Not long ago, we made available in English the first three entries in the diary of Shu Ishido from Ultraman Arc. Today, we’re happy to offer up entries 4 and 5, as we hurry to catch up with these fascinating insights into the mind of the mysterious GDF inspector as they are released every week! Please enjoy.
Entry 4
Date: xx/xx
A GDF member came to SKIP’s Hoshimoto City branch this afternoon to collect the samples of Nezutron’s skin I had obtained. Nezutron, the electro rat kaiju… YouPi gave it this name when it first showed up, and I made a formal request to the GDF to make it official. It originated from a new species of rat named Electricamus that suddenly grew significantly in size. We believe the reason for this change to be its contact with a unique type of electricity originated from daimode which in turn mutated the cells in its body. We are to receive a more detailed analysis from the GDF’s lab and SKIP’s Kaiju Analysis Unit. To prevent further similar incidents, every minute counts and I hope to receive those results soon. Yuma firmly agreed with me on this as well.
What has caught my attention as much as, perhaps even more than the before-mentioned Nezutron case, is the armor Ultraman Arc wore during the fight. Arc had been at a disadvantage up until the moment he put on that flame-like armor. With the increased striking power and defensive ability, he was able to easily turn the tables. With one punch, he was able to break through the tough armor on Nezutron’s head, throwing it into the air before finishing it off with the Arc Finalize. This action sequence was truly bold, with a certain divinity to it, like a masterpiece created from an artist’s brush一 No, I should not be exaggerating so much when I wasn’t even at the scene. At the time, I was at the SKIP branch with the chief, and only knew about the armor once Arc was long gone, which I was really regretful about. Of course, once I heard the initial report, I managed to control myself and reacted calmly. However, the more I rewatched the recording from HQ, the more I wished to have seen it with my own eyes.
Furthermore, after discussing with Yuma, I came up with the name “Solis Armor” and sent the suggestion forward to the Space Division’s newly-established Ultraman Arc-related FAct Management unit, or “Arc FAM” for short. According to Mr. Nibuya, Arc FAM will be the first to be notified of any Arc-related facts and information. I will likely be in close contact to exchange information with them from now on.
After handing over the skin samples, I headed over to Kawami Heavy Industries to conduct a third survey for investigation, then returned home. When buying groceries for dinner, I went by the shopping district for the first time. As I spent my younger years in the US, and mostly went to school abroad as well, I had only seen lined-up stalls, with owners chatting up with usual customers in movies or mangas. Truly the good old Japan.
According to Yuma, Rin said that this happy, everyday life is what we are protecting. I feel exactly the same way. When Nezutron was rampaging, it was that determination that gave her the courage to prevent the power generation facility from an explosion alongside YouPi. If it were not for their actions, not only the facility, but the entire city would have blown up. And without the townspeople’s encouraging cheers, Arc wouldn’t have been able to put on the Solis Armor and might have been defeated by Nezutron. I experienced that vivacity in person while shopping.
I was also relieved to find a store specialized in coffee in the shopping district, since I was running out of coffee beans.
Lastly, I stopped at the lunch set shop recommended by Rin. I ordered the tartar and seaweed meal, with extra rice, fried chicken, dumplings and potato salad. The extra rice and the last three were given to me as a show of gratitude. The moment I mentioned I was stationed at the SKIP branch she immediately started to add extras. The incredibly satisfying meal full of delicious taste has given my body a much-needed lift after a busy day of work. Is this the so-called “a taste of mom’s home cooking?” Thanks to that renewed energy, I think I can finally write my 30-page apology letter for the Leodo incident, which I have been procrastinating for so long.
Oh, but before that, just one more coffee.
Entry 5
Date: xx/xx
Today, Yuma and YouPi returned from their night at Daiko Mountain Ridge, following a secondary investigation regarding the Livyjira case. According to their report, the salt concentration of the lake — no, the sea — formed by Livyjira has significantly decreased. The water levels continue to lower and we expect it to fully disappear soon.
Additionally, while investigating the tunnel that Livyjira used to hide in, they found evidence of it digging through the ground in order to move around. It’s very likely that one or even two more seas might have formed, had it not been discovered sooner. If that were the case, civilians who returned home after the evacuation order got lifted would have suffered drastic damage and casualties.
Once again, thanks to SKIP and Ultraman Arc, a grave disaster has been avoided. Of course, it goes without saying that Chief Hiroshi Ban and Professor Shinya Makino’s actions contributed to that outcome.
I knew about Professor Makino before this incident. He actually assisted in the GDF’s operations many times before. However, I didn’t know how popular he was. He even has the nickname “Dinosaur Professor!” I was quite surprised how excited Yuma was when he first saw him. Not only that, but he was also Chief’s teacher. Talk about surprises.
According to Yuma, the Professor’s tagline was “We have wings of imagination!” Thinking about it now, it really makes sense. A good example of that is when they saw me getting ready to eat my boiled egg with salt. It sparked an idea in the Professor and Chief that led to solving the case. Using knowledge and experience as the basis to rapidly interconnect different events. This is what imagination is all about and what makes us spread our wings and develop new perspectives.
In order to properly display this ability, it’s important to have a space for different approaches and healthy discussions. SKIP's Hoshimoto City branch is exactly this kind of place, and I once again came to the conclusion that the biggest factor that contributed to the creation of such an environment is the Chief’s kind personality.
Speaking of “imagination", Arc has yet again defeated a kaiju using unexpected tactics. We saw him cut the Arc Giga Barrier in two before in the fight against Shagong. But he also showcased another one of his clever ideas, by cutting it in several pieces to create the Arc Exa Slash, during the battle against Livyjira. The improvised propeller cleared the water so he could regain a clear vision which led to his victory.
I immediately sent the incredible video of his underwater fight (recorded by You-bot), to Arc FAM. I wonder how they have analyzed it. In any case, another piece of information about Arc has been added to the GDF database.
Once Arc left, Yuma, who had fallen into the lake, met up with us, alongside the equally soaking wet Chief and Professor, who were focused on discussing theories about Livyjira. It was like seeing two boys, completely forgetting the danger they just faced. From that sight, I started to ponder. In order to preserve the power of imagination, it’s important to never forget being a kid. On that aspect, I have a tendency to follow a more serious approach, and to not lose myself in thought. I should reflect on that. To avoid becoming close-minded, I’ll try to deliberately take more time to relax.
With that, I’ll have coffee. I’ll take the last cup of the day to relax and add some oil to my rusted wings of imagination.
PS:
Seeing the Chief with the Professor made me feel nostalgic many times, but I had no idea why at the time. But now I’ve figured it out. They reminded me of my grandfather and I.
My grandfather was called a legendary physicist, and received daily visits at his place from several different specialists, research partners, former students and readers of his publications. He would always get into deep discussions with them and kindly provided advice and encouragement. Even as a child, I really loved that environment, which allowed people to speak freely, about anything, regardless of age or social status. I think seeing the Chief and Professor brought back these memories.
My grandfather is long gone, but I want to honor him by following his lead and fulfilling my task at the GDF.
