Once Sento transformed into Hazard Form, his power instantly surged beyond Grease. Even so, he fought with restraint—aware that complete loss of control could lead to irreversible damage. Despite his clear advantage, Kazumi's resolve and combat skill prolonged the duel.
But Ryuga, observing from the sidelines, frowned.
"Idiot. If you're going to use that form, don't hold back. Holding back in Hazard means dying, not winning."
And sure enough—barely a minute passed before Sento's composure cracked. His eyes glazed over. Consciousness slipped.
He entered what Ryuga bitterly dubbed the Second Uncle Mode—a berserk state of instinct, fury, and precision. Techniques Sento had never consciously learned burst forth, as if muscle memory carried by rage.
Kazumi was overwhelmed.
In seconds, Sento broke through Grease's defenses, forced a de-transformation, and secured victory in the Representative Battle.
But the rampaging War Rabbit didn't stop.
His wild eyes locked onto the untransformed Kazumi. Without pause, he prepared to deliver a final, merciless blow.
"...Tch. Enough."
Ryuga, who had spent the entire match as a spectator, stepped forward and—without fanfare—knocked Sento out from behind.
Clean. Efficient. No theatrics.
"Why waste energy fighting him head-on? He's my partner, not a boss fight."
Meanwhile, in Hokuto...
Back in the Northern Capital, the furious Prime Minister Jin Kiko slammed her hand against the desk.
"Unbelievable! Grease lost to that... science nerd?!"
She reached for her phone to issue a full-scale invasion of the Eastern Capital. But before she could hit send, Stalk appeared.
Smiling.
And snatched the phone from her hand.
"Foul play!" she snapped.
"What do you mean? Wasn't this your brilliant plan?"
At his signal, a platoon of Western Capital's mechanical defenders marched in, surrounding her.
"What...?! These are from Seito?!"
"Oh, did you forget? You sent all of Hokuto's military to invade Touto. Who's left to protect you now?"
"You traitor!"
"Correction," Stalk said, grin widening. "I was never your ally to begin with."
On cue, a voice boomed from the defenders:
"By order of the Western Capital, apprehend the Northern Prime Minister!"
Miles away, Prime Minister Mido Masakuni of the Western Capital watched with glee.
"The Northern Capital is now mine."
Post-Battle Reactions
Back in Touto, Sento was still recovering from his berserk state. He sat, head low, remorseful.
"I'm sorry, Kazumi. I... I lost control."
Kazumi waved it off. "No big deal."
But his eyes weren't on Sento. They were locked on Misora.
"Mi-tan...? You're... Mi-tan?!"
"Ugh... You're a fan?" Misora stepped back, visibly disgusted.
"My name is Yuudou Kazumi. Twenty-nine. Single!" He declared like a soldier reporting to duty. "Since the day I saw you online, my soul has burned with the flame of love!"
"Get a grip—" Misora began.
"Shake my hand, please!" Kazumi bowed deeply.
Before she could respond, Sawa stepped in like a true capitalist.
"That'll be 50,000 yen for a handshake ticket."
"Only 50k? That's cheap! I'll pay 100k! Can I get a photo too?"
"BOSS!" the Three Crows tackled him before he drained their entire living budget.
Sento sighed, until his phone rang.
"What?! Seito took over Hokuto's capital building?!"
The room fell into silence.
Kazumi and the others immediately pulled out their phones to confirm. But the voice that answered wasn't Jin Kiko.
"Good afternoon," came the oily, theatrical tone. "This is Stalk."
"You...!"
"Hokuto is now under Seito's control. That includes your families, friends... everything."
"Don't touch them!"
"That depends on your cooperation. Prime Minister Mido will soon meet with Prime Minister Himuro. Be ready for orders."
Kazumi's hand trembled as he ended the call.
"Let's head to the Eastern Prime Minister's residence. We need a plan," Sento said.
"You go ahead. I'll catch up," Ryuga waved him off. "Kazumi, with me."
"What's this about?" Kazumi asked.
"Your belt. And your Sclash Jelly," Ryuga said bluntly.
"...You serious? You don't need this."
"Trust me."
"Tch. Fine. You've saved my life more than once."
Kazumi handed over the gear without hesitation, then dashed off to rejoin the others.
Ryuga turned and walked alone in the opposite direction.
At the Touto Prime Minister's office, a video call was already underway between Himuro Taizan and Mido Masakuni.
"What's the meaning of this, Mido?!"
"As of now, Seito formally declares war on Touto."
Mido's smirk deepened.
"As a show of strength, observe this footage."
The video cut to Hokuto—a familiar rural farm.
Inside? Kazumi Grease—kicking two unfamiliar Seito Riders across the dirt, then calmly evacuating civilians.
The screen went black.
"...What?" Himuro blinked. "Was that... Grease?"
Everyone looked to Kazumi.
"Ahem... Long—I mean, Ryuga borrowed my belt."
Sento suddenly chuckled.
"Heh. That lazy bum's more clever than I gave him credit for."
"What do you mean?" Akabane asked.
"Think about it. If Ryuga had transformed into himself, it would've looked like Touto was attacking first—escalating the war."
"But if he transformed as Grease—"
"Then it looks like Kazumi is acting on personal revenge. Politically, it's Seito's problem."
"Who just called me lazy?" came a cold voice behind him.
"GAH—!" Sento spun and instinctively threw a punch—right into Grease's armor.
"Ow ow ow ow ow!" Sento collapsed, holding his hand.
Everyone watched him writhe.
"Here." Ryuga removed the armor, tossed the belt back to Kazumi. "Your family's safe. They're downstairs."
"Thank you," Kazumi and the Three Crows bowed deeply.
"No need for drama." Ryuga waved them off.
"By the way," Sento rubbed his swollen fist, "who were those Riders you beat up at the farm?"