Hello there,

Since we're fighting Kaito's nemesis I thought it would be fitting to include him and let me tell you, he performs a lot better than what he's been given credit for.

First of all, what do I mean by budget gear? In this instance it means 1 rainbow TMR per unit (their own) except WKN who has 2 (Christine's for up to 45% hp recovery from counters). The rest is mostly free and isn't necessarily time-limited.

Here is the clear (gear shown at the 28:21 mark) : https://youtu.be/dpnQHjo8RWw

My objective is two-fold:

• demonstrate that even with mostly free gear it's definitely manageable

• show that Kaito has no issue whatsoever to take on his nemesis (side note: Tsukiko can do it too, may take a bit longer though in my experience)

The core team:

• WKN: most tanks will do although it was very easy for him due to his insane provoke (50% phy/mag mitigation)

• Zargabaath: most buffers will do as long as all damage mitigation types are covered (WKN comes with his own buffs too!)

• Kryla: well she's kind of irreplaceable but many other breakers can do a decent job

• Friend Kaito: ideally built TDH with his TMR, LB boost, and max level LB. The one I used wasn't ideal (LB at lvl 8 only, difference between one-shotting the minions or not) however he had 100% fire immunity which made things easier (50% is enough with Kryla in the party, 30% with barfiraga or Dark Fina, etc)

In this clear Dark Fina and Noctis were "unit fodders" although they could be very useful. Their primary role was to neutralize the minions through various means (it could be anyone equipped with Rikku's pouch, Toxic Rain and other sources of status ailments)

The requirements:

• 100% fire resist after buffs (I personally opted for 100% before buffs so I wouldn't have to worry about it)

• 2 fodder units in charge of status ailments and fire damage (resistance if applicable). If you have time-limited gear like pod 153 or cowered courage it can always help (WKN, Galuf and Sieg don't need it but others might)

• any source of healing will do, stat buffs, all mitigation types (physical and general in priority), provoke (cover is optional but it allows the tank to take even less damage), an extra source of water imperil is welcome but not mandatory

The rotation:

• WKN rotates between provoke, cover and anything (LB, CD, utility)

• Zarg uses CD buffs mitig, then Dedication to the tank and whoever needs it, LB whenever it fills up (after turn 3), 30% mitig otherwise

• Kryla mainly on breaking duty and otherwise devotes her huge flexibility to the team: fire resist, fire damage, status ailments, imperils (up to 100% all), buff/debuff removal, her LB helps collecting a crazy ton of LB crysts. She doesn't have a set rotation, she just goes with the flow. Oh! Did I forget to mention that she can chain BS with Kaito while imperiling? She's a beast :)

• Kaito uses his CDs whenever available and cycles between active killers and various sources of DoTs. The main draw however is his LB which can easily one-shot the minions with good breaks (70%) and a proper build (TDH, LB boost)

• The fodder units try to fill in the gaps depending on your core team, no set rotations

As a side note, I first tried a 4-man team and despite a few deaths it was overall easier because Kaito's LB was up more often. Not to be underestimated.

Alternatively yours, Neptune