01x07 - The Zigzag Road to the Final Exam!

[bunniefuu]

-[groaning]
-[Yukino] I quit. This is ridiculous.

Yukino, wait!

I joined the Rangers to fight monsters.

I didn't hear anything about
fighting those guys!

And if you're going to keep running away
like you did today,

it'll be more efficient to quit now.

-[gasps]
-Yukino.

[grunts]

Usukubo!

Oh, sorry...
I guess the nerves finally wore off.

And this is just the first day...

We still have to do this
for two more days?

-[gasps]
-[scoffs]

Just run back home
if you're scared, weaklings.

Your willpower is admirable,
I'll give you that.

In any case, the reckless way you fought
saved me back there.

I'll continue to count on you tomorrow.
Let's both make our dreams come true.

[Urabe] Who's a weakling?

That tiny female Ranger...
For how she looks, she's monstrous!

Damn it!

Eigen...

[Urabe] I didn't say I'm giving up!

Let's go, Ranmaru.
We'll do a strategy meeting for tomorrow.

G-Got it!

[Fighter D] Those two are always together.

I heard they're childhood friends.

How's Pink Squad doing?

Nope, not good!

Shippou said he lacked training,

so he cooped himself up
in the training room.

Is that so? I knew it, those proctors...

[Fighter D]
They have no intention of letting us pass.

[gasps]

-That moron!
-What's wrong, Hibiki?

Oh, man! Now I feel like training too!

All right!

Hey, Sakurama.

Huh? What is it?

I'm in a rush here!

[exhales deeply]

We need to talk. Come with me.

I told you I'm in a rush!
Let's talk later!

[Shion] Tsk.

[clanking]

[clanking continues]

-[gasps]
-Hey!

[Fighter D]
Get back to the stronghold now!

[Fighter XX] This dusty hole
ain't no stronghold of mine...

[Fighter D grunts]

[pattering]

[♪ theme music playing]

Go! Go! Loser Ranger!

Episode 7
The Zigzag Road to the Final Exam!

[Fighter D] Sorry to keep you waiting.
What did you want to talk about?

[Shion] Sakurama.
Why did you join the Rangers?

What's your intention
behind that question?

[Shion] The you spouting naive crap
about reconciling with monsters,

and the you I saw during the exam...

Which is the real you?

[gasps]

I need to know what you really think
in order to work together tomorrow.

[gasps, grunts]

[timer ringing]

[instructor] Time's up!
The first day of the final exam ends here!

This voice... Is it from that thing?
That scared the hell out of me.

-[Tokita] Take this!
-Huh?

Ain't no way we're stopping when things
are getting this exciting, right?

Let's go into added time!

We're still a team despite how he acts,
so I can't overlook this.

[Tokita] Team?

You're still having that misconception?

-What?
-[Shion] Sakurama!

Look at the belt wrapped behind him!
The key's right there!

[Fighter D] What?

Huh?

How long are you guys gonna keep this up?

[Tokita] Tsk. Remember this, Hisui.

[Hisui] Jeez, it's over already.
Stop harping on it, will you?

[Fighter D] Could it be...
There was only one key.

Assuming Tokita's speaking the truth,
each person needs a key.

It's a battle between two people
from the same squad.

This is the true nature of this exam.

It's devised such that either Shion or I
will fail the exam.

Shion... For the sake of us monsters,
I'll end your dream here.

[door closes]

[gasps]

This is horrible.

Forget repairing,
I'll need to replace the entire thing.

Here we go.

-Uh...
-Wait, why's there a girl here?

[grunting]

-[maintenance officer] That surprised me.
-[gasps]

Why is there a Duster in Sakurama's room?

[scared gasp]

Be good and don't put up a fight.

It'll be disastrous
if this causes a ruckus.

[Fighter XX] Not good.
I'm gonna be k*lled!

[gasps]

I'll let you escape, so please be quiet.

Wh-What are you saying?
Is this a trap? I won't be fooled!

[chuckles]

You don't have to be so on guard.

I may have joined the Rangers,
but I don't really like to fight.

[Fighter XX] Uh...

That's why I undertake
the maintenance position underground.

It's just my ego talking here.
You won't k*ll me.

I don't want to k*ll you.

[Fighter D] 13 years ago,

my older sister and I were in danger

when a monster
by the name of God attacked us,

and Blue Keeper saved us.

[gasps]

I admired him,
so I wanted to join the Rangers...

[Shion] Is that true?

What?

-Tell me more about that God monster.
-[Fighter D] Not good!

I-I don't really know,
since everything happened in an instant.

It's probably one of the boss monsters.

[sighs]
I guessed as much.

I've got a score to settle with them too.

They k*lled my older brother.
I swear I'll find them.

[Shion] Although my brother was a Ranger,

the brutality of boss monsters

are on a completely different level
compared to the Dusters.

There was nothing I could do.

All I could do was watch
as my brother got trampled on.

There was nothing I could do but watch.

But I'm completely different
from back then.

No matter who my opponent is,
I will bury them with my own hands.

[Fighter D] Now I get
why this dude just charges recklessly.

The desire for revenge.
So that's the root of it all.

I know very well
how such motivation gives you strength.

I have to stop him here,
even if it means taking some risks.

[Fighter D] But wouldn't that boss monster
be dead now?

[Shion] What?

Didn't that happen a long time ago?

If you haven't been able to find it,

then isn't there a chance

that the Dragon Keepers
already defeated it?

[Shion] There's no record of them
appearing in Sunday Showdowns.

For some reason, only incompetent
boss monsters appear during those times.

[Fighter D] Well...

Those are just fake boss monsters
we made using our mimicry technique.

I need them to be alive.

The only reason I'm alive now is because

I'm trying to clear my brother's name
for the past four years.

[gasps]
Four years?

Didn't your older brother die


No, it was four years ago.

But that's impossible!

I mean, the boss monsters...
This has got to be a mistake...

You're saying the same thing
as the Rangers.

There was no evidence
that a boss monster was at the scene,

so they didn't believe my testimony.

[Fighter D] No way. It can't be...

[Fighter D] I don't get it. Is it possible
that a boss monster could be alive?

XX... Do you know anything about this?

Let's search for a way to settle this
without fighting.

-I... I... I...
-[energy surging]

[blasts]

-[body thuds]
-[blood splattering]

[Fighter XX] H-How...

Why are you here... Lord Peltrola?

[♪ ominous music playing]

[Peltrola] What? "Why," you ask?

Weren't you the one who sent
a distress signal through this pipe, XX?

[Fighter XX] S-Still,

I could have just left by myself
if an escape route had been secured...

[Peltrola] What? You don't like this?

[gasps]

[Fighter XX] N-Not at all!

It is truly a great honor
for a boss monster

to come get me personally!

-[shaky breathing]
-[Peltrola] Hmm...

Dear me, how pitiful... You're trembling.
You must have suffered.

To think that my lovely XX
had been locked up in a place like this...

Before He died and ascended to heaven,

He left behind a wise saying
that I deeply resonate with.

w*r is tragic.
It should not exist in this world.

I wish for a peaceful world where
we do not have to resort to violent means.

[Fighter XX] Fighter D, you have to undo
your mimicry and escape now!

At this rate, you'll be in danger too!

If I pass, he'll fail?

All I could do was watch
as my brother got trampled on.

[snickers]

This is getting more and more exciting!

Will I be able to see how he looks
as I betray him at the very last minute?

[Fighter D]
He'll be all like, "You coward!"

Isn't that funny, XX?
[laughs]

Huh?

[Fighter D] Come on, don't be put off.
We're monsters.

[annoyed groan]

He's late!
We're way past the starting time!

Is that it? Is he using the toilet?

Huh?

[inaudible chatter]

[Fighter D] What?

Huh?

Oh my, Koguma. Did they get you already?

So you're the one from Red Squad
that Hisui mentioned?

-Huh?
-No need to put up a guard around me.

The rules state that monster actors

who got their key taken
cannot fight anymore.

What?

Does that mean that the battle
within Blue Squad has finished?

[sighs]

[soft giggle]

[gasps]

So what happened to Blue Squad?

Well, I got done in
by the cadets' teamwork!

That was well played!

We never had anyone pass this exam
every year, but I think this is the year!

This takes me back! When I was young...

Sorry, but if you're just gonna chit-chat,
can we do it after the exam?

Huh? I thought you're free
since your partner bailed on you.

He didn't bail on me.
He'll come, I'm sure of it.

[soft chuckle]

Right.

If you two don't work together,

you won't be able to defeat
the monster actor.

Forget about that already.

Oh, so you've noticed already?

Honestly, this is mean.
You just want us to destroy each other.

[Aizome] What's this?
Are you hesitant to fight Shion?

He's your friend?
[giggles]

[Fighter D] What?

What? Ore? I mean, boku? No way!

I-It's just that we've built up trust
on the first day.

I know that we can defeat
the monster actor if we work together.

After we work together to grab the key,

I'll just cook up some convenient excuse
and go into hiding.

Aww, I pity him.

[Fighter D] Unlike you guys,
I'm desperate.

I'm also not like my peers, who love to
pretend play as allies of justice.

I'm the only one.

The only one who's fighting
with my life on the line.

[Fighter D] What I do will directly affect

the future of my comrades
back at the fortress.

As if I'm stopping
because of some cheap sympathy.

If that's what you intend to do,
I guess I can help you.

-[Fighter D] What?
-[Aizome] Here's a big hint for you!

-I saw Tokita over there.
-[grunts]

[Aizome] And your friend too!

[both grunting]

H-Hey, Shion! You're jumping the g*n!

-[grunts]
-Are you listening?

You can't do this alone!

Dang.

[grunts, yelps]

Crap.

[Urabe] That hurt! There's five of us,
and we only barely managed to do it?

[Ishikawa] But with this,
we got Red's key.

-[Urabe] All right.
-Three more left.

Shion. What's the meaning of this?

[Shion] It's as you can see, Sakurama.

This exam is a battle of keys
within the same squad.

I'm teaming up with these guys.
From here on, you and I will part ways.

I'm not giving up my seat
as an official Ranger, no matter what.

You... coward!

Hah! You still don't see it, do you?

That's why you're such a simpleton.

You're not allowed to lose
even once to the monsters.

The day the Rangers lose
is when humanity comes to an end.

[Tokita] That's why we don't hold back

and send the Dragon Keepers
to the frontlines.

They're the five strongest Rangers
from each of our squadrons.

This exam is just like a Sunday Showdown.

Be careful, Sakurama.

The guys around you
are way, way more desperate

than you think they are.

[Yamato] I see.

So you guys were abandoned too.

[Usukubo]
I've been nothing but a burden to Ishikawa

ever since the final exam started, anyway.

I'm shocked, but I can understand why.

Still, it's unforgivable.

[Yamato gasps]

[Fighter D] That's right,
it's unforgivable.

Screw you, Shion.

It's okay for me to betray you,
but if you betray me, you're guilty.

[Usukubo] Shall we team up too?

-What?
-What?

[Usukubo] We're allowed to take keys
that have been taken, right?

In that case...

[Fighter D] Now that's interesting.

[Fighter D] Koguma!

The exam isn't over yet! Let's try again!

[Ranmaru] It's impossible.

Those five have the highest scores
among us during the training period.

There's no way we can win
even if we join forces.

[Fighter D clicks tongue]
Dang. Seriously, this guy!

[sighs]

Why are you being all dejected?
You've only lost once...

What do you know?

-[Fighter D] On the contrary...
-[sobs, gasps]

Is there anyone else
who'd know that more than I do?

Let's work together as fellow losers.

[gasps]
Yeah... You're right.

Sakurama!

The other team has already gotten into
their fourth battle!

What colors were
the third and fourth battles?

Pink...

...and Green.

So the remaining one is...

Yellow's monster actor.

[Suzukiri] Hmm...

One, two, three... Huh?

That's all? I heard
that the other team has five members.

[Fighter D]
C-Can't we just form a team of three?

[Suzukiri]
Well, I guess it's fine with you around.

You've been
acting strange lately, Sakurama.

What's wrong?

You were being so cautious
around me the other day.

I felt so sad.

Th-Thank you for your concern.

So, will you give me your key?

[Suzukiri giggles]

This is an exam.
You think I'd hand it over that easily?

Now that's a shame.

You wouldn't be getting hurt
if you'd just hand it over quietly!

That's what a bad guy would say!

I guess we're really doing this, Hibiki!

[blasts]

[gasps]

Dang.

[shouts]

-A direct hit!
-Nice, Koguma!

-[gasps]
-That's why I said it's not gonna work!

You know, isn't it cheating to g*ng up
and beat up one person?

-Who's the one cheating here?
-[Ranmaru grunts]

[shouts]

[Suzukiri]
A toy like that won't work on me.

Didn't you hear about this from that boy?

I knew it. She's monstrous!

[gasps]

[inaudible murmuring]

[shouting]

-[gasps]
-[panting]

How much longer until the second day ends?

There's five minutes left!

[yawns]

It's boring when you use
the same attacks over and over.

I'm tired of this.

Time for our last resort!

Right! That's our only hope!

-[gasping]
-[giggles]

[panting]

[groans]

Nice try!

But as for you... You're no good.

[grunts, groans]

-Yamato!
-I've been watching you.

Did you think that you won't be targeted

since you're standing
right behind everyone else?

That's why your female partner yesterday
talked trash about you, you know?

[indistinct whispering]

Did you forget?

You're timid, cowardly,
and not suited to be a hero of justice.

[grunts]

[gasps]

[Yamato] Hibiki!

Suzukiri, I don't know
how you think a hero should act.

But surprisingly,
it seems like anyone can become one.

[Fighter D]
Even if they're a really bad guy.

[Suzukiri] I see.

Watch out, Hibiki!

In that case, you can have it.
Here you go.

-Huh?
-W-Woah!

-What?
-[surprised grunt]

B-But why?

Since you say
anyone can become a Dragon Keeper,

it'll be more interesting
to let someone like you become one.

[Fighter D]
Now that's just complete nonsense...

[Suzukiri] Answer me this.

What will you guys do
if you become official Rangers?

I...

I guess it'll be world domination...

-What?
-Huh?

[Suzukiri giggles]

[Suzukiri] You're really the best.
I'll be cheering you on.

Well then, see you!

[inhales deeply]

Four more left.
You can do it, Fighter-kun.

[Yamato] Thanks, Hibiki!

Compared to you, I... I'm ashamed of myself!

It's too early to let down your guard.
We're just getting started.

You mean Ishikawa, Shion,
and the others, right?

[Fighter D] What's so great about them?

If the elite team is fashioned
after the Dragon Keepers,

then this time, we're the monster actors,
the Nefarious Monster Army!

Monsters, huh?

I don't know how to think about this.

I wouldn't want to go out of my way
to be hated by people.

-[Fighter D] Snap...
-[gasps]

[Ranmaru] I-I'm sure
there's guys out there who love monsters!

Nah, I don't think so.

[Ranmaru] There are! I'm sure of it!

Hey, is the ending bell
going to ring soon?

Y-You're right.

Tomorrow's the real battle.
Let's not talk about that now.

Yes, you're right.

We're all here because there's something
we want to achieve.

Let's create a miracle
and make our dreams come true.

[both] Mm.

[Urabe] Hey, sorry to barge in
while you're all getting excited.

What?

Wha... Wait!

[gasps]

G-Guys!

You sure you guys aren't mistaken?
This isn't a match, but an exam.

It's nothing but a rite of passage to show
who's on top, and who's at the bottom.

Guys like you who rely on miracles
have no tomorrow.

[timer ringing]

[Urabe] We win!

[Peltrola] Just how many inhumane exams

and the likes have been conducted
at this place?

I must grant them salvation.

[worried grunt]

[♪ tense music playing]

-[rapid heartbeats]
-[worried grunt]

[♪ closing theme music playing]

Translated by Qianni Lu

I've got to hold it in.

Huh? What's wrong, Fighter-kun?
Shout out loud!

No, I have to hold myself back here.

I said, shout out loud!

[Suzukiri] Next episode,
"Shout Out Loud, Cadets!"

-Do this properly!
-Ow! Wait, we already did this last week!

This is what we call a "Tendon"!