01x04 - The Soldier With Love, Hibiki!

[bunniefuu]

[Tense music playing]

When was the last time

we had the Sacred Banquet?

[Yellow Keeper] Seeing that not just

the Senior First Rank Dragon Keepers

but also the Junior First Ranks are here,

are we going to have a change of members

after a long time?

[Green Keeper] That aside,

why don't we eat first?

I'm terribly hungry right now.

That's the usual for you.

[Himura] The last person has arrived.

[Red Keeper]

Good, looks like we're all here.

REWARD GOOD AND PUNISH EVIL

[Blue Keeper] Hey, Yellow.

Looks like you didn't educate

your mistress well enough.

She's late, and not even

an apology from her?

My apologies.

She always does things at her own pace.

Say something, damn you!

"Mistress"?

[Suzukiri] The relationship between

Dragon Keepers and their buddies

may vary in ways,

but now I see how you view your own buddy.

You act like some middle-school kid

who just entered puberty.

The hell did you say?

You jerk!

Stop!

Ouch…

The hell are you doing, Aizome?

Blue. The way you speak

and act is really horrible,

so you have to be a taciturn character

like we talked about!

- You stay back!

- [creature] Stop this, you fools!

What are you doing,

fighting with your own comrades?

You freaking idiot,

why are you acting so high and mighty?

- Mind your own business! You little…

- My lovable body is going to break!

Let's just leave it at that, shall we?

- [scoffs]

- [squawks]

Farewell!

[Red Keeper]

You, Yellow Junior First Rank.

What should you do

if you've done something wrong?

Everyone, I'm deeply sorry

to have kept you waiting.

- [scoffs]

- Good! Now we can get down to business.

Hear me out while you guys eat.

I messed up.

- Huh?

- What?

I think my Divine Artifact was stolen!

[Theme music]

Go! Go! Loser Ranger!

If you got your Divine Artifact stolen…

Isn't that really bad?

Don't eat my food!

R-Red! Is that true?

Yeah. It's probably taken

by the fighter I k*lled this morning.

[Red Keeper]

Thanks to him, I can't transform.

I'm even wearing

the outfit for the attraction show.

I don't like wearing this

since it gets stuffy.

A mere fighter managed to do that?

I can't believe this…

[Green Keeper] It's been 12 years already.

It completely slipped my mind that

there's a chance they could betray us.

However, if that fighter

didn't possess the Divine Artifact…

Could he have hidden it somewhere?

Or perhaps,

there's a possibility

that he has given it to someone else.

An utterly unforgivable act.

I shall bring down

the hammer of justice upon him!

[Red Keeper] There's not many who are

aware of the deal we made

with the monsters.

As a way to get our act together

once again,

- let's come up with countermeasures

- [Himura] One moment, please.

Yes, countermeasures must be taken.

But aside from that…

I believe you should take responsibility

for this major blunder.

You've committed a big mistake, Red.

And you still intend

to remain as a Senior First Rank?

Cut it! We're in a state of emergency

[Himura] And who's the one

who caused this emergency?

The Divine Artifact is the cornerstone

of the Rangers!

The last hope that protects humans

from monsters!

It's outrageous that it's been stolen!

You should resign from your position

as the Dragon Keeper!

[Suzukiri] So much for all that talk,

when you're the one who leaked

the information on the Divine Artifact.

Man, do I hate the adult world.

You're right.

[Red Keeper] It's just as you said.

I should resign as the Red Keeper.

- [gasps]

- Huh?

I know better than anyone

that you've been working really hard.

There's no rule saying

we should appoint in order of rank,

but I'll be glad to hand

the position to you.

Of course!

Ever since I saw Red Keeper in action

when I was a kid,

I've worked my way up here

with only that one goal in mind!

I can do it!

I'll protect peace

in a way that's different from yours!

In justice lies strength.

[grunts]

[Intense music playing]

[choking]

R-Red…

What's this? It doesn't look like

you're stronger than me.

Then it won't do!

You disappoint me!

Akabane! Stop!

[loud rumble]

[Red Keeper]

Right, my story was interrupted.

Well then, I don't mind

if you guys listen while we eat.

Shall we continue?

Delicious!

[Suzukiri]

So much for being the allies of justice.

[Blue Keeper] I don't like this.

I agree. I've lost my appetite.

- Not that.

- Huh?

Something bothers me.

I'll gamble on… this expl*si*n.

[Blue Keeper] Listen up, Hekiru.

This would be the worst-case scenario.

That fighter manages to get away alive

and escapes with Red's Divine Artifact.

The fighter has two choices.

Either he gets drawn

into the floating fortress,

or he gets swept away by the wind.

I'll search the fortress.

You calculate the wind direction

and trace his location.

[wind whooshing]

[grunting]

[Fighter D] I'm alive.

Suzukiri's expl*sives saved me again.

Argh, damn it!

The hole on my stomach won't close up!

So this is the power

of the Divine Artifact…

However…

I haven't lost yet…

Too bad that we're immortal.

You'll remember this, you damn Rangers…

I'll put an end to you guys.

I'll… achieve…

world domination!

[Sakurama] I knew it. You survived.

You… Why are you here?

[Sakurama] "Why", you ask?

There's only one thing

a Ranger wants from a monster.

Since you can't die no matter what,

- I'm here to assist you.

- Assist?

I'm a damn monster!

[grunts]

You're so hot-headed!

[gasps]

[grunting]

Damn it…

I can't move properly

because of my stomach injury…

[Sakurama]

I don't know if it'll work on your injury,

but I brought along some stuff

for first-aid treatment.

[grunts]

Eh?

Assist: 1. Beheading one to reduce

one's pain 2. Caring for someone

That's what you meant by "assist"?

- Hey!

- [chuckles]

Stop it!

I haven't fallen so low that I'd need

someone from the Rangers to care for me!

- Ouch… That hurt.

- Is that so?

In that case, can't you close your wound

with your ability as a monster?

I mean, if you can change your face,

then surely your wound…

There's no way I can do that…

- So I guess you can't do it!

- What? I sure as hell can!

[Fighter D] Oh, right…

If I just transfer

a part of my arm to my stomach…

Wow!

Don't stare at my delicate parts!

Oh, I'm sorry!

It was rather impolite of me,

but I just couldn't look away!

This is a power

beyond human understanding!

A miracle indeed!

How great! How wonderful!

[chuckles]

[Fighter D] This much is nothing.

- [meows]

- [Sakurama] Wow! Bravo!

This ain't a show, you know?

Do you have any requests?

Please change into my face!

Oh.

- I'm Hibiki.

- It's a miracle!

Are you able to make

your face into a mask?

Easy-peasy.

- Amazing!

- Here you go.

[chuckles]

Look! Now I'm a fighter too!

Are you dumb?

You ain't good enough to be one of us!

Can you stand the fear

of being blown up every time?

I-I don't think I can.

[Fighter D groans]

My stomach still hurts.

Is that all you need from me?

[Sakurama] I want to learn about you.

I want you to learn about me, too.

I refuse.

- Ever since I was a kid…

- Hey, are you listening?

- I've always wanted to do the right thing.

- Oh, so you're just going to continue?

[squawks]

[young Sakurama] Hey!

[sighs]

I'm glad you're fine.

[Sakurama's dad]

That's not right, Hibiki.

[young Sakurama] Ah…

Even crows must eat, or they'll die.

All lives are equally precious.

It would be presumptuous for us humans

to tip the scales of life intentionally.

[Sakurama] My justice is my parents,

and that was everything to me.

[meows]

[sirens wailing]

[reporter] Breaking news.

A mysterious flying object

has been detected

above the skies of Amanogawa city.

All residents in the vicinity

are to evacuate immediately.

Are we going to die?

Everything is God's gift to us.

The same goes for that UFO.

It's possible that it came here

to correct the ways of humans

who are destroying Earth

due to their greed.

In that case, there's no need to worry.

God will never abandon us

since we've been living a righteous life.

- [Sakurama's dad] Yeah, you're right.

- [Sakurama's mom] Yes.

Why are you following me? You're getting

in the way of my night practice.

I've got to make sure

you don't draw bad guys to you

since you're pretty, Big Sister.

I'm not so weak that I'd need

a small child like you to protect me.

What?

You're too fast, Big Sister!

No matter what you say,

I'll protect those precious to me!

No matter how strong the enemy may be!

- Big Sister…

- That was Red Keeper's line.

[grunts]

We're not allowed to watch that, remember?

Dad says we can't watch it

since it's violent.

But he's so cool!

I want to be like him, too!

I'm surprised to hear that from you

since you always listen to our parents.

Huh? What do you mean?

If you like the Dragon Keepers,

does that mean Dad's wrong?

That's not it…

Then, is Dad right?

What? Isn't that a given?

Guess it's too hard

for a small child like you to understand.

[Sakurama] Still, I've never thought

that my parents could be wrong.

[young Sakurama] They're amazing!

The allies of justice!

What a bunch of savages.

The only reason the monsters

are using force is because

you guys are all armed up

and trying to solve this with violence!

And no one even realizes that…

Right? What a horrifying world

we live in, Hibiki!

[Sakurama]

There's no way Dad and Mom could be wrong…

I'm the one that's wrong.

And one day,

God descended.

Everyone. The day that our assembly

bears fruition is finally here!

Our prayers shall be answered,

- and everyone will achieve salvation!

- Thank goodness…

[leader] God has descended upon us.

[Sakurama's sister] Hibiki, you can't go!

Why are you stopping me?

[grunts]

Why am I stopping you?

Why don't you think for yourself?

Huh.

[Tense music playing]

Hello, I'm God.

Are you my believers too?

In that case, I'll save you guys.

Dad? Mom?

Hibiki!

[explosions]

- [Sakurama's sister] Hibiki! Hibiki!

- [groans]

Hibiki! Are you okay?

Y-Yeah…

I'm so glad… that you're safe…

[rumbles]

[grunts, screams]

Big Sister!

I'm sorry that I caused you pain.

I'll end this quickly.

[young Sakurama] What's going on?

If all lives are equal,

does this mean there's nothing I can do

about Dad and Mom's deaths,

as well as Big Sister dying?

Run, Hibiki!

[Red Keeper]

I'll protect those precious to me!

No matter how strong the enemy may be!

[Sakurama] Somehow, I managed to survive

and made my decision

to join the Rangers and fight.

However, there was no hope there.

Too long! That was too freaking long!

If I weren't hurt,

I would've just kicked you aside and left!

Sorry!

Um… What's your name?

You used a fake name for the exam, right?

As if I'm telling you.

If you want to run, now's the chance.

I won against that panda dude, you know.

Against Shun?

Isn't he a Senior Third Rank?

I think he mentioned that.

What's that anyway?

You won against the fifth-strongest member

of the Red Squadron. Huh?

- You're grinning so much.

- [Fighter D giggles]

I see… The fifth-strongest, huh?

[chuckles]

The rank's a little low, though.

I've underestimated you.

Indeed. I'm a true weapon of w*r.

The threat to humanity!

That's right!

I'm a strong, mighty warrior!

In that case, the one

to defeat the Rangers…

Of course it'll be me,

the mighty Fighter D!

- "Fighter D" …

- Oops.

How dare you trick me!

I'm sorry!

But if it means that people will stop

grieving over this meaningless w*r,

I'll do anything!

So D, I have a favor to ask.

[both gasp]

C-Come out if you're around, Fighter…

I don't want to be covered

with all these leaves already…

[gasps]

Junior Third Rank Hekiru!

I'm Hibiki Sakurama,

an Independent Ranger!

I-It's reassuring to see a comrade here.

Did you… see a monster around here?

Yes. I've managed

to capture an injured fighter.

[Sakurama] This way.

Did he… save me?

[Hekiru] A-Are we there yet?

[Sakurama] I took the wrong route.

This is strange.

Are we there yet?

Just a little longer.

It's just up ahead.

[Sakurama exclaims]

[grunts]

M-Make sure you don't make

a mistake next time.

I won't.

[Fighter D] I found the monster!

[Hekiru] What? Where?

Over here.

[Fighter D]

Don't look down on me, hoodie dude.

Your restraints were so clumsy

that I broke out of it easily.

- You with bangs! Junior Third Rank, huh?

- Why go to all the trouble to do this?

[Fighter D] Is that higher

than a Senior Third Rank?

N-No… I'm one rank lower than that.

Oh, really?

This'll be a piece of cake, then!

[Sakurama gasps]

D… Are you trying to help me?

The hell are you staring at, hoodie dude?

How about you three stop getting cold feet

and come at me all at once?

[Hekiru] Huh? What do you mean by "three"?

[Fighter D] What?

Isn't that dude with you guys?

[grunts]

That… hurts!

[groans]

How mean! You're so mean! You hit me!

[Fighter D]

I was trying to split him in two. Damn it!

My body is getting brittle!

How dare you trick me!

You probably took down Red's Senior

Third Rank with a similar dirty trick!

Divine Artifact, Manifest!

Blue Dragon Leviathan!

Huh? Aren't Divine Artifacts

exclusive to Dragon Keepers only?

[Hekiru] This is just a replica.

However, it is capable

of destroying your kind!

[whines]

D!

[Fighter D]

I didn't hear about this, Suzukiri!

The hell is this replica thing?

[panting, groans]

[grunts]

Huh?

[Fighter D] What the heck's

with that Divine Artifact knockoff?

You should've told me

about this, Suzukiri!

No, I can't rely on others.

I have to overcome this alone!

Otherwise, I'll never make it

to the Dragon Keepers!

[Sakurama] D… You really plan to fight.

Until all your enemies are taken down.

[panting]

J-J-Just how long do you intend on hiding?

Don't ignore me!

[loud rumbling]

[Hekiru] Huh? Wait…

No… Did he get away?

[Fighter D] Don't flatter yourself.

If this is a game of hide-and-seek…

I'm… it!

Gotcha!

[laughing]

No matter how powerful

a projectile weapon can be,

it's useless once I get into close range!

I win!

Huh?

Ouch… O-O-Ouch! It burns!

The hell's wrong with that thing?

[Fighter D] It's melting!

[Hekiru chuckling]

That's the power I borrowed from Blue.

Th-The power of bonds is the reason

why I'm able to fight like this.

[Fighter D] Huh?

What are you talking about?

[Hekiru] You probably don't understand.

I have a leader I respect,

colleagues… that I can trust,

reliable juniors…

a-and people that I have to protect!

The power of bonds makes humans strong!

Uh?

Stupid!

You…

I-I'm so sorry, Hekiru!

[Hekiru] They might have switched

identities with the monster's ability.

Y-You keep playing dirty until the end…

[Sakurama] You've got to hand over

the Replica Divine Artifact

to the monster!

Otherwise, I'm going to die!

[Hekiru] If only I knew

whether they're colluding,

or if they've switched identities,

I'd be able to take the initiative!

I'll find that out now!

I-I got it…

Sakurama.

Y-You were a fine Ranger.

- [gasps]

- Don't tell me…

[Sakurama] I've requested assistance

from the HQ just now!

So it's just for a while!

Please hold on just for a little longer!

[Hekiru] If they know

I sacrificed a Ranger

just to deal with a fighter,

it'll be really bad!

[Hekiru] There's no choice.

I'll listen to you.

[Sakurama] Get back!

Leave the Divine Artifact!

[Sakurama grunts]

As if I'll hand it over

to the likes of you monster!

[gasps]

[Hekiru] That's the real one!

They didn't switch!

H-How dare you hurt me!

[grunts]

I-It's dangerous!

[Tense music playing]

[Hekiru] D-Did you get him?

I apologize for acting

at my own discretion.

I just couldn't forgive him.

However, I couldn't have done

anything on my own.

This is only possible because you lent me

this special power of yours.

Um… So how should I say this?

This is the power of our bond, I guess?

Huh?

[Upbeat music playing]

[sighs]

It went well.

But still, it really hurts.

[Closing theme music]

[Fighter D]

Are you really sure about this?

There's no way you can win if you take

the Replica Divine Artifact head-on.

- So…

- Huh?

- [Sakurama grunts]

- Huh?

Huh? W-W-Wait!

What the hell are you doing?

Your arm's not going

to grow back, you know?

Compared to the injuries

you've suffered all this time,

this is nothing but a scratch.

Just how much of a nutjob can you be?

[Sakurama chuckles]

D. If you really want to win, then please

go with my plan and don't fight him.

Live as me, and find the answers

you couldn't find before.

- I can't do that.

- What?

I thought I'd already taken

a drastic enough measure…

I'm a monster, and you're a Ranger.

Fighting is the only thing we can do.

So let's have a match.

I'll crush the Ranger Force first.

I won't let you have your way.

I'll fix the Ranger Force first.

- Hi. Welcome!

- Fighter-kun?

Wait, is this some kind

of sushi restaurant?

- Hi. Welcome!

- I'll have the chef's recommendation then!

Oh, thank you!

One serving of the next episode,

"Fighter D, as a Part of 'Ranger Force'"!

- Wait, where did he pop out from?

- Hi. Welcome!

- Hi. Welcome!

- Munch.