As Mizuda concludes her remarks and departs, thirty minutes elapse with everyone remaining inactive.
Himitsu: Well, this is kind of boring...
Kono: I think I'm going to head out.
Gram: What? Where are you off to?
Kono: I have a few errands to run. It shouldn't take long.
Gram: But you didn't answer my question. I said wh—
Kono: (Glances at her jump watch) Oh, wow! Look at the time! I gotta go; see you guys in a bit!
Gram: Hey!
Kono exits the house swiftly, leaving no trace behind.
Akira: Why is she in such a hurry?
Zodiac: I have no idea, and frankly, I don't care.
Gram: (Frustrated) This is unbearable! There's nothing to do!
Himitsu: Gram, weren't you just complaining about doing missions every single time?
Gram: Yes, but that's a mission! I want to do something fun!
Gram begins to contemplate, and his expression brightens.
Gram: (Enthusiastically) Oh, I know what to do! I'm going shopping!
Akira: What did this fool just say?
Himitsu: Shopping again? Didn't you just do that?
Gram: I know, but as great as I am, I need to stay updated with the latest fashion!
Everyone except Ohma looks at him blankly.
Gram: Does anyone want to join me?
Zodiac: You're funny if you think I'm joining you.
Himitsu: Yeah, I'll sit this one out.
Ohma: (Waving his hand) I'll join!
Gram: Oh, you want to come, Ohma?
Ohma: Yes! The last time we went was fun!
Gram: (Smiling) Alright then. I guess Ohma and I are going while you losers stay back and be bored.
Akira: If you don't shut up, I'll rip your head off!
Gram: (Fearful) Okay, okay! Ohma, let's go!
Gram and Ohma exit through the front door while the others stay behind.
Zodiac: Finally, some peace and quiet.
The scene shifts back to Kono at the shipping docks, entering her ship and starting it up. She lifts off and departs from the docks, heading toward a large building named "Kensor's Rift" in her district. Kono maneuvers the ship alongside the building and parks it before disembarking.
Kono: It's been a while since I've been here.
She walks to the front of the building and enters through the main doors. Inside the auto shop, it is expansive, bustling with people and machines working on ships. Kono approaches the front desk, where a man is seated.
Kono: Hey, Konsor!
Konsor: (Surprised) Oh hey, Kono! Long time no see.
Kono: Yeah, it's been a while, haha.
Konsor: It has. How have you been?
Kono: I've been good. I finally have my own crew now.
Konsor: Oh right, the Maivelance Crew, right?
Kono: That's the name!
Konsor: I remember your crew participated in the Newbie Event a while ago and won. You also fought off that monster that was rampaging through the districts. Your crew is really making a name for itself.
Kono: Those were crazy times, that's for sure. But it's all thanks to my crew.
Konsor: You should be proud of what you've accomplished. But besides that, what can I help you with today?
Kono: I'd like to work on my ship and give it a few upgrades.
Konsor: Still using your grandparents' ship?
Kono: Yep! Still using little old OLO. Now, here's what I want to do.
Meanwhile, the scene shifts to Gram and Ohma in a clothing store, accompanied by a group of girls, with Ohma carrying their clothes.
Ohma: This stuff is getting really heavy…
Girl 1: Wow! You truly are amazing!
Girl 2: I never knew it was you who did all that.
Gram: (Smiling) Well, that's why they call me Gram the Great, ladies. I'm the one who does it all.
Girl 3: Oh my!
Girl 1: Do you think you could pay for our stuff since you're that great?
Gram: Of course! I have enough money to buy out this entire store.
Ohma: Wait, you do?
Gram leans in close to Ohma's ear.
Gram: Shhh! Don't say anything!
Ohma: (Smiling) Oh, okay then!
Girl 2: What was that?
Gram: O-oh, it was nothing! Don't worry!
Once the girls have selected their clothes, they all head to the front to pay.
Cashier: Hello there!
Gram: (Smiling) Why, hello! I'll be buying all of this for these lovely ladies.
Gram places all their clothes on the counter, and Ohma does the same with Gram's items. The cashier scans everything and announces the total.
Cashier: Okay, that comes to 56,000 Geo.
Gram: (Shocked) 56,000 Geo? Holy cow.
Girl 3: You can pay for it, right?
Gram: Don't worry, ladies. I've got it covered.
Gram pulls out his Jump Watch and hovers it over the payment machine, which emits an unusual sound.
Cashier: Um, it appears your transaction has been denied.
Gram: Denied? Maybe it was just a glitch. I'll try again.
He attempts the transaction once more, but the outcome remains unchanged.
Cashier: Nope, still denied. Are you sure you have enough?
Gram: (Nervous) No, no! Let me try one more time.
He makes another attempt, but it is declined again.
Cashier: Denied once more.
Gram: What the heck!?
Cashier: If you don't have enough, I'm afraid you'll have to leave your items here.
Gram: B-but there's no way! We should have made plenty from those missions!
Girl 1: We should have known you were a phony.
Girl 2: What a broke loser.
Girl 3: Let's get out of here.
The three girls walk away from Gram, leaving him frustrated.
Ohma: (Waving) See you later!
Gram: I can't believe this! How could this happen!?
Ohma: Isn't there a way to check how much money you have?
Gram: (Frustrated) Oh yes, there is! I'm going to check right now!
Gram accesses his Jump Watch and clicks on the crew bank account to view his balance. He discovers he has only 3,536 Geo remaining.
Gram: WHAT THE HELL!
The scene shifts to Zodiac and the others at Kono's house, relaxing in the living room.
Himitsu: I wonder what Kono is up to. She hasn't come back yet.
After a few moments, Gram bursts through the door, visibly upset.
Gram: WHO SPENT ALL THE MONEY?!
Himitsu: What the!? What are you talking about?
Gram: The money we made from the mission has been spent!
Ohma: Gram was trying to buy some clothes for himself and some ladies, but his transaction was denied.
Gram: So who spent it? Was it you, Himitsu!?
Himitsu: Huh!? I didn't spend anything!
Gram: (Looks at Zodiac) Was it you—
Zodiac: If you don't want me to kill you, I suggest you watch what you say.
Gram: U-uhhh.
Gram glances at Akira, who gives him a stern look, prompting Gram to avert his gaze.
Himitsu: It couldn't have been Daru; he's locked in his room.
Gram: Aghhhh! So who the hell spent it!?
Himitsu: The only person I can think of is Kono.
As Himitsu makes this observation, a loud noise is heard coming from above the house.
Akira: What the hell is that?
Zodiac: It sounds like it's right above us.
Ohma: Let's investigate!
The group exits the house and spots Kono's ship hovering above.
Himitsu: Kono!? And the ship!
Kono lands the ship in front of the house and steps out as the hatch opens.
Kono: Hey, guys!
Gram: Kono! Did you spend all the money!?
Kono: Yes, I did.
Gram: Whyyyyyy! You made me look like a fool! I was embarrassed!
Kono: What are you talking about?
Zodiac: This idiot wanted to go shopping for clothes but couldn't because the money was spent.
Kono: Ohhhh, sorry about that, Gram! I had to use most of the money for a surprise.
Gram: Surprise!? What surprise!?
Kono: It's right behind me. Follow me.
Gram: Aghhh, this better be worth it!
Gram and the others follow Kono into the ship, which now features additional seating. The interior is clean and polished, and the unpleasant odor has dissipated.
Kono: Ta-da! What do you think?
Himitsu: Wow! This looks nice!
Ohma: It even smells nice!
Zodiac: So what, you just added more seats?
Kono: Yep! Now everyone will have their own seats for the rift mission! I even cleaned it up since you guys always complain about the smell. What do you think, Gram?
Gram: (Arms crossed) I'm still mad, but I guess this will do.
Kono: Well, I'm sorry... There's nothing I can do now.
Gram: I had the girls right there! Right there!
Ohma: It's okay, Gram. We can do it for them next time.
Gram: There won't be a next time, Ohma!
Ohma: Oh well, that sucks.
Kono: Okay, I better get the ship back to the docks, but I just wanted to show you guys the upgrades! (Smiles).
Everyone exits the ship as Kono heads to the docks to park it. Time passes, and it becomes nighttime; everyone is asleep except for Gram.
Gram: (Whispers) Man, I've been so bored these past few days, and Daru still hasn't come out of his room.
Gram gets out of bed and heads to the kitchen, where he finds Ohma sleeping on the floor.
Gram: That doesn't look comfortable at all.
He approaches the fridge, which is missing its top half, and grabs some orange juice.
Gram: Ah-ha! This is still good.
As he sips his drink, he hears a flapping sound coming from Daru's door.
Gram: What the heck is that? Is Daru doing that?
Gram approaches the door.
Gram: (Whispers) Daru? Daru?
He receives no response.
Gram: (Whispers) Daru, what are you doing in there? Daru!
Quietly, Gram opens the door, only to find Daru absent. The curtain flutters due to the open window.
Gram: He's gone! What the heck! Where did he go!?
Gram moves to Ohma and gently shakes him.
Gram: Ohma, wake up. Ohma?
Ohma remains asleep.
Gram: Ahh!
Gram proceeds to Himitsu's room and shakes him as well.
Gram: (Whispers) Himitsu!? Himitsu!?
Himitsu: Huh?! What? Gram? What is happening?
Gram: Himitsu! Daru is not in his room!
Himitsu: He isn't?
Gram: No! And we need to find him.
Himitsu: Gram, can we do this in the morning? I'm too tired.
Gram: Too tired?!? What!? Himitsu! Himitsu!
Himitsu turns over and goes back to sleep.
Gram: Dammit! What am I supposed to do now?
Gram begins to contemplate.
Gram: Zodiac isn't going to help, and Akira isn't either. I'm still mad at Kono for wasting that money and embarrassing me in front of those hot girls. Himitsu and Ohma are dead asleep! Well… I guess this is a job for Gram the Great!
Gram heads to his room, gathers his essentials, and steps outside, noticing Akira sleeping by the tree.
Gram: Oh! I've always wondered where she slept at night.
He quietly sneaks past her and makes his way into the city, where people are still active.
Gram: Wow, people are really out this late? I guess Sampostis never sleeps.
Gram walks to the Order building, and upon entering, he observes Fin preparing to leave.
Gram: Hey, Fin!
Fin looks up and notices that Gram is alone.
Fin: Oh, hey, Gram! Where is the rest of your crew?
Gram: They are sleeping. I'm on my own tonight. I'm actually searching for Daru.
Fin: Daru? Oh right, he was here a couple of days ago.
Gram: A couple of days ago?
Fin: Yes, he mentioned needing to clear his head… I believe what happened at that school impacted him.
Gram: It affected all of us. Do you know how I can find him?
Fin: I told him to go to the shipping docks; they can give you a ride anywhere in our solar system.
Gram: Okay, that's where I'm off to then.
Fin: Alright! I'm heading home to get some rest; it was a late night for me.
Gram: Yeah, it is pretty late. Get home safe. Bye!
Fin: See you, Gram.
Gram proceeds to the shipping docks, where he notices a worker standing beside a ship.
Gram: Hello.
Shipman: Hello! How can I help you?
Gram: I'm looking for someone named Daru. Have you seen him?
Shipman: Daru? Hmm… that doesn't ring a bell.
Gram: He has bright purple hair with purple veins.
Shipman: Ah! I know who you mean—the guy who won the Newbie Event!
Gram: Yes! However, I am the one who won the Newbie Event.
Shipman: Wow… it is an honor to meet one of you.
Gram: The pleasure is mine (smiles).
Shipman: Right, so Daru went to these coordinates.
The shipman gestures to Gram, who appears to recognize the location.
Gram: Why am I not surprised he went there? Can you take me, please? How much is it?
Shipman: (Laughs) There's no fee if you're part of the Order; you don't have to pay. Come aboard, and I'll take you to him.
Gram: That's awesome!
Gram boards the ship as the shipman sets off toward Daru. After five to ten minutes, they arrive at their destination.
Shipman: Here we are! This is where I dropped him off.
Gram: Thank you very much!
Shipman: Stay safe.
The shipman returns to Sampostis as Gram surveys his surroundings, realizing he is back in the village where he and Daru grew up.
Gram: Figures he'd come back here.
Gram begins walking toward Rito's house.
Gram: Man… they really destroyed everything here. But there's no sign of Daru.
Gram proceeds to Zenshi's house but finds he is not there either.
Gram: And he's not here either. Where the heck wo—
Suddenly, Gram recalls a location where Daru might be.
Gram: He must be there.
Gram retrieves his book and summons a heatproof jacket. He ascends a mountain as the temperature rises. Eventually, he arrives at a cave entrance.
Gram: I hate this walk. It just keeps getting hotter!
He enters the cave, where rocks are falling from the ceiling.
Gram: This place has not changed.
Looking around, he still does not see Daru.
Gram: Man, I really thought he'd be here.
Just then, he hears shouting.
Daru: AHH! (thud) AHHH! (thud) AHHH! (thud).
Gram: What the hell is that!?
He looks up and sees a rock falling toward him; it lands on him, pinning him to the ground.
Gram: AHH!!! HELP! HELP!
As Gram calls for assistance, he feels the rock being lifted off him and sees Daru, sweating and shirtless.
Daru: Gram? What the hell are you doing here?
Gram: DARU! I FINALLY FOUND YOU!
Gram rises and embraces Daru, still holding the rock.
Gram: I missed you so much!
Daru: Gram, let go of me, you idiot!
Daru throws the rock aside as Gram releases him.
Gram: Man, am I ha— Wait, no! You can't just leave the house like that without telling anyone!
Daru: I don't care… I quit anyway.
Gram: (Laughs) Quit? (Serious) What do you mean, quit!?!
Daru: I'm saying I'm quitting the crew. It's just not for me.
Gram: Daru, we need you! The crew needs you! I need you!
Daru: Gram, I can't keep doing this! That last mission—wherever it was—too many people died. I can't keep seeing people die, and I couldn't save them.
Gram: Is that what you're thinking about? Daru, you couldn't save those people; all those dead bodies are not your fault!
Daru: Well, it feels like it is! I let Hana die! I was too slow!
Gram: Daru, what did you say to Ohma?
Daru: What?
Gram: You said, "You can't save everyone, but the ones you do save, you cherish."
Daru begins to recall what he said to Ohma.
Daru: Yeah, I did say that, didn't I?
Gram: Yes, you did! Listen, Daru, I didn't come all this way—and I hate this place, by the way—but I didn't come all this way to leave you behind.
Daru begins to contemplate.
Gram: Please, I know the crew is annoying, but think of all the people you could save now and in the future. In my eyes, Daru, you're a hero!
Daru: (Laughs) Hero! That's funny.
Gram: I'm serious, Daru. You're a hero because you always try to save as many people as you can, and that's the hero in you.
Daru: No, that's Zenshi in me, but I was joking. I'm coming back; I just needed to clear my head. I'm fine now, you crybaby.
Gram: Crybaby! I wasn't crying.
Daru: Really? Tell that to the tears on your face.
Gram feels the tear on his cheek and wipes his eyes.
Gram: Hey! That's just sweat from the heat!
Daru begins to walk away to resume his training.
Daru: Sure it is!
Gram: IT IS!!!