yay, finally!
Juka happily skips along the streets of Harajuku, with Riku struggling to carry her shopping bags from behind. The young girl stops and turns around.
“You’re so slow!†she pouted.
“You must… be… joking…†he panted, “Why can’t you carry some of this yourself? Or rather… why didn’t you asked Hiro to accompany you instead?!â€
“Hiro went to pick up Megumi and since Youhei wasn’t home as well, you were the only one I could get my hands on.â€
“Right… so where did Youhei disappear off to you say?â€
“Ah, there’s a store selling shaved ice!â€
“Don’t change the-“
Before the 19-year old could finish, he spotted three little boys picking on a little girl in front of a toy store. Meanwhile, Juka was already at the store ordering a bowl of shaved ice. Riku, without hesitance, approached the children.
“Stupid girl,†Boy #1 scolded, “You bought the wrong toy!â€
“Give us back the money!†Boy #2 demanded.
“But… but…†sobbed the little girl.
“Give it back now!†Boy #3 yelled.
The little boy was about to throw his fist into the little girl’s face, when the Aquarian grabs him by the forearm.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,†Riku warned.
“What the…?†Boy #3 muttered, “Let go of me!â€
After paying for the shaved ice, Juka was about to dig into it when she noticed Riku arguing with the little boys. She quickly makes her way over.
“This isn’t interesting anymore,†Boy #1 groaned, “Let’s go!â€
After the three little boys disappear out of sight, Riku squats in front of the crying little girl and places his hand on her head.
“It’s alright now,†he smiled.
“Thanks, Onii-chan…†she sobbed.
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SUPER SENTAI SERIES
Kaijuu Sentai Suiseiger
海獣戦隊スイセイジャー
Opening Theme: Resonance by T.M. Revolution
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Ocean 26: Bad Friends’ True Intentions / 悪友の本意
Siren enters the library where Tatsunoko usually hangs out or creates new Sea Demons for Davy Stone, spotting the humanoid seahorse standing in front of the concoction pot with a book in his hands.
“Funny,†said the seductress, “Davy Stone-sama is nowhere to be seen. He wasn’t in the throne room either.â€
“Isn’t that supposed to be a good thing?†replied the humanoid seahorse, “With Gills defeated, he would’ve thrown a tantrum at us.â€
“Heh, that’s true… what are you doing?â€
“You said you have a plan on how to defeat the Suiseigers and I thought I should come up with my own as well. Besides, I still owe SuiseiGreen… revenge!â€
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Juka, who has given up her bowl of shaved ice to the little girl, is now seen bidding goodbye to the little girl as her mother takes her daughter home. A smile came across Riku’s face, though it didn’t last long as he recalled something from his past.
FLASHBACK
Three little boys laugh cheekily as they pick on a little girl, who was playing with a doll. One of the little boys, a young Riku, snatches away the doll from the little girl, who is actually a young Juka.
“What an ugly doll!†young Riku chuckled.
“Give it back!†young Juka begged.
The little girl desperately tries to retrieve the doll from the little boy, who continuously evade her incoming hands and eventually kicks her to the ground after a few rounds. The little girl bursts into tears.
“Heh, here’s your doll back!â€
Young Riku slams the doll onto young Juka’s head and marches off with his two lackeys, who were laughing uncontrollably.
FLASHBACK END
“Riku,†Juka called, “Riku? Riku!â€
“Huh...?†Riku snapped back to reality.
“What’s wrong?â€
“N-nothing, I was just… thinking…â€
“Thinking about what?â€
“It’s nothing, really.â€
“C’mon, tell me!â€
“Ah, let’s get some crepe!â€
“Mou… don’t change the subject!â€
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“Thanks for coming, Hiro,†Megumi thanked.
“It’s nothing,†Hiro smiled.
Both Aquarians emerged from within the infirmary shack, with Atlantis City in the background. Shun watches as the two disappear into the gates of the city carried by a gigantic turtle. Many young Aquarians were excited to see them.
“By the way,†Hiro continued, “Do you know what’s going on with Youhei these days?â€
“Not really. Why?†Megumi wondered, “Is something wrong with him?â€
“I don’t know, but he has been avoiding us these few days.â€
“Hmmm, I’ll try to talk to him when we get back.â€
King Neptune greeted the two Aquarians when they arrived at the palace gates and the sea god leads them into the palace.
“What is it you wanted to speak to us about, Neptune-sama?†Hiro asked.
“It’s about Davy Stone,†King Neptune replied, “He hasn’t been causing trouble lately and I’m afraid that he might be planning something despicable.â€
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he was,†Megumi laughed sheepishly.
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Riku chills on a bench outside a pastry store, where Juka was busy browsing through the colourful varieties of cookies and cakes. Pedestrians were giving looks as the youth was almost buried underneath the shopping bags he was carrying.
“Riku-kun!â€
A familiar voice called out to the youth and it was certainly a voice he hasn’t heard in quite a while. Riku turns and spots Misaki running towards his direction, waving excitedly.
“Misaki-chan!†he gleamed.
“Long time no see,†she smiled, “Ah, shopping with your childhood friend I see?â€
“H-hey, don’t get any ideas. Her boyfriend wasn’t around, so she forced me into this!â€
“I didn’t even say anything…â€
Their conversation was cut short when a group of Piranharoids appear on the streets, wreaking havoc and frightening pedestrians who were shopping at the spot. Riku grabs one of the shopping bags from the bench he was sitting on and tosses it at a Piranharoid nearby, sending him to the ground.
“Misaki-chan, get to safety,†Riku ordered, “Juka, get out here. Piranharoids are causing trouble!â€
Misaki nods and evacuates the area immediately with the rest of the pedestrians. Juka emerges from within the pastry store afterwards and quickly drives her fist into an incoming Piranharoid’s face.
“Where did they come from?†Juka wondered.
“I don’t know, but do we need a reason to kick their butts?!â€
“Mou… why do they have to show up at a time like this?!â€
Riku delivers a roundhouse kick to a random Piranharoid’s face, followed by sticking out his left foot, kicking an incoming Piranharoid from behind. Meanwhile, Juka grabs a Piranharoid by the forearm and throws him into another Piranharoid, sending both foot soldiers to the ground together.
“Argh, there’s too many of them!†Riku complained.
“But we can’t transform just yet,†Juka exclaimed, “There are still people around!â€
At this moment, two mysterious figures effortlessly take down the entire group of piranha foot soldiers within seconds. Riku and Juka could only watch the scenario with a dumbfounded face as it was too sudden. Before they could digest what was going on, all of the piranha foot soldiers were already on the ground, defeated.
“What the… hell…?â€
The two mysterious figures turn around and reveal their faces to Riku, who reacts in shock and disbelief.
“No way…!â€
Standing before the two Aquarians were two young men dressed in a similar fashion to Riku: one of them was wearing an olive green shirt with a khaki vest over it, army cargo pants and black boots, while the other was wearing an olive green sweatshirt, khaki three-quarter pants and green sneakers.
At that point, Juka could tell they were Aquarians from the Orca Family. However, she noticed Riku didn’t look thrilled at all to see them.
“Long time no see, Riku,†said the young man with the khaki vest, “It’s been almost, what, 13 years ago since we’ve talked?â€
“And you’re still hanging around that Sea Lion Family weakling.†snickered the young man with the sweatshirt.
Finally realizing who they were, Juka quickly sticks closely to Riku from behind, clinging onto his left arm.
“I see you both haven’t changed that much, Takuya, Kengo,†Riku frowned, “And what are you guys doing here? You know you’re not allowed to be on the surface world unless you’re Suiseigers.â€
“You should know that the rules don’t apply to us,†Takuya smirked.
“Yeah, and stop pretending to be a goodie two shoes,†Kengo mocked.
“Whatever, guys. I’m going to report to Neptune-sama about you two.â€
As they were leaving the area, Tatsunoko was watching them from a rooftop above. A sinister smile fills out his face.
“Excellent. Just as according to plan.â€
===========================================================================
Youhei is sitting on the sands with a cup of coffee in his hand, staring into the horizons of the ocean ahead of him. The image of Shun carrying Megumi off into the distance permanently burnt into his brain like an incurable scar. The young man crushes the cup in until his hand was drenched in coffee.
“Megumi…â€
A mysterious figure approaches the brooding young man from behind, to which he turns around to see who it is as he sensed its presence, only to see nothing was there. Youhei shrugs off the thought and turns back to look at the ocean again. At this moment, he sensed someone’s presence again. The young man scrambles up to his feet immediately and grab hold of a young woman’s forearm, who turned out to be Megumi herself.
“Ouch!†Megumi cried.
“Megumi…!†Youhei gasped.
Youhei quickly releases Megumi and takes a good look behind her before giving up. The young woman rubs her painful forearm with a displeased look.
“What gives?!â€
“Sorry, I thought… never mind. What are you doing here?â€
“You weren’t home, so I thought I’d come find you.â€
“Right…â€
Youhei takes one more look at his surroundings before following Megumi back to the Takahashi Residence. The mysterious figure giggles sinisterly as he leaves the area.
===========================================================================
“SHUT UP!â€
Juka looks terribly frightened as she watches the young Aquarian and his former friends stare down each other’s throats, while on their way to Atlantis City.
“Aren’t I saying the truth?†Takuya smirked, “The reason you befriended that weakling in the first place was just to rid yourself of guilt.â€
“That’s not true!†Riku denied.
“What’s the matter?†Kengo teased, “Terrified that your past has finally caught up with you??â€
Before the youth could argue back, they were ambushed by Tatsunoko and an army of Pirahnaroids. Riku and Juka quickly switch into their fighting stances.
“Tatsunoko!†Riku snarled.
“SuiseiGreen,†Tatsunoko sneered, “This time, I will have my revenge for our last encounter!â€
“Heh, with four Aquarians including me this time, I don’t think so.â€
“Are you sure there’s four Aquarians on your side?â€
The young Aquarian didn’t understand what the humanoid seahorse meant, until to his horror, witnessed Takuya and Kengo moving over to the enemies’ side.
“Takuya, Kengo… you…!†Riku muttered.
“Sorry to disappoint you, Riku,†Takuya smirked, “But we don’t take a liking to people like you.â€
“Yeah,†Kengo agreed, “Besides, we’re sick of being the good guys. It’s not in our nature.â€
“What are you talking about… you’re both Aquarians!!â€
“And we’re sick of being goodie two shoes.â€
“Especially with people like you!â€
Takuya and Kengo’s bodies glow with a blinding green light. Next moment, they are seen donning armours similar to Bloodthirsty Kisame, only with an orca theme. Riku and Juka gasp at the unbelievable sight.
“HAHAHA!†Tatsunoko laughed, “This was a good plan, indeed.â€
“You…!†Riku snarled, “You corrupted them, didn’t you!!â€
“So what if I did? I knew I had to use your greatness weakness in order to defeat you!â€
“I won’t have any of it!â€
The young Aquarian pounces at the humanoid seahorse in attempt to strike him, only for his former lackeys to jump in the way and sending him back with their punches. Juka rushes over to the youth the moment he hits the ground.
“Riku!†Juka cried
“Urgh, I’m okay...†Riku said.
“You two,†Tatsunoko ordered, “Kill them both!â€
“With pleasure,†Takuya and Kengo smirked.
“Takuya… Kengo…â€
“Sorry, Riku, but this will be the end of the road for you.â€
Riku balls up his hand into a fist, clenching it angrily. As Juka is about to reach out her hand to him, the 19-year old throws his head up and screams his lungs out, frightening her in the process.
“Takuya… Kengo… even if… even if you’re both corrupted by Tatsunoko… what you did… what you did in the past… IS UNFORGIVABLE!!â€
“Die, Riku!!â€
The youth’s two former lackeys whip out their orca themed revolvers and fire away at the two Aquarians. At this moment, Riku and Juka insert their Aquatic Crystals into the Aquariser.
“Kaijuu Henshin!â€
An explosion occurs at their feet, but that didn’t stop them, as SuiseiGreen and SuiseiYellow leap through the smoke. Burning with anger inside, the green warrior dashes through the incoming blasts from Takuya and Kengo. The yellow warrior watches helplessly from behind.
“No way…†Takuya muttered.
“It’s like totally impossible to hit him…!†Kengo gasped.
“You’ve got to do better THAN THAT!!†SuiseiGreen cried.
SuiseiGreen leaps off the ground and lands a blow to his two former lackeys’ faces, knocking them both to the ground at the same time. Meanwhile, SuiseiYellow goes to confront Tatsunoko.
“Hmph,†Tatsunoko scoffed, “I’ve no time to deal with you. Piranharoids, get her!â€
The Piranharoids gang up on SuiseiYellow as Tatsunoko makes his exit. The 18-year old Aquarian summons her Ashika Gauntlet and upon wielding them, pounds her fist onto the ground, creating a shockwave.
“ARGH!â€
At this moment, Takuya and Kengo deliver a double kick to the green warrior’s back, knocking him forward and landing fast first to the ground. SuiseiGreen punches the ground in anger and arms himself with his Orca Tonfa as he struggles up to his feet.
“Not yet… I’m not giving up just yet…!â€
“Persistent bastard!â€
Takuya and Kengo fire another round of shots into SuiseiGreen’s chest, knocking the green warrior to his knees. SuiseiYellow, who has just finished off the Piranharoids, attempts to run to his aid. However, SuiseiGreen lifts up his right hand, stopping the yellow warrior immediately. Then, he proceeds to get up to his feet again, tossing his Orca Tonfa aside at the same time.
“The hell is wrong with…?†Takuya muttered.
“I’m going to show you both…†SuiseiGreen said, “…how much I’ve changed… over the years… not only that… I’ll snap you both out of it… with my bare fists…â€
“SHUT UP!†Kengo cried.
The two Orca Family Aquarians fire one more round of shots at the green warrior, who effortlessly catches every bullet that were flying his way. SuiseiGreen then opens up both of his fists, dropping all the bullets that he caught, to Takuya and Kengo’s horror.
“Damn it…!â€
“My turn!â€
SuiseiGreen holds up his Aquatic Crystal and crushes it within his fist, causing it to glow and soon his fist was engulfed in green light. Next moment, the green warrior looks up and charges towards his two former lackeys, letting out an angry cry.
Takuya and Kengo try to stop him in his tracks by firing their revolvers, but to no avail. The green warrior delivers a roundhouse kick, kicking the revolvers out of their hands and prepares his glowing fist.
“Orca Slamming… PUNCH!â€
SuiseiGreen stretches out his arm and drives his glowing fist into the two Aquarians, sending them off their feet and crashing into a rock nearby. At this moment, a group of Aquarian soldiers appear at the scene, led by King Neptune himself.
“Neptune-sama!†SuiseiGreen and SuiseiYellow greeted.
“I’ll take it from here,†King Neptune smiled, “Good job, Riku.â€
“I was just… just doing what’s right.â€
“Bring these two troublemakers back. A lesson needs to be taught.â€
“Yes, sir!â€
===========================================================
Rei and the other Aquarians were sitting in the living room, when Riku and Juka walk through the front door.
“There you are!†Rei sighed, “Where have you two been?!â€
“We were just…†Juka started.
“We were just hanging out!†Riku interrupted, “Like what we always do, right Juka?â€
“Eh? Ah… un!â€
“Is dinner ready yet?â€
“Nope,†replied the university student, “But since you’re both finally back, I’ll start on it now. Hiro, Youhei, Megumi, help me out.â€
“Okay,†nodded the three Aquarians.
While sitting alone in the living room waiting for their dinner, Juka looks over at Riku, who looks a little worn out. She moves closer and pokes his cheek, startling the 19-year old.
“Are you okay?†she asked.
“Huh? Um, yeah, sure…†he forced a smile.
“You don’t have to keep blaming yourself, Riku.â€
“Eh?â€
“Whatever you did in the past… it’s already over… so-“
Riku cuddles Juka before she could finish, wrapping his arms tightly around the young girl. Surprised at first, the young girl returns the hug.
“Riku, promise me you won’t think about it again…?â€
“I… I promise…â€
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Ending Theme: Sorairo Days by Nakagawa Shoko
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