A nasty subject (and character) that has been talked (and cursed) in the past. After re-watching the key RI episodes I personally (judging from a good guy POV) couldn't find a single reason of why Kentaro Washio should be hated. Because he left his family when he was most needed. Because he didn't looked after his son and wife. Because he was such a jerk with Ken and pounded with fists instead of giving him a warm fatherly cuddle. RI dis-likers will find more reasons. What I saw in those episodes was a man who HAD TO leave his family for a greater things. Protecting the world (and said family included) from a growing terrorist organisation was one of them. There were some opinions that he never cared for his son and wife, that they were a burden to him or just that he wanted freedom. The original series's plot motivates his actions. Because of his position in the ISO Ken and Sayuri would have becomed living targets to Gallactor. A cover identity couldn't last too long given the Syndicate's extensive spies network. Since he were to be all the time in missions, there were no one to protect them. (Gallactors proved countless time that they would do anyhing to destroy their enemis and their families) He couldn't have done the job alone by himself. Hiring ISO gurads to keep them safe? Ineffective giving Gallactor resources. The only option left was to ward them to a ISO military base. And who would want family to live in such isolation? Eh, with Katse's viciousness, they wouldn't be safe in a titanium bunker. Now, there is that Ken's dream where he was a child and his father nearly drowned him as he was teaching him to swim. That gives Kentaro a bad father image. But still, Ken seem to remember very fondly of him.. Which means he couldn't have been such a bad parent. And those memories with him playing with toddler Ken? Sadly there aren't any more details about Ken's childhood and there was almost nothing about Kentaro's relation with his wife. I wish the makers have delved more into this. Sure some might say he still could look after Ken after Sayuri's death, especialy that kid was put by Nambu into special training and was living into Nambu's secluded house. But there's the psychological issue. Having his father suddenly rise from the dead and being told about the farse he lived into could have ruined Ken's mind at that age. He had problems with understanding his father's choices older. I wonder if Nambu ever asked for Kentaro's permission when he did. Did Kentaro knew what role his son would play in the future war? Did he agree? I couldn't tell. Did he truly loved his son? I think his reaction to seeing Ken's plane going free fall into the clough was explanatory enough. He saved him and took care of him. And what of his emotional outburst? It was really touching. So Kentaro loves Ken but he has trouble expressing his feelings. Washio Jr. seem to have inherited this trait. As for that scene where Senior Washio gave a fisty welcome to his son? Oh come on! The brat fully deserved it. As the head of the first line defense against Gallactor he can't act so irresponsable! That Ken abandoned his team to follow RI lead to the victory in that episode was sheer luck! Aaaaaaand, he was Gatchaman ! Ninja Gatchaman. How is he supposed to protect the planet from Katse when an old man smacks him down?! D'oh, go train flyboy! And the supreme sacrifice Kantaro did in order to save the world and his son's face. For it was mostly Ken's fault things reached that point! Kentaro chose to pilot himself the rocket when he could let Ken do it or persuade Oniish or Masaki to do the job! That's a strong sense of duty!!! I couldn't find any hint in the series to indicate Kentaro Washio was a misogynist, self-seeker carieerist, or a traitor. He was a tough man with a tough job, oftenly pulling KNTG team's ass out of fire. His job didn't give him fame or wealth. The Red Impulse team seemt known little enough so Gallactor can't track them down. None of them seem to have a life outside their duty! There was no question about thier devotion to the ISO cause! I find ironically that Kentaro Washio is one of the most detested character in the entire Gatch universe, when he was himself a victim. Unlike the usual episodic to-be-dead-at-the-end characters he just lasted longer. I understand Ken's frustration of not getting affection from his distant parent (kid was probably starving for it) and instead of it being beaten and rejected. So? He does the same with Jun.

In honor of Red Impulse

Hi all! Thank you! Despite what so many of the Red Impulse haters out there like to think, there really are those of us who don't have a problem with the character. Was he perfect? No, but he also wasn't the Devil incarnate that they like to make him out to be. I'm glad to see someone remind people of this. Again, thank you! James

Great argument Amy! I am neither a fan of RI nor someone who hates. Were he real I'd probably be apathetic of him. However a few things get forgotten when discussing. 1. He was created at a time when physical discipline was tolerated, maybe not liked by all, definitely illegal if done to the point of leaving marks or scars, but largely ignored except for extreme cases. 2. Military personnel have to make the decision that he almost everyday. Maybe not to the extreme that he did, but it happens. Depending on the circumstances some only get to see their families a few weeks out of the year, and some don't see them for years. However, I will concede that despite fanon implications, the only military units that the ISO appears to have are the RI squad and the SNT/KNT; UN forces are the primary military units (I wonder if that says something about the perceived strength of the UN during Japan at that time -- today the UN still does not have it's own force but instead draws upon the forces of member nations) and that it appears to be more inference than purely stated that RI is military, we know he was Nambu's friend and test-pilot or it is a carry-over from BotP and Colonel Cronus.

I don't have the episodes exactly to hand, but I recall that during the 'Blue Hawk' episode, Ken talks to Nambu about Red Impulse, then mentions his father. The doctor tells him that his father was a famous pilot, and his test pilot. I believe that it was also stated when Nambu tells the team about Red Impulse. After RI dies, Nambu says that the Earth was saved at the cost of his friend's life. A lot of characters didn't get developed as they should have. Of course, we should remember that the series was intended for children, so there would not be a lot of opportunity for character development. Perhaps some people aren't thrilled with the way RI and Nambu keep up the deception, long after the initial need for it has vanished. Ken's in the SNT, and has a secret identity of his own. (I tried to write a couple of fics about Kentaro Washio. Not too successful. I do broken and/or peculiar much better, as any reader of my Berg Katse stories can attest.)

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In those times it was accepted to keep things like that secret. (In adoption, how many people found out when they're adults that they were adopted. LOTS. Especially ones that took place from the 1900's through to the 1970's. Sealed birth records etc, just love a child lots and it will alright they won't need to know or want to know anything about their birth... How wrong was that ideal. Extremely wrong as it has been proven now.) Its an example of the mindset. I know from talking to my 90yr old neighbour she has different ideas on some things than I do because of the age she grew up in. So to a degree I put it down to the times and the mindset people had on the truth in relationships. What it does highlight is how our views on these things have changed dramatically over time. There were other ways he could have protected them and not lied them, but then in Gatchaman they would have lost a whole storyline and 'mystery'! Besides that, I don't might people looking at the different angles of a character and reasoning his actions. Good or bad.

:smiles: Personally ... I love Colonel Cronus and his team... I always have! That's the whole reason I enjoyed the "Mark" comic so much. I love reading them, and I sure as shit love writing them. Most of you know I love my Rangers muchly.... Hang on. Were they actually known as Rangers, or did I just randomly call them that??? I have watched Gatchaman, but never with the passion and intensity I do BotP, so I can't really say I love or hate RI. I certainly didn't get negative vibes from him when I did watch Gatch. I saw him as a man who had no other choice -- and better that he leave to save those he loves than hang around and see them in peril. I find the red pilot a fascinating character to explore... I can, however, see why people would dislike him ... Tough love isn't easy to stomach. But thank you for your insight... much appreciated!! SJ

Well, I know Amy started this thread because she finished reading my recent RI-based trilogy. I'm not going to 'defend' myself, but I think everyone knows that I detest the character. IMHO, he didn't add anything useful or positive to the plot, and whenever he showed up Ken was reduced to a whiny, incompetent brat. The rest of the time Gatchaman was a hero, but as LB pointed out, he had to be demeaned to make RI a hero in certain episodes. I often find him to be a 'villain in hero's clothing', except that they're trying to dupe the audience into thinking this way as well. Kind of like Zark... j/k! I'm not going to say that RI was a traitor for certain... but the point of my recent trilogy was to show that it could be completely within canon to make him so. I also agree that it's possible to make RI a hero within canon, which is the more accepted view. Clearly no one is going to change anyone's view, but I think my fics stand for themselves. Of course, all of this is OPINION, so it doesn't really matter, does it?

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Well, I know Amy started this thread because she finished reading my recent RI-based trilogy.

Which I liked!! You wonderfully managed to depict him as a villain while keeping the story into the Gatch 1's cannon. The background and the story you've created around your RI character was completely verosimile and it fits the events in Gact 1 perfectly without dramatically distorting the shoow character's personality or make the plot's flow inchoerent. You described a very plausible motivation for RI's choices and found new meanings behind his actions, so that the events in the show and your story interwine convincingly! I find that brilliant at a writer!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun IMHO,he didn't add anything useful or positive to the plot and whenever he showed up Ken was reduced to a whiny, incompetent brat. The rest of the time Gatchaman was a hero, but as LB pointed out, he had to be demeaned to make RI a hero in certain episodes. I often find him to be a 'villain in hero's clothing', except that they're trying to dupe the audience into thinking this way as well. Kind of like Zark... j/k!

Oh, but he did! He played a major role in Ken's development as a character. Without him the show makers would not offered us insights of Ken's childhood. And saved the team in various occasions. That had to be useful useful to the plot. As for belittling Ken's character in order to make RI shine, I understand. Maybe the makers did this to make RI stand out more and to add the character more importance. Or to give some warts to Gatchaman. If he was to be to perfect all the time it would become boring after a while. After all Ken was not the perfect leader. He made mistakes even when RI was not around! A lot of them. And in almost every episode some minor characters were made to look dumb so Ken and his team can be in the limelight! Yes he's the main character, he have to shine but this is equally annoying and is one of the reasons the Eagle has all my antipathy. Not to mention the F series where he gets all the attention (good or bad) to himself! But as in RI's case, it was the makers desgin, no point in blaming a character!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I'm not going to say that RI was a traitor for certain... but the point of my recent trilogy was to show that it could be completely within canon to make him so. I also agree that it's possible to make RI a hero within canon, which is the more accepted view. I'm not going to 'defend' myself, but I think everyone knows that I detest the character. Clearly no one is going to change anyone's view, but I think my fics stand for themselves. Of course, all of this is OPINION, so it doesn't really matter, does it?

TJ, the defensive tone of your post is completely unnecessary. I am not making an innuendo against your fics and there is nothing against you have to 'defend' yourself. I made my review after I re-watched the RI episoded and judged solely upon the original cannon, excluding any fan presumptions or simpathies towards any character. I stated my own opinion, that I think RI doesn't deserves the general dislike (yours included) he 'enjoys'. If you detest him (and others who might) , it is your option to do so, and I respect your opinion. And yes it matters. I personally think one has the right to believe what one wants and say it loud. So for me opinions do matter. No one is trying to change no one's view. After all this is a free discution.

I think you raise some interesting points about RI Amy. I know in one of my series I started trying to explain his background in a sympathetic way have to say I did love Tj's story on him also. I agree with Ebony, views change over time what is seen as the norm when this was originally made now to some of us seems outrageous or very unusual I think it is always good to debate viewpoints of a character

Undoubtedly, RI is a tragic character. Actually, Ken and RI have the similar behavior model: if you devote your life to saving the planet, you must repudiate your own feelings. It`s a huge stress after all and it changes system of values with time. So, Ken might repeat RI`s fate.

Amy, many thanks for raising this thread! I'm not so much of an RI's fan for the same reasons that others in this thread described, especially the ones mentioned by LB who literally spoke my mind! (BTW, LB ... you and me just think the same!!!) On the other hand, I also feel some sympathy for this character, deeming his actions and choices being taken due to the hard circumstances! No one can ever really know how it must feel being a soldier at war without living the experience, moreover when having a key role in the salvation of humanity! Family is also important and sometimes one has to do what he doesn't want to do just for its own safety and good even if I reiterate that it's unfair! Tough love is not the best option but sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind especially when trying to teach the harsh realities of life to your young ones! But as LB said, I didn't like seeing Ken take in all those blows, being mental or physical! Hoping not to annoy anyone, I can see myself in one of my childhood memories (so near to Ken's), my father being an expert of raising his kids with tough love ... he once literally obligated a six-year-old me to jump into a jellyfish infested sea just to teach me a lesson after the kid in me couldn't stop protesting the fact that he didn't want me to swim that day! And yes, I learnt the lesson as I immediately got out of the water with the speed of light but literally freaked out! I also didn't know my father until just a few years ago, after my mother died, the event bringing us closer! My father was always out working and we kids rarely saw him as he worked when we were asleep and was at home sleeping when we were at school or at home with mum suplicating us not to disturb his rest! I know that he worked a lot for our good, and I also tell him so as he nowadays explains his past situation and love for the family, but I also am aware that life is short and I so wanted to know my father better when I needed him as I grew up and not so late in my life! Though he was hard with us, I love my father just the way Ken did, his teachings impressed in my mind! Even in Gatch F, at the very end, Ken thought of his father when he was in difficulties and near death! That shows the bond that always existed between father and son ... a bond that never dies! Oh how I so understand Ken!

It can be complex. TJ rook a POV, thats all, and she did very well to see how a rightious man could have an underlying agenda thats not so good, and others can be blind to it. I have to admit I've made Cronus a better man than he appears in the series and his reasons for keeping his identity a secret from Mark even more valid.Its not so easy to do. (Ghosts of the past Pt 2 is about Mark and Cronus.) Edit; My dad used tough love a lot too, he was of that generation that felt we needed to "Toughen up" But then I understand his thinking, after he was a coal miner, and that kind of life is tough on a man and a family. I think at times he forgot we were girls! LOL Since he used a leather belt if we stepped out of line to far...then there was the trusty wooden spoon. Gatchamarie my dad would have done the same thing as your in that situation! But in many ways my dad was a loving father, and good husband. He just didn't want us it sink the moment we ended up in a situation that needed us to be tougher, (I can be tough, but at times I think it more the way I was taught to put emotions aside and deal with it later, my fall outs happen up to months after a traumatic thing happens.) they didn't have personal development seminars and raising children books back then. He unfortunately learned about disiplining children from his dad...which from what I gather wasn't a good approach.

Originally posted by gatchamarie (BTW, LB ... you and me just think the same!!!)

Interesting! My Dad grew up on a farm, did a stint in the US Navy during the Korean War and then became a marine geologist specializing in the Arctic sea floor -he's a big believer in the virtues of hard work and fortitude. My sister and I were never allowed to be "princesses" -no, we were expected to get our hands dirty and to be tough. Even though I was the smallest, I was expected to keep up during the 20 km cross-country skiing treks through the woods that were my father's idea of a proper family activity in the winter. But he was never much of a disciplinarian (except occasionally to my brother when he was a teenager). I can't recall any spankings and I never got grounded, or ever had a curfew. I'm trying to imagine the scene between Ken and RI in episode 40, if my Dad was doing RI's role. He wouldn't call Ken a "coward," or say "I'm a real man, not a spineless wimp like you," and he'd never hit him. But there wouldn't be any "warm fatherly cuddles" either. He'd say something to the effect that "the world is a hard and unfair place -that's how it is. Stop complaining, get back out there, and do the work that has to be done -and you'll be a better person for having done it." His personality is a lot more "New England farmer" than "drill-sergeant."

I don't hate RI but I certainly don't love him, either. As a kid, I just ignored the fact that Cronus was there, because he confused my little 8 year old mind...was he a friend? Or was he Ken's father? At one point I thought I had just imagined Cronus saying he was Ken's father. I really didn't see the point of having Cronus in the show at all. Anyway, as an adult, watching Gatch, I was horrified by the "tough love" he provided for Ken...even when Ken didn't know who he actually was! What I don't understand is...after Ken was on the SNT, it didn't seem like the secret needed to still be kept from him. Why did they let the poor boy suffer for so long like that? He was a trained ninja for goodness' sake, and placed in charge of a whole team of ninjas...so did they think that he would be in danger if he knew? I'd think he could take care of himself.

Hi all!

What I don't understand is...after Ken was on the SNT, it didn't seem like the secret needed to still be kept from him. Why did they let the poor boy suffer for so long like that?

I've been thinking a little about this lately, and I can think of one good reason why not to let Ken know that Red Impulse was his father. Given the way Ken acted whenever the subject of his father came up, what would he have done had he found out? He'd have taken off to be with Red Impulse, regardless of the damage his departure would do to the Science Ninja Team. While it's obvious that Red Impulse would like to have had Ken near him, the cost to the Ninja Team, and therefore to the world, would have been too great. James

You make a good point there, James! And Dr. Nambu knew Ken well enough to be able to predict how he would take the news. Although, it seemed as though Nambu regretted his decision to keep RI's secret from Ken later on in the series. But I wonder if the newness of the idea would wear off after a while, and he'd be able to perform his duties as usual?

Hi all!

But I wonder if the newness of the idea would wear off after a while, and he'd be able to perform his duties as usual?

Probably, but how long would "a while" be, and how many lives (Possibly including those of the rest of the Ninja Team) would have been lost in the process? James

You've got me there, James!

Springie. LB- I didn't like the words he used either with Ken in trying to "Toughen him up" They were a bit self edifying rather than addressing the issue at hand. I didn't expect him to give him a hug thats for sure. (I found his manner annoying, thats the main thing that grated on me about RI and Cronus.) Fair enough being both fighters they might have had a more physical argument and be on more equal standing during it. Ken wasn't a defenceless child in that scene but a trained and very skilled fighter able to hit back just as hard. I felt that with the kind of skill Ken has....I figured he could have easily gotten in more hits than he did and not so easily defeated. My dad would have just said something that was more like..."Get up dust yourself off and do as you're told." And left no room for arguments. He had a hot temper and he only apologised once in his life for losing it. But he was a Union leader too in the 70's...lol explains a lot.

Originally posted by Springie I don't hate RI but I certainly don't love him, either. As a kid, I just ignored the fact that Cronus was there, because he confused my little 8 year old mind...was he a friend? Or was he Ken's father? At one point I thought I had just imagined Cronus saying he was Ken's father. I really didn't see the point of having Cronus in the show at all.

I'm far from being a BotP lore, and my attempts to watch this series were cut short by Zark's babbling monologue. ( Zark somewhat replaced the original series' narrator and if I skipped the Tin can scenes, I'd loose the line of events) How was Mark and Cronus relationship? Was there so much tension between the two of them as in Ken and Kentaro's case. Was there any hint about their blood bond?

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Fair enough being both fighters they might have had a more physical argument and be on more equal standing during it. Ken wasn't a defenceless child in that scene but a trained and very skilled fighter able to hit back just as hard. I felt that with the kind of skill Ken has....I figured he could have easily gotten in more hits than he did and not so easily defeated.

Definitely -another example of the writers' tendency to downgrade Ken's abilities whenever RI is around... I'm still trying to figure out why Katse didn't order Archaeo to attack the Red Impulse Team with the shock wave in ep. 44, after the God Phoenix had gone down. There is that one scene in ep. 51, when Ken is in Hontwohl and sees a man in a white suit getting attacked and he intervenes to help him. That's probably the only time I can think of that RI seemed less than omnicompetent. I'd have liked to have seen more of that. I think it would have made for a more nuanced and balanced depiction of Ken's father if he'd been shown, in the earlier episodes, sustaining some damage to his jet during Galactor attacks or turning up suddenly with an injury/problem he won't explain but needing some help, or even just having Ken get in a few blows in eps. 11 and 40 -just something to show the guy isn't utterly superior, one-upping Ken all the time. In ep. 53, when he and Ken both say say they'll pilot the missile to stop the V-2 plan, RI says he thought it would be for the best to let Ken think his father was dead all these years, and is genuinely sad and sorry that he was never able to do anything for Ken as a father. This is all good, but then, to me, he completely ruins it all by picking Ken up, spinning him around and flinging him across the room! He never even gives Ken a chance to consider that maybe it is a father's right to sacrifice himself for his son, or that stopping the V-2 plan has always been his mission to complete, whereas Gatchaman still has work to do and needs to live. He could have appealed to the other Ninjas for help -I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have wanted Ken to stop RI from piloting the missile! It's similar to the assumption that Gatchaman couldn't be told that Red Impulse is his father, say in ep. 5, because he would immediately abandon his duty to run off and be at this father's side. I admit there's plenty of evidence that Ken's first reaction is often purely emotional and not rational, but I also think there's plenty of evidence that Ken takes duty very, very seriously (the main reason, I think, why he always keeps some distance from Jun) and would quickly accept that he might only be able to spend time with his father very sporadically, at the Crescent Base or the RI Team's island, until the war (or at least the whole Hontwohl situation) is over.

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Fair enough being both fighters they might have had a more physical argument and be on more equal standing during it. Ken wasn't a defenceless child in that scene but a trained and very skilled fighter able to hit back just as hard. I felt that with the kind of skill Ken has....I figured he could have easily gotten in more hits than he did and not so easily defeated.

This fact bugged me too! As a child, and even now, I couldn't figure out how Ken was so easily taken by surprise and hit by RI when he was so much of a good fighter! During some of the same episodes in which Ken seemed so feeble in contrast to RI, when he battled against Galactor goons he seemed so majestic and confident as usual!

Amy, great thread and a great debate on both sides! I've never been an RI "hater". I never thought that, as a father, his character would ever win "Father of the Year", but I definitely don't despise the man. I believe RI did what he thought was right and the best thing for his family when he first left. As time went on, how would he explain all the untruths he lived and told over the years, especially to his young son, who was being trained to do the same things, militarily, that he had done? And ITA with James about why not to tell Ken as time went on. It would have completely clouded his perceptions and ability. His entire world would have crashed down around him, and just think of the resentment he would have had towards Nambu (and even RI to a degree). Chances are he would either take an extended leave from the team and/or leave it altogether, which wouldn't have sat well with Nambu or RI (ooh! Think of the fic fodder for that!) Anyway, I again don't necessarily agree to all that RI did when Ken was young, or even when he was older, but weren't RI's character flaws needed to make him a tragic hero too? Plus, I think with his dedication to duty, staying quiet about being alive, etc, helped establish that Ken was his son and inherited some of his traits. As for the RI team always coming in and saving the day, and for RI himself treating Ken so poorly, well, I always thought of that more as a reminder to us that, no matter how smart and how well-trained the SNT are, they are still teenagers - and apt to make mistakes. Maybe I've been viewing that dynamic with too much simplicity, but those have been my thoughts. As for sympathetic RI fics, there is one that does paint him in a more favorable light, though it is not an "RI fic" per se. The plot had something to do with "traditions" and how and why they were instilled in Ken. Hmmm, I wonder who could have written that fic??

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There is the thing of males in a family with one maturing and needing to prove his worth. Look at nature, the nature response is to show strenght through a fight. We still have some of those primal instincts hardwired into us for survival. For younger male to assert himself and prove he's a man who can take of his own flock. I feel in times of war it comes out very strong. The difference is we as humans have more decision making abilities than an animal. We aren't meant to just act without any thought to consequences. I think he did see the consequences in a way, and then worked to tune out emotionally over time. Just the way Ken does. I have to admit, i see both sides, and at times have trouble with sympathy for RI. He was very unemotional in some ways. But I did like that he admitted he couldn't be a parent to Ken considering the commitment he was about to undertake. There are people in the world who would never do that and hold on no matter what, even when its not good for the child.

Originally posted by nuni Ken wanted to know his father so badly, but his father didn't live up to the ideal that he (or us - the audience) had in mind. Of course, it's this irony that makes the story line all the more compelling, albeit heartbreaking to watch.

Unfortunately, he didn't live at all. It would have been great for RI to survive epsode 53 and become a longeval character like Nambu. The SNT would have an invaluable ally against Gallactor. I'd love to see how Ken and Kentaro would interact as (officialy) father and son and how would that change the dynamics into the team.

Is it canon or fanon that says the war came earlier than "expected?" (Or is that BOTP I am thinking? I was just thinking if it is canon then maybe Nambu and RI planned on telling Ken after his training and before their first mission. Then Ken would be able to "take off" without it affecting the team as much. I suspect part of the reason Ken raced off when he was told, is because it had been kept a secret from him for such a long time. He felt betrayed and needed to find the "truth" for himself. If he had been told earlier it would not have been as big a situation. (The longer you hide something the bigger that issue gets.)

Hi all!

Is it canon or fanon that says the war came earlier than "expected?"

Fanon.

I suspect part of the reason Ken raced off when he was told, is because it had been kept a secret from him for such a long time. He felt betrayed and needed to find the "truth" for himself. If he had been told earlier it would not have been as big a situation.

Ken took off when Sabu told him that he'd seen his father in Hontwal, not because he felt betrayed. He took off without any regard for his duty, even to the point where he turned his Bracelet off and could not be reached when the emergency situation in Hontwal arose. James

Originally posted by tatsunokofan Ken took off when Sabu told him that he'd seen his father in Hontwal, not because he felt betrayed. He took off without any regard for his duty, even to the point where he turned his Bracelet off and could not be reached when the emergency situation in Hontwal arose.

I think CD was referring to the end of Episode 51, where Nambu tells Ken that he will see his father after their next mission (confirming that ken's father is indeed, alive). When he hears this, Ken just starts running, going away from the rest of the Team, even though Jun calls after him. Feel free to correct me if you were thinking of something else, CD!

Hi all!

I think CD was referring to the end of Episode 51, where Nambu tells Ken that he will see his father after their next mission (confirming that ken's father is indeed, alive). When he hears this, Ken just starts running, going away from the rest of the Team, even though Jun calls after him.

Judging by the reaction on Ken's face when he hears this news (And on the faces of the rest of the Ninja Team), he's feeling happy, not betrayed. James

TJ is correct. I can not imagine why someone would want to get away from others when you are happy? But maybe that is just me, when I am happy I want to be WITH others so I can celebrate with them, or at least tell them my good news. Granted, the rest of the team just heard the news before Ken leaves them, but Ken does not even stick around for a "congratulations" from any of them.

I have set myself a task with my AU. The SNT is full adults, including Jinpei. G4 is trying to separate himself from his 'sister', which is why he darts off on his own at times. And Ken learns that RI is his father early in his SNT career. The scene in which Nambu and Kentaro decide they have to do so looks a bit like this (I don't have the rest of the story yet) -- Nambu: 'We must tell him about you.' Kentaro: 'I have to tell him. I should tell him.' Nambu: 'Yes.' Neither man moves. Yeah, I'm going to have my work cut out for me.

Hi all!

I can not imagine why someone would want to get away from others when you are happy? But maybe that is just me, when I am happy I want to be WITH others so I can celebrate with them, or at least tell them my good news.

My impression was that Ken wanted to be alone because, as the Narrator pointed out, could not hold back his tears. Call it a "guy thing" or a "Leader thing," but Ken probably wouldn't want the others to see him crying with joy. James

Originally posted by UnpublishedWriter I have set myself a task with my AU. The SNT is full adults, including Jinpei. G4 is trying to separate himself from his 'sister', which is why he darts off on his own at times. And Ken learns that RI is his father early in his SNT career. The scene in which Nambu and Kentaro decide they have to do so looks a bit like this (I don't have the rest of the story yet) -- Nambu: 'We must tell him about you.' Kentaro: 'I have to tell him. I should tell him.' Nambu: 'Yes.' Neither man moves. Yeah, I'm going to have my work cut out for me.

Yes you Do have your work cut out for you! Thats the thing with an AU, especially if you're trying to work closely with cannon and yet weave your story in there and have it all make sense. It gets complex on a few levels. But I'm sure you can do it!

On the Ken running thing...I feel it was his anticipation at all of his dreams and ideals were real and not a figment of his imagination. Running was a natural response for him since it was a emotional build up. Often when people learn of news like that they need time alone to digest it and comprehend it...allow it to sink in. Especially after years of trying not to get excited or allow the hope of what you want badly to take over every thought and fibre of your being, an internal longing for it to be really happening, and yet at the same time the habit of self preservation kicks in as well. Like stopping and starting. A lot of high emotions to get control over and still function as a person at the same time.

Originally posted by tatsunokofan Hi all!

I can not imagine why someone would want to get away from others when you are happy? But maybe that is just me, when I am happy I want to be WITH others so I can celebrate with them, or at least tell them my good news.

My impression was that Ken wanted to be alone because, as the Narrator pointed out, could not hold back his tears. Call it a "guy thing" or a "Leader thing," but Ken probably wouldn't want the others to see him crying with joy. James

ITA with your impression, James and continue to do so with the logic of Ebonyswanne! It's not just a "guy thing" ... most people tend to search some time alone, without any extra fuss, to digest the situation their own way instead of immediately sharing their emotions with others. It's not that they do not like the company of someone else, being relatives or friends, but it's a natural instinct for them not being able or, better, not feeling comfortable to show their reaction to such powerful emotions.