IK
Ikoma
Temporary Crew of the Eternal
A self-proclaimed mechanic of Koutetsujou, Ikoma did his best to share his background and experience with the Eternal crew, but everything he disclosed was beyond anyone's comprehension. He fought alongside the Eternal crew and provided loads of technical and combat assistance during the events occurred near Ranshin City. At present, Ikoma is temporarily traveling with the Eternal while searching for a way to return to his train.
Draw
Derive
Buff
Heal
Physical
Gender
Male
Birthday
February 28
Birthplace
Koutetsujou (Details Unknown)
Height
Unknown
CV
- / Tasuku Hatanaka
Following thorough considerations of the abilities and willingness of Ikoma, one of the "outlanders," the Eternal crew decided to let him continue playing the role of a mechanic, though he is currently unable to complete complex maintenance works since he has been living in a world different from modern Bonfire City society. Still, he has proved to be a good fit thus far.
"The Eternal is surely different from Koutetsujou... but many things are common. I reckon this will never change!"
Holding on to this belief, Ikoma tried his hand at numerous jobs on the Eternal with passion, ranging from observing engine checks to performing daily maintenance of power hinges. On top of that, he also enjoyed getting together with the creative inventors among the crew to study weapons and equipment.
During the events near Ranshin City, Ikoma was one of the first people to adapt to the situation and pull himself together to liaise with the administrators of BCRL and other organizations. "The way to kill Kabanes is to pierce their hearts." His words became the resistance guideline of the helpless Bonfire City. At the same time, the steam-powered weapon he carried, "Tsuranuki Zutsu," also became one of the crucial weapons that defeated the Kabane horde later.
After learning that Ikoma was from another world and how he managed to create the Tsuranuki Zutsu through studying the anatomy of Kabanes and continuously tweaking hand cannons, the researchers of various organizations in the Bonfire City were deeply amazed by his intelligence and gift in invention. Compared to modern science, which is essentially built upon our predecessors' wit, Ikoma is unquestionably a genius for being able to create an all-new weapon under terrible conditions.
Yet, Ikoma himself never displays pride for his abilities. Judging solely on how he typically behaves, he seems to simply be an ordinary youth, often hitting it off with other young technicians. Only when witnessing him stepping forward in times of crisis can anyone tell from his unwavering gaze that he has once experienced things unimaginable to others.
"So, how's life on Koutetsujou?"
Whenever this question is asked, regardless of what he's doing, Ikoma will immediately look up and talk passionately about the train of that other world. Where he grew up, trains are called "Hayajiro," meaning "forts that run like horses," whereas the stations situated along the railroad are called "Eki," referring to "places where horses rested in ancient times." According to Ikoma's enthusiastic descriptions, Koutetsujou is a pure black armored train with metal exterior. Although it merely belongs to a local daimyo, it is not any inferior to the shogunate's Hayajiro.
Ikoma wasn't born on Koutetsujou, but ever since boarding it to leave his Eki, he spent most of his time on the locomotive, developing a strong bond with the others aboard amid various crisis. His animated narration gives life to multiple people, such as the chubby Takumi who's also a mechanic, Ms. Ayame who's in charge of the train, Kurusu the guard, Yukina the driver, and Kajika, who takes care of the women and children. Of course, among them who feels most dear is Mumei, who's also presently aboard the Eternal. Even though she was the last passenger to board the Hayajiro, she still played a part in the stories of everyone else.
If you were to ask Ikoma about interesting stories of these people, one day would hardly be adequate to hear them all. As for details of Koutetsujou itself, they come naturally to Ikoma, a Hayajiro enthusiast; even tough times like wetting his shirt with cooled stove water to wipe his face can be told entertainingly. Evidently, he truly regards Koutetsujou as his home.
"...But Koutetsujou still can't be compared to the Eternal. After all, all of us frequently go hungry, and our weapons and equipment aren't as advanced as yours... If we had what you have, I'm sure we'd be able to live a better life."
Ikoma always sounds a little sad when discussing the differences between the two trains. He even told us crew about his family who died in an accident, the numerous destroyed Ekis, and the many companions he lost after boarding Koutetsujou... Carrying such remorse, he devoted himself to studying all sorts of knowledge and working hard, hoping to be able to turn things around with his own power if there were a chance to return to Koutetsujou.
"I have to be strong. My life is deeply enriched now, and Mumei looks happy to be on the Eternal too... This is all thanks to your help. I will do my best to share what I know about Kabanes and steam engines with you all. Hopefully, that will be of use!
"...Someday, we will return to Koutetsujou together. We will get our lands back from the Kabanes and plant tons and tons of food to feed everyone!"
My name is Ikoma. ...What? Share more about me? I'd rather not...! I will work hard and fight to the best of my ability. After all, I still have dreams to fulfill!
I'll carry on studying weapons next to you. Call me if you need anything!
No matter how many times I see it, it still amazes me... Compared to Hayajiros, the Eternal is so spacious on the inside. If only everyone on Hayajiros could enjoy such space.
I created the Tsuranuki Zutsu, but its success was somewhat dangerous... Now that I think about it, I was truly lucky. I owe part of that to my dependable friends.
Look, Conductor! As long as we cover regular weapons with Kabanes' heart membrane, the weapons will become strong enough to pierce through them...! I-It's a little scary? Sorry, I didn't realize that...
Conductor, I apologize for conducting unauthorized weapon testing in the carriage last time. Please don't drop me at a station... Huh? You won't ditch me over such a reason? R-Really?!
Mumei is formidable. I can't measure up to her... That said, I can cover her on the battlefield. She said I'm her shield, after all.
Ah, it's mealtime. I'm starving too... Hold on, don't look so guarded. I will take care of it without harming anyone.
You graduated from a specialized conductor school?! That's amazing! To think there would be such a school... When there's time, you have to tell me what it's like studying there!
Even after becoming like this, I'm afraid when facing powerful enemies... But I can't back down. I know what I should do.
My dream is for Kabanes to vanish and for Mumei to return to human... I promised her that I'd turn her back. What about myself? I... never really thought about it.
The stone I'm holding? Ah, this... was my late sister's. No, it's fine. I can talk about it. I wrap it around my hand to remind myself of my incompetence. I will never let what happened that day repeat itself.
The cities along the railway are impressive... Every single building is practically as tall as Tenshukaku! I wanna take a look around in there! ...Of course, I'll put my clothes on properly.
Conductor, we will definitely prevail, as we have the heart and soul of humans, which our enemies lack.
Restriction lifted for now. Let's move.
Let's move on!
Is everyone okay?
Thorough purification!
Hyah—!
Time is... running out...
I can't make it...
Phew... thankfully, it's not too late. Thank you again, Conductor.