As the characters enjoy their lunch, the scene transitions back to Himitsu and Kana traversing the landscape away from the city.
Himitsu: So, how big is their base?
Kana: It's not that big. There are quite a few people patrolling, but we should be fine.
Himitsu: I see. So, what exactly are we stealing?
Kana: I don't know. It's in a special box that looks valuable.
Himitsu: And you said it's heavily guarded, right?
Kana: Yes. When we get there, just follow my lead. I know exactly where it is.
After a few minutes of walking, they arrive at the base, where multiple guards in armor wield swords. Several buildings surround them, with one significantly larger than the others.
Kana: Here it is!
Himitsu: (Surprised) Wow! They have quite the setup.
Kana: Yeah. They've been at this for a while. Since it's harder to make a living, they resort to stealing.
Himitsu: And it's all because of the black surge.
Kana: Exactly. The surge has caused so much damage across this planet that living a normal life has become nearly impossible. But enough of that; let's go over the plan.
Kana points to the largest building.
Kana: You see that building over there?
Himitsu: Yeah?
Kana: That's where our prize is. But we'll have to be careful since there are so many guards. Going through the front wouldn't be the best option.
Himitsu: And you've done this all by yourself? How do you even get in?
Kana: I found a secret passage behind the building. We just have to sneak in without alerting any guards.
Himitsu: (Drawing his sword) That shouldn't be a problem!
Kana: (Smiling) Great! Let's begin!
Kana begins to stealthily approach the base, with Himitsu closely following. As they reach the base, they conceal themselves behind a wall and take a glance. They notice a lone guard looking directly at them.
Kana: (Whispering) We need to take him out first.
Himitsu: (Whispering) I got this.
Himitsu scans the ground and spots a rock. He picks it up and throws it near the guard.
Guard 1: What was that?
The guard turns around and walks in that direction. As he surveys the area, Himitsu swiftly approaches from behind and strikes the guard's neck with the edge of his sword, rendering him unconscious. Himitsu then drags the guard's body into a nearby bush, leaving no trace.
Kana: (running up to Himitsu) Good job, Himitsu!
Himitsu: (smiling) Thank you! I was trained as an assassin, after all. Now, let's continue.
The scene shifts back to the crew finishing their lunch outside the tower.
Ohma: That lunch was great!
Gram: Now we can continue searching for clues.
Kono: Yeah. Himitsu has been gone for a while; maybe we'll run into him in the city.
Akira: Who cares? I just want to get this mission over with.
Zodiac: Same here.
Daru: So, are you guys going your separate ways or what?
Kono: I think I'll help clean up while looking for clues.
Ohma: Same here!
Daru: Alright then. Just remember to head back to the tower on time for dinner.
Gram: Of course! A man's gotta eat, you know.
As Daru shakes his head, everyone disperses to search for clues while Kono and Ohma assist with the cleaning. As time passes and darkness begins to set in, it nears dinner time, and everyone gathers at the entrance of the tower.
Kono: Hey, guys! Did you find any more clues?
Zodiac: No.
Akira: Nothing.
Daru: Unfortunately, no. This is starting to annoy me.
Ohma: (concerned) Umm, guys? Is it just me, or have we not seen Himitsu at all?
Kono: You're right. I haven't seen him in the city either.
Akira: Not to mention he's missing again.
Gram: Well, that's strange.
Daru: This is getting ridiculous. Did he completely forget about dinner with Froog? Kono, can you check in on him with the Jump Watch?
Kono: Of course!
As Kono prepares to call Himitsu, the scene shifts back to Kana and Himitsu fleeing from the guards, with Kana holding a small red and black box.
Kana: (yelling) Come on, Himitsu!
Himitsu: (yelling) Yeah, I'm trying!
After a few moments, Himitsu's Jump Watch begins to vibrate, and an AI voice speaks.
Jump Watch AI: Incoming call from Kono Sawuda.
Himitsu: (glancing at his watch) Oh crap!
Kana: What was that!?
Himitsu: I-it's nothing! Let's keep running!
Continuing to evade the guards, they successfully escape the base, leaving them far behind.
Kana: Nice! I think we lost them!
???: Not so fast!
Kana: (screaming) Ahhhh!
A large man suddenly appeared and seized Kana with his right arm, causing the box to fall from her grasp and roll toward Himitsu.
Himitsu: (turning around) What the!?
Boss: Did you really think you could come back and steal my stuff again? I don't think so.
Himitsu: (drawing his sword) Let her go!
Boss: You want me to let her go? That would be foolish.
Himitsu: (angry) What's foolish is that you and your gang steal from innocent people just trying to survive!
Boss: (shaking his head) Little kid, I AM THE BOSS! Yes, we do steal from people. It's all for survival. But what you have is very valuable. Give me the box back, and I'll return your pathetic little girlfriend.
Kana: (struggling) Just give it back to him! It's not worth it!
Himitsu: No, I'm not giving the box back. This is payback for everything you've stolen.
Boss: (smiling) I'm warning you, boy. Hand it over or say goodbye to her.
Kana: Please, Himitsu, just do what he says!
Himitsu glanced at Kana and smiled.
Himitsu: It's okay, Kana, I got this.
He closed his eyes, holding his sword. He gripped the blade and cut his hand, causing the sword to glow red and activate. Himitsu's teeth began to elongate as he opened his eyes, his pupils changing.
Boss: (nervous) What in the—
Himitsu lunged forward and severed the boss's right arm, freeing Kana.
Boss: AGH!
Himitsu caught her and gazed into her eyes.
Himitsu: I told you I got you.
As Kana blushed, she returned to the box and retrieved it from the ground.
Himitsu: I will be taking this now. Until next time.
Himitsu dashed off with Kana and the box, prompting the boss to shout in the distance.
Boss: GET BACK HERE!
After a few minutes, they spotted the city ahead and came to a halt. Himitsu set Kana down and handed her the box.
Himitsu: Here you go.
Kana: I-I don't know what to say. Thank you so much!
Himitsu: (smiling) Anything for you.
Kana smiled back, approached Himitsu, and placed a kiss on his cheek.
Kana: Why don't you come back to my place before the surge hits?
Himitsu: (shocked) H-huh? B-but what about your father?
Kana: Oh, don't worry, I'll handle it. So, are you coming?
Himitsu: Y-yes, I'd love to!
Kana: Great! See you then.
Kana walks away with the box toward the city.
Himitsu: (smitten) I can't believe I got a kiss!
At that moment, his Jump Watch alerts him, indicating that Kono is calling.
Himitsu: (shaking his head) Oh right, dinner!
Himitsu answers the call.
Kono (on call): Himitsu, where are you? We hav—
Akira seizes Kono's watch: Get over here now! Dinner starts in ten minutes!
Himitsu: Sorry! I'm on my way!
Himitsu ends the call and proceeds to the tower. After six minutes, he arrives to find everyone waiting.
Himitsu: (hurrying) I'm here!
Akira: (frustrated) Where the hell have you been!?
Kono: We searched the whole city for you.
Himitsu: Sorry about that. I was outside the city looking for clues.
Daru: Did you find any?
Himitsu: I'm afraid not.
Zodiac: Useless.
Himitsu: What?
Kono: It's fine. We couldn't find anything either. We were about to head to the top of the tower for dinner.
Himitsu: Right. I'm starving.
Daru: Then let's not waste any more time.
They take the elevator to the top of the tower. As they reach the top of the tower, the elevator doors open to reveal a dozen guards standing on either side.
Akira: A bit much, don't you think?
Zodiac: Especially in a city that doesn't see any action.
Butler: You must be the guest Master Froog has been expecting!
Gram: Yes… yes, we are! And we're ready to eat!
Daru: Gram, do you ever stop talking?
Gram: What?
Butler: No, no, it's perfectly fine… I hope you're hungry!
Ohma: I'm so hungry I think I could eat Kono's cooking.
Kono: HEY! That's not funny!
Butler: Please follow me.
Everyone follows him past the guards into a spacious, well-furnished living room.
Gram: WOW! This looks better than Kono's place in Sampos—
Akira strikes Gram on the head, sending him to the ground.
Gram: OUCH! WHAT THE HELL!
Akira: Yeah, Kono's place in MUDDIA CITY!
Gram: Oh… (awkward laugh) right, Muddia City… How could I forget? (laughs)
Zodiac: Idiot!
Froog: HELLO, EVERYONE! (SNIFFLES)
Everyone turns to see Froog dressed in a white Boubou, his stomach protruding.
Kono: Whoa… I didn't know we had to dress up.
Froog: OH, come on! (sniffles) I wear this all the time at home.
Kono: Well, I like it.
Gram: I don't know, Froog… I don't think white suits you. It just doesn't go well with your skin tone and your belly—
Froog gives Gram a curious look as Daru nudges him.
Gram: I-I mean it totally suits you! You look fantastic.
Froog: Thank you! (sniffles) Alright, who's hungry?!
Gram: MEEEEEEEEE!!!
He exclaims, drawing everyone's attention.
Cliff: You might want to keep it down.
Gram: AHH!
Gram jumps and bumps into Akira.
Akira: Get off me!
Gram: W-where did you come from?
Cliff: (Points) From the elevator.
The elevator doors close.
Froog: CLIFF! (sniffles) I'M SO GLAD YOU COULD JOIN US!
Cliff: It's free food. I couldn't pass that up.
Froog: You always make me smile, Cliff; that's why I love you!
Daru: I didn't even hear him come in.
Zodiac: Me neither.
Akira: Alright, we've been chatting for a while now. Can we get something to eat?
Froog: You're right! Let's head to the dining table. Please follow me.
Everyone follows him to the dining table.
Himitsu: Even further inside is nice! And spacious.
Gram: Why couldn't we have something like this back home?
Froog: (sniffles) Please take a seat anywhere you'd like.
Gram approaches a seat at the end of the table, but he and Cliff reach for the same chair.
Gram: Oh… I was going to sit here.
Cliff: And so was I.
Gram: Umm… Can I have the seat?
Cliff: I don't know, can you?
Gram: (Feeling uneasy) You know what? I'll just sit right beside you.
Cliff: That's a wise choice.
Gram smiles faintly and takes his seat.
Froog: It appears that—(sniffles)—everyone is seated comfortably.
Gram: Y-yeah…
Himitsu: (Talking to himself) I need to get out of here somehow, but I can't make it obvious. I just have to act natural.
Himitsu looks across the table and sees Zodiac staring intently at him.
Himitsu: Ugh… Hey Zodiac… How are you?
Zodiac: I'm doing fine, I guess… The real question is, how are you?
Himitsu: Ah! I'm doing just fine, thanks for asking!
Froog: FIRST DISH, PLEASE!!!
Butler: Right away, sir!
The butler snaps his fingers, and five chefs enter, each carrying two plates on their arms, placing them on the table in front of everyone.
Froog: Wow! Just wow (sniffles). I never get bored of that; they're so fast.
Cliff: I agree… You've trained them well.
Daru: Trained them? What do you mean?
Cliff: Right… You're not from here. Froog used to be a chef, and an excellent one at that.
Froog: Oh, would you stop that? You're too nice, Cliff.
Ohma: Wow, I didn't know you could cook.
Froog: (sniffles) Yes, I did. My mother taught me everything before she passed away. After that, I opened my own restaurant and trained the staff I hired. When I retired, I brought some of them to work for me at home (sniffles).
Himitsu: Wow, you did that all by yourself?
Froog: Yes! I opened my first restaurant at 15!
Ohma: That's impressive!
Froog: (sniffles) Thank you.
Gram looks over at Akira, who is already eating.
Gram: Akira!
Akira: (food in her mouth) What! Leave me alone; I'm hungry!
Froog: She's right; let's eat! (sniffles).
Gram: And they call me the annoying one…
Everyone lifts their covers to reveal three pieces of steak, carrots, potatoes, and green beans.
Gram: Oh yeah! Now this is a meal!
Kono: Holy crap! This looks so good!
Zodiac: Looks better than Kono's cooking.
Kono: HEY! Would you guys stop dissing my food!
Everyone begins to dig in, while Himitsu hesitates, reluctant to eat, knowing he will be fed at Kana's house.
Daru: Not hungry, Himitsu?
Himitsu: Huh? Uh, no—I just umm… don't feel my best.
Daru: Well, try to get some protein in; it will help you feel better.
Himitsu: Yeah—for sure.
Zodiac observes Himitsu pick at his food while Gram adds a variety of seasonings to his steak, including salt, pepper, paprika, and some wine from the table.
Cliff: That's a lot of seasoning.
Gram: Huh? Oh no! This is just a little.
He cuts a piece and samples it.
Gram: Hmmm! This is so good! But I need more salt!
Gram grabs the salt and sprinkles it over his food.
Cliff: You like salt, huh?
Gram: Do I like it? I love it! It needs to be in everything!
Gram glances at Cliff's plate, which is unseasoned.
Gram: Want some?
Cliff: Oh no, I'm fine, thank you. I prefer mine without salt.
Gram: You sure? It's really good.
Cliff: No, really, I'm fine.
Gram: I think you should try some.
Cliff: I appreciate the suggestion, but I insist that I'm fine.
Gram: Nah, I insist; it'll taste so much better.
Cliff: No.
Gram: Yes, you will enjoy it; just watch.
At that moment, Gram begins to pour salt over his dish, prompting Cliff to react by hitting Gram's hand.
Cliff: Ahhh!
Gram: Oh crap!
Salt spills onto Cliff's hand and pants, causing him to stand up in frustration.
Cliff: I SAID I DIDN'T WANT SALT!
Gram: I'm sorry.
Cliff: NO YOU'RE NOT! I SAID NO, AND YOU STILL DID IT!
Froog: (Sniffles) Are you okay, Cliff?
Cliff looks at the table while everyone around him sits in shock.
Cliff: Uh—yes… I'm fine.
He takes a cloth from the table, wipes his seat, and sits down, placing the cloth near his left arm.
Himitsu: Sorry, I need to use the bathroom.
Froog: (Sniffles) Yes, just go down the hall and make a right. It's the first door on your left.
Himitsu: Thank you! Gram, can you help me?
Gram: (Mouth full) What?
Himitsu: I need your help.
Gram: Why?
Himitsu: Because I just do! Now can you please come? (Winks)
Gram: (Realizing) OHHHH! Of course, Himitsu, I can definitely help!
Himitsu smacks his forehead. Gram gets up and follows him to the restroom.
Daru: Weirdos!
As Himitsu and Gram exit the dining room, they walk down the hall, passing all the guards. They reach the end of the corridor and turn right, where there are no guards present.
Himitsu: Okay, I think we're good.
Gram: So what's going on, brother? Did something happen?
Himitsu: No, but I need your help with something.
Gram: Oh really?
Himitsu: Yeah. I was out with Kana, and she wants me to come over to her house tonight.
Gram: (Smiling) Oh snap! I didn't know you were a player like that.
Himitsu: It's not like that! I think she just wants me to have dinner with her.
Gram: Yeah, sure, it's just "dinner."
Himitsu: Anyway, I need your help to make sure no one notices I'm gone.
Gram: What? I don't know what to do.
Himitsu: It's okay, I thought of something. Do you remember when we went to that club in Sampostis and you used an illusion spell to cover our tracks?
Gram: Yeah? You want me to create an illusion of you?
Himitsu: Yes! I'll pretend to be unwell and stay in my room while you guys are eating. Instead of me, there will be my clone in bed while I'm at Kana's house all night.
Gram: That sounds like a solid plan!
Himitsu: (Smiling) Right!? I think it would be perfect! Do you know how long your illusion lasts?
Gram: A few hours. It will probably disappear by morning.
Himitsu: That's fine. So, are you willing to help?
Gram: Of course! We're brothers, after all.
Himitsu: (Excited) Thank you so much!
Himitsu and Gram fist bump as they head to the guest lounge. They enter Himitsu's room, where Gram retrieves his book and casts an illusion of Himitsu, placing it in his bed.
Gram: Is that okay?
Himitsu: Yeah, that looks good. When you go back to dinner, just tell everyone I'm sick or something.
Gram: Got it. Good luck with the date!
Himitsu: Hey! It's not like that, but thank you. I'll see you in the morning!