As Daru walks through the alleyway, he sees Gram tied up by his feet and is puzzled as to why he is so far from the village.
Daru: What the hell? Gram?
Gram: Huh? Daru! Is that you?
Daru: Gram, what are you doing here, and why are you tied up?
Gram: It's a long story, but could you please help me down? I'll explain later.
Daru: (sighs) Alright.
Daru approaches Gram and looks around for a way to free him.
Daru: Where's the—Oh, found it.
Daru grabs a piece of rope holding Gram up, pulls it, and then releases it, sending Gram face-first to the ground.
Gram: Ahhh!! Seriously, Daru, couldn't you have let me down more gently?
Daru: Sorry, lost my grip.
Gram: (irritated, rubbing his head) Yeah, okay. Wow, you've really grown up.
Daru: I was 10 years old.
Gram: (annoyed) Okay, smartass.
Daru: What are you doing here anyway, and why are you so far from the village?
Gram: I was conducting research.
Daru: Research? On what?
Gram: (chest out, smiling) I'm a healer—the best healer, in fact.
Daru: Oh… alright then, anyway, goodbye.
Daru begins to walk back to his backpack.
Gram: Wh- No! (grabs Daru's arm) You have to assist me!
Daru: Assist you? With your research?
Gram: No, you don't need to help me with that, but I need you to help me retrieve my belongings.
Daru and Gram continue toward Daru's bag.
Daru: Can't you handle that yourself?
Gram: Actually… no, I can't.
Daru: And why is that? Are you too weak? (laughs)
Gram: (growing frustrated) No, I'm not weak. I can take care of myself.
Daru: Yes, getting tied up and asking for help really indicates that you can handle yourself.
Gram: Ugh… can you just shut up and help me?
Daru: (starts to contemplate) I don't know, man.
Gram: Please, I will be forever in your debt.
Daru: Ahh!! Fine!
Gram: Thank you, thank you so much.
Daru: Yes, yes, but could you be quiet now?
Gram: Why are you so uptight? You used to be nicer.
Daru: I still am—well, sometimes.
Gram: (to himself) Yeah… you've got that right.
Daru: I'm not uptight; you're just annoying me.
As Daru and Gram reach Daru's backpack, Gram is about to say something but starts laughing when he looks behind Daru.
Daru: Why are you laughing? Nothing is funny.
Gram: I find those children amusing. (points)
Daru turns to see the children playing with his backpack and another child eating the snack he left on the table.
Daru: (angry) Hey! That belongs to me!
Gram: Excuse me, what?
Daru rushes over to the children.
Daru: Hey, give me that!
Daru retrieves his belongings from the children, who become frightened and flee.
Child 1: Ahhh! Daddy!
Child 2: Stranger danger! Stranger danger!
Child 3: Eat dirt!
Daru: Shut up, you twerps!
Gram: Oh man, that was funny.
Daru: (annoyed) Glad you enjoyed the show.
Gram: (laughing) Thanks for putting it on.
Daru: Could you please be quiet? Wait, why does this bag feel so light?
Daru opens his backpack to discover it is empty: snacks, tools, toothbrushes, paper, pencils—everything is gone.
Daru: Are you kidding me?! They took everything!!
Gram: Since they took everything, may I have your bag?
Daru: (confused) Are you serious? Did you hear anything I just said?
Gram: I did, and I'm sorry, but can I have it?
Daru throws the backpack at Gram's face.
Gram: Sweet, thanks, man.
Daru: SHUT UP.
Daru starts to walk away from Gram.
Gram: Hey!
Gram runs to catch up.
Gram: Were you really just going to leave me?
Daru: That was my intention.
Gram: (sighs) You have really changed.
Daru: I suppose I have. Anyway, where are we heading?
Gram: Huh?
Daru: To get your stuff, idiot!
Gram: Oh right, this way.
Daru and Gram proceed to locate Gram's items.
Gram: If you don't mind me asking, why are you down here?
Daru: I'm on a mission.
Gram: A mission? What kind of mission?
Daru: To save someone.
Gram: Wow! Did Rito send you on this mission?
Daru: Umm… well, he preferred that I did not go.
Gram: Huh? Then why are you going?
Daru: Because I want to, alright?
Gram: Okay, but if he didn't want you to...
Daru: Do you ever stop talking?
Gram: No, I do not. So what is the mission?
Daru: Fine! I'm going to find his son, Cinta! Are you satisfied now?
Gram: What!? Cinta!? Daru, you know he's dead, right?
Daru: Yes, I keep hearing that.
Gram: You keep hearing it because it is true.
Daru: (stops walking) Then why hasn't a body been found yet?
Gram: What?
Daru: Why hasn't Cinta's body been discovered? Huh?
Gram: (begins to reflect) You know, you make a valid point. They haven't located a corpse.
Daru: Exactly, and I have a strong suspicion that he's not dead. I believe he's somewhere—though I can't pinpoint where—waiting for us to find him.
Gram: (appears pleased) Hmm.
Daru: What's on your mind?
Daru and Gram resume walking.
Gram: I'm just pleased to see you so focused on something. It reminds me of when you managed to put that large boulder back in its place.
Daru: (chuckles, reminiscing) Yes, that boulder was quite heavy.
Gram: I know it was. (laughs)
As they walk to collect Gram's belongings, they finally arrive at their destination.
Gram: We've arrived!
Daru: Is this it?
Daru gazes at a cave.
Gram: (smiling) Indeed!
Daru: It's a cave; you didn't mention it would be in a cave.
Gram: Oh, sorry, I thought I did. Okay, let's go.
Daru: (rubbing his forehead) Ugh! This is so annoying.
They enter the cave.
Daru: It's so dark! Is there no fire or light available?
Gram: Oh, I can assist with that.
Gram casts a spell, producing light.
Gram: (casting the spell) ZENCO! There we are.
Daru: What was that?
Gram: Huh? Oh, it was merely a spell.
Daru: Are you a wizard or something?
Gram: (laughs) No, I can just cast spells, primarily healing ones.
Daru: Interesting, good to know.
As Daru and Gram venture deeper into the cave, they hear voices.
Daru: What the—? Did you hear that?
Gram: Goblins.
Daru: Goblins?
Gram: Yes, those are the ones who captured me.
Daru: (grinning) Excellent! Something I can eliminate.
Gram: Something you can eliminate?
Daru: Yes, I deal with monsters.
Daru begins sprinting toward the goblins.
Gram: What the—? Daru!!
Gram rushes to catch up with Daru. As he runs, Daru spots the goblins in the distance.
Daru: AHHHH!!!!! FOUND YOU!!!
The goblins turn to see Daru charging toward them.
Goblin 1: Gar! Uo gar!!
Goblin 2: GARRRRR!!!!
Daru seizes both goblins by their heads, smashing them into the ground, resulting in their heads exploding and blood splattering across his face, chest, and arms.
Daru: Man, that was fun.
Gram finally catches up to Daru and sees him drenched in blood.
Gram: What the hell?
Daru: Ah, I see you've finally caught up.
Gram: Well, you're pretty fast.
Daru begins to smile as he hears more goblins approaching.
Gram: More are approaching, and it appears there are many of them.
Daru: Bring it on! (Smiling menacingly).
Daru and Gram engage the goblins one by one, but Gram struggles against a particularly strong opponent. He begins casting spells and grabs a stick to strike it. Ultimately, he delivers a solid blow and casts a fireball spell, defeating the creature.
Gram: (Sweating) That was too close.
He turns around and sees a pile of defeated goblins.
Gram: What?!
Daru: (Excited) Oh man! THAT WAS SO FUN!!
Gram: Daru, I only took down one; you eliminated 17.
Daru: You snooze, you lose.
Gram: (Muttering to himself) Daru has truly transformed; he's significantly stronger.
???: GUO AHH GARRWR!!!
Daru: Ugh! What was that?!?
Gram: I'm not sure, but it sounded larger than the others. (Glances at the pile of goblins).
Daru looks behind him and notices glowing eyes peering from a distance.
Daru: (Squinting) What the—
Suddenly, an object hurtles toward him, and purple veins appear on his body just before impact. Daru is thrown against a wall, hitting his back and landing on the ground, unconscious.
Gram: Daru!!
Gram looks toward the source of the projectile and sees a larger goblin, adorned with his belongings, approaching him.
Goblin King: GARR UO GARRRW.
Gram: Hey! That's my stuff!
The goblin advances toward Gram to attack. As it does, they both hear laughter.
Goblin King: GOUU?
Gram and the goblin turn to their right, noticing Daru rising and laughing.
Daru: (LAUGHING MANICALLY) I—I ACTUALLY FELT SOMETHING!! I WANT MORE!! MORE!!
Daru's hair begins to glow, and veins start to protrude on his body once again.
Gram: There it is again, the hair and vein phenomenon.
Daru stands and strides toward the goblin, mirroring its movements. He charges at the goblin and kicks it to the ground.
Goblin King: GARARA!
Daru lifts it and slams it back down. He then begins to ground and pound its face repeatedly, ultimately tearing the goblin's head from its body.
Daru: (SOUNDING MANIC) MORE!! MORE!! MORE!!!
Gram: (Frightened by Daru) What in the world is happening?!
Daru rips the goblin's head off.
Daru: AHHHH!! I genuinely expected you to put up more of a fight.
He tosses the head aside and retrieves Gram's belongings from the goblin's waist.
Gram: (Eyes wide) H-he's a monster!
Daru's hair and veins begin to fade as he approaches Gram.
Gram: A-Are you okay?
Daru: I'm fine.
Daru tosses Gram's belongings to him, and Gram catches them as they exit the cave. Once outside, a man steps in front of them.
???: Greetings! You look strong; come join us at the fighting festival.
Gram: (Startled, jumps into Daru's arms) AAHAHHAHAH!!
Daru: Huh? What festival?
???: The Nasmeric Festival, where you can compete against the strongest individuals from around the world and various dimensions.
Daru: Strongest, you say?
???: Indeed, you can fight as much as you desire.
Gram releases himself from Daru's grip.
Gram: A fighting festival?
???: Yes, it's an opportunity to engage in battles.
The man produces a crystal.
???: Simply smash this, and it will transport you there.
Gram: Hmm… What is your name, by the way?
???: I'm a D Jumper, and my name is—
Before he can finish, Daru seizes the crystal and smashes it on the ground, teleporting Gram and Daru into the portal.
Gram: What th—? (Looks at Daru) Daru!!!!!
At the festival, Gram shouts at Daru while Zodiac, Himitsu, and Crumpy continue their conversation with the D Jumper about the festival.
Crumpy: A festival that you don't want to miss, you say?
D Jumper: That's what you heard, indeed.
Crumpy: Hmm, Zodiac, what does the rest of the poster state?
Zodiac continues to read it.
Zodiac: It also mentions, "The festival will host a fighting event, and the winner will receive 100,000,000 geo."
D Jumper: Yes, a substantial reward, isn't it?
Crumpy appears concerned.
Crumpy: 100,000,000 geo?
Himitsu: That's an unusual name for a currency. In our world, our money is based on gold.
Crumpy: Regardless, all of this sounds too good to be true.
Zodiac: That's exactly what I was thinking.
D Jumper: Come on, I would never deceive you. Everything on that flyer is accurate.
Crumpy: And what's the catch? Surely there's a requirement for us.
D Jumper: Nope, you don't have to do a single thing. However, there is one thing you will need to do.
Himitsu: Wait, I thought you said we wouldn't have to do anything?
D Jumper: Haha, well, perhaps I lied about one detail (laughs).
Crumpy approaches the D Jumper and presses his blade to his neck, causing the D Jumper to look alarmed.
Crumpy: So you are lying. Maybe we should kill you right here and now.
D Jumper: Please hold on; I'm not finished speaking. There is one request I need to make of you.
Crumpy: And what is that?
D Jumper smiles.
D Jumper: Prove your worthiness.
As he states this, D Jumper produces a strange item and throws it to the ground, creating a blinding light.
Himitsu: Ouch, my eyes!
As they regain their sight, they see that D Jumper has vanished, leaving a note on the ground.
Zodiac: We should have just killed him. What a waste of time.
Himitsu: One moment, please.
Himitsu approaches the paper, picks it up, and reads it. It states, "Meet me at the end of the winded valley."
Himitsu: He wants us to meet him at the winded valley.
Crumpy: That's where I had Zodiac train.
Himitsu: But why must we meet him there?
Zodiac: To prove ourselves, I suppose.
Himitsu: So, are we truly considering his offer? What if it's a trap?
Zodiac: Simple, if it's a trap, we kill him; end of story.
Himitsu looks at Crumpy.
Himitsu: Crumpy, what do you think we should do?
Crumpy: I say we go.
Himitsu: HUH!? THAT'S IT!?
Crumpy: Why not? This is a valuable opportunity to learn about people and their motives. Besides, we cannot be certain he is lying.
Zodiac: Then it is settled.
Zodiac heads back to their base to gather necessary supplies. As Himitsu is about to leave, he notices Crumpy's injured eye.
Himitsu: Will your eye be alright?
Crumpy: Oh yes, my eye—I completely forgot about it.
Crumpy grabs his right eye and pulls it out of the socket. Himitsu turns away and begins to retch as he sees blood pouring from Crumpy's eye.
Himitsu: Crumpy, what the hell did you do that for? (Still vomiting)
Crumpy: My right eye went entirely blind after Zodiac's attack, so I have no further use for it. But come on, let's prepare.
Himitsu nods in disgust and follows Crumpy into the base. After a few minutes, Zodiac and the others gather the necessary items for their journey and meet outside.
Crumpy: Did you all pack everything?
Himitsu: Yes, I should be ready to go.
Zodiac notices that Crumpy is wearing an eye patch.
Zodiac: Nice eye patch.
Himitsu: Zodiac, don't be rude!
Crumpy laughs.
Crumpy: I'm glad you like it. I believe it suits me. (Smiling)
Himitsu: Are we utilizing that crystal to expedite our journey?
Crumpy: Why should we? The valley is only a 20- to 30-minute walk. Let's proceed.
As they begin to walk, Crumpy halts Zodiac.
Crumpy: Hold on, Zodiac.
Zodiac: What is it now? (Annoyed)
Crumpy: Take this.
Crumpy throws a longsword to Zodiac, who catches it.
Zodiac: Why do I need this?
Crumpy: Those blades are too dangerous for you at the moment. Stick with the longsword.
Zodiac: And why should I heed your advice?
Crumpy: It's for your safety and the safety of others. Only use those blades if absolutely necessary. Understood?
Zodiac grunts in response.
Zodiac: As you say.
They continue walking through the forest for about ten minutes when they hear a loud roar from an animal.
Himitsu: What was that!?
Crumpy: It sounded like a bear; stay vigilant.
As they draw their weapons and scan the area, they spot a bear attacking a woman.
???: Somebody help me!
Himitsu: Look! That girl is in trouble!
Zodiac: Yes, we can see that, genius.
Himitsu: We need to help her!
Zodiac: No, I'll pass, thanks.
Himitsu: What a rude thing to say, Zodiac!
Zodiac: Don't care.
Himitsu is visibly frustrated with Zodiac.
Crumpy: It appears she's running out of time.
The bear is slowly advancing toward the woman, who is pinned against a tree.
???: Please, someone help me!
Himitsu, fed up, exclaims:
Himitsu: I had enough of this!
Himitsu draws his sword and charges at the bear. The bear turns and attempts a claw attack, but Himitsu dodges and stabs the bear in the neck, pushing the sword deeper. The bear growls in pain as Himitsu shouts louder.
Himitsu: DIE, YOU WRETCHED BEAST!
Himitsu delivers the final thrust, killing the bear. He withdraws his bloodied sword and approaches the woman, extending his hand.
Himitsu: You're safe now; the bear is dead.
???: T-thank you so much!
She takes his hands as she steadies herself. Upon seeing her face, Himitsu blushes, taken aback by her beauty. Crumpy begins to clap slowly.
Crumpy: Well done, Himitsu. You've truly made progress.
Both Crumpy and Zodiac approach Himitsu and the girl, who is now gazing at Zodiac.
???: Wait, you look so familiar. I recognize those eyes.
Zodiac: What?
Her eyes begin to glow.
???: WAIT JUST A SEC! YOU'RE THAT KID WHO SAVED ME A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO FROM THE THUG!
Zodiac begins to recall the event.
Zodiac: Oh, it's you…
Himitsu: So you remember me as well, correct?
???: Yes, I remember you!
Himitsu beams with delight.
Himitsu: (Aww, yes!)
???: It has been quite some time since I last saw you both! May I know your names?
Himitsu: I am Himitsu, and this is my best friend, Zodiac!
Zodiac: We're not best friends…
Cindy: Nice to meet you! I'm Cindy!
Himitsu: It's a pleasure to meet you, Cindy. What brings you out here?
Cindy: I was taking a stroll when I encountered that bear. I was terrified for my life, but then you came to my rescue. Thank you, Himitsu.
Himitsu: You are very welcome!
Zodiac turns to walk away.
Himitsu: Zodiac, where are you going?
Zodiac: We're wasting time with this conversation.
Crumpy: Unfortunately, he is correct. We don't know how long he has been waiting for us, so let's keep moving.
Cindy: Wait, may I join you? I just need to return to my hometown safely.
Himitsu: Is your hometown in the direction we are headed? (points)
Cindy: Yes, it should be.
Himitsu: In that case, you are more than welcome to accompany us.
Cindy smiles.
Cindy: Thank you so much, everyone.
Zodiac: Just don't fall behind.
After 20 minutes, they finally exit the forest and see the valley in the distance.
Himitsu: Finally! That took too long!
Zodiac: It really didn't…
Cindy: Thank you once again for bringing me here safely. I should be able to navigate my way back now.
Himitsu: Are you certain you don't need us to accompany you?
Zodiac slaps him on the back of his head.
Himitsu: Alright, alright, I'll calm down.
She giggles.
Cindy: It's perfectly fine. My town is just over there.
She points to a town east of the valley.
Crumpy: Ah, so you reside there. I understand.
Cindy: Yes, it's a lovely place. Please be sure to visit me!
Himitsu: We will certainly make a point to do so!
Cindy approaches Himitsu and gives him a hug, causing his face to turn red. She then begins to walk away, waving.
Cindy: Goodbye, everyone! Take care!
Himitsu and Crumpy wave back.
Himitsu: Oh my gosh! She actually hugged me! What do you think about that, Zodiac? (smiling cheekily)
Zodiac: You're an idiot if you think I'm into that. Now, let's go.
They make their way to the valley. After some time, they arrive, feeling the strong wind pushing against them.
Crumpy: We've finally returned.
Himitsu: Indeed, and this wind is more intense than ever.
Zodiac: This should be manageable. The D Jumper should be waiting on the other side.
Crumpy: Well then, Zodiac, demonstrate your skills!
A flashback reveals Zodiac at nine years old, preparing to battle the wind current.
Crumpy: Remember what I told you, Zodiac? Your objective is to run against the current at full speed. This will enhance your speed and agility.
Zodiac: Okay then.
Zodiac enters the wind current, struggling to maintain his footing. He takes a few steps but is pushed back.
Zodiac: No! This is impossible! I can't even stay upright!
Crumpy: Try again.
Zodiac attempts to run into the current again, making no progress and falling flat on his face.
Crumpy: Again.
Zodiac continues trying but repeatedly gets pushed back until Crumpy catches him.
Zodiac: I can't do this, Crumpy. I just can't.
Crumpy looks at him earnestly.
Crumpy: Zodiac, if you do not experience failure, how will you recognize success? Don't see setbacks as defeats, but as opportunities for growth.
Zodiac reflects on this and prepares to try again. The wind pushes him back, but he remains steady, focusing as his hair flickers momentarily. He begins a light jog against the wind but is pushed back once more.
Zodiac: Crumpy, did you see that? (smiling)
Crumpy smiles back.
Crumpy: I certainly did, Zodiac. In a few years, you'll easily cross to the other side.
The flashback concludes, showing Zodiac running effortlessly at the end of the valley. Crumpy and Himitsu reach the end, with Crumpy holding Himitsu's hand.
Crumpy: (to himself) He truly is exceptional.
D Jumper: Took you long enough to arrive.
They turn to face the Jumper, who is holding a crystal.
Zodiac: This better not be in vain.
D Jumper: Of course not. I wanted to ensure you would make the journey. Now, are you ready?
Himitsu: Yes, let's proceed.
The D Jumper pulls out a crystal similar to Crumpy's, but more advanced. He breaks it, and a large portal opens before them.
D Jumper: Before we proceed, I must inform you that I can only bring two individuals.
Himitsu and Zodiac express their surprise.
Himitsu: WAIT, WHAT! YOU NEVER MENTIONED THAT!
D Jumper: Well, you never asked.
Himitsu: This is ridiculous! What do we do now?
Crumpy smiles at both of them.
Crumpy: I suppose it's time for you both to embark on your journey.
Himitsu: What do you mean?
He takes hold of Zodiac and Himitsu, propelling them into the portal without a farewell.
D Jumper: What a strange way to say goodbye.
Crumpy: Sometimes, one must do what is necessary. (To himself) Let your journey begin.