Click to see the mission!
And we are back, the HP-prioritizing AI helping Hyouma secure a more comfortable lead as our top ace. Goh and Iczer-1 aren’t too far behind, though.
Regarding Skill Parts, I saw fit to teach Daiya guard just because, Ichitaka’s been getting fed Infights since all but Maser Eye are melee attacks and an extra Support Defend to capitalize on his barrier.
Upgrades: Kaikink’ll pass his stuff to the Gaiking once we get Daiya some good parts to combine with, so he gets a boost in everything he’ll need. Hyouma, Ichitaka and Goh get extra EN, Boss gets some extra survivability and accuracy.
Oh and one thing I JUST found out: be careful when upgrading the Mazinger since, according to the JP wiki, it won’t relay its upgrades to the Mazinkaiser after Yumi stops dicking around and fixes the thing.
I suppose it MAKES sense, since it’s not the same mech but…
We’ve 8 slots available for the next mission, so here’s how we’re going:
Ichitaka/Miu
Jeeg/Kyo
Kouji/Yagyuu
Yamashita/Tetsuya
Iczer-1/Shizuru
Goh/Mira
Combattler/Deceive
Daiya/Boss
I put Daiya and Boss together since they don’t have TOO much HP to get focus-fired over Hyouma and Goh, and Boss’ squad bonus and EN Regen will make a good fit. Despite my original thought, Iczer-1’s hand-beam attack isn’t melee like Ichitaka, so she wouldn’t benefit too much from Boss’ bonus…
Now for the mission.
At JUDA’s hangar, the resident scientists tell Ichitaka that they’ve gotten some results from Grife’s painting. Mind you, they’re still getting details but they can give Ichitaka and Alice an outline of what’s in there. That’s great news as it might give them a clue to find the professor – even the Dannar Base team hasn’t located him.
As for the contents of the painting, Rachel says it includes both a blueprint for a combat-oriented AI and some upgrade plans for Alice herself. “Upgrades? Will it give her some machine guns or missile launchers and stuff?” Ichitaka wonders.
Actually, things like those ARE depicted within the upgrade plans, but it looks like Grife nixed the whole project halfway through. Regardless, Maki wants to continue analyzing the painting , having only hand-picked staff dealing with anything that could yield us a clue about Grife’s whereabouts. Ichitaka and Alice are fine with that and grateful for the help.
Of course, Rachel is so very interested on Grife’s research, so it’s hardly an issue to her. Alice in particular wants them to speak with her as soon as they’ve more insight into the painting’s data – she might be able to use those combat AI plans to boost her usefulness to the team if they can find a way to integrate them.
If that’s what she’d like, Maki promises to let her know, but our attention is diverted to Izuna walking in: Yamashita is calling Ichitaka. It’s time for his usual drills and Alice says her temperature is good enough that she can take part in it some – no problems at all!
By Ishigami’s office, he’s just received a call from Quatre. How’s life as a middle schooler going? Still getting used to it – he’s been getting pushed around some. Ishigami sighs at them teens behaving like a pack of wild animals. Regardless, how’s Kouichi? Being an oddball – to put it nicely – as he’s been going around, acting like the biggest deal since sliced bread.
Ishigami’s heard about it, how the kid’s been taking to proclaiming stuff like “I am justice incarnate! I have been REBORN!” Plus, Quatre reports that, under that banner of justice and spurned by his newly enhanced strength as a Factor, Kouichi’s taken a violent turn.
Ishigami isn’t too surprised that suddenly getting a whole lot of power got him all too overexcited. At the very least Quatre reports that we should be thankful there hasn’t been a need for him to summon the Linebarrel again. As for Dr. Kizaki’s daughter, Quatre reports that she’s been staying at Kouichi’s place and Ishigami’ll be picking her up soon – he promised to, you see.
Meanwhile, Quatre will continue with his work. As he signs off, Yui asks if it’s really alright for them to let Kouichi run loose. Indeed, Ishigami wants to wait for a bit longer: “let’s see what kind of changes he and the Linebarrel’ll bring to this world.”
And at Misaki Middle School, Kouichi is booored. The Katou Organization hasn’t attacked since last time, meaning all these new superpowers are being totally wasted here. Quatre walks in and greets him; Kouchi greets the transfer student back… er, what’s his name again? He still hasn’t memorized it.
Kouichi apologizes but, you know, he’s busy being a CHAMPION OF JUSTICE and all that. But never mind that, did Quatre do his math homework? How about letting him take a peek? Quatre wonders if the self-styled champion should do something so unchampionly but Kouichi just tells him not to be such a stick-in-the-mud. Fine, fine, Quatre relents - that’s what makes him a legit friend!
Some time later, Furuya walks in and demands Shinji follow. And he better not give him any backtalk OR ELSE. As they run off to the roof, Kouichi’s had enough: “This looks like a job for a CHAMPION OF JUSTICE!”
Once again, Furuya’s hungry and wants some curry bread. Shinji groans that class is just about to start – meaning he better hurry up and get back in time, then. Shinji argues that it’s impossible and Furuya figures he didn’t get his message about backtalk.
He doesn’t get to punch the kid some, as Kouichi runs over and tells him to cut it out. Furuya promptly tells him to piss off as he’s got not time for folks who can’t even do simple errands. Or did Kouichi already forget about offering to grab him that curry bread and never coming back?
Kouichi points out that a lot of stuff happened that day but Furuya doesn’t care. What he DOES care is that Shinji stop wasting time here and go buy him his food already! Making it back in time for class isn’t any less impossible now but Kouichi steps up to handle it: he’ll go and be back with the thing in 5 minutes.
Cut to five minutes later and, on the dot, Kouichi’s back. How the hell? He must’ve had already bought the thing! Well, why doesn’t he take a bite and see? Indeed, it’s still warm. Damn, Kouichi’s a kickass gofer!
“Aw, ya know. I just had to put a little bit of ‘oomph’ into it and… wait a minute, why am I playing gofer?! The hell’s wrong with me, using my brand new superpowers for crap like this?!” Kouichi’s other shoe drops.
Furuya doesn’t like his attitude – Kouichi’s thinking he’s hot stuff just because he’s gotten a bit faster eh? Not just: “I’ve gotten my hands on some superpowers just to punish pieces of crap like you!”
Furuya fumes at the cheeky gofer but Kouichi says he’s not that anymore – he’s been reborn! Things are about to come to blows when Yajima kicks open the roof’s door and tells Kouichi to cut it out. Just what’s been going on with him lately?
Kouichi thanks him for trying to stick up for him still but it’s not needed anymore – he’ll handle this. Furuya tries cheapshotting Kouichi while he’s distracted but, warned by Shinji, he dodges and counters for a one-hit KO.
Just in time for the school bell to ring, too, so Kouichi calls the very grateful Shinji back to class. While Yajima’s quietly bothered by his friend’s new lot in life, Quatre concedes that Kouichi IS being a champion for the weak. But still…
Class eventually ends and Kouichi couldn’t be happier – now he can go and catch up on Kivaider, his favorite show (sentai, by the looks of things). Risako isn’t about to let him run off, though, as she’s heard of his scuffle with Furuya. Well, dang, he’s actually surprised word got around. It ain’t easy being a big time champ.
Risako says everyone was shocked when they heard: wimpy Kouichi went and took on his bully. That was nothing short of a miracle. Hey, now, didn’t Kouichi himself say before that he had a lot of power just waiting to awaken? There it went.
Well, Risako’s finding it more weird than anything else – it’s like he’s a different person. Doesn’t Yajima think so too? Kouichi doesn’t let him answer, saying Yajima already knows what’s up: he’s been reborn. Risako doesn’t quite like feeling left out of whatever secrets they’re hiding.
Speaking of being left out, Kouichi wonders what happened with Ichitaka. Yajima says he’s been gone since the day Kouichi went all CHAMPION. Didn’t he notice the absence of a classmate until now?
Kouichi sniffs that it ain’t his job to keep track of who is or isn’t around – he’s way too important for that, see. Risako doesn’t like his big head but Kouichi isn’t listening, running off to see his shows.
Risako wants to come with and Yajima follows, Quatre tailing behind.
By Kouichi’s house, he tells Risako to stop following him and head over to her home. Does he need to be so unfriendly? He could invite her out to tea or something. Or, even better, she could go and bake some of her traditional cupcakes. Nope, Kouichi’s doesn’t want any.
Yajima tells him to drop the attitude, especially since Risako’s just being nice. Besides, didn’t they always like her cooking? Kouichi stomps that, again, he doesn’t want any… and Emi opens the door, wondering what all this yelling’s about.
Kouichi explains that he’s being hounded, though Risako’s too startled to see this new girl to care. Kouichi introduces her as a classmate and Emi politely does the same, explaining that she’s staying at Kouichi’s place.
As these things tend to go, Risako gets the wrong idea: they’re living together? In that case, when Kouichi said he was “reborn”, was he talking about…?! Her dread only grows tenfold when Emi says “mother” asked her to buy some stuff for the house.
“OK, OK, take a deep breath, Risako. Maybe she’s Kouichi’s relative or something…” Risako thinks to herself. She’s about to ask what Emi’s relationship with Kouichi is when an explosion erupts nearby.
Quatre rushes over, telling everyone to bail: the Katou Organization’s back. How does he know who those guys are? He says he’ll explain it all later but it’s too dangerous to stay here – he grabs Kouichi and his friends to get as far away as can be.
Inwardly, Quatre notes that LOTUS has been called and should be coming. He needs to keep an eye on Kouichi now.
Mission 5 – Red Impact, Blue Terror
: Come out, come out, wherever you are, Linebarrel!
: …
: You seem displeased, Wufei. You do remember that the Linebarrel’s Factor, Kouichi Hayase, is in this town, right?
: And I’ll carry out my mission accordingly, so spare me the reminder.
: So long as we’re clear on that. We’ll lay siege to this down and force him and the Linebarrel to show themselves.
: No way in hell a “champion of justice” like him would hide out while his hometown’s burned to the ground, see!
: Kouichi Hayase… Now is the time for you to prove how truthful your ramblings about “justice” are.
Beep!
: Mind you, there is a second prey you’re luring today.
: Another? Which one is that?
: The Dancouga.
: So that the Earth may be saved…
: Hm…? Commander, who are those people?
: They’re not affiliated with us but our goals are the same. Once the Dancouga’s shown up, they’ll handle the rest.
: Our goals are “the same”?
: Hah… though I don’t think they agonize over their choices as much as you do.
: Psh, more surprise guests? That’s the sorta thing you tell me about before we set out, Hisataka.
: I apologize for that but, please, worry only about securing the Linebarrel.
: Fine, fine. I guess it ain’t a problem if I still get to tangle with Horns!
: …
: What is it, Wufei? Do you find fault with our methods of bringing him out in the open?
: Way I see it, there ain’t no problem with killing some idiots who can’t even imagine ways to survive!
: Besides, even if they did survive, they’d just find even worse stuff waiting for ‘em up ahead. Them dying here is kinda a blessing, really.
: Wufei, do you remember the talk we had when we first met?
: Stop talking. Keep going and I might decide I should just kill you.
: I care not about what your organization’s goals are. I simply imagined your actions were necessary to the world – that’s it.
: Cmdr., give the order to carry on the offensive, please.
: I guess we must, Masaki. Another volley, my friends.
: Bah, I really wish you’d let us cut loose some more. OK – light ‘em up!
: Aaah!
: Over here, Risako! Hurry!
: That’s… Wufei?!
: (I didn’t think he’d come back to Misaki again. We haven’t heard from him since he infiltrated the Katou Organization… Could he have…?)
: (No, he’s attacking but is trying not to hurt the civilians. He’s carrying on fighting in his own way…)
: Kouichi, don’t just stand there! I know you like robots but it’s too dangerous to stay here! We need to run right now!
: Kouichi, are you…!
: (…! He’s going to summon the Linebarrel?!)
: …Emi.
: I’m here.
: My town’s under attack. What kind of Champion of Justice would I be if I didn’t do something about it?
: I know. But if you fight like you did before, you’ll only cause more damage.
: Yeah, I hear ya!
: …Then place your hand on my chest.
: O-OK…
: W-Whoa, Kouichi! We’ve got a little emergency here – this is not the time for that!
: Risako, we need to get outta here right now!
: Wait! No, lemme go! Kouichi!!
: Come, Linebarrel!
: I can handle this on my own. Find someplace safe to hide, alright, Emi?
: OK…!
: There you are, Horns!
: You will not humiliate us a second time.
: You’ve got some nerve to run a train on my town like that! I’m gonna end you guys in the name of JUSTICE!!
: Your strength is nowhere mature enough to be called “justice”! What you wield is an illusion, no different from random violence!
Alarm!
: Hrm? What is it?!
: Captain! We’ve numerous heat sources moving in on us!
: Tch, those LOTUS guys decided to crash our party!
: Still, it was only a matter of time before this happened. Ignoring them would just mean a future headache.
: Hey, Linebarrel! Do you hear us?
: We’re on the same side! Why don’t you join LOTUS and we’ll fight for justice together?
: No way – I’m the only one who’s Just around here! You’re all evil and I’m taking you down!
: I’m… evil?
: Yo, what’s your problem, calling us evil?! So, what, you don’t want or need any friends to back you up?
: Shut your trap! You even got that weird-looking Gaiking to try and trick me! But I’m not stupid enough for that to fly, ya phonies!
: Where do you get off, guy?!
: This ain’t working – he’s not even listening.
: Kouichi, we’re not phonies! Just talk to me for a bit!
: Ah, the fake Ichitaka. You must be running outta ideas if you’re going with that trick again!
: Damn it, just listen for one minute!
: I’m guessing the only way we’re bringing that idiot in is with brute force.
: Hm. This calls for some bitter medicine!
: Hold on, now. Kouichi’s just a bit too hyped up with his newfound strength.
: I think he’ll be more willing to listen if we get rid of the Katou units and give him a second to calm down. So your orders are to avoid attacking the Linebarrel as much as can be.
: The president’s right. All things said, he honestly just wants to protect the weak.
: Eh? Who’re you?
: Ah, that’s Quatre – a Preventer agent keeping tabs on Kouichi, meaning he’s also part of LOTUS.
: My name’s Quatre Raberba Winner – pleased to meet you all. Apologies for the belated introduction but I’ve been undercover all this time.
: Yeah, yeah, pleased to meet’cha and all, but are ya 100% sure we can trust that boy, Kouichi?
: I—
: Got something on the radar! This signal is… the Dancouga!
: The Dancouga! And I’m guessing you’re also not going to accept my justice. Well, I did warn you before… I’ll be playing for keeps today!
: Hey, LOTUS. We’ll be helping you folks out.
: We’ve been seeing each other a lot, huh? And we never even went out of our way to buddy up with anyone.
: But, whatever. Good to be working with y’all… huh?
: The hell?! Where’d that come from?!
: No data on that mech – affiliation unknown!
: But it kind of looks like the Dancouga…
: What’re we dealing with here, Tanaka?!
: Hmm… That’s not any model I’ve seen before…
: And these readings show it’s got the same generator as the Dancouga? How is that possible…?
: Are you serious, Seimi?!
: Hey, what gives?! Why’d it start attacking us?!
: Hmph…
: A red Dancouga… Guess that’s another enemy for us!
: Not just the Katou Organization but this thing too, huh?
: Ishigami, those guys helped us before, so I wanna—
: Help them back today, right? Then we’re on the same page. Off you go, ladies and gentlemen.
: Sorry to drag you folks in this. And good to be working with you!
: Then we’ve our orders, people: assist the Dancouga and destroy all the Katou units but don’t attack the Linebarrel!
: Roger that, Goh!
: Okey-dokey! Here’s hoping we’ll be getting back to JUDA with that thing in tow!
Destroy everything without losing the Dancouga Nova. I’m guessing Kouichi’ll just heal up if you go for him, so I won’t.
First order of business is getting some morale on the Katou guys before turning our sights on the midbosses.
??? (???)
Pilot Skills:
Sword Cut
Counter
Prevail L2
Support Attack L1
Mech Features:
Sword
Stealth – activates over 130 morale, granting a 30% chance to dodge anything not packing Strike.
One thing to note about ??? is that she’s got a nasty Range Down debuff on her Absolute Hurricane attack. That’s range 2-6 and, if it’ll halve anyone’s own range if it connects – seeing how most of our guys can’t hit too far away, that’ll leave you with a bunch of point-blank and 1-2 attacks, so be careful.
That Stealth can catch you by surprise but she’s not too dodgy. Do try to evade her attacks whenever possible.
Everyone’s moving on ahead, our land-bound units hopping across the bridge. The Dancouga’s just in enough range to attack a few things.
And that’s an easy kill. Packing Alert, Aoi manages to dodge the survivor’s counter.
Enemy Phase!
Now this is interesting: ??? will auto-cast Mercy every turn. She won’t kill anyone but, of course, being left at near-death when near a bunch of hostiles = a dead unit. Watch it.
And, of course, she’ll always prioritize the Dancouga.
: Who goes there? You a Dancouga copycat or something?
: …
: Don’t suppose you could at least tell us who you’re working for, eh?
: …
: Talk’s not getting us anywhere, I think. Then if it’s a fight you’ll want, it’s a fight you’ll get!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fGaA5i38f0
???: “None of you understand the point of this battle!”
And she stopped the Dancouga’s counter by draining pretty much all its range… Worst, I might’ve overestimated the bot’s hardiness. Aoi ends the turn with little over 1500 HP but scores another 2 kills!
Only other battle was the lone Arma that tried to take on Iczer-1 – he barely lived.
Oh, and Kouichi’s making a beeline towards us.
Player Phase!
At least Boss can heal Aoi up to full.
Let’s start clearing stuff up.
Easy.
Daiya, Jeeg and Ichitaka pick off weakened targets one by one.
Oh, and I forgot to show off Goh and Mira’s combined attack last mission, so let’s rectify that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtxTf0jYWxY
Shippuu! Souren— wait, wrong blue bot.
Following that, Aoi oneshots this guy.
Enemy Phase!
??? guns for the Dancouga again but Boss and his debuff immunity are playing defense. As Aoi shaves off some 5k HP off our mystery guest, Dmitri tries sniping at Ichitaka.
Too bad for him, we’re much better at it. Plus, Miu’s barrier pretty much makes the Rushbird invincible.
This tag-team also downs two Armas that figured they could test the veracity of that statement.
The AI’s set on keeping Hyouma at the top, two Armas kamikazeing against him and giving a level in Prevail.
You’re funny.
You’re lucky she can’t hit too good at range but that’s still 70%.
Mind you, the next one who tries isn’t as lucky.
The hell are you up to, boy?!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb-1qKwmIFM
Kouichi: “You Gaiking knockoff!”
Taking damage: “That’s nothing! I’m gonna regen that in just a sec!”
Enemy Phase!
Let’s get this thing off our hair.
: You’re looking like a legit speedster, but I now got a way to deal with that!
: Come on, my beautiful boobies! I’ll grab you real good!
: …?!
: Just what’re you after? You better not expect me to go easy if you’re helping the Katou Organization!
: …
: Giving me the silent treatment, eh? Or maybe you’re just a mute. Either way, doesn’t look like you’re backing off, so you better put up your dukes!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-tedeYJrJE
Here’s ???’s strongest weapon. Observe as the game goes from 0 to OBARI AS FUCK in the span of a frame.
Bring the red Dancouga below 50% and the pilot is seemingly satisfied with this – a bit more time is needed, apparently.
She runs off way too fast for us to follow and Kouji figures the pilot was just checking us out today. Ishigami’s quietly pondering this unknown Dancouga and figures he’ll need to question Tanaka about it later.
Katou’s a bit miffed at how easily the red Dancouga backed down but figures it’s not his place to say anything.
Aoi, Ichitaka, Yamashita, Iczer-1, Shizuru and Goh each nab kills from the weakened mooks. They’re dropping like flies!
And I remembered I hadn’t shown off Hyouma’s Twin Lancer!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeAR8_Kit5c
Enemy Phase!
What’s your beef with him, Dmitri?!
Uh, oh. I didn’t mention it before but Sawatari is quite the accurate guy.
He got 24% against Iczer-1 and that was enough for the RNG. Still, she’s still got half her HP left and he got hurt plenty from the counterattack.
Also, Iczer-1 kills a mook.
Ichitaka takes four (!) and I’m starting to wonder if the Katou guys have a vendetta against him after that previous run-in. Either way, it gets Mazin Power running.
Which is bad news for Kouichi, gunning straight for Kouji. He and Yagyuu make the kid regret it.
Player Phase!
Away with you.
And boom. Kenji gets a boost to Prevail.
Dmitri can’t handle being the focus of all this firepower and has to evac.
]Extra hit from Iczer-1 to tenderize and Sawatari’s out.
No cool kicks since Sawatari has plot armor.
He’s pissed that he needs to run off.
]Wufei’ll have to wait a turn, so, meanwhile, we’ll see the dynamic finisher of Shizuna’s creepy hand thingamabob.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcUd1YXaHkM
The last mook goes down by Kouji’s hand, mind.
Enemy Phase!
Here he comes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QICdfDL7Bs4
That’s a violation of Super Robot etiquette, you sumbitch!
Player Phase!
You’re gonna get it now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mesp0MFhicI
I don’t quite see the “shot” bit, but alright. Also, Goh and Mira get a Prevail level.
Wufei knows that his current methods won’t amount to anything, however much time he wastes on it. Still…
: The Katou Organization’s dealt with, Kouichi Hayase! Let’s talk a sec!
: Yes, please come with us to JUDA!
: Our group needs yours and the Linebarrel’s strength!
: You just don’t quit, do ya? I told you: everyone but me is evil! So I’ll be wrecking the Katou Organization and you too!
: And just how do you figure you’re a “CHAMPION OF JUSTICE” with that kinda attitude, stupid?!
: Don’t! Call! Me! Stupid! You couldn’t even get the paintjob right, you phony, so shut up!
: Uurgh, you huge dumbass!
: Kouichi…
: Mr. Ishigami, we can’t even get a word in with this guy!
: Well, shoot… guess my prediction was way off base. Then we’ve no other choice, ladies and gentlemen: disable the Linebarrel and bring it in.
: Heh, I figured it’d come down to this. A punch is the best way to get a point across!
: I…I have to attack Kouichi?
: It’s the only way. Please understand.
: But…!
: (Ichitaka…)
: Judging by the data we’ve gathered, the Linebarrel’s regenerative abilities are a lot better than the other JUDA Machinas. Its output’s seemingly dropped since the start of the battle, but you should still be very careful!
: What about us? Wasn’t our original mission to keep the thing safe?
: It was but… there’s been a change in your orders just now. You’re clear to engage.
: Uh-huh… then it’s alright to let LOTUS take the Linebarrel?
: Eeh, we’ll make that call when we get there…
: I guess that’s for the best. It’d be very ungrateful of us to start firing on LOTUS after they helped us.
: I agree. Besides, this mission’s turning out kind of exciting.
: Alright, let’s get to it, then!
: Are you not capable of telling what’s right from what’s wrong?!
: I’m justice incarnate! Anyone who won’t accept that is EVIL!!
: You’re wrong. Humans hold both justice and evil within their hearts - that’s what makes them whole. And what you’re doing is coming from nothing but the evil part of your heart!
Iczer-1: “That’s enough out of you! Stop now!”
: You ready, Izuna? Go and give this big dumdum a real scary nightmare! Once he’s out, we’ll drag ‘im off the Linebarrel!
: Ready whenever, Shizuna. I’ll harden my soul if that’s what it’ll take to secure the Machina!
Izuna: “Please stop fighting this instant, Kouichi!”
: Why would the Linebarrel ever choose a stupid guy like him as its Factor…?
: Who’s stupid?! I’m a Champion of Justice!
: That’s not a title you can give yourself! The fact you don’t get that fact is why I say you’re stupid!
Yamashita: “I’m not about to get beat by an amateur Factor!”
: Go back to how you used to be, Kouichi! We’re friends, aren’t we?!
: Quiet! You’re impersonating Ichitaka and I’m done listening! Get away from me!
–
: Please, Kouichi, let’s talk! We shouldn’t be fighting each other!
: Piss off! If you don’t wanna fight, then don’t! I’m the Champion of Justice and I fly solo!
: I see… then you leave me no choice! This might get a bit rough but I’ll be bringing you in!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz2C_d9H7Cc
Miu: “Stop! The way you’re fighting, you’ll destroy everything around you!”
Kouichi: “You’re also here to jack my Linebarrel, I know you are!”
Ichitaka: “Kouichi, what the hell are you doing?!”
: Ganging up on me, eh… Too bad for you, justice doesn’t die!!
: This isn’t good, sis!
: Damn it, regenning like that’s cheating!
: Come on and try your luck again, evil bots!
: What are we supposed to do now…?
Beep!
: …You’re going too easy on him.
: Aah?! That voice is—!
: Reiji!
: The hesitation in your attacks is as clear as day.
: But the Linebarrel’s pilot is Ichitaka’s friend and…
: That doesn’t matter. Right now the Linebarrel’s no different from a terrorist wreaking havoc through town… Meaning you show no mercy!
: Wh-What are you—
: If you can’t bring yourself to fight, then just sit there.
Reiji moves after Kouichi.
: Did have your fun, Factor of the Linebarrel?
: Whaat?!
: Because your game of make-believe ends here. I’ll be bringing the Linebarrel to JUDA!
: B-Bite me! Who’re you?!
: Reiji Moritsugu, Head of JUDA’s Special Forces.
: That guy’s who Yamashita was talking about…?!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnQtJG3m1OE
: Gwaargh! Damn it!
: You should realize the difference between us now. Surrender the Linebarrel.
: This power’s mine! I’m not letting anyone take it! Never!
: (He’s already recovering the damage received. He’s better than I thought…)
: I… I am a CHAMPION OF JUSTICE! And I’ll never be beaten!
: …
Slash, slash, slash, slash!
: H-Hey, don’t you guys think that’s a bit too much?
: Yeah… he’s not even trying to hold back.
: The Linebarrel might be able to regenerate from that, but the Factor won’t last for long…
: That guy… he’s like a demon…
: Stop! STOP! He’s gonna die!
: Y-Yajima?!
: This isn’t Kouichi’s fault! It was just an accident that got him to find that thing!
: Shut up! You… what the hell do you know about me?
: !!
: You don’t understand how I felt, being so weak and useless…! Have you any idea how miserable I was, having to watch as someone else protected the girl I liked? Hell, how I, myself, needed to be protected by that person even?! Do you have any idea what that’s like?!
: Then… Then, this is because of me…?
: But, now, I’ve been reborn! I’m strong now! I’m a Champion of Justice! Why are you all against me?!
: Why won’t you accept me?! I’m the one who’ll protect this town!
: I’m the strongest one here! Say it! SAY IT! Haaaaaah!!
: I’m strong! I’M THE STRONGEST!
: …You still want to fight? In that case…!
Target!
: Stop!!
Power dooooown.
: The Linebarrel’s turned off? Why…?!
: Please, stop, Kouichi!
: E-Emi…?
: …
: Why did you stop me?! I was just about to win!
: Kouichi, is flaunting your power all you want to do? Didn’t you say we were going to defend—
: Shut up…!
: Huh…?
: You shut your mouth! Just sit there and let me protect you, damn it!
: Kouichi…!
: Ah…!
: You’re… despicable!
: Looks like he can’t get the Linebarrel to move by himself.
: Kch…
: That’s the end of that, Kouichi! Ain’t no reason for you not to throw in the towel, nice and easy!
: Fine. You just want the robot, right? Then take it! I don’t care anymore!
: Yeesh, he’s still giving us attitude?!
: Well, I’m gone!
Off he goes.*
: Urk, he ran!
: His speed is surely on par with the other Factors…
: Kouichi…
: Hrm, this would’ve been so much simpler if he didn’t run… I was about to ask him to join the team.
: What, that huge dumdum? No, thanks! Look at what he did to the town with that tantrum!
: Hm. His isn’t the best personality, that’s for sure.
: Mr. Ishigami, I’ll go after him.
: Hold on a sec – I’ve another job for you first. Dr. Kizaki’s daughter is around here, right?
: Yes, she’s with me, actually.
: Then bring her over to JUDA, please. She’s quite the VIP, you see.
: That’s no problem but… couldn’t it wait until I found Kouichi?
: Oh, you don’t need to worry about him. I’m sure he’ll be coming to school tomorrow like nothing ever happened.
: How do you figure…?
: Because I’d wager that’s one of the places he feels more at ease after getting his new powers.
: If you say so…
: Well, that ended in a hurry.
: Easy come, easy go, right? And more important than that…
: Yeah, the red Dancouga. Tanaka was acting like he didn’t know anything about it but…
: But today we’re going to make him spill the beans.
: Right. I, for one, am sick of being kept in the dark.
: See you guys around, LOTUS. I had fun today!
: Oh! There goes the Dancouga…
: Didn’t you say you wanted to shake their hands, Ichitaka?
: Kouichi… you…
: Ichitaka…
: Hey, hey, can you go and bring the Linebarrel over, like, lickety-split? I’m just bursting with anticipation!
: Well, you heard the lady. Transport it here ASAP, alright?
: Roger that. Back to base, troops.
: (Whew, Reiji’s finally back… that’s a load off my shoulders. And, damn, that attack he did there was so strong. He really is amazing…)
Seeing how ??? runs off at half HP, I couldn’t get all convos with her:
: I’ve absolutely no data on this one. Exercise caution, Hyouma!
: And it’s quite the speedy fella, too! We’ll be in hot water if we don’t watch it!
: Yeah, I’m on it!
: Who are you? Why are you after the Dancouga?!
: …
: If you’re not talking, then I’ll deal with you as I would the Katou units!
–
: Please, stop! Our team’s fighting in Earth’s defense!
: Hah… So am I.
: Fine, then. If you won’t back down, then I’ll stand my ground!
Back to JUDA, Ishigami properly introduces Reiji – Factor of the Vardant. As he, Kenji and Kouji glare at each other, Ishigami sighs at the heavy mood. Could we maybe lighten up? That’s difficult as while Hyouma and Daiya admit that it was our bad for not stopping the Linebarrel, Reiji certainly didn’t need to take things as far as he did.
Goh and Mira tell them to let it go, though, as SOMEONE needed to have done that – despite how heartless it seems. Ishigami points out that while Reiji was busy with special assignment and couldn’t meet up with us sooner, he’ll be leading our team starting immediately. Meaning we’ll need to do as he says.
“On my way back, I took the time to review your combat records; and while your individual fighting abilities are spectacular, your coordination is sorely lacking. With that in mind, tomorrow we’ll start training to develop that coordination – I want you all to be able respond perfectly and promptly to your allies’ actions,” he pronounces.
Hyouma figures the Combattler team has got that covered, what with them needing to sync-up their brain waves to combine. Unfortunately, no, Reiji says cooperating to work the same bot and coordinating with different units are two wholly different things – failure to realize that will get them an early grave.
Juzo doesn’t appreciate his attitude but Kyo suggests he let it go. Reiji orders everyone to gather here at 0800 but before he wraps this up, he calls Ichitaka. You see, he’s read his records as well and is concerned about the kid’s lack of experience.
Now, if that ends up getting Ichitaka killed, that’s his problem, but Reiji’s got consider that it might hamper the team’s actions. So, he’ll be especially tough on his training (Ichitaka stutters a confirmation).
As for Yamashita, Reiji thanks him for covering as interim leader for the Special Forces. It was far from a perfect performance but he’s satisfied with seeing that the guy’s grown as a Factor.
Ichitaka sees that the rumors of Reiji’s strict nature weren’t exaggerating but Yamashita is so very happy with his “praise”. Ichitaka really doesn’t get why he’s so giddy about that but whatever. Reiji’ll be setting up tomorrow’s training session around Yamashita’s Hind and the kid promises to give it 110%.
With that, Reiji leaves to write his report and Kenji sighs with relief – he thought he was going to pass out there. Saotome calls him a wimp, saying that in the regular army, you gotta learn to sit still while managing to relax. That said, Izuna does admit that LOTUS is quite livelier from regular squads –JUDA’s own share of liveliness notwithstanding, of course.
Kyo understands what he means: we are a rather unique team, in that while many of us are seasoned fighters, quite a few are still civilians. Maybe what Reiji is trying to do is get us in a more military fighting shape? Yamashita nods, saying Reiji is always thinking what’s best for us – oh, how he admires him.
“So, Yamashita says ‘far from perfect performance’ are words of praise… I’ll need to revise some of my data,” Alice ponders but Ichitaka says that’s just the guy’s own unique case. Mind you, Yamashita says it wasn’t that bit that got him oh-so-happy but the part where Reiji acknowledged his growth as a Factor.
Miu explains that Yamashita’s always worked so hard to make Reiji happy and Ishigami swears that while he has a very sharp tongue, he is quite kind. And Alice figures she’s also slated for his especially tough training as he was also looking at her when he said it. Ichitaka remembers that we still can’t let Alice push herself too hard, lest she overload again, so it’ll fall on him to pick up the slack.
Tetsuya’s sure he heard the Reiji Moritsugu name before and soon remembers: the guy’s a bit of a legend, beating a whole group of delinquents by himself a few years back. Folks would keep punching and he wouldn’t go down, earning him the title of “Immortal Miracle Man”.
Sounds like a real tough guy, thinks Kouji, but Tetsuya also heard rumors that Reiji disappeared for some time after he killed a man. Lies and slander, says Yamashita, and Tetsuya apologizes – rumors spread like wildfire, you know (Ishigami’s suspiciously silent).
Regardless, if those stories are true, Goh says we can at least surmise that the guy’s very strong. Not someone Boss would like to get into a brawl with, so he better not grumble around him. No problem, says Mucha, worst comes to worst, they can ask Iczer-1 to be their bodyguard!
“Now there’s an idea! And it’ll let me spend some quality time with Iczer-1, too… Whoohohohoo,” Boss grins. Iczer-1 isn’t listening, pondering the burden she spotted behind Reiji’s eyes. Boss also notices her beautiful, albeit distant gaze… ooh, he’s getting dizzy!
Iczer-1 ponders what burden Reiji could be carrying – but an incomplete being like her could never make sense of it. If only she were human… “Yo, are those distant eyes looking this way? Ooh, did she finally fall for my handsome charms?!” Boss dreams. “She hasn’t – chill,” Kouji shoots him down.
Daiya likes the idea of being a legend and wishes he could have people tell stories about him. Naoto points out that there ARE stories about Daiya. What, of him being a huge liar?
Well, yes, but that changed when the Darius actually showed up at the surface again. Now he’s kinda like a prophet! Eeh, that ain’t too great. Yui calls over right then, telling Ishigami that Quatre’s just delivered Emi. He’s off to see her, wishing everyone good luck in tomorrow’s training.
Our people remember Ishigami saying Emi was a VIP, daughter of some doctor, which begs the question to Chizuru: what was she doing hanging around that town, with no security?
By Ishigami’s office, he greets Emi and apologizes for not picking her up sooner but with LOTUS getting started, he’s been really busy. But how is doing, having just arrived from a different world and all? She’s fine, apologizing for the trouble she caused to the people of this world, even.
Ishigami says she’s done nothing to apologize for – Kouichi’s the one who ran amuck with the Linebarrel. Quatre also apologizes for not being able to talk Kouichi down but, again, no need. Ishigami figures people are likely to act unexpectedly when they get pissed.
More important than that are Emi’s memories, which were reportedly missing. She’s managed to recover most of them, except for the moment before she came to this world – something clearly happened, but she can’t place it. Ishigami tells her to rest and it’ll come to her in time.
Moreover, Dr. Kizaki went through a lot of trouble to get her over her and he swears to her that JUDA will make good use of the Linebarrel. But what about Kouichi? Ishigami’s sure Quatre’ll manage to convince him to join us. Indeed, Quatre’s sure he can be reasoned with.
Mind, Ishigami wants Quatre to continue to vet the kid – if he ever deems him to be unfit for the job, then JUDA’ll have to find a new Factor. Emi’s worried, as assigning a new Factor means the current one will die: there’s always only one Factor per Machina.
Ishigami would rather that not happen, of course – Kouichi just needs to realize the essence behind the strength he got. And despite the stuff he did, Quatre doesn’t think he deserves to die. He’ll get him on board.
Back at the Dancouga’s base, Seimi welcomes them all back. Normally the girls would go and soak at the hot springs to relax but that’ll have to wait – Tanaka has some explaining to do. And while Aoi and Kurara are both raring to play “bad cop”, Johnny isn’t really the type.
At the command center, they’re greeted by O-G, the bot, who says Tanaka left right before they arrived. Guess he knew what was about to happen.
Tanaka’s off elsewhere, reporting the red Dancouga’s appearance to one F.S. From what he’s gathered, the thing’s equipped with some optical camo and is pretty dang good in aerial combat… but only has a lone pilot, meaning it wasn’t designed to carry out the Dancouga’s original purpose.
F.S. seems to know about the thing, and dubs it the R-Daigun. All actors have taken to the stage now.