After using the DarkChips too many times, the Darkloids begin to depend on them just to function, so DesertMan breaks into NetPolice headquarters to steal some confiscated DarkChips. Lan and MegaMan rush into action and manage to stop the sandy scoundrel and capture him. Dr. Hikari examines DesertMan and tells the others that he thinks Darkloids might actually be a new digital creation that evolved on its own--unlike every other Navi, which were at least partly created by humans. ShadeMan learns of DesertMan's capture and sends FlashMan to free him, but ShadeMan realizes that FlashMan might need a little help. With the Mysterious Man's assistance, ShadeMan captures Keifer and Manuela and offers to return them in exchange for DesertMan's release.