"They've got the numbers—we fall back, now!"
That was Tsukasa's first thought after regaining his transformation ability—not to charge into the fight, but to retreat strategically. The others shared the same instinct; no one wanted to face an overwhelming number of enemies.
The strange creatures had completely surrounded the area. To avoid being swallowed by the dimensional wall, Tsukasa carved out a path through a gap in the horde. Once it was clear, he opened the dimensional gate and led the group back to the 9-5 Do shop.
Truth be told, I've always wanted to mention that the size of his dimensional wall is fixed—not exactly flexible for travel. My starry-sky gate, on the other hand, is far more versatile. But seeing how hard both he and Sougo were fighting, I kept quiet and hitched a ride.
Back inside the Five Halls, Tsukasa's first words caught everyone off guard.
"I've made up my mind—this world must be destroyed."
Sougo's expression darkened.
"The Riders of the past originally existed in separate timelines and dimensions," Tsukasa explained. "But now, all those time-spaces have been merged into one."
Gates, just returning from a recon mission, added, "The two extra towers that appeared recently... they belong to the timelines of other Riders, right?"
"That's right," Ryuga said, glancing out the window. "One is W's Wind City Tower, the other is Gaim's Yggdrasill Tower."
As more Rider Watches were damaged, more iconic buildings—and increasingly bizarre monsters—began appearing in this world. The outside had become a realm of chaos and horror. Demons danced in broad daylight. The sky and the earth were a patchwork of dimensions.
"Swarz did this to destroy the world," Tsukasa continued. "He merged all the Rider timelines into one."
Sougo frowned. "How? How did he do that?"
Tsukasa gave him a sidelong glance. "Didn't we already go over this? You helped him."
"Not helped—used!" I corrected him.
Tsukasa nodded. "Yes, 'tool' is more accurate. He gave you the power of time when you were a child. You were the catalyst that pulled the Rider worlds together."
"And once you collected all the Rider Watches, the fusion became permanent."
Sougo looked down, dismayed. "I never intended for this..."
Tsukasa folded his arms. "That's why I want to destroy this world. It's beyond saving."
"But even if we plan to abandon it, we need to save as many lives as we can first." He paused, then smiled slightly. "That's why I'm in."
Sougo looked up sharply. "You're... helping?"
So, the man they thought was a demon bent on destroying the world was also trying to save it. Sougo's heart stirred.
"Swarz gave me three choices: myself, Tsukuyomi, or the King of All Demons," he said solemnly.
"But now... a fourth option has appeared. So, I'll choose none of them."
"Only children make choices. Adults? We want it all."
Tsukasa gave him a half-smile. "You realize you're betting everything on the fate of the world?"
He laid out the plan. After a long tactical meeting, Sougo quietly looked around the Five Halls as if trying to burn every corner into memory.
"It's time I leave as well," he said, hearing Tsukasa approach from behind.
"Wait. There's one thing I didn't mention earlier," Tsukasa said, looking out the window. "There's a flaw in the plan..."
"You're going to say I won't survive, aren't you?" Sougo cut him off.
Tsukasa hesitated. "Yes..."
"It's fine. From the day I received this belt, I've been prepared," Sougo said calmly. "No, maybe... from the day I was born."
Tsukasa looked at him in awe. "You really are something."
"But before that... I need to make one last detour."
Sougo picked up a note from a nearby table. It was from his uncle, who had gone out to buy supplies. Sougo wanted to make sure he returned safely.
"You should talk to Ryuga as well," Tsukasa said. "He'll be the one sending you off."
Ryuga had nothing pressing to do, so he accompanied Sougo. While the others, including Ora, went to the streets to save civilians and distract Swarz, Ryuga and Sougo headed toward the hardware store.
They soon found Sougo's uncle—struggling and being chased by a Minotaur.
"Stop! Don't touch this!"
Sougo's uncle dodged frantically, holding a small box tightly in his arms.
Even in these desperate times, he had gone out to buy something vital: parts to repair the Rider Watches. Though he didn't fully understand their purpose, he could see how important they were to his nephew. As a watchmaker—and Sougo's guardian—he was determined to do what he could.
"Uncle, look out!"
Seeing his uncle in danger, Sougo dashed forward, finally abandoning any intent to keep his secret.
"Sougo?!"
[Finish Time!]
[Time Break!]
Sougo struck down the Minotaur.
"Uncle! What were you thinking, going out at a time like this?!" he scolded.
His uncle stared at him—at the Kamen Rider armor. "Sougo... you're..."
Sougo de-transformed and bowed deeply. "I'm sorry, Uncle. I never told you. I'm a Kamen Rider."
"I've fought using this power—to protect others."
His uncle smiled, eyes moist. "You've really become a king."
"That's why I must go. I can't just protect you—I have to protect everyone."
His uncle handed him the box. "Then go. I still have a Rider Watch to repair. That's my duty as a watchmaker."
"And you must fulfill your mission as well."
Sougo nodded firmly. "Thank you, Uncle."
"Safe travels, my boy," his uncle said, voice choked with emotion.
Ryuga stepped forward and opened a portal.
"Uncle, go through. It leads to the Chaotic Nine Nights and Five Halls."
Sougo gently pushed him through and turned back to Ryuga.
"Thanks for everything."
"It's nothing," Ryuga replied. "Go."
Sougo stepped into the gate, wind rustling his coat.
This is the last time travel.
It felt like a soldier walking into his final war.
Sougo arrived once again. Before him stood the statue of the Demon King—his future self.
He glanced at it once, then turned toward the battlefield, where the Resistance fought against the Demon King's army.
He had arrived just before Gates and Tsukuyomi's time jump—meaning they were still with the Resistance.
He spotted Tsukuyomi being thrown to the ground by a shockwave from the Demon King.
He ran to her side, discreetly slipping a blank Rider Watch into her pocket as he helped her up.
"You alright?" he asked.
"Who... are you?" she asked, confused.
"Hey! Civilian! What the hell are you doing here?!" Gates shouted, raising his submachine gun.
"Get out of here!" Tsukuyomi echoed, alarmed.
Sougo smiled.
"No. You should get out of here."
He stepped forward, shielding them.
[Ziku Driver!]
[Zi-O!]
"Henshin!"
[Rider Time!]
[Kamen Rider Zi-O!]