Daru wakes up in the middle of the night, feeling somewhat sore.
Daru: (Jumps awake, recalling the bullies) Ahh!! Oh, it was just a dream. Whew, will Rito really make me strong enough to confront those guys? I should get some rest; training starts tomorrow.
As the night passes and morning arrives, Daru wakes up full of energy.
Daru: Yes, I'm ready for my training. (Walks to Rito's room)
Eager to begin, Daru opens Rito's door.
Daru: Alright, Rito, I'm ready.
Rito is not in the room; only empty beer cans and spoiled food remain.
Daru: Aww man, why am I not surprised? Of course, he's not here.
Frustrated with Rito, Daru hears a knock at the door. He opens it to find Zenshi with a basket of food.
Zenshi: Hi!
Daru: Zenshi? What are you doing here? It's not even next week yet!
Zenshi: Yes, I know. I came by because my father left the village with some people to gather more food and vegetables for everyone here.
Daru: Oh, that's kind of your father.
Zenshi: Yes, he can be kind at times. I suppose he's just hard-headed most of the time.
Daru: (Concerned) Sometimes?
Zenshi: It's alright; after my mother passed away, many things changed, but don't worry about it.
Daru: Okay, but hey, Zenshi, I know I'm only 10 years old, but I'm here to talk if you'd like. I'm a really good listener.
Zenshi: Oh, I bet you're a good listener, but thank you, Daru. You're just too sweet.
Daru smiles, revealing his teeth.
Zenshi: Anyway, where's Rito?
Daru: (Sighs) Where do you think?
Zenshi: Again? (Under her breath) I know it's tough, Rito.
Daru: Did you say something?
Zenshi: Wait, what? No, no, I was just thinking about the food I brought you.
Daru: Oh, sweet! (Begins to eat the food) Aww man, you make the best food.
Zenshi: (Smiles) Thank you, Daru. I make the best for you because I know you enjoy it. But I think it's time for school, and I don't want you to be late.
Daru: Well, I guess I gotta go now because I'm not going to miss it any more.
Zenshi: Miss it? What do you mean?
Daru: Oh, because Rito said he was going to teach me how to fight!
Zenshi: (In shock) WHAT! FIGHT!?
Daru: Yeah, so I could beat the shit out of these bullies.
Zenshi: WHAT! BULLIES FIGHTING!! Daru, NO SWEARING! Why didn't you tell me you were being bullied!?
Daru: I was going to, but Rito said he'd train me to fight because I felt weak and alone.
Zenshi: Aww, Daru, you're not alone; I am always here to support you.
Daru: Thank you, but it feels lonely since I only see you once a week, and Rito is never around; he's usually out drinking.
Zenshi: (In a somber tone) I'm sorry to hear you've been feeling this way, Daru.
Daru: It's alright, don't worry. In any case, I need to get dressed and head out.
Daru walks to his room to prepare for school.
Zenshi: (Muttering to herself) Rito, you need to be present for Daru.
Daru: I'm ready now; I'll see you next week, Zenshi. (exits)
Zenshi: Goodbye, Daru. (Speaking to herself) I feel as though I have let Daru down. Where is Rito?
Zenshi leaves and slams the door as she searches for Rito. Meanwhile, Daru walks to school and notices three shadows behind him.
Daru: Oh no, not again.
Bully 1: Hey, Daru!
Daru: (In a cheerful tone) Hi…
Bully 1: Oh, look everyone, he remembered his name this time. (laughs with the other bullies)
Daru: Hahaha, that was a good one, hahaha…
Bully 1: Are you mocking me, asshole!?
Daru: What? No, I was laughing with you.
Bully 2: Nah man, he was definitely laughing at you, bro.
Daru: I assure you, I wasn't! (waves his hands)
Bully 1: You know what I dislike the most? Liars, and you're lying to me!!!
Daru: I promise I wasn't; truly, I was laughing wi—
Before Daru can finish, the bully punches him in the face, knocking him to the ground.
Bully 1: That's what you get for lying to me!
Daru: (spitting out blood) I said I wasn't laughing at you.
Bully 3: I think he's talking back, man.
Bully 1: You're right! Let's show him the consequences of talking back, shall we? (All the bullies laugh.)
The bullies rush at Daru, kicking and punching him relentlessly, leaving him gasping for breath.
Bully 1: Alright, hold him up, guys.
The bullies lift Daru, who looks up with a bruised face and two black eyes, struggling to see clearly.
Bully 1: This is going to hurt more than yesterday. You're quite unfortunate today.
Daru: (Quietly) I wasn't laughing at you.
Bully 1: You're still talking back! Aww, man!
The bully drives his fist deep into Daru's chest, breaking a rib. Daru screams in pain.
Bully 1: YOU KNOW WHAT? LET'S DO ONE MORE FOR GOOD LUCK.
The bully slams his fist into Daru's chest again, and Daru screams even louder this time.
Bully 1: Alright, boys, it's garbage time!
Bully 2 and 3: Hell yeah, let's do it!
The bullies walk over to the garbage can and throw Daru into it, along with the rotten contents.
Bully 1: Oh, this garbage is disgusting. Enjoy yourself, Daru!
The bullies run away after dumping Daru into the smelly garbage can. Daru begins to cry, clutching the left side of his broken rib cage.
Daru: I can't do anything. I'm too weak. No wonder Rito doesn't want to train me. He knows I'm weak.
Daru continues to cry in the unpleasant garbage can. Meanwhile, Zenshi is still searching for Rito.
Zenshi: Rito, where are you? (Thinking) Where could he have gone?
Zenshi searches extensively for him, considering various locations. Eventually, she arrives at a burnt-down house and spots Rito in the distance, drinking a beer.
Zenshi: RITO!!!
Rito does not respond or turn around.
Zenshi: RITO!! I KNOW YOU HEAR ME!! (She stomps toward him.)
When Zenshi finally reaches him, she sees Rito crying in silence.
Zenshi: Rito? A-Are you okay?
Rito: (Laughs through tears) Oh, hello, Zenshi, how are you?
Zenshi: Rito, what's wrong? Why are you crying?
Rito: (Wiping his tears) This is where it happened.
Zenshi: Where… what happened?
Rito: Where I lost him…
Zenshi: (Sadly) Cinta…
Rito: (Crying) Yes, my little boy Cinta, and I couldn't do anything about Akuma and his team. I just couldn't do anything—
Zenshi: (Hugs him) Yes, I understand, I understand.
Rito: (Crying in Zenshi's arms) I couldn't do anything. I just lay there and watched him get crushed. I can't help Daru… What if I make the same mistake again? I can't do that to Daru.
Zenshi: LISTEN TO ME! YOU ARE NOT GOING TO FAIL HIM! THIS TIME, YOU WON'T JUST STAND THERE.
Rito: (Wipes his tears) You really know how to uplift someone, don't you, Zenshi? (Laughs)
Zenshi: I understand. (Tosses her hair and laughs) After all, I am my father's daughter!
Rito: I apologize for you having to see me in this state.
Zenshi: Rito, real men cry. If they don't, it's because they have never lost something precious. But you must promise me that you will be there for Daru from now on.
Rito: I promise.
Zenshi and Rito return to the house and find the door ajar.
Rito: What the heck! Did someone break into my house? Zenshi, did you lock the door before we left?
Zenshi: Yes, I always lock it.
Rito enters his house in a defensive stance, prepared for anything. In the living room, he sees Daru watching TV in the dark.
Daru: Oh, hello Rito and Zenshi…
Rito: Whew! It's just Daru.
Zenshi: THANK GOODNESS. (Wipes sweat from her forehead)
As they approach Daru, they notice he is holding the left side of his lower chest.
Zenshi: Are you alright, Daru?
Rito: Yeah, are you okay, buddy?
Daru walks to the light switch, turns it on, and faces them.
Zenshi: WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FACE?! Oh my goodness, YOUR EYES ARE COMPLETELY SHUT!
Rito: (Serious) Who did this?
Daru: (Barely audible) The bullies.
Zenshi: The bullies did this to you?
Daru: (Struggling to stand) Yes, they thought I was laughing at them, but I wasn't.
Rito: Training starts tomorrow, no exceptions.
Daru: Wait, for real this time?
Rito: For real this time.
Zenshi looks at Rito, tears welling in her eyes.
Zenshi: Ensure those kids face consequences for their actions.
Rito: I will ensure that.
As Daru prepares to begin his training with Rito, the scene shifts to Zodiac and his master, Mizuda. They are at home, enjoying a meal of roseye.
Mizuda: That was excellent training the other day. I'm impressed by how quickly you're adapting your sword techniques.
Zodiac: It's nothing special.
She begins to reflect on the events that transpired nine years ago.
Mizuda: I still find it peculiar how I discovered you that day. Where did you come from? Who were your parents? And what about the mark on your neck?
Zodiac: As I have mentioned before, I have no idea.
Mizuda: Fair enough. But the ability to wield any weapon and learn their techniques so swiftly is remarkable. (I wonder if he's ready to use those blades.)
She rises from the table to stretch.
Mizuda: Please prepare yourself; we will be heading to the city shortly.
Zodiac looks perplexed.
Zodiac: Why are we going to Leorea?
She smiles at him.
Mizuda: Although you are only nine, I believe it is time for your first raid. Now, go get ready.
Zodiac finishes his meal and prepares for the raid, gathering his clothing and equipment. Upon stepping outside, he encounters one of the children from the assassin class.
Zodiac: Is he joining us?
Mizuda: Absolutely. You remember Himitsu, correct?
Himitsu extends his hand toward Zodiac for a handshake.
Himitsu: Hello, Zodiac! I'm excited to join you for this raid!
Zodiac ignores him and walks away.
Himitsu: Well, that was awkward.
Mizuda: Don't mind him. Let's just say he is not particularly sociable. Now, let's head to the city in style!
Mizuda leaps from tree to tree while Zodiac and Himitsu follow. She quickens her pace, attempting to leave them behind.
Himitsu: Hey, slow down, Master! We can't keep up with you!
Zodiac accelerates, catching up to Himitsu, who wears a blank expression.
Himitsu: (muttering to himself) Why did I even agree to come on this raid?
As they continue, Zodiac notices an individual being robbed by a thug and abruptly halts.
Thug: Hand over all your money, or you might not survive.
Girl: I can't! I need this money to pay my rent!
The thug slaps her across the face, causing her to collapse.
Thug: Don't make me repeat myself! Give me your money, or you'll regret it.
Himitsu finally catches up to Zodiac, hearing the commotion.
Himitsu: What's happening—
Zodiac quickly covers his mouth and gestures toward the thug and the girl.
Zodiac: Shut up and watch.
Girl: Please, I'll do anything; just give me the money!
The thug begins to entertain inappropriate thoughts.
Thug: You'll do anything, will you?
Girl: Yes, anything!
The thug smirks maliciously.
Thug: Then it seems it's time for you to get to work, don't you think?
He starts to pull down his pants, preparing to exploit the girl. Zodiac picks up a pinecone and throws it to the ground to create a distraction. The thug turns to look behind him.
Thug: WHAT? WHO'S THERE!? SHOW YOURSELF!
When he turns back, the girl has disappeared.
Thug: NO! WHERE DID SHE GO?!
The thug unsheathes his sword, ready to engage in combat.
Thug: Come out, you coward! Are you afraid?
Zodiac emerges from the shadows and swiftly slashes one of the thug's legs with a dagger, eliciting a scream of pain as he collapses.
Thug: YOU COWARD! HOW DARE YOU!
Zodiac approaches him deliberately.
Zodiac: A contemptible individual who preys on others does not deserve to live.
The thug crawls away in terror. Zodiac then incapacitates the other leg. The thug cries out in agony, continuing to crawl with his arms, leaving a blood trail against a tree.
Thug: Just end it already! I can't endure this any longer!
Himitsu approaches Zodiac.
Himitsu: Look, I understand he's a criminal, but I believe you've done enough.
Zodiac locks eyes with him.
Zodiac: Tell me, what was he planning to do with the girl? Do you think he intended to show her mercy?
Himitsu: W-well, no?
Zodiac: Precisely.
Zodiac retrieves his dagger once more, severing the thug's private parts and crushing them underfoot. He then plunges the weapon into the thug's heart, piercing it completely. The thug's eyes roll back, and he lies lifeless on the ground. Zodiac flicks the blood off his dagger and returns it to his pocket. He continues to run, attempting to catch up with Mizuda. Just as Himitsu is about to leave, the girl steps out from the bushes.
Girl: Is he dead?
Himitsu: Yes, he won't trouble you any longer.
Girl: Thank you so much! Please convey my gratitude to the other person who helped me as well.
Himitsu: No problem, I will.
As he is about to depart, the girl stops him again.
Girl: Wait a moment.
Himitsu: Huh?
She approaches him and hands him an expensive locket.
Girl: Please take this as a token of appreciation.
Himitsu: But why? This appears to be personal.
Girl: It was. It was a gift from my ex-boyfriend before I discovered he was unfaithful.
Himitsu: Oh, I see... well, I suppose I'll accept it. Thank you!
Girl: No problem!
She waves goodbye as Himitsu resumes running. After a few minutes, he finally catches up with Zodiac and Mizuda.
Mizuda: There you are. What took you so long?
Himitsu, reluctant to disclose the events, attempts to remain nonchalant.
Himitsu: Apologies, but you both are built like horses, I assure you.
She begins to laugh.
Mizuda: It's acceptable since we have all arrived in the city. Please, follow me.
The three of them pass through the main gates to enter Leorea. The city is vast and vibrant. As they continue their walk, they approach a guild that accepts various missions. Some of the hunters cast disapproving looks their way.
Hunter 1: Is that the assassin master, Mizuda?
Hunter 2: Why is she accompanied by those children?
Hunter 3: Who knows, but one thing is clear: those children are too young to be here.
Mizuda approaches the front desk, where a man is seated.
Man: Greetings, Master Mizuda! What brings you here today?
Mizuda: I am here to register for the upcoming raid.
Man: Are you referring to the raid targeting the orc campsite?
Mizuda: That is correct, and I would like to bring both of these children along as well.
The man jumps up in surprise.
Man: But, Master Mizuda, these children are far too young! They also lack a guild license. The minimum age requirement is 17.
Mizuda produces a bag of money and places it on the counter.
Mizuda: Is this sufficient, or do you require more?
The man offers a cheeky smile.
Man: Wow, Master Mizuda, I never anticipated you would resort to bribery.
Her expression shifts to seriousness.
Mizuda: Would you prefer I take it back?
Man: N-no, wait! I can make an exception. However, please remember that since they are underage, I cannot be held responsible if they sustain injuries.
Mizuda smiles, crossing her arms.
Mizuda: Oh, do not worry! They will return from that raid unscathed!