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mirai-e-jump · 6 months

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Uchusen Vol. 182 (Autumn 2023) Kamen Rider Gaim 10th Anniversary Commemorative Book: Muso Interview with Series Producer and Designers (other pages and translations below)

Publication: October 2, 2023

Producer Takebe Naomi Interview

-Recruitment of Main Writer Urobuchi Gen-

"One of the major points of Kamen Rider Gaim, was the recruitment of Urobuchi Gen-san as the main writer, someone who's worked on video games and anime."

Takebe: That's right. Looking back, I'm amazed that he was able to do it. Currently, due to Urobuchi-san's schedule, I think it'd be difficult to have him on for a whole year, so I think it was a very important year for us.

"What were some of the characteristics of Urobuchi's scripts?"

Takebe: The dialogue was heavy, wasn't it? Each one was long and contained difficult expressions. Also, I remember saying something like, "New actors can't speak more than 3 lines" (laughs), but the choice of words in their dialogue was amazing, so I don't think it would've made a big difference even if they were made alittle shorter.

"Speaking of which, in an interview at the time, you said, "I’ve learned to write shorter lines after working on Kamen Rider Gaim" (laughs). We think it was also adventurous for you to treat dance as one of the important themes that make up the show."

Takebe: In the beginning, that was the initial setting by both Urobuchi-san, and Director (Ryuta) Tasaki, who was in charge of the pilot, and it made me think, "Wow, this is an area I'm not familiar with" (laughs). It wouldn't have been a problem if it was an anime, but as a live action show, the cast has to practice, and it's time consuming to film them dancing, so it was very difficult.

"Come to think of it, the flow of the story until the end of the show was already decided in the beginning."

Takebe: From the world of the kids on the dance team, to the adult world……the interactions with Takatora and the others, and then learning the truth from them, was all set up like chapters. When I met with Director Tasaki and Urobuchi-san for the second time, we had notes on the overall flow of the show, which was roughly divided into four parts. The final setting was established, and it ended up being almost unchanged, so it was a new experience for me because I hadn't worked in that way before. Usually, I think about what to do next while working on a show (laughs).

-Impact of the fruit armor-

"In contrast to the serious and hard hitting storyline depicted by Urobuchi-san, we think the catchy appeal of the fruit themed Kamen Rider characters were a key point of the show. The transformation sequence where the fruit falls from above, covers their heads, and transforms into their armor left a great impact."

Takebe: Since it's fruit, the colors are vibrant. The design is very interesting, and the characters stand out from the outside. I think the fruit were incorporated very well, including the gimmick of putting it on the head and having it expand into armor. However, you wouldn't know Baron is a banana if you weren't told, and Gaim is an orange, but we still tried to create a cool Rider image.

"We think that the tasteful styles of armor incorporating Japanese, Western and Chinese, also contributed greatly to expressing the individuality of the characters."

Takebe: That was a last minute differentiation. If you change the armor with a form change, you lose the identity of the character, or rather, the more you change the armor, the more you'll lose track of what makes Gaim look like Gaim. That being the case, we decided to classify the armor, with Gaim being a Japanese style, Baron in a Western style, and Ryugen in a Chinese style. Also, we decided not to lend or borrow armor to anyone other than Gaim. It might be better to play with toys by using armor that can be used by alot of characters, but that would make it hard to tell who's who.

"It was also interesting that the Lockseed transformation item had a lock motif."

Takebe: As an item, I think we made the locks very cool and cute. It's just the right size, with a nice fit in the hand, and a slightly responsive weight. In fact, I'm glad to hear that the Lockseed toys sold well.

"What other Riders or items were particularly memorable to you?"

Takebe: The introduction of the adult team (new generation Riders) who transform with the Genesis Driver. It was nice to have a group of 4 Riders on the enemy side. The bow weapon (Sonic Arrow) was also cool, and the production of Kanada Osamu's team (episode 12), which appeared for the first time, was also good. Apparently the Genesis Driver sold well, which when you think about it, is amazing, considering it's the enemy's Belt.

-A wide range of casting oddities-

"As a multi Rider show, many characters appeared, so what did you pay special attention to when casting?"

Takebe: Rather than conducting a general audition like we usually do, we called on potential candidates, and narrowed our selections considerably. The dialogue written by Urobuchi-san is difficult, so we were thinking of someone with experience rather than a total newcomer. For one of the main actors, (Yuki) Kubota-san, he was a good choice. We had an interview with him, and I think it was more like casting, rather than an audition.

"So the cooperation between the new cast members, who played the main roles, and the supporting cast of skilled actors, helped to create the multi Rider story, huh?"

Takebe: I think that Producer Mochizuki's casting of Namioka Kazuki-san, Yoshida Metal-san, as well as other adults were well balanced. (Tsukui) Minami-san and (Aoki) Tsunenori-kun were also casted rather than auditioning, but I think the casting of the 4 new generation Riders really worked well together. It was abit of an adult world, in contrast to the childish world of the main characters. So, when I think about it now, it was interesting to see the wide range of ages, and the unique characters played by everyone, including the young cast members. Of course, that was created by Urobuchi-san, so I can only say that I'm very impressed with him.

"According to Suit Actor Takaiwa Seiji-san, Gaku Sano-san, who plays the leading role is, "The most mobile of all the leading Rider actors in history," and he showed off his pre transformation action moves, taking advantage of his physical strength."

Takebe: That's right. The Action Director, Ishigaki Hirofumi-san, incorporated alot of action. Gaim had many episodes by Director Kaneda (who came from an action background), so that may have been one of the highlights of Gaim.

"Overall, we think the casting was fascinating."

Takebe: I think Urobuchi-san also enjoyed that part. By working with real life actors, things will gradually change. Actually, I think that the character of Mitsuzane changed quite abit. Mitsuzane was played by Takasugi Mahiro-kun.

"At first, you had planned to have Mitsuzane leave the show with 3 months left. However, as he was writing the story, Urobuchi-san thought, "Isn't it wrong to have Mitsuzane disappear?," so he changed the direction of the story."

Takebe: It's similar to Isuzu Daichi of "Geats," where people like that are allowed to be in a world where everyone can be happy. So, I wasn't aware of it, and I don't think Takahashi Yuya (Geats's Director) has watched Gaim either, but I thought Gaim and Geats were similar. For example, with Gridon, we thought about, "Wanting to make a lock from a nut instead of a fruit," so we'd say, "Then let's also make a nut Rider," but Geats also has small buckles including hammers, don't they? It started with the idea of creating a buckle made of wood or stone, so we were thinking the same thing, just like Urobuchi-san had already done before (laughs). I thought of this when I was rereading books related to Gaim for this interview. I didn't remember much about it while I was working on Geats, but I thought it was following a similar path. It's also the same that he becomes a god in the end (laughs).

-Various developments due to multiple Riders-

"Overall, what was the most memorable episode of Gaim?"

Takebe: After the TV series ended, we did two V-Cinemas (Gaim Gaiden: Kamen Rider Zangetsu/Kamen Rider Baron and Gaim Gaiden: Kamen Rider Duke/Kamen Rider Knuckle). It was impressive. When I was working on "OOO", I was approached to produce a V-Cinema version of "W", but I turned it down because I thought at the time that a spin off of Ankh, for example, would never be possible. However, I decided to work on Gaim just in case there were people who were looking forward to it, and all of them turned out to be impressive works. One of my favorites among them is "Kamen Rider Knuckle." Of all the Gaiden stories, Knuckle is the only one that takes place after the conclusion of the TV series. It's a positive story that continues into the future, and it's still one of my favorites.

"We think the key to Gaim's success was that it had so many sub Rider characters and was so popular that side stories were made. As a result, 6 years after the main show ended, a spin off featuring Gridon and Bravo (Kamen Rider Gaiden: Kamen Rider Gridon vs. Kamen Rider Bravo) was distributed."

Takebe: During the second Gaiden, we were talking about whether to use Knuckle, Gridon, or Bravo, and we decided on Knuckle, but Metal-san commented something like, "Hmm~, I wasn't chosen." When I heard that, I was surprised to see that he was so eager to work with us (laughs). In that sense, I'm glad I was able to do something I had left undone.

"As a project unique to Gaim, the year before Gridon vs. Bravo, a stage play adaptation was also produced with Zangetsu as the lead role."

Takebe: That was made possible when Nitroplus told us that they wanted to turn it into a stage play, but I do agree that it's something that doesn't happen very often. The casting was done by Nelke Planning, and it was great to meet such charming cast members, such as Mashiko Atsuki-kun (Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger) and Goto Dai-kun (Kamen Rider Zi-O), who would later be cast in other productions. The screenplay and direction by Mori Nobuhiro-san was also very good, and the idea of retracing the story of Gaim in a setting where Takatora has lost his memory is very appropriate for reconstructing Gaim on stage. I think it was an extremely rare success story in that Kubota-kun's Zangetsu was able to successfully tell Gaim's story in a way that was truly unique and without the original cast.

-Looking back on Gaim-

"Looking back on it like this, it was a show that covered many different topics. There were also many collaborations with other works. There was a history of collaborations with Super Sentai (Ressha Sentai ToQger Vs. Kamen Rider Gaim Spring Vacation Combining Special), and even Kikaider appeared in the TV series (Episode 30: The Red and Blue Kikaider) in conjunction with the "Kikaider Reboot" film."

Takebe: There was also a film (Heisei Rider vs. Showa Rider: Kamen Rider Taisen feat. Super Sentai) where all the Kamen Riders gathered. That's when the number of Showa Riders (Kamen Rider Ichigo-Kamen Rider J) and Heisei's main Riders (Kamen Rider Kuuga-Kamen Rider Gaim) were the same (15). I think it was created as a result of hearing about it from the staff, and conveying it to Shinichiro Shirakura. Actors who have played Kamen Rider in the past, including Fujioka Hiroshi-san also appeared in the film….It was certainly a work that did alot of different things. We had a cooking showdown as a bonus video for the TV series, and since we had multiple Riders, we had a large cast, so we were able to do alot of different things. That's why I remember the event being so popular. As an artist, I think I appeared at the "Super Hero Festival (Kamen Rider x Super Sentai Live & Show)" 2 years in a row (2014-2015). Kobayashi Yutaka-kun and Shida Yumi-chan, who were active as idol artists, were good at talking, so the final stage was very lively. And then, Sano-kun cried through the whole thing. He was crying for the very first time, and we all said, "Eh? This is the first time?" (laughs). But, I felt that he had worked very hard for that whole year.

"We've reached the end. Now that 10 years have passed, we'd like you to look back on Kamen Rider Gaim and say a few words."

Takebe: It was great to work with Urobuchi-san and to be able to challenge myself in various ways, including with V-Cinema. The content was abit challenging and mature, but I think Rider is able to pull these things off well in a Rider like way. Of course, it's good to have a work where each episode is complete. However, I think it's good to have this kind of show once in a while. Personally, I like Taiga dramas, and I think it's something that can only be done in a production that lasts for a year. Looking back, it's been a long time since we've had multi Riders. Currently, it's not unusual to have a large number of Riders, but it was interesting to see the development that came from having a large number of Riders, and in that sense, I think Gaim has expanded the variety of the series. Urobuchi-san and Nitroplus also found it interesting to work on Kamen Rider for the first time, and I think it was a truly valuable and interesting show that'll never be replicated again.

Designers Tanaka Sojiro x Tsurumaki Takuya Interviews

"A year after the TV series ended, the spinoffs, "Gaim Gaiden: Kamen Rider Zangetsu/Kamen Rider Baron" and, "Gaim Gaiden: Kamen Rider Duke/Kamen Rider Knuckle," were released as V-Cinemas, featuring new forms of the main Kamen Rider's from each title and many new villain Riders, but basically, they're recolored existing suits to create clever variations."

Tsurumaki: Gaim was originally a multi Rider series, so you can change the color of the forms in an infinite number of combinations (laughs). However, the inner suit is tied to the identity of the person, or rather, to the one transforming, so when it comes to a new form, we did them according to Gaim's rules, that you can change the color of the armor to some extent, but not the base.

"Zangetsu's Watermelon Arms (Kamen Rider Zangetsu) is a successful way of turning Melon Arms into a Watermelon by just recoloring it."

Tsurumaki: I think it was quite the discovery to make them look like other fruits just by repainting them. For Zangetsu, we used a melon pattern and painted it with a watermelon pattern to give it a completely different appearance. Everyone has their own impression of the fruit, so we were able to successfully create it by working backwards from that impression. In that sense, I think it's more meaningful to recolor in Gaim than in other series. That's why, because it's that fruit, it's that color.

"What about Kamen Rider Idunn (Kamen Rider Zangetsu) and Baron's new form (Kamen Rider Baron), both using Ringo Arms?"

Tanaka: In the beginning, we thought of using an apple as a Lockseed because it was a "forbidden fruit," but we couldn't find the right time to use apples, so we decided to use it in the film (Kamen Rider Gaim: Great Soccer Battle! Golden Fruits Cup), and Kamen Rider Mars and Kamen Rider Kamuro finally used apples. However, Toei still wanted to use the apple in the form of a "forbidden fruit," so it was decided that the apple would once again appear in Gaiden.

"Kamen Rider Tyrant (Kamen Rider Baron) has a design that's unpleasant to look at."

Tsurumaki: That's true (laughs). We first used dragon fruit in the film (Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider Drive & Gaim: Movie War Full Throttle), but even before that, it was a fruit that we wanted to use. The shape is distinct and the colors are flashy. So I'm glad that we were able to use them in the film and also in Gaiden. They also released a figure of Duke's Dragon Energy Arms (laughs).

"The second wave of Gaiden was "Kamen Rider Duke" and "Kamen Rider Knuckle."

Tanaka: Duke is a new generation Rider who transforms with the Genesis Driver, right? However, Gaiden (Kamen Rider Duke) was a story that also depicts the past, so we thought there should be a previous version of Duke, so we designed Duke as a Rider who uses the same lemon Lockseed as Lemon Energy Arms and transforms with the Sengoku Driver.

"In "Kamen Rider Duke," the villain Kamen Rider Saver has a unique design."

Tanaka: Definitely, when I saw it, I thought that we made something amazing (laughs).

"Since it's called Blood Pomegranate Arms, the association of Pomegranate and Blood (Orange) makes it one of the most sinister in the series."

Tsurumaki: It gives off a dangerous image (laughs). As a slightly irregular villain, he does alot of things that go against Gaim's design rules.

"Also, in "Kamen Rider Knuckle," you designed Black Baron as a color change of Baron (Banana Arms) with the other being Knuckle Jimber Marron Arms."

Tsurumaki: Knuckle was originally going to be Walnut, right? How did he become Marron?

Tanaka: Wasn't it to group him up with other nuts?

"We think the fact that Knuckle's signature fist weapon as a chestnut burr also left an impact."

Tsurumaki: That's true. And, it has a two layered structure where the burrs peel off, and the gloves come out (laughs).

"After that, in 2019, "Stage Play: Kamen Rider Zangetsu Gaim Gaiden" was performed, and a new form of Zangetsu appeared."

Tsurumaki: It was designed by Tanaka-san, right?

Tanaka: That's right. Since I was the person who designed Zangetsu, I was asked by the leader of the Rider team at the time. It was decided that the Zangetsu would be powered up with Kachidoki Arms, so we rearranged Zangetsu as Kachidoki.

"The following year, Gaiden (Kamen Rider Gridon vs. Kamen Rider Bravo)" was revived as a miniseries, with Gridon and Bravo unexpectedly playing the main roles."

Tanaka: Come to think of it, Bravo (Durian Arms) was the first Rider designed by Tsurumaki, right?

Tsurumaki: The first Rider I worked on was Kamen Rider Sorcerer in the film "Kamen Rider Wizard in Magic Land," but I think Bravo might've been the first Rider I worked on as a regular TV character. I also worked on Knuckle and the Black Shadow Troopers in Gaim, so I think it was one of them.

"Bravo's King Dorian Arms is basically just a recolor, but the addition of the cape was a major one. By the way, the cape played an important role later in the series."

Tsurumaki: That's right. It's a cape that looks quite evil.

Tanaka: If you want to make something look evil, just add a cape (laughs).

Tsurumaki: An all purpose evil cape (laughs).

"What about Gridon's Lychee Arms?"

Tanaka: That was an issue.

Tsurumaki: Should we talk about it? (laughs).

Tanaka: I originally designed Gridon (Donguri Arms), so I'm very attached to it. The design of a Kamen Rider is completed after receiving opinions from different people, but for Gridon, I was able to quickly draw it from the beginning and get the OK immediately. I was so attached to it, that I even named my cat "Guri" after Gridon, and when I heard that Gridon would be the main character in the next new production, I suggested 2 rough patterns that I would've liked to have used. However, after that, a rough draft that Tsurumaki had drawn the day before the meeting was added, and that ended up being used (laughs).

Tsurumaki: At the time, I was on assignment at Bandai, and when I looked at the design proposal that Tanaka-san sent me the evening before the meeting, it looked like a samurai, or rather, Japanese styled, but didn't Gridon use a Western style? (laughs).

Tanaka: I intended to include a Western styled design, but it didn't work out (laughs).

Tsurumaki: So, I added one Western styled proposal and it was chosen…..(laughs).

Tanaka: Well, it was frustrating, but when I saw Tsurumaki's design later, I thought for sure that it would be chosen (laughs).

"We see (laughs). By the way, what are some of the design points of Lychee Arms?"

Tsurumaki: There were very few fruits left that we didn't already use. So, I thought that the only way to make this work was to take advantage of the base of Gridon's armor, and thought about what fruits I could apply to it, and by process of elimination, I settled on lychee. Also, since Gridon isn't that strong, I think I designed it based on how I could make him look strong while still retaining Gridon's armor.

"What about the other one that appeared, Kamen Rider Sylphi?"

Tsurumaki: When we first received the concept, we were told it'd be a female Rider, and that it'd be a good idea to use the fruit of the Helheim Forest as a way of presenting the Lockseed, which would probably be the final one of the series. So we decided to design a new Lockseed, not a recolor, and Bandai decided to commercialize it with a new mold. The design of the Rider itself is reminiscent of a witch who presides over Helheim.

"However, even after the show ended, you continued to design quite a few Riders."

Tsurumaki: That's true. It's not so unusual these days, but I think it was the first time I've drawn so many variations.

Tanaka: Rather, I think that Gaim was the catalyst for the spin offs that became the norm after the main show ends, and for the trend of designing many Rider variations.

Tsurumaki: In Gaim, the Rider transformation itself was the system that easily created variations, so I think that was a big deal too.

Tanaka: I think it was a good idea to create a format where the body and armor can be switched around.

Tsurumaki: It's like a puzzle (laughs).

"Finally, please look back at Gaim's design works and say a few words."

Tanaka: I've participated in a few Kamen Rider projects, but Gaim is the only one I worked on from start to finish, so I have particularly strong feelings for it. Gridon was initially intended to be a mass produced Rider, but when I saw the actual situation, I was glad to see that they made him into a proper character…..This is a story about Gridon, not Gaim (laughs).

Tsurumaki: Today was alot of fun looking back on Gaim after such a long time. Like the Lychee Arms stuff (laughs).

Tanaka: I still hold that in my heart (laughs).

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tokuteasings · 1 year

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Dating Headcanons - Kazuraba Kouta, Kumon Kaito

Warnings: Uh mentions of Kaito’s family, and general pain. I cannot talk about Gaim without being emo as hell. Spoilers for all of Gaim in general actually.

See, I originally was going to post ALL of the headcanons together but I decided to separate em out because I’m suuuper proud of the Kouta and Kaito ones I made. So...enjoy~!

Kazuraba Kouta

First off, not to be a ho but also to be a ho…have you sEEN this man??? Kouta is fucking fit as hell and he knows it. He uses his adept physique to help those around him and with his various part time jobs and all, it’s no wonder that he’s fucking built like a god damn Greek God. Anyway he doesn’t mind showing off to you but there is this fucking shy and sweet little proud flush to his cheeks as he flexes for you. “Do…do you like what you see?” he would question, almost hesitant to fully undress and only gives you hints of his body. But like…listen. You are treated to this visage 25/8 so it’s fuckinG GREAT OKAY???? But if anything, his body is covered in scars because of his fights and jobs so like…please kiss them. He’ll melt and giggle, claiming it tickles but it’s his fave thing!!!!

Kouta is the definition of a vitamin © he’s just full of energy and is always ready to cheer you up. The first thing he does when waking up is to either text you good morning with like the most fucking cringey emojis (an orange included) if you two live apart or with kisses if you two live together! This is mandatory and if neither of these things happen, you will find him being the most fucking pouty little bitch you have ever seen. Mai and Micchy are super quick to point this out, much to his chagrin because (as the eldest of his team members I believe) Kouta tries not to show it. He doesn’t want the others to worry about him much but like he is always looking at his phone longingly, waiting for a text from you or like letting out this longing sort of sighs because he misses you. Mai has you on speed dial, “Come and give your boyfriend a kiss already!! He’s being pouty and we can’t take it anymore!!! D:<” so really, you are also his Vitamin C!!!

Public affection is honestly, rather tame. Kouta always has his hand in yours or an arm wrapped around your body in some fashion. Why not? He loves you so much so of course he would!!!! He tends to swing your hands whenever they’re laced together, oh so cutely.

You always come to his dances whenever you can, even after he had left Team Gaim. It’s because you are close friends with the rest of them and seeing Kouta dance is something else. He’s this…energetic bubble, a beacon of hope - it’s simply magnetic. He draws people towards him like a king that draws people to flock towards him. Kouta has this aura, an energy about him, that makes you never want to look away. Why would you want to look away from him anyway? Lol

Okay, his sister already considers you as part of the family. You two talk all the time and she sends you little texts like, “Is my brother taking care of you well? I’ll chastise him if he isn’t! Just let me know!!! >:D” and it makes Kouta flush and text his sister back with proof that he’s taking good care of you. It’s all in good fun, however, and the three of you become oh so close knit. It hurts even more when Kouta has to leave, and you and Akira become even closer. You two have to cling on to each other for support in times like this. Kouta doesn’t want to leave either of you behind and he visits whenever he can but…it hurts so much.

Kouta is even more protective of you due to the fact you are also an Armored Rider. He has you in the corner of his eye, his back against yours, swords in hand and never letting you out of his sight. He dives in to take hits for you, not because he doesn’t believe in you but because…because he doesn’t want to lose anyone else to this invasion. He lost Yuya and losing you would just break him. So he fights not just for the people around him, but to bring you both home - to a home where you two can be yourselves, a home that you both love. You are his rock, his strength to keep fighting. Before each and every fight you two have, Kouta would kiss you (a peck to the cheek or lips or forehead) and hold you close for a brief second, whispering with a tense yet brightly sunny smile, “Come back safe, got it?” and it’s not a question or a demand…it’s a fucking promise.

It’s no secret that Kouta is often hella busy. Not just with his part time jobs but as a Rider. It’s similar to you as a Rider as well or just because of daily life. You two put your lives on the line no matter what, the Inves Invasion or just otherwise. So time spent with you is important and he will not give it up (unless it’s like an emergency) and I firmly believe that his love language is “time” and “words of affirmation” because Kouta always thinks with his heart first and head later. So dates are always kind of lazy, spur of the moment kind of things. Kouta goes with the flow most of the time and sure you two try to make plans but where is the fun of having a set schedule?! Go for it!!! Have fun with it!!! To Kouta, wherever you are and as long as you two are having fun…it’s a date for him.

Arguments are not often per-say but because Kouta is so fucking gungho to protect the people around him and doesn’t really…regard his own safety, you need to have a serious talk with him. It’s mostly bliss for you two but seeing as this is a very stressful time…it’s going to take some getting used to. The same goes for Kouta, accidentally blurting out things he doesn’t mean to say in the spur of the moment during arguments. He’s not trying to belittle you, he’s just terrified of losing you. You two fight together on the battlefield but Kouta won’t lie and say he hasn’t thought about taking away your belt in order to keep you safe or try to take you to another city to be safe (the ToQger special being prime example) but you need to assert your place here. You are going to fight until the end with him. You’re going to fucking protect him and he’s going to protect you. You two are in this together, no matter what. Kouta will relent in the end but you two promise to ensure to stick together and never let anything happen to each of you.

Okay, we all know Kouta is short as hell so like if there’s a height difference between the two of you PLEASE take advantage of it. If you’re taller than him, bend down to kiss him, or even pick him up! Fucking christ it makes him seethe and pouty and be like, “It’s not fair!” and sometimes he’ll just yoink you down for a kiss. If you’re shorter than him, Kouta is going to use your head as an arm rest just to tease you and always leave little dancing-like kisses up and down your form. He darts away before you can return them however, just to make you pouty too and giggle. But he’ll give you kisses in the end, don’t worry.

Loving Kouta is like the flowers that he now controls, they don’t rot but merely return to the earth that they grew out of - to be reborn and flourish once again. Loving Kouta is fleeting and ephemeral. Loving Kouta is setting yourself up for heartbreak for when he becomes an Overlord, he is terrified to tell you. He isn’t human any longer so it may not be best to be together anymore. He almost considers breaking up with you and he comes so close to. You shut him up before he can even think about that thought. You two promised to be together and you know that you cannot be by his side until the end when he has to leave but…you two are going to make it count. So when the god is leaving, he holds you close and lets his tears drip down on to your form. He gives your belt a parting gift, a portion of his power to remember him. Your Lockseed is warm, a pulsing beat and has that same warmth and love that radiates from Kouta himself. He kisses you every single second and makes it count. He whispers words that sometimes you cannot hear or understand (he speaks at a different frequency than human ears can catch but you can tell it’s full of sorrowful affection) but Kouta loves you and only you. He’ll visit you in his dreams whenever he can, or in person whenever he isn’t busy and the world is ending. It’s these moments that are the best of times, growing flowers to gift to you and keep alive…because even though his new planet is his home…you’ll forever be Kouta’s home.

Kumon Kaito

Truth be told, it’s going to be difficult loving Kaito. You two will make it work even if it means the death of you but it’s more so because of how prickly this man is. It’s not a bad thing because there are things that Kaito will only show you when you two are alone and little quirks that you only notice between the two of you. Like how he always has you in the corner of his eye or how his hand twitches whenever it’s in close proximity to yours. It’s the little things to be honest. So really, loving Kaito is an uphill battle because of his pride and his unwillingness to show weakness. Hell, even getting Kaito to agree to a relationship will be difficult. It takes a lot of time for him to agree, worried that it’s going to be a weak point for him but he does care for you and love you in his own way.

If you had been part of Team Baron it would be easier to break down his walls, but when he finds out you're an Armored Rider (regardless of being on his team or not) Kaito is noticeably protective of you on the battlefield. He has faith in you, he knows your skills, and trusts you to watch his back without saying anything. While Kouta and Micchy audibly and physically show that they are looking out for you, the trust Kaito has for you is something you cannot take for granted. It’s something awe-inspiring, back to back on the battlefield within a swarm of Inves, a synchronized sort of battle.

Not to mention that the entire team ships it!!!! Zack and Peco always tease you and Kaito (lightly of course because Kaito scary sometimes) but they see you like the second in command and tend to go to you for advice as much as they go to Kaito for help. It’s not like undermining their leader but more so you’ve become a part of this found family (sob) and they will do anything to protect you. You make Kaito shed this sort of smirkish and impish smile that tugs at the corner of his lips and he always tends to turn towards you juuust a bit slightly. His shoulders droop and he stands a bit straighter than normal, he seems…relaxed in your presence is the best way to put it. Actually Kaito kept your relationship a secret for a while but Peco found out and threw the biggest fucking party congratulating you two lol.

Dates are veeeeery lowkey. Kaito doesn’t really want over the top kind of occasions but prefers those when you two can just be yourselves. This mostly consists of staying at home or going to places where no one can find you - hole-in-the-wall places really. Kaito doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth so he prefers going to more savory places to eat with you. He has this habit of saving the last pieces of his meal for you, claiming that he “isn’t hungry” and that he’s “full” from his meal that he was clearly very much enjoying. If you leave him parts of your own meal to try, Kaito secretly beams and preens on the inside and claims that you’re “too soft” but snatches up your food anyway lol. Don’t ask him to feed you, he’ll do it with a bright blush on his face and if you feed him he’ll die hfuidsfvdhuhus. But honestly, I think Kaito doesn’t drink either and isn’t comfortable around the smell of alcohol or izakayas in general. It’s because of his papa and his alcoholism. So Kaito cannot stomach the smell or general taste of it. If you drink, you tend to do it when Kaito isn’t around but he does watch out for you if you two do go drinking together. He has his arm around you, leading you down the road in the most gentle of fashions and grumbling that you had better not die or how much of a fool you are. He loves you though, especially when you give him cute little drunk kisses. He’ll complain but secretly be happy.

What’s public affection? Fuck nah. That don’t exist. EsPECIALLY in front of Team Baron. Kaito tends to keep to himself whenever you two are in public, not because he doesn’t love you! He just…doesn’t know how to function half of the time. He wants to hold your hand but sometimes it’s best to let him come to you. To work up the confidence to do it. Sometimes it’s best to take the dive yourself and hold his hand, making him want to die inside out of embarrassment but it’s sweet and he doesn’t want to let go and squeezes your hand juuust a bit tighter. Other than that? Nothing. Just hand-holding. That’s it. Private is only when he’ll get more comfortable with soft kisses on the cheeks or pecks on the lips.

Kaito has a soft spot for kids and I firmly believe that he volunteers at orphanages and schools and daycares in his spare time. The kids also adore you whenever you visit! So like, sometimes going to hang out with kids is a sort of date between you two. It’s this rare smile that Kaito has that makes it worth it in the end. Speaking of, if you two ever decide to start a family together, Kaito wants to adopt kids plain and simple. He knows what it’s like to be an orphan (his parents uh…did not meet the best of ends) so he wants to give orphans a chance to have a family too. If anything, you two foster kids as well. Your home kind of becomes the “youth hang-out spot” for all of the kids in the city. They just show up and Kaito has the cupboards full of snacks and goodies to feed them, labeled accordingly. No kid is going to go hungry in your household! Actually, it’s what makes Kaito think of marriage - to see you interacting so positively with kids makes his heart melt and he finds his eyes drifting towards your fingers every now and then…

Kaito secretly sings whenever you two are alone. He has such a wonderful voice that you tell him that he should sing more often. He quips back that only you get to hear him sing because he hasn’t done it in many years - not since his parents’ death. It’s a vulnerability for him and slowly but surely Kaito gets more confident in his singing. He’ll sing you lullabies or sing random songs on the radio absentmindedly. It’s so sweet because he does this thing where he taps his finger or foot to the beat of the song and a glint in his eyes that makes him seem younger and not at all phased by conflict. Kissing him during this time makes him melt, it’s so great, pls trust me.

Arguments are not often but not rare. They’re not really screaming matches or arguments. Kaito’s blunt and will tell you what is wrong right away. He’s honest when he does have an issue and does make himself better for you if you say something to him. Sure sometimes he’s set in his ways and seems like he doesn’t listen but he does. He makes minute and miniscule efforts to make himself better for you and you notice. The subject about most of the arguments are about each other’s safety, more often than not. Especially when Zawame City is going to shit. Kaito doesn’t want to lose you and you don’t want to lose him. So you two take time together to talk things out in a respectful manner and sure they tend to become heated but never turn into screaming matches. You notice that he tends to flinch whenever you raise your voice so you are careful not to do so. Of course, the arguments end when you two agree to protect each other and as Kaito gets more and more power…he uses it to become more protective of you.

Kaito also has a collection of plushies that he hides from the others and only you know about it. The kids of course know and they are very careful when playing with them and he tends to give them away to the kids that visit more often than not. But there are times when he doesn’t, because those are the plushies you give him or remind him of you or the ones he wants to gift you! Kaito’s love language is time spent together, cooking, and gift giving. So time spent together and Kaito tends to pick up little gifts that remind him of you. Sure he doesn’t mind spending money but more often than not, Kaito is out there making things for you! One time he made you a scarf and like a bento for work and honestly, you cried.

Loving Kumon Kaito is bitter and sweet, both equally attacking you when it comes time to let him go. He isn’t scared of turning into an Overlord and you’re the first person he tells of what he becomes. You, like Yoko, want to follow him to the end but…he can’t allow that. Kaito loves you too much, you’re a weakness for him and the best kind. You make his heart feel at home and can take down those walls of his heart and mind. And it’s because he loves you that you cannot follow him beyond the veil of death. He destroys your belt as an act of mercy. You scream and cry at him and you see that he’s stoic and cold and calm as ever even as he secretly wishes to cry. But he only holds you close, closer than ever, and doesn’t speak but bury his face into your shoulder. It’s only then when you know what he means. So you cling to him, it may be the last time you do so. You watch the final battle between him and Kouta, and you hold Kaito close as he dissipates into the ether, a final kiss shared between you two and a promise. “Stay strong, not just for me, but for yourself.” and you visit his tree every single day. You swear you catch glimpses of him and his smile, faint touches and brushes against your body and face like Kaito is sending you final little respites and apologies that he cannot properly communicate. They’re freeing, unrestrained, like he can finally pour out his emotions for you…

#kamen rider #kamen rider gaim #kamen rider imagine #kamen rider x reader #kazuraba kouta #kumon kaito #kamen rider baron #listen sano gaku?? my beloved my love

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