Takatora Kureshima

"Yggdrasill holds the fate of the world in its hands. I will secure humanity's future."

- Takatora explaining his importance

Takatora Kureshima (呉島 貴虎) is Kamen Rider Zangetsu (仮面ライダー斬月 [ザンゲツ]) later Kamen Rider Zangetsu Shin (仮面ライダー斬月 真 [ザンゲツ シン]).

He is Mitsuzane Kureshima's older brother, who is a project leader in the Research and Development branch of the Yggdrasill Corporation.

Origin
At some point prior to the beginning of the story, he was given the Melon Lockseed and a Sengoku Driver, enabling him to transform into Zangetsu.

Helheim Forest Investigation
Takatora was first seen as Zangetsu, rescuing his men from the a bunch of Elementary Inves during their investigation in the Helheim Forest. He later appears in his normal identity in a company limo watching the broadcast about Armored Rider Gaim before taking out his Melon Lockseed while issuing the order to investigate Helheim Forest.

His brother's education
As Mitsuzane secretly walked towards his room, Takatora asked him why he came home late. Mitsuzane replied that his cram school was doing extra sessions. Both of them have a conversation as Takatora reminds Mitsuzane to cast away any distraction that may disturb his education. Mitsuzane replied to his brother that his life is nothing but a distraction much to Takatora's surprise. As Mitsuzane went to his room, Takatora receives a call about the two Armored Riders in Helheim Forest.

Attack On Gaim
He appeared as Zangetsu in the forest by throwing a Lockseed, which is eaten by a Elementary Inves. The Inves then transform into Shika Inves. After Shika Inves defeated by Gaim, Takatora attacks him mercilessly, convincing Gaim of the true nature of the Armored Rider battles and mocking him by asking him that his Sengoku Driver was no good to evil.

The Fateful Sengoku Movie Battle
A battle royale is being held exclusively for the Armored Riders in Zawame City. Kamen Riders Gaim, Baron, Ryugen, Kurokage, and Gridon decide to enter the competition. While fighting, a crack opens in the sky and mysterious monsters pour out from it. One of the monsters captures Mai and returns to the crack, with the Riders giving chase. Soon, they find themselves in a Warring States Period-esque world where the Kamen Riders are called Bujin (武神) and are fighting each other. The confused Kamen Rider Gaim then gets attacked by the strongest Bujin Gaim (武神鎧武).

Inves Outbreak Part 2, Testing the Genesis Driver




When Gaim and Baron suddenly escaped, he goes to the surveillance room to see how they got out and it turned out it was Mitsuzane who helped them escape, much to Takatora's surprise. When his brother is revealed to be Ryugen, Takatora is speechless.

After learning his brother is an Armored Rider, Takatora was upset as he demanded Sid for answers. Sid then replied that Mitsuzane is also the one who stole the Suika Lockseed. Later, Takatora reveals to Mitsuzane the dark secret in the Helheim Forest as he wants him to join Yggdrasill Corporation.

He then gives Mitsuzane a task to retrieve the Sengoku Driver from Kota. Later, Ryoma decides to let Kota keep the Driver as he thinks that they can use Mitsuzane as a spy to the Beat Riders.

Kamen Rider Taisen
When Mitsuzane is killed by the Showa Riders, led by legendary Kamen Rider 1/Takeshi Hongo and turned into a Lockseed, Takatora volunteers for the war between the Heisei and Showa Riders sides.

Possible Future
In a possible future, Zangetsu, with Ryugen by his side and his army of Inves and Suika Arms Armored Riders behind him, watched the battle between Gaim and Baron's armies.

Personality
Though a ruthless realist, Takatora still loves his family and spoils his younger brother, and especially cares about Mitsuzane's education. He is the most experienced and most powerful Armored Rider to date. In order to teach Gaim a lesson, who entered the Forest without his permission, without knowing that he's only looking for his friend, he brutally attacks him despite Kota having no intention to fight him to make his point - that power given by the Lockseeds and Sengoku Driver is no game, letting Kota go after clearly being the winner.

Despite his sense of realisim, he can show signs of arrogance and his wealthy upbringing has mildly affected his view of the world. He sometimes refers to the other Armored Riders as "street trash" that are beneath him and not worthy of his attention,the exception being if they directly interfere with his plans.

He also seems to have a bit of a temper when pressured, as seen when Kurokage provokes him while he was trying to reach his staff to rescue them from the Inves swarm. This caused him to have an angry outburst and unintentionally damage Ryoji's Sengoku Driver with a furious blow of sword slashes.

As stated by him back when he first encountered Gaim, he knows the Lockseeds carry a dangerous disease, which is also seen when he tries to warn Hase not to eat the immature fruit.

Arms
Like the other Armored and New Generation Riders, Kamen Rider Zangetsu/Zangetsu Shin's forms are called Arms (アームズ). All of his Japanese Samurai-themed Arms' helmets share the title Kabuto (カブト), while his visors share the title Eye (アイ).

Equipment

 * Transformation devices:
 * Sengoku Driver - As Zangetsu
 * Genesis Driver - As Zangetsu Shin
 * Musou Saber - Side weapon, as Zangetsu
 * Arms Weapons:
 * Zangetsu:
 * Melon Defender - Zangetsu Melon Arms' personal weapon
 * Rocket Module - Zangetsu Fourze Arms' personal weapon
 * Ichigo Kunai - Zangetsu Ichigo Arms' personal weapons
 * Mango Punisher - Zangetsu Mango Arms' personal weapon
 * Budou Ryuhou - Zangetsu Budou Arms' personal weapon
 * Zangetsu Shin:
 * Sonic Arrow - Zangetsu Shin Melon Energy Arms' personal weapon
 * Lockseeds - Gives access to Zangetsu/Zangetsu Shin's form changes, depending on which arm the lock is

List of Appearances

 * Kamen Rider Gaim
 * 2, 4-24, 26
 * Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Gaim & Wizard: The Fateful Sengoku Movie Battle
 * Kamen Rider Gaim: Sengoku Battle Royale
 * Heisei Rider vs. Showa Rider: Kamen Rider Taisen feat. Super Sentai
 * Ressha Sentai ToQger Vs. Kamen Rider Gaim Spring Vacation Combining Special

Portrayal
Takatora Kureshima is portrayed by Yuki Kubota (久保田 悠来), who previously portrayed Kakashi in Garo: Soukoku no Maryu.

As Kamen Rider Zangetsu, his suit actor is Jun Watanabe (渡辺 淳), who was previously the suit actor for Kamen Rider Beast, Phoenix and White Wizard in Kamen Rider Wizard.

Legend Rider Lockseeds

 * In addition to the Fourze Lockseed, the following toyline-exclusive Legend Rider Lockseeds are also styled for Zangetsu:
 * Stronger
 * ZO
 * Agito
 * Ryuki
 * Ryuki Survive
 * Hibiki
 * Momotaros