As Akuma and his team prepared to search for the Zatarians, Zodiac, Himitsu, and Crumpy stood outside their base.
Himitsu: After all these years, I still can't believe you're a Zatarian, Zodiac. How do you feel about it?
Zodiac: Honestly, I don't know. We still have limited information on what it means to be a Zatarian.
Himitsu: That's true, but what really happened to you back there? You still haven't explained that part.
Zodiac: All I recall is the chains from those blades wrapping around my arms, followed by a strange vision of someone wielding the same weapons and pointing them at me. After that, everything returned to normal.
Himitsu: But what about your glowing hair and your tattoo?
Zodiac: Wait, my hair was glowing?
Himitsu: Indeed! Your hair flickered white the moment you grasped those blades, almost as if it were reacting. This wasn't the first time it flickered either; it happened when you were a child!
Zodiac: Why didn't you mention this all these years?
Himitsu: I—I don't know. I suppose I didn't know how to bring it up.
Crumpy: Himitsu raises a valid point. Perhaps those blades are linked to your powers.
Zodiac: That may be, but I didn't come out here just to socialize.
Crumpy: Right, you want to test them out and see what they can do, correct?
Zodiac: Yes, why else would I be here?
Both Crumpy and Himitsu step back.
Crumpy: Whenever you're ready, you can begin.
Zodiac retrieves the blades from his back, holding them with both hands as the chains wrap tightly around his forearms. He realizes he's not losing control.
Zodiac: (speaking to himself) Strange, when I hold them a second time, nothing happens. Anyway, let's test these on some trees.
Zodiac approaches a tree and effortlessly slices through it as if it were butter. The tree crashes to the ground with a loud thud. Himitsu and Crumpy watch in astonishment.
Himitsu: He just cut that tree in half like it was nothing!
Crumpy: Those blades must be incredibly sharp, but they surely can do more.
Zodiac: What if I do this?
Zodiac focuses on several trees while maintaining his distance. He raises one of his blades and makes an air slash toward the trees, slicing through ten of them simultaneously. Himitsu begins jumping up and down.
Himitsu: What was that move? Zodiac, can you explain what you just did?
Zodiac begins to feel annoyed.
Zodiac: Can you relax? I have no idea.
Crumpy: Your blades are effective both up close and at a distance. Did you launch some sort of projectile at them?
Zodiac: I can't explain it. It happened so quickly that I couldn't tell.
Himitsu approaches Zodiac with excitement.
Himitsu: How about we spar with your new weapons? I want to see how effective they are in battle.
Zodiac grows concerned.
Zodiac: Himitsu, are you sure? Don't you see what these blades can do?
Himitsu: Exactly! That's why I want to fight you.
Zodiac: Are you certain you want to do this? I don't want to hurt you.
Crumpy intervenes, pushing Himitsu aside.
Crumpy: Let me fight him.
Himitsu: But Zodiac, I asked him first! (Disappointed)
Crumpy: Zodiac is right. Did you not witness what those blades can do? Additionally, he'll need someone who can match him.
Himitsu: Are you saying I'm weak or can't handle him?
Crumpy glances back at Himitsu.
Crumpy: Yes.
Himitsu, feeling angry, steps aside to watch.
Himitsu: Fine. Go ahead and fight him. I hope Zodiac defeats you.
Crumpy smiles and gives a thumbs up.
Crumpy: Alright, kid, let's see what you can really do.
Zodiac: Let's do it then. (Slight smile)
They stand facing each other, preparing to fight as they take their stances.
Crumpy: Hey, Himitsu, do the countdown for us.
Himitsu: Yeah, yeah, whatever you say. Three, two, one, fight.
Crumpy uses Sudoshi, vanishing as Zodiac does the same. After a few seconds, they both reappear in front of each other, clashing their weapons. They exchange blows, swinging, dodging, and colliding. Crumpy attempts an air projectile slash aimed at Zodiac, who dodges and counters with his own air slash, forcing Crumpy to block with his blades. The impact pushes Crumpy back a few feet and cracks both of his blades.
Crumpy: (To himself) No way. He just cracked both of my blades effortlessly. If that attack had hit me, I would have been finished.
Zodiac: (To himself) Got you now.
As Zodiac prepares to rush at him, he begins to experience visions again, seeing an unknown person wielding the same blades. Grabbing his head in pain, he is observed by Crumpy and Himitsu.
Himitsu: It's happening again, Crumpy!
Crumpy: Yes, I understand. He must be experiencing those visions again.
Himitsu: I think it might be time to stop the fight and help him!
Just as Himitsu prepares to run toward Zodiac, Crumpy calls out to him.
Crumpy: Himitsu, stop!
Himitsu pauses.
Himitsu: Wait, why?
Crumpy: His energy—something is not right.
Zodiac continues to have visions, now depicting an unknown individual employing a unique sword style. He lowers his head, obscuring his eyes, and charges at Crumpy at full speed, aiming for a lethal strike.
Himitsu: Zodiac, he is coming right at you!
Crumpy successfully blocks Zodiac's attack in time, but the blade grazes his left cheek. Zodiac fights on unconsciously, lacking control over his mind. He replicates the moves from his vision, beginning to overpower Crumpy.
Crumpy: What the hell is happening to you!?
Zodiac accelerates, breaking through Crumpy's defenses and inflicting cuts on his body. Crumpy utilizes Sudoshi again to vanish, but Zodiac anticipates his reappearance and stabs him in the right eye. Himitsu screams.
Himitsu: ZODIAC, STOP THIS NOW!!
Crumpy collapses to the ground, clutching his right eye and calling out Zodiac's name.
Crumpy: ZODIAC, ZODIAC, ZODIAC!
Zodiac gradually regains consciousness as he hears his name. When fully aware, he sees his blade poised at Crumpy's neck.
Zodiac: W-what is happening?
Crumpy: You can stop now; you clearly won.
Zodiac notices Crumpy's injuries and is taken aback.
Zodiac: No way. Did I do this to you?
He takes Crumpy's hand and helps him to his feet.
Crumpy: I'm afraid so. I do not know what occurred, but it is truly alarming.
Himitsu then rushes to their side.
Himitsu: Zodiac! Is your eye alright?
As Crumpy uncovers his eye, they both see a deep cut within it. Crumpy realizes he has gone blind in his right eye and begins to laugh uncontrollably.
Zodiac: Why are you laughing? Aren't you in pain?
Crumpy: After all these years, I have finally been defeated. You never cease to astonish me, do you, Zodiac?
???: I guess you're a pretty amazing guy, haha.
All three turn to see a figure wearing a peculiar helmet, a backpack full of flyers, a large coat, pants, and gloves. Zodiac and the others prepare their weapons.
Crumpy: State your business here, or we will have a problem.
???: Let's not escalate the situation. I'm here to introduce myself.
Himitsu: Really? While wearing that ridiculous outfit?
The individual looks down at their attire.
???: Oh, I completely forgot about this. Allow me to change it.
They strike their chest with their hands, transforming their outfit into a formal suit.
???: Ah, that's much better.
Himitsu: Well, that was unexpected.
Zodiac, visibly annoyed, interjects.
Zodiac: Enough of this nonsense. What brings you here?
The individual smiles.
D Jumper: I'm glad you asked. I'm a D Jumper from Nasmeric, and I have the ability to travel through dimensions. I have a proposal for you.
Crumpy: And what might that be?
The D Jumper retrieves a flyer from their backpack and presents it to them.
D Jumper: Would you like to participate in the Nasmeric festival?
They all pause to consider the offer.
Himitsu: The Nasmeric festival? What is that?
Zodiac: Hand me that poster.
Zodiac snatches the poster from the D Jumper's hands and begins to read it.
Zodiac: What is this supposed to represent?
D Jumper: It's a festival you won't want to miss!
As Zodiac discusses the Nasmeric Festival with the D Jumper, Daru strolls through the village.
Daru: (Hands in his pockets) I can't believe I'm a Zatarain, with my father being Shakiro and my mother Sauro.
As Daru continues to walk, vendors call out to promote their products.
Vendor 1: Come, try our offerings!
Vendor 2: Please, it's free!
Daru: Hmm… I've heard that before.
He makes his way to a bar in the village and takes a seat to rest.
???: What can I get for you, sir?
Daru: Huh? Oh, sorry. I'm not purchasing anything; I'm just resting.
???: Are you alright, young man?
Daru: Yes, I'm fine. Just contemplating, you know.
???: (Extends his hand) My name is Lenz.
Daru shakes Lenz's hand.
Daru: Daru, a pleasure to meet you.
Lenz retrieves a bottle of water from the shelf, fills a cup, and hands it to Daru.
Lenz: Here, you look like you could use this.
Daru: (Laughs) Thank you, I appreciate it.
Daru takes a sip while Lenz smiles.
Lenz: You're welcome! So, what's troubling you?
Daru: Well, it's a long story.
Lenz: I close at 9 PM, and it's only 5 PM, so feel free to share.
Daru: Haha, alright.
Daru begins to recount everything he has just discovered. Meanwhile, Zenshi is watering her garden when her father steps outside.
Greg: Hey, honey, don't you think that's enough water for the garden?
Zenshi does not respond.
Greg: Zenshi?
Zenshi: (Snaps back to reality and looks up) What? Did you say something?
Greg: (Puzzled) Are you alright?
Zenshi: Yes, I'm fine, I just—
Greg: Do you think it was too much for Daru?
Zenshi: Ugh… Yes, I do. But what if it was too much?
Greg: Well, what were you going to do? Not tell him at all?
Zenshi: I don't know.
Greg: Zenshi, consider this: Daru would have discovered it eventually, whether from us or on his own. There was nothing we could have done to alleviate the situation.
Zenshi: Yes, I suppose you're correct.
Rito exits the house.
Rito: (Loudly yawns) That was an excellent nap. Oh, I didn't realize you two were out here.
Zenshi: Good morning.
Greg: (Irritated) I hope you rested well on my bed.
Rito: I did, thank you for allowing me to use it.
Greg: I didn't permit you; you simply laid down and fell asleep.
Rito: Well, I appreciate it nonetheless.
Greg: (Rolls his eyes) Regardless. Zenshi, I'm going to take a nap now (looks at Rito) in my BED!
Rito: (Smiles) It should be nice and warm for you.
Greg walks past Rito, giving him a stern look. Rito jumps slightly.
Zenshi: Alright, Dad, sleep well.
Rito approaches Zenshi.
Rito: What's bothering him?
Zenshi: (Laughs) Nothing, just the effects of aging.
Rito: Ah. (Looks at Zenshi) You're still contemplating it, aren't you?
Zenshi: It's difficult not to.
Rito: He'll be fine, Zenshi, don't worry.
Zenshi: Yes, I understand.
Rito: Anyway, I need to attend to something. I'll see you tomorrow.
Zenshi: Oh… okay, I'll see you tomorrow.
Rito walks away as Zenshi looks down and realizes her bucket is empty. She heads to the pond to collect more water as the scene shifts back to Daru and Lenz.
Lenz: Wow… that's quite a lot, man.
Daru: Yes, I know. Imagine that all in one day.
Lenz: I can't even fathom it.
Daru: That's what I was informed this morning.
Lenz: Well, it might be a good thing.
Daru: What? How is that a good thing?
Lenz: For starters, you were informed by someone who cares about you, not a stranger. Additionally, you now know who your parents are. And best of all, YOU'RE A FREAKING ALIEN!!
Daru: (loudly whispers) Please lower your voice.
Lenz: (whispers) Oh no, my apologies! I forgot that no one can know you're a Zatarain.
Daru: Yes, you're correct; I suppose there is a silver lining to this situation. Thank you, Lenz. You're a pretty cool guy.
Lenz: Aww, man, thanks! I try.
Daru: I should head back home now.
Lenz: No problem at all. Feel free to visit anytime; I'm always available.
Daru: (rises from the table) I will, don't worry. Take care, Lenz.
Lenz: (waves) Until next time.
Daru begins his journey back to Rito's residence.
Daru: (chuckles) Lenz is a pretty cool guy.
As Daru walks home, he notices a man sitting in the middle of a dilapidated house.
Daru: What the heck? What's he doing?
Daru approaches the man.
Daru: Excuse me… are you alright?
The man does not respond and continues to sit there.
Daru: (growing frustrated) Hey! I'm talking to you!
The man turns around, revealing himself to be Rito, but he is crying. Daru stands in shock for a few seconds.
Daru: Rito? What the heck? Why are you sitting in the middle of a broken house?
Rito: (crying and wiping his tears) Oh, hello, Daru. I apologize.
Daru: Wait, are you crying?
Rito: (laughing through tears) Yes, indeed, I am crying.
Daru approaches Rito and embraces him.
Rito: What the?
Daru: It's alright, Rito. I understand why you're upset.
Rito: (wiping his tears and laughing) Oh, you do, do you?
Daru: It's because of Cinta.
Rito pushes Daru away in shock.
Rito: Ho-how do you know that name!?
Daru: (in a somber tone) He is your son, correct?
Rito: (seriously) Daru, how do you know that name?
Daru: Eight years ago, you took me far away to train and taught me a great deal, but one day, you fell asleep and removed your coat. I noticed two white pieces of paper, so I picked them up. I saw you with a girl whom I believe is your wife, and I observed a boy who is your son.
Rito: How can you be sure he's my son?
Daru: Even before you took me away, you would often call out "Cinta" in your sleep.
Rito: (sadly) Well, you are right; he is my son, my little sweet boy, Cinta. (begins to cry)
Daru: I am going to find him.
Rito looks taken aback.
Rito: What? Daru, he's dead.
Daru: How do you know that?
Rito: Daru… I witnessed his death firsthand.
Daru: Rito, if he were truly dead, wouldn't you expect to find a corpse in this location?
Rito: What? No, Daru, he is dead.
Daru: So, you're telling me you don't believe he's alive?
Rito: You are not aware of the complete circumstances surrounding his death, and that is a discussion for another time—not today. Sometimes I consider the possibility that he could still be alive, but he is dead.
Daru: I don't think—
Rito: HE'S DEAD, DARU! AND YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FIND HIM BECAUSE HE'S DEAD! (Crying)
Daru falls silent and lowers his head.
Daru: Okay, I'm sorry.
Rito: (sighs) Ahh... (wipes his tears) Promise me you won't search for him or engage in any reckless behavior.
Daru: I-I promise.
Rito: Alright, let's return home; it's getting late.
Daru walks back with Rito to the house to rest. Upon arrival, they have a meal and watch a bit of television together. Time passes, and it reaches midnight. Rito heads to his room and closes the door, followed by Daru. After two hours, Daru wakes up and quietly leaves the house with a backpack filled with supplies, carefully closing the front door behind him.
Daru: (looks back at the house) I'm sorry, Rito, but I do not believe Cinta is dead. I will find him and bring him back. Then you won't have to endure this pain again.
Daru begins to walk away, making his way out of the village.
Daru: Rito, take care of Zenshi; I will return before you know it.
Daru exits the village and traverses five villages, stopping at the fifth one to rest at a table.
Daru: Alright, a quick five-minute break.
As he snacks from his backpack, he hears someone yelling.
???: HELP!! HELP!!
Daru: What is happening?
???: HELP, PLEASE, SOMEONE HELP!
Daru: Can that guy just be quiet? I'm trying to eat.
???: (Crying) HELPPPPP!!
Daru: (ANGRY) THAT'S IT; SOMEONE IS GETTING BEAT UP!
Daru stands up, leaving his snack and backpack on the table, and moves toward the source of the yelling. He follows the sound to an alleyway, where he sees Gram tied up by his feet.
Gram: (Eyes closed, crying) Help, please, help me.
Daru: What the hell?
Gram looks up and sees Daru.
Gram: DARU!?