Kamen Rider Zi-O: A Temporal Reckoning

The Fan Who Became a Legend

As Sougo and the others ventured further into the fractured timeline, they arrived at a world unfamiliar to them—an alternate reality where Earth's history had taken a different turn. This world was vibrant and full of technological marvels, but something about it felt... off. The time distortions seemed to be more focused here, pulling at the very fabric of reality.

The team was preparing for their next move when suddenly, a voice called out to them.

"Hey! Are you Riders? I knew it, I knew you'd come!"

Turning, they saw a figure running toward them—a man in his late twenties with a determined yet friendly look on his face. He wore a jacket adorned with various Kamen Rider logos and symbols, his eyes shining with excitement as he approached the group.

"I knew it!" the man exclaimed again, waving his arms. "You're all real, Kamen Riders! I've been watching for years!"

Sougo blinked in surprise. "Who... who are you?"

The man stopped in front of them, a wide grin on his face. "Mrigank Mukherjee," he said, extending a hand. "But in this world, I'm just a fan. Well, at least that's what I thought I was."

He paused, noticing the confused looks from the Riders. "I'm from India. I've followed the Kamen Rider series for years, and when I heard that the timelines were breaking, I knew something big was happening. And then... you all showed up. I guess it's not a coincidence, right?"

"Wait, you're a fan?" So Okuno asked, raising an eyebrow. "How are you here?"

Mrigank's smile faded slightly as he explained. "I don't know how it happened. One moment, I was just an ordinary guy, living my life as a fan. And then, suddenly, I was... pulled into this world. This universe where I don't belong. But something tells me I'm here for a reason. Maybe it's because of the connection we all share to Kamen Rider and the timelines."

Sougo stepped forward, eyeing Mrigank with curiosity. "So, you're telling me you're just a fan, and now you're part of this journey? You don't have a Rider form or anything?"

Mrigank shook his head. "No Rider form yet. But I know about Kamen Riders. I know the history, the power, the dangers. I've always wanted to be a Rider, to protect people and fight for what's right. I may not have a transformation device, but I'm willing to help in any way I can. I believe my knowledge as a fan might be useful."

"Knowledge of the Riders is valuable," So Okuno said thoughtfully. "You may not be a Rider yourself, but you understand the stories, the battles. That insight could be crucial."

The Riders exchanged looks, weighing the decision. Sougo, ever the optimist, was the first to speak.

"You may not be a Rider, but we could use all the help we can get," he said, nodding to Mrigank. "If you're willing to fight by our side, we accept you."

Mrigank's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Thank you! I'll do whatever it takes to help you all."

And just like that, an unexpected ally had joined their ranks.

The Fan's Knowledge

As the group moved forward, Mrigank quickly proved to be an invaluable asset. Although he didn't have a transformation device of his own, his deep knowledge of Kamen Rider lore—gathered from countless years of watching the series—allowed him to recognize patterns, anticipate enemy tactics, and even offer insights into the Riders' abilities. His passion for the series, and his understanding of the stories behind each Rider, gave him an uncanny ability to predict events and provide advice.

While Sougo and the others continued to battle the enemies that threatened time's fabric, Mrigank worked alongside them, becoming a source of moral support and a tactical resource. He didn't let his lack of physical power stop him. Instead, he relied on his intellect, his love for the Riders, and his ability to keep spirits high even in the darkest of times.

One day, as the group gathered in the middle of a ruined city, Mrigank sat with So Okuno and Masahiro Inoue, discussing the current state of the fractured timelines.

"You know," Mrigank said, looking around at the devastation, "this kind of reminds me of the Zero-One arc in the series. The idea of an artificial intelligence rising to power and changing everything—it's eerily similar to what we're facing here. The timeline itself is being manipulated, and we're trying to stop it from unraveling."

So Okuno nodded thoughtfully. "That's true. Each Rider has their own story, their own world, and when those worlds collide, we must understand them better to fix the greater picture."

Masahiro, who had been listening quietly, chimed in. "That's exactly why the connection between us all is so vital. Each of us carries the knowledge and experience of our respective Riders, and it's this collective wisdom that will help us overcome the challenges ahead."

Mrigank looked at his companions, his heart swelling with pride. "I may just be a fan, but it's clear to me now that we all have a role to play in this story. I won't let you down."

The Beginning of a New Rider?

As the team continued their journey, they began to realize that Mrigank's involvement wasn't just a fluke. The timelines had brought him here for a reason. And though he wasn't a Rider in the traditional sense, his knowledge and determination could be the key to unlocking a new kind of power.

One day, as they faced an overwhelming enemy, Sougo turned to Mrigank with a spark of inspiration.

"Maybe it's time we gave you a Rider form, Mrigank," he said, eyes gleaming.

Mrigank looked at him, confused. "Me? But I don't have a Rider belt..."

Sougo smiled. "I think we can make it work."

And with that, a new journey began—one that would transform the Indian Kamen Rider fan into a hero of his own story.