Ultraman Connection has been translating the diary entries of Ultraman Arc’s Shu Ishido, GDF Inspector for SKIP for several weeks now — and we’re just about caught up now! This week’s entry is double-sized, and delves a bit into Shu’s past. Read on, Ultraman fans — We’ll have our own analysis of this material very soon!
Entry 6 — Part 1
Date: xx/xx
Today I went to the GDF’s Space Division and received the report regarding Alien Croco, the mushroom-hunting alien and the Shagong incident from Mr. Nibuya. The report was based on the results from the combined investigation with SKIP and three conclusions were reached:
・The frequent earthquakes on the mountainous region in which the Akebono Inn was located were not caused by tectonic plates, but by the Shagongs’ movements.
・What attracted the first Shagong to the region was the emission of electromagnetic waves from the spaceship that Alien Croco was building near the inn he had been hiding in.
・However, this was an unexpected turn of events, even for Alien Croco himself, and he had no plans to invade Earth using kaiju.
These are the main points that were officially published. Especially regarding the last point, about Alien Croco―no, let’s call him Mr. Numata here―not only was he cooperative, but his testimony was accepted by a veteran interrogator, granting him the seal of approval.
I worried about many things at first, but considering his honesty, I see now my worries were unfounded. Yuma’s imagination was correct, and I (although experiencing the loss of my previous colleague) lost my composure. I intend to thoroughly reflect on it.
While at the GDF, I also met the owner of Akebono Inn. As it turns out, she was there to see Mr. Numata. She seemed well and had a cheerful expression as she spoke about how she was eagerly awaiting Mr. Numata return, while also focusing on rebuilding the inn with the clerk.
I apologized for my previous rudeness and promised to return one day to finish the Mushroom Meal I left untouched. She, in turn, asked me to make sure to bring Yuma and Rin as well when I do.
Of course, there’s still much to investigate.
For example, why did Mr. Numata’s companions send out an emergency message and leave Earth without him 16 years ago, right before K-Day?
That region was also known for its UFO sightings, but exactly how many aliens have landed there unnoticed?
Among them, what percentage planned to invade or harm our planet?
On the other hand, many of our employees were interested in positive aspects, such as how advanced is the technology of Planet Croco, to be able to create a spaceship out of trash? And how strong is their vitality to be able to survive that kind of blast? (Rin from SKIP was especially interested in the power source composed of mushroom spores)
The statements we are about to receive might prove themselves quite useful for my current mission. Regardless, all I can do at the moment is to trust the colleagues I work with now and wait for new information.
I spent quite some time discussing the incident with Mr. Numata, but at the end of my report I made sure to reinforce the importance of continuing to investigate the many incidents related to Shagong. I will also make a record of my personal opinion here.
As Yuma said, Shagong called out for its companions and two more showed up, creating an unprecedented incident. Taking this into consideration, it’s difficult to completely deny the possibility of a Shagong outbreak deep underground.
And that size. It’s true that Shagongs can reach 50 meters, but we’ve only seen two of that size in the past and one of them was the one that previously appeared in Hoshimoto City, which was a special case as it had been affected by Oo-zes, the extraterrestrial parasitic organisms.The fact that three 50 meter-sized Shagongs appeared naturally (or so we believe) is indeed an anomaly.
The analysis of collected cells already proved they had not been affected by Oo-zes. However, can a natural environment actually result in such an occurrence? Are there more space-related incidents happening in Hoshimoto City and its surrounding areas? Speaking of which, we could clearly see the Monohorn from Akebono Inn. I couldn’t check for any unusual readings on that day, but an extended observation and reevaluation might be needed.
There’s also one more point I’m extremely interested in. Why did Arc allow the third Shagong to escape?
Oh, would you look at the time.
I’ll write the rest tomorrow, but for now, I’ll have a cup of coffee.
Entry 6 — Part 2
Date: xx / xx
Today I will write about Ultraman Arc, as I did not do so yesterday.
I’ve always wanted to see him wearing the Solis Armor with my own eyes, instead of seeing it through a screen, but once again I could barely catch a glimpse of him. However, I was able to witness something even more fascinating.
As the fierce battle between him and the three Shagongs unfolded, I was focused on protecting everyone at Akebono Inn. Then, I suddenly heard a death rattle, followed by a strong blast. I turned towards the window, wondering what was happening outside. It was then that I saw it.
Arc had worn the Solis Armor, but just for a moment. He removed the armor right after, making it disappear alongside the Arc Eye Sword, returning to his original form and turning to face the last Shagong.
When Arc stared at it, the Shagong let out a single roar and to my surprise turned around and left the scene. It dug into the mountain and returned to its nest. After seeing it go back, Arc once again took to the skies as usual and disappeared towards who knows where.
There’s a few theories as to why the Shagong left the battlefield.
・It instinctively recognized his opponent (Arc) was stronger than itself.
・It got scared after seeing its companions get defeated.
・It had already received enough physical damage from Mr. Numata’s spaceship’s attack.
etc. I believe that the possibilities may expand even more if the kaiju biology expert, Yuma, was consulted. Being from the Space Science Division, my interest is pointed towards why Arc did not defeat the last Shagong.
According to the Arc FAM’s deductions, Arc had already faced two fierce combats against the Shagongs and was exhausted. They think Arc had concluded that the last of the Shagongs had no will to fight and took advantage of the situation to conserve his energy.
I disagree, however. At that time, regardless if he could still fight or not, Arc put away his weapons and showed that he had no desire to continue to fight. The Shagong understood this and retreated. It even left the feast he had in front of him untouched, aka us.
They reached a mutual understanding and this was evident to anyone present, like I was.
Also, there is one more thing that interests me. If this incident had taken place somewhere where it could cause even more casualties, such as cities or other densely populated places, would Arc have flown away, leaving the kaiju (undefeated) there? Is this way of thinking too human-centered to be applied to an unknown being?
I may have become biased towards Arc, after being saved by him before. Letting personal feelings interfere with your judgment is unacceptable as a GDF employee, and yet―
At times like this, I wish I could ask for Mr. Kiuchi’s opinion.
Today, on my way home from SKIP, I stopped at an old bookstore and bought a few books. I got the first three editions of “Detective Bon Hebon”, the books that allowed me to connect with Mr. Kiuchi, when I was first assigned to the Space Science Division. I found them on the bookshelf and inadvertently brought them to the register, but thinking about it now, since the incident with Alien Croco, no, Mr. Numata, I have been thinking more about Mr. Kiuchi. I might have been unconsciously influenced by it.
Besides Detective Bon Hebon, he recommended a lot of other mystery books. He used to say that detective novels are not only entertaining, but they are also useful for developing logical reasoning in everyday life. Unfortunately, the only thing I seemed to take away from reading them is this posh style of writing presented in my diary.
When I was flipping through the pages of one of the books I bought, I found myself completely engrossed. It would be nice to revisit these books, with a coffee in hand. It’s already late, but I think I can slip in just one chapter.
Speaking of which, I wonder what kind of books Yuma likes. I’ll ask him next time.
