Episode 2 of *Invasion* Season 3 opens amidst the mist-shrouded peaks of the Hida Mountains in what was once Japan. Mitsuki dwells in seclusion, her world reduced to the rhythms of the wild forest where she hunts and the quiet pages of her journal. Her only regular companions are a young girl named Saya and Saya’s grandfather, with whom she shares occasional, whispered conversations. Content in her solitude, Mitsuki finds peace in the simplicity of her days—until the otherworldly, haunting wails of the alien invaders shatter the calm. The eerie sounds coincide with a moment of distraction; as she slices her finger while preparing food, a wave of dizziness washes over her, and she collapses.
Upon awakening, Mitsuki scribbles the word "noise" in her journal, her hand circling the word again and again as if trying to ensnare its meaning. Her mind races with questions, seeking answers in the only place she can—the vast, anonymous expanse of the internet. There, she stumbles upon news reports detailing the intense manhunt for Trevante Cole. Shock ripples through her as she realizes he has resurfaced. With a mix of curiosity and determination, she delves deeper, hacking into the World Defense Council's (WDC) systems. What she uncovers sends a chill down her spine: Trevante’s reappearance is inextricably linked to the unsettling sounds that have been plaguing her. The pieces of the puzzle are beginning to fit together, revealing a chilling connection.
Yet, Mitsuki’s digital intrusion does not go unnoticed. Alerts flash across WDC monitors, triggering a frantic effort to trace the source of the breach back to its origin.
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in the desolate expanse of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, a team of investigators probes the wreckage of downed Ship #5. The vessels, it turns out, are being scavenged for their power cores, but recent disturbances have left the workers on edge, their nerves frayed by an unspoken fear. Nikhil Kapur, resolute and unyielding, vows to press on regardless of the risks. However, his focus is abruptly redirected when Director Regan contacts him. Their relationship, marked by tension and mutual distrust, takes a backseat as Nikhil learns of Mitsuki’s sudden emergence and the WDC’s intent to "have a word" with her. Recognizing the urgency, Nikhil and Regan set their sights on Japan, embarking on a journey that promises to unravel secrets long buried and confront threats yet unknown.
Armed with a crossbow and boasting a deadly accurate shot, Mitsuki sprinted away from the pursuing armed guard, seizing their phone to muddle her trail. Yet, she left behind a cryptic message encoded for Kapur, urging him to rendezvous at a remote temple for a crucial conversation.
At the temple, Mitsuki and Kapur confronted their pent-up grievances, with Kapur bringing up the enigmatic cosmic ocean. However, Mitsuki was suddenly beset by ear-piercing headaches once again. Sensing her distress, Kapur quickly covered for her, misleading Regan by claiming they hadn't located the girl when he eventually caught up.
Jack Hollander, far from pleased, reacted to the World Defense Council's (WDC) debacle by enlisting the services of a local assassin, Kaede. A ruthless marksman who used extraterrestrials as her practice targets, Kaede was dispatched on the hunt.
Mitsuki made her way to Kanazawa, plunging into the bustling crowds and finding her way back home after a two-year absence. Kenji had also returned a few days prior, barely able to walk and plagued by the same excruciating headaches Mitsuki suffered. He claimed to have established contact with the aliens and revealed he had witnessed something far more terrifying. His claims were corroborated by the unsightly scars etched across his arm.
Eager to decipher the new alien signal, Mitsuki resolved to get closer to the extraterrestrials. But the assassin, Kaede, was already closing in on their house, having identified Mitsuki's general location through CCTV footage.
Ume stepped in to shield Mitsuki as she concealed herself. Spotting Kenji in bed, the assassins seemed poised to take him too. That was until Mitsuki created a diversion outside, forcing the intruders to flee. As they sped away, Ume handed Mitsuki the keys to Kenji’s bike, urging her to escape and "find what she’s seeking."
Mitsuki ingeniously planted a decoy to throw Skywatch off her trail, at least temporarily. Kaede, no ordinary adversary, deduced that Mitsuki was after answers concerning the alien signal.
This realization propelled Mitsuki toward a containment cell housing one of the aliens. Kaede swiftly caught up, and the pair descended the steps in a frantic race... until Mitsuki suddenly lost consciousness and tumbled down to the floor below. Regaining her senses, she found the alien looming over her, its menacing claws outstretched but not striking. Instead, it conveyed a message before departing. "The Signal," Mitsuki whispered.
Meanwhile, in Northern California, Mitsuki appeared before Kapur and recounted her extraordinary experiences. She knew, based on the alien's message, that something ominous was on the horizon: they arise.
