Daru, Rito, and Zenshi's father return to the village to seek her assistance. Three hours later, Zenshi awakens and observes Daru, Rito, and her father sleeping in the same room, all snoring.
Zenshi: (Laughs) Aww, boys will be boys.
Zenshi's father wakes up and notices that she is awake.
Zenshi's Father: You're awake!
Zenshi: (Whispers) Dad! Not so loud; they are sleeping.
Zenshi's Father: (Whispers) Oh right. But Zenshi, I wanted to apologize.
Zenshi: For what?
Zenshi's Father: For everything—how I treated you, how I spoke to you. When your mother passed away, I felt lost. I didn't know how to raise you alone. Without her, I felt incapable of guiding you. I miss her so much. (Begins to cry).
Zenshi: (Touches his face and tears up) Dad, it's okay; don't worry… I know it was hard for both of us without Mom, but I think you did a commendable job. (Laughs) I miss her too, Dad, every day. There's not a day that goes by without thinking of her.
Zenshi's Father starts to cry and embraces her.
Daru: (Eyes still closed) Can you two keep it down? I'm trying to sleep.
Rito: Yeah, just a little.
Zenshi and her father begin to laugh.
The following day, Zenshi is outside gardening with her father when Rito and Daru approach.
Rito: Hey! (Daru waves).
Zenshi and her father turn to see Rito and Daru walking toward them.
Daru: Hey, Zenshi! How are you?
Zenshi: I'm good! I feel much better than yesterday.
Rito: Well, that's a relief. (Laughs) You looked like a naked mole rat.
Zenshi: DON'T PUSH IT, RITO!
Rito: Okay, okay, I'm sorry. (Laughs).
Zenshi's Father: (Laughs) Aww man, this is too funny; you guys get along so well.
Zenshi looks at her father.
Zenshi: Okay, Dad, I have something to share with you.
Zenshi's Father: Huh? Yes, what is it?
Zenshi: Do you remember that baby from a few years ago that I brought into the… house?
Zenshi's Father: Yes, I remember that. It's Daru, right?
Daru and Rito are taken aback by this revelation.
Zenshi: Yes, it's Daru. (Shocked) Wait! What did you say!?
Zenshi's Father: Haha… Yes, I recognized him when I saw him.
Rito: Wait, how did you know it was him?
Zenshi's Father: It was in his eyes.
Daru and Zenshi: (Confused) The eyes?
Zenshi's Dad: Yes, when I first saw him, he looked at me with the same expression. I also read the note in your room, and his name was Daru. (Laughs)
Zenshi: Oh! Wait! You entered my room without my permission!?!?
Zenshi's Dad: I needed to clean the house and your room, and the note was on your dresser.
Zenshi: Yeah… I suppose you're right.
Daru: Wait… so you're not upset?
Zenshi's Dad: I was initially, but after witnessing your dedication to my daughter, I understand why she values your presence. (Looks at Zenshi) You are now family to both her and me.
Rito: Well, isn't that pleasant? Nevertheless, Daru and I will be away for a while.
Zenshi: RITO! HOW CAN YOU JUST INTERRUPT MY DAD LIKE THAT!?
Rito: Not my problem.
Zenshi's Dad: (Laughs) No, it's alright, really.
Zenshi: (Sighs) Where are you two headed, anyway?
Daru: I'm going to undertake some specialized training with Rito.
Zenshi's Dad: Oh, that sounds exciting.
Zenshi: How long is "a while"?
Rito: Umm… a couple of years.
Zenshi: WHAT!! YEARS!!
Rito: Zenshi, why are you always raising your voice?
Zenshi: I'M NOT ALWAYS RAISING MY VOICE!
Daru: Yeah, you kind of yell a lot. (Laughs)
Zenshi glares at Daru, causing him to stop laughing immediately.
Daru: (Nervously) Sorry.
Zenshi's Dad: Well, (laughs) while you all discuss this, I'm going to prepare some food for us, Zenshi.
Zenshi: (Calms down) Okay, Dad, I'll assist you shortly.
Zenshi's Dad goes into the house to start preparing food.
Rito: In any case, we'll return in a couple of years.
Zenshi: Aww, I'm going to miss you both. Who am I going to bring food to now?
Daru: Don't worry, Zenshi will be back before you know it, and I'll be stronger and more intimidating. (Smiles)
Rito: (Laughs) Yes, something along those lines.
Zenshi walks over to Daru and bends down to his height.
Zenshi: Daru, please be safe, okay? Also, try not to hurt yourself too much. We'll discuss important matters when you return, alright?
Rito looks at Zenshi, and she meets his gaze for a few seconds.
Daru: Important matters?
Zenshi: Worry about that when you come back, okay? (Smiles)
Daru: Ugh… Alright then.
Rito: Alright, let's go, Daru.
Daru: Okay! (Runs to Rito)
Zenshi: Wait, Daru!
Daru: Huh?
Zenshi approaches Daru, hugs him, and kisses his forehead.
Daru: What was that for?
Zenshi: Good luck.
Daru: (laughs) Alright. Goodbye, Zenshi, and please convey my regards to your father as well.
Zenshi: I will.
Zenshi observes Rito and Daru as they walk outside the village.
Rito: So, you ready to become a monster?
Daru: (smiles menacingly) Yes, I am ready to become PAIN ITSELF!
Rito and Daru continue their journey. Eight years pass, during which Zenshi remains at home with her father, engaged in her usual activities: fetching water, providing food for the children, assisting others, and tending to the garden. As Zenshi returns with a bucket of water, she notices that her front door is ajar.
Zenshi: What the heck? Why would Dad leave the door open? (sighs)
She approaches the door and, before entering, hears her father's voice alongside another familiar voice.
Zenshi: (enters) RITO!!
As she calls Rito's name, he turns around.
Rito: Oh, hello, Zenshi. (smiles)
Zenshi's Father: Honey, look who came by to say hello.
Zenshi drops the bucket and rushes toward Rito.
Zenshi: RITO… IT… HAS… BEEN… EIGHT… DAMN… YEARS!!
Rito: Yes… I am aware.
Zenshi reaches Rito, falls into his arms, and embraces him tightly.
Zenshi: (begins to cry) I missed you so much!!
Rito: Oh, Zenshi, it's alright. I'm back now.
Zenshi then surveys her surroundings.
Zenshi: Where is Daru?
Rito: (laughs) I will take you to him.
Zenshi: Right now!
Rito: Alright, alright. Goodbye, Greg.
Greg: Farewell, and please send my regards to Daru.
Zenshi: Eww, I've never heard you address my dad by his first name.
Rito: I like to mix things up a bit. Will do, Greg. (waves at her father)
Rito and Zenshi walk side by side toward Daru, the surroundings appearing familiar.
Zenshi: Umm… Rito, are we headed where I think we are?
Rito: Yes, indeed we are. (smiles)
Rito offers Zenshi his jacket as they arrive at the cave where he and Daru previously trained.
Rito: We've arrived!
Zenshi: Huh? Where is Daru?
Rito: He's over there. (points toward the lava)
Zenshi: What? No, he's not.
Rito: Daru!
There is no response.
Rito: Daru!!
Still no response.
Zenshi: Umm… Rito, why are you shouting at the lava?
Rito: Ahh!! This kid.
Rito walks over to the rocks where Daru trained and picks up the largest one he can find.
Zenshi: What are you doing with that?
Rito throws the massive rock into the lava.
Zenshi: RITO!!
As the rock strikes the lava, it begins to slowly sink.
Zenshi: What was that for?
Rito: Just watch.
Zenshi: Ugh!
As Zenshi observes the rock sink completely, she notices the lava beginning to bubble a few moments later.
Zenshi: What is happening?
The cave starts to tremble, and rocks begin to fall from the ceiling. A rock is about to strike Zenshi, prompting her to cover her head as it shatters upon impact.
Zenshi: What was that?
She notices a small rock on the ground. However, when she looks back at the lava, she sees a hand emerging. As the hand vanishes back into the lava, Daru rises, revealing half of his body.
Daru: (in a serious tone, looking up at Zenshi) What do you want? I was resting.
Zenshi: DARU!?!?!
After not seeing Rito and Daru for eight years, Zenshi reunites with them. The scene then shifts back to Zodiac, where Mizuda and the other students are present before the time skip. The students complete their training as Mizuda calls everyone in.
Mizuda: Excellent work, everyone. I am thrilled to see your progress since we began. The program will conclude next week, allowing for an extended break. In any case, class is now over, and I will see you all tomorrow!
All the children begin to pack up and return to their parents. As Zodiac concludes, Himitsu approaches him.
Himitsu: That was some impressive training we had, Zodiac. Would you like to hang out for a while?
Zodiac shakes his head.
Zodiac: I do not have time to waste with you. Now, if you will excuse me.
He rises and walks toward Mizuda.
Himitsu: Man, this kid can really be a pain. (Sighs)
Mizuda notices Zodiac approaching.
Mizuda: Oh, hello there, my dear child! Did you pack everything?
Zodiac: Can I resume my training with Crumpy or not?
She laughs.
Mizuda: Do not say that around him! Yes, you can, but first we must run some errands in the kingdom.
Zodiac frowns.
Zodiac: Why do you have to drag me into this?
She affectionately rubs his head.
Mizuda: Now, now, I require your assistance in carrying some items for me.
Zodiac: Fine. (Upset)
As they are about to leave, Himitsu begins running after them.
Himitsu: Master!
Mizuda turns to see him out of breath.
Mizuda: Oh, hello, Himitsu! What is it?
Himitsu: I heard you are running errands, and I was wondering if I could accompany you and help.
Zodiac: Perfect, that is one way to ruin my day.
Mizuda: Certainly! Many hands make light work.
Himitsu: (to himself) Hehe, now you're stuck with me, Zodiac.
A few minutes later, they arrive at the kingdom. Mizuda enters each shop, purchasing food, supplies, and crafting materials. Zodiac and Himitsu hold her bags, waiting for her to finish.
Himitsu: How much is she buying? This is ridiculous!
Zodiac: This is so stupid.
After a moment, Mizuda exits a shop and approaches them.
Mizuda: Alright, I believe I have everything we need. How are you both managing?
She notices both of them struggling with the bags.
Himitsu: We're f-fine! It's not that heavy!
Mizuda smiles.
Mizuda: Well then, excellent! Let's head back home, shall we?
As they make their way back to Mizuda's house, the ground begins to tremble.
Himitsu: What the heck is going on?!
Citizens around them panic and fall to the ground.
Himitsu: MASTER, WHAT IS HAPPENING?!
Mizuda: I—I don't know! That's what I'm trying to ascertain!
Mizuda climbs onto a building for a better view, her expression revealing shock and fear.
Himitsu: What do you see from up there?
Mizuda looks down at the children.
Mizuda: An army is approaching!
Both Zodiac and Himitsu grow frightened.
Zodiac: An army!? How many!?
Mizuda: Over a hundred!
Hundreds of soldiers approach Leorea, clad in mist armor and wielding weapons, preparing to attack. One of the guards rings the alarm bell, alerting the entire kingdom. People begin to run, hide, or prepare to fight. Mizuda drops back to the ground.
Mizuda: We need to evacuate immediately! Come on!
Mac: WAIT A MOMENT!
They all see Mac running toward them.
Himitsu: Is that Mac!?
Mizuda: What are you doing here!?
Mac: You can't leave the kingdom.
Mizuda: Huh? What do you mean we can't leave?
Mac: They have this place entirely surrounded. You can't get in or out.
Everyone is taken aback by Mac's words. Then they hear trumpets as the Leorea knights assemble, marching toward the front gate.
Leorea Knights: GET OUT OF THE WAY, PEOPLE!
Himitsu: Whoa, they look cool!
Mizuda: We can't remain here. Let's follow them to determine who the enemy is.
Mac: That's acceptable, but we must proceed with caution.
The group approached the front gate, maintaining their position behind the knights. They ascended a tower to gain a better view of the soldiers in formation surrounding the kingdom, who were carrying a flag emblazoned with a peculiar symbol.
Mizuda: There are so many of them! Who are they, and what do they want from us?
Zodiac: It appears we are about to find out.
Zodiac observes a commander walking at the forefront of the army, firmly planting his spear into the ground. He is larger than the others and possesses a menacing demeanor.
Nitharian Commander: WHERE IS YOUR KING?
Mac: King? Why do they need the king?
The knights stand their ground, paralyzed by fear.
Nitharian Commander: I WILL REPEAT MYSELF, WHERE IS YOUR KING?
The King of Leorea approaches the front gate on horseback, flanked by guards.
Himitsu: The king! We rarely get to see him.
Nitharian Commander: There you are, you worthless scum.
Leorea King: STATE YOUR BUSINESS HERE!
Nitharian Commander: We are here to locate a Zatarian child that we have been searching for.
Mizuda grows frightened and begins to sweat.
Mac: Zatarian child? What is he referring to?
Himitsu: Yes, I've never heard of that before.
Zodiac: (muttering) Zatarian? What in the world is that?
Leorea King: I have no idea what you are talking about. Who are you?
Nitharian Commander: We are the Nitharians from another universe. Now, to answer my question: are there any Zatarian children here?
Mac starts to panic.
Mac: Did he just say Nitharian?
Mizuda: THIS IS NOT GOOD!
Leorea King: I don't care what you have to say; you will withdraw your troops and leave immediately!
The Nitharian Commander shakes his head.
Nitharian Commander: Foolish humans.
He raises his spear and charges a mist fire attack, launching it toward the king with such speed that it pierces several knights, fatally wounding the king in the chest. The king spits blood as the spear ignites and explodes, sending his burning body into the air before it crashes to the ground.
Mac: NOOOO! THE KING!
Nitharian Commander: DESTROY THEM ALL!
The Nitharian soldiers charge toward the kingdom as the knights of Leorea begin to retreat in fear. The Nitharians set fire to buildings, slaughtering innocent people and knights alike.
Himitsu: The king is... DEAD!
Mizuda quickly grabs Zodiac and Himitsu's hands, urging them to flee.
Mizuda: WE NEED TO RUN NOW!
They all begin to run, searching for a clear exit as families and children are systematically slaughtered by the Nitharians.
Mac: Look, there's a path over there!
They spot a broken wall leading outside the fortress, devoid of any soldiers. However, as they approach, Mac is stabbed in the chest from behind by a Nitharian soldier.
Mizuda: MAC, NO!
Mizuda quickly draws her sword and decapitates the soldier. Zodiac and Himitsu turn around, witnessing Mac on the ground.
Mizuda: YOU NEED TO GET UP, MAC, COME ON!
Mac grasps her hand, gazing into her eyes.
Mac: Oh, Mizuda, I wish we had gotten to know each other better. From the moment I saw you, I knew you would be the one.
Tears stream down her face.
Mizuda: N-NO, YOU NEED TO GET UP NOW!
As she speaks, more soldiers approach.
Nitharian Soldier: Get them!
Mac: Th-they're coming. You need to leave.
Mizuda: WE'RE NOT LEAVING—
Mac: JUST GOOOO!
Mizuda struggles to her feet, urging Zodiac and Himitsu to run. Mac looks at them, offering a faint smile.
Mac: I always loved you…
The soldiers swarm Mac, slicing and stabbing, leaving nothing behind. Time passes, and they reach the edge of the forest. When they look back, they see the kingdom nearly destroyed and ablaze, hearing the cries of others being killed. Mizuda stops running as the two children halt beside her.
Himitsu: What are you doing, Master? We need to keep running!
Mizuda: No, I'm afraid I must stop here.
Zodiac: Huh, what do you mean!?
Mizuda takes out a map and hands it to them.
Mizuda: If you continue straight ahead, you'll find my secret underground base.
Zodiac: But why can't you come with us!?
She hugs them tightly.
Mizuda: This is your time to grow up. Never stop training; learn to survive. And most importantly, become strong. Now run.
Zodiac: NOOO, I'M NOT LEAVING YOU BEHIND!
Himitsu grabs Zodiac's hand as he begins to cry. Mizuda faces the kingdom, sword drawn, tears in her eyes.
Mizuda: (to herself) I can't wait to see you again when you're older, my sweet Zodiac…
Eight years pass, and Zodiac and Himitsu train together in the underground base.
Himitsu: Wow, you're really improving!
Zodiac then sheaths his sword, his voice deepening.
Zodiac: You're doing well yourself.