At noon, Zodiac and Himitsu embarked on a hunt for food. While perched in a tree, they spotted a wild boar.
Himitsu: Look, Zodiac, a wild boar!
Zodiac: Well then, it's up to you.
Himitsu nodded and leaped into a bush. He waited for the opportune moment, then sprang forth, dagger drawn to strike. However, the boar caught sight of him just in time, dodging the attack and bolting away.
Himitsu: Aw, come on! I almost had it!
Zodiac shook his head.
Zodiac: (to himself) Himitsu is still as careless as ever. I suppose I'll have to handle this.
Zodiac retrieved his bow, nocking an arrow as he aimed in the direction the boar had fled. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, allowing the surrounding sounds to fade away. As he focused, he detected a noise—it was the same boar that had run off.
Zodiac: Got you.
Opening his eyes, Zodiac released the arrow, which flew straight toward the boar. Just as it lifted its head, the arrow struck with precision, piercing its skull and dropping it dead to the ground. Zodiac then descended from the tree and approached Himitsu.
Zodiac: You can stop searching; I killed it.
Himitsu: You actually killed it? How? It ran far away from us. How did you manage to find it?
Zodiac: I concentrated on the sounds and identified the correct one. After that, I took the shot.
Himitsu was taken aback.
Himitsu: Wait, what!? You're telling me that not only did you kill it, but you also tracked the exact boar using only sounds!?
Zodiac: Yes.
Himitsu: No way! I need to see this!
Zodiac began walking in the direction the boar had run, with Himitsu closely following. After a few minutes, they arrived at the dead boar on the ground, an arrow protruding from its head.
Zodiac: There, satisfied?
Himitsu: Oh wow, you actually did it. Being far away and still achieving a perfect shot—you're truly gifted with weapons. It's as if you excel at everything you touch.
Zodiac remained silent as he pointed to the dead boar.
Zodiac: Well, hurry up and grab that boar; we're heading back home.
Himitsu: Wait, you want me to carry this!?
Zodiac: Who killed it? It should be evident.
Himitsu: You did... (looking down).
Zodiac: Let's proceed; pick it up.
Himitsu approaches the boar, secures its legs with rope, and attempts to lift it. The boar is heavy—approximately 80 kg—resulting in Himitsu struggling.
Himitsu: I understand that I need to carry it, but this is quite heavy. Could you assist me for a moment?
Zodiac: Stop whining; the base shouldn't be far.
As he speaks, both hear a noise emanating from a bush ahead. Zodiac raises his hand, signaling Himitsu to halt.
Zodiac: Wait. I sense we are being watched.
Zodiac draws his sword and cautiously approaches the bush. Himitsu drops the boar, assumes a defensive stance, and draws his sword.
Himitsu: It's likely just an animal.
Zodiac: You cannot be certain.
As Zodiac approaches within striking distance, he swings his sword, slicing through the bush, but finds nothing.
Himitsu: See, I told you it was nothing to worry about.
Zodiac turns to see an individual in a cloak with a mask lunging at Himitsu.
Zodiac: Himitsu, duck!
Himitsu: WHAT!?
Himitsu ducks just in time, narrowly avoiding a blade that trims some of his hair. Zodiac charges at the assailant, swinging his sword. The attacker deflects the blow and counters with an attack aimed at Zodiac. As the blade approaches him, Zodiac employs Sudoshi, allowing the blade to pass through him. He reappears behind the attacker and launches a counter-strike. However, the attacker ducks and sweeps Zodiac's legs out from under him. While airborne, Zodiac reaches into his pocket and throws a knife at the attacker's face. The attacker swiftly evades, causing the knife to graze his mask. Himitsu observes in awe at Zodiac's skills.
Himitsu: (to himself) His fighting style has improved significantly over the past eight years.
Zodiac: Who are you? Speak now, or I'll kill you.
???: Hah, not bad, not bad at all.
The individual removes his mask, revealing Crumpy. Both Zodiac and Himitsu are taken aback.
Himitsu: CRUMPY!? WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHY ARE YOU ATTACKING US!?
Crumpy sheathes his dual blades.
Crumpy: It's straightforward; I was testing you.
Himitsu: A test to kill us? Are you out of your mind?
Crumpy: That was precisely my intention. You must comprehend the world we inhabit. There will be moments when someone attacks you unexpectedly. It's kill or be killed—it's as simple as that.
Zodiac sheaths his sword and approaches Crumpy.
Zodiac: Didn't you mention that you were busy?
He chuckles.
Crumpy: Yeah, I said I was busy—busy figuring out how to kill you guys.
Himitsu remains in shock.
Himitsu: So you were genuinely planning to kill us?
Crumpy: That is correct. If I had succeeded, it would have meant I failed my mission. However, since you both are standing here, alive and well, I suppose that is not the case.
Zodiac begins to walk toward the base.
Zodiac: Regardless, we're heading back to the base. I'm getting hungry.
Crumpy: (thinks) That kid is getting stronger so quickly. Even I'm not certain I could defeat him.
Himitsu resumes walking with the boar, struggling.
Crumpy: Having difficulty there, kid?
Himitsu shakes his head.
Himitsu: N-no, I'm fine. Thank you for asking.
Crumpy: No, you're not, kid. Don't worry, I've got it.
Crumpy takes the boar from Himitsu's hands, holding it effortlessly with one arm.
Himitsu: You're really strong, haha.
Crumpy laughs.
Crumpy: Well, you have to do what you have to do.
After a few hours, night falls. Zodiac, Himitsu, and Crumpy sit by the campfire, sharing the boar meat.
Himitsu: I must admit, you're not a bad cook, Zodiac. You seem capable of anything.
Crumpy: When you spend most of your time alone, you need to acquire various skills. The more skills you possess, the better.
Himitsu: I agree with that.
They sit in silence for a few moments.
Himitsu: Don't you both miss Leorea? A few years ago, everything was fine. I miss the people, the other children, and even my family. Why did we have to lose it all?
Himitsu stops eating and lowers his head sadly. Crumpy places a hand on his shoulder.
Crumpy: As I mentioned before, we live in a perilous world where violence and killing are constant. You must learn to accept it and move on.
Himitsu: And what about Master Mizuda? Do you think she's dead as well?
Zodiac interjects.
Zodiac: No. There is no way she is dead.
Himitsu: And how can you be so sure—
Zodiac: BECAUSE I SAID SO! NOW SHUT IT!
Zodiac stands up and walks away.
Himitsu: He acts as though he knows, but he doesn't. None of us do.
Crumpy: I can assure you she will not go down without a fight. I am confident that she is still out there.
Himitsu: Do you believe that too, Zodiac?
Crumpy: If Zodiac believes she is alive, then so do I.
Himitsu reflects on this.
Himitsu: I guess I'm just stressed about everything that's happened over the past few years. I'm still shocked you were following us the whole time that day.
Crumpy: Trust me, I am always observing. When you were running, I had a strong sense that she would send you here. After all, Zuda and I trained in this location when we were younger. However, I have something important to discuss with you and Zodiac.
Zodiac hears his name as he approaches the campfire.
Himitsu: Huh? What is it?
Crumpy: Tomorrow morning, we will be returning to Leorea.
As time progressed, Zodiac, Himitsu, and Crumpy made preparations to head to Leorea. Outside Rito's house, Daru was engaged in training, performing push-ups.
Daru: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000. That was challenging.
Daru turns slightly, dislodging a large boulder from his back, which creates a loud noise that reverberates through Rito's house.
Rito emerges from the house.
Rito: Could you please keep the noise down?
Daru: Relax, old man. Nothing is broken.
Rito: Don't get mouthy with me, Daru.
Daru: This weight is too light. I can no longer train like this; I need to engage in combat with real opponents, like you. (smiles)
Rito: (laughs) You're still not ready for me.
Daru: AHH!! Why!?
Rito: Because I would kill you, Daru. (laughs)
Daru: That's exactly what I want! I want to feel as if I am on the brink of death and push my limits.
Rito: Yeah… no.
Daru: AHHH!! I hate this! I'm going for a walk.
Rito: Before you do that, Zenshi mentioned she needs assistance at the house.
Daru: And why can't you help her?
Rito: Because I'm lazy. (enters the house and shuts the door)
Daru: (under his breath) Bullshit.
Daru places his hands in his pockets and heads to Zenshi's house. After ten minutes, he arrives.
Daru: (knocks on the door) Hello!?
Zenshi's father opens the door.
Greg: Oh, hello, Daru! How are you?
Daru: Hi, is Zenshi here?
Greg: You just missed her.
Daru: What? Where did she go?
Greg: She went to collect water from the pond. You will find her there.
Daru: Alright, thank you.
Greg: (laughs) Always happy to assist.
Daru: (laughs softly) Right.
Daru then proceeds to the pond in search of Zenshi.
Daru: Man, Zenshi, why would you wander off when you need help?
As Daru walks through the village, vendors are promoting their products.
Vendor 1: Come and try my homemade cheeky soup!
Daru: (to himself) Cheeky soup? That doesn't sound appealing.
Vendor 2: Sample my Lum tea!
Daru: (to himself) Lum tea?
Vendor 3: Try my winting patties!
Daru: Winting patties? That sounds pretty good.
Vendor 3: (looking at Daru) Yes, you can try it for free!
Daru: For free?
Vendor 3: Yes, yes, please eat! (hands Daru a patty)
Daru takes the patty and inspects it.
Daru: What's with the yellow stuff on the bun?
Vendor 3: It's my secret ingredient.
Daru: What is it?
Vendor 3: You have to try it first. (smiles)
Daru: Hmm… very well.
Just as Daru is about to take a bite, Zenshi, holding a bucket of water, knocks the patty from his hands.
Daru: HEY!!
Vendor 3: UGH!!! MY FOOD!!
Zenshi: What do you think you're doing?
Daru: Umm… trying to eat my free food.
Zenshi: Haha… free? Now that's funny.
Daru: Why is that funny?
Zenshi: Because you would have had to pay for it.
Daru: Really? She said it was free.
Zenshi: Oh, really? Look at this.
Daru: Hmm.
Zenshi sets down her bucket, walks behind the vendor, and uncovers a sign that reads, "Free but $3 per bite."
Vendor 3: Hey, what are you doing? You can't come back here!
Zenshi: See? (points)
Daru: Oh, what!! (turns to the vendor) So you were going to charge me?
Vendor 3: Listen, kid, I've got to make a living.
Daru: Well, I hope you go out of business.
Vendor 3: GET OUT OF HERE!! I'M NEVER GIVING YOU FOOD AGAIN.
Zenshi: Alright, let's go, Daru.
Daru: Well, it probably tasted like your breath anyway.
Zenshi pushes Daru as they continue to argue. After a few minutes, Zenshi and Daru walk back to Zenshi's house.
Daru: That vendor really annoyed me.
Zenshi laughs.
Daru: Why are you laughing? What's so funny?
Zenshi: Oh, nothing.
Daru: No, please tell me what's funny.
Zenshi: It's just that you're growing up so quickly.
Daru: I don't find that amusing.
Zenshi begins to tear up.
Daru: (noticing Zenshi) Wait, why are you crying? Did I say something hurtful?
Zenshi: (With tears in her eyes) No, it's just that you're getting older; it means one day you'll have to leave.
Daru: Zenshi, I'm not going anywhere; please don't worry.
Zenshi: (Wiping her eyes) Daru, please listen to me.
Daru: I'm listening.
Zenshi: (Laughs) One day you'll need to leave, explore the world, and experience things on your own.
Daru: (Scratches his head) I mean, yes, but let's not focus on that right now. Let's just head back to the house so I can assist you with what you need.
Zenshi: Right… (Looks at her hands) Wait!!
Daru: What is it?
Zenshi: I forgot the bucket of water.
Daru: What? Where did you leave it?
Zenshi: I left it at that lady's tent.
Daru: Okay. I'll retrieve it; you head back to the house.
Zenshi: Are you sure, Daru?
Daru: Yes, I'll be fine.
Zenshi: Okay, please be quick. You can take a shortcut.
Daru: Where's the shortcut?
Zenshi: It's the route you used to take to school. Go down there, make a left, and you'll be there in no time.
Daru: Alright, I'll be back.
Daru heads toward the seller's tent while Zenshi returns home to await his arrival.
Daru: Why does Zenshi think like that? I'm not leaving; at least, I don't think so. Anyway, let's just get this bucket and go.
Daru reaches the area where he used to walk to school, bustling with people talking and playing. He navigates through the crowd.
Daru: Excuse me. (Talking to himself) If these people don't start moving, I'm going to lose it.
As Daru walks through, a guy notices that Daru looks familiar.
Bully 2: (Taps his friend on the shoulder) Yo, bro!
Bully 1: Yo, bro, what's up?
Bully 2: Doesn't that kid look familiar? (Points).
Bully 1 looks at Daru and recognizes him as the kid they used to bully before school.
Bully 1: Holy crap! Yeah, that's the... damn, I forgot his name.
Bully 3: Yo, what are we talking about?
Bully 1: (Laughs) I'll tell you on the way. I have a surprise for him.
Bully 3: Alright.
The bullies begin to follow Daru, sneaking behind him so he doesn't notice them.
Daru: Finally, this was actually pretty quick. Thanks, Zenshi.
Bully 1: Hey, jerk!
Daru turns around and sees three large figures who look familiar.
Daru: Yes? What do you want?
Bully 1: I still see you're dumb.
Daru: I'm sorry, do I know you?
Bully 1: Ahh, now I remember your name... Daru!!
Bully 2: Oh yeah, what a stupid name (laughs).
Bully 3: So true, bro, it's so dumb. (laughs)
Daru takes a moment to assess the bullies and recalls their identities.
Daru: Ah! Now I remember you. You're the ones who used to bully me and stuff me into a garbage can, correct?
Bully 1: (laughs) I suppose you've gained a bit of intelligence over the years.
Daru: Yeah, I guess. Anyway, I gotta go do something. (walks away) I'll talk to you later.
Bully 1: Wh—
Bully 2: Damn, dude, he just walked away from you.
Bully 3: Bro, if I were you, I wouldn't let that slide.
Bully 1: Shut up, guys!
Bully 1 begins to chase after Daru. Daru reaches the tent and spots a bucket of water. He picks it up, but as he turns around, the bully knocks the bucket from his hands and laughs mockingly.
Bully 2: Dude, get owned!
Bully 3: Bro, get wrecked!
Bully 1: Man, you're just making this too easy.
Daru bends down to retrieve the bucket, but just as he reaches for it, the bully kicks him in the face, sending him to the ground. The bullies rush in and begin to kick him while he remains silent.
Bully 1: Alright, boys, you know the routine; lift him up so I can get my shots in.
The bullies laugh as they hoist Daru off the ground. Despite the situation, a smile appears on his face.
Daru: (smiling, revealing his teeth) Now it's my turn!