Nagato recounts his journey into the fold of KEEL, as all gather round in rapt attention. Fresh from graduation, he was making his way home when his gaze fell upon a scene of bullying; a small child being mercilessly tormented. Recalling Anzai's brave defiance against him, Nagato could not turn a blind eye. Driven by a sense of duty, he intervened, only to find himself sharing the brunt of the assailants' wrath. Just as the situation seemed hopeless, Natori swept in like a storm, dispatching the bullies with effortless ease. Nagato's eyes gleamed with admiration, finally witnessing another individual who matched Anzai's cool demeanor.
Pretending to be awestruck by Nagato's courage and compassion, Natori extended an invitation to join his gang. But this illusion was short-lived. Upon reaching the gang's lair, Nagato found his exit blocked, having been selected solely for his perceived ease of manipulation. Day in and day out, he was subjected to terror and his debts to the gang swelled like an unstoppable tide. Desperation clawed at him until stealing from others became his only perceived escape.
Nagato blames himself for his perceived weakness and lack of cool, but Anzai dissents, enveloping him in a heartfelt hug. His friend reassures him that he is strong and the epitome of cool, creating a tender moment that binds them closer.
Elsewhere, Nirei awakens to find Tsugeura cradling him, making his way out of the base. Ashamed of his impulsiveness, Nirei apologizes to Tsugeura and proceeds to call Sakura, expressing his regret. However, Sakura sees himself as the one at fault.
He commands everyone's gaze as he claims helplessness, acknowledging that the entire class is aware of his culpability. Despite this confession, no one sides with him. Instead, they offer their gratitude once more, acknowledging that they, too, should have shown greater resilience. Moreover, Suou and Nirei, in their roles as vice-reps, stand by him, sharing the blame. The second-year students chuckle at this heartwarming display, yet Kaji harbors a concern. He finds it hard to believe that Natori alone could sway so many into joining the gang, hinting at deeper, more sinister undertakings.
Their subsequent visit to a restaurant to locate Umemiya reveals a surprising turn. Despite the students' anticipation of punishment, the school's leader is relieved to see them safe. Nagato's repeated apology earns him a meal from Umemiya, which moves the boy to tears. Sakura attempts to shoulder the blame yet again, but Umemiya gently steers him towards a clearer perspective. He elucidates to Sakura that his loss of control stemmed from his deep care for his friends, his emotions visibly affected by witnessing their beating. As they depart the restaurant, Umemiya and Hiiragi concur that Sakura is destined to grow stronger.
After the outro fades, a KEEL thug rises anew within their lair, exuding an eerie aura. He appears unscathed and lambasts Furin for his current weakness. Casting a glance at the unconscious Natori, he utters a curse. For this enigmatic figure, the entire affair was merely a pastime. Yet, amidst the mundane, he discovered something intriguing. And with that, the episode concludes, leaving an air of heightened tension hanging in the balance.
