The scene opens with Gram surveying Kono's house, his expression filled with disappointment.
Ohma: Uh… Gra—
Gram: Not now, Ohma! I'm mad at you guys for losing.
Daru stands up and walks past Gram, visibly shaken.
Gram: Ahh, don't hit me!
Daru heads to his room and slams the door.
Zodiac: This sledding thing was so dumb.
Zodiac enters his room and shuts the door, followed by everyone else except Kono.
Kono: It's okay, Gram. They said best teamwork, not winning the race!
Gram: Yeah… It just sucks that the Scarlet Squad won…
A flashback reveals the Scarlet Squad celebrating their win with the trophy.
Gram: I can't believe they won!
Kono: All because you couldn't steer the sled.
Gram: I know, Kono, but I just wish we had won that money, you know? Anyway, I'm going to get some rest.
Kono: Yeah, that might be best for you.
They all head to bed, and the scene shifts to the following day. Outside Kono's house, Himitsu is practicing with his sword, swinging it skillfully. He notices someone approaching, dressed in winter attire and wearing a face mask.
Himitsu: (Stops training) Who is that?
As the individual gets closer, they stop and bow to Himitsu.
Hunsor Guy 1: Greetings, fellow one!
Himitsu: Ummm, do I know you?
Hunsor Guy 1: Yes. I'm a member of the Hunsor Crew that participated in the Newbie Event.
Himitsu: (Surprised) Ohhhh, now I see! I totally forgot you guys wear those fancy masks. It's been a while.
Hunsor Guy 1: It has been. We've been looking for you for almost a month but couldn't find you.
Himitsu: (Awkward laugh) Yeah, we got caught up in some hectic stuff lately; we barely had any free time.
Hunsor Guy 1: Well, that makes sense.
Himitsu: Right. So, is there anything I can help you with today?
Hunsor Guy 1: Yes. I'm here to deliver a message to someone named Zodiac. Is he available?
Himitsu: (Confused) A message? Umm, yeah, Zodiac is inside the house. Is it important?
Hunsor Guy 1: Indeed it is. Can you bring him out?
Himitsu: Sure! I'll go get him for you!
Hunsor Guy 1: Thank you.
Himitsu secures the sword in its holster on his back and hurries into the house, opening the door to find Gram, Kono, and Ohma relaxing in the living room.
Gram: Can you close the door, Himitsu? It's freezing out there!
Himitsu: Sorry, Gram. Do you know where Zodiac is?
Kono: I think he's in his room. Why? Did something happen?
Himitsu: There's a Hunsor member outside with a message for him.
Ohma: Oh, a message? What kind of message?
Himitsu: That's what I'm trying to find out, Ohma.
Kono: Let's go get him and find out.
Everyone proceeds to Zodiac's room while Daru and Akira follow. Subsequently, they all head outside to meet the Hunsor member.
Akira: I swear, if it's something dumb, I'm going to smash him into the ground.
Daru: Can you just chill for once?
Himitsu: Okay, I brought him for you!
Hunsor Member 1: (Bows his head) Thank you.
Zodiac: Okay, I'm here. Now can you hurry up?
Gram: (Shivering) Ye-yeah! I'm freezing my butt off!
The member looks at Zodiac and bows his head again.
Hunsor Member 1: Greetings, Zodiac. I have an important message.
Zodiac: A message, huh? Who's it from?
Hunsor Member 1: From my leader, Koda.
Kono: Koda?
Hunsor Member 1: Yes. Zodiac, do you remember your fight with Koda during the Newbie Event?
Daru: (Arms crossed) I think I know what this is about.
Zodiac: Yes, and?
Hunsor Member 1: Do you remember he wanted a rematch with you?
Zodiac: Let me guess, he's ready for the rematch.
Hunsor Member 1: You are correct.
Everyone except Daru and Akira appears surprised.
Gram: Wow, I kinda forgot you guys fought.
Akira: Is this guy strong, at least?
Himitsu: I would say so—
Zodiac: He's weak, not even a challenge.
Daru: (Smirking) Here we go again.
Hunsor Member 1: Be careful with what you say. Koda has been training since you two battled.
Zodiac: I don't need to be careful. I know I'm on a completely different level than him.
Ohma: (Smiling) Zodiac has been getting stronger too!
Hunsor Member 1: So why don't you settle this once and for all?
Kono: What? Are you suggesting they fight today?
Hunsor Member 1: Certainly! There is a fighting stadium in the first district where we can go. Koda is actually there right now, waiting for you.
Daru: Wait a second. Did Koda know that Zodiac would rematch him today?
Zodiac: (Looking at Daru) I never consented to anything.
Daru: Why? Are you scared of losing?
Zodiac: Don't even start with that. Me losing to a worthless nobody? Don't make me laugh.
Akira: If you think he's so weak, then why don't you just fight and put him in his place?
Zodiac: Because that would be a waste of time.
Zodiac turns and begins walking back to the house.
Gram: Hey! Where are you going?
Zodiac: Back to training.
Hunsor Guy 1: Hmmm, I guess you are a coward after all.
Zodiac turns around, hearing this.
Zodiac: Excuse me?
Hunsor Guy 1: One thing about our culture is that running away from a fight is cowardly. True men never run.
As he states this, Zodiac employs Sudoshi and appears in front of him, glaring into his eyes.
Zodiac: I'm a coward? I think you have the wrong person.
Everyone is taken aback by Zodiac's intensity.
Hunsor Guy 1: (Nervously) U-uhhh, so is that a yes?
Zodiac: (Serious) Take me to him.
Ohma: (Excited) Yayyyyyyy! This is going to be awesome!
Kono: I guess they're really going to settle it.
Akira: This better be a good fight.
Daru: If Koda has been training, then it just might be.
Gram: (Upset) Man, I wanted to stay home! It's too damn col—
Akira runs up to Gram and pushes him into the snow.
Gram: UAGHHHH!!!
Akira: SHUT UP!
After Zodiac agreed to fight Koda, they all prepared and followed the Hunsor member toward the stadium, trudging through the snow. Along the way, they observed people setting up Christmas decorations, clearing snow, and even engaging in snowball fights. After 10 to 20 minutes, they finally arrived at the massive stadium.
Hunsor Guy 1: This is it.
Himitsu: This place is enormous!
Gram: (Smiling) This place is perfect for showcasing my greatness!
Daru: Have you been here before, Kono?
Kono: I've been here a few times. The fights can get quite intense.
Zodiac: Enough talking; let's just go inside already.
Kono: (Annoyed) Okay, Mister Serious.
They all followed the Hunsor member into the building. Upon entering, they noticed it was large, featuring multiple arena rooms.
Ohma: This place looks so cool! I bet this is where the strongest fighters come.
Akira: Yeah, no kidding.
As they explore, Himitsu notices a leaderboard displayed on a large screen filled with names.
Himitsu: (Pointing) What is that?
Kono: Oh, that? It's a leaderboard that ranks the top fighters.
As they scan the names, they come across the top fighter, Jitsuko.
Gram: The strongest fighter here is Jitsuko? Who is that?
Kono: Wow, it's been a while since I heard that name. If I recall correctly, Jitsuko leads a rank 5 crew.
Daru: Hmm, is he strong?
Gram: Really, Daru? If he's rank 5, he has to be strong.
Daru: Ranks don't define strength, buddy.
Gram: Of course they do! Don't you agree, Kono?
Kono: (Scratching her head) Well...
Zodiac: I think that's him.
Everyone turns to see Koda standing near the front desk with his arms crossed. Zodiac strides toward him, followed closely by the others. When Zodiac reaches Koda, they stand face to face.
Koda: (Smiling) I knew you would come. It's been a while.
Zodiac: I suppose so.
Koda: Since you came, I'm assuming you accepted my rematch.
Zodiac: I have. But don't think you can change the outcome; it won't happen.
Koda: Is that what you think?
Zodiac: It's not a matter of thinking; I know.
Gram: (Whispering to the others) Is it just me, or is the tension between them rising?
Akira: No, it's just you.
Gram: (Upset) Wow, I see how it is.
As Zodiac and Koda engage in a tense stare-down, Koda suddenly begins to laugh.
Koda: I'm going to be honest with you. Ever since our last battle, I haven't stopped thinking about how you embarrassed me. I've been training relentlessly, sharpening my skills. If you think this will be an easy fight, you're in for a surprise.
Zodiac: Hmph. Let's hurry up and finish what we started.
Koda: With pleasure. This way.
Koda leads the way, followed by the others. They enter arena number 1, and as they walk inside, a member of the Virgos crew spots them and is taken aback.
Virgos Guy 1: What in the world? Is that who I think it is?
Once everyone is inside the arena, they begin to look around, taking in the ring at the center and the surrounding bleachers.
Gram: (Looking around) This place is pretty cool!
Kono: It sure is. These rooms are for casual battles, while the main arena is for tournaments. Plus, it's much larger.
Daru: So why don't we use that one?
Kono: As I mentioned before, it's only for tournaments, so we can't.
Koda: Well, Zodiac and I are going to head down to get ready to fight.
Koda begins walking down the steps toward the ring.
Zodiac: (sighs) Why am I wasting my time here…
Ohma: Come on, Zodiac. He can't be that bad.
Zodiac: No, you're right; he's terrible.
Daru: Then show us why he's terrible instead of just talking.
Zodiac: I will.
Zodiac strides toward the ring, preparing for the fight.
Kono: (cheering) Good luck in there!
Himitsu: I believe in you!
The others take their seats on the sidelines, ready to observe. As Zodiac enters the ring, a protective barrier surrounds them while Koda begins to warm up on the opposite side.
Akira: I have a feeling this will be a one-sided battle.
Kono: What do you mean?
Akira: I think Zodiac will most likely win. Koda doesn't look strong at all.
Daru: Looks can be deceiving, but I have to agree; I think Zodiac will win too.
As the fight is about to commence, Zodiac stands still with his katana drawn. Koda finishes his warm-up and approaches him directly.
Koda: Why are you using your katana?
Zodiac: Because I can. Is that a problem?
Koda: Yes, it is. I know those blades aren't your main weapons.
Zodiac: Well, you'll have to earn it if you want me to use them.
Koda: No, I don't want you to hold back. I want you to use everything you've learned so far. This is the only way we can settle this.
Zodiac begins to smirk.
Zodiac: If I go all out, this match will end in seconds. Do you understand?
Koda: (smiling) Of course. I wouldn't want it any other way.
Zodiac discards his katana and slowly draws his dual blades.
Himitsu: Oh wow. Zodiac is using his blades against him.
Daru: That means he's taking this fight seriously.
Koda prepares himself, drawing his sword and assuming a fighting stance.
Koda: I hope you're ready.
Zodiac: (fighting stance) Same to you.
They stand silently for a few seconds. Then, the fight begins as they rush toward each other, clashing weapons. Koda breaks the clash and attempts to slash at Zodiac's neck, but Zodiac uses Sudoshi, appearing behind Koda for a downward slash. Koda dodges and counters, but Zodiac blocks and delivers a kick to his gut, pushing him back. Koda then claps his hands, creating five clones of himself, all rushing toward Zodiac.
Zodiac: (Shaking his head) When will you ever learn?
As the clones close in, Zodiac slices through them effortlessly. After eliminating the last one, he looks around as Koda vanishes.
Zodiac: (Talking to himself) Where did that guy go?
After a few seconds, Koda reappears directly in front of him, launching an attack that forces Zodiac to block and stumble back.
Koda: How did you like that?
Zodiac: Hmfp.
Gram: Looks like the fight is even.
Himitsu: They haven't landed a single hit.
Koda: So, are you going to keep holding back or what?
Zodiac: What?
Koda: You haven't even used your powers. I want you to go all out against me.
Zodiac shakes his head.
Zodiac: You asked for it.
Zodiac closes his eyes as a white aura emanates from his body.
Ohma: Look, guys! Zodiac is getting serious!
Kono: Yeah, we can see that, Ohma.
As Zodiac's energy rises, his hair and eyes turn white, creating a massive shockwave that causes the arena to rumble. A tattoo also covers his eye, causing his blades to glow.
Koda: (Smiling) There it is! That's what I like to see—
Koda is interrupted as Zodiac quickly appears in front of him, launching a swift slash attack. Koda cannot react in time and is cut in the chest.
Koda: AGH!
Koda swiftly summons a clone behind him. Zodiac turns, conjuring a light scythe, and performs a 360-degree slash that destroys the clone. Koda jumps away and goes invisible, but Zodiac notices.
Zodiac: So, that's what you're doing.
Zodiac takes a deep breath and closes his eyes as everything falls silent. A few seconds pass, and he hears footsteps on the other side of the ring. He transforms his light scythe into a bow and aims in the direction of the sound. Pulling back the arrow, he releases it, striking Koda and unleashing a blast that sends him flying into the barrier, knocking him down.
Ohma: Whoa! That was awesome!
Gram: How did he know Koda would be here?
Daru: Looks like he was concentrating.
Himitsu: Reminds me of when Zodiac was hunting that boar.
Suddenly, a large crowd enters the arena, surprising everyone.
Gram: What the hell!?
Akira: Where did all these people come from!?
Person 1: Look, over here!
Person 2: This is where the rumbling came from!
More spectators fill the arena, taking their seats to watch the fight.
Daru: Why are all these people coming in here!?
Lance: So this is where the weaklings are fighting.
Daru and the others turn to see Lance and Iris.
Kono: You guys are here too?
Lance: Don't think we're here because of you. One of our members told us a fight was happening.
Iris: Brother, look. It's Zodiac and that loser Koda!
Lance turns his attention to the ring, focusing on Zodiac in his light form.
Lance: What the hell? Are they fighting again?
Himitsu: Yeah! They're having their rematch to determine who's the strongest.
Lance: Are you kidding me?
Iris: (Speaking to herself) Oh, my handsome Zodiac! You better put him in his place!
Lance and Iris take their seats as the others assist Koda in getting up from the ground.
Koda: (Looking around) Looks like we have a crowd.
Zodiac: I don't care.
Zodiac retrieves his bow again and releases more light arrows. Koda begins deflecting them with his sword while Zodiac maintains his assault. When Zodiac shoots the final arrow, Koda dodges the barrage and charges toward him, creating another clone. Just as Koda approaches, Zodiac extends his hand, summoning a spectral hand.
Koda: (Surprised) What the hell is that?
Zodiac sends the hand rushing at Koda, capturing him and causing the other clone to vanish.
Lance: When did this peasant learn that!?
Daru: A while ago.
Zodiac tightens his grip, constricting Koda with the spectral hand.
Koda: Ahhhhhhh!
Zodiac: If I didn't know you, I could kill you. Just surrender; this fight is over.
Koda: (In pain) I will never surrender!
Zodiac: Idiot.
Zodiac throws him into the air and transforms his weapon into a greatsword. He leaps up and begins slashing Koda repeatedly, increasing his speed.
Person 3: He stands no chance!
Person 4: Just give up already!
Iris: Hmph! This fight is incredibly one-sided.
Kono: It's not looking good for Koda.
Zodiac delivers a powerful slash, driving Koda into the ground and filling the air with smoke. As the smoke dissipates, Zodiac discovers Koda has vanished; instead, he finds Koda on the opposite side, covered in bruises and blood.
Ohma: He saved himself just before the attack landed!
Koda: (Out of breath) Man… you've really gotten stronger since our last fight. Way stronger.
Zodiac: I warned you; you're not going to win.
Koda flashes a confident smirk.
Koda: Me, losing? This is where the battle really begins!
Koda claps his hands together, creating ten clones. As they gather, Koda and his clones perform specific hand gestures. They then slap their hands simultaneously, releasing a thick smoke that envelops the ring.
Gram: Is that smoke?
Akira: What kind of ability is this?
The smoke quickly fills the ring as Zodiac stands, bewildered.
Zodiac: What the hell is he trying to do?
Moments later, the ring is completely obscured by Koda's smoke, rendering visibility impossible.
Zodiac: (Looking around) It's going to take more than some cheap smoke to beat me.
As he speaks, Zodiac begins to struggle to breathe, his energy sapped by the smoke.
Zodiac: (Breathing heavily) This smoke is making it hard to breathe.
Seconds pass before Koda rushes in front of him. Zodiac swings his weapon, but Koda effortlessly dodges, sidestepping the attack. Koda then delivers an elbow strike to Zodiac's face, knocking him to the ground.
Himitsu: Hey! We can't see what's happening in there!
Kono: I know. The smoke is so thick that visibility is zero.
Zodiac slowly rises from the ground, still gasping for air.
Zodiac: I have to get rid of this smoke.
As Zodiac attempts to change his weapon, his light powers begin to fade, leaving him vulnerable.
Zodiac: Shit, I don't have enough energy.
Suddenly, he notices four shadows closing in on him. He tries to defend himself but finds his movements too sluggish, succumbing to attacks from all directions.
Koda: Having a hard time?
Zodiac: Shut up!
Zodiac thrusts his blades at one of the clones, but his weapon passes right through it.
Zodiac: What!?
Koda: Your weapons won't work on me.
Koda appears before him again and delivers a punch to his stomach.
Zodiac: Agh!
Koda continues to rain punches on Zodiac's body and face, with the clones joining in. They all land one final blow, sending Zodiac crashing to the ground.
Lance: This is so stupid! We can't even see the fight!
Iris: Hurry up and clear that smoke already!
As Zodiac lies on the ground, bruised and battered, he begins to reflect.
Zodiac: (To himself) My blades are useless against him. What do I do now?
A memory flashes in his mind from his training days in Leorea with Zodek.
Past Zodek: It doesn't matter how well you wield a sword, dagger, or any weapon. If you can't rely on your own body, you're destined to fail.
After recalling this, Zodiac rises from the ground.
Zodiac: Relying on my own body, huh? I guess you were right about one thing.
Zodiac discards his blades and closes his eyes, adopting a Wing Chun fighting stance.
Ohma: Man, I wish I could see the fight!
Akira: This is getting annoying.
Daru: I feel like this battle is coming to an end.
Gram: Huh? How do you know that?
Daru: I can sense it.
A few moments later, Koda appears behind him, preparing to attack with his sword. As he approaches, Zodiac grabs the blade and delivers a punch to Koda's chest, forcing him back.
Koda: What!? How did you!?
Koda claps his hands together and summons ten clones that swarm around him. They rush at Zodiac as he deflects their attacks and counters, eliminating the clones one by one. Once Zodiac destroys the last clone, Koda charges at him, swinging his sword. Zodiac evades all his strikes and delivers a powerful punch to Koda's face, sending him to the ground. At that moment, the smoke finally clears, revealing them to the onlookers.
Person 5: There they are!
Zodiac stands tall while Koda kneels, out of breath.
Kono: Zodiac!
Zodiac walks over to his blades and retrieves them. He then slowly approaches Koda as his bruises begin to heal. When Zodiac gets close, Koda stops him.
Koda: (Raising his hand) Wait!
Zodiac: (Confused) Huh?
Koda: (Exhausted) I—I surrender.
Zodiac: What do you mean you "surrender"? That's not what you said earlier.
Koda: A true warrior knows when they are defeated. Your strength surpasses mine. You are the victor.
As he speaks, the crowd cheers for Zodiac.
Himitsu: Let's go!
Ohma: Zodiac won!
Akira: (Unimpressed) That was a lame fight…
Iris: (To herself) Yes! I knew you would beat that weakling!
Lance: This fight was child's play. No hint of royalty was displayed. Let's get out of here, sis.
Zodiac: This was a waste of my time.
Zodiac turns and walks toward the exit.
Koda: Zodiac!
Zodiac turns around.
Zodiac: What is it?
Koda: You're a remarkable fighter. I just want to thank you for this battle.
Koda rises and bows to him.
Zodiac: Hmph. I suppose it was decent.