representative from the Galactic Union Police. When Goro begins to wonder why the Space Explorers are affiliated with the Galactic Union Police considering the fact that they have been on Earth all the time.

"After the Kamen Rider Chronicle incident four months ago, representatives from Planet Bird came to our doorstep and declared our team as independent peacekeepers.", Samus brought up how the Galactic Union Police declared the Space Explorers as independent peacekeepers recognized by the Space Police organizations in the galaxy.

"So, you guys are working with an organization in space that involves apprehending criminals causing chaos in the galaxy?", Goro raised his eyebrow.

"Not even close. But, the Space Police already made our team recognized in their organization protecting peace in the galaxy. All while protecting the Earth.", Samus continued before she could start discussing what's inside the dossier. "For the time being, let's cut to the chase."

Upon opening the folder, in the papers, Goro sees a picture of what happens to be Shingetsu. As the dossier that was sent to Samus by a representative from the Galactic Union Police containing records of the Kamui Tribe warlord, it's also revealed that Shingetsu was involved in numerous criminal activities in the galaxy.

Goro read one of the database record...

Surname: (blank)

First name: Shingetsu

Age: Unknown

Birthplanet: Planet Raia

Affiliations:

- A former mercenary once working with the Galactic Union Police.

- Leader of a nomadic clan of alien-demons from several planets known as the Space Demon Clan Kamui Tribe.

Criminal Records:

- Is involved with the deaths of rival space pirates who invaded his home planet of Raia.

- Has started wars and masterminded the invasions of Planet Dogma and Planet Geddon.

- Is also planning to hijack the mysterious artifact that was once buried within Mars (now currently in hands of humans in Earth) codenamed "Pandora's Box".

"No way...", Goro said in utter disbelief. "So this guy is on every shitlist from across the galaxy. It's only a matter of time before he starts causing a lot of chaos in Touto."

Though both parties - Goro and company and the Space Explorers have their reasons why not to get themselves involved with the Touto government, they also have a reason why they had to put their trust on Sento to not only eliminate Shingetsu.


-Shingetsu meets Sento-

Meanwhile in Touto...

After Sento defeats another Smash and absorbs the monster's essence from a human, Ryuuga catches up to him. The fugitive has been dealing with Guardians trying to chase the both of them. Still, there's no sign of either Night Rogue or Blood Stalk. Just everything seems to be under control, a man blocks their way, and it's revealed to be none other than Shingetsu.

"You're...", Sento recognizes the man before; the man who managed to make an example out of Night Rogue and killed a human who was used by Night Rogue's plans and at the same time who stole the Watch Full Bottle from him.

"It is I, Shingetsu! Might as well you remember that name, Kiryu Sento.", the Kamui Tribe warlord boasted.

"Why are you here?!", Sento becomes incensed at the sight of Shingets as he prepares to load the Rabbit and Tank Full Bottles, and quickly transforms into Build RabbitTank Form and charges at Shingetsu.

"I'm not in a mood to fight with you.", Shingetsu shrugged, he pulls out the Watch Full Bottle and proceeds to shake it. And by doing so, time suddenly stops, and everything is rewound back before Sento was about to transform into Build.

Sento couldn't believe what just happened until he deduces that Shingetsu used the Watch Full Bottle to reverse the flow of time!

"What did you do?!"

"Wasn't it obvious? I can bend the power of time to my will!"

"I don't know what you're trying to do. But, you made a mistake coming here!"

"Calm down.", Shingetsu continued, and decides to take things peacefully. "I'm not in the mood to pick a fight with a wannabe achiever like you along with your muscle-bound friend."

Even Ryuuga is offended by Shingetsu.

"Then, why are you here?", Sento asked.

"If you want to figure out Night Rogue's true identity, perhaps I can give you a hand.", Shingetsu begins to convince Sento to work together so he can find out the mastermind behind Faust. Sento, however, is skeptical by Shingetsu's offer, as he's fully aware what evil intent he has in mind.

Shingetsu's plan to have Sento work with him, will not only help him guarantee to put Night Rogue out of commission, the physicist will also lead him to Pandora's Box.


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:

Shingetsu's lover is named Izayoi, this is a reference to Kyuemon Izayoi from Shuriken Sentai Ninninger. Ironically, Kyuemon's real name is also Kyuemon Shingetsu Kibaoni.

Shingetsu's backstory that lead him into becoming a villain evokes Anakin Skywalker's turn to the Dark Side (and his subsequent evolution into Darth Vader) in Revenge of the Sith.

Planet Raia is also named after the Rider of the same name from Ryuki.

While Mitsuzane (Go and Makoto) did say "Who the hell do you think I am?!". Samus says "Are you aware of who I am?" to Taki, which also happens to be Nia Teppelin's variation of the series' catchphrase.

Taki's Burst Spinning Punch in this chapter looks like a Fist of the North Star-esque fist barrage. Complete with the delayed reaction of the finisher and Taki's one-liner of "The battle is over before it already began" as to Kenshiro's "You are already dead."

Samus revealing that the Space Explorers are an independent peacekeeper organization by the Space Police through the Galactic Union Police (the organization that brought the Space Sheriff). The Space Police consists of the Dekarangers, Signalman's Police force, as well as the Galactic Union Police itself are all related to one organization based on crossovers between Super Sentai and Metal Heroes like Gokaiger vs. Gavan and the most recent Dekaranger vs. Gavan.

Two planets (much like Planet Destron in volume 2) are named after villainous factions coming from the Showa Era; Planet Dogma is named after the villainous organization of the same name from Kamen Rider Super-1, while Planet Geddon is to the first villainous group of Kamen Rider Amazon.