Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider Episode 23: Let's Do This, Shocker!

This opening sets a strange tone, doesn't it? A massive, futuristic stadium, pulsating with purple light, filled with a euphoric crowd. We glimpse Ruriko and Yuriko, looking determined and confident amidst the dazzling chaos. The sheer scale and almost hypnotic energy hint at something more than just a concert, a grand stage for events far beyond mere entertainment.

Suddenly, we're in a sterile corridor, watching Shocker Combatmen turn on each other. It's a quick, brutal shift from the concert's glamor to raw violence. Rikako, a female Combatman, looks on in horror, realizing her comrades are "completely brainwashed." She's trying to stop them, even as one attacks another with fierce abandon, clearly beyond reason. It paints a picture of controlled, internal conflict, a chilling lack of self in the antagonists.

The mindless assault continues. One Combatman is brutally stomped, then Rikako herself is kicked and beaten by her own kind. Her screams of "What are you doing?!" and "Tasukete!" (Help!) cut through the violence. Just as despair sets in, large crates are thrown, interrupting the brutal display. This reprieve is brief but critical, a small flicker of hope in a bleak situation.

From a green mist, two silhouettes emerge: V3 and Ladybug. They reveal themselves with confident transformations, striking heroic poses. Even Rikako cries out their names, a mixture of awe and fear in her voice. V3 and Ladybug stand together, grimly stating, "We have no choice," as they prepare to face the overwhelming number of Shocker Combatmen. A classic hero entrance, well-executed.

The fight quickly turns. Ladybug and V3 are efficient, but it's Rikako who truly stands out, charging in to help. The brainwashed Shocker Combatmen are unexpectedly defeated by an emotional, tear-filled outburst from one of their own. He glows purple, declaring "This is love!" as he sends his comrades flying with sparkling, heart-effected punches. It's a surreal, almost comedic sequence, but the sheer emotion is real.

The now "un-brainwashed" Combatman, despite his injuries, cheerfully declares he's fine and ready to fight the enemy. Even the police officers, initially terrified, express gratitude, hugging him and confessing they "woke up thanks to your punch!" Rikako smiles, explaining, "The brainwashing was broken by the power of love!" It's an alliance born of bizarre circumstances, but it feels genuine. V3 urges them to hurry; the main event still awaits.

On a bridge overlooking the dome, Ichimonji Hayato and Hongou Takeshi wait impatiently. They're itching for a fight. Suddenly, Kumo Otoko (Spider-Man) appears atop the dome, smug and menacing. He toys with them, calling them "fun," his eyes glowing magenta with malicious curiosity. He vanishes as quickly as he appeared, leaving Ichimonji and Hongou surrounded by newly materialized Shocker Combatmen. The true antagonist has finally shown his hand.

Ladybug, V3, and Rikako arrive, creating a united front. But the reunion quickly sours. Rikako confronts a female Combatman named Ryoko, who seems surprised by her presence. Rikako's eyes glow magenta, a dark mirror of Kumo Otoko's. She coldly kicks Ryoko and declares she'll ensure they lose "any will to resist." The brainwashing wasn't broken for Rikako; she was part of the villain's plan all along. Ladybug is shocked, realizing her old friend is now a dangerous enemy.

The orchestrator, Kumo Otoko, now in his monstrous Bat-Man form, surveys the stadium. Ichimonji and Hongou charge, but Bat-Man is overwhelmingly powerful. He effortlessly blocks their attacks, sends Ichimonji flying, and throws Hongou into the air, leaving them both unconscious. "You can't defeat me," he states, his arrogance earned by sheer force. The heroes are outmatched, quickly and decisively.

Rikako, V3, and Ladybug arrive to find their comrades defeated. They charge Bat-Man, but he swats them aside with contemptuous ease, throwing V3 and Ladybug into the stadium seats. Rikako is then surrounded and captured by the remaining Shocker Combatmen. Ichimonji and Hongou, regaining consciousness, can only scream her name in helpless horror. All hope seems lost, a complete rout.

Bat-Man revels in his victory, using fireworks as a backdrop to transform his Combatmen into monstrous, roaring beings. He declares himself "the ultimate being." Ichimonji and Hongou, though battered, try to defy him, but Bat-Man effortlessly swats them away. He unleashes a massive explosion, engulfing them in flames, then disintegrates them with a powerful energy blast. The entire stadium crumbles, leaving only ruins and Bat-Man's triumphant laughter.

The despair intensifies as Rikako, V3, and Ladybug watch their comrades perish. Rikako screams, "You monster!" but her rage is futile. Bat-Man mercilessly engulfs them in another explosion, leaving nothing but ruin. He stands alone, proclaiming, "This is my victory. I am the ultimate being." He transforms back into Kumo Otoko, closing the dome over the destroyed stadium, a chilling symbol of his complete and utter triumph.