With Leopard connected to the Proxima Crown that Benkei found, the Shishido elders volunteer to search for the sword. Nerval instructs Xanthippe to destroy Leopard and Aleida to kidnap Akiha, while Takane is told to protect Akiha. Akiha is still in mourning for Imo-chan, and runs away when Itsuki tries to comfort her. She goes to Leopard's core to talk to him, but Leopard's inconsiderate words only make Akiha mad, just as Xanthippe appears. Aleida successfully breaks into Leopard, but Takane prevents her from kidnapping Akiha. Itsuki then rescues Akiha from box people, but they are attacked by the Existence.