Akuma: If you have the information I need, then speak!
Cindy felt anxious under Akuma's formidable presence. She glanced back at Crumpy, who remained silent, slowly shaking his head in disapproval.
Crumpy: (Talking to himself) You better not tell him.
Akuma seized her face and turned it back to him, compelling her to meet his gaze.
Akuma: Are you here to waste my time? Speak now!
Cindy: W-well, I-I—
Akuma tightened his grip on her throat, lifting her off the ground. She struggled to breathe as his fury escalated.
Akuma: Enough with the stuttering! Do you truly wish to perish like the insignificant human you are?
Crumpy stepped forward.
Crumpy: PUT HER DOWN!
Akuma turned to face Crumpy, his expression grave.
Akuma: And just who do you think you are?
Crumpy: It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is that you need to release her.
Akuma chuckled.
Akuma: You are in no position to tell me what to do. Just sit back and be the obedient little dog that you are.
As he spoke, Crumpy drew his blades, preparing for an attack.
Crumpy: I'm warning you—put her down, or I'll end you.
Akuma's soldiers readied themselves to confront Crumpy, but Akuma commanded them to stand down.
Akuma: Leave this weakling to me. I want to see if he has the courage to back up his threats.
Akuma released Cindy and then placed his foot on her head, applying pressure as she cried out in pain.
Akuma: Too bad this poor girl is about to meet her end at my hands. (Smiling)
As Crumpy's anger surged, he charged toward Akuma, aiming for a slash attack. However, as he closed the distance, Akuma caught his blade with his bare hands.
Crumpy: What in the!?
Akuma: What's the matter, scared?
Akuma delivered a swift punch to Crumpy's chest, propelling him back several feet. He then kicked Cindy aside. Crumpy regained his footing, clutching his chest in agony.
Akuma: Already done? That was merely my weakest punch.
Crumpy charged at Akuma, swinging his blades back and forth, but Akuma dodged effortlessly, remaining in place. Crumpy jumped back and launched an air slash projectile at him, but upon impact, it left not a single scratch on Akuma.
Crumpy: (thinking) Even that doesn't work? How strong is this man?
Akuma: Don't tell me that's all you have.
Crumpy: Let's see if you can handle this.
Crumpy employs Sudoshi, vanishing from sight. Akuma shakes his head.
Akuma: I can see you.
Akuma pivots and delivers a punch, striking Crumpy out of his invisibility and sending him reeling.
Crumpy: Wait, how is that possible!?
Akuma: Such an amateur tactic. It won't work against me.
Crumpy attempts the technique again, but Akuma counters with another punch. As Crumpy grows increasingly desperate, he repeats the technique, yet Akuma continues to thwart him. Finally, in a last-ditch effort, Crumpy tries once more, but Akuma seizes him by the leg and slams him to the ground, causing Crumpy to cough up blood.
Akuma: Sorry, I forgot you humans are fragile.
Crumpy struggles to rise, blood trickling from his head as he gasps for air. Akuma smiles.
Akuma: Allow me to demonstrate what true power looks like.
Akuma's eyes glow crimson as he releases a powerful shockwave, propelling Crumpy into a building and demolishing everything nearby. The townspeople, filled with terror, attempt to escape, but Akuma's soldiers obstruct their path. Akuma crosses his arms.
Akuma: That was merely a fraction of my strength. What a pity.
Crumpy: I'M NOT FINISHED YET!
Akuma: Hmm?
Crumpy charges from the debris toward Akuma, blades drawn. As he closes in, he feigns an attack before redirecting with his left blade, aiming for Akuma's head. However, Crumpy's assault is abruptly halted by a sharp pain.
Akuma: Hah, too slow.
The scene shifts to reveal Akuma stabbing Crumpy in the other eye with his own blade. He then kicks Crumpy to the ground as Cindy rushes toward him.
Cindy: Zodek!
Akuma: I think I've wasted enough time here. Now die.
Just as he is about to deliver the final blow, a massive portal materializes unexpectedly, drawing both Crumpy and Cindy in. The portal vanishes without a trace.
Akuma: Who the hell just did that? That can't be a coincidence.
Akuma scans the area and notices a crystal on the ground. He picks it up and examines it.
Akuma: A crystal—merely a worthless item I have no use for.
He discards it, crushing it underfoot. He then surveys the townspeople, still paralyzed by fear. A soldier rushes up to him.
Nitharian Soldier: What are your orders now, sir?
Akuma: We have completed our mission; we are returning.
Nitharian Soldier: What about the civilians?
Akuma: Let him take care of it.
Akuma then summoned Jax from a portal. Jax was a colossal beast with three prominent horns, sharp teeth, and a spiked tail, towering over the landscape like two houses stacked atop one another. Jax appeared ready for battle, grinding his teeth menacingly. Meanwhile, Crumpy and Cindy emerged from the opposite side of the portal, and as Crumpy landed beside Cindy, he heard a familiar voice.
???: It has been a long time, Crumpy (smiling).
As Zodek and Cindy were drawn into the portal, the scene shifted to Shimasu and several hundred Nitharian soldiers setting fire to houses and attacking civilians in the village.
Shimasu: (Angry) Eliminate every last one of them.
As he issued his command, the soldiers nodded and sprang into action. People screamed, fled, cried, and some fought back in desperation. Amidst the chaos, Shimasu unleashed his powers, decimating entire neighborhoods.
Shimasu: DIE! YOUR LIVES ARE WORTHLESS!!!
He lost control, launching fireballs at the houses, killing those inside and around them instantly. Finally, he halted, panting heavily.
Shimasu: (Sighs, catching his breath) Hinoka, you fled like a coward! I am left to finish this.
???: (Crying) W-w-why must you do this?
Shimasu was taken aback and turned around, adopting a fighting stance, prepared to strike. However, as he turned, he saw an elderly man—it was Greg.
Shimasu: What in the world?
Greg: (Crying) T-t-these people have done nothing to you.
Shimasu: (Laughing) And who are you to dictate my actions?
Greg: I am no one, but all I know is that you will meet your end.
Shimasu's anger flared at Greg's words.
Shimasu: Care to repeat that, old man?
Greg: You are going to be killed.
Shimasu: (Laughs) Now that's funny. Who is going to kill me, huh?
Greg: Daru. (Growing agitated) He will tear your arms off and shove them down your throat—
Before Greg could finish, Shimasu delivered a fatal blow, decapitating him instantly.
Shimasu: I do not know who that is, but he will never have the opportunity.
As Shimasu turned to walk away, he noticed a piece of paper on the ground.
Shimasu: Hmm… What is this?
He picked up the paper and unfolded it. It was the note that Daru's mother, Sauro, gave him when she sent Daru and Zodiac off in the woven baskets.
Shimasu: So the Zatarain was here. Akuma will appreciate this.
Time passes, and we see Zodiac and Himitsu walking around the fighting arena.
Zodiac: So this is where the fighting will take place.
Himitsu: It took long enough. This entire journey has been overly prolonged. By the way, what happened to that D jumper? Wasn't he supposed to accompany us?
Zodiac: Who knows? When we arrived in this dimension, he was nowhere to be found.
Himitsu: That's curious. I wonder where he went.
Zodiac: Frankly, I don't care about some idiot. Let's just go in and sign up to participate.
Suddenly, Himitsu has a thought.
Himitsu: Oh, wait a moment. How are we supposed to return to our dimension without the D jumper?
Zodiac: Relax, I'm sure they will send someone else to assist us in getting back home. Now stop talking and follow me.
Himitsu: Very well.
Zodiac and Himitsu enter the building where many people are waiting for the festival to commence. They approach a desk where a female assistant is stationed.
Female Assistant: Hello! Are you here to sign up for the Fighting Festival?
Himitsu: Yes, it's my friend and me.
Female Assistant: Great! I just need your names, and I will add you to the list.
Himitsu: Alright, my name is Himitsu, and this scary person here is Zodiac.
Zodiac gives Himitsu a stern look, prepared to retaliate. The assistant writes down both names.
Female Assistant: Excellent! The festival hasn't started yet, as we are still waiting for more participants to sign up.
Himitsu: How much longer do we have to wait?
Female Assistant: Approximately 20 to 30 minutes. After that, you will hear an announcement calling everyone in.
Himitsu: Dang, that sucks. Well, thanks again!
Female Assistant: You're welcome. Enjoy the rest of your stay! (Smiling)
Both Zodiac and Himitsu exit the building.
Himitsu: Zodiac, we really have to wait that long until the festival begins.
Zodiac: Okay?
Himitsu: Okay!? Aren't you a bit annoyed about this?
Zodiac: No, I'm not. We can use the time we have left to rest. I could use a nap.
Himitsu: I'm not tired yet. I would like to explore this place further.
Zodiac: Well, I'm not. You can do all of that by yourself.
Himitsu: But Zodiac!
Zodiac: I won't repeat myself. Go ahead and explore, but don't blame me when you get tired later on, especially with your fights.
Himitsu: Well then, great! Where will you be in the meantime so I can find you?
Zodiac: I'll be over there under that tree. (Points in that direction)
Himitsu: Perfect. I will see you shortly!
Zodiac: Whatever. Just don't be late before the festival starts.
Himitsu runs off while Zodiac settles under the tree to take a nap. Himitsu wanders down the blocks, observing many exciting sights. After a few minutes, he hears a man yelling to capture people's attention.
???: Can anyone please help me!
Himitsu: What the heck is that guy's problem?
???: Please, I beg you, help me!
As Himitsu was about to pass by, the man noticed him and called out.
???: Hey you! Please assist me over here!
Himitsu turned around.
Himitsu: What do you need assistance with?
???: I just need help with one thing; that's all I'm asking. I've been standing here for almost an hour, but everyone keeps walking past me. I promise it won't take long.
Himitsu: I suppose I have some time to assist. What do you need?
The man smiled, clearly excited.
Ace: Thank you so much! You can call me Ace!
Himitsu: Nice to meet you, Ace. I'm Himitsu.
Ace: Alright, Himitsu. The thing I need help with is—
Himitsu: What is it?
Ace: I need help approaching a girl I like.
Himitsu was taken aback.
Himitsu: You need help approaching a girl?
Ace: Yes. There's this girl nearby whom I see every day, but I am too shy and nervous to approach her. (His expression looks sad.)
Himitsu: Are you serious right now?
Ace: Yes, I am serious. Do you think you could offer me some advice on how to talk to a girl?
Himitsu began to smile, puffing out his chest.
Himitsu: Well, it appears you have come to the right person! Just so you know, I am an expert in this area!
Ace: Wait, really!?
Himitsu: Absolutely, Ace. In fact, I will provide you with a demonstration.
Ace: That's fantastic! Please demonstrate.
Himitsu: Certainly. Do you see that lady over there in the white dress? This is how you should approach a woman.
Himitsu walked confidently toward the lady, maintaining a proud posture. He tapped her on the shoulder, and she turned around to find Himitsu wearing an unusual smile.
Himitsu: Good evening, beautiful. What brings you here?
She appeared startled, grabbed her drink, and threw it in his face.
Lady in White Dress: Eww, get away from me, you creep!
Himitsu: Hey, what the hell! (wiping his face)
She then hurried away.
Ace: What just happened, Himitsu? Did she reject you?
Himitsu: Reject me? No, I rejected her. She became upset and threw her drink at me.
Ace: Really?
Himitsu: Yes. She was clearly out of my league, so I had to turn her down.
Ace: Wow, that's quite bold of you. But do you think you could show yourself actually succeeding with a woman?
Himitsu: Absolutely! I'll make sure to take the next one seriously. (smiling)
Meanwhile, while Zodiac is taking a nap and Himitsu is assisting Ace, Daru and Gram remain in line waiting to sign up.
Daru: (faking distress) Ahhh!!
Gram ignores him, as if he hasn't heard anything.
Daru: (faking distress) Ahhh!!
Gram still does not react.
Daru: (faking distress even louder) AHHHHHHH!!
Gram's eye begins to twitch, but he continues to look away.
Daru: (faking distress) AHHHHH!!!
Finally, Gram turns around, irritated by Daru's antics.
Gram: WOULD YOU SHUT UP ALREADY? HOLY CRAP, JUST SHUT UP!
Daru: (faking distress) Why is it taking so long?
Gram: IT'S A LINE, DARU! A LINE! YOU HAVE TO WAIT!!
Daru: (faking distress) Well, I don't want to wait.
Gram calms down and turns back around.
Gram: (sighing) If you don't want to stand here, go to the front of the line.
Daru: (stopping the act, surprised) Wait, I can do that?
Gram: (sarcastically) Yes, of course you can skip the line.
Daru: (thinking) Hmm…
Gram: (laughing) Just kidding; don't actually do that, or we could get into trouble.
Gram does not receive a response from Daru.
Gram: (still turned away) Do you hear me?
Still no response from Daru. Gram begins to hold his head, bracing himself for what is about to unfold.
Gram: (holding his head) Daru, if you're not with me right now, I'm going to lose my mind.
Once again, there's silence from Daru. Gram looks behind him and does not see Daru.
Gram: Aww! Man!
Just then, he hears people in front of the line yelling at someone.
Person 1: Excuse me! What do you think you're doing?
Person 2: Hey! You can't skip the line!
Person 3: What are you doing!?
Gram peeks to the left side of the line and sees Daru walking down with his hands in his pockets. A girl behind Gram starts to speak to him.
Girl: Hey, isn't that your friend?
Gram turns around to look at the girl.
Gram: (nervously) N-no… (puts his head down in shame) Yes, yes it is.
Girl: If I were you, I'd go get him before things get ugly for him.
Gram: You're right! Wait, before I leave, could you please hold my spot?
Girl: Huh? Um, sure.
Gram: Thank you!
Gram runs to the front of the line to catch up with Daru.
Person 4: Dude, if you don't move from in front of me, I'm going to kick your ass.
Daru turns around and looks at the guy.
Daru: (laughs) You're going to kick my ass?
Person 4: You heard me.
Daru: I'd love to see you try with that fat belly of yours; you'd probably just eat me instead.
The guy starts to get increasingly angry at Daru, who is smiling at him.
Gram: Daru!!
Daru looks beside him and sees Gram, who is out of breath.
Daru: Oh… hey, Gram, why are you out of breath?
Gram: (trying to catch his breath) Why… am… I… out… of… breath?
Daru: Are you okay?
Person 4: Hey!!
Daru: Can you shut up for a second? My friend is trying to catch his breath.
The guy becomes even more enraged.
Gram: (catches his breath) We need to get back in line.
Daru: Wait, why? You said we could skip the line.
Person 4: Oh, so you were the one who told him to skip the line!
Gram: Well, yes, but I was being sarcastic.
Person 4: So you're the one who got me mad!?
Gram: Umm… I guess, but not really—
Before Gram can finish, the guy picks him up and prepares to punch him.
Daru: (in a serious voice) You feeling lucky?
The man glared at Daru with a menacing gaze, a chill of fear running down his spine. He dropped Gram and walked away, visibly frustrated.
Person 4: (walking away) I don't need this shit! This whole fighting festival is just a bunch of goons anyway.
Gram: (turning to Daru) Hey, Daru.
Daru: Yes? What is it?
Gram: Thank you for saving me a moment ago.
Daru: No problem. I need to keep you safe so you can witness my victory in this fighting festival.
Gram: (Laughs) Right. Alright, let's return to the line.
Daru: (Sighs) Okay.
Gram and Daru walk back to the girl who had saved their spot.
Gram: (Waving at the girl) Hello!
The girl does not make eye contact with Gram.
Gram: Excuse me? Hello?
The girl still does not respond.
Daru: Umm… Gram, do you know this person?
Gram: What? Yes, I do. She saved our spot.
Daru: (Confused) Alright.
Gram: Hey! I'm speaking to you!
The girl finally turns to look at Gram and Daru.
Girl: I have no idea who you are.
Gram: WHAT!
Daru: (Sighs, placing his hand on his head)
Gram: No, no, no. You know me!
Girl: No, I don't.
Gram: Yes, you do!
Girl: No.
Gram: Yes!
Girl: NO!
Gram: YES!
They both continue to go back and forth as Daru breaks them up.
Daru: ALRIGHT, ENOUGH!!
Gram and the girl cease their argument but continue to glare at each other.
Daru: Gram, let's just go to the back of the line.
Gram: This is bullcrap!
Girl: Sucks to be you.
Gram: Oh… you'd better watch yourself.
Girl: Alright, weakling.
Daru starts to chuckle as Gram looks back at him.
Gram: Why are you laughing?
Daru: It's nothing, let's just move to the back of the line.
Gram: Ugh!! Fine.
Girl: Yes, be a good little dog and listen to your trainer.
Gram: Oh, that's it! Do you want to fight? Huh?
Daru picks up Gram and begins walking to the back of the line.
Girl: Good grief.
Daru and Gram reach the back of the line, and he sets down Gram.
Gram: Why did you do that!?
Daru: Because you have anger issues.
Gram: W-what? I don't have anger issues.
Daru: But you do.
Gram: (Sighs) I apologize, Daru.
Daru: It's all good.
As time passes, Daru successfully signs up for the fighting festival.
Daru: FINALLY!!!
Gram: That took long enough.
Daru: Now, let's fight!