As Zodiac and Himitsu prepare for their journey to the Nasmeric Festival, Gram is vocally expressing his frustration at Daru.
Gram: (Angrily) Ahh, you idiot!
Daru: What?
Gram: WHAT?! What do you mean? Look around, Daru!
Daru glances around and observes countless people smiling and enjoying themselves, realizing that Nasmeric is indeed a beautiful place.
Daru: I know, isn't it beautiful?
Gram: I cannot believe this! I cannot believe you! (shakes his head)
Daru: Gram, calm down. We're going to be fine. I just want to engage in some fights and gauge their strength.
Gram: (Hand on his head) Daru, did you even consider whether I wanted to be here?
Daru: Yes and no.
Gram: Yes and no?!?
Daru: Well, Gram, you did say you'd be "forever in my debt."
Gram: (Laughs angrily) Oh man, I want to punch you right now.
Daru laughs and walks away.
Gram: Hey! I'm not finished talking to you; come back here!
Gram yells at Daru as they explore the festival. They wander through the event, trying out various games (10 in total), with Gram winning most of them and gloating over Daru. Then, Daru spots a strength test game and wins, returning the taunt to Gram. As time passes, they decide to find something to eat and relax.
Daru: (Laughs) See? I told you it would be fun!
Gram: (Laughs) Yeah, I guess you're right. It is pretty fun here.
Daru: Well, I didn't come here to play games; I came here to fight!
Gram: Oh right.
Daru: I just need to locate where it is.
He stands up from the table and begins searching for the fighting arena.
Gram: Hey! Are you just going to keep leaving?
Gram gets up, takes his food, and follows Daru while eating. After searching for five minutes, they come across a large crowd and approach to witness people fighting each other.
Gram: Well, we found it.
Daru: (Laughs) Let the fighting begin!
Daru is about to sign up for the fighting festival. Meanwhile, Zenshi wakes up from her nap.
Zenshi: (Yawns widely) Oh, that was a refreshing nap.
Zenshi rises from her bed, freshens up in the bathroom, and proceeds to the kitchen to prepare a sandwich and some tea. After a few minutes, she sets the table and sits down to enjoy her meal.
Zenshi: The table is set, and the food is ready. Excellent.
She brings her meal to the table, places it down, and takes a seat. As she settles in, she notices her father is not in his room.
Zenshi: Hmm… I wonder where he is. Anyway, let's eat.
Zenshi picks up her sandwich and takes a bite.
Zenshi: Mhmm.
She lifts her cup of tea to take a sip. Just as she is about to drink, Rito bursts in, causing the floor to shake and Zenshi to spill her tea.
Rito: ZENSHI!
Zenshi slowly turns to Rito, her expression reflecting annoyance.
Zenshi: I'm going to ask you once! What do you want!?
Rito: Da-Daru's gone.
Zenshi's concern deepens.
Zenshi: What? What do you mean he's gone?
Rito: He's gone; he's searching for Cinta.
Zenshi: What? But Cinta is—
Rito: I know! But we have to find him before he gets seriously hurt.
Zenshi nods, and she and Rito leave the house in search of Daru.
Zenshi: Where do you think he could have gone?
Rito: I'm not sure.
Zenshi notices Rito's worried expression.
Zenshi: (To herself) That's the same look he had when he lost Cinta.
As Zenshi and Rito separate to search all eight villages, they find no sign of Daru.
Zenshi: I didn't see anything; did you?
Rito: Nothing.
Then, Rito recalls someone who might assist them.
Rito: Come with me. I think I know someone who can help.
Zenshi: Oh… okay.
Rito and Zenshi walk to a house—Gram's residence. Rito knocks on the door, but there is no response.
Rito: Hello?!
Zenshi: Isn't this Gram's house?
Rito: Yes, it is.
Rito knocks again but receives no answer. Frustrated, he grabs the door handle and pulls, inadvertently removing the entire door as he and Zenshi enter.
Zenshi: Whoa.
Rito: Gram? Gram?!
The house is cold and empty, with no response.
Zenshi: This place is so deserted. Did he move?
Rito: I don't know. Where could he have gone?
They exit the house.
Zenshi: Let's return to my place and discuss this.
Rito: (Sighs) Alright.
As they walk back, they hear a voice.
Hinoka: (Laughs) Hey, Rito.
Chills run down Rito's spine as he recognizes the voice. He and Zenshi turn to see a girl in red armor emblazoned with a Natharain symbol.
Rito: Hinoka.
Zenshi: Wait, you know her?
Rito: Yes.
Hinoka: Long time no see.
Hinoka approaches them.
Rito: What do you want, Hinoka? How did you find me?
Hinoka: I have friends who know people.
Zenshi: Whatever business you have with Rito can wait.
Hinoka: Oh, who's this?
Hinoka suddenly vanishes in front of Zenshi, playfully touching her hair and body.
Hinoka: Hmm… You have lovely hair and a nice figure. (Laughs)
Zenshi: Stop touching me!
Rito lunges to punch Hinoka, but she jumps back, dodging the blow.
Hinoka: Oh… Rito is still as slow as ever. (Laughs)
Rito: Touch her again, and I'll kill you.
Hinoka: Aww… you moved on quickly.
Zenshi: Rito, what is she talking about?
Rito: I'll explain later.
Shimasu: Enjoying yourself, Hinoka?
Rito and Zenshi look up to see Shimasu jumping off Gram's house and landing beside Hinoka.
Hinoka: Hmm… Akuma sent you too, did he?
Shimasu: (Smirks) Yes, he wanted me to watch your back.
Hinoka: Hmm… he doesn't trust me.
Rito: I heard you mention Akuma; where is he?
Hinoka: I'll make you a deal. If you can defeat me in a two-on-one match, I will tell you.
Shimasu: This should be entertaining.
Rito glances at Zenshi.
Rito: Stand back.
Zenshi: Wait, you're going to fight both of them? At the same time?
Rito: I'll be fine.
He removes his coat and hands it to Zenshi to hold as she watches from the side. Rito, Shimasu, and Hinoka take their fighting stances.
Hinoka: Ready? Here we come!
Hinoka vanishes as Shimasu charges at Rito at full speed. When Shimasu reaches Rito, they engage in hand-to-hand combat, with Rito employing kickboxing techniques.
Shimasu: Come on! Rito, let's see how strong you really are.
Zenshi: (Nervously) Please be careful, Rito.
Shimasu activates his strength ability, delivering more powerful punches. Rito stands firm as Hinoka suddenly appears behind him, aiming a kick. Rito swiftly grabs Shimasu's hands and propels him toward Hinoka. As Hinoka leaps over Shimasu, he lands face-first on the ground. In mid-air, Hinoka launches a dark purple energy ball at Rito. Rito punches through it and seizes Hinoka by the throat. Shimasu rises and punches the ground, causing it to tremble as Rito releases Hinoka. In retaliation, Hinoka performs a backflip kick, striking Rito in the face.
Hinoka: How did that feel?
Rito: (To himself) These guys are strong.
Shimasu then sprints toward Rito, throwing punches that Rito deftly dodges. Rito counters by throwing Shimasu away and delivering a kick to his face, sending him flying. Hinoka vanishes once more, attempting a sneak attack on Rito. Rito closes his eyes, and when Hinoka reappears, he opens them and captures her, swinging her into Shimasu.
Zenshi: Impressive, Rito.
Rito: I have won. Now, please explain your purpose here and the whereabouts of Akuma.
Furious, Shimasu unleashes a blast toward Zenshi.
Zenshi: (Covering her face) Ahh!!
Zenshi braces herself, but Rito steps in front of her, blocking the attack.
Rito: Do that again, and you die.
Shimasu: Enough of this.
Shimasu begins to summon a massive dark purple blast above his head.
Hinoka: What are you doing? Are you out of your mind? That will obliterate the entire village!
Shimasu: (Glaring at Hinoka) I DON'T CARE! (Turning to Rito and Zenshi) DO YOU BELIEVE YOU CAN DEFEAT ME? TAKE THIS!!
Hinoka retreats to Natharis, drawing a line in the air to open a portal before jumping into it. Shimasu then hurls the blast at Rito and Zenshi, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that devastates the entire village. The scene shifts to Zodiac and Himitsu arriving at Nasmeric, on the opposite side from where Daru and Gram are located.
Himitsu: Dammit, Zodek! Why did he push us in without telling us?
Zodiac: Does that really matter now?
Himitsu: Yes, it does, Zodiac! He didn't even allow us to consider our options before making a decision.
Zodiac: What's done is done, and we cannot change that.
They begin to survey their surroundings, observing many people, markets, games, and more.
Himitsu: This place is beautiful; I wonder what kind of world we have entered.
Zodiac: Definitely not the location we were in before. It seems that D Jumper was not deceiving us after all.
Himitsu: You're correct. And just look at the attire of those around us!
The individuals nearby are dressed in kimonos or casual clothing.
Himitsu: But returning to the matter at hand, what is our primary objective here?
Zodiac: Is something bothering you? We are here to attend the fighting festival.
Himitsu: Oh right, my apologies. I just wish Zodek could have joined us. (Face sad)
Zodiac: That's likely why he urged us to come in before we had a chance to reconsider. Let's focus on finding this fighting event for now.
Zodiac begins to walk through the festival as Himitsu hurries to catch up.
Himitsu: Wait for me!
As Zodiac walks, he suddenly hears a voice in his head calling his name.
???: Zodiac.
Zodiac pauses, looking around.
Zodiac: What the—did you just say my name, Himitsu?
Himitsu appears confused.
Himitsu: Hmm? I'm not sure what you mean.
Zodiac hears the voice again, turning his head back and forth rapidly.
???: Zodiac, Zodiac.
Zodiac: Who the hell is calling my name?
Himitsu: Someone is calling you? Zodiac, are you okay?
A few seconds pass, and he no longer hears the voice.
Himitsu: Hello, planet to Zodiac.
Zodiac snaps out of it.
Zodiac: Huh?
Himitsu: I asked if you're alright. You're acting a bit strange.
Zodiac: It's nothing; don't concern yourself with it. Let's continue walking.
Himitsu: Uhhh, okay then…
As they stroll through the festival, Himitsu spots some delectable food being sold. He begins to salivate at the sight of sukiyaki.
Himitsu: Zodiac, I'm not sure what that dish is, but we absolutely have to try it!
Zodiac turns back to Himitsu.
Zodiac: No, we need to locate the fighting festival.
Himitsu: But Zodiac, I'm hungry!
Zodiac: Are you serious? Do you think we have any money for food? Use your head for once.
Himitsu looks disappointed.
Himitsu: That's true. So, what are we going to eat?
Zodiac: Just consume the leftover boar meat we hunted earlier. That should be more than sufficient.
Himitsu: Fine, let me retrieve my bag.
After a few minutes, they still cannot find the fighting festival.
Himitsu: Where is this event? I'll go ask someone for directions.
Zodiac: Be my guest. (Crosses arms)
Himitsu approaches a man sitting on a bench, eating.
Himitsu: Excuse me, I apologize for interrupting, but do you know where the fighting festival is located?
Man: Ah, you youngsters are here for the event?
Himitsu: Yes, my companion and I are new here, and we would appreciate directions.
The man whispers to himself.
Man: Fools.
Himitsu: Excuse me, sir?
Man: Oh, it's nothing. The festival is just over there. (points)
The man directs them toward the fighting arena, a few blocks away.
Himitsu: Thank you very much, sir. We will be on our way!
Himitsu runs back to Zodiac, informing him of the location as they prepare to depart. The man chuckles to himself.
Man: I swear, this becomes easier every year.
A few minutes later, they arrive at the fighting festival, which features a massive arena. They look around, observing people sparring and signing up.
Himitsu: We are finally here for the main event, Zodiac.
Zodiac: Yes, this should be interesting.
Meanwhile, Crumpy makes his way back to the underground base, traversing the winding valley. As he approaches the forest, he glances toward the small town.
Crumpy: I suppose I can say hello.
Crumpy turns around and heads to the town to investigate. Upon arrival, he notices very few residents—approximately 15 to 20 individuals. He walks around, observing the area, and spots Cindy engaged in conversation with some locals. She notices Crumpy and approaches him.
Cindy: Hello again. Have you come to visit already?
Crumpy: I suppose so, but I am the only one here.
She looks behind him, not seeing Zodiac or Himitsu.
Cindy: Really? Where are they?
Crumpy crosses his arms, getting straight to the point.
Crumpy: They are currently in a different dimension.
Cindy: What? What do you mean they're in a different dimension?
Crumpy: It's difficult to explain. Let's just say they are on a mission.
Cindy: A mission, you say? Why aren't you with them?
Crumpy: Because it is a mission that only they can undertake together.
Cindy's expression turns slightly somber.
Cindy: I wish I could have seen them again. By the way, what is your name?
Crumpy: You may call me Zodek.
Cindy: Zodek it is then. (smiling)
A few seconds pass as they hear a portal opening at the entrance of the town.
Cindy: Zodek, look behind you!
Crumpy turns around and sees the portal. People begin to emerge, revealing Nitharian soldiers. Crumpy's eyes widen.
Crumpy: (thinking) Nitharians!? What are they doing here!?
All the soldiers kneel, and the last person to emerge is Akuma, who approaches the group, instilling a sense of unease among them.
Person 1: Who are these people?!
Person 2: Wait, those are the same people who destroyed Leorea years ago!
Cindy: Oh no, it's them again!
Akuma: What a charming little town you have here. Would you care to welcome me as a guest?
The crowd remains silent, visibly frightened.
Akuma: Well, that's no way to greet a guest. I find that rather discourteous.
One of the townspeople, a blacksmith, steps forward and raises his voice.
Blacksmith: W-well, what do you want from us?!
Akuma turns to the blacksmith, smiling.
Akuma: It seems someone has the courage to speak up. Now, come here.
The blacksmith approaches Akuma slowly, trembling. One of Akuma's soldiers seizes him by the arm and drags him forward.
Akuma: I came here because I received reports that you are survivors of the kingdom known as Leorea. I have one question, and I expect a clear answer: Have any Zatarian children with unusual tattoos been seen in this area?
Crumpy starts to sweat.
Crumpy: (muttering to himself) Zatarian children? A tattoo? They must be the ones seeking Zodiac! But it's not just Zodiac; there's another child they are after as well.
Blacksmith: I-I don't know what you're referring to!
Akuma sighs.
Akuma: Then you're worthless to me.
He strikes the blacksmith, creating a hole in his face, causing the body to collapse as everyone screams.
Akuma: Next.
A soldier seizes another individual and brings them forward.
Akuma: Have you seen a Zatarian child with a peculiar tattoo or flickering hair?
Person 3: N-no, I haven't.
Akuma: Pathetic.
He places one hand on the person's head, pressing down hard enough to force their head into their stomach, killing them instantly.
Akuma: Bring me the next person.
The soldier continues to bring more people, but Akuma repeatedly asks the same question without obtaining any leads on Zodiac or Daru. Cindy drops to the ground in tears.
Cindy: He's going to kill us all! Please, Zodek, you must assist us!
Crumpy stands frozen in fear, unsure of how to respond.
Akuma: How difficult can it be to recall a Zatarian child? Am I going to have to eliminate all of you?
Cindy: What is he referring to? A Zatarian with a tattoo?
She recalls the neck tattoo she had seen on Zodiac in the forest.
Cindy: (To herself) Is it possible that he is referring to the boy named Zodiac?
She stood up and approached Akuma quickly.
Crumpy: Wait, what are you doing!?
Akuma: Ah, it appears we have another volunteer. Are you aware of the whereabouts of these children?
Cindy: I believe I may have encountered one of them recently.