Zodiac turns and sees someone in front of him.
Zodek: I knew I heard your voice.
Zodiac and Himitsu's eyes widen in surprise as they see Zodek and Cindy together, while the others look confused.
Zodiac: Zodek!?
Himitsu: WHAT THE HECK… WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?
Zodek: Haha, let's just say I was feeling adventurous.
Cindy: Hello again, Zodiac and Himitsu!
Himitsu: You're here too, Cindy!? This day is getting crazier.
Daru: Who is this guy? And why is he wearing eye patches?
Gram: I was going to ask about the eyes too.
Kono: Well, I think it looks COOL!!
Zodiac: This is Zodek; he trained Himitsu and me since we were young.
Zodek: It's a pleasure to meet you all. (Smiling)
Daru starts to walk around Zodek, examining him.
Kono: What are you doing, Daru?
Daru: Hmm… I'm trying to figure out if he's strong.
Gram: (Hand on his forehead) Goodness. Okay, let's give them some space to talk.
Kono: I agree. Come on, I'll show you what the Order looks like.
Gram: AWESOME!!!
Daru: Ehh… okay.
Kono takes Daru and Gram away from Zodiac and Himitsu to allow them to talk.
Zodek: So, are those guys your friends?
Himitsu: Absolutely! We met them at the festival.
Zodek: I see. How did the festival go for you?
Zodiac explains everything that transpired at the festival, leaving Zodek visibly shocked.
Zodek: Wow, I'm not sure what to say.
Himitsu: Yeah! I'm still surprised the festival was set up this whole time.
Cindy: You all experienced quite a lot in a short span, that's for certain.
Zodek: And Zodiac, is it true that Daru is your brother?
Zodiac: I would be lying if I said no. Ever since our first encounter—when Himitsu bumped into Gram—I had a strange feeling about Daru.
Himitsu: And Zodiac and Daru's hair flickered when they fought each other.
Zodek: Really? Like the time we saw Zodiac's hair flicker a few years back?
Himitsu: Yes! Daru's hair did the exact same phenomenon, but it was a different color.
Zodek expresses surprise upon hearing that.
Himitsu: You see, Zodek, I knew Zodiac would have a brother! But I wasn't expecting it to be Daru.
Zodek then begins to laugh.
Zodek: Who would have thought your first journey would lead to this? Nevertheless, I am pleased to see you both doing well.
Cindy: I feel the same way! (Tearing up slightly).
As he spoke, Zodek's eye patch began to peel off, prompting him to adjust it back in place. Zodiac and Himitsu noticed that Zodek was wearing two eye patches.
Himitsu: Excuse me, Zodek, why do you have two eye patches?
Zodiac: Furthermore, how did you arrive here in the first place?
Zodek's expression shifted from a smile to a serious demeanor as he took a deep breath.
Zodek: A lot has happened since you left the portal.
Himitsu: Please, share everything with us, Zodek!
Zodek: After you departed, I was making my way back to the underground base. As I approached the edge of the forest, I glanced back at Cindy's village, wanting to say hello. Upon my arrival, I heard a portal opening behind me; it was the Nitharians.
Zodiac and Himitsu gasped upon hearing that name once more.
Himitsu: The Nitharians!? They returned!?
Zodek: Indeed. I suspect they brought their leader or whoever he was, as he demanded to know the whereabouts of the Zatarian children.
Himitsu: Please tell me they—
Zodek: Yes, they were systematically eliminating the townsfolk, or at least their leader was.
Zodiac: What about your other eye? What happened to it?
Zodek removed the eye patch, revealing that his eyeball was missing.
Zodek: It appears that I lost that one as well.
Himitsu turned away, covering her mouth in shock.
Zodiac: What!? Who did this to you!?
Zodek: It was their leader. I had to confront him as he attempted to harm Cindy, but his power far exceeded mine. I do not know who he is, but you both must stay far away from him, as I can assure you that the Nitharians are intensifying their efforts to locate you and Daru.
Zodiac: Okay, but that doesn't explain how you got here in the first place.
Zodek: Right. Just as he was about to finish off Cindy and me, a portal appeared behind us and drew us in.
Himitsu turned back around.
Himitsu: A portal? Was it created by a D Jumper?
Zodek: Yes, it was definitely a D Jumper.
Zodiac: And who is this D Jumper that rescued you?
Zodek began to smile once more.
Zodek: It was… Mizuda.
Zodiac and Himitsu are taken aback, with Himitsu on the verge of tears.
Himitsu: Was it… m-master?
Zodiac: No, this cannot be! Are you serious?
Zodek: Yes, I am certain it was her. I will never forget that voice.
Zodiac drops to his knees in disbelief.
Himitsu: WHERE IS SHE? TAKE US TO HER NOW!
Zodek: Whoa, slow down. I'm sorry, but I cannot take you to her.
Zodiac: Huh? Why not? Are you playing with us again?
Zodek: No, it's not that. Yes, Mizuda saved me and Cindy, and yes, she is currently at Sampostis. However, I cannot take you there because she is in a different district.
Zodiac stands back up.
Zodiac: And how is that a problem?
Zodek: Would you like to explain it, Cindy?
Cindy: U-uhh, sure! When Mizuda saved us, she provided a lot of information about Sampostis and its regulations. To access the other districts, you must either become a citizen of Sampostis or apply to the Order of Triumph.
Himitsu: Wh-! What kind of nonsense is this!?
Zodiac: Okay, why don't we simply apply to be citizens? That should be straightforward.
Cindy: Well, yes and… no. To become a citizen, you must go to the citizen center and apply there, which Mizuda mentioned has a long line. After you gain entry and apply, they will conduct a background check for any criminal record. If everything goes well, you will be verified.
Himitsu: I don't understand. What makes this so difficult?
Cindy: It's less about being easy or hard; it's about having patience. Mizuda indicated that it could take 2 to 3 months to become a full citizen.
Zodiac: 2-3 months!? That is too long!
Zodek recalls that he and Cindy need to make their way to the citizen center.
Zodek: Oh right, Cindy! We need to hurry to the center to apply for ourselves.
Daru then appears unexpectedly.
Daru: Are you all finished talking yet?! Gram and Kono are driving me crazy with this Order matter.
Zodiac turns to see Daru, Gram, and Kono, but Kono and Gram continue their conversation.
Zodiac: Yeah, yeah, I'm almost done. Chill out.
Daru: Hurry up! We still need to fly you back to your dimension.
Zodek: It's alright, Zodiac. We can discuss this further later when we have some free time. In the meantime, take this.
Zodek hands Zodiac a card with an address on it.
Zodiac: What is this?
Zodek: It's where Cindy and I are staying—a charming apartment that Mizuda has rented for us until we obtain citizenship and secure employment.
Daru: Wait! You're staying now?
Zodiac: Yes, I've made my decision. I need to see Mizuda again.
Himitsu: REALLY, ZODIAC? LET'S GOOOOOO!
When Zodiac announced his decision to stay, Gram and Kono overheard.
Gram: WAIT, YOU'RE STAYING!!?!??
Kono: Really!?
Zodiac: Yes, I'm serious. I will join your crew for now.
Kono: (Starts to get excited) Oh my gosh! I have a crew!
Daru: Damnit.
Gram: Why are you upset, Daru?
Daru: Because I have to deal with this asshole now (looking at Zodiac).
Zodek laughed at them.
Zodek: I'm pleased you found some friends, Zodiac. Mizuda would be very happy to see this.
Zodiac crossed his arms and turned his head.
Zodek: We need to start making our way now. Goodbye, Zodiac, Himitsu, and the rest of you. (Waving.)
Cindy: Talk to you soon! (Waving.)
Zodek and Cindy walked toward the citizen center while Zodiac and the others remained behind, still conversing.
Gram: (Walking up to Himitsu) I suppose we're staying together after all, man!!
Himitsu: Yeah, it feels like a dream come true.
Gram and Himitsu embraced each other, tears in their eyes.
Gram: (Crying) I thought I would never see you again.
Himitsu: (Crying) I know, my friend, I know.
Kono: Aww, that's so sweet.
Daru: This is disgusting.
Zodiac: So, how do we sign up?
Kono: Huh?
Zodiac: How do we join your crew?
Kono: (Laughs) Oh, you can't just sign up.
Daru: (Laughs) What do we have to do, pass a trial or something?
Kono: Actually, yes, you do.
Daru: Wait, seriously?
Zodiac: Sounds tedious.
Kono: No, it's not tedious. (Looks up, smiling) It's where the best fighters demonstrate their commitment to the Order.
Daru: So, what does this trial involve?
Zodiac looks over at Himitsu and Gram, who are still crying and hugging.
Zodiac: (Annoyed) Can you knock it off before I kill both of you?
Gram and Himitsu cease hugging and wipe their tears.
Gram: Well, let's create a brotherhood. (Extends hand.)
Himitsu: Alright, let's do it, Brother. (Shakes hand.)
Kono: Aww, they've formed a brotherhood. How cute.
Daru: Hey! Kono!
Kono: Oh right, apologies. The trial will consist of five events. (Holds up a finger) The first is an endurance test.
Daru: Hell yeah! I can do that one.
Kono: (Holds up two fingers) The second test will assess speed.
Zodiac: Easy.
Kono: (Holds up three fingers) The third test will evaluate strength.
Gram: (Upset) Damn it!
Kono: (Holds up four fingers) The fourth test will focus on stealth.
Himitsu: Ahhh! Come on! That's not fair.
Kono: (Holds up five fingers) Lastly, the fifth test will be defense.
Gram: (Upset) Why are all of these so hard?
Kono: It's okay; you don't have to do them all.
Gram: Oh, thank goodness.
Kono: But...
Gram: NO! WHY A BUT, WHY?!
Kono: Not everyone can undertake the same trial; each individual must select a different one. If multiple individuals apply for the same trial and are in the same group, it will not be counted.
Himitsu: This is really unfair.
Zodiac: I'll take speed.
Daru: (Smirking) I'll go for endurance.
Kono: (Turns to Gram and Himitsu) And what about you two?
Gram: I'll choose stealth.
Himitsu: Oh, really?
Gram: Yeah, I'm the best at stealth.
Himitsu: Alright, I'll take defense.
Kono: Great, it seems we have a plan in place.
Himitsu: Wait, you haven't selected one, Kono.
Kono: Oh, I have already completed the strength trial.
Gram: Wait, you did the strength trial?
Kono: Indeed!
Daru: What was your score?
Kono: (Looking down) Unfortunately, I placed last, but I managed to complete it.
Zodiac: Good. At least she participated in something we weren't going to do.
Daru: Where do we begin?
Kono: Well, please follow me.
As Kono and the others begin walking toward the building, Kono suddenly hears a voice.
???: Well, if it isn't Kono.
Kono: (Closes her eyes) Not her again.
A girl approaches with a group behind her as Kono turns around.
Kono: (Feigning cheerfulness) Oh, hello! Lith, how are you?
Lith: I'm doing great, as always. But what are you doing here?
Kono: Umm… I'm here for the trials.
???: (Laughs) Really? With what team?
Kono: (Points) This team.
As Lith looks in the direction Kono is pointing, she sees Zodiac and Daru with their arms crossed, while Himitsu and Gram display goofy smiles.
Lith: What the hell! Who are these people? Eww, look at their outfits. And that guy (points at Gram) is staring at me like he wants to eat me.
Gram: Hey! It's just my smile. WHY IS IT ALWAYS ME!!!
Zodiac: Do you have a problem?
Lith: (Angrily) Ugh! Reiji, he's speaking to me without my consent.
Reiji: (Looks at Zodiac) Listen, man, you don't talk unless she tells you to.
Zodiac: Okay, and I don't care.
Reiji steps forward, but Daru positions himself in front of him.
Daru: (Serious face) You feel lucky, pal?
Reiji takes a step back, startled.
Reiji: Who the hell are you?
Kono: Oh, that's Daru (gestures), and this is Zodiac, Gram, and Himitsu.
Lith and her team observe their group, which appears rough around the edges.
Lith: (Crying, covering her eyes) Oh, I can't even look at them; it hurts my eyes.
Reiji: I've got your back, Lith. Don't worry, everyone… FORMATION!
As Reiji declares this, Lith's crew stands protectively in front of her, causing her to cease crying.
Lith: Oh, that's much better; thank you, my wonderful crew.
Zodiac: I'm embarrassed for them.
Himitsu: I agree.
Kono: Well, in any case, we'll be on our way.
Reiji: You'd better be; you're hurting Lith.
Lith strikes Reiji on the head.
Reiji: Ouch! What was that for?
Lith: It's not "miss"! It's just Lith.
Gram: That's one weird crew.
Kono and the others enter the building. Upon stepping inside, they observe gold decorations, people conversing, a red carpet, refreshments, food, and more.
Gram: Yeah, I could get used to living like this.
Kono laughs as they approach the assistant at the front desk.
Assistant: Hello, how can I he— KONO! WHAT ON EARTH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?
Kono: I'm here for my trials, of course.
Assistant: Well, Kono, do you have a team?
Kono points behind her, and the assistant looks back.
Assistant: Oh, I see. You have a crew, but it's rather small.
Kono: Yes, but I believe it will suffice.
Assistant: (Muttering to himself) What should I do? The President doesn't want her in the Order of Triumph. (Stops muttering) Um… it states here in the rule book that you need at least six members in your crew.
Daru approaches the desk.
Daru: It's either you grant us entry, or I'll break every bone in your legs, ensuring you can never walk or run again.
The assistant looks frightened.
Assistant: O-oh, alright, yes, absolutely, sir. Just sign which trial you're entering and be on your way.
Himitsu: Thank you, sir.
Assistant: Y-y-you're welcome.
Everyone begins to fill out the sheet provided by the assistant to select their trial.
Assistant: Very well. Now that you're finished, you may choose who will go first and proceed through that door. (Points)
Daru: Okay, I'll g-.
Before Daru can complete his sentence, Zodiac steps through the door.
Daru: Ahhh!! That asshole! He's always doing that.
Kono: I suppose that's why he chose speed.
Assistant: You can also watch through the television.
Gram: Television?
Assistant: Yes, the one right there. (Points)
Himitsu: Awesome!!
Himitsu and the others move over to the television to watch, joining a gathering of onlookers. As Daru glances to his right, he notices Lith and her team observing.
Daru: Of course they're watching. (Muttering to himself) Zodiac, I may not like you, but please show these individuals their place.
As Zodiac enters the room, he notices an instructor approaching him.
Instructor: Welcome to the speed trial! Your objective is to reach the end zone, starting from here. (Points)
Zodiac walks to the starting line, preparing to run as he stretches his legs.
Instructor: Alright! As previously mentioned, you must reach the end zone in under three seconds. If you exceed that time, you will fail.
Kono and the others, watching from the television, are taken aback by the rules.
Himitsu: Three seconds! That's far too short!
Kono: (Muttering to herself) I don't recall it being three seconds before.
Instructor: Are you ready to begin?
Zodiac: Just hurry up and do the countdown.
Lith: Well, it was nice knowing them. (Laughs)
Reiji: (Laughs) Yes, there's no way he can accomplish this in three seconds—well, perhaps.
Lith playfully hits Reiji on the head.
Reiji: Ow!
Lith: Shut up!
Instructor: Alright, starting in three, two, one, go!
As the instructor announces "go," Zodiac disappears, cracking the ground beneath him and leaving a cloud of smoke, causing the instructor to shield his eyes.
Instructor: W-what on earth!?
As the smoke dissipates, Zodiac is seen at the end zone, displaying an impressive time of one second on the screen. As he finishes, Lith and her team stare in astonishment, jaws dropped.
Reiji: One—one—one... one second…
Lith: H-how is that even possible?
Daru smirks as Zodiac exits the door with his arms crossed. Himitsu, Gram, and Kono rush to him.
Himitsu: That was incredible, Zodiac!
Gram: Yes, one second? That's remarkable speed!
Kono: I knew you could do it.
Daru looks at Zodiac and nods; Zodiac returns the gesture.
Kono: So, who is next?
Gram: I will go!
Himitsu: YEAH!!! SHOW THEM WHAT YOU'VE GOT!!
Gram: You bet!!
Zodiac: Don't fail.
Daru: Yeah, if you fail, you can't join the team.
Gram: (sarcastically) Oh, thanks for the motivation, guys.
Daru: Anytime.
Gram makes a face and steps through the door. Upon entering, he finds himself in complete darkness—no instructor in sight.
Gram: WHY IS IT ALWAYS ME!!!!