"Why are Tiga and Seven here too?" asked Galactron Light from within the Galaxy, staring at Orb and X in surprise.
"That's a long story," came Gai's voice from Orb. "But these seniors are really formidable!"
"So this Tiga… he's the ancient Ultraman Tiga?" Galactron Light asked, recalling that in the past, he could transform into Tiga using the Spark Doll.
"I'm not sure," X shook his head. "But I do know the person who transforms into him—his name is Yu Zhou."
"Yu Zhou?" Galactron Light repeated the name. "Is he from China?"
"Yes," X nodded.
"Quite rare," Victory agreed. "Chinese Ultraman users are extremely uncommon—or practically unheard of."
Yu Zhou, meanwhile, remained relaxed, wielding the Ultimate Light Pan and hammering Diaborigu repeatedly.
Seven was fighting Sadis nearby, steadily gaining the upper hand. Sadis was no match for the experienced Ultraman.
After a series of attacks, sparks flew from Diaborigu, as if its circuits were failing. Seeing this, Yu Zhou stepped back, transforming the pan back into a bracelet and securing it.
He spread his arms wide, drawing in energy from all directions. Forming an L-shape with his hands, he unleashed the Zaperio Beam at the already weakened Diaborigu.
The brilliant white beam contained tremendous energy. It struck Diaborigu with a thunderous explosion, annihilating the monster without leaving smoke or debris.
Even after firing the beam, Yu Zhou's color timer remained bright blue—he was far from exhausted.
"Incredible!" Galactron Light muttered, amazed at Tiga's power. Even when he had transformed into Tiga via the Spark Doll, the Zeperium Beam had never looked this overwhelming.
"But… I thought Tiga didn't have weapons?" Victory noticed Yu Zhou putting away the pan. "An Ultraman with a frying pan?"
X explained, "We're not entirely sure, but analysis shows the pan contains crystals from the Land of Light."
"So it must have come from the Land of Light," Galactron Light nodded.
Seven had nearly finished off Sadis, concentrating solar energy in his chest armor. Forming an L with his hands, he fired a golden focused beam.
Boom! Sadis was struck, the solar heat vaporizing his body and melting his mechanical parts into molten iron.
"He won't revive this time," Seven said, satisfied.
As the battle concluded, the sun began to set, painting the clouds with twilight hues.
"Finally, it's over!"
Naomi and the others cheered, delighted that all the monsters and aliens had been defeated.
"Thank you, Ultramen!"
They waved toward the heroes standing on the battlefield. All the Ultramen nodded in acknowledgment.
Yu Zhou naturally returned the gesture with an Ultraman nod, glancing at the others.
Unlike in the original story, Orb did not borrow new powers to become Triple Form this time. He had shared the spotlight with Seven, taking a supporting role.
"This really feels like the Seven Ultraman movie," Yu Zhou thought. In the original story, Seven's appearance marked the climactic stage, and even Orb's Triple Form didn't excite the audience this much.
Orb and X approached Yu Zhou and Seven to express their gratitude. Without their help, victory would have been uncertain.
"Thank you, Tiga-senpai!" Gai's voice spoke through Orb. "Not just today, but for all the times I've borrowed your strength!"
Yu Zhou considered explaining that he wasn't actually merging with ancient Tiga, but decided not to spoil the moment.
"No need. Just remember to return the favor when you're ready," he said. "Though you should keep track of how much you've borrowed!"
"Um… well…" Orb stammered.
"It's a joke," Yu Zhou laughed, patting Orb on the shoulder. "Just do your best. Repay me when you can."
"Understood!" Orb nodded.
He then turned to Seven, remembering to properly thank him.
"Thank you, Taro!"
Seven blinked.
"Ah—sorry! I mean, thank you, Seven!" Orb corrected himself quickly.
Seven nodded silently. Perhaps this young junior had been influenced by Yu Zhou. He might as well adopt the name Taro for himself one day.
After exchanging greetings with Galaxy and Victory, all the heroes nodded to each other and took to the sky.
…
Two beams of light descended, carrying two figures to the ground.
When the light faded, Yu Zhou and Gai stood revealed.
"Wait… Yu Zhou, aren't you going back to your world?" Gai asked, puzzled.
"Not yet. I can't return for a while," Yu Zhou replied.
After a brief conversation, they approached the site of the crashed sky villa.
Under the moonlight, Murnau lay on shattered stone slabs.
The two walked slowly to her side, standing silently.
"It's… incredible. I feel this is the outcome I always hoped for," Murnau whispered weakly.
"You're very pure," Gai knelt, holding her hand. "Once you understand true beauty, you'll see…
Beauty is fleeting.
Last year's flower, this year's flower—they're all beautiful.
But only by trusting the next generation, entrusting them with destiny, can beauty endure forever."
Murnau turned her gaze to Gai.
"But those words… can no longer reach my diamond-like heart."
With her final breath, a single tear fell. Then her body transformed into a gem.
"This… feels familiar," Yu Zhou thought. "Like… Camearra's ending in the Final Holy War story."
Indeed, in that tale, Camearra had longed for light, and Daigo had held her hand. The scene now mirrored that story, and Yu Zhou could see Camearra reflected in Murnau's face.
"Thankfully, I've already changed Camearra's ending," he sighed inwardly.
Gai retrieved his harmonica, playing a tune symbolic of Orb. The music echoed through the quiet night sky, solemn and deep.
Listening, Yu Zhou felt a pang of melancholy. As the music resonated, the space before him warped. A swirling portal appeared.
Without disturbing Gai's performance, Yu Zhou leapt into the portal, silently bidding farewell.