As the training sessions continued, five weeks had elapsed as everyone were rapidly mastering their new techniques.
Gram: (Panting) I finally did it!
The scene depicts two boulders with a large hole in the middle as they begin to melt. Rito observes from the castle.
Rito: I knew you could do it!
Next, Zodiac is seen carrying a heavy boulder on his back, struggling up a hill with two metal chains around his neck.
Zodiac: Ahh! Ahh! Ahh!
Zodiac drops the boulder just as Hanzo appears beside Rito.
Rito: Hanzo.
Monk Hanzo: Rito.
Rito: How many laps did he do around the castle?
Monk Hanzo: He did seven laps.
Rito: Perfect! He did more than I asked. (Chuckles) I guess Daru and Zodiac are brothers.
The scene shifts to Kono, who is fending off the monks while balancing a rock above her head on one leg, her back turned toward the castle.
Rito: She's getting better.
Monk Hanzo: Wait for it.
Rito: Wait for what?
Monk Hanzo: Just watch.
Rito observes Kono as she fights off the monks, turning around with her eyes closed.
Rito: (Shocked) She has her eyes closed!?
Monk Hanzo: I may have taught her a few things.
Rito: You're the man!
Monk Hanzo: Please don't call me "the man."
Rito: Oh, lighten up, Hanzo!
Monk Hanzo looks at Rito, who is smiling.
Monk Hanzo: (To himself) I haven't seen him smile this much since the incident.
Rito: (Looking at Hanzo) Huh? Something wrong?
Monk Hanzo: No… nothing at all.
Kono opens her eyes and sees all the monks subdued.
Kono: (Shocked) I did it!
Himitsu: AHHH! AHHH! (Backflips) AHHH!
Rito: Himitsu is doing great as well!
Himitsu swings his sword in a quick style, practicing what Mizuda taught him and Zodiac.
Himitsu: (Sweating) I'm finally starting to get the hang of this! Just wait until I rematch Zodiac.
Meanwhile, Akira begins dodging punches from Haruka.
Rito: Oh, look at this… she's actually starting to get it!
Monk Hanzo: Huh? Who?
Rito: Akira…
Haruka: AHH! (Punch) AHH! (Punch)
Akira sidesteps, rolls under Haruka's arm, and avoids the attack.
Haruka: Lucky dodge!
Akira smirks as she closes her eyes. Haruka rushes at Akira, aiming for a punch.
Haruka: AHHHhh!
As Haruka approaches, Akira steadies herself, inhaling deeply. She becomes aware of Haruka's presence and expertly evades four of her punches.
Haruka: UGHHH!
Haruka produces a knife, and Akira, noticing it, opens her eyes wide and seizes her arm.
Akira: (smirking) Was I lucky this time?
Haruka: Hmm… You're still exposed.
Akira: What?
Akira shifts her gaze to Haruka's other arm, where another knife is poised at her abdomen.
Haruka: All this training, and you still haven't learned anything at all.
Akira: (frustrated) Uhh!
Haruka: If I were actually trying to kill you, you would already be dead.
Akira: Shut up!
Akira headbutts Haruka, causing her to topple to the ground.
Haruka: Uhh! You bitch! You're not supposed to hit me!
Akira: Looks like I'm not the only one who needs to learn how to dodge.
Rito: (chuckles) It appears that temper of hers is never going to go away.
Monk Hanzo: I'm afraid not.
Both Hanzo and Rito share a laugh.
Daru: Hey, Rito.
Rito turns to see Daru.
Rito: Daru! What's going on, kid?
Daru: I was going to ask when I can take this stupid tracksuit off.
Rito: I'd say after one more week; then you can take it off.
Daru: Another week!? It's been four weeks already!
Monk Hanzo: Actually, it's been five weeks.
Daru: That's even worse!
Rito: Aww, come on, it's not that bad! I bet it feels light now, doesn't it?
Daru: To be honest, I kinda forget it's on me because it doesn't feel heavy at all anymore.
Rito: Wait, really? I was just joking.
Daru: Yeah, it doesn't feel heavy; it actually feels pretty light.
Rito: You keep surprising me every day.
Monk Hanzo: You got that right.
Daru: Okay, fine… only one more week, then I'm taking this stupid thing off.
Rito: Go right ahead.
Daru heads back downstairs to the battlegrounds. Meanwhile, Rito and Hanzo remain upstairs when a guard approaches them.
V Guard: Rito, sir!
Rito: Huh? What is it now?
V Guard: Our troops outside the city have reported sensing something unusual approaching.
Rito: Well, why the hell are you telling me this?
V Guard: Because, sir, you instructed me to inform you if anything goes wrong.
Rito: (sighs) I did say that, didn't I?
V Guard: Yes, sir.
Monk Hanzo: I have this under control, Rito. Please take a couple of guards and investigate the situation. It is likely just a storm approaching.
V Guard: Yes, sir! Will do!
The guard departs.
Rito: Why does everyone come to me about this stuff?
Monk Hanzo: Well, as you said, because you told them to. (chuckles)
Rito: Haha, very funny, Hanzo. I'm serious.
Monk Hanzo: One thing I can say is you're different from how you were years ago.
Rito: Huh? How so?
Monk Hanzo: For starters, you're much nicer; you actually care for once.
Rito: Hey, I do care!
Hanzo gives Rito a knowing look.
Rito: Alright! Alright. I understand; perhaps I was not as caring in the past. (chuckles) What happened to me?
Monk Hanzo: That hasn't changed.
Rito: What? What hasn't changed?
Monk Hanzo: Your stupidity.
Rito: What? No!
Monk Hanzo: And you still act like a kid at times. (laughs)
Rito: Can you just get to the point, Hanzo?
Monk Hanzo: It's Daru… Daru changed you, and I think it was for the better.
Hanzo begins to walk away.
Rito: Where are you going?
Monk Hanzo: To the city! To get more beer.
Rito: Ahh, my man! Thank you.
Monk Hanzo: Shut up.
Rito: (smiles) Love that guy.
Rito gazes at Daru from the castle.
Rito: Maybe you did change me. And it could have been for the better.
Zenshi: It definitely was.
Rito turns and sees Zenshi in a striking red and pink dress.
Rito: Eww, what are you wearing?
Zenshi: EWW!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME, RITO!!
Rito: What? Red and pink aren't your colors.
Zenshi: DO YOU REALIZE HOW LONG IT TOOK ME TO GET READY?
Rito: What, like 5 minutes?
Zenshi: Two hours! TWO HOURS, RITO!
Rito: (laughing) You kill me; I can never take you seriously.
Zenshi: Huh?
Rito: It actually looks good. I was just joking… but red really isn't your color.
Zenshi makes a face.
Zenshi: Well, whatever, I'm going to the city.
Rito: Huh? For what?
Zenshi: Rito, I've been up here ever since we arrived. It's about time I get some time to myself.
Rito: Okay, sheesh, calm down.
Zenshi: Hmm! I'll be back later… and Rito.
Rito: Hmm?
Zenshi: Go easy on the kids while I'm gone.
Rito: Yeah, yeah.
Zenshi exits, and we see Gram performing a fire blast against a rock.
Gram: (Out of breath) I'm doing great! The best fire blaster!
Daru: Yeah, a real dumb one too.
Gram turns around and notices Daru wiping sweat off his face, shirtless.
Gram: (Disgusted) Can you put a shirt on? Your flabs are in my face.
Daru: What?
Gram: No one wants to see your nasty abs; no one cares.
A girl from the top of the castle shouts.
Girl 1: I think it's so hot!!
Gram: (Annoyed) Whatever… Anyway, how's your training? Nice tracksuit, by the way.
Daru: Oh, this? Rito gave it to me for training. It was heavy, but now it feels light.
Gram: Heavy… never mind. I'll take back what I said. I don't want it anymore.
Daru: My training is going well. How about you?
Gram: (Chest out) It's going fantastic! I can make a big fireball now.
Daru: Oh, really?
Gram: Yeah! I'm Gram the Great!
Daru: Yeah… sure.
Zodiac: What are you idiots doing?
Daru and Gram notice Zodiac with his shirt off and a towel draped over his shoulder.
Gram: Oh my gosh! You have your shirt off too! Is this a Zatarian thing?
Daru & Zodiac: What?
Gram: Never mind…
Ohma, Himitsu, Kono, and Akira gather around Gram and the others.
Kono: Hey, everyone!
Ohma: How is everyone doing?
Akira: I'm hungry.
Himitsu: Yeah… I didn't eat breakfast.
Zodiac: Idiot.
Gram: Wait, there was breakfast!
Ohma: I can go get us something to eat if you'd like.
Rito: That won't be necessary.
Everyone turns to see Rito.
Rito: The only way to eat is by impressing me with what you've learned from your training!
Gram: We have to fight you to EAT? ARE YOU SERIOUS? I can't fight on an empty stomach!
Rito: Then I suggest you impress me with what you've learned.
Zodiac: Fine. Let's get this over with!
Daru: I agree; let's do this, then go eat.
A few seconds pass, and we see Zodiac and the others in the same spot where they fought Rito the first time.
Kono: I call first!
Daru: What?
Kono rushes at Rito.
Rito: (Talking to himself) Ah, so you're not staying back and using the guns, I see.
Kono throws punches at Rito, who begins to dodge them.
Himitsu: Guys, we need to help her!
As Himitsu looks back, he notices Zodiac meditating while slightly hovering above the ground.
Himitsu: What the heck?
Akira: Let's go!
Akira rushes in alongside Kono, and they both begin to throw punches.
Rito: Two on one?! (Laughs) Now we're onto something!
As Kono continues to strike, Rito performs a leg sweep, causing both of them to fall. Rito attempts a stomp, but Ohma intervenes, landing a punch to Rito's face that knocks him back several feet.
Kono: Ohma?
Ohma: I just had to wait for a clear shot!
Rito: What are you waiting for? One punch isn't going to impress me!
Rito charges at them, but Akira steps forward to intercept.
Kono: Akira?
Akira closes her eyes, finding her center.
Akira: (to herself) Breathe…
Rito rushes in and throws a punch, which Akira skillfully dodges.
Rito: Huh?
Rito attempts another punch, and she dodges that one as well!
Ohma: Akira, that was so co—
In a swift maneuver, Rito switches positions with Kono and punches Ohma in the face, while Kono stands protectively in front of Akira.
Kono: What the—
Ohma falls just as Rito attempts another stomp. Ohma deftly dodges and flips back to his feet.
Rito: Stay focused during a fight!
Ohma: Right!
Kono positions himself beside Ohma.
Ohma: Kono?
Kono: Let's do this, Ohma.
Ohma: (smiling) Yeah!
Kono and Ohma charge in unison, launching punches and kicks, while Rito blocks each attack.
Himitsu: Daru, we need to help them!
Himitsu glances at Daru, who appears to be deep in concentration with his eyes closed.
Himitsu: What! You too!? Gram?
Himitsu scans the area, but Gram is nowhere to be seen.
Himitsu: Where did Gram go?!
Rito begins to dodge punches from Kono, Ohma, and Akira.
Himitsu: Okay, I guess it's my turn!
Himitsu draws his sword and cuts his hand.
Himitsu: Agh!
Himitsu's teeth elongate, and his eyes turn red.
Himitsu: Alright! Let's do this!
Himitsu dashes toward Rito, leaving a dent in the ground. Rito senses something approaching rapidly and sees Himitsu swinging his sword overhead. Rito blocks the attack just as Ohma, Akira, and Kono land a direct hit. They all jump back as dust fills the air. As the dust settles, Rito remains standing.
Akira: Damn! We landed a hit and NOTHING!
Ohma: Rito is incredibly strong.
Zodiac: Move.
Everyone watches as Zodiac strides past them, enveloped in a white, slender aura.
Himitsu: What the heck!
Ohma: I can feel so much power coming from him.
Himitsu begins to feel Zodiac's power.
Himitsu: (to himself) I can actually feel his power.
Himitsu glances at his sword.
Himitsu: (to himself) This sword really does give me power.
Himitsu stands beside Zodiac.
Zodiac: What are you doing? I said to—
Himitsu: I can keep up; don't worry.
Himitsu inadvertently cuts himself again with the sword.
Zodiac: Fine, just don't get in my way.
Zodiac extends his hand and summons a light longsword. Himitsu and Zodiac charge toward Rito, leaving a significant dent in the ground. They strike their swords against Rito. As he deflects their attack, they begin to swing their swords, compelling Rito to struggle. Rito leaps into the air and catches both their swords. Zodiac unsummons his sword and swings with his other hand. Rito smirks, dodges, and punches Zodiac. Just as he is about to strike, he is interrupted as everyone senses something unusual.
Akira: What the hell?
Kono: You feel that too, right?
Ohma: It's that same feeling—
Zodiac: Daru…
Rito: What the hell?
Rito notices that Daru is holding his fist.
Rito: What the—
Daru punches Rito, sending him back several feet. Rito observes that Daru's veins are black.
Himitsu: What the hell?
Zodiac: Your veins are black?
Daru: I guess so, but can we all shut up and get to fighting?
Himitsu, Zodiac, and Daru confront Rito, while Akira and the others join them.
Rito: (laughs) Now this is going to be fun.
Daru: I want the first hit.
Daru leaps into battle against Rito, exchanging punches. Rito seizes Daru's shirt and flips him. Just before falling, Daru strikes the ground, creating a dent that causes Rito to lose his balance and release him. Daru swiftly knees Rito in the face and delivers four punches.
Rito: Good hit! But not good enough.
Rito employs the sudoshi step to appear behind Daru, grasping his waist. As he attempts to lift him, Daru seizes Rito's arms and pulls them away from his waist.
Ohma: He's so strong!
Rito's eyes change color, turning red, and his teeth elongate and sharpen.
Himitsu: Huh?
Rito grabs Daru's neck and slams him into the ground, rendering him unconscious on impact, then turns to face the others.
Akira: Oh shit.
Rito charges toward them but is struck by a fire blast from the side.
Kono: What the heck!
They look to see Gram perched atop a rock, hand outstretched after firing the blast.
Gram: I DID IT!! YES!!! I DID IT! SEE, YOU GUYS NEVER BELIEVED IN ME! AND I JUST SAVED YOUR ASSES—
Rito teleports behind Gram and delivers a karate chop to his neck, causing him to lose consciousness. Rito unleashes a move that projects across Zodiac and the others like a beam of white and red light. They collapse to the ground, unconscious. Five minutes later, they all regain consciousness.
Daru: Wh-What happened?
Zodiac: (Holding his head) I don't know…
Gram: I feel like I just got hit by a train.
Himitsu: You got hit in the neck.
Gram: Well, it still hurts!
Rito: (Drinking beer) All of you idiots are finally up; about time.
They see Rito sitting on the ground, drinking his beer.
Akira: What was that move you used on us? It was like a red light?
Rito: It was just a punch. I can channel all my power and speed into my fist, allowing me to move faster than a lightning bolt. It's a technique I learned on my journey.
Ohma: (Eyes wide) Whoa! So… you punched the light!?!
Himitsu: What!?
Rito: No… but you all passed.
Ohma: WE DID!?!
Rito: Yes (laughs). You all impressed me immensely!
Gram: Does that mean we get to eat?
Rito: (Chuckles) Yes, you all get to eat.
As Rito said this, Hanzo was seen running across the battleground, shouting Rito's name.
Monk Hanzo: RITO! RITO!
Everyone turned to see him running, looking frightened.
Rito: Whoa, what's wrong, Hanzo?
Hanzo: Th- The city, it's being attacked!
Rito: What? By who?
Hanzo: I don't know, but they broke down the gate! The guards I sent to check out the disturbance are dead.
Daru: Is everything alright?
Rito looked at Daru and the others.
Rito: The city is being attacked.
Akira: Attacked?!
Zodiac: Who's attacking the city?
Rito: I don't know, but you guys stay here; I'm going to handle this.
Daru: No, I'm coming with you.
Zodiac: I'm coming too; I want some real action.
Himitsu: Same here!
Ohma: I'll put on some new underwear and join you!
Rito: You really want to come?
Rito glanced at their determined faces.
Rito: Okay then… everyone get ready; we leave in five minutes!
Everyone: Understood!
As they prepared, Zenshi was seen paying for some clothes in the city.
Zenshi: How much are the sunglasses?
Cashier: They're 3,000 geo.
Zenshi: Not a bad price. I'll take them.
Cashier: Excellent choice!
Zenshi: Thank you! Sometimes you have to treat yourself.
Cashier: Absolutely! People often forget to do that for themselves.
Zenshi: I know; I do all this work for them and make food. Ugh… it's so frustrating.
Cashier: Hey, we do it because we care for them.
Zenshi: You're right! Thank you.
Cashier: No wor—
Before the cashier could finish, she noticed people running and screaming outside.
Cashier: What's going on out there?
Zenshi: (Looks out the window) I don't know. I'm going to get going.
Cashier: Please stay safe out there.
Zenshi: You too.
As Zenshi exited the store, a powerful gust of wind struck her, stirring up so much dust that her visibility was severely reduced.
Zenshi: What the hell! What's happening!?
She looked up and saw a massive ship flying overhead.
Zenshi: What is that!?
Zenshi glanced down at the dust and squinted as she noticed people rushing toward her, armed with swords and spears.
Nitharian Soldier 1: AHHHH!!
Zenshi: IT'S THE NITHARIANS!
She began running with the tightly packed crowd. As they fled, people jostled and shoved, and one individual knocked Zenshi to the ground.
Zenshi: Ah!
She attempted to rise but was unable to do so as the crowd trampled over her.
Zenshi: (Crying) HELP! HELP!
Unable to get up, Zenshi started to weep.
Zenshi: (Crying) Rito! Rito! RITOOOOOOO!!!
As she called out, a massive shockwave emanated from her, sending the Nitharians sprawling and kicking up a cloud of dust. With her eyes closed, Zenshi could not see. Once the dust settled, she opened her eyes to find Rito standing before her.
Rito: (Looks at her) You miss me?
Zenshi glanced to her sides and saw Daru, his purple hair, eyes, and veins glowing, and Zodiac, with white hair and a black tattoo over his eyes, holding a light longsword.
Zenshi: Daru? Zodiac?
The ship landed in front of them.
Daru: Who are these people?
Rito: It's the Nitharians…
Daru and Zodiac exchanged worried glances as the ship door opened, and more soldiers marched out in a single-file line. They positioned themselves on either side of the ship doors as Hinoka and Shamasu stepped out.
Hinoka: (Laughs) Hmm… The whole gang's here.
Shamasu gritted his teeth.
Shamasu: (Smiles) Long time no see, Rito.
Shamasu and Hinoka step aside as Akuma exits the ship. Daru and Zodiac sense an overwhelming aura emanating from him, leaving them momentarily weakened; however, they regard Rito unfazed as he clenches his fist.
Akuma: So this is where you were hiding. Good job.
Rito: Good job…?
Akuma: Oh, not you… Her.
Haruka emerges from the side and stands beside Akuma.
Akira and the others finally arrive.
Akira: What the hell! Why is she with them? I knew I smelled something fishy!
Haruka: (smirking) You were played, and you fell for it.
Rito: You really think that?
Haruka: Huh?
Rito: Your real name is Ruda, and you are Hinoka's sister!
Ruda: Wh-what! How did you know that?
Hinoka: I didn't even know he knew.
Rito: I saw the symbol on your shoulder when you washed up on the beach, so I decided to use you.
Ruda: Use me?! For what?
Akuma: (chuckling) To get to me…
Ruda: To get to you? Why?
Akuma: I sense a lot of hatred toward me… Why?
Rito employs the Susdoshi step, appearing directly in front of Akuma, shocking the guards, who stand at the ready.
Hinoka: Uhh!
Shamasu: Ugh!
Akuma raises his hands, prompting the guards to lower their weapons.
Rito: You killed my son, and I'm going to kill you!
Akuma smiles.
Akuma: (laughing) There was something you used to say all the time… Oh yes, it was… Not my problem. (with an evil smile)