Click to see the mission!
We’re back and nothing’s really changed, other than Ichitaka falling a wee bit behind.
The Dancouga was next in line to get 50%’d, so there it goes. Aoi’s Squad Bonus is now Crit rate +20, Armor +150, Accuracy +15.
Rest of the money goes for random bits in our squaddie Machinas, Alto and Iczer-3.
Kouichi and Iczer-3 are launching as event units, so here’s how we’re going:
Ozma/Luca
Asuka/Domyoji
Daiya/Quatre
Lee/Norza
Kenji/Kyo
Jeeg/Micchi
Voltes/Yanma
Alto/Michel
Combattler/Rei
Shinn/Klan
Goh/Anna
Tetsuya/Canaria
Shinji/Rey
Kouji/Yagyuu
Dancouga/Hilde
Ichitaka/Miu
Jack/Duo
Forward!
Back at JUDA, Yui just got our message that we’re coming back. Looking at AI Ishigami, she figures he must be happy up in Heaven: the Mimetic Beasts and Jama Kingdom are beaten, the war with the Darius is over. And, actually, it’s pretty weird that she feels the need to report to the guy’s program still.
Her pondering is interrupted when AI Ishigamia screams “AN IDOL CONTEST”! Huh? He’s putting together a bit of an idol contest both to help our battle-weary folks relax and as a victory party. What the frick? Is he running those inane security routines again? We already cleared all those!
No, no, AI Ishigami says it’s wholly unrelated to the security system. He’s being a bit too life-like for Yui, but before she can question about it, AI Ishigami does his “by the time you see this, I’ll likely be dead” and freezes on the spot. Of course.
FYI, this is an idol contest as in literal idol, not pop singer idol – it’s a beauty pageant.
Wee bit later, Yui’s relayed the plan to our leaders. Une concedes that, according to Alice, Franklin and Canaria’s reports, our people have been getting a bit stressed out from the nonstop action. Misato’s a bit uneasy, but AI Ishigami tells her not to be: he’s already got it all planned out, including arranging for some guest entertainers.
Apparently, Yui sees, he’s sent out offers to both Ranka and Eida Rossa, so it seems the choice has been made for us. Une figures it’ll do us good to relax some, so it’s fine.
Absolutely no one expected this Idol Contest stuff, but Iczer-3 doesn’t know what that’s all about. Is it to decide who’s the strongest? Not quite, Ru and Nagisa (Kasumi) explain: it’s more of a popularity contest. Athrun’s not exactly sure we can afford to spend our time with this, but Shinn says he’s too much of a workaholic. There’s no problem with doing stuff like this once in a blue moon.
Athrun didn’t expect to be hearing THAT from Shinn. “I just figured it wasn’t all bad after I saw how happy everyone was at the Diokia gig,” he shrugs, and Luna’s surprised he kept an eye on us despite how busy he was with Stella back then.
Daiya still remembers the event with a lot of joy, and figures this one’ll be even better since we got the contest, plus Eida and Ranka singing as well. But who’ll be taking part in said contest? Obviously, says Puria, they’ll be picking from our girls and she’s already putting together a “Miss LOTUS” sash.
She’s awfully excited for all this, Luna ponders, and that’s because Puria figures she’s guaranteed to win. LOTUS may be a big family in itself, but pretty much all men in the Daiku Maryu crew are in the Puria Fan Club.
As Shinn stares in silence, Daiya thinks Lulu should be our idol – her smile’s gotten the crew through a bunch of tough times. As the girl flushes, Ichitaka sees from the Maryu crew’s enthusiasm that AI Ishigami’s was right on the ball with this project. Shizuna’s worried over him starting to come around to the Prez’ antics…
And, indeed, this is serious business to others in the Gaiking crew as well. Kyoko, the Daiku Maryu’s cook, has had enough of staying holed up in the kitchen – now it’s her time to take the spotlight, and it’s clear as day that she’s the cutest around in all of LOTUS! As for Rebecca, she’s kind of thorn in half. On one hand, it’d allow her to properly introduce herself (a chance she never got), but, on the other, she figures serving Vestanu is all that really matters for her.
Kyoko notices her, and is appalled that a MERE OPERATOR would apparently try for the contest. The gall! Rebecca also spots the “she-devil” and that pushes her to enter the contest: better that than risk her taking the crown!
As Asuka comes in and sees them glaring at the sign-up box, she sighs that putting women on display like that’s so old-fashioned. Anyone who enters this must be seriously lacking in pride. Kyoko, quickly switching from her hostile inner voice to a much more friendly tone, says she’s just trying to make everyone happy! That’s a load of crock, of course, and she’s just trying to keep Asuka from entering as well. It works, though, and the girl tells her to do whatever she wants.
Nearby at the lobby, Klan, despite tolerating Miss Macross, isn’t too keen on an event where only the guys get to have fun. Misato tells them not to worry, as the boys’ll be doing their part for the event as well.
Now, back at Ishigami’s office, Misato has a special assignment for Kouichi and Emi. Circumstances have forced her hand, and now she’s left with no choice but to rely on them. It’ll be a heavy burden for them to carry… but she really needs Kouichi and Emi to MC the contest and organize the side shows!
Um, why them? Ishigami. He said, and she quotes: this is supposed to be a skit, starring Kouichi, where he helps his worn-out friends get back in the game. The kid sighs over getting picked out as the resident party planner, but Misato thinks he can handle it since he’s not doing anything right now. Toodles!
She runs off before Kouichi can say anything, leaving AI Ishigami to cheer him and Emi on: they must scrounge up the courage to face hardships or there’ll be no victory against the Cthulhu or the Katou Organization. Big words from the guy who put them in this position in the first place!
“By the time you see this, I’ll likely be dead. By the time you seeseeseesesesesesesesesssssssss”… welp, Ishigami froze again. Kouichi turns to Emi, and it seems they’ll have to do the job…
Cut to the Cthulhu fortress, it’s that time of the week again: Iczer-2 is JUST about healed up, so now it’s Golem’s turn to head out there, destroy Iczer-3 and bring Nagisa Kasumi.
As she confirms and sets out, Neos sees that Atross didn’t care to show up, vying for revenge against Iczer-3. Not that it actually matters, as Neos’ expectations there were rock-bottom from the start. From Golem, however, she’s expecting to hear good tidings. Hohohohoho…
Ranka’s just arrived at JUDA, and is very impressed at the huge rooms Alto and the others have. No time to look around, though, as Grace wants to check out the stage right away. As she leaves and Brera steps outside to keep watch, Ranka sighs at how excessive he is. The door opens – did Brera hear her?!
No, it’s actually Eida, who felt the need to come over and apologize for foisting that movie business on her way back when. Of course, Ranka did a very good job with it. And it wasn’t just her acting that impressed Eida, but her singing as well – she was blown away even when she heard her at the island.
Ranka appreciates the praise, but is also a bit bashful over Eida hearing her back then. She shouldn’t be, as her heartfelt tunes really left a mark in Eida’s spirit. Again, Ranka’s thankful, but that’ll have to wait: she needs to get over to the stage.
Wishing them both good luck, Ranka leaves Eida to mull. Her current situation has made things a whole lot more unmanageable – she’s a bit jealous of the girl, actually. Ranka’s pet, Ai-kun, hops on over to seemingly comfort her. Aaw.
And Ranka’s off singing. The LOTUS crowd’s pretty fired up, which is impressive to Hiyoshi: just the few of us are being equivalent to a few hundred folks in enthusiasm! What matters to Ranka, of course, is whether Alto’s listening, and he actually is. And enjoying the music, even!
Seeing his smile fills her with energy and she redoubles her efforts. Nearby, Grace has her wicked face on: seems like the given situation is a very important factor in boosting her Emotional Index. Even as the “training” stage’s coming to an end, she’s still collecting mighty fine results.
Kouichi’s really having fun, but the same cannot be said for the rest of the guys: they’ve been assigned to work backstage and are scrambling to get everything ready for the idol contest up next. Why’s Alto all mad for? Kouichi even saw fit to coincide his break with Ranka’s show…
That’s hardly the point, though, and Alto tells everyone to get to it – time is short. The stage is already set, thanks to a worn-out Kenji, but Boss tells him to suck it up. At the very least all the upcoming eye-candy’ll make it all worthwhile… Kouji’s a bit disappointed there’ll be no swimsuit completion, mind, but the live concert and all makes up for it!
Ichitaka only wishes we could also have had Sheryl here for this, and asks if Alto’s heard anything of her. Not really (it’s not like they’re a thing!), but Kouichi heard that she turned down our invitation.
Details are sketchy but it seems she’s done singing. Alto can’t help but wonder what happened.
: O-Okay! Following Ranka and Eida’s pulse-pounding show, it’s time for us to kick off the LOTUS Idol Contes-gck! My tongue…!
: Stay calm, Kouichi!
: Hah, he’s having a bit of a hard time up there.
: Takes experience to handle it, I guess… What about you, Vestanu? Something wrong?
: I see neither hide nor hair of Rebecca… I was hoping we could all take this rare opportunity to relax but…
: We haven’t seen her either… Actually, Lulu’s gone too. You don’t think…
Some time later…
: Next up is contestant #8: Rebecca Catherine! … Who?
: (You’re being rude, Kouichi!)
: (When I agreed to this, I did not think I’d be subject to such public disgrace…)
: … She’s from the Daichi Maryu, I’m pretty sure…
: Do you know her, Athrun?
: She’s a Darian woman who works at the ship’s bridge. She seldom has a chance to step outside, so not many of us have had a chance to speak with her directly.
: Oh, wow, Athrun. How’d you manage to keep track of everyone like that?
: It’s nothing major, really. I just figure that’s the kind of stuff I should remember.
: Hm…
: Well, any CO has to pay attention to the folks around him. That’s just Leadership 101, you know.
: 101, huh… I guess Misato and the others are just as amazing, then.
: Um, moving now… It’s contestant #11: Miu Kujo!
: (Miu… I can’t believe you let Domyoji and the others talk you into this…)
…
: Huh? She’s not coming out?
: Maybe the clothes were a bit too much for her…?
: What did you do, Domyoji?
: Hey, now, don’t look at me like that. As the leader of the Hayase Corps, I just had a little something readied – all to boost team morale, you see. But it was all up to her whether she’d go with it or not.
: Domyoji… you bought those clothes for Miu? O-Oh! Here she comes!
: I-I’m Miu Kujo… And while Eida and Ranka are a tough act to follow, I figured I’d sing something of my own…
: (A nurse costume… God, just kill me now. But if this’ll help me catch Kouichi’s eye, then…)
Whistle
: A n-n-nurse—?!
: Don’t be distracted, Kouichi! You pervert!
Slap!
: Kouichi has a nosebleed… That’s a sign that a new finishing move is incoming!
: It doesn’t work like that! (JP wiki says this is a joke on Da Cider and Queen Sideron)
: Yow, I think that’s a bit too intense for Kouichi…
: Furuya?! What’re you doing here?!
: They let all the Hayase Corps tag along to help with the show, ya know. Took the time to apologize to Shinji for all the crap I gave him, too.
: Really? That’s great to hear… Wait, “all” the Hayase Corps? Does that mean Risako’s here too?
: Yeah, we came in together from her place. Something’s been off with her today, though.
: Should I examine her? I might be able to help.
: Sure, I’ll take you to her.
: Eerr, next is contestant #14: Lulu Arges… Hey, that’s Captain Lulu, ain’t it?!
: Lulu?!
: Take a look at this, everyone.
: It’s… origami?
: It kinda looks like… the Daiku Maryu?
: The Minerva and the Macross too!
: These were sent over by a group of kids. I don’t really care about the contest, but I wanted everyone to see this. There are people everywhere rooting for us, and that’s something that might slip our minds as we fight all these enemies.
: Lulu…
: Sorry, I know this isn’t the best time for this kind of talk. But we still can’t let ourselves forget that we’re never alone, even when things are at their hardest…
:bravo: :bravo: :bravo:
: (Psh, you and your pretty speeches… This was supposed to be my show, and I just got one-upped before even getting out there.)
: (But… that’s what makes you the captain of the Daiku Maryu. I guess I can concede this one.)
The D Team’s touring the mall, but they can hear the party going on nearby. Actually, why isn’t Aoi taking part in the contest? As she reminds them, she used to be a model before all this (not that Kurara ever read those magazines, mind), and figured having a pro join in would go against the spirit of the thing.
That’s fair enough, but Johnny reminds the other three that they’re supposed to be stocking up on stuff. What about him, then? He’s already wrapped up his part, so he’s free to relax over lunch. Well, that’s our resident high-octane businessman for Kurara - efficiency is his middle name.
Sakuya, Aoi and Kurara take off to finish their assignments and head back to the party.
Not long after Johnny sits down, Eida walks on over and asks to speak with him for a bit. That’s fine, but what surprises Johnny is that she apparently knows him by name. How come? Well, last year there was this big time ad campaign she had her eye on, but the whole gig got swiped from under her nose by another agency. Oh. Johnny didn’t expect her agency to have been his competition back then.
Eida confesses that it was annoying to be blindsided by another idol taking her spot, but couldn’t exactly be mad over the girl simply having a better manager. Still, she wanted to know who was responsible and searched the internet for a name: she got both that and a picture to match it, so that’s how she recognized him right away.
Whatever the case, since he’s here, does that mean he’s with LOTUS? O-Oh, no, he’s just the caterer. Alright, Eida won’t question that… though she does wonder, does he always wear those glasses? Pretty much, but he often takes them off for big, important moments.
He’s got them on now, so that means this isn’t one of those times, Eida figures. Maybe they can change that, though.
: Whew… it’s finally over. Who knew MCing could be so hard…
: Today’s experience may help temper your mind. Do not waste it.
: You take this way too seriously, pops. I just wanna grab something to eat and head straight to bed…
Door opens.
: There you are! I brought cupcakes, Kouichi!
: Oh, you got the best timing in the world! Thanks a bunch, Risako!
: And I need to hand these out to the others, too. You’ll lend a hand, right?
: Huuh?! Why me…?
: BECAUSE, while I don’t know what you’re doing in this LOTUS, you still had me worried sick.
: B-But…
: Here you go, mister. I don’t know much you’ll like it, but give it a try!
: !!
: (Such a lovely lass…)
: Fine… Guess I’ll take some to Quatre or whatever.
Door opens again.
: …
: Ah…
: …
: Ya… jima…?
: We need to talk, Kouichi – elsewhere. Risako, you and Jack Smith wait here for a bit, please.
: Hm…
: …
: … What’s… What’s going on?
: I heard what happened to you… How, after my death, you joined JUDA and LOTUS…
: And I’ll be the first to admit that you’re doing a lot better. But is this the Champion of Justice you wanted to become?
: What the hell… Where have you been…?! If you were alive, why didn’t you at least call to let us know?!
: This isn’t about me!
: !!
: I’ve also heard of what LOTUS has been up to, stopping the war between the Earth and PLANTs, defeating the Jama Kingdom and Darius Army.
: But, tell me: what is all this partying for? There are still tons of miserable people across the world, the battle is still ongoing! And you say you’re Champions of Justice… Do you honestly think them having all this fun is just?!
: I won’t deny that I was an idiot before, and that you died because of that…
: But so much has happened since then! For one, I’ve also come to realize that even breaks like this are important…!
: Do you think this is a game, Kouichi? How can I trust someone as weak-kneed as that to take care of Risako?!
: Much as you might say you’re a CHAMPION OF JUSTICE, it won’t mean jack if you can’t actually save the entire world!
: …!
: You don’t have to push yourself to do this anymore. This wasn’t supposed to be your fight to begin with. I don’t need you to avenge me, either – just quit the Linebarrel and go home with Risako…!
: Enough! What’d you think you know, huh?! How many towns have been burned to the ground, or how many people have been hurt or killed?!
: This isn’t about revenge, and it’s been ages since I’ve stopped fighting because of that!
: Think this through, Kouichi. It was the power you got that killed me, wasn’t it? Something like that isn’t capable of saving the world!
Stumbles!
: !!
: Wh… Why are you fighting? And what did he say about killing…?
: Emi, Risako?! What’re you doing here?!
: We were looking for you two… Then we heard your voices, so…
Wrrrrrrr! BOOM!
: The enemy…? You see that, Kouichi? LOTUS hasn’t the time to be having fun!
: And this isn’t the time for a lecture, either! Take Risako and get outta here, Yajima!
: I-I… gave him the Linebarrel’s power…
: Don’t just stand there, Emi! We got stuff to do!
: Emi Kizaki… You’ll be coming with me, I’m afraid.
Grab!
: Aah?!
: What’re you doing, Yajima?!
: Yeah! Let her go!
: Just forget about all this, Kouichi. Leave, you and Risako…!
: What are you up to, Yajima?! Wait… you’re not…!
: Apparition!
Mission 26 – Individual Wishes
: …
Yajima flies across town.
: He’s not with LOTUS, I suppose. Ignore him, Dilos, at least while he does not stand in our way.
: Show yourself, Iczer-3! Your end has come!
: Eida, you’d best stay at JUDA’s shelters! You’ll be safe there!
: Johnny…
: I’ve to go!
: What was the hold up for, Johnny? Figured you’d straight-up turn that lunch into dinner while you were at it?
: When it’s time to scramble, you’ve to be ready to go in twenty seconds tops. Wasn’t that what “Men’s Hotblooded Soldiers Monthly” said?
: My apologies. I promise I’ll make up for the annoyance!
: Alright, I’m here! Who called me?!
: There you are, Iczer-3. I am called Golem, the strongest warrior in the universe…
: Iczer-3, she’s another of Neos Gold’s four generals! Be careful!
: (So that’s where Nagisa Kasumi’s at. And with that in mind…)
: Don’t you run from me, granny! What gives?!
: Be patient, Iczer-3! You can’t let yourself play her game – she’ll turn up eventually!
: I know, Nagisa-1!
: Yajima! Give Emi back!
: Kouichi… why won’t you listen…?
: Are you for real…?! It’s Yajima piloting that thing, and he’s now a Factor…?!
: We’ve footage of what happened. He summoned that Machina – the Apparition – and took Emi Kizaki.
: And that’s the Stray Machina we tried capturing way back…
: After it killed Yajima in its rampage, it was recovered by the Katou Organization, which means…
: That he’s with them…?!
: That’s right. It was Katou Hisataka who made me into the Apparition’s Factor, and, in exchange, asked me to capture Emi Kizaki – something I now see as being the right thing to do.
: I dunno what kind of lies he’s been feeding you, Yajima, but nothing that guy does is the “right thing”!
: What happened?! We were all so happy to find out you were alive, and this is how our reunion plays out?!
: …
: Troops, the Cthulhu are making a beeline for Iczer-3! And since Emi’s still trapped aboard the Machina, you’re forbidden from shooting it down!
: Everyone forward! Attack!
Mission Objective: All enemies destroyed.
Mission Failure: Any battleship, Iczer-3, Linebarrel or Apparition destroyed.
I could send people up top to chat with Yajima, but that’d be a waste of time and resources. He won’t even come after us! So, we’ll just divert our forces south to clear out the Cthulhu – same as usual.
: You three ready? The civs might’ve been evacuated, but that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear! We’ve to clear out the enemy ASAP and make things safe for them all!
: Well, someone’s gung-ho today.
: What’s up, Johnny? Something good happen while we weren’t looking?
: I’m afraid I can’t tell you. I want those beautiful memories to stay safely within my heart.
: Something’s off with him. Think he ate something crummy?
: Who knows? But I think we all agree that the quicker we end this, the better.
: Let’s get to it, and make it a good one! You never know who might be watching!
When turn two rolls over.
: C-Captain, we’ve Cthulhu reinforcements! And it’s the Iczer-3’s sister model!
: I see her, Arthur. It’s been since the battle with the 7th Angel…
: …
: Hm? But something feels different…
: It seems she’s not as certain as before in regards to fighting. Did the Nagisas’ words get through to her…?
: We’re ending this today, Iczer-3!
: I don’t wanna! Nagisa said we could be friends, so you stop this!
: To Hell with you! I can never again show my face to Lady Neos unless I end you! Come and fight, Iczer-3!
: Aah, you stupid girl! If you’re gonna be like that, then fine!
: Oh, no…! I need to stop this – they shouldn’t be fighting!
: I’ll help! Let’s go!
: OK!
Secret Alert!
Make use you kill Atross with Iczer-3.
She’s exactly the same as before and won’t even recover HP, so it shouldn’t be hard. It’ll take her a while to get here, though, so we’ll just hang back and keep building morale.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXGJPdoXJh0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUb9LEpW4vU
Oh, and now we can see the “weaker” of Daiya’s weapons. Every single Gaiking the Great trick has a DK!
: If I can’t talk you down, then I’ll slap you around ‘til you get the message!
: Rant while you can, Iczer-3! That cheeky mouth of yours’ll be permanently shut soon!
Kill enough stuff, or when turn 3 rolls over…
: The Katou Organization!
: Urgh… And there’s Wufei with them, just like Quatre said.
: What are you doing, Factor of the Apparition? Wasn’t your mission to capture Emi Kizaki?
: Sorry, but the situation wouldn’t let me just pack up and leave.
: Did you answer your question?
: … I did.
: Save the talk for later. We’ll cover you, so hurry back to the commander (If your secret points are low: “Enough faffing about. This is our fun time, so get going already.”)
: Roger that. Pulling back.
Yajima starts retreating across the map.
: Yajima, stop!
: Give Emi back to us!
: Oh, no, you ain’t dealing with him. We’ve been looking forward to this for all this time we’ve been working in the shadows, see.
: We’re not about to be beaten by people who fight for reasons like that!
: Ooh, what an intense boy we’ve got here… But we’re 100% serious today! This is all to make our ideals a reality…!
: It’s clear that we’re stuck with them…! Then hold nothing back and let’s get to it!
: Bring it, Katous! You’re gonna get an eyeful of how much we’ve grown since our last fight!
Off we go again. Word of the wise: start moving your guys up top now (in hindsight, maybe even have a couple head that way even before this happens), because soon you’ll have ample reason to dash up there.
While that’s going on, though, we’ll deal with Atross now that she’s close.
: There should be a warm spirit somewhere within her like Nagisa said!
: And, in that case, the key to all this’ll be Iczer-3! If we can just get them to talk, Atross might also realize that!
: Everything you do reeks of doubt. Do you seriously think you can win against us like that?
: I’ve no doubts! None! I will destroy Iczer-3 today!
: And who are you to say anything? How soft you’ve become, so obediently following the orders they give you. Where did all your pride go?
: Whaaat?! You better not be calling me a lackey, because I’ll make you take that garbage right back!
: Only way I can ever come back to Lady Neos is by destroying you all…!
: Helping her cause is my entire purpose in life!
: Is that really true?
: What?!
: You could live your life anywhere, no? It doesn’t have to be with the Cthulhu.
: Th-That’s not possible! I was created by Lady Neos, so of course I must live for her!
: …! What’re you doing, Iczer-3?! Why are you not attacking anymore?!
: Because I want us to stop. This fight isn’t fun!
: What?!
: And more important than that, you know about the Iczelio, don’t you? Give it back to me!
: I told you before: I don’t know! Now fight me, damn you!
: No! I don’t wanna do this anymore!
: Idiocy! Take battle away from us, and what would we have left?!
: Plenty! There are tons of other good stuff out there!
: She’s right! Even today, I thank my ancestors for giving me a chance to have a life beyond endless battle!
: …
: I ain’t gonna say that a brawl here and now can’t be kinda fun, but there’re a bunch of others ways to have a good time!
: U-Urk…
: Atross, please, stop!
: !!
: Listen to us, Atross. You two shouldn’t be fighting. You’re a mirror of Iczer-3… That makes you pretty much twin sisters, no?
: Huh…?
: No, I… I’m Lady Neos’ daughter!
: I can feel it, so I’m sure you’ve noticed it as well. The only one happy that you two are fighting is Neos Gold herself!
: She’s the spawn of Big Gold, so she’s been telling you lies to get you to kill Iczer-3!
: …
: Why don’t we all fight together, instead, Atross? Please!
: I can grant you that wish.
: The Cthulhu general!
: How did she get there?! None of our sensors pinged anything…!
: Nagisa Kasumi, I now take you to Lady Neos’ side!
: !!
: Get back!
: AAAAH—!
Bloop!
: Nagisa!
: I’m detecting a distortion in space-time! That was… a warp beam?!
: Hrm, that meddling pest got in the way. Still, Nagisa Kanou is Iczer-1’s partner… she should satisfy Lady Neos just as well.
: Nagisa-1…!
: She protected me…
: Why…? That girl, Nagisa, and Iczer-3 the other day… why would they both willingly throw themselves into the fire…?
: I don’t understand! None of this makes sense!!
: The Cthulhu warrior’s withdrawn from this airspace! Her signal’s gone…!
: Tsk… Slipped right through our fingers…!
: Focus on the remaining enemy forces, troops. Clean them up ASAP!
: Roger that!
Two turns after the Katou guys have arrived, Yajima will reach this spot and then…
: This is Apparition, I’ve reached the evac point. Thanks for the backup.
: Yajima, wait! Hand Emi over!
Kouichi charges waaay into the Katou mob!
: Stop right there!
: Out of MY WAY!!
: Hmph… you self-proclaimed Champion of Justice… I applaud how strong you’ve gotten.
: That said… victory is ours…!
: …! The Machina with Emi’s gone!
: Meyrin!
: I’ve got nothing! Our sensors are out!
: He blew himself up so the blast would jam us… Son of a bitch…
: God DAMN it!
: Boss…! You bastards killed him!!
: Dmitri sacrificed himself for his beliefs, Sawatari!
: Shut your mouth, traitor! Screw the mission – this is now personal! Raaaaaaargh!
Casts Valor, Iron Wall and Focus.
: I can feel his anger from back here…!
: … It’s like he’s turned into a demon bent on revenge.
: But we’ve no time for this. Let’s wrap it all up quick!
And that’s the problem. As good as Kouichi might be, being right in the middle of the Katous might be dangerous for him – especially if you haven’t upgraded him decently. The good thing is that Sawatari is likely too far away to get to him this turn, so you’re not at an immediate threat of his valored attacks.
With the 50% upgrades I’ve given him, Kouichi is more than good enough to handle this. His Prevail’s already pretty high, too, so once it kicks in, pretty much on the bosses will get decent damage in. Just do your best to have your folks up top by the next turn, because by then all the enemies will likely have converged.
Other than that, it’s the same fight we’ve had before, only the enemy’s actually weaker overall after losing both Dmitri and Jack. Sawatari won’t recast his spirits, so just have someone protected get rid of his Valor.
: Duo may have joined you as well, but that does not mean the world will change by your group’s hand alone.
: And if you cannot focus enough to rescue a single kidnapped woman, then you stand no chance of winning the true battle that’s to come!
Wufei: “Power isn’t just… However, justice without power is impotent!”
: I just can’t bring myself to get into this… Playing backup for a kidnapping’s kind of a crummy mission, so maybe it’s because of that…?
If your secret points are low:
: At long last, I get to toy with you again. Oh, how I was looking forward to this day.
Like I said, once Prevail gets going, the mooks all consistently hit for just 10 damage.
: While we were comrades in the past, you ought to not expect any mercy! Such is how I forge my mind and soul… Forgive me.
: Well, haven’t you gotten a lot stronger while we weren’t looking.
: Still, it wouldn’t be any fun killing you otherwise. I’ll let you off the hook for today!
: What did you people do to Yajima?! Tell me!
: You’ve the wrong idea, I think. He’s still the same guy you knew – we didn’t do anything.
: Bull! I don’t buy that for a second!
: The Yajima I know would never do something as rotten as kidnap someone! The Yajima I know… is just the coolest guy!
: (Even with all that’s happened, you still want to believe in your friend… I can’t help but envy your purity.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iglrsZdSBr8
More Daiya destruction!
: … I hope we’ll see each other again, LOTUS. And Kouichi Hayase…
: …
Low points:
: Unfortunately, it seems our long-awaited playdate’s at an end. I suppose I’ll just hang back and wait for Yajima’s report with bated breath…
: Sorry, boss… I wanted to get payback for you, but it ain’t happening…!
: Dude, I gotta fight you again…? How many times is that now?
: Be it one, ten or a thousand times, it matters not! I will always be true to what I believe!
Duo: “For just how long are ya gonna stay on that side, Wufei?!”
: … Nothing came of this. I pray that our battles aren’t all for naught!
: If that’s what you think, then ditch them already…
: That won’t happen, though… He’ll follow his heart ‘til the very end once he’s made a decision. That’s the kind of man he is.
: All enemies confirmed destroyed, no signs of straggling troops.
: What about Emi or Nagisa? We got anything on them?
: No…
: What am I gonna do…? My sis left her in my care… and I screwed it up…
Here’re the convos we missed:
: I was so happy to hear that you were alive, Yajima, but now you’re with the Katou Organization?!
: Come with us! It’s not too late, man!
: I say the same to you, Ichitaka. Get out of that robot, and you and Kouichi can go back to your regular lives.
: Damn it…! You’re sounding just like Yuu! Then I’m just gonna have to bring you in by force!
–
: Thanks for taking care of Kouichi while I was out, Quatre…
: But you’ve done enough; I’ll take care of him now. You should get back to your actual mission.
: What do you mean by that…?!
: …
–
: Kouichi, I told you to take Risako and leave! Why won’t you listen to me?!
: Because you took Emi! Whatever your reasons, that’s going too damn far! What happened to the Yajima I knew?!
: That attitude is why I say you’re weak-kneed! If you fancy yourself a Champion of Justice, then you can’t afford to hesitate!
: Shut up! How am I supposed to just look the other way when my friend’s getting in bed with evil?!
–
: I’d rather not hurt my old friends if I can help it… Can’t you just back off without a fuss?
: Well, isn’t that kind of you. How about you first hand over Emi, and then I’ll back off?
: I can’t do that. I’ve a duty to fulfill the mission given to me.
: Then I guess we’re done chit-chatting! Put up your dukes and let’s get to it!
–
: I’ve had it up to here with all you grannies doing your thing! We’re taking Emi right back!
: Don’t make promises you can’t keep, girl! I’m afraid you’re in for a major reality check!
–
: I heard that they’re putting the finishing touches in our plan… So this mission will succeed, even if it takes my life to make it so.
–
: Let’s get this party started! Anyone who wants to die can step right over!
: Sawatari, our orders are to play back up for the Apparition. I can appreciate your eagerness, but keep your head in the game.
: Hah, there ain’t gonna be anyone to hound the guy if we wreck them all! That’d be A-OK with you, no?
: Oh, I suppose you’ve a point. We’ve been hunkering down for so long… I could stand to cut loose a bit myself!
This, Iczer-3 and Dmitri’s lines, of course, are only if you fight them before Yajima takes off.
–
: What elegant moves, those – like a beautiful flower. I think you’ll make for some good fun.
: Hah… I may fly like a butterfly, but I sting like a bee. Don’t take me seriously, and you won’t live to regret it!
–
: We finally see each other again. Well, you’ve a dose of agony that’s long overdue. Do try to scream as best you can, yes?
: It’s always the same with you…! But if you think you’re going to walk over me, you’re in for a surprise!
If I had to guess, these Soubi lines are low point-exclusive.
Back at Ishigami’s office, it seems clear to our folks that Nagisa’ll be taken to the Cthulhu HQ, home of Neos Gold. Problem is, says Lulu, we still have no idea where the place is actually at. The PLANTs and Frontier folk have been searching since the battle with them started, but found absolutely zilch. We’ve no way of tracing them, either, so Micchi ponders that we might have no choice but to simply wait for them to make their move.
But what about Emi? No clues either… that is, until Rebecca calls in and tells Vestanu that the kidnapper’s sent a message over! Indeed, it’s Yajima and he asks that we show this to Kouichi: Emi’s safe, and if he wants to have her back, then he needs to come, alone, to the specified location.
Rachel runs the coordinates and finds a desert island in the Sea of Okhotsk. Despite the meeting with Emperor Darius being legit, Cathy thinks we should expect this one to be an actual trap. Lulu agrees, knowing how eager the Katou Organization is to nab the Linebarrel. First things first, Misato summons Kouichi over.
Cut to Shangri-La, seems that Kouichi’s taken them up on their offer as Masaki pings him headed towards the target area. Katou imagined we’d agree – that’s how LOTUS is.
He sets out, both to see to Dmitri’s funeral and to meet with Kouichi at the spot. Masaki’s to handle the rest.
Wufei’s along the way and Katou asks if he still hasn’t changed his mind on all this – the Organization IS trying to take over the world. Is that something he can imagine himself doing? “I admit that there’s a difference between the words you speak and what I felt in your gaze,” Wufei says. “On the other hand, said gaze is still the same as when we first met. So I will easily work with you to the bitter end.” Katou’s sorry to put him in that spot.
Their moment’s interrupted when Sawatari stomps over. He understands why Dmitri did what he did, but still needs an outlet for the anger boiling within him and wants to know when they’ll get another mission. Not for a while, actually, as Katou wants them to preserve their strength for a bit.
Sawatari isn’t happy that they’re doing that again, but Katou tells him to be patient: the final battle is nigh. With that, he leaves, though Wufei’s not holding his breath for Kouichi to give Katou a positive answer. And that’d be just fine, too.
: …
: …
: …
: Katou Hisataka… What did you do to Yajima…?!
: Nothing at all. Back when it all happened, the Apparition had lost its Factor and immediately set out to find a new one. It chose him.
: All we did was recover the unit, though it took a while for the D-S.O.I.L. to restore him fully.
: …
: Now, when I first extended you an invitation, you cited Yajima as your main reason for saying no. That obviously shouldn’t be an issue anymore.
: You’re asking me to join you again…?
: Oppression is a necessity for imagination to come into being. Struggling to escape from it is how imagination is born. And what kind of oppression would be best suited to play that part? That’d be death.
: That doesn’t make it OK to kill people…!
: I’m certain you’ve seen it plenty of times already: people who’ve given up on their imagination, who can only be protected by your group, who simply wish for things to stay the same…
: By its conquest of the world, the Katou Organization will purge such people. We’ll allow only those willing to struggle for their lives to give shape to humanity’s future.
: Those who’ve give up on their imagination are no different from Machinas, and do not deserve being protected.
: Give me a goddamn break…!
: Do you have any idea what’s it’s like to want to struggle but not being able to? Can you imagine being someone who can do nothing but simply cling to your dreams like an idiot…?!
: I can, because I used to be like that…! I was lucky to have been given this kind of power…! My idea of justice might be a whole bunch of nothing, but I still want to try to be a Champion for all those who are as powerless as I used to be!
: … I see. You may have Emi Kizaki back. I trust that’s fine with you, Yajima?
: Kouichi… do you really mean what you said? You are seriously trying to be an actual Champion of Justice?
: Yeah… I’ve been trying really hard since you died. I’ve done a lot of thinking, too.
: …
: Then let’s settle things one more time, Kouichi. Let’s close the book on our past!
: This power of yours is too much for you. Just turn back on this idiocy, damn it!
: I am a idiot, sure. But I’ve thought long and hard in my own idiotic way… and I’ve figured out what I want to do!
: I wanna learn to make better use of this power, so I can protect those that are dear to me… and to help those who can’t help themselves! That’s what my justice is about!
: But I’ve earned some power of my own. I can keep you safe again…!
: … I can’t go back to Risako anymore. So I want you to take care of her! Just leave the Linebarrel and move on!!
: Urk…!
: You don’t have to fight anymore. There are plenty of others who can do it for you… This is for your own sake…!
: “My own sake”…? Just come out and say the truth…!
: This has never been about me… The one you’ve really wanted to be safe, the reason you’ve always looked out for me…!
: It was all… for Risako’s sake!!
: Gah…!
: I can remember the day you died like it was yesterday…! “What matters isn’t what you should do, but what you want to do,” that’s what you told me!
: And what I want to do is be a Champion of Justice! What about you…? What do you want to do, Yajima?!
: …
: You’ve changed, Kouichi… Actually… in a way, you’re still the same person you were back then. It’s just as the dragon Gundam’s pilot told me.
: Huh…?
: Go. I’ve to think… about what I want to do.
: You won’t go with him? Will you come with me, then?
: I’m grateful for what you’ve done for me, and I helped you for it. But that never meant I joined your team.
: Heh… fair enough. Kouichi, Emi Kizaki is at a lodge over yonder. Take her and head home.
: I will…!
: He really has exceeded my imagination. We may even shorten Stage 2 thanks to that.
: … Take care of my sister.
Back at JUDA, Une’s just informed us that Djibril’s camping out at Orb. This info came straight from an infiltrated Preventer agent, and while they’ve gone through the UN to demand that they turn the guy in, there’s been no response.
With Cagalli still missing, diplomacy’s going nowhere fast. Much as she’d rather avoid it, if Orb’s set on giving Djibril shelter, then force may be the only available option. Thus, like with Heaven’s Base, Une figures LOTUS’s firepower to be essential for the operation’s success.
Misato concurs and will have our group set out as soon as we’re good to go. Lady Une apologizes for putting us in this spot, knowing how busy we are with Emi and Nagisa’s kidnapping, and thanks us for the assist.
As soon as she cuts the comm, AI Ishigami tags the Linebarrel coming back – with two Factor signals aboard. Seems like Emi’s safe, Talia sighs in relief. At least that’s one of the girls, so Misato’s glad we’re not looking at the worst case scenario.
Speaking of Nagisa, Golem has had her locked up in the meantime. Neos Gold is, indeed, happy with her success: even should Iczer-1 return, she’ll be severely weakened without her partner.
And considering how Iczer-2 sought Nagisa Kanou in the first place, and they were going with Kasumi as a replacement, this should be perfectly fine. Mommy Big Gold is sure to be elated when she hears of this as well.
As Golem’s dismissed, Neos calls out to Iczer-3: it won’t be long before Iczer-2’s fully recovered, and that will spell the end for her and all of humanity. Look forward to it. Ohohoho! Mwahahaha!
: Sorry, Risako. You shouldn’t have to help us clean up.
: No, it’s fine… Work helps get my mind off things…
: And I’ve some Chinese food ready for when you get worn out.
: Hm… thanks.
: Come on, chin up! Your cupcakes were a huge hit! They’re really good!
: Hrm… Waaahaaah!
: Risako…
: Why… Why would Yajima do something like that?! He was always so nice, always taking care of us…
: I’m sure there’s a good reason… And Kouichi’s coming back with Emi, so we’ll ask him about it later.
: Okay… then I’ll just wait here until I can speak to him face-to-face.
: Risako…
Door opens.
: Nagisa! They said Ranka’s about to go home!
: We also have to get ready for our next mission, so let the staff handle the rest of the clean-up. Let’s hurry on to JUDA.
: Alright, I’ll be right over.
Everyone else leaves.
: Hey, Nagisa… Atross was really born of the Iczelio, huh?
: Sorry for keeping quiet. I wasn’t sure, but I should’ve run it by you…
: But you were still right. We can become friends… and then we can rescue Nagisa-1 together. That’s how I feel, at least.
: You’re right, Iczer-3. I’m sure we can.
Swiiish!
: …?!
: Something wrong?
: …No, it’s nothing. Let’s get going, Iczer-3.
: Okay!
: (Was that one of Nagisa Kanou’s memories…? No, it was… her consciousness…?)
Ranka’s show was a big hit, though it’s a shame we gotta take off so soon after it. The girl’s more than satisfied with just cheering us up, though. Shinn just hopes he’ll get a chance to actually hear her sing next time instead of being busy working backstage. Fan Club member of not, that left him a bit sour.
Ranka’s surprised to hear that they were the ZAFT soldiers Nanase said had joined her club. As a matter of fact, Nagisa points out, pretty much everyone in LOTUS is a member. Ranka hopes the other Nagisa’s doing fine, and Alto promises we’ll bring her back in one piece as soon as she’s found. Trust him: he’s got a good luck charm for protection.
Well, as Kouji knows, Alto has a perfect track record of successful rescues, so that’s reassuring. Hyouma spots Brera leering Alto’s way, but notices that something’s changed a bit with him. Brera harrumphs that he’s just carrying out his given mission. Alright, then.
It’s only a shame that the rest of the crew couldn’t be here to see Ranka off, but she understands how busy we are. It’s already great that so many of them took the time to come over.
Michel laughs that they’re apparently the ones with way too much free time on their hands. Klan calls lies and slander, which reminds Ranka that she has something to give the Zentran woman: some video letters. Grace relates that they’re from Nyan-Nyan employees, as well as friends from Mihoshi and college. Klan recognizes the latter as the one containing the analysis of Sheryl’s medicine.
But it’s time for Ranka to get going, and she’s looking forward to doing this again with us; hopefully Alto’ll be free to see everything next time. As he tells her to say “hi” to Sheryl for him, Michel’s already off to call Alice.
Over by Klan’s room, the results are in: apparently Sheryl’s meds were receptor blockers, apparently part of an experimental treatment for some “V-Type Infection”. It can’t cure the disease, but it mitigates the symptoms. Side effects, however, include sporadic fevers, vomiting, cold sweats… precisely what Sheryl was displaying before.
In other words, Sheryl’s got that V-Type Infection and Alice asks if Klan’s file has anything on it. Not a whole lot: it’s a bloodborne pathogen, only a handful of people have ever contracted it, and it can be fully cured by a serum made from some creature… IF detected early. Sheryl’s disease is too far along for anything to save her.
Klan objects that research is still ongoing – this isn’t hard fact yet. Still, it is what it is and Michel doesn’t think it’s our place to tell anyone – especially Alto. Alice wonders if Sheryl knows, and Klan would think so: the video letters from their friends mentioned a rumor of how Sheryl was seen around their library’s medical thesis archives.
Should they really not tell Alto about this? Klan, as a woman, can imagine how much Sheryl must want to see Alto again as she deals with this. Which is precisely why Michel thinks he should hear it from her, not us. That said, there’s something we can do: wait for a chance to get back to the Frontier and, then, head on over as fast as we can.
: I am Emperor Darius XVII. The Giant you saw is my facsimile… Or perhaps it is best described as my castle.
: And I vouch for the Emperor’s words as another Earthling.
: So it WAS a trap!
: Father… I’ve come to welcome you when I heard that the King Darius had reached the surface… but, pray tell, why are you in the company of the Daiku Maryu?
: You filthy surfacers! I’ll slaughter the lot of you!
: Watch out!
: …
: What the hell?! Any way you slice it, you—
: What an intimidating visage… It sure deserves its title…!
: Take a look, dad! We’ll take Proist down and protect both the surface and the Darius World from her!
: What?!
: She can regen even other units?!
: We’re all here with you!
: Go, Lulu!
: Once more into the fray, Tenku Maryu…! We’ll carry on fighting until the Raiking’s run out of energy!
: Y-Your Highness!
: Does that mean…?!
: That the battle with the Darius is over!
: Hey, your dad’s a pretty stand-up guy, eh, Daiya?
: What… How can you think it’s OK for anyone to exist just for someone else’s sake?!
: Col. Katsuragi, we might want to consider a temporary retreat to reorganize…!
: Screw you! What I’ll do is back up Daiya and my friends all the way through this!
: The engine’s in the red! We’re good to go!
: Y-You’re not scaring us off…!
: Everything we did was for this day!
: You might kill us, but we’ll at least get one punch in on you!
: Proist, wait! I’ve recovered the remains of your late father!
: Why… Why?! I was born to be Empress…! I am the greatest being of all…!
: There’s no end to this! What’re we gonna do?!
…Ah?!
: He’s finally found his dad… Ah, that’s just the best.
: Yes… I’m so happy for him…
: … Risako.
: We’ll be reaching our rendezvous point with ZAFT soon.
: H-Hey, Kenji… Maybe be a bit considerate…?
: …
: Still, Rep. Athha worked hard to try and make things better. You know that, I’m sure.
: The Minerva and LOTUS are here… Get to work, Yuna Roma. Just stick to the plan… you don’t want to end up a loser in this conflict, right?
: O-Okay…
: Of all the idiotic… You’d sacrifice an entire country just for your self-protection?!
: I suppose our hands are tied, then; it’s too late for us to indulge his farce.
: Lord Djibril… I’m taking Relena back!
: …
: What’re my troops doing?! If this doesn’t change, and soon, Orb will…! Aaah, what do I do…?!
: (Father, I…)
: Cagalli…
: Cagalli…!
: But we couldn’t well let you run off by your lonesome.
: How stupid are you that you’d charge into a battlefield battered like that? Die…!
: Oh, no, you don’t…!
: The Skygrasper?!
Sorry for butting in like that.
: Haaaaah!!
: The gnawing pain we felt that day isn’t something we wanted anyone else to experience…
: That is his wish. And I’ve granted him a new blade with which to make that wish real.
: Seems our deliveries are all done. What now? Do we tag in as well?
: Roger that. Pulling back!
: We’ve new heat signatures on approach! Searching database… we’ve a match!
: ?! It’s the group we were after…!
: Come, LOTUS… Show us how much strength you can still muster after exhausting yourselves.
: …
: Data collection complete… As we feared, the technology applied to those units is…
: We’ve no idea what they’re after, so don’t go too crazy, Kenji!
: He’s right. Our main concern now should just be Orb’s safety!
: Oh? They managed to stop the D-Converter right before it ran amuck…?
: So, you are saying that if the Angel falls to Earth, it’ll trigger this “Third Impact” and erase all of humanity…?
: That’s RIIiight! However! It is possible LOTUS could IMPEEeeed it!
: In truth, even the MAGI are giving this a 99% chance of failure… Can this plan of yours even be called a strategy?
: It does sound like a very dangerous plan… but it’s the only one we’ve got, it seems.
: This shelter won’t be doing us much good if that Angel falls here, will it? (
: Oh, then why do we need to stay here…? If the thing won’t help, then we’d be better off staying outside to watch the EVAs!
: Kick some ass, Shinji! You better save our world!
: Calculations are complete. Displaying the projected point of descent now!
: Detecting several heat sources on rapid approach! It’s!
: …
: She’s right. Clear a path for the EVAs!
: …
: The Angel’s confirmed destroyed! All EVA units are crippled.
: Well, I’ll be… A miracle actually happened.
: Aye, aye!
: The 8th Angel was eliminated. Very well done, Ikari.
: …Hm.
: There’ll be no more Angels.
: This world is… different. It’s not the world that was promised to you.
: We are truly sorry, but we only came across this information recently.
: Daddy’s Boy!
: …
: Um… you guys all pulled through a bunch of battles even before we started piloting the Dancouga, yeah? What did you do when you had to go up against an enemy that was way stronger than you?
: That said, it ain’t in us to just take another loss like that.
: So if there’s anything we can do to help us win, we’re ready and willing to run with it.
: Captain, the Fuji 
: And who’ll be left to protect the civs if we bail, idiot?!
: There’s LOTUS. All troops, engage and destroy them. So says Cmdr. Katou.
: Everyone hurry! The Katou Organization’s trying to install a Sphere at Misaki Middle School, it seems!
: “Sphere”, as in that thingamajig they put in Vladivostok?!
: I have been waiting, Dancouga Nova… Show me how much you’ve grown since joining LOTUS.
: Just what are they planning, setting a Sphere in a place like that…?!
: Yeah, I figured your unit would still feel a real bullet just fine, beam immunity or not!
: What’s going on…? It’s like I’m burning up…!
: My body… and my soul are on fire…!
: Power pouring through from my core…!
: This power…it’s what we’ve been looking for…!
: That’s the apex of the Dancouga…!
: Kch…
: They stopped…?
: The Hub Dynamo’s already online. Retreat, Masaki.
: Hold me to the edge of the galaxy!
: Yes, she is! There’s this glow in her eyes that I don’t see often…!
: Wow, has it been half the show already?
: Ssshh. This is Ranka’s show, so I don’t want to stand out. And, as you can see, I’m doing just fine. Relax and have some fun, would you?
: Don’t worry… I just got a bit dizzy. And, whatever the case, I am not singing any—
: That sound was!
: SHYAAAAAAAA!!
: Michel… Are you still not going to give me an answer?
: Emotional level: -7.3…
: Is this mess your doing?
: Ur…gh…
: It was still undergoing maintenance, so its frame’s pried wide open! We could try reassembling it on a hurry, but…
: Hrgh…! Quit yelling… I hear you just fine…
: In the meantime, we’ve to clear out the remaining Vajras in Island 1 and keep the people safe!
: Oh, Mishima? We’ve already finished transferring all governmental functions to the Battle Frontier. All that remains is leading the offensive from there.
: Hmph, is that all…?
: Well, how do you do, LOTUS… and Kouichi Hayase! It’s been ages!
: Acknowledge mine and Reiji’s justice…!
: You appear to be struggling, warrior of the Cthulhu.
: We’ve run out of time. They are Moon WILL’s vanguard.
: Aoi!
: Absolute Hurricane…!
: We’ve gathered enough data. Retreat, Kiriyama…
: …
: Are we going, F.S….?
: Keep at it all the way, guys! We know you can win this!
: Team D, and LOTUS! Surely this isn’t all your strength amounts to!
: Show me, heroes of the Dancouga… Show me that you can truly be this world’s saviors…!
: … You don’t have to sing if you don’t want to, Ranka.
: Yeah!
: You’re not killing her!
: Why are you attacking us?! What are you after?! If it’s bullets, then I’ll give you your fill!
: We’ve confirmation! Island 3 has been purged! T minus 1 minute until Little Girl is detonated!
: An excellent job, Little Queen. What a difference 11 years make, hm…?
: If you feel that way, then come with us and help rescue her.
: Hmhmm, that’s how you can take responsibility for what happened.
: Alto…
: (I’d lost both my parents at a very young age, so the only family I had left was my sister Yuriko.)
: Kouji, I’ve finished the Mazinkaiser’s maintenance at long last! Quickly! Board the Kaiser Pailder!
: Easy there, Hayase! We’re not going down from something like that!
: So those are the Mazinkaiser and the True Great Mazinger… The data didn’t do justice to their magnificence.
: Should I deploy and collect data directly?
: … I am 
: … Could I ask you for a full explanation? Why have you proposed this alliance as abruptly as you have?
: My friends, now is the time where we must pool our strength against the enemy from the other universe.
: Then I guess that’s that. I look forward to working with you guys… especially with these cute boys.
: You’re free to try, but only after this battle’s finished…
: …
: … Have you nothing to say about this, Sawatari.
: And with this data in store, you should be fine even when faced with viral weapons targeting your D-S.O.I.L.
