Lap 46 - The Legendary Man

The Legendary Man is the 46th episode of the *F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime*.

## Overview

Ryu reflects on the secrets of his machine, reminiscing when Captain Falcon stated that the Dragon Bird, Blue Falcon, and Black Bull are brother machines from another time. Jody comes across Ryu in the hangar, leading Ryu to ask her why he was revived in 2201 and why the Dragon Bird was assigned to him. Dr. Stewart enters, telling Jody that it is time to explain the Legend of Falcon to Ryu.

Outside of the Mobile Task Force’s meeting room, the three look out from the window at Mute City. Jody and Dr. Stewart explain that there has been a long battle between Captain Falcon and Black Shadow, representing good and evil, but one side could not win on their own. Dr. Stewart recalls Captain Falcon giving him some data about the Reactor Mights and their origins; They were created during the Big Bang, and the person who obtains all of them would have the power to rule over the entire galaxy. In the flashback, Falcon informed Jody and Dr. Stewart that in the 23rd century, the galaxy would be ruled by evil, unless a savior could hold the Reactor Mights.

Dr. Stewart tells Ryu that he had heard rumors of the legend prior, but Falcon ultimately told him. Jody asks Dr. Stewart if he knew that her brother, Andy, was Captain Falcon, to which Dr. Stewart confirms, adding that Jody wasn’t to be told until the time was right. Following Falcon’s instructions, a Reactor Might was installed in the Dragon Bird’s engine, but a pilot was still required. When Dark Million revived Zoda, Dr. Stewart assumed that something from the past was connected, alluding to Ryu, hence being a sign that Ryu was the savior mentioned in the legend. Ryu questions how he could possibly save the entire galaxy, with Jody admitting she initially doubted Ryu due assuming he pursued Zoda out of hate. Dr. Stewart adds that the only person who could handle the Dragon Bird was Captain Falcon, as a flashback of Captain Falcon and Ryu using Boost Fire during the warp gate incident plays out. Since that point, Dr. Stewart believed that Ryu could handle the Dragon Bird, watching him continue to master the technique in races. He then adds that of the 6 Reactor Mights, the Galactic Space Federation had once had 3, the Dragon Bird and Blue Falcon have 1 each, and the other was taken by Zoda. Jody then states that they only have 2 Reactor Mights now, and Falcon’s Reactor Might is missing due to having lost the Blue Falcon. The three Task Force members express hope in the thought of Falcon being alive, and that Ryu can develop his strength.

Baba reports to Black Shadow that Zoda is on planet Tank in search of the Reactor Might. Miss Killer asks why Zoda would be after another Reactor Might, before Black Shadow explains that all of his past battles have been over the Reactor Mights. He notes that while Zoda has become more powerful, he has been useful in further developing the power of the Reactor Might. Miss Killer asks about the other Reactor Mights, and Black Shadow responds that he has 3, Ryu and Falcon have 2 others, and the last one was originally in Blood Falcon’s possession. Since Blood Falcon was lost in the Dark Space warp hole, Miss Killer asks if Captain Falcon died in the incident. Black Shadow states that while he is stronger than that, he had revived Blood Falcon as a shapeshifter to confirm Captain Falcon’s death. Miss Killer notes that Falcon disappeared after the incident on Tank, but Black Shadow states that his “dream has almost been realized,” and that he only requires a stronger army to achieve it. She then asks about Berserker, and Black Shadow considers him a mystery, but that his skills can be used to earn more money for Dark Million. He then brings up the "Legendary Man,” before declaring that he will defeat Ryu and Captain Falcon.

Miss Killer leaves the throne room before recalling her findings from the research lab on Lightning, and then recalling Haruka’s confrontation with Zoda at the East Bank before both of them were frozen. She realizes Ryu is the so-called “Legendary Man,” but questions why she herself was brought to the present. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Runner heads to Tank, as the Mobile Task Force discusses Zoda’s motives for being on the planet. They then realize that the enemy doesn’t have the last Reactor Might. As they travel into the caverns in their machines, Zoda appears and challenges Ryu to a race for the Reactor Might. The Dragon Bird and Hyper Death Anchor use Boost Fire and Death Fire respectively, which makes the walls cave in. The Task Force watches from the outside, but the Dragon Bird emerges from the smoke. They run to Ryu, asking if he’s alright, but when Jack asks about Zoda, Ryu turns away. Although Zoda escape, Ryu states that he understands his reason for being in the present, and swears to defeat Black Shadow. Berserker watches the Galaxy Runner fly away.

In the preview for the next episode, Ryu mentions that minds change over time, and he compares life to a cup of coffee. Jack asks Ryu about what he said, but Ryu runs off to his Dragon Bird, and Jack urges him to come back.

## Bart’s Classroom

Bart answers a viewer’s question about Ryu’s birthplace and family.

* Ryu was born on a farm in rural Boston, and had a dog named Axel.
* While Ryu’s father was a racer, Ryu's mother was sick with an illness, requiring Ryu to help her at times.

Bart also recalls a time when he hired Ryu to work at the Falcon House, assuming he would be a good worker. However, Ryu's cooking made Clank and Jack get sick. He then remarks that he was lucky to have not tried the food.