[Kamen Rider Die]

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Originally Posted by Fish Sandwich

Probably the one thing Takkun could beat Kusaka at right now. Their dynamic in these episodes is super fun, by the way. Going back to that "subversive Rider show" point, the idea of Kaixa just straight up bowing out of a fight to leave Takumi to fend for himself is hilarious. They aren't in the dark about each other's identities like Agito, and they aren't destined to fight like everyone in Ryuki. It's two Riders who have no reason NOT to be working together, but they just hate each other that much.

Yeah, I know people like to shout MELODRAMA at Inoue, but I find the Takumi/Kusaka story pretty goddamn grounded so far, despite how bonkers parts of it are. Not getting along with someone immediately for vaguely-defined reasons is, I'm going to guess, a pretty common experience for people. (Or maybe I'm just an asshole?) If anything, this rivalry is more relatable than most other shows, because they just don't get along. It's not something (right now at least) that can be overcome by them proving their dedication to heroism to each other, or sharing their traumas, or any of the ways brave men find common ground in Kamen Rider. They just don't like each other, full stop. That's pretty much how normal people behave!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish Sandwich

Also thank you so much for plugging my thread twice. That's way too kind of you.

It's my pleasure! You did an amazing job!