Ultraman: A good pilot doesn't choose his own Ultraman.

16. Iida Ryu, all he wants is to survive.

Perhaps because the story of the well-fielded dragon is too distant, and even fewer people would believe it, the samurai temple appears particularly dilapidated.

Jiang Yu went inside and checked around. After confirming that no one was there, he put down his backpack, closed the temple door, and slowly walked to the bronze statue, stroking his chin as he pondered.

Finding the samurai temple is only the first step; the more important thing is how to awaken Ida Iryu's consciousness.

In the original TV series, Ida Ryu didn't react when the statue and samurai sword were stolen, until Sukunaki revived and possessed the thief, helping Tiga to completely destroy Sukunaki.

Well, before leaving, he even gave Daigo a big gulp of chicken soup, which showed his great sage-like demeanor.

"So, I need to release Sukuna-ki first in order to awaken Ida Iryu?"

Having come to a conclusion that seemed absurd even to himself, Jiang Yu quickly shook his head, which was still foggy.

I actually wanted to slap myself twice to reflect on my actions, but in the end I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Life forms have evolved, but hitting yourself still hurts just as much.

"Daigo's been quite busy lately, so I'd better not cause him any more trouble. Once this thing is out of reach, Daigo might not be a match for it."

Jiang Yu looked at the bronze statue and samurai sword in front of him, which were clearly old and covered with cobwebs, and sighed inwardly.

Everyone has their own expertise, and when it comes to dealing with monsters like Sukuna-ki, the strongest human, Ida Iryu, is more adept.

However, Sukuna returned with even greater power, while Iida Iryu was left with only his consciousness. He could only move by possessing a living person, making it impossible for him to fight alone.

Even with Next, it's still far inferior to Tiga, after all, it's just a child form among children.

"Nexus, right, I have Nexus, and I also have a life-sized Tiga. That should be enough, right?"

Abnormal energy can stimulate Jingtian Jinglong, so the power of light should also be able to do so.

Without hesitation, Jiang Yu raised the Paraji Stone, and after a flash of light, it appeared in the temple in the form of Ultraman Tiga.

Before Jiang Yu could touch the bronze statue again or try any other actions, the samurai sword on the sword rack suddenly began to vibrate and hum.

A moment later, a phantom soul dressed as a wandering samurai from the Warring States period appeared before Jiang Yu.

Upon seeing Ultraman Tiga's appearance, Iida Ryu's eyes sharpened, and he was clearly surprised for a moment before regaining his composure, ultimately revealing a look of emotion reminiscent of meeting an old friend.

"Man of Light, I haven't seen you in a long time. Are you here to deal with Sukuna-ki?"

Throughout Iida Ryu's long years of exorcising demons, he has encountered many monsters, including the Giant of Light, who, after all, is the strongest human to have left his mark in several different worlds.

He felt as if he had seen Ultraman Tiga's image in some lost ruins.

If I remember correctly, it should be something like the Savior of Light?

Upon seeing Jing Tianjinglong appear, Jiang Yu withdrew his light and transformed back into his human form.

While there is no limit to the number of times the old man can take the form, speaking is a challenge.

Jiang Yu couldn't make good use of the psychic powers that came with the Kirieloids' strength; at most, he could only use them to move small objects.

Jiang Yu still has a long way to go before he can communicate with people through telepathy like Makio Kirino later on.

"It seems I was right. You are indeed human. My name is Ida Kojuro Iryu. I greet you."

"I'll leave the matter of Sukunagami to you."

When Ida Ryu saw that Ultraman Tiga was human, his joy was even greater.

If it were a human, there would be no reason to ignore Sukuna-ki.

Just then, Sukuna-ki's power was enhanced, and he still felt that he was not strong enough. Now it was time for the person of light in front of him to solve the problem.

Jiang Yu stared speechlessly at the grinning Jing Tian and Jing Long. If he had a magic wand, he would have gone over and given them a couple of whacks.

This is supposed to be the strongest human, yet he has no sense of propriety. Can't he see that his combat strength is obviously insufficient?

If Jiang Yu truly possessed sufficient combat strength, he would have already found a place to retire; there would be no need for him to come to this godforsaken place.

He didn't have such lofty aspirations as to fight for humanity, and besides, strictly speaking, this wasn't even his hometown.

"Mr. Iida Iryu, I think you've misunderstood. That gesture just now was just me testing whether you would appear."

"I don't have the power to deal with Sukuna-ki."

Jiang Yu's candor and honesty brought Jing Tianjinglong back to his senses, restoring his original calm.

As an exorcist, he shouldn't have drawn conclusions blindly.

"I apologize, but I assumed you were like the other beings of light I had met before, whose power..."

Jing Tianjinglong stopped halfway through his sentence, clearly not wanting to discourage Jiang Yu in front of him.

"It's nothing. To be honest, I came here specifically to learn from Mr. Iida Iryu how to deal with monsters. I hope you will be kind enough to teach me."

Jiang Yu was ultimately not used to being a craftsman, so he simply clasped his hands in a slight gesture of respect, hoping that Jing Tian and Jing Long could mentor the younger generation.

Jiang Yu preferred Jinglong's path to transformation rather than relying on Parageite.

People can only rely on themselves. If he were like Jing Tian and Jing Long, even if the Paragi Radiance Stone disappeared one day, Jiang Yu could still roam freely in various worlds based on his strength.

In a way, it was probably similar to the state that Jugglus Juggler was in later on.

They live a carefree life, unlike Jugglus Juggler who has to worry about having Kai Kurenai help him every day.

Jing Tianjinglong narrowed his eyes, his sharp, knife-like gaze seemingly able to see right through Jiang Yu's sincere expression.

Through the body, one could see the red light pulsating within.

"Your strength is almost on par with my strongest state."

My cultivation methods are unlikely to be effective for you anymore!

Jing Tianjinglong's tone was somewhat solemn. Jiang Yu was different from the people of light he had met before; it seemed that more than one power was emanating from him.

Jiang Yu, who possesses such power, has no need to learn anything from him.

Moreover, some things cannot be learned through study alone.

"Mr. Iida Iryu, strictly speaking, that was not entirely my power."

I want to become strong, through my own power, as a human being!

Jiang Yu didn't explain much, he simply expressed his desire for power.

In the original drama, Daigo's performance didn't prompt Iida Iryu to teach him anything; he only left behind a motivational quote.

If Jiang Yu wants to learn something, he must be honest with him.

He expressed his desire for power, and then left the rest to Ida Iryu to choose for himself.

"Hmm, may I ask, what obsession do you have?"

"Obsession, it seems, is nothing special. If I had to name one, it would be to live."

Jiang Yu looked somewhat dazed. Although he had experienced death once and was eventually brought back to life in the Ultraman world, it did not mean that Jiang Yu could calmly accept his second death.

Jiang Yu never wanted to experience that feeling of helplessness again.

"To survive, it seems, has become an obsession."

Iida Ryu chuckled softly, gripping his katana tightly in his soul form, poised to draw it.

"In that case, I urge you to prepare yourself for the worst; my blade is incredibly fast!"