Kamen Rider Zero-One: Revised Chapter 35: Rise of Metal, a kamen rider fanfic

Reviews:

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Get ready to add a few more dings to that counter, mate.

To everyone who asked about last week's mishap: I apologise again, Grey does not have a Kamen Rider Kiva story. He has been talking about a Kiva Revised story for years and I accidentally thought it was real. What he does have is a Rosario+Vampire/Black RX Crossover story.

DS Rider: Yeah, just watch the ZAIA Counter SSD has.

Tylus: He thought 'I'm not going to get caught, I'm the smartest person in the room'. Says a lot about him, doesn't it?

Toa Solaric: Trust us, it's gonna come to bite Gai in the ass soon.

sonicflash78: Yeah, don't hold your breath. It's gonna be horrifying. And yeah, Amazons Revised is the last Rider series we'll work on.

MKDemiGodzilla-Warrior: Well, we've got plans for the members of MBJR.

badgep: Well, that was the point. *chuckle*

darthwolf: ...Yuto Sakaki is an actual character in the show! Watch the episodes or check the wiki!

Geatsune22: Trust us, he'll get worse thank just a 'reason you suck speech'. 1) We didn't 'leave anything on the cutting room floor', we were watching Zero-One while writing Zi-O Revised and when MCH appeared, we decided to give Sougo a berserk form because 1: berserk forms are awesome. 2: character growth to make our story different from canon. 2) Woz. 100%. All the time. No question. We're not getting rid of the best Hype Man. 3) Yeah, in the story Mr Kougami gave lists of different forms that they hadn't made yet: The Dark Form, The Love Form etc. Also, nice combo name. As for that woman who we singled out? She's just a random person and not an Abbadon Rider. Why would we go that far for a story we're not doing?

Raven Soriano: Gai's sins are about a mile long. And yes.

Aytesarp: Oh, we will.

RedRat8: Japan has a 'Guilty before Innocent' system. It's not a good scene for anyone.

Red Dragon Emperor V2: Gai's a manipulator, he'll make plans, but he'll always take credit for the work of others. People want to see him redeemed because he got 'forced redeemed' in canon due to real-world problems, so they think we can redeem him much earlier.

Here are reviews answered by our own GreyKing46:

Red Dragon Emperor V2: He DID just slap the Zetsumariser onto the Bingo in canon. It was hilariously stupid

RedRat8: If you look closely, all the contests are stacked against Hiden. The worst is the last one, where it is in a field HumaGear are NOT ALLOWED to be part of

Dragon Rider 66: Yes, yes it would. Because it is EASY. Also, in canon, he DID just slap the Zetsumariser on Bingo. Right there in front of everyone.

Geatsune22: 1, we did not say anything was cut. We said we had to move everything around

2, Woz. Because he is a hype man

3, cool combo

darthwolf: Not our joke. It is the canon name

badgep: OR... We are doing something different with Azu

darklordlv12: Have you not been on a rider... Anything? Even in the west, Den-O is stupidly popular. It is a love-it-or-you-hate-it season, but the consensus is more in the former.

Tylus: Ask the same of canon Gai.

Demon dark mezzo sangue: He did stretch the contest out on purpose.

mikel97: My BIO has not been updated since then. If you actually look down at my STORIES you'll find I've been posting at LEAST once a week for years. Also, that was a mistake on Ghost's part. There is no Kiva story. I've just had Kiva Revised planned since before Ghost and I even started this series.

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Just wait to see everything we do with her.

Zeryo: Dude, I said 'it's okay that you think the show was better, we did our best, we respect your option' and just responded with "I DIDN'T say that... But the show DID do it better in all these ways" and then repeated your points. So... I'll break a few things down for you.

Yes, Korenosuke wanted HumaGears to develop fully. But he didn't see them as equals. Or do I need to point to the entire POINT of Reiwa the First Generation, where Will's entire motivation was Korenosuke didn't want to give HumaGear's rights and wages?! Heck, look at the man's dialogue and how he speaks about the HumaGear. Always positive, yes. Wanting then to grow, yes. But as an extension of humanity, not part of it.

Also, again. You are saying Korenosuke is a saint... But also saying he installed a program into HumaGear's that would TURN THEM INTO LITERAL MONSTERS when given negative stimuli. Yes, the HumaGear learning from negative influences WOULD make sense. But having it be an IN-BUILT FUNCTION for them to turn into BAT MONSTERS when they are upset is STUPID on everyone's part.

Also, I only saw red headset HumaGear or HumaGear in their armoured forms at that protest... And those. Are NOT. Magia. Yes, the armoured states are labelled as Trilobite Magia, but are more of a basic battle mode for defence of military purposes based on how they change into them. Being a red headset does not mean Magia, it means negative emotions. There is a difference.

Also, a lot of the third arc does not work in an analysis like this. Because of how they had to rush rewrite the ending, throwing out all their plans and starting from scratch almost last minute, because of COVID being a bloody thing! Azu wasn't even supposed to be there, but the situation necessitated her creation beyond just a cool visual in the opening. Ark One and Zero Two were supposed to be MOVIE FORMS. But not only did COVID screw them up episode count-wise, pacing-wise and plot-wise, but the filming restrictions also messed them up as well on top of that. It is the reason that arc has so many problems. So some things like the trilobites at the protests conflict with the lore because they were forced in there because they have no choice

And finally, fun fact. The contest was 5 rounds because Yuya Takahashi heard people didn't like how long the arc was going and made it even longer to be a troll

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

Kamen Rider Zero-One Revised

Chapter 35: Rise of Metal

Co-Writer GreyKing46

We do not own these characters. All rights belong to Shotaro Ishinomori, Ishimori Productions and Toei Company

SMASH!

CRACK!

"Aaah!" Gai Amatsu, Kamen Rider Thouser, yelled as he was sent flying. Crashing through a wall, hitting a bench and rolling across the ground. As he landed, trying to stand back up again...

CRASH!

"Ugh!" Gai grunted, a fist slamming across his face before a knee smashed against his jaw and a spin kick from behind against his spine.

The golden rider was thrown again, and before he hit the floor another kick slammed against his chest. Flying again, he crashed to the floor. Rolling across the ground again, coughing in pain as he pulled himself to his feet. The golden soldier was in a bad situation, the just as powerful rider form, he was facing.

crunch

Crunch

Gai immediately grabbed his Thousand Jacker as he got to his feet once more. His golden lenses were his horror-filled eyes as he saw Aruto standing there menacingly. Seeing Aruto's strongest form standing before him sent shivers down his spine, and his bones quaking.

"Gai...Omae o tome rareru no wa tada hitori...ORE DA!" Aruto roared out as he stepped forwards and the intense strength pulsed through his feet and flew him into Gai's stomach.

"GAH!" Gai yelled in pain, Aruto's fist slammed hard into the golden armour.

Izu and Yua flinched as they saw Aruto become this cruel. The kind person was gone...and all that was left was a fighter.

Someone drowning with rage.

SLAM!

Aruto's fists came down hard on Gai's armour, almost rending it away with each strike. He was ignoring everything around him except for Gai in front of him.

Gai's arms were crossed, trying to block the attacks, as he looked at Yua with a 'look' to do her job.

AUTHORISE BUSTER!

Gai's eyes widened under his helmet, seeing the blade of the Buster's Axe mode unsheathed as Aruto was ready to bring it down on his head.

Aruto roared out in anger and anguish, ready to cleave Gai's helmet off his head and maybe through his skull. There was nothing but pure rage in his voice.

WHOOSH!

Aruto's eyes widened as he saw a blur strike and disarm him, coming from the 'blind spot' of his armour as his Authorise Buster was slashed from his hands.

In his vision that had just come to focus, he saw a black armoured figure with golden wiring wielding a scythe and a Progrise Key.

"What?" He blinked, grabbing at his Authorise Buster quickly. Looking over the dark form, he internally knew who it was. Fighting alongside her for so long, he recognised her frame within the battle armour. It was a shape he associated as a friend, after all.

FIGHTING JACKAL!

Yaiba slowly turned around, her head lowered. The Jackel Raider gripping her scythe tightly.

"About time." Gai snarled as he walked forwards "Now, Hiden, it's over!"

"Shine System...Activate!" Aruto snapped, his hands shaking. Why?! Why was she doing this?!

"Do it." Gai ordered Yaiba, forcing her to take the Shine System's defences.

Aruto was now surrounded by eight solid digital blue rhombus projectiles that encircled him as the blue core in his chest began to rotate and power up.

Whoosh!

Aruto yelled out in confusion, lashing out at Yaiba who rushed towards him, his mind clouded and dismissing the information that his HUD was giving him.

"Yaib-argh!" Aruto screamed out, his Shine System not working to full capacity as Yaiba was dodging them because of Aruto's mental state.

SLASH!

Swing after swing, Yaiba slashed into Aruto with her scythe, being blocked and attacked by the Shine System; all the while Gai was watching on as his tool was taking the brunt of the damage.

'Good, good.' Gai thought darkly with a sinister smile while nursing his wounds. 'I just need the opening.'

Aruto growled and just pushed forwards. The Shine System surrounded him before he vanished.

'Why? Why, why, why, why?!' He thought in anger and confusion. This was so hard for him right now. Bingo's death because of Gai. The revelation that Gai created Ark. And now Yaiba fighting him in a form he didn't know. His heart couldn't take it.

"President Aruto!" Izu called out, trying to reach him as she saw him struggling against Gai and Yaiba. She too felt betrayed because of her 'love rival' siding with their rival and fighting against the person they admired.

Aruto reappeared behind Gai, slamming his axe down across Gai's back. Sparks flew as the vile man's armour was slashed into.

All while the Shine System attacked Yaiba, rushing and blasting at her at intense speeds. Keeping her pinned and away from Aruto's REAL focus!

ZERO ONE AUTHORISE!

ASSAULT CHARGE!

Progrise Key Confirmed, Ready for Buster!

Aruto was shaking slightly as he not only pressed the red button atop the Assault Hopper Key, but slammed the Flaming Tiger key into his weapon and scanned said weapon against his Driver.

Gai stumbled back, his eyes wide, before he quickly slammed the Lightning Hornet key into his Thousand Jacker and pulled its pommel.

Progrise Key Confirmed, Ready to Break!

THOUSANDRISE!*

"AMATSU!" Aruto roared, slamming his key into his driver as he rushed at Gai.

"HIDEN!" the 'eternally 24' man yelled as he charged towards the President of Hiden, slamming his key at the same time.

T! H! O! U! S! A! N! D!

D! E! S! T! R! U! C! T! I! O! N!

Both fists were surrounded by energy, yellow and gold, as they roared. Charging at one another. The two threw their punches, Gai slamming his fist against Zero One's chest armour while Aruto's fist smashed into Thouser's jaw.

SHINING STORM IMPACT!

THOUSAND DESTRUCTION!

Both riders were sent flying back, Gai flipping from the impact, before they then roared and brought their weapons down for a slash.

T! H! O! U! S! A! N! D!

B! R! E! A! K!

"HA!" both roared. Aruto bringing his flaming axe for a mighty swing surrounded by fire almost as large as a human body, Gai jabbing forwards with his spear weapon as purple lightning swirled and sparked around it.

ZERO ONE BUSTER BOMBER!

THOUSAND BREAK!

The attacks collided, digging into one another. Thunder and lightning, fire and fury. Both pushing against one another. Aruto's strike clearly having more power, but...

Crack

"Wha-" Aruto whispered before his attack was pushed back, the pinpoint nature of Gai's attack pushing through his and slamming against his chest "GAH!" he yelled as he was thrown back.

Gai roared as he followed after Aruto, keeping his weapon firmly pushed into the warrior's chest. Cutting into it slightly as he pushed the weapon in hard, digging into the metal as he tried to slam Aruto into the wall behind them and finish them.

GUN RISE!

BUSTER AUTHOTISE!

"Wha-" Gai repeated Aruto's earlier words, looking down to see the Busters gun barrel against his stomach as it charged with energy of both fire and ice.

PROGRISE BUSTER DUSTER!

"GAH!" Gai roared in pain as the attack of twin elements slammed through his body, sending him flying... And out of his transformation.

Gai crashed to the floor; his pure white suit quickly stained from the gravel as he rolled across the ground with a grunt.

AXERISE!

Aruto was panting as he approached Gai, the Authorise Buster in axe mode once more. His body shaking as he glared down at the... At the murderer!

"Your outside... Finally matches... The inside." Aruto panted, his hand shaking.

...

"AH!" Gai screamed as he looked and saw Aruto. The younger president almost looking like a monster as the circular portion of his chest armour was flashing, walking towards him with a slight tilt to his head and the axe in hand. He almost looked like a demon.

Hearing that scream causes rage to flash deeper within Aruto's heart, his arms subconsciously raising. This... This... MONSTER had the GALL to act like that when he had caused so much pain?!

"President Aruto!" Izu yelled, suddenly in front of him "Stop!" She called; arms spread wide.

"I-Izu?" Aruto blinked, as if he was suddenly snapped back into reality. W-Why was Izu standing like that? Blinking he looked around... And noticed he had the Authorise Buster held high, as if he was about to-

About to-

"W-What was I..." Aruto whispered in horror as he dropped the weapon, taking a few steps back in horror as he looked at his hands "I-I couldn't have been... C-could I? I..."

FIGHTING BOLIDE!

Within seconds, Yua's scythe came striking Aruto in the stomach, causing him to explode and fall out of his Rider state, collapsing to the ground in pain.

Izu turned to Yaiba who stood there and knew she couldn't do anything against this form because of how powerful it was. "Yua." She whispered.

Yua walked forwards as she saw Aruto lying on his back, her eyes dead and began to straddle him, pinning him under her body.

"Y-Yua?" He strained as he looked up as she got close to his face.

"Stop this now, President Hiden. It's over. You can't win." She spoke softly as her hands were by his suit. "There's nothing more that you can do."

"B-B-But Yua -" he tried to speak, only for a finger to gently be placed against his lips.

"Sssh, ssssh, sssh. It's okay." She whispered, her dark hair draped over the both of them while a hand brushed his cheek. It was a situation that Aruto had honestly thought of a few times, but this felt... Wrong. Yua seeming like a dark temptress right now "You can't bring yourself to hurt me Aruto, you're too kind." She whispered softly, praising him... Before she began to back off "And that kindness, is your weakness. Too kind for this dark world, too bright. Focus on the competition, Aruto. It will keep you safe." She said before walking away, approaching Gai once more.

Aruto was frozen as he looked up where Yaiba was, looking right at the cloudy sky as he couldn't understand his mind right now.

Yua however was approaching Gai as she covered her hands with her head 'held high'.

"Until our last rematch, Hiden. I'll send you the bill for my suit." Gai commented.

Aruto remained on his back, defeated as he heard them walk away and Izu approach...all he could do was cover his eyes and wallow with tears. What had he almost done?

*With Fuwa*

The battle had been fierce between Fuwa and this Lion Raider, though he had the speed advantage, this lion had bombs and Gatling bullets, the only reason he was still standing was because of the voice in his head giving him advice and where to shoot.

"We've sustained heavy damage, this is going to kill you." The voice spoke.

"Yeah, I know. But he's shaking." Fuwa growled as he glared at the lion.

As soon as Fuwa said that, the Lion Raider grabbed on one of its mane cables and set it alight before slamming it into the ground. It erupted into a plume of thick fog which surrounded the area.

"Damn it, no!" Fuwa growled as he rushed forwards...and the Raider was gone. "Darn it!" Fuwa snarled, punching the wall beside him as his Rider armour faded away.

There was nothing he could do now. That Raider was gone...along with any evidence that might've been left. "Hnn!" He gripped his waist in exhaustion and pain, he needed to get back to AIMS or home.

...

Why was that suit system talking to him like it was more than just a basic system.

He shook his head, he was too mentally exhausted to do anything. He needed some time to himself.

*Time Skip*

We arrive at ZAIA Enterprise, where Gai had gotten out of his busted-up suit and into a newly pressed one, which he had to get from his 'personal' tailors and sent the bill to Hiden. "Damn that, Hiden. Ruining my suit." He grumbled to himself.

"Sir. Maybe if you had not aggravated him, such a thing would not have happened?" Yaiba asked with a frown while placing a Progrise Key onto Gai's counter.

Gai looked at the Key on his desk and smiled, seeing the name 'Swarming Ant' emblazoned on it. "It just proves my point. Hiden isn't worthy of the company Korenosuke gave him. You played your part well."

'I feel disgusted.'

"Now, I'm going to need your Hornet Key." Gai ordered her as he sat down slowly into his chair.

"S-Sir?" She asked in confusion.

"The data and systems used for that form will help in that Key's creation." Gai ordered.

"That... key?" she asked.

He held the Swarming Ant Key in his hand. "You saw how Hiden acted...how he was ready to kill me if you didn't step in."

"Yes, I know." She flinched as she didn't want to remember that.

"I'm going to show Hiden that he isn't as special as he thinks he is. That within all that 'sunshine' is a killer." Gai answered.

"Isn't that a dangerous way of thinking, Sir?" She asked.

"Did I ask for your opinion?" He glared at her casually.

"N-No, sir." She stammered and looked to the ground.

"Contact Ichimori. I want him in this office first thing tomorrow morning." Gai ordered.

"Yes, sir." She nodded and left, leaving Gai alone in his room.

Gai looked at the Key in his hand...and began to shake a little. The sight of that axe above his head was still in his mind. And it scared him.

He put the Key down on his desk and went for his phone, he had to get his mind off this harrowing experience. "Science department."

*With Aruto*

Aruto was back at Hiden Intelligence with Izu, he was kind of catatonic because of the ordeal with Bingo, but the HumaGear's systems were backed up and protected. He would be alright.

"Izu, what happened to him?" Shesta asked as they were on their own.

"President Amatsu." Izu answered simply. "He pushed President Aruto's buttons and made him a murderer."

"WHAT?!" Shesta gasped.

"He did not kill anyone." Izu corrected herself "But President Aruto was ready to cut Gai Amatsu down. And he didn't even realize."

"I cannot believe this." Shesta held her hands in worry.

"It all lines up though." Izu frowned.

"Who told you this?" Shesta asked.

"Mr Fuwa, he discovered it. And yes, I cite him as a credible source." Izu clarified.

"I believe you." Shesta nodded. "What should we do? Tell the board?"

"What good would it do right now?" Izu asked "Knowing Gai Amatsu created Ark. It serves no purpose. It would not assist us in the contest."

"And what about President Aruto? He needs us." Shesta looked at Izu intensely.

"I believe that might be the best course of action." Izu nodded, bringing Shesta into Aruto's office, where he was looking at the picture of his grandfather.

"President Aruto?" Shesta asked kindly.

He looked up lazily at the two, feeling his heart lighten a little.

"Forgive our intrusion, but we wanted to keep you company." Izu apologised on their behalf, bowing respectfully to him.

"Don't apologise." He answered, looking up at the two as Shesta went to his side and held his hand.

"I lost control, I almost-"

"President Aruto." Shesta spoke, stopping him before he could demoralize himself further. "President Amatsu did this, you are a better person than he will be."

Aruto looked at his 'girlfriend' and at Izu, this was what he needed to hear. "It felt... Like someone was in my mind during that fight." He admitted "While I was trading blows with Thouser. It was like there was a... A second mind within mine. Whispering into my ear. Making me angrier."

"We're here for you, President Aruto." Izu reassured him tenderly.

"Whatever that voice was, you are stronger than it." Shesta added.

"I hope so. How's Bingo?" Aruto asked as he looked at them.

"Bingo should be ready within the morning, Zea is scrubbing the Magia data out of him." Izu informed.

Izu wrapped her hand around Aruto's, Shesta doing the same with his other hand. Each holding one of his hands gently.

Aruto sighed and smiled gently as he felt their hands there. "I'm glad you're both with me." He spoke out loud.

The two HumaGear smiled at him, nodding softly.

*Time Skip*

It was the following day and in ZAIA Enterprises, Gai Amatsu was waiting in a meeting for Naoto Ichimori, the lawyer he hired for the tournament. In his freshly made and freshly pressed suit, he had given orders for his science teams to create a new Key. By his side was a cup of expensive tea that was brewed to his 1000% perfect specificity.

The door soon opened and walked in Mr Ichimori. "Mr Amatsu." The lawyer spoke with a stoic face, giving a bow to Gai before seating.

"Ah, Mr Ichimori, glad you could come on such immediate notice." Gai spoke. "Tea?"

"No, thank you." Mr Ichimori responded as he sat down. "About yesterday's events."

"Ah, yes. I'm sorry you had to witness that. It's such a disgrace to see Hiden's own products malfunction in such a manner." Gai brushed it off.

"I know what you did." Mr Ichimori answered seriously. "That 'buckle' you slapped upon Bingo's waist."

"Oh?" Gai blinked.

"You used a known terroristic item on a HumaGear." Mr Ichimori answered. "Breaking laws set by AIMS and the country, purposefully sabotaging your opponent in order for victory."

"Mr Ichimori. You don't understand the complexities of-"

Click

"I understand human behaviour, Mr Amatsu. You have sullied this competition with your conniving tricks." Mr Ichimori spoke impassionedly as he removed his ZAIA Spec. "You asked me to be your lawyer for this competition and that I will do. But I will not use ZAIA technology to win this case."

"You can't just quit on me, Mr Ichimori! I'll-!" Gai spoke as he looked at his glasses that didn't have the ZAIA Spec.

"I'll complete my end of this arrangement." Mr Ichimori answered calmly. "However, after this, I will not be taking more of your cases." Standing tall, the lawyer brushed his suit down as he glared at Gai "I shall be finishing this case my way."

"If you do, then your reputation will be ruined if you lose to a HumaGear." Gai answered, to which Mr Ichimori brought out a business card...more specifically, Gai's card.

Rip.

Rip!

"Then I will have lost to a fellow lawyer." Mr Ichimori answered, throwing the confetti of a card at Gai's face before walking away.

SLAM!

The door slammed shut in Gai's face...as the president of ZAIA Enterprise slammed his fists into his table as he had lost the confidence of his champion for this round. "DAMN IT!" He punched his desk, his eyes twitching.

Gai was snubbed, he was never snubbed! Not since he became ZAIA's President of the Japan Branch! He couldn't lose! He wouldn't lose! "Stupid! Useless! Treacherous worm! I will ruin him!"

"Sir?" The voice of the forgotten figure in the corner asked. Azu tilted her head, blinking her eyes.

Gai turned and glared at her. Before his anger abated as he forced himself to calm down. "Ahem...I'm sorry you had to see that."

The HumaGear blinked, the yellow-dressed secretary looking almost like a child.

"It's just...difficult to see good help turn useless. There are some people who should learn their place." Gai answered.

"I... understand sir?" she blinked.

"Azu, contact Hiden Intelligence. I want to make a call to an 'old friend'." Gai ordered. "At least HumaGears know their place in the world."

"Sir." she nodded.

Seconds later, Azu contacted Hiden Intelligence's number.

"He'll know where he stands in the end." Gai continued to talk to himself.

*Elsewhere*

We arrive back with Yua, who was holding her RaidRiser and Progrise Key, feeling the weight of them in her hands...and how much she dropped onto Aruto's conscience.

She sighed, her hands rubbing her eyes.

'Everything I've done...can I even forgive myself for this?' She thought.

The situation earlier flashed through her mind. What Izu revealed. What Fuwa revealed before then.

...

Sighing, Yua turned her computer on. And began to work on a half-finished file.

'Project: SlashRiser'

*Elsewhere*

Bingo had finally been rebooted and fixed up, his data was saved, yet he had no recollection of what happened after the trial. "Thank you for bringing me back, President Hiden. I apologise for any disturbance I had caused." He bowed to the president.

"Don't worry, Bingo. It's all alright." Aruto answered reassuringly. He gave the HumaGear a pat on the shoulder... Before his head lowered and he let out a sigh.

"Is something wrong? Is Mr Sakaki alright?" Bingo asked.

"Huh? O-Oh, yeah." Aruto nodded "I just don't see a way we can win." He admitted.

"President Hiden, I understand that your company's future is on the line here, but we must not forget that there is a young man whose future in also in dire need." Bingo answered.

"That's what I mean." Aruto responded. "All the evidence points against him. I haven't forgotten. But I have also not forgotten how important this victory is for all of you HumaGear. Gai hates all of you and will shut you all down. Slaughtering all of you. There are so many lives at stake and I... I can't see how we win. I can only see myself as a failure. Unable to save anyone."

"President Hiden...you do not have to shoulder this burden alone." Bingo spoke as Izu and Shesta stood by.

"I. It's just been difficult doing that. I know I'm-"

"President Hiden. You have friends. I believe that you are a fine person. Let us change Mr Amatsu's mind." He extended his hand.

"Well put, Mr Bingo." Shesta responded with a smile.

"President Aruto, Mr Sakaki is wondering if we will be able to still help him." Izu informed, helping Bingo and Aruto.

Aruto looked at the two of them and nodded. "Yeah. We've got a person to save."

*With Fuwa*

Fuwa was hard at work, this Lion Raider was hard to track. How did he *get* the device and where was this Raider going to strike next?

"There has to be a connection between the Raider and these crimes." He thought to himself.

"Mr Fuwa?" A member of AIMS spoke as they saw Fuwa sitting there.

"What is it?" He asked.

"You seem intense; are you looking into this 'Raider' situation?"

"And this entire case." Fuwa groaned.

"It's been tough without Ms Yaiba. But you're the most experienced agent here. You'll be able to find it out." The agent answered. "There's always a connection."

"You're right, but no matter where I look I see-wait." Fuwa responded, before looking into the names of the 'criminals' arrested. "Son of a-. That's it!"

SLAM!

"I've got it!" He grinned as he got to his feet.

"Mr Fuwa?" The agent spoke in shock, backing up a little.

"Get the agents, tell them there's going to be a raid. And be careful!" Fuwa informed. "There's going to be explosions."

*time skip*

The Hiden team were back at the courthouse, they had their mind set on Mr Sakaki's freedom. "Thank you for coming back, Mr Hiden. I-I was worried." Mr Sakaki thanked them.

"Don't worry about it, we wouldn't abandon a client." Aruto answered.

"Thank you, but it feels like we're going to lose. I-I'm sorry." Yuto apologised.

"Don't worry, Mr Sakaki. We will not fail you." Bingo reassured him.

"I don't want any more problems because of me." Yuto admitted.

"It'll be fine." Aruto answered. "Let's do this." He reassured them and they headed inside the courtroom where the judge was yet to appear.

And inside already was the ZAIA group, sitting ready for the sentencing and the win. Though Mr Ichimori was not wearing his ZAIA Spec.

'Something's different.' Aruto thought as he saw them as they took their seats.

"All rise for the honourable judge." The barrister proclaimed as they all got ready for the trial.

Yuto's freedom was on the line, but Bingo noted Mr Ichimori's glasses. This wasn't going to be a handicapped trial. It was justice being made here.

Yuto looked at Mr Ichimori the prosecutor, Chiharu Ebii his fiancee sitting in the stands along with Aruto and Izu in the back. Bingo was right next to Yuto to reassure him.

"All rise." The judge spoke as they entered the room. "Be seated. We shall continue the case against Mr Yuto Sakaki for the crime of a marriage scam; defence, if you can produce evidence."

"Yes, your honour. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr Sakaki has been accused of a marriage scam of a total of thirty million yen from his fiance Chiharu Ebii. Evidence of him sending a message implicating him is here, however, there are discrepancies." Bingo spoke forth, showing a hologram of the evidence the detectives had compiled. "This message was sent during 18:58 PM when Mr Sakaki was sitting in a live audience watching 'Gut Busting Taro'." He showed a recording, given to him by Taro as evidence.

In the video, Yuto was laughing with the audience as they saw the HumaGear perform his act, with the trademark 'gut-busting pop' of the HumaGear's false abs flying into the crowd where Yuto caught one and cheered. "In this shot right here, we see Mr Sakaki not even reaching for his phone."

Bingo soon produced the evidence of a signed mechanical ab. "This was signed by Gut-Busting Taro after the show at 20:17 where he signed autographs."

"Good old Taro. Knew he'd come through with the security footage." Aruto thought aloud with a slight whisper.

"Objection, Your Honour. Evidence like this can be doctored by an outside source." Mr Ichimori spoke up, keeping his calm, but also stating a fact about HumaGears being hacked.

"Your honour." Bingo spoke against it.

"Objection sustained. Mr Bingo." The judge stopped any argument, before turning to Bingo once again to continue.

Mr Ichimori noted this, deciding not to press it as he was showing respect to this fellow lawyer.

"Ahem." Bingo cleared his throat. "No further questions."

The court was quiet, though Gai was confident that his side would win, though he was still distaining Mr Ichimori for snubbing his ZAIA Spec system.

"Ms Ebii; you met Mr Sakaki a month ago, correct?" Mr Ichimori asked a young black-haired woman with a yellow dress.

"Yes, that's correct." She responded, taking the stand. "He proposed to me after that. And then I got a message for the deposit request."

"Do you believe that Mr Sakaki might've sent the message could've been sent at another time? Giving himself an alibi?" Mr Ichimori asked calmly.

"It's possible, yes." She nodded, making sure not to make eye contact with Yuto. "Because of that...I don't trust him." She admitted, getting the court mumbling.

"What attracted you to him?" Mr Ichimori asked.

"Mr Sakaki was nice; he was always excited when we were together. Attentive, wanting to know about me...I should've seen the signs that he was a scammer."

Bingo sighed heavily...before his headset began to glow blue and his eyes widened as he was given information. "Bingo." He whispered his signature catchphrase.

The judge and court began to confer with each other, looking at the evidence and were concluding. "Mr Yuto, please take the stand."

Yuto nodded solemnly and began to step up, only for the door to open and a slightly bruised Fuwa was dragging a beaten-up Detective Narusawa!

"Sorry, I'm late." Fuwa grunted as he carried a laptop and Narusawa.

"Mr Fuwa! What is the meaning of this?" The judge gasped in shock.

"I was following up on a lead. And it brought me to this man." He put the laptop on the floor and lifted Detective Narusawa by the scruff of his neck.

"Hnn!" Narusawa grunted in pain as he had a bruised eye and cheek.

Gai's colour was draining from his face, gripping the suitcase that Yua had given him beforehand.

"Speak." Fuwa ordered.

"Th-this man is cra-" Narusawa tried to speak before Fuwa interrupted.

"Everything is on this laptop. He did it all." Fuwa rose the laptop and stopped him. "There are the messages, systems to change them; even the bank details for the thirty million he tricked her out of."

"Detective Narusawa, explain yourself!" The judge ordered.

"Why? Why Mr Sakaki?" Bingo asked.

"...It could've been anyone." He smiled, realising he was caught. "He just happened to be the one. I'm the best detective in my division and I needed the numbers."

Yuto's heart sunk; he was just chosen randomly? His life was ruined by a detective just for his job?!

"Not only that. He ruined other people's lives on false charges." Fuwa added, dragging Narusawa to Bingo and passing the laptop to him. "It's all there. And this too." As he pulled out a magenta screened Progrise Key.

Dynamiting Lion.

Ability: Burst

"He also attacked the public as a Raider." Fuwa glared.

Narusawa looked away as all eyes were on him, realising that his life was over. He had no future now. His crimes were exposed, and he would be thrown in prison...ironic, really.

"Mr Sakaki, you're free to go." The judge ordered, signalling the bailiff to escort him away positively.

Mr Ichimori sighed contently as he stood up and walked to Bingo as the crowd began to disperse and Fuwa yank Narusawa away. "Mr Bingo."

"Mr Ichimori." He looked at him...and saw the extended hand.

"Congratulations, HumaGears are amazing. And I'm proud to call you a lawyer and to be in this business with you." Mr Ichimori responded proudly, praising Bingo for being a lawyer and being in the same line of work.

"I look forward to a good future, with other lawyers, Prosecutor Ichimori." Bingo took his hand and shook it.

Gai glared angrily, got up and walked out, leaving Yua on her own.

"Come on, you bastard. You've got a jail cell waiting for you." Fuwa grabbed him and yanked him out.

"Stop. Yanking. Me." Narusawa grunted in pain, being led away by Fuwa's vicious grip.

"Call it 'retribution' for shooting the hell out of me." Fuwa glared.

'Not such a good idea, don't antagonise him.' Fuwa's inner voice thought to him.

Aruto felt relieved, this meant that Hiden had won. The third and final round was over, the trials and threat of Gai purchasing the company were gone. "We did it, Izu!" He sighed in happiness as he looked at Izu and held her hand out of instinct and joy.

"Yes, President Aruto." She nodded, feeling a little embarrassed by this, but was chalking it up to good emotions being presented. "We just congratulate, Bengoshi Bingo."

"Oh, yeah. You're right." He nodded as the two got up and Izu slipped her hand back to her neutral stance. "Bingo!"

"President Hiden." Bingo spoke as he turned to the president.

"Fantastic work." Aruto praised him. "Mr Ichimori..."

"President Hiden, I apologise on behalf of my inability to stop Mr Amatsu." Mr Ichimori apologised.

"You don't have to apologise. You couldn't have known he had a Zetsumeriser." Aruto answered.

Mr Ichimori nodded. "If you need legal representation, I have no doubt Mr Bingo here will work well."

"Thank you for your praise." Bingo responded.

Yua was sitting in the chair as she saw Aruto celebrating, this was the best outcome she could see. No more competition, but...she couldn't be with them, she stood up and followed Fuwa outside. She didn't know what else to do.

*Outside*

Fuwa was ready to hand Narusawa off to the police. "You're a disgrace to the police."

"And you're the pinnacle of violence." Narusawa grumbled, before kicking Fuwa in the groin.

"Oof!" Fuwa's hand released Narusawa and the Progrise Key, which the disgraced detective grabbed and attached the RaidRiser to his waist.

RAIDRISER!

BURST!

"Bastard!" Fuwa grunted as he saw Narusawa slot the Key into the Riser.

RAIDRISE!

DYNAMITING LION!

Narusawa roared out in anger as he transformed, as magenta DNA and wires surrounded him and transformed the disgraced detective into the Dynamiting Lion Raider.

A Beautiful Explosive Force Like Fireworks.

Click!

"Oh shit." Fuwa gasped as he heard that.

"DANCE! WOLF!"

BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG!

Fuwa backed off as he dodged out of the way, trying to hide. "Damn it, not again!"

"Fuwa!" Yaiba called out in shock as she was next fired upon.

"Yaiba, get back!" Fuwa called out as she hid behind a pillar as bullets shot their way.

"Damn it all! Why are there always crazy people owning the RaidRisers?" She frowned.

"Back me up!" Fuwa responded.

SHOTRISER!

RAIDRISER!

"DIE! I WON'T GO TO JAIL!" Narusawa roared out, firing at them, causing large bullet holes and blasts.

"Yaiba, Fuwa!" Aruto called out as he leapt through the air and tried to grab the Raider to protect them.

"Prez? The hell are you doing?" Fuwa called out before Aruto was thrown back.

"Argh!" Aruto grunted as he rolled on the floor but used the momentum to get to his feet.

ZERO-ONE DRIVER!

"Together." Aruto spoke as he rose and brought out his Shining Hopper Key with the Assault Grip.

HYPER JUMP!

"Fine." Fuwa pulled out his Grip-less Assault Wolf Key.

AWOO!

Yua nodded as she felt happy about this, it was like the old days.

HUNT!

"Grr!" Narusawa glared as his gun was overheated and had to wait for it to cool down.

OVERRISE!

AUTHORISE!

The beams of yellow and blue light shot up and down as Aruto scanned his Key, raising it into the air.

KAMEN! RIDER!

Fuwa rose his ShotRiser into the air and aimed it at Narusawa as he glared angrily at him.

Yaiba had slotted her Key into the RaidRiser and hovered her hand over the large red button and spoke first. "Boot up."

"HENSHIN!" Fuwa and Aruto called out.

RAIDRISE!

SHOTRISE!

PROGRISE!

Golden yellow DNA and wires surrounded Yua as she transformed herself into a Raider; a silvery-blue bullet fired out as it struck the Lion Raider and ricocheted back to Fuwa who caught it in his hand. And finally, the yellow and blue grasshopper floated down and slammed onto his body.

FIGHTING JACKAL!

MAGNETIC WOLF!

SHINING ASSAULT HOPPER!

The three Riders were together again. Well...in their minds, they were all Riders. It was good to be back as a team again.

No Chance Of Surviving This Shot.

"Explode!" The Lion Raider roared as he threw lit explosives at the three.

The three of them saw the dynamite coming their way and escaped the explosions, with the three of them in a pincer movement.

"He's trigger-happy, isn't he?" Yua called out.

'Remind you of anyone, Fuwa?' Fuwa's HUD voice asked him, with a slightly snarky attitude.

"No sass, please!" Fuwa grunted as his armour was scorched already.

"I didn't say anything!" Aruto responded as Yaiba rushed forwards and slashed at Narusawa, using her scythe to slash through his armour, and Aruto attacked the Gatling arm to try and hold it back.

"Not you!" Fuwa answered, rushing to give rapid strikes at the thick armour of the Raider.

Narusawa grunted as he was hit repeatedly by Fuwa's fists, but threw off Aruto and Yaiba, both of which skidded on the floor as their boots dug into the concrete. "Get away from me!" He roared and fired at Aruto, the bullets bouncing off his armour.

"Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!" Aruto pained as he was shot back before he zipped around and dodged out of the way, punching the Raider in the head.

CLANG!

"Yaiba, now!" Fuwa called out.

Shink!

She nodded and rushed forwards, slashing with her scythe. "Where. Did. You. Get. That. Riser?" She demanded as she slashed at him.

"It was given to me!" He glared back, slamming his Gatling gun into her stomach and throwing Yaiba away.

Click!

"Huh?" Narusawa turned and felt the peppering blasts of Fuwa's ShotRiser in his back.

"Bloody gnat! You're just an exposed wound!" Narusawa growled angrily as he turned and fired.

Yua and Aruto looked at each other as Fuwa fired, giving a nod before drawing out their scythe and Authorise Buster together.

Fuwa had to dodge, his reaction speed had to be pushed to the limit as he had to watch where he would land.

'This is what happens when you antagonise someone with a dangerous weapon.' Fuwa's HUD voice berated him.

"Yeah, well he's only acting like this because he had power. Take that away and he's nothing." Fuwa commented back. "Aren't you supposed to be helping me?"

'I will when you start listening.' The HUD answered. 'Mind your left, he'll fire there.'

"Thanks!" He answered, dodging out of the way as he saw Yaiba and Aruto attack.

"You bast-ARGH!" Narusawa screamed out in pain as both Yua and Aruto slashed into his back, though he was armoured, his back was the most exposed.

"Gotcha!" The two called out.

Narusawa grunted angrily, this power was explosions if he couldn't win with his gun...he'll take them all out. He held up his still red-hot Gatling arm and lit all of his mane's explosives and fired them in every direction. "BURN IN HELL!"

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

"Get behind-!" Aruto called out, using his Shine System to try and block most of the onslaught coming their way.

The Riders all flew back in pain, Fuwa feeling the most of it because of his 'armourless' state, Yaiba having a different system that garnered protection and Aruto's Shine System protecting them but knocked him farther away from the group and rolled in pain as he lay on his back.

Step.

Aruto looked up as he heard someone approach...and stab right into his Driver.

JACKRISE!

"ARGH! AH-ARGH!" Aruto grunted in pain as he felt his armour's data and strength leaving him as he was prone on the ground.

"Finally, the pinnacle of Hiden's Technology. In hands of a worthier successor." Gai's voice spoke as he had just plundered Aruto's most powerful arsenal for himself. All before he turned to look at Fuwa and Yaiba.

"Y-You-!" Aruto grunted in pain, struggling to get up. "How. How dare you!" Aruto's chest core and eyes were glowing red, causing his anger to rise higher at Amatsu.

"Careful, Hiden. Your emotions are showing." Gai remarked with a snide comment, fresh and ready to fight a wounded Aruto.

"A-Aruto," Yua whispered in fear as she saw her boss, all the while Izu was in the stands seeing this fight.

"Prez. Get out." Fuwa grunted, trying to get back up.

Narusawa panted as his explosions were spent, since it was an area of effect and damage, he got hit by his attack too. But not by much.

"GRAARGH!" Aruto roared as he rushed forwards and began to attack Gai.

JACKING BREAK!

Gai brought forth the newest weapon in his arsenal. The Shine System, golden data rhombuses with purple energy flowing through them. A 'corruption' of what Aruto's system was.

Aruto had to retaliate, bringing out his own as he fought Gai and tried to destroy them, despite his weakened state and had to protect Yua and Fuwa. But these things were too much right now. Aruto was seeing red. And not just the colour of his visor eyes.

Gai was swatting Aruto away, each parry caused a blow to Aruto's psyche and each punch to the gut made Aruto take a step back as each blow wounded Aruto and kept his focus on Gai. A vicious cycle that Gai was exploiting on a wounded animal. "Can't you see? You are steeped in humanity's malice too. There's darkness in your heart, you just have to accept it."

JACKRISE!

"GRARGH! YOU KILLED THEM!" Aruto roared out in anger as he struck at Gai, but was stabbed in the stomach with the Thousand Jacker. But something inside Aruto pulsed heavily into his heart and mind...a struck chord from within...the core. And made him freeze.

JACKING BREAK!

A powerful explosion caused Aruto to fall out of his transformation and roll to the ground in pain. Aruto was stunned in the confusion of what that was...and yet. So similar and familiar.

"Let me show you it, first hand." Gai pulled out a strange silver Progrise Key in his hand.

"The hell is that?" Fuwa asked.

"President Amatsu, no." Yaiba begged, as she was picked up by the Lion Raider and smacked around in anger, just punching her over and over with his Gatling arm.

SLAM!

"You! That mutt! I'll kill you both!" Narusawa growled angrily at Yaiba, directing his anger at her and Fuwa.

As Gai approached, Aruto could see the Key in his hand. It was primarily black but had a silver design of a grasshopper with some slight yellow markings on it, a silver screen with the outline of a grasshopper and the name 'METALCLUSTER HOPPER'. But what was strange about it, was that it had an extended part with six silver grasshoppers on the front with red eyes and lightning-bolt-shaped legs.

HIDEN METAL'S ABILITY!

Gai grabbed Aruto by the throat and lifted him up effortlessly. "See for yourself. Hiden's sins."

AUTHORISE!

Gai flicked the Key's screen open and exposed the silver cybernetic design inside with yellow energy and slotted it into Aruto's Driver.

PROGRISE!

Gai folded the extended fold of the Key over the scanning circle of the Zero-One Driver, effectively blocking off anything else being scanned.

METAL RISE!

As the Key was inserted and fully connected with the Driver, Aruto jerked and a burst of red and black energy pulsed out, pushing Gai, Fuwa, Yaiba and Narusawa back, forcing the latter three to be knocked prone. Gai however remained standing.

Aruto remained frozen in place as he looked towards the sky and felt something...awaken. As his Driver produced, instead of a blue mainframe and wire-suit, a dark red wireframe. And within the first few seconds of his voice giving out pain...his mind vanished momentarily.

Up high within the sky, Zea's systems had scanned the Key...but inside her warm and white mainframe with blue 0's and 1's, she saw Aruto's mind disappear from there. Seeing the fear within his eyes as he was dragged away. "Aruto!" She called out. There was nothing she could do, Aruto was forcefully stolen from her.

But deep. Deep within the cold forgotten waters of Daybreak, a roiling red eye shone deep within from a discarded satellite. Rusted metal and still functioning cybernetics, pulsing with life as Aruto's consciousness appeared in somewhere...dark. A void of emptiness that had the slightest flicker of blue writing of 0's and 1'.

Aruto's mind appeared within this new location, panting heavily as he looked around. "Where-? A-Ark? Is this the Satellite Ark?" He asked himself, thinking nothing would hear him...but it did.

The 0's and 1's flickered red. Aruto's voice awakened something, something that long slumbered deep within the caldera of the man-made lake of Daybreak.

H̸a̷t̴e̸.̶

"Huh?" Aruto flicked towards the word as it turned back to 0's and 1's.

P̸a̶i̵n̴.̴

Again, Aruto turned as he saw the red among the blackness.

H̶u̷r̴t̷.̷.

D̸e̶a̶t̵h̷

Aruto's mind was now racing as the words came into focus. Instead of the clean 0's and 1's of Zea, the kanji of these words were jagged. Like they were written in anger and fury.

D̶e̴s̵p̴a̶i̷r̵

Aruto saw the words coming up and out of the ground around his feet, he tried swatting them away like they were annoying insects. But it just kept coming.

S̵u̵f̸f̷e̸r̶

̷S̵c̷o̸r̵n̴

̴S̶t̵u̵p̸i̸d̸i̴t̸y̶

Aruto tried to escape, but his feet were kept in place as he was stuck like a statue as more jagged kanji began to surround him.

K̶i̴l̵l̶i̸n̶g̵

̷W̸i̴c̷k̴e̸d̴

Fear was setting in Aruto's heart as he tried to rend himself away, but more words kept coming. Creeping up his legs as if he was drowning.

W̶a̵r̴

̴D̸a̷r̷k̸n̷e̵s̷s̵

Aruto tried to scream out for anyone to try and come for him. "Fuwa! Yua! Please! Help me!" He cried out.

R̴e̷s̸e̸n̴t̷m̸e̸n̵t̵

̶G̸r̴u̸d̵g̵e̶

"Someone! Help me! Zea!"

M̶i̵s̶f̴o̷r̵t̶u̶n̵e̵

̶A̵t̸r̴o̴c̶i̷t̷y̷

"Please, I-I can't." Aruto wept in fear as he was trapped, his chest now being covered. "Grandpa! Dad!"

D̴e̷c̴e̷a̵s̴e̸

"Izu. Shesta." Aruto's head and arms were now covered, safe for only his eyes.

D̷e̴s̷t̷r̷u̸c̶t̷i̷o̷n̶

̵D̶e̷a̵t̷h̸

̵Q̷u̵i̷c̶k̴

̴T̶h̷u̵n̶d̷e̴r̵

Appearing before Aruto as his eyes were slowly covered, was the symbol of MetsuBouJinRai with their kanji.

P̶r̷i̷s̴o̸n̸

Aruto's body was now fully encased in the vile hatred that was within Ark's core...And his body outside of the satellite now reflected that. "Hiden. A voice echoed within the void.

Back at the battlefield, Aruto's body was now letting out a deep and painful scream as dozens, hundreds to thousands of Hiden Metal grasshoppers flew around Aruto's screaming corpse as the dark red frame created a pure silver bodysuit with bane red eyes. The clustering Hiden Metal grasshoppers formed together into a facsimile of a large grasshopper that croaked among their incessant and deafening buzzing as they formed into his armour.

Secret Material Hiden Metal

Aruto's armour was now pure silver; silver shoes and bodysuit, silver gloves and helmet. His shins now had plated silver metal going up to his kneecaps as they folded outside. His thigh guards were plated and almost hexagonal with a single neon-yellow circuit line going to his waist. Aruto's stomach was now protected by an overlayed silver guard and a heavy-looking chest plate with bent diamond-shaped connections, and neon-yellow circuitry lines over his pectorals to his shoulders. His shoulder guards were pointed outwards like spikes that were held by an 'exposed interor'; it compared to cracks in a volcano with pointed rhombus metal protrusions on his upper arms with single neon-yellow lines that pointed outwards.

METAL CLUSTER HOPPER~!

His bracers were layered with triangle and rhombus-shaped protrusions and layers for added protection. And finally, his helmet was pure silver, with a silver faceplate with sharp pointed metal protrusions; a neon-yellow jawline, visor eyes and two small lines going over said eyes.

It's High Quality

Aruto's screams silenced as did the sound of all the Hiden Metal grasshoppers, leaving all there in stunned shock and silence...save one.

Gai. He was laughing.

That laughter was full of joy, seeing Aruto brought to a heel from this latest Key. He had done it. "Oh, this is too much. Subarashi!"

Yaiba's stomach turned as she saw Aruto's body standing there, unflinching as he heard the sounds of Gai's jibing laughter. What had she-?

"I'm amazing! I'm the best! I'm a genius!" Gai proclaimed outwards to the heavens to those who would hear him. "Do you hear me, Hiden? I've surpassed you!"

Fuwa and Yua flinched in disgust at Gai's proclamation of his superiority, it was hard to hear and horrible to witness.

Shink!

"How does it feel? The weight of Hiden's sins. Ark?" Gai brandished his Thousand Jacker and rushed forwards to attack.

CLANG!

Gai's eyes widened in shock and awe, seeing a jagged shimmering silver shield created from Hiden Metal protecting Aruto's body. He swung again. And again. And again.

CLANG!

Izu was recording all this in shock and fear. Aruto was unmoving as this was just...instinctive. 'Metal. Cluster. Hopper.' Izu thought in worry and concern. "President Aruto."

"Impressive. I can't believe you've drowned in this, this-"

STAB!

"GAH! URGH!" Gai grunted as he was stabbed by a large silver spike and sent him flying through the air and into the ground.

Narusawa was shaking, seeing that he was probably able to leave, he was going to make his escape.

BZZZ!

"H-Huh?!" The group looked on as Aruto slowly rose his hand...and a plague of grasshoppers shot from his armour and flew straight towards the Dynamiting Lion, which lessened the armour around Aruto's body.

BZZZ!

"Huh-Hey! Ow! Ow, ow! Argh! Argh! No! No! Argh! Stop it! Stop it!" Narusawa screamed as his armour was being DEVOURED right before them! He attempted to destroy them using his finishing move.

DYNAMITING BOLIDE!

The guns shot out as bullets were immediately swallowed up by Metalcluster Hopper's swarm as they continued to consume the armour away. "ARGH! ARGH! OH, GOD! PLEASE! PLEASE! STOP! STOP! ARGH!"

pshew...

Narusawa was removed from his armour his RaidRiser dropped to the floor along with his Progrise Key. His clothes were barely hanging onto his body, blood dripping from gnawed gashes in his body, his hair was shortened into patches, and his shoes were half destroyed. He looked like a mangled survivor from a horror story as he collapsed into a catatonic state.

"Look at that. Look what you've done, Hiden. Your true colours in your heart." Gai smirked as he grabbed the Dynamiting Lion Key.

The swarm returned once again back to Aruto as he glared right at him.

'Y-you can't win.' Fuwa's HUD voice thought to him.

"Bastard...! You did this!" Fuwa glared as Yaiba ran and pulled Fuwa away. "Gah! Yaiba! What're you-?"

"We have to run. We can't-" She answered, dragging Fuwa to a safer location.

'The Grip.' The voice thought.

"Yaiba, wait! The Assault Grip!" Fuwa called out. "It's still there!"

"You can't grab it quick enough!" She answered.

"No...But we can! Throw me the Key and I'll take it from there."

Progrise Key Confirmed. Ready To Break.

Thouser had inserted the Dynamiting Lion Key into his weapon and activated it and his own strength into it.

Aruto's arm lowered and turned straight at Gai, just staring right into his soul as he was ready for this attack.

HACKING BREAK!

ZAIA ENTERPRISE!

Thouser slashed down as he summoned two large Gatling guns to his side and bullets rained down on Aruto...who just took there as his Hiden Metal shields protected him.

"U-Um." Gai gulped in shock.

SHINK!

Appearing from the shields were large intimidating spikes with dozens of fractural, claw-like protrusions; almost looking like large drills.

"...That's not fair." Gai whimpered.

STAB!

STAB, STAB, STAB!

Gai summoned his own Shine System as his shield, but the defences were useless. It was like spiking ice with metal.

Yaiba was shaking as she saw this, but she had to get the Assault Grip.

FIGHTING BOLIDE!

And ran through as fast as she could, her speed enhanced as she was now a blur. But it was easier said than done, she had to get in close to get the Key which was near Aruto's feet.

"Argh! Hnn! Aruto!" She called out as she tried to get through to him.

"Yaiba! What're you-?" Gai glared as he was being stabbed.

WHOOSH!

Aruto's eyes turned to Yaiba, looking at her unflinchingly and like a slasher movie killer. She was beneath his feet and the Shining Hopper Key in her hand.

SHINK!

"ARGH!" She grunted as she was lifted up by the Cluster Cells like a hand and he reached for her throat. "F-Fuwa!" She tossed the Key in his direction.

Clink!

Click!

The stabbing metal was used as momentum as it flung to Fuwa who caught it in his hand.

"H-Hnn! Gah!" Fuwa grunted, ripping the Key from the grip. "Prez! I'm gonna stop this!"

ASSAULT BULLET!

'Chances of winning have only gone up by about 4%, it's suicide!' The voice thought.

"Y-You damn mutt." Gai commented, only for the spikes to smash his helmet by the right-hand side, proving that Hiden's Metal was stronger than ZAIA's armour. "ARGH!"

"I don't care! He needs us! HENSHIN!" Fuwa called out, shooting his bullet...which seemed to pierce through the Hiden Metal.

READY GO!

ASSAULT WOLF!

Fuwa roared out as he transformed once again into his true full form.

No Chance Of Surviving.

"We're going to break that form!" Fuwa roared out, calling out that he wasn't alone in this fight. "RHRAAAARGH!" And he ran forwards with his headfirst into the metal barrage.

"I-Idiot. You're going to be-!" Yua grunted in pain as she looked at him with a strained voice, before being dropped.

"I'm!" Fuwa roared as he tackled through the metal, his shoulder armour being shattered and eaten away.

CLANG!

There went his reinforced bracer.

"Not!"

SMASH!

There went his shoulder plate, but he still pursued forwards.

SMASH!

"QUITTING!" He roared out as he reached out and grabbed Aruto's belt. The belt itself! "ARGH! HNN! GRAAARGH!" And now he was being eaten alive.

'You're insane! Armour integrity is being drained exponentially! 85%, 69%, 51%!'

Aruto's hand let go of Yua to try and grab Fuwa and push him off...only for the Jackal Raider to grab the belt as well. "H-H-HRARGH!"

'29%, 16%'

"ARUTOOO!" Fuwa and Yaiba grunted as they yanked off the belt itself from Aruto's body, flinging it away from Aruto himself. All the Hiden Metal grasshoppers disappeared as Aruto's consciousness came back, making him topple forwards and into Yaiba's arms.

'Final integrity...3%.' Fuwa's HUD voice informed him.

'Three...the magic number.' Fuwa thought as his form disappeared and the three were left out of their transformations.

Aruto was limp in Yaiba's arms, his eyes looked vacant as Izu came over and called the hospital.

Gai saw this, horrified to realise that Ark was this powerful...but it didn't matter. He had won the war but lost the competition. 'Enjoy your life, Hiden...I've already won.'

To be continued

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