For Yuzhou, Director Eiji Tsuburaya wasn't just a legendary filmmaker—what mattered most was the Ultraman Star in his possession. That mysterious relic could summon the very first Ultraman across light-years to Earth.
A tempting thought crept in. If I can find a way to get that Ultraman Star into my hands…
Once the idea took hold, Yuzhou acted quickly. Step one: get closer to the director.
"Director, hello!" Yuzhou trotted up with a polite bow. "I think I can demonstrate how someone should react to seeing a kaiju."
Daigo, who had been watching from the side, nearly choked. What on earth is Yuzhou doing now?
"You are…?" Tsuburaya asked, surprised at the sudden stranger.
"Oh, I'm Nagano's friend—Yuzhou." He sneaked Daigo a wink.
"Uh… yes, Yuzhou's my friend," Daigo hurriedly confirmed, catching on.
"I see. Nagano's friend, then." Tsuburaya nodded thoughtfully. "You say you can act out a kaiju sighting? Very well—show us."
The crew quickly cleared the set. Lighting, props, camera—all readied. Daigo grabbed the clapperboard, still a bit lost.
"Action!" the cameraman called.
Daigo got bonked by the assistant director and pulled aside again, leaving Yuzhou center stage. Fake snow swirled through the fans as Yuzhou stood tall, gazing at the "sky."
His face shifted from curiosity to surprise, then disbelief—before he suddenly bellowed:
"卧槽!"
The Chinese curse froze everyone. They didn't understand the words, but somehow, the raw emotion in them made the shock perfectly clear.
Yuzhou collapsed to the ground, scrambling backward on his hands and heels. "Help! A monster! Somebody save me!" he shouted in panicked Chinese.
Director Tsuburaya's jaw dropped. He took off his glasses, polished them, and slid them back on as if doubting his own vision.
"Yuzhou-kun's acting… is this brilliant?" Daigo whispered, equally stunned.
"Cut!"
The demonstration ended, but Yuzhou grinned. As a future Oscar winner, he had confidence in his craft.
"Marvelous!" Tsuburaya hurried forward and clasped his hand. "That performance captured the essence perfectly! Especially that one phrase…"
"卧槽," Yuzhou prompted.
"Yes! That. I couldn't understand it, yet I felt it," the director said in wonder.
"You know," Yuzhou continued slyly, "in Mandarin, that word even changes meaning depending on the tone."
"Really? Explain!"
So Yuzhou broke it down—first tone, mild surprise; second, doubt; third, sudden realization; fourth, utter shock.
"Chinese culture is truly profound…" Tsuburaya murmured, deeply impressed.
At that moment, Daigo tugged Yuzhou aside and pointed at the wall. A face had emerged from the shadows—Charija.
"Don't worry," Yuzhou whispered. "He'll head to Ryusen Lake to awaken Yanagaki sooner or later. No need to rush."
"You… already know who he is?" Daigo asked quietly.
Yuzhou nodded. "Charija. An alien kaiju broker. He's here to acquire Yanagaki."
Daigo's eyes widened, but before they could speak further, they nearly bumped into Nagano himself at the exit.
For a long second, Daigo stared at the man who looked exactly like him. Nagano returned the stare with equal confusion.
"Run!" Yuzhou grabbed Daigo by the wrist and bolted.
"That guy… was Nagano?" Daigo asked once they were clear, still rattled.
"Exactly," Yuzhou chuckled.
"No wonder the crew mistook me for him. We're identical!" Daigo muttered.
With directions from locals, Yuzhou and Daigo soon reached Ryusen Lake, where Yanagaki slept. Too early to act, they pitched camp nearby with a tent from Yuzhou's spatial bracelet. Dinner was a humble mix of snacks.
When the moonlight shimmered across the lake's surface, Yuzhou murmured, "It's almost time."
"Yanagaki will awaken?" Daigo asked, already briefed on Charija's plan.
"Yes." Yuzhou nodded. "Daigo, you'll go first. If you can't handle it, I'll step in."
Daigo accepted without hesitation.
Right then, a blue beam lanced into the lake. Thunder cracked as the waters roared, and a glowing boulder surged skyward before crashing down by the village.
The boulder split, revealing a hulking beast of jagged armor and fury.
"Behold—the universe's fiercest monster, Yanagaki!" Charija crowed from above. "Destroy it all! Leave nothing standing!"
The beast began its march toward the village, each footstep shaking the earth.
"…This is supposed to be the fiercest in the universe?" Yuzhou muttered. "Looks more cute than terrifying."
"I'll go," Daigo said firmly.
A flash of light engulfed him. The silver, red, and purple giant—Ultraman Tiga—soared into the night sky and landed before Yanagaki, blocking its path.
"Tiga…?" Charija's face twisted in disbelief. Impossible. Tiga shouldn't appear at this time. That's why I chose tonight to unleash Yanagaki!
Now wary, he floated away from the monster's body. Watching would no longer be safe.
No more words. The kaiju and the giant charged, colliding in a clash of strength and fury.