Lap 26 - Zoda's Ambition

Zoda's Ambition is the 26th episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime.

## Overview

Ryu remains restless about finding Zoda, despite his injury. Jody urges him to return to the hospital, and Jack smacks him on the arm.

Miss Killer delivers Zoda’s Reactor Might to Black Shadow, and Zoda appears on a screen in the throne room. Zoda activates a detonator, and the Reactor Might causes an explosion, seemingly destroying the Dark Million battleship. Believing his plan was successful, Zoda celebrates with a dessert, but is surprised to see both Miss Killer and Black Shadow alive and well. It is revealed that Black Shadow contained the power of the Reactor Might, taking himself and Miss Killer to safety in the Black Bull. As thanks, Black Shadow slowly forces the Reactor Might into Zoda’s abdomen, to Miss Killer’s horror.

Clank locks onto the signal of the Reactor Might, tracing it to somewhere in Mute City. A humiliated Zoda walks through the streets in rags, unable to convince anyone that he’s a threat, nor of his former glory. A crowd pushes past Zoda, but Ryu helps him up. However, he mistakes Zoda for an old man, which causes Zoda to have an emotional breakdown. This in turn, powers up his Reactor Might and transforms him. He confronts Ryu and Clank as the rest of the Mobile Task Force arrive to assess the situation. Zoda, embracing his newfound powers, regains his confidence, as not even the Task Force’s blasters have any effect on him. He creates a Dark Space portal, summoning the Death Anchor from it before driving off.

Jody orders Ryu and Clank to leave the scene while the rest of the team chase after Zoda, but Ryu insists on helping. Jack attempts to stop him, reminding him that they care about him, and there’s more at stake beyond his 150 year grudge. Jody changes her mind, knowing Ryu’s stubborn dedication wouldn’t let him do otherwise. Zoda leaves a path of mayhem and destruction throughout the area, knocking the Great Star, Elegance Liberty, and Astro Robin out of commission. The Dragon Bird continues chasing after the Death Anchor all the way to the Brooklyn bridge. There, both pilots step out of their machines, as Zoda attempts to “understand” Ryu as they both came from the same time. Ryu insists that he’s different, and plans to stop Zoda. The Galaxy Runner points its laser at Zoda, as Ryu approaches with his gun.

Zoda uses his Reactor Might to take his Death Anchor to the Galaxy Runner, forming tubes around the ship to take control of it. The Dragon Bird pursues the hijacked Galaxy Runner, as Zoda’s Reactor Might reacts with the Dragon Bird, allowing Ryu to utilize Boost Fire. On the Galaxy Runner, Zoda disarms Ryu and attempts to kill him as the ship points its laser at Mute City. Zoda attempts to kill Ryu, as Clank and Dr. Stewart struggle to regain control of the ship. All of a sudden, Zoda’s Reactor Might becomes incompatible with him, and Black Shadow arrives. Utilizing Black Fire, the Black Bull cuts the Galaxy Runner free. Ryu and the Dragon Bird fall off the ship, but the Falcon Flyer retrieves both of them. Black Shadow sends Zoda to Dark Space before using Black Fire to get back to his ship.

After landing elsewhere, Ryu is in disbelief over Black Shadow essentially knowing the Boost Fire technique. Falcon tells him not to dwell on it, and informs Ryu that the Blue Falcon, Dragon Bird, and Black Bull are “brothers from another time,” hence their similarities. Ryu asks for more information, but Falcon leaves on his ship. The Mobile Task Force then reunites with Ryu.

## Bart's Classroom

Bart reflects on the events of the episode, noting that while Ryu didn't have a good time, the Falcon Flyer was featured. The ship can reach "amazing speeds" and can combine with the Blue Falcon for more efficiency. He also comments on the plentiful space within the ship, which can even hold a cafe inside. He also refers to Falcon's earlier statement about the brother machines as a secret.