Noël Takao

This article is about a ranger in Lupinranger VS Patranger.

Noël Takao
Child
Lupin XPatren X
Gender:	Male
Sentai Show:	Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger
Colors:	Silver/Gold
Homeworld:	Back World (birthplace) Earth (home)
First Appearance:	Number 20: The New Thief is a Policeman
Last Appearance:	TBA
Number of Episode Appearances:	32 (Lupinranger VS Patranger) 2 (Movies) Full list of appearances
Actor:	Seiya Motoki
Lupin XPatren X

1 2 3 "The glittering, aloof phantom thief! (Super) Lupin X!" ―Lupin X’s roll call[src] "The noble, shining policeman. Patren X!" ―Patren X’s roll call[src] "And that is adieu to your future." ―Lupin X’s declaration after winning a fight[src]

Noël Takao (高尾ノエル, Takao Noeru), the adopted son of the late Arsène Lupin, is Lupin X (ルパンX, Rupan Ekusu), the Silver Ranger of the Lupinrangers & Patren X (パトレンX, Patoren Ekusu), the Gold Ranger of the Patrangers. To avoid complications, the Ganglers know him simply as X (X, Ekusu).

He is a phantom thief who is also a member of the GSPO France branch and is an engineer of the Lupin Collection who can modify them for human use. Like Kogure, he serves the Lupin family.

As a hybrid of both the Lupinrangers and the Patrangers, Noël describes himself as the embodiment of the collective VS Sentai (VS戦隊, Bui Esu Sentai, Versus Squadrons). TV STORY-Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger Transformation Lesson: Lupin X-Patren X Edition

Character History

Past

Noël was once an abandoned orphan hailing from the Back World in his (painful) childhood life, until the Phantom Thief Arsene Lupin adopted him, and taught him to modify his collection pieces, even giving to him the X Trains. When Noël was an adult, Dogranio Yaboon took the chance to steal the collection and murder the thief. Noël hurried to help as soon as he got the word but was too late, the wreckage and Lupin’s corpse leaving him to scream in grief. Following this incident, Noël vowed to recollect back what his adopted father treasured most and likely to revive him. TV STORY-Number 44: The Truth Found

At some point, Noël invented six VS Changers and multiple VS Vehicles (six of three main colored vehicles are for both chosen Lupinrangers (planes) and Patrangers (cars) respectively). Noël also joined a French division of GSPO, though he inadvertently allowed the Japanese branch's tactical unit access to GoodStriker and the main 3 Trigger Machines. He also found the missing Trigger Machines Crane & Drill, though they ended up the the hands of the Gangler Smash Brothers.

Homecoming to Japan from France

Noël arrived in Tokyo at a certain night, finding Zarudan Hou in coincidence and dealt with him as Lupin X, saving a life of a teenage schoolgirl and took a selfie with her. On the next day, he introduced himself bluntly to Kairi without transforming. To prove himself to Kairi as Lupin X, he performed acrobatics and showed to him that he stole all smartphones from all people through him, including Kairi. Kairi initially disbelieved him, especially more so as Noël let himself be arrested by Keichiro until he showed his a warning card to meet him later. Later, Hilltop explained to the Patrangers that Noël was one of them and worked in the France branch making Noël free from the investigation, especially after Noël showed his license to the Patrangers. But Noël‘s claim as Lupin X had bothered Hilltop and the Patrangers. Keiichiro was irritated and asked him why he didn't tell him sooner before being caught and Noel simply answered, "So he would be taken to the office without getting lost."

Later, Zarudan appeared and declared his revenge against Lupin X. As the Patrengers transformed and Zarudan had no interest in them, Noël halted the Patrangers and transformed into Patren X instead. It surprised the Patrengers as well as the Lupinrangers as they looked on at Noël, making Kairi confused and questioning whether Noel was lying to him. In the battle against Zarudan, Zarudan initially vexed to Noël as he didn't show himself as Lupin X and mistook him as someone else until Lupinrangers transformed and Kairi faced off against Noël, asking if he was lying. But, Noël answered that HE is Lupin X and showed everyone his other form as Lupin X, making Zarudan finally fire up against Noël and face him again. Noël proved himself, having outmatched Zarudan and stealing his Lupin Collection once again, as he did the previous night. The teams weren't able to do anything but be amazed and confused about Noël at the same time. Neither team was able to understand which side Noël was on, because he helped Lupinrangers against the enlarged Zarudan with no hard feelings.

At night, Noël took a visit to Lupirangers as he had arrived in Bistrot Jurer earlier than them.

Which Sides to Be?

Noël told the Lupinrangers that he came to give what he had promised to them by giving the Lupin collection he had taken from Zarudan as a present, reminding Kairi about the previous card message. He also proved himself to be their ally by calling Kogure right when he appeared behind the Lupinrangers.

The next day, Noel was doubted by the Patrangers for what he was supposed to be by asking what exactly he is after which he replied that it was "secret" and also his work couldn't be told by the others, as proved by Jim for the permission to let Noel kept what he did as a secret. Noël did promise the Patrangers one thing: that he fought for justice. But before the Patrangers made the decision to trust him, a Gangler was spotted to make a ruckus and they dispatched. Noël didn't join in and sneakily informed the Lupinrangers about a Gangler incoming.

Later, he dressed as being on the Lupinrangers' side, only to show himself betraying the Lupirangers after they gave him the Lupin Collection they have obtained. In thanks for what he had done, the Patrangers finally decided to trust him and he helped them to defeat the enlarged Gabatt Kabacci. In truth, Noël and Lupinrangers had made their betrayal fight as an act to trick the Patrangers, albeit Kairi was a bit vexed because Noel didn't hold back during the fight.

Satoru Shinonome publicly accused Noel of crossing the Sentai in favor of Ganglers. The same day, Gangler Tokagale Nakushaku received a collection piece with a letter from someone claiming to be Noël. Goche Ru Medou also announced to confused Lupinrangers that Noel has at least some non-human blood. However, when asked about this, GoodStriker confirmed the non-human part, but his tone implied Goodie has no problem trusting Noël anyway. TV STORY-Number 43: The Man Who Returned

As Noël soon discovered that “Satoru” he and the VS Sentai saw is actually a Gangler spy/impostor Narizma Shibonz, who reveals himself to be the man who took the real Satoru’s form after his off-screen death. He and Patrangers soon eliminate Narizma, with the help of Lupinrangers to get the two stolen collection pieces before destroying Satoru’s imposter, and thus clearing Noël’s name. TV STORY-Number 44: The Truth Found

Personality

Noël is visibly a very laid back and interactive person, taking his job and others as lax as he can be and getting himself involved with others even when they don't want him to, especially more evident when you realize he is in another squad separate from the main Patrangers. He also seems to be somewhat of a trickster as he revealed himself to be Lupin X to be arrested by GSPO Japan, only to reveal he only did so to get their headquarters quicker TV STORY-Number 20: The New Thief is a Policeman. Underneath that suave exterior is a very intelligent man, as he is the creator of most of the arsenal of both VS Sentai, and he is able to make calculative plans on the fly when he is in a good mood. Like a thief, he can appear in rooms without catching the attention of anyone.

He also placidly interjects French wording into his normal Japanese, such as "Oh la la~" when faced with an obstacle and "Au revoir." when taking his leave.

Even when he does not take his job seriously, he is still quite close with those he considers "friends", as he blamed himself for Umika's kidnapping when he planned for her and Sakuya's meet up TV STORY-Number 22: Love in Life. This goes as far as risking his life to gain vital information for those he trusted, even when said people are not as warm to him. He also has a lazy side, as he tried to stay in the Bistro to get out of cleaning his living space, only for the others to try and force him out. Additionally, he was naive when it came to their rules TV STORY-Number 25: Make it the Strongest.

Of all of his allies, the one he is closest to is none other than his mentor and adoptive father, Arsene Lupin, whose death at the hands of Dogranio Yaboon both traumatized him and struck him with a vow of vengeance, determined to retrieve the collection, eliminate the Ganglers, and return to his father.

Powers and Abilities

Weaknesses

Non-human Physiology

Since he is a non-human, he cannot use the VS Changers that are modified for human use only, and has to make his own special device of transformation. TV STORY-Number 48: The Real Face Under The Mask

Ranger Powers

• Lupin X
• Patren X

• Default
• Super Lupin X

Lupin X

"X-nize! Kaitou X-Change! (Lupinranger-esque music) Lupin X!"

―Transformation announcement via X Changer^[src]

Arsenal

• X Changer
• X Rod Sword (Sword Mode)
• X Trains

Mecha

• X Changer
  • X Train Silver
  • X Train Gold
• X Train Fire
• X Train Thunder
• Cyclone Dial Fighter (loaned from Lupin Red)

Attacks

• Superior X (スペリオルエックス, Superioru Ekkusu): Lupin X slashes with the X Rod Sword in an x-energy pattern that rockets towards the opponent, leaving a prominent x-shaped image on the foe before exploding.
• Superior Shot: Lupin X readies his X Changer as the muzzle charges energy into a white bullet. It is then shot as a flaming white bullet that homes in on the foe.

Appearances: Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger Episodes 20-25, Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger en film, 26-28, 30-35, 37-42, 44-51, Lupinranger VS Patranger VS Kyuranger

File:Super LupinX.png

"SirenStriker! Great Patrize! (twist) Chou Keisatsu Change! (firing sfx- synthetic drum and bass music with police sirens) Patranger!"

―Transformation announcement via VS Changer^[src]

Super Lupin X is Lupin X's powered up form via SirenStriker, which has to be fired by another member of the VS Sentai due to his lack of a VS Changer.

Arsenal

• X Changer
• X Rod Sword

Mecha

• SirenStriker
• X Emperor
  • X Changer
    • X Train Silver
    • X Train Gold
  • X Train Fire
  • X Train Thunder

Attacks

• Super Superior Strike: Lupin X holds the handles to charge and fire five golden steampunk-esque rockets. On some occasions, Noel will stay stationary while someone else fires the rockets.

Appearances: Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger Episode 38, 40-42, 44-46, 48

• Default
• Super Patren X

Patren X

"X-nize! Keisatsu X-Change! (Patranger-esque music) Patren X!"

―Transformation announcement via X Changer^[src]

Arsenal

• X Changer
• X Rod Sword (Rod Mode)
• X Trains

Mecha

• X Changer
  • X Train Gold
  • X Train Silver
• X Train Thunder
• X Train Fire

Attacks

• Excellent X: Patren X shifts the lever three times to then form a large sharp X sigil surrounded by a spinning ring of crosses, then jabs the rod into the construct to fire it.

Appearances: Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger Episodes 20-24, Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger en film, 26-28, 30-34, 36-38, 41-42, 44-45, 47-51, Lupinranger VS Patranger VS Kyuranger

File:SuperPatrenX.png

"VictoryStriker! 1-1-1! Miracle Masqueraise! Super Kaitou Change! Lupin~ranger!"

―VS Changer power-up transformation announcement^[src]

Super Patren X is Patren X's powered up form via VictoryStriker, which has to be fired by another member of the VS Sentai due to his lack of a VS Changer. This form allows Noel to predict the opponent moves.

Arsenal

• X Changer
• X Rod Sword

Mecha

• VictoryStriker
• X Emperor
  • X Changer
    • X Train Gold
    • X Train Silver
  • X Train Thunder
  • X Train Fire

Appearances: Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger Episode 51

Behind the Scenes

Portrayal

Noël Takao is portrayed by Seiya Motoki. As LupinX/PatrenX, his suit actor is Shigeki Ito.

Notes

• Noël is the first 6th Ranger to have two separate active ranger forms of different colors.
  • Two series prior, Misao Mondo used three ranger forms all at once, each with their own color.
  • Noël is the first Ranger in Super Sentai to be a part of two different Sentai as the same character. His closest counterpart in Power Rangers is Tommy Oliver, who has technically been two 6th Rangers alongside his other Ranger Powers.
• Both Lupin X and Patren X forms have variations in design in terms of which team of Rangers he works with.
  • Lupin X is modeled after a tuxedo, and does not contain a cape. He is the only Lupinranger whose top hat is in his color, but is not his visor.
  • Patren X is modeled after a trench coat, a common trope associated with detectives and some fictional police officers (eg. Koichi Zenigata of Lupin III). He is the only Patranger whose police hat is his color and not a part of his visor.
  • Both helmets contain a facsimile of the "hat" from the opposite form as the mouth plate. When he is driving the X Trains, he changes between his ranger forms by having his face "rotate" (i.e. the silver with gold mouth plate of Lupin X is rotated to the gold with silver mouth plate of Patren X as the suit follows) to suit the Train he is driving.
  • Ironically, the function of his forms work in the opposite way of the team he is with, camerawork and all.
    • As Lupin X he fights more defensively, even showing silver shockwaves where he is hit, plus normal camerawork, the Patranger’s style.
      • In fact, whenever someone would activate SirenStriker for him to activate its armor, Noël would always change to his LupinX form, signifying this form as even more of a Patranger’s style.
    • As Patren X he fights more offensively, his debut had him attack with gold shockwaves with tricky camera shots, the Lupinranger’s style.
  • The insignia for the Patrangers is an S (Gold), while the Lupinrangers' insignia is a V (Silver). This references the "VS" in the show's title and also fits the color designations of Patren X and Lupin X respectively.
• Noël joining both the Lupinrangers and Patrangers could be a reference to police officers doing undercover operations that infiltrate in criminal groups to gain information of their high-value targets, or as a mole for said criminal groups in an effort to keep them one step ahead of the law. 
  • French policemen have been romanticized in movies and television as being friendly with criminals or those in somewhat illegal activities (like Frank Martin and Inspector Tarconi of the Transporter movies). This might explain Noël's lax attitude with the Lupinrangers and his wish for the two Sentai teams to join forces and become one true Sentai.
• Noël is the first Lupinranger/Patranger to have a full roll call, instead of just simply stating his ranger designation.
  • This might be a throwback to Dekarangers, a previous police-themed Sentai, who all had detailed roll calls.
• Noël is the only Lupinranger/Patranger to have never be part of a fusion form.
  • He is also the only Patranger to have never been gender-swapped.
  • He is also the only Lupinranger to have never been turned into a child.
• X designates cross, befitting the role of Noël crossing over by teaming with either the Lupinrangers and the Patrangers. X also designates unknown number or variable, as he can be seen as a wild card due to his two-ranger status.
• Noël is similar to other 6th Rangers such as Mikoto Nakadai, Beet J. Stag, and Masato Jin in that he is the designated 6th Ranger of two teams even, but is not the 6th in actual Ranger number.
• Noël's phantom thief uniform is normally without a mask like the other Lupinrangers' uniforms, though he later gains a mask of his own in episode 26.
• Noël Takao's catchphrase "Now departing, full-speed ahead!" mirrors Right Suzuki's catchphrase.
• Noël being a thief with gold and silver colors is similar to Balance and Naga Ray of the previous series.
• His super form is similar to Gokai Silver's Gold Mode:
  • The armor is gold, while the form used is primarily silver.
    • His second super form would be opposite way.
  • The form is obtained from a transformation trinket that does not represent his base form or tied to the mecha assigned to him.
• Even though it has been stated that Noël is not human because his ancestor’s race originally exists in an other dimension, Noël looks like a regular Earthling human.
  • Kogure, who is of the same race as Noël, has some "stealth" and disguise abilities which normal people can't be able to do. However, he's still not that much different to normal Earthling humans (like the races of Stinger and Naga Ray from the previous series (Kyuranger) who also have some special abilities but are still considered human). Both Noël and Kogure can thus be considered human despite their own race.
• Similar to Parado from Kamen Rider Ex-Aid, Noel possess two primary forms despite the fact that both of them tends used one of the two forms more than the other form.  Ironically, their power-ups have motifs from their prior forms and do required additional support from the series' main transformation device, in which both of them lack the prerequisite human compositions to use those device.
  • However, for Parado, he manages to obtain human DNA to used the Gamer Driver, while Noel still needs help from his allies and possess two upgrade forms in which are armored versions of his two primary forms as opposed to Paradox's Perfect Knockout, in which is more of a fusion form that possess an entire new unique mold.

• Noël's tendency to inject French phrasing into his everyday Japanese is a callback to Enter from Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters, another season with a special mission-themed sentai, who would do the same thing. Both also have gold-colored forms (though not exclusively gold- Enter also had the Dark Buster form, and Noël has the Lupin X form,) though Enter was very obviously a villain while Noël's hero status is more complicated.

Appearances

• Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger
  • Number 20: The New Thief is a Policeman
  • Number 21: Foe or Friend, On Board or Not?
  • Number 22: Love in Life
  • Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger Transformation Lesson: Lupin X-Patren X Edition
  • Number 23: Status Gold
  • Number 24: Promise to Return Alive
  • Number 25: Make it the Strongest
  • Number 26: The Hidden Auction
  • Number 27: Dancing Afterwards
  • Number 28: More Fighting On My Birthday
  • Number 29: Photos to Remember
  • Number 30: The Two Are On a Trip
  • Number 31: The Gangler Who Surrendered
  • Number 32: A Request For A Duel
  • Number 33: We Are The Youth Thief Brigade
  • Number 34: Legendary Gun
  • Number 35: Good People, Bad People, Ordinary People
  • Number 36: Shoot the Bomb
  • Number 37: Your Place to Return
  • Number 38: Collection From Outer Space
  • Number 39: Bet on This
  • Number 40: I Can't Stop Worrying
  • Number 41: A Door to Another World
  • Number 42: Time of Battle
  • Number 43: The Man Who Returned
  • Number 44: The Truth Found
  • Number 45: Looking Forward to Christmas
  • Number 46: An Inescapable Game
  • Number 47: What I Can Do Now
  • Number 48: The Real Face Under The Mask
  • Number 49: As A Phantom Thief, As A Police Officer
  • Number 50: Forever Adieu
  • Number 51: I'm Sure I'll See You Again