- "Time... can be a cruel mistress. In its relentless march forward, it robs each of us of many things. Moments, experiences, people. Time can take them all from us, in an instant. Such things are gone forever, unless they live on within our hearts, our minds, our memories. For all its cruelty, time can also be a great teacher. Through the changes left behind in its wake, we can learn, we can grow, we can come to understand those truths that have eluded us in the past. Only then can we truly understand ourselves."
- — Takeo Masaki
Takeo Masaki (Japanese: 正木 武雄 Masaki Takeo), also referred to as Primis Takeo, was a playable main character in the Zombies mode, as well as a major character in the Aether Story. He was introduced in the Call of Duty: Black Ops II map Origins as a younger alternate timeline counterpart of the original Takeo (who is retroactively referred to as Ultimis Takeo), and reappears in Call of Duty: Black Ops III, in The Giant, Der Eisendrache, Zetsubou No Shima (which also features Ultimis Takeo from a fractured timeline), Gorod Krovi, and Revelations.
Primis Takeo returns in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 and is playable in Blood of the Dead and Alpha Omega (the latter of which features Ultimis Takeo as an alternate playable character in place of Primis Takeo). Primis Takeo also briefly appears in the ending cinematic for Classified, and appears for the final time as a non-playable character in Tag der Toten.
Primis Takeo is unlockable as a playable character in the Blackout game mode. Primis Takeo is also a playable character in Call of Duty: Mobile, being introduced in Season 9: Conquest.
Biography[]
- "Captain Takeo Masaki comes from a noble family that has dutifully served the Emperor for decades. After the events of Der Eisendrache, Takeo's unwavering sense of loyalty will be tested as he fights alongside Tank, Nikolai, and Richtofen in their quest to secure a better tomorrow."
- — Takeo's bio for Call of Duty: Black Ops III.[1]
Getting sent to Europe[]
On October 6th, 1917, Captain Takeo Masaki of the Imperial Japanese Army was dispatched to France by the Emperor to gather intel on Group 935's weapon technology.
On March 2nd, 1918, learning that the Emperor wished to meet with him to discuss a "matter of great importance to our Nation," Takeo wrote that he felt a "growing sense of dread" in the wake of his recent dark, twisted dreams.
Freeing Samantha[]
On June 4th, 1918, Element 115 completely awakened the undead knights from The Great War and quickly consumed the camp. Takeo, along with American spy "Tank" Dempsey and Russian spy Nikolai Belinski unite with German scientist Edward Richtofen on the battlefield and help free a girl named Samantha from her imprisonment in Agartha. The four uniting marks the return of Primis from the original Great War, as the group were reincarnated versions of them. Samantha, who had been freed and sent to the House, then sent Primis to their next destination.
Convincing Ultimis Richtofen: Deceptio Fracture[]
Takeo, along with Dempsey and Nikolai, upon learning of Richtofen's multi-dimensional travels, attempt to stop him for fearing that he will disrupt the established continuity of the dimensions. After several dimension jumps and failed attempts, they arrive at the Original Timeline which has been slightly altered due to Richtofen's past actions of travelling through universes and killing his other selves, at the Der Riese facility on October 13th, 1945, just moments after Ultimis Richtofen trapped Maxis and Samantha in the teleporter with Fluffy. Takeo, Dempsey and Nikolai confront Ultimis Richtofen, telling him that there is a chain of events that must be carried out, and prompt him to awaken the original versions of themselves.
As the zombie horde approach them from outside, Richtofen ignored the three's warning and turns on the teleporter, only to find Primis Richtofen inside. Primis Richtofen then shot the Ultimis Richtofen in the head, killing him instantly. This triggered a fracturization across the original timeline. While the group expresses disappointment in Richtofen for tampering with history, he defends his action, believing that what he does will be to secure a better future. While the others fend off the zombies, Richtofen pretended to use the Summoning Key to acquire the original Richtofen's soul. Eventually, the four activate a beacon in the facility, allowing Maxis from another dimension to locate them.
Killing Ultimis Dempsey: Deceptio Fracture[]
After acquiring a Giant Robot from the Der Riese facility, the four pursue the scattered remains of Group 935 to Griffin Castle, codenamed "Eagle's Nest", on November 5th, 1945. The Germans had captured Ultimis Dempsey's cryo chamber from being experimented on by Ultimis Richtofen and planned to bring him to Griffin Station, with Primis close behind until a German soldier fires a Panzerschreck at the Giant Robot, disabling it before it could retrieve Ultimis Dempsey. After arriving at Griffin Castle, the young four watch as a rocket containing the Ultimis Dempsey launches to the Moon. After making radio contact with Dr. Groph, Ultimis Richtofen's second-in-command, Richtofen masquerades as his Ultimis, older self in order to fool Groph. However, Groph becomes suspicious of Richtofen's change of personality and announces him as an imposter. Using the Death Ray, the young four managed to bring the rocket containing the Ultimis Dempsey back to the castle, much to Groph's anger, who activated a failsafe so they couldn't touch the chamber.
Using the Vril Device obtained from the crash site, the young four awakened a ghost Keeper and help it return it to its physical form before it returns the favor and brings the M.P.D. from the Moon to the castle. However, the Keeper becomes corrupted, forcing the four to battle it, eventually defeating it. After defeating it, Groph expresses his extreme anger, vowing to destroy them and the castle itself. In order to tie up these loose ends, the four use the Summoning Key to launch several missiles towards the Moon, destroying it, ultimately destroying Griffin Station and killing any Group 935 scientist at the station, including Groph. After walking towards Ultimis Dempsey's cryo chamber, Richtofen activated the Summoning Key, forcing the others to levitate in the air.
Here, Richtofen's plan is revealed to the Takeo and the rest of the group. Richtofen planned to kill the Ultimis versions of themselves to be put in the Summoning Key like he supposedly did with his own at the Der Riese facility. Then, Dempsey himself sadly put his older self down. Richtofen then captured the Ultimis Dempsey's soul in the Key.
Killing Ultimis Takeo: Proditione Fracture[]
Takeo and the other three then travel to a different fractured timeline, to an island, arriving on a Japanese vessel heading for a Division 9 Facility on October 18th, 1945, before being caught and the Summoning key being taken away from him. A brief fight ensues with the Japanese soldiers with Richtofen burning one alive before he notices the Key rolling toward the ocean, luckily, Takeo had managed to barely catch the Key by his fingertips much to Richtofen's relief. The four then are forced to swim to a nearby island after the ship blows up. Later, Takeo witnessed his Ultimis self cured from being a Thrasher to collect his soul. After the Ultimis Takeo reveals to Takeo what Emperor's true intentions were, Takeo convinced his Ultimis self to go out with honor to secure a better future.
Stopping at Alcatraz[]
After the Ultimis Takeo honorably sacrificed himself for a better future, Richtofen then preserved his soul. Initially Dempsey suggested going after the Ultimis Nikolai but Richtofen said a "chain of events" must be set in motion. Realizing that he wants to save his three comrades from their eventual fate, Richtofen then takes them to Alcatraz on July 4th, 1941, where he meets his younger self and acquires the Victis blood samples.
Killing Ultimis Nikolai: Agonia Fracture[]
Primis then jump to another fractured timeline, in a war-torn Stalingrad on November 6th, 1945, to kill the Ultimis Nikolai Belinski and place his soul in the Summoning Key. Eventually the four are teleported out of the sky and parachute in front of Ultimis Nikolai's mech while he is distracted with vodka and listening to "The Ace of Spades" on his radio.
Upon seeing them the Ultimis Nikolai attempts to kill them until a dragon throws him into a building. Later, Takeo and the others make a temporary truce with the Ultimis Nikolai in order to kill the dragon. Afterward, Takeo and the other three demand Ultimis Nikolai to surrender to which he refuses and betrays them. After the Primis Nikolai kills his Ultimis self, Richtofen opens a portal in the sky with Maxis' help and lights a beacon from the Summoning Key which releases the Ultimis Takeo, Dempsey and Nikolai. After this, he says they will see Maxis soon.
Later, the mysterious voice contacts Takeo, Dempsey and Nikolai informing them that Richtofen can't hear him. He congratulates the crew on their progress of fixing the fracturing universe. However, he informs them that Richtofen had been searching for years for the correct versions of them to close off the dimensions, suggesting that the original timeline versions of the characters were the ones who determined the universe's disorder and fates of the incarnations of the alternate versions of the characters in other universes, who have all been erased due to the originals being killed off. He also tells them to not trust Richtofen and that's he's been in "The House" for "ages". Finally, the voice introduces himself as Doctor Monty, claiming it's so nice to see the characters.
Return to the house and the final battle[]
Soon after the events of Gorod Krovi, Nikolai along with the rest of the Primis crew finally arrive at the house. There Richtofen reunites with Maxis, the two then destroy the MTD to ensure the house would remain safe. Letting his guard down Richtofen leaves the Soul key on a table unaware of who was trapped within. The voice inside calls out to Maxis and influences him due to his lack of soul making him easy to control. Maxis opens the Soul key releasing the Shadowman inside, exploring his new surroundings, he opens a portal to Agartha and unleashes an Apothicon invasion. Doctor Monty enlists the help of the Primis crew to defeat the Shadowman and save his perfect world from destruction.
With the help of Maxis and S.O.P.H.I.A, Primis manages to kill the Shadowman and banish the Apothicons to places unknown. As the world returns to normal Monty becomes concerned as Primis remains in front of him. Noticing the empty blood vials he becomes angered claiming that they are putting his realm at risk. Initially he decides to simply wipe them from existence but decides to instead send them somewhere else. The 4 then end up in the year 1299, in northern France just as the Great war comes to an end causing the cycle to continue.
Breaking the cycle[]
In a new iteration of the cycle, Primis enters the pocket dimension of Alcatraz to pick up the blood vials. Ending up far from their intended target, the group enters the underground lab and find another Richtofen. He gives the vials to the group and instructs Richtofen to re-read the Kronorium. Richtofen scans through pages exclaiming that pages have changed and that his blood is needed. He becomes enraged and throws the Kronorium before hearing a horde of zombies. The group then makes their escape but before entering the portal Brutus destroys it trapping the group within the twisted version of Alctraz.
Beside a mysterious machine known as the Dark Mechanism, The Primis crew battle against Brutus, Whom is being resurrected time and time again. Richtofen realized what the Kronorium meant and that the machine was intended to draw his blood, and stepped inside, sacrificing himself to free the others.
With Brutus finally unable to resurrect, the rest of Primis is joined by a post-Revelations Richtofen, who informed them that the future had changed, and that Nikolai had to keep his soul to defeat Doctor Monty. The future Richtofen explained that the cycle was broken, and that he wished he could say he was sorry to his younger self. Taking the Soul key the future Richtofen handed Nikolai the Kronorium telling him he would need to read it to defeat Monty. The remainder of the Primis members and the original Dimension 63 Richtofen, leaving the new Richtofen alone and scared, the machine continuing to drain his blood.
Recruiting his Ultimis self[]
In order to prepare for the coming battle; Primis makes a stop at Groom Lake to gain some allies. Within Hanger 4 the Ultimis crew were being held seemingly after the events of Moon, With Richtofen also retaining his body. As Ultimis Nikolai expresses glee at being able to drink uninterrupted, Primis Nikolai emerged from a portal asking his alternate self if drowning his sorrows in vodka is the best choice. The Primis crew rallies their alternate selves and recruit them to fight in the coming battle. As the they each face their alternate selves Ultimis Dempsey asks Primis Nikolai "What kind of war?" to which he replies "A war unlike any other that you have seen. A Great war."
Journey to Camp Edward[]
Led by Nikolai, both versions of Takeo (as well as the rest of Primis and Ultimis) arrive at the Camp Edward facility in Nevada to gain access to the Elemental Shard. With the assistance of Rushmore, Primis & Ultimis defeat the former director of the facility, Cornelius Pernell, who has since become the "Avogadro" and gain access to the Elemental Shard. Soon after, the group is reunited with Samantha and Eddie, who have been teleported from the House to Camp Edward.
The End[]
Soon after, Primis and Ultimis arrive at a forest, where they proceed to celebrate over a campfire. Both versions of Takeo participate in the celebration before they are eventually poisoned by Nikolai.
Letters[]
Takeo's first letter.
- "October 6 - 1917
The Emperor grows concerned that the barbarians drive for mechanization may soon yield weapons more devastating than anything the world has ever known.
I am honored to act as his trusted agent and will ensure that any such weapons are secured for the benefit of Japan..." - — Takeo Masaki
Takeo's second letter.
- "March 2 - 1918
My leadership & victory at the battle of Mukden has been brought to the attention of the Emperor himself. I have been instructed to meet with him on a matter of great importance to our Nation.
Perhaps the Emperor recognizes the continued importance of the Samurai traditions, even in these times of great cultural change...
Though I cannot explain why, every step I take towards my target brings with it a grieving sense of dread.
I am haunted by twisted dreams that seem to grow increasingly vivid with each passing night. Perhaps the spirits of my ancestors seek to warn me of a dark, uncertain future..." - — Takeo Masaki
- "It has been several months since I last received orders from you, and I cannot help but say that I am at my wits end. Since I landed on the island, I, your foolish servant, have continued my inspection and recording of Division 9's activities. However, despite being directly dispatched by you, they regard my work with suspicious eyes. As such, I have been barred from, and forbidden access to, almost all research areas. The situations continues to worsen. The installation commander ordered me to hand over my weapons for the duration of my stay. If he hadn't shown me the relevant papers ordering me to comply to maintain security, marked with your signature and seal, I would no doubt have objected. I have never raised any doubts whatsoever concerning your judgement Sir, but I am concerned that these circumstances may prove a great hindrance to my mission. I understand how important the alliance is for our righteous cause and final victory, but the influence of the German operating force "Group 935" has become increasingly worrisome. Over the last few months, the number of officers they have here has increased; I cannot help but think that it is they who are propelling the plan. Judging by what I have seen, the research done by Division 9 has been far beyond acceptable. In fact, their aberrational methods of weapons research can only be described as "abnormal". Not only do they use prisoners of war for living-body tests, but they have also been trying to control the supernatural powers of Element 115. I therefore think that if we permit them to continue their work, dark clouds may soon loom over our great country. I, your foolish servant, will continue to watch them, and will report to you whenever possible. If the idea so pleases you, I think it is necessary that you intervene directly in order to for us to better understand the aim of Division 9's research, and make clear the ramifications of their plans. I hope you receive this message. Your humble servant, Takeo Masaki."
- — Takeo Masaki
Personality[]
- Primis Takeo: "I am sorry, but I bring bad news of the Emperor. He is not as honorable as you believe."
- Ultimis Takeo: "This is not possible! The Emperor IS honorable! And righteous! How dare you speak of him this way?"
- — Conversation between Ultimis and Primis Takeo in Blackout
In the Dimension 63 timeline, Takeo's personality remained largely unchanged compared to his Ultimis counterpart, but his beliefs in honor and discipline were stronger, as he has not yet been heavily exposed to the schizophrenic, and largely dishonourable, Richtofen, unlike his original counterpart. He came from a noble family who is close to the Emperor's household. He didn't trust his comrades and believed that their failures bring great dishonor and shame to their ancestors, but he respected them if they fight well, and tolerated Richtofen, considering he does not have much combat experience. He believed that the machines used by the Germans were abominations and must be destroyed. When Samantha is heard talking, he remained suspicious of her but will continue to help her escape from Agartha nonetheless.
After becoming aware of the future events of a timeline different from their own, he and the others have grown to trust each other and decided to work together to aid Richtofen in his plan. He expresses the same feeling of changing the future alongside Tank and Nikolai, but when the future was erased by Richtofen when he killed his future self, he changed his opinion and agreed to continue fighting for a better tomorrow, even though he doesn't speak much of it. However, in late rounds of The Giant and Der Eisendrache, Takeo talks about honor more and his loyalty to the emperor of Japan and if playing on co-op he starts distinguishing himself from the others; this is due to exposure to element 115, thus, resulting in his original personality mixing with his younger version. However, by the end of Zetsubou No Shima, Takeo regains his normal mindset and did not speak of the treacherous Emperor once more and gained high respect for Richtofen.
Call of Duty: Mobile[]
Primis Takeo appears in Call of Duty: Mobile and was added during Season 9: Conquest as part of "Crossed Swords Crate".
Later, in the Season 13 Wint3r War, Takeo makes a brief appearance in the Comics, where he, Primis Richtofen and Primis Nikolai precede over Primis Dempsey's funeral.
Appearances[]
Appears in ending cutscene
Both Primis and Ultimis versions playable
Appears in opening and ending cutscenes, also heard in-game
Gallery[]
Call of Duty: Black Ops II[]
Call of Duty: Black Ops III[]
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4[]
Call of Duty: Mobile[]
Videos[]
Trivia[]
- Like his Ultimis counterpart, Primis Takeo prefers drinking Quick Revive.
- Primis Takeo remains suspicious of Richtofen, but appears to form a friendship after the events of Zetsubou No Shima.
- Unlike their Ultimis counterparts, Primis Takeo and Nikolai do not appear to harbor any animosity for each other, even being amicable towards each other such as when Takeo comforts Nikolai at the end of Gorod Krovi.
- Also unlike their Ultimis counterparts, Primis Takeo and Dempsey appear to have a friendship.
- Upon the completion of Seeds of Doubt, two blood vials will be added to Takeo's model, hanging on the side of Takeo's backpack.
References[]
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