Daru awakens early and begins his push-up routine in his room, working toward his goal of 100 repetitions.
Daru: 96, 97, 98, 99, 100! Finally, I'm proud of myself; I did it. I must share this with Rito, though my chest and arms are sore.
Daru rises and exits his room, searching for Rito, but finds him absent.
Daru: Well, I'm not surprised he's not here; he's rarely around. Let's see what's available to eat because I'm quite hungry.
Daru makes his way to the kitchen and opens the refrigerator, discovering it stocked with cold beer.
Daru: Naturally, it's beer; it's always beer. Does he ever eat, or does he solely drink? One day, this will catch up to him.
Daru closes the refrigerator and heads to the living room to grab the remote and watch something while he waits for Rito. Just as he is about to sit down, he hears a knock at the door.
Daru: Oh, that must be Zenshi with some treats. She makes the best food.
Daru approaches the door and opens it, only to be confronted by a masked man who delivers a punch to his face, knocking him to the ground.
Daru: (Holding his face) Ahh! What the heck!
While on the ground, Daru looks up to see the masked man with his fist raised.
Masked Man: Are you ready to die?
Daru: What? No, who are you?
Masked Man: I'm the one who's going to end your life!
Daru: What? I haven't done anything!
Daru scrambles to his feet and rushes for a knife on the counter, but the masked man intercepts him.
Masked Man: What! You don't want to fight!
Daru: No, please don't hurt me; I haven't done anything.
Daru bolts toward his room.
Masked Man: Where do you think you're going!?
Daru glances back and notices the masked man has vanished from the kitchen.
Daru: (Still running) W-What? Where did he go?
Masked Man: Look in front of you!
The masked man reappears in front of Daru and kicks him in the face, knocking him down.
Daru: (Holding his face and tearing up) I'm sorry; I don't know what I did, but I'm truly sorry. You can take anything; just don't kill me, please.
Masked Man: You are simply a coward who won't even fight for your survival.
Daru: (Crying) I know I'm weak; I'm not strong.
Masked Man: Oh, come on, man! Daru, really?
Daru is taken aback that the masked man knows his name.
Daru: What? How do you know my name?
The masked man removes his mask, revealing Rito.
Daru: RITO! What?!
Rito: (Shaking his head) Yes, it's me.
Daru: (Standing up) What is going on, Rito? You could have seriously injured me.
Rito: It was a test, Daru, and you failed miserably.
Daru: Test? What kind of test?
Rito: A test to determine if you would fight back. Instead, you chose to flee.
Daru: Well, yes, I ran. I didn't want to die.
Rito: So you'd rather escape than fight for your life?
Daru: I don't know… You were punching and kicking me, and I was frightened. Plus, you were wearing a mask!
Rito: In this world, one must either kill or be killed. You need to make a choice. Go punch the wall. (Shaking his head and walking away.)
Daru: (To himself) Kill or be killed? I can't bring myself to kill anyone.
Daru steps outside and finds Rito sitting on the porch, drinking a can of beer.
Rito: Don't just stand there; go punch the wall. After 60 punches with each hand, do 60 push-ups and a 30-second plank. And if you complain, you'll do double.
Daru: Double? Seriously?
Rito: Punch!
Daru: Ugh, fine.
Daru approaches the brick wall and begins punching it, grunting with each strike. Five hours pass, and Daru is drenched in sweat, completing 60 punches with each hand, 60 push-ups, and a 30-second plank.
Daru: Am I almost finished, Rito?
Rito: (Reading a book) You will be done when I say you are done.
Daru: Ugh, when will I learn how to actually fight?
Rito: You will learn when I determine you are ready, and you are not ready.
Daru, feeling frustrated, continues to punch the wall 60 times with each hand, do 60 push-ups, and hold 30-second planks. Two more hours pass as Daru repeats these exercises, his fists cut and dripping blood onto the ground while holding a plank.
Rito: Alright, that's enough.
Daru stops and collapses after the plank.
Daru: Finally! I'm so sore!
Rito: You will be fine in a few moments.
Daru: How can you be so sure?
Rito: I just know. Now, let's go for a run.
Daru: Running? I thought I was finished.
Rito: Did I say you were finished?
Daru: Yeah, you said that was enough.
Rito: Correct! But did I say you're done?
Daru: (Sighs) No, you didn't.
Rito: (Smiles) See? Didn't I tell you that you would recover in a few moments?
Daru looks at his hands and notices they are healed.
Daru: Wow, I suppose you were right.
Rito: I'm always right! (laughs)
Daru: (Under his breath, rolling his eyes) I'm not so sure about that.
Rito: In any case, follow me. (He picks up and tosses Daru a water bottle.)
Daru catches the water bottle, drinks it quickly, and begins to follow Rito. As they walk toward a large mountain, Daru starts to feel hot and sweaty.
Daru: Ahh, hey Rito, do you have any more water? I'm so hot.
Rito: No, you should have conserved some.
Daru: I didn't realize we were going to walk so far!
Rito: Not my problem. Now keep moving.
Daru: (Rolls his eyes) Where exactly are we going?
Rito: Can you refrain from asking so many questions and just follow?
Daru: Fine! (crosses his arms)
Rito: Thank you!
A few moments pass...
Daru: So, what is this large mountain?
Rito: Ahh!!
Daru and Rito continue walking for another 10 minutes and finally reach their destination: a cave. Daru, feeling as though his skin might catch fire from the heat, notices that Rito appears perfectly fine and is not sweating at all.
Rito: We have arrived!
Daru: We are? In a cave? Rito, my skin is extremely hot and it hurts. Where are we?
Rito: Daru, I would like you to walk over to that hole over there. (Points)
Daru: Why?
Rito: Just do it.
Daru: Alright, alright.
Daru walks over to the hole Rito indicated. As he approaches, he feels increasingly hot, and by the time he reaches the hole, it feels as if he's standing in lava.
Daru: Okay, I'm here. What now?
Rito: Look into the hole.
Daru gets down on his hands and knees, feeling the heat radiating from the ground. He peers into the hole and sees lava beneath him.
Daru: (Eyes wide) LAVA!
Rito: (Laughs) Yes, lava.
Daru: I thought you said we were going for a run.
Rito: We are indeed, but this is where your next training session will take place.
Daru: Under lava!?
Rito: Yes, under lava. Now, Daru, do you see those large rocks over there? (Points at 200 or more rocks)
Daru: (Looks where he pointed) Yes, what about them?
Rito: You will pick them up one by one, run over, and place them beside me. After each rock, you will perform 60 punches against the wall with each hand, followed by 60 push-ups and a 30-second plank. Understood?
Daru: WHAT! Those rocks are bigger than me, and I'm doing this under lava! Are you crazy?!
Rito: That is not my concern. Now, get to work and start picking up the rocks!
Daru: This is insane! If I die, I'm telling Zenshi.
Rito: Daru, if you die, you won't be able to tell her because you'll be dead.
Daru: YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!
Daru, drenched in sweat, approached the large rocks and attempted to lift one.
Daru: Holy cow, this rock is heavy!!
Rito: Come on, kid, you can do it; lift it.
Daru: Easy for you to say; you're stronger and not the one lifting it. How are you not sweating?
Rito: (Laughs) I do not sweat.
Daru: That's impossible; everyone sweats.
Rito: I do not, never have, and never will. Now pick up the rock and stop delaying.
Daru: (Rolls his eyes) Ugh, okay! Come on, Daru! You can do this.
Daru bent down, touched the hot ground, and lifted the rock.
Daru: Ahhh! COME ON, Daru, YOU CAN DO IT! AHHHH!!
Daru finally lifted the large rock and began to run with it, struggling to maintain his grip. He reached Rito, set the rock down, and began to perform 60 punches against the wall, followed by 60 push-ups and a 30-second plank.
Daru: Man, those rocks are heavy; this is going to take some time.
Rito: (Laughs) Not my problem.
Daru: SHUT UP!
The scene shifts back to Zodiac at Mizuda's house, resting in bed at midnight. After a few moments, he hears a loud noise.
Zodiac: What on earth is that?
He gets out of bed, puts on some clothes, and heads to the living room. As he looks around, he does not see anything.
Zodiac: What? Hmm… That noise is definitely coming from nearby.
He hears the sound again, now closer. Following it, he hears weapons clashing outside. Zodiac retrieves his daggers and opens the front door, revealing Mizuda and Himitsu engaged in training. Himitsu collapses to the ground, exhausted.
Mizuda: Are you finished?
Himitsu shakes his head.
Himitsu: N-no, I can keep going!
He rises, gripping his sword tightly and preparing to strike again.
Himitsu rushes at her, attempting to swing but missing repeatedly as Mizuda dodges effortlessly.
Mizuda: You need to focus on your opponent's movements.
Himitsu makes another attempt, but Mizuda deflects his sword, causing it to slip from his grasp and fall to the ground. Once again, Himitsu collapses, fatigued and sweaty. Mizuda sheaths her sword and approaches him.
Mizuda: I believe that's enough for today. (Extending her hand.)
Himitsu: Yes, I'm feeling burnt out.
He takes her hand as she pulls him up. Zodiac approaches.
Zodiac: (To himself) Why is he trying so hard?
Mizuda: You're improving in your swordsmanship, but you need to better track my movements. Always focus on what your opponent might do next, understood, Himitsu?
Himitsu: Yes, I'll remember that, Master. I will meet your expectations.
Zodiac steps closer.
Mizuda: (Looking over her shoulder) Oh, hello there, my sweet little Zodiac. Did we wake you?
Zodiac: Yes, you did. I can't seem to find any peace and quiet around here.
Himitsu shows signs of frustration.
Himitsu: Honestly, what's your problem?
Zodiac: Excuse me?
Himitsu: You treat everyone here poorly—me, the other kids, even Master. Perhaps that's why nobody likes you.
Mizuda looks taken aback.
Mizuda: Now, let's all calm down. It's too late for this.
Zodiac becomes increasingly annoyed.
Zodiac: What was that? Repeat it.
Himitsu clenches his fists.
Himitsu: "N-O-B-O-D-Y L-I-K-E-S Y-O-U. Is that clearer?"
Zodiac, filled with anger, grabs his dagger and rushes toward Himitsu. Mizuda intercepts him by grabbing his arm and pushing him to the ground, causing him to drop his daggers. She begins to seethe with fury.
Mizuda: I NEED YOU TO STOP THIS NOW!
Himitsu: BUT MASTER, HE NEEDS TO—
Mizuda: DON'T MAKE ME REPEAT MYSELF!
Both flinch at her familiar, furious expression from the raid.
Mizuda: Himitsu, your approach to provoking a confrontation was excessive. Zodiac, you must learn to treat others with respect and kindness. I did not train you to behave this way, so I urge you to stop immediately, or I may take actions I will later regret.
Zodiac rises from the ground, visibly distressed.
Zodiac: I'm leaving. I don't need any of you in my life. (He walks away.)
He retrieves his daggers and begins to run off.
Himitsu: Wait, Zodiac! Perhaps I went too far…
Mizuda takes a deep breath.
Mizuda: I understand your frustration with some of Zodiac's remarks, but this is his longstanding behavior. When I first took him in, he struggled to make friends and communicate with me and others.
Himitsu feels a sense of sadness.
Himitsu: Has he truly been this way all along?
Mizuda: Unfortunately, yes. Even as an infant, he did not cry, smile, or engage in typical behaviors. I attempted to instill manners and respect in him, but my efforts were unsuccessful. It seems he was simply born this way.
Himitsu: I feel guilty about my earlier comments now.
Mizuda: Do not; it is not entirely your responsibility.
She places her hand on his shoulder, looking earnestly at him.
Mizuda: I understand you are young, but could you do me a favor, Himitsu?
Himitsu: Yes, what is it?
Mizuda's eyes begin to fill with tears.
Mizuda: I need you to be there for him, to be his friend even if he resists. Teach him the value of kindness and the importance of friends and family; he needs this understanding. Can you promise me that?
Himitsu contemplates for a moment before responding.
Himitsu: Don't worry, Master; I promise I will be one of Zodiac's best friends.
She wipes her eyes and embraces him.
Mizuda: Thank you. Now, please go find him.
Zodiac lies in a field, gazing at the stars.
Zodiac: (Speaking to himself) I don't need to like them; I don't need anyone. That's right, who needs people when you have yourself?
A few minutes later, Himitsu discovers him lying on the grass and approaches.
Himitsu: It's peaceful and quiet, isn't it?
Zodiac sits up to see Himitsu approaching.
Zodiac: What do you want, kid? Here to confront me again?
He sits down beside him.
Himitsu: No, I'm here to apologize for what I said earlier. I let my emotions get the best of me.
Zodiac remains silent for a few moments.
Zodiac: Do you genuinely believe it would be that simple? I rely solely on myself.
Himitsu: I can't say I fully understand, but I truly am sorry. Friends and family are important, whether you believe it or not.
Zodiac: It doesn't matter; this isn't the first instance of this occurring.
Himitsu: It doesn't have to remain that way. So, let's move forward.
Zodiac looks up and sees Himitsu extending his hand with a broad smile.
Zodiac: What are you doing?
Himitsu: Let's start anew, this time as friends!
Zodiac slaps his hand away, stands up, and walks away with his hands in his pockets.
Zodiac: You wish.
Himitsu turns around and chuckles.
Himitsu: I'm not backing down; mark my words. And Zodiac?
Zodiac turns back.
Zodiac: For the last time, what do you want?
Himitsu: One day, when we're all grown up, I want to have a battle with you, going all out!
Zodiac: Me fighting you? Know your place.
Zodiac turns away and heads back to the house.
Himitsu: (to himself): At least he didn't say no.
As Himitsu returns, a dark figure observes from a distance, lurking in the shadows.
???: That kid—there's something distinctive about him. But only time will reveal the truth.
Zodiac and Himitsu eventually arrive at the house, where Mizuda is seated.
Mizuda: Have you two reconciled regarding the recent events?
Himitsu bows his head.
Himitsu: Yes, Master!
Mizuda: Good. Zodiac?
Zodiac stands with his arms crossed.
Zodiac: Sure, whatever; it doesn't matter to me.
Mizuda smiles at both of them.
Mizuda: Well then, it's time for you two to retire for the night. Himitsu, I can escort you home since it's late.
Himitsu: Thank you, Master, and I appreciate the additional training. I'll see you later, Zodiac.
Zodiac does not respond and heads back into the house.
Mizuda: You two are destined to become great friends, trust me.