Although Steve and Kent were injured by the Squid Gurongi's ink explosions, their physical constitutions allowed them to recover fully after a short period of rest upon returning to base.
However, despite their physical recovery, both were heavy-hearted. After experiencing this defeat, they had to consider how to deal with the Squid Gurongi.
"That Gurongi's long-range explosive ink is a massive threat," Kent said with a grave expression. "I'm not sure why he suddenly left this time when he had the upper hand. But he certainly won't just give up on his human-hunting game. The next time this Squid Gurongi appears, it will definitely be to continue his killing game. This means we must protect innocent civilians from his explosive ink attacks."
Steve nodded. This was the most troublesome part: while fighting the Squid Gurongi, they had to worry about the safety of ordinary people nearby. Furthermore, the Squid Gurongi's body seemed to have a special protective layer that was incredibly slippery; during their previous encounter, it had deflected attacks from the Dragon Rod. Standard blunt force from fists or kicks would likely be ineffective. Steve wasn't even sure if a Rider Kick in Mighty Form would deal enough damage.
"Perhaps Kuuga's final sword-wielding form can deal with this Gurongi," Steve thought to himself.
From the visions of the ancient Kuuga's battles stored within the Amadam stone, Steve knew there should be a sword-bearing form clad in heavy purple and silver armor. However, Steve felt as though he was missing something, preventing him from transforming into this final form directly.
With the Squid Gurongi liable to reappear at any moment to resume his slaughter, Steve and Kent couldn't immediately think of an effective countermeasure. After much deliberation, Steve felt he had to try and unlock that final form to use its power against the enemy. Since the previous Kuuga from ancient times was able to seal the Gurongi tribe, it meant Kuuga must possess the power to counter or adapt to any Gurongi.
Since he couldn't transform immediately, Steve decided to seek out someone who might have more detailed information about Kuuga. He obtained the location of Dan Kuroto's Gurongi avatar from Coulson and decided to pay him a visit.
"Director, is it really a good idea to let Captain Rogers go find that Gurongi?" Coulson asked Nick Fury over the comms, watching Steve's departing figure with concern.
Having seen how the Gurongi avatar had wiped out a SHIELD elite tactical team and easily destroyed a Quinjet, Coulson had a clear understanding of its strength. The power displayed was definitely of an "unbeatable" caliber. Though Coulson was reluctant to admit it, based on the current situation, Steve was likely no match for him either.
Nick's voice came through the communicator: "There shouldn't be any accidents. Based on the analysis of his first appearance, this Gurongi seems to view the Captain—or rather, the inheritor of Kuuga's power—differently. Although we are monitoring the bookstore 24/7, we have no idea what this mysterious and powerful Gurongi intends. Every agent we sent to probe him was discovered and kicked out immediately. While there were no casualties, we gained nothing. Perhaps Captain Rogers' visit can test his true motives, or at least clarify his attitude. Having such a dangerous entity that we can't handle remain a complete mystery makes me uneasy."
Coulson nodded silently in agreement.
Steve arrived at the bookstore in New York's Chinatown.
"You've come," the Gurongi avatar said, glancing at Steve as he entered. He closed the book in his hand and gestured toward a nearby seat.
Steve glanced at the book: A General History of the World. "You're interested in history?" Steve asked curiously.
The Gurongi avatar nodded. "Rinto—no, human history is indeed very interesting. It fascinates me. I must say, you humans have given me many surprises. I didn't expect that during the years the Gurongi slept, you would discover so many theories called 'science' and create such peculiar tools..."
He casually picked up a copy of Molecular Thermodynamics and continued, "For instance, the theories in this book have given me a great deal of inspiration."
Steve felt a sense of daze watching an ancient Gurongi from ten thousand years ago talk seriously about modern science that he himself didn't quite understand. After a moment, he smiled slightly. "Human history and science are indeed great and glorious."
The Gurongi avatar gave a noncommittal smile. "Kuuga, why have you come to see me?"
Steve hesitated for a moment before stating his purpose.
"Kuuga's Titan Form?" the Gurongi avatar mused.
"I want to know why I can't transform into Titan Form directly," Steve asked, nodding.
"Kuuga's four forms represent the four elements: Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth," the Gurongi avatar explained in a leisurely tone.
Mighty Form — The Warrior of Fire. Clad in the Stone of Hope, a warrior who takes the form of raging flames to strike down evil.
Dragon Form — The Warrior of Water. Turning the enemy's techniques into nothingness, a warrior who calms evil like flowing water.
Pegasus Form — The Warrior of Wind. Knowing the enemy's form better than they know themselves, a warrior who pierces through evil like a gale.
Titan Form — The Warrior of Earth. Donning armor of steel, a warrior who cuts through evil with the power to break the earth.
"To transform into Titan Form, one must have the conviction to face everything head-on."
The Gurongi avatar looked at Steve and continued, "You likely still have lingering attachments in your heart—people or things you are afraid or unwilling to face. That is why you cannot transform into Titan Form."
Steve felt a jolt in his heart. He immediately understood, thinking of the one person he was somewhat afraid to face. The dance date he failed to keep sixty years ago... even though he knew Agent Carter was still alive, he had subconsciously avoided meeting her since he woke up.
"I understand," Steve said, his voice tinged with a sense of relief, as if he had made a decision. "But I have a few more questions for you." Steve stared straight at the Gurongi avatar.
"What questions?" the avatar asked casually.
"What is your goal? Why are you helping me? Whose side are you on?" Steve asked seriously.
The corners of the Gurongi avatar's mouth curled slightly. "I am only ensuring that in the final 'White and Black' game, there is a participant who can truly stand against Daguva. As for whose side I am on? You must understand that, strictly speaking, Kuuga and we Gurongi are the same kind of existence. I am willing to help you because you have the potential to enter the final stage of the game. As for the other Rinto... I don't care much about them."