Mountain Peanuts

is a short story set one year before Ultraman Victory's appearance. It was released in the January 2015 issue of SF Magazine and later included in Return to Tatara Island: Ultra Monster Anthology.
==Plot==
One year prior to the series, paranormal activities occur at a mountain where a monster had been sighted several times, followed by a number of disappearances. Japan branch of Earth Defense Force Organization and UPG tried to hunt the monster but an environmental protection group called Mountain Peanuts protected the monster, claiming it as an endangered animal.
Chigusa was originally planning to take a bus to participate in an idol audition, but she encountered a protest by Mountain Peanuts against the construction of a new UPG base, which prevented her from reaching the bus stop. During the protest, she witnessed the violent behavior of Mountain Peanuts. Finally boarding the bus, Chigusa was taken by surprise when Detton suddenly appeared and launched an attack on the town. Chigusa regained the Ginga Light Spark and transformed into Ultraman through Ultlive, engaging in a fierce battle with Detton. However, Mountain Peanuts' aerial forces also attacked Ultraman. Chigusa quickly repelled the missiles, but the opposition claimed it was a legitimate defense to protect Detton and viewed Ultraman as a threat, ultimately causing Ultraman to be grounded. Chigusa, back in human form, had to hurriedly leave the scene.
Subsequently, Detton continued its rampage through Furuhoshi Town, while the self-defense forces were impeded by the Mountain Peanuts, preventing them from taking action against the monster. Filled with anger, Chigusa desired to aid the self-defense forces but was halted by Ultraman. They engaged in a discussion about the concepts of "justice" and "values," ultimately deciding to transform while ensuring the safety of humans and engaging in a fierce battle against Detton. Eventually, they emerged victorious. However in retaliation, the Mountain Peanuts unleashed a deadly attack on Ultraman using bullets loaded with Spacium, resulting in Chigusa sustaining multiple fractures and requiring a period of recovery.
After some time, a creature named Jamila appeared and attempted to intimidate humans. However, members of Mountain Peanuts saw it as a wild animal and used artificial rain to kill it. Weeks later, Nosferu used Beast Humans as human shields. Chigusa, who had regained her strength, transformed into Ultraman and attacked Nosferu. After a series of rapid-fire attacks, Chigusa successfully injured Nosferu's arm. However, in a final act of resistance, Nosferu kidnapped the leader of Mountain Peanuts as a hostage. Upon witnessing this, other members released missiles to attack Nosferu, but it tragically resulted in the leader's death. In the end, Chigusa/Ultraman utilized a series of chained techniques to defeat Nosferu successfully.
When Chigusa regained consciousness, she found herself in the center of a massive 10-meter-wide crater caused by the battle. An unknown android dragged herself out, seemingly injured and planned another attack in a year later.
==Characters==
===Protagonist===
*Chigusa Kuno
===Ultras===
*Ultraman
===Kaiju===
*Detton
*Jamila
*Nosferu
*Beast Humans: Nosferu's minions and human shields.
*Android One Zero: Alien Chibull Exceller's android, DarkLived into Nosferu.
==Gallery==
Mountain-Peanuts II.jpg
==References==
id:Mountain Peanuts
Category:Novels
Category:Ultraman Ginga S