[TokuChris]

I just love the characterization and growth of Micchy.

From being the "not as good as Kouta" guy (in terms of his importance to the team and as a Rider) to "I can help by playing the sides, keeping everyone safe" guy, to realizing he can not only play the sides but manipulate them to his advantage (the first signs of his real persona coming through) to becoming angry at Kouta for not following his orders (by telling Mai about Yuya, thus eliminating Micchy's power over Mai) to flat out wanting him destroyed (his first villain motive) to now being willing to sacrifice all of mankind to recreate the world in his image (his true, final villain form).

Ryugen's design is based off Chinese clothing, etc. I always believed that while Gaim is focused on the Sengoku period of feudal Japan, Ryugen is based off the similar period from China, known as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms era. Ryugen is most likely a representation of Sima Yi (or Zhongdu), who served the ruler Cao Cao and his sons and grandsons for nearly all his life before finally betraying them and seizing control of China for himself. To quote the wiki:

Quote:

Although not a popular theory, some believe this intention of betrayal to the Cao line stretched as far back as Sima Yi's days of serving Cao Cao. This is because Cao Cao once told Cao Pi that Sima Yi was hiding an ambition, and would not die merely serving another.