Entertainment: You're asked to make a graduation project, but you're asked to film Ultrama

Chapter 74 Sawai: Not a subordinate, but a brother! —Southern Strait

In Jinghai City, more than a month ago, on the day of filming, the meeting room of Chasing Light Pictures was filled with heated discussion.

Gu Nan sat in the main seat, with a concept image frozen on the large screen behind him: on the turbulent sea, a yellow miniature submarine was cutting through the waves.

Sitting opposite him were two veteran actors with gray hair but vigorous spirits. One was Teacher Li, known in the industry for his refined manners, and the other was Teacher Zhang, known for his "tough guy" and "hot temper".

"Director Gu, I've read the script."

Teacher Zhang closed the script, habitually twirling two walnuts in his hands, and said in a loud voice, "So, you want us two old men to be the main characters in this episode?"

"Not only the main character, but also the soul of this episode."

Gu Nan said earnestly, "Teacher Zhang, Teacher Li, in previous episodes, the audience's impression of Director Sawai was that of a 'kind mascot,' and that of Director Yoshitsugu was that of a 'stubborn, hawkish old man who loves to throw tantrums.' But in this episode, I'm going to overturn all of that."

Gu Nan stood up and pointed at the screen.

"Viewers have always had one question: In a world without an army and advocating absolute peace, how did a behemoth like TPC come to be? Was it really as easy as a fairy tale? And how did Daigo, a lowly transport department employee who only knows how to drive, manage to join the elite Victory Team?"

"This episode of 'Southern Straits' completes all of this." Gu Nan's eyes were piercing. "This is not just a special effects episode; it is a political thriller short film about political games, male friendship, and the cost of peace."

Teacher Li adjusted his glasses, a hint of admiration in his eyes: "Interesting. Peace doesn't fall from the sky; it's forged on the edge of a knife. The character of Sawai truly comes to life in this episode."

"Let's get started!"

Teacher Zhang put the walnuts away, saying, "At my age, it's worth it to be able to play '007' in a tokusatsu drama!"

……

On Friday night, episode 9 of the second season of "Ultraman Tiga" was released on Bilibili.

Earth Peace Union (TPC)

As Director Sawai and his entourage prepared to depart for the Crimson Islands to attend the World Summit.

"Director!"

Daigo waved to the director from afar.

Director Sawai responded with a broad smile.

The accompanying female secretary asked, "Director, Daigo of the Victory Team is neither a scientist nor from the Defense Forces..."

"What does it matter?"

The director was about to answer when he noticed that boarding time was approaching.

He then hurried to the airport.

Secretary: I shouldn't have asked that question.

[Good heavens, Daigo, you're a relative, huh?]

"Tsk tsk tsk, who in the entire TPC doesn't know that Daigo is Director Sawai's henchman!"

The live stream of the sharp-tongued Lao Tang remains incredibly popular.

While keeping an eye on the plot, he also cracked jokes as usual.

……

On the screen, the private plane carrying TPC Director Sawai suddenly lost contact while en route to the Crimson Islands to attend a secret meeting of heads of state from various countries.

Immediately afterwards, television signals worldwide were forcibly cut off.

Director Sawai's familiar face appeared on the screen.

But at this moment, that face, which usually always carried a gentle smile, was filled with a cold indifference.

"I am Sawai. From this day forward, the Crimson Islands will become an independent nation and serve as the capital of the World Unification Government... Anything that trespasses into our airspace will be shot down."

The moment those words were spoken, the live stream chat exploded with comments.

[Holy crap?! The director has turned evil?!]

[What kind of plot twist is this? Last episode they were fighting vampires, and this episode fast-forwards to a world war?]

Something's wrong. That look is terrifying; it's like someone's been possessed.

[Oh no, the biggest boss at TPC is actually the director himself?]

……

At this point, a narration explains the process of TPC's formation and Sawai's past.

At the time, Sawai was the Director-General of the United Nations, and he traveled to various countries around the world to lobby.

We urge all countries to disarm in order to achieve lasting world peace.

His every move was welcomed by many countries, yet many ethnic disputes still existed at that time.

Therefore, most countries consider Sawai's actions to be too idealistic.

Achieving lasting world peace will encounter significant obstacles.

However, Sawai is fully supported by leading scientists from around the world, who believe that humanity is now entering a new era.

In the face of unpredictable events, all countries in the world must unite to jointly address the various challenges that lie ahead.

The story shifts back to the TPC command center.

The Victory Team was in complete chaos. Just as everyone was at a loss, Director Ji Gang, who usually had a fierce look on his face, barged in.

"Deploy the Atlas immediately!"

Director Ji roared, slamming his folding fan on the table with a loud bang.

"No!"

The one who stopped him was the usually mild-mannered Staff Officer Nan Yuan.

"Gigang, calm down! TPC's charter stipulates that the GUTS's force can only be used against monsters and alien invaders! The people on this island are humans, heads of state! If we open fire, TPC will become a violent organization that slaughters humans! Then Director Sawai's life's work will be completely destroyed!"

Clearly, as things stand, this incident is a conflict within humanity.

Using force to resolve human conflicts is undoubtedly a step backward in history.

"Do we still have time to worry about all that? You should know that those words couldn't possibly have come from Sawai's heart! Are we just going to watch that senile old man destroy the world?!"

Ji Gang grabbed Nan Yuan by the collar, his eyes bloodshot, like an enraged lion.

Watching this scene, Old Tang couldn't help but sigh, "Brothers, this dialogue scene really reveals the underlying logic of this peaceful world. That's the brilliance of the scriptwriters. The TPC isn't some mindless war machine; it has strict 'political fastidiousness.' That's why this peace organization is accepted by the world. But now, this rule has become their constraint."

The comments section also began discussing the worldview.

[A compassionate heart (Director Sawai), ruthless methods (Chief Yoshitsugu)]

[Director Sawai is more peace-loving, while Chief Yoshitsugu's side is more forceful.]

How ironic that world peace, while opposing the use of force, is maintained by the deterrence of force.

There's nothing ironic about it; that's what nuclear deterrence works for. We can do without nuclear weapons, but we can't do without them. The existence of nuclear weapons prevents more wars.

Maintaining peace requires strength, and this is not ironic. Just like the Tai Chi symbol, there is Yin within Yang, and Yang within Yin; only in this way can peace endure. The Tao Te Ching says: "Reversal is the movement of the Tao," meaning that everything will eventually move towards its opposite; therefore, it is necessary to appropriately retain a certain amount of military force.

……

The scene changes.

Director Ji Gang stormed out of the command room.

After Director Yoshioka left, Nozue analyzed and learned that the aurora borealis over the Crimson Islands was a special defensive shield developed by a certain country during the era of the Defense Forces.

This caused Horii some shock and regret.

Ultimately, it is something made by humans.

"Ah, so it's a man-made thing."

"That means their research is truly remarkable."

Beside her, watching the advertisement on TV, Captain Megumi recalled the incident from three years ago.

At that time, the Victory Team had not yet been formed.

Megumi is also the head of the TBC Extraterrestrial Life Negotiation Team.

Prior to this, Brazil had experienced UFO and meteorite incidents.

Kijima Megumi received orders to go and investigate.

This past event was also mentioned in episode 25, "The Devil's Trial." It was during this official mission that her husband, Chiki's father, tragically died in a power test...

……

On the other side, Ji Gang did not give up.

Deep in the ocean, a yellow miniature submarine, "Dolphin 202," is silently submerged.

The director's unusual behavior is somewhat related to aliens.

The hacking of television likely also means that radio broadcasts have been tapped.

Therefore, headquarters prepared this feint attack tactic.

The Atlas battled the aurora shield surrounding the islands in the air.

Meanwhile, Dolphin 202 secretly dived from the seabed into the Crimson Islands.

In the cockpit, Daigo looked at Director Ji Gang, who was sitting in the co-pilot's seat wearing ordinary work clothes, with a bewildered expression.

"Chief... what brings you here?"

"Nonsense! If we relied on those people who only know how to hold meetings, Sawai would have died long ago!" Yoshitsugu still gripped the folding fan tightly in his hand, but his eyes remained fixed on the radar. "I'm just here as a special advisor to the marine survey team to assist in the investigation. If those staff officers knew about this, they'd be furious."

Hahaha! What an arrogant old man!

[He shouts that he wants to destroy the city, but his actions betray him as he goes to rescue his best friend.]

Is this the legendary "childhood sweetheart" relationship? It's so sweet!

In his stern conversation with Daigo, Director Yoshitsugu revealed that he and Sawai had a very good personal relationship.

Despite their differing political views, the two have continued to work together to this day.

As a lifelong friend, Sawai suddenly disappeared and made extremely unusual remarks, something that Yoshitsugu, as her old friend, simply couldn't believe.

"That old guy Sawai is usually a softie when it comes to people, but he was surprisingly right about you this time."

Looking at Director Yoshitsugu, who was talking about Sawai.

Daigo also recalled the aftermath of that incident three years ago, which was one of the key reasons he joined the GUTS team.

Immediately afterwards, the plot entered a crucial flashback sequence.

This is also something countless viewers have been eagerly anticipating – the revelation of Daigo's background.

That was three years ago, before the TPC was fully established, and the world situation remained turbulent. Sawai, as the UN Secretary-General, was working tirelessly to promote the disarmament of various countries.

During an inspection trip, a UFO suddenly fell from the sky.

The scene was chaotic, and the light weapons in the hands of the bodyguards were completely ineffective against the UFO.

The UFO shot out a traction beam that directly attracted the car carrying Sawai, slowly pulling him and the car into the air.

In their despair, a transport department jeep that had been parked on the side of the road suddenly started up.

In the driver's seat was an excessively young face—it was Daigo, who was still working as a laborer in the transportation department.

He didn't have any super weapons or transformation devices at that time.

He just gritted his teeth and floored the gas pedal.

"ah!!!"

With a roar, the jeep shot off the slope, tracing an arc in the air.

Daigo actually drove the car and rushed up along the UFO's beam of light!

He jumped out of the car and grabbed the door frame of Sawai's car in mid-air.

Then, he jumped down with the director.

At that moment, young Daigo was covered in mud, but in his eyes as he looked at Sawai, there was no fear, only pure, reckless courage.

The memory ends.

Later, although Daigo himself joined the GUTS team, he still felt somewhat inferior to the classically trained students like Rena and Shinjo, who came from ordinary backgrounds.

Ji Gang looked at this simple but sincere young man, and then comforted Daigo with the joke that people who expect to be treated specially are all fools.

In Ji Gang's eyes, the young man in front of him really resembled his old friend Sawai, with whom he could talk about anything...

The audience in front of the screen went wild.

[Holy crap!! So that's how it is!]

No one has performed a greater service than saving their lord.

No wonder Sawai is so good to Daigo! They have a life-or-death bond!

[That's incredible! Driving a Jeep and going head-to-head with a UFO? That's a true warrior!]

[Those who say Daigo got in through connections, come out and take your punishment! Who dares say he doesn't deserve to be in the GUTS team for such a life-risking rescue?]

[A hero doesn't become a hero simply because they possess light. Daigo already had the heart of a hero before he became light!]

Going back to reality.

Dolphin 202 broke through the red aurora barrier surrounding the Crimson Islands—the very same "Aurora Shield," a secret weapon from the old defense force era that Gigan recognized at a glance.

"They've even dug up this old relic; it seems the enemy has ulterior motives this time." Ji Gang's eyes were icy.

The two infiltrated the island. Daigo went to destroy the barrier tower, while Yoshigoro infiltrated the conference center alone.

In this scene, Teacher Zhang delivered an award-winning performance.

He was holding an ordinary pistol, and his movements were so agile that he didn't look like a man in his sixties.

When he kicked open the conference room door and blew up the miniature Daisymania with a single shot, the look in his eyes was absolutely stunning.

The real Director Sawai and high-ranking officials from various countries were locked in a secret room, but their eyes remained clear.

When Ji Gang helped Sawai up, the two looked at each other.

"I knew you'd come; you're so impatient."

Sawai smiled, a hint of helplessness in her smile.

"Nonsense, if I don't come to collect your corpse, who will?" Ji Gang shoved a gun into Sawai's hand impatiently. "Can you even fight?"

"no problem."

Two elderly men, whose combined age was over a hundred, stood back to back, facing the onrushing alien weapons, and simultaneously pulled the trigger.

This scene, accompanied by an exciting background music, got countless viewers' blood pumping.

Then, the enormous bio-weapon—Dasimania—emerged from the ground. It was like a giant living fortress, its entire body covered in indestructible armor, and it could even deflect light.

Daigo transforms into Ultraman Tiga and a fierce battle ensues.

This battle was extremely difficult.

Daisymania's shell was ridiculously hard; when Tiga's punches and kicks hit it, sparks flew, but it couldn't penetrate its defenses at all.

In critical moments, we still have to rely on human wisdom.

Director Sawai directed the evacuation of world leaders from the ground while having Yoshitsugu contact the Atlas, which was already waiting in the stratosphere.

"This is our power." Sawai looked at Ultraman Tiga, who was struggling in the sky. "We can't place all our hopes on Ultraman. Humanity's peace must be protected by humanity itself!"

"Atdis, Magus gun, fire!"

A thick beam of light descended from the sky, striking precisely the gaps in the armor of the Daisymania.

At the same time, Tiga crossed his arms, gathered all his energy, and unleashed a Zepelion Ray.

The two forces merged into one.

Boom! ...

In the skies above this island, a symbol of a human peace conference, the biological weapon that attempted to disrupt peace was reduced to ashes.

The battle is over.

As the sun sets, its golden rays spill onto the sea, creating a shimmering spectacle.

Director Sawai and Chief Yoshitsugu stood on the cliff by the sea, the sea breeze blowing their gray hair and the corners of their trench coats.

In the distance, Daigo was surrounded by Rena and Shinjo, who seemed to be teasing him about his heroic performance. The laughter of the young people drifted in with the sea breeze.

"I'm talking about Sawai,"

Ji Gang, brandishing his signature folding fan, looked at the young people and said, "Your dream of completely abolishing armed forces and building peace based on trust seems to have a long way to go. If it weren't for good luck this time, we would all be dead here."

Sawai stood with his hands behind his back, gazing intently at the horizon of the sea.

"If older people are too fond of showing off, they'll be disliked by younger people!"

"You're no different! Bringing your subordinates to hold secret meetings."

Sawai explained the purpose of his visit:

"My plan is to open TPC branches in various countries next..."

He turned his head, looked at his old friend beside him, and then at Daigo in the distance.

"As long as I see these young people, I feel that there is still hope for the future. I set up organizations like the Victory Team in each branch to pass on this strength."

"Director!!!"

As he spoke, Daigo, who was in the distance, waved and ran towards him.

"snort."

Yoshitsugu pursed his lips and closed his folding fan. "You're still so naive. But... Daigo, that kid, is really not bad."

"He's not a subordinate."

Sawai suddenly corrected him.

Ji Gang was stunned for a moment: "What?"

Sawai looked at Daigo's back with gentle yet firm eyes, as if she could see through Daigo the young figure who had risked his life to save her from the UFO beam, and as if she could see countless people fighting for peace.

"On this long and arduous journey, he, and you, are not subordinates."

Sawai turned around and looked at Yoshitsugu with a smile.

"They're brothers."

Ji Gang stared at Sawai's outstretched hand, paused for a moment, and then a faint, relieved smile appeared on his serious old face.

He reached out his calloused hand and firmly grasped Sawai's hand.

"snort……"

The image freezes on two hands clasped tightly together, with the setting sun slowly sinking below the horizon in the background.

The screen fades to black, and the ending theme song, "Ultraman Forever," begins to play.

……

After this episode aired, the comments section and forums didn't discuss the monster's strength as usual; instead, they were filled with deep emotion and reflection.

The screenwriter is also very clever. Through this episode, he tells us that Ultraman Tiga's world is not a utopia. Peace is fragile and comes at a price.

[Sawai and Yoshitsugu aren't just superior and subordinate; they're like bodhisattvas and zithers!]

That phrase, "Not subordinates, but brothers," completely broke me. That's the spirit of TPC!

[I didn't remember much about this episode before, but after reading the analysis, I realized it was packed with information! Daigo's background, the history of TPC's founding, the dialectical relationship between peace and armed conflict... Gu Nan is really filming a serious drama!]

This is what I love most about TPC: this organization was truly born from good intentions and developed from aspirations. Director Sawai is also the most "perfect" leader in the tokusatsu genre—kind, wise, and principled, he never gives up on his vision for a better future for humanity. He represents a sublimation for the entire Ultraman Tiga TV series.

[Aaaaaah! Progress bar in crisis! Kids, another week without Ultraman Tiga is coming!]