At a busy restaurant filled with laughter and clinking dishes, the team gathered for a hearty meal.
The Spiritual King leaned back in his seat with a satisfied grin. "Man, this orange chicken is good."
Kaji took a loud bite out of a taco. "No way, these tacos are what I call perfect."
Ryju dug into his plate with enthusiasm. "These fried chicken pieces and powdered doughnuts are the best! Oh—and you can't forget the lemonade!"
Goro piled his plate high with chicken wings and a thick slice of pie. "Man, I just like everything."
Seated calmly, Renji twirled his noodles with his chopsticks. "These noodles are tasty," he murmured.
"Pass me the pork," Rei said, already reaching across the table.
Okata folded his arms and sighed. "You guys are a mess…"
The Spiritual King chuckled. "You know you want this orange chicken."
Okata raised an eyebrow. "Tch… fine. Pass it here!"
The Spiritual King laughed heartily and slid the plate over. Okata took a bite and froze in place, eyes widening.
"Amazing! It's so tasty. Thank you, Mother Char!"
In the kitchen , Char smiled warmly. "No problem. Eat as much as you like."
Across the table, Gio sat quietly, barely touching his food. His gaze was distant.
Azar, cheeks puffed out with food, leaned over. "Cheer up, Mr. Gio. Your daughter is fine."
Taro, gripping two pieces of fried chicken like weapons, added, "We vow to get your daughter back."
Zanden nodded firmly. "You bet that."
Gio took a deep breath. "Alright… I trust you all."
Jett grinned. "Then eat up!"
Gio hesitated… then grabbed a plate and started piling food.
"There we go, Gio," the Spiritual King said with a proud smile.
Not long after, Azar and Zanden stood from the table.
Taro blinked. "Where are you going?"
"Just for some air," Azar said.
"Alright."
Outside the restaurant, under the night sky—
Azar exhaled, staring at the moonlight.
"Tomorrow…" he muttered.
Zanden nodded beside him. "Yeah. We go and save Misa. I hope she's doing okay."
Azar's eyes narrowed. "She's nowhere near okay. But once she's back in our village—the Great Village—she will be."
"…Yeah, you're right."
Azar glanced at him. "I know I'm right."
Zanden crossed his arms. "But it's up to you to stop this. For good."
Azar didn't flinch. "Believe me… I will."
"Because if you don't, I will. And after I defeat him, I'll no longer consider you my rival."
Azar smirked. "Oh really? You think you can do anything? When I'm done, that man will be a dead corpse."
Zanden narrowed his eyes, then smiled. "You better live up to those words, dummy."
"You bet. But you're still dumber than me."
"Whatever you say, stupid."
They both laughed under the moonlight.
Back Inside the Restaurant
"Man, I'm full…" the Spiritual King groaned, patting his belly.
"Tell me about it," Kaji replied, leaning back.
The Spiritual King stood. "Alright, everyone. Tomorrow—we save Misa."
"YEAH!" the whole room echoed.
Elsewhere – Beneath a Tree (Team 1)
Ryju stood with his team under a wide tree, the moonlight bathing them in silver.
"You all ready?" he asked.
Rei nodded. "Yeah."
Goro glanced around. "Any of you scared?"
Kenshiro shook his head. "Nah. What's there to be scared of? We've got this."
Shun added confidently, "Yeah, you're right. We all have our abilities. No doubt about it."
Goro chuckled. "So this is our first mission, huh?"
Rei smiled. "Yep. And we're going to save Misa."
Ryju added, "And don't forget—we've got her team too."
"Right," Rei said. "They should be even more determined."
Kenshiro folded his arms. "Let's not overthink it. We're going to complete this mission, and everyone's going home happy."
"…I hope so," Goro whispered.
Meanwhile – On a Distant Trail
Trucks rumbled down a dark forest road, wheels grinding against the gravel. Inside one of them, the back was pitch-black, filled with metal cages.
Inside one of those cages…
"…Get… me… out… of here…" Misa's weak voice barely escaped her lips.
Elsewhere – A Golden, Shining Office
A tall man sipped wine, lounging in a luxurious chair. Gold chandeliers glowed above him.
A butler stepped forward. "Sir, the merchandise will arrive soon. Fifteen trucks, just as planned."
The man nodded slowly.
"Understood."
He turned to the large stage and rows of elegant seats prepared for tomorrow's event.
"The auction begins… tomorrow."