READY, SET, GO!

With two minutes remaining until the event begins, the Maivelance Crew is unwinding and making preparations while Kono sets traps around the park.

Kono: Okay, one here and one there. That should do it.

Himitsu approaches Kono as she places her traps.

Himitsu: Hey, Kono, what are you doing?

Kono: I'm setting finger bombs and sensors.

Himitsu: Finger bombs? What are those?

Kono: They're small traps, roughly the size of your fingers, that resemble bombs but are difficult to detect.

Zodiac walks over, overhearing the conversation.

Zodiac: Won't those traps kill them? We can't kill, remember?

Himitsu: Yeah, Kono, the instructor said that if you kill anyone, you'll be sent to jail and lose your position in the Order.

Kono: Oh no, they won't kill anyone. They're called finger bombs because they're the size of a finger and resemble bombs. They simply deliver an electric shock.

Zodiac: Hmm. That's rather clever.

Kono smiles.

Kono: Thank you, Zodiac!

Zodiac: Whatever. I'm heading to my designated spot.

As Zodiac walks away, Gram is conversing with Daru.

Gram: But why?!

Daru: I've explained multiple times already. You're not coming with me.

Gram: (crossing his arms) You just like Himitsu more than me; I get it.

Daru: You know, you act like a girl.

Gram: Ugh! What! I am not!

Daru: Yes, you are. The main reason being that you can't defend yourself.

Gram: I can!

Daru: How? By running away?

Gram: Hey! I only run away to lead them to you guys so you can handle it.

Daru: Okay, what about that time we had to confront the lion? (Flashback to the mission in Sampostis)

Gram: I wanted to go for a jog.

Daru: And the shark?

Gram: I wanted to see how fast I could swim.

Daru: The monkey.

Gram: Okay, he stole my banana, so I took it back.

Daru: The pig?

Gram: OKAY! I GET IT!

Daru: Gram, you have a spell book, and you never use it.

Gram: I do! I used it to save your life.

Daru: I didn't need saving; I would have simply woken up.

Gram: Wow! You know what? Next time you're in danger, don't seek me out; I'll let you die.

Daru: Good, then I won't have to listen to you whining the whole time.

Gram and Daru exchange glances for a few seconds.

Gram: Can I come with you?

Daru: NO!

Daru walks away.

Gram: I'm going to show them, GRAM THE GREAT… and the sexiest man alive, hehe.

Kono: GUYS! THEY'RE COUNTING DOWN; THE EVENT IS ABOUT TO START! (Counting down from 45 seconds).

The Maivelance Crew looks up to see a massive projectile in the air counting down.

Instructor: Attention, all Newbie Crews! As you can see, the countdown is in progress. As soon as it reaches 1, THE EVENT STARTS! (30 seconds remaining).

Koda: I will win this for you, Father.

Hunsor 1: Koda, who is our first target?

Koda: I will pursue the man who disrespected Father. I will show him no mercy with this blade.

Hunsor 1: But they instructed against killing.

Koda: Then I won't get caught.

The Hunsor crew stands together, holding their swords forward.

Instructor: 20 SECONDS! I HOPE YOU'RE READY!

Lance: This is going to be too easy for us Virgos.

Iris: We should have been ranked 3 when we got here. But since we are here, I guess I'll have to show them.

Lance: Damn right, sis! Let's show them!

The Virgo Crew stands united. The scene shifts to Becan and his crew huddled together.

Becan: ARE YOU BOYS READY TO HEAT UP THIS NEWBIE EVENT?

Flaming Grill Mates: LET'S CRANK UP THE HEAT!

Becan: LET'S GET FIRED UP, BOYS!

The Flaming Grills begin to stomp as fire ignites beneath them.

Kora: LET'S DO THIS, GIRLS!

Blue Troopers: LET'S GO!

The Blue Troopers leap into the air, striking a pose.

Instructor: 10, 9, 8, 7.

Daru cracks his neck and punches his fists together as Himitsu stands beside him.

Daru: (Smiling) Let's see how much damage they can do to me.

Himitsu attempts to mimic Daru.

Himitsu: YEAH! LET'S SEE HOW MUCH DAMAGE THEY CAN DO TO ME! AHHHH!

Himitsu tries to crack his neck but fails;he then moves on to punching his fists together.

Himitsu: (Wincing) Okay, that hurt.

Daru: Prepare yourself!

Himitsu: RIGHT!

Daru and Himitsu take their positions to run. High up in a tree, Zodiac sharpens his blade with a rock.

Kono: (holding a big gun) Let's do this!

Gram: I'm going to show them how GREAT GRAM IS... GRAM THE GREAT, YEAH!!!

Instructor: 3, 2, 1, GO!!!!

Koda: AHHHHH!!!!

At the instructor's command, all the crews begin to advance: the Virgos sprint toward the Hunsor Crew, the Hunsor Crew charges at the Maivelance Crew, the Flaming Grills rush toward the Blue Trooper Crew, and the Blue Trooper Crew heads straight for the Flaming Grills. Meanwhile, Daru and Himitsu run directly ahead, while Gram veers off in a different direction.

Daru & Himitsu: AHHHH!!! HERE WE COME!!

Gram: I AM GRAM THE GREAT!!

Zodiac: Idiots.

As everyone runs, searching for each other's bases, Becan and four crew members dash through the city.

Becan: (holding a hand up) Stop!

Flaming Grill 1: What is it, dude?

Flaming Grill 2: Yeah, dude, what is it?

Becan: I smell… perfume.

Just then, Becan jumps aside, narrowly dodging a throwing knife.

Becan: WHERE ARE YOU? SHOW YOURSELF!

Kora appears from behind a building with three of her associates.

Becan: I knew it was you, Kora.

Kora: Oh, let me guess, my scent gave it away?

Flaming Grill 1: Yeah, dude, that awful smell.

Blue Trooper 1: Hey, don't say that! Kora made that perfume herself because she's amazing.

Flaming Grill 2: Yeah, dude, an incredibly nasty smell.

Blue Trooper 2: Wow, you guys are as dumb as you look.

Becan: Hey, don't talk to my crew like that.

Kora: Or what, Becan?

Becan: Or I'm going to CRANK UP THE HEAT!!!

Kora: Good! Bring it on!

Kora unleashes her powers as a pinkish-blue beam shoots from her hands, aimed at Becan. He stands resolute as the beam strikes him, enveloping him in a cloud of smoke. When the smoke clears, Becan remains unharmed and smiling.

Kora: What! How? Not even a scratch?

Blue Trooper 1: This may take longer than we thought.

Blue Trooper 3: Yeah, it may.

Becan: I THINK IT'S TIME TO CRANK UP THE HEAT, BOYS!!!

As the Blue Troopers and the Flaming Grills engage in combat, the Virgos sprint ahead at full speed.

Lance: Just up ahead, not much further.

Iris: Wait.

Lance and the other four crew members come to a halt.

Lance: Huh? What?

Iris: I was thinking…

Lance: And?

Iris: Well, why are we pursuing the Hunsor Crew?

Lance: What? They're the closest to us.

Iris: Yes, I know, idiot. Wouldn't it make more sense to target the Maivelance Crew since they're the weakest and lowest-ranked crew here?

Lance and the other crew members begin to contemplate her suggestion.

Virgo 1: She has a valid point.

Virgo 2: If we continue pursuing their flag, it will result in an easy victory.

Lance: Okay, let's take out these low-ranking guys.

Iris: See? I am always right, brother.

Lance: You are, sis. Always.

The Virgo Crew begins to advance toward the Maivelance Crew, where Daru and Himitsu are also approaching.

Daru: Damn it! Not a single person yet.

Himitsu: Maybe they're fighting at their bases.

Daru: Where could they be?

Himitsu: Just use the watch; it will tell you.

Daru: Wh—Oh, this thing? I don't know how to use it.

Himitsu: What? Seriously?

Daru and Himitsu halt their movement.

Himitsu: Here, let me show you.

Daru: Huh… Ugh, okay.

Himitsu shows him how to operate the watch.

Himitsu: Simply press this button, and it will display the map.

Daru: Really? That's it?

Himitsu: Yep!

Daru presses the indicated button, and a map appears, revealing the locations of all the bases.

Daru: Whoa!! OKAY, NOW THIS IS SICK!!

Himitsu laughs. Daru looks at him.

Daru: Hey, Himitsu.

Himitsu: Huh?

Daru: You're a nice guy, man.

Himitsu: (scratching his head) Nah… I'm just helping my crew members.

Daru: No, seriously, you are a nice guy, but you need to stop allowing Zodiac to dictate your actions.

Himitsu: (scratching his head) Yeah, I know.

Daru: (sternly) NO, YOU DON'T!!

Himitsu jumps at Daru's raised voice.

Daru: You must express your true feelings to Zodiac and stop letting him control you. For instance, he instructed you to accompany him.

Himitsu reflects on this.

Himitsu: Yes, I suppose you're correct.

Daru: Promise me something.

Himitsu: What is it?

Daru: I don't care when, but someday you have to tell him how you truly feel.

Himitsu sits down, contemplating.

Daru: Ugh… Himitsu?

Himitsu: Okay! I will do it eventually.

Daru: Excellent! Now let's return to locating some opponents.

Himitsu: RIGHT!

Daru presses his watch again to access the map, which reveals the Flaming Grills bases closest to them.

Daru: AHH!! The Flaming Grills! They are the nearest. Let's pay them a visit!

Himitsu: We shall!

Daru and Himitsu run toward the Flaming Grills. Meanwhile, Zodiac sits in a tree, manipulating his katana, spinning the blade's tip on his finger. He begins to reflect on what Zodek had said to him. (Flashback)

Zodek: I can confidently say that you're "The Kamigurken."

Zodiac: Hmm… Kamigurken, the one who wields all.

A few seconds later, one of Kono's finger bombs detonated, prompting Zodiac to adopt a serious demeanor. He glanced at the explosion and observed two individuals emerging from the bushes.

Koda: I apologize, Father; that was excessively loud. I am not here for the flag but to confront someone who disrespected my father.

Kono emerged from behind the bench and began firing.

Kono: AHHHHH!!!

Koda and his teammate evaded the shots.

Kono: YEAHH! GET SOME!!! AHHH!!

Hunsor 1: I'll take care of this, Koda. Allow me to handle it.

As he spoke, Koda's teammate veered in another direction, heading directly for Kono.

Kono: BAD IDEA, PAL!!

Kono retrieved another gun from her right pocket, which transformed into a larger weapon. She fired beneath her feet, generating a rectangular cement wall that propelled her into the air.

Hunsor 1: Do you think that will stop me?

The Hunsor teammate began running up the cement wall.

Kono: Oh crap! They can run on walls too!?

Kono drew another gun from her left pocket, transforming it into a larger weapon. She fired an ice beam, creating spikes on the cement wall. A Hunsor teammate unsheathed his sword and began slashing at the spikes in his path.

Hunsor 1: NO, TRY AGAIN!

The Hunsor teammate started throwing ninja stars at Kono, who skillfully dodged them.

Hunsor: You cannot evade forever, little GIRL! WE WILL SHOW YOU THE POWER OF OUR FATHER'S MIGHT!

Kono: Dammit! I need to think quickly.

As the Hunsor teammate closed in, an idea struck Kono.

Kono: Okay, I've got it!

She pulled a gun from the side of her shoes, transforming it into a larger weapon. Kono leaped off the cement wall and dove toward the ground. As she descended, she shot at the Hunsor teammate, releasing an electric whip that ensnared him.

Kono: Gotcha!

Hunsor 1: What the—

Kono executed a mid-air flip, using her electric whip to slam the teammate into the ground, incapacitating him. As she continued to fall, Kono activated her shoes, equipped with mini jet packs, ensuring a smooth landing.

Kono: I love these shoes! They're so cute!

While Kono subdued Koda's teammate, Koda searched for Zodiac.

Koda: Where could he be?

Koda spotted the Maivelance crew's flag beside a tree and looked up to see Zodiac perched on top.

Koda: There you are!

Zodiac turns his head, noticing Koda in a fighting stance with his sword drawn.

Zodiac: Why are you standing there? Don't you want to retrieve our flag?

Koda: I don't care about the flag; I want your head.

Zodiac: Really? You do realize that if you kill me, you'll be disqualified from the game. Is it worth losing your job over me?

Koda: Nobody disrespects my father and walks away alive. Face me like a man and draw your weapon!

Zodiac shakes his head.

Zodiac: Looks like someone has daddy issues.

As Zodiac observes Koda swing his sword, a massive slash projection forces him to leap off the tree just in time. The tree is cleaved in half and crashes to the ground. When Zodiac lands and looks ahead, he sees Koda lunging at him, poised to strike. Zodiac quickly raises his katana to block the attack. Koda vanishes, and a clone appears behind Zodiac, aiming for his head with a kunai. Sensing the danger, Zodiac ducks, grabs the clone's arm, and attempts a counterattack. His katana slices through the clone, which disappears once more.

Zodiac: Where is he? (Looking around)

As Zodiac steps forward, three clones materialize around him, all preparing to attack. In a swift 360-degree spin, he slashes, taking down all the clones as the real Koda stands before him.

Koda: Impressive! Usually, people don't last long against my clones.

Zodiac: (To himself) Looks like this fight won't be as easy as I thought.

As they prepare to continue their battle, the scene shifts to Gram walking through the forest, kicking a can.

Gram: They say, "Gram, you can't defend yourself." "We'll have to protect you." Hah! I do so much, and they just don't see it.

While walking, Gram hears a noise.

Gram: (Stops) Ahh! What was that?

He turns to see a bush shaking.

Gram: Oh no! What is that?!?

Cautiously, he approaches the bush, but it stops moving.

Gram: Huh? Wait, did I scare it away? (Laughing) I guess I did! See, Gram, the great is the best that ever lived. The fearless, the strongest—no, the strongest human and the most handsome! (Smirks)

As Gram boasts, a rabbit suddenly jumps out of the bush, holding a carrot in its mouth.

Gram: AHHHHH!!!

He bolts away as fast as he can, not caring where he's headed. The scene shifts back to Daru and Himitsu.

Himitsu: Okay, we're getting really close now.

Daru: (smiling) Good! I'm ready to see what my body can handle.

Daru and Himitsu arrive at the Flaming Grills base, concealing themselves behind a tall tree.

Himitsu: (whispering) I see four individuals near the flag. What is your plan, Daru? Daru?

Himitsu glances to his side, realizing Daru is no longer beside him.

Himitsu: What the—where did he go?

Himitsu hears a shout and turns back to the base, just in time to witness Daru incapacitating a Flaming Grills crew member.

Daru: Come on! You had to see that coming.

Flaming Grill 1: Get him, boys!

Daru: (smiling menacingly) LET'S DO THIS!!

Daru charges at one of the Flaming Grills as the crew member ignites his foot, preparing to kick. Daru slides under the kick and rushes toward another Flaming Grill crew member, headbutting him and sending him crashing to the ground.

Flaming Grill 3: UGHHH!!!!!

Daru spins around just in time to see another Flaming Grill throwing a punch. Daru ducks, wraps his arms around the crew member's waist, lifts him, and slams him down. As Daru attempts a stomp to the head, the crew member evades. A vein pulses on Daru's back as the final Flaming Grill approaches with a kick, but Daru nimbly avoids it.

Himitsu: Incredible! I did not realize Daru possessed such fighting skills.

Daru: (yelling at Himitsu) HEY, ASSHOLE! ARE YOU GOING TO CONTINUE WATCHING OR COME HELP?!

Himitsu: Is he talking to me?

Daru: HIMITSU!!

Himitsu: Oh, he is!!

Himitsu leaps out of the bush and charges at one of the Flaming Grills. The Flaming Grill notices Himitsu and jumps aside as Himitsu draws his spear, jamming it into the ground and launching himself toward the crew member.

Flaming Grill 1: What th—

Himitsu delivers a punch to the Flaming Grill's face, causing him to stumble back, but the Flaming Grill quickly regains his composure.

Flaming Grill: (to himself) We need backup; these guys are tough.

The Flaming Grill presses a button on his watch, sending out a signal.

Flaming Grill 1: Alright, time for round two.

Daru: (smiling menacingly) LET'S FIGHT!!