Takatora Kureshima

Takatora Kureshima, also known as Kamen Rider Zangetsu and later Kamen Rider Zangetsu Shin, is the main antagonist for the first half of Kamen Rider Gaim. He is a project leader in the Research and Development branch of the Yggdrasill Corporation, before being usurped by Ryoma Sengoku. He is later replaced his younger brother Mitsuzane Kureshima, and finally Kaito Kumon.

Past
At some point prior to the beginning of the story, Takatora was instrumental in testing the early prototypes of the Sengoku Driver. Though he suffered physical harm and scars from setbacks, he uses the Melon Lock Seed and a finalized Sengoku Driver prototype to become Kamen Rider Zangetsu to deal with the Inves in Helheim Forest. Despite his questionable methods, his intentions are well-meaning, proven from the fact that he instructed Ryoma to lower the specs of the Sengoku Driver to facilitate easier mass production, so to save more people, instead of hoarding power to himself.

Beat Riders Saga
Takatora is seen throughout the Beat Riders Saga as the protector of the Helheim forest, protecting his men as they forage into the forest to harvest the Helheim fruits. During one of these expeditions, he battles Gaim and teaches him the cruelty of reality and that the Sengoku Driver isn't a toy.


 * 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.