After the Great Prisma War, Naburo returns to his planet called "Nitharis" heading to his Kingdom. Enraged, he breaks the castle doors with his bare hands, sensing the fear of his army as they tremble and bow their heads. One of the soldiers approaches him.
Nitharian Soldier: Welcome back, MY LORD NABURO! We have been waiting for your—
Naburo grabs the soldier's head and crushes it, leaving nothing behind. The other soldiers flinch in fear. As the Nitharians grow increasingly terrified, Naburo scans his soldiers.
Naburo: Does anyone else want to share their thoughts? Because I will gladly entertain your questions...
Silence falls as they remain trembling and kneeling before Lord Naburo. He strides to his throne and sits down in anger, the soldiers sensing his fury.
Naburo: Shakiro, if only you had stayed dead, I could have destroyed all of Zataria.
Another soldier steps forward.
Soldier: My lord, what do you want us to do?
Naburo: Get me… the Council of Merciless.
Soldier: Uhh… Are you sure, my lord?
Naburo fixes the soldier with a piercing gaze.
Naburo: Don't make me tell you again.
Nitharian Soldier 1: (Whispering) Is he serious? He really wants to involve them.
Nitharian Soldier 2: (Whispering) Well, they did kill his father.
Nitharian Soldier 1: (Whispering) I get that, but I think it's a bit excessive.
Nitharian Soldier 3: (Whispering) Obviously, he doesn't think so.
As the soldier goes to summon the Council of Merciless, a few minutes pass. Naburo lifts his head slightly as he senses a powerful energy approaching. As he looks up, all the Nitharians turn to see three formidable figures walking toward him. Upon their arrival, the soldiers notice that the newcomers wear unique armor distinct from that of regular soldiers. Naburo begins to address them.
Naburo: The Council of Merciless… I have summoned you today for one crucial task, as my useless soldiers are incapable of handling it.
They all bow in respect.
???: Just say the word, and we will carry it out without mercy.
Naburo smirks as he rises from the throne.
Naburo: I want you to locate the Zatarians and eliminate them all. As for Shakiro's children, bring them back to me. Take as many soldiers as you need and search every dimension.
As the Council of Merciless bows, they raise their heads to meet Naburo's gaze.
The Council of Merciless: (In sync) We will not fail you, Lord Naburo.
Naburo locks eyes with one of them.
Naburo: Do not fail me, Akuma.
Akuma: I won't; you have my word… Father. (smiles)
Ten years later, Zodiac is shown on a training field with his Master, Mizuda. She wields a longsword while Zodiac uses a dagger, displaying no difficulty and appearing to barely try.
Mizuda Aruma: You're quite the little monster, aren't you?
Zodiac: Well, this is too easy.
Mizuda: Easy, eh? You still have a long way to go, little one. (smiling)
As they continue to spar, other kids join them. Zodiac gets paired with another student for sparring. As time passes, Mizuda gathers all the kids to make an announcement.
Mizuda: Okay, since everyone is pumped up, I think we should have a sparring match. Who wants to volunteer to go first?
All the kids raise their hands, but Mizuda notices Zodiac's hand is down. She smiles at him.
Mizuda: Zodiac, why don't you go first?
Zodiac shakes his head, annoyed.
Zodiac: (talking to himself) Of course, she would pick me.
He walks into the ring with his arms crossed.
Mizuda: Now then, who will be the first to go up against Zodiac?
Roma: I will, Master. I'm going to show this kid why he's trash! Haha!
Roma jumps into the ring, clearly excited.
Mizuda: Perfect! But before we start, let's go over some rules for this match. Number 1: Your goal is to make contact with your opponent's body. Number 2: You must stay inside the ring. If you step out, you will automatically lose. And lastly, which is pretty obvious: no killing, got it?
Both Zodiac and Roma nod in agreement. (They stare at each other, knowing they don't care about Rule 3.)
Mizuda: Great! Now, choose your weapons as you see fit.
Roma heads to the weapon rack and picks up a longsword, preparing for the fight. Zodiac also approaches the rack and selects a dagger. Roma starts to laugh.
Roma: Awww, what's the matter? Are you so trash that you need to use the only weapon you're good at?
The other kids laugh along with Roma.
Zodiac: Whatever.
Zodiac drops his dagger and picks up the same weapon as Roma. He starts performing cool tricks, flipping the sword around, leaving Roma shocked and speechless.
Roma: (talking to himself) Who does he think he is!?
Both of them assume their fighting stances, waiting for Mizuda to start the match.
Mizuda: Well, let the battle begin!
Roma: Okay, here I come, you loser!
Roma takes the first step and rushes toward Zodiac, swinging for his neck. Zodiac sees the attack and casually dodges it with zero effort. Roma swings again, but Zodiac dodges once more.
Roma: Are you just going to stand there dodging, or are you actually going to do something!?
Zodiac: Stop talking; you're wasting my precious air.
Roma: Why, you little!!!
Roma starts to get mad and uses one of his techniques to perform a multi-slash attack against Zodiac. However, Zodiac effortlessly deflects all of his moves. As he dodges the last slash, Zodiac retaliates with a quick strike that nearly grazes Roma's head, forcing him to block at the last second. Zodiac tosses his weapon into the air, jumps up as the wind blows past everyone, and grabs it in mid-air, preparing to launch an attack.
Roma: What the hell is he about to do?
Zodiac begins a 360-degree spin, launching his sword beside Roma. Roma laughs out loud.
Roma: Dude, that's not going to hit me, you—
Zodiac starts to fall, accelerating towards Roma from above. He moves behind Roma, grabs his weapon, and swings his sword into Roma's stomach, winding him and causing him to collapse to the ground. As the dust settles, it becomes clear that Roma is unconscious.
Mizuda: Wow! The winner is Zodiac! What a great match!
The other kids start to clap, clearly impressed. A few moments later, Roma finally gets up and approaches Zodiac, staring at him intently.
Roma: (holds his stomach) How'd you even manage to pull off a move like that? Please tell me! PLEASE!!!
Zodiac looks him in the eyes with a serious expression.
Zodiac: You're trash; go train.
He walks away, leaving Roma standing there, embarrassed. With his arms crossed, Zodiac waits for the next fight.
Mizuda: Now, does anyone else want to challenge him?
The other kids remain quiet, unwilling to fight Zodiac.
Mizuda: Wow, Zodiac sure has given you guys some goosebumps! Haha.
The other kids spar with one another as Mizuda wraps up the lesson. As Mizuda prepares to conclude the lesson with Zodiac and the others, Daru is shown waking up from a good sleep. (Ten years pass) Daru stirs awake.
Daru: (yawns) Aww man, that was a good night's rest.
Daru gets out of bed, stretches, and makes his bed as he exits his room. Upon leaving, he looks around for Rito but finds no sign of him.
Daru: Well, I know where… (shakes his head) never mind…
Daru walks toward the fridge to grab something to eat. When he opens it, he sees only empty beer bottles.
Daru: Man, there's never any food. Does this guy ever do anything besides drink?
Daru heads to the living room and turns on the TV, but before he sits down, someone knocks on the front door. He walks to the door and opens it to find Zenshi holding a basket of food.
Zenshi: Hiii!!!
Daru: Hey, Zenshi! (smiles)
Zenshi: How are you? Okay! Before you answer that, I brought some goodies for you. (smiles)
Daru: Oh, you're the best, Zenshi! (smiles)
Zenshi: Oh, I know! (laughs) Is Rito not here?
Daru: When is he ever here? (shakes his head)
Zenshi: Yes, I know it sucks. I wish I could take you to my house, but…
Daru: Yes, I know your dad would be mad that you kept me around and would kick you out of the house. Don't worry; I understand.
Zenshi: You know you're too smart for your own good.
Daru laughs.
Daru: Well, I better start getting ready for my first day of school. Will we talk next week, okay?
Zenshi: Oh yes, your first day of school! I forgot you started today. How exciting! But yes… next week (in a sad voice).
Daru: Is school fun?
Zenshi: Yes, you learn so much! You also get to make friends and do cool things in class. But anyway, go get ready for school.
Daru heads to his room and starts getting ready. Meanwhile, Zenshi cleans the house. She opens the fridge and sees empty bottles of beer.
Zenshi: Man, Rito, you must be hurting bad.
Daru: Hurting? Why is Rito hurting? Did he get hurt?
Zenshi: (hits her head on the fridge door and turns around) Huh? No, not hurting. I said, umm, harboring; like he keeps empty cans to sell them for more beer.
Daru: Oh, okay, that makes sense. Well, anyway, I'm heading to school. I'll see you next week.
Zenshi: Okay, bye! Have a good day at school! Man, that was a close one.
Daru starts to walk to school with a big smile on his face.
After ten minutes, Daru, while walking, sees three large shadows appear in front of him, causing him to feel scared and stop.
Bully 1: Hey, Daru! (laughs)
Daru turns around to see three classmates who bully others.
Daru: Huh, me? (in a scared voice)
Bully 1: (looking at his friends and laughing) Yes, you retard. Is your name not Daru? It says it on your backpack.
Daru: (looks at his backpack and laughs) Oh yeah, my name's Daru. You guys must go to the same school.
Bully 2: You mean you go to the same school I do?
Daru: (laughs) Well, you know what I meant.
Bully 1: Don't get smart with me, kid. I'll beat the crap out of you.
Daru: No, no, I'm not being smart. I was just saying it pretty much means the same thing.
Bully 2: Dude, who is this kid?
Bully 3: Yeah, dude, this kid looks like an idiot (laughs).
Bully 1: Yeah, maybe we should teach this kid a lesson on the first day of school.
The bully kicks Daru in the face, sending him flying a foot away, and his friends rush in, kicking him while he's on the ground.
Bully 1: Hold him up, guys. Hold him still so I can use him as a punching bag.
The bullies restrain Daru while the bully walks over and starts throwing punches at Daru's face and stomach, leaving him no time to catch his breath. The bully pauses for a few seconds.
Daru: I-I-I didn't do anything.
Bully 1: SHUT UP!! (punches him in the face)
Daru: Ple-Please stop. I-I didn't do anything.
Bully 1: STOP!?!? (laughs) YOU HEAR THAT, BOYS? HE WANTS ME TO STOP (LAUGHS). HOW ABOUT NO!!!!
The bully continues punching Daru in the face and stomach while his friends hold him up.
Bully 3: Stand up straight, you coward!
Bully 2: YEAH!! EAT IT!
Bully 1: You like that!! I want to hear you say I own you. SAY IT!!
The bully stops punching.
Daru: (lifts his head slowly) Why? I don't want to say that.
Bully 1: (punches him again in the stomach) SAY IT!! (punches him in the face) SAY IT! (punches him in the face) SAY IT!!!!
Daru: (under his breath) You own me.
The bully throws one last punch to Daru's stomach, making this one hurt the most. As he does that, the bully's friends pick Daru up and throw him into a garbage can filled with rotten food. Daru starts to cry as he feels alone and weak.
Daru: (crying) W-why on the first day of school? Zenshi said it would be fun. Why do they have to pick on me? The new kid.
After seven hours, Daru decides to climb out of the garbage can (it's nighttime) and walks home, smelling horrible and badly injured. As he walks, he sees a bar, and as he gets closer, he sees Rito drinking. Daru makes his way to Rito to get some help. As he approaches, two big guys guarding the bar stop him.
Guard 1: What are you doing here, kid? Go home.
Guard 2: Eww, what the hell is that smell? Is that you? That's nasty!!
One of the guards grabs Daru, causing him to scream in pain due to his injuries.
Rito: (laughs) Hey, put the kid down.
The two guards turn to see Rito drinking a bottle of beer.
Guard 2: Shut the hell up, Rito, and drink your damn beer.
Daru continues to scream in pain as the guard squeezes harder.
Guard 1: (laughs) Look at him; he's turning purple.
Rito throws his beer bottle on the ground, making the guards look back at him.
Rito: (serious voice) I'm going to ask you one more time: put him down.
Guard 2: Would you get lost?
The guards continue to squeeze Daru as he screams louder.
Rito: I TOLD YOU TO LET HIM GO!!
The guards turn around but don't see Rito anywhere. As they look back, Daru is no longer in their hands.
Guard 1: What the hell? Where'd the kid go?
Guard 2: There! (points in the distance)
As the guard points, they see Rito putting Daru on the floor.
Rito: You alright, buddy?
Daru: No, I feel like I can't move anything in my body.
Rito: Okay, give me one second.
Daru: Huh? What are you going to do?
Rito lays Daru on the ground and walks slowly toward the guards.
Guard 1: What the hell is he doing?
Daru: (talking to himself) What's he going to do?
Rito gets close to the guards, keeps his head down, and stops walking.
Rito: I told you to let him go, and you didn't, so now you will feel pain.
Guard 1: What the hell are you going on about?
Guard 2: Get the hell out of here, Rito, before I get really pissed off.
Rito: You guys need to be taught a lesson before I leave.
Guard 2: Alright, you've pissed me off.
The guard throws punches at Rito, and the other guard joins in, throwing punches nonstop, causing blood to splatter over their fists and faces.
Guard 2: (laughs) You really wanna die for a kid? You're an idiot!
Guard 2: YEAH, DAMN STRAIGHT!! YOU'RE GOING TO DIE BECAUSE OF THAT KID!
The two guards finally stop punching him as they run out of breath; Rito remains in the same position as before.
Daru: (in shock) How in the world is he not on the ground? He just took a huge beating.
Rito starts to laugh and slowly looks up at the guards. As he laughs, his laughter becomes more maniacal.
Guard 2: Laughing? You're laughing!!
Rito stops laughing. He throws a punch, sending the guard flying into the bar, smashing his neck on the table and killing him instantly. Everyone starts fleeing the bar, screaming. Rito looks at the other guard, smiling with blood on his face, still laughing.
Guard 2: What the hell? Yo, screw this, man, I'm outta here.
The guard runs away quickly, but as he flees, Rito appears right in front of him, grinning.
Rito: Are you scared!? (Laughs)
Rito grabs the guard and snaps his neck with one hand, killing him. Rito stumbles back toward Daru, still drunk, but eventually makes it to him.
Rito: (Calms down and falls to the ground) I'm so sorry you had to see that, Daru. If you're scared of me, I'll understand.
Daru: Are you kidding me? That was so cool!! Can you teach me?
Rito: Huh? Teach you? Did you not just see me kill that guy?
Daru: Yeah, it was awesome! (Jumping up and down)
Rito: Wait, how are you jumping around? Weren't you just saying you were injured?
Daru: Yeah, but I feel better somehow.
Rito: You're a weird one, but I guess I'll teach you.
Daru: Yes!!