Aoba

Aoba (青羽), born Shuuya Aikawa (相川 秀也), is one of the boys who hails from Hokuto, part of the Hokuto Three Crows led by Kazumi Sawatari. He is able to change into the Stag Hard Smash (スタッグハードスマッシュ, Sutaggu Hādo Sumasshu) using the Kuwagata Fullbottle. Later, after administered by Hazard Trigger, he become Stag Hazard Smash (スタッグハザードスマッシュ, Sutaggu Hāzado Sumasshu)

History
Aoba was originally a farm worker in Hokuto, employed by Kazumi Sawatari. After the Skywall Disaster, Hokuto's farm land was rendered unsuitable for crops. Sawatari spent all of his savings to continue providing for his employees and their families, and volunteered himself for Faust's experiments when his funds were depleted. Feeling indebted to Sawatari, Aoba volunteered himself as well, becoming a Hard Smash in the process.

When Hokuto Prime Minister Yoshiko Tajimi declared war on Touto, Aoba was part of the advance guard with Kiba and Akaba. As Kiba watched a live stream of inferior Smash being defeated by Kamen Rider Build, Aoba attributed their weakness to their lack of awareness.

Aoba and the others later tracked down Sento Kiryu and Ryuga Banjou, and transformed into their Hard Smash forms. After successfully knocking them out of their transformations, Akaba demanded that they hand over their Fullbottles, prompting Aoba and Kiba to argue with him over who should get said Fullbottles. By the time they had pulled themselves together, Sento and Ryuga had absconded.

Later, they found Sento consoling Misora Isurugi as she lamented her role in allowing evil to wage war, and told Sento to hand over his Fullbottles. This time, Sento gave them a challenge with a determination he gained from Misora, using RabbitTank Sparkling Form. However, Akaba, Aoba, and Kiba still quickly gained the upper hand, until Ryuga appeared with the Sclash Driver and transformed into Kamen Rider Cross-Z Charge. Ryuga and Sento easily defeated them, causing them to drop the Phoenix, Robot, Wolf, Smapho, Kuma, and Televi Fullbottles. Kazumi Sawatari arrived shortly after to challenge Sento and Ryuga.

Death
After Sento finally access Rabbit Tank Hazard form, Sento starts to rampage due of Hazard Trigger side Effect, and start attacking both allies and foes alike. Unfortunately, Aoba become the first victim of Sento Rampage after receiving a direct hit of Hazard Finish. Before he died, he ask his captain if he had done his job well, and leave him with his dog tag, before he finally disintegrated and die. His death brings shock to both Ryuga and Hokuto Three Crows, whilst the latter also fueled by rage over their comrade death.

A vision of Aoba appeared as Sento give his final respect.

Personality
Aoba is the most level-headed of the Hokuto Three Crows, and seemingly the most selfish, both by a small margin. He appears to get to the point of his missions quicker than the others, but still indulges in petty quarrels such as arguing over who would take Sento Kiryu and Ryuga Banjou's Fullbottles.

Equipment

 * Kuwagata Fullbottle - Transformation trinket.

Portrayal
Aoba is portrayed by Tateto Serizawa (芹澤興人). As Stag Hard Smash, his suit actor is Kotaro Kaji （鍛冶洸太郎 Kaji Kotaro).

Etymology
Aoba's name translates to "blue wings", sharing a color theme with Kiba (黄羽) and Akaba (赤羽). Incidentally, his name is also phonetically identical to the phrase "blue leaves" (青葉).

Appearances

 * Icon-build.png Kamen Rider Build
 * Episode 16: The Weaponry Hero
 * Episode 17: Rider Wars Start
 * Episode 18: The Golden Soldier
 * Episode 19: The Forbidden Item
 * Episode 20: The Devil's Trigger
 * Episode 21: The Unstoppable Hazard (Death)