Chapter 74: Special Measures for Special Times

If it weren’t for me—Jojo—this Earth wouldn’t stand a chance; sooner or later, Gaia and Agul would be at each other’s throats again!

“Do you think you can solve anything like this? Will it change humanity? Will it save this planet?” Jojo’s words rained down on the two of them, recalling their argument moments ago—he was only a step away from giving them both an Ultra slap.

Gamon was a model student; under Jojo’s stern, almost homeroom-teacher-like presence, he lowered his head, guilt flushing his face.

But Fujimiya was born a rebel. He looked displeased, bristling at the lecture. “Then what do you suggest we do?”

“All large-scale land development projects must be halted!” Jojo’s response made Fujimiya’s heart leap with joy.

He knew it—Jojo understood him. They were kindred spirits.

Gamon looked taken aback, and before he could voice his worries, Jojo continued, “But you can’t use Ultraman’s powers—not openly, at least.”

“Since neither of you has a better plan, we’ll do it my way.”

Gamon hesitated, remembering Jojo’s earlier lock-picking episode; his instincts told him they were in for something similar. Still, compared to Fujimiya’s extreme measures, Jojo’s plans were far more palatable.

Gamon glanced at Fujimiya, certain Jojo would side with him.

Coincidentally, Fujimiya was thinking the same thing.

He caught the subtext: Jojo was saying they couldn’t use Ultraman’s powers overtly, but nothing stopped them from acting in secret. People always settle for a compromise, after all. Both believed Jojo was on their side, so they fell silent, waiting for him to continue.

“First, we’ll need explosives to demolish all the construction facilities.”

Fujimiya’s eyes lit up. Of course! Why hadn’t he thought of that? Clearly, Gamon was clouding his judgment.

He shot Gamon a sidelong glance, snorting internally at his conflicted expression. Gamon was far too idealistic—Jojo was much easier to get along with.

Jojo pressed on. “Naturally, we’ll need to evacuate all personnel first. We just have to tell XIG that a group of terrorists is obsessed with Gaidra, and they’re planning to blow up the project.”

Gamon hesitated. “Isn’t that going a bit too far?”

Raised in an upright environment, Gamon’s conscience rebelled at the idea.

“In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken,” Jojo replied, silencing him.

He’d expected this outcome and reluctantly accepted it. Still, he voiced another concern: “But Gaidra has never appeared before humans. Who would be obsessed with her? Most people would be terrified of a monster like that.”

“That’s the next phase of the plan.” Jojo’s expression was one of complete confidence.

“Gaidra is different from other monsters. She’s like an alternative Ultraman—she should be able to take on human form.”

He recalled that Gaidra could turn into a sphere of light. And if she didn’t already have that ability, Jojo had learned the trick of human mimicry from Leo and could teach it to her.

“We need to communicate with Gaidra and have her take the form of a woman—a particularly beautiful one.”

“Huh?” Gamon was genuinely confused. As straightforward as ever, he missed the point. “Why does she need to be a beautiful woman?”

Inamori couldn’t help but stifle a laugh, even Fujimiya gave Gamon a speechless look.

Gamon, puzzled by their reactions, protested, “What? Did I say something wrong?”

“Gamon, think about it—how many fans do the most popular actresses have?” Jojo prompted.

A flash of realization crossed Gamon’s face as he finally understood.

“I see! If Gaidra is beautiful, and with Fujimiya—currently the hottest topic—introducing her, she’ll be wildly popular!”

“Then, when we reveal that she’s a victim, it’ll cause a sensation!”

“Exactly,” Jojo said, his words now laden with meaning. “Public opinion is an invisible blade.”

“And with the project bombed, politicians won’t be able to withstand the pressure—they’ll either abandon it or be forced to redesign.”

“Of course, all of this hinges on persuading Gaidra not to go on a rampage.”

“Remember, Gaidra is powerful. Violence won’t work—you must appeal to her emotions.”

At these words, Gamon’s expression grew solemn.

Fujimiya, on the other hand, bristled at the mention of “emotional appeals,” recalling unpleasant memories and shooting Jojo a dark glare.

That bastard Jojo! He’d been manipulating him from the start. Just wait—one day, he’d get even.

Despite his resentment, Fujimiya agreed to the plan. “No objections.”

“I agree as well,” Gamon said.

Jojo’s approach was a bit unscrupulous, but compared to Fujimiya’s extremes, it was downright gentle.

As these thoughts ran through Gamon’s mind, he glanced at Fujimiya.

And saw Fujimiya glancing right back at him.

What an arrogant guy, Gamon thought. Only Jojo and I can protect Earth!

He had no idea Fujimiya was having much the same thought at that very moment.

What a naive fool. Only Jojo and I can protect Earth!

Unaware of their silent rivalry, Jojo continued outlining the plan.

“First, we’ll go talk to Gaidra. To prevent any communication issues, I’ll teach you both telepathy.”

“Next, we need to let humanity know about Gaidra. Her story must be spread through the news.”

“After that, Fujimiya, you’ll handle the demolition. As a disguised terrorist, you’ll send a warning to XIG, and once the area is evacuated, you’ll use Agul’s power to infiltrate from underground.”

Fujimiya’s eyes shone with excitement—the problem could be solved this way after all.

Gamon had no objections, though he still felt uneasy about the whole thing.

The three of them discussed the plan in detail, with Inamori taking notes to ensure nothing was forgotten.

When the discussion ended, Jojo shifted into his true form and used his light to grant telepathy to both Fujimiya and Gamon.

Fujimiya was nearly there already, so it didn’t seem all that miraculous to him.

Gamon, on the other hand, was thrilled and immediately tried it out: Jojo! Can you hear me? Jojo!

“Yes, I can. Stop shouting,” Jojo replied, halting Gamon’s enthusiastic attempts. “Now, let’s go find Gaidra.”

Both Fujimiya and Gamon straightened at his words.

Just as Jojo was about to lead them into action, Gamon’s communicator beeped urgently.

He flipped it open, and Tendo’s face appeared on the tiny screen. “Gamon, where are you? Return to the aerial base at once—there’s a new monster on the scene!”

“What?!” Gamon exclaimed in shock.

Jojo leaned in to appear on the communicator’s camera. “I’ll go. Gamon has more important things to handle right now.”

Aside from Crisis, they’d only just finished battling the Celestial Machine today. Now, another monster?

With that, Jojo ended the call for Gamon and turned to look at him and Fujimiya.

“You two go find Gaidra. I’ll handle this monster.”