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Video of this chapter
Last time, we beat up someone who should be dead and some people who should become dead.
[GEAR HQ, Command Room]
Are you for real? Tetsuya’s coming back!?
Yes. I just heard the news from the Science Fortress Lab.
That’s Great Mazinger’s pilot for ya. He’s built different.
You’re right about that. Normal people can’t pilot a Mazinger, let alone Borot.
Kabuto, what the hell did you mean by “let alone Borot”?
I mean Borot’s a lot more dangerous to pilot.
Say it ain’t so.
So Chief, when’s his return date?
If the doctor gives the all clear today, then it’ll be immediate.
Great. Let’s go pick him up.
That’s not feasible. We can’t just move the entire group just to add new members.
They’re not children. Plus Great and Venus can fly. We’ll just meet them here.
So everyone is finally here. Allies from all over are joining forces for the greater good. You love to see it!
We’ve also been informed that Combattler V and Voltes V will be able to join us soon.
It’s about time.
Hey Noin, Lady is on the line.
Noin, head to the Science Fortress Lab immediately.
(She’s on the phone)
Ikuta was supposed to be in charge of the Science Fortress Lab. What happened to him?
He’s MIA.
Could something have happened to him?
We’re investigating. But I’m worried since Great Mazinger’s return is involved.
Understood. I’ll head there right away.
Wasn’t Ikuta the name of Jun’s childhood friend?
Yes. He used to be a member of a biker gang, but has since changed his ways. Now he’s a Preventer, but…
I wonder if there’s anything going on between him and Jun.
It’s best I go in person.
Be careful.
I’ll go too. I want to meet this Ikuta person.
Count me in too.
Then both of you, please accompany her. We’ll stand by in case of an enemy attack.
Neo Zeon is trying to spy on our movements after all.
Got room for one more?
Nope. Mazinger can barely carry Diana while flying.
Don’t be a cheapskate, Kabuto.
We’ll just put Borot in the Dai-Fighter.
You want to go too?
Yes. Like Lady said, this timing is very suspicious. I just hope my gut feeling is wrong…
Just to be safe, we’ll be ready to deploy at a moment's notice.
Sounds like a plan.
[GEAR HQ, Hangar]
What’s this Ikuta guy like anyway? Is he a good person?
His full name is Shinichiro Ikuta. If I were to describe him in a few words, it would be earnest and impulsive.
He’s a good young man, but I fear he’s a bit too straightforward to be part of the Preventers.
[Science Fortress Lab, Control Room]
Well well well. Thank you for coming all the way here.
Here’s a small gift.
Thank you.
And this is for you, Tetsuya.
Dried flowers? Really?
Tetsuya, you’ll get punished if you make fun of it.
That’s right. One of the kids you saved at the amusement park bought it with their allowance.
You already left by the time we got this, so I dried them to preserve it.
If that’s the case, then I gladly accept.
Tetsuya, try being a little more cheerful.
Moving on, have you heard anything from Shichichiro Ikuta?
I’m sure he’s fine. He’s not a kid anymore.
We’re here because he’s gone missing.
Has he done or said anything before he went MIA?
Shinichiro was frustrated by these never ending wars and by the changes to UESN’s Total Pacifism policy.
They do have an army now since invaders keep popping out of the woodwork.
Total Pacifism protected by military power, huh? They’ve been talking about that for a while now.
Before he disappeared, he told me “I’ll put an end to this fighting with my own two hands”.
[Mycenaean Empire]
So you’re the one who wanted an audience with me?
Yes. I’m Shinichiro Ikuta, a member of the UESN Intelligence Agency’s Preventers.
(Shinichiro Ikuta)
What business do you have with me?
Emperor of Darkness, I implore you to stop fighting and coexist peacefully with humans. That’s why I’ve come here!
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Coexisting with humans? Is that what the Science Fortress Lab and THE BOYS think? They’re the ones who refuse to live with us. Coexistence is impossible.
Humans always say that we Mycenae cannot be trusted. Aren’t they the untrustworthy ones instead?
I will do anything I can to stop this fighting. Please make me your envoy!
HAHAHAHAHA! Are you of sound mind?
I am sane! I won’t waste my youth fighting endlessly pointless battles like Tetsuya Tsurugi! I want to use my life to end fighting forever, to prove to the world that peaceful negotiations are the true path to peace rather than building up a military!
Hmm… Very well. But before anything else, I want to make sure that you’re committed to this cause.
How can I do that?
You will become a Mycenae. Or more accurately, you will serve us as a Combat Beast.
You want to turn me into a Combat Beast!?
What’s wrong? Are your convictions so weak?
Who are you calling weak? Fine then. Turn me into a Combat Beast! But when all’s said and done, will you really stop fighting?
Of course. Depending on how well you perform, we will stop fighting. Go ahead and do your best. Hahahahahaha!
Take Shinichiro Ikuta to the modification room!
[Science Fortress Lab, A Room]
Shinichiro got into an argument in town the other day. It was about UESN’s Total Pacifism policy.
…
The other guy rejected Total Pacifism and wanted everyone on Earth to fight. The townspeople supported his opinion.
Of course they did. Total Pacifism isn’t keeping the town safe. It’s the military and THE BOYS.
Even so, Shinichiro advocated for peace. They told him “If that’s what you want so badly, then go and make peace right now”. He responded “Okay. I’ll do just that”.
Ah hell.
If peace was that easy, we wouldn’t have to fight for it
And then there’s the people who keep fighting us. I wonder what they believe we’re fighting for.
In a way, we’re wasting our youth to dream of a peaceful life after these wars.
We’re not fighting just to defeat the enemy.
You’re not blameless yourself, Director. You pushed Shinichiro to this point.
What did I do?
It’s because of your Great Mazinger Mass Production plan.
You mean the plan to mass produce Greats and deploy them in bases all over the country?
Yes. You can imagine how distressed Shinichiro was when he found out about it. He was worried that mass producing Greats would only spread war rather than contain it.
But as things stand now, the fighting against the Mycenae will never end. Instead of dragging out this battle, we should…
Dad, I told you before, Z and Great are on the side of justice only because Tetsuya and I are piloting them.
It’s foolish to deploy them to places where we don’t even know who will pilot them.
Ikuta… I hope you’re not doing something stupid…
[Oniwa Castle, Hall of Worship]
What do you mean the Mycenae are teaming up with humans?
Yes. Actually…
Hmm… That’s not a bad idea.
What should we do, bro? Are we just going to let the Mycenaeans defeat Great Mazinger?
Calm down, Dungele. The contest we have is to defeat THE BOYS. Great Mazinger hasn’t even properly joined them yet.
There’s no point in us just doing nothing. In fact, I’ve just finished a little project I’ve been working on.
What project?
Let me see… Oh my.
W-what the heck is that!?
Fufufu. Things are about to get very interesting.
[Mycenaean Empire, Command Room]
Awaken, Shinichiro Ikuta. Awaken, Combat Beast Jerunicas. Ahahahahaha!
So this is my body now.
Shinichiro Ikuta, no, Combat Beast Jerunicas. The ceremony is complete. You are now our comrade.
Congratulations, comrade.
You will become an emissary of peace, just like you wanted. Bring an end to this war. When that day comes, I will restore your human body.
Even though my body is now a Combat Beast… Jun, I will accomplish what you could not.
[Science Fortress Lab, Command Room]
[Alarm]
Bad news Director! A Mycenaean fortress is approaching the lab!
They’re coming here!?
Call GEAR HQ. Deploy THE BOYS!
Got it. Everyone, be careful.
It’ll be fine, Director. Even though I just recovered, they won’t defeat me a second time.
Chapter 12: Farewell Youth! The Young Man Who Became a Combat Beast!!
Tetsuya Tsurugi, Jun Honoo, please come out. We need to talk.
You’ve asked for me by name, so you must be very confident in your skills. Come, Combat Beast!
I’m not here to fight. I came here for peace negotiations.
Peace negotiations!?
Tsurugi, promise me you’ll stand down. That’s the only way we can get anywhere.
Like I’d believe you! The first move goes to the winner. Take this!
Please listen to me. It’s me, Shinichiro Ikuta.
What the hell?
Impossible!
It’s not. You can see Ikuta’s face on its chest.
You’re right. Shinichiro, why did you become a Combat Beast?
It’s for a cause that I’m putting my life on the line for. Please, listen to me! The Emperor of Darkness says he’s willing to consider coexisting with humans.
You’ve got to be shitting me.
Please, stand down. If you will, the Emperor of Darkness might do the same,
(Fufufu. Good job. Mycenaeans, go…)
Shinichiro, you’re mistaken.
How so?
Peace doesn’t just magically exist when the war is over.
Liar! Peace is what happens when there’s no war!
Get your head out of your ass. Imagine a world with an absolute ruler and everyone obeys them like a puppet. As long as no one defies them, then there’s no conflict. But is that what you’d call a peaceful world? It’s not enough to just end the fighting.
Deploy THE BOYS. Well, at least 8 of them. There are three support units, so maybe you can focus on deploying more heavy hitters.
Is everyone alright?
They’re here too!?
There’s only one enemy?
What’s wrong, Jerunicas? Things aren’t looking good for you.
Just shut up and watch.
Shinichiro, you’re just being used by the Emperor of Darkness.
That’s not true!
What the heck was that!?
Oh no. Mycenaeans are invading and destroying the lab!
What!?
See, this is how the Emperor of Darkness does things! He was just using you to stall for time so he could invade.
Impossible. Great General of Darkness, what’s the meaning of this!?
Jerunicas, your mission is over.
Ugh. My body!
Your body is equipped with a remote control device and high explosives. Die here with Great Mazinger.
You tricked me?
We never tricked you. This war will end and the world will be ruled by the Emperor of Darkness! Go, Kikaijus and Combat Beasts!
Koji and the others are deploying! We’ll deal with the Mycenaeans inside the lab.
Leave it to us!
Good grief. It looks like I'll have to fight too. Hand-to-hand combat is tough at my age.
You’re not fooling anyone. You’re probably stronger than most of us here.
Ugh. My body is moving on its own.
Shinichiro, let me help you.
Stay back, Jun. If you come close, they’ll detonate the bomb inside my body.
Yes, I will. But even if you leave him alone, he’ll explode in three minutes.
Ugh. I beg you. Tsurugi, Jun, please defeat me before the bomb explodes. I don’t want to die from something like this!
The Science Fortress Lab is some excellent terrain, but it’s all the way up north. My plan was to meet the enemy half way. Regardless, just stick together.
Ikuta is standing right in front of us and he will die in three turns if we leave him alone. But that would mean not getting the money or experience. Sorry, buddy.
Hurry up and kill me.
It’s the only thing I can do for you now. I’ll finish you off in one blow so you won’t suffer.
Jun, was I a fool? Was I wrong to try to find a peaceful solution with the Mycenae?
Not at all. You don’t know the true value of peace. You were just taken advantage of.
The true value…of peace…
RIP.
I won’t go out on their terms. This is the only resistance I can offer…
Shinichiro, you needed to be more patient.
[He explodes]
Ikuta, no matter what anyone says, we’re doing what we can for a better future. We fight in order to achieve that.
With Shinichiro gone, the plot continues. It will also continue if you defeat/retreat the Great General of Darkness or at the start of turn 3 when Ikuta explodes anyway.
What the hell is that thing?
Is that Combattler V?
W-why is Combattler V here?
Combattler is a robot that’s supposed to join us, right?
Yes. I’ve heard it’s fighting the Campbellians though.
So it’s an ally, right?
No. There’s too much hostility coming from it!
Gahahaha. THE BOYS, prepare to die!
Look, more monsters!
We have data on the enemy. They’re Campbellian Magma Beasts.
Why are Combattler V and the Campbellians working together!?
Campbellians, do as you please. Are you so afraid of us getting credit for our own victory!?
No matter who it is, anyone who attacks us is an enemy! We just need to destroy them!
Combattler V has turned traitor? Anyway, try to outrange the Magma Beasts to fight them safely. They’re not really that difficult.
Combattler V on the other hand is a monster. You can take it down fast enough, sure, but if it hits you it will hurt. Plus it has attacks for every range, so there’s no true safe spot. The best thing to do is to use defensive spirits.
Combattler V goes down first. It retreats at 30% HP (2940).
Fufufu. That’s all for today. Next we’ll head to the Nanbara Connection!
The Great General goes down last. He also retreats at 30% HP (3780).
Hahaha. This is fine. I’ve already accomplished my goal. Time to retreat.
The map ends when all enemies are gone.
Haaah!
Hohoho… I think that about wraps this up. This side’s clear.
Same over here. What about Beauty?
Aw man, they threw a vase at me. Now my clothes are soaked.
But what did they want anyway? They didn’t bring nearly enough explosives if they wanted to blow the place up.
Is anything missing?
Nothing I can see…
(But there’s a chance that they took photos of our documents and blueprints… If that’s the case, then this is beyond bad…)
[Mycenaean Empire, Command Room]
Janera, what are you plotting? You were getting in our way.
What a ridiculous accusation. We were chasing a fleeing Combattler and just happened to end up by the Science Fortress Lab.
You Mycenae were in the middle of a battle. It’s only natural that we’d come to our ally’s aid. You have no right to complain.
Then why did Combattler V attack THE BOYS?
Who knows? Maybe it was malfunctioning?
…Whatever. But say something next time, Campbellians.
Will do. But battles don’t often go as planned, so I can’t promise anything. Now if you will excuse us, we have our own plans to attend to.
Hmph. Damn fox.
It’s fine, General. We got what we wanted.
Ah yes. Great Mazinger’s blueprints.
Good thing I peered into Ikuta’s brain during his modification. Damn Kabuto family. What an insidious plan.
But now their plan is ours.
Yes. Because this is for mass production, its abilities are slightly lower than the original. But in return, we can produce them in large numbers.
So this will be our new army. Fufufu.
[Science Fortress Lab, Control Room]
I’ve heard the story about how Shinichiro Ikuta met his end.
(She’s on the phone)
You’re to blame for this, Vice Minister. You only talk about this Total Pacifism dream. People like him die without seeing the truth.
Tetsuya!
Total Pacifism isn’t just a dream. Other countries in the past have also preached this ideal.
Like the Sanc Kingdom…
All those countries were destroyed by foreign militaries.
Even so, I want peace. If nothing else but to pay tribute to Shinichiro’s life.
Total Pacifism is useless when faced with those who want to kill all of us.
So then everyone should kill, increasing the number of war orphans like us?
She’s right. I know you feel the same, Tetsuya.
You said it yourself, didn’t you? Peace doesn’t just exist when all the fighting’s over.
If everyone were slaves, there might not be any fighting but you could hardly call that peace. Even if you crush everyone who opposes you, that alone wouldn’t bring peace either.
After all, this is a world where people hold opinions that others don’t agree with.
I know that! I’m just pissed off. I’m pissed at Ikuta, who lost his cool and did something stupid after a little criticism. And I’m pissed at myself for not being able to save him!
…
[Presidential Palace, A Room]
So you’re going to space?
Yes. I think we should negotiate with Neo Zeon.
Are you sure? We have intel that Haman is preparing to attack Earth.
That’s exactly why I have to go.
…Relena, I don’t want you to rush in order to get results. Total Pacifism is a battle between people’s hearts.
I know.
The following scene is only if you’re playing as Raul. There is no Fiona equivalent.
[GEAR HQ, Hangar]
Phew…
We have three Excellence Frames now. If we need to go into space, will we recreate the Cosmodriver Frame?
Probably…
Is something the matter?
Yeah, you’re not your usual self.
…Do you know why I designed the Excellence to be a weapon?
Yea. It’s wartime, so the only way we could get funding was to make it for combat. Even though we got approval, we still didn’t get much of a budget.
Right. What I really wanted was to use the Excellence for something other than a weapon.
Like what?
Um… My original plan for the Excellence was a mech with a multipurpose Frame for disaster relief…
Disaster relief?
Yes. It would have a heat-resistant Frame, a pressure-resistant Frame, an emergency transport Frame… If we use the Time Flow Engine, we won’t have to worry about a power source.
Really? Isn’t the current frame good enough?
I concur. What’s wrong with it now?
My parents died in an accident… An accident at a colony’s power reactor. At the time, military weapons were sent to rescue them, but they couldn’t do anything.
Why?
Because the area was extremely hot and there was a real possibility that their engines and ammunition would explode… My parents roasted to death while still wearing their heat-resistant suits.
…
It would have been fine if the incident led to the creation of rescue-orientated mechs. Lesson learned, right? But that idea never occurred to anyone. The government continued to make military mechs as usual.
That’s just how it is. Defeating enemies is more popular to the public than saving people.
Especially during wartime.
So I wanted to create a machine only for rescuing people in abnormal environments. But…that never happened. Not only did they twist my dream, but it’s the opposite of what I wanted. The Excellence is now a military weapon.
We had no choice. The same goes with the Time Flow Engine.
But I was the one who came up with the military design. Though I guess it’s better than not developing the machine in the first place. I justified it by thinking that we would change course later down the line.
You’re not the only one struggling with this. Ideals are always forced to change when faced with reality.
Even Total Pacifism needs THE BOYS’ power.
After listening to what Ikuta said, maybe I’m also too impatient.
The Excellence is still saving lives. At least it saved mine.
…Thank you, Raul.
[GEAR HQ, Command Room]
So it’s true that Combattler V attacked you?
Yes. We have records to confirm it.
Commander, it’s as we’ve expected.
As you’ve expected? What are you talking about?
Take a look at this. This is New York City.
Dagnabbit. That’s my home turf!
That’s horrible.
The Statue of Liberty is in ruins.
What did this!?
Combattler V.
We can’t forgive them for busting up our home!
It’s not just New York City. London, Paris, Moscow, and more have been attacked.
What the hell happened?
Director, incoming call from the Nanbara Connection.
Director Shibuya, we just got word that Combattler is attacking major cities around the world.
(Professor Yotsuya) (On the phone)
Yes. We’re shocked too. What happened to Combattler?
Was it taken by the enemy?
It was fighting with those Campellian assholes.
Here’s the thing. Combattler V has been undergoing final checks to join THE BOYS for a while now. It hasn’t left the lab even once.
But it attacked us!
I heard about it from Director Kabuto. We don’t know what’s going on either. Can you come to the Connection right away? We want Combattler to join you as soon as possible.
You want us to be your alibi?
Maybe it’s a trap. They’ll use Combattler to get close to us and then…
We won’t do that! Believe me!!
Another incoming call from King Beal.
Grandpa?
Director Shibuya, I’m sorry to ask this so suddenly, but can you please deploy THE BOYS right away?
(On the phone)
What’s going on?
We’ve found the Bandok. It’s undergoing repairs on the damage it sustained in Tokyo on the ocean floor.
If it’s under repair, then it won’t be at full strength.
This is our chance to kick their butt.
Yes yes. Unfortunately, King Beal has no means of attacking the ocean floor. We have to rely on THE BOYS.
Alright! Let’s go, Chief! It’s finally time to finish off those Gaizok jerks!
Please don’t forget about us.
He’s right. We can’t let Combattler wreak havoc all over the world.
Yotsuya, if we don’t attack now, Gaizok will be back to full strength.
What should we do?
We have to be both. Thankfully, we have two ships that can serve as mobile bases.
We’ll split up our forces and send them to both places.
Please make it here soon.
Our main focus will be underwater combat, so send those who can fight underwater to me.
So how shall we divide our forces?
Please don’t send the Aestivalises underwater.
There’s no such thing as an underwater frame.
(An underwater Frame…)
Then we’ll attack Gaizok. Mobile Suits can fight underwater, to a certain extent.
If only slightly better than Aestis. I’ll figure something out.
Of course we’ll fight Gaizok with you.
The Getter Team will also board the Freeden.
Leave underwater combat to Getter-3.
You can count on us to help you tussle those Gaizok villains, pardner.
Tetsuya, let’s go to the Connection. I’m worried about Combattler.
No objections from me. What about you, Jun?
I feel the same.
Then shall we join the Nadesico?
I’m awful at underwater combat anyway.
Then Daitan will fight the Gaizok.
Dendoh will also join the Freeden.
Alright.
Then let me summarize. The ones going to the Nanbara Connection with the Nadesico are the Aestivalis pilots, the Mazinger Team, and the Shuffle Alliance.
I’ll go with the Nadesico too. We’ll be in trouble without a proper liaison. Reika will be the Freeden’s.
Me? And here I thought I quit the Preventers a while back. Well, I’ll do it just this once.
I’m going with Domon, don’t forget that.
So the ones going with us to sea are…
The mobile suit pilots, Dendoh, Zambot 3, Daitarn 3, the Getter Team, and Texas Mack.
What about Raul?
Oh right. Where do you guys want to go? Tell us your preference.
>Board the Nadesico
>Board the Freeden
ROUTE SPLIT TIME! If you're curious about any secrets, the only one involved here is a set of optional (and not very good) equipment for one of the Gundams by going with the Freeden.
Raul chooses to go with the Freeden.
Okay. As soon as we’re ready, the Freeden will set sail to attack the Gaizok!
A decisive battle with the Gaizok…
Fiona chooses to go with the Nadesico.
quote:
Got it. As soon as we’re all ready, the Nadesico will head to the Nanbara Connection.
What happened with Combattler V…
[GEAR HQ, A Room]
Hmmm…
What’s wrong?
I was just thinking… Why did I choose to go there…
Are you perhaps…worried about Uchuta and Keiko?
No one wants to see a kid die after all. I don’t blame you…
quote:
Since we’re going in the other direction, there’s nothing we can do about it. Things will happen as they should…
If you want to see the Great Mazinger episode featuring Ikuta, it’s episode 52.