"If two armed Riders clash, it's no longer just an Inves Game. New rules are needed," Sid declared.
He reached into his coat and tossed two vibrant Lockseeds into the air. One was crimson red with a rose emblem, the other pale pink adorned with a cherry blossom.
"These are special gifts," he added with a grin.
Of the two, the Rose Lockseed was clearly superior. Without hesitation, Ryuga caught the red one, labeled Rose Attacker.
"What kind of Lockseed is this?" Kaito asked, puzzled.
"Let's find out," Ryuga replied casually. He activated the Lockseed and tossed it forward. As it hit the ground, it shimmered—then transformed into a sleek, crimson motorcycle.
Kaito followed suit, activating his Lockseed. Another motorcycle materialized before him.
These weren't ordinary rides. When driven at high speeds, they could build up energy to open a portal into the Helheim Forest—the mysterious underworld realm.
The reason Sid and the World Tree Foundation had distributed these Lockseeds and even the Sengoku Drivers was simple: data collection. Every belt—including the Sengoku Driver currently on Ryuga's waist—transmitted combat data back to World Tree.
Ryuga was aware of this, but he didn't care.
While others used the belts to become stronger, he saw it as a limitation—at least until he achieved Kamen Rider Gaim's final form.
Let them harvest their data; it wouldn't affect him.
Under Sid's smirking guidance, Ryuga and Kaito mounted their bikes and roared off, disappearing from the stadium in a blur of speed.
The crowd, once electrified, was left bewildered.
"Wait… wasn't this supposed to be a match?" someone muttered.
"Where did they go?"
But Ryuga wasn't concerned with the crowd.
Once inside the Helheim Forest, he ditched the competitive mindset and instead began exploring. His goal: find and collect more Helheim Fruits.
If a belt user harvested one, it could be turned into a new Lockseed. Even without conversion, the fruits fetched high prices on the black market.
Ryuga wasn't picky. As long as the fruit wasn't a worthless D-rank, he'd collect it—A to C ranks were valuable enough.
Unfortunately, high-rank fruits were scarce. Apart from the ever-abundant D-ranks, most were mediocre B or C-tier. His last haul of A-ranks had been pure luck.
As he delved deeper into the forest, a white figure blocked his path. Clad in melon-themed armor—Kamen Rider Zangetsu had appeared!
Takatora Kureshima, the World Tree's Zawame City Branch Director and brother to Mitsuzane Kureshima, stood firm in Ryuga's path.
His presence could only mean one thing—there was a World Tree outpost nearby.
Ryuga's interest faded instantly.
What fruit could possibly remain near their base? And what use was raiding the site for surplus Lockseeds? He didn't need more—and pointless theft wasn't his style.
So, without a word, he turned around to leave.
Of course, Takatora had no intention of letting him walk away.
This was his territory, and Ryuga had trespassed.
Ryuga: "Is it, though?"
Takatora: ..."..."
The stoic Rider drew his Musou Saber and raised his Melon Defender Shield, launching a precise slash at Ryuga.
In response, Ryuga calmly drew his own Musou Saber and parried the blow effortlessly. The clash echoed through the underworld forest.
Under normal conditions, Takatora—veteran warrior and the first of the Armored Riders—was formidable. Trained, strategic, and intimately familiar with the Sengoku Driver, he was no easy opponent.
Unfortunately for him, his adversary was Ryuga.
Even now, Ryuga was holding back. He could end the fight with ease, but he didn't feel like showing off.
This feels like Mr. E all over again, Ryuga thought wryly. Am I becoming the same overpowered mentor figure?
Well, as long as I'm not facing someone with plot armor, it's fine. And right now, I'm the one with the plot armor.
"Director Kureshima," Ryuga said mid-combat, "I'm not your enemy. You should really worry more about your subordinates."
With that, he effortlessly shoved Takatora back and vanished into the trees, leaving the stunned Director alone.
Who was that?
How did he know who I am?
And what did he mean by my subordinates?
Back in Zawame City, Ryuga emerged from a portal—far from the surveillance of World Tree. He hadn't used any special powers near their base; no need to expose unnecessary information when his motorcycle could do the job just fine.
He returned to the Gaim base and casually dropped a plastic bag full of Lockseeds in front of Mai.
"Sort these however you like."
The team was ecstatic. Dozens of Lockseeds meant more power—and more influence in the game. Laughter and celebration filled the room.
But one person remained thoughtful.
Kureshima Mitsuzane, aka Micchi, approached Ryuga, eyes burning with admiration.
"Brother Ryuga… how can I gain the strength to protect the team?"
Ryuga didn't hesitate. "Go to Sid. Use your family name. Leverage your identity. You'll get your hands on a Sengoku Driver in no time."
He handed Micchi a Grape Lockseed—a rare A-rank.
Micchi's eyes widened in shock. "Brother Ryuga… did you say… my family name?"
Ryuga gave him a knowing look and clapped his shoulder.
"Of course. You're the younger brother of the World Tree director. As a member of this team, I know all your secrets."
Micchi lowered his head, embarrassed. "I never meant to hide it…"
"I understand. You feared being treated differently." Ryuga nodded, his tone gentle. "You haven't done anything wrong."
"Brother Ryuga!" Micchi's voice wavered with emotion.
But Ryuga quickly looked away, uncomfortable with the intense gaze. "Alright, enough drama."
He turned serious again.
"Listen. Sid's a World Tree operative. Use your identity—real or bluffed—and he'll cave. Once you have the driver, you'll be able to protect the team. That's your responsibility now."
He paused, then added: "Once you're strong enough, I won't need to stay here. Can I count on you?"
Micchi nodded, eyes fierce with determination. "Yes, Brother Ryuga! I'll make it happen!"
He turned and strode out, filled with purpose.
Ryuga watched him go, then sighed.
Kids are so easy to manipulate. Is this really okay? Feels like I'm turning into some shady old man…