[Sh Ranger]

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Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

4) And just so we don’t completely forget what show this is, it’s Hibiki! Training! With Ibuki and Akira! And because this show loves me, we’re back to Hibiki dreaming about being some sort of Obscured Rider, with his sunglasses and his Honda bike. (Honda’s all over this episode, with Takeshi having some fleet contracts to keep every Oni in an Element.) I genuinely adore that the show is making But He Doesn’t Ride A Bike into an ongoing storyline, when it’s easy enough to write off as something that doesn’t fit the life of a camping superhero. (Although, Ibuki!) It’s nice that he’s not good (yet) at something so core to the Kamen Rider aesthetic, so we can see him earn it. Very happy with this concept!

Well Heisei Rider is sponsored by Honda after all! There are a few exceptions like the Mercedes NEXT Tridoron though. People take for granted that Kamen Riders just know how to drive. Learning to drive is hard and just like the feeling of pride after passing the test and getting a license, the payoff will be even better when Hibiki finally gets his bike and a great inspiration to pedestrians who need a confidence boost that with training, they can drive as well! I didn't truly appreciate that when I first watched the show, since I was a pedestrian back then and long-time drivers made it look easy, but I see it in a new light now and I love that this show allows us to share Hibiki's experience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

6) I enjoyed the conversation between Hibiki and Akira quite a bit. For one, it’s something we don’t really get to see a lot on this show, the two of them getting a scene together. For another, it’s really nice to see Hibiki in that Casual Mentor role, considering we’re spending a lot more time with masters and apprentices than we have before. Seems like everyone’s got someone to look out for except Hibiki!

Hibiki insists that being a mentor isn't his thing, referring to himself as "lonely wolf". But he just can't help himself from giving out advice. He's right to point out that Ibuki and Akira are totally in sync, they're a good team and maybe that's a subconscious desire to have one of his own, even if he won't admit it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

9) Zanki is epically chill, the kind of unflappable protagonist that it’s easy to see Todoyama feeling inferior to. Zanki has a tough fight, one that exposed him as less than 100%, and is like Yep Done. That’s it. No heartfelt chat with his apprentice. No long walk where the weight of a thousand victories makes the next battle seem impossible to face. Dude just feels he’s done, sees the strides his apprentice has made, and quits. It’s great! It’s so goddamn cool! And it’s even cooler for Todoyama completely freaking out and running away from Zanki, while Zanki shakes his head in amusement. Just the best episode, you guys.

Zanki is a bad*ss for sure and even Hibiki has a high respect for him. Unfortunately, his skill is undermined by his crippled body so he has to step back from active duty. You probably know this already from peaking at the wiki but as Zanki's pupil, Todoyama is currently an unnamed Rider, still using his human name. Pupils only get their new Oni names after graduating from their mentors and given Zanki's upcoming retirement, Todoyama will be getting his soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

13) Hey, real quick because I forgot to mention it: I like the Zanki/Todoyama suits! The guitar strings work great as a series of straps, and the show even came up with an over-the-shoulders variation for Sabaki. Todoyama’s white markings on his helmet work a little better for me than Zanki’s brown stripes, but both look good. Really fun way to incorporate guitar motifs into the Hibiki aesthetic.

I prefer the aesthetic of Percussion and Wind Oni but I do get excited whenever Zanki henshins, considering how his retirement means he won't be as active from now on compared to the other main Oni. Same goes for Sabaki, the oldest active Oni in Kanto who is skilled in using all instruments!