Original subtitles

-[Yamato groaning] -[Yukino] I quit. This is ridiculous.

Yukino! Hold on!

The whole reason I signed up for the Rangers was to fight monsters.

I never thought that they would make us fight them.

And if you're gonna keep running away like you did today,

I figured I'd save some time and quit now.

-[gasps] -Yukino.

Usukubo!

[Usukubo] I'm sorry… Looks like the adrenaline wore off.

This is only Day One. We have two more days of this?

-[gasps] -Go. Go and run along home

if you're so scared, you cowards.

Your mental toughness is one thing I'll give you credit for.

That said, that impulsiveness of yours was a lifesaver in battle.

[Fighter D] I'll be counting on you tomorrow.

Let's make both our dreams come true.

[Urabe] Who here's a weakling?

That Ranger girl… She's tiny but she's a monster!

Damn it all!

Easy, Eigen.

[Urabe] It's not like I'm giving up though!

C'mon, Ranmaru. We're having a strategy meeting.

Uh, sure. [grunts]

[Fighter D] Those two are always together.

I heard they've been friends since childhood.

How's Pink Squad doing?

Not great! Shippou said he needed training,

so he's cooped himself up in the training room.

Is that so?

As I suspected, those proctors are just toying with us.

[Fighter D] They have no intention of letting us pass.

[gasps]

-What's with that moron! -What's wrong, Hibiki?

Oh, well… After all this, I kinda feel like training too!

[awkward chuckle] I'm off!

Hey, Sakurama.

Yeah? What is it, Shion?

I'm in a rush, so just say it!

[sighs] We need to talk, so come on.

Didn't I just tell you that I was in a hurry? Let's talk later!

[Shion] Tsk.

[clanking]

[clanking continues]

-[gasps] -Hey!

[Fighter D] Get back to your fortress already!

[Fighter XX] I'm not gonna put up with this being my fortress anymore!

[Fighter D grunts]

[pattering]

[♪ upbeat music playing, Tatsuya Kitani "Preview of Me"]

[Fighter D] Sorry to keep you waiting. What did you want to talk about?

[Shion] Sakurama. Why did you join the Rangers?

Uh, do you mind if I ask what prompted that question first?

[Shion] The you that's always spouting crap

about reconciling with monsters,

and the you I saw during the exam…

Which one's the real you?

[gasps]

To work as a team, I need to know what your priorities are.

[grunts, sighs]

[timer ringing]

[instructor] Time's up! Day One of final exams is complete!

So the signal comes outta that thing?

[clicks tongue] It scared me.

-[Tokita] Take this! -Huh?

[both grunting]

[Tokita] Ain't no way we're stopping. It's just heating up!

We're moving into the "sudden death" round!

We're still a team despite how he acts, so I can't overlook this.

-[Tokita] You still think… -[Shion groans]

…this is about teamwork?

-Huh? -[Shion] Sakurama!

Look behind him! The key's right there!

[Fighter D] What?

[soft grunt]

How long do you guys plan on keeping this up?

[Tokita] Tsk. Remember this, Hisui.

[Hisui] Geez, it's already over. Stop harping on it, will you?

[Fighter D] Could it be… There was only ever one red key?

Assuming Tokita's telling the truth, each person needs a key.

Which means the exam is pitting

each squadron's teammate against each other.

Shion and I can't both pass the exam.

Shion… On behalf of monster-kind, I'll end your dream here.

[wind howling]

[door closes]

[gasps]

Geez, he messed this up.

It's not a patch job, it's a remodel.

Well, let's get started.

-Uh… -Ah! Why is there a girl in here?

[grunting]

[maintenance staff] Caught me by surprise.

Now why would there be a Duster holed up in Sakurama's room?

[scared gasp]

Be good. Don't put up a fight.

We don't want to make a scene, now do we?

[Fighter XX] Not good. I'm gonna be killed!

[gasps]

I'll help you escape, so please keep it quiet.

Wh-What are you saying?

It's a trick! You're not gonna fool me!

[chuckles]

There's no need for you to be so guarded.

Yeah, I may have joined the Rangers,

but I'm not really a big fan of having to fight.

[Fighter XX] Uh…

[maintenance staff] That's why I took on the maintenance position here underground.

I may be wrong here but… I don't really think you're gonna kill me.

I certainly don't want to kill you.

[wind howling]

[Fighter D] 13 years ago,

my older sister and I were in a tight spot

when a monster who called himself God attacked us,

and the Blue Keeper ended up saving us.

[gasps]

I really looked up to him. That's why I joined the Rangers.

-[Shion] Is that true? -Huh?

Tell me about that thing.

-The God monster. -[Fighter D] Oh, crap.

I-I don't know much. It all took place in an instant.

I think it was one of the boss monsters.

[sighs] I thought so.

I've got a score to settle with them.

They killed my big brother.

And I'm gonna make them pay.

[Shion] My brother was a Ranger, but he was used to fighting Dusters.

They hadn't prepared him for the sheer brutality of boss monsters.

There was nothing I could do.

I remember feeling like I was frozen.

I just stood there as they trampled on him.

I couldn't do anything but watch.

But I'm not that person anymore.

[Shion] No matter who I'm up against, I will bury them.

[Fighter D] Now I get why this dude just charges recklessly

into a fight.

His desire for revenge, that's the root of it.

I know better than anyone how that drives you.

I can't let him go any further. Time to improvise.

[Fighter D] But wouldn't that boss monster be dead now?

[Shion] What?

What you're talking about happened a long time ago.

If you haven't been able to find it by now,

then don't you think it's possible

that The Dragon Keepers have already defeated it?

[Shion] There's no record of them appearing in Sunday Showdowns.

For some reason, only incompetent boss monsters

appear during those battles.

[Fighter D] Yeah, well, you try creating monsters

out of mimicry and see how you do.

I have my reasons for needing that thing to be alive.

These last four years,

restoring my brother's honor is all that's kept me going.

[gasps] Four years?

Is that a mistake? I thought your brother died 13 years ago.

No. It's been four years.

That isn't possible!

But the boss monsters…

There must be some mistake…

That's exactly what the Rangers said to me.

They doubted me. Said there was no evidence

a monster had been at the scene where my brother died.

[Fighter D] It can't be. I don't believe it…

[Fighter D] Could a boss monster…

actually still be alive? But how?

XX… Do you know anything about this?

Let's figure out a way to settle this without fighting.

-I… I… -[energy hissing]

What should I…

[blasts]

-[body thuds] -[blood splattering]

[gasps]

[Fighter XX] H-How…

Why in the world are you here…

Lord Peltrola?

[♪ ominous music playing]

[Peltrola] "Why," you ask?

Don't be so confused.

Weren't you the one who sent a distress signal through this pipe, XX?

[Fighter XX] Y-Yes, but I could have left on my own

as long as an escape route had been secured.

[Peltrola] Are you displeased with me?

[gasps]

[Fighter XX] Not at all!

For you to personally come for me…

It's a great honor! [shaky breathing]

[Peltrola] Dear me, you poor pitiful creature…

You're trembling. How you must have suffered.

To think that my precious XX has been locked up

in a place like this all by herself.

Before this man died and ascended to heaven,

he expressed some sentiments that resonated deeply with me.

War is tragic.

Yes, fighting and strife should not exist in this world.

For you see, my wish for this quaint little planet

is a peaceful world

where we do not have to resort to violent measures.

[Fighter XX] Fighter D, stop your mimicry and run for it!

At this rate, you'll be in danger too!

If I pass the exam, that means he's gonna fail it.

I remember feeling like I was frozen and could only watch as they trampled on him.

[snickers]

This is getting more and more exciting!

Oh, man, I can't wait to see his face when I betray him in the end.

[Fighter D] He'll be all like, "You coward!"

It'll be hilarious, right, XX? [laughs]

Huh?

[Fighter D] C'mon. We're monsters. You can laugh!

[Fighter D grumbles]

That jerk is late! We're way past the start time for the second day!

Is he taking a dump or something?

Huh?

[inaudible chatter]

[Fighter D exhales]

Huh?

[Fighter D] Oh, no, Koguma. Did they get you already?

Ah, so you're the one from Red Squad Hisui was talking about.

-[startled cry] -Oh, you don't have to worry about me.

The rules state that any monster actors

who got their key taken can't fight anymore.

What?

So then, are you saying that the Blue Squad's fight is already over?

[sighs]

[soft giggle]

Huh?

What happened with the Blue Squad?

Well, I got done in by the other cadet's teamwork.

Honestly, it was quite impressive!

You know, we haven't had anyone pass the exam lately,

but I think this might be the year!

This takes me back… to when I was a young recruit.

Sorry, but if you're just gonna chit-chat, can we do it after the exam?

Oh, it's-it's just your partner bailed, so I thought you had some free time.

He didn't bail on me. He'll be here.

[soft chuckle] I'm sure he will.

Well, if you want to defeat the monster actor,

then you are going to have to work as a team.

You can drop the charade now.

Oh! That means you've figured it out already!

I did. And honestly, it's cruel. You just want us to destroy each other.

[Aizome] Oh, what's this? Are you hesitant to fight Shion now?

Is he your friend? [giggles]

[Fighter D] What?

Huh? I mean… Yeah, no way he is, absolutely not.

It's just that we've built up so much trust on the first day.

I only need Shion so I can pass the exam.

[Fighter D] After we work together to grab the key,

I'll just cook up some convenient excuse, and then hide.

Aw, I feel bad for him.

[Fighter D] As they say, desperate times call for desperate measures.

And I'm not like my fellow recruits who want to play pretend.

I'm the only one fighting for this like my life depends on it.

[Fighter D] What I do will directly affect

the future of my comrades back at the fortress.

Sympathy ain't enough to stop me.

Well, if that's what you intend to do, I guess I can help you out.

-[Fighter D] What? -[Aizome] Here's a hint.

-I saw Tokita over that way. -[grunts]

[Aizome] Oh, also… your friend was there too!

[both grunting]

-[groans] -Hold on, Shion!

You're getting ahead of yourself!

-Did you hear what I just said? -[Shion grunts]

You can't do this on your own!

[both grunting]

[Shion yelps]

-[grunts] -[shouts]

[fighting grunt]

[grunts]

Tsk.

[Urabe] Ow! There's five of us and that's all we could manage?

[Ishikawa] On the bright side, at least we got Red's key.

-[Urabe] Yeah. -There's three more left.

Hey, Shion. Wanna explain what's going on?

[Shion] It's obvious, Sakurama.

They're pitting the members of each squadron against each other.

So we formed our own team. And I don't need you anymore.

I'm going to become a Ranger no matter what it takes.

Coward… You're no Ranger!

Geez, you seriously still don't see it, huh?

Not surprising. You're so naive.

You can't lose to the monsters even once.

The day the Rangers lose, it's over for humanity.

[Tokita] That's why we send the best of the best,

The Dragon Keepers, to the frontlines.

They're the five strongest Rangers from each of our squadrons.

This exam is meant to mimic a Sunday Showdown.

Sakurama, be careful out there.

You're not the only person who's approaching this exam

as if it's a life or death competition.

[Yamato] I see.

So you guys were abandoned as well.

[Usukubo] It makes sense.

I've been a burden to Ishikawa ever since the final exam started.

I'm shocked, but I get it.

Still, it's unforgivable.

[Yamato gasps]

[Fighter D] Yeah, it is unforgivable.

Screw you, Shion.

It's okay for me to betray you,

but how dare you betray me, you bastard.

[Usukubo] Should we team up too?

-What? -What?

[Usukubo] We're allowed to steal keys that haven't been taken, right?

In that case…

[Fighter D] Now that's interesting.

[Fighter D] Koguma!

The exam isn't over yet! Let's get out there and try again!

[Ranmaru] What's the point?

Those five got the highest scores during training.

There's no way we can win even if we join forces.

[Fighter D grumbles] Seriously, this guy!

[sighs]

So you're telling me that you're just gonna give up?

You've only lost once…

[angry grunt] What do you know about it?

-[Fighter D] More than you think. -[sobs, gasps]

Who do you think would know better than me?

[Fighter D] I think it's time that we losers banded together.

[gasps] Yeah… You know what? Let's do it.

Sakurama!

The other team's already gotten into their fourth battle!

What color monsters were the third and fourth battles?

It was Pink…

And now Green.

So the only one left…

[Fighter D] Yellow's monster actor.

[Suzukiri] Hmm…

One, two, three… Huh?

That's all? I heard the other team has five members.

[Fighter D] W-What's wrong with us just being a team of three?

[Suzukiri] Well, I guess it's fine with you around.

You're acting weird. Especially lately.

What's been going on?

Like the other day, you were so cautious around me.

It made me sad.

I-I'm fine. But I appreciate the concern. Really.

[nervous chuckle] So what do you say

you hand over that key to me?

[Suzukiri giggles]

Well, this is an exam.

Did you really think I was gonna just give it to you?

Too bad.

Because you wouldn't have gotten hurt if you just gave it to us.

That sounds like something a bad guy would say!

Guess we're really doing this, Hibiki!

[blasts]

[gasps]

[grumbles]

[shouts]

-A direct hit! -Nice work, Koguma!

-[gasps] -Didn't I say it wouldn't work?

I'm disappointed.

Isn't it considered cheating to gang up on one person?

-Huh? You're the cheater! -[Ranmaru grunts]

[shouts]

[Suzukiri] A toy like that won't work on me.

I thought your friend here would've told you that.

Holy crap, this lady's really strong.

[gasps]

[inaudible murmuring]

[Ranmaru shouting]

-[gasps] -[panting]

How many more minutes until the second day is over?

Just five minutes!

[yawns] The same attacks over and over again.

I'm so bored.

-[grunts] -Plan B!

He's right! That's our only hope!

-[gasping] -[giggles]

[panting]

[groans]

Nice try!

But too bad… Because you're… no good!

[grunts, groans]

-Yamato! -[Suzukiri] I've been watching.

Did you seriously think

you'd stay safe from me by cowering behind the others?

Yeah, now I understand

why your female partner was trash-talking you yesterday.

[indistinct whispering]

[Suzukiri] Did you forget?

You're timid… a coward…

You don't have what it takes to be a hero.

[grunts]

[gasps]

[Yamato] Hibiki!

Suzukiri, I don't know how you think a hero should behave.

But it seems like anyone can become one.

[Fighter D] Even if they're a really bad guy.

[Suzukiri] I see.

-[gasps] -Watch out, Hibiki!

Well then. You can have it.

-Huh? -[grunts]

-What? -[surprised grunt]

But why?

I mean, if anyone can become a Dragon Keeper,

I think it will then be way more interesting

to let someone like you become one.

[Fighter D] Is she freaking kidding?

[Suzukiri] But I'm curious.

What'll you all do if you pass the exam and become Rangers?

Well, I would…

I'm thinking world domination.

-What? -Wait, what?

[Suzukiri giggles]

[Suzukiri] I like you. I'll be cheering you on.

See you around!

[inhales deeply]

Just four more left.

You can do it, Little Fighter-kun.

[Yamato] Thanks, Hibiki!

I'm ashamed of myself!

Compared to the rest of you all…

It's too early to be letting down your guard.

We're just getting started.

However, we still have to face Ishikawa's team.

[Fighter D grumbles] What's so great about them?

If the elite team's supposed to be The Dragon Keepers,

then why don't we just lean into it and become…

the monsters to their heroes?

We're the monsters?

I don't know how to feel about that.

I don't wanna go out of my way to be hated by everyone.

-[Fighter D] Rude… -[gasps]

[Ranmaru] Look, I bet there are people who love monsters!

I really doubt that.

[Ranmaru] There are! I'm sure of it!

Hey, isn't the ending bell gonna ring soon?

Y-yeah. It should be.

Tomorrow's the real battle. Let's save this for later.

You're totally right, Koguma. Yeah…

Each of us is here because we're trying to achieve something.

Let's create a miracle and make our dreams come true.

[both chuckle]

[Urabe] Sorry to butt in

-while you're getting all fired up. -Huh?

What?

[stutters] Hold on!

[grunts]

[gasps]

Guys! Stop!

[Urabe chuckles]

You all are delusional.

This isn't a real match, it's just an exam.

[Yukino] A mere formality to weed out who's on top of the food chain,

and the bottom feeders.

In order for you to win, it would take a miracle.

You have no chance.

[timer ringing]

[Urabe] We win!

[blasts]

[Peltrola] How many inhumane exams

and the likes have been conducted at this depraved, desolate place I wonder?

I must grant them salvation.

[worried grunt]

[♪ tense music playing]

[shaky breathing]

-[rapid heartbeats] -[worried grunt]

[♪ upbeat music playing, NANAOAKARI "Seikai Wa Iranai"]

Gotta hold it in.

What's wrong, Fighter-kun? Shout it out!

I can't. I gotta hold it in.

I said, shout out loud!

[Suzukiri] Next episode, "Shout Out Loud, Cadets!"

-Do it right! -Ow! Didn't we do this last week?

It's called a "call back!"