The opening sequence has been altered to reflect the events of the previous episode. Please read on rather than skipping it to see what's been changed.
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…
The Super Sentai logo appears with its characteristic twinkle, then suddenly splits into dozens of golden bee drones and swarms away.
"While we humans believe ourselves to be the dominant species on Earth," Nushi says in voiceover as the camera pans over scenes of ladybugs nibbling on leaves, ants stealing food from a picnic, mantises dueling each other, grasshoppers creating music, butterflies feeding from flowers, spiders spinning webs, scorpions fighting each other, and bees buzzing in a hive. "In truth, we are vastly outnumbered by insects, with an estimated 10 quintillion insects alive at any given time. They've been here before us, and with any luck, they'll be here long after us. Personally, I find that kind of neat, and more than a little humbling."
The camera then flashed through shots of each of the Bugrangers and Arachrangers, the heroes admiring their respective insects in their native habitats.
"This is the story of seven heroes who used the power of insects to save the world."
The theme song starts playing as we see Nushi sitting at her desk in her college dorm, hard at work on her laptop. At an unseen signal, she glances up, rushes to the window, and looks down to see her friends waving at her from the ground, and the camera zooms out to reveal she isn't on campus at all, but in Hive City! Several drones swarm together to form the show's logo.
In this world we strive for harmony
Though it is hard work to achieve
As minds can be clouded by rage and envy
We must fight for what we believe
Nushi quickly rushes out to join them, hugging Shin and Goro, getting a kiss from Ariel, and tripping and falling when Mibojin sidesteps her attempts to hug her, a twitch that could be mistaken for a smile on the ninja's face. Aranea pulls Nushi up using a web line before she can hit the ground, causing her to flush in embarrassment as Antares bursts into laughter.
Hearts of human and insect synchronize
All together, united as one
Everyone's with you and you realize
This battle can be won
A screen wipe made up of ladybugs passes over the scene, showing a close-up of Nushi doing sciencey things, followed by a wipe made of ants to Goro pulling off some impressive trick shots, followed by a wipe made of mantises to Mibojin sparring against humanoid mantises, followed by a wipe made of grasshoppers to Shin in a conductor's uniform driving the ShinLiner with some cheering Hive children riding along, followed by a wipe made of butterflies to Ariel performing a spectacular magic show before an audience of awestruck bugs, culminating in a wipe made of spiderwebs to show Aranea weaving something while Antares trains in the background.
Red Ladybug!
Blue Ant!
Yellow Mantis!
Green Hopper!
White Butterfly!
Black Spider!
Violet Scorpion!
BUZZ ON!
The screen cuts back to Hive City, where the sky darkens, and giant centipedes and Funghouls start raining down. The Bugrangers look up in horror, then a look of determination forms on their faces.
Come on, look alive
Fight for the Earth and Hive
A greater fighting force you've never seen
The Divine Insects and Arachnids appear on their wrists, and the seven of them transform in flashes of colored light.
Sound up the alarm
Go and disperse the Swarm
You got the love of our Queen
The Funghouls charge at the heroes, who start fighting them.
Konchu Sentai Bugranger!
The camera suddenly splits in two, the Hive palace on one half, and the Swarm flagship on the other. Both views zoom in, passing through the walls to the throne rooms of the respective monarchs, briefly showing Apista and Philia and Parasitica and Vespi before zooming in again to show both Queens staring at each other in profile, Apista with regret and Parasitica with rage, the crystal containing the damaged Anthoph in between them.
A tale of two sisters once so caring
Until resentment tore them apart
One sister stood in the abyss glaring
And now rot has infected her heart
The camera then passes through shots of Nushi's parents; Goro's wife and children playing with some robots standing in the background while the members of Katsutoshi Squad in their new suits, sans helmets, look on fondly; Kagami training alongside a large humanoid cicada wearing a cloth mask; Shiin, Inigo, and Mole Beastman raising their glasses in a bar; the entire Ozu extended family standing together, only for Kai to suddenly rush past, chasing after a pair of baby jackals; the members of Aranea's harem doing Bridge Bunny things in the control room of the Imperiarch; and Apista and Philia in the throne room, the former looking wistfully at a hologram of her old team, while Philia is dancing around with the Divine Insects in the foreground. Golden hexagons serve as the screen wipes.
But the Heroes never stand alone
Through the Buzzing you hear loving thoughts
A sense of belonging you've never known
But are worth every battle fought
Next, we get to see a series of action shots as Nushi slices Funghouls to ribbons with her sword, Goro pulls off a series of impressive head shots and trick shots to blow his enemies away before transforming into his super form and annihilating several dozen monsters with a single volley, Mibojin turns into a zigzagging flash of yellow light as she passes through a mob and out the other end, her foes exploding behind her, Shin hefts a massive ax around one-handed as he hops all over the place dismembering his foes, Ariel obliterates everything around her in a fusillade of magic, Aranea shreds Funghouls with her razor webbing, and Antares impales monsters on his stinger tail.
Red Ladybug!
Blue Ant!
Yellow Mantis!
Green Hopper!
White Butterfly!
Black Spider!
Violet Scorpion!
BUZZ ON!
The camera cuts to the Fungigas gestation chamber as huge monsters begin to rise from the fungal sea along with an army of Funghouls, Vespi merrily dancing around with her doll without a care in the world. The camera then cuts again to a mysterious, very dark location, where a massive chained door covered in insect emblems shakes, ominous waves of power emanating from it.
Come on, look alive
Fight for the Earth and Hive
A greater fighting force you've never seen
Aranea and Antares stand back to back on a moonlit peak, their Great Divine Arachnids rising up behind them as Aranea clutches a jewel to her chest, three crystals spinning around her.
Sound up the alarm
Go and disperse the swarm
You got the love of our Queen
The Bugrangers finish off their enemies, only to look up as a Centicollosus appears.
Konchu Sentai Bugranger!
(Musical breakdown)
All the Great Divine Insects and Arachnids that have so far been discovered on the show fly by one by one before combining to form Bug-Ōhi, and starts engaging the Centicollosus in furious battle with Arackaiserin joining in to help. The camera then rapidly passes through shots of every member of the main cast, each of them lip-synching a line of the song.
Seven hearts
seven Cores
One hive
One world
Bugs fight
Bugs Swarm
Make right
Buzz on!
Bug-Ōhi deals her foe a massive blow, and dramatically turns her back to it as the Fungigas explodes behind her, winking at Arackaiserin, who swoons.
Come on, look alive
Fight for the Earth and Hive
A greater fighting force you've never seen
The team reappears at the front of the palace, while Apista smiles and nods in approval from a high balcony, Philia cheering in the background.
Sound up the alarm
Go and disperse the swarm
You got the love of our Queen
The team turns and strikes a pose as the logo appears over their heads.
Konchu Sentai Bugranger!
…
Buzz Sixteen: New Bride of Infershia
…
As the day of the Ozu family reunion dawned, the Bugrangers, Arachrangers, Queen Apista, and Princess Philia were gathered just outside the palace to see Ariel, Nushi, Aranea, and Philia off on their trip to Magitopia. Philia was vibrating so hard from excitement she was practically a blur, her sheer exuberance and enthusiasm flooding the Buzzing, only to be nearly drowned out by the growing anxiety and worry from Nushi, who was muttering to herself as she tried to prepare for the big event.
"-Tsubasa is still single and rather self-conscious about it so don't flaunt the fact that I'm in a relationship with his niece in his face with excessive PDA, while Nea and Mea are basically the same person they prefer to be treated like separate individuals, do not gush over sphinx's pups no matter how adorable they are, don't bring up the Arch Saint's past as a supervillain who tried to wipe out the dinosaurs unprompted, don't bring up the fact that Smoky has the same name as an American bear, he's rather miffed about that-"
"Lovebug, relax," Ariel cooed, hugging Nushi and squishing her head against her breasts to try and pull her out of her spiral. "They're going to love you, I promise."
"You don't know that!" Nushi wailed, the soft pillows of her girlfriend's mammaries failing to calm her down for a change.
Frowning at this, Ariel pushed her head down harder. "My family are wonderful people who are already favorably inclined towards you and have numerous times expressed an interest in meeting you in a more informal setting. I can't think of a single reason why they would hate you!"
Nushi looked up at her, expression frantic. "No? I can think of one reason."
Ariel made a face, then quietly said, "You know nobody holds that against you. It's not your fault."
"It feels like it is sometimes…" Nushi muttered.
"Come on, lovebug," Ariel said softly, squeezing her hand. "If it really bothered you that much, we wouldn't even be together. You're just looking for an excuse to fret and work yourself up. Everything is going to be fine. Okay?"
"… Okay," Nushi replied, managing a faint smile. "I just… I really want this to work out, Ariel. I know how important your family is to you, and I'd never want to be the cause for any problems between you. I've never loved anyone as much as I love you, and…"
"You're not going to lose me," Ariel promised. "Even if my family told me to dump you – which they wouldn't – I won't. I made my choice a long time ago. You're stuck with me, lovebug. Forever."
"Promise?" Nushi asked hopefully.
Ariel nodded confidently. "Promise."
Nushi smiled, regaining some of her self-confidence. "Thank you, Ariel."
Turning to their friends, she addressed Goro. "Goro, while we're gone, you're in charge. There probably won't be any trouble since we thwarted another of Parasitica's schemes the other day, but if something does happen…"
"We'll handle it," Goro promised her.
"After all, you're looking at the one and only Super Bugranger!" Formic bragged.
"He has not been able to regain his Super form since the battle at King's Tower," Mibojin pointed out.
"He'll do it again eventually," Formic said dismissively.
"Not if we do first…" Manti growled.
"Don't worry about us, we've got everything under control," Shin promised. "I'm sure we'll find something fun to do while you and Ariel are off meeting the family. Hey, maybe we can finally get Mibojin a personality!"
"I would rather not, if it's all the same to you," the ninja said plainly. Shin rolled his eyes.
"I really do wish you would let me come with you, my lady," Antares grumbled, folding his arms as he glared at his charge.
"Everything is going to be fine, Antares," Aranea told her bodyguard soothingly. "I can handle myself. I'm a big girl, after all. And I've been assured that there is nothing dangerous in Magitopia for someone like me, and even if I were to run into trouble… Well, I rather doubt they've seen anything like my magic before. It'll be fine."
She smiled and patted him on the shoulder, though she had to reach up a bit to do so. "Just relax. Maybe take this as an opportunity to bond with the rest of the Bugrangers? You've always kept them at a bit of arm's-length."
"Just because you want to become friends – and perhaps more – with some of them doesn't mean I have to," he muttered.
"Perhaps not," she admitted. "But it's better than you sitting around moping and doing nothing while I'm off having a good time. Do you want me to order you to have fun, Antares?"
"… No," he mumbled.
"Good," she replied with a firm nod. "Girls, you'll make sure he has a good time, won't you?"
Her harem bowed to her. "As you wish, mistress," Aria promised.
Antares sulked.
"Now, Philia, I know you're excited to be going to Magitopia," Apista told her daughter. She paused, noticing how she seemed to be vibrating even faster. "Though that's perhaps a bit of an understatement… But remember to behave yourself up there. You're not just going as Ariel's apprentice, but as a diplomatic representative of the Hive. We don't really have much interaction with Magitopia, and this visit could change that. Given how new our civilization is to the power of magic, getting the assistance of the Magitopians could be vital to broadening our understanding of this incredible resource. While Ariel is a fine teacher, I think we're going to need a bit more than that in the future. We can't rely solely on her for all our magical needs, after all."
Philia took a deep breath and, with considerable effort, managed to still herself. "I know, mom. I promise I'll be on my best behavior. This is a big deal for me, too. I want Ariel's family to like me and accept me as her apprentice. I've wanted to visit Magitopia ever since I learned about magic, and I understand that I'm going as more than just myself. While I've got like a million things I want to see and do there, I will strive to comport myself with the dignity and composure of my station OHMIGAIM HE'S HERE HE'S HERE!" She abruptly shrieked, causing her mother to flinch back.
A set of train tracks – much bigger than the ones used by the ShinLiner – ran down out of the sky and crossed the Plaza before them, an absolutely gigantic blue and gold locomotive with a coal car and four passenger cars trailing behind it rolled to a stop before the palace, steam rising from the chimney as a shrill, piercing whistle rang throughout Hive City.
"IT'S THE MAGICAL TRAIN TRAVELION EXPRESS!" Philia screamed, eyes full of stars. "200 m long, 13.1 m wide, 15.9 m tall, weighing 9200 tons, with a top speed of 500 km/h and a power rating of 43 million… It's the most beautiful, magical train I've ever seen!"
Shin started at this. "What the – what about the ShinLiner?! It's the most advanced train on the planet thanks to all the Hive tech we've crammed into it, is heavily armed and armored, and is capable of time travel! I've given you so many rides on it you've become a premium passenger! You have a reserved seat with a plaque with your name on it and everything!"
"Is the ShinLiner magical?" Philia asked.
"Well, no-"
"Can it travel to magical realms and Marudeyōna worlds?"
"No, but like I just said, it can time travel-"
"Can it turn into a giant robot?"
"No, but it can become a sword and can combine with the Imperiarch-"
"Not good enough," Philia said bluntly.
As Shin stammered, flabbergasted, a sympathetic Goro patted him on the shoulder. "Kids can be fickle and cruel," he said from experience.
Hikaru Ozu, wearing his signature gold trimmed blue outfit, disembarked from his train, smiling at the group standing before him… Or rather, his daughter. "Hey, starshine."
"DAD!"
Ariel virtually teleported over to her father, wrapping him in extremely tight hug as she happily nuzzled his cheek, causing him to gasp as his bones creaked. "Gah… You've gotten stronger… Honey, I'm happy to see you too, but daddy would like to have his spine in one piece, if it's all right with you…"
Ariel relaxed her grip and kissed him on the cheek. "I missed you! I'm so glad you're here!"
"I missed you too, starshine," he said fondly, rubbing her hair and causing her to giggle.
"What, don't I get a hug, too?"
"Big brother!" Ariel eagerly let go of Hikaru – much to his relief – and glomped Smoky the Magical Cat, who had also just descended from the train. "You came too!"
The feline genie laughed and affectionately rubbed her head. "Well of course I did, sis! The train barely works without me! Oh, and I wanted to see you too, I guess."
"I missed you," she purred, nuzzling him.
Apista took a step forward and bowed recently. "Sirs Ozu and Smoky, it is a pleasure to meet you. I assure you, we've been taking excellent care of your daughter and sister, and she, in turn, has taken excellent care of us."
Hikaru nodded at her in appreciation. "I wouldn't expect anything less from my daughter. Thank you for giving her the chance to become the hero I always knew she could be."
"Daddy, big bro, let me introduce you to everyone!" Ariel cried, dragging her family over to her friends. "You've met some of them already, but these are Goro and Formic…"
Goro stood up straight. "Sir," he said, giving Hikaru a respectful nod as Formic gave an adorable tiny salute.
"Shin and Caelifer…"
"Yo," the Rider said with a wave.
"Something about that cat's smile disturbs me…" Caelifer muttered, unnerved.
"Mibojin and Manti…"
"It is pleasurable to meet you," Mibojin said without smiling.
"Charmed," Manti said, not sounding particularly charmed. (She was.)
"Antares and Scorpio…"
Antares and Scorpio both grunted.
"Aranea and Arachne, who I've gotten very close to, she's kind of my second girlfriend…"
Aranea bowed. "A pleasure to meet you both. I appreciate you agreeing to take me to Magitopia, and assure you that I have treated Ariel with the utmost respect. She is very precious to me."
"And her Divine Insect isn't half bad either," Arachne purred, winking at Lepidoptera, who blushed.
"We are more than happy to help you with your mission," Hikaru assured her. "Thank you for being there for my daughter. She's always had a massive heart, and I'm gratified she has so many people to share it with."
"Now if only I could get a date," Smoky muttered.
"Aranea's girlfriends, who are sort of my girlfriends too, they're a bit of a package deal…"
The six consorts blushed and waved demurely. Smoky winked and shot finger guns at them, and they immediately recoiled. Aranea shot him a vicious glare, and he swallowed and lowered his hands.
"My boss, Queen Apista, who you've already said hello to… And of course, her daughter, Princess Philia, my personal apprentice!"
Philia, taking several deep breaths and trying not to hyperventilate, took a half step forward and curtsied, her wings spread out in perfect equidistant formation, magical sigils she'd spent hours getting just right flaring to life on them as fairy dust sparkled around her. [Greetings, venerable Sungel and mighty Smoky. As a humble student of the craft, I am honored to be apprenticed to your daughter. I have learned much from her, and greatly look forward to learning even more in the future. I have nothing but the highest regards for the Art and am eternally grateful to the blessings of the Heavenly Saints and the gift of magic that has been bestowed upon me, and hope that this will be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between Magitopia and the Hive,] she said in flawless Magitopian.
Surprised, Hikaru held one arm across his chest and gave her a formal half-bow. [I can see you take your studies very seriously. Not many students of magic have such a mastery over the language of the Saints. It's clear that my daughter has taught you well, and I'm happy to recognize you as her apprentice. I would love to hear more about what she has taught you, and am eager to see how you will add to the revitalization of magic across this world,] he replied. [If all the eager young magicians of the Hive are like you, I am sure that the Arch Saint will have no problem formally opening diplomatic relations with your civilization.]
While Philia somehow managed to keep from passing out from excitement, everyone in the Buzzing could hear her screaming internally.
"I like her! She called me mighty!" Smoky remarked.
"And, of course, my number one girlfriend and the love of my life, Nushi, and her partner Coccinella!" Ariel squealed, suddenly by Nushi's side, and happily hugging her.
Hikaru stepped forward and offered a hand. "Hello, Nushi. I've heard a lot about you from my daughter. All good things, I promise."
Nushi swallowed and hesitantly extended a hand, dearly wishing that she had even a scrap of magical talent so that she could impress him like Philia had with her grasp of the language of Magitopia. "Th-that's good to hear, sir. Your daughter… She means a lot to me. I love her more than I've ever loved anyone in my entire life, and I promise I've always treated her with respect, b-but I would never want to get between her and the rest for family, and-"
"It's fine," Hikaru assured her with an easy smile. "I trust my daughter's judgment, and if even half the things she's told me about you are true-"
"EVERYTHING I've told you about her is true!" Ariel piped up.
"Then I can't think of a worthier individual to be at her side," Hikaru finished.
Nushi's eyes softened. "Even though-"
"Nobody holds that against you," he promised. "We'll figure something out, don't worry. These sorts of things rarely go the way anyone expects."
Nushi relaxed somewhat at that… Only to feel her anxiety raising again when Smoky gave her an unreadable look. "My sister cares a lot about you," he said after a moment. "She has a huge heart – bigger than anyone I've ever met – and loves deeply and intensely.
"That also means, however, when her heart is broken… It hits her hard."
His claws very slowly extended. "Needless to say, we would do anything to keep her from feeling that pain again."
Ariel huffed. "Smoky! Don't threaten-"
"No, it's all right," Nushi interrupted her. She stiffened her back, staring the genie down. "I care a lot about your sister, too. I promise, I would rather die than let any harm come to her."
Smoky regard her for a moment longer, then nodded once, slowly. "Good."
"I notice you didn't bother trying to intimidate me," Aranea spoke up.
"That's because you're kind of terrifying," Smoky replied.
"Fair," the spider acknowledged.
Hikaru chuckled. "In any event, we should get going! We wouldn't want to be late for the reunion! After all, I take great pride in my train always being on time!"
"So very responsible!" Philia squeaked.
"My train always runs on time! It's a time machine!" Shin yelled. Philia ignored him.
With a flick of a wrist, Hikaru produced four tickets which he flung at Nushi, Ariel, Aranea, and a very excited Philia. "All aboard that's going aboard!"
"I will keep this forever," Philia practically moaned, rubbing the ticket against her face.
"You've never treated my tickets that way!" Shin complained.
"Wait, don't we get tickets?" Coccinella complained.
Hikaru produced three very tiny tickets and tossed them at the Divine Insects and Divine Arachnid.
Coccinella blinked, staring at the absurdly small piece of paper in her tarsals. "I was kind of joking. Thanks?"
"Remarkable craftsmanship," Arachne murmured, examining her ticket.
"That's magic for you," Lepidoptera said with a shrug.
The four (or seven, depending on how you count it) passengers eagerly approached Hikaru, who punched their tickets in his GripPhone before allowing them onto the train.
As the train's whistle blew and smoke began to emerge from its chimney, the passengers stuck their heads out the window and waved as Travelion slowly came to life and started pulling away from the palace. "Bye, you guys! We'll be back later tonight!" Ariel cried.
"Have fun without us!" Nushi added.
"Antares, I order you to have a good time with the Bugrangers!" Aranea shouted.
The Scorpioni moaned.
"Mom, look! I'M RIDING A MAGIC TRAIN!" Philia shrieked, causing her mother to laugh and Shin's eye to twitch.
Soon, the train accelerated out of sight, taking its tracks with it.
"I hope they have a nice time," Apista remarked.
"I'm sure they will," Goro said assuredly.
"As will we… Because I know what we're going to do today!" Shin declared, a mad look in his eyes. "Philia thinks the Travelion is all that because it can turn into a giant robot? Bah! Bah, I say! We're going to make a few upgrades to the ShinLiner, and when it's done, it'll be able to turn into a giant robot too, one which will totally blow that stupid Travelion out of the water! Then there'll be no doubt as to who has the best train in the whole world!"
He started laughing maniacally. Everyone sweatdropped.
"This is stupid and I want no part of it," Mibojin said flatly.
"I'll give you cake," Shin promised.
"I'm in," Mibojin said flatly.
Antares groaned as Aria sympathetically patted him on the shoulder. "Maybe it won't be so bad?"
"No, it will be," Pythia corrected her.
Antares groaned again.