The story begins with Tadashi Kendo racing through the factory as a loud siren blares, its shrill sound echoing through the corridors.

Behind him, an agent from Stomach Inc. pursues relentlessly, firing a laser gun. Tadashi weaves and dodges, narrowly avoiding the deadly beams.

As he rounds a corner, he spots a door. Without a second thought, he flings it open. Inside, he's met with a surreal sight: floating stairs and doors that resemble an illusionary painting.

Tadashi: "Whoa... Where am I?"

He looks around, bewildered, then glances over the edge of a ledge. Below, he sees an agent aiming up at him, lasers firing with precision. Panicking, Tadashi darts away from the ledge and climbs a nearby flight of stairs, only to be ambushed by another agent waiting at the top.

Agent: "Got you now!"

Tadashi dodges the laser blasts with agile movements but loses his footing and tumbles. He crashes into a blue door, which suddenly swings open beneath him.

With a rush of wind, Tadashi finds himself falling through the door and is thrust into the night sky. He looks around in shock as he realizes he's outside, suspended in mid-air. Below him, the dazzling cityscape of New Eridu sprawls out, its lights twinkling like stars.

Tadashi: "This must be Mom's old world... It looks amazing."

The next morning,

Tadashi found himself washed ashore, the gentle sound of waves crashing in the distance. A curious sensation prodded at his side. Groaning, he slowly opened his eyes to see a female cat siren, Nekomata, crouched over him, poking him with a stick.

Nekomata: "Hey, are you alive?"

Tadashi groaned again, trying to sit up, but his stomach growled loudly, reminding him of his hunger.

Tadashi: "Do you... have any food?"

Nekomata chuckled, amused by his request.

Nekomata: "For a guy who just washed up on shore, you sure have your priorities straight." She shook her head, her feline eyes glinting with mischief. "Sorry, but I don't have any food on me. But my boss's place is nearby. You can fill that bottomless pit of yours there."

Tadashi sat up fully, rubbing the back of his head, feeling a mix of exhaustion and relief.

Tadashi: "Your boss? Who's that?"

Nekomata: "You'll see. But first, let's get you moving before you end up as fish food."

She stood up, stretching lazily, before offering her hand to help him to his feet. Tadashi hesitated but took it, still hungry but curious about this new world.

Tadashi followed Nekomata through the bustling streets of New Eridu, his eyes wide with amazement. The city was a fascinating mix of old and new—a world where vintage tech like CRT TVs and VHS tapes coexisted with sleek modern devices, computers, and AI robots. His gaze lingered on a small, rabbit-shaped robot hopping alongside its owner, one of the many Bangboos—robots designed for daily tasks or combat in the Hollow. It felt like a dream, to see how seamlessly these different technologies blended.

As they walked, Tadashi noticed Nekomata carrying a bag in her hand.

Tadashi: "Hey, miss?"

Nekomata: "Nekomata. My name is Nekomata."

Tadashi: "Oh, right! So, Nekomata... is that food in that bag?"

Nekomata let out a light laugh, shaking her head.

Nekomata: "This? No, it's a bag of shells. I'm planning to make bracelets for my friend and my boss, as a thank-you for everything they've done for me." She paused, glancing back at him. "By the way, I never got your name."

Tadashi: "Oh! Tadashi. Tadashi Kendo."

As they crossed the street, Nekomata didn't notice a truck speeding toward her. Tadashi's eyes widened as he saw the vehicle barreling straight toward her.

Tadashi: "NEKOMATA, WATCH OUT!"

Without thinking, Tadashi lunged forward, grabbing Nekomata and using his body as a shield. The truck collided with him at full force, but instead of being thrown aside, Tadashi took the brunt of the impact, his half-granute strength allowing him to withstand it. The truck's front crumpled against him, leaving a deep dent in the metal.

The driver and his Bangboo companion flew out through the windshield from the force. Acting quickly, Tadashi caught both of them mid-air, gently placing them on the ground before turning back to the smashed truck.

Tadashi: "Ahh... I didn't mean to..."

Nekomata stared at him, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Nekomata: "HOW STRONG ARE YOU?!?"

Tadashi scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

Tadashi: "I'm... not that strong. I just... didn't think the truck would be this fragile."

Nekomata blinked, then laughed in disbelief.

Nekomata: "Fragile, huh? Remind me never to stand in front of a speeding truck again!"

Scene Switch

In the shadowy alley behind a building, a Granute in human disguise waited patiently on a flight of stairs, his restless eyes scanning the area. Moments later, an agent from Stomach Inc. approached, his dark uniform barely visible in the dim light.

Agent: "Do you have the Press?"

The Granute, hound-like in appearance beneath his human mask, nodded and handed over a bundle of glowing red ribbons—four Hito Presses. The agent inspected the frozen human forms trapped within the ribbons, smirking slightly.

Agent: "As agreed, here's your payment."

The agent pulled out a small candy box, snapping it open to reveal a single Dark Snack—a jelly-like candy that shimmered ominously. He tossed it to the Granute with a casual flick of his wrist.

Granute (Hound Type): "Oi! This isn't enough for four Presses!"

The Granute's eyes narrowed, his growling voice betraying his frustration.

Agent: "Your Presses are of normal quality. If you want more, bring me better quality next time. You should be thankful for what you're getting. Your kind can be easily replaced."

With a cold smile, the agent turned and walked away, leaving the Granute standing in the alley, seething.

Granute: "Easily replaced? Tch."

He grumbled under his breath, glaring at the agent's retreating figure. Opening the small box, he carefully pulled out the Dark Snack. His eyes gleamed as he took a bite, savoring the rich, addictive taste.

Granute: "It tastes so good... but it's so little. I need more Presses."

Hungry for more, the Granute lifted his shirt, revealing his Gavv—a grotesque, gaping maw in the middle of his abdomen. Its tongue slithered out, stretching hungrily toward the Dark Snack. In one swift motion, the Gavv devoured the rest of the candy, its tongue curling back with satisfaction.

The Granute's eyes darkened with greed as he licked his lips.

Granute: "I'll need more... much more."

Back to Tadashi

They finally arrived at an apartment building. Nekomata, still lively as ever, pressed the bell beside the door.

Nekomata: "Nicole, I'm home!"

The door swung open to reveal a girl with striking pink hair. This was Nicole Demara, the sharp-witted leader of the Cunning Hare, a faction infamous for having the most debt in the city—and Nekomata's boss.

Nicole: "There you are, Nekomata. Where have you been all day?" She then noticed Tadashi standing awkwardly behind Nekomata, his hand raised in a wave.

Tadashi: "He—" SLAM! The door was abruptly shut in his face mid-greeting.

Inside, Nicole pulled Nekomata further into the apartment.

Nicole: "What did I tell you about bringing strangers home? It only attracts potential customers, and we're not running a charity here!"

Nekomata: "Relax, Nicole. He's not a customer. He's just a guy who washed up on the shore!"

Nicole: "That's even worse!" She peeked back through the door crack, eyeing Tadashi suspiciously.

Nicole: "Is he... dangerous?"

Nekomata: "Dangerous? Nah. But he did stop a truck with his bare hands."

Nicole: "What?!"

Tadashi, standing awkwardly outside the door, scratched his head, hoping that didn't make things worse.

Nekomata: "Yeah, it's on the news right now!"

Nicole, still skeptical but curious, decided to give Nekomata the benefit of the doubt. With a sigh, she led the way into the living room, where the other members of Cunning Hare were lounging around.

Billy the Kid, the group's resident loudmouth and a diehard fan of StarLight Knight—the universe's equivalent of Kamen Rider—was glued to the TV. Next to him sat Anby Demara, Nicole's "adopted" sister, an avid film enthusiast who always spoke in a monotone voice, no matter the situation.

Billy was practically vibrating with excitement as he watched the StarLight Knight transformation sequence, but before the hero could complete his move, Nicole grabbed the remote and switched the channel.

Billy: "BOSS! What gives?! It was almost the best part—his transformation!"

Nicole: "Shut up!" She ignored Billy's protests as she flipped to the news channel. On-screen, a report detailed Tadashi's earlier encounter with the truck and the sudden surge of interest from the authorities, especially PubSec, who were looking for information on him.

Nicole's eyes gleamed as she processed the story.

Nicole: (Mind racing) Super strength... quick commission work... tons of Dennies... RICH IN SECONDS!

Her lips curled into a devious smile as she let out a low, ambitious chuckle.

Nicole: "Fufufu..."

From her spot on the couch, Anby barely glanced up, monotone as ever.

Anby: "It seems Nicole is in her money-ambition mood again."

Billy groaned dramatically.

Billy: "Here we go. She's going to turn this poor guy into a walking paycheck!"

Nicole ignored them, already scheming ways to put Tadashi's strength to use for the Cunning Hare's benefit.

Nicole: "Alright, Nekomata, bring him in. Let's see how we can... help our new guest."

Nekomata rolled her eyes but smiled as she headed back toward the door to fetch Tadashi.

Nekomata: "I warned you, Tadashi. My boss is... something else."

Back at the door, Tadashi leaned against it, his stomach growling loudly.

Tadashi: "So... hungry..."

Just as he was about to close his eyes from exhaustion, the door suddenly swung open. Without any warning, Tadashi tumbled forward, falling face-first into the apartment.

Tadashi: "Ahhh—!"

He hit the floor with a soft thud, lying there for a moment before weakly lifting his head.

Tadashi: "Do you... have any food?"

Nekomata couldn't help but laugh as she looked down at him.

Nekomata: "Told you, didn't I? Priorities straight!"

Nicole, arms crossed, watched the scene unfold from the living room. Her eyebrow twitched slightly as she observed the rather pathetic sight before her.

Nicole: "Great, he's starving. Wonderful. Nekomata, get him something to eat before he passes out on my floor. If he's going to be useful, he at least needs energy."

Nekomata helped Tadashi to his feet with a grin.

Nekomata: "Come on, let's get you something to eat before Nicole starts trying to figure out how to charge you rent."

Tadashi wandered into the kitchen, still feeling a bit out of place. His eyes quickly landed on the table, which was covered with snacks: a pack of ZakuZaku Chips, a bag of Poppin Gummy, and two types of chocolate—Chocodan (milk chocolate) and Chocodon (white chocolate). There was even a pack of marshmallows labeled FuwaMallow. His eyes sparkled like a child in a candy store.

Billy: "Sorry, but we're down to just snacks."

Without hesitation, Tadashi reached for the bag of Poppin Gummy and tore it open, his bubbly personality showing through.

Tadashi: "ITADAKIMASU!"

He popped a gummy into his mouth and his face immediately lit up with joy.

Tadashi: "Umai! This is so good! I've never had anything like this before—it's sweet, soft..." He grabbed another one and tossed it in his mouth. "And super juicy! It's like a burst of flavor!" He grabbed an orange gummy next. "Umai! This one's different from the last two!"

Anby, who had barely looked up from her film notes, chimed in with her usual monotone voice.

Anby: "The last two you ate were grape-flavored. The one you just ate is orange."

Billy, who had been watching with amusement, couldn't help but laugh a little.

Billy: "Oh man, don't tell me this is your first time having snacks?"

Tadashi's smile faded a bit, his excitement dimming as a wave of sadness washed over him.

Tadashi: "Well... yes." He hesitated before continuing. "My family is in the candy-making business, but my mom forbade me from eating anything sweet. So, I never got to have any snacks or candy growing up."

Billy raised an eyebrow in surprise, but Tadashi continued, his voice now tinged with sorrow.

Tadashi: "The candy my father and brother made... it's something my mom warned me never to eat." He glanced down, remembering his mother's words. "She always said it wasn't safe for me."

Billy: "So... you ran away?"

Tadashi froze for a second, the question hitting a little too close to home. He glanced at Billy, then quickly averted his eyes. The truth about his past—the tragedy with his mother, the dark world of the Granute, and Stomach Inc.—was something he wasn't ready to share with anyone just yet. So, he forced a smile and decided to bend the truth.

Tadashi: "Yeah... something like that." He scratched the back of his head, trying to sound casual. "My family was, uh... really strict. They didn't let me experience the world outside much, so one day, I just... left. I wanted to see what life was like for myself, taste the snacks, you know?"

Billy raised an eyebrow, still skeptical.

Billy: "Just because they didn't let you eat snacks? That seems like a pretty weird reason to run away, man."

Tadashi chuckled awkwardly, trying to keep up the façade.

Tadashi: "Well, it wasn't just the snacks. They had all these rules... lots of pressure. I just wanted a normal life." He stuffed another gummy in his mouth, hoping the sweet flavor would distract him from the guilt of lying.

Nicole: "Hmph. Well, whatever your story is, if you're here now, you'll have to prove yourself useful. Everyone in the Cunning Hare pulls their weight." Her sharp eyes studied him for a moment before returning to her scheming. "And you might be worth something after all."

Anby: "Your lie was poorly executed." She commented, her monotone voice cutting through Tadashi's unease without missing a beat.

Tadashi froze again, but Anby simply returned to her script, not pressing further.

Tadashi (thinking): "That was too close... I can't let them find out about me. Not yet."

Luckily for Tadashi, Anby's comment wasn't directed at him—it was aimed at Nicole, who had been mulling over one of her schemes in her head.

Anby: "Your lie was poorly executed." Her monotone voice sliced through the room.

Nicole spun around, eyes wide with a mixture of irritation and surprise.

Nicole: "Excuse me?"

Anby: "If you think you'll strike it rich with him, you'll need a more convincing approach."

Nicole blinked before realizing Anby had been referring to her inner musings. She huffed and waved it off.

Nicole: "Tch, I wasn't lying! I'm just... brainstorming." She turned back to Tadashi, eyeing him with renewed interest. "Don't worry, new guy. We'll find a way to put that strength of yours to use."

Tadashi chuckled nervously, grateful that the attention had shifted back to Nicole.

Tadashi (thinking): "Phew... that was close. I've gotta be more careful around these people."

As the tension eased, Billy leaned back on the couch, still curious about Tadashi but deciding to let it slide for now.

Billy: "Well, at least you're here now, man. Guess you'll get to try all the snacks you missed out on!"

Suddenly, Tadashi felt a strange sensation in his stomach. He lifted his shirt to reveal his Gavv, a mechanical and strikingly red organ, unlike the organic Gavvs of the Granute. The Gavv's mouth opened, and to Tadashi's alarm, a gummy Gochizo popped out, followed by another, and then another, each one resembling the gummies he had just eaten.

Nicole: "WHAT IS THAT ON YOUR TUMMY?" Her eyes widened in shock.

Nekomata: "What are these things?" She pointed at the Gochizo, clearly confused.

Tadashi: "Uh, it's my Gavv. And, well, those are my—"

Before he could finish, one of the Gochizos jumped up and landed on his hand, wobbling around. Tadashi looked at it with a mix of curiosity and embarrassment.

Tadashi: "I think they're my blood born, or... something like that."

Billy's eyes widened, and he took a step back, clearly unsettled by the sight.

Billy: "Wait, so that means they're, like, your... children? I'm gonna barf. I just witnessed a live birth." He shuddered, trying to process the strange spectacle.

Anby, ever the observer, picked up one of the Gochizo and examined it closely.

Anby: "These are different from the ethereal ones we've encountered. They appear mostly harmless."

Nicole, still in shock, tried to process the scene before her.

Nicole: "So these things are... your snacks? And they come out of your Gavv?" She looked at Tadashi with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

Tadashi: "Sort of. They're born from the Gavv when I eat certain snacks. They help me in battle and... well, they just kind of appear like this." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, hoping they wouldn't ask too many questions about the specifics.

Nicole's expression shifted from shock to intrigue, her mind racing with possibilities.

Nicole: "Interesting. Looks like you're full of surprises. Alright, let's figure out how we can use this to our advantage."

Nicole, still reeling from the unexpected sight of Tadashi's Gochizo, quickly regained her composure. Her eyes gleamed with a mix of excitement and ambition.

Nicole: "Alright, team, huddle up!" She gestured for her crew to follow her into the small closet at the far end of the apartment.

Billy: "Wait, the closet?"

Nekomata: "I guess it's a strategy session."

Anby: "Typical." She followed without question, her monotone voice betraying no emotion.

Once everyone was squeezed into the cramped closet space, Nicole shut the door behind them. The dim light flickered above as she gathered them around her.

Nicole: "Okay, listen up. I don't know what that thing on his stomach is, but I do know one thing—it's useful. Tadashi's got strength, and now he's got... whatever those gummy critters are. We can use this to our advantage." She paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

Billy: "Use it how? You saw those things. They look like candy mascots, not battle-ready fighters."

Nekomata: "They did seem kind of cute."

Nicole: "Cute or not, we've never seen anything like them before, and unique equals potential! I'm thinking we can market his abilities, make him a weapon, or... maybe just use him for quick jobs that require a little extra muscle." She looked over at Anby, who was idly fiddling with her camera.

Nicole: "What do you think, Anby?"

Anby: "You want to profit from his power." Her tone was flat, but her words were sharp. "It could work. PubSec is already looking for him. You can use that as leverage."

Nicole grinned widely. "Exactly! We'll help him stay off their radar—for now—but in return, we've got to get something out of this. Tadashi's like a walking goldmine of weird abilities."

Nekomata: "We're not going to, like, exploit him, right?" She frowned, concerned.

Nicole: "Of course not. We just make sure he earns his keep. Besides, it's a win-win situation. We get a heavy hitter, and he gets to lay low and learn the ropes of this world."

Billy: "As long as I don't have to see another one of those Gochizo pop out of his stomach, I'm good."

Nicole: "Deal. Now, we need to figure out how we're going to approach this with him." She rubbed her hands together, eyes gleaming with her usual cunning. "Let's not freak him out, alright? We'll ease him into this. Maybe a small job first, then we see how far we can push it."

The team nodded in agreement, each with their reservations but trusting Nicole's plan.

Nicole: "Alright. Let's go make this guy a star... or at least, a profitable one."

As they opened the closet door and walked back into the living room, they were greeted by a bizarre sight. The number of Gochizo had multiplied—now there were at least 30 of them scattered across the apartment. Some looked like chocolate in different varieties, others resembled chips, marshmallows, lollipops, senbei, and even cookies. Each one wobbled or hopped around, interacting with the room like excited little creatures.

In the middle of it all, Tadashi was casually munching on a cookie, completely oblivious to the chaotic scene he was causing. As he bit into the cookie, another Gochizo—this one shaped like a cookie—popped out of his Gavv and joined the ever-growing crowd of snack-themed creatures.

Billy: "Huh, you're actually that hungry?" He stared in disbelief, watching the newest cookie Gochizo waddle across the floor.

Nicole: "Oh. My. God." Her eye twitched. "Tadashi, what is going on?! You've practically turned the apartment into a snack shop!"

Tadashi blinked innocently, crumbs still on his lips. "Oh... um, sorry? I didn't think it would make this many." He glanced down at his stomach, where the Gavv had closed up, momentarily taking a break from popping out more Gochizo.

Nekomata: "They're kind of... cute, though." She picked up a marshmallow Gochizo, which squeaked happily before puffing out a tiny cloud of sugar.

Anby: "The room is now overrun." She observed, stepping over a group of Gochizo that were huddling near the table.

Nicole: "Look, I don't care if they're cute or not. We need to get this under control. Tadashi, can you... I don't know, stop eating for a bit?"

Tadashi scratched his head sheepishly. "Uh, yeah, probably a good idea."

Billy chuckled. "I guess now we know the real reason your mom didn't want you eating candy. You're like a one-man snack factory."

Tadashi: "I didn't know it would happen! It's just... when I eat, they show up."

Nicole sighed and rubbed her temples. "Okay, new rule: No more snacking in the apartment unless we're prepared for a Gochizo invasion. Got it?"

Tadashi: "Got it. Sorry about that." He looked around at the Gochizo, many of them playfully interacting with each other or the apartment furniture. Despite the mess, something was endearing about the little creatures.

Nekomata: "They don't seem to be causing any harm, though. Maybe we can keep a few around?"

Nicole gave her a pointed look. "Not. We'll lose control of this place if we let them hang around."

Anby: "It seems the Gochizo are harmless, but they lack direction. Should we try utilizing them in some capacity?"

Nicole: "You read my mind, Anby. We'll think of something. But first..." She turned to Tadashi. "Get these things out of here, please."

Tadashi scratched his head, looking at the swarm of Gochizo filling the apartment. He felt a little overwhelmed but figured it was worth a try.

Tadashi: "Uh... hey, guys. Could you maybe... calm down a bit?" He spoke tentatively, not sure what to expect.

To everyone's surprise, the Gochizo immediately stopped whatever they were doing. The little creatures turned their attention to Tadashi, standing perfectly still, waiting for his next command. Even the marshmallow Gochizo, who had been puffing out sugar clouds, settled down.

Billy: "Whoa... they actually listen to you?"

Nicole: "I did not expect that." She looked impressed, arms crossed as she watched the Gochizo obediently fall in line.

Tadashi blinked in surprise. "Uh, yeah. I guess they do." Emboldened by their response, he took a deep breath. "Okay, uh... can you guys go line up over there by the wall?"

The Gochizo, in their snack-shaped forms, immediately complied, hopping or waddling over to the side of the room. They formed a neat line against the wall, standing still like tiny soldiers awaiting further orders.

Nekomata: "That's... kind of amazing." She stared wide-eyed at the neatly organized snack creatures.

Anby: "He has full control over them."

Nicole: "This changes everything." Her eyes gleamed with newfound ambition. "If Tadashi can control them, we might have more than just a weird snack army. These Gochizo could be useful. Like, useful."

Tadashi: "I didn't think they'd listen so well." He smiled sheepishly. "But if you need me to, I can keep them in line."

Billy: "Alright, alright, but let's not overdo it. I don't want to be tripping over cookie monsters every time I go to the kitchen."

Nicole grinned. "This is great. Tadashi, you just became even more valuable to us. Not only are you strong, but now you've got these little helpers at your disposal. We'll be using this to our advantage."

Tadashi, feeling a mix of pride and confusion, nodded. "I'll keep them under control. Promise."

Nekomata: "And they're not so bad. They're cute, in their way."

The Gochizo all squeaked in unison, their tiny voices filling the room with a chorus of cheerful sounds. Despite the initial chaos, it seemed like Tadashi's strange power was finally starting to come under control.

As Tadashi marveled at how well the Gochizo responded to him, Nicole's phone suddenly rang, cutting through the moment. She glanced at the caller ID and raised an eyebrow before stepping aside to answer.

Nicole: "Yeah, it's me. What do you want?" She listened for a moment, her expression quickly shifting from curious to calculating. "A commission, huh? What's the job?"

Tadashi watched as Nicole's eyes narrowed slightly, and her lips curled into a small smirk. Whatever the call was about, it seemed to pique her interest.

Nicole: "A necklace from a Hollow, huh? Sounds tricky... but you know we don't shy away from challenges." She paused, listening to the voice on the other end. "Alright, we're in. Send me the details and the advance."

She hung up, slipping the phone back into her pocket, her usual sly grin plastered on her face. She walked back over to the group, clearly energized by the opportunity.

Nicole: "Alright, team, we've got ourselves a new commission. We need to retrieve a necklace from a Hollow."

Billy: "A Hollow? Are you sure that's worth it? You know how dangerous those places are."

Nicole: "Of course, but the pay is good, and we need the money. Besides..." She glanced at Tadashi. "With our new friend here and his little army of snacks, we've got an edge."

Anby: "What's the item exactly?"

Nicole: "A necklace. It's in a very deep part of the Hollow, and it's been there for a long time. The client didn't give too many details, but you know how these things go. We're gonna have to be prepared for anything."

Tadashi looked between them, confused. "Uh, what's a Hollow?"

Nekomata: "Think of it as a weird, dangerous place where reality doesn't quite work right. It's full of traps, hostile creatures, and all sorts of nasty stuff. But if we're careful, we can get in and out with that necklace."

Nicole: "Exactly. It won't be easy, but with the right strategy—and our new snack-commanding friend here—I think we've got a real shot."

Tadashi: "I'll do whatever I can to help." He smiled, determined to prove himself.

One wild ride later, with Nicole at the wheel, their white Chevrolet Nova screeched to a stop outside the entrance to the Hollow. The car had been a blur of reckless turns, red light running, and narrow misses with pedestrians. As the engine cut off, the group looked frazzled, but no one dared comment on Nicole's driving.

The car door flung open, and Tadashi stumbled out, nearly collapsing onto the ground. His Gochizo poured out after him, some of them lying flat on their backs, faint from the chaos. A few of the others rushed over, performing comical little CPR routines on their fallen snack brethren.

Tadashi: "I... I almost saw God in those turns..." He wheezed, staring up at the sky in disbelief.

Billy: "I'm telling you, we need better seatbelts in that car. My circuits can't handle much more of this." He muttered, adjusting his hat.

Nekomata: "I warned you about her driving. You'd think you'd learn to hold on tighter."

Anby: "It was... efficient. In its terrifying way." Her monotone voice didn't betray the slightest bit of emotion, but her knuckles were still white from gripping the door handle.

Nicole hopped out of the car, completely unbothered. "Alright, team! We're here, and we're still alive. That's all that matters."

She surveyed the fainted Gochizo with mild amusement. "They'll be fine. Snack monsters are tougher than they look."

Tadashi groaned, pushing himself up off the ground. "I'm starting to wonder if I made the right choice following you guys..."

Nicole: "Trust me, Tadashi. When we walk out of this Hollow with that necklace and a bag full of cash, you'll thank me. Now let's move before someone else beats us to it."

With a sigh, Tadashi straightened up, gathered his Gochizo, and followed the group toward the eerie, shifting entrance of the Hollow. As they approached, the strange, distorted air of the place rippled, and they prepared for whatever dangers awaited inside.

Tadashi stared up at the enormous structure before them, his mouth slightly agape.

Tadashi: "When you said 'Hollow,' I thought it was gonna be like... a pit. Not a giant dome." He scratched the back of his head, looking at the bizarre sight.

The Hollow loomed overhead like a massive, distorted dome, its surface shifting and warping as though reality itself was unstable within. It wasn't just a physical space—it seemed alive in some strange, unsettling way. The air around it crackled with faint energy, and the sky above darkened, casting an ominous shadow over the group.

Nekomata: "Yeah, most people make that mistake the first time they see one. It's more like a bubble where reality is all... messed up."

Billy: "You'll see once we get inside. Nothing works as it should in there."

Nicole: "Alright, enough gawking. Let's get in there before the competition shows up." She adjusted her jacket, her eyes gleaming with determination.

Anby: "The layout inside constantly shifts. If we're not careful, we could get lost... or worse." She spoke in her usual monotone voice, but the warning hung heavy in the air.

Tadashi: "Great. So not only is it a giant dome of weirdness, but it's also a maze. Fantastic." He sighed, already feeling the weight of the situation.

Nicole: "Oh, come on. Where's your sense of adventure?"

Tadashi: "I think it stayed in the car..."

As they stepped into the Hollow, the world around them shifted subtly. Ether crystals jutted out from random places, and strange ripples warped the space, giving everything a corrupted, surreal feeling. Every few steps, the reality seemed to flicker, disorienting anyone not used to the environment.

Tadashi: "That was the weirdest experience I've ever had..." He muttered, still trying to shake off the unsettling sensation.

Billy: "And trust me, it's not getting any better from here." His mechanical eyes scanned the area, wary of the strange energies flowing around them.

Nicole: "Alright, let's split up. Nekomata, you take Tadashi. Anby, Billy, and I will head the other way."

Nekomata: "Got it, boss."

As Tadashi and Nekomata started down their path, Tadashi glanced at the swarm of Gochizo bouncing and floating around him.

Tadashi: "Alright, Gochizo, follow me!"

In an instant, the little snack creatures perked up, forming a neat line behind Tadashi like obedient soldiers. They wobbled and shuffled along, their various snack forms creating a strange but somehow adorable entourage.

Nekomata: "Wow, they listen to you pretty well."

Tadashi: "Yeah, it's kinda new for me too." He chuckled, watching as a cookie Gochizo tripped over itself, only to be helped up by a marshmallow one.

In a shadowy, hidden corner of the Hollow, the Granute observed the five intruders from a concealed vantage point. Its eyes gleamed with malicious intent as it surveyed the group.

Granute: "Perfect. Those five should make some excellent Hito Presses." The Granute chuckled darkly, its gaze shifting between the separate teams.

With a sinister grin, the Granute began to prepare for its next move, knowing that its opportunity to capture them was imminent.

Granute: "Let's deal with the two first. They'll be an easy start."

After dispatching the wave of Ethereals with ease, Tadashi stood amidst the rubble, breathing heavily but unharmed. The remnants of the corrupted creatures dissolved into the air, and the strange energies of the Hollow seemed to calm for a brief moment.

Nekomata: "You... you just one-punched all of them!" Her eyes were wide with shock and admiration.

Tadashi: "Uh... yeah, I guess I did." He scratched the back of his head, feeling a little awkward. "I didn't realize I'd hit them that hard."

The Gochizo bounced around him in celebration, mimicking punches in their own wobbly, snack-like way. A marshmallow Gochizo puffed itself up proudly as if imitating Tadashi's feat.

Nekomata: "I'm glad you're on my side, Tadashi. I'd hate to be an Ethereal right now."

Tadashi: "Well, it's not like I wanted to punch them that hard..." He muttered, looking at the faintly glowing ripples left behind by the defeated enemies. "But, yeah. We're safe for now."

The two of them took a moment to breathe, but a nagging feeling lingered in the back of Tadashi's mind. Something about the Hollow still felt off. He looked around, unsure of what danger might come next.

Tadashi: "Let's stay on our toes. This place is still crawling with Ether and... who knows what else."

Tadashi: "Alright, Gochizo, it's time to search for the necklace!"

In an instant, the Gochizo sprang into action. The gummy, chocolate, chip, senbei, cookie, marshmallow, and lollipop Gochizo all scattered in different directions, bouncing, rolling, and wobbling as they explored the area. Some of them sniffed the air, while others poked around the Ether crystals and hidden crevices of the Hollow, using their unique abilities to investigate.

Nekomata: "Whoa, it's like a mini search party." She watched as a marshmallow Gochizo stretched itself to peer into a small hole, while a chocolate Gochizo tapped on a crystal with its wobbly arms.

Tadashi: "They're pretty handy, huh? Let's hope they find something soon."

The Gochizo continued their search, some working together while others explored on their own, all under Tadashi's careful command

One of the cookies Gochizo nudged Nekomata's leg insistently, making a soft knocking sound as it wobbled in place, suggesting she follow it.

Nekomata: "Looks like this little guy wants me to follow. Alright, let's see what you've found." She gave Tadashi a quick nod. "You stay here, I'll check it out with this one."

Tadashi: "Got it! I'll keep an eye on things here. Be careful."

As Nekomata followed the cookie Gochizo deeper into the Hollow, Tadashi watched her go, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern. The remaining Gochizo continued their search, but Tadashi couldn't shake the feeling that something was lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.

In the shadows, the Granute watched as Nekomata followed the cookie Gochizo, a sinister grin spreading across its face.

Granute: "Perfect," it muttered under its breath. Silently, it began to stalk Nekomata, moving swiftly through the distorted space of the Hollow. Its Gavv pulsed with anticipation, knowing that the opportunity to capture a new Hito Press was within reach.

As Nekomata followed the cookie Gochizo deeper into the Hollow, the Granute sprang into action. It opened its Gavv, extending its long, sinuous tongue with a menacing hiss, aiming to ensnare Nekomata in its red, sticky embrace.

Just as the tongue was about to wrap around Nekomata, Tadashi's senses flared. Without hesitation, he activated his super speed, a blur of red and motion as he dashed towards her.

Tadashi: "Nekomata, look out!"

He reached her in an instant, shoving her out of the way just as the Granute's tongue struck the spot where she had been. Nekomata tumbled safely away, landing with a startled gasp.

Nekomata: "Tadashi! What's going on?"

Granute: "What? How did you—"

The Granute hissed in frustration as Tadashi stood between it and Nekomata, his eyes blazing with determination.

Tadashi: "Stay back! I won't let you get her!"

Tadashi faced the Granute, his expression fierce. He lifted his shirt to reveal his Gavv, its unique red color contrasting sharply with the Granute's own. The mechanical Gavv glowed ominously, a stark reminder of his heritage and strength.

Tadashi: "You should fight someone of your kind! This is between you and me, not her!"

The Granute's eyes widened in surprise and curiosity.

Granute: "Why is your Gavv red? It's unlike any I've seen before."

Tadashi: "It's a part of who I am. You're going to find out just how different we are soon enough."

Tadashi threw a punch at the Granute, his strength sending ripples through the Hollow. However, despite his formidable power against the Ethereals, the punch barely fazed the Granute. The Granute, resilient and much stronger, retaliated with ferocious attacks.

Granute: "Is that all you've got? I expected more from someone with a red Gavv!"

Tadashi, despite his efforts, found himself overpowered. The Granute's attacks were relentless, and each blow sent him crashing into the twisted landscape of the Hollow. Despite the pain, Tadashi grits his teeth and struggles to stand back up, his resolve unshaken.

Tadashi: "I... I'm not done yet! I'm not letting you harm her!"

Each time he was knocked down, he rose again, determination burning in his eyes. The Gochizo, though weakened from earlier, cheered him on, their various forms shimmering with encouragement. They tried to offer support, but the Granute's strength made it difficult for them to intervene.

Granute: "Persistent, aren't you? But it won't save you!"

Tadashi struggled against the relentless onslaught of the Granute, he was suddenly flung aside, his body hitting the ground with a painful thud. He looked up, horror filling his eyes, as the Granute advanced menacingly toward Nekomata.

Nekomata, her eyes wide with fear, desperately reached for her dagger, trying to defend herself. With a fierce determination, she swung the blade at the Granute, but the Granute's speed and strength overpowered her. In a swift, decisive move, the Granute disarmed her, sending the dagger clattering away.

Nekomata: "No! Stay away from me!" She cried out, her voice tinged with desperation as she tried to back away.

The Granute loomed over her, its sinister grin widening as it prepared to strike. Nekomata's efforts to fend it off seemed futile against its overwhelming power.

Granute: "You're just as weak as your friend. This will be easy."

Tadashi, seeing Nekomata in danger, summoned every ounce of strength he had left. With a fierce cry, he struggled to get back on his feet, determination blazing in his eyes. His Gochizo, sensing the dire situation, rallied around him, their forms glowing with resolve.

Tadashi: "I'm not letting you harm her! Not while I'm still standing!"

As Tadashi lay on the ground, pain surging through his body, the Gummy Gochizo hopped frantically around him, chanting in unison.

Gummy Gochizo: "EAT THE GUMMY! Eat the gummy!"

The chorus of voices became more urgent as they all called out the same command. Tadashi, confused but trusting his Gochizo, reached out and grabbed one of the Gummy Gochizo.

Tadashi: "Eat you? Okay..."

Just as he was about to put it in his mouth, the Gochizo let out a squeal, stopping him. Then, in unison, the Gochizo formed a shape, resembling the Gavv on his abdomen, showing him how to transform—open the Gavv, place the Gochizo in, close the Gavv, turn the handle, and press the button.

Understanding their message, Tadashi nodded. He opened his Gavv, placed the Gummy Gochizo inside, and followed the steps. The Gavv responded immediately.

https://youtu.be/HePEPgshrnk

Gavv: "Gummy!"

He closed the Gavv, and a lively circus-themed standby sound filled the air.

Gavv: "Eat the gummy! Eat the gummy! Eat the gummy!"

Suddenly, a plastic bag materialized around him, with gummy pieces popping out and forming parts of his armor. As Tadashi cranked the lever, a bright light enveloped him.

Tadashi: "Whoa!"

With excitement, he struck a pose but comically stumbled, tripping as the black and silver undersuit formed around him. It was a playful reference to the untamed, monstrous side of him. The Gummy pieces snapped into place, completing the bright and flexible armor. Despite its playful appearance, it exuded power.

Gavv: "🍬POPPIN GUMMY! JUICY!🍬"

The Gochizo all cheered, their tiny voices full of pride.

As the Granute was about to wrap its tongue around Nekomata, Tadashi, now in his Kamen Rider Gavv form, dashed forward and landed a solid punch square in the Granute's face, sending it staggering back.

https://youtu.be/3dXd_I7hnps

Tadashi (in suit): "Not so fast!"

Nekomata: "What... what are you?" she asked, her eyes wide with confusion and awe.

Tadashi, standing confidently in his new Kamen Rider Gavv form, glanced back at her with a soft smile, but there was a flicker of sadness in his eyes.

Tadashi: "Something I'm not proud of..." he admitted, before straightening up and striking a heroic pose. "...But my name is Kamen Rider Gavv! Evil and sweet, I'll eat them all!"

The Granute, now furious, snarled and glared at Tadashi.

Granute: "DON'T GET IN MY WAY!!"

The Granute lunged, swinging its powerful fist toward Tadashi. Tadashi barely managed to block the strike, but the force pushed him back. The impact caused cracks in his gummy armor, pieces falling off and crumbling into small snacks that scattered across the ground.

Tadashi: "Whoa, that's stronger than I thought!"

The Granute wasted no time, following up with a flurry of punches. Tadashi dodged and blocked as best as he could, but with each blow, his armor shattered further. Finally, a powerful uppercut sent Tadashi flying back, his armor breaking apart entirely. The pieces of gummy armor scattered to the floor, where the Gochizo immediately began to feast on the fallen fragments.

Granute: "You're weak, just like the rest!"

Tadashi groaned, struggling to get up, but as he did, he noticed the Gochizo below him, munching happily on his broken armor.

Tadashi: "You guys... eating my armor?"

The Gochizo let out joyful squeaks. Tadashi smiled, realizing what he had to do. He reached down and grabbed one of the Gummy Gochizo.

Tadashi: "Alright, round two!"

He opened his Gavv again, tossing the Gochizo inside. The transformation sequence began once more.

Gavv: "POPPIN GUMMY! JUICY!"

With a crank of the lever, his armor regenerated instantly, the broken pieces reforming around him in a burst of vibrant, juicy color. Fully restored, Tadashi got back on his feet, grinning.

Tadashi (Gavv): "I'm not done yet!"

The Granute charged again, swinging its massive arms. This time, Tadashi dodged with ease, his movements sharper. He ducked under the Granute's swings, landing quick punches to its abdomen. With every strike, he chipped away at the Granute's defenses.

The Granute managed to land a powerful blow, breaking part of Tadashi's shoulder armor, but before it could capitalize, Tadashi grabbed another Gummy Gochizo, quickly transforming again.

The armor reappeared, stronger than before. As the Granute roared in frustration, Tadashi took the chance to land a massive spinning kick, sending the Granute crashing into the ground.

Tadashi (Gavv): "No matter how many times you break me, I'll just come back stronger!"

The Granute staggered to its feet, glaring at Tadashi in disbelief.

Granute: "Impossible! There's no one in our race this powerful!"

Before Tadashi could respond, Nicole, Anby, Billy, and the rest of the team arrived at the scene. Nicole's eyes widened as she saw the two opposing figures—Tadashi in his Kamen Rider Gavv form, and the monstrous Granute standing before them.

Nicole: "What the—?! What are those things? Are there two monsters here?"

The Granute, sensing the confusion, burst into maniacal laughter.

Granute: "HAHAHA! You can't run from your roots! No matter how much you try to be human, you'll always be one of us! A monster!"

Tadashi clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing beneath the helmet. The words hit him hard, but he pushed the feeling down, focusing on the fight. He knew what he had to do.

Tadashi (Gavv): "Yeah, you're right." He paused, letting the words sink in. "I'm a monster. Both you and I. But that's not going to stop me from protecting these people!"

He turned toward Nicole, his voice firm.

Tadashi (Gavv): "Nicole, take Nekomata and the others! Leave now!"

Nicole's eyes widened in shock, recognizing the voice.

Nicole: "Wait, that voice... Tadashi?! You're the one in that armor?!"

Tadashi could hear the disbelief in her tone but didn't have time to explain.

Tadashi (Gavv): "JUST LEAVE!"

Nicole hesitated for a moment, looking at the strange, Purple-armored rider in front of her. But the urgency in Tadashi's voice spurred her into action.

Nicole: "Nekomata, let's go, now!"

Anby and Billy quickly grabbed Nekomata, helping her as Nicole led the group away from the impending battle.

The Granute snarled, seeing his prey slipping away.

Granute: "Running won't save them!"

He lunged toward Nicole and the group, but Tadashi moved even faster, intercepting the Granute with a solid punch to the gut. The force sent the Granute skidding backward.

Tadashi (Gavv): "Your fight is with me!"

As Tadashi's Gavv activated, the Gavvablade emerged, materializing in his hands with a shimmer of energy. Its sharp Tongue Rim Splitter glistened, radiating the strength of Kamen Rider Gavv's resolve.

Tadashi (Gavv): "Sweet."

He grinned under his helmet, admiring the new weapon. The synchronization with his body was perfect as if the blade were an extension of himself. Holding it by the Blay Grip, he felt his energy surging through the weapon. With a swift motion, he pressed the Blay Pon button, activating the Gochispeeder.

The Speelaunch section flared to life, launching a Gochizo pilot onto the Gochispeeder—a miniature, high-speed vehicle powered by the Gochizo's own energy.

Tadashi (Gavv): "Let's see what this can do!"

He swung the Gavvablade, aiming it at the Granute, who was still recovering from the last blow. The Gochispeeder shot forward, charging at the Granute like a bolt of energy.

But the attack didn't go as planned. As the Gochispeeder slammed into the Granute, the creature didn't even flinch. Instead, the Gochizo on the speeder let out a pitiful cry as the impact did no real damage. The Gochizo on the speeder wailed, clearly distressed, wobbling as it tried to recover.

Tadashi (Gavv): "What the—?"

The Granute laughed, its monstrous voice echoing through the hollow.

Granute: "Is that all you've got, boy? Your cute little toys are useless against me!"

Tadashi gritted his teeth. His attack had failed, but he wasn't about to give up. The Gavvablade hummed with potential, and he could feel the power of the Gochizo still resonating through it. He wasn't done yet.

Tadashi (Gavv): "Alright, let's try that again."

This time, he pulled the Blayrigger trigger, sending another Gochizo onto the Gochispeeder, but now with a different plan in mind. He pressed the Blay Pon button once more, charging the energy field with more intensity. The Gochizo, despite its previous failure, nodded with determination.

Tadashi (Gavv): "Full power this time!"

The Gochispeeder roared to life again, but instead of merely ramming the Granute, it circled it, distracting the enemy and allowing Tadashi to leap forward with a powerful strike from the Tongue Rim Splitter.

The Granute's mocking smile faded as the blade connected, slicing through its tough skin with surprising ease.

Granute: "W-What...?"

Tadashi grinned, now more confident.

Tadashi (Gavv): "Told ya, I'm not done yet."

Granute: "DON'T TOY WITH ME!"

Furious, the Granute grabbed a nearby container and hurled it toward Tadashi with immense strength. The heavy object whistled through the air, aiming to crush him.

Without hesitation, Tadashi slashed the Gavvablade clean through the container as it flew at him. The blade's Tongue Rim Splitter cut through the metal like butter, splitting the container in half with a swift strike. Tadashi leaped through the middle of the falling pieces, his red mechanical Gavv gleaming in the chaos.

Tadashi (Gavv): "Too slow!"

As he landed, he followed up with another flurry of precise strikes, each blow aimed at the weak points he had learned from their exchange. His movements were faster and sharper, boosted by the Gavvablade's synchronization with him and the support from his Gochizo. The Gochispeeder zipped around, distracting the Granute, while Tadashi kept closing the distance.

The Granute, visibly enraged, swung wildly but couldn't keep up. Each attempt to counter Tadashi was met with a sharp slice or a quick dodge, and the monster's frustration grew with each miss.

Granute: "You're nothing but a half-breed! You can't win!"

Tadashi's eyes narrowed behind his mask, his determination unshaken.

Tadashi (Gavv): "Maybe I'm a half-breed... but I fight for something more!"

With a final surge of energy, Tadashi activated the Blay Pon one last time, charging the Gochispeeder for a full-powered attack. As the Gochizo guided the vehicle with newfound determination, Tadashi leaped forward and combined his strike with the Speeder's energy, landing a decisive blow right into the Granute's chest.

The impact sent shockwaves through the hollow, and the Granute staggered back, visibly damaged and losing control.

Tadashi (Gavv): "This ends now! So..." (He glances at the KICKIN gummy gochizo resting on his shoulder.) "What will it be? Will you drop the Dark Snacks for good? Or do I have to beat you down right here?"

Granute: "GIVE UP DARK SNACK? NEVER! I'LL BEAT YOU RIGHT HERE!"

Determined, Tadashi grabbed the Kickin' Gummy from his shoulder, his right leg transforming into a giant orange gummy boot.

Gavv: "Kickin' Gummy!" (The boot emits a distinct kicking sound as it's charged up.)

With a powerful kick, Tadashi sent the Granute staggering, but he wasn't finished. He cranked the Gavv again, the energy building up.

Gavv: "CHARGE ME! CHARGE ME! CHARGE ME! CHARGE ME!"

Tadashi then knelt, gathering his strength before leaping into the air. As he soared, he pressed the button on his Gavv.

Gavv: "Kickingummy Kick!"

The giant gummy boot came crashing down with immense force, stomping hard on the Granute. The force from the gummy boot pushed down and crushed the Granute with a tremendous impact. Tadashi quickly jumped away, and the Granute exploded in a spectacular display of energy.

The Kickin' Gummy floated up, transformed into cartoonish souls with wings and halos, and flew away, leaving behind a scene of victory.

After the intense battle, Tadashi carefully untransformed the Cookie Gochizo from earlier, which had knocked his leg. To his surprise, the necklace he was searching for was now in the Gochizo's possession.

Tadashi (Gavv): "That must be it! Let's just give it back to the owner."

With the necklace safely in hand, Tadashi set off on a long walk back to the commissioner's house. The journey took about an hour, during which he reflected on the day's events. The city of New Eridu was now bathed in the soft hues of dusk, and the streets were quieter, offering a sense of calm after the chaos.

Upon reaching the commissioner's house, Tadashi took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. After a few moments, the commissioner opened the door, their eyes widening in surprise as they saw Tadashi standing there, holding the necklace.

Tadashi: "I've got the necklace you asked for. Sorry for the delay."

The commissioner looked at the necklace with a mix of relief and gratitude.

Commissioner: "You did it! Thank you so much. Here's your payment."

Tadashi nodded and accepted the payment with a smile, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

As he walked away from the commissioner's house, Tadashi looked up at the stars beginning to twinkle in the night sky.

Timeskip

Nicole and the gang returned to their apartment, bags of snacks in hand. The atmosphere was light, but Nicole couldn't shake off a lingering worry.

Nicole: "I hope I didn't accidentally make him mad."

Nekomata: "It's alright, Nicole! Don't worry too much."

When they opened the door to their apartment, they were greeted with an unexpected sight. On the kitchen table were the commission money and a note from Tadashi.

Nicole picked up the note and read aloud:

https://youtu.be/JLCiavZNlI0

Nicole: "'Thank you guys for the food and hospitality. Sorry for scaring you guys. But after seeing how scared you guys were of me, I decided not to trouble you guys anymore. I took the snacks I had and will find a place where I belong. I only took 5000 Denny, leaving you guys with 25000 Denny. Also, Billy, under the note is some coupon for the StarLight Knight-themed coffee.' — From Tadashi."

Nicole, Nekomata, and the others looked at each other in surprise.

Nekomata: "He left us so much money and even a coupon for Billy. That's thoughtful of him."

Billy: "Wait, what? I'm gonna get my StarLight Knight-themed coffee!"

Anby: "It seems he appreciated our help, even if he didn't want to stay."

Nicole: "Yeah, he's a good guy. I hope he finds what he's looking for."

Scene Switch

Tadashi, now strolling through the city, enjoyed a lollipop he'd bought. As he walked, he saw people using bikes and his curiosity was piqued. He pulled out the lollipop Gochizo, Vrocan, and asked if it could transform into a bike.

Tadashi: "Hey, Vrocan, can you turn into a bike?"

Vrocan nodded enthusiastically. Tadashi placed it on his Gavv and activated it. The Gochizo flew out and transformed into a sleek dirtbike.

Tadashi: "Nice! This is just what I needed!"

Excited by his new mode of transport, Tadashi hopped onto the dirtbike, feeling a sense of freedom and anticipation for the adventures ahead.

After Credit Scene

One week later, the sun cast a warm glow over the park. Ellen Joe, tired as usual, was walking through the park after school, her large shark tail lazily swaying behind her. She noticed a figure lying on the ground nearby. It was Tadashi, fainted and sprawled out, looking worn out.

With a sigh, Ellen approached him and nudged his side with her foot, not putting in much effort. Ellen: "Hey, you alive?"

She asked, her voice tired. Tadashi stirred and slowly opened his eyes, looking up at her.

"Do you... have any food?" he mumbled, barely lifting his head.