Guided by an Illusion, the Consequence of Aspiration.
- Original Airdate: April 17, 2022
Written by: Hanta Kinoshita
Directed by: Teruaki Sugihara
Summary
Was the host of the Rafflesia Deadman really Zico? Subaru doubts Ikki's accusations, but Daiji believes that Zico should still be investigated. Meanwhile, still stuck in an illusion, Ikki reunites with Zico back in his high school era. Finally, the reason for Zico's anger becomes clear!
Tropes
- As Himself: Voice actors Miku Itō and Ryō Horikawa, and TV-Asahi producer Chihiro Inoue appear as themselves.
- Bittersweet Ending: Even though Ikki (and by extension Zico's) dreams of being a pro-soccer player can't come true due to Ikki's responsibility in his family's business and as Kamen Rider, both of them are able to reconcile again as friends.
- Didn't See That Coming: Subaru used the Rafflesia Vistamp assuming that its Deadman wouldn't be a particularly strong threat under normal circumstances, completely unaware that Giff's recent revival had been strengthening demons.
- Must Make Amends: The reason why Ikki wanted to be a pro-soccer player before; He accidentally gave Zico a Career-Ending Injury that dashed the latter's dreams. Unfortunately, the stress of overtraining to vent his frustrations and regret over the event had led Ikki to Rage Quit, and his subsequent obligation as the heir of Happy Spa and his memories being erased due to using Vice's power to fight resulted in him being unable to fulfill and later remember his promise to Zico.
- Power High: Subverted. George expresses a strong temptation to don the Demons Driver again, but ultimately resists it.
- The Reveal: Vice explains to Ikki at the end of the episode his vanishing from old photos is a result of their original contract: that Vice would use his power to protect Ikki's family in exchange for Ikki losing his memories. Every time Ikki borrows Vice's powers to fight, another one of his memories is removed from existence; if Ikki continues to transform, there's a distinct possibility that Ikki himself might forget about his dear family and even himself entirely.
- Well-Intentioned Extremist: Subaru contracted with the Rafflesia Deadman only to help repair Ikki and Zico's relationship, knowing that Ikki would never be the sort of person to simply forget what happened in their past, and peacefully surrenders himself into Fenix's custody after he explains his motives to Ikki.
- Wham Episode: The reason for Ikki vanishing from old photos is finally revealed: thanks to his original contract with Vice, he's slowly losing his memories every time he transforms, meaning he could potentially forget his entire family if this keeps up.
- Wham Shot:
- Director Akaishi speaking to Vail, who has now taken on a spectral red, Vice-like form. A passing-by Akemi sees only Akaishi talking to himself.
- At the very end of the episode, Ikki staring at now over a dozen Igarashi family photos that he's been erased from.
