"From today onwards, let's look after each other…"
With that firm reply, Gabumon visibly relaxed. If what she'd said earlier was true, she wanted revenge for her fallen friend, and her enemy was Devimon, the master of this entire island.
With her current strength, revenge was hopeless…
…If she wished to defeat Devimon, evolution was her only hope. But in this era, with the Light of Evolution lost, ordinary Digimon found digivolution extraordinarily difficult. Achieving Ultimate-level made one a standout genius; Mega-level was practically heaven-sent.
Most Digimon reached their absolute limit at the Champion stage.
Going further required stimulation from external sources, and Gabumon had clearly witnessed how Rina helped Zero digivolve by injecting DigiSoul.
Zero had originally possessed zero potential for further evolution. He'd only just evolved from Koromon to Agumon. His potential should've already hit rock-bottom, leaving absolutely no chance of a second evolution in such a short time.
That left Rina's influence as the only possible explanation. Human emotions could impact Digimon and prompt their evolution…
…This fact had become common practice in the franchise, but at this specific point in time, it remained purely theoretical. Those who knew this secret could be counted on one hand in the entire Digital World.
Otherwise, Digimon desperate for strength would surely invade the human world to seek higher evolution.
Zero suspected that Myotismon, a mid-series boss, definitely knew this secret. That's why he'd seized the Crests and Digivices—to prevent the Chosen Children from becoming stronger.
His invasion of the Real World was probably designed to induce widespread human panic, absorbing those negative emotions to achieve his own further evolution.
And technically, he succeeded—though his final form, VenomMyotismon, became nothing but easy XP fodder when the protagonists' double Mega forms debuted, happily sending him off. His unresolved grudge even resurrected him as the final boss in the second season.
Of course, none of this had actually happened yet. Gabumon, as a Digimon, only instinctively sensed the extraordinary power Rina had used to help Zero evolve, leading her to ask for their help.
She hadn't had much hope, so their immediate agreement surprised her deeply…
…Though she probably hadn't guessed that Rina agreed purely out of kindness, while Zero simply lusted after her body.
Regardless of their true intentions, the small team of one human and two Digimon was now officially formed.
"So then, Zero-kun… and uh, Gabumon?"
When she got to Gabumon's name, Rina's expression became conflicted, causing confusion in Gabumon's voice.
"Hm? What's wrong, Rina?"
Gabumon blinked curiously, watching Rina tap her chin with her finger, then shake her head vigorously.
"No, no, this definitely feels wrong. First off…'Gabumon' can't really count as a name, right? Just like Zero-kun, Gabumon should also have your own name!"
"Uh…"
Gabumon wore a bewildered expression of "I've never thought about this before," but Zero helpfully explained from the side.
"Think about it. What if we meet other Gabumon in the future? How would we tell you apart? We can't just call everyone Gabumon, right? That'd get chaotic."
Gabumon paused, tiny eyes filling with enormous confusion.
…Clearly, since her birth, she had probably never encountered another Gabumon. Yet she also knew Zero's point was valid: there must be thousands upon thousands of Gabumon in the Digital World. If they all had the same name, chaos would definitely ensue.
Digimon themselves rarely considered this. In a world nearly devoid of basic civilization or social needs—where meetings typically ended in a fight to the death—distinct names weren't strictly necessary.
The truly powerful Ultimates and Megas usually existed singularly within their territories. They rarely left, so simply using their species name sufficed without confusion.
Just like Devimon on File Island…there was only one Digimon known by that name. Such unique strength was the best ID card!
Names were symbols of strength. For weaklings uncertain of surviving until tomorrow, what need was there to distinguish oneself with a name?
But clearly, to Zero and Rina, names weren't anything so "grand." They were just simple labels to distinguish companions from one another.
And actually, that was exactly what names had originally been meant for—the first sprouts of basic social interaction.
"But I've never considered a name before. I wouldn't even know what kind of name I should choose."
Gabumon seemed troubled, but Rina cheerfully smacked her palm.
"What's this? Isn't it easy~? Just let me come up with a name for Gabumon~"
"…"
Zero opened his mouth slightly, clearly skeptical of Rina's taste. But on second thought, he wasn't the one getting named anyway, and since his own memories were blurry, he couldn't come up with anything reliable either. So, he decided to dump the trouble onto Rina.
And Gabumon didn't seem to object, so Rina quickly fell deep into thought.
"Alright, got it!"
After more than ten minutes of intense thinking, Rina's furrowed brows relaxed instantly.
"Since Koromon's name is Zero, then your name will be 'Hajime'—meaning 'beginning.' How about it?"
Gabumon lowered her head, softly repeating this name to herself twice. Soon, she raised her head again, responding cheerfully.
"Yes, I like this name! From today onward, my name will be 'Hajime'!"
Her voice sounded like an adolescent boy's, with lingering hints of youthful immaturity—more a neutral tone somewhere between a boy's and a girl's.
During the earlier battle's urgency, Zero hadn't paid attention. But now, he inexplicably found her voice rather pleasant.
And actually, the name wasn't bad at all. Apparently, Rina's sense wasn't nearly as terrible as Zero had assumed—he'd misjudged her.
Seeing Hajime clearly liked her new name, Rina happily nodded.
"Yep yep! It's settled then. From now on, we'll call you Hajime-chan Alright, Zero-kun, Hajime-chan… please take care of me~"
......
...
...
As night gradually fell, Zero realized he'd originally gone out just looking for lunch, but by some twist of fate ended up rescuing Hajime. Now, he hadn't even eaten lunch yet.
Fortunately, he'd absorbed a wave of Rina's DigiSoul and Seadramon's data earlier. Since everything in the Digital World was essentially data, absorbing data served the same function as eating.
…In other words, a powerful battle maniac really could survive here without food, water, or sleep—living purely through battle. Killing other Digimon and absorbing their data alone could restore one's strength.
…They could even grow more energized from fighting!
For those who lived for battle, this place must be paradise—completely disregarding natural laws and physical exhaustion, able to commit everything purely to fighting.
But naturally, Zero wasn't that kind of battle freak, nor did he have that luxury. So, eating and drinking normally suited him perfectly fine.
After some rest, Hajime had recovered considerably. She swiftly dove underwater to catch several plump fish, while Zero found some wild vegetables and even casually knocked down a beehive.
Thus, dinner became honey-glazed roasted fish paired with hot vegetable soup. Although not luxurious, it was at least balanced and calorie-rich.
Considering that seven elementary kids once survived on File Island, the abundant food resources here clearly weren't a problem—especially with Digimon companions helping out.
Though they'd arrived with camping equipment, their food would've lasted only days at most, forcing them to rely on foraging afterward.
With "native" Digimon Zero and Hajime helping, Rina naturally got to enjoy the benefits effortlessly. She at least gathered some dry wood for the fire, finally finishing dinner preparations under a rising full moon.
The fish roasted above the fire sizzled with dripping fat, brushed generously with honey. Despite lacking other seasoning, its aroma alone was mouthwatering.
Paired with steaming vegetable soup, the meal chased away much of their fatigue.
Naturally, Zero and Hajime had to handle making the pot for soup. With their sharp claws, digging an earthen stove and stone pot posed no problem.
After eating their fill, Rina stretched lazily, letting out a satisfied sigh.
"Ahaha, I've always wanted to try camping like this, but I never had the chance before. Now, my wish finally came true~"
Of course, the price she paid was being whisked away to an unknown world—but only Rina, with nerves of steel, could seem this carefree and pleased.
Anyone else would likely be on the verge of breaking down by now.
Seeing it was late, Zero yawned, ready to sleep beside the fire. With Seadramon defeated, no immediate danger remained.
But Zero didn't notice—behind him, yawning Rina suddenly stared intently at his curled-up form…
A certain predatory glint slowly surfaced in her eyes…
Silently creeping forward, she smiled and lunged, whispering triumphantly—
"…Hehe, got you~"