[AgileSiamang7]

This episode revealed that besides Dan, the other people killed and having their data stored can't just be easily accessed and rescued by the hero riders. Cronus knew to keep that ace for himself, since he is at least forcing Hiro to assist him.

So how exactly is Hiro, who had a private chat with Cronus, a "bad character" for not wanting to risk his girlfriend's existence on an attack plan on Cronus?

Even if they took him down, without his control console they couldn't do shit, and he'd likely have someone back at the company destroy it if they learnt of it and tried to go and swipe it off of him.

Hiro choice to go salaryman is annoying, but what was the alternative? Take down Cronus and hold him until he gets bored and gives in? No one but Kuroto would try to kill him. And without the motivation to surpass him how likely would it be that Kuroto would make Muteki, which so far is Emu's best bet of defeating Parad solo, as last time he got his ass-kicked? That's just ignoring the upgrade Hiro got this episode, which makes him the only other person that's not a bugster capable of taking on the Lvl. 99 squad.

Hiro's always had a not so stellar personality. He's the quickest to de-transform, which while smart does end up looking cowardly in the earlier episodes, he was part of the petty duo, and we've seen the Saki flashback enough to know all about what he's like in a relationship. Having said that, he has grown from that previous shit, even if that growth includes prioritizing NPC girlfriend over his career and alliances.

And what has Kiriya done besides his usual shtick: lie about being horrible, when he actually wants to do good? The worst thing about him being back is his ugly big head without his Lvl. 3 look.