A girl, clad in battered attire, flees through the narrow alleys, her desperation and anxiety palpable as she darts away from an unseen pursuer. Meanwhile, Suou, Nirei, and Sakura wander through the city with an air of nonchalance, their spirits light after assisting Tsubakino, who, in gratitude, invited them out for the evening.
As they engage in leisurely conversation, Sakura notices a few bruises on Nirei's person and inquisitively queries him about them. However, the young boy offers only vague excuses and swiftly redirects the topic. Their stroll abruptly halts when they find themselves standing before the notorious red-light district, renowned for its adult-themed establishments. Sakura blushes furiously, while Nirei shrinks in trepidation; only Suou remains unperturbed, continuing forward with steadfast steps.
When they pause for a brief respite, the same girl from before suddenly leaps into the scene, tumbling into Sakura's arms. Before they can fathom the reason for her flight, her pursuers arrive on the scene, closing in swiftly.
Fortunately, the boys swiftly comprehend the situation and stand their ground to shield her. Inevitably, a confrontation erupts. Nirei chooses to remain behind as a shield for the girl, a decision that fills Sakura with concern. Yet, recalling the words of wisdom imparted by Kaji and Kotoha, Sakura decides to place his trust in his friend.
A few days prior, Suou had observed Nirei's unusual demeanor and summoned him for a heart-to-heart talk. Nirei, who had felt powerless to aid anyone against KEEL, feared losing his standing both in the classroom and among his friends. Witnessing Sakura's transformation had sparked a newfound courage within him, prompting him to request Suou's training.
Initially, Suou was taken aback but delighted by the request. The initial phase of their training focused on self-defense, but it also equipped Nirei with a means to "counterattack" his adversaries: the pillbug strategy, a clever defensive maneuver.
As Nirei spots an adversary lunging toward him with intent to strike, he readies himself, poised to act at the precise, fateful instant. He waits, tense and alert, until the last conceivable second before crouching low. His assailant, caught off guard by the sudden change in elevation, stumbles forward, their gaze locked skyward, only to trip over Nirei and topple to the ground. This maneuver buys Nirei precious moments to fortify his defenses.
Sure enough, when a brute charges to seize the girl sheltering behind Nirei, the latter repeats his strategic crouch with resounding success. Yet, just as fate seems to favor him momentarily, another thug, already eyeing his fallen foe, steps in to deliver a devastating kick. But Nirei is not without allies; Suou arrives on the scene, ready to intervene, mirroring the gangsters' own lack of solitude.
Suou and Sakura share a gleaming pride in seeing Nirei hold his ground, albeit briefly. Sakura, one less concern weighing on her mind, swiftly dispatches the remaining three adversaries with unparalleled swiftness, securing their victory with consummate ease.
Just as they prepare to inquire about the girl's urgent flight, another figure inserts himself into the narrative. A man attired with impeccable elegance dashes towards them, placing himself as a formidable barrier before Shizuka, the woman they seek to protect, his stance unmistakably defensive and resolute.
Shizuka endeavors to elucidate something to him, yet his ears remain obstinately closed to any reasoning. Desperate to command his attention, she resorts to a sharp slap, which ultimately prompts him to disclose his name, Kanji, along with an apology for his premature assumptions. Occasionally, his limbs spring into action with a velocity that outpaces his mental processes.
Just then, one of the ruffians stirs, bristling for more combat. Sakura, acting swiftly, seizes Kanji and Shizuka, placing herself in their stead to bear the impending blow. But before his fist can connect, another individual intercepts with a powerful kick. Subsequently, several other individuals clad in formal attire descend upon the scene.
Kanji unveils his identity as the chairman of their group, the Roppo-Ichiza. Despite their prior skirmishes with Furin, they express delight upon learning that the boys are bound for the school. Moreover, Kanji confesses his fondness for Sakura and commends his benevolent nature.
However, another twist awaits the boys. Tsubaki, unknown to them, is a dancer at the very club where Kanji and Shizuka are employed. Thus, their paths cross again as they witness his captivating performance.
