ARROGANCE CHAPTER PART 5: CONTROL

"What happened?" Shinichi groaned as he sat up in a bed in ARMOR's infirmary. He was alone. "Where am I?"

"Nice to see you among the living, Shinichi," Dr. Hasuma greeted.

"Doc Hasuma?" Shinichi blinked. "Where am I? What happened to Nagazawa?"

"You mean you don't remember?" Dr. Hasuma blinked.

"Remember what?" Shinichi stared at him in confusion.

"You lost control and went berserk."

"A berserker program?" Warren asked after receiving the report from Dr. Magi.

"Another thing I hate Gebok for. He had it installed inside Shinichi," Dr. Magi stated. He continued, "What it involves is that whenever BLACK 13 is in danger or in desperately in need of a boost of power, the program will kick in and all of his conscious actions will be controlled by pure, brutal, animalistic instinct. He becomes nothing more than a raging beast with his mind focused on eliminating any threat before him."

"You've seen it in action before, haven't you?" Warren inquired.

With a sigh, Dr. Magi admitted, "Indeed, I have. It was a day I couldn't forget. There was so much bloodshed."

"That was the day Shinichi became known as BLACK 13, wasn't it?" Warren guessed. Dr. Magi confirmed.

"The Berserker Program in BLACK 13 gives him an incredible boost of power, speed and agility, while at the same time decreasing his intelligence and causing him to run on pure instinct and adrenaline. It also allows him to access his time manipulation abilities and use them on himself to boost his speed. This ability is called Fast Forward," Dr. Magi continued to explain. "I saw him use it on the NUMBERS and he killed them within a single minute."

"And now he has access to this power," Warren frowned. "How come it never kicked in before?"

"Shinichi didn't receive the power of the Legendary Riders until after he became BLACK 13. I hypothesise that those powers kept the Berserker Program at bay. I believe that the Berserker Program was balanced out by the powers of the Legendary Riders," stated Dr. Magi.

Warren sighed and rubbed his temples, "What a headache. So, he's gotten his powers back again?"

"Unfortunately, when I examined Shinichi I found his access to the Rider powers blocked," said Dr. Magi. "He's gotten them back but there's a seal placed on them now. He can't access them even if he tried. Even he doesn't know how to unseal them. Fortunately, this means he won't accidentally access the Berserker Program. Unfortunately, this means his options in battle are limited."

"Considering he has access to those three Treasure Forms (Higurashi, Oni and Kage Forms), I doubt you can say his options are limited," countered Warren.

"True, but there is still that Berserker Mode to think about," said Dr. Magi. "What do you plan on doing with Shinichi?"

"He has to face disciplinary action," said Warren, frowning.

Shinichi viewed the video of his Black Showa Berserker Mode and his mouth was agape. "Is this true?"

"Every single second of it," answered Ryuki. "You're an impressive fighter but you lack any self-control. You managed to injure Nagazawa, but you also attacked Naruto-kun (Dark Kiva) and Lucy-chan (Orga)." Ryuki frowned at Shinichi and said, "And Warren has problems with people hurting his kids."

"That's right," said Warren as he entered the infirmary.

"Director-san," Ryuki stood up and saluted.

"At ease, Ryuki," said Warren to his friend. "Do you mind leaving? I have to have a few words with our young friend here."

Ryuki nodded and left the infirmary.

"I'm in trouble, aren't I?" Shinichi questioned.

"Heaps of it." Warren said sternly, "Shinichi, I'm putting you on probation."

"What, but why?" Shinichi asked.

Warren explained, "Because of your powers, Shinichi. You tapped into BLACK 13 despite knowing that it has caused a dire mental effect on you in the past. You saw what happened."

"This bites," Shinichi grumbled.

"This is serious Shinichi, you follow every order I give you. I'll be assigning a senior agent to act as your supervisor. He'll report everything to me," Warren said.

"I get it, I get it," Shinichi remarked. He gave Warren a salute and said, "I understand, sir. Can I go now?"

"Yes, you may. I also took the liberty of calling your employer. You have a week off from delivering papers. Try to use that time to relax. However, for now, I want you to come with me to the dojo."

Topper commented, "Things are about to become interesting."

Shinichi followed Warren into a dojo-like room. His eyes widened when he saw Yokoshima embedded in the wall, Daichi lying facedown on the floor, and Chiaki with pieces of the ceiling on top of him.

"What happened here!" Shinichi demanded.

"Hm, looks like he got tired of waiting and wanted to warm up," said Warren.

There was another person in the dojo. He was a young man that looked to be in his early 20's with fair skin. He wore a black kimono top with matching hakama and a belt with a blue buckle that resembled jaws. He had long and braided black hair with neatly combed bangs and intense blue eyes. The kimono was sleeveless and his right sleeve was replaced by black and blue armor that covered his entire arm and shoulder with a badge on the shoulder that looked like buttercup. He also wore black boots with steel toes. On the right side of his face was a tattoo that resembled dragon.

"So, are you the one?" he said.

"Did you do this to my team mates?" Shinichi asked. Warren strode forward.

"So, Tatsu," said Warren, "He got tired of waiting, didn't he?"

"Yes, he did, Taichou," the man, Tatsu, answered.

"He?" Shinichi wondered before Tatsu stepped aside to reveal the real assailant.

"So, you were warming up, huh, Leon?" Warren asked.

Leon had black hair and silver eyes with slightly tanned skin. He wore all black, as in a black t-shirt, black jeans and black sneakers. He was holding a sword sheathed in a scabbard.

His most distinctive feature was that he was only 6 years old!

"Are you kidding me?" Shinichi gawked.

"Were you the one who hurt my brother and sister?" Leon asked.

"Oh, that? It was an accident," Shinichi answered. Suddenly, a red ball of energy knocked Shinichi backwards sent him crashing against the wall behind him.

"Hado #31: Shakkaho," Leon said. His eyes had turned from silver to black and gold.

"Alright, time for a spanking!" Shinichi spat angrily, "Henshin!"

Leon's black and gold eyes narrowed as he drew his sword and chanted, "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and the punishment of death for evil. Rise from the depths…Kage no Shi!"

And all of a sudden everything went black for Showa.

Yuko winced, "That has got to hurt."

"I think his pride will be more hurt considering the circumstances," stated Virgilia.

"But he still got his butt whooped!" Lambdadelta laughed.

"Yes, he did," Warren agreed, "But he will learn something from this."

Shinichi regained consciousness in the hospital wing and asked, "What…happened?"

"You got beaten by a 6 year old Shinigami," Ryuki answered.

"What?"

"You made the same mistake a lot of people have made in the past. You underestimated Leon-kun."

"What is he?" Shinichi asked, groaning as he sat up.

"A Shinigami," answered Ryuki, "And a genius one at that with phenomenal power and natural born skill."

"But he's just a kid!" Shinichi protested.

"Yes, but he's the Director-san's kid," Ryuki retorted, "And Director-san's kids are the best of the best."

"That's right," agreed Warren as he entered the infirmary, "Leon made the top of his class in the Shinigami Academy and the 10th Division already have their eye on him as a new recruit. How are you feeling, Shinichi?"

"Utterly humiliated," Shinichi grumbled.

"That's what you get for underestimating your opponent. So, how are you feeling?"

"A little better, I guess," Shinichi answered.

"Good, because after you finish healing come with me," Warren ordered.

"Ah, the main event," said Topper as he took a bite out of one of Ronove's cookies. He turned to look at Warren and said, "So, is this another one of your negative reinforcement tactics?"

"Call it what you want, but based on the results it works," Warren said as he watched his past self and Shinichi interact.

After he was healed, Shinichi once again followed Warren into the training room.

"Shinichi, you'll be facing your toughest opponent now," Warren informed him.

"Can't be any tougher than that six year old," said Shinichi.

"That six year old was my son," reminded Warren, "And in the Multiverse there is always someone stronger."

Warren turned to face Shinichi as he removed his coat and tossed it aside. "Shinichi, transform."

"Huh?" Shinichi blinked.

"Transform and fight me," Warren said again.

Shinichi didn't know what Warren was going on about, but he was going to answer Warren's request. "Alright, Warren-san." It was time to prove his worth. "Henshin! Let's Ride: BLACK 13!"

Shinichi assumed the form of BLACK 13 and instantly (unwillingly) he assumed the Berserker Mode of Black Showa. With a roar he lunged at Warren who deftly dodged to the side and backhanded Black Showa in the back of the head, sending the berserker Rider crashing to the ground. Black Showa snarled and climbed to his feet. With a roar he let out his claws and started to slash at Warren. Warren easily dodged the strikes. Black Showa continued to growl and with a roar he withdrew his claws and the forearm blades came out. He swung at Warren's neck but Warren quickly ducked and slammed a straight punch into Black Showa's gut, causing him to double over. Warren then kneed him in the face, snapping Black Showa's head backwards. With a sidekick he sent Black Showa crashing into the wall and the force of the kick embedded the Rider into the wall.

Outside, through a one way mirror, Ryuki and Takada watched. Ryuki had his arms crossed as Takada had his hands in his pockets.

"Is Warren trying to kill him?" Takada asked.

"I think Director-san is trying to show Shinichi who the real top dog is around here," Ryuki replied. "Even not transformed Warren is a force to be reckoned with."

"Can't believe he's this strong even when he has his powers limited," Takada said in awe.

"Why do you think I respect him so much? He could've let his powers out all the time but chooses to limit himself. He's pretty humble even if he has the power to become Lord of the Multiverse."

The fight was one sided. Black Showa wasn't landing a single hit as he swung at Warren savagely. Warren either dodged or blocked the blows. He wasn't even breaking a sweat and all his counterattacks broke through Black Showa's defences. Actually, Black Showa was all offense and no defence as he attacked like a wild beast. It may have been effective against other opponents but not Warren. He'd dealt with the likes of the Hulk. Black Showa was simply a pushover.

Warren attacked with a series of roundhouse kicks that caused Black Showa to become disoriented. "Now, Shinichi. This is how I finish the job." Warren leapt up and when he gained enough air came plummeting down. Black Showa looked up to see Warren descending fast.

Ryuki covered his eyes, grimacing, "This is it."

Warren assumed a drop kick stance with one leg pointed down and the other tucked in. He crashed into Black Showa and the Rider smashed into the floor, becoming embedded before a deep one foot crater formed on impact.

Warren stepped off Black Showa as the armor shattered, leaving a groaning and unconscious Shinichi.

"He's going to feel that in the morning," commented Takada, "Make that several days."

"That was a bit unfair, don't you think?" Yuko asked Warren.

"Shinichi had to learn that even with all the power in the world he's not invincible," said Warren. "While his Berserker Mode is powerful, its feral nature and the decreased intelligence can work against him."

"As we've observed," said Bernkastel.

The next morning after Shinichi woke up he cleaned himself up and headed downstairs to have breakfast. At the breakfast table he saw Rika, Hanyuu and his mother. However, they did have an extra guest and it wasn't Rena.

The young man sitting at the table had greyish-blue eyes with spiked up brown hair. He was dressed in a denim jacket over a black t-shirt and wore blue jeans. Shinichi thought the man looked familiar but couldn't place him…yet.

"Oh, Shinji!" Shiori greeted, "Good morning."

"Hai, Ohayo, Kaa-chan, Rika-chan, Hanyuu-chan," Shinichi greeted. "Who's this?" he asked, regarding their guest.

"Oh, he says he's a friend of your boss," Shiori answered.

"Yoshiyuki Takada," the man identified himself, "How's it been kid?"

"Takada…Takada…" That name sounded familiar to Shinichi and then his eyes widened in recognition, "AH! NO WAY!"

It was that mad scientist from ARMOR. Shinichi never got to see a lot of him but he'd heard a lot about Takada and the disasters his inventions and experiments had caused.

Both Warren and Ryuki were enjoying some breakfast in ARMOR's cafeteria. Ryuki often worked late and slept in the headquarters. Fortunately, the infirmary had plenty of beds for him to lie down on.

"When you assigned Takada to become Shinichi's supervisor it was so you could keep Takada out of the lab, isn't that right?" Ryuki asked. He'd heard Warren's decision regarding Shinichi's probation and knew why Warren had done so. It was a no brainer.

Warren smiled and said, "Keep Takada from destroying 31st century tech, have someone to look after Shinichi, AND have the Guardians owe me a favour? Too good of an offer to refuse."

"It's probably for the best. Takada has ruined a lot of the technology and after Shinichi's latest psychological evaluation I was growing concerned," stated Ryuki in agreement.

"So was I. I'm thinking of prescribing him medication to deal with his dissociative identity disorder. He's also been under a lot of stress which is making things difficult," remarked Warren.

"Considering what GIN-SHOCKER did to him since he was six years old I'm surprised he's as stable as he is," replied Ryuki. "Most people his age who've suffered under those kind of circumstances end up becoming the worst villains imaginable." He paused and eyes Warren, "Kind of reminds me of you."

Warren scoffed, "Please…that kid didn't have to deal with Uncle J 24/7. But I had better influences to keep me in line. He didn't. Thus we have BLACK 13."

"Fortunately, he has his mother and friends now. However, If GIN-SHOCKER ever killed them before his eyes…" Ryuki shuddered at the thought.

"If they were ever killed in front of him, we'd have one hell of a problem," said Warren. Shinichi seemed stable but given the right catalyst the boy could explode and turn into an Alpha Level threat. Warren was actually considering adding Kamen Rider Showa's name to the list of Alpha Level threats.

"A Kamen Rider is a warrior born out of tragedy," Ryuki quoted. That much was true for Kamen Rider V3/Shiro Kazami who'd witnessed the murder of his own family by Destron. "It's funny. My friends and I destroyed an incarnation of GIN-SHOCKER in my world and yet in Shinichi's world there is another version of that organization," Ryuki said with a frown.

"Well, luckily this one seems to be a bit behind the one you fought, based on your reports of the event. Still, I don't like it. This group needs to be eliminated, lest they become more powerful," Warren replied.

"It still worries me, though. When we defeated GIN-SHOCKER we only fought the executives. The Great Leader was oddly missing. Takada did find plans for a sort of machine that would allow people to traverse between dimensions. This is just a crazy theory of mine, but what if the Great Leader that evaded us arrived in Shinichi's world and revived GIN-SHOCKER there?" stated Ryuki.

Warren began coolly, "Ryuki..." before yelling in anger, "WHY THE HELL DIDN'T YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE TRANSPORTER BEFORE!"

Ryuki nearly fell backwards in his chair. After regaining his balance, Ryuki spoke, "It was long before ARMOR was formed. GIN-SHOCKER was an enemy of Smart Brain and Ichijyo told me not to tell anyone about the transporter. We only found plans, Director-san, not an actual machine."

Warren cursed, "Damn it!" He said soon after, "Fine, sorry I got mad. I'll take that up with Ichijyo later. But you might want to get the others ready. Shinichi's GIN-SHOCKER just got that much deadlier."

"Director-san, do you really think that Shinichi's GIN-SHOCKER and the GIN-SHOCKER of my world are connected?" Ryuki asked.

Warren said gravely, "I stopped believing in coincidences a long time ago."

Shinichi couldn't believe it. The infamous mad scientist of ARMOR was his supervisor?

"You're joking, right? Warren-san couldn't have possibly assigned you as my supervisor," said Shinichi in disbelief.

"This ain't no joke, kid," said Takada as he stood outside in the lawn with Shinichi. "Nice bike," he said as he admired the Showa-Racer.

"Why you?" Shinichi questioned.

"Why not me?" Takada countered.

"Because…because…"

"Because of what you've heard of me, right?" Takada guessed. Shinichi nodded. "Yeah, it's true, I cause more harm than good with my experiments and inventions, but they still keep me around."

"Why?"

"I'm an asset."

Shinichi still couldn't believe it.

"There has to be more reason for it than that," Shinichi demanded.

Takada frowned and flashed Shinichi his Green Lantern ring. "You see this ring?"

"Looks like a fancy piece of jewellery to me," said Shinichi, not impressed.

"This ring is only given to those who are considered worthy to protect the galaxy back in my world. I wouldn't have this if I wasn't worthy enough for it," said Takada.

"Yeah? So?" Shinichi still wasn't seeing what Takada was trying to tell him.

"In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, beware my power, Green Lantern's light," Takada recited.

"Poetry?" Shinichi wasn't impressed.

"It's a sacred oath, bug boy. It's what I stand for. What do you stand for?" Takada asked, poking his finger into Shinichi's chest. Shinichi slapped Takada's arm away. "That's what I thought."

"I don't need you to babysit me and tell me what to do," Shinichi stated.

"Tough luck, kid, because we're stuck with each other. Warren's orders," said Takada.

"My whole life has been about following orders," Shinichi remarked. "I can't believe he assigned you to be my supervisor," Shinichi said in disbelief as he crossed his arms. "You're just as dangerous as I am."

"Maybe so, but at least I can control myself. I read about your BLACK 13 transformation. You were out of control, like a raging animal. A berserker," said Takada.

"Just lay off, alright? I never asked for this in the first place!" Shinichi shouted.

"True, but you've been calling yourself a Rider and doing hero work under the name Kamen Rider Showa. Like it or not, you became a Rider since the day you referred to yourself as one," said Takada.

Shinichi frowned. Takada was right. Since the previous year's Watanagashi Festival he'd referred to himself as Kamen Rider.

"You should get ready for school," said Takada. "I have to head back to ARMOR anyway. Just don't do anything without reporting to me from now on. Like it or not I am your supervisor and superior officer."

'I wish you weren't,' frowned thoughtfully Shinichi.

Shinichi's day at school was a normal one. In spite of Takada's presence at his house he was finally able to concentrate in class. However, whenever he reminded himself that Takada was his supervisor he developed a sour frown.

The bento lunch box Rena had made for him was delicious as always and after school they had their usual club activities. It was a good day, for once. However, his day would soon take a turn for the worse.

Shinichi was walking home with his girlfriend and little sisters. He'd told her about his new supervisor and she noted how he didn't like having someone watching over his shoulder and observing his every move and having Takada to be that someone.

"Honestly, what was Warren-san thinking giving me that guy?" Shinichi complained, his sour mood returning.

"He must have his reasons, Shinichi," said Rika. "I sense that Warren has something planned for you."

"He's punishing me," Shinichi stated, "He's punishing me with Takada as my supervisor."

"Maybe he's just concerned," spoke Hanyuu.

"Yeah…I guess…" Shinichi shrugged.

"Don't worry, Shin-kun. Everything will be alright," said Rena as she held his hand and gave a squeeze.

"Thanks, Rena-chan," Shinichi smiled. Maybe he and she could go on a treasure hunt at the junkyard. That always made him feel better. Then they could watch the stars and make out.

When the quartet reached the Banabara residence, Shinichi noted that the door was ajar. "Hm? Strange. The door's unlocked," he said. "Guess Kaa-chan forgot." He pushed the door open and entered the corridor that led into the living room with Rena, Rika and Hanyuu behind him.

"Tadai…" Shinichi began only to freeze when he entered the living room.

"Shin-kun, what's wrong?" Rena asked and she too froze as her eyes widened. Rika and Hanyuu gasped as they were struck speechless.

The entire house was a mess. Papers were strewn all over the floor and the table in the dining area had been overturned with the chairs lying on the side. Silverware lay on the floor and there were broken plates as well. It was like the house had been ransacked.

"Kaa-chan!" Shinichi ran upstairs and checked the bedrooms only to find his mother missing. "Kaa-chan!" His little sisters and girlfriend had followed him upstairs to see him looking around frantically.

"Shin-kun, where's Shiori-san?" Rena asked.

"I don't know!" Shinichi cried out, panic evident on his face. The phone downstairs started to ring. He quickly ran downstairs. 'Maybe that's Kaa-chan!' he thought hopefully.

He dashed towards the phone which was set on small table in the living room and picked up the receiver. "Hello!"

"Hello, BLACK 13…"

"Nagazawa…" Shinichi growled.

"You might be wondering where your mother is."

"What have you done to Kaa-chan!?" Shinichi shouted.

"Oh, she's safe right here. At least for now."

"Where have you taken her!"

"Temper, temper," Nagazawa chided.

"Put her on the phone."

"Sorry, but she's a little tied up in the moment if you know what I mean."

Shinichi growled, "Damn you…"

"Just follow these instructions and you'll find her."

Shinichi listened and said, "I understand," before slamming the receiver down. He then dashed out the door and got on his bike.

"Shin-kun, where are you going!" Rena cried out.

"To save Kaa-chan!" Shinichi answered as he put on his helmet. He then zoomed off to his mother's rescue. It was obviously a trap and he obviously had to tell Takada. However, he just wasn't thinking straight. He had t save his mother. Screw procedure!

His mother was in a warehouse in Shishibone City's dock. That was what Nagazawa had told him. Nagazawa probably wasn't alone. He probably had the place crawling with GIN-SHOCKER soldiers. If that was how he was going to play it then Shinichi was going to go in fully armed and ready.

"Henshin!"

Nagazawa was reading one of Shiori's books and looked over to the woman who was tied up in a chair. He spoke, "You're a very impressive writer. You pay attention to detail."

"It's a gift," said Shiori stiffly.

"Indeed, and you're quite gifted," said Nagazawa. He closed the book. "Your son should be here any minute now."

"Shinji will defeat you, like he's defeated others," Shiori said confidently.

Nagazawa snorted condescendingly, "Without entering Berserker Mode? I doubt it. Besides, I'm hoping he does activate Berserker Mode?"

Shiori cocked an eyebrow and asked, "What do you mean?"

"I read some of Gebok's notes on BLACK 13. His Berserker Mode does grant him incredible power and speed but unfortunately turns him into a raging beast without an ounce of self control. He won't be able to tell friend from foe and its mentality is simple. His Berserker Mode will only cease when there is nothing alive or when he loses power," Nagazawa explained.

There was a loud crash as the Showa-Racer burst through the door. "Shinji!" Shiori cried out happily.

"So, he's here," Nagazawa smirked. "Get him," he ordered the soldiers.

The GIN-SHOCKER soldiers, armed with machete, swarmed Showa who rushed at them on his bike. He knocked them all aside and then jumped off his vehicle before landing a kick into one of them, knocking the soldier into his fellow soldiers. When he landed on his feet, he started to attack the GIN-SHOCKER soldiers. One by one they fell at his feet and he wasted little time and energy putting them down.

Shiori cheered as Nagazawa watched with a critical eye.

The GIN-SHOCKER soldiers lay unconscious on the ground after Showa had knocked them out. Now, the Rider stood facing Nagazawa. The general wasn't at all impressed, especially when he saw the form Showa was in.

Nagazawa snorted. "You came to me in your base form?" Showa was in his Mild Form. While unimpressive it was still strong enough against GIN-SHOCKER soldiers.

"It was enough to take down your lackies! Now let my Kaa-chan go!" Showa demanded.

"I think not!" Nagazawa sneered. His left arm turned into vines and then shot towards Shiori. The woman shrieked as the wines wrapped around her and pulled her against Nagazawa.

"Kaa-chan!" Showa shouted.

"Shinji!" Shiori shouted back. She began to groan as the vines started to tighten around her.

"Kaa-chan!"

"Now, if you don't want me to crush this lovely lady, you'll remove your armor," Nagazawa stated.

"Shinji, don't do it!" Shiori protested but was silenced as Nagazawa squeezed.

"Shut up!" Nagazawa snapped. He looked towards Showa who was visibly trembling. "Now, remove your armor," Nagazawa repeated his order.

"OK," Showa obeyed and his armor fell away in the form of jigsaw pieces that flaked off his body.

Nagazawa tossed Shiori to the ground and with a large grin shot his vines towards Shinichi. They wrapped together and as quick as lightning impaled Shinichi right through the stomach. Shinichi's eyes widened as his mouth was agape, blood spewing from his throat. The vines had pierced right through his body. Shiori's eyes went wide in horror. She screamed out, "SHINJI!"

Nagazawa withdrew his vines which then reformed into his arm as Shinichi collapsed. "Heh, fool." Shinichi was lying on his side, in a pool of his own blood. "What a weakling."

"Shinji…Shinji…" Shiori sobbed. Her son was dead. She'd lost him again. "Shinji…"

"He brought this on himself," Nagazawa said mockingly, "By going up against GIN-SHOCKER. He paid for his insolence with his life."

"You murderer!" Shiori shouted at Nagazawa, but her arms were bound behind her back and her legs were bound together. She could not move. She spat, "How could you! He was only a boy!"

"Maybe so, but he was also a boy who was becoming a threat to us," said Nagazawa evenly. "Nobody goes against GIN-SHOCKER without suffering the consequences." His right arm morphed into its Venus flytrap form and he had the jaws aimed at Shiori. He said, "I'll at least be merciful and let you join him in death." Shiori didn't show fear but instead closed her eyes.

'Shinji, Sho-chan, I'm coming,' she thought.

Nagazawa's right arm stretched towards Shiori and the woman calmly let it come. However, his attack suddenly halted.

"Leave…her…alone…"

Shiori's eyes widened and she looked up in shock as she saw her son with her back facing her. "Shinji!" Blood was pouring out of his wound and mouth and he was panting, but he was otherwise alive. One hand was pressed upon his wounded stomach as he had Nagazawa's Venus flytrap appendage gripped by the stem in the other as he glared at the general.

'So fast…' Nagazawa thought while stunned. He barely saw Shinichi move. "So, you're still alive."

"Gebok made me out of tougher stuff," said Shinichi as he struggled to stay conscious.

"Shinji…" Shiori whimpered.

"Kaa-chan…look away…please…" he requested as he called on the power. "Henshin! LET'S RIDE: BLACK 13!" With a loud roar the crimson and ebony lightning streaked out from his belt and the fragments that converged onto him formed his armor. The transformation had also healed Shinichi's wound. However, right now, Shinichi wasn't in control. He had activated Berserker Mode. Rage, hatred and anger were in the driver's seat this time.

"Che, you don't know when to quit, do you?" said Nagazawa. "Moleborg!" he called. The Cyborg Mutant in question burst out of the ground and stood obediently before Nagazawa. It resembled a humanoid mole with large metal claws and drills on its shoulders. Its snout had also been replaced by a drill and it had the GIN-SHOCKER belt and wore black leather pants with steel boots. "Take care of him!"

"Yes, sir!" Moleborg obeyed before charging at Black Showa. Black Showa saw the charging Cyborg Mutant and with a roar charged right back, energy claws coming out of his knuckles.

Like a rabid beast he attacked the GIN-SHOCKER Cyborg Mutant with his claws. Moleborg was unable to counter and was being mauled by the beast-like Kamen Rider. A kick from Black Showa sent Moleborg rolling.

"Oh, man!" Moleborg whimpered. He was actually a coward that followed orders. He saw Shiori. Remembering what he'd been told he ran over to her and grabbed her before holding her up against him as a human shield.

Black Showa roared and charged, an energy blade out from his forearm.

"Shinji! Shinji!" Shiori screamed.

Black Showa roared as he charged towards the Cyborg Mutant holding his mother. He didn't see his mother. He only saw an enemy he needed to take down.

"Shinji! Stop! Stop!" Shiori shouted. "SHINJI!"

'STOP!'

Shinichi's eyes snapped open and he saw that the sky was dark and the field was on fire. The flames were not the orange-red color of normal flames, but were pitch dark. "What is this?" The flames were hot and cold at the same time.

"This is the reflection of your power," Kuro Juusan explained from behind Shinichi. Shinichi turned to face his doppelganger, "The uncontrollable flame that raged within you. The heat can be felt, but it also brings the cold feeling of fear along with it."

"This…it can't be…" Shinichi denied.

"You wanted my power so much, but you just didn't realise the price," said Kuro Juusan neutrally. "Tell me, what do you stand for?"

Takada had asked him the same question but Shinichi hadn't answered. He'd dodged the question.

"I…I…" Shinichi couldn't find the answer.

"What do you stand for!" Kuro Juusan repeated the question loudly. "You know the answer so speak up!"

"I…I stand for…" Shinichi's mind became clear and the flames began to die, "I stand for my friends and family. I stand for the village. I stand for my home and the people I love."

Kuro Juusan crossed his arms but the look on his face showed that he accepted the answer.

"Good, you're starting to understand," said Kuro Juusan as Yabuki, Gokuaku and Zennin appeared behind him.

"You're ready," said Gokuaku.

"Time to control the power instead of the other way around," said Zennin.

"Make us proud," said Yabuki.

Shinichi nodded and faced his dark side. He apologized, "I'm sorry that I've tried to push you back all this time."

Kuro Juusan shrugged, "Hey, back then I deserved it, but after talking to these three," he gestured to Yabuki, Gokuaku and Zennin, "I've started to become better. However, I still say you have to kill your enemies. Just don't hurt the people you love along the way."

Shinichi raised his fist and he bopped fists with Kuro Juusan who returned the gestured before they firmly gripped each other by their forearms.

"You and I are a part of each other," said Shinichi.

"And it looks like it's time for us to be one again," said Kuro Juusan. "About time too."

"Yeah, because we make Kamen Rider Showa and create miracles together."

There was a flash of light as the two entities that made up Showa came together, finally becoming one.

Shiori had shut her eyes when the blade came. However, when she didn't feel the blow she looked up to see Black Showa's eyes had turned green.

"Kaa-chan, it's alright," Black Showa said.

"Shinji…" said Shiori, relieved. Showa pulled her out from Moleborg's grasp and threw the Kaijin backwards with a punch.

"Kamen Rider Black Showa! On Stage!"

Nagazawa stared in surprise. 'The boy has regained control?'

Moleborg backed away in terror at the sight of the new green-eyed Black Showa.

"Alright, you freak," Black Showa said as he pointed at Moleborg. "It's time I finished you." His eyes flashed. Moleborg screamed. He turned and fled, hoping to escape with his life.

Black Showa roared as green energy flared from his body. The energy blades came out from his body before retracting and the energy was all focused into his right leg right before he jumped into the air. He then executed a spinning tornado kick and flew at the Cyborg Mutant. At the very last second, before the attack hit, a black crescent energy blade appeared at Showa's extended foot before striking the fleeing Moleborg.

"BLACK SLASHER!" Showa called out as his attack sliced Moleborg in half and the Kaijin exploded.

Black Showa landed on his feet and tossed his scarf over his shoulder before striking a pose and saying, "Game End!"

"So, BLACK 13," sneered Nagazawa. "You've regained control of yourself."

"Of course I have," Black Showa retorted. "Now, I think it's time we finished the business between the two of us."

"I agree," Nagazawa said as he began to mutate into his Cyborg Mutant form. "This time we have no more interruptions."

However, as soon as those words left DionaeaBorg's mouth, the wall burst open as six motorcycles crashed through. Black Showa looked over his shoulder to see who it was. "Guys?"

The NEO-NUMBERS, in armor, dismounted from their vehicles and regrouped with Black Showa.

"We have our own score to settle with this plant freak," said Musician.

"You don't mind if we join, do you?" asked Carmen.

"Be my guest," Black Showa acknowledged. "It's time to turn this man to mulch." They then charged at DionaeaBorg, armed and dangerous, ready to defeat the GIN-SHOCKER general for good.

Slasher was the first and with his chainsaws sliced up DionaeaBorg's vines when he lashed out with them. The general regenerated and began throwing seed bombs at them, only for Armadillo to absorb the blows. Carmen and Arachnea slashed at him with their weapons, cutting through his body and spilling blood. Musician attacked from afar, using sonic blasts that knocked DionaeaBorg backwards.

Despite his regenerative power, DionaeaBorg was taking a pounding from the NEO-NUMBERS. However, it was Black Showa who decided to land a hit that would cause fear to spread all over DionaeaBorg.

Black Showa unsheathed his energy claws and sank them into DionaeaBorg's chest. The general single eye glared into Black Showa's emerald compound eyes as the Rider spoke, "Here's a new trick I discovered. Fast Forward!"

DionaeaBorg felt his entire body slowly beginning to rot, starting from the spot Black Showa had struck. His green skin started to turn into a sickly frown color. DionaeaBorg's eyes widened and he shot the tendril out of his mouth but Black Showa caught it and said, "No tongue on the first date!" before violently ripping the tendril out from DionaeaBorg's mouth. He then curled his hand into a fist and used a haymaker that threw DionaeaBorg backwards and into a pile of scrap metal.

"You all…you all…" growled DionaeaBorg as he picked himself up, "ARE TRASH!" He fired a barrage of seed bombs at them but they were all countered as Carmen fired her petals. They exploded in mid-air, covering the area in smoke. When the smoke cleared, DionaeaBorg didn't see them in sight until he looked up to see them descend upon him.

They had jumped and flipped through the air before coming back down with their right legs stretched out, energy bursting from them.

They were all going to execute Rider Kicks at the same time.

DionaeaBorg fired at them with seed bombs, unleashed his acid and lashed out with his vines, only for his attacks to miss and fly right by them. "NO!" the general wailed as he fled only to be hit by the combined attacks with the force of a bomb.

There was a huge explosion that forced Shiori to shield her eyes. When she looked again she saw the NEO-NUMBERS, led by Showa, marching out from the flames.

"Shinji..." said the woman, relieved to see her son. He'd returned back to his black and white armoured form. He was back as Kamen Rider Showa.

"It feels good to be back," Showa said as he stretched and hopped on his feet.

"And we beat an executive GIN-SHOCKER member too!" Carmen cheered. "We rock!"

Armadillo frowned, 'Though, I have this strange feeling that something bad is going to happen."

Suddenly, there was a slight tremor that nearly caused them to lose balance. Seconds later, the shaking stopped.

"For a moment there I was worried," said Slasher.

The ground suddenly shook again and the NEO-NUMBERS began to back away as the floor began to crack and collapse within itself. Several vines began to crow out of the cracks and bind together. The binding vines began to grow thicker and started to sprout buds that grew rapidly into Venus flytrap jaws that snapped at the NEO-NUMBERS.

"You just had to jinx it, didn't you!" Musician shouted accusingly at Armadillo for his earlier comment.

"You think this is over?" Nagazawa's voice was heard from the plant as one of the Venus flytrap jaws opened to reveal the general's head inside. His skin was sickly green with veins an even deeper shade green on the cheeks. "IT'S NOT OVER! I WILL DEFINITELY KILL YOU! YOU TRASH!"

"We have to get out of here!" cried out Zero.

"No need to tell me twice," said Showa as he grabbed his mother's hand. "Kaa-chan, let's get out of here, now!"

The NEO-NUMBERS and Shiori escaped out of the warehouse as the roof burst open, the huge Venus flytrap coming out from the tip. The Venus flytrap jaws opened and fired at them with seed bombs. The seed bombs exploded against them. Showa shielded his mother with his body as she screamed.

"Hana! Michiru!" Showa ordered the female NEO-NUMBERS members, "Get my Kaa-chan out of here and take cover!"

"Shinji?" Shiori stared at the green eyes of her son's helmet.

"It'll be okay, Kaa-chan," he said soothingly. "Trust me." He handed his mother over to Arachnea and Carmen who began to lead her away from the battle zone.

"How are we supposed to fight something like that?" questioned Armadillo.

"Damn it," Showa grimaced. If only he could still transform into Kamen Rider J, but his Legendary Rider powers had been sealed. "Looks like we have to get in close and personal." He summoned, "Higurashi no Yaiba!" The legendary sword flew into Showa's hand and he commanded, "Sing!"

As Showa was transforming, Armadillo looked to the sky and saw a green streak speeding towards the Giant Nagazawa Flytrap. Several streaks of light then shot out of the main streak and crashed into the Giant Nagazawa Flytrap. When the beams had no effect, several green missiles were conjured and they shot towards the giant plant monster. Nagazawa howled as he was hit and explosions erupted all over his body.

The green streak then dropped down in front of the male NEO-NUMBERS revealing itself to be a man in a black bodysuit with green gloves and boots. He wore a sleeveless green coat. He wore a headset with a green visor over his eyes and on his chest was a symbol which resembled a green lantern. He also had spiked up brown hair and it didn't take long for Showa to identify him. "Takada-san!" Showa gawked.

"You know I should report you for not reporting this to me," Takada frowned, "but considering the circumstances I think I can let it slide."

"Takada-san, what are you?" Showa asked.

"Green Lantern," Takada answered. "So, what are you doing standing around here for? Shouldn't you be fighting?"

"We were getting to that," said Showa. Armadillo, Slasher and Musician had mounted their bikes and activated their vehicles' flight modes. Showa let out his wings as Zero did the same.

"Alright, let's wipe this weed out!" Takada ordered. He shot into the sky with the NEO-NUMBERS. The Green Lantern fired at the giant plant beast with his ring as the NEO-NUMBERS fired their own weapons on it. This caused the Giant Nagazawa Flytrap to lash out with its Venus flytrap jaws snapping at them.

"HIGURASHI ZAN!" Showa shouted as he swung, releasing a flying crescent blade of energy that sliced off one of the jaws.

"Hey, that's a good idea," Takada smirked as he willed his ring to create a giant pair of shears. The shears began to cut at the Venus flytrap jaws but they kept regenerating. "Stubborn weed!"

"I may not be genius, but I think we should be aiming at the head of this thing," suggested Musician.

"The head?" Takada blinked.

The jaws on the top opened to reveal Nagazawa's face as he bellowed, "DIE!" The Venus flytrap jaws fired seed bombs at them which they avoided.

"Oh, you mean the one with the ugly face inside?" Takada asked. The NEO-NUMBERS gave him deadpan stares. "OK, new plan! Focus all fire power on the main head!"

The NEO-NUMBERS didn't need to be told twice. They fired their ammunition at the main head which snapped shut, shielding Nagazawa from harm. They continued to fire a barrage of their attacks, and yet the thing would not open. Even Takada's ring wasn't able to force it open as he conjured a huge pair of hands to pry the jaws open.

'Shinichi,' Yabuki spoke inside Showa's head, 'Call for Gokuaku. He can help you.'

"OK," obeyed Showa. "Oni no Hone!" His body became engulfed in a tornado of fire, wind and lightning. When the tornado dispersed he was revealed in his Oni Form and was kept aloft by jets of flames shooting from the bottom of his boots. He gripped the Higurashi no Yaiba in his right hand and the Oni Kanabo in his left hand.

"Takada-san, this is mine," said Showa as he focused his power into the Higurashi no Yaiba, enveloping it in flames before the flames expanded into a blade twice the Higurashi no Yaiba's original length.

"FLAME CUTTER!" Showa shouted out as he swung and the blade expanded, cutting and burning right through the jaws of the main Venus flytrap holding Nagazawa's brain. There was a loud scream as it opened up from the intense heat. The secondary set of Venus flytrap jaws lashed out and snapped at Showa only to be incinerated by Oni Form's flames.

"Fire on Nagazawa! Now!" Showa ordered and they all did. Energy buzz saws, bullets, needles, sonic blasts, green energy and mystical fire flew at Nagazawa and crashed into him. "TIME TO BRING DOWN THE THUNDER!" Showa declared. Dark clouds rolled in and collected above the plant-like monster. The Rider with the power of the Oni no Hone called forth a bolt of lightning from the sky that struck the Giant Nagazawa Flytrap. Nagazawa howled out in pain as the entire Giant Nagazawa Flytrap started to become engulfed in flames.

"Curse you! Curse you! CURSE YOU!" Nagazawa howled before he exploded and a series of explosions followed from the top of the Giant Nagazawa Flytrap all the way to the bottom, causing the warehouse to explode as well.

The large door opened and the two entered. Ryuki rarely ventured into Storeroom X. Nobody except Warren had clearance and anyone else who wanted to enter needed to be accompanied by the Director himself. As Ryuki followed Warren inside, the lights hanging over them lit up, shining the way. Ryuki looked at all the boxes and crates, each filled with dangerous artefacts, alien technology and weapons of mass destruction. Storeroom X had infinite space which meant space for an infinite amount of items. A person could end up lost but teleporters like Ryuki and Warren could safely escape from Storeroom X.

Warren grumbled, annoyed after receiving the report, "That idiot. He needs to learn that he's not alone anymore." In Warren's opinion, Shinichi desperately needed to remember that he had an entire organization to back him up. He didn't need to go at everything alone anymore. However, it seemed that Shinichi was still stubborn and hadn't learnt his lesson.

"Considering that he went to rescue his mother, can you blame him for being impulsive?" Ryuki questioned.

"He put his mother's life and his own life at risk, Ryuki," Warren remarked. "They could've lost both their lives. It's only because of good luck that they're okay."

"Reminds you of someone, doesn't he?" Ryuki said.

"Yeah, he's like Ryuji way back then," Warren answered. Ryuji never thought he needed help but at least thought ahead to ask for assistance. Shinichi was like the old Ryuji who charged headfirst into battle and forgot that he had one of the most powerful and well-connected beings in the Multiverse on his side. "Just worse."

"So, what are we looking for here exactly?" Ryuki asked.

"Oh, just something to give to Shinichi for Christmas," said Warren.

"An odd place to do your Christmas shopping," Ryuki remarked.

"Yes, but this is an emergency," said Warren. He held up a PDA and was scrolling over a list of the items that were stored inside Storeroom X. "There should be a power limiter in here."

"You're giving him a power limiter? Why?" asked Ryuki.

"The kid's dangerous, Ryuki," said Warren. "He's young but he has a lot of power, and the power of BLACK 13 had a detrimental effect on his mentality. It turned him into a berserker."

"He's gotten control over it," Ryuki argued.

"But for how long?" Warren retorted.

"So, you think that you can give him something to make sure he doesn't rely on that power like a crutch," reasoned Ryuki.

"Exactly, Ryuki. Now, help me look," said Warren.

"There are a lot of boxes here," said Ryuki.

"Better start now, then."

Ryuki and Warren looked around, opening and closing random boxes. "We need to start labelling things here better. Who's in charge of inventory?" asked Ryuki.

"That would be me," said Warren. "I'm the only one allowed in here. I never really needed to label them since I knew what was where."

"If only I was born with your photographic memory," muttered Ryuki.

Warren could only laugh in amusement at his friend's comment.

Kamen Rider Chrome: Well, that's the end of the Arrogance Arc. However, there is more.