Referee: Let's begin this match in three, two, one, fight!
As the fight begins, Zodiac stands still, gazing intently at Zen, who appears uncertain about his next move.
Daru: Hmm…
Kono glances at Daru.
Kono: Do you see something, Daru?
Daru: (Muttering to himself) I know what he's planning.
Zen: What are you doing? Aren't you going to attack me?
Zodiac: Why should I? If you believe you can defeat me, why don't you make the first move?
Zen starts to contemplate his strategy.
Zen: (Talking to himself) Is this guy stupid? If I can land my poison on him, he's finished.
Gram: Can someone make a move ALREADY?
Daru: Shut up, Gram.
Himitsu and Kono stifle their laughter.
Gram: (Looking at them) You better not be laughing at me.
Himitsu and Kono cease their chuckling.
Zen: Alright then, tough guy, I'll take the first move, but don't complain when I defeat you.
Zen launches his chain weapon at Zodiac, who remains motionless. As Zen's blade approaches, it pierces Zodiac's right arm. Himitsu and the others are stunned, unable to comprehend what they have just witnessed.
Himitsu: ZODIAC, NO! WHY WOULD YOU ALLOW HIM TO POISON YOU?
Gram: WHAT TH—
Kono: WHY WOULD HE DO THAT?
Daru observes the fight intently, remaining silent.
Gram: Hey, Himitsu, your friend is an idiot. I'm going to have to heal him now.
Daru: (Smirking) No, you won't.
The others glance at Daru, who stands with his arms crossed, closely monitoring the battle.
Gram: He just got hit with poison that nearly killed Himitsu!
Daru: Just watch.
The group turns their attention back to the match. Zen begins to laugh.
Zen: Wow, just wow. Do you realize what you just did to yourself, buddy?
Zodiac rips Zen's blade from his arm and discards it.
Kono: Whoa!
Zen: (Laughing) Sorry to inform you, kid, but you're about to lose.
Daru smirks as Zodiac shakes his head.
Zodiac: You call this poison? I'm very disappointed.
Zen's expression shifts to concern.
Zen: What!? No, you must be bluffing!
Gram: What? I don't understand. Is he poisoned or not?
Daru: It didn't affect him.
Himitsu: What do you mean?
Daru: (Closing his eyes while crossing his arms) Zodiac was unsure at first whether it would affect him, but he took the risk to find out it didn't.
Himitsu: So what I'm hearing is that he possibly could have gotten poisoned?
Daru: That's exactly what I'm saying.
Gram: Himitsu, if you don't mind my asking, what is Zodiac?
As Himitsu and the others converse, Kono observes Zodiac.
Kono: Wow, he is so strong and brave.
Himitsu: What do you mean by that?
Gram: What is his race?
Himitsu: I believe it's referred to as a Zatar—
Daru glances at Himitsu, but the referee begins to shout.
Referee: WOW!! LOOK AT THAT!! EVERYONE, HE JUST REMOVED THE BLADE FROM HIS ARM!!
Daru and the others turn back to Zodiac, who is gripping the handle of one of his blades.
Zodiac: One strike.
Zen: What!?
Zodiac: One strike is all it takes to defeat you.
Zen's frustration toward Zodiac escalates.
Zen: OH REALLY? WELL, TAKE THIS!
Zen launches an attack, hurling his weapon toward Zodiac as he begins to close his eyes to focus his energy. As Zen's attack approaches, Zodiac opens his eyes and utters two words.
Zodiac: Your finish.
Zodiac draws the blade he was holding and delivers a swift slash toward Zen, shattering his weapon and inflicting multiple cuts on his body. Zen spits blood and collapses to his knees in agony.
Zen: Ahh! Ah! Aaahhhh!!
Daru: (smirking) Not bad, not bad at all.
Gram: HOLY CRAP!!
Kono: THAT WAS INCREDIBLE!!
Himitsu: Yes, that's Zodiac for you. "One strike is all I need." I plan to use that someday.
Zodiac approaches Zen and places his foot on his head, looking down at him.
Zodiac: How does it feel to lose, "buddy"?
The referee calls the match as Zen is incapacitated.
Referee: What an astonishing conclusion to this fight! It appears Zodiac is the victor! (Crowd cheers.)
Kono: That was an amazing fight, wasn't it!?
Gram: Indeed, it was quite impressive!
Daru: It was okay.
Himitsu: Okay!?! He beat him so fast!
Daru: As I mentioned previously, no one here presents a challenge.
Himitsu grows slightly irritated.
Himitsu: (muttering to himself) Asshole.
The referee prepares for the next match as he reviews the schedule.
Referee: Now, onto the next fight. Can we have competitors 24 and 51 enter the arena?
Zodiac takes a seat on a bench, awaiting his turn.
Zodiac: Here we go again, another dull fight to observe. (sighs)
The two fighters enter the arena, getting ready to begin.
Referee: Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome Scar and Toba to the arena!
Scar: This match will be a walk in the park!
Toba: I beg to differ, my friend!
Referee: Very well, let us commence this battle in three, two, one—fight!
Scar and Toba charge at each other, clashing their swords and exchanging blows. As the duel progresses, a man in a black hoodie, who previously spoke to Gram, enters the arena and approaches the referee, capturing the crowd's attention.
Person 1: Dude, what the hell?!
Person 2: Is this guy out of his mind?
Person 3: He's gonna get killed.
Himitsu: What is he doing? He'll be in danger!
Kono: I have no idea! Why is he acting this way?!
Daru: Does he have a death wish?
Gram: Wait a moment—I recognize that guy!
Himitsu: You do?
Gram: Yes, he was the one who informed me about the restroom on this side since the other one had a long line.
Referee: Excuse me… What are you doing, man? You'll get hurt.
???: I'm perfectly fine. May I borrow this?
The man in the black hoodie seizes the microphone from the referee's hand.
Referee: Hey, wait a moment!
???: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, AND ALL YOU CREATURES OUT THERE (LAUGHS), COULD I PLEASE HAVE YOUR ATTENTION?
Toba and Scar pause their fight, as does the crowd, captivated by the man's voice.
???: It's remarkable how everything falls silent when one speaks into the microphone.
Daru: What the hell is this guy up to?
Gram: I'm not sure, but it certainly doesn't seem promising.
Ancho: My name is Ancho! I am someone who likes money, and one of the things I like the most… WELL, MONEY!! (laughs)
Zodiac: Who does he think he is?
Himitsu: Ancho?
Kono: Yes (laughs), his name sounds like a food dish. (laughs)
Ancho: So, if you would kindly empty your pockets and hand over your valuables, I would greatly appreciate it.
Referee: (laughs) Do you genuinely believe these people are going to do that?
Ancho: (smiles) Yes, I do.
The crowd begins to grow irate with Ancho for disrupting the fighting festival.
Person 1: Leave the arena, you fool!
Person 2: We were trying to enjoy a fight, and you're ruining it!
Ancho: So, is that a no to my request?
Person 3: YES!! NOW GET OFF THE ARENA!!
The crowd shouts at Ancho to exit the arena.
Ancho: It appears we will be doing this the hard way.
Ancho raises his hand, and individuals in black hoodies emerge, with armed men positioned at each end of the bleachers.
Black Hoodie Thug: SHUT UP!! AND GIVE ME YOUR STUFF!!
Person 1: W-what? Please, take it easy!
Black Hoodie Thug: GIVE ME YOUR STUFF!!
Person 1: But I don't have anything on me.
The thug shoots the person in the head, killing him instantly.
Kono: Oh my God!
Gram is speechless, paralyzed by fear.
Himitsu: H-he shot him.
Daru: What in the world is happening?
Zodiac: Fantastic, now we have low-life scum to contend with.
Ancho: I advised you to hand over your valuables.
Referee: W-what? What is wrong with you? WHO ARE YOU?
Ancho: (laughs) Just a man who appreciates money. (smiles)
Ancho pulls out a gun and shoots the referee in the head.
Gram: Who are these people!?
Ancho: Now, now, everyone remain calm; everything will be alright. All I require is money—that's it.
Scar and Toba exchange glances and charge at Ancho, but without looking, Ancho draws two pistols, aiming at them.
Ancho: Do you really want to do that?
Scar: Listen, man! This is a fighting festival, not a gun festival, and we're not scared of you.
Toba: Yeah, we're not scared at all.
Ancho: I don't need you to be afraid (smiles menacingly). ALL I WANT IS MONEY!
Ancho pulls the trigger and begins shooting at Toba and Scar, who start to evade. As the gunfire continues, everyone begins to rise, running and screaming, while Daru moves toward the arena. Gram and the others join the crowd attempting to escape. Zodiac observes from the sidelines as the fighters also begin to flee.
Zodiac: It's about time something exciting happened.
Gram: (running) I DON'T WANT TO DIE!
Himitsu: (running) NEITHER DO I!
Kono: AHHHHH!
Ancho shouts at his thugs while continuing to shoot at Toba and Scar.
Ancho: ELIMINATE THEM ALL!
The thugs begin shooting at the civilians, causing them to fall to the ground one by one. Witnessing the chaos, Himitsu becomes enraged.
Himitsu: They are shooting innocent people! I cannot allow this to continue.
Himitsu draws his sword and charges at one of the thugs. The thug sees Himitsu approaching with his sword raised and shouts.
Kono & Gram: HIMITSU!
Himitsu: AHHHHHHH!
The thug attempts to fire, but Himitsu swiftly ducks beneath the bullets and incapacitates the thug by severing his legs. The thug collapses, emitting a cry of pain.
Thug: Ahhh! Ahh! Ahh!!
Himitsu: Die, you coward!!
Himitsu then swings his sword, decapitating the thug. Kono and Gram observe in shock.
Kono: OHHHH YEAHH! THIS IS WAR!!
Gram: (Crying) What is happening?!
Kono pulls out an unusual gun.
Gram: What the hell is that?
Kono: (Smiling) THIS IS MY BABY!!
Kono fires the weapon at the thugs, launching fireballs.
Kono: YEAHHH! GET SOME!!
Meanwhile, Zodiac approaches the arena. Ancho finally shoots Toba in the leg, causing him to collapse. Scar rushes to his side.
Toba: Ahh!
Scar: Toba!
Ancho: (Smiling and laughing) I must say, that took longer than anticipated.
Scar: We don't have any money! What is it that you want?!
Ancho: Oh, that's not the response I was hoping for. I suppose I'll have to kill you instead.
Daru: Pathetic.
Ancho turns to see Daru standing in the arena with his hands in his pockets.
Ancho: (Laughs) And who might you be? Let me guess—you're friends with these guys? (Points)
Daru: No… I have no idea who they are.
Ancho: Hmm… So you wouldn't care if I just killed them?
Daru: No, I wouldn't care.
Scar: Wh—
Toba: Please don't kill us!
Ancho shifts his gaze to Toba and Scar, aiming his gun at them. Just as he is about to pull the trigger, he hears a sword slicing through the air from behind. Ancho dodges and turns to confront Zodiac.
Ancho: (Laughs) More people are just showing up, aren't they?
Zodiac: Shut up.
Ancho: Shut up? That's rather impolite, isn't it?
Daru and Zodiac exchange knowing glances.
Ancho: Wait… it looks like you guys know each other. (Smiles)
Daru: Are you going to continue speaking?
Ancho: Wow, you guys are so rude.
Zodiac: I really don't care, so why don't you get out of here before I kill you?
Ancho: Why would I do that? After I kill these people, I can take whatever valuables remain on their bodies.
Daru: You're sick.
Ancho: Some people call it an illness. (Laughs)
Daru glances at Scar and Toba.
Daru: Get him out of here.
Scar nods in agreement.
Ancho: Not while I'm here.
Ancho prepares to shoot when Zodiac employs sudoshi, slicing his gun in half.
Ancho: What the heck!? (Crying) That was my favorite firearm!
Scar lifts Toba and carries him out of the arena.
Daru: It's over now. Gather your crew and leave.
Ancho: You know what? How about... no.
Ancho withdraws another gun from his pocket and aims it at Daru, taking a shot. As the bullet strikes Daru, it bounces off his head, unharmed.
Ancho: What the hell? What are you?
Ancho retreats from Zodiac and Daru, calling for his thugs.
Ancho: Guards!
Six guards rush into the arena, encircling Zodiac and Daru with their weapons drawn.
Ancho: (Waving as he walks away) Enjoy yourselves, gentlemen. I'm going to see what I can find on these bodies.
Zodiac looks at Daru, who meets his gaze.
Zodiac: Why were you sitting with Himitsu?
Daru: What? That was Gram's idea, not mine.
Zodiac: Really?
Daru: Why do you care?
Zodiac: I have the right to care. Is that a problem?
Daru: Yes, it is a problem because you made it one.
Zodiac: That doesn't make any sense. (Blank expression)
Daru begins to show signs of annoyance.
Daru: It makes sense to me.
As Zodiac and Daru continue their conversation, the guards move in closer, their guns aimed at them.
Thug: GIVE ME ALL YOUR STUFF!!
Thug 2: DROP IT! DROP IT ALL!!
Zodiac: If you don't remove that gun from my face, you will meet a terrible fate.
Thug 2: I SAID DROP EVERYTHING YOU HAVE—
Without hesitation, Zodiac draws his blades and slices the thug's throat. The thug clutches his throat and collapses.
Thug 1: What the...
Daru delivers a powerful headbutt to the thug, cracking the arena platform and breaking his nose.
Thug 1: MY NOSE!! MY NOSE!!!
The other guards stare in shock at Daru and Zodiac, who both emanate a peculiar aura—one white, the other purple.
Thug 3: What are these guys?!?
Thug 4: Who cares… Fire!!!
The remaining thugs open fire on Daru and Zodiac, who charge at them, taking them down one by one—Daru using his fists and Zodiac wielding his blades. Zodiac eliminates the last thug with a spinning blade jump.
Daru: Show off.
Zodiac glances at Daru and smirks.
The scene shifts back to Kono and the others. Gram attempts to heal the injured while Kono and Himitsu fend off the thugs, protecting Gram.
Kono: COME ON!! BRING IT ON!!!
Himitsu: You will not kill another person!
Gram: Good job, everyone, keep it up.
Kono: Will do!
Himitsu: AHHHHHHH!
Ancho: Okay, let's see what we have here. Oh, what is this? Earrings? They may hold some value. Ah! Quite shiny.
Zodiac: Are you finished yet?
Ancho does not turn around, fully aware of who it is.
Ancho: I see you managed to get past my guards.
Daru: They were weak, anyway.
Ancho turns to face Daru and Zodiac.
Ancho: You two just do not know when to quit, do you?
Zodiac: I am not here to engage in conversation. Just leave with your crew.
Ancho removes his hood, revealing light blue hair and multiple facial piercings.
Daru: Eww.
Ancho: Oh, do you like them? I collect jewelry from the individuals I've killed.
Zodiac: What?
Ancho: Allow me to rephrase that. Each time I kill someone, I add a new piece to my body. Not only do I love money, but I love jewelry!
Daru: You're right; you're sick.
Ancho: No, not sick. I claim my reward after each elimination.
Zodiac: I can overlook many things, but not this. It's just disgusting.
Ancho: (Laughs) If you say so. However, I must admit, those blades of yours look very nice.
Zodiac: Well, they're not for sale.
Ancho: I suppose I will have to take them from you when I kill you.
Daru: (Laughs) I'd love to see that.
Ancho raises his hand as a ship hovers above him.
Zodiac: What is happening?
Daru: Hmm…
The ship deploys a titan, which lands in front of Ancho. He leaps atop the titan.
Ancho: See, gentlemen? This is the situation we find ourselves in. I did not wish to eliminate you, but you have pushed me to this point.
Daru: Are you going to continue talking?
Zodiac: For once, I agree with you.
Ancho: If you are so eager to meet your end, simply say so!
Ancho jumps into the machine, prepared to engage in combat alongside Daru and Zodiac.