In Episode 9 of *Monarch*, Bill and Lee engage in a conversation with Hiroshi, who has now grown a bit older. Shaw reveals his intention to embark on a journey for a while, reassuring them that it will be a safe one. Then, he presents the young boy with his pocket knife as a keepsake.
They find themselves at a Monarch test site, with Shaw poised to venture into the Titan's realm. Accompanied by his team, they step into a capsule hovering just above a portal. Given that only monsters can naturally traverse into their world, they must rely on a radiation simulator. This device is designed to lure a monster, which, in turn, would create a pathway for them to descend and explore the enigmatic place.
As the expedition commences, the antennas in the vicinity begin to crumble, and a miniature hurricane swirls above the portal. The capsule itself starts to show signs of distress, and Shaw finds himself unable to establish contact with Lee. No one can provide a plausible explanation for the unfolding chaos. Eventually, Bill returns home alone, and Hiroshi, with a somber expression, comprehends the grim implication, his face reflecting sadness as the scene gradually fades to black.
Meanwhile, Kentaro awakens in a hospital bed, utterly bewildered. Tim and Verdugo break the devastating news: following Shaw's activation of the bombs, the building collapsed, claiming numerous lives, including those of Cate and May. Refusing to accept this reality, Kentaro insists there must be something that can be done. Verdugo, with a heavy heart, advises him that the only tribute he can offer to his family is to continue living.
Elsewhere, Shaw finds himself amidst a desolate forest within the Titan's world. May, too, stirs from her slumber, disoriented, and gazes out at the unfamiliar terrain and the charged ground. As electricity begins to crackle through the air, Shaw springs into action, tackling her to the ground just in time to avoid a bolt of lightning. They flee, and Shaw explains his familiarity with the area, stemming from a previous reconnaissance mission. Now, their utmost priority is to locate Cate.
Upon Shaw's initial return from his mission in the Titan's world, he discovers himself confined within a peculiar Monarch facility. He is not permitted to leave, and doctors subject him to daily check-ups. Determined to break free, he seizes a nurse and uses her as a hostage to facilitate his escape. Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice calls out to him. It's Hiroshi, but a version of him that has aged 20 years.
Hiroshi insists they can't release him, arguing that no one can be certain of his safety. Shaw, however, recounts what he witnessed during his mission and asserts that Bill had been right about everything. Hiroshi, though, remains unconvinced. It is then revealed that Hiroshi was the one who dispatched Shaw to the retirement home. There, Shaw spends his days taking medication and staring blankly at the television—until something stirs within him at the sight of Godzilla on the news.
Meanwhile, at Monarch, Barnes picks up a signal and urgently contacts Tim and Verdugo. She informs them that the anticipated first gamma burst isn't imminent as previously thought, but rather follows a discernible pattern. Someone, she surmises, is attempting to communicate with them.
As Kentaro rummages through his father's office, searching for anything that might aid him, Hiroshi unexpectedly arrives. Startled to find his son there, Hiroshi pleads with him to engage in a dialogue. But Kentaro, tears streaming down his face, declares it's too late—Cate is gone. Initially, Hiroshi reacts with denial, but soon his own tears begin to flow.
Elsewhere, Cate awakens in a vastly different, far more ominous and perilous section of the forest. Suddenly, a new monstrosity—resembling a colossal boar—emerges from the shadows. As it charges toward her, an arrow finds its mark, piercing the creature's eye. Cate scans her surroundings, searching for her rescuer, and spots her grandmother, Keiko, who appears as youthful and vibrant as ever.
