As Zodek discusses training Zodiac with Mizuda, Daru performs push-ups in the cave while Rito sits nearby reading a book.
Daru: 296, 297, 298, 299, 300.
Rito: (Closes his book) Excellent job, Daru. You're becoming significantly stronger.
Daru: (Stretches) Yes, I feel much stronger than I did three days ago. (laughs) However, I believe I could have completed more push-ups.
Rito: That's what I like to hear. In any case, we are heading back to the village.
Daru: We're heading back? Why is that?
Rito: To rest, of course. (laughs)
Daru: Wait, I actually get to rest and eat something?!?
Rito: Yes. Your body requires rest—at least one full day—and, of course, nourishment.
Daru: Hmm… But Rito, I don't want to rest. I want to continue training.
Rito: What's this? Daru wants to train more? Is this a new Daru? (laughs)
Daru: Yeah. I love the feeling of being able to fight and doing 300 push-ups like it's nothing. And that's not even the best part; the best part is having fists strong enough to punch through rocks. I feel like I can punch through steel. Everything we've been doing is fun.
Rito: I see you're pleased with your progress. However, there is one more thing I can teach you. It will be the final technique, as I've shared all my knowledge.
Daru: Yes, teach me! What is it?
Rito: It's called Medadoshi. It's essentially a copycat move.
Daru: Really? Are you serious? That's it? A copycat move?
Rito: (Laughs) You would be surprised at how powerful this move can be. Now, let me teach you.
Daru: Okay, but before you proceed, what does the move actually do?
Rito: Well, it does precisely what it implies… it's a copycat move.
Daru: So you're saying if I'm fighting someone with superpowers and they shoot a beam from their eyes, I CAN DO THE SAME!?!?
Rito: No, no, it doesn't work like that. Essentially, if I perform a move that you haven't seen before, I'll teach you how to replicate it.
Daru: And how are you going to accomplish that?
Rito: Don't worry, I have my methods. Now, let's get started.
Rito begins to demonstrate how to use Copycat. After four hours, Daru follows Rito's movements step by step when Zenshi comes running into the cave.
Zenshi: THERE YOU GUYS ARE!!!
Daru and Rito observe Zenshi as she struggles to catch her breath.
Daru: What happened to you?
Rito: Daru is correct. Are you alright, Zenshi?
Zenshi: (Attempting to regain her breath) I… WAS… LOOKING… FOR… YOU… BOTH… EVERYWHERE!!
Rito: (Approaching Zenshi) Well, you found us. (Chuckles) Are you alright?
Zenshi: (Catching her breath) IT'S SO HOT IN HERE; I FEEL LIKE I'M UNDER A CAMPFIRE!!
Daru: (Chuckles) That's what I said when I first entered.
Rito removes his jacket and drapes it over Zenshi.
Zenshi: Ahh, that feels much better.
Daru: Are you okay, Zenshi?
Zenshi: No, I'm not fine. My father still hasn't returned from gathering food for the village; it has been almost six days. They usually only take two or three days. Something is not right; they should have returned by now.
Daru: Damn, I've been training for six days straight? Holy crap.
Zenshi looks at Daru, noticing his muscular build.
Zenshi: (In shock) Wow, Daru! You've become quite muscular!
Daru: Yes… I've just been training hard with Rito for six consecutive days. (Glances at Rito)
As Daru looks at Rito, he notices Rito shaking his head.
Zenshi: Excuse me, did I hear that correctly? You've been here for six straight days and haven't attended SCHOOL!
Daru: Yeah, it's awesome!! Because school sucks! Rito agrees it's terrible, and you don't learn anything except for teachers talking their heads off.
Rito: Ah, kid, now you've complicated everything for us!
Zenshi: (Flames flickering from her hair) RITO!!! WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU!! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE TRAINING HIM AFTER SCHOOL, NOT KEEPING HIM OUT!
Rito: Yes, but it's only been six days.
Daru: (Reflecting) No, it has been longer because we trained at the house, remember?
Rito slowly turns to Daru, visibly frustrated.
Rito: Do you ever stop talking? (Slaps his hand against his forehead.)
Daru: I'm sorry.
Zenshi: I cannot believe this, but it will have to wait. We need to locate my father.
Rito: Alright, I will go find him and bring him back.
Daru: Hey Rito, I have a question.
Rito: Yes, what is it?
Daru: Why does everyone always seek your assistance?
Zenshi: Oh, I can explain that. It's because he is the strongest in the village.
Daru: Strongest?
Zenshi: Daru, Rito was once an accomplished fighter in various martial arts disciplines. He was renowned in Nacasa, displaying remarkable courage. People described him as a relentless force, akin to a monster that never missed his target—and he still is (smiles).
Daru looks astonished and turns to Rito.
Daru: Why didn't you ever mention this?
Rito: You never asked.
Daru: You could have just told me.
Rito: Not my problem.
Zenshi: At one point, he was regarded as the best martial artist in the world.
Rito: Let's not exaggerate. I was skilled, but not to the extent she's suggesting.
Daru: Wow! The best martial artist? I want to be the best!
Rito: Well, young one, to be the best, you must defeat the best (points at himself).
Daru: Fine, one day I'll surpass you.
Rito: I'll be anticipating that. Now, Zenshi, let's go find your father.
Zenshi: Yes, let's proceed.
Daru: May I join you?
Rito: Who will keep an eye on my back?
Daru smiles and dashes outside the cave, heading into the woods beyond the village.
Zenshi: So, Daru, how is your training progressing?
Daru: It's going well; I can finally complete 300 push-ups!
Zenshi: That's impressive! 300 is quite a feat!
Daru: Yeah, I want to reach a thousand push-ups before I'm satisfied.
Rito: (smiles) Spoken like a true fighter.
Zenshi: Just be cautious not to injure yourself or engage in reckless behavior.
Rito and Daru exchange a quick glance.
Daru: (laughs nervously) Of course, I wouldn't act recklessly.
As Daru, Zenshi, and Rito arrive at a small town, they overhear conversations. As they approach, they observe individuals tied up, their hands and feet bound with ropes, surrounded by guards. Flags featuring an unfamiliar symbol flutter nearby. Daru and the others quickly hide in a nearby bush.
Zenshi: (whispers) What the hell? What's happening here?
Rito: (whispers) I have no idea, but I intend to investigate further.
Daru: What? How do you plan to do that?
Rito: Like this.
Rito jumps out of the bush.
Rito: (hands up) GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE!!
All the guards turn to see Rito with his hands raised.
Guard 1: Who is this person?
Guard 2: I DON'T KNOW! WHO CARES? JUST KILL HIM!
The bound individuals begin to scream at the guards' command. The guard rushes toward Rito, who remains with his hands raised.
Guard 1: I regret that it has come to this, but your time is up.
Rito: Oh, really? (smiles ominously)
The guard draws his sword and swings it at Rito's neck. Rito headbutts the sword, shattering it into a thousand pieces. He then delivers a powerful punch to the guard's face, killing him instantly.
Daru: (whispers loudly) HOLY SHIT!!!
Zenshi: (whispers loudly) LANGUAGE!!
Rito: Did you honestly believe that would work?
Guard 1: What's with his head?
Rito: What brings you all here anyway?
Guard 2: We are not obligated to disclose anything to you, tough guy.
As Rito and the guard continue their exchange, Zenshi notices her father tied up in the distance.
Zenshi: (whispers) Oh my gosh! (points) There he is!
Daru: (whispers) That's your dad? Damn, he's gotten old.
Zenshi: (whispers) Oh, be quiet and follow me, but stay low.
Zenshi and Daru stealthily approach her father. Moments later, they reach him.
Zenshi's Dad: (whispers) What are you doing here?
Zenshi: (whispers) I'm here to rescue you. The entire village has been concerned about the food supply and kept asking me about your whereabouts. You've been missing for quite some time.
Zenshi speaks to her father while he looks at Daru, who meets his gaze.
Zenshi's Dad: (whispers) Umm... Zenshi?
Zenshi: (whispers) Yes?
Zenshi's Dad: (whispers) Who is this young man?
Zenshi: (whispers) This is Daru. He's the cousin of Rito's sister.
Zenshi's Dad: (whispers) And you brought him along?
Zenshi: (whispers) My apologies; I didn't realize you would be tied up.
Zenshi's Dad: (whispers) That's understandable. Anyway, these individuals refer to themselves as the Nitharians, and they are searching for some children named… what was it again?
Zenshi: (whispers) Zatarians?
Zenshi's Dad: (whispers loudly) YES!! That's it, Zatarians. Wait, how did you know that?
Daru: (whispers) Yes, how did you know that?
Zenshi: (speaks loudly) Well, it's a long—
Guard 3: HEY!! YOU OVER THERE, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!
Zenshi: Oh no, they've discovered us.
Daru: (laughs menacingly) Leave it to me. (smiles sinisterly)
As Daru and the others confront a serious situation, the scene shifts back to Zodiac, Crumpy, and Mizuda.
Mizuda: So you've been here the entire time, observing from a distance, Zodek?
Crumpy: Indeed, that is correct.
Mizuda: Even if everything you've stated is true, what are your true intentions?
Crumpy smiles and gestures toward Zodiac.
Crumpy: I would like to impart some knowledge to him, if you don't mind, Zuda.
Both Mizuda and Zodiac are taken aback by this revelation.
Zodiac: (to himself) Why does he want to train with me?
Mizuda: Wait, why? I believe I am doing a commendable job training him as it stands.
Crumpy: Zuda, could we have a moment to discuss something privately?
Mizuda: Uhhh, sure, I suppose? (confused)
Crumpy and Mizuda step away from Zodiac to converse privately while he crosses his arms.
Mizuda: Alright, what's going on? Why do we need to step aside?
Crumpy: Look, I'm not questioning your training methods, but we both recognize that Zodiac is unique. Being an assassin is impressive, but you can see he possesses more potential, don't you agree, Zuda?
Mizuda: Yes, I am aware of who Zodiac is. Ever since I found him outside the kingdom walls, I sensed something was amiss. His ability to wield all those weapons with such ease is indeed remarkable.
Crumpy: So why do you want him to remain solely an assassin? I don't quite understand.
Mizuda: What if I told you that Zodiac is a Zatarian?
Crumpy's eyes widen in surprise.
Crumpy: A Zatarian!? Are you referring to those Zatarians from the urban legend?
Mizuda: (nods) Yes, Zodek, those Zatarians.
Crumpy: But even if that's the case, what evidence do you have to support that he is a Zatarian?
Mizuda: He has a tattoo on his neck featuring a peculiar symbol. You should be able to see it when you approach him.
As Crumpy turns to look at Zodiac, he notices Zodiac tapping his feet impatiently.
Crumpy: It appears he is waiting for us, Zuda. I will know how to proceed.
Crumpy and Mizuda walk back to Zodiac.
Mizuda: We have returned, Zodiac.
Zodiac: Took you long enough.
Crumpy: We were engaged in a serious discussion, but I have something important to convey to you, young man.
Zodiac: I don't really care, but what is it?
Crumpy: I will be taking over your training for the time being.
Zodiac: Huh? What do you mean by that?
Mizuda: Zodek here will be stepping in temporarily to elevate your skills. He insists he has several things to teach you, so I am just as surprised as you are.
Zodiac: And what if this is merely another attempt for him to harm me?
Mizuda looks at Crumpy with a peculiar smile.
Mizuda: Oh, don't worry. He won't be attempting that again.
Crumpy laughs as he rubs his head.
Zodiac: Very well then. I'm heading back to bed.
As Zodiac returns to the house, his clothing begins to loosen, prompting Mizuda to observe that his injury has nearly healed.
Mizuda: (thinking) What the...? His injury is healing remarkably fast?
The following day, Zodiac, Mizuda, and Crumpy commence their training outdoors.
Crumpy: Alright, we're starting your first day of training.
Zodiac notices Mizuda watching from the sidelines.
Zodiac: Isn't she going to join us?
Mizuda: No, my little Zodiac. He'll be taking over; don't mind me, haha.
Crumpy: As I was saying, I will test you in various areas to assess your skills, beginning with your weapon proficiency.
Crumpy gestures toward a rack of assorted weapons.
Crumpy: First, I want you to utilize all these weapons as you see fit against this training dummy.
Zodiac appears somewhat perplexed but follows the instructions. He picks up various weapons, including a longsword, spear, axe, and even a bow, wielding them with apparent ease.
Crumpy: It's impressive to see you handle those weapons so effortlessly. You have considerable talent, Zodiac.
As Crumpy observes, he notices Zodiac's tattoo up close.
Crumpy: (to himself) So that's the tattoo Mizuda mentioned. It's certainly not an ordinary tattoo.
Zodiac: I don't understand what's so special about it; it's just something you pick up and use.
Crumpy shakes his head.
Crumpy: That's where you're mistaken, young man. Not everyone can simply pick up a sword and wield it. Mastering a weapon requires dedication and practice.
Zodiac: Then you must be weak.
Crumpy laughs.
Zodiac: Why are you laughing?
Mizuda: Yes, why are you laughing?
Crumpy: Now I see the issue.
Zodiac: What do you mean? Speak up.
Crumpy: You may excel with weapons, but I've identified your weakness.
Zodiac: And what is that?
Crumpy: (smirking) It's you.
Zodiac looks perplexed and frustrated.
Zodiac: What? That makes no sense.
Crumpy: It makes perfect sense. Your weakness lies in relying too heavily on yourself when it comes to your weapons.
Mizuda begins to reflect.
Mizuda: (to herself) He's not wrong; Zodiac truly does focus on himself too much.
Zodiac: Nonsense! You're just making things up.
Crumpy: Oh really? Let's put that theory to the test. I want you to drop your weapons and strike me with your fists.
Zodiac: Huh?
Crumpy: You heard me; drop the weapons and give it your all.
Zodiac, increasingly irritated, complies.
Zodiac: Alright, fine!
He drops his weapons and charges at Crumpy. Zodiac leaps into the air, aiming a punch at him. His fist makes contact with Crumpy's face, but Crumpy remains unfazed.
Zodiac: What the hell?
Crumpy: I anticipated this.
Crumpy then seizes Zodiac's arm and throws him aside. Zodiac lands on the ground, struggling to regain his balance.
Crumpy: Honestly, that was one of the weakest punches I've ever experienced. Quite embarrassing, really.
Zodiac: No, that can't be! You're just too strong, that's all.
Crumpy: Is that your conclusion? Why don't you try punching Mizuda then?
Mizuda looks taken aback.
Zodiac: Alright, I will.
Zodiac approaches Mizuda, preparing to strike.
Zodiac: I'll just punch you in the chest.
Mizuda: Why would you do that? Are you afraid to hit a girl?
Zodiac's frustration escalates as he charges up a punch. When he strikes her face, Mizuda feels nothing.
Mizuda: Zodiac, you weren't holding back, were you?
Zodiac begins to step away, feeling apprehensive.
Zodiac: This can't be happening!
Crumpy: It's true, you lack power in your punches. Even my grandmother hits harder than you.
Zodiac: Well, who cares about strength when I have my weapons? It's not like they're going to strike me anyway!
Crumpy charges at Zodiac at full speed, delivering a punch to his gut. Zodiac spits blood and falls to the ground.
Mizuda: Zodiac!
Crumpy: Isn't it amusing? This is the same move I used on you at the fighting arena. Not only are your punches weak, but your body is as well, and that wasn't even my strongest punch.
Zodiac remains on the ground, clutching his stomach in pain.
Crumpy: The issue isn't your weapon skills; it's you and your physical condition. It doesn't matter how proficiently you wield a sword, dagger, or any other weapon. If you cannot depend on your own body, you are destined to fail.