01x05 - Fighter D, as a Part of "Ranger Force'

[bunniefuu]

[Nadeshiko] Suzukiri.

The Pink and Green Squadron will be
going to badmouth the Red Keeper...

No, I mean, we're planning to have
an after-party together.

Would you like to join us?

If you'd like, young Sakurama,
who's always with you, may join us too.

Oh, I'm sorry. I'll be busy catching up on
the TV drama I've recorded, so I'll pass.

That is unfortunate.

[Suzukiri] Not like you cared
about my attendance in the first place.

You just want Sakurama, right?
How troublesome.

Why don't you just say it outright?

What could you mean?

If you want to climb to a higher position,
it'll do you better to be more amiable.

[Suzukiri] Got it!

Man... This is boring.

[Sakurama] Good luck, D.

I'm counting on you to take my place.

[Fighter D] Hibiki Sakurama.

Don't go dying on your own
and get me into trouble.

The power of bonds, huh...

[♪ theme music]

Go! Go! Loser Ranger!

Episode 5
Fighter D, as a Part of "Ranger Force"

[Fighter D]
The choice I've once abandoned...

This life that I once nearly lost...

What can I do?

Who should I defeat?

[beeping]

[Fighter D]
I wasn't able to do anything until morning

and ended up coming back
to Sakurama's room.

-[bangs on cabinet door]
-This room's kinda noisy.

[bangs on cabinet door]

My disguise's perfect.

[groans]
It still hurts.

Do I look slightly thinner than before?

I guess that really took
a little out of me.

[Fighter D] Ever since he saved me,

I've been having
this weird feeling inside me.

D, I have a request.

What?

Just as I just told you,

my older sister and I
were attacked by a monster,

and we were supposed to die
with our parents.

Hibiki! Are you okay?

Y-Yeah...

I'm sorry that I caused you pain.

[inaudible]

[Sakurama]
Blue Keeper was the one who saved us.

After he retired,
he raised us just like any parent would.

He's a real hero.

I looked up to him,
and so I joined the Rangers.

However, it turned out to be
a disappointing acting troupe, huh?

[Fighter D] My condolences.

I wanted to expose
the truth behind the w*r

through the power of mass media.

However...

[Sakurama] As I waited for the news agency
at the agreed-upon place,

I was attacked by unknown assailants.

I don't know
how deeply rooted this darkness is.

If I continue to pry deeper,
it'll cause trouble for my older sister.

Still, I'm prepared to abandon everything
in order to achieve my goal.

In the meantime,
I hope you can take my place, D.

[scoffs]

No need to ramble on
and beat about the bush.

-[surprised grunt]
-In short,

you just want to end the w*r, right?

Then just defeat all your enemies,
it's as simple as that.

[monster] Dusters, why is it
that we are living such constrained lives?

Why don't we laugh as we wish,
and cry as we wish?

Let us take back this planet,
and live freely!

That's the only way I know.

[gasps]

You... Once you defeat the Rangers
and become free,

what do you want to do?

[gasps]
Do you even need to ask?

I...

I...

[Fighter D] I don't care about that.

For now, I just have to focus
on defeating the Dragon Keepers

and crushing the Rangers.

-[grunts]
-[beeping]

This thing's been going off
the entire time... Huh?

The hell is this?

-[bangs on cabinet door]
-Huh?

-Whoa! Uh...
-[laptop thuds]

[gasps]

Sooner or later,
you'll have to meet my fellow trainees.

They're all nice people.

I've written down information
on my personal relationships

at the device in my room.

Please read through it carefully.

[Fighter D] Oh, crap!

[maintenance officer] Nope. No way.
This isn't gonna work.

Could you do something about this?

-[sighs]
-I'm begging you!

Well... I guess
I could at least try something.

[maintenance officer] In the first place,
I'm posted here as a maintenance officer,

so this is out of my expertise.

Oh, and one more thing.

The noise inside my room is terrible,
so could you take a look at it?

The walls
aren't supposed to be thin though.

I understand.
I'll go look at your room later.

In return, could you do me a favor?

These. Please give them out
to the other Independent Rangers.

He's pretty understanding for a Ranger.

[chuckles]
I like him. I'll defeat him last.

-[ranger 1] Oh, Hibiki!
-[grunts]

Good work today.

Y-Yeah...

[Fighter D] He seems like
one of Sakurama's contemporaries...

Good work today, Yamato.

[Fighter D]
I just happen to have something for you.

Thanks. Sorry for the trouble!

By the way, Yamato.

[whispers]
I wanna go outside.

Everyone wants to.

But once the training period begins,
we're not allowed to leave.

So it's back
to our usual underground life today.

Wait, underground?

[Yamato chuckling weakly]

[Fighter D] What's this...
"The White Dragon's Nest"?

This is where I'm currently living in?

Hey, I wanna meet the Dragon Keepers...

I feel you. But as you know,
we're Independent Rangers.

[Yamato]
Our only choice is to win our fights,

be the last ones standing, and be chosen.

By one of the five squads, that is.

[Fighter D] Sakurama... You b*stard,
you should've gotten a better rank!

I'm the same too, you know?
At first, I thought I'd become a Ranger...

No, I thought I'd be able to become
a Dragon Keeper in no time.

And then...

I'd make the Ranger girls fawn over me!
That's the dream of all humanity!

But that accursed Sousei Akabane...
They chose him over me!

[Fighter D] This is dumb.

Oh well, I guess all cadets are like this.

Everyone should be at the canteen
at this time.

Wanna come along?

What? I'm eating right now.

I'll leave this here.

Hey. Isn't this photo badly taken?
I don't look good at all.

Why are you guys here?
I feel more at ease alone!

Seems like I'm not the only one she hates.

I want to get along
since we're all fellow colleagues,

but I guess it can't be helped
since we're all competitors now.

But isn't it funny?

Despite everything you said,

you're the first one
to defeat a monster, Sakurama.

"Everything I said"?

Huh? Don't tell me you don't remember?

Oh, that!

Something about righteousness and stuff!
That sure sounds like something I'd say!

[both] Huh?

[ranger 2] This is embarrassing.
How long do they plan on using this photo?

Mr. Ishikawa, it's been quite a while
since you joined, right?

You got it, that's the Perennial
Independent Ranger for you!

In short, I'm just an old man
who doesn't know when to give up.

[Fighter D] Sure...

-[ranger 3] Come on, Sakurama!
-[grunts]

How about it tonight, together?
Let's work our muscles to the core!

I'm afraid I have to refuse.

Too bad!
You can join me instead, Ishikawa!

-No, thanks, I...
-[Tsukasa grunts]

[Fighter D] Excuse me...

Whoa!

[Fighter D grunts, groans]

Don't talk to me as you please.

[scoffs]

[sighs]

[Fighter D] The hell's wrong with him?
That was close.

-Hey, you should know.
-Uh?

It's dangerous for you
to go near him now, Sakurama.

[grunts]

-[ranger 4] Move it!
-[Fighter D grunts]

Damn it, Sakurama.

Don't get all c*ck
just because you defeated a monster!

[annoyed grunt]

Here.

Besides, even I can take down
a mere Fighter!

Listen. If you've learned your lesson,

then stop spouting nonsense about
talking things out with monsters again!

[deep breath]

Sooner or later,
you'll have to meet my fellow trainees.

They're all nice people.

[Fighter D] I feel like
I now understand Sakurama better

thanks to how they see him.

My targets are only the Dragon Keepers.

I don't have the time
to be dealing with small fries.

But I don't want to create
any unnecessary trouble.

I'll fool all of them.

-[Sesera] Hibiki.
-Huh?

[gasps]

-[Fighter D] What?
-It's been a while.

[Fighter D] Huh? Who's this?

[gasps]
Wait, don't tell me...

Big Sister?

I hope you've been well.

Oh... Yeah, I've been good. Uh...

"Uh"?

I have an early day tomorrow,
so please excuse me!

[panting]

[Fighter D] You should've told me
that your sister's part of the Rangers!

-Sakurama, you idiot!
-[bangs on cabinet door]

Damn it, shut up! I'm trying to think!

Never mind,
I should just go in and think instead.

I don't need any more trouble now!

Oh...

[grunting]

[screams]
Something's inside!

[grunts]

Huh? It's just you, Hibiki.

Wait... That arm!

A-A Fighter...

Hibiki, you'd better let me out now.

It's tiring to disguise
as a surface-dweller.

-[knocking on door]
-[Fighter D gasps]

[Sesera] What's wrong, Hibiki?
Are you not alone?

It goes without saying that I'll k*ll
those detestable Dragon Keepers

and all of the surface-dwellers,

but I'll make a special exception
and allow you to live.

[annoyed grunt]

-[Fighter D grunts]
-[muffled gasp]

[thuds]

-Just keep quiet, I'm begging you!
-Mm.

[Sesera] What's wrong?

-Oh... I'm cleaning up now, so please wait!
-[gasps]

What's with you all of a sudden?
Is this who you really are?

You shouldn't force people
against their will...

What?
[exclaims]

I'm a monster.

I'm sorry for keeping quiet about it,

but I'm sure
you must've had an inkling by now.

[soft gasp]

[Fighter D] Just what is
her relationship with Sakurama?

Hey. I'm not Hibiki Sakurama.

[grunts]

I'm a Fighter, just like you.

[gasps]

[Fighter D] It's a long story,

but I'm currently infiltrating the Rangers
in this appearance.

[monster] I apologize.

It didn't occur to me
that there could still be

some of our comrades on the surface.

I've been searching for a way
to leave this place for a long time.

I see. So help has finally arrived!

[Fighter D] Help?

-What is she talking about?
-[knocking on door]

[Sesera] Hibiki. Can I come in?

It's reassuring to have a comrade around.

We're two against one.
Let's deal with the Rangers one by one.

[Fighter D grunts]
Is she stupid?

There's no way we can do that!

No. This isn't the right time.

Stay hidden until I give you a signal.

Very well, comrade.
I shall heed your advice.

Come in. Make yourself at home.

It's finally the final exam.

[Fighter D] Huh? Yeah...

Have you gotten a feel for real battles
through the simulated fights?

[Sesera] But they're just lowly Fighters,

so they should be no problem.

-[clanks]
-[Fighter D grunts]

S-Sorry, the pipes
have been acting up lately.

What are those, Big Sister?

Apples. You like them, don't you?

Y-Yeah, I sure do.

Oh, but I don't have a knife.

There's one at the canteen,
so let's go there together.

In that case, I'll go borrow one.
I want to speak with you alone, Hibiki.

I-Is that so...

-Have a... safe trip...
-[door closes]

-[cabinet door opens]
-[monster] Hey!

When do we attack?
I've been waiting for your signal.

Don't rush.
You need proper timing for these things.

[Fighter D] Just eat this and wait.

[monster]
I don't understand the complicated stuff,

but just know that I'm not patient.

[apple crunches]

Oh my, it's bruised.

-Actually, I think one disappeared...
-I-I can't wait to eat them!

Just wait. You really like them, huh?

[awkward chuckle]

Mom used to peel them for you, didn't she?

Y-Yeah, you're right.

Even I can do something this simple.

[gasps]

[thumping]

-Goodness.
-I-I'll take it.

[monster whispers]
What's going on? Is this an ambush?

It grazed me slightly.

[Fighter D] Sorry.

It's surprisingly difficult.

By the way,
have you thought about what I told you?

What you told me?

I've been messaging you about it
since this morning.

Oh, my device broke
and is currently being repaired.

I see. Then I definitely made
the right choice coming here to meet you.

There's only one thing
I wanted to tell you.

Quit the Rangers.

Huh? What do you mean...

This place isn't suitable
for a pacifist like you.

You should live peacefully
in a world far removed from battles.

-Peacefully? Huh?
-[bangs on cabinet door]

[Fighter D]
Hey! You've got the wrong idea!

She's the one who brought it up!

-[bangs on cabinet door]
-Is there...

really no choice but to do it?

-[phone buzzing]
-Big Sister, your phone!

Right.

Pardon me for a moment.

-[door closes]
-[relieved sigh]

-[cabinet door bangs open]
-[gasps]

How long do you plan
on making nice with her?

You... Are you really a Fighter?

There's no point if we don't fight.

[Fighter D] Use your brain for a moment.

I just came to the surface and don't know
how things work around here.

"Just came"?

You... Are you a Remnant?

[grunts]

[groans]

What are you doing? Aren't we comrades?

[monster] "Comrades"?
How dare you say that!

Please, just be quiet!
This isn't the time to be fighting!

I won't.
Fighting is the only thing I know.

That's what a Fighter does. And that's...

That's what I'm proud of.

[surprised grunt]

Now I understand why you refuse to fight.

[monster] It's the same as 13 years ago.
You guys chose not to fight.

We fought against the Dragon Keepers
to the very end,

and now I'm the only one left.

Loser. You're gonna spread your cowardice
to me if we stay together.

[Fighter D] This twerp.
I let her talk, and look what happens.

You have no idea what I endured
while staying at that crappy place...

[Fighter D] I'm sorry.
What was I thinking?

You're right,
that's not how a Fighter should act.

Let's go on a rampage.

You learn pretty fast.

But you know,

it'll be dangerous
if you go out with that appearance.

I'm bad at disguising
as a surface-dweller.

I take a long time.

Okay! I'll wait for you.

[Fighter D] Found it.

This will do.

All right. Let's m*ssacre them.

-[grunts]
-[gasps]

[Fighter D] Just stay still inside!

[monster] You... traitor!

-Phew... Not good!
-[door opens]

[grunts]

What's wrong with that door?

I probably stuffed too much in there.
[nervous chuckle]

Let's leave this place
and live together again like we used to.

Staying with the Rangers
only puts you in danger.

[Sesera] You'll be safe if you're with me.

I don't want to feel scared anymore.

You feel the same way, don't you?

I came here to fight.

You just don't listen, do you?

I'm saying
that I'll do everything for you.

I didn't want to tell you this,

but the Ranger Force isn't as righteous
as you imagined it would be.

If you truly wish for a righteous world,

you shouldn't choose
the same path as mine.

[Fighter D grunts]

I don't wanna run anymore.

[soft gasp]

Even if the Rangers aren't righteous,
I can't just turn a blind eye to it.

[Fighter D] I'm sure this is what he'd do.

I came here to fight.

Even if that means
having to fight me at the end?

[worried grunt]

How was your reunion
with your younger brother, Pink Keeper?

[Sesera] He's grown so big.

That is fortunate.

[Nadeshiko] Even a boy can look like
a different person in three days.

I look forward to meeting him
during the final exam...

-Oh?
-[Sesera] Hmm?

[tires screech]

[Fighter D sighs deeply]

[Fighter D] I regret
letting you guys fight for us that day.

I've been their sl*ve the entire time.

That's why I'll take back our dignity.
I'll win this fight.

I don't intend on forgiving you.
Just do whatever you want.

I see.

[monster] Just tell me one thing.

[Fighter D] Huh?

[monster] Is Hibiki dead?

That moron won't die so easily.

[monster scoffs]
I guess you're right.

[bystander] Please stop!

-Why not?
-Let's just have a drink or two together!

-Please don't touch me!
-"Don't touch," that's music to my ears!

-[Pink Keeper] Stop that right now.
-[th*gs] Huh?

[thug 1] D-Dragon Keeper?

Damn it! Why's one of the top members
of the Rangers here?

Don't be scared, guys! That's Pink!

[thug 2] That woman's just the pretty face
for the Dragon Keepers...

[♪ epic music]

[all whimpering]

[th*gs groaning]

Hibiki... you've really grown.

...came here to fight.

To think I'd see
that rebellious look in your eyes...

Thinking about it makes me all excited!

Your big sister's so happy!

[Nadeshiko] I guess even girls are just
as likely to surprise you as boys do.

[Pink Keeper] Oh, Hibiki!

[♪ closing theme music]

Nine is divisible by three,
but ten is not divisible by three.

What are you on about? Oh, is that it?

I'm sure of it!
You're saying something deep, right?

Next episode, "1 Plus 2 Equals... Threat!"

-That's no fun at all.
-Why'd you add without dividing?

-Stupid!
-What a mess.