#umbrella.asks

the preview for the making of video for the gozyuger vs boonboomger dropped and i am thinking about the making of/behind videos that i have yet to find for recent sentai. with those relevant, i really want to see the videos for boonboomger vs king-ohger and the gozyuger summer movie. i've been able to find quite a bit of boonboomger and gozyuger's content, including behind the scenes content for other parts of the series, so i wonder why i haven't seen the behind videos in full yet for boonboomger vs king-ohger and the gozyuger summer movie.

I really enjoyed this episode. I think we're starting to get more signs of greater lore and I'm really interested in seeing what we are going to be seeing in the future. I really enjoyed everything with Reiji and Setsuna and how Setsuna is gradually finding his footing and what it really means for him to live for himself. I'm very fond of how, due to his contributions to his realizations, Reiji is called Reiji-dono, even though we know he'd be fine with just being called Reiji. I think it shows gratitude for his particular guidance, but also acknowledges that they are equals as Gavans to some degree as he drops calling Reiji "Doki Reiji-dono" to "Reiji-dono" after he assists Setsuna in saving Rui. (Still learning about the -dono honorific, as it's not one often used in everyday settings, but it seems to not be as formal as -sama, which would be used for those above you, but is still formal but also less personal than -san? Though Setsuna likely uses it instead of -san due to being Gavan Bushido it's still interesting to think about.)

I've already talked at length about my thoughts about Setsuna in this episode, but he really does shine in this one in a way I think only he can. He just is still figuring out what it means to be Gavan Bushido beyond duty itself and the responsibility it entails. He's also figuring out himself as he begins to recognize his care for things and people and how that ties into his position as Gavan. It's all really great and I just am finding myself to enjoy his character more and more as time passes.

I'm also extremely fond of Rui and how she is a force to be reckoned with. She is a capable fighter and director that Setsuna respects and follows with care. I like how she wants Setsuna to take care of the things he cares for and encourages him to act as he pleases. Though it's something that hasn't been talked about in the show, in the character profiles it was revealed that Rui looks like the one who named Setsuna (the woman in Setsuna's flashbacks that tells him to live for himself, though his naming has not yet been discussed in the show beyond her saying his name), but that she is not aware of this fact. I don't think it would not be a stretch to say there is a lot more to their story and to Rui herself, and I really look forward to learning more about her.

boop

Okay, so this will be another long one.

Favorite thing about them

I like a lot about Rikuo, hence why he's my favorite in Gozyuger. I like how he's hardworking, artistic, caring, kind, determined, and willing to hold onto hope. His suit is so beautiful and I love his fighting style and his Leon Buster 50. I'm also such a big fan of him being protective of the freedom of others and I do wonder if that will pertain to these next episodes, as it seems he's sacrificing his own freedom, something we've seen he doesn't want to do as he doesn't want to be restricted or restrict others. I think it's a very important aspect of Rikuo's character and can bring about internal and external conflict, as we can see with both Kuon and Rei. I generally also really just really value how kind he is. The fact that he's the one that thinks it's their responsibility to protect people since they have the power to do so was something that really caught me. He tries to be thoughtful of others and sometimes he falters, but I do think he has good intentions most of the time. I like that he checks in on people when he sees they're upset, I like that he respects the boundaries others have placed even if it takes getting used to, I like that he holds onto Hoeru's ring, I like that he brings Sumino the water, I like that he gives Bouquet a flower, and I just like how Rikuo is Rikuo.

Sidenote: I'm also a big fan of him having enhanced hearing and his ears wiggling when he hears something. Unfortunate for him that his red is a very loud wolf that loves to howl, but fortunate that they have a bond that makes the bit of pain seem worth it. His singing voice is also very nice.

Least favorite thing about them

I don't really have anything I dislike about Rikuo. He has his flaws, but I don't find them to be annoying or frustrating in the slightest. I feel like a lot of things in the story happen for a reason and I rather see those fleshed out before passing definitive judgement on the actions of characters that I do not yet understand as I lack the context of the situation. This is in regards to his betrayal and actions that may stem from this choice by the way, not something he has done prior.

Favorite line

I'll give you two, one he says often and one I think about a lot:

"Shall we dance?" - This a line he says from time to time and I do post audios of him saying it when he does. He says it in battle situations mainly, and I just find it endearing.

"I... Have no interest in being restricted, or restricting others. I'm going to tear through boredom and free myself!" - The lines where Rikuo talks about restriction and/or control always stand out to me, but I chose this one as I feel like it's important for Rikuo as a person. His own internal battles with restriction and control are something I think may be explored further soon, as I've stated before and I am keeping this statement from episode 11 in mind for reference.

BROTP

Sumino and Rikuo have great friendship vibes. Rikuo is a very thoughtful person and it was clear that he felt sympathy when Sumino told them about Oto. He's willing to be open to talking so that she may come to trust him, even offering to have his mind read, though Sumino has no interest in touching him and her powers won't work when he has a contract. I like how he protects Sumino from the No One and opens up about his dream and a little of his past both for the sake of winning and likely also bc he feels comfortable enough with Sumino to do so. I like that Rikuo sees Sumino being upset about the situation with Oto and talks to her, not belittling her feelings but making her see that Oto really is a good person even though they didn't have the time to grow up together bc it was snatched away. I also find it telling that Rikuo asks Rei to free Oto as he knows that Sumino and her family love and miss her. There's a possibility that he may be working with Rei in part to help get Oto back as well, and so I find his friendship with Sumino to stand out. They just seem to care about each other, not in a romantic fashion, but as friends. Also quite fond of how Sumino refers to Rikuo as "Byakuya".

I do like Ryugi and Rikuo as friends as well. I actually cannot see them as being anything other than platonic. They have a good energy together and work well as they both can be quite silly in some aspects but are also quite serious at times. I haven't really seen any Precure, but their dynamic being compared to a pair of friends in Precure does have me intrigued.

Side note:

I also find Rikuo's relationship with Bouquet to be compelling, but seeing as they are keeping a boundary of just being an idol and a fan, I prefer to not categorize them as romantic at this time, though I do see the appeal. I do like their dynamic, though it may not fit under BROTP, I did want to mention it.

OTP

It has always been Rikuo and Hoeru. I talked about them in depth in Hoeru's answers here.

Some of the scenes related to them that I like in chronological order (?)

From the main series are:

Rikuo introducing himself to Hoeru

Rikuo insisting that there's no need to fight right away, and that they should use their power to protect people

Rikuo choosing to fight by Hoeru's side instead of waiting to take his ring

Rikuo patting his shoulder, as if beckoning Hoeru, while saying it's convenient if they're all close by

Rikuo showing up at Hoeru's job with a rose and explaining the ring side effects, while also calling him "Wan-chan"

Rikuo showing Hoeru the ballot where he was voted for

When Rikuo pulls up to the battle in episode 4 and Hoeru looks so sick of his antics

Rikuo and Hoeru sitting in the cafe as Rikuo makes his drink and Hoeru sucks from a flower

Rikuo asking if Hoeru is embarrassed when they play house and telling him how he can soothe his embarrassment

Rikuo defending Hoeru's right to live as he wants as all people do when Kuon asks the Gozyugers to stay away from Hoeru

Rikuo saying they'd be upset without Hoeru like if they lost their dog while returning Hoeru's ring to him

Rikuo looking in amazement as Hoeru fights Fire Candle in Tega Sword Deka Claw

Hoeru rushing over to Rikuo after he's thrown from Tega Sword Blue

When Rikuo says he won't let Hoeru steal the spotlight

Hoeru checking in on Rikuo after he notices he's a little off and telling him he'll show him how he plays tag - especially how Rikuo perks up when asked about what he's planning

Rikuo saying that Hoeru really is interesting and choosing to be free and saying he doesn't wish to control others

Rikuo shooting the kalimba from Gaia's hands so he can't control Hoeru anymore

Hoeru telling Rikuo his singing wasn't bad and letting him borrow Deka Claw

Rikuo returning to normal and asking if Hoeru needs help

Rikuo sympathizing with Hoeru and giving his all in the relay race with him while they chant "Number one" over and over

Hoeru and Rikuo getting poisoned together and Hoeru looking to Rikuo right before his end and then looking to him again when they awaken

Rikuo trying to help out Hoeru by writing what he should do on a date

Hoeru checking out Rikuo's nails after he's turned into a gyaru

When Hoeru asks what Rikuo's doing after he turns on the team

From Confessionals:

Hoeru imitating Rikuo

Hoeru holding Rikuo by the waist as he fends off the BoonBoomger FLT promotion

Hoeru watching as Rikuo explains the Zangla Sword

Rikuo asking Sumino if she has clothes Hoeru can wear as the mistress when they dress as butlers

Hoeru feeding Rikuo onigiri

Rikuo doing the sports day events and Hoeru being really glad he's willing when everyone else was disinterested

Rikuo and Hoeru playing tug-of-war

There are probably more that I just cannot recall at the moment, but I'm very fond of them and their dynamic, whether it be platonic or romantic.

[Previous Hoeru musings and Rikuo musings]

[Their tag - WolfLeon]

NOTP

Rei & Rikuo is an absolute no to me. I find it gross as Rei was likely an adult when Rikuo was a minor and they knew each other well at the time. Rei is also abusive and makes Rikuo uncomfortable in a way that really unsettles me.

Random headcanon

Off the top of my head:

He is bisexual

He wears earplugs at times to ease his sensitive hearing, especially when he's in loud places

Always carries a marker to sign autographs

Carries cough drops to help lubricate his vocal cords

Keeps up with his skincare and hygiene, and wears a nice cologne or perfume (Bouquet notes in episode 15 that he smells nice)

Can get carried away at karaoke

Has a lot of outfits ready that he'll probably never need but he has them (one of his skills according to the episode blog is quick changes)

He designed or at least assisted in the designing of his merch

Unpopular opinion

I disagree with the notion that he is a "womanizer" or a "fuckboy". I don't think that a character having charisma and being flirty at times makes them fit within these categories, especially since Rikuo's flirtations are often part of his idol persona and being friendly, not because he is trying to pursue a relationship. He's also very mindful of other's feelings and does not wish to hurt people or step on their boundaries, as we have seen with Sumino, Hoeru, and Bouquet. He is very caring, charming, and thoughtful and I feel like people don't understand what a "womanizer" or a "fuckboy" is and should probably reel it in and realize they may be misusing said terms.

Song I associate with them

My Rikuo & Hoeru and TXT agenda persists with Blue Spring and Cat & Dog.

Favorite picture of them

Here are 15 that I really like right now:

[Rikuo's tag]

@cows-quack

perhaps a changerion gif, as a treat?

This is going to be a long one...

Favorite thing about them

I like a lot of things about Hoeru. I like his habit of sucking on flowers, his worn socks, his gardening, his little catchphrase, his howling, his fighting style, and I just really like him overall. I think I like his determination and ability to lift himself back up the most though. I like that he can get hurt and acknowledge he has valid feelings but also that he needs to keep going whether it be for his own sake or the sake of others. I think that it's a really good trait to have and I particularly like how it is dealt with when it comes to Hoeru.

Least favorite thing about them

I don't really know. I'm not saying Hoeru is perfect but there's nothing about him that I really actively dislike.

Favorite line

"Starting now... You're my prey!" is my favorite generally. I love reds that have catchphrases that they say throughout (I actually gif every time Hoeru or Kuon say it). I have a lot of other lines that I like that are really impactful, but I will leave it at the one to keep this brief.

BROTP

Kinjiro and Hoeru have such a nice relationship. Kinjiro is always trying to be friendly and have fun with Hoeru. Some key points are how Kinjiro lets Hoeru borrow manga, thinks about getting him a housewarming gift, and then there's the conversation that they had in episode 4. Hoeru tends to be a bit softer on Kinjiro, likely due to Kinjiro being his elder but he also hasn't undermined Kinjiro's abilities due to his age. I think it's just nice to see Hoeru being considered and looked after and Kinjiro having someone to bond with and talk things through with close by.

I am also very fond of Sumino and Hoeru as friends as well. I like that they call each other out and tease each other. It's very playful and I just like that Hoeru has someone to bring him out of his shell a little in such a way. I also like that Hoeru can remind Sumino of her own kindness.

OTP

I've always been really fond of Rikuo and Hoeru's bond. I've talked about it on several occasions, but I think it's really sweet. Though we're only starting to get Rikuo's background it's always been clear that he's had an interest in Hoeru. He finds Hoeru to be interesting and so he chose to fight with him and it's aspects of Hoeru that allow Rikuo to let loose and be a little less serious at times. Rikuo often acts quite caring toward Hoeru in small ways, such as him showing Hoeru the ballot where someone voted for him in the popularity contest or how he tried to soothe Hoeru's embarrassment when they were playing house.

I think Rikuo brings a sense of comfort, but he also pushes Hoeru to show his determination and strength. I think that Hoeru and Rikuo have gotten closer in the past few weeks due to Rikuo showing understanding and taking initiative when Hoeru really wanted to win the relay. In side content Rikuo also says that he's up for doing the sports day activities with Hoeru when the others weren't up for it, and while the Confessionals aren't exactly canon I do think it was piggybacking off of Rikuo's growing fondness and Hoeru's appreciation of Rikuo.

On Hoeru's end I feel that he is quite observant and one of the key moments of this is when he goes to Rikuo after seeing how Rikuo looked after Gaia declared that he'd be coming for their rings and that Rikuo would make a great beast tamer. Hoeru is well aware of Rikuo's capacity for kindness and he can tell that Rikuo is serious about this. Hoeru acknowledges Rikuo's feelings while also noting that his style is different and telling Rikuo that'd he'd show it to him. In the following episode, Hoeru witnesses Rikuo singing and tells Rikuo his singing isn't bad and lets him borrow Deka Claw. I feel like it's telling that Hoeru allows this, and in part I wonder if him knowing Rikuo was the one that held onto his ring and returned it to him after he left that made this choice simple in some way.

I also think that Rikuo's insistence that Hoeru is his own person is important as well. Rikuo going against Kuon and always being ready to fight him means something I think. Rikuo is a big believer in freedom and choice and doesn't think Hoeru should be controlled when it's something he doesn't want. There's just a lot of care overall and it builds as time passes and the two face their own hardship and observe each other. I think there's still a lot to come from their relationship and their personal issues with people they care about that I'm looking forward to being explored further.

[Previous Hoeru musings and Rikuo musings]

[Their tag - WolfLeon]

I'm also very fond of Mashiro and Hoeru's dynamic. They haven't had as much time as Rikuo and Hoeru, as Mashiro is still pretty new but I love the dynamic being built here. I find the concept of someone who filled a role returning to see themselves be replaced by a new generation but also not having aged and trying to surpass who they feel wronged by finding admiration for the one replacing them to be so interesting. I've talked about it in the tags of some of my Hoeru and Mashiro sets, but I really like how they are finding a balance and are beginning to see each other as not only adversaries but as people. Mashiro has a lot of baggage, but so does Hoeru and they are slowly recognizing that they're quite similar to each other but they are different and that's okay.

Mashiro has big dreams and Hoeru is determined to find his own dream. They started with Mashiro seeing this lack of a dream to be a fault, but Hoeru resolving to find his dream and declaring it with his all and not in the more casual way he did prior shifted something between them. It made Mashiro see what why Hoeru was chosen and in a sense Mashiro also chooses Hoeru when he decides to combine with him. He explains it as God working in mysterious ways, but we know it's bc things have changed. Hoeru isn't just someone fighting just bc but he's really determined and knows his strength, and Mashiro is seeing it for the first time. The fact that Mashiro tells Hoeru that Mine is smiling down on him and to not worry while also calling Hoeru by his name for the first time shows that there's respect between them. Hoeru declared his name and who he is and Mashiro is acknowledging it in that moment, even though he does still call Hoeru "Second Gen", the acknowledgement still clearly meant something to Hoeru as he smiled and was able to joke with Mashiro right after.

In following episodes they have also fought alongside each other in a fashion in which they're on the same team. In the most recent episode, Mashiro even guarded Hoeru from an attack from Fire Candle. I think we'll start to see more development with their relationship as they continue on in their battle, and I look forward to it as I do like how they are going so far.

[Mashiro musings]

[Their tag - PolarWolf]

NOTP

Aside from the obvious, I don't really have any.

Random headcanon

Every time I'm asked about headcanons I forget every single one I've ever had, but here are a few off the top of my head:

Hoeru is bisexual

He really likes hot baths but to save money he doesn't take them often

He has scars on his body both from normal injuries like falling as a kid on the playground but also from fighting in No One World

Hoeru has a bunch of tissues from people that hand them out around places he's worked

He peck types on a computer

Learned to sew to save money and from there he learned to embroider (which is something he knows how to do in canon)

He carries a small sewing kit but doesn't bother with fixing his socks as they'll get worn down again

He can tell who's around by scent alone (kinda canon)

Has a lot of receipts stored somewhere

Probably sleeps in his jeans

Doesn't like the scent of alcohol, so he tends to not drink it

When the members want Hoeru's attention they'll use smells to get it

Unpopular opinion

People treat Hoeru like he's a innocent little baby and I don't like it. I don't like that people will see an adult that didn't have access to education and didn't have common experiences and infantalize them. Hoeru is an adult and worked hard to be able to learn things for his own survival and was able to find joy in them. He's a bit naive but equating that to being a literal child is not something I like. I feel like it waters down his character and minimizes his experience and the efforts he has made to live as a normal adult. He's also quite rude generally and that's usually why he gets fired, not bc he's like a child. He's rude, doesn't pay his rent on time, tries to save money, finds joy in the little things, wears worn socks, doesn't have table manners, bites people, gets into fights, and so much more and it's all part of who he is and why I love him and so I prefer to see all of those parts of him acknowledged to some degree instead of just stripping him down to just be like a literal child when he's not.

Song I associate with them

Winner by Conan Gray reminds me of his relationship with Kuon.

Favorite picture of them

Current 10 favorites:

[Hoeru's tag]