As time progressed, everyone continued their training, focusing on their individual weaknesses. Daru was still moving the boulder, Ohma was refining his fighting techniques without his nunchucks, Kono was learning Tai Chi, Akira was concentrating on calming his mind while sparring with Haruka, Himitsu was striving to master his new sword, Gram was casting spells on a rock, and Zodiac was meditating to control his energy in his room.
Zodiac: Tch! This is so annoying! I can't focus!
Zodiac gets up and storms out of the room, slamming the door as Rito notices him.
Rito: Whoa… What's up with you? Mr. Grumpy Pants?
Zodiac: Shut it! This meditation stuff is frustrating. I can't concentrate!
Rito bursts into laughter.
Zodiac: Huh? What's so funny!?
Rito: I'm entertained by your belief that you'll master it in just a few days. It will require much more than that to control your energy. As a Zatarain, you possess significantly more energy than most, and you need to leverage that to your advantage.
Zodiac: It's absurd that I can't tap into it yet, even though I have this much power, as you say.
Rito: Yeah, I'm surprised you can even access it, but I guess it just takes training.
Zodiac: I know you've said that already. I'm going to train now.
Rito: Alright, see you down there in a few minutes.
Zodiac: Let me guess, you're off to grab more beer.
Rito: (Winks) You got it!
Zodiac: Whatever…
Zodiac heads down to the battleground to begin his physical training.
Daru: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8!
Rito: (Opens a can of beer) You're really going at it.
Daru looks up, notices Rito, and stands.
Daru: What's going on, Rito?
Rito: Oh, nothing, just checking in.
Daru: I see.
Rito: But I have a question.
Daru: Yeah? What is it?
Rito: Those black veins you had earlier—how did you achieve that?
Daru: Black veins? What black veins?
Rito: You didn't see them?
Daru: No, I didn't see anything. But I did feel a surge of power.
Rito: Hmm… So you really didn't see it?
Daru: No, I didn't.
Rito: Interesting.
Daru: But something strange did happen.
Rito: I'm listening.
Daru: When I gained that power, it felt like I was experiencing everyone's pain on the battlefield.
Rito: Good, that's am—
Daru: But that wasn't all.
Rito: Huh? You felt something else?
Daru: Yeah, I felt sadness.
Rito: Sadness?
Daru: Yeah, everyone's sadness… I could sense why they were sad and what had happened to them.
Rito: Wow… Your power is more intense than I thought.
Daru: What are you talking about?
Rito: It appears you can draw upon more than just pain; you can tap into sadness and utilize other people's emotions to enhance your power.
Daru: Is that even possible?
Rito: (Chuckles) Well, you did it, so I guess it is.
Daru: But it felt so dark in there. For a few seconds while I was fighting you, it was as if my body was sinking into the pain and sadness.
Rito: Hmm… Well, it's over now, so you don't have to worry about it anymore.
Daru: Yes, I suppose you're right.
Rito: (Laughs) When am I ever wrong?
Daru makes a face.
Rito: What?
Daru: Nothing… Anyway, I'm curious: how did you meet Haruka?
Rito: Haruka? Well… she was washed ashore on our beach.
Daru: The beach?
Rito: Yes, the beach.
Rito: A guard approached me and informed me that there was a girl on the beach. So I went to investigate, and upon my arrival, I found a crowd gathered around her. She was covered in blood and severely beaten, and no one was willing to assist her.
Daru: She was beaten up?
Rito: Yes. When I approached the girl and turned her over, I was relieved to find she was alive and breathing. She opened her eyes, and introduced herself as Haruka. I was taken aback that this was the first thing she said. I instructed the monks to escort her to the castle and ensure her comfort. She remained unconscious for seven days. When she finally awoke, the monks notified me, and I went to see her. During our conversation, she mentioned that she could not recall the exact events but spoke of being involved in a war in another dimension. They were facing significant losses and had to retreat. Her brother urged her to leave, wanting her to survive. He provided her with a crystal, opened a portal, pushed her through, and cast her into the ocean. She lost consciousness and drifted all the way here, ending up on our beach. Following that, I began training her, teaching her how to fight so that the next time she finds herself in a war, she can do more than just survive; she can save her brother and others, although she believes they're all dead.
Daru: Wow, so her brother made her leave so she could survive. He sounds like a real hero.
Rito: Indeed, he does. However, she is now with us, and she has been here for approximately three months.
Daru: So she's been here for a while. I'm glad she's in a better place now, turning all that pain into strength.
Rito: It's a great sign. Anyway, I've finished my beer. I gotta head back now, but keep up the training, okay?
Daru: Yeah, yeah, go get your beer.
Rito: (Laughs and ruffles Daru's hair) I really missed you, kid.
Daru: (Smirks) Me too… Now can you stop messing with my hair?
Rito: Alright, get to it, kid.
Daru: Will do.
Rito walks off toward the castle. He notices Ohma training and enhancing his fighting skills without his nunchucks.
Ohma: (Punch) AHHH! (Punch) Ahhh! (Block) Ahhh!
Rito: Looking good, Ohma.
Ohma: Oh, Rito! I didn't see you there. How are you today?
Rito: I'm doing just fine. Ohma, your training looks much better than last time.
Ohma: Really? Are you serious!?
Rito: (Laughs) Yes, I'm serious. Keep up the good work.
Ohma: Thank you! I also wanted to thank you again for the underwear you gave me.
Rito: (Makes a face) You're welcome, Ohma… don't mention it… seriously, just don't.
Ohma: (Smiles) Do they come in gold?
Rito: Ohma, just focus on your training.
Ohma: Right! Oh, wait, one more question.
Rito: (Sighs) Yes, Ohma, what is it?
Ohma: When can I get my weapons back?
Rito: Keep working hard like this, and you'll have them in no time.
Ohma: Okay!
Ohma resumes training and notices Himitsu on the ground, appearing fatigued.
Rito: You alright there, buddy?
Himitsu: (Out of breath) Yes, I'm okay, just a bit tired.
Rito glances at Himitsu's hand, which is cut in five places.
Rito: You cut yourself five times! Himitsu, you need to be careful with that weapon! You're still human, and using it too much will take a toll on you.
Himitsu: Yeah, I'm realizing that now (laughs). Ouch… it hurts to laugh.
Rito assists Himitsu in getting up.
Rito: You should rest a bit, alright? Don't push yourself too hard, even though I keep telling you to.
Himitsu: I won't, don't worry, Rito. You sound like my master.
Rito: Oh, do I now?
Himitsu: Yeah, Mizuda was so caring and gentle… sometimes.
Rito's expression shifts upon hearing her name.
Rito: Mizuda… hmm.
Himitsu: Huh? Do you know Master Mizuda?
Rito: Yes… I've heard of her.
Himitsu: That's so cool! Did you fight together or something?
Rito: Yeah… kinda. Anyway, kid, head up to the castle and rest. You ask too many questions.
Himitsu: Sorry, I'm just curious, but I'll head up to the castle and rest a bit.
Rito: Good.
A few minutes later, Zenshi is preparing lunch and starts humming a song. As she does, Akira comes out of the bathroom and heads downstairs. She recognizes the melody and is transported back to a memory of a little girl humming the same tune. Akira squeezes the stuffed animal at her waist. Zenshi turns and sees Akira.
Zenshi: Oh, Akira, I didn't see you there.
Akira: Yeah… whatever. Where did you learn that song?
Zenshi: Huh? Song?
Akira: The one you were just humming!
Zenshi: (Smiles) Oh, that one! My mother used to sing it to me when I wouldn't go to bed or when I cried. She sang it so often that I hum it all the time now. Do you know it too?
Akira: No, not really… Someone I knew used to sing it.
Zenshi: Aww, where are they now?
Akira responds with visible frustration.
Akira: It's none of your business!
Zenshi: Uhh.
Akira storms downstairs, heading back to the battlegrounds.
Zenshi: I guess that person was really important to her.
Akira clutches her stuffed animal tightly.
Akira: I will find that bastard; don't you worry.
The scene transitions to Zodiac practicing on the Wing Chun dummy, struggling with his hand movements.
Zodiac: (Annoyed) Why do I have to do this?
After a moment, Haruka approaches him with a smile.
Haruka: Hey there, Zodiac.
Zodiac pauses his training and turns around.
Zodiac: Hmm? What do you want?
Haruka: Whoa, you don't have to be rude. I just want to chat.
Zodiac: Chat about what? Can't you see I'm training?
Haruka: I see that, and I just wanted to say you're doing a good job.
Zodiac: (Sarcastically) Oh, really?
Haruka: Yeah. I've watched you train from time to time. You're definitely as strong as you look. Where did you come from before here and Sampostis?
Zodiac: (Arms crossed) Why should I tell you?
Haruka: Come on, you don't have to act shy.
As Zodiac and Haruka converse, Akira walks through the battleground, searching for Haruka.
Akira: Where is that dumb chick?
As Akira moves, she spots Haruka speaking with Zodiac.
Akira: (Confused) What? Why is she talking to Zodiac?
Akira discreetly approaches, hiding behind a boulder.
Haruka: So, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Zodiac: Nothing. Just train.
Haruka: What? There's got to be something you enjoy besides that.
Zodiac: That's what I do. If you'll excuse me, I have work to do.
As Zodiac turns away, Haruka notices his neck tattoo and is taken aback.
Haruka: Wait, what's that on your neck? Is that a tattoo?
Zodiac: And if it is?
Haruka: It looks cool! Mind if I take a closer look?
Zodiac: No.
Haruka: Please! I just want to see it up close; that's all.
Zodiac: (Annoyed) Gosh, you're so persistent. Just take a look and then leave me alone.
Haruka: (Smiling) Thank you!
Haruka approaches Zodiac as he turns his head to reveal the tattoo.
Haruka: Wow! What a cool tattoo! When did you get this?
Zodiac: I don't know, and I don't care.
Haruka: Huh? That doesn't make sense. Did someone else do it, or is it a special tattoo?
Zodiac remains silent and resumes training on the dummy.
Haruka: Fair enough. It was good talking to you. Hopefully, we can get to know each other better. See ya.
Haruka walks away from Zodiac, waving farewell. After a brief moment, Akira emerges from behind the boulder and approaches Zodiac.
Akira: Hey!
Zodiac halts training and exhales deeply.
Zodiac: It's just one person after another.
Zodiac turns to face Akira.
Zodiac: What do you want?
Akira: What were you and Haruka talking about?
Zodiac: What? Why do you care?
Akira: Just tell me and stop evading the question!
Zodiac: Do you really need to yell?
Akira: I will if you don't tell me!
Zodiac: (Shaking his head) She was trying to get to know me. She asked where I came from, what I like to do in my spare time, and other pointless questions. Were you spying on us the whole time?
Akira: Yes, because I don't trust her.
Zodiac: And why is that?
Akira: She gives off bad energy, like she's hiding something.
Zodiac: Hm. Well, I don't trust anyone but myself, so I wouldn't know.
Akira: I see that. Did she ask you any other questions?
Zodiac: Not really, other than wanting to see my neck tattoo.
Akira: She saw your tattoo?
Zodiac: Yes, and she wouldn't stop asking about it, so I let her take a closer look.
Akira: Really? Isn't your tattoo a Zarain symbol?
Zodiac: It's pronounced "Zatarian," and yes, it is.
Akira: And you told her it was a Zatarian symbol.
Zodiac: Do I look stupid to you? Of course, I didn't.
Akira: I don't know. Maybe you're not the sharpest tool in the shed.
Himitsu: Hey, guys!
Zodiac and Akira turn to see Himitsu approaching.
Zodiac: What the heck are you doing here?
Himitsu: I went outside for some fresh air. Rito told me to rest in the castle since I was overexerting myself.
Akira: Pfff. You working hard?
Himitsu: I was. I was training with my new sword, testing a few techniques. What are you two up to?
Zodiac: Nothing. Akira was telling me how she doesn't trust Haruka.
Himitsu: Really? I don't see anything wrong with her.
Akira: That's because you're clueless!
Himitsu: What! I'm not clueless!
Zodiac: Look, I'm trying to get back to my training, and you two are distracting me.
Himitsu: (scratching his head) Oh, my bad. I forgot you were learning martial arts. But I have a question for you, Zodiac.
Zodiac: And what is it now?
Himitsu: You remember how we were sparring the other day?
Zodiac: Yes, yes. What are you getting at?
Himitsu: Well, you remember how my sword can absorb blood if I cut someone?
Zodiac: Yes, and?
Himitsu: When I cut you in the chest, why didn't I absorb your blood?
Zodiac: I don't know. You're asking the wrong person.
Himitsu: I just find that strange, so I thought you would know.
Akira: You're saying it didn't work on Zodiac? Maybe the sword is broken.
Himitsu: It can't be! Look.
Himitsu draws the sword from his back and grips the blade with his bare hand. He quickly pulls it out, causing his blood to be absorbed into the sword.
Himitsu: You see! It works on me but not on Zodiac.
Zodiac contemplates and rolls up his sleeve, extending his arm toward Himitsu.
Zodiac: Cut me then.
Himitsu: What? Are you sure—
Zodiac: Just do it!
Himitsu: Alright, alright!
Himitsu places the blade against Zodiac's arm and makes a cut, but nothing happens.
Himitsu: I told you! It doesn't work on you.
Zodiac's wound begins to heal slowly.
Zodiac: That's strange. I don't know what to tell you.
Himitsu: I don't get it at all. Can I test it on you, Akira?
Akira: (giving a stern look) Stay away from me!
Himitsu quickly turns away, visibly shaken. He then notices Kono approaching.
Kono: Hello, everyone! How are you all doing?
Himitsu: Oh, hey Kono. We were just trying to figure out why my sword doesn't absorb Zodiac's blood.
Kono: Oh, the sword that Rito gave you?
Himitsu: Yeah, but every time I cut Zodiac, it doesn't work on him.
Kono: That's strange.
Akira suddenly grabs Kono's arm and moves it toward Himitsu.
Kono: H-hey! What are you doing, Akira?
Akira: Try it on her.
Himitsu: I can't do that to her.
Akira: You said you wanted to figure it out, so try it on Kono.
Himitsu hesitates, unsure of how to proceed.
Kono: It's okay, Himitsu. You can try it on me. Just don't cut me too deeply.
Himitsu: W-well, okay then. I'll try not to hurt you too much.
Himitsu positions his sword against Kono's arm and makes a slight incision, allowing her blood to be absorbed into the blade.
Kono: Ouch!
Himitsu: Sorry! Was that too much?
Kono: No, I'm fine. My skin is just sensitive.
Akira releases her arm.
Akira: So it seems to work on everyone else but not Zodiac.
Himitsu: I don't understand.
Kono: Do you think it's because his blood is special?
Himitsu: It might be. Maybe I'll try it on Daru when I get the chance.
Suddenly, Rito appears before them, startling Himitsu and Kono.
Himitsu & Kono: Rito!
Rito: What are you kids doing? You should be training.
Zodiac: I would if they'd stop bothering me.
Rito: And Himitsu, I thought I told you to rest in the castle?
Himitsu: I was, but I wanted some fresh air.
Rito: (shaking his head) Well, since you wanted fresh air so badly, you can go back to training.
Himitsu: Wait, what?
Zodiac: (sighs) You're such an idiot.