Original subtitles

Awaken, my chosen Earthlings!

I am X, an emissary from space.

I shall grant to you amazing so-called mutant powers.

Henceforth, you shall do my bidding.

To you, I promise: one day, you shall be the masters of this Earth!

Who is this "X" who has traveled so far across the cosmos?

And what kinds of nefarious mutants has he created?

Over 30 years passed by with these unsolved mysteries

hidden within the deep snows and thick fog of the Himalayan mountains.

This is the watchtower.

Visibility isn't good because of the downpour, but for the moment nothing is out of the ordinary.

A-A monster!

We've gathered all the finest scientific minds

and we're making haste to develop non-polluting energy sources.

However, the uranium we would use for world peace has been stolen by a monster robot.

This is certainly the work of those who would sabotage

our endeavors towards our goal of world peace.

Director Anderson, who is this group?

Unfortunately, it's impossible for even top intelligence agents to discover their true identity.

The monster robot will surely come again.

We can't just let it run rampant. We have to take some sort of steps.

But at present their identity is entirely...

...known to me.

Dr. Nambu, you say you know who they are?

They're the Galactor group.

Galactor?

Galactor?

Yes. According to my investigation,

they're a group with formidable scientific powers, whose aim is world conquest.

I see. Then where is their headquarters, Dr. Nambu?

We don't know that yet.

We'll have to find it ourselves, in secret.

But that was impossible even for top intelligence agents.

There probably isn't anyone who can find it.

There is!

Who?

They're sometimes five, and sometimes one...

the white shadow that steals close without showing its true form...

They are called the Science Ninja Team.

Gatchaman

Science Ninja Team

Ken, what do we do?

Ken, I'm not taking your orders anymore.

I'm blasting a Bird Missile at him!

Wait!

Don't you get in my way.

Ryu, get us right up close to him.

That's the Ken I know.

Don't jump the gun, Joe.

This is a job for Jun and me.

Here we go, Jun!

Bird...

...Flight!

Who are you?!

You reckless brats who snuck into the Turtle King,

the monster robot that's the pride of Galactor...

I'll be nice and ask your names right now before I kill you all.

The shadow warriors of justice, the Science Ninja Team!

Gatchaman!

Go to Hell, you cursed Science Ninja Team!

Damn.

Science Ninja technique: Firebird!

Ken, if we use that, we'll...

I know.

We'll have to withstand a lot of pressure,

and the God Phoenix may break into pieces and be strewn across the sky.

But what other way is there?

If we stay this way, the Science Ninja Team

will end up being wiped out together with this turtle monster!

All right, let's try it. Science Ninja technique: Firebird!

All right, here we go. Push the generator all the way to the red zone!

The Science Ninja Team.

Five warriors trained by Dr. Nambu.

This was their first battle and their first victory.

However...

Berg Katse, what a pathetic first sortie.

Utterly defeated by five children in bird suits.

And you call yourself the Master of Galactor?!

Have no fear, Leader.

Turtle King may have been destroyed, but our next one—

Fool!

I spent the last 30 years building your organization for world conquest,

not so that we could frolic with this "Science Ninja Team" of brats!

I understand, Leader.

And that is why I am close to realizing this great endeavor

for which we have trained for so long.

Poor results after such long preparation amounts to incompetence!

Do not fail me!

I obey, O great Leader X!

A few days later, Dr. Nambu received a visit

from an elderly man who claimed to be a scientist from the country of Hontwarl.

I see. So you've finally completed the V2 Plan.

That's right. All that remains is to carry out the experiment.

That's crazy! The plan should be canceled immediately.

Hmm, it depends on the terms.

Terms?

If all the world's nations surrender to Galactor and Hontwarl...

That's ridiculous! Do you think we'd do that?

Then shall we execute the V2 Plan and cover the entire globe in a sea of fire?

The only survivors will be Galactor.

What?

Galactor will survive.

Or rather, Galactor will take over the Earth at last.

You... Who are you? Aren't you a scientist from Hontwarl?

I am Berg Katse, boss of Galactor!

I'll wait one week, Dr. Nambu.

Either you surrender or we'll execute the V2 Plan.

They're so cute.

Doves are the symbol of peace.

The parents and children are always together. I'm envious.

Oh please. We don't have many days off;

what's the fun in spending those days looking at doves?

Big Brother! It's urgent, urgent, urgent!

Big Brother!

U-Uh... You s-sure are pretty, you sure are, sure are...

S-S-S-So, do you c-come here often?

Yes, I like taking walks. I come here almost every day.

R-R-Really? Th-Then maybe I'll come here everyday, too.

A-A-And, umm...

Ryu, there's been an incident. We're heading back.

Oh, an incident... I'll head ba—

What? Again?!

This always happens to me at the worst times!

I have rotten luck!

Ken, I want you to fly over to the nation of Hontwarl with the commander of Red Impulse.

Huh?

Hontwarl is a militarized state with heavy security.

This will be a difficult mission.

Wait, what? What about us? Don't you have anything for us to do?

I want you to leave at once.

Are they kidding?! After calling us all back here?!

What's the problem. Relax and enjoy the downtime.

Well, I'm off.

Man, look at Ken. He looks happy to be going with Red Impulse.

What is it, Defense Minister?

Is there some sort of emergency to report?

Yes, the President seems to be starting to catch on to our little plan I'm afraid...

Have no fear. The President will meet his end at his birthday party tomorrow.

Behold, our new mecha, the Cata-Roller.

I'm sending it to the President as my gift!

I see! Then soon this nation will belong to me and Galactor won't it, Mr. Katse?

No, soon the Earth itself will belong to us.

Oh yeah, sure Boss.

I'll bet Nambu was shocked when he found out that the V2 Plan has been completed, huh?!

I wanted to see the look on his face!

Enter.

Well, did something happen?

Yes, sir. We have a report of two suspicious men entering the country.

Imbecile! Why weren't they captured?! Why weren't they killed?!

Sir, we've cast a wide net for them.

Hmm... this is a crucial time for us, don't let a single suspicious person remain free!

Sir!

So, you see, the Defense Minister has secretly joined forces with Galactor.

His intention is to topple the pacifist President and take over this country.

But, why doesn't the President do anything?

Because there isn't a scrap of evidence to prove it.

I've been searching for that evidence for over a decade.

It was my life's mission.

For that sake, I left my home, my wife...

and my son.

Don't you know where your son is now?

I've done something cruel.

Whoops, our conversation took a turn for the gloomy.

Let's go!

Right!

Who's there?

Who is it?

That's it!

There has to be evidence in here.

Each time I've sneaked in I've made it this far, but it's always ended in failure.

Then, tonight at last...

So they've done it, eh?

Yes, sir. We have intruders!

Don't lose your head!

That vault can't be destroyed by a small amount of explosives.

It's him! That bastard!

Bird Run!

Get down!

Let's split up and escape. If we make it, we'll meet again.

Farewell!

Mr. President, cheers!

Hurrah!

Happy birthday!

I'm scared!

Run! Run!

Run for it!

This country now belongs to Galactor.

Galactor! Fire!

There! Pick up the President's mansion!

Now the President is smashed flat like a toad!

Who's there?!

How strange.

But even if they toss your place, it's not like there's any money to be found there.

Yeah, exactly. So, about the bill... You follow me, right?

What? Putting it on the tab again?

Big Brother, it's about time you pay up. Sis is pretty upset about this, you know.

That was tasty, Jinpei. You're an excellent cook.

You can flatter me all you like, I won't give it to you for free.

Jinpei, did you hear something?

Huh? No.

It sounded like a gunshot to me.

You can't fool me and run off without paying.

You're slowly but surely starting to resemble Jun.

Where the hell did he go?

How is he?

It's not serious. It just grazed him.

It's Sabu!

Do you know him?

Yeah, he's my childhood friend.

But why did he...

Call a doctor for me. As soon as his wounds are tended to, I'll take him to my place.

You're awake, Sabu?

Ken, was it you who saved me?

Yeah. It's a good thing your wound wasn't serious.

Is this your place?

It's a small airstrip my dad left me.

So what about you? What are you up to?

As you can see, I've got gangs after me all the time.

You've changed, Sabu.

I'm different than I was in the old days,

when the other kids always picked on me, and I'd cry like a baby and you'd rescue me.

An orphan has to become strong, even if it means pushing others out of the way.

You really have changed.

That little crybaby Sabu is...

Crybaby Sabu, huh?

Crybaby Sabu and Rowdy Ken.

There was a time like that, wasn't there?

Oh. By the way, Ken, did you ever get to meet your dad?

What? How do you know my dad is alive?!

I saw him in a country called Hontwarl.

How did you know it was him?

The picture. Remember? The one you used to always show me.

Ah. You mean, that one?

Yeah, that's it! That picture.

I was staying at a cheap hotel in Hontwarl...

Sorry.

I realized later that it was the picture you used to always show me long ago.

Come to think of it, I remember you always saying,

"My dad's not dead. He's alive somewhere."

When? When did you bump into him?

It was a week ago.

A week ago?

After that, things didn't go so well. I did something bad, y'see.

I ran this far, but I got caught in front of that café.

And you know the rest.

Oh. So you haven't seen him yet, huh?

You must be dying to see your dad.

I want to see him.

I'm done at last! This place works minors like dogs!

What?

What's going on, Big Brother?

I'm heading out to Hontwarl right now.

What? On your own?

There's someone who's seen my dad.

I have to look for him, no matter what.

I understand how you feel, but...

Big Brother, you sure you can trust that guy?

Hey, don't talk like that! He's my friend!

Sorry... But shouldn't you tell Sis about this?

I don't want to worry her unnecessarily.

It's no big deal. I'll be back soon.

Jinpei, why aren't you working?

There's an urgent order from Dr. Nambu to assemble!

Be quiet! I know that!

This is a problem. What bad timing...

What? Ken's gone to Hontwarl to look for his father?

Y-Yes. I tried to stop him, but...

That fool! What a selfish thing to do!

Jinpei, why didn't you tell me about something so important!?

What about getting hold of him through his bracelet?

I tried that...

But Big Brother has turned off his communication device.

What a thing to do, and at such a critical time...

There's not a moment to lose.

I must ask you to take on this duty without him.

This is an aerial photograph of Hontwarl taken by Red Impulse.

However, look at this.

Wh-What's that?

A big bird is poking its head out from a hole in the rock!

This is a missile launch pad of the V2 Plan,

which Hontwarl has carried out in conjunction with Galactor.

I would like you to strike here.

What the heck is this V2 Plan?

Well, as you know, the Earth is enveloped by a pipe-like magnetosphere

about 60,000 kilometers in thickness.

It's an enormous belt that begins at 1,000 kilometers above ground

and ends at a height of 60,000 kilometers.

The Van Allen belt, right?

I believe it's named after the man who discovered it...

That's right.

This magnetosphere traps protons and electrons released by the sun.

You could say it's a belt that ensures the Earth's safety.

The V2 Plan is an experiment to detonate a special missile

that makes the Van Allen belt descend.

That's difficult to understand!

If they did that, what do you think would happen?

There would be powerful radioactivity in the sky above,

and the Earth would be enveloped in abnormally high temperatures.

The human race would gradually die out.

I don't really get it, but that's serious!

But without Ken's G-1, the God Phoenix can't go as fast as usual.

That's true. And we can't use Bird Missiles or the Firebird either.

This is not the time to be saying things like that. Now, move out immediately!

We're in trouble. If we bump into that Cata-Roller, we're dead meat.

I can't believe Big Brother did this.

And in the end, I'm the one who got told off!

As soon as we reach Hontwarl, I'll do what I want with my G-2, okay?

Hey, I'm gonna go wild on 'em with my G-4 too!

Same here! Time to go wild!

Stop it! What do you think will happen if we split up like that?!

I understand how you feel, Sis.

But this time, it's all Big Brother's fault!

That's right. He's the leader.

He shouldn't let his personal feelings get involved!

He's soft. All wound up about his father like that, you'd think he was a baby.

Oh no!

What are we gonna do? The Cata-Roller has shown up!

This is reckless! Let's turn back!

It's okay! Ryu, give him a head butt!

Shut up! Leave the piloting to me!

That's enough. Not at a time like this!

Ken, where on Earth are you?

This is the hotel where you saw my dad?

So, you're the son of the spy on our nation's most wanted list?

What? Are you saying my dad is a spy?

It's only recently that we learned his name, and the fact that you're his son.

Then it was you guys who turned my place upside down?

That's right. By using a man who knows you well.

Sabu?

Sabu... Could he really be...

Damn! Can't we do something about this?

It hurts me to say it, but the enemy is superior in speed and maneuverability!

Dammit! This is all Big Brother's fault! If I get killed, I'm gonna haunt him!

Sis, where are you going?

I'm going to make the Bird Missiles usable.

Of course! Why didn't we think of that?

If you have time to badmouth Ken, why don't you try using your brains?

She's got some nerve.

Ryu, extend the auto-clippers.

The Bird Missiles and the Firebird can only be used after every mecha

is perfectly joined together, connecting the wires from G-1 through G-5.

Jun attempted to use cables to bridge the gap left by G-1.

Sweet! It worked!

Since there's no one to stop me today, I'm going to shoot without any reservations!

Damn! The cables could only withstand so much after all.

What? Cata-Roller was destroyed?

Yes, sir. The missiles struck us from close range, and—

That's what happens when you underestimate the Science Ninja Team. You imbeciles!

The fact they've deployed means Nambu has declined our proposition, doesn't it?

What a fool. We'll execute the V2 Plan immediately!

Once the Earth is enveloped in fire,

all humans around the world will beg Galactor and...

...Hontwarl for help on their hands and knees.

I will slowly torture that hated Nambu!

The preparation for the launch is complete.

We'll start the countdown.

Good. Let me give you a final order.

As soon as the launch time is set, leave immediately.

Yes, sir.

Ground crew, evacuate immediately!

Wait!

You mean to travel around the world, using the reward you received for betraying your friend?

Let me tell you some happy news.

Your dad has responded to our summons.

My dad?

You mean, my dad is coming here?

That's right, if I remember correctly, it's been so long since you've seen your dad

that you don't even remember his face.

That means you're indebted to us for creating the opportunity for father and son to reunite.

What are you going to do with my dad?

The only thing that awaits a spy is execution.

Sounds like he's here.

My dad... My dad is coming.

I want to see him. I want to see him, but...

Don't! You mustn't come!

Shut up!

What's wrong, Kentaro Washio?

Your precious only son is waiting for you.

He's over here, too.

Watch out! He's plotting something!

Wh-Who are you? Why didn't he come?

Where is Washio?!

We've wasted time. Hurry!

Yes, sir.

Please wait, Red Impulse.

My dad... Where's my dad?

You fool! This is not the time to talk about that.

Listen, Galactor is about to launch a special missile

which will cause the Van Allen belt to descend.

If we can't stop them, the green Earth will be gone forever.

Do you understand, Ken?

If that happens, who will take responsibility for it?

It's no time to cry over something like fathers and sons, is it?!

Oh, I'd forgotten about him.

Ken, deal with him however you want.

Ken...

Forgive me. Please forgive me.

You lied to me about seeing my dad, didn't you?

Turning up at the café where I was...

It was all an act, wasn't it?

I thought it was odd that your wound was so slight

when you were shot from such close range.

But I kept telling myself I mustn't be suspicious of you.

For you, my friend, to betray me...

I didn't want to believe that!

Forgive me, Ken!

I was scared.

They threatened to kill me if I didn't do as I was told!

Please forgive me. I was so scared. I couldn't help it.

There was nothing I could do. I'm sorry.

Please forgive me!

You haven't changed at all, Sabu.

You were always like that.

You'd try to act cool,

but in no time, you'd whine like a baby and cause me trouble.

Ken!

Don't come near me!

I've had enough. Just get out of my sight!

We were too late!

If only we'd gotten here an hour earlier...

So we were too late? That scum Berg Katse has finally done it.

Doctor, I'm sorry, but we just missed it. We couldn't stop the missile launch.

If only we hadn't gotten delayed by the Cata-Roller!

If only God Phoenix were complete!

If only Ken were with us...

Don't talk about Ken!

He's the leader, but he just went off and acted on his own!

No, everyone. Please don't blame Ken.

On the contrary, it's me who should be blamed.

This is a good opportunity for me to tell you this.

It was 14 years ago...

When I learned that Hontwarl had joined forces with Galactor

and was preparing the V2 Plan,

I asked a man who was working as a test pilot at my research facility

to enter Hontwarl undercover and obtain the blueprints.

But that was an act of espionage against a major evil organization and a sovereign nation.

Not wishing to take the slightest chance that his family be harmed,

the man left his 4-year-old son with me.

Then he faked his death by causing an accident across the southern sky.

He became nameless, changed his appearance, and sneaked into Hontwarl.

Yes, that man, Red Impulse, is Ken's father.

The captain of Red Impulse is Ken's father...

Big Brother doesn't know, does he?

If only I'd told Ken about this sooner, he would've been spared his anguish.

Ken...

Big Brother never came back.

I wonder where he is and what he's doing.

Everyone, the International Science Organization received a tape from Galactor this morning.

From Galactor?

I wonder what it says.

Members of the International Science Organization, good morning to you!

Galactor's power is just as you've witnessed.

It's Berg Katse!

I hate that voice every time I hear it.

If things are left this way, in six months

the Earth will be fully enveloped by radioactivity.

Surrender at once.

We have the capability to return the Van Allen belt to where it belongs.

All preparations to do so are already complete.

We will wait 24 hours.

So long as you call on the entire world to surrender...

Dammit! That darned Katse!

Doctor, with our powers, can't we do something?

The issue here is time. We're at a disadvantage because we don't have any time.

Berg Katse said he can return the Van Allen belt, but what kinda method would that be?

It's obvious. A missile.

Theoretically speaking,

all we have to do is blow the Van Allen belt out of the atmosphere again with a powerful blast.

But it would require a special missile to make that happen.

The ISO will never be able to make it in time, even if we start working on it right away.

Jeez, are we gonna surrender?

That Galactor scum!

I bet they mean to wait until we surrender and then launch the missile.

That's it! Why don't we take Galactor's missile?

Right! Before we surrender, we sneak into Galactor's base, and...

...then all we have to do is launch it ourselves! Let's go!

I must return to the International Science Organization right away.

I'm counting on all of you to make this work. Go!

Roger!

The other day when this place was attacked by Gatchaman and that spy, it sure gave me a scare.

This is something we, Galactor, took a full decade to build.

It can't be opened so easily.

Captain, how soon can you finish the missile?

Sir, it'll take at least two more days.

That's too late! Finish it within 10 hours!

That's impossible, sir.

As you can see, the computer, which works as the missile's brain,

must be set up without even the slightest of errors.

Even with 100 scientists working on it, it would normally take at least three days total.

All right, then remove the computer and switch the operation to manual.

Huh? You mean you're going to launch it with a man in it?

At this point, sacrificing a pilot or two cannot be helped.

One day's delay will make it that much harder to blow away the Van Allen belt.

If we end up taking over an Earth covered with radioactive fallout, it'll be of no use to us.

Exactly, Lord Katse.

Hey, let's move on.

Yeah.

Hang on! Don't let go!

You two there! What are you doing?

Sir, as you can see, my partner has—

You imbecile! Getting the task done quickly is more important than a life or two.

Have you forgotten Galactor's code? "Don't worry about your comrades."

All you have to do is to follow orders faithfully.

Do you have a problem with that?

Hey, why don't I help you?

Okay...

That's right. Get to work!

Talking back to me will absolutely not be tolerated!

Meanwhile, the enormous flames spreading across the skies above the Arctic Ocean

continued to cause damage everywhere, gradually spreading from north to south.

Finally, with nowhere else to go, the people descended on the manors of their leaders.

Surrender to Galactor!

Save the Earth!

Do what Galactor wants!

However, the gates of the official residences of the world's leaders were shut tight.

They, too, were awaiting the decision of their last hope,

the International Science Organization.

These are photographs sent to us every 12 hours from our spaceship.

As you can see, the fire is slowly spreading.

Representatives of the nations of the world, all arguments have been made.

Let us reach a speedy decision.

Shall we do nothing and wait for the end of the Earth?

Or shall we surrender to Galactor?

Please wait. It's too soon to make a decision. We still have half a day left.

But, even if we wait half a day, what can be done?

At this point, it doesn't matter if we decide now or wait!

That's right. I must go back to my country immediately

and report our decision to the President.

Even if we have to surrender to Galactor, we must save the Earth.

Isn't it our duty to make a decision quickly and calm our terrified citizens?

What's with him?

What's going on?

Dr. Nambu, what are you doing?

As you can see, I've activated the security system's auto-locks.

These doors will not open for the next 12 hours.

Do you mean to lock us up in here?

Everyone, please calm down and think.

Outrageous!

Are you out of your mind?!

If we surrender to Galactor now, the Earth may be saved,

but it might as well be the end of the human race.

Please wait for 12 hours.

I am aware that what I have done is outrageous,

but you'll have to wait until tomorrow morning

before going back to your countries and reporting to your leaders.

I understand how you feel, Dr. Nambu, but we have no other means left to us.

Yes, we do. We have the Science Ninja Team.

I acknowledge the Science Ninja Team's accomplishments to date.

But, please look at this.

The sun will set, and the deal with Galactor...

...is only valid until that sun returns to the eastern sky again.

Do you believe, Doctor,

that the Science Ninja Team can resolve the problem within such a short span of time?

I believe it.

Here they come. The Hontwarl Air Force.

Alright, let's do it!

It's a Bird Scramble!

It's Ken! It's from Ken!

Jun, use the radar and pinpoint his location.

Roger!

Ryu, ascend!

He's at 10 o'clock! Distance is 60,000!

What are you doing?

Everyone else is sleeping because they're exhausted, but you've got some stamina, huh?

You're the one who defied me earlier today, aren't you?

The reason I didn't get rid of you then is that I was rushing the missile's completion.

But the missile is already finished.

I'll execute you here and now.

This is what happens to all who defy me.

Wh-What is...

Over here, Berg Katse!

Gatchaman! When did you sneak in here?

Have you forgotten, Berg Katse?

I'm the white shadow that steals close without showing its true form:

Gatchaman!

Berg Katse, now is the time that your ambitions will crumble!

Watch your mouth, Gatchaman!

Soon, the entire world will surrender to Galactor.

I win!

I won't let that happen. I'm taking that missile behind you.

What?

What are you doing?! Get him!

What're you doing? You're up against just one man!

Even Gatchaman isn't immortal!

Shoot!

Wait! Don't shoot!

What are you doing? D-Do you mean to turn traitor?

Yeah, Berg Katse...

You're not the only one with a talent for disguise.

Th-That voice...

That's right. I'm Red Impulse.

Berg Katse, let's have you take off your mask.

Do you want to see my face that much?

Just watch, then!

It's the God Phoenix! It's violating our border!

Distance is 1,000.

Switch to instrument flight!

Get the infrared filter ready. Zoom in!

Roger!

The point of transmission is inside that vault!

Okay, go ahead and charge right in!

Gatchaman, I'll give you that missile.

But you know, it's a manned missile.

It won't launch without someone getting in and operating it.

Unless one of you sacrifices yourself, the Earth is doomed!

Dammit! Those Science Ninja Team scum!

We won't lose. Galactor will not lose!

Gatchaman, Galactor has not given up on conquering the Earth.

We'll be back. We'll be back no matter what!

It's just as Berg Katse said.

The missile won't launch without someone on board.

Everyone, I'm counting on you to take care of things from here on.

Please wait. What do you intend to do?

If just my life will save the Earth...

No. Let me go instead.

After all, it's my fault that things have come to this.

Stay out of it, kid!

H-How dare you!

Why, you! You're always like this! Why do you treat me like a child?!

Stop it, Ken!

That man is your father!

Wh-What?

Dr. Nambu told us everything.

Ken, that man, the captain of Red Impulse, is your father.

F-Father...

Ken.

Y-You're... my father?

Ken, I thought it would be best for you if I left without telling you.

I couldn't do anything for you as a father.

The one thing I can do...

...is this!

Ken, as a father, it pains me to have this kind of a parting with my son.

Stay healthy and be strong.

Dad!

Dad!

Dad!

Ken, farewell!

Dad!

Ken!

Dad!

It's the dawn...

This is Nambu.

I see, so Red Impulse...

Everyone, I've just received word from the Science Ninja Team.

The Earth has been saved...

by the sacrifice of my good friend.

Dr. Nambu...

Oh... The sun.

Dr. Nambu!

In the great vastness of space, it's not unusual for a star to wink out.

What is born must inevitably perish.

If this is a law of the universe,

then the extinguishment of a star being observed now at the Pamelow observatory

is nothing to be surprised by.

The star in question is two million light years away,

home to a planet called Selectol in the Andromeda galaxy.

What? Planet Selectol is disappearing.

What?

Planet Selectol has vanished?

Why? Why?

Hm? Leader, did you just say something?

Leader?

Leader, what's wrong?

Leader, as you have commanded,

we will soon have completed the mecha for the BH Operation,

which will be even grander than the V2 Plan.

Did I say something amusing?

No, Berg Katse.

Before we carry out the operation, there are obstacles who must be eliminated!

Dr. Nambu and the Science Ninja Team!

As you command!

Something's strange.

What's wrong Joe?

A strange car's been following us for awhile now.

Joe!

Damn it! It caught up with us immediately.

That's some car she's got.

They're having us make all these huge drills, but what the heck is the plan this time?

You got any idea?

Nah, sure don't.

I just heard rumors that the Leader designed this mecha himself,

and that he's passing detailed instructions along to Lord Katse.

Whoa, crap!

Work, work, work...

Hmm, from what I've seen the project seems to be progressing rather well, Chief.

Yes, sir. We are right on schedule, putting the finishing touches on it.

I believe that at this rate, we'll be finished ahead of schedule, sir.

Doctor!

I'm sorry to worry all of you. I was saved thanks to Joe.

If I was in G-2, I could have captured someone like that easily but...

Galactor scum, they've finally started attacking the Doctor too.

Now that things are like this, we can't leave the Doctor's side.

You're right. We can't let the Doctor be alone.

We need to fortify our defenses.

I'm against that. We should obviously go on the offensive.

Joe! This isn't like any of our past cases.

As long as we're here, the Doctor's safety will be 90% secure.

That's probably true, but we won't be able to capture them like that.

Or do you mean to just wait here until they give up?

Till when? How many years are you going to wait?

What are you saying Joe?

Yeah, of course we're going to protect the Doctor.

I'm saying that we can catch them better with 100% danger

than we can with 90% security.

You guys don't understand how I feel.

You don't know how my blood boils to take revenge on them.

Joe!

Joe!

Dad! Mom!

Damn it!

What's the deal? He was a lot weaker than I expected.

Certainly not up to the stories I've heard!

Now I'll finally be able to get that promotion from chief to commanding officer!

So sorry to have interrupted your fun at the racing circuit.

What would Galactor want with a racer like me?

Ah, well you see,

I have received information saying that you are G-2 of the Science Ninja Team.

Is this true?

I dunno what the hell you mean.

What's this "G-2" and "Science Ninja Team" crap?

What indeed... That bastard has caused us incredible torment.

He's basically, shall we say, a man who passes himself off as a so-called ally of justice.

Huh... So are you saying the guy looks like me or something?

What an honor.

And so I'd like to ask a little favor of you.

I'd like you to tell me the identities of all the remaining members of the Science Ninja Team.

So what do you say...

Joe the Condor?

Cripes, you again?

Why don't you just lose the mask already, Berg Katse?

How dare you speak like that to Lord Katse! Apologize immediately!

Back off, small fry.

Just what I'd expect of Science Ninja Team G-2, Joe the Condor.

Your audacity is remarkable.

However, at my command you could die right here and now.

Well? Does that scare you?

Don't put me in the same category as a coward like you.

What?!

Well, what do you think?

If you'd be willing to tell me the identities of the other four, then I will at least spare your life.

Well, let's see...

Either way I've already been unmasked, and I do value my life...

Ah, I see! So you'll tell me then! Yes, very good!

All right, listen well. As to the identities of the other four...

Well, how should I put it?

Basically, they got a lot of courage and they're all really nice.

They're worlds apart from you Galactor people.

What? Yeah... And?

And that's...

All I have to say!

Damn it... Where the hell is he hiding?

We can't see anything now, Chief!

He disappeared...

W-W-Watch out! He's close by!

Hey! What's the matter?!

There he is! Right there!

There are windows here, aren't there? Open 'em.

Yes, sir, Chief!

What happened?!

There he is!

Impudence!

You're not getting away!

C'mon, stand up.

There's a good boy. Stand up nice and slow...

Take this!

And this!

Bastard!

What happened to all your spunk?

Here!

Where did all your spunk go?

Are you ready to tell me the identities of the other four?

You just don't get it, do you?

There's no way in hell I'll ever talk for someone like you.

So brazen.

If I had just one man like you under my command,

this war would have gone quite differently, I'm sure. How unfortunate!

Restrain him!

What's the matter, huh?!

Looks like you've finally settled down.

The great Science Ninja Team member

looks as pathetic as anyone when beaten down like this.

No matter how much you carry on, it is now only a matter of time.

It seems you are not aware that Galactor's work will soon be done.

I will use you as a hostage to halt Gatchaman in their tracks!

Move out to Cross Karakoram immediately!

Yes, sir!

So we've finally taken one of the Science Ninja Team prisoner, huh?

C'mon, let's throw him in the brig, quick.

Go ahead and shout. If you want to die, that is.

Got it? Don't move!

He's getting away!

You can't escape!

Whoa, he jumped out!

I guess he didn't know that we're up in the sky, huh, Chief?

I wonder. All I know is that my promotion to commanding officer just went out the door, too.

He'll be dead in a matter of seconds.

Bird go!

Yes, yes...

So that's why I'm calling you.

Yes, he's sustained serious injuries.

The bruises and such are no big deal, though.

No, there's no doubt about it.

He said something about "G-2".

Yes, that's correct.

It's an old wound, but it seems there are many bullet fragments still in there.

It may have been different had it been anywhere else,

but a brain injury like this will prove fatal.

Well, I can't say more without investigating more thoroughly,

but given his current condition,

I regret to say that he has only another week, ten days at the most.

Ten days at the most...

Ten days at the most...

Ten days at the most...

Huh? He's gone...

This is what happens to anyone who betrays Galactor.

The sins of the parent are the sins of the child.

If you want to bear a grudge,

then go to hell and bear it against your parents who betrayed Galactor!

To all Galactor personnel:

Galactor's BH Operation is about to commence.

Before it does, we shall drill a huge tunnel to the magma beneath the surface!

At 9:15 am local time,

a magnitude 8, or possibly 9, earthquake hit the Punjikoku area,

leveling and setting ablaze most of the city.

But we have received reports of earthquakes

occurring in several other locations around the world, at the same time

although not all of the same magnitude.

Strange as it already is, the epicenters were all different,

and earthquakes also occurred in places not even in the volcanic zone.

Which means...

...somebody used artificial means.

Precisely.

They are plotting something. Something dreadful...

So then Galactor is...

Joe! What's wrong?

Uh, it's nothing.

You look kind of pale.

Sheesh, I was just thinking about something! Don't worry about it.

So then what is our mission, Doctor?

Doctor!

Uh... If Galactor is indeed planning something,

we need to put a stop to it now while there is still time.

I'd like you to investigate any possible relationship between Galactor and these earthquakes.

Move out!

Roger!

Joe, you stay here.

Huh? Why's that, Doctor?

Doctor, is something wrong?

I'm going, Doctor!

I won't allow it!

Joe, you should know your physical condition better than anyone.

Condition?

Joe! So there is something...

I said it's nothing!

I'm going, Doctor!

You think I'm just gonna let Galactor do as they please?!

I'm going to conduct a very thorough examination.

If there are no abnormalities, you can rampage to your heart's content.

This is an order.

Ken, I'm praying for your success. Move out.

But, Doctor...

There is no time for you to be dilly-dallying! Now move!

Understood!

Ken!

At least take my G-2 aboard the God Phoenix.

Please. Let it go in my place.

Let's go!

Joe, I'm going to take an X-ray of your brain.

Report to the exam room.

Joe!

Doctor, guys... Stay well.

The rest is up to you.

Huh? Joe what?!

It appears he's known for quite a while now that there's been something wrong with him.

Doctor, is Joe... Is his condition really that bad?

Joe... You damn idiot!

That's no way for a friend to act, hiding the truth and putting on a show!

How careless of me...

I'd thought for a while that something was wrong with him.

Why didn't I do something sooner?!

I have failed as leader of the Science Ninja Team...!

It's time to commence the Black Hole Operation.

With this, the panicked masses of the world will prostrate themselves at my feet,

begging for forgiveness!

What?! A neutron reaction?

Correct.

We believe that someone has detonated

a nuclear device deep beneath the surface of the Earth.

All right, I'm on my way now!

This just in from the AP Newswire.

Even in the country of Imalia,

a volcano has violently erupted without giving any advance warning.

There appear to be a large number of casualties.

Up to now, that makes...

So there you go.

This is clear proof that someone is undoubtedly using artificial means to set off

nuclear explosions under the Earth's surface. Within the mantle, to be precise.

Still, I can't believe ordinary nuclear explosions could cause something like this!

I think there could definitely be a neutron reaction.

Neutron reaction?

You get it, Jinpei?

Well, I know who Newton is, but, uh...

You dummy.

As you know, the Earth's core

is primarily composed of iron and nickel under extreme heat and pressure.

When you induce a special type of nuclear reaction there,

it will release a flow of neutrinos in the core,

with part of them forming mini black holes.

Of course, this would radically alter the flow of the Earth's mantle.

It would initially cause earthquakes, ultimately leading to...

What will happen, Doctor?

The Earth will be obliterated.

What?!

The pressure on the Earth's interior will increase so much,

the planet will collapse like a balloon that has lost its air.

It will lead to an area where only high gravity remains,

a so-called black hole: a big, dark pit in space.

He said a big, dark pit in space!

Now the doctor's talking nutty!

How can you have a big pit right in the middle of outer space, huh?

This ain't no laughing matter, ya frickin' dumbass!

It's no surprise that you'd have a hard time believing it.

Even though I say "pit," it is actually an area where only tremendous gravitational pull remains.

Meteors and other objects that come within proximity of it are swallowed.

The world-famous scientist, Doctor Oppenheimer, predicted long ago

that such things do in fact exist in outer space.

Only Galactor could carry out such a dreadful scheme.

At that moment, Condor Joe was following up on Berg Katse's inadvertant mention of

the area called Cross Karakoram,

and had penetrated deep into the Himalayan mountains.

Very impressive, Science Ninja Team G-2.

I'm amazed that you were able to survive.

Plus, you were even able to sniff out Galactor headquarters. That's quite a feat!

Headquarters?!

I see... So this is their headquarters after all!

It's too bad that after coming all this way

and discovering the location of our headquarters you'll have to die right here in front of it,

but oh well, just give up and submit to the inevitable.

Ken, it's me! Can you hear me?!

Huh?

Doctor! I've got contact from Joe!

What?!

Now I see, so that's what those things are for.

I never saw thatbefore...

I guess in return I'll have to treat you to a whole bunch of machine gun bullets!

I'll take as many of you down with me as I can!

Gotcha! I win, buddy!

The great G-2's aim is a little off, huh?

Now there'll be nothing to stop me from being promoted from chief to commanding officer!

Man, I'm bushed...

Jun, the message from Joe was just one thing: Cross Karakoram.

That was enough.

It appears you have somehow managed to survive, Joe the Condor.

I'm afraid I'll need you alive just a little longer

in order for us to halt the actions of the Science Ninja Team.

Plus, there's something I want you to see now, while the medicine is still working.

Listen well, Joe the Condor.

The entire world will be Galactor's in just a short amount of time.

What?!

And this black hole device is what you may consider to be the heart of our operation.

Black hole?!

Correct. And what do you think this is?

Perhaps this is a little too difficult a question for you...

When this gauge reaches zero, the Earth will be completely obliterated.

Wh-What?!

Ken, Cross Karakoram is directly beneath us.

All right, make an emergency landing.

Huh? In all this fog?

I am fully aware of the danger.

I don't care if you break the God Phoenix while doing it!

All right, then just leave it to me!

It seems that finding out about our plan has pushed you over the edge.

Truly magnificent, Berg Katse.

To have sunk that low puts you in a class of your own as an enemy.

What's going on?!

Why, you...!

Katse!

Too bad for you!

I'm too good to be killed by a weakened swine who should have kicked the bucket by now!

Lord Katse!

The God Phoenix is approaching!

What?!

How could they have known about this place?!

Ryu, we're abandoning the God Phoenix! Everyone get out!

Roger!

Listen. We're going to locate the entrance to this base and find Joe

even if it means running ourselves completely into the ground!

This might also be the last time we see each other.

Ken!

Big Brother...

Ken!

Use your bracelets only if you really need to.

If you must use them, keep it brief.

Don't forget that they're trying to pick us up by scanning the airwaves.

Move out!

People of the planet: the fate of this world now lies in the hands of Galactor.

I'll make you a promise.

Once I have seized control of this world and become its sovereign ruler,

I will without fail...

Hmm... That doesn't exactly sound dignified enough, does it...?

If I'm going to be ruler of the world, I'll need to act the part.

People of the World!

Lord Katse, it's an emergency!

"Lord Katse, it's an emergency!"

What?!

Oh, it's you. Sheesh, keep it down!

Joe the Condor of the Science Ninja Team has escaped!

What? In the shape he was in?!

The God Phoenix is here...

I have to somehow show Ken where the headquarters is.

The surface was already undergoing the early stages of neutron reaction.

As the magma flowing underground gradually increased the force of gravity,

the Earth's crust had begun to collapse inward toward the core.

Magma has erupted around Thunder Reef.

That was quicker than the computer had estimated.

It stands to reason that the whole Earth may be engulfed in flames sooner than we expect, too.

Dr. Nambu.

Ah, hello, Director.

Don't you think it will be rather difficult to continue hiding the truth?

We are plagued with inquiries from the world's nations.

I ask you to please refrain from announcing the truth of the situation.

It would only cause mass panic.

How terrifying, that they have the means to destroy the world...

They are a truly terrifying opponent.

Even though research by our team of scientists was able to confirm the theoretical possibility

of a neutron reaction, we did not understand what particle would cause the reaction.

That is something which Galactor...

or rather, Leader X knew.

The moment the neutron reaction causes the Earth's crust to shift inwards toward the core,

the Earth will be annihilated.

However, the Earth is exactly what they want!

There is no reason for them to destroy it.

Before Berg Katse can make any decisive move, the Science Ninja Team,

who have infiltrated Galactor's headquarters, should find some means to stop him.

Please have faith in them and wait.

You find 'em?

It's no use!

It looks like they're also on the alert and have stopped using their bracelets to communicate.

We can't get a trace on their signal now!

Again...?

I wonder if this is gonna be all right.

We're the only ones who're gonna be saved, right?

All we can do is trust Lord Katse.

But, to be honest, I've been getting kinda scared myself lately.

There they are! Don't let them get away!

After them!

Get them!

Don't let them escape!

Hurry!

Damn it... Where the hell are these guys coming from?

Where is the entrance?!

It's Gatchaman!

Catch him!

It's Gatchaman!

Don't let him get away!

Gatchaman...?

Ken, where are you?

I have to lead you to their headquarters!

I...

Ken!

That voice was...

Who is that? One of their allies?!

Fire! Fire!

Not here...

Found one!

Bastard...

Dammit! This ain't the one either!

And what are you doing?

You son of a...!

Aim for her bracelet!

Don't let her escape!

Joe!

Joe!

Joe! Hang in there!

Jun, call Ken. The entrance to their headquarters is right here.

This is G-3. Ken, I've found Joe!

I've picked up their transmission!

They finally used their transmitters, huh?

It was worth the wait, wasn't it?

Circle around them and close in. We'll round 'em all up at once.

Joe, you...

I know what you're going to say, so let me just tell you not to bother.

It was my way of doing things.

You damn fool! Why did you take things into your own hands?

Why couldn't you have talked to us about it?

So I gotta hear you lecture me right up to the very end, huh?

Jun...

Joe...!

You get along well with Ken now.

Quit this dangerous job as soon as you can,

and go find yourself the same happiness that other girls have.

Jinpei...

What's up, Joe?

You heed Jun and don't give her any grief.

I always envied the two of you.

You're like a real brother and sister and all...

I know...

I know, so don't die on us, Joe!

Ryu...

Joe!

Sorry I was always disobeying orders...

See, I was finally able to swallow my pride and apologize to you.

What are you talking about, Joe?

I'm not accepting your apologies!

If you want to apologize to me, do it after you get better.

Then let me give ya a good whack.

If you won't do that, then I won't accept your apology!

I'm not taking any damn apologies from you!

Go on, get moving. If you don't hurry, Katse will be on the move before you know it.

Joe!

Ken! I'll carry Joe back to the God Phoenix!

That's okay, isn't it, Ken?

Ken!

Big Brother!

Ken! Joe is our friend, who's been with us through thick and thin!

Won't you do whatever you can for him?!

This is my order as leader of the Science Ninja Team:

We will leave Joe the Condor here and infiltrate the Galactor headquarters together!

Huh?

Joe...

Please forgive me.

I know we swore we'd die together,

but now we have no choice but to leave you here.

Joe... At least take this boomerang and think of it as my heart.

Don't come any closer, Galactor!

You have no idea of what we are feeling right now.

Enough is enough! What will spilling any more blood prove?

It will only cause the needless loss of loved ones and separate friends!

There is no time for us to lose.

We can't afford to take you on.

But, if you do plan to interfere, we're ready for you!

This is it, Ken!

After 'em!

Katse!

G-Gatchaman?!

So you've finally arrived, eh?

Berg Katse... Stop this!

Stop the Black Hole Operation at once!

Very well. Just so long as you all submit to me right here and now!

Katse!

Surrender, you say? Who the hell do you think you're talking to?!

Did you think the Earth would be yours?

Did you underestimate us that much?!

Well? Does having the whole world in your hands satisfy you?

Katse!

Stand up!

All right, Berg Katse, you're going to halt the Black Hole Operation.

Or shall I halt your life right now instead?

What'll it be, Berg Katse?!

That will be quite enough, Science Ninja Team.

Leader! Please save me!

Science Ninja Team, stop struggling in vain.

The Black Hole Operation is proceeding toward its goal.

Take a look!

That is the device which is dropping atomic bombs into the Earth.

By my calculations, the neutron reaction will occur in another 30 minutes.

And then the Earth will be obliterated!

Leader! That is not what you promised me!

You told me that you would give the Earth to me!

And I will.

An Earth that has been pulverized into a cloud of space dust, that is!

Leader! Were you deceiving me all along?!

Hear me, Katse. I came to this world under certain orders.

However, the planet I was to return to was wiped out.

In order to investigate the cause, I must return to Andromeda.

But, before that, as it is no longer of any use to me,

I'll wipe out the Earth in the same way that my own planet was wiped out.

Unfortunately for you, Katse, my plans have changed.

Th-That can't be! Leader!

Farewell, Katse!

I'll at least thank you for all your hard work.

Leader!

Leader!

Leader! Why did you ever use your powers to turn me into a mutant?

If this is how it's going to end, then I'd rather have stayed human!

I would have been happier if I had been born a normal human!

Leader X!

Ken! This machine won't stop no matter what we do!

Everyone put all of the explosives you have into it.

No good. Even if we cut off one circuit, another one starts up.

It's no use, Science Ninja Team! That device will not stop!

I trusted in Leader X's words and did not install a control device!

Perish! All of you perish!

All right, I'll go inside.

I might be able to come up with something if I see it from the inside.

Don't do it, Ken!

Let me go! I'm going to do whatever I can!

We are the Science Ninja Team!

If you go inside the machine, you'll only be crushed by the gears.

If we're going to die, then let's all die here together.

I can't stand it anymore.

I don't want to lose you just like we did your father and Joe...

and have us die all alone!

Jun!

Ken!

Jun...

Big Brother, the machine's stopped.

Huh? For real?!

I don't know what caused it,

but I'll bet one of those bombs went off inside the machine.

Those bombs generate power through contact with magma,

so that's how we got through this with just the internal gears being destroyed.

So then we're saved...

The counter says 0002.

Man, we made it outta that one by the skin of our teeth.

0002... Two, huh?

That's Joe's number...

Man, what a mess!

Well, I guess this means no one else survived.

I guess Galactor ended up putting their own necks in a sling, huh?

Watch your step there, Jinpei.

I know that! Stop treating me like a kid all the time, will ya?

See, what'd I tell you?

I just tripped over something.

Ken...

The Science Ninja Team does not know...

that it was the Feather Dart Joe threw with the strength of his own tenacity

that saved the world from disaster.

Dr. Nambu, does this mean that Leader X was in fact an alien?

I do not know.

Was the shining object a rocket, and was there an alien inside?

Or, was the object itself a sentient being, capable of transporting human beings?

Or could it have been a computer?

This means the Earth is saved, doesn't it?

There will be peace at last, right?

I do not know the answer to that either...

Galactor has undoubtedly brought ruin upon itself.

However, I ask you all to please consider this:

could it not be that, just as with Galactor,

there is a devilish nature which delights in havoc

that lies dormant within some dark corner of everyone's psyche?

Space is silent.

But even now, something creeps within that silence...

THE END