The Kamen Taimanin: 2WEI
Chapter 3: Ultra
Several Months Ago...
"So, you're part of a top-secret organisation of demon-hunting ninjas," Sho summarised after hearing everything Sakura had just told him. "Wow, I wouldn't have guessed that."
"Wasn't the outfit a clue?" Sakura questioned.
"I thought you were on your way home from a costume party," he reasoned.
It was shortly after they discovered each other's secrets and worked together to defeat Thunder Darambia.
As far as first dates went, he couldn't say it wasn't a memorable one.
They were back in their civilian clothes, standing under an awning, taking shelter from the rain. It was pouring down on them quite heavily.
"So, what's your story?" Sakura asked, curious. "I told you mine. It's only fair if you tell me yours."
"How about we find some place else to have this talk?" Sho suggested. "Preferably dry."
Sakura scanned their surroundings and found something.
"What about over there?" Sakura pointed. Sho followed her finger and saw what she was pointing at.
It was a Love Hotel.
Once checked in, they proceeded to do a lot more than talk. And Sho learned a new fact about his new girlfriend that night: being a ninja trained since childhood granted her strength and stamina that allowed her to take control very quickly.
Present Day...
Zwei stepped through the shadow portal, returning to Taimanin HQ. He reached down to his belt and pulled out the two Rider Capsules from his Fusion Driver. His armour shimmered, and two fading silhouettes peeled away from his body, reverting to his civilian form.
"I'm back," Sho said, flashing a tired but genuine smile at Sakura.
"Welcome back," she greeted him warmly.
He glanced towards Asagi and Murasaki.
The Taimanin's actions, while understandable from their perspective, did not justify their actions. They could have confronted him without resorting to kidnapping. Instead, they had spied on him and locked him up to be interrogated, giving him little reason to trust them.
Sheila logically pointed out that they were aware of his abilities and likely could not risk it. Capturing him, restraining him, taking his Driver, these were all actions they committed so they had control over the situation. She was not taking their side. She simply pointed out the logic in their actions.
When he went to fight the Kaijujin, he had a chance to escape. He could have chosen not to return and disappeared. But that would mean making an enemy of the entire Taimanin Organisation, and by extension, the government.
If he ran, the Taimanin could still hunt him down. They knew his name, and they knew his face.
Also, the Man-in-Black was still out there. He still needed to take him down. Sho would not be able to do that if he had to look over his shoulder every single day.
Running away also meant never seeing Sakura again.
"So, that thing changed in the middle of the fight," Sakura commented. "I've never seen that happen before."
"It was made using two Monster Capsules," Sho explained. "And I saw Zed."
"He was there?" Sakura's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Yeah." His smile faded into a grim frown. "He got away."
Across the room, Murasaki watched with a guarded expression, arms folded tightly across her chest. She wasn't the easily impressed type, Sho could tell that much. Asagi, in contrast, stepped forward with calm professionalism.
She extended a hand.
"Welcome back, Kasai-san."
Sho hesitated, then took her hand and gave it a firm shake.
"Am I going to be locked up again?" he asked, raising a hopeful brow.
"There's no need for that," Asagi assured him. "You've shown us we can trust you."
"Asagi-sama, are you sure that is wise?" Murasaki cut in, her voice low but sharp.
"He could've run away, but he chose to return," Asagi replied without looking at her. "And he saved Sakura's life. We owe him that much."
Sho glanced between them.
"Does that mean I'm free to go?" he asked.
"No," Asagi denied.
Sho's eyes narrowed slightly. So, he wouldn't be locked up in a cell, but he wasn't exactly free either. He'd earned some trust, but not all of it.
Baby steps.
"You mentioned something earlier about 'Monster Capsules'. What are they?" Asagi questioned, folding her arms.
"Guess you want to know about them, huh?" Sho replied, reaching into his Capsule Holder. He pulled out the Gomora Capsule, holding it up between two fingers. "Long story short, those monsters you've been seeing? They're made using these. They may look small, but they each hold the essence of a monster. And when someone uses one, they become that monster."
Spectators packed the stands of the sprawling indoor arena, their cheers echoing through the vast chamber like a tidal wave of bloodlust and excitement. Spotlights circled the circular stage where two beautiful, athletic women clashed in fierce, hand-to-hand combat.
The crowd roared louder as a fighter's outfit tore, revealing more skin. Their excitement wasn't just for the violence, but it was also for the show.
Above the crowd, massive Jumbotron screens magnified the action, offering dramatic close-ups and instant replays.
This was the Chaos Arena, an illegal fighting ring that thrived on blood, beauty, and brutality.
Inside the VIP box, Oboro sat on a throne-like, high-backed chair. She lounged there like a queen, her posture lazy but powerful.
She wore a striking crimson leotard with a plunging neckline that bared both cleavage and a sculpted midriff. Draped over her shoulders was a black overcoat with sleek, yellow piping running along its seams. Long, shapely legs were crossed with elegance, clad in black boots reinforced with crimson steel. Her short, pink-violet bob framed a wicked, sharp-featured face, her brown eyes gleaming with cruel intelligence, and her red lips looked alluring yet poisonous like a snake.
Three women flanked her, each as deadly as they were eye-catching.
The first was a beauty with shoulder-length green hair and reptilian hazel eyes. She wore a tight black corset bound together by crisscrossed X-straps, leaving much of her torso bare. A white mini-skirt hugged her hips, paired with fishnet stockings and sleek heels.
The other two were unmistakable powerhouses: wrestlers built for violence.
To Oboro's left stood a dark-skinned blonde, her voluminous curly hair cascading to her shoulders. Tribal face paint framed her intense brown eyes, and dark tiger-like tattoos coiled around her biceps and thighs. She wore a tight white leotard with a diamond-cut window that barely covered her generous chest. Steel bracelets clanked against her white fighting gloves. Her knee-high boots completed the look.
Beside her stood her shadow twin. Dressed in sleek black, this woman wore a cat-eared mask, giving her a feral, enigmatic air. Brown hair peeked beneath the mask, and her icy blue eyes smouldered beneath bold eyeliner. Deep red lipstick completed her fierce look. Her leotard mirrored her partner's in design and intensity, a perfect inverse in both colour and aura.
Then suddenly, a voice echoed through the room.
"Nice operation you have here."
The women gasped, spinning to face the unexpected intruder. He stood in the VIP box, clad in a black overcoat, fedora, and shades, holding a sleek briefcase in one hand.
"Who the hell are you?" Oboro demanded, rising from her throne. "How did you get past the guards?"
The Man-in-Black smiled faintly.
"I have my ways," he spoke cryptically, his voice both smooth and unnervingly calm. He removed his shades, revealing his glowing yellow eyes. Then, off came the hat. As he lifted it from his head, his disguise shimmered away like a mirage.
What stood before them was not human.
His clothes remained unchanged, but his head was black and featureless, save for a single glowing yellow eye in the centre of his face. A thin stalk protruded from the top of his skull like an alien antenna. With his single eye, he calmly stared back at the women.
"You do realise this is a VIP room, right, demon?" Oboro frowned, speaking coolly, not even flinching at the strange being standing before her. "I'd advise you to return to the audience floor before I have my girls throw you out."
As she spoke, the two towering women flanking her stepped forward. The one in white cracked her knuckles with a grin while the masked one in black smirked as she pounded her fist into her palm, both clearly ready to pounce.
The intruder remained unfazed.
"I'm not here to spectate," he replied smoothly. "And I am no demon. My name is Zed, and I am but a humble businessman."
With a quiet click, he opened his briefcase and turned it toward Oboro, presenting his merchandise. Inside, neatly arranged in velvet-lined rows, sat a collection of Monster Capsules, each one glowing faintly with ominous energy.
Oboro tilted her head, intrigued.
"And these are...?" she asked.
"Power," Zed answered. "Power that could make you a living god. Or something very close to one."
Oboro sauntered over. Her boots echoed softly against the floor as she reached down and plucked one of the Monster Capsules from its slot. It looked almost like a toy bullet: compact, sleek, and unassuming. But as she turned it in her fingers, she noted the image of a monstrous beast on its surface.
If Zed was telling the truth, then he was offering her a goldmine.
Still, she needed proof.
"I'm going to need to see if these things are legit first," she said, flashing him a toothy grin. "You don't mind, do you?"
"Not at all," Zed accepted with a slight bow of his head. "I'm happy to give my clients a free demonstration."
"We have a special treat for you tonight, ladies and gentlemen!" the arena's commentator boomed, his voice echoing across the chamber. "Now, entering the ring! Give it up for the sultry sensation, Crimson Climax!"
A spotlight swept over the stage as Crimson Climax strutted into the ring, clad in a revealing red leotard that shimmered under the lights. She waved and blew kisses to the roaring crowd, each step a calculated tease as she twirled with practised charm.
"And her opponent...Oga the Orc!"
Thudding footsteps signalled the arrival of her opponent.
Oga the Orc lumbered toward her. He stood towering, grotesque, and leering. His fat, bulging belly jiggled with each step, and his tusked grin twisted into something hungry as his gaze roamed shamelessly over her body. Beneath his tattered loincloth, something large and unmistakably erect twitched with excitement.
Crimson Climax saw it. She knew what would happen if she lost.
Her fingers tightened around the item Oboro had slipped her before the match. Whatever this thing was — whatever it turned her into — it had to be better than becoming an orc's wife.
The arena's energy crackled with depraved anticipation.
"Let the battle of bloodshed and ecstasy...BEGIN!" the announcer roared as the bell rang.
Without hesitation, the woman clicked the Monster Capsule and pressed it to her arm.
[DORAKO!]
It sank into her skin with a flash of dark energy.
The transformation was immediate.
Her body twisted, reshaped. A monstrous form erupted from within her, scales replacing skin, claws tearing through flesh.
The crowd went wild.
The orc's smug grin vanished. He stumbled backwards, eyes widening in horror as his prey was replaced by a snarling beast.
Comet Kaijujin Dorako
Dorako's body was reptilian, covered in dark, segmented armour that resembled cracked stone or a turtle's shell, each plate outlined by glowing, pale lines. Her face ended in a hooked beak, and her hands had been replaced with wickedly sharp hooks. From her back extended a pair of massive, insect-like wings patterned in streaks of blue, white, and orange, pulsing with a faint inner light.
In the VIP box, Oboro's eyes widened ever so slightly at the transformation. Her three henchwomen, less composed, looked visibly startled.
"Was that... demonisation?" Oboro murmured, narrowing her eyes. "No...it's something else."
Zed glanced at her, pleased by her reaction.
On the arena floor, the orc finally understood that he was no longer the predator. He was now the prey.
He turned to run, but it was too little, too late for him.
Dorako's wings flared, and she launched herself into the air with a screeching caw. In one swift motion, she dove and hooked her arms into the orc's shoulders. Blood burst forth as the hooks dug deep.
The orc howled in pain, struggling in vain as Dorako soared higher, lifting him into the air with terrifying speed.
When they were high enough, she released him.
The orc screamed as gravity claimed him, but he didn't make it to the ground.
Dorako dove and, in a flash of motion, sliced the orc clean in half, a perfect vertical cut that split his body down the middle. The two halves of the orc's body hit the floor with a wet, sickening thud.
The crowd erupted into savage cheers as the orc's entrails spilt across the arena floor like a macabre offering. Dorako roared in victory, circling the arena once before landing.
Back in the VIP box, Zed nodded approvingly, hands behind his back.
"Was the demonstration to your satisfaction, Lady Oboro?" he asked, his tone smooth.
Oboro's lips curled into a smirk.
"An impressive product, Zed-san." She folded her arms, watching the blood pool around Oga's remains.
"So, do we have a deal then?" Zed asked, his voice tinged with amusement.
"I will grant you an audience with Black-sama," she agreed, smiling thinly. "Only he can approve something of this scale."
"I see," Zed nodded, then casually changed the subject. "I've heard that you're a rather skilled assassin."
Oboro arched an eyebrow, arms pressing beneath her generous bust.
"Oh? You looking to have someone removed?" she asked.
"Indeed," Zed confirmed. "Have you heard of the Kamen Rider?"
"You mean that masked vigilante? The one that's been going around fighting monsters?" Oboro asked. By now, who hadn't? Looking back at Dorako, she finally saw the connection. "Ah, I see. You're the one behind those monsters. We've been wondering about that."
"He's been getting my way," Zed explained as he reached into his coat and pulled out a photo. "And I'd very much like to see him eliminated."
Oboro plucked the photo from his fingers.
"So, this is what he looks like under his mask." She studied the photo. It was a picture of a young man. Handsome, innocent-looking, the kind of prey she loved to break. "Mmm..." She smiled wickedly, licking her lips sensually. "It's been a while since I had a fine young man."
Both Asagi and Murasaki escorted Sho down the corridor toward the conference room. Sakura stuck close to her boyfriend, walking shoulder to shoulder with him.
After Asagi had informed him that he wouldn't be going home that night, she also explained that others within the organisation wished to meet him personally.
He hid his anxiousness as he continued to follow the two senior Taimanin.
'What will they do to me? Lock me up, and send me out to fight Kaijujin, then lock me up again until they need me like some kind of attack dog?' he mentally wondered.
"I really am sorry about all this," Sakura whispered, her voice heavy with guilt.
"I don't blame you," Sho reassured her, smiling softly. "I know you didn't betray me."
"How can you be so sure?"
"With how long we've been together, you've had plenty of chances to steal my gear, but you didn't." He looked into her eyes and took her hand in his, squeezing it for reassurance. "So, I know you wouldn't doublecross me."
"Oh, Sho-kun..." She squeezed his hand as well.
They reached the conference room doors. Murasaki stepped forward and opened them without much fanfare.
"Get inside," she said curtly.
Sho entered with Sakura and Asagi close behind. Murasaki shut the door behind them.
Inside, several Taimanin were already seated around a long table. The moment Asagi entered, they stood as one.
"Good evening, Asagi-sama!" they greeted in unison.
Sho scanned the room, eyes moving quickly across the faces. He recognised a few immediately: Tatsurou, Rinko, and Yukikaze from the mission at Under Eden, given how he saw them after beating down the owner of that prison.
Rinko was in her combat suit like the others. Her sleek, form-fitting bodysuit was a rich purple with gold accents along the edges and collar. Black fabric covered her shoulders, forearms, and inner thighs. A pair of golden triangular pasties covered her nipples, and a large cutout revealed the lower centre of her ample bust. Silver armoured gauntlets and boots completed the ensemble.
Next, Sho's eyes landed on a bald man in a black armoured suit, the man's eyes concealed behind a pair of sleek shades. Nearby sat a blonde, bespectacled Taimanin in a crimson bodysuit that clung to her curves like a second skin, especially around her impressive chest. He noted with mild surprise that it was even larger than Sakura's.
"Good evening, everyone," Asagi greeted, commanding the room with her voice alone. "Thank you for coming. Please, take your seats."
They did so immediately.
Asagi took her place at the head of the table. Murasaki sat beside the bald man while Sakura and Sho settled into the empty seats closest to them, side by side.
Asagi placed her hands on the table.
"Now, I imagine many of you are wondering why I've called you here tonight," she addressed the room.
But before she could continue, the blonde Taimanin raised a hand.
"Excuse me, Asagi-sama," she interrupted, pointing at Sho. "But who's this?"
Asagi gave a small nod in Sho's direction.
"He's the reason I called this meeting."
Sho caught the cue and felt every pair of eyes settle on him. He took a deep breath, stood up, and addressed the room.
"Good evening, everyone," Sho began, his voice steady but humble. "My name is Sho Kasai." His name did not get much of a reaction. Of course, it didn't mean anything to them. So, he tried another name. "I'm the Kamen Rider."
That finally got a reaction, ranging from gasps, raised eyebrows, to stunned silence.
Rinko, Yukikaze, and Tatsurou all looked genuinely surprised. None of them had expected to meet the man behind the mysterious armour, let alone an average-looking guy who looked like he was just hitting 20.
Shizuru narrowed her eyes, clearly studying him like a puzzle she wasn't finished assembling.
Kuro remained stoic, arms folded tightly, but even he couldn't hide the flicker of curiosity in his otherwise impassive face.
"Excuse me, you're the Kamen Rider?" Rinko asked, breaking the silence.
"That's right," Sho confirmed.
She stood up, her posture formal.
"I am Rinko Akiyama," she introduced, then bowed deeply. "And on behalf of my team, I thank you."
"Thank you," Tatsurou and Yukikaze echoed, standing to mirror the gesture.
Sho blinked, a little caught off guard by their gratitude.
"Um...there's no need to thank me," he said, scratching the back of his neck. "I just wanted to help, that's all."
"Nevertheless, you still have our thanks," Rinko insisted firmly, her voice clear. "If it hadn't been for you, Yukikaze and I would still be trapped in Under Eden."
"I agree with Nee-san," Tatsurou added. "You gave me the opening I needed to reach Yukikaze before they could touch her."
"And even if we ended up failing our mission..." Yukikaze nodded, eyes soft. "You saved us. That's what matters."
Sho smiled, gratefully. It was comforting to know he had more support here than just Sakura.
But...
"Rinko Akiyama-san," he called somberly, bowing his head deeply. "I don't deserve your thanks." The room quieted again. "I was too late to save you before you were—" His voice broke. He couldn't finish. The guilt was still too raw. "I'm so sorry."
Rinko's expression softened.
"I forgive you," she accepted. "You weren't the one who did that to me."
"But if I had only been faster—"
"Sho-kun, that's enough," Sakura interrupted gently, placing a hand on his arm. "You did your best."
"Not to mention Under Eden is now six feet under, with the guy who ran it rotting in a cell," Yukikaze added chipperly.
Asagi cleared her throat, pulling the room back into focus.
"Let's return to the matter at hand," she ordered. "Kasai-san is here to share everything he knows about these Capsule Monsters."
"'Capsule Monsters'?" Sho muttered under his breath. Sure, the name made sense as they were created from Monster Capsules, but it still sounded ridiculous.
"Kasai-san," Asagi prompted, snapping him back to the moment.
"Right. First of all..." Sho stood up from his seat, clearing his throat. "They're not called 'Capsule Monsters'. I mean, sure, that name describes them pretty well, but they're officially called Kaijujin (Strange Beastmen)." He paused. "And while I could explain everything myself, there's someone else who can do it better."
"Greetings."
The voice came out of nowhere.
In an instant, a woman flickered into existence beside Sho.
The Taimanin quickly leapt to their feet, hands flying to their weapons at the sight of the intruder. Only Sakura did not, as she simply waved at the woman.
"Hello, I'm Sheila," she greeted with a small smile.
"How did she get in here?" Murasaki barked, glaring at the projection, then turning her glare on Sho. "Is she with you?"
"Yeah, she's with me," Sho replied, unfazed. "Relax, she's harmless."
"I am not harmless," Sheila corrected politely. "I am an AI programmed to operate Sho's Rider System and assist him in combat."
"You're an AI?" Asagi asked, still assessing the hologram.
For an AI, Sheila's appearance was incredibly lifelike. She was modelled as a woman in her early to mid-thirties, with flowing, wavy brown hair draped over her shoulders. She wore a fitted, white leather coat with a black breastplate, high collar, and matching boots. Beneath the coat, a dark green miniskirt and pantyhose completed the uniform.
"Correct," Sheila confirmed, standing beside Sho with practised poise.
"She's also my partner. So, wherever I go, she goes," Sho explained. "She's basically the reason I've stayed alive and hidden until now."
That earned more than a few stunned looks from the table. An AI with this level of autonomy wasn't just rare, it was unheard of.
"I am authorised to answer any questions you have," Sheila shared calmly.
Asagi took a deep breath, grounding herself.
"Alright. What are these capsules?" she probed.
Sheila lifted a hand, projecting a 3D hologram of a glowing Fusion Capsule slowly rotating above her palm.
"These are Fusion Capsules," she began. "Each one contains the data and power of the being imprinted within. The Rider Capsules were developed by..." She paused. "[REDACTED]."
The room blinked collectively.
"...I'm sorry. 'Redacted'?" Shizuru repeated, sceptical.
"Apologies," Sheila said without missing a beat. "That information is classified."
"Don't blame her," Sho sighed. "It's in her programming." He reached into his jacket and pulled out the Fusion Driver, placing it on the table. "The Fusion Capsules were developed by my brother, along with this."
"The 2WEI System was developed by [REDACTED] to allow a user to safely utilise the Fusion Capsules," Sheila added.
"So, your brother built the capsules you use and the belt," Asagi deduced, piecing it together.
"Yes," Sho nodded.
"Then, did he also create the Monster Capsules?" she pressed.
Sho's expression darkened.
"No, that's someone else's work," he coldly denied. "An alien arms dealer who calls himself Zed."
Murasaki's eyes narrowed sharply.
"...An alien?" she questioned.
"Zed is a Zettonian," Sheila explained, holding out her palm to project an image of him in both his human disguise and true alien form. "While most of his species use their scientific knowledge to develop weapons for conquest, he is an anomaly who chooses to profit from the sale of advanced weaponry."
"That's ridiculous," Murasaki scoffed. "There's no such thing as aliens."
"People used to say demons didn't exist either," Sakura pointed out.
"That's different," Murasaki snapped back. "Demons have existed for centuries, and we've been fighting them since the Sengoku period. But aliens?" She rolled her eyes. "That's just internet conspiracy garbage. And you actually believe this nonsense?"
"I do," Sakura said firmly. She had actually seen Zed a few times in his Man-in-Black guise, and even confronted him. She was able to knock off his stupid hat, revealing his true alien appearance. Unfortunately, he managed to slip away.
Murasaki leaned forward, eyes sharp.
"You know what I think? There is no 'Zed'." She glared accusingly at Sho. "He's orchestrating these monster attacks to make himself look like a hero."
"How dare you!?" Sakura shouted, bolting to her feet. "Sho-kun's been risking his life fighting these things while we were still debating what they even were!"
"And we know nothing about him!" Murasaki snapped back, rising as well. "A guy with unknown powers, unknown origins, and no allegiance. That makes him a threat."
The two women stared each other down, the tension between them was razor-sharp.
"Murasaki, sit down," Asagi ordered.
Murasaki flinched. Sho blinked, surprised. This was the first time he'd seen the steel in her crack.
"Y-yes, Asagi-sama," she cowed quickly, shrinking back into her seat. Her brother, Kuro, gave her a disapproving look that made her shrink further.
"Sakura, you too," Asagi added, eyes shifting to her sister.
"But, Onee-chan—" Sakura started to protest.
"Sit down, Sakura," Asagi ordered, her voice firm.
Sakura sighed and obeyed, lowering herself into her seat. Sho gently placed a hand on her shoulder. She glanced at him and offered a small, grateful smile.
"Thanks for standing up for me," he whispered gratefully.
"You can thank me properly later," she whispered back huskily, putting a hand on his thigh.
Asagi cleared her throat, putting the conversation back on track.
"So, this 'Zed' is the one distributing the Monster Capsules?"
"Yeah," Sho nodded. "And every time a Kaijujin goes on a rampage, he broadcasts it to his clients." His lip curled in disgust. "He uses all the destruction they cause to build up hype for his sales."
"Why Earth?" Asagi asked. "Why target our planet?"
"Because a lot of aliens couldn't care less what happens here," Sho said bitterly.
"That is accurate," Sheila confirmed. "Despite humanity's cultural and technological advancements, Earth is still considered 'primitive' by interstellar standards."
"'Primitive', huh?" Murasaki muttered. "Classic sci-fi cliché."
Asagi ignored the jab and looked at Sho.
"Kasai-san, since you're the only one capable of countering these creatures, I believe it would be in both our best interests for you to join us as an ally," she offered.
"Asagi-sama!" Murasaki gasped, already halfway out of her chair. "But he's—"
"No," Sho interrupted flatly.
The room went still.
"WHAT?!" Murasaki snapped, whirling to him. Her glare could've cut steel. "You're refusing an offer from Asagi-sama?!"
"Why?" Asagi inquired, her tone curious rather than offended.
"You spied on me, kidnapped me, and interrogated me like some kind of criminal," Sho listed off his reasons. "And now, you want me to work with you. So far, you haven't given me a reason to trust you. And I'm not an idiot. I know it's not me you want." He pointed at his Fusion Driver. "It's this. I'm guessing your superiors told you to keep tabs on me. Then, once you got me, you'd take my stuff and hand it over to them."
Asagi said nothing, but her silence spoke volumes, confirming his suspicions.
"I see..." Sho crossed his arms. "You don't trust me, and I sure as hell don't trust you. None of you here — except for Sakura-chan — has done anything to earn my trust, and I don't remember doing anything that gives you the right to treat me like a criminal."
He was right. Besides his vigilantism, he had not committed any crimes — as far as they knew, at least.
"So, if you want me to work with you, you're gonna need to give me a reason to trust you," he finished.
"Do you really think you are in any position to make demands?" Murasaki growled, pounding the desk with her fist.
"Yes, because I have something you want," Sho retorted.
"And what makes you think we can't just take it from you?" Murasaki threatened.
"Because the Rider System only works for Sho," Sheila stated.
"And even if the Driver is one of the last things my brother left to me, I'd rather destroy it than let it fall into the wrong hands," Sho swore.
"Why you..." Murasaki trembled with rage.
"Murasaki, calm down," her brother advised her.
Murasaki closed her eyes, took deep breaths, and relaxed. But her glare never left Sho.
"Kasai-san, what can we do to earn your trust?" Asagi asked, attempting to negotiate.
"I don't know. How do I know you won't tell your superiors that you've got me in your custody?" he challenged.
"You don't trust the government, do you?"
"He believes they'll exploit him," Sakura interjected, and she agreed. People in power always wanted more power. It could be money, influence, control, or all of the above. "They'll try to reverse-engineer the Rider System and mass-produce it to make weapons."
"And you believe him?" Murasaki scoffed. "Are you really that naïve?! For all you know, this is just an excuse to keep people from finding out he's the one making these monsters!"
"He's not the one behind the monsters!" Sakura snapped, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I've seen how seriously he takes his role as a Kamen Rider." She looked around the room, challenging them all. "And honestly? Can we even judge him? Are we going to pretend our own people haven't betrayed us before? Or have we already forgotten about Oboro?"
That hit them like a slap.
Silence fell over the room.
No one had an answer.
Sho made sure to commit Oboro's name to memory.
Asagi exhaled slowly, shifting the subject.
"I assure you, Kasai-san, we have no intention of exploiting you," Asagi promised. "We all want the same thing: to protect Japan from the dark forces that threaten it. But we can't allow an unknown element with so much power to go around unchecked."
"Figures," Sho muttered.
"Then I'll keep an eye on him," Sakura volunteered immediately.
"You're going to chaperone me now, Sakura-chan?" Sho smirked.
"That's right," she replied with a confident nod. He was safer with her than with anyone else.
Asagi studied her sister for a moment, then nodded.
"If that's your decision, Sakura, I'll allow it," she permitted. "However, I doubt Kasai-san will be safe in his current residence. He'll need to stay here, in Gosha Village."
'You mean you want to keep me where you can keep an eye on me,' Sho thought dryly, rolling his eyes.
"So, I'm your prisoner, now," Sho concluded.
"No, you're not," Asagi denied. "You're our guest."
"A guest...who can't leave."
"We did not say that."
"You didn't have to."
Tension rose between Asagi and Sho. Everyone could feel it. He was not willing to back down.
"Sho-kun..." Sakura spoke softly. He looked at her, his expression softening before he returned his gaze to Asagi.
"OK, fine, but I have my own terms," he stated.
"Alright," Asagi allowed. "What are they?"
"You'll let me leave whenever there's a monster attack to deal with it," Sho offered. "And I promise to return."
"Can we trust you on that?" Asagi questioned.
"I came back, didn't I?" he pointed out. "If you want me to start trusting you, this is how it's gonna be. It's that, or I walk."
"Do you think we'll allow that?" Murasaki threatened.
"Do you think you can stop me?" Sho challenged, grabbing his Fusion Driver and strapping it on. He was ready to fight his way out if he had to. He risked making the Taimanin Organisation into an enemy, but he valued his freedom.
"Fine, your terms are acceptable," Asagi conceded. "We'll have a room prepared for you in the dormitories."
"Or...he can stay with us," Sakura offered.
Sho turned to her, surprised. He had not expected that, but if he was going to be staying here in this village, he would rather be staying with someone he trusted. He didn't think he could stay with Murasaki. She looked like she wanted to kill him. And while Rinko, Tatsurou and Yukikaze looked like good people, he didn't know them.
And Sakura definitely did not want him staying with anyone else.
"Guess I'll need to go back and pack my things," he sighed, accepting the arrangement.
"No need," Asagi said. "We'll send a team to retrieve your belongings."
"Guess we're moving in together after all," Sho said to Sakura, chuckling. She lit up with joy. "Now you won't have to sneak into my apartment in the middle of the night anymore."
"I'm sorry, she does what?" Asagi blinked, caught completely off guard.
Sakura leaned her head on Sho's shoulder, utterly unbothered.
"I sleep better next to Sho-kun," she justified softly. "Especially when I have nightmares..."
She didn't need to say more.
Sho gave her hand a gentle squeeze under the table.
The meeting ended, and everyone quietly filed out, leaving only Asagi and Murasaki behind.
"The nerve of him..." Murasaki hissed. "How dare he disrespect you like that?"
"He has every right to be angry, Murasaki," Asagi defended. "We did spy on him, and now he's practically our prisoner."
"Only because he's a suspicious person, Asagi-sama."
"True, but he hasn't done anything criminal," Asagi pointed out. "And his terms aren't unreasonable. All he wants is the freedom to fight these monsters and save people, which is something we have in common."
"I still can't believe Sakura kept such a secret from us," Murasaki scowled.
"I'm honestly impressed that Sakura was able to hide this relationship for so long. I could normally tell when she's hiding something," Asagi remarked. "As for Kasai-san...there's something he's not telling us."
"I knew he wasn't telling us the truth," Murasaki growled.
"No, I don't think he was lying," Asagi corrected. "But he's definitely hiding something."
"What will we tell our superiors?" Murasaki asked.
"For now, nothing," Asagi replied. "He's not wrong. Given the chance, our superiors would exploit him and his technology."
There had been rumours that the government was pouring funds into experimental programs designed to make the Taimanin obsolete. So far, those efforts had failed to deliver. The Taimanin remained the first and last line of defence against the demonic threat.
But anti-demon technology was advancing.
And ever since the Kamen Rider first surfaced, even as just a rumour, their higher-ups had demanded answers. They wanted to know who he was, what powered him, and how his strength could be replicated.
Now, they had him.
He was in their base. They knew his name. They'd seen his gear. They had access.
And still, Sho Kasai was hiding something.
For now, they'd have to play the long game.
Sakura clearly believed he could be trusted. And while Asagi hated to admit it, she had no reason to doubt her sister. Yes, Sakura was biased, but she was also sharp. She wouldn't throw herself at someone unworthy.
Still, it stung that her baby sister hadn't told her she was seeing someone. She just hoped Sakura understood what she was risking and prepared for the possibility of losing him.
The Igawa Estate sat nestled in the heart of Gosha Village. It was a traditional, fortified home passed down through generations. It wasn't overly large or flashy, but it carried an air of quiet strength and deep-rooted history, just like the people who lived there.
Asagi stepped through the front entrance, slipping off her boots at the genkan. She had changed out of her Taimanin uniform, now wearing a soft red blouse, a blue skirt, and pantyhose. It was a rare glimpse of her outside her usual battlefield demeanour.
Sakura and Sho followed closely behind.
"Ko-kun, I'm home," Asagi called out.
A moment later, a voice replied from deeper inside the house.
"Welcome home, Asagi-san."
Sho looked up just as a teenage boy entered the hallway. He was a slim kid with short black hair and curious brown eyes. He blinked, pausing when he spotted Sho.
"I didn't know we were having guests," the teenager said.
"This is Sho Kasai-san," Asagi introduced, gesturing toward him. "He's...Sakura's boyfriend."
"Hi," Sho greeted, offering a polite smile.
"And this is Kosuke Sawaki," Asagi continued. "My adopted son."
"Wait, Sakura-san," Kosuke blinked. "You actually have a boyfriend?"
Sakura crossed her arms and let out an exaggerated sigh.
"Geez, what's with that reaction? Is it really that hard to believe?" she questioned.
"I've known you since I was little," Kosuke replied, shrugging. "You've never dated anyone."
Sho snorted, failing to hold back his laugh. Sakura smacked his shoulder lightly.
"Don't encourage him," she chided.
"Kasai-san will be staying with us," Asagi explained.
Kosuke was surprised to hear that.
"Then I'd better set an extra plate for dinner."
Later that night, after dinner, Sho sat by the window in Sakura's room, dressed in a simple T-shirt and boxers. The soft night breeze slipped through the screen as he scrolled aimlessly through his phone.
His social feed was flooded with video clips, animated GIFs, and endless discussions about his Rider persona. Headlines buzzed with excitement over his battle against Golba, some praising him as a hero, others speculating about who he really was.
Sho's jaw tensed.
The man who transformed into Golba was just some random drunk who got caught in the crossfire. Taking two Monster Capsules at once had nearly killed him. He was recovering in a hospital now, but there was no telling what damage had been done.
And then there was Zed.
Sho had spotted him, just after the fight ended. Standing smugly above the city like he always did. And, like always, the bastard had vanished before Sho could catch him.
He clenched the phone tighter.
'One day,' he swore mentally. 'He won't get away again.'
Trying to shake the frustration, he switched apps and opened his banking app to check his balance.
Getting shelter after landing in the city had been a top priority. But money had been a problem until Sheila stepped in. She was frighteningly good at siphoning from unmonitored bank accounts, just enough from each to go unnoticed. Then, with a bit of finesse, she'd created an account in Sho's name.
After Under Eden was shut down, Sheila had hacked into Real's personal accounts and drained every last credit. But Sho didn't want to keep the money. Knowing it came from the suffering and exploitation of innocent women made his skin crawl. So, he'd asked Sheila to reroute every stolen yen, donating it all to Real's victims and their families.
It didn't erase what had happened. But it was something. That was a good start, at least.
"Sho-kun, are you okay?"
Sho looked up.
Sakura had entered the room, now dressed in a loose t-shirt and shorts. Her damp strawberry blonde hair clung to her cheeks from a recent shower. Her voice was soft but filled with concern.
He let out a sigh and set his phone aside.
"Didn't think we'd be moving in together so soon."
"I know," Sakura said with a wince. "I'm sorry, Sho-kun."
Sho frowned and reached out, gently taking her hand.
"Sakura-chan, I told you, I don't blame you. It was only a matter of time before the Taimanin got involved."
She laced her fingers through his, squeezing.
"Still...I just wish I could've done more."
Sho looked out the window for a moment, then back at her.
"I could run," he stated. "Find a new place, vanish off the grid." He paused, then shrugged. "But they would just track me down all over again."
Sakura bit her lip, hesitating. Her next words came quietly:
"So, you're staying?"
Sho looked at her and smiled.
"For now," he said with a nod.
Sakura visibly relaxed, her shoulders sinking as she sat beside him.
"Onee-chan will warm up to you," she said optimistically. "And you've already got Yukikaze-chan, Tatsurou-kun, and Rinko-chan on your side after helping them with their mission."
"Yeah," Sho nodded. "And I wouldn't have found Under Eden if you hadn't contacted me."
Suddenly, Sheila's hologram materialised in the space between them, appearing without warning.
"Perhaps you could use the Taimanin's resources to stop Zed," Sheila suggested, her hologram flickering gently in the dim light. "It has always been just the two of us. Their organisation could offer valuable support."
Sho leaned back against the wall, arms loosely crossed as he considered it.
"Maybe," he said slowly. "But if I know Zed, he's probably looking for his own allies."
"You think he'll team up with NOMAD?" Sakura asked, her brow furrowing.
Sho nodded, eyes narrowing.
"He's got something to offer: his Monster Capsules. I wouldn't be surprised if he made them a deal."
Sheila's form flickered again as she shifted topics.
"By the way, I've completed setting up my remote work system," she informed them. "My job will remain unaffected by our relocation."
"Wait," Sakura blinked, looking straight at Sheila. "You have a job?"
"How do you think I've been paying my rent and the bills?" Sho questioned. "My café job can't cover everything."
Sakura tilted her head, intrigued.
"So, they're just okay with having an AI on staff?"
"They think Sheila's a remote worker with a serious medical condition," Sho chuckled. "Bedridden, homebound, you know, totally believable."
"I still outperformed most of the department," the AI added modestly.
It was all so ridiculous that Sakura burst out laughing.
"You never cease to surprise me, Sho-kun," Sakura said, laughing softly, shaking her head.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Sho said with a smirk, stretching as the weight of the day began to settle on his shoulders. "We should probably get some sleep."
"Yeah, we should," Sakura agreed with a warm smile.
Together, they settled into bed, lying side by side under the covers. The room was quiet now, the night outside humming softly with the sounds of nature.
Sakura leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. Sho smiled and slipped an arm around her, pulling her close. She rested her head against his chest for a moment before glancing up at him.
"...You know," she started softly, her voice teasing. "It's still technically your birthday."
"Oh?" Sho arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "Am I getting my present?"
"Something like that," she whispered, her eyes glinting mischievously.
Then, she dipped beneath the covers.
Sho blinked, confused, until a gasp escaped his lips, followed by a low, involuntary moan.
Under the blanket, Sakura had slipped down his boxers, and started to give him a blowjob. She gently bobbed her head up and down on his cock, getting him harder and harder until it stood straight like the mast of a ship.
"Good, you're ready," Sakura smiled before she slipped out of the covers to meet his gaze.
"Really?" Sho asked in surprise. "Here? Now?"
"Why not?" she grinned cheekily. "Now, let me take good care of you."
She took off her shorts and panties, tossing them aside before pulling up her top. Her breasts bounced before his eyes as she tossed her shirt away, leaving her naked as she straddled his waist.
"Sakura-chan..." he spoke softly, awed by her beauty.
"Hmm?" she responded as she positioned herself.
"I love you," he confessed.
Sakura smiled warmly, leaning down to give him a loving kiss.
"Love you too, baby," she happily returned. She held his shoulders and brought her hips down, burying his cock inside of her. "Ah~!"
They locked gazes as Sakura rocked her hips back and forth, moaning in pleasure. Sho closed his eyes, savouring the bliss. No matter how many times they had done this, he never grew tired of it.
As Sakura rode him, Sho's eyes wandered from her beautiful face to her lovely pair of tits. They bounced along with her movements. He gently took hold of them, massaging them, causing Sakura to moan in response.
"Yes, grab my tits. They're all yours," she pleaded. His hands felt so good.
As he fondled her, massaging her breasts, Sakura rocked her hips more vigorously. She could feel herself about to cum, and wanted Sho to join her.
"Cum with me, Sho-kun," she begged, almost demandingly. "Cum with me. Fill me up with your fucking seed."
Sho released her breasts and grabbed her hips, thrusting up inside her pussy. She let out a gasp and then smiled as she started to bounce on top of him. Flesh smacked against flesh as she bounced in time with his thrusts, setting up a beautiful rhythm.
"Hah!" Sakura gasped when he suddenly rolled her over, laying her under him. His cock still inside her, he resumed his thrust, fucking her pussy with deep and strong thrusts. "Hah! Hah! Hah~!"
Her moans were like music to his ears.
Pulling out, he rolled her onto her front before shoving his cock back inside her pussy, taking her doggy style. She clung to the sheet as he pounded her pussy, each thrust making her ass cheeks ripple.
This was Sho's favourite position, where he was more dominant and she was submissive. He could go deep inside of her pussy, maximizing their pleasure.
But all good things must come to an end. He could feel his cock throbbing, his balls aching, ready to be released inside her. So, he quickly pulled out and rolled Sakura onto her back. He pinned her down by her wrists and fucked her, harder and faster.
"Hah! Ah! Ah! Hah!" Sakura cried along with his grunts, each thrust causing a jolt of pleasure to spread across her body. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Aaaaaaahhhhhhh~!" Sakura screamed as she climaxed, joined by Sho a second later as he buried himself deep inside his lover's pussy. He shot his seed deep inside her womb, filling her up with baby batter.
The couple panted, their eyes met in a loving gaze. Leaning down, he kissed her softly on the lips before rolling off her to lie at her side.
"Happy...birthday...Sho-kun," she said between breaths.
After recovering from the afterglow of their latest session, Sakura pulled the blanket over them before lying down on Sho's chest. He wrapped his arms around her in an embrace. The two of them were exhausted and sated...at least for now.
The scent of fresh miso soup and grilled fish drifted through the Igawa Estate's kitchen, mingling with the soft golden light filtering in through the shoji windows. The house was still quiet, its other occupants wrapped in sleep or silence.
Sho padded down the stairs, running a hand through his still-messy hair. Sleeping in a new place always left him a bit restless, and last night, eventful as it was, had been no exception.
He stepped into the kitchen and paused.
Kosuke stood at the counter, plating breakfast with practised ease. The teen moved like someone used to the task, setting out bowls of rice and miso soup with quiet focus. Sho watched for a moment, impressed by the rhythm in his hands.
"Yo, good morning," Sho greeted, stretching with a yawn.
Kosuke glanced up and offered a polite smile to their new house guest.
"Kasai-san, good morning!"
During dinner the previous night, Kosuke was informed that Sho would be staying with them. The teenager was surprised, but he still welcomed Sho as a guest.
Sho leaned against the counter, eyes drifting toward the spread.
"So, you always make breakfast?" he asked.
Kosuke gave a quick nod as he stirred the soup one last time, then set the ladle aside.
"Usually, Asagi-san handles it," he replied. "But I help out when I can. Figured I'd get a head start today."
Sho smiled, watching the kid move efficiently.
"Sakura-chan loves it when I cook for her," Sho stated.
Kosuke arched an eyebrow, surprised.
"Oh? You cook?" Kosuke asked.
"Yeah. She really loves my pancakes," Sho replied as he grabbed a pair of chopsticks, moving to help Kosuke set the table.
Kosuke smirked knowingly.
"Sakura-san always did have a sweet tooth," he remarked.
"Tell me about it," Sho agreed.
As they finished arranging the dishes, the younger teen paused, glancing up at him, curiosity flickering in his brown eyes.
"So…how did you meet?" Kosuke asked.
Sho paused, his fingers lingering on the edge of a ceramic plate. His answer came slowly.
"I saved her life," he confessed.
Kosuke's expression shifted immediately. His posture straightened, his tone sharpening with interest.
"Really? How did that happen?" he questioned.
Sho hesitated. The real story was...messy. Complicated. Not something he wanted to unpack before breakfast.
"I was just in the right place at the right time," he said, keeping it vague.
Kosuke studied him for a beat, like he was trying to see through the answer, but eventually nodded.
"I see. Are you a Taimanin too?"
Sho shook his head.
"No. Not really."
Kosuke tilted his head slightly.
"Then what are you?"
Sho offered a small smile.
"Something different."
Kosuke didn't push. Instead, he gestured toward the last of the dishes.
"Come on. Let's finish setting up."
They moved into the dining area, setting bowls and plates with quiet efficiency. Sho placed down the final dish, then glanced over.
"So...how'd you end up staying with Igawa-san?" he asked casually.
Kosuke hesitated, just for a second, then answered, "Asagi-san took me in after my brother passed away."
Sho felt a pang in his chest at the words.
"…I'm sorry to hear that."
Kosuke gave a small, somber nod.
"Thanks. I still miss him, but I know he wouldn't want me to dwell on it."
Sho looked down, then exhaled slowly.
"I lost my brother, too. A long time ago."
Kosuke's gaze shifted, eyes flickering with quiet recognition.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Guess you and I have that in common."
For a moment, silence settled between them. It was heavy but not uncomfortable. Just the shared stillness of two people who understood a particular kind of pain.
Kosuke was the first to break the silence, a faint smirk curling at the corner of his mouth.
"You know, it'll be nice having another guy around the house. I won't be so outnumbered anymore."
Sho chuckled, nodding.
"I know exactly how that feels. I've got two older sisters myself."
Kosuke's eyes lit up a bit.
"They tease you a lot?"
Sho leaned back, letting out a dramatic sigh.
"All the time. No matter how much I grow up, I'll always be their baby brother."
Kosuke laughed, genuinely this time.
"Yeah, that sounds familiar."
"We should probably wake the girls up before breakfast gets cold," Sho suggested.
"That's gonna be a challenge," Kosuke groaned. "Sakura-san is not exactly a morning person."
"I know," Sho grinned knowingly, grabbing a seat. "That's why I'm letting you do it."
Kosuke shot Sho a flat look.
"…Great. I'm outnumbered again."
Sho just laughed as the quiet morning finally stirred to life.
With a sigh of resignation, Kosuke headed off to wake the others. First stop: Sakura's room.
He opened the door quietly, stepping inside. The morning light peeked through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the bed where Sakura lay tangled in the sheets.
Kneeling beside her, Kosuke gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Sakura-san, it's time to get up," he said, trying to keep his tone polite but firm.
That's when it happened.
Without warning, the strawberry blonde stirred and suddenly lunged, grabbing the poor boy and smothering his face directly into her bare chest.
"Wha—!?"
Kosuke flailed helplessly, muffled in what he could only describe as soft, warm, marshmallow hell. It took all the strength he had to pry himself free from her death grip.
"Hnn...Sho-kun..." Sakura mumbled, still half asleep, lips curling into a dreamy smile. "You dirty boy…"
Kosuke scrambled backwards, his face burning red. He spun around, clamping a hand over his nose before it could betray him.
Sho totally set him up.
Eventually, Asagi and Sakura made their way downstairs, lured by the warm, inviting smell of breakfast. Both women definitely had the looks of sexy school teachers, with Asagi wearing a pink frilly blouse that showed her cleavage, a short black miniskirt and pantyhose. Her hair was also tied up in a neat bun, and she had a red choker around her neck. Sakura was dressed similarly, with a white blouse that was left halfway unbuttoned to show her cleavage, a grey blazer coat over it, a matching miniskirt, and grey, thigh-high socks.
The younger sister shuffled toward the kitchen first, heading straight for the coffee machine like a woman on a mission. She poured herself a cup, took a long sip, and sighed in satisfaction.
She couldn't start the day without it.
"So," Sho said as they all gathered at the table. "What's on the agenda today?"
"We're going to school," Kosuke replied flatly, still staring at Sho with a side-eye. He was still annoyed over the prank. Though if it were Asagi that nearly suffocated him with her mammaries, he would have been a little more forgiving.
"You know," Sho grinned, unfazed. "It really surprised me when Sakura-chan told me she was a teacher."
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Sakura demanded, narrowing her eyes at her boyfriend.
"You just don't act like most teachers I've met," he explained with a teasing smile.
"While Sakura may act a little immature—" Asagi began coolly.
"Onee-chan!" Sakura whined, scandalised.
"—she's still a highly trained Taimanin," Asagi finished, unfazed. "And a professional at her job."
"Yeah, she is," Sho nodded in agreement. They had worked together long enough that he knew how seriously she took her duties as a Taimanin.
"And you will be coming with us, Kasai-san," Asagi added, her tone leaving no room for argument. "You're still a guest...and not one I'm ready to leave unsupervised."
"Fine by me," Sho shrugged, accepting her terms. "Beats being stuck here on house arrest."
After breakfast, the four of them made their way to the school, walking together through the quiet village streets. As they headed toward Gosha Academy, Sho took in the sights around him.
The village felt...familiar. In many ways, it reminded him of Hinamizawa, his hometown. A small, tightly knit community tucked far away from the noise and chaos of city life. But where Hinamizawa had been peaceful and remote — most of the time, at least — this place pulsed with hidden strength.
This wasn't just any village, it was a secret ninja stronghold. A haven where generations trained to become demon slayers. Sho could sense it in the way people moved, the quiet discipline in their eyes. Most of them were likely part of ancient ninja clans, with their children expected to carry on the legacy.
When they finally reached Gosha Academy, Sho blinked in surprise.
It looked like a typical school building.
Students were filing in through the gates in standard uniforms, chatting and laughing like any other high school crowd. But Sho wasn't fooled. Beneath the surface, every one of them was a Taimanin-in-training.
"What do you think?" Sakura asked with a smile.
"It's nice," Sho admitted, still taking it all in.
"This is also our headquarters," Asagi added.
"I'll give you the grand tour later," Sakura offered, slipping her hand into his.
Sho smiled until a new figure approached the group.
Murasaki, no longer in her Taimanin gear, walked up wearing a sharp black blouse under a pristine white long coat, paired with a matching skirt and heels. Her glasses framed her face perfectly, giving her the aura of a dangerously seductive teacher.
"Sakura," she said curtly. "We didn't bring him here for a tour."
"Then why am I here?" Sho questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"You're here so we can assess your combat capabilities," Murasaki answered coolly.
"Wait, seriously?" Sho blinked.
"That's the real reason we brought you here," Asagi confirmed, her tone calm but firm.
Asagi made a school-wide announcement, summoning all students and faculty to the gymnasium and auditorium for a special assembly.
Before long, the bleachers were filled with Taimanin and Taimanin-in-training, seated and murmuring among themselves. Sho stood near the centre of the floor, feeling dozens — no, hundreds of eyes on him. Some were curious. Others were suspicious.
And almost all of them were women.
They were either his age, younger or older. It didn't matter. The sheer number of female Taimanin was staggering.
And then there were the outfits.
Sho couldn't help but notice their suits. They were form-fitting, minimalist, and designed to reveal a lot of skin. It wasn't exactly a complaint, but it was a question.
Were all the suits this skimpy?
Was it intentional?
Sakura had once explained that kunoichi were trained in the art of seduction, using their charm and allure to disarm their targets. In some historical accounts, kunoichi had even posed as courtesans, sleeping with their targets before eliminating them.
Still, the suits made him wonder.
According to Sakura, the suits were more than just sexy, they were incredibly durable, capable of withstanding bullets and blades. Sceptical at first, Sho was convinced after seeing her in action.
Their suits were powered by Taimanin Particles, the same energy that fueled their strength. But if a Taimanin was weakened, then so was the suit. It explained how easily he had torn her suit apart the night they met.
'Functional and sexy. I don't mind it,' Sho said mentally to himself. 'Though I see that not even the men are spared from that.' It was true. While the female Taimanin wore suits that emphasised their curves, boobs, and legs, the few male Taiminin he saw wore suits that were just as revealing: many of them having midriffs to expose their abs, some went sleeveless to show muscles, and their skintight uniforms accentuated their butts. 'Way of the ninja, I guess.'
"Hey, handsome! Short time no see!" someone called out to him. Sho turned to see Nea skipping up to him with a grin.
"Back off!" Sakura immediately planted herself between her comrade and her boyfriend.
"Chill out, Sakura-chan," Nea said, raising her hands innocently. "I come in peace."
"You knocked me out and abducted me," Sho deadpanned.
"Nothing personal," Nea replied, smiling innocently. "I was just following orders."
"Don't let her touch you, Sho-kun," Sakura warned, standing protectively in front of her boyfriend. "That's how she gets in your head."
"Relax," Nea assured, flashing a mischievous smile. "I didn't go any deeper than surface thoughts." She leaned in, her smile turning sultry. "But from what I did see, you've got a really filthy mind."
Sho's face went scarlet.
Sakura turned to him, eyebrows raised curiously.
"Really?" she questioned.
"Can we talk about this later?" he muttered, mortified.
"Oh, you owe me details," she teased with a cheeky grin.
"If you ever want to act on any of those fantasies, Sho-kun..." Nea purred with a small wink, "Call me." And then she turned and walked away, making extra sure her tush swayed from side to side in his line of sight.
Sho groaned. Sakura looked half-amused, half-possessive.
"I'm going to have to be careful around her, aren't I?" he asked Sakura.
"Don't worry, sweetie. I'll protect you from the scary mind reader," Sakura reassured him.
Murasaki stepped forward, now fully clad in her white Taimanin suit, which emphasised both her strength and sharp, commanding presence. Her icy gaze locked onto him.
"You will face me in a sparring match," she challenged. "I shall test your combat prowess, Kamen Rider."
"Alright," Sho accepted. "Guess we're doing this."
"Be careful, Sho-kun," Sakura warned, her voice low. "Mu-chan's skills are almost on par with Onee-chan's. Everyone calls her 'The Immortal' for a reason."
"Thanks for the warning, Sakura-chan," Sho gratefully replied, giving her a wink.
Sakura smiled at Sho's confidence before making her way to the stands, settling in beside Kosuke and Asagi. The energy in the gym shifted as eyes turned toward the centre of the floor.
[2WEI FUSION DRIVER!]
Facing off with Murasaki, Sho strapped on his Fusion Driver. A shimmering barrier surrounded him, drawing curious murmurs from the crowd.
He opened the Capsule Holder, his fingers brushing over his two main Rider Capsules before sliding them out.
"Alright, Ichigo, Kuuga…let's do this."
He clicked them both, activating them, and then slotted them into the Fusion Driver.
[KAMEN RIDER ICHIGO!]
[KAMEN RIDER KUUGA!]
The Riders materialised as they stood together, with Sho standing between them.
"Henshin!"
[FUSION RIDE! KAMEN RIDER ZWEI: MIGHTY HOPPER!]
The barrier dropped, unveiling him in his Mighty Hopper Form. A collective gasp echoed through the auditorium. Whispers swept through the crowd like wildfire: surprise, awe, and disbelief.
Even the most sceptical students were now leaning forward, eyes wide.
From the bleachers, Kosuke blinked in shock, realisation dawning.
"He's the Kamen Rider," he muttered.
The quiet guy dating his aunt was the urban legend: the masked hero people had been obsessing over online for months.
On the floor, Murasaki raised a brow, unimpressed.
"Is all that noise really necessary?" she questioned dryly.
"That's just how it works," Zwei answered with a shrug, dropping into a ready stance.
"Hnn. If you say so." Murasaki reached behind her and drew a massive battle axe, slamming it into the floor with a clang that echoed across the gym. It sank several inches into the reinforced wood. "Taimanin Murasaki, ready to battle."
"Kamen Rider Zwei," the Rider responded in kind. "Let's ride."
With a burst of speed, she was on him in a blur of motion. Startled, Zwei barely had time to brace himself as she swung her weapon. He caught the edge of the axe on his forearm guard and staggered back.
He retaliated with a punch, but she ducked low and slipped inside his guard, slamming a palm strike into his gut. The impact knocked the wind out of him. But before he could recover, she pivoted into a roundhouse kick that struck his helmet with brutal force.
Zwei tumbled across the floor, groaning as he skidded to a halt.
"Hmph," Murasaki scoffed, circling him with calculated steps.
"Since when do ninjas use big-ass axes!?" Zwei wheezed, pushing himself up.
"Since our enemies got stronger," she replied coolly. "We adapt." She levelled the axe at him. "Now, are you getting up, or should we go back to class?"
Zwei flipped back to his feet in one smooth motion, cracking his neck.
"I'll remember not to underestimate you, Taimanin-san."
With that, he surged forward. His hands crackled with radiant golden energy. Murasaki swung her axe in a rising arc as he closed in, aiming to catch him midcharge.
But he was gone.
Her eyes darted up just in time to catch him flipping through the air above her, his form briefly silhouetted against the gym lights.
Instinct took over. Murasaki bent her knees and launched herself after him, her axe already swinging.
But Zwei was faster.
He caught the weapon in midair, stopping the blade cold. Golden energy surged through his palms, seeping into the axe, and the weapon began to glow red, then orange, before slowly melting under his touch.
"That said..." he grinned under his helmet. "...don't underestimate me either!"
With a shout, he brought his free hand down and smashed the softened blade to pieces.
Murasaki gasped, landing in a backpedal as molten fragments of her prized weapon clattered to the gym floor. She stared at the smoking remains, then turned her glare on him.
"That axe was forged from anti-demon steel, enchanted to burn demons on contact. How did you manage to break it?"
Zwei landed gracefully across from her, flexing his hands as golden heat shimmered off his fingertips.
"This form lets me channel arcane energy," he explained. "Looks like your anti-demon steel can't handle that." He lowered his stance. "So, are we done here, Taimanin-san?"
Murasaki's glare sharpened as she tossed aside the warped hilt of her weapon.
"Do you think a Taimanin is powerless without her weapon?"
Then, she vanished.
Zwei blinked. Where had she gone?
"Duck!" Sheila's voice barked in his ear.
He dropped low just as Murasaki's foot whooshed overhead, a spinning roundhouse that would've taken his head off. He retaliated with a leg sweep, but she vaulted over it in one fluid motion, landing right in front of him, and threw her knee into his face.
But he didn't go down. Instead, he caught her leg.
"You complain about my brother making weapons? Then take it up with the people who turned him and others into weapons against their will!"
With a yell, Zwei swung her body in a wide arc and hurled her across the gym. She landed in a crouch, sliding several feet as her boots scraped across the polished floor.
The crowd gasped.
And before the dust even settled, Zwei charged.
Up in the bleachers, several familiar faces watched the match unfold with growing intrigue: Rinko, her brother Tatsurou, and Yukikaze among them. Their eyes followed every movement on the floor, fully engaged.
"Cool," Tatsurou murmured, leaning forward.
"He's got skills," Yukikaze added, clearly impressed.
Rinko nodded thoughtfully.
"He does, but…" She narrowed her eyes slightly. "...how much of that skill is his own, and how much comes from the suit?"
Just then, a very different voice rang out across the gym:
"Come on, Sho-kun! Kick her ass!" Sakura shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth.
"Sakura, please," Asagi sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "At least try to behave."
"I'm just cheering for my boyfriend, Onee-chan," Sakura replied with a cheeky grin.
From beside her, Kosuke leaned in toward Asagi, whispering, "Asagi-san, do you think he can really beat Murasaki-sensei?"
Asagi didn't answer immediately. Her eyes remained fixed on the match below.
She'd reviewed the footage of all of Zwei's battles. He was skilled, no doubt about that. His movements weren't just powered by his tech, they were trained and refined. The suit and Rider Capsules gave him an edge, yes, but he knew how to use them. He fought with experience, instinct, and purpose.
But was that enough to help him against Murasaki? She was one of their best for a reason.
"We'll find out," Asagi said quietly.
Even with the loss of her primary weapon, Murasaki proved exactly why she was one of the Taimanin's elite.
She struck fast, blindingly fast.
Her fist slammed into Zwei's chest, the impact sending him skidding backwards across the floor. His armour absorbed most of the punch, but even then, pain flared across his torso.
"Sho, she's abnormally strong," Sheila reported through his helmet's comm.
"Yeah," he coughed, breath hitching. "I noticed."
A shadow loomed over him. He glanced up just in time to see Murasaki descending with a powerful axe kick.
He raised his arms, crossing them above his head just before the impact hit him. Her heel crashed into his forearms like a meteor. His knees buckled under the force, the gym floor cracking beneath him. Gritting his teeth, he managed to shove her off and staggered backwards, boots sliding across the polished wood.
But she didn't let up.
She delivered a relentless flurry of strikes. Punches. Kicks. Jabs. Sweeps.
He blocked most of them, barely, but she slipped through his guard, her foot smashing into his gut. But before he could recover, an uppercut snapped his chin upward, his head rattling inside the helmet.
Spinning on her heel, Murasaki delivered a brutal roundhouse right to his midsection. The force sent him flying again.
Zwei hit the floor hard, tumbling across the gym until he rolled to a stop.
The gym fell into stunned silence.
Murasaki straightened, brushing her hair back with a flick.
"The match is over," she declared coolly. "Can someone escort him to the infirmary?"
"No..." Zwei's voice broke the hush. He pushed himself off the floor, one knee down, fists trembling. "I'm not done yet."
Murasaki's eyes narrowed just slightly. There was a hint of admiration beneath her frown. The boy had resolve — a stubborn, reckless resolve. She might need to knock him unconscious if she wanted to end this properly.
Inside his helmet, Zwei muttered, "Sheila, got her pattern down yet?"
"Affirmative," the AI replied calmly. "Analysis complete."
"You're good, I'll admit that," Zwei said to Murasaki, rising to full height. "But you haven't seen everything I can do."
He opened his Capsule Holder, pulling out two new Rider Capsules: one bearing the image of a wild, reptilian warrior, and the other depicting a stylish mage in a black coat and ruby red armour.
[KAMEN RIDER AMAZON!]
[KAMEN RIDER WIZARD!]
The two Riders appeared as projections — one to each side. To Zwei's right stood a feral, reptilian figure with red compound eyes and jagged forearms. To his left, a sleek Rider clad in a black trench coat and gleaming ruby-red chestplate.
Zwei tapped the capsules.
[FUSION RIDE!]
The images of the Riders overlapped him as light engulfed him. When it faded, his form had changed.
[KAMEN RIDER ZWEI: MYSTERY SAVAGE!]
Zwei now wore a black trench coat over a matching bodysuit, the coat's hem whipping in the wind. A hood shrouded his helmet, which gleamed like a massive red gemstone, with frames on his faceplate shaped like glaring eyes. A single horn jutted from his forehead like a crown. His chestplate resembled a snarling reptilian face, and his gauntlets ended in clawed fingertips, with spikes lining his forearms. A blazing white energy scarf fluttered around his neck, flickering like a living flame.
Zwei's voice dropped to a gravelly growl:
"Now, it's Wild Time."
Murasaki's eyes narrowed. She'd seen glimpses of this form in past footage. It wielded magic.
She clenched her fists.
'Let him come.'
Zwei crouched. Then, in a blur, he launched forward.
Murasaki caught his foot midswing but didn't expect the magic circle to flash in front of her, followed by his fist flying out and punching her square in the jaw.
The blow staggered her, making her release his leg. He immediately spun, using the momentum to plant both feet in her chest with a powerful double kick, sending her skidding across the gym floor.
But she wasn't down for long.
With a growl, Murasaki charged, her fist pulled back to strike, only for another glowing magic circle to appear beneath her feet. Chains burst from the ground, lashing around her arms and legs, binding her in place.
She gritted her teeth and strained against them.
Zwei watched, confident.
"Those aren't normal chains. Even a Kaijujin couldn't break them."
He was wrong.
With a sharp, furious cry, Murasaki snapped them off.
'Impossible,' Zwei thought in shock, but he didn't have time to dwell on it.
She lunged again, her punch aimed straight for his face. Zwei raised his hand, and a wall of solid stone erupted between them. Her fist slammed into it with a boom, sending cracks spidering across the surface.
But Murasaki didn't stop. She smashed through the stone wall with a thunderous crack, shards of debris exploding outward, only to find her opponent gone.
Her eyes darted around and then up. Zwei floated above her, his coat fluttering, his jewel-like helmet glinting in the gym lights.
"Get down here!" she snapped, bending her knees to leap after him.
But he raised a single hand and spoke two simple words:
"Gravity, please."
A glowing magic circle flared beneath Murasaki's feet. In an instant, her body felt many times heavier. The air escaped her lungs as the crushing weight slammed down. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed, face-first, to the gym floor.
"Ngh… No!" she growled, muscles straining as she tried to rise up. But she couldn't. Her limbs trembled. Her body quaked. But no matter how hard she fought, the spell held her firm.
Zwei descended, landing gracefully in front of her. Arms crossed.
"You lose," he said flatly.
Murasaki snarled through clenched teeth, still trying to lift herself up.
"N-No…!" she protested as she tried to push herself up, only to fall flat again.
"Please, stop. You'll only hurt yourself," Zwei warned.
"I...will not...accept this!" Murasaki snarled as she attempted to resist the crushing gravity.
"That's enough." Asagi's voice cut through the tension, commanding and clear. She rose from the bleachers. "The victor is Sho Kasai, Kamen Rider Zwei."
A murmur of surprise and respect rippled through the gym.
Zwei nodded once, then snapped his fingers. The gravity spell dissipated, and Murasaki gasped as the crushing force lifted. She slowly pushed herself up, only to find Zwei's gloved hand extended toward her.
She stared at it for a moment, then shook her head and stood on her own.
She didn't need help.
From the stands, Sakura and Asagi approached. Zwei undid his transformation in a burst of energy, armour vanishing as Sho Kasai stood relaxed and smiling.
Sakura instantly hugged him.
"You were amazing."
He returned the hug, grinning.
"You always say that."
Murasaki exhaled, her expression less hostile. It was worn but honest.
"I…underestimated you," she admitted.
"A lot of people do," Sho replied with a shrug. "You're pretty strong yourself."
Murasaki narrowed her eyes.
"Well, I didn't have a crutch like you."
Sho smirked.
"That crutch just beat you."
She scoffed but said nothing more.
"Igawa-san." Sho turned to face Asagi. "Did you set all this up to watch me get beaten up in front of an audience?"
"No," Asagi replied, lips curled slightly. "We needed you to demonstrate your combat ability, to see if you could be a potential ally."
"My previous battles weren't enough?" Sho raised an eyebrow. "Does this make me a Taimanin now?"
"Hardly," Murasaki cut in before Asagi could speak. "You're not trained, not part of a clan, and definitely not qualified to be one of us."
"Good," Sho smirked. "I don't think I'd look great in one of your suits anyway."
Murasaki stared at him.
Sakura burst out laughing.
Asagi just sighed, but didn't argue.
"Sho, if you'd like, I could design a combat suit for you," Sheila offered. "I've already analysed the local Taimanin gear. It would be no trouble to fabricate a facsimile."
Sho raised an eyebrow.
"Thanks, Sheila, but don't think I'd wanna dress like a stripper ninja," he declined.
"I think I'd like to see you in a Taimanin suit," Sakura chirped, wrapping an arm around his waist with a wink.
"Sheila, one sexy ninja suit for bedroom play, please."
"Ugh," Murasaki grimaced, pinching the bridge of her nose. Privately, though, her imagination ran just a little too wild. 'Maybe Asagi-sama wouldn't mind a little costume fun…' She shook the thought off quickly.
Sho's stomach growled loudly, breaking the moment.
"Before we get to tailoring kinkwear..." he deadpanned. "...can I get something to eat, first? That match really worked up an appetite."
"Seconds!" Sho called, raising a hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.
He was sitting in the school cafeteria, surrounded by a towering stack of empty bowls. He had just finished his tenth bowl of katsudon, casually adding it to the teetering pile beside him.
Across the table, Murasaki stared in open disbelief.
"How...How are you still hungry?" she asked, eyes twitching. Since she'd lost their match, he had requested one simple thing from her: treat him to a meal. At the time, she'd thought, 'Sure, no big deal.'
Now, she was watching her cafeteria budget evaporate in real time.
Sho happily dug into a fresh, steaming bowl of katsudon.
"Mystery Savage burns a ton of energy, so I gotta fill up on food: mostly protein and anything sweet," he explained, gesturing to the small shrine of bowls behind him.
Murasaki pinched the bridge of her nose.
"So, in exchange for power, you gain a bottomless pit for a stomach," she concluded.
"Yup," Sho nodded, mouth full. "You should meet my nephew. He's got a huge appetite, too."
"Great, there's more of you," Murasaki muttered under her breath.
Dr. Exposition: Alright, so in this chapter, Sho ends up being conscripted into the Taimanin Organisation. Only, he's not a Taimanin. He's called a guest, but it feels more like house arrest, only allowed to leave to fight the Kaijujin. Meanwhile, Zed has met Oboro and is offering his services to NOMAD.
Oh, and Sho beat Murasaki in a fight. He really should use his Gravity spell more often. It's really effective. But if he did, fights would get too boring, and he'd be a one-trick pony. Plus, it might use a lot of mana to maintain, especially against stronger opponents.
"THE ZWEI FILES"
No new Rider information this time, just some details on Sho's equipment. Let's start off with the…
[2WEI FUSION DRIVER!]
The Henshin Belt 2WEI (2-Way Essence Injection) Fusion Driver is Sho's transformation device. Originally developed by his brother, it grants him the ability to transform into Kamen Rider Zwei by utilising the Rider Capsules.
Here's how it works:
Capsule Selection: Sho selects two compatible Rider Capsules from the Showa and Heisei eras.
Activation: He clicks on the chosen capsules to activate them.
Insertion: Next, he inserts the activated Rider Capsules — upside down — into their designated slots on the Fusion Driver. This causes the Driver to emit holographic images of the corresponding Riders.
Transformation: With a final tap on the Rider Capsules, the device's protective panels split open, revealing a spinning fan core. The Rider projections then overlap Sho's body, their combined essence fusing to form his suit.
The Fusion Driver enables two types of finishing moves:
Rider Burst: Initiated by tapping a single Rider Capsule within the Driver. This allows Zwei to execute the corresponding Rider's signature finishing move.
Fusion Burst: Initiated by tapping both Rider Capsules together, unleashing a unique finishing move that draws power from both capsules.
By itself, the Fusion Driver can't do anything. It requires...
[FUSION CAPSULES]
The Fusion Capsules are transformation trinkets designed to be used with the Fusion Driver. The ones used by Sho are called Rider Capsules, which possess the powers of Legend Riders from both the Showa and Heisei eras. The counterparts to the Rider Capsules are the Monster Capsules, which transform the user into Kaijujin.
In addition to the weapons linked with his Rider Capsules, Sho wields his own signature weapon known as the…
[MULTIARMS!]
The MultiArmS (Multi-Armament Striker) is a versatile multi-tool capable of morphing into any weapon the user can imagine. It adapts its form to best suit each of Sho's Rider forms. Among its many configurations are the Hurricane Halberd, the Lightning Axe, and the Astro Cannon.
"KAIJUJIN BESTIARY"
Comet Kaijujin Dorako (Note: Based on Dorako from Ultraman.)
Dorako possesses flight, slashing power, and terrifying aerial execution techniques. A predator-like fighter, she combines agility with sharp, brutal strikes.
Human Identity: Crimson Climax, female fighter of the Chaos Arena. Not much is known about her other than that she is employed as one of the many combatants on the roster. Her latest match was against an orc, one of many inhuman creatures known for treating humans as sexual playthings. She preferred turning into a Kaijujin over living a life of constant rape.
Abilities
Hook Arms: Metallic, hook-shaped arms used for slashing, grappling, and executing airborne kills.
Flight: Uses winged mobility to strike from above and retreat quickly.
Fireball Projection: Can launch small fireballs from her mouth.
Execution Drop: Aerial grab-and-drop manoeuvre to incapacitate grounded foes.
Durability: Can withstand repeated Rider attacks before being overpowered.