As Kono and the others processed the shocking revelation that Kono's brother was the President of Sampostis, she began preparing food for them. They enjoyed their meal while discussing Sampostis, as Kono planned to show them around the next day. After dinner, Kono guided them to their rooms for the night. That evening, Gram slept with his mouth open.
Gram: ZzZzZzZz!!! ZzZzZzZ!! ZzZz!!
While Gram slept, a spider crawled onto him and entered his mouth.
Gram: ZZzZzzZz!! UGH AHH UGHG AHH!!
Feeling something crawling inside, Gram suddenly awoke in a panic. He ran out of the room, yelling, and burst into Daru's room, where Daru was asleep.
Gram: AHHHHH!! UGUG!!!! UGUGUG!!!
Daru jumped awake, startled to see Gram at his door, screaming.
Daru: What the hell are you doing!?
Gram rushed toward Daru, still yelling with the spider in his mouth.
Gram: AHHHHH!! UGUGUGUG!!! UGUGH!!!
Suddenly, Gram was knocked out cold as he fell to the ground; the spider escaped his mouth. Daru looked up to see Zodiac, who had rendered Gram unconscious with the handle of his sword.
Zodiac: Now I can get some sleep…
Daru: If you weren't going to do it, I would have.
Zodiac: Hmm…
Zodiac walked away, heading back to his room to sleep, leaving Daru and Gram on the floor. Seven hours later, morning arrived as Kono blew her trumpet. Everyone woke up, covering their ears as Gram jumped up and hit his head on the ceiling.
Daru: Ahhh!! I'm going to KILL SOMEONE!!!
Zodiac: I hate this place.
Himitsu: (Excited) Morning already? Let's go!!!
Gram: (Rubbing his head) Owww. What now?
Kono: IT'S TIME TO GET READY!!!
Himitsu walked out of his room and saw Kono.
Himitsu: Ready for what?
Kono: Ready for what? READY FOR SAMPOSTIS.
Daru and the others emerged from their rooms.
Daru: Why?
Kono: Huh? Why?
Daru: Why the hell did you have to wake us up with a damn trumpet?
Kono: Oh, I thought it would be a fun way to start the day. Plus, I always wanted to wake up my crew like this.
Zodiac: We're not part of your crew.
Kono looked upset.
Kono: Well, just think about it! We could go on missions together and accomplish so much—
Daru: No.
Kono: (Head down) Okay.
Gram: So what's the plan for today?Kono:
We need to visit my brother.
Himitsu: Oh yeah! He must be just as cool as you!
Kono: He is! He's the best pilot I know and the strongest I've ever encountered. No one here can match his team because they are the best.
Daru: The best, you say?
Kono: Yeah, he's really strong.
Daru: I want to fight him and see how much damage he can do to me.
Zodiac chuckles as Daru turns to him.
Daru: Why are you laughing?
Zodiac: It's nothing. You're too dense to understand.
Himitsu and Gram begin to laugh.
Daru: (Serious face) Something funny?
Gram and Himitsu: Nooo!!!
Kono: (Laughs) Alright, let's go.
Gram: Wait!
Everyone turns to Gram.
Kono: What is it?
Zodiac: What is it now?
Gram: We cannot go on an empty stomach.
Himitsu: Yeah, I'm kinda hungry.
Kono: OUUU!!! I can prepare some more soup.
Gram and Himitsu: Noo!!
Kono: Huh? I thought you were hungry?
Himitsu: We are; we just prefer not to have your soup, that's all.
Gram: Yes, we just need more meat.
Daru: What they're implying is th—
Zodiac: Your cooking is terrible.
Kono: Huh!! It's bad!? You all said you enjoyed it.
Zodiac: We lied.
Kono: That's not very nice.
Gram: (Head down) I'm sorry.
Himitsu: (Head down) Yes, me too. We just didn't want to hurt your feelings.
Daru exchanges glances with Zodiac, who reciprocates.
Zodiac: What?
Daru: Interrupt me again… I'll end you.
Zodiac: (Smirks) Sure, buddy.
Kono: Well, I know a place we can visit.
Gram: Okay, let's do that!
Himitsu: Yes!! Then you can show us around.
Kono: Okay, that sounds fun. Let's do it.
Zodiac: We will eat, meet your brother, and then we leave.
Himitsu: Come on, Zodiac, you don't want to miss—
Zodiac: We leave after we meet her brother.
Himitsu: (Head down) Okay…
Daru: You should consider being nicer to Himitsu; he looks up to you.
Zodiac: I don't care; I never wanted him to come anyway.
Gram: Alright, let's move out!!
Kono: Very well, let's go.
Kono leads the way as the others follow her. After a few minutes of walking, they arrive at the main district, Hemdel, and are captivated by the flying ships, towering buildings, and bustling citizens.
Kono: Well then, welcome to Sampostis! (waving her hand).
Himitsu and Gram are astonished by the beauty and scale of Sampostis.
Himitsu: This place is incredible!
Gram: You're absolutely correct, Himitsu! I can hardly believe how vast it is!
Kono: Trust me, this is merely a small section of the city. There should be a renowned dining spot nearby. Please follow me!
They proceed with Kono while Zodiac and Daru take in their surroundings.
Zodiac: (to himself) This place looks even better up close.
Daru: (to himself) Look at all these people. None of them can compete with me…
Kono guides them to a restaurant named "Burger Dashers."
Kono: Here we are—one of my favorite establishments!
Himitsu: Burger Dashers? I don't know what that is, but it sounds good!
As Himitsu speaks, Gram hastens to the front door and enters.
Himitsu: Wait, Gram, hold on!
Himitsu rushes after him.
Kono: Wow, Gram must be really hungry.
Zodiac whispers to himself.
Zodiac: Maybe if you didn't cook like crap, he wouldn't be so hungry.
Daru smirks.
Kono: Huh? What was that, Zodiac?
Zodiac: It's nothing. Let's just go inside.
The group enters the restaurant and finds Gram and Himitsu seated at a table, ready to order. Kono, Zodiac, and Daru join them.
Kono: Alright, feel free to choose anything from the menu. I'll be back shortly; I need to use the restroom.
Gram: Okay, no problem!
Kono stands up and heads to the restroom while the others peruse the menu.
Himitsu: Wow, look at this, Zodiac! They offer every type of burger, fries, the Sampostis Burger Combo, steak, and so much more!
Zodiac: Yes, I can see that; I'm not blind.
Himitsu: We've never had any of this on our planet. I can't wait to try it!
Gram and Daru discuss their options.
Gram: Wow! There are so many choices! What are you planning to order, Daru?
Daru: I'm not eating anything from here.
Gram: What!? You must eat something.
Daru: I don't consume this food; I need to train.
Daru rises and begins doing push-ups on the floor.
Gram: Oh, come on.
Himitsu: What's he doing?
Gram: He said he's not eating; he's just doing push-ups.
Zodiac: Idiot.
After a short while, a waiter approaches their table with a notepad ready to take their order.
Waiter: Hello, what can I get for you today?
Gram: Hi, how's it going?
Waiter: It's going well. What would you like to order?
Gram: I'll have your Sampostis Burger Combo, please.
Waiter: Okay, great choice.
Gram: (smiling) Thank you!
Waiter: You're welcome! What would you like to order, sir? (Looking at Zodiac)
Zodiac: Just a Sampostis burger, please.
Waiter: Would you like to make that a combo, or just the burger?
Zodiac: Did I mention anything about a combo?
Waiter: Well, no.
Zodiac: Then don't ask a stupid question.
Waiter: O-okay, I was just ensuring clarity. (What a rude boy!)
The waiter notices Daru on the ground doing push-ups.
Waiter: Excuse me, sir, what would you like to order?
Daru: 256, 257, 258.
Gram: He'll have the steak.
Waiter: Alright, noted.
The waiter moves to the other side of the table to address Himitsu.
Waiter: And for you?
Himitsu: Hello! I would like to order five Sampostis burgers, three steaks, six fries, and... you know what? Just give me one of everything on your menu.
Zodiac and Gram exchange perplexed glances.
Zodiac: Really, Himitsu…
Gram: That's way too much food! Can you even eat all of that?
Himitsu: Absolutely! Just ask Zodiac.
Zodiac turns his head, remaining silent.
Waiter: Very well. Did I capture everyone's orders?
As the waiter inquires, Kono notices her and rushes to the table.
Kono: I haven't placed my order yet!
Zodiac: Took you long enough.
Kono sits down and looks at the menu.
Waiter: And what would you like to order, miss?
Kono: Hmmm, I'll just have some fries, and that's all.
Waiter: Perfect! Your meals should be ready shortly.
As the waiter is about to leave, she glances at Daru once more.
Daru: 398, 399, 400.
Waiter:(Talking to herself) These guys are so strange.
As the waiter departs, Kono begins to engage them in conversation.
Kono: So, what did you all order?
Gram: I got the Sampostis burger combo, and I convinced Daru to order the steak.
Zodiac: I only ordered the burger.
Kono: Great choices! And what about you, Himitsu?
Himitsu begins to act oddly, sweating.
Himitsu: U-uhhhh, I just ordered a burger and fries—that's all, haha. (Nervous laugh)
Zodiac and Gram shake their heads in disbelief.
Kono: Wait, where's Daru?
Gram points to the ground beside him. Kono looks and sees Daru continuing his push-ups.
Daru: 501, 502, 503.
Kono: Umm… Why is he doing push-ups?
Zodiac: Because he's an idiot.
Kono: Oh, well, that's understandable…
Daru rises from the ground and joins the table.
Gram: Did you enjoy that?
Daru: No, I should be outside training, but here I am.
Himitsu: Don't worry, we just need to meet your brother, and then we'll be on our way.
Zodiac: It better be worth it.
Daru: (Crosses his arms) Agreed.
Ten minutes later, the waiter returns with their food on a large plate.
Waiter: Here you go, everyone!
Himitsu: Let's go!
The waiter begins distributing their food one by one, starting with Kono and ending with Zodiac. When she reaches Himitsu, she presents him with a large plate of food that nearly occupies the entire table, and Gram starts eating. Kono is taken aback.
Kono: WHAT ON EARTH! WHY DID YOU ORDER SO MUCH FOOD, HIMITSU?!
Himitsu: Huh? It wasn't me! Gram ordered all this food!
As Himitsu speaks, Gram inadvertently spits out his food.
Gram: W-w-w WHAT!!!! NO, I DIDN'T! THAT WAS YOU!! WHY DOES IT ALWAYS FALL ON ME, WHYYY!!!!
Zodiac looks annoyed.
Zodiac: Can you guys shut up already? I'm trying to eat.
Kono sits in disbelief, unable to comprehend the situation.
Kono: (Muttering to herself) I step away for a few minutes, and this is what happens.
A few minutes later, they all finish eating, but Himitsu still has a considerable amount of food left.
Zodiac: See, I knew you wouldn't finish your food.
Himitsu: (With a full belly) I thought I could manage it all!
Gram facepalms.
Gram: Fool. And you blamed it on me. (Crosses his arms)
Daru: I could have easily finished that.
Himitsu sits there, feeling embarrassed. Shortly after, the waiter returns to check on them.
Waiter: Hello, everyone, are you finished with your meal?
Kono: (Sighing) Yes, could I please have the check?
Waiter: Certainly, no problem!
The waiter calculates the total cost of the meal and soon concludes.
Waiter: The total comes to 50,000 Geo.
Kono's jaw drops, and the others look equally surprised.
Kono: 50,000 GEO! THAT'S ALL MY MONEY!
Daru: HAHAHAHA!!!
Gram: Damn!!!!!
Zodiac glances at Himitsu, who is hiding his face in embarrassment.
Zodiac: You're really stupid, you know that.
Waiter: And how will you be paying?
Kono pulls out her card.
Kono: (With tears in her eyes) On card…
Afterward, they all exit the restaurant. Himitsu approaches Kono to apologize.
Himitsu: Hey Kono, I'm really sorry for making you spend your money; I didn't intend to…
Kono: It's alright; I'll find a way to make back my money. Now that it's over, let's meet my brother.
Gram: Right, we need to meet him before we can leave.
Zodiac: Finally, I was getting fed up with all this.
Daru: Let's hurry up.
Kono leads them to her brother. As they walk, they observe a large building surrounded by numerous D Jumpers.
Himitsu: What is that place?
Kono: That is the Order of Triumph Headquarters.
Himitsu: (eyes widening) Ohhh…
Kono: That's where all the D Jumpers go to accept their missions. However, we will proceed to my brother's tower adjacent to it.
They spot an enormous tower near the headquarters. Upon reaching the tower, they encounter a large gate obstructing the entrance. A voice begins to emit from a speaker.
Speaker: Please state your name, or you will be terminated.
Gram: Terminated! AHHH!! WE'RE GOING TO DIE!! THIS IS IT!!!
Kono responds with composure.
Kono: It's Kono Sawuda.
The gate begins scanning Kono for identification.
Speaker: Access granted. Welcome, Kono Sawuda.
Gram: (holding his chest) Oh, thank goodness!
The gate opens for them.
Daru: That is one huge gate.
Zodiac: Indeed…
Kono: There we go, now come on!
The others follow Kono inside. As they enter the tower, they are struck by the advanced technology surrounding them, leaving Gram and the rest in awe.
Himitsu: Wow, is this your brother's tower?
Kono: This is just one of many.
Himitsu: Wait, he possesses more than one?
Kono: My brother is the President, after all. Not to mention, he's incredibly rich.
Kono approaches the front desk, where an assistant is stationed.
Assistant: Oh, hello, Kono. What brings you here today?
Kono: I'm here to speak with my brother.
Assistant: Oh, President Zorren? Let me make a call.
Zodiac: …So that is your brother's name.
The assistant picks up the phone and calls Zorren. After a brief conversation, he nods and hangs up.
Assistant: Yes, Zorren is currently available to meet with you. Please stand over there and wait for the vice president to escort you.
Daru: (to himself) We have to wait? That's ridiculous.
They step aside to await the vice president.
Himitsu: Wait, your brother has a vice president?
Kono: Yeah, but don't get on her bad side. I wouldn't mess with her.
Zodiac: I could care less.
Gram: Well, Zodiac, some people don't want to die!
Zodiac: Suit yourself.
As they wait, the elevator doors open, and the vice president steps out with a neutral expression.
Himitsu: Whoa, look at her.
Gram: S-S-She is so hot!!!
She approaches and greets them.
Duviri: (with a blank expression) I am Duviri, the Vice President of Zorren. Now, if you don't mind, follow me into the elevator.
Zodiac and Daru observe her, sensing a formidable energy emanating from her.
Daru: (to himself) This girl is powerful; I can detect her energy. (smiling) I want to see how much damage she can cause!
Zodiac: (to himself) Her power is unlike anything I have encountered. I had better be careful.
As they follow Duviri into the elevator, they ascend to the 56th floor.
Gram: Excuse me… how high up does Zorren reside?
Duviri: On the 56th floor.
Himitsu: 56!!
Zodiac: Can you be quiet already?
Kono: Yes, his favorite number is 56.
Duviri: We are currently at the 54th floor; we will be disembarking shortly.
Upon reaching the 56th floor, they enter an office where a man is gazing out of the window, overseeing the Order of Triumph.
Zorren: What is it now, Kono?
Kono: (smiling) Hello! Big brother.
Zorren: I asked, what do you want? I don't have time for all this—
As Zorren speaks, he turns around to see Gram and Himitsu handling items from his desk.
Gram: What is this?
Himitsu: This looks expensive.
Zorren: W-w-What the hell?! Who are you!?
Gram: Oh, hello… I'm Gram.
Himitsu: And I'm Himitsu. (extending his hand) It's a pleasure to finally meet you.
Zorren swats Himitsu's hand away.
Zorren: Do you know who I am!?
Zodiac: Yes… the person we need to speak with in order to leave.
Zorren looks up and meets Zodiac's intense gaze.
Zorren: (to himself) What the—why is he looking at me like that?
He then notices Daru standing beside him, arms crossed, observing him.
Daru: Do I have something on my face?
Zorren: W-w-What? No, I was merely wondering… umm.
Kono: Are you okay, big brother?
Zorren: Yes, I mean NO, I'M NOT FINE! WHY DO YOU HAVE ALL THESE PEOPLE IN MY OFFICE?!
Daru: And here I thought Gram had anger issues.
Gram: (annoyed) I heard that.
Kono: These are my friends.
Zorren: Friends?
Zorren begins to feel a measure of apprehension.
Zorren: WAIT! Is this your crew?!
Kono: (laughing) No, just my friends.
Zorren: Oh, thank goodness!... So, why did you bring them here?
Daru notices Zorren's distress.
Daru: (to himself) Why is he panicking?
Duviri: Sir?
Zorren: Huh?
Duviri: It is your policy that all new arrivals must meet with you first.
Zorren: Ah, yes! I am Z—
Daru: Yeah, we know. Can we get to the point of whatever you have to say?
Zorren: You think you're tough, huh?
Daru: (arms crossed) Depends… You wanna find out?
Zorren felt intimidated, while Zodiac smirked.
Gram: So, did you have something to tell us before we leave, or…?
Himitsu: Yeah, the whole point was that we had to see you.
Zorren: Ugh, yes—I mean no, I just need to see everyone.
Zodiac: You're kidding, right?
Zorren: Ugh… what do you mean?
Zodiac: (approaching him) So, you're saying everyone new just has to come up here to see you so we can move on?
Duviri interjects, positioning herself in front of Zodiac.
Zodiac: I don't like people in my face, so I suggest you move.
Duviri steps in front of Zodiac, grips his shirt, and lifts him off the ground. Just as Zodiac prepares to retaliate, her eyes flash, rendering him paralyzed.
Zodiac: W-What the hell? I can't move.
Duviri brings Zodiac closer to her, maintaining her grip.
Duviri: Don't piss me off.
Duviri forcefully slams Zodiac into the ground while he remains immobilized.
Daru: (to himself) Okay, maybe I shouldn't fight her just yet.
Himitsu: (nervously) Well… it was a pleasure meeting all of you, but I believe we should take our leave now. Goodbye!
Duviri steps in front of Himitsu as he attempts to exit.
Duviri: You will leave only when the president instructs you to do so.
Himitsu: (nervously) Understood.
Gram: (begins to pray) This is it; I am going to meet my end.
Kono: Can we put an end to this?
Zorren: You are free to leave now; get out of my sight.
Kono: There is one more matter to address.
Zorren: WHAT IS IT NOW, KONO?!
Kono: I need more Geo.
Zorren: Again? I just gave you money last week.
Kono: Well, I had to spend most of it because of someone. (Looks at Himitsu, who is smiling nervously.)
Zorren: (sighs) Ugh… Fine. Duviri, please escort them out and provide Kono with some funds.
Duviri: Certainly, and what shall we do about him? (She points at Zodiac on the ground.)
Zorren: Just let him go.
Duviri releases her powers as Zodiac rises to his feet.
Zodiac: (looking at Duviri) Next time, it'll be you on the ground.
Duviri: Whatever.
Daru chuckles.
Kono and the others descend as Duviri grants Kono 70,000 Geo and instructs them to leave the tower.
Duviri: They're gone.
Zorren: Duviri… I do not want Kono forming a crew. That cannot happen.
Duviri: Yes, I am aware.
Zorren: Good, as long as you understand.
As their conversation concludes, the scene transitions to Zodiac and the others exiting Zorren's tower.
Gram: I thought I was going to die.
Himitsu: When do you ever not believe you're going to die?
Gram: Shut up!
Kono: Well, I suppose it's time to take you all back.
Zodiac: Finally.
Daru: I'll stay.
Kono: Pardon?
Gram: WHAT?! NO, NO, NO!
Daru: I will stay because something is not right with your brother.
Kono: Huh? Something's wrong with him?
Daru: Kono, he got scared when you mentioned we were your crew.
Gram: AHHHH!
Himitsu: (smiling widely) Hey, Zodiac.
Zodiac: We're leaving.
Himitsu: Damn it!
Zodiac turns around and sees someone in front of him.
Zodek: I knew I recognized your voice.
To Be Continued...