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Chapter Text

Class 3-E Building, Kunugigaoka Junior High School

Windy was the current mood when an individual stepped into the familiar fields and was holding a thin document. The blue-haired petite removed his straw hat slowly, observing the recognizable area that he fondly remembers.

He widens his smile and thought. "This place really sends me back."

"So do I."

A new voice sparked the presence of the dainty gentleman as he looked to his left, his lip broadly extended as he has seen a long-lost friend as the newcomer was considered as one in the eyes of the smaller man.

"Karma." The blue-eyed spoke out happily.

"Nagisa." The new voice with his red-stained hair replied back, showing his signature smirk. "I knew we will still be hanging around at some point again… and here we are."

Nagisa lightly chuckled after hearing such a well-known tone over his senses.

"I'm glad it happened."

"Oh, you are glad to see me again?" Karma asked Nagisa, who silently nods in response. "Well, same sentiments. I am glad too because…"

"Because?" Nagisa's eyebrow raised in curiosity.

"Because…" Karma then sneered. "I was really getting bored at my house, so I need a task to sideline. It gets worse when a stack of errands is coming in right after I enter the home. Jeez."

"I thought you would say that, so I called you to meet up, and here's the reason why." Nagisa then reveals the document that was grasping within his hands for the longest time. "Take time to read it and all it needs is your signature."

Karma obliged, procures the document in which he scanned the contents of the paper. His brow was peeking over the paper, signaling him to ask a question to his pal.

"The Amazing Race?"

"Yep, someone came in through my door and said that they found me because… 'my appearance looks interesting' and they needed it for the show. Then, they asked me to find a partner of my choosing. So, that's the reason apparently." Nagisa explained the real motive for their meet-up.

"Hmmm… interesting, huh?" Karma said after reading the whole subject and snatches the pen of Nagisa from his pocket as he signs the signature at the other end of Nagisa's, sealing their involvement at the competition. "Fine by me then."

Nagisa smiled afterward when his best friend signed the deal and retrieve the pen and the document.

"Looks like a new adventure is waiting upon us." He looked upon to the skies to reinvigorate his spirit, followed by Karma.

Jindai Municipal High School

"Huh?" A female student responded after reading a document that was given by his male classmate, who was staring at her intensely. "The Amazing Race?"

"It seems that someone has caught interest in you, probably wanting you for the bad reasons." The man in front of her answered swiftly.

"What do you mean?"

"It's one of those typical plots that allures its victims to gather them in a specific site. Probably a scheme of kidnapping you—"

The guy's farfetched statement was interrupted with the slap from the girl's paper-made fan.

"Stupid Sousuke! What are you even thinking?!" She widely reveals the document and pointing a finger at a certain statement. "It says here that those who are participating will receive medical aid if accidents occur. Did you even read the whole thing?"

Sousuke took possession of the contract and skimmed the whole content.

"Chidori. If you are eager to engage in such an unknown battle, if you would… I'd suggest for you to have reinforcements, guiding you."

The girl named Chidori rolled her eyes in response.

"I was supposed to say that but you already did just that. And yeah, I'd like to have one."

Sousuke widely opens his mouth for his successful negotiation.

"But I don't even need such reinforcement. All I need is you."

Chidori paused, her eyes enlarged after realizing that her phrasing was off, so she was quick to correct it.

"I mean… You are coming with me, only you, not everyone in your army." She crossed her arms and looks away from him to hide her embarrassment.

"Uh… affirmative!" Sousuke added the answer with a salutation gesture.

Chidori sighed. "Now that we are in an agreement, we're signing this contract. To be fair, I don't even know how it got to you, especially when you're in duty."

They proceeded to sign their respective signatures to seal the deal.

Sakuragaoka High School

"WHAT?!" The quintet exploded with the same response after hearing from their adviser slash teacher's announcement.

"Yeah, I have received it from my mail today and thought you guys have interest in joining." The long-haired teacher answered lightheartedly.

"But why aren't you taking the offer?" The youngest of the club members asked.

"Well, to be fair, I don't even have a partner to join with." She nervously answered chuckled. "Plus, I still have some works to do, so putting over this offer than your job that you have right now is a bad decision. In fact, why don't you guys try it?"

"Uhhh… I don't know if I can join because… I'm still young."

"Fair point." The teacher then focuses her gaze on others. "How about you, four?"

"Well, since the says that we can only fit two maybe we can play the sticks to see who's joining." The tallest girl stood up from her seat, grabbing different sizes of sticks from the table, clenching them tightly on her fist. "The longest and the next will join."

Everyone in the room nodded, understanding the stakes of the mini-game.

"Okay, grab a stick then the last stick on my hand will be mine." The girl said as the other three chose their sticks.

The quartet openly displays the sticks that they have chosen.

"Oh, Mio, you got the longest stick." The teacher said, looking at the stick of interest.

"Huh?" Mio reacted, looking over at her palm, revealing the stick was in fact the longest. Much to their interest, her reaction seemed different, she was horrified at the fact that her face will be exposed to the world as she covers her face in shame and began whimpering. "Why me? Why me? Why me?"

"Don't worry, we'll go together." The tomboy-ish-looking girl patted Mio's shoulder to comfort her, exposes the larger stick.

"Ritsu?" Mio looked over to her bandmate and was holding the next large stick to justify her announcement.

Ritsu giggled. "Yeah! Plus, Ritsu Tainaka will lead her team to victory and win the prize with her assistant, Mio Akiyama!" She proudly exclaimed, raising her fist in the air to provide such emotion.

Suddenly, Mio whacked Ritsu's head with such force that a big lump was formed at her crowning part of the body.

"Hey, don't act like you're doing the job!"

"Congratulations to you two!" The teacher greeted them, followed by their peers.

Ritsu only gave a thumbs up in response while Mio only grimaced as she tries to digest the current situation that she was in.

Manakanshoku Residence

"Ryuko, Ryuko!" A teenager called out while reading a document against the table. "Look!"

"What is it, Mako?" The girl named Ryuko showed up in front of the bowl-haired girl.

"Someone found us!" Mako exclaimed, raising the document and her arms in the air with enthusiasm. "Someone found our talent!"

"Huh?" Ryuko asks confounded.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not surprised that someone found out my abilities, but you? That is really, really skeptical." The tomboyish girl reasoned out.

"Ehhh?! Why are you even judging my capabilities?!" Mako replied, began whimpering as she knelt down like she was being in a drama role. "Do you even know what I am facing when I am being judged?" Her right arm leaned against her forehead acting like she was hurt by the remark of her best friend.

"Stop overreacting, Mako. Give me that." Ryuko snatches the contract and slowly looks through the contents.

After what seemed to be a chapter reading, Ryuko puts the paper on the table.

"Okay. Guess you needed this, Mako. I'll join the race."

Mako gasped, suddenly changing the expression on her face as soon as she heard the good news, she lunges through her future teammate and hugs her tightly against the defenseless body of the blue-eyed teen.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Ryuko! You're the best!"

"Okay, okay, Mako. We'll sign the document first."

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan

"AHHHH!!!"

Two individuals were screaming from their lungs after they were drawn by an unknown vortex after the young boy was enticed by a mysterious girl, who coax him and his girl companion to come to the peculiar presence of the female stranger. After what seemed an eternity, they woke up and opened their eyes to show that they are in another world. From their respective, the girl in her witch attire looked daze, inspecting the environment meticulously. While the boy in his adventure outfit, let out a big and happy yelp after realizing that he was in his familiar territory again.

"Yes! I'm back! I'm actually back!"

"Huh?" The girl asked dumbfoundedly. "Where are we, Kazuma?"

"We're back in Japan!" Kazuma ecstatically answered.

"Japan?"

"It's my home! Yahoo!" Kazuma continues to celebrate while the crimson witch herself looked down as she saw a thin paper that was last seen before they got sucked into the vortex.

"Kazuma!" The girl called her partner. "Kazuma? Kazuma!"

"What, Megumin?" Kazuma asked, stopping his festivities after hearing his name a few times.

"Look! That's the paper that we saw from that mysterious girl earlier!"

"Huh?" He then gazes towards the paper. "Oh, that… I'll check it out." Kazuma then took a good look over the document, too literally as he gave it to Megumin. "Eh, it's just one of those agreements that I've seen in-game. Let's just agree with the contract and sign it."

"Sign?" Megumin asked as she was scanning the first page of the contract.

"There are two signature lines that need to write down," Kazuma answered proudly. "Do you even have a signature?"

"Of course, duh!" Megumin fired back. "But before that, where can we find a thing to sign?"

"Excuse me?"

The two youngsters looked to their right to see that a large man was approaching them.

"You need a pen?"

"Yeah! Thanks!" Kazuma plucks the pen from the newcomer's hand. "I'll sign it first… Agree and agree! Your turn, Megumin!"

"Okay…" She said as she took the pen with her and signed the second signature line. "Done!"

Kazuma grabs the contract and the pen, when he looks at his companion's signature, he began guffawing over her writing.

"What? What's so funny?" Megumin asked.

"Nothing, nothing." Kazuma blatantly lied in front of her, to which she responded with a pouting face. "Now with that, I'll give back the pen to Mister…"

Suddenly, a clanking sound was heard around Kazuma's ears as he looked down to see that he was trapped in a handcuff, along with Megumin.

"Wait, what?! Hello, Mister? What did we do?!" He asked insistently. "I didn't even commit any crime!"

"What's going on, Kazuma?" Megumin curiously asked as they were pulled by the same man who gave them the pen. "Why is he taking us to that?" She gestured over to a car, few steps from them.

"Oh, I don't know! You did something so bad that he knew what your crimes are!" He spat out sarcastically.

"Huh? What did I do now?!"

"You just did something heinous now?"

"Wha?! You know what! For being a bad liar, you deserve an explo—"

Before she could complete the words, the door was closed courtesy of the man, who was actually wearing a black suit as he entered the car and simply drove off somewhere.

Fujisawa City

"The Amazing Race?" A tall girl asked in what was assumed to be her boyfriend. "I have heard of that show."

"Really?" The taller man replied. "Well, since it's a show, it's a no-brainer for you to apply."

"What are you even implying?"

"Oh, bad phrasing. My bad." The man said nonchalantly. "Besides, getting to work on another show, featuring Mai Sakurajima? Oh boy, I wonder what you will bring into the table."

"Stupid Sakuta," Mai responded, crossing her arms and turns her face around, avoiding Sakuta.

"Oh, it looks like it's game of pair," Sakuta said, reading the guidelines from the document that he was holding. "If I'll join, you'll join me, right?"

Mai turns back around to face Sakuta. "And what if I refuse?"

"Hmmm…" Sakuta put his hands over his chin to thought about the possibility. "Then I'll call my friend, Rio, or Tomoe, or in fact, Nodoka."

With the mention of her sister, Mai instantly questions his negotiation and interrogates her immediately.

"Are you trying to join with my sister? And who the hell is Tomoe? And your friend? You sure have lots of catches."

"I sure have." Sakuta calmly replied.

Mai became infuriated with Sakuta's signature tone of his voice, because of this, she got hold of the contract and signs the first signature over the document. Then proceeds to shove both objects to her beau's chest.

"There! Are you happy now?"

"Yeah." He simply answered, carried on signing the other signature line. "You look so cute when you're jealous."

With that, Mai's cheeks were mantled of how ridiculous was the last comment from Sakuta.

"You idiot! I'm out!" She then walks out of him, leaving Sakuta still in a tranquil.

???

While playing a game on the computer, a familiar tone chimed over the device of a weary-looking teenager as he clicks the notification from the side of the screen. The notification led him to his webmail and read several lines of the newly acquired mail.

"Amazing Race…" He muttered. "Hey, Shiro?"

"Yes, Sora?" Shiro, the cutesy pale-skinned girl showed up behind the chair of her presumably big brother.

"I wonder if we are eligible to join The Amazing Race."

"Yes, we are eligible, why not?" Shiro replied, asking curiously.

"Look at us, we looked like weasels." Sora simply answered. "We can't even do physical tasks that much or anything related to that."

"I agree, but when it comes to mentality and intelligence, we are on par over people." Shiro countered. "I think that's why that mail came to your mail."

"Understandable. But we are finally getting out of here after…" Sora said, counting the days or months of their procrastination from civilization, but did not know anymore. "…who knows how long we've been stuck here in this tedious place."

"It was one-hundred twenty-five days, six hours and thirty-five seconds ago…" Shiro replied with a precise estimation suddenly that she made Sora widened his eyes in surprise.

Sora quickly changed the mood and chuckled at his little sister.

"You are really brilliant, Shiro, that really made me happy." Sora then faces back to his computer. "Looks like we've got a wild game through, but this time it's reality. Just stay here so you can write your signature here and we'll send it back to them."

"I just hope we will win the prize." Shiro calmly wished over Sora.

"Oh, we will win, whatever happens."

And that statement made the young prodigy smiled.

Tsuda Residence

"You're going to join me on The Amazing Race?" A caller from the tall man's phone spoke. "WITH ME?! What pills are you even taking?"

"Can't believe she would say that right off the bat." The tall man spoke mentally as he replied. "Uh, Kotomi has exams this month, Shichijou-senpai and Hagimura took vacations, so I left with the last option."

"Is Uomi your last option?"

"No, she's on vacation too."

"Oh… you really want to pick me, Tsuda? ME?!"

Tsuda chuckled in response and coughed to begin his serious comment. "Then who should I choose if you didn't accept my invitation?"

"Uh… uh… uh… uh…" The other caller stuttered continuously until it became a series of moans, in which Tsuda reacted accordingly. "Ugh… ugh… ugghhhh…"

"Why are you trying to get me excited in the wrong way?" He thought.

"President, do you accept my offer?"

"Ughh… Yes-yes-yes-yes!" Shino answered indirectly, but Tsuda took it as a yes.

"Okay then… I have a contract here and both of us need to sign our signatures to confirm our participation."

"Ahhh… I'M COMING!!!" Shino shouted from Tsuda's phone like no one was hearing their conversation.

Tsuda deadpanned over the course of their conversation as he immediately drops the call to avoid any unusual chatters to ruin his day.

"Why is her response so indecent yet so perfect?" He thought once again.

Tōtsuki Culinary Academy

"YUKIHIRA!!!"

A loud roar blared the whole office as a pink-haired girl entered the said office, eyeing at her colleague in concern.

"What's going on, Erina?"

"Yukihira's gone… AGAIN!!!" The blonde bombshell replied in a sharp tone. "This is his second time leaving!"

"Oh, speaking of missing, have you seen Megumi? She's been out earlier and as of now, she's still not here until now." The rose-colored girl spoke.

With that news developing and coming, Erina's suspicion was now justified and smacks herself in the face as she revealed a paper that was clearly intending to send a message to them or possibly to everyone.

"Here, Hisako. Just look at it." Erina told her companion.

"Hey, guys! Looks like I'm going abroad for the next few months… and I'll bring along Megumi… Signed, Souma Yukihira." Hisako slowly reads the whole text inside of a crumpled paper and was looking at a wacky illustration of him and Megumi.

"That idiot, he the brought poor, poor Megumi! Now what's his reason now after he comes back, I'll teach him a lesson that he will never, ever forget!" Erina said in a threatening tone, her fist raising and clenching against her will.

Hisako only sighed in response.

Meanwhile, outside of their office, two individuals were running like wild coyotes until one of them asks the other.

"Hey, Souma, are you sure you're not getting in trouble for doing this?" The blue-haired girl asked Souma, the redhead boy.

"Oh, they'll understand it, Megumi. Besides, I'll be needing more experience of traveling the world. But this time, I need a partner who can help me and that partner of mine will develop a greater talent. That's why I choose you."

Megumi flushed in response after hearing such a cheerful remark from Souma.

"Hehe, thank you, Souma."

"We're going on a long, long trip. And when there's food on our way, I'll make you my guinea pig, just to make sure we can have a great appetite."

Megumi went appalled in an instant after hearing such condescending reason.

"Just joking." Souma grinned, knowing that Megumi was such an easy girl to mess with. "Don't worry, I'll give you more information about the race when we arrive back at Polar Star. The contract's back there in my room."

"Oh! Yeah!" Megumi nodded, quickly changing her stance, and went attentive mode to Souma. "Got it!"

Tokyo, Japan

"The Amazing Race?" A girl from the other line asked. "What's that?"

"It's obvious in the name, traveling around the world in pairs. That's it." The boy who called the girl stated the clear meaning of what he says. "And looks like I'll be needing your presence."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yeah. I'm sure about this."

"If you're trying to play a trick on me, you'll get another headbutt for your troubles! Just remember that!" The girl said in a menacing tone.

"Oh, I wouldn't lie to a girl like you. In fact, Taiga, I love you."

When the usual talkative girl is not talking, he knew something was going through her mind. Until she violently stutters and lets out a sharp scream that sends the boy startling.

"STUPID RYUJI! WHY ARE YOU SAYING THAT RIGHT NOW?!"

"Oh, you'll know it once you're over here," Ryuji answered. "Bye, Taiga." He then drops the call on her as he gladly wore a smile under his creepy face.

Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan

A ringtone from the phone of a young dark blue-haired girl, covered with a camping outfit sounded as she opens the device to peek for the new message.

Nadeshiko

Nadeshiko: Hi, Rin.
Rin: What's up?
N: You have an interest in joining a game show?
R: Nah, not interested.
N: A race around the world would fancy you.
R: ???
N: The Amazing Race, pairs will travel around the world. I think that suits us.
R: Really? I haven't heard of that.
N: Looks like someone needed our presence there! *Excited emoji*
R: So, are they even finding people to fill up the seats?
N: I think so.
R: Oh, so you want me to join you?
N: YES!
R: *Thinking emoji*
N: I know you wanted to join since it's an adventurous game.
R: Do you have any verification for this thing?
N: Okay, hold on. I'm taking a picture. Just a moment.
N: *Sends an image of the first page of the document*
N: Oh, it needs two signatures, so it means you need to sign it too.
R: Hmmm…
N: You're going to join me, right?
R: Okay, once the sun almost sets here then I'll come to your house.
N: REALLY?! THANK YOU, RIN! You're the best!!!
N: *Dancing emoji*
R: You're welcome.

Rin then closes his phone after what seemed like another conversation with her fellow camper, Nadeshiko. She sighed and mentally prepares for another chapter of her and her friend's daring adventures.

1. Nagisa & Karma – Assassination Classroom
2. Kaname & Sousuke – Full Metal Panic
3. Ritsu & Mio – K-ON!
4. Ryuko & Mako – Kill la Kill
5. Kazuma & Megumin – KonoSuba
6. Mai & Sakuta – AoButa/Rascal Does Not Dream Series
7. Sora & Shiro – No Game No Life
8. Shino & Takatoshi – Seitokai Yakuindomo
9. Souma & Megumi – Shokugeki no Souma
10. Ryuuji & Taiga – Toradora!
11. Rin & Nadeshiko – Yuru Camp

Chapter Text

Episode #1, Part 1: Time is Precious - Phil Keoghan

7:00AM -  Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, CA, USA

The sight of sunrise was captured in fluid motion, followed by the usual traffic in the streets, and a couple of hotspots within the area of Los Angeles were being shot under for good five to seven seconds. The last place that appeared was the science facility, in which was caught the sight of the camera, featuring a familiar personality, wearing his usual attire. That individual was none other than Phil Keoghan.

"Time. Time is precious, they said." He began. "Sometimes, it can end in an instant, and sometimes, it ends as it is. But this time, it will be on our side, carrying any possible circumstances that can change the whole competition."

The New Zealander then turns around, walking a few feet towards the Astronomers Monument, another staple of the observatory.

"Welcome to a very special season of The Amazing Race!"

A montage of presumably the new teams was shown. The sequence began with a little girl extending a staff from her hand, drawing out her magical ability.

"EXPLOOOOOSION!"

Next was both chefs who are working hard on their dishes at their stations with such extraordinary abilities.

"Glad that you liked it!" Both chefs said in unison.

Followed by a warrior, who wore her sailor-style uniform, fighting with her counterpart using scissor blades.

"I'll destroy you, whatever it takes!"

"These eleven teams who have different accounts on to their own accord…." Phil continued.

Then two individuals were shooting an octopus-like creature, who managed to dodge the shots quickly. This was followed by a giant mecha, destroying the other mechas. Next was two girls playing with their instruments, and the rest were shown promptly than others.

"What happens when you take these twenty-two individuals to go embark on an adventure of a lifetime? To race each other and to showcase what are they capable of…." Phil said in closing remarks of the presentation. "Let's find out now!"

Eleven phones were ringing concurrently as it was the sign of the upcoming competition; the eleven devices were eventually held on by the teams.

"Oh my God! It's him!"

"He's here!"

"Thank goodness…"

"It's Phil Keoghan, the host! It's a voice message!"

"Come on, play it now!"

An individual tapped the device to play the video that can possibly be their first tip of the race.

"You are all about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime!" Phil began speaking through the phone, which was showing presumably their first destination. This first line sends some teams feeling ecstatic as he continues. "Under approximately five weeks, you'll visit several cities, a few countries, and will travel for more than 25,000 miles!"

"Wow! That's crazy!"

"Yes! I cannot wait!"

"Please tell us already!"

"Can you shut up?"

"Crap! I forgot to turn the volume on!"

"Now what did he just said earlier?"

"Now, listen carefully - The first clue is located at the observation deck of the tallest tower of Japan – Tokyo Skytree!" Phil announced the first tip of the race, loud and clear.

"OHHH!"

"Wow! That is large!"

"I can't wait to go there!"

"T-T-T-TOWER?!"

"When I say go, grab your bags, run outside, make your way to the Tokyo Skytree and then find one of two window washers on-duty, where your first clue awaits." Phil continued.

"Okay!"

"I got it, I got it!"

"Write it down, write it down!"

"I'm on it!"

"Now, with that out of the way, let's get this thing started." The host paused, causing the teams to be alarmed momentarily.

"Wha-?"

"Are we-?"

"It's starting!"

"I forgot my water! Wait!"

"Come on!"

"The world is waiting for you…."

"Eek!"

"Oh, boy!"

"Come on, already!"

"Good luck…" Phil said, slowly raising his right arm.

"Are you done?!"

"I am!"

"Don't forget my vibra—"

"Don't struggle with your bag!"

"Travel safe…" Phil then showed his trademark eyebrow-raising motion.

"This is it! This is it!"

"Get ready!"

"Here we go!"

"GO!" Phil declared, swiping the arm downwards, signaling the teams to start packing.

With that, everyone was in panic mode after getting the green light from the host. Most of them were ecstatic, while some felt nervous as their bags were carried by their shoulders or whatever method they can utilize as they preparing to go outside.

"Open the door! Open the door!"

"I'm on it!"

"Ah! The water spilled!"

"We can buy it somewhere, right? Let's just go!"

"Do we have the passports?"

"Of course, it's in your pack!"

"Tokyo Skytree, here we come!"

The doors from the eleven different doors were opened simultaneously; teams stepped outside to find or wait for their taxi to arrive.

"There's our cab waiting! Oh my gosh!"

"We're going Tokyo Skytree!"

"We need to get to the Skytree!"

"How do we get to Tokyo Skytree?"

"Hi! We need to go to the Tokyo Skytree, please?"

Most of the teams entered their cabs, and one by one, the doors were closed and went ahead to their first place of interest.

Kaname & Sousuke

"This is great! We're in the race!" The blue-haired girl named Kaname exclaimed, could not contain her excitement as she continuously nudged her sidekick, Sousuke, who was spaced out the whole time. "I would love to go around the world with my insurance policy, right?"

"Huh?" Sousuke is startled at the gesture of his partner, who waits for his answer. "Oh, yeah… right… we're on a special mission."

Kaname giggled. "Yeah, sort of."

Kazuma & Megumin

"If an adventure quest isn't enough, then why not travel around the world?" Kazuma, the adventurer, said to the camera. "I mean, it feels so easy and comfortable when Aqua's not around, at least…."

"And what about me then?" Megumin, the arch wizard, replied curiously. "Am I good around you?"

"You're not Aqua to my books, so…."

"Huh? What do you mean 'I'm not Aqua'?"

Mai & Sakuta

"It feels surreal to me that we're in The Amazing Race!" The attractive individual, Mai, spoke out. "I wonder what it will bring to us?"

"Honestly, I don't know. I guess you're the main attraction, and I'm just a side act of some sort." Sakuta nonchalantly replied to his girlfriend.

"You're implying that I'm a slave, aren't you?"

"I would love to—OW!"

Mai whacks Sakuta's head for being so vulgar in front of her.

"But I've heard this show from before. How does it sound again?"

INTRO

The well-known soundtrack of the show was played in the background as the intro kicks off with the usual presentation of a plane taking off, followed by locations that will be visited in the future.

NAGISA & KARMA

The duo took a step showed their gun-like gesture in front, channeling their assassin abilities.

RYUKO & MAKO

The black-haired warrior clenched and pumped her right arm while the bowl-haired expanded her arms in joy.

SOUMA & MEGUMI

The chefs leaned on their backs, and both give a thumbs up with wide grins plastering on their faces.

RITSU & MIO

The music crewmates shared a familiar hand-horn hand sign; however, Mio was shyly gesturing for the sign.

RIN & NADESHIKO

The campers only a feel-good expression, also gesturing both a thumbs up.

MAI & SAKUTA

The couple took a step forward as Mai brushes her hair with hands on her hips while Sakuta stood still.

SORA & SHIRO

The siblings gestured over their side of the head, implying their bright intelligence.

KANAME & SOUSUKE

Both of them shared the salutation gesture simultaneously.

RYUUJI AND TAIGA

The partners looked at each other and showed their menacing scowl.

SHINO & TAKATOSHI

Both schoolmates enthusiastically extended their arms and shook their respective hands, implying a grand welcoming.

Another batch of miscellaneous things was caught in the fast-paced montage as the intro took its final destination.

THE AMAZING RACE

The intro ended abruptly when the black screen background appeared on the screen.

Nagisa & Karma

The cab they took casually crosses a bridge while the duo looked around at their respective windows.

"Are we near there?" Nagisa, the blue-haired teenager, asked the driver.

"We're almost there." The driver answered.

"Ah, don't get worried about it. We're just getting started." Karma, the redheaded boy, replied. "In fact, we don't even know who our competition is."

"Right…"

"We've been the best of friends since the beginning of high school. It all started when Karma learned that I like this one particular movie." Nagisa said, beginning a quick life story.

"And the rest is history," Karma added. "Speaking of history, both of us also shared the same level of abilities, but that doesn't mean we're the greatest team. If two heads butted, it will surely bring different outcomes."

Rin & Nadeshiko

"Wow, I have never felt this adrenaline in my life!" Nadeshiko, the wacky pinky-haired girl, vented out her excitement.

"I have never experience driving in a cab since I only use my scooter when going out." Rin, the blue-haired young girl, admitted. "And it's a different feeling."

"So, I have been camping throughout the country alone until I met Nadeshiko, who has a great interest in camping," Rin said, showing off her partner's presence in the confessional.

"I like the essence of camping – making great foods, relaxing in a tent, watching a beautiful place right in front of our very own eyes. I think this will help us conquer whatever the challenge will be."

"But there is a big difference between camping around Japan and racing around the world…" Rin clarified. "But nevertheless, Nadeshiko is right! We can utilize whatever we can to race for the longest time."

Ritsu & Mio

"One hour?" Mio said after revealing their time of arrival from their driver. "We're already at the back of the line, right off the bat!"

"Don't be sour, Mio. I wonder where these teams are located from?"

"I don't wanna know that." Mio covers her face with her arms, knees folded to cover her whole shameful expression.

The screen transition to a moment where both bandmates shared the same room, playing their respective instruments.

"I'm Ritsu, in charge with the drums, while here's Mio, the bassist!" Ritsu, the blonde drummer, presents her partner. "And she's apparently shy!"

"Ritsu!" Mio cried in a threatening tone, but this did not deter Ritsu from teasing her buddy.

"But we're on a confessional… we're on a camera!"

"WHA-?" Mio instinctively whacks Ritsu's head with her fist, causing the latter's head to grow a bump. "Where?!"

"Hey now! I just want to share a story of how I met this crazy girl…."

The presentation of different photos between Ritsu and Mio was shown.

"We've been attached with each other since elementary, and I know for a fact that Mio is such a scaredy-cat. Despite being teased by yours truly, I really wanted her to get out of that shell. So, when she won an essay contest, and the rules forced her to read it aloud in front, that's where the moment I saved her." Ritsu shared a believable story. "But with that, we became really glued to each other."

"That's because you forced me to join the club." Mio elucidated on the part of her partner's tale.

"Of course, we are so great when we're around with each other, right?"

"You're nothing without me. Is that what you meant?"

Ritsu whimpered in response and covers himself in embarrassment. "Why are you so cruel to me?"

Mio then focuses back on the camera. "But with all seriousness, since our bond is longer enough than everyone, we will try our best not to back down on one another. Friendship is another key to success."

Ryuko & Mako

"Tokyo Skytree! Tokyo Skytree! I am excited! Woohoo!" Mako, the enthusiastic one, exclaimed loudly.

"You sure are excited, Mako," Ryuko replied calmly. "But I don't get that feeling already, but fighting without any physicality is not my forte."

"So, I have pretty much had a dark childhood, so it's pretty much disturbing if I can bring up any of them." Ryuko, the girl with a red highlight on her black hair, confessed. "So what could I be sharing though?"

"That would not be a problem, Ryuko! I'll take the lead here!" Mako suddenly spoke out that caused Ryuko to recoil in an instinct, scaring the heck out of the solemn girl. "You see, when she enrolled in my school, I became her best friend from that point until now! I always root for her every time she fights! But will Ryuko cheer for me too?"

"O-Of course! Why wouldn't I cheer for you?" Ryuko replied almost hesitantly. "But enough of that, we got ourselves and ourselves only but to fight the other adversaries in the race? That would be a sweet pleasure for me."

"Not for me! Sweet pleasure will always be authentic foods!" Mako announced her real intentions… sort of… in which Ryuko facepalmed herself in reaction.

Tokyo Skytree

A team was spotted arriving at the first destination, where they saw another taxi dropping at the same time.

Ryuuji & Taiga

The taller man, Ryuuji, carried two bags on his back while his partner, Taiga, the more petite girl, was glaring at him keenly.

"Come on! Get those bags, and it seems that we got company!" Taiga said.

Ryuuji groaned after carrying such weight. "Yeah, I know. But it feels too natural for me to do something."

"Whatever, let's catch whoever is running to the door!" She ordered as she began sprinting towards the entrance, not removing any sights to the leading team, which was later revealed to be Nagisa & Karma.

"Well, this dog right here is my great schoolmate, Ryuuji…." Taiga began to speak when she gestures her partner on her left with brash arrogance.

"While she is Taiga, a tiger that would not be available to pet to…." Ryuuji fought back with his own ill-mannered introduction.

"What did you say to me?!" Taiga coldly replied.

"A tit for tat, Taiga. Get a grip."

"Hmph." Was only her response as she turns around to avoid Ryuuji with crossed arms.

"Well, our story is so complicated. That one favor changed our lives forever, and at that period, we never thought that we were meant together, like in a relationship. Funny to think about it, right?"

Both Ryuuji & Taiga successfully caught up to the team of Nagisa & Shiota, who were also inside of the elevator as the mechanism's door closes.

"So, is this your kid?" Karma said to Taiga, breaking the ice inside.

"What did you say, punk?" Taiga fought back as she gives Karma a stiff kick to the leg, which causes her to fall, almost.

"Are you alright?" Nagisa asked in concern.

"For a second thought, that's not a lost kid." Karma stood back up on his own. "She's a professional!"

"Sorry for that; she's just like that when someone's insulting her over her height." Ryuuji took charge and apologized to the other team, especially to Karma.

"That's alright… Karma's being… Karma…" Nagisa replied nervously. "So, you're in the race too?"

"You can say that." Ryuuji then chuckled after that.

"Oh, I'm Nagisa, Nagisa Shiota." The blue-haired wonder boy extends his hand over to Ryuuji, who complied with the hand and shook slowly.

"Ryuuji, Ryuuji Takasu." The taller blue-haired teenager replied back.

"Uh, and you?" Nagisa then asks Taiga, who slapped the hand of the former. "Wow, she's fierce!"

"Don't worry, she's fine," Ryuuji responded calmly. "She's Taiga Aisaka, by the way."

"Oh, I see why she's like that." Karma then chimed in over, realizing who he's dealing with. "Nice to meet you. I'm Karma Akabane."

"Hmph." Taiga blatantly ignores the greeting as she looks away over them.

"Looks like we're going for a long, long ride…." Nagisa said.

?

Shino & Takatoshi

"Did you bring your passport?" Shino, the schoolgirl, asked her partner.

"Of course! I did!" Takatoshi replied quickly. "But did you bring it with you?"

"Huh?" Shino's eyes widened after asking the question as she opens her fanny pack to reveal that her passport was there. "It's here."

"Looks like her passport is not the most important thing to her…." He frowned afterward.

"She and I are the president and the vice president of our school, respectively." Takatoshi began sharing his story. "…and we're mutually great with one another. I admire the president's abilities and her intelligence."

Shino obviously was flattered by the compliment of her right hand.

"Thanks, but when we heard that we are in The Amazing Race! I feel so excited! So excited that I almost wet myself inside, and I'm feeling one right now."

"She just said that with such audacity!" Takatoshi thought.

Sora & Shiro

"We're almost there!" Sora said, looking at his window. "With that building over there, we're so close at the Treetop."

"I can deduce that it will take us approximately eight minutes to arrive there," Shiro added with her gritty prediction.

Sora only nodded in response.

"We're just a bunch of siblings who are simply living only inside our home; in short, we're NEETs." Sora introduced themselves. "But with playing games as our only hobby, we can guarantee that we can use that experience to show that we are not just a weak-looking team, but a team that needs to be on their radar."

"Plus, the possibility of us crossing to the finish will increase every second. Our intelligence is our bread and butter here, so if there are any mental challenges, we will surely be nailed it at one turn!" Shiro added.

Souma & Megumi

"Are you alright, Megumi?" Souma asked his partner, who was ritually praying at herself at a hasty pace.

Megumi looked over at his dormmate and lately reacts to his question.

"Uh, I was just praying that we will never have any major problems here! If there is one, that will be a recipe for disaster!"

"It's alright," Souma responded with comfortable pats over Megumi's shoulder. "But look on the bright side, we will travel the world to gain more experience, and maybe in the future, it could help us!"

Megumi then realized that statement as her confidence drastically changed and nodded. "Yeah! We're getting that experience!"

"Now that's the spirit!"

"We're Souma and Megumi, world-renowned chefs, and we will try to gain more experience as we go in a race!" Souma confidently said.

"Right! As much as the experience that we have before, we will be encountering new ventures once we get out of Japan. Just because I went through several countries doesn't mean I get an edge over the others. Maybe I am just missing on their traditions because I'm only focusing much on the etiquettes." Megumi admitted.

"I don't know how hard it would be this is, but we're not afraid of taking such challenges! We are brave, and we never give up as chefs!"

"Yeah!" Megumin cried happily.

Tokyo Skytree

"Here we are!" Kaname said, spotting the large tower before them as the taxi stopped at a parking lot. "Grab my bag, Sousuke!"

"Roger!" Sousuke replied instantly as he grabbed his partner's bag and tosses it so suddenly that she almost dropped herself on the concrete.

"Hey! Don't just throw it like garbage!" She protested.

"Apologies, but that was part of my instinct quirks," Sousuke replied.

Kaname only rolled her eyes in reaction.

"Sousuke and I met in a complicated way. He just entered my school from out of nowhere, and out of curiosity, I meet him, and our friendship just bloomed from there. But the fact that he's a dumb soldier with no common sense just boils my blood," Kaname admitted.

"But I am improving myself, Chidori," Sousuke replied, much to her dismay. "However, the set-up looks dangerous, and there could be any danger lurking around us somewhere."

Kaname sighed in response and added. "Look, we're in a game show, and nothing's bad is going to happen. You got me? We're here for world travel!"

"I-I see." He simply responded.

The couple then entered the tower with ease as they saw an open elevator, in which they took care of it.

"Come on, Sousuke! That elevator is ours!" Kaname said, motioning him to follow her.

However, Sousuke carefully strides inside the lounge.

"But Chidori…"

"There are no terrorists here! Just follow me. I'll lead the way!"

"R-Roger!" Sousuke then improved his pacing as he went inside the elevator with his companion.

?

Kazuma & Megumin

"How long have we been inside?" Megumin asked.

"Longer than I expected," Kazuma said. "Because we're stuck in a routine traffic jam!"

"We can't move!"

"Of course, Sherlock?"

"Sherlock?"

"Sher… Lock yourself out!"

"What? That's an odd name!"

"I'm Kazuma, so basically, here's what happened…." Kazuma paused as he breathed long enough to compose himself. "I was transported in a world named Axel after I died from a shock, which is shocking enough… then I met a bunch of slaves—I mean co-adventurers, and one of them is Megumin."

"Yeah!" Megumin replied. "Kazuma is an interesting human. He's normal, he's fine, he's perverted!"

"Your description of yours sounded so ridiculous!"

"But yeah, The Amazing Race will be the cruelest quest that I will be experiencing in my whole life!" Megumin confessed.

"Why are you averting my question, Megumin?!" Kazuma frantically pressures Megumin, who completely ignores his current presence.

Mai & Sakuta

"Are we there yet, mister?" Mai asks their driver.

"Twenty minutes more." The driver immediately answered.

"Great. Looks like I'll be seeing more annoying oddities." Sakuta chimed in.

"If you know what Puberty Syndrome is, it's pretty much a conspiracy theory up to this point, and if you keep talking to yourself that it is a made-up speculation, I would rather contradict it with my own testimony," Sakuta said.

The screen showed a photo of Sakuta's chest, plastered with three large claw scars across his torso.

"Even though I experience it, people should not make a light out of it, despite being a popular myth. With this, I fought their problems and fix them as much as I can, especially hers, because, without her presence, I would just be a man holding with lonely fists." Sakuta paused. "Oh, by the way, this is my wonderful girlfriend, Mai Sakurajima."

Mai was surprised after hearing the introduction so late. "Why did you introduce me last?"

"I just want to get it out off my chest, figuratively, and I wish I want to get it out of my chest, literally." He then replied. The latter statement refers to his scar.

"I see," Mai replied. "If there's anything we can improve, and that is our bond, we are in a contrasting kind of a relationship, and we would like to improve it by joining here at The Amazing Race."

Tokyo Skytree

Ryuko & Mako

"Tokyo Skytree." The driver told the duo.

"Thank you," Ryuko replied. "Come on, Mako! We got to make it to the top!"

"Mako will be on the way!" Mako answered, motioning in a salutation gesture.

Meanwhile, the leading teams exited the elevator, landing them at the observation deck as they began searching for a particular window washer.

Nagisa & Karma

"It's huge!" Nagisa exclaimed, describing the observation deck bluntly. "And there are people too, but it's not that congested."

"Okay, we have to keep an eye for someone who cleans up the window. We know there are people in here but let's just focus on the side of the window." Karma told his buddy.

"Got it." Nagisa nodded in agreement.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"Now, where are the damn washers?" Taiga asked in a frustrated tone.

"If we start running, we could find them right away," Ryuuji replied.

"Ah! Alright! Let's go!"

The couple started to run around the observation deck.

On the ground floor, another team entered the premises as they went to the vacated elevator.

Souma & Megumi

Megumi sighed in relief. "Finally! We're here…."

"Megumi, get ready for the first challenge," Souma said, stretching both arms and moving his own body, preparing for their first task.

"Yeah!" Megumi nodded.

Kaname & Sousuke

"Finally…" Kaname said after both of them left their elevator. "That took long enough."

"Now we need is to compromise the target in point-blank," Sousuke said, causing his partner to glare at him. "What?"

Kaname sighed. "Forget it, I get it. Just use the right words next time."

"I understand."

"Let's go then!"

Sousuke nodded in response as they also went for a hunt for a specific window washer.

Ryuuji & Taiga

After running around the deck, Taiga stopped by and asked Ryuuji.

"Where are those guys? They ditched us!" She complained.

"Well, they are so agile and potentially strong, so I assume they are on their own, and so are we," Ryuuji answered.

"Damn it!"

They continue their expedition, much to the dismay of Taiga.

Nagisa & Karma

"Focus on this side… focus on this side… focus on this side…." Nagisa whispered to himself, only concentrating on a side with windows displaying in front of him.

While Karma silently wanders his eyes around the deck until he came upon a guy in a uniform, washing a window expertly.

"Nagisa! Nagisa! I found the guy!" Karma exclaimed.

"What?" Nagisa replied until he found a glimpse of the person of interest that Karma was looking to. "Oh, right! That's got to be him!"

Because of this, their sense of urgency expanded as they rushed ahead to the busy washer.

"Excuse me, mister. Do you have any clue for us?"

The washer nodded and reveals the signature envelope from his back, surprising both boys.

Nagisa & Karma – currently in 1 st  Place

"Yes! We hit the jackpot!" Karma ecstatically cried.

"I got it! Let's open this…." Nagisa procures the clue and rips it open to read. "Make your way to Los Angeles!"

"Teams will now fly aboard to their first trip outside of Japan – Los Angeles, California, USA!" Phil narrated their first trip outside the country. "When they arrive, teams must find the marked cars at the parking lot of the airport and make their way to this hotdog stand, somewhere in the vicinity of the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, to try and taste a classic American comfort food – The Hotdog Sandwich. After they finished the whole meal…."

Phil paused as he watched a person eating the whole sandwich, signaling the vendor to reveal the clue. "…they will receive their next clue."

"Hell yeah! America!" Karma continued his euphoric status. "I'm so stoked!"

"Oh man, me too!" Nagisa agrees to the statement. "Now, let's go to the airport!"

"But we got to hide the clue and act naturally before we can run." Karma suggested.

"Great idea."

At the entrance, some teams arrived simultaneously as they clashed and ran as fast as they could towards the empty elevator.

Shino & Takatoshi

Kazuma & Megumin

Sora & Shiro

The siblings glance back at the other competitors inside as they take a good look at their competition.

"From the looks of it, we've seen the faces of some, and they looked… they looked…." Sora said and paused, thinking of an appropriate word for their adversaries. "…normal."

"But that's the first impression. We should know in the future that these guys could be competitive, and we haven't seen any other teams, so we just need to prepare on what to face." Shiro added.

"Oh… hi!" Sora nervously greeted the other occupants. "I'm Sora, and this is Shiro, my little sister."

"Ooh…" The trio of them reacted. "His sister…"

"Hi, there! Name is Takatoshi Tsuda!" The tallest man in the room greeted him back. "This is Shino, almost the same name as her."

"Uh, hi. I'm Megumin!" The fire wizard came next to introduce.

"Kazuma." The adventurer spoke.

"Those siblings gave me a familiar aura, and I think I know what kind of people they are," Kazuma said.

"Ghosts?" Megumin guessed.

"From the looks of them, probably. But they aren't ghosts."

"Oh."

"Good luck to all of you, guys. Hope we can work around with each other." Sora told them.

"Sure," Takatoshi said.

"Yeah, why not?" Kazuma added.

Sora then looked away from them as his smile diminishes, replacing it with a smirk.

"I did say that because you know… we can exploit their weaknesses if they have one," Sora admitted. "But for now, we'll just have to observe them carefully." Shiro then nodded afterward.

Nagisa & Karma

After a slow but sneaky evasion from some teams, they successfully avoided them as both men sighed in relief.

"That was a close one," Nagisa said, then presses a button on the wall. "Now that was over, maybe we can—"

The elevator opened to reveal Souma & Megumi, who looked in awe, like Nagisa & Karma.

Souma & Megumi

"Uh, hey, guys." Souma waved them. "Have you found the clue?"

"Yeah," Megumi added.

"Uh-uh-uh-uh…" Nagisa begins to stutter, internally saying words out of his distraught while Karma looked over, staring at his best friend, waiting for his response. "It's-it's over there!"

He then gestured to his left, causing Karma's jaw to drop.

"Oh, thanks for the tip!" Souma said as they left the elevator, leaving them frozen in a trance.

"DUDE, NAGISA! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" Karma exclaimed loudly, violently shaking a weirded-out Nagisa. "YOU'RE GIVING THEM THE CLUE!"

"Uh-uh-uh-uh…" Was Nagisa's only response as Karma sighed in defeat and pulls him inside the elevator as the door was closed.

Ryuko & Mako

"Where is that damn window washer?" Ryuko asked aloud.

"Then let's ask this guy," Mako said, gesturing a man on a uniform, wiping off the water on a window. "Excuse me, where's a window washer with a clue?"

That guy turned out to be one of them as he showed the clue in front of Mako, who expressed astonishment even Ryuko shared the same sentiment.

Ryuko & Mako – currently in 2 nd  Place

"Thank you so much!" Ryuko received the clue instead of Mako, who stood still in awe after what she just accomplished. "We're going to America! Let's go, Mako! You did something great today!"

"I-I did?!" Mako spoke instantly.

"Yeah."

With that, the girls went out of their way and entered an open elevator.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"Okay, we've been here for like twenty minutes, and nothing shows up!" Taiga said, gets irritated by a minute gone by.

"Don't get too frustrated! I know it's gotta be here somewhere." Ryuuji answered, attempting his best to soothe Taiga's tantrum.

"But it's taking so long!"

Little did they know, behind them was Souma & Megumi, who spotted a window washer on the spot as they requested the worker to give them a clue as he did just that.

Souma & Megumi – currently in 3 rd  Place

"Make your way to Los Angeles!" Megumi read the critical part clearly. "We're going in America!"

"Oh, yeah! The largest country in the West!" Souma added. "Let's get to the airport!"

Both chefs began running across the deck to the elevator, which was closed immediately. However, behind the restroom was Kaname & Sousuke, who walked out of the said room and made their way to the window washer, seeking a clue as they obtained one.

Kaname & Sousuke – currently in 4 th  Place

"Make your way to Los Angeles!" Kaname read the clue carefully. "Find your car at the parking lot of the airport and find the marked hotdog stand within the Hollywood Walk of Fame!"

"America!" Sousuke exclaimed.

"Yeah, but…" Kaname trailed off.

"But?"

"I like the fact that we act as a camouflage to see someone finding the washer for us…."

"But what? Something wrong?"

"I don't like the fact we're hiding in a girls' restroom! People are watching at us like we just did something so indecent!" Kaname answered bluntly and awkwardly. "Just forget it, though."

"Roger."

"Come on, at least you did something favorable to us."

That statement alone made Sousuke smiled as they run towards the nearest elevator.

?

Nagisa & Karma

"So, we have two tickets in here, and it says…" Nagisa paused as he could not get a better look at the time that was printed.

"…it's 5:45 PM," Karma answered.

"Oh… so we have four hours to rest in the airport…."

"Or at least, walk around it," Karma added another option.

"Yeah, good idea!"

Tokyo Skytree

Ryuuji & Taiga

Because of how long they are stuck on finding a particular individual, the former asked an individual.

"Excuse me, have you seen any people running over here?"

"Uh, I think so." The individual answered. "They were talking to a window washer a few minutes ago."

"Really?!" Taiga reacted strongly.

"Where's the washer guy, though?" Ryuuji asked another question.

"Oh, it's a few steps, and look at the left side." The individual gave a vital description of the whereabouts of their target.

"Ah! Thank you so much! That helped us!" Ryuuji said, bowing to the individual then shook hands with the individual.

"No problem!"

While their case was solved, the couple then took the tip into their heads and took a stride towards the direction given to them, and they stopped.

"Ah! More of them just came to the guy!" Taiga exclaimed.

"Come on! We don't wanna get last!" Ryuuji said.

The couple took a few steps to encounter the other teams, who received their clues respectively.

Kazuma & Megumin – currently in 5 th  Place

"Thank you!" Kazuma said to the worker.

Shino & Takatoshi – currently in 6 th  Place

"Thank you, mister," Takatoshi said the same greeting, added with a respectful bow.

Both teams mentioned above then left that they did not notice the couple from behind. The couple proceeds to ask the washer for the same thing as the last teams that talked to the employee.

"Do you have any spare clue for us?" Ryuuji nervously asked the washer, who nodded, receiving their clue from him. "Thank you so much!"

"Finally…" Taiga replied, unsatisfied.

Ryuuji & Taiga – currently in 7 th  Place

"Make your way to Los Angeles…." Ryuuji read the clue slowly.

"Oh, America…" Taiga said.

"Something wrong?"

"Nah, not your problem. But whatever, let's go…."

"Okay…"

With that, the couple proceeds to the nearest elevator to leave the observation deck. As the door was closed, another door was opened and was revealed to be another team. But luckily, that team landed on a window washer right in front of the window washer.

"Oh, it's that guy, right?"

"We're not sure, but there's no trying on asking him."

They made their way to the employee to ask for a clue as it gave them the pamphlet.

Mai & Sakuta – currently in 8 th  Place

"Make your way to Los Angeles… and find the marked hotdog stand within the Hollywood Walk of Fame!" Mai reads the clue optimistically. "Wow! We're going Hollywood?!"

"Well, looks like they granted your wish," Sakuta said; he was happy but was not visible on his face.

"Yeah! This feels great!"

"By the way, I am currently a model and an actress, working with several commercials and some media that I don't want to list down. So, obviously, Hollywood Walk of Fame is the top one from my travel bucket list." Mai confessed. "So the feeling was special for me when I learned that we're going to Los Angeles."

Sora & Shiro – currently in 9 th  Place

"Why did we even get separated from the others?" Shiro asked her big brother.

"Because we don't wanna be with them, and the pressure goes up with that. Besides, we can't even run a single mile anyway." Sora answered understandably. "So I lied to them that I need to take a pee."

"Oh…"

While on the ground floor, the last two teams soon arrived at the tower, where they met.

Ritsu & Mio

"Hi, guys!" Ritsu greeted the other team happily.

Rin & Nadeshiko

"Hello." Rin nonchalantly greets back.

"Wanna work together?" Nadeshiko asked.

"Yeah! That works! Right, Mio?" Ritsu answered then nudges Mio, who seemed terrified over at the sight of the tower. "Guess that counts as a yes."

"Yay! Let's go!"

Narita International Airport

A few teams soon arrived at the airport, where they interact with each other.

Ryuko & Mako

"Ah! So you're both trained assassins?" Ryuko asked the other duo.

Nagisa & Karma

"Yeah! Just because of a sole reason, but that was all worth it in the end." Nagisa answered.

"But on the other hand, with our skills, it could definitely help us," Karma added.

"Looks like this is gonna be an interesting encounter," Ryuko said, smirking in front of them.

"Good luck if we ever see you soon," Karma said to Ryuko with a wink.

"Same to you," Ryuko replied but soon realized something. "Where the heck is Mako?"

To answer her question, Mako looked over in a window of a food stand filled with such delicious food. Interestingly, another team was beside her, but they have no idea that she was part of the competition.

Souma & Megumi

"Look at that girl go!" Souma said, noticing Mako eating a dozen of Takoyaki.

"If we only have the equipment, maybe we can give her our own version," Megumi said.

"Thank you so much!" Mako said, shockingly spent a dozen of the Japanese delicacy in seconds. "Gotta get back to my partner!" She then ran enthusiastically.

With that revelation, both chefs looked at each other, and both shared the exact prediction.

"Isn't she one of them, doesn't she?" Souma asked.

"Y-Yeah… probably…" Megumi answered.

Tokyo Skytree

After minutes of searching, the quartet discovered a window washer on the sides as they went towards the employee.

"Hi! Do you have any clues for us?" Nadeshiko greeted the worker, who showed only one clue, much to the suspicion of Ritsu & Mio. "Thank you!"

Rin & Nadeshiko – currently in 10 th  Place

"Make your way to Los Angeles!" Rin read the clue. "Okay, let's go…."

"Hey, what about us? Where's our clue?!" Ritsu asked with agitation.

"There are no more clues." The washer announced.

"What?!" Mio reacted. "No!"

Ritsu sighed. "Guess we'll have to find the other guy."

"But we're in last!"

"That's nonsense!. If we get the earliest flight, then we'll be fine!" Ritsu said optimistically, sending Mio into a challenging mood. "Let's go!"

"After all, Ritsu isn't that bad. She's a great motivator whenever I'm in a downward spiral. Even though she is a stubborn drummer, but she has the resolve to continue." Mio said. "Guess I'm lucky that we've been here since elementary."

Finally, they have found the other washer, who instantly gave out the final clue.

"Thank you!" Mio said as she opens the envelope carefully.

Ritsu & Mio – currently in Last Place

"We're going in America! Holy shit!" Ritsu exclaimed.

"Ritsu, language!" Mio reprimanded her partner.

"I don't care! We're going to the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Come on, Mio! You have to be excited about this!"

"Yeah, I am! But first, we gotta go!"

"Right…" Ritsu replied with a cheeky grin.

Both girls left the deck and the tower entirely to send themselves to the airport with their cab.

Narita International Airport

An hour has passed, more teams appeared at the airport, where they saw and look at each other.

Mai & Sakuta

The teams and Sakuta looked at the teenager mentioned above. She was swarmed by many fans, wanting an autograph from the actress.

"Settle down, everyone." She nervously told everyone. "I'll write it all, one by one."

"Not surprising that I have met some fans along the way, despite being so tired most of the time. I still manage to sign their signatures for their satisfaction." Mai said.

"Tired? Tired of having special thoughts with me?" Sakuta asked playfully.

"Shut it, you perverted pig."

Sakuta only smirked in satisfaction.

Kazuma & Megumin

"Wow! She is so pretty!" Megumin said, admiring Mai's appearance as a whole. "I wish I can be like her!"

"She is way more popular than Aqua than I have ever imagined!" Kazuma added a remark.

"Why do you even involve Aqua in here?"

Shino & Takatoshi

"Wow…" Takatoshi reacted to Mai's presence. "I wish I could be his partner instead…."

"Ehem."

Takatoshi looked back to glance at Shino, glaring over him after what she just heard.

"What?" He asked.

"I am here, you know?" Shino answered.

"Yeah, I already know that."

Shino remained speechless after the obvious comment from Takatoshi as she extremely pouted over him to no avail.

"I wasn't even glaring at him. I was glaring over at that girl's chest! It's pretty precise at her age, and I think we're at the same age." Shino complained. "Oh, now I will have to ask her how she got that size!"

"I stand corrected," Takatoshi replied.

Kaname & Sousuke

"So, we got different tickets from a different washer," Kaname said, reading the clue. "I don't even know if we're leading or not."

"It doesn't matter how early or late. As long as you are safe, the operation is still intact." Sousuke replied professionally.

"Sousuke, what are you even talking about? I'm figuring on our tickets, and we're not boarding for free, you know?"

While they were in a conversation, another team appeared in front of them, causing them to look at them, but they were confused when they saw who they were.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"Hi?" Ryuuji firstly spoke.

Sousuke instinctively went in front, blocking Kaname's path.

"Who are you? You looked so suspicious, and it seems you have evil intentions, according to your facial expression." He asked, explicitly sending a message to Ryuuji, who smacked himself, forgetting about his facial appearance that was bothering him throughout his life.

"Strangers are looking at me like I'm a delinquent, and of course, that was because of my dad's feature! Man, I really hate him for that reason alone!" Ryuuji confessed.

"And I made you look good even with that personality," Taiga replied.

"You're the one to talk. I even make you look good despite being the one that's called 'Palmtop Tiger.'" Ryuuji countered.

Because of that, Taiga got irritated by the remark but decided to soothe herself and relented.

She sighed. "Fair point."

"Settle down, Sousuke," Kaname said. "They're harmless."

Sousuke obliged and went back to her side, attentively listening to the conversation with crossed arms.

"So… is this your… sister?" Kaname continued, was looking over at Taiga, who reacted in an instant.

"No, she's my girlfriend."

"WHAT?!"

"What in the world? That little girl is his girlfriend? You have got to be kidding me! If that's the way it is, then I am so, so mad! Who would marry a little girl?!" Kaname said, indirectly being envious of the couple.

"Yeah… that is really suspicious to me as well," Sousuke added. "But please calm down…."

"DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!" Kaname angrily screamed at Sousuke, who immediately backed out of her sight in fear.

"No freaking way!" Kaname said in astonishment, then looks down over Taiga, whose eyes were boiling with rage.

Suddenly, Taiga screamed and tightly claws Kaname's nearest breast, surprising the latter.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing to her?!" Sousuke sharply reacted.

"WHY IS YOUR CHEST SO BIG, BUT NOT ME?!" Taiga loudly said to the finer schoolgirl.

Ryuuji began to pull Taiga while clenching over the chest of Kaname, who was dumbstruck by the sudden altercation.

"Hey, let your hand go!" Ryuuji told Taiga but failed to comply and looks over at Sousuke. "I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!"

The remaining teams finally arrived at the airport, completing the batch of units inside of the airport. However, they remain clueless on which flight has the advantage.

5:45PM –  Japan Airlines 62

The first flight was beginning to prepare for its final actions before they can take off. Before that, the lucky teams took their time to interview about the flight revelation.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"We are lucky that we got the first flight tickets despite getting stuck at the Skytree the longest," Ryuuji said.

"We are really, really lucky that I don't have to see that dumb bluebird," Taiga added.

Ritsu & Mio

"When we discover that we're boarding on the first flight, we've been in high hopes! I mean, we could not believe such a miracle happened!" Mio confessed.

"Those camping girls are a blessing in disguise, in fact! If we didn't get to the first washer first, then we are so dead!" Ritsu said.

Souma & Megumi

"I'm so excited getting to Los Angeles!" Megumi exclaimed.

"I know, right?" Souma replied. "We're hoping for some great food after we ate those sandwiches later on."

Shino & Takatoshi

"Now that you're excited, did you even pee your pants?" Shino asked her partner.

"Why are you even asking that in front of the camera?" Takatoshi replied with another question avoiding answering the ridiculous question.

Kazuma & Megumin

Kazuma sneered. "Ha! By the power of my luck, we even got the ticket for the first flight! And naturally, I would be excited, but I really feel so dull right now."

"And why would you be such in a dull mood?" Megumin asked.

"Because I don't think she even noticed me!" Kazuma answered, gesturing to a sleeping Nagisa. "She's so really, really attractive!"

"Oh…" Megumin doubtfully responded.

Nagisa & Karma

"Oh, with being on the first flight, I know nobody can stop us!" Karma said. "We'll take the course from here!"

"In fact, I really miss the part that Koro-sensei took us to Hawaii just to watch the special premiere of our favorite movie! If we instead took Hawaii than Los Angeles, that would be advantageous for us!" Nagisa added.

The plane then took off from its runway, flying towards Los Angeles.

7:10PM –  United Airlines 33

Kaname & Sousuke

"You know, I have never felt so ashamed in my life until that girl attacked me!" Kaname said, irritated that she recalls it so quickly, she could not delete it from her mind.

"All we need now is to compromise such targets and weaken them," Sousuke added.

"For that, I agree with you."

Rin & Nadeshiko

"And here we thought we're going out first, but no, we just got into second flight instead!" Nadeshiko said, whimpering over their failure over acquiring the earliest ticket.

"Don't worry, as long as they are here, we will be safe… for now…." Rin said, comforting her partner by patting her shoulder.

Mai & Sakuta

"Seriously, we got bad tickets! If that ever happens, I'm going to lose my mind!" Mai exclaimed.

"Same here!" Sakuta added, agreeing to her remark.

"Am I hearing that wrong?" She glared over her boyfriend.

"Not at all."

Ryuko & Mako

Ryuko groaned. "And here we thought, we got good tickets. But I guess we can improve once we arrive there."

"Ooh, yeah! As long as I'm here, we're getting the lead!" Mako optimistically responded.

"Yeah, she's right."

Sora & Shiro

"Not surprising that we got the worst ones out of the batch, but if we get more physical later, then we'll be in big trouble," Sora said.

"But at least, we bought a map before we got inside," Shiro said, revealing the map of Los Angeles.

"Now that's what you called 'preparing for the best'."

Afterward, the plane also flew out of the runway, following the tracks of the first plane.

"All teams are now making their way to the City of Angels – Los Angeles! The first flight, expecting to arrive at 12:00PM. While the second flight will arrive 85 minutes later." Phil stated the arrival time of every plane that teams were in.

Leg 1 Recap (so far):

Tied for First :

Ryuuji & Taiga

Ritsu & Mio

Souma & Megumi

Shino & Takatoshi

Kazuma & Megumin

Nagisa & Karma

Tied for Last:

Kaname & Sousuke

Rin & Nadeshiko

Mai & Sakuta

Ryuko & Mako

Sora & Shiro

Chapter Text

12:08PM –  Los Angeles International Airport

The airplane that carried the first few teams landed on the American runway, screeching meticulously in the airstrip. After a whole minute of riding within the flight strip, the plane stopped and arrived at its designated hub safely. The teams then scattered around the airport after exiting the jet bridge and hastily went through the large door that was in front of them that will lead them to the wide parking lot of LAX.

Souma & Megumi

"Awesome! We're in America!" Souma jovially said.

"We have to find the car!" Megumi responded on a contrasting side.

Shino & Takatoshi

"I have no idea where the cars are and this is a huge space to find too!" Shino exclaimed.

"No kidding," Takatoshi answered, agreeing to the statement.

Ritsu & Mio

"Now we have to find our cars in this car maze!" The panic-stricken Mio said, observing the whole parking lot in front of her.

"I thought we would have to find it in front of us!" Ritsu added. "You've got to be kidding me?!"

"Let's go, let's not waste time."

Some teams decided to separate themselves from one another as they scattered around the parkway.

Nagisa & Karma

"It is impossible to find those cars if Karma and I stick together for the longest time, we might blink at it." He said to the camera. "I hope it has got to be here somewhere."

Suddenly, a loud whistling sound stops Nagisa in his tracks as he looked over a car, he saw Karma beckoning to him and the former went over to the latter's position. Nagisa later found out that his buddy found a marked car, in which a route marker was glued on the top right of the window.

"Looks like we got the lucky color," Karma said confidently. "Red is my lucky color and I'll drive."

"Sure." Nagisa smiled in response, has no problem when it comes to Karma's bold decisions.

Nagisa & Karma – currently in 1 st  Place

The duo entered the newly-looked, red-colored Ford EcoSport as Karma opened the engine and the GPS in front, typing the necessary detail over the virtual board. After a thorough writing, they proceed outside to their next destination.

While another team spotted them leaving, making one of them infuriated right from the get-go.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"They already left!" Taiga exclaimed, exploding with frustration right away. "We have to find our car fast!"

"I know that already, you can find one quietly," Ryuuji replied.

"But I can't even find the difference here, I'm small and I can't see the front side of the car! How is that supposed to help me?!"

"Then just take a deep breath and shut up for a while." He suggested.

Kazuma & Megumin

"There are lots of vehicles in here, I don't think we can find that car at this rate," Megumin told Kazuma, who was silently counting the vehicles that they encounter. "Are you listening to me, Kazuma?"

"Oh?" Kazuma responded. "I was just predicting how many cars to go before we found the marked car. As a matter of fact, I think our car should be here…"

Their movement diminish as Kazuma saw a black vehicle with the route marker on the window and this made Megumin stupefied at the precision of Kazuma's prediction.

"BINGO! We got it!" Kazuma enthusiastically cried.

Kazuma & Megumin – currently in 2 nd  Place

"I have a skill that I can use to help us in the race and I just had a stroke of good luck on our side," Kazuma said, winking over Megumin. "And that's a good thing that happened to me in this world… or should I say, to another side…"

Kazuma opened the engine as they buckled up and preparing for their first trip inside of a car.

"Megumin, take this." He then gave the map to the arch wizard, who grasped it in her hands. "Find the Hollywood Walk of Fame and tell me which way I have to go. Got it?"

Megumin nodded in agreement as they left the airport parking.

Shino & Takatoshi

"How did they even find it so quickly?!" Takatoshi replied incredulously, eyeing the now leaving vehicle of the adventurers.

"How about a boost for your—"

"How about no?" He quickly replied before Shino can complete the statement.

Ryuuji & Taiga – currently in 3 rd  Place

"Found our car," Taiga said, gesturing to the marked blue car. "Come on, come on! Ryuuji?!"

"Hey, hey, guys. Over here! There's more over here." Ryuuji shouted, completely ignoring his girlfriend's discovery. He then was caught by surprise by Taiga's sudden pinching of his ear that causes him to pull back towards their car.

"Ryuuji, just stop helping them! Damn it!" She cried, shoving him hard inside the driver's seat.

"Alright, alright. Jeez."

With that call of the sanpaku-eyed teenager, the remaining teams made their way to the source of the sound, which was a vehicle that contained the aforementioned couple. Then, they immediately went to an array of vehicles, and one by one, they found their respective marked cars.

Souma & Megumi – currently in 4 th  Place

"Ah! So that's where it is!" Souma exclaimed, also relieved by the fact that they found the car.

"Okay! Better get inside or we'll be last." Megumi replied as she enters the vehicle first.

"Yes! Affirmative, chef!" He saluted, confirming her wish into fruition as he also came inside the car.

Shino & Takatoshi – currently in 5 th  Place

"Ow!" Takatoshi's long height was a disadvantage when it comes to entering a small vehicle as he rubs his temple to soothe the pain. "That one hurts."

"Are you alright? Don't you need anything?" Shino, from the back, asked in concern.

"Not really, just stay there."

"Oh, uhhh… I forgot my leash and my costume." She answered nervously.

"Okay, when did this became a kink show?" He asked Shino, who whistled innocently.

Ritsu & Mio – currently in 6 th  Place

"You drive, I'll take the window seat," Mio told Ritsu.

Ritsu groaned in response and added. "Why is it always me?"

"Of course, you can do it!"

"You're scared of taking the steering wheel?"

"No, I'm not!" Mio exclaimed, blatantly lying albeit her expression turned sour when Ritsu mentioned driving. "Please, let's go! We're wasting time arguing over trivial matters!"

"Fine, fine." Ritsu shrugged as she controls the gear stick smoothly.

With that, the remaining teams soon left the field of LAX as they are on their way to their next destination – The Hollywood Walk of Fame!

Harbor Freeway - Los Angles, California, USA

Nagisa & Karma

The summer-y vibes from the highway of Los Angeles struck Nagisa in awe over his window, while Karma silently surveying the environment albeit wanted the same activity over his mind.

"America sure is different than Tokyo. It's super busy!" Nagisa said.

"Pretty sure they are…" Karma paused. "…I wonder how these bloodsheds are different from Japan to here? Might wanna join myself, huh?" He then smirked, imagining what would happen if the delinquent inserted himself into the mix.

"Huh? Did you say something?"

"Oh, don't mind me. I'm just driving…"

"Oh," Nagisa replied, was doubtful about Karma's current bearing.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"This is awesome, we're here in Los Angeles!" Ryuuji exclaimed. "What about you, Taiga?"

"I don't mind." Taiga simply responded with crossed arms.

"Really?"

"Yeah, but the fact of the matter is, that stupid bluebird is behind us. So, the air is fine." Taiga confessed.

"Uh-huh." Ryuuji reacted unimpressed.

"What's with that tone?"

He playfully smirked over the window, passing the message to Taiga.

"Nothing."

"I bet that he is still not getting over Ami back in Japan and—"

"Why are you bringing that up? And why are you mentioning that dumb chihuahua?!" Taiga interrupts Ryuuji, infuriated after hearing a forbidden name over her ears.

"Aren't you even both reconciled after all these years?"

"Ahhhh! Stop, stop, stop! I will never, never, ever patch up to that… to that…" She continuously nags about her still adversary. "Ughhh! I can't even say her name on TV! Because she's a model, for God's sake!"

Souma & Megumi

"Ooh, we will taste a classic American Hotdogs! Isn't that great, Souma?" Megumi asked.

She did not receive any answer from her partner as he was looking around his seat.

"Riding in a car after all these years? This is life-changing!" He cried.

"Souma! Are you even listening to me?!"

Souma is startled over Megumi's loud cry and finally responds to her.

"Huh? Did you say something?" He cupped his right ear carefully.

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

Nagisa & Karma

"Find the hotdog cart between Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street…" Nagisa reads the clue carefully.

"Here's Vine Street," Karma said, turning right to the said street and already saw a hotdog stand by the sidewalk. "That's gotta be it."

With the assumption, both teenagers exited their vehicle to check the cart of interest as one of them asks the vendor.

"Hi. Do you have any hotdogs for us?" Nagisa asked.

"Hello there! Yes, we do have lots of them." The vendor answered. "Two hotdogs coming up!"

"Guess that we're at the right place," Karma said.

???

Kazuma & Megumin

"This is weird… we're still driving around this time," Kazuma said and eyed his partner through the hanging window. "Are you reading the map correctly, Megumin?"

"Yeah… and by the way, we're turning left to 077." She answered.

"Left? But I only see cars turning right only the whole time!"

"But the map says so!"

"Give me the map!" Kazuma then steals the map from Megumin's hands.

To his horror, he found out that the map that Megumin was reading is inaccurate.

"Megumin…"

"Yeah?"

"Did you forget to turn the map around?"

"What?"

Kazuma showed the map and turns it around to reveal that Megumin's reading was awfully incorrect.

"077 is 110, right?"

Megumin zooms her eyes near the map and scans momentarily and nods. With this realization, Kazuma smacks himself in the face, feeling worthless at the moment of a big mistake caused by one wrong angle.

"And the chances of us leading goes down from that…" Kazuma said solemnly to the camera.

"Kazuma, can you turn on the device that's in front of you?" Megumin told Kazuma, who just stood up straight and act like his temper was not there.

"What is it?"

"The big screen in front of you, can you turn it on?"

"Uhhh, okay…" He then obliged as soon as he pressed the power button, more horror came through the face of Kazuma.

"…and to that." Kazuma continued.

"Megumin, do you even know what is this?" He asked the wizard girl.

"I don't even know what that is and that's why I'm asking you to turn it on."

"I later realized that the car has GPS and I've overshot it for like 40 minutes!"

"Why?" Megumin asked.

"It's the GPS."

Suddenly, Megumin's eyes lit up. "What? That's the device for the locations that we need to go to, right?"

"Yeah…" He nervously replied.

"So… you've done something bad too! Now we're even!" Megumin replied with joy. "Just admit that it's your fault for not being aware!"

"But I thought this was just a display screen!"

"Just admit it already!"

"NO!"

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

Soon after, another team arrived at the hotdog stand where they parked their vehicle next to the first team that arrived there.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"Oh, there's the stand!" Ryuuji said.

"And there's the competition," Taiga added.

They left their car to approach the stand and the teenagers that were waiting for their food to arrive.

Nagisa & Karma

"Oh, it's you two." Nagisa greeted the newly-arrived duo. "Hi!"

"Hey, hey." Ryuuji greeted back.

Meanwhile, when Karma saw Taiga approaching them, he instinctively went back to Nagisa, who questions his current actions.

"Are you alright, Karma?"

"That girl! Damn it!"

"Oh, don't worry. She won't bite unless she bites food."

"But that girl looks like a growling tiger."

Ryuuji overheard their conversation and chimed in. "I heard it all but it's a funny story, when we're at our school, Taiga was appropriately nicknamed as 'Palmtop Tiger'."

However, Taiga doesn't seem to mind what was going on between the three as she made her way to the vendor, who was busy preparing the food.

"Hey, you there! Give us some hotdogs or I'll give you something!" She said in a threatening tone.

"Huh?" The vendor reacted, looks back to see Taiga was glaring at him. "Oh, right… two more hotdogs coming up! And two hotdogs for the boys in the back!"

The vendor presented the classic American staple to them as they snag it quickly and began eating.

"Hmm-hmm! This is delicious!" Nagisa hummed in satisfaction and continues to eat the food.

"Wow! This is great comfort food!" Karma added, ignoring the current environment as he eats it like he was in heaven.

Then, another team saw the teams on the stands and looks at them extensively, specifically eying towards the food.

Souma & Megumi

"Wow! That looks awesome!" Souma exclaimed.

"I can't wait to taste it!" Megumi shared the same sentiment as her food buddy.

"Okay! Let's find a parking slot first!"

The order from Taiga has arrived as the couple picked up their piece of sandwich, in which they chow down smoothly and let their palate enjoy the sensation.

"This is delicious!" Ryuuji exclaimed.

While Taiga was quietly savoring the delicacy as she continues to chow down the snack.

Harbor Freeway - Los Angles, California, USA

Ritsu & Mio

"Ten minutes away. That's what it says on the GPS." Ritsu said to Mio.

"Okay, we're doing good. Yeah…" Mio said while reading the map.

"Why are you even reading a map when we're using GPS?"

"Uh, that's because… I just want to make sure!" Mio gave her reason.

"Really? You're really speaking delusional…"

"No, I'm not!"

"You're fearing about getting lost?"

The response shudders Mio momentarily, causing Ritsu to chuckle, internally succeeding at teasing Mio for the umpteenth time.

"Don't worry, Mio. We're almost there, trust the GPS." Ritsu reassures her bandmate. "Also, that means just trust me."

"Please don't…" Mio spoke in a delusional tone.

"Guess the world's on her shoulder." Ritsu thought.

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

After finishing the whole sandwich, both teenagers went up to the vendor, who revealed the clue envelope that they have been finding for the past few hours.

Nagisa & Karma – currently in 1 st  Place

"Thank you!" Nagisa greeted the vendor as he rips the clue to read. "Roadblock. Who wants the walk in the walk of fame?"

"The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a street-wide monument that comprises of more than 2,600 stars and the whole attraction expands at 18 blocks within Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. Now teams will have to make a walkthrough through this star-studded maze." Phil began as he strolls down to an aisle of stars.

"One team member will be participating in a scavenger hunt to find 5 personalities that are permanently stamped. But to get their list, they will first make their way on foot to this photo lab and locate each of their stars one by one. If they found one, they must take a picture using the camera that was provided by the photo store. If they think they found them all, they must return and if all are correct, they will receive their next clue." Phil said the instruction for the viewers. "If they have found incorrectly, they will have to go back and find the right monument."

"Oh, that definitely goes to me." Karma volunteered. "You talk the talk and I walk the walk."

"That doesn't even make sense," Nagisa said doubtfully.

Meanwhile, the food colleague showed up at the food stall. As they have arrived, another team arrived at the hotdog cart where they parked their vehicle beside the others.

Shino & Takatoshi

The students were spotted walking towards the marked stall where they ordered the same food as the other teams, who are currently chomping to their current sandwich.

Ryuuji & Taiga

Taiga surprises everyone as she finished eating her snack before Ryuuji, who was one bite away from completing the eating challenge.

"Would you hurry up? We got more racing to do, mister!" She threatens Ryuuji while drinking water.

"I know, let me take the last bite," Ryuuji replied as he did what he had just said and sends the final contents of the hotdog through his mouth.

"Chew faster, you lazy dog!"

With the sense of urgency tingles Ryuuji, he rushes through the process as he drinks the other half of the water that was drunk earlier by Taiga and sends the food inside of him, sighing as his mouth was now empty.

"Done!"

"Here's your clue. Good luck." The vendor said to Ryuuji and Taiga, who grabs the envelope from the former's hands.

"Thank you!" Ryuuji replied with glee from his face.

Ryuuji & Taiga – currently in 2 nd  Place

"Who wants the walk in the walk of fame?" Taiga reads the question from the clue and suddenly shoves the envelope to the larger Ryuuji. "You'll do it."

Ryuuji groaned in response. "Fine then."

With that, they ran out of the cart to proceed to the next challenge. Meanwhile, another team adds up to the waiting list for the hotdog as they inquire for two pieces of hotdog sandwich.

Ritsu & Mio

"Two hotdogs, please." Mio inquired.

"Okay, two hotdogs coming up!" The vendor answered enthusiastically.

"Whew."

"Hey, uh, can I ask?" Ritsu then asks the other teams on site. "Are we the last one in here?"

Some teams shrugged in response while Megumi raised her hands as Ritsu glances over to the young chef.

"I think I saw two teams before we arrive here. One got out, ten minutes ago, and one just ran like a few minutes ago." She explained.

"Yeah, so that's five since we are three pairs in here," Souma added.

"Ah, thanks," Ritsu said then focuses back on Mio. "Guess we're lucky."

"Yeah…" Mio replied softly.

Ray's Photo Lab

Nagisa & Karma

"There's the marker!" Nagisa said, seeing the route marker from the entrance in a distance. "Go get 'em, Karma!"

"No worries, yours truly will surely make a remarkable conquest." Karma confidently answered as they entered inside.

Karma proceeds to the counter where he met an attendant, presenting the equipment that will be needed for the task.

"Thanks." Karma then snatches the items from the glass counter and proceeds to the exit where he reads the names of stars that needs to be captured.

"So, I was presented with the list of persons that need to be captured, a camera bag, and most importantly, the camera. Then, when I read the names carefully, some of them are recognizable and the others were forgettable." Karma paraphrases the challenge instructions.

"Harry Houdini, 7001 Hollywood Boulevard? That's one name I know! And I'll be coming to them!" He said as he ran to his right to begin his star-studded adventure.

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

Souma & Megumi

The chefs were astounded at the taste of the American staple that they took time to analyze the flavor of the food.

"The smokiness of the hotdog, adding up with ketchup and mustard, which are contrasting flavors, makes it more phenomenal!" Souma scrutinized while eating.

"While the bread is so soft, the size of it matches the size of the hotdog, which makes it great and more balanced," Megumi added.

Both of them chewed the final bits of the sandwich and swallowed it carefully to their throats, finishing the challenge with ease.

Souma & Megumi – currently in 3 rd  Place

"Thank you so much!" Souma said as he receives the clue from the vendor, opening the clue for his team. "It's a Roadblock! Who wants the walk in the walk of fame?"

"Uhhh, Souma, I—"

"I'll do it! I think it's a walking challenge and you know that I need to exercise since we're not in the dormitory." Souma said, interrupting Megumi's possible attempt to volunteer.

"Oh, okay." She simply replied.

The chefs then left the stall which had two more teams left. The students began to eat their orders, while the musicians are waiting for theirs.

Shino & Takatoshi

"Hmm, wow. This is incredible! Original hotdogs have never been tasted so good—"

When he looked over to Shino, he mustered a horrified look as the latter began to form a sultry look. Shino decides to heat things up when she slowly licks the tip of the hotdog, assumingly sending a message to Takatoshi, who was frozen in fear, while the girls beside them looked over to Shino with such grimace.

"Okay, that girl's mind is really something else." Ritsu vented. "I mean, we're in a show!"

"That's really disturbing if you put it that way," Mio added.

"I have the worst privilege of apologizing to everyone for such indecent act of the president!" Takatoshi said, clapping his hands to emphasize the apology. "I'm sorry, everyone that you have to see that!"

This time, Shino sucks the heck out of the hotdog like it was a straw. Also, Takatoshi had enough and simply grabbed the shoulders of his partner.

"SHINO! WAKE UP!"

The roar shook Shino's core as her sandwich instantly falls to the ground, which worries the president.

"Huh?! What the hell?!"

"Shino! Just eat the sandwich, for God's sake!" Takatoshi scolds her, shaking her shoulder more to knock her out of her perverted mind. "And now, your sandwich is dirty. Go order one again!"

She groaned in reaction and looks over to the vendor. "One hotdog, please."

"Okay, coming right up!" The vendor happily entertains Shino's request.

Ritsu & Mio

On the other hand, the musicians received their sandwiches and observe the other team, which made them huddle in private.

"Okay, they have to wait for the hotdog to serve. So, this pretty means that we can outlast them." Mio whispered to Ritsu, who nodded in response.

"Yeah! Great idea! Now we can eat the sandwich and let's get out of here quickly!" Ritsu whispers back.

Ray's Photo Lab

Ryuuji & Taiga

The couple then entered the premises where they meet Nagisa on the waiting lounge as Ryuuji made his way to the counter to receive the provided necessities for the challenge.

"Thank you!" He bowed down to the attendant as he left, leaving Nagisa and Taiga in an awkward stance.

"Uhhh… hey… Guess fate really handles it well, huh?" Nagisa broke the ice. "Karma's the one who took the task."

"Really?" Was all Taiga replied.

"Yeah."

"Then good." She replied, moving to the other side, avoiding the glance of the blue-haired boy, who scratches his head in confusion.

"That girl really is a tough nut to crack," Nagisa admitted. "It's like she is the ice queen of some sort or a tiger, like what her boyfriend said. That's really a perfect title for her."

Harbor Freeway - Los Angles, California, USA

Kazuma & Megumin

"There's 20 minutes left," Kazuma said, looking over to the GPS. "Guess that's a guarantee for us."

"I hope our mistakes won't cost us that much!" Megumin exclaimed.

"I hope so too."

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

Because of a simple gaffe, Takatoshi & Shino are behind the musicians, who were on the verge of ending the challenge.

Ritsu & Mio

"One more bite," Mio told Ritsu.

"Wait up, I need to savor this moment. 'Cause, it's delicious!" Ritsu replied.

"There's no time!" Mio then inserts the final part of the sandwich into her mouth.

Ritsu silently swallows the content and proceeds to the final bite, in which she slowly endures chewing the heavy content while Mio finished her meal as she drinks water.

"Come on, Ritsu! Go, go, go!" Mio said, cheering for her partner's success.

"Sometimes, you have to reciprocate the cheers that you received from your buddy. It's a philosophy that needs to implement when crisis persists." Mio said to the camera.

"A crisis? Like I'm almost done eating the sandwich?" Ritsu asked.

"That counts as one."

After a whole minute, Ritsu finished the whole snack as the vendor shows the clue in front of them. Mio took the envelope and opens it to read.

Ritsu & Mio – currently in 4 th  Place

"Roadblock… Who wants the walk in the walk of fame?"

"Then who's going to take it?" Ritsu asked and her eyes lit up, earning an idea from her mind. "Rock, Paper, Scissors?"

Mio knew what was coming ahead and decides to volunteer herself. "I'll take it."

Ritsu snickered. "Not surprising that you took this one."

"It's because I always lose at that game!"

"Don't worry, there will be a time where I'll lose Rock, Paper, Scissors." She comfortably told Mio, patting her back twice.

"But we have to go now, none of that matters right now!" Mio urgently said.

"Right!"

1:31PM –  Los Angeles International Airport

The designated time of arrival came to fruition as the second flight that carries the remaining teams landed on the American runway. When the door was opened, the teams did not have time to waste as they sprinted out of the terminal towards the exit to begin hunting for a marked car.

Rin & Nadeshiko

"Gah! They are leading, we can't even match them!" Nadeshiko said, struggling on keeping her running pace alongside her partner.

"Well, but we're not the last ones though." Rin elucidated. This made Nadeshiko looked back to see a team behind them but the distance between them was enormous.

"How did that happen?"

Sora & Shiro

Both siblings are having difficulty with running around their competition as their pace begins to debilitate.

"And the first thing that we do outside Japan is to have a marathon with them," Sora said between gasps. "Definitely not the best way to welcome us."

"Sora, I can't walk," Shiro told her big brother, who stopped for her. "Can you lift me?"

"Sure…" He then carries Shiro but at a turtle pace.

"In this kind of predicament, I would definitely use my intelligence on how to get out of it. When you are in a foreign land and there's an endless matter of objects, you can instantly think of what can it contribute to our disadvantages." Sora said.

The prodigal boy looks around for any objects that can be useful for their current situation. Then, his eyes struck an empty cart that was left untouched. With this, he slowly sends Shiro to the cart while he steers the handle like he was driving a car.

"Alright! Buckle up, Shiro. We're going for a ride!"

Shiro only nodded in response plus she was holding to the steel sides of the cart as Sora propels the cart to the maximum speed that he can perform. Midway through the ride, he suddenly stopped at an airport authority.

"Excuse me, can I use this cart to the outside?" Shiro asked.

"Can you give the reason why?" The authority answered.

"So, uhhh, my little sister here…" He then motions the authority to see his little sister on the seat, who was clutching her knees. "…she needs immediate help and I'm going to the hospital."

"I can call 911 then…"

"No, no, no. It's not that severe, I'm going to check up on my sister there."

"And how can you send her to the hospital?"

"We have a car in the parking lot, therefore, I need the cart to send over to the car."

With a convincing reason, the authority then nods.

"Okay, just leave the cart on the parking lot and get there as soon as you can." The authority figure sends a wish to them.

"We will. Thank you." Sora greeted the kind man as he continues to navigate the terminal. Out of their radar, he smirked at Shiro, who greeted him with a fist bump.

"You really got him going, big bro." Shiro complimented.

"I just use whatever reason I can bring," Sora replied. "And it's super effective!"

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

Shino & Takatoshi – currently in 5 th  Place

"It's a Roadblock." Takatoshi saw the red-themed note, then glances over to Shino. "Since you've messed up earlier, you'll be the one doing this instead."

"Me?" Shino asked, receiving the envelope from her partner and reads the contents of the task. "Fine then."

Soon as they left, a team emerge from the hotdog cart as they stopped by momentarily and take a deep breath to begin a conversation with the cook.

Kazuma & Megumin

"Hi, we need one hotdog each," Kazuma told the vendor.

"Okay, two hotdog sandwiches coming up!" The vendor exclaimed, begins to cook the hotdog.

"Guess we'll need some energy booster," Megumin said.

"That's our energy booster." Kazuma clarified. "I hope the others are having problems and are facing troubles."

Los Angeles International Airport

Mai & Sakuta

"I can't even differentiate what's our car here," Sakuta said while observing every car in their aisle.

"There has to be a difference-maker somewhere. Mai replied. "And maybe, we overlooked it."

Kaname & Sousuke

Sousuke went commando as he surveys every car, however, he was meticulously inspecting the interiors of every vehicle. With this ridiculous kind of surveillance, Kaname kicked him in the shin, stopping his searching for the meantime.

"Ow! What was that?" Sousuke exclaimed.

"We're looking for a specific car, not a bomb! For God's sake!" Kaname scolds her partner. "You don't even need tools to find it! And why it passed the security?!"

"I have my own ways, Chidori." Sousuke confidently answered.

The more incensed girl pinches the ear of the soldier tightly, pulling him out of the cars.

"Come on, there's nothing in here!" She said while hearing his agonizing screams.

Ryuko & Mako

"Hmmm, what does our car have than the others?" Ryuko asked.

"I don't know," Mako answered brightly.

"Thanks for that honest answer, Mako." Ryuko sarcastically retorted.

"Maybe it's that sticker from the right over that car?" Mako gestured Ryuko to a black car with a yellow and red marker sticker on the side. Ryuko's eyes widened and pull Mako instantly towards the car of interest.

"Mako! This is the car!" Ryuko exclaimed.

"Oh, it is?!" Mako reacted wildly.

Ryuko & Mako – currently in 7 th  Place

Both entered the newly-found car as Ryuko took the driver's seat while Mako instantly presses a button in front, lighting up the GPS.

"Oh, thank you, Mako."

"Aww, man. Where's the radio?! I wanna dance!"

Ryuko chuckled and leans over to the camera. "I'm glad that she's my partner."

Ray's Photo Lab

Souma & Megumi

"Thank you!" Souma greeted the counter as he gathered the items that are importantly required for the task.

"Good luck, Souma!" Megumi greets him back from a distance.

"Thank you too!"

Souma then left the photo center to begin his expedition.

7001 Hollywood Boulevard

Karma

He detects a whole stretch of marked stars and the stars were dull and almost could not see by any eye. With this new knowledge, he begins to scan every star.

"The stars were not that new, not that surprising. But some of them looked unclear and you need to see it for yourself." Karma said. "Plus, we have to find 5 of them! With this kind of condition, this will take us hours to find them all."

"At least my eyes are that clear enough to see the names." He said until he detects the name that was on his list. "Houdini, there's one." He then snaps a shot of the star of the late escape artist.

Karma – 1/5 photos captured

"Next is Howard Hawks… 1708 Vine Street," Karma said. "Now I gotta walk to another street. Thought I would find them all at the same street."

6808 Hollywood Boulevard

Ryuuji

"Ken Minyard & Bob Arthur?" He reads the first item on the hit list. "Does this count as two personalities? If it's not, then they are so clever on finding such names."

He then stumbles upon the aforementioned names where he immediately took a picture of the star. Then checks the photo if it is a clear shot, when he nods, he inserts it into the camera bag.

Ryuuji – 1/5 photos captured

"One down, four to go," Ryuuji said.

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

Kazuma & Megumin – currently in 6 th  Place

"Roadblock. Who wants the walk in the walk of fame?" Kazuma reads the cryptic question. "Then I'll have to take this one since you can't just run around circles, Megumin."

"W-Wait a minute! Running around circles? I can read, you know!" Megumin fought back.

"It doesn't matter, I read the task."

Los Angeles International Airport

Mai & Sakuta – currently in 8 th  Place

"Found it!" Mai exclaimed, beckons Sakuta to enter the driver's seat, in which he complies.

"Okay then… Just checking this device in front." Sakuta said, pressing the big button, functioning the GPS Device. "Oh, it's the GPS. Sweet."

"Then type this address in there. Sure, you'll get it on the first try." Mai said, sends the clue to him.

"By the way, I don't even use a cellphone anymore that's why I don't even know what the GPS can do," Sakuta confessed.

"Oh, it's the exact spot," Sakuta said. "It's really handy."

"Of course, it is. Now drive!" Mai ordered.

"Yes, captain!" He then taunts a ship navigator as they left the place.

Kaname & Sousuke – currently in 9 th  Place

"Found the target in here!" Sousuke announced, opening the vehicle carelessly. "The coast is clear!"

Kaname then easily enters the passenger's seat, groaning at her partner's thoughtless antics.

"Turn on the GPS and type the address then take us there…" She lazily told the soldier, who strictly comply with the order of his teammate.

"Roger!"

6627 Hollywood Boulevard

Mio

"Jimi Hendrix is got to be here somewhere…" She took a stroll within the stretch until she stumbles upon a recognizable name. "It's him!"

She then took a snapshot of the star of the popular musician and clearly saw the perfect shot of the monument.

"Gotcha!"

Mio – 1/5 photos captured

6201 Hollywood Boulevard

Souma

"Guy Fieri… isn't he a chef or something like that?" He thought. "I'll check in here first…"

Souma sauntered through the aisle of stars but found nothing.

"No stars? How's that even possible?" He asked himself. "Maybe I should go to the other side…"

The young chef attempts to walk to the other side but was hindered by a traffic light as he waits patiently for the go signal to lit up.

"Darn, this is a busy street! I should've known that!"

Ray's Photo Lab

Shino

The school president then gathers the list she was given and scans it quietly to her mind.

"I just wanna redeem myself from earlier, I was clouded with such stupid thoughts. I could not help myself being a weird person at times like this." Shino said.

"Why don't you even admit that you're a pervert?" Takatoshi asked.

"I'm not that kind." She replied, teasing her partner. "Please stop!"

"Now it's back again!"

"Who?"

"Go figure out yourself."

"Okay, which street is the nearest? These numbers confuse me." She admitted as she was beginning walking anyway. "And these names too!"

1708 Vine Street

Karma – 2/5 photos captured

"Howard Hawks has been captured." He joked, taking the picture of the said star successfully. "Who's next…"

He checks the second item from the list, looks down to the next personality.

"Barry Fitzgerald… 6252 Hollywood Boulevard or 7001 Hollywood Boulevard?" Karma reads the next whereabouts of the icon. "Wait, there's two? And one of them is on the same block as Houdini?! God damn it! I have to go back then."

He then groaned after seeing the new revelation as he struts through the block.

"I wish I could have read their locations before I left in the first location," Karma said, covering his face in embarrassment.

"Guess you were having fun strolling." Nagisa joked.

"Well, you are right somehow. But I wasted several minutes because of that one mistake."

6201 Hollywood Boulevard

Souma

"There's Guy Fieri!" He then ran to the spotted star and took a clean shot of the monument.

Souma – 1/5 photos captured

"Who's next?" Souma checks the first person in the list and reads the text aloud. "Jane's Addiction? 6436 Hollywood Boulevard… Is it that way or that way?" He became conflicted on where to go next; his instincts decided his next move. "Guess I'll go this way then."

He then moved to the right, hoping he was on the right path.

Los Angeles International Airport

Rin & Nadeshiko

"This feels so different, Rin," Nadeshiko told her camping partner.

"But it feels alright since we don't have to wear jackets and sweaters, it feels light," Rin replied.

"But it's hot, this is a completely different feeling."

Behind them were the shut-in NEETs, who were sneakily following the campers without being seen.

Sora & Shiro

"You have to be careful," Shiro told her big brother.

"I know, besides, this cart's wheel ain't even squeaky, so it's all good," Sora said, observing the wheels of their current transportation device.

"If we can sneak behind them and maybe act out of pity to take the car that they will suppose to have. So, they have to find the final car somewhere." Sora said.

"Plus, the parking lot is a big maze, so they are going to have a difficult time finding their car," Shiro added.

After strolling for many aisles, the campers seemed to find a marked vehicle. But they were stopped by a call from the gamers.

"Hey, guys." Sora greeted the other teams while Shiro, from the cart, just simply waves them.

"Oh, hey, guys. What's up?" Nadeshiko greets back and eyes over Shiro. "And why is she on the cart?"

"I was supposed to tell you that right before you said it. But…" He paused. "We have to take the car, is it alright for you both?"

"Uhhh… We're takin—"

"Sure! Why don't you have it?" Nadeshiko interrupted Rin's answer, much to her dissatisfaction.

"Thanks, guys! We very appreciated that!" Sora smiled.

"I think I saw another car like two blocks from here," Shiro told the campers.

"Oh, thank you!" Nadeshiko exclaimed. "Here, take the car! Good luck!"

"Thanks again!" Sora said as he opens the door to let Shiro in.

Sora & Shiro – currently in 10 th  Place

The whole negotiation did the campers dirty as Rin realizes that they were bribed by the gamers. While Nadeshiko was clueless about the whole ordeal that will seem to possibly haunt Rin for the whole day.

"We got the car and for some reason, Nadeshiko just gave the car to the other team. It's a bad idea but maybe I'll let this slide one out." Rin said. "Already, at the first leg and she's already giving me pressure."

"Come on, Nadeshiko! Let's find the last car." Rin told Nadeshiko, who nodded as they ran out of the gamer's sights, who looked over on the front mirror.

With them gone, Sora's smirk begins to grow and chuckle.

"I don't even need to add an offer for that and someone just fell through." He spoke. "And it feels so great when you caught someone in the bait."

"That's great. But we should go." Shiro told Sora, who arranged himself and drove themselves out of the parking lot, leaving the campers last.

Rin & Nadeshiko

"Now we're two blocks, where's the car?" Rin said.

"Let's find it around here," Nadeshiko replied.

Both girls began hunting for the last marked car throughout the aisle, but they look to no avail. This made Nadeshiko nervous as she looks over at Rin.

"Uh, Rin?"

"Yeah?" Rin answered.

"Did I do something bad?" Nadeshiko nervously asked.

"Well, yeah, you totally gave away the one that was supposed to be ours," Rin answered bluntly.

This answer made Nadeshiko knelt and raised her hands.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"Nadeshiko, there's no time for that. Let's just find it quickly." Rin told Nadeshiko, comforting her immediately.

"Sure, sure," Nadeshiko replied, standing up from the hard concrete.

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

Ryuko & Mako

"HOTDOGS!" Mako shouted from the back, sending Ryuko to almost a heart attack.

"Mako! Don't shout like that!" Ryuko scolds her partner.

"Look over at your front! Hotdogs!"

"I already knew that."

Their car parked in front of the cart where they instantly requested for hotdogs.

"Please more hotdogs to Mako, please?!" Mako requested.

"Mako! We can eat one." Ryuko told her hungry companion.

"But can I take one bite from yours?"

"Do you want to get us penalized?"

"No…"

"So, we have to eat a whole sandwich. No sharing, no excess orders, got it?"

"Okay…" Mako's spirits went down in an instant.

7000 Hollywood Boulevard

Mio – 2/5 photos captured

"Friz Freleng… that's a check!" Mio said, checking the said name after taking a good photo of the star. "So, who's next? Kate Linder… 7021 Hollywood Boulevard… so am I near from here?"

Suddenly, her ears heard a loud sound that caused Mio to kneel and cover her ears in fear.

"Ahhhh! What was that? Make it stop!"

What she didn't know was that there was a parade that is currently occurring at the stretch of Hollywood Boulevard, in which she did not gaze over from behind, which cost her a few minutes.

6310 Hollywood Boulevard

Ryuuji

"Helen Mack, Helen Mack…" He then pauses as he came across the name that was in his mind for a few minutes. "Okay, I got it."

He then took a good two shots to capture the highest quality he can ever do as he inserts the photo in the camera bag.

Ryuuji – 2/5 photos captured

"Now who's next on the list?" He then checks out the second name on his list.

7021 Hollywood Boulevard

Shino

"Dick van Dyke…" She chuckled. "Is his name mean… Wait, no! Stop it! Stop it! Calm yourself down!"

"I have to tone down my thoughts since it almost ruined our momentum, I just have to talk to myself!" Shino said.

She then found the name of interest and took a picture of the memorial star.

Shino – 1/5 photos captured

"I got Dick! HAHAHAHA!" She then bursts out with laughter. "Wait, wait, wait! You have to calm down, please?!"

6666 Hollywood Boulevard

Kazuma

"I'm in 6666, which feels bad in my book. Just because they added another 6 doesn't mean it's bad." He spoke. "Why would I go in here? Just to find Crosby, Stills & Nash."

With the mention of the trio, he then coincidentally stumbled upon their star.

"Oh, right in front of me, of course." He chuckled to himself then took a snapshot of their memorial.

Kazuma – 1/5 photos captured

"Does this count as three?" He paused to think until he decided. "I think so, so I'll just find two more, I guess."

Los Angeles International Airport

Rin & Nadeshiko – currently in Last Place

"Finally, we've been out there for like 30 minutes?" Nadeshiko said. "I thought we would be leaving earlier, guess my mistake costed us."

"Don't worry, we're still racing. Anything can happen." Rin said, reassures her camping partner. "On the other hand, it feels so weird to drive a car."

"I have driven with my scooter back in Japan, for all my camping expedition. For the record, I have ridden 450 kilometers to the camping location, which is a big achievement for me." Rin said, brags about her record in her confessional.

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

Ryuko & Mako

"Are you almost done?" Mako asked Ryuko, who is still chewing over her sandwich.

"Yeah. What about you—"

Ryuko's eyes widened when Mako just finished the sandwich in just a few minutes.

"Hey, more teams are coming in here!"

"Hmm?" Ryuko then looks behind to see two more cars going straight ahead towards the cart. "Oh, shoot!"

With this update, she immediately sends the whole sandwich over her mouth, making Mako gasping at her partner's method of eating.

"Go, Ryuko! Go-go-go-go!"

Ryuko chews a few times before she sends a volume of water to her mouth, making her jaw open to see that it was empty. The vendor was impressed by the pace that Ryuko went through and because of this, he presented the clue to the duo, in which, Ryuko grabs the clue to read the contents.

Ryuko & Mako – currently in 7 th  Place

"Roadblock…" Ryuko reads the question. "I'll do it."

"Go, Ryuko!" Mako already cheers for her best friend.

While the other teams arrived at the cart, where they also requested for sandwiches for themselves.

Kaname & Sousuke

"Two hotdogs please!" Kaname said to the vendor.

Mai & Sakuta

"We're having the same order as them," Mai told the vendor as well.

"Hotdog sandwiches, coming up! Wait for 5 minutes!" The vendor announced.

7001 Hollywood Boulevard

Karma – 3/5 photos captured

"I should have known!" He said. "Harry and Barry are a few stars with each other! How did I even mess that up?!"

He then checks the third personality from the list.

"Dennis Quaid… 7018 Hollywood Boulevard…" He reads the next name on his list. "Ooh, so it has to be near from my position? Sweet."

6436 Hollywood Boulevard

Souma – 2/5 photos captured

"Jane's Addiction is out…" The chef checked out the said icon on his list then looks down to his next personality. "Rick Nelson? 1515 Vine Street… Darn, that's another street! More walking to do then!"

He then begins running and crosses another sidewalk ease, proceeding to the other popular street.

Ray's Photo Lab

Ryuko & Mako

The duo spotted the other teams, who were by standing at the lounge, looking at them in astonishment.

"We saw the other teams from the other flight," Ryuko said. "Looks like we might have the chance to bring up ourselves to the top!"

"They're here already? I thought their flight was longer than I expected." Megumi said.

"Guess this challenge is longer than I thought it would be," Nagisa added.

"They have to pick up their pace or else, it will be a roundabout of switching placements will occur soon." Ritsu also spoke.

Ryuko picks up every piece of equipment that is needed and she instantly exited the store to begin the task.

"Go, Ryuko, go!" Mako cheered from the inside and it was heard from Ryuko, who smiled at her before leaving for real.

6777 Hollywood Boulevard

Shino – 2/5 photos captured

The teenager took a clean photo and sends it to her camera pouch.

"At least, it was stone but it's hard though." She chuckled. "Okay, you gotta stop!"

"I don't know if this is name is making me laugh or are they trying to let out my other personality show on purpose," Shino questions the task.

7018 Hollywood Boulevard

Karma

"Dennis Quaid is here… gotcha…" He then took a perfect angle to capture the star of the actor.

Karma – 4/5 photos captured

"One more to go…" He excludes the actor on the list and proceeds to his final target. "Tony Orlando, 6385 Hollywood Boulevard… I have to go back then… It's the last one but you got to outrun them!"

Because of this, his pace of running grows out of urgency, his sweat shows up around his neck.

7021 Hollywood Boulevard

Mio

Amid the lone adventure, Mio saw Karma at a distance, running towards her.

"That's a racer, right?" She asked unsurely until the delinquent greets him.

"Hey there." He said without taking a stop.

"Are you done?"

"No! But I'm almost there! Good luck though!" He exclaimed, almost out of Mio's sight.

"Okay, at least I know there's some of them walking around somewhere."

She then focuses on her initial move, which was to take capture of another personality on her list as she presses the button to capture the star.

Mio – 3/5 photos captured

"Two more to go, this should be finished in 10 minutes. I hope." She sighed, taking a deep breath before continuing the challenge.

6926 Hollywood Boulevard

Ryuuji – 3/5 photos captured

"Nice! I got you now, Mr. Eugene Ormandy!" Ryuuji said as he took the star of the late conductor, putting the recent photo into his bag. "There are two more! I have to pick up the pace!"

Ryuuji begins to improve his running speed as he ran through a pedestrian lane right before it could go in a stop signal.

"That was close!" He smirked in reaction.

7003 Hollywood Boulevard

Kazuma

"Here's the two that I needed," Kazuma said as he took a picture of the duo's memorial star. "Thank you so much!"

Kazuma – 2/5 photos captured

"Alright, I'm gonna go back! I think I'm going out there first! Yes!"

The sudden surge of enthusiasm made Kazuma ran at a hasty pace, roaring with happy cheers to himself.

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

Mai & Sakuta

Mai was quietly chowing down her sandwich as she looks over to Sakuta, who looks at him with a weird look.

"What are you thinking right now?" Mai asked him unimpressed. "Don't make me mad."

"I was just looking at you on how you eat the hotdog," Sakuta answered.

"Uhhh, it doesn't matter if you hold it with your hand or you can use it with a fork if you're sophisticated."

"The latter's disgusting."

"Sakuta!" Mai exclaimed, annoyed by his twisted mind. "I know what you're thinking! I'll just lose my appetite if I kept hearing your nonsense!"

Kaname & Sousuke

"This is delicious!" Kaname exclaimed, relishing the delicacy. "How is it for you, Sousuke?"

"It's fine." Sousuke calmly replied as he took the last bite inside of his mouth.

"You sure are a fast eater."

"Besides, we're in a race. So, I am trying to be a racer, like what you said before."

This made Kaname happy and with this, her sandwich was fully digested inside of her, finishing the meal in an instant. The vendor then presents the clue to the duo.

Kaname & Sousuke – currently in 8 th  Place

"Who wants the walk in the walk of fame?" Kaname reads the cryptic question. "Maybe I'll handle this one."

"But—"

"Don't worry about me, I know I can do it though." She reassures her partner in her soft voice.

"Okay, I understand." He nodded in hesitation.

Then, the other team also finished their eating session as they receive their pamphlet from the vendor.

Mai & Sakuta – currently in 9 th  Place

"I have to do it." Sakuta volunteers himself to perform the Roadblock.

"Why?" Mai asked his intentions.

"You said that we need to improve our relationship, right?"

"Right."

"And that's the reason I'm volunteering."

"Fair enough." She sighed, somehow disappointed. "I wish I can walk through the Walk of Fame, but I guess there will be next time."

"If we win the prize, then sure, we can go back in here."

Mai giggled in response. "Okay, that's enough. We can go now."

6752 Hollywood Boulevard

Ryuko

"America, America, America…" Ryuko took a few steps more and found the first star on her list. "There's America."

She took a good look at the star and captures it in great quality. She looked impressed.

Ryuko – 1/5 photos captured

"Maybe I can take pictures all day."

Ray's Photo Lab

Kazuma

The adventurer arrived in the photo store, much to the shock of everyone.

"He's done?" Taiga asked.

"He did?" Megumin also asked, stupefied at the current situation.

Kazuma submits the pictures that he captured to the counter. After a quick inspection, to the surprise of Kazuma himself, the counter gave him a verdict.

"You need three more."

"Wait, what?" He asked, scratching his head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I need three more pictures."

"Wait…" He paused and realized something was off as he opened the brown envelope, which contained the list. Although his suspicion is still high, he looked over to his list and what he did not notice all this time was, the list only displayed half of its content, much to the embarrassment of Kazuma, who covered his face in shame.

"Once again, I made a mistake," Kazuma said. "I'm pretty much hyped up when I finished capturing 'five' names."

"Did you get it, Kazuma?" Megumin asked from a distance.

"No, I did not."

Megumin groaned in response while the others sighed in relief.

"Come on, Kazuma! Fix it!"

"I will!"

He then returns to the outside to resume his photographic adventure.

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

Sora & Shiro

"It feels different when I finally drove a real car from just a steering wheel back home," Sora said. "I hope we'll have to use that later."

"Really hope so." Shiro agreed.

"Two hotdogs, please?"

"Two hotdogs coming right up!"

6385 Hollywood Boulevard

Karma

"I'm finally here…" He said after looking through a wall that indicates that he was in the right place. "Now, where is the last one?"

"When I get there, all I have to think about is that I'm already on the verge of finishing the task." He spoke.

After carefully checking every star, he finally found the final star that will complete his star-studded hunt as he took the last star with his camera.

Karma – 5/5 photos captured

After checking the quality of the photo, he confidently inserts the photo into his camera bag.

"Finally! I'm sweating like hell! But this is good, all I need is a better physique anyways." He said, removing any visible sweats from his face and took off.

6333 Hollywood Boulevard

Ryuuji – 4/5 photos captured

"There's Bud Abbott…" He sighed and took a deep breath as he snaps the star of one-half of the well-known comedic duo. "There you go… One more to go and I'll break free from this heat!"

6644 Hollywood Boulevard

"John Coo-sack?" Mio butchered the name of the artist that was part of her list. "I may have read it wrong but it's here somewhere."

The aisle that she scanned sends her to the actor's star as she instantly snapshots the ground monument.

Mio – 4/5 photos captured

"I think there's one more name to find," Mio said.

"If we end up somewhere at the top, I would be the happiest girl today," Mio said. "All that effort just really challenged me to the limit, albeit being only at the first leg."

Ray's Photo Lab

Kaname

"Alright, I got what I needed." She said, checking glances between the counter and her hands. "It's all in here."

"Hoping that you have a safe scavenger hunt!" Sousuke said in a distance.

"I know! It's gonna be easy!"

She exited the shop safely and prepares her expedition around the notable streets of Hollywood. However, from behind, she stopped to hear a call from someone.

Sakuta

"Hey there!" He called out the blue-haired girl. "Wanna work together?"

"I would love to!" Kaname replied, however, when she looks over to the window of the shop, she notices Sakuta's girlfriend, scowling at her. "On second thought, I can do it on my own."

"Wait, what? Why?"

"See ya!"

She instantly ran away from Sakuta, causing more confusion from the latter as he went on his own as well.

"That was weird, I knew she accepted the offer but she changed her mind all of a sudden. Am I really look that bad?" Sakuta asked.

"If that guy can turn around and saw his girlfriend from the window, he will probably know why I instantly decline the invitation," Kaname added. "I have to respect their relationship though."

From the shop, Mai saw no sight of them anymore as she sat back down from the chair and glances at Sousuke, who is nonchalantly in a trance.

"Excuse me?"

Sousuke instinctively shook himself, as the one who called him, recoiled the most from the pair.

"Oh, uhhh, how may I help you?"

"Did you see your girl talking to Sakuta?" She asked.

"You mean Chidori?"

"Yeah."

"Not at all, I'm sorry."

Mai was unconvinced and looks at the calm soldier, who observes her movement. At any time, she went further in front, he will instinctively do something bad to the girl, but he kept it thankfully.

"Are you sure about that?" Mai asked one more time.

"No."

"Do you even have feelings for that girl? Is he your girlfriend?" She pressures the soldier one more time.

"Girlfriend?" Was all he can respond, thinking about the definition of the word, but he could not seem to fathom the term. His answer was only silence, much to the chagrin of the actress.

"Maybe I'll take that the soldier-looking guy is that girl's beau because he's so speechless about it." Mai expresses her thoughts about Sousuke.

"Girlfriend?" He paused, clueless over how to describe their current relationship. "I have no understanding over to that word."

1515 Vine Street

Souma – 3/5 photos captured

"Finally! I think I walk for about 10 minutes for this one." Souma said, wiping off the sweat from his forehead. "But I have to keep going!"

"Those sweats are the signs of never giving up and that's one element that is needed to be a better chef," Souma confessed. "And at this task, those sweats will surely test my backbone, for sure. And it will never stop showing."

6378 Hollywood Boulevard

Shino

"George Cuk—HAHAHAHA! Why does it sound like—HAHAHAHA!" She begins to cackle unexpectedly, scaring off some people from the sidewalk. "Please stop giving me such ridiculous names, please?!"

"This is intentional, isn't it?" Shino asked.

She then soothes herself after finding the third name that made the school president chuckle violently.

Shino – 3/5 photos captured

"Please no more ridiculous names!" She hoped, revealing the fourth name from her list. "Finally! Not a funny name… but it's on Vine Street! That's so far!"

6901 Hollywood Boulevard

Kazuma – 3/5 photos captured

"Another two names-in-one star?" He said, irritated by his list so far. "This is so annoying!"

6438 Hollywood Boulevard

Ryuko

"Chicago-Chicago-Chicago-Chicago!" She stopped over to a star that matched her needs. "Gotcha!"

She then took a picture of the star of the popular rock band.

Ryuko – 2/5 photos captured

"So far, so good." She chuckled.

Ray's Photo Lab

Karma

The red-haired delinquent entered with a weary look, surprising everyone inside, specifically Nagisa. The boy submits the photos to the counter for verification.

"There's five of them." He told the attendant. "I checked it already, just to make sure."

After what seems a suspenseful minute, the counter pulled out a clue from behind, sending Karma to a joyful sigh.

Karma & Nagisa – currently in 1 st  Place

"Yes!" Nagisa exclaimed happily as he made his way to his exhausted buddy as he opens the clue on his behalf. "Make your way to the Pit Stop!"

"After finishing all the necessary tasks, teams can now proceed to Griffith Observatory and they must find me here at the Astronomers Monument. This observatory built in 1935 is the first Pit Stop of this race. The first team to check-in will receive a surprise reward, while the last team, will be eliminated." Phil narrated their last destination.

"Find a taxi and find Phil at the Astronomers Monument at the Griffith Observatory… The first team to arrive will receive a surprise!" Nagisa exclaimed. "Okay, we gotta go now!"

"I agree!"

With that, they instantly found a cab as they entered quickly.

"Griffith Observatory, Astronomers Monument!" Nagisa told their destination to the driver, who gave a thumbs up.

"Finally, I can rest!" Karma said. "It took me like almost two hours or more."

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

Sora & Shiro – currently in 10 th  Place

"Thanks!" Sora greeted the vendor as he receives the clue. "Roadblock…"

After opening the red brochure, they stumble at the cryptic question, and fear sets in for Sora. This made Shiro asked in concern.

"Brother, what's wrong?"

"Look…" He then presents the clue to Shiro, who went silent over reading the question.

"Now this is where the real challenge starts," Sora said. "I read the question and our mind's going downward spiral."

"But there's one team left behind us," Sora said. "We gotta think now!"

"Should we?"

Shiro's eyes went agape after hearing that, she knows what exactly over in his mind.

"Are you sure about this?"

Sora sighed. "I don't know but I think this is for the best."

Chapter Text

Leg 1-3: Time is Precious – Phil Keoghan

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

Sora & Shiro – currently in 10 th  Place

"Are you sure you want to do it instead of me?" Sora asked his little sister one more time.

"Yeah, it's a risky move, but we have to bet our chances at the million dollars or else, we're out first." Shiro reasoned.

"Alright, if you say so." Sora shrugged and relented.

6714 Hollywood Boulevard

Kaname – 1/5 photos captured

"Aha! There you are…" She looked first at her list to make sure she said the name right. "…Bob Barker!"

She then snaps a shot of the floor monument and clearly sees the high quality of the photo, proceeds to her next target.

"This looks like far ahead, but oh well…" She shrugged afterward.

6259 Hollywood Boulevard

Sakuta

"Seth… Mac-Far-Lane?" Sakuta reads the name carefully. "I'm sure his name is right…"

He then finds the aforementioned icon in front of him as he took a snapshot of the monument.

Sakuta – 1/5 photos captured

"Okay… I got it… But wait…" He then squints his eyes, further investigating his list. "Wait a minute, there's another 6259 here… and here! So, I have three in the same aisle?"

"I was a bit lucky there, who would think I would find 3 stars at the same alley?" Sakuta said.

"Barry Nelson…" He shots the said personality's star.

Sakuta – 2/5 photos captured

"Next is Mark Wahlberg…" The nonchalant teenager took the third on his list with ease. "All of them are in HD."

Sakuta – 3/5 photos captured

Griffith Observatory – W Observatory Road

Nagisa & Karma

"Griffith Observatory." The driver announces that the vehicle has arrived at the destination.

"Aren't we allowed to go through?" Nagisa asked.

"No can do. Sorry."

"Okay, okay," Karma said, both men leaving the taxi as they picked up their bags from the trunk.

After everything was there from their grasp, they proceeded and make a home run towards the gate, already eyeing at the mat, Phil, and the greeter. The duo finally stomped the mat to meet with the other duo in front of them.

"Good day! Welcome to Los Angeles!" The greeter said to the first team.

"Thank you so much!" Nagisa replied with a bow, hands are clasped tightly.

"Nagisa and Karma… you're team number ONE!" Phil announced.

Nagisa & Karma – 1 st  Place; arrived at 4:09pm

"Ooh, hell yeah!" Karma exclaimed, sharing fists with Nagisa. "Ace it like it's classes again!"

"As the winners of this leg of the race…" Phil paused, picks up something from the back, and reveals multiple envelopes. "…you will have to choose either: Salvage Pass or 3 Express Passes."

Both of them cooed simultaneously after hearing the reward that they earned.

"But what's that?" Nagisa curiously asked, pointing out to the lonely envelope on his right, which was the Salvage Pass.

"A Salvage Pass is where the first team that won the leg will have to choose one of the two options – First, a 1-hour headstart at the start of the next leg. Or second, save the last team to arrive here at the Pit Stop." Phil stated its usage.

"Oh, wow, interesting…" Karma reacted calmly, clearly enticed by the Salvage Pass. Then, he motions to the three envelopes on the other side. "What about that?"

"The Express Pass is where you have to skip a task of your choosing. It may be a Roadblock, Detour, or any Active Route Info challenges that you think will be struggling and you must use it before Leg 7. While the second Express Pass will be given to another team that you think deserves to possess this. Lastly, the final Express Pass will be given to a random team at your discretion, by deciding on which challenge should the pass be involved for at a future leg. Both second and third passes shall be decided before Leg 5." Phil explained the other's side use.

The boys went silent after Phil's showing off their possible prizes.

"So, any decisions?"

"Can we talk about it first?" Nagisa asked.

"Yes, I can give you some time. After the sixth team has checked in, I will have to call you both for your decision." Phil noted them, in which they both nodded.

"Alright! Thanks!"

Both men took a stride to find a private place to plan out.

"Okay, but this might be the hardest decision that we have ever faced, so far in this race. Or rather, our lives!" Nagisa exclaimed.

"Yeah, but all of them involve decision-making," Karma added. "This should take a while for us to decide on what to choose."

6764 Hollywood Boulevard

Souma – 4/5 photos captured

The first seat chef took a picture of the star of a personality named Burt Ward.

"There is one more!" He exclaimed after seeing the clear picture of the monument. "Let's do this!"

7060 Hollywood Boulevard

Ryuko

"Alabama!" She shouted and captures the monument of the band's star. "Geez, what's up with this one-named star that I have been taken?"

Ryuko – 3/5 photos captured

She then reads the next target on her list.

"Fabian." She sighed. "Another one… Wait, 7065? That means I'm near, right?"

The fierce-looking teenager walk for at least a quarter of a mile to sight the next monument of interest and caught the monument with her camera.

Ryuko – 4/5 photos captured

"What's next?" She scans her paper and stops by the last personality, in which she instantly bursts into laughter. "Mako has a star? Who could've thought!"

"I swear, someone back there is ribbing me for real! They're so clever on picking these stars!" She said to the camera.

6600 Hollywood Boulevard

Kazuma – 4/5 photos captured

"Honestly, are they trying to insult my intelligence?" Kazuma asked, annoyed by the fact that he caught 4 straight multi-person monuments. "I wish I let Megumin do this. But at least, I have to find one more…"

6834 Hollywood Boulevard

Ryuuji

"Winnie the Pooh…" The delinquent-looking teen photographs his final icon on his list. "Now time to check in here first..." He firstly checks to see if he got it all right by looking from the list to his photos, back and forth. "Nice! I got it all!"

Ryuuji – 5/5 photos captured

"Now where's the photo shop again?"

7021 Hollywood Boulevard

Mio

"David Bowie? I heard of that name before…" She thought and quickly finds its star beside her. "Here it is."

She focuses on the star and clicks the button to shot the star in decent quality.

Mio – 5/5 photos captured

"Finally! I have them all." She counted the photos first before running off. "Now where did I take a turn again?"

Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Walk of Fame

Rin & Nadeshiko – currently in Last Place

"Roadblock…" Rin reads the question silently and raises her hand. "I'll do it!"

"Okay then, let's be quick there!" Nadeshiko said.

"I think the other teams might still be out there, we're hoping for that to happen," Rin said.

Ray's Photo Lab

Shiro

"Camera, a list, the bag…" Shiro said, checking if anything was missing from the table. "It's light, so I have no worries about carrying it. But running around the streets would be the bigger challenge here."

As she went outside, she watches a racer making its way back to the photo center, in which she senses the gravity of her current placement.

"Now I have to start to do some walking…" She spoke.

When she tries to gain speed, she was clueless and did not see the upcoming person in front of her, which she was too late to see, causing her to fell on her hips.

"Owww…"

"Sorry! Coming through!" The racer told the youngster.

Shiro stood back up and resumes walking. Meanwhile, the other racer that was involved, began feeling the signs of anxiety after the accident collision.

"Ah! I didn't even see her! She was so small to see from the distance!" Mio vented. "But I think she heard me saying sorry, I hope she won't take it personally."

"I think I should keep an eye on that girl, she seems an intelligent person. Maybe we can conduct an alliance from them sooner." Shiro said. "If we're still in the race…"

Ryuuji

"Hi!" He greeted the counter with heavy sighs in between. "Here are the photos!"

He shared the photos with the attendant, who gave him the clue in an instant.

"YES!" Taiga jumped in celebration and made her way to her weary teammate.

Ryuuji & Taiga – currently in 2 nd  Place

"Make your way to the Pit Stop – Griffith Observatory!" Ryuuji reads the clue.

"What are we waiting for?! Let's go!" Taiga commanded, much to Ryuuji's fatigue, in which he follows her anyway.

Followed by Ryuuji, Mio came next. Ritsu begins to stand as she waits for the go signal. The counter, who picks up every photo of Mio, sends her a thumbs up and the envelope.

"Thank you!" Mio exclaimed.

Ritsu & Mio – currently in 3 rd  Place

Ritsu rips the clue open, on Mio's behalf, who was drinking water.

"Make your way to the Pit Stop! Yes, it's here! Let's go!"

The girls then exited the photo center, leaving with few teams left inside.

1500 Vine Street

Shino – 4/5 photos captured

"Oh, I'm here now…" Shino said, with a sense of weariness in her voice, took a picture of the icon's star. "Thank goodness… One more and it's on…"

She carefully scans the list and found out that the final star was located nearby at her current position.

"1724 Vine Street… Not that far… Let's find the last one!"

She resumed her expedition for the final personality on her list.

6100 Hollywood Boulevard

Kaname – 2/5 photos captured

"That's Lucille Ball…" She proceeds to take a photograph of the star monument of the late personality. "That's number two!"

She inspects the list again to determine the nearest star on her list.

"6440 Hollywood Boulevard… that's the nearest one, I guess…"

"So, since we're like in the middle of the pack. I have decided to find the nearest location of the star on my list." Kaname revealed her strategy. "Because that heat is really kicking me badly in the back!"

"Okay! Let's try that one first!" She said and ran away from the star that took a minute ago.

Griffith Observatory – Astronomers Monument

"Ryuuji and Taiga, you're team number two!" Phil announced.

Ryuuji & Taiga – 2 nd  Place; arrived at 4:53pm

"Yeah!" Taiga exclaimed, joyously celebrates alone.

"Nice…" Ryuuji added.

"No hug or a kiss?" Phil asked.

"Nope." Taiga replied optimistically."

"Even a fist bump between you two?"

"Maybe next time," Taiga replied instantly.

"I hope that's gonna happen."

"I think I know what she's thinking about," Ryuuji smirked, gaining a grunt from Taiga.

"Please don't say it to him!"

"Oh, I won't!" Ryuuji replied with no hesitation. "I'm just tired is all."

A few minutes after the couple, the bandmates soon emerge on the Pit Stop with both feet on the mat.

"Ritsu and Mio, you are team number three!"

Both gasped concurrently and Ritsu broke the sync to shout with enthusiasm, while Mio stood and frozen at her position until she screamed.

"YES! YES! YES!"

Ritsu & Mio – 3 rd  Place; arrived at 4:59pm

Phil reacted with a chuckle.

"How did this all happen? You both seem genuinely surprised at your current placement." Phil asked them.

"I don't know and seems some things occurred today. First, we were last at the tower and we found out that we're on the first flight. Then, we passed a team after an odd interaction. I thought we were like fifth or sixth, something like that." Mio explained their whole adventure in a few sentences. "And we're here, sitting at third? I could've never been happier!"

"Looks like our luck is on our side right now!" Ritsu said, nudging Mio, who nodded in response.

"We're not even the strongest if you put it that way," Mio added.

"Now get some rest and I'll see you at the next leg. Congratulations." Phil greeted them.

"Thank you!" Both girls greeted back in response.

Ray's Photo Lab

Rin

She observes the whole competition and realizes that their team is in jeopardy, prone to being eliminated, she picks up every piece of equipment needed for the task.

"Ahhh! Everyone is here now!" Rin exclaimed, hastily runs off the establishment to get things started.

"I have never felt of being in trouble for the longest time. So, I have to make a move quickly!" She stated in her confessional.

"Now where is Vine Street?"

6752 Hollywood Boulevard

Sakuta

"Rush?" He read the name quietly. "It has to be here somewhere."

He strides through the aisle of stars until he found the name of the personality as he took a shot of the monument of the band.

Sakuta – 4/5 photos captured

"One more!" He exclaimed and left the star momentarily. "Never thought I would be out of here quickly."

7095 Hollywood Boulevard

Ryuko

She took a photo of her buddy's namesake star monument, chuckles afterward.

Ryuko – 5/5 photos captured

"Saving the best for last, I guess what they're trying to do here…" She spoke. "You know what? I'll take one another, just to see her reaction."

6340 Hollywood Boulevard

Souma

"William Collier… there he is!" He spotted the aforementioned name's star and snaps a nice picture out of his camera.

Souma – 5/5 photos captured

The chef checks first the quality of his shot and smiled. "Finally! I got 'em all! Gotta go!"

6440 Hollywood Boulevard

Kaname – 3/5 photos captured

She snapped a smooth quality of the third star and inserts it into the camera pouch.

"Number three… now where's number four?"

She flicks through her list to check the next star and its location.

"6515 Hollywood Boulevard… Maurice Costello… that's straight ahead! Yes!"

She then runs away from the stars to hunt for the next batch of it.

6320 Hollywood Boulevard

Rin

"Steve Irwin… isn't that the guy who hunts animals?" She asked herself. "Anyway, it needs to be captured."

The adventurer proceeds to take a shot of the star and checks the quality of the said photo.

Rin – 1/5 photos captured

"Okay… now on to…" She skimmed through the list and find the next star's location. "7060 Hollywood Boulevard… is that even here? Or is it far from here?"

She scrammed immediately to her right to continue the task.

Ray's Photo Lab

Ryuko

The girl warrior entered the premises of the shop where Mako instantly jumps off to her seat when she sights her best friend.

"RYUKO!"

"Here you go, that what you needed, right?" Ryuko submits her photos, sans the excess photograph, to the examiner at the counter.

After a short time of viewing, she gives the girl a thumbs up and the yellow envelope.

Ryuko & Mako – currently in 4 th  Place

"YES!" Mako shrieks in excitement and runs to Ryuko, who surprises her with an embrace.

"Mako! Let go off me!" Ryuko scolds her but would not budge.

1724 Vine Street

Shino – 5/5 photos captured

"Last photo… got it!" She huffed under her breath, putting the last photo in her pouch. "Now how do I get back?"

She entered a convenience store to ask for directions to the photo center.

"Excuse me." Shino began. "Do you know where is Ray's Photo Lab?"

"Yeah, you want a printed map?" The cashier answered.

"Sure! That would help!"

The cashier proceeds to print the content within the vicinity of their location and gives the paper to Shino.

"Thank you!" She said as she leaves the store.

7021 Hollywood Boulevard

Kazuma

"The Simpsons… I found you!" He cried, instantly grabs his camera to capture the last star on his list. "That's it! I'm done!"

Kazuma – 5/5 photos captured

"Now where's the photo lab again?" He scratched his head, clueless at locating the streets that he once crossed. "I'll just run straight, I guess."

6515 Hollywood Boulevard

Kaname – 4/5 photos captured

She puts the recently caught photo in her bag, eyeing forward to her last target.

"Number five, where are you?!"

Ray's Photo Lab

After presenting the photos to the counter, the attendant herself showed the clue to Souma, who was delighted after receiving the good news, so is Megumi, who picks up the bags and proceeds to her partner.

Souma & Megumi – currently in 5 th  Place

Both competitors entered the taxi that they picked up as Souma laid his back against his seat.

"Whoo! That was definitely a hot competition!" Souma sighed.

6363 Hollywood Boulevard

Sakuta – 5/5 photos captured

"Okay, it's all done," Sakuta said after sending the last picture to his camera bag. "Now Mai will definitely be proud of me!"

He begins to sprint in a straight direction and screamed.

"MAI, I'M COMING FOR YOU!"

"Feels so good shouting a name that you always love after finishing a complicated challenge," Sakuta confessed.

6533 Hollywood Boulevard

Shiro – 1/5 photos captured

"Morton Gould." She took a good-looking shot of the star and takes a good look at her first photograph.

"I started to feel weak when I take the picture of the star," Shiro admitted. "The intensity of the heat did not help me on carrying on, the sweat was exceedingly scattered everywhere."

She breathed slowly and sluggishly walks to the nearest building, which contained a shed that protects her from the heat.

"Stalling time to rest makes it harder for me to go." She huffed.

Griffith Observatory – Astronomers Monument

"Mako and Ryuko… you are team number four!" Phil announced.

Mako & Ryuko – 4 th  Place; arrived at 5:32pm

"Yay!" Mako celebrated with joy, jumping around Ryuko, who confidently smirked over to Phil.

"What's with the smile over your face?" Phil asked Ryuko.

"I have said before that we need to make up some time since we left as the second flight and I was definitely right!" Ryuko answered proudly, then turns her attention to Mako. "Hey, Mako! I have something for you."

Mako suddenly froze in her position after hearing her name. "Huh? What is it?!"

She shared the photo that she took earlier from the Walk of Fame to Mako, who receives it instantly. When the latter looks at the photo, her eyes and mouth are widely opened.

"Wow! I got a star named after me?!"

"Well, yeah," Ryuko replied. "I was hoping to find one for myself, but I guess I wasn't there. Plus, take that as a souvenir."

After hearing the comment, she instantly launches herself to give Ryuko a tighter hug.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much, Ryuko!"

"Okay, okay. That's enough, Mako."

After several minutes, another team showed up to the mat to greet Phil and the local.

"Souma and Megumi… you are team number five!" Phil declared.

Souma & Megumi – 5 th  Place; arrived at 5:39pm

"Yes!" Megumi shared fives with Souma, who sighed in relief after hearing the announcement.

"Not bad," Souma said.

"In your own perspective, what are your expectations for this race?" Phil asked.

"Well, more tough challenges like what I did earlier," Souma answered first.

"And more food-related challenges!" Megumi added, her tone slightly went high from her usual voice.

"And that…"

Phil only nodded in response.

7060 Hollywood Boulevard

Rin – 2/5 photos captured

"This is really, really hard…" She said after putting the image on her pouch. "But I hope someone is doing the wrong thing or maybe in trouble…"

6764 Hollywood Boulevard

Kaname – 5/5 photos captured

"Bingo! Number five is out!" She exclaimed, counting all her photos to see if there is any error but she did not find anything odd on them. "Okay, now I have to go back."

"You see, I was raised here in America and I just find it hard when I have an interest… background in here, in which I do not want to disclose it," Kaname said. "It feels so surreal to be back in a place where you used to call it home…"

When she recalls her past in America, her tears showed up, and quickly wipes it off as she makes the final step on the Roadblock task.

6533 Hollywood Boulevard

Kazuma

While he is still acquiring the precise location of the shop, he stumbles upon Shiro, who was seeing him in return.

"Are you alright?" Kazuma asked her, making his way to the shed.

"Yeah, I'm alright." Shiro simply answered.

"You know, I feel bad for her, she looks like a kid who never leaves at her computer. I can only assume that her and his brother are a shut-in, so they definitely have the biggest handicap here." Kazuma said. "I think I can help them…"

He attempts to assist Shiro in standing, however, he notices that people were looking at him suspiciously like he was doing something bad over the prodigy child.

"Then those looks really bothered me." Kazuma continued.

"Uh…" He then releases Shiro and sends her back to the seat in the shed. "Maybe you should take a rest more, okay? Bye!"

He then runs away from Shiro and sighed only as a response.

Griffith Observatory – Astronomers Monument

"Shino and Takatoshi… you are team number six!"

Shino & Takatoshi – 6 th  Place; arrived at 6:06pm

Shino sighed in relief while Takatoshi pats the former's shoulder, in which she responds instinctively in a sultry tone.

"But I was just patting your shoulder! Are you even sensitive?" Takatoshi asked Shino to no avail.

After the team of student councils left off the mat, the host called out both Nagisa and Karma, who instantly received their call and made their way to the mat.

Nagisa & Karma

"Hi!" Nagisa greeted Phil. "We've finally decided on what we picked."

"Take it away," Phil replied, exposing the prizes on both hands.

"So, both of them are life-changing and mostly is a decisive one. And with that, we can choose one of them." Karma spoke. "The prize that we will take is…"

He paused.

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"We choose the Salvage Pass." He answered.

"So, why did you guys choose this?" Phil asked, raising the sole pamphlet.

"Three is a great number, but our decision-making there would surely be limited since the race is progressing as it is and we are also focusing on making strategies." Karma continued. "I think the safest bet is that we can only decide once than more than three times."

"Besides, we're still not sure on who's the strongest team right now," Nagisa added. "And I think the others will assume that we're the current team to beat."

"Okay, a very wise decision on your side," Phil said, sends the Salvage Pass to them, which was received by Karma. "Since you've chosen Salvage Pass, you already know what this means…"

Both boys nodded in understanding.

"I'll call you back one more time when the last team has arrived. And on-the-spot, you will decide if you will gain a head start at the next leg or you will save the last team."

"Noted," Nagisa said, comprehending the whole instruction under his senses.

6764 Hollywood Boulevard

Rin – 3/5 photos captured

"Rick Baker." She casually took a shot of the monument of the said personality and inserts it into her pouch. "Two more."

6533 Hollywood Boulevard

Shiro

The prodigal kid notice that the sun is almost out of sight, she went up and resume her task. But behind her, was another competitor, who couldn't resist but to ask her.

"When I saw the girl standing up, I knew she would be in trouble," Sakuta said. "So, I have to give her an assist somehow."

Sakuta

"Uh, hey there." He poked the shoulders of Shiro, who looked back at him. "Wanna give you a hand?"

Shiro nodded in response as she extends her arms to ensure that this was a deal in the making. Sakuta instantly shook hands with her. With the agreement commencing, some people were looking at them suspiciously, like what happened earlier to Kazuma. However, this time was different, Sakuta decides to offer a ride for Shiro on his back, piggyback style.

"Thank you." She spoke.

"No problem," Sakuta replied.

"I don't give a damn about these people, who looked on me. I have a bad reputation back in school. I'm used to this kind of predicament, I just have to face it." Sakuta confessed.

"Okay, what's your next location?" Sakuta asked Shiro.

Ray's Photo Lab

Kaname

She returns to the studio, where she puts her entries to the counter, in which Sousuke patiently waits for her to come back for some time. After a minute of silence, the counter produced a clue to Kaname, which she gladly received.

"Thank you!" She said.

Kaname & Sousuke – currently in 7 th  Place

With that, they left the place. As soon as the last duo left, another one entered; however, he got tripped and his face meets the cold floor, much to the wince of some racers inside.

"I'm okay!" Kazuma said, hoisting up a thumbs-up gesture, showing that he was not seriously hurt.

He proceeds to recuperate himself in a matter of seconds as he passed the photograph collection of his to the current attendant, who give him a thumbs up and the clue.

Kazuma & Megumin – currently in 8 th  Place

"Megumin!" He cried.

"Yes! I'm coming!" Megumin replied.

Both adventurers exited the photo shop and start to hunt for a cab. While back at the studio, the remaining teams were in a suspenseful episode, where they anxiously waited for their partners to come back.

"I am not sure about the status of Shiro, but I'm convinced that she has something up on her sleeve," Sora said. "That's why she chose to take the Roadblock instead of me."

"Before we arrived here with another team, then they got out first," Mai said worryingly. "Now I start wondering how is he right now? And he's trying to impress me but I guess my doubts started to kick in."

"I know Rin can do it! I know she can!" Nadeshiko exclaimed. "Go, Rin, go!"

1751 Vine Street

Rin – 4/5 photos captured

"One more left…" She took a photo of the fourth piece to her puzzle. "Now it's on…"

She took a quick peek at her list to locate the next star's whereabouts.

"Hollywood Boulevard? Ugh, I have to go back again!"

She then runs away from the aisle of stars behind her.

6747 Hollywood Boulevard

Shiro – 2/5 photos captured

Shiro decides not to jump down and instead takes photos of the star against the shoulders of Sakuta.

"There's one more… the name is Betty White…"

"I'll take a look…" Sakuta replied, taking a few steps to find the famous person's star.

With that, she immediately snatches an image of the star.

Shiro – 3/5 photos captured

"I got the two," Shiro said.

"So, where are the last two monuments?" Sakuta asked her.

The kid glances at the list and found out something important.

"6821 Hollywood Boulevard… Also, two there…"

"Oh, wow, how convenient," Sakuta replied. "Hold on, we're going there."

Griffith Observatory – Astronomers Monument

Kaname & Sousuke – 7 th  Place; arrived at 6:51pm

"America is a special place for you, correct?" Phil asked Kaname, who nodded.

"I know I was raised here first then in Japan, but for some reason, I can only recall a few of them and all of them were… were… bad…" She paused and almost teared up.

"Don't worry, Chidori. I'm here to guide you." Sousuke told Kaname, who looked up to him.

She then giggled and pinches his cheek. "Silly, you. I was just reminiscing things."

"And here come another team…" Phil gestured to the back, where another team was in fact arriving at the mat. "Kazuma and Megumin… you are team number eight!"

Kazuma & Megumin – 8 th  Place; arrived at 6:52pm

"What happened?"

"From the moment we went on the first flight, then the luck level went suddenly down to the drain." Kazuma motioned a wave-like gesture.

"We made mistake, a few of them!" Megumin added. "And we do not want to happen again next time!"

6821 Hollywood Boulevard

Shiro

"I see them now." She said, was suddenly caught off-guard with Sakuta, bringing him down to the floor.

"I think my aid has enough for you to finish the task, so I'm gonna leave you here now." He told the intelligent girl.

"Okay." Shiro nodded. "Good luck."

"Good luck to you too," Sakuta replied and left Shiro off herself.

She then concentrates on taking photos of the remaining stars off her list, in which they are few meters off around each other.

Shiro – 5/5 photos captured

"Now where did he go off?" She asked, forgetting where Sakuta went after he left her out of herself.

1500 Vine Street

Rin

"Here goes the final one…" She said and snaps the star a clean shot from her camera. "Okay, I think that's it. Now, where is it?"

Rin – 5/5 photos captured

Ray's Photo Lab

A racer entered the building as the other racers were waiting, jumpy of being sitting for over an hour. The door opened and was revealed to be Sakuta, who immediately submitted his images to the counter. This made Mai stood up and anxiously waits for her partner to be received with the clue, in which did happen.

Mai & Sakuta – currently in 9 th  Place

"Thank you!" Sakuta said to the attendant.

"Sakuta, why did you take so long?" Mai asked him.

"The last team to check-in will be eliminated…" Sakuta reads the clue, completely ignoring Mai's inquiry. "We gotta go now!"

"Wait, Sakuta!" Sakuta ran out of the studio right before she could reply as she sighed in defeat and followed him as well.

With the growing development, Sora and Nadeshiko were the only ones left inside, anticipating for any of their presence to be present.

?

Rin

"Excuse me, do you have a phone?" She asked the nearest bystander.

"Yeah."

"Can you locate Ray's Photo Lab? I need to get there quickly."

The local then comply and typed a few bits as he showed the location of the said photo center.

"Okay, I'm near," Rin said, gaining information on the whereabouts of their waiting station. "Thank you!"

Shiro

"It's got to be here." She said, looking at his right while reading the map that she gained. "I have to take right, am I?"

Ray's Photo Lab

After a few minutes of seeing a team leave, the remaining competitors remained keen on the environment until one of their partners appeared by the door. That volunteer showed her images to the counter, who immediately give her the envelope.

Sora & Shiro – currently in 10 th  Place

"Shiro!" Sora called her. "There's still a team left."

"We need to leave immediately," Shiro replied.

The siblings then left the studio, leaving Nadeshiko alone. But her fear was short-lived as Rin entered the premises with her images holding.

"Here… there are the images that you need." She spoke.

The attendant produces a clue on her back and offers it to Rin, who hurriedly picks it up. Nadeshiko took the gesture as the go signal to visit her.

Rin & Nadeshiko – currently in Last Place

"Make your way to the Pit Stop – Griffith Observatory!" Rin reads the clue but her eyes widen when she read the last part. "Last team to check-in will be eliminated."

"They're off by a few minutes, we can catch up!" Nadeshiko reminds Rin, who nods immediately.

"Alright, we still have a chance!"

Griffith Observatory – Astronomers Monument

"Mai and Sakuta… you are team number nine." Phil declared. "You are still in the race."

Mai & Sakuta – 9 th  Place; arrived at 7:44pm

Sakuta sighed in relief, scratching his forehead. "At least, we're still in the race, right?"

When he looks to his other side, Sakuta was met with a glare from Mai, who looked unconvinced at him.

"What? What did I do? We're still here, right?" Sakuta asked more.

She growled in response and gave him a cold shoulder.

"Aww, I thought I did well!"

???

Rin & Nadeshiko

The campers currently face traffic, even at night, surprising them.

"This is stressing me. And this is the first time I have experienced for a long time." Rin confessed.

"Come on, the vehicles should move," Nadeshiko added.

Sora & Shiro

"Now we have to deal with this?" Sora complained.

"Very unusual to be experiencing traffic when our destination is a mile away," Shiro added.

"Yeah, but it would be unusual if we stay in the race."

Griffith Observatory – Astronomers Monument

"We're here!"

"I hope they aren't here!"

"More like we aren't the last team!"

"It's straight ahead!"

"Let's go! Let's go!"

"Move! Move! Move!"

"I'm trying!"

After what seemed a suspenseful race, a team emerge off the monument as they stomped the mat in unison.

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"Sora and Shiro…" Phil spoke.

"Yeah?" Shiro replied.

"Just give it to us! Please!" Sora added.

"You are… team number ten! You are still in the race!"

Sora & Shiro – 10 th  Place; arrived at 8:22pm

Both gasped simultaneously in response.

"Oh, my God!" Sora exclaimed. "That was… that was close!"

"Yeah…"

"This first one is already excruciating, especially for us!"

"If the first leg was excruciating, what do you think about the next and the other legs in the future?"

"Yeah, we're expecting it," Sora said.

"If we could study every leg, we will try everything to keep ourselves intact," Shiro added.

A few minutes after the siblings' arrival, the campers then soon arrived at the mat for their check-in.

"Nadeshiko and Rin, you are the last team to arrive." Phil shared the unfortunate news with them.

Rin sighed in defeat. "We tried, at least, we tried."

"But hey, at least, we experience a real adventure, am I right?" Nadeshiko replied, attempting to cheer Rin up.

"Yeah, I never thought we have the chance on doing it," Rin responded. "But this was fun overall! I have a great time!"

"No, we did have a great time!"

"However, you might have a chance of staying in this thing," Phil announced, sending the teams into astonishment. "Karma and Nagisa, please come out."

The duo showed up behind the last team, positioning themselves between the campers and Phil.

"These guys finished first and has the Salvage Pass, in which they have the choice of either a headstart at the next leg… or you wish they chose this, saving you guys from being eliminated."

Their curiosity and suspense intensify as the pressure went over to the holders of Salvage Pass.

"Please save us!" Nadeshiko pleaded. "Please save us!"

"We really did discuss this one carefully the whole time," Nagisa said. "And it all comes down to this!"

"So…" Nagisa spoke. "We decided that…"

He then paused, further increasing the anxiety of the campers as Nagisa took a long, deep breath.

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"We're choosing to use the headstart for the next leg." Nagisa declared, then faces the campers. "Sorry, guys. But we have to continue our pace."

Both campers disappointingly nodded, though they understood all of this. So, they embraced them afterward.

"It's okay, it's okay," Rin said to Nagisa.

"I'm alright, I'm alright!" Nadeshiko told Karma, who heard her almost whimpering.

"Rin and Nadeshiko… Because they decided to use the headstart, I'm sorry to tell you that you have been eliminated from the race."

Rin & Nadeshiko – ELIMINATED

"Guess we're back at camping again?" Nadeshiko asked her partner.

"I'm afraid so," Rin replied.

"Don't worry, I'll bring the food to us! You still have me!" Nadeshiko giggled.

"Alright then." Rin stood up and shouted. "Bring it to the table!"

The campers were seen leaving the mat with their bag and shoulders hanging around to each other.

SHORT END CREDITS

"Next time on The Amazing Race… teams catch the waves!"

Sousuke plunged himself off the platform and lands on the deep part of the water. Then, Ritsu swam with the waves but did not deter, groaning in response.

"And ride the heat!"

Souma and Megumi were captured riding their bicycles while they carry items.

"Whoo! This heat is scorching!" Souma exclaimed.

"Some teams showed their true colors!"

A clip of paint cans collapsing and its contents were shown as some teams struggles to face their predicament.

"Damn it!"

"Ugh! Now I'm soaked in these!"

"What the hell?!"

Chapter Text

Previously on The Amazing Race…" Phil spoke off-screen.

"New teams of 11 began a new chapter of their lives… by embarking on a journey of a lifetime!"

Teams were seen listening to Phil's virtual instructions from their phone.

"GO!" Phil shouted, signaling the teams to begin racing.

"Teams started in a high note at Tokyo Skytree…"

Teams captured by the camera, sprinting inside the observatory deck of the tower.

"Don't get too frustrated! I know it's gotta be here somewhere." Ryuuji said.

"But it's taking so long!" Taiga replied.

The heads of Kaname and Sousuke peeked against the door ajar.

"I don't like the fact we're hiding in a girls' restroom! People are watching at us like we just did something so indecent!" Kaname answered bluntly and awkwardly.

"With teams heading to Los Angeles, they were in for a treat…"

"HOTDOGS!" Mako exclaimed, causing Ryuko to flinch in an instant.

"I already knew that," Ryuko replied.

"…and a tour at the Walk of Fame!"

"Finally! I think I walk for about 10 minutes for this one." Souma said, wiping off the sweat from his forehead. "But I have to keep going!"

"Mako has a star? Who could've thought!" Mako said after bursting out a laugh when she discovers that Mako was on the list.

"Stars were aligned for Nagisa and Karma as they won a surprise reward…"

"…you will have to choose either: Salvage Pass or 3 Express Passes," Phil told the winners their prize for the leg.

"…and in the end, they decide to choose the Salvage Pass to secure a head start for the next leg, eliminating Rin and Nadeshiko."

"Sorry, guys. But we have to continue our pace." Nagisa told the girl, who directly send their regards with hugs to each other.

"It's okay, it's okay," Rin said to Nagisa.

"10 teams remaining… who will be eliminated… NEXT?"

"Wait up, I need to savor this moment. 'Cause, it's delicious!" Ritsu replied, relishing every particle of the hotdog sandwich that she devoured.

4:09AM – Griffith Observatory – Los Angeles, CA, USA

The night was still hanging in the sky, exhausting its cold, breezy wind that shook the first team to depart at the mat. The taller one rips it open to begin the race.

Nagisa & Karma – departed at 4:09AM

"Fly to San Juan in Puerto Rico!"

"Teams will now fly over 3,300 miles southwest to the island of Puerto Rico! Once arrived, teams will have to take a taxi to the capital, San Juan, and find Castillo San Felipe del Morro where their next clue awaits."

"Alright! Another country!" Karma exclaimed in excitement.

"I don't Puerto Rico is a country." Nagisa elaborated for his partner, who shrugged in response. "Guess you don't care about geography, huh?"

The duo entered a cab that stopped by when their presence was shown.

"We're at the top of the mountain!" Karma said. "Now that's a guaranteed target on our backs. But fear not, everything will be fine under my initiative."

"We do what we did the last time - just arrive there first and do the work quickly," Nagisa added.

"We did not use the head start at our departure since the host said we can use it at this leg," Karma said to the camera. "So, I'll say we should use it at a convenient time."

"Though we can use it today," Nagisa said.

"Yep."

Los Angeles International Airport

The duo arrived at the airport, where it was operational at this time. Luckily, some counters were still open to get them into negotiation.

"Hi! We would like to know when is the earliest flight to Puerto Rico today?" Nagisa spoke to the counter in front.

"Let's see…" The counter answered while typing meticulously at her computer. "There are seats available at 5:55AM but you'll make a stop first at Houston then at San Juan."

"Then what time does it arrive?" Karma took the pledge to continue the conversation.

"8:10PM tonight."

"That's the earliest arrival?"

"Yes, as far as for today's flights."

Both men looked at each other and nodded, leading them to book the flight for them.

"We'll take the 5:55AM," Nagisa told the attendant.

"Okay…" The counter replied then produce two tickets that were given to the team.

"Thanks!"

Griffith Observatory

Ryuuji & Taiga – departed at 4:53am

"Fly to San Juan in Puerto Rico!" Ryuuji reads the clue for the team. "Okay then."

"Taxi!" Taiga called as a cab arrived in front of them, both went inside and left the place.

"We arrive last time in second place, I think it's fine for us to be in that place since first placers are always the biggest targets when it comes to competition," Ryuuji said.

"But at least we must finish and be number one!" Taiga complained. "It's not alright if we're not placed at first."

Ritsu & Mio – departed at 4:59am

"Puerto Rico, huh?" Ritsu said to Mio. "Looks like we're having a blast at the beach and I hope that's going to happen."

"But we're not here to have fun, you need to be competitive sometimes, Ritsu," Mio replied.

"Awww… you're no fun at all." Ritsu sighed but suddenly she raised her hands and blasted Mio with a roaring sound. "Boo!"

"GAHHHH!" Mio instinctively slaps Ritsu, in which her head went a right turn and remained frozen at her position. "RITSU!"

5:55AM – United Airlines 2616

Nagisa & Karma – 1 st  Flight

"Guess we're only three teams here inside, which is surprising," Nagisa said to the camera. "But I'm not removing any possibility that the other teams will be trailing behind us."

Ryuuji & Taiga – 1 st  Flight

Ryuuji was seen adjusting his bag at the bin above their seat.

Ritsu & Mio – 1 st  Flight

Ritsu notice that Mio already slept at her seat with her sleeping mask on.

"Mio wants to end the flight already, if I can read her mind right now," Ritsu said to the camera. "But we're on the first flight, so we better be ready, just like what she said earlier…"

The plane then took off the runway, making its way to its destination.

6:59AM – United Airlines 2265

Ryuko & Mako – 2 nd  Flight

"I feel like we're in a tight spot here," Ryuko said. "But if we can improve our performance from before, I think we can pull it off until the end."

Souma & Megumi – 2 nd  Flight

"Puerto Rico, here we come!" Souma exclaimed.

"We're expecting to be there at 9:00pm," Megumi added. "I hope we can catch up to others when we get there."

Shino & Takatoshi – 2 nd  Flight

For some reason, both competitors fell asleep in an instant after hopping to their seats.

With that, the plane followed the time of departure as it flies away from the runway, sending themselves to their next location.

Los Angeles International Airport

Kaname & Sousuke – Last Flight

Kaname sighed. "We're leaving at 9:05am then we expect to arrive there at 10:05pm."

"Don't worry," Sousuke said. "As far as the length of the flight, I'll be obligating myself to be watchful inside the plane."

"Huh? You don't have to do that! We're not being held hostage and—" She then pause and recalled something. "Are you still remembering that time when I was kidnapped?"

Sousuke nodded but Kaname only rolled her eyes in response.

Kazuma & Megumin – Last Flight

"Huh? Your luck ran out?" Megumin asked.

"Well, that's what the capacity of my luck stands," Kazuma answered. "I guess I'll be waiting for it to be replenished."

Megumin sighed. "I wish I have my staff and create an explosion!"

"Yeah, you're gonna cost us and we'll be exploded with penalties," Kazuma said. "Keep dreaming, little girl!"

Megumin pouted in reaction and decides not to look back at Kazuma.

"Hmph… I'm not a little girl…"

Mai & Sakuta – Last Flight

"Now come to think of it, who got eliminated first?" Sakuta asked.

To answer his question, that team arrived just now, receiving a neutral reaction from the teams. Somewhere astounded, while others were not convinced, like Mai, who looked at Sakuta with suspicion.

"Sakuta, how come we came almost at the bottom last time?" Mai feigningly spoke in a lovely voice. "Did you have troubles?"

"Huh? N-No! Not at all!" Sakuta stammered.

"Uh-huh," Mai answered, unimpressed at her boyfriend's answer. "Tell me, did you use your chivalry to help them?"

"I-I was trying to help them and-"

"Aha! You've been helping them! I doubt that they survive the first leg without the help of somebody and I know just a guy who will do that."

Sakuta sighed and bends himself in defeat. "Sorry…"

"I just couldn't believe it! If it weren't for them, we should be on the top! And not to be stuck in the last flight!" Mai vents her frustration out.

Sora & Shiro – Last Flight

"Okay, I think we're on the same flight as you guys!" Sora proudly said to the teams.

"Luckily, with our resourcefulness and by the power of attractiveness of Shiro, we barely survive the first leg," Sora said.

"With this leg coming around, I know suspicions will arise since we're in the last place. And our competition is the campers, in which, turns out surprisingly, we defeated them." Shiro added.

"Because of that, we might need to construct some game plan that we can just to be in here for the longest."

"They survived? That was pretty surprising to me." Kazuma said. "But I think I know why…"

"Crazy to think that those guys survived the first one since it's already grueling at the Roadblock," Kaname said.

"Looks like I'll direct Sakuta for now, just to avoid the same situation that occur to him last time," Mai said.

After all the teams have booked their flight, the final set of teams entered the plane, in which, they sat out and prepare for the upcoming leg in Puerto Rico.

"All teams are now heading their way to Puerto Rico, in which, the flights arrived every one hour after the first flight."

8:11PM - Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport – Puerto Rico, USA

The first flight safely opened the wheel as the flying vehicle touched the runway, signaling that the plane has landed and for teams to exit the plane at a fast pace.

"Now we have to find taxis here," Mio said to Ritsu.

"Where's the taxi station?" Taiga asked Ryuuji but did not answer due to the urgency of the current situation.

"Maybe we should run this way!" Karma suggested.

After trying of running to a new direction, they learned that they have found the route to the taxi station.

"There's the sign!" Nagisa shouted, eyeing the clear sign of the taxi logo above.

With this new information, the three teams left the airport to pick up taxis. Due to the current period being at night time, they faced no problem about acquiring one as all of them took one and left the premises.

Nagisa & Karma – currently in 1 st  Place

"Castillio San Felipe Del Morro?" Nagisa told the driver their location.

Ritsu & Mio – currently in 2 nd  Place

"Get us there quickly!" Mio said to the driver, who nodded in understanding. "Thank you!"

"It's nighttime in here, I think we should be there in a heartbeat," Ritsu said.

Ryuuji & Taiga – currently in 3 rd  Place

"Nighttime, we're still racing… this is pretty interesting…" Ryuuji admitted.

"So what? We will still be racing no matter what time it is!" Taiga replied in a sharp tone.

"Geez, soothe yourself, won't you?"

"Even at a time like this, people should calm down since we're not in a tight race currently," Ryuuji said. "But being with Taiga, you know what will happen next."

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Nagisa & Karma

"Oh, there it is!" Nagisa exclaimed, noticing a long stretch of road towards an entrance of an old-looking fortress. "That's got to be it!"

"Are we running through that?" Karma asked the driver.

"Yeah."

"Alright then."

Once the boys left their taxi, the other cabs soon emerge from their sight, also acting the same as the first team on arrival.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"We have to run that straight line?!" Taiga whined.

"I'm afraid so," Ryuuji replied.

"Damn it!"

Ritsu & Mio

"Oh, gosh, now we have to run like athletes!" Mio exclaimed.

"No worries, nothing to be afraid of. It's just us versus everyone." Ritsu reassures her partner.

With everyone stepping on the ground, the race towards the entrance instantly commences as the boys are clearly in the lead, followed by both the musicians and the couple. After an impromptu sprint, the teams made their way to the clue box, in which they picked up an envelope each to read their next clue.

Nagisa & Karma – currently in 1 st  Place

"Make your way to the town of Aguadilla…" Nagisa reads the clue first.

Ritsu & Mio – currently in 2 nd  Place

"…and find your next clue …" Mio continued.

Ryuuji & Taiga – currently in 3 rd  Place

"…El Muelle de Azucar?" Ryuuji spoke last.

"Teams will now make their way to the town of Aguadilla, a two-hour ride from San Juan, and they must find El Muelle de Azucar, an abandoned sugar refinery. It is here where they will find their next clue." Phil informed the viewers about their next task.

"Then we gotta go back to our cab!" Taiga told Ryuuji.

"Alright, let's go!" Karma exclaimed.

"Let's run!" Mio told Ritsu, who sighed in response.

"Not again!"

9:03PM – Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport – Puerto Rico, USA

An hour later, the second flight smoothly touched the runway as teams that are inside, putting their game face instantly, stood up and went their way near the door.

The marathon continues with three teams finding the taxi station with teams picking one easily.

Ryuko & Mako – currently in 4 th  Place

"We need to go to… uhhh… how can I read this?" Mako extends her arms to the driver, who immediately responded with a nod. "He knows!"

"Then that's a good sign!" Ryuko replied confidently.

Shino & Takatoshi – currently in 5 th  Place

"Rapido! Rapido! Mister! Mister Rapido!" Takatoshi told the driver, who completely ignored them. "Is that how you say it, right?"

"Yeah, yeah! My libido feels rapido!" Shino replied. "Now I have to challenge Suzu for a language challenge when we get back home!"

"I think she's learning the language in a different approach…" Takatoshi muttered.

Souma & Megumi – currently in 6 th  Place

"Puedes llevarnos al Castillo San Felipe del Morro? (Can you take us to Castillo San Felipe del Morro?)" Megumi told the driver, who gave a thumbs up, while Souma did not see it coming.

"Whoa, Megumi! You speak another language?" Souma curiously asked Megumi.

"Yep!" Megumi positively answered.

"Being part of the Council helped me learned different cooking styles and I have also picked up some languages to help me get through the language barrier," Megumi confessed. "And I just know this ability of mine can help us somehow."

"Gracias!" Megumi said to the driver.

El Muelle de Azucar – Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, USA

Soon after, a team arrived at the refinery, where they saw a board and the clue box as one of them wrote down their names with an additional note beside their name.

Karma & Nagisa – currently in 1 st  Place

"Did you put Salvage Pass at the end?" Karma asked Nagisa, who was finished writing on the board.

"Yeah, I did."

List:

1 st : Nagisa & Karma (Salvage Pass!)

2 nd :

3 rd :

4 th :

5 th :

6 th :

7 th :

8 th :

9 th :

10 th :

Karma then rips the clue open. "Roadblock. Who feel themselves in a sugar rush?"

"At this Roadblock, one team member is assigned to take a diving course at this old facility. First, teams must take a dive by jumping off a pier 30 feet to the water, then swim 90 yards towards a buoy, which has their next clue. After picking up their clue, they would board a boat and return back to their partner at the shore." Phil announced their next challenge.

"You'll do it?" Nagisa asked Karma.

"Maybe you can." Karma suggested.

"I think I can," Nagisa answered. "Sure, why not?"

Ryuuji & Taiga – currently in 2 nd  Place

"Roadblock. Who feel themselves in a sugar rush?" Ryuuji reads the cryptic question.

"Not me," Taiga answered, implying that she would not take the challenge for the second time.

"Okay then, it's on me again!" Ryuuji exclaimed. "Better write our names on second."

"Sure."

Ritsu & Mio – currently in 3 rd  Place

"Me?" Ritsu said after silently reading the question.

"Go ahead, let's be equal," Mio answered.

"Fine…" Ritsu then reads the details of the task. "Great decision."

Mio then writes their names into the third on the board.

However, the teams could not start the challenge due to the closure of the refinery, causing them to be disappointed. The opening time of the refinery will not begin until 7:30AM.

"Well, at least, we have used the Salvage Pass," Nagisa said to the camera. "We will be having an hour of a headstart at the opening time. So that's a big, big opportunity for us to add lengths to our lead."

Karma then gives the Salvage Pass to one of the crews.

"It's really unfair that they have a headstart!" Taiga complained.

"We can't change that, they're first," Ryuuji answered.

"Darn it! If we can start the challenge right now but we're stuck here overnight!" Mio exclaimed. "Then there's a big chance that all of the teams will be here!"

"Now we have to find a place to sleep!" Ritsu replied, has other concerns on her mind.

"But where do we sleep?"

"At a solid ground, if that's the only thing available."

Mio groaned. "As long as you brought the flashlight, I'm fine with that."

With several hours left before opening, the remaining seven teams, who arrived at a different time, signed and read the clue. Afterward, they decided to get some sleep despite their environment is currently dark in vision.

List (Bold and Underline – Roadblock Performer):

1 st :  Nagisa  & Karma (Salvage Pass!)

2 nd :  Ryuuji  & Taiga

3 rd :  Ritsu  & Mio

4 th : Ryuko &  Mako

5 th :  Souma  & Megumi

6 th : Shino &  Takatoshi

7th: Kaname & Sousuke

8 th : Mai &  Sakuta

9 th :  Kazuma  & Megumin

10 th :  Sora  & Shiro

6:30AM

Due to them being the Salvage Pass holders, Nagisa prematurely enters the facility and follows the arrows to the platform until he made it to the terminus of the refinery, preparing for his dive.

Nagisa

"We have to jump off the platform, take a dive, and swim towards a buoy. I think the jumping part could be the hardest part of the challenge." Nagisa recalled. "So, I did my best not to react so much."

"Are you ready?" One of the crews asked the blue-haired performer.

"Yeah, I'm ready!" Nagisa answered clearly.

"Go!"

When the signal is spat out, he then proceeds to take a long ride downwards to the ocean and emerge at once. Wiping off any liquid from his eyes, he looked at every angle to find the buoy until he founds it and went ahead to swim towards the marker.

He successfully picks up the clue from the buoy, automatically signals for the nearby boat to retrieve Nagisa as the boat took off.

On the shoreline, Karma notices a silhouette of a boat coming towards him as it arrived safely with Nagisa, fully drenched in water.

"Now where can I get a towel?"

Karma opens the container to rip the clue.

Nagisa & Karma – currently in 1 st  Place

"Use your Ford EcoSport again to drive back to San Juan and find Port of San Juan…"

"Teams will be using the Ford EcoSport once again to travel back to San Juan to the Port of San Juan, where they will find their next clue," Phil announced the next step for the current first placers.

"Oh, sweet. We're going back to our own car!" Karma enthusiastically said. "Come on, just dry yourself back in the car."

"Sure, no problem."

With that, they both went ahead and leave the place with their car.

7:30AM

Ryuuji

"I see the buoy, so I'm in the right direction," Ryuuji muttered after climbing down to the route towards the jumping platform.

When he made it to the platform, he looked down to see the ocean below. He gulped and draw himself up to gather through the challenge.

"Don't be like this, I'll just jump!" He muttered again until he decides to jump off the bridge.

"AHHHHH!"

As he passed the first phase of the Roadblock, he instantly sights the buoy despite him has the sanpaku eyes. He hastily swims to the buoy, in which he arrived safely to pick up a clue. The boat appeared behind him and climbs up to go back to the shoreline.

After a few minutes, the boat arrived at the sands where Taiga met a soaked Ryuuji.

Ryuuji & Taiga – currently in 2 nd  Place

"Come on, we're back with our car!" Taiga told him and looks him up, she instinctively averts her gaze towards him. "And please put on some clothes, will you?!"

"Yikes, looks like someone impressed with my body."

"Let's just go!"

Ritsu

The blonde drummer proceeds to take a plunge and sinks immediately when her body meets the water.

"When I got to the water and begin to move, I notice that the waves seemed to behave badly, like it's sending me back," Ritsu said. "But I won't be intimidated, I have some confidence hidden in my pocket, so I swim like I'm in the Olympics!"

With waves that pull Ritsu back a few meters, she did not deter and decides to fight for the wave until she approaches the buoy to seize one envelope from there. The boat showed up in front of her to put her into safety.

Ritsu & Mio – currently in 3 rd  Place

Mako

The ecstatic friend of Ryuko stands from the platform, but she decides to stretch out first before she embraced herself and took a big dive.

"CANNONBALL!"

After dipping into the water, she emerges and looks around her to find the buoy until she stumbles to it. With this, she begins moving at a normal pace, not looking serious over at the challenge.

Souma

He observes Mako from a distance, who picked up a clue from the buoy.

"Okay, I can do this… nice and easy…" He stretched his arms widely as he is willing to take the challenge at any moment.

A boat seemingly approaching the shoreline, revealing Mako from behind as she meets Ryuko.

Ryuko & Mako – currently in 4 th  Place

"Nice job, Mako!" Ryuko compliments her best friend.

"Thank you! That was fun too!" Mako exclaimed.

The camera captures Souma swimming forward to the marked buoy, where seize one of them as a boat came forward to him to retrieve him.

Souma & Megumi – currently in 5 th  Place

Port of San Juan – San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA

"There's the box over there!" Nagisa spots the box from the entrance as they immediately went full speed towards the box. Nagisa took the time to open the box and the envelope.

Nagisa & Karma – currently in 1 st  Place

"Learn International Maritime Signal Flags…"

"International Code of Signals is an important system used by vessels to communicate messages regarding over navigational matters. In this challenge, teams will have to memorize these signal flags, not for communication, but to decode a puzzle. Using the International Maritime Signal Flags, they must memorize the flags under 45 seconds in a private room. After their 45 seconds are up, they will proceed to solve a word puzzle, using flags as clues. Once they wrote down the correct answer, the captain will give them their next clue." Phil meticulously details their next challenge. "If they got it wrong, they will have to return to the private room to retake the test."

Digesting it quietly from their minds, the boys went inside of a room, which was guarded by the captain.

"Good day, sir!" Nagisa greeted the captain.

"Good day, boys!" The captain replied accordingly. "Now you'll have the opportunity to learn the flags and what letter they are representing. I'll be giving you 45 seconds to do that and… COMMENCE!"

The timer begins to decrease as both of them studied the board quietly.

"Oh, boy, we have to study these flags, from A to Z," Nagisa said. "Different colors were used and our eyes were just off of our vision."

"Crap, this is confusing me," Karma admitted.

"Me either."

With that, the sirens blared the room, causing both of them to jump.

"Your time is up, please make your way to your station." The megaphone from the room spoke.

Complying with the order, Nagisa and Karma went their way to their station, which contained a small whiteboard and the flags that were hanged in front of them.

"Please make a guess." The captain spoke to them.

Nagisa silently counts the flags that are there. "There are eight of them and they are all different."

"We can assume that there are no duplicate letters there," Karma replied.

"That's true."

"So, what do we do?"

"Make a guess?"

Karma decided to scribble from the whiteboard and they submit their answer to the captain, who inspects their answer.

Nagisa & Karma – 1 st  Attempt

Answer: SAN JUAN?

"That's incorrect, please head back to the station." The captain announced his verdict to them.

"Okay, we'll have to make a strategy here," Nagisa told Karma.

"Yeah, like…" Karma paused. "You're getting the first half, I'll be the one in charge of the other."

"Great idea!" Nagisa replied, approving of the suggestion of his buddy. "Then let's head back!"

El Muelle de Azucar

Takatoshi

"Since I'm the tallest from our team, I think swimming is my best shot on acing a challenge," Takatoshi said.

The tallest man of the season swam easily through a straight line and went ahead to retrieve the clue from the marked buoy.

Shino & Takatoshi – currently in 6 th  Place

"That was easy." He muttered.

Sousuke

Just like his current tenure as a sergeant, he double time the pace of his movements and went a high drop to the ocean; then emerges urgently, swimming a good distance and after a few strokes, he successfully conquered the task as he snatches the clue from the marked float.

Kaname & Sousuke – currently in 7 th  Place

"Just like when I did an intense swimming training from before…" Sousuke said.

Mai

Wearing a large and plain black t-shirt, the actress has no time to show off her body to everyone and took a dip of herself in water.

"I just decided that I have to wear my spare clothing because I don't wanna show my naked body to someone else," Mai confessed. "I'm just shy."

"It's because it has a reservation and the lucky person just happens to be me." Sakuta teases his girlfriend.

"No, I'm not!" She denies his theory in an instant. "But… yeah, I have a reason too."

Mai & Sakuta – currently in 8 th  Place

"Got it!"

She picks up the envelope off the buoy as she was assisted by the upcoming boat to arrive her to safety.

Kazuma

"Okay, here I go!" He said after stretching his fingers and jumped. "AHHHHH!"

He then emerges from the depths and begins to move at a slow pace.

"You know what's not fun? Swimming…" Kazuma admitted. "You know what's related to swimming? You have just guessed it!"

Kazuma snags an envelope from the buoy, the boat came in an instant. But before he made his way to the boat, he froze and felt an unpleasant sensation from his ankle.

"MY LEG!" He shouted.

Before Kazuma sunk himself from underneath, the crew grabs his hand and pulls him over with brute force, and landed safely to the small vessel.

Kazuma & Megumin – currently in 9 th  Place

"SHIT! Why does it hurt?!" Kazuma complained, rubbing his ankle. "I blame Aqua!"

"Screw the waters, screw Aqua! I bet she is watching me suffer right now!" Kazuma said. "Even though she's watching, I'm here to say that she's still useless!"

Sora

The geek saw Kazuma's predicament and smirked.

"Looks like there's an opening for us to not be in the bottom. Speaking of which…" He said, forgetting he was supposed to do the challenge, he automatically switches himself to game mode as he jumps off the platform.

"Shiro could not swim and neither am I, but I have the physical advantage over her. So, at least, I would try my best to finish any physical-demanding challenges." Sora revealed. "Then I saw my colleague there probably in pain, so maybe there's a chance that we could catch up."

After a few minutes of swimming at a snail's pace, he finally made it through the course and picks up the clue from the buoy. Although, signs of fatigue were clearly seen from the tall man.

Sora & Shiro – currently in Last Place

"Man, that was tough." He told the crew from the boat.

"Really? That was like a normal swimming course." The crew replied.

"Nah, it's fine. It's only one time and it will never happen… I hope so…"

Kazuma & Megumin

"Aww, I can't even turn it sideways." Kazuma continues to writhe in pain inside their car. "But at least, I have to stomp… for now."

"Looks like you had a bad time back there," Megumin replied.

"That Aqua, her useless power used against me… at a time like this!"

"You love to blame and to tease her all the time, huh?"

Sora & Shiro

"We got our car back and that means we can surpass some teams." Sora gladly stated their status, pressing some buttons before they can continue. "GPS is really handy in this kind of situation."

"If there will be intellectual challenges, then we can make a breakthrough," Shiro added, causing her brother to smile.

"That's what I love to see and hear."

Port of San Juan

Nagisa & Karma – 3 rd  Attempt

"I think we got it this time since at the first attempt, we almost got 3 letters correct," Nagisa told their current status at the camera.

"Romeo is Denmark… Charlie is Cuba… Echo looks like Russia without the white color." Karma whispered to himself.

"Your time is up!" The megaphone chimed from their station and went to their board to solve the puzzle.

"I got S, A, N, and T," Nagisa told Karma.

"U… R, C, and E!" Karma exclaimed, knowingly answered.

Nagisa wrote their answer on their whiteboard and submits it to the captain.

Answer: SANTURCE

"It's correct!" The captain announced, producing a clue from one of his pockets.

"Thank you!" Nagisa greeted the captain, while Karma saluted the respectable sea commander.

Nagisa & Karma – currently in 1 st  Place

They received the envelope and once they opened it, they found out and revealed an image of a colorful graffiti art and on its side, was a text that read as "El Patio de Sole" and read the clue.

"Make your way to Santurce and find the place where the image was captured…" Nagisa read out.

"El Patio de Sole? That's where are we going, right?" Karma asked Nagisa.

"Probably?"

"Teams will have to figure out that their next clue is located at a restaurant called "El Patio de Sole" at the colorful district of Santurce," Phil explained the team's next task.

The first team left the port and proceeds with caution at the road.

"Looks like no one is there until we finished the task," Nagisa said.

"Yeah, that Salvage Pass really worked and did us good," Karma replied. "We got a great gap between them."

After several minutes, a team was spotted leaving their mark and left their car.

"There's the box at the gate!"

Ryuuji & Taiga – currently in 2 nd  Place

Taiga rips the clue open to read.

"Learn International Maritime Signal Flags…"

They arrived inside and the captain told them to get inside the station to begin recollecting any new information about the flags.

"Okay… uhhh… where do I start?" Taiga anxiously asks Ryuuji.

"Just begin at what's familiar to you first," Ryuuji answered while his eyes are laser-focused on the reference board.

A few minutes later, another team captures the clue box as one of them picks it up and opens the envelope to read.

Ritsu & Mio – currently in 3 rd  Place

"Okay… now this is the real challenge," Ritsu said.

"You better give it all or we'll be in trouble!" Mio replied in a serious tone.

"Right…"

Ryuuji & Taiga – 1 st  Attempt

"Did you remember the flags?" Ryuuji asked Taiga.

"Flags?" Taiga replied in a strained tone. "What do you mean?"

Ryuuji facepalmed himself in response.

"But I thought you know it all!"

"That's why I told you to familiarize the board!" Ryuuji scolds Taiga, surprising her.

But because the latter is a tsundere, she would not deter on retorting until she silences the former.

"Now you're acting like a boss now?!"

"Ehem." The captain coughed which gained him attention as spoke to them. "Please make a guess."

"Alright then…"

Ryuuji took a shot and wrote on the whiteboard. After that, he passed the board to the captain.

Answer: SENTA?

"That's incorrect." The captain found their answer acceptable. "Please head back to the station."

Ritsu & Mio – 1 st  Attempt

Both musicians exited the station to begin brainstorming about any info about the flags.

"Did you get anything?" Mio asked her colleague.

"The second flag is obviously A," Ritsu answered. "That's all I know so far…"

"E is probably the last flag but the flag looked the same as that one letter, but I forgot which one," Mio admitted.

"So, two flags only?"

"Yeah…" Mio nervously replied, scratching her hair. "Let's go back and find more."

Ritsu then wrote the letters that they garnered to the whiteboard and presents their answer to the captain for a verdict.

Answer: 1.) 2.) A 3.) 4.) 5.) 6.) 7.) 8.) E

_A______E

"That's incorrect." The captain returned the verdict.

"Okay then… let's head back!" Mio exclaimed.

Ryuko & Mako – currently in 4 th  Place

"They're still here, we can pass them!" Ryuko said.

"Yeah!"

"But we have to learn something first…"

"Of course! Mako will be able to learn something new!"

El Patio de Sole – Santurce, San Jose, Puerto Rico

Nagisa & Karma

"I think we're here now, but where's the clue box?" Karma said.

"Over there…" Nagisa said and paused, realizing that they were some equipment standing beside the box. "That's a lot of items there! I think it's gonna be a physical one!"

"Gotcha!"

The car parked at a nearby parking slot on the side of the road and went forward to the next clue.

Nagisa & Karma – currently in 1 st  Place

"It's a detour!" Nagisa reads the clue. "Design or Deliver?"

"Santurce is the most populated barrios in San Juan. It is so big that people have a diverse but distinct love at either making art or making food. And teams will have to decide on which activity they think is the fastest to be finished. Their choices are… Design or Deliver?" Phil explained.

"At Design, teams will have to carry four paint cans and find a marked graffiti wall or a building nearby to repaint a portion of the dried mural work. Once the colors of the wall have come back to life, the artist will give them their next clue."

"At Deliver, teams will have to carry ingredients and ride themselves with bikes and deliver them to three restaurants around Calle Cerra. Then they will have to give specific ingredients to every restaurant. Once all the ingredients are correctly delivered, the food supplier will give them their next clue."

"We're going to do the design one," Nagisa told Karma. "Have you ever painted?"

"I think I did?" Karma answered unsurely. "But who cares? Let's pick up the cans!"

With their current decision, both men picked two cans each and begins to hunt down a marked wall.

Port of San Juan

Souma & Megumi – currently in 5 th  Place

"They're still here!" Souma exclaimed once they watch the other teams solving their puzzle.

"I don't know, it's probably hard for them," Megumi replied nervously.

"Ha! We will get it on our first attempt. Because I'm here!"

"Oh, Souma's being himself again…" Megumi muttered.

Ryuko & Mako – 2 nd  Attempt

"San… what?" Mako reads their incomplete answer.

"It's not yet finished, we have to go back," Ryuko said.

"Okay then…"

Their obvious wrong answer was sent to the captain, who instantly denied their answer.

Answer: SAN

"Try again."

Ryuuji & Taiga – 4 th  Attempt

"Okay, but I'm not sure if this is correct, we'll have to try…" Ryuuji said.

"Aren't that seven letters?" Taiga asked, pointing to their answer then to the flags above. "Those are eight!"

"Ah, shoot!" Ryuuji then wrote their answer on their whiteboard and passes it over to the captain.

Answer: SANTRUC

"It's incorrect, try again." The captain returned their board with a verdict.

"Thank you."

After them, the musicians came in next to verify their answer.

Ritsu & Mio – 4 th  Attempt

"We're not done but we just have to go back to the station to complete the answer," Mio told their strategy to the camera. "We have no choice but to write the letters that we collected so far…"

Ritsu presents their answer to the captain.

Answer: SANC_TE

"That's incorrect." The captain announced.

"Okay, okay." Ritsu receives the board back. "We just have to try like two or three."

"It's a routine, I hope we can keep our positions," Mio added.

C. Cera St., Santurce

Nagisa & Karma

"There's a marked wall and it's a building!" Nagisa exclaimed once they saw the marked working station.

"And they have some equipment here, sweet," Karma added, eyeing the additional supplies beside the building.

"We have to repaint a portion of a painting from a building or a wall." Nagisa summarized their current challenge. "Plus, we have to use the paint cans that we bought and the tools that were already provided for us. There are four roller paintbrushes in a tray, two ladders, and two paint scrapers."

"So, we have to redesign this man's clothes and its background? Definitely works for me!" Karma confidently said.

"I'll try to paint the background and try to paint the clothes," Nagisa ordered.

"No problem," Karma said, taking a tray that was now filled with red-colored paint and started painting.

Port of San Juan

Shino & Takatoshi – currently in 6 th  Place

"Learn International Maritime Signal Flags…" Takatoshi reads the clue.

Once they entered the premises of the port, they were glad to know that teams are currently stuck in this challenge.

"Okay, let's get to it." Shino proudly said to Takatoshi, who ran away from her. "Hey! Come back!"

Kaname & Sousuke – currently in 7 th  Place

"Thank goodness, they're all here…" Kaname sighed in relief after seeing familiar faces.

Both newly arrived teams entered the station to begin figuring out the letters and flags. For some reason, Sousuke went outside and this surprises everyone from inside, especially Kaname, who followed him.

"For some reason, Sousuke just left me inside then decides to take a shot in the dark, without my permission…" Kaname said.

"Hey! What are you doing? We still have a few seconds!" Kaname scolds the soldier, who completely ignores her and wrote something on their whiteboard. "Hey, are you listening to me? And why are you—"

She stopped bickering when she notices Sousuke passing the board to the captain.

Answer: SANTURCE

"That's correct!" The announcement of the captain just made shockwaves within the point-blank range as participants stopped working to hear the words, even his partner, was found herself dumbstruck by this current situation.

"…Then everyone out there was just flabbergasted at that! Even myself!" Kaname exclaimed.

Kaname & Sousuke – currently in 2 nd  Place

"Thank you, captain!" Sousuke saluted the captain, who return the gesture back. "Come on, Chidori. Let's head outside."

He ran away but Kaname stood still, her jaw dropped for a good, few seconds until she realizes that they were actually done. Both of them entered their car and left the place.

"How did you even guess that?" Kaname pressures Sousuke on answering questions. "Did you even look at the flags above?"

"I did look at the flags… but for approximately twelve seconds. I already know what letters they are." Sousuke simply answered.

"How did you know about them?"

"When I was in a military training somewhere at the Pacific Ocean, our commander decided to test us with Maritime Signal Flags, in case of emergencies in the seas." He added, justifying his actions earlier.

Again, Kaname's jaw dropped after hearing such a revelation from him.

"Sousuke, you are pretty ridiculous… you know that?"

Back at the port, the teams resumed their task while one person did not like what happened earlier.

Ryuuji & Taiga – 6 th  Attempt

"Gahhh! That dumb bluebird's partner cheated!" Taiga complained.

"I'm not even sure if he had something on his sleeve to prove he's cheating," Ryuuji replied. "You're still mad at her?"

"Her face really wants me to take a hit full blow to her!"

"Just put that aside, I think we got it!" Ryuuji exclaimed.

Shino & Takatoshi – 1 st  Attempt

"It's incorrect." The captain spoke.

Souma & Megumi – 2 nd  Attempt

"Try again."

Ryuko & Mako – 3 rd  Attempt

"Not correct."

Ritsu & Mio – 6 th  Attempt

"That's not correct, try again."

"Okay? Now, what do we have wrong now?" Ritsu asked in confusion as they went out of the line.

The couple came next in the line, submitting their answer to the captain.

Answer: SANTURCE

"That's correct." The captain declared, giving away the clue from his sleeve to the couple.

Ryuuji & Taiga – currently in 3 rd  Place

"Oh, what's this?" Ryuuji holds an image from the envelope. "Make your way to Santurce and find the place…"

"What are we waiting for?! We have to hunt down that dumb bluebird!" Taiga urgently told Ryuuji.

"Don't worry, we're a few minutes behind them."

C. Cera St., Santurce

Nagisa & Karma

"So far, we're painting at a good pace," Nagisa said, carefully stroking a good volume of paint, up and down.

"But not for me," Karma told Nagisa as he picks up a paint scraper and removes the excess new paint from an untouched part of the painting. "This thing is hard to remove."

"Just be careful, we're not ruining any arts in here."

Karma groaned. "I really hate arts…"

El Patio de Sole

Kaname & Sousuke – currently in 2 nd  Place

"What do you want to do?" Kaname asked Sousuke.

"Delivery sounds preferable to my abilities," Sousuke answered.

"Okay then…" Kaname replied, unconvinced at his answer. "It's Deliver then."

"So, the delivery challenge was to pick up nine storage boxes that contain different ingredients and send three ingredients to a restaurant that was given to us. Pretty means that we have to search for three restaurants and bring the specific ingredients to them. But we're facing a few problems… First, the bike that was provided was too heavy to carry the ingredients. Second, the list showed the name of the restaurant, not the whole address. And lastly, the ingredients that we need to bring are written in another language, assumingly Spanish." Kaname summarized the challenge.

"Are you fine bringing six of them?" She asked Sousuke, who was busy tying the boxes from the back of his seat.

"It's the best thing we can do," Sousuke answered. "I'll carry the heavy load, you'll do the light ones."

"Fine, whatever you feel is comfortable to you."

"Then let's get started."

With that, they left the assembly point to head to their first restaurant.

"Musa Gastro Pub… Espinaca, Setas, Fetta. What all of these mean?!" Kaname grumbled.

?

Kazuma & Megumin

"Twenty minutes more, we're almost there," Megumin said. "But we're driving so slow!"

"Because my leg hurts so bad, so I have to be careful on driving!" Kazuma replied loudly. "I would be worry if we arrive last…"

Port of San Juan

Mai & Sakuta – currently in 8 th  Place

"Oh, teams are still here," Mai said.

"Guess we don't want to waste time here and let's go ahead inside," Sakuta replied, pointing to a closed station, currently occupied by some teams inside.

Once the station was opened, the newly-arrived duo soon occupies it and closes it. While the one who recently left there, took another shot of guessing, having the opportunity to carry on racing. One by one, they submitted their answers to the captain.

Ryuko & Mako – 5 th  Attempt

Answer: SANTRECU

"It's not correct." The captain told them.

"Damn it! I think we're getting close! We just have to study more." Ryuko told Mako.

"Okie-dokie!" Mako replied enthusiastically.

Souma & Megumi – 4 th  Attempt

Answer: SANCURTE

"That's incorrect."

"We're getting there! We're getting there!" Megumi chanted, knowing that they will complete the challenge in no time.

Shino & Takatoshi – 3 rd  Attempt

Answer: SANT_

"Sorry, it's not correct!"

"We have to find half of them!" Takatoshi exclaimed. "Quick!"

"Oh, you want a quickie?" Shino asked from out of nowhere.

"That's not the kind of urgency that I wanted to hear." He muttered.

Ritsu & Mio – 7 th  Attempt

"Now that has to be it, right?" Ritsu asked Mio.

"I sure hope so," Mio answered.

Answer: SANTURCE

"That's correct!" The captain spoke.

Ritsu & Mio – currently in 4 th  Place

"A picture?" Mio grabs the image of a colorful establishment. "I think we have to find this certain painting…"

"Make your way to Santurce… Yeah, I think that's what we need to do right now." Ritsu then scans the details of the clue.

Both musicians left the port while another team emerge from the gates as they picked up the clue. Once they read the details, smiles were plastered between their faces.

Sora & Shiro – currently in 9 th  Place

"Oh, finally, it has come to this!" Sora shouted. "We should nail this one at one go!"

"Yeah, let's go…" Shiro replied.

"There has to be a task that requires mental skills and finally, we have waited for this to happen. We went ahead like what we usually do." Sora said.

Once they heard the siren from the megaphone, the siblings made their way to their board and went to observe the flags above.

"Oh, that's…" Shiro muttered and began writing on the whiteboard.

"Shiro's a talented girl, she really is gifted," Sora said to the camera. "Not that I am envious of her abilities or anything else."

"I'm done."

"Okay, let's take this to the captain." Sora held the board until they met the captain, who received the board accordingly.

Sora & Shiro – 1 st  Attempt

Answer: SANTURCE

"That's correct!" The captain declared.

Déjà vu was once triggered after hearing those words from the other teams, who wore astonishment over their faces.

"Okay, I think they can't outlast the girls last leg with their physical build. But oh boy, when it comes to mental build, I think we have met some final boss there." Takatoshi commented.

"How did they even do that in a single turn?!" Mai added.

"Wow, things just get even more interesting… and stressing at the same time!" Ryuko exclaimed.

Sora & Shiro – currently in 5 th  Place

"Okay, let's get out of here!" Sora told Shiro, who nodded in response.

Once they ran, Shiro looked over at Sakuta, who looked at her in return.

"Hey there! Thank you for the lift!" Shiro shouted to Sakuta.

Mai overhears the statement and went to Sakuta to give her a cold glare.

"Care to explain what does she meant by lifting?" She asked.

"Uhhh… uhhh…" He was nervously stammering, could not get a coherent answer because of Mai's current state.

"Aww, man. When Mai gives you that look, it feels like you entered the devil's playground." Sakuta confessed.

Mai decides to punish Sakuta by pinching his cheek tightly, causing him to writhe in pain.

"AHHH! AHHH! Not my ear! Please?!"

"Just explain to me what happened."

The other teams looked at them like they were watching a drama show.

"Pretty normal for a couple to be in a quarrel like that," Souma said. "Pretty darn shame…"

"Drama alert! Already?!" Mako ecstatically cried. "Gimme a bag of popcorn, please?!"

"This implies that the boy likes to be pinched, likes to be in pain! He's a masochist!" Shino had other theories.

"Why does she always assume so quickly?" Takatoshi muttered. "She pretty much is one also."

El Patio de Sole

Ryuuji & Taiga – currently in 3 rd  Place

"It's a Detour… Design or Deliver?" Ryuuji reads the choices.

"I want to deliver!" Taiga cried.

"Really? You can ride a bike?"

Taiga groaned. "You're treating me like a child!"

"Well, your choice is painting, right?" Ryuuji asks her one more time.

Taiga then sighed and answered. "Yep, let's do that instead."

"Sure, sure," Ryuuji replied, picking up all four cans against his both arms. "Let's just find a marked wall or a building."

Calle Cerra, Santurce

Kaname & Sousuke

Both entered a store and presents the list to the seller.

"Do you know what these all mean in English?" Kaname asked.

"Hmmm…" The counter paused, picking up a pen, and grabs the list to write down the English counterpart.

"Excuse me, where is a Gastro Pub?" Sousuke added.

The assistant seller gestured them straight, with this, they looked back to see a restaurant in front.

"Oh… thanks…"

The vendor then hands out the list back to Kaname, who was relieved after seeing the English translation of the ingredients.

"Gracias!" She told the vendors as they crossed the road to enter the restaurant that was given by the vendor. "Musa Gastro Pub… We're in the right place!"

Both entered the premises and went to the counter to present the boxes. But first, they checked every box to see which ingredients will be given to them.

"Okay… Espinaca is spinach." Kaname told Sousuke, who opened a few boxes until he found the specific green vegetable. "Yeah, that's the one."

"Roger. What's next?" Sousuke asked.

"Setas are mushrooms."

Recalling back to the boxes that he opened earlier, he immediately picks up the box that contained the said ingredient.

"Roger."

"Last one is feta? It's a cheese apparently."

"Hmmm… there's a problem."

"What is it?" Kaname asked.

"There are two kinds of cheese here… both are color white!" Sousuke observed the cheese-filled storage.

"Oh, boy…" She took a good look at the boxes and compare them with each other. "I think this one is feta, probably they are cubes. Take this one then."

"Roger!" Sousuke instantly picks up the boxes that were needed as the manager signs the receipt that was given by the team.

Kaname & Sousuke – 1/3 locations – 3/9 ingredients delivered

"Thank you!" Kaname greeted the manager as they left the restaurant.

"So, what's next?" Sousuke asked.

"La Penultima…" She answered. "I don't know where the hell is this."

El Patio de Sole

Ritsu & Mio – currently in 4 th  Place

"Let's do Design! Sounds applicable to us." Mio told Ritsu, deciding the task for them. "Can't even do biking at a heat like this!"

"But that's the same thing as painting." Ritsu elaborated.

"Whatever, we'll do painting."

Port of San Juan

Kazuma & Megumin – currently in Last Place

When they entered the port, they were distraught and worried after seeing teams at their boards.

"When we came to the port, the teams are there and I think we're in last place right now," Megumin said. "Unless the siblings are still on the road."

"Nevertheless, the bottom is the part you don't want to be!" Kazuma exclaimed.

"If it wasn't for the cramps, we would've been somewhere in the middle," Kazuma said.

"But we gotta start now or we'll be in last for real!"

"Sure…"

Megumin went ahead to the post, where the reference board was displayed. However, Kazuma struggles with his movement as he hops with only his one leg in mobile.

He groaned. "This sucks…"

"Poor Kazuma, I can't even do anything to relieve the pain that he is enduring," Megumin said empathetically.

Chapter Text

Port of San Juan

Kazuma & Megumin

"Let's go, Kazuma! You can do this!" Megumin shouted.

"Yeah, I'm going with you!" Kazuma reciprocated the cry, slowly limping and progressing towards the station where Megumin was waiting for him.

"It's not over till it's over," Kazuma said. "As long as my limbs are whole, I'll definitely keep going."

Ryuko & Mako – 7 th  Attempt

"I think we should just switch the letters," Mako suggested, surveying the letters on their whiteboard.

"Ooh, you're on to something, Mako." Ryuko wholeheartedly agreed. "Which letters though?"

"T and C?"

"Okay, I hope this works out this time." Ryuko wished.

The duo submitted their answer to the captain, who verdicts them correctly, producing a clue from him.

Ryuko & Mako – currently in 6 th  Place

"Okay, we have to go to this place. That's the gist of the clue." Ryuko said, implying that they should find the place of the image.

Souma & Megumi – 6 th  Attempt

The chefs presented their answer to the captain as he silently reads it.

Answer: SANTURCE

"That's correct!" He announced.

Souma & Megumi – currently in 7 th  Place

"Yay!" Megumi exclaimed happily.

"Alright, time to go!" Souma told Megumi, who obliged and left the port.

Shino & Takatoshi – 5 th  Attempt

"That's not correct." The captain spoke to the student council members.

"Aww, now why are we wrong?" Takatoshi asked.

"This is really stressing, as far as our position's concerned," Shino replied. "Unless we do missionary, if that's fine for you."

Takatoshi frowned. "Why is she being serious and not serious at the time?"

Calle Cerra, Santurce

Kaname & Sousuke

"La Penultima… there it is!" Kaname cried, noticing the sign of the said restaurant as they entered with storage boxes in their hands.

"Hello!" She greeted everyone and made their way to the counter, where they put down the supplies safely. "We're here for the order."

"Chidori, what are their demands?" Sousuke asked.

"They need queso fresco; that's the other cheese." She told the first item.

Sousuke instantly opens the recognizable appearance of the dairy product. "It's here."

"San Marzano?" She reads it slowly to avoid botching the word. "It's tomatoes."

"Roger." He answered instantly.

"Last one is capers, the green one." Kaname reads their final item for the restaurant.

"Which one? I got two green supplies here." Sousuke replied, revealing the ingredients of interest.

"The other one is lettuce, so pick out the other one."

"Roger." Sousuke stacked the three boxes then slowly placed them on the counter.

"I think that's it," Kaname said, presenting a paper to the current attendant there, who signed his signature to the receipt. "Thank you!"

Kaname & Sousuke – 2/3 locations – 6/9 ingredients delivered

"Nice!" Kaname exclaimed. "Only one more restaurant left."

"Roger!" Sousuke instantly replied.

C. Cera St., Santurce

Ryuuji & Taiga

"There's one over there!" Taiga sighted a marked wall and flagged themselves to secure the wall.

"Some unique kind of brush!" Ryuuji said while holding a flat paintbrush. "I think we have to color the boat."

"But I can't reach it!" She complained.

"They have a ladder though." He brought the steel item beside them. "Now, we can start."

Taiga sighed. "Pretty much…"

Ritsu & Mio

After seeing a marked wall, the musicians earned a spot as they began to work with their painting skills.

"So, a skull, huh?" Ritsu said. "Guess this would take us a long time."

"I'll do the background while you're painting the skull!" Mio announced at a hasty pace.

"Yikes, Mio! You're still scared of a skull even if it's a colorful art."

"Stop talking! Let's get started!" Mio glared at her partner, who raised her hands in relenting.

El Patio de Sole

Sora & Shiro – currently in 5 th  Place

"It's a Detour! Design or Deliver?" Sora reads the options from the envelope. "Okay, it's both physical!"

"If that's the case, we should settle to the task that has the least amount of physical demand by taking a good read from the clue," Shiro replied statistically. "So, with these conditions, we should do Design."

"Alright, if that's the thing that can save us from elimination."

C. Cera St., Santurce

Nagisa & Karma

"Okay, I think we're done," Karma said, looking over at their own work. "Wow! Now that looks brand new!"

"Yeah, I think we have enough of paint, though." Nagisa said, eyeing to one of the cans that were now empty."

"Can we have a check, please?"

An artist showed up to check the pair's work. After seconds of silence, the artist decides it's good and shows an envelope towards the two.

Nagisa & Karma – currently in 1 st  Place

"Yes!" Nagisa exclaimed, snags the clue from the artist's grasp, and opened it to read. "Make your way to the next Pit Stop! La Fortaleza!

"Also known as Palacio de Santa Catalina, La Fortaleza is the current and official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Built in 16th century, this mansion will be the second Pit Stop in the race around the world. The first team to check-in here will receive an Express Pass, while the last team to arrive may be eliminated." Phil stated, standing alone in the courtyard of the site.

"Oh, boy! Express Pass!" Nagisa ecstatically said after reading the details. "We have to get that!"

Because of this, they immediately ran for a few meters to their car as they left the street.

"It would be sweet if we get that Express Pass!" Karma exclaimed.

"Yeah, that would be great." Nagisa agreed.

Port of San Juan

Mai & Sakuta – 4 th  Attempt

"You think you got it now, right?" Sakuta asked Mai, who promptly nodded.

"I'm pretty sure this is the one," Mai answered.

They passed the whiteboard to the captain, who quietly reads their answer.

"This is correct." The captain told them.

Mai & Sakuta – currently in 8 th  Place

"Thank you!" Mai bowed to the captain then they left the port.

Shino & Takatoshi – 7 th  Attempt

Both handed their answer to the captain as they waited for the verification of their solution.

"Please be right, please be right!" Takatoshi muttered.

"That's correct!" The captain announced.

Shino & Takatoshi – currently in 9 th  Place

"Yes!" Shino exclaimed. "Well, we can catch up to others!"

Both students exited the port, leaving one team alone.

Kazuma & Megumin – 1 st  Attempt

"Here we go! We're hoping that we can make this right." Megumin said, submitting their answer to the captain.

"It's incorrect." The captain answered.

"Or maybe after a few tries," Kazuma added.

C. Cera St., Santurce

Sora & Shiro

The siblings began their painting experience as Sora took the upper ground, while Shiro is obviously below. Before they could start, Sora's hands began to shake violently after stretching his arms to the wall.

He groaned. "What the heck?! This is gonna be hard in a condition like this."

"I don't mind. As long as we're progressing, we're good." Shiro said, reassuring her big brother.

"You're really strong, Shiro."

"It's a word of encouragement." She replied, painting the background.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"So far, so good." Ryuuji compliments himself after looking at his half-finished work. "What about you there?"

He indirectly called Taiga, who was done with a batch of newly-coated paint from her paintbrush. As soon as he walked to refill, she accidentally kicked an open paint can, streaming the thick paint off the ground. Quickly thinking, she stood the can before it could be empty.

She groaned in reaction. "Damn it! I didn't even see it!"

"Just be careful, Taiga." Ryuuji reminds Taiga of her clumsiness to subside. "I hope that's enough paint for us to finish this."

"Oh, he can check it right now. I mean, you can't use the whole paint in one single piece of art, right?!" She asked unabashedly.

"Well, let's see… after I finish this portion."

Calle Cerra, Santurce

Kaname & Sousuke

The team found the last restaurant off their list as they stacked the last three remaining boxes to the restaurant manager.

"Okay, that's it, right?" Kaname asks the manager.

"Yes." The manager simply answered as he signed the receipt that was brought by Kaname.

The receipt was returned to the blue-haired student with a signature.

"Thank you!" She greeted them as they left the restaurant. "Now, we have to find the starting point!"

After a few minutes of cycling around the street, they found the starting point. Kaname submitted the receipts to validate the transactions. The supplier gave a thumbs up to the team, giving them a clue envelope.

Kaname & Sousuke – currently in 2 nd  Place

"Make your way to the next Pit Stop!" Kaname's eyes widened after reading the clue with excitement over her face. "Okay, it's our time to shine!"

"Roger!" Sousuke nodded as he followed her to their own vehicle.

As soon as they left, two teams were spotted at El Patio de Sole, where they brought a clue to open it.

Ryuko & Mako – currently in 6 th  Place

"Hey, guys!" Ryuko called out the other team. "Which challenge do you guys want to do?"

Souma & Megumi – currently in 7 th  Place

"Oh!" Souma reacted. "Of course, our bread and butter!"

"Design?" Mako took a guess, causing the chefs to chuckle and Ryuko to facepalm.

"No, silly. We're delivering!" Megumi told them. "It's our strong suit! Plus, it's a food-related challenge!"

"Ah…" Ryuko paused and lit up, proposing an idea. "Wanna work with us?"

"Oh, we love to!" Megumi gladly accepts the offer.

"Of course! We love to share assistance with you! That's etiquette!"

"Yay!" Mako exclaimed.

"I am glad that we are working with the chefs since I don't even know which task should we take," Ryuko confessed. "Plus, Mako seems conflicted at both."

"At one point, I love painting, but on the other hand, I love food!" Mako explained her reason.

With this newly-formed association, they helped one another tying the boxes on the back of their bicycles.

"I think that's tied enough," Souma told the other team.

"Same as yours." Ryuko returned the favor to them. "Okay, let's ride!"

"Okay, we're going to the first restaurant!" Megumi exclaimed.

The quartet soon moved to the road as they began their expedition.

La Fortaleza

Nagisa & Karma

"That's the Pit Stop, right?" Karma asked.

"I think it is," Nagisa answered unsurely.

Kaname & Sousuke

"I think we have arrived at our destination," Sousuke told Kaname.

"I think it's that blue building in front," Kaname said. "We should look inside."

Both teams were seen running off from their cars as they ran inside and found the mat in the interior courtyard of the building.

"Oh, that's Phil!"

"There's the mat!"

The suspense broke when the foot of a team was stomped at the mat simultaneously as the team smiled in front of the host and the local greeter.

"Buen día! Bienvenido a San Juan, Puerto Rico! Welcome to La Fortaleza!" The man in a formal suit greeted the team.

"Thank you!"

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"Nagisa and Karma, you are team number one!" Phil announced them as winners of the leg.

Nagisa & Karma – 1 st  Place; arrived at 10:19am

"YES!" Nagisa jumped in celebration after hearing their placement.

"As the winners of this leg of the race…" Phil presented their prize to the team, Karma instantly picked it up. "You have won the Express Pass. You can use it to skip a task of your choosing. You will have possession of it until Leg 7. Better use it wisely."

"Okay, we got it!" Karma answered, notifying the stakes of their newly won pass.

"It feels great to be in first again," Nagisa said to Phil. "In fact, we even barely saw any teams since we arrived here."

"And that's really good to hear since we have a huge gap from then, thanks to the Salvage Pass!"

After them, another team arrived at the mat to see Phil.

"Kaname and Sousuke, you are team number two!" Phil told them their current position.

Kaname jumped in celebration while Sousuke simply smiled over the news.

Kaname & Sousuke – 2 nd  Place; arrived at 11:25am

"Pretty impressive performance today, guys." Phil complimented them.

"Well, if it wasn't for Sousuke's knowledge, we would have still placed somewhere in the middle," Kaname said, looking at her partner and smiling at him. "I'm glad he's progressing so far."

"Looks like we're gonna be the next targets from some teams, and I don't like the sound of that," Kaname said.

"If those targets want to annihilate us, then they have to go through me first!" Sousuke added in a serious tone.

"Sousuke, that's a wrong approach. But I get what you're saying."

Port of San Juan

Kazuma & Megumin – 4 th  Attempt

"I think it's the right one." Megumin assumed while observing their answer.

"We're shuffling letters, and we're risking for it every turn," Kazuma said.

Both presented their answer to the captain, who nodded and turned in the clue to the adventurers.

Kazuma & Megumin – currently in Last Place

Both sighed in relief as they read out the details from their clue.

"Okay, we might still have a chance," Kazuma said.

"Any familiar faces would be a big relief," Megumin added.

"Then let's go!"

C. Cera St., Santurce

Ritsu & Mio

"Hey, Ritsu. Can you pick up the other paint can?" Mio told Ritsu.

"Uh, sure." Ritsu picked up the new can to Mio, who was up on the ladder. She quickly stepped down, rung by rung. Ritsu's hand began to shake as she held it with only her fingers on the bottom. "Come on!"

"I'm coming!" Mio said.

As soon as she is within reach of the can, the can suddenly loses its balance, and the contents were fallen to Ritsu, much to the shock of Mio. The now paint-filled Ritsu froze after what had just transpired.

"What the hell?!" That was the only thing Ritsu said.

"AHHH! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Mio apologizes to Ritsu.

"Just give me something to wash off the paint! Quick!"

"The paint was really sticky, and it kept glued over to my skin. That was a nightmare." Ritsu admitted.

Ritsu's wish was granted after a bucket of water was dropped over her, scalping every possible paint stain over her skin. She manages to remove some parts, but not all of them.

"Let's continue the painting, shall we?" Ritsu said.

"Y-Y-Yeah…" Mio stuttered, embarrassed to look over at her music buddy.

Sora & Shiro

"I think we're almost done!" Sora exclaimed after seeing his progress colored with his work. "Gonna grab the paint can—"

But before he could go back down to the ground to grab another paint can, the ladder shook that sent the content of the paint tray below, falling from the top. Ironically, without prior warning, Shiro became a victim of another paint spill.

"Ah! Shit, sorry!" Sora apologizes to his little sister, which to his surprise, did not bother to look behind as her vision was hindered by paint on her face. "Are you okay?"

"I don't mind." She only replied.

Sora whistled in response.

"As long as we are in a task, I absolutely ignore whatever I have that is obstructing the progress of our work. Like if I am hungry, dehydrated, and covered with paint…" Shiro confessed.

"Now I'm soaked in these!" She added, attempting to look back to no avail. "Now I can't see you."

For the second time, Shiro met with a splashing surprise as she was now drenched in paint and now water, which was effective as she removed parts that hindered their task's progress.

"That's my girl!" Sora bragged.

Calle Cerra, Santurce

Souma & Megumi

"Musa Gastro Pub. There it is!" Souma spotted the restaurant on his left. "Whoo! This heat is scorching!" Souma exclaimed, wiping off the sweat from his forehead with his hand.

Ryuko & Mako

"Nice! Now we have to pick up the items here!" Ryuko said.

"Okay, but which one?" Mako asked as she untied the boxes that were strapped at the back of the bicycle.

Megumi read the list carefully and spoke.

"So, we have to send the spinaches, mushrooms, and a fetta, which is a white cheese." Megumi translated the Spanish list of ingredients.

"Got it!" Souma exclaimed.

With this, Ryuko noticed that the boxes were filled with two white kinds of cheese that she could not distinguish.

"Which one is the fetta?"

"The one that looks like a crater," Megumi answered instantly.

"Ah, this one!" Ryuko revealed the box to the girl chef, who nodded in approval. "Well, let's send this one inside!"

After settling the ingredients properly, they entered the pub to send their supplies to the counter. The teams then presented their respective receipts signed by the manager and gave the receipts back to them.

Souma & Megumi - 1/3 locations – 3/9 ingredients delivered

"Gracias!" Megumi bowed to the counter.

Ryuko & Mako - 1/3 locations – 3/9 ingredients delivered

"Thank you so much!" Ryuko followed the gesture made by Megumi.

"Now, let's head to the next restaurant!" Souma exclaimed.

"Right!" Mako nodded.

El Patio de Sole

Mai & Sakuta – currently in 8 th  Place

"Let's do Design!" Mai announced, deciding for their team.

"Okay then…" Sakuta replied nonchalantly.

"Looks like someone is against my decision…" She smirked over her partner, teasing him mentally. "But guess what, I'm the one who will decide from now on!"

"Yeah, I know that." He only muttered.

Shino & Takatoshi – currently in 9 th  Place

"Let's do—"

"Design!" Shino interrupts Takatoshi's decision.

"Well, that was my line. But I guess we're on the same page." He spoke.

C. Cera St., Santurce

Ryuuji & Taiga

"We're done! I think…" Ryuuji said unsurely, calling out the artist for a check. "Hi! We would like to give this one a check!"

"Although we wasted a short amount of paint and a piece of my boot, I hope we get out of here!" Taiga said, looking at hew paint-stained boot, in which she was highly bothered not to lock eyes with it within a few seconds.

"Don't worry, we'll buy a new one once we win the race."

After a careful observation of their artwork, the artist decided that it was decent at its finest. Then, he gave a clue to the couple.

Ryuuji & Taiga – currently in 3 rd  Place

"La Fortaleza!" Ryuuji reads out the Pit Stop location loudly.

"Good, now I can remove this boot. It's been bothering me for a few minutes." Taiga told Ryuuji.

Calle Cerra, Santurce

Souma & Megumi

"Hola, sabes dónde está el restaurante La Penultima? (Hi, do you know where the La Penultima restaurant is?)." Megumi asks a local in Spanish, questioning the current whereabouts of the second restaurant on their list.

"Simplemente camine derecho y verá una señal ... creo. (Just walk straight, and you'll see a sign... I think.)" The local answered, pointing them straight.

"Ah! He said that we need to walk straight." Megumi told the co-racers.

"Arigato!" Mako greeted the local in another language, causing the others to laugh.

"Mako!" Ryuko scolds her partner.

"Hehe…" Mako nervously replied.

With this new information that they garnered, they proceeded forward and walked on for a few meters until they saw a sign that caught their eyes.

"Ah! Here it is!" Souma exclaimed, looking at the sign extensively.

The teams entered the premises, where they met the second manager and sent out the boxes. But first, they have to recheck the contents to guarantee themselves a second successful delivery.

"Okay, we need to give him the other cheese." Megumi began to enumerate the needed ingredients.

"Gotcha." Souma found the box that contained the dairy food.

"The tomatoes."

"Got it!" Ryuko announced.

"Then the capers?"

"Is this the one?" Mako asked, looking at her box that contained the correct ingredient.

"Yep." Megumi honestly answered. "Okay, let's pass it over, guys!"

They obliged and sent their food supplies to the counter, followed by their receipts signed by the manager, who sent them back to them.

"Thank you!" The quartet greeted in unison.

Souma & Megumi - 2/3 locations – 6/9 ingredients delivered

Ryuko & Mako - 2/3 locations – 6/9 ingredients delivered

C. Cera St., Santurce

Ritsu & Mio

"I think we're out of paint!" Mio said after looking at a paint can and to the other one. "This should be enough… right?"

"I don't know, you be the judge," Ritsu replied in a raspy voice.

Mio looked over below Ritsu, still covered in a significant volume of paint despite being showered with water.

"Sorry!" Mio apologizes to her for the second time. "Hey there, Mr. Artist! Can we have a check?"

The artist then observed their work quickly; although they almost wasted a paint can, this was enough for the artist to approve of their work as he exposed the clue to the musicians.

Ritsu & Mio – currently in 4 th  Place

"Thank you so much!" Mio said to the artist. "Come on, Ritsu! We have a Pit Stop to visit."

"Yeah, sure." Ritsu groaned and flapped her arms herself to remove the tacky material, but it would not budge. "Damn it!" She then follows Mio.

Sora & Shiro

"I'm out of paint, big bro." The fully paint-covered girl told Sora.

"Yeah, same here. This should be enough!" Sora replied and whistled to call out the artist. "Oi! We need to check this!"

The artist came by to verify their work if it had enough paint from the old mural. After a minute had passed by, the artist came to them and showed the clue to them, approved of their work.

Sora & Shiro – currently in 5 th  Place

"Make your way to the next Pit Stop! La Fortaleza…" Sora reads the clue info and then notices that a marked vehicle has passed by. "Oh, someone got out the same time as us! We can pass them!"

"Okay…" Shiro muttered, still feeling the effects of the paint shower.

La Fortaleza

Ryuuji & Taiga – 3 rd  Place; arrived at 12:08pm

"You're team number three!" Phil announced the couple as the second runner-up.

"That's alright, I guess." Ryuuji nervously reacted to their current placement.

"But I'm not!" Taiga replied cynically.

"Oh, we've been down by one place—" He stopped once he looked over at Taiga, who points a finger to her painted boot. "Oh… right! We need to rest and remove it."

"Okay, then. I'll see you at the next leg."

"Thank you!"

El Patio de Sole

Kazuma & Megumin – currently in Last Place

"They are few clues left here!" Megumin told Kazuma, who had just arrived now at the clue box.

"Nah, we're pretty much in last!" Kazuma replied.

Megumin opens the clue for them. "Design or Deliver?"

"Design is the safest bet; I could not afford to ride a bike at this state." Kazuma picked out their task as he reads the details.

"I'm gonna pick up the cans now!" Megumin shouted, carrying all four cans by herself.

"Sure, go ahead! I'll just follow you!"

C. Cera St., Santurce

Mai & Sakuta

The couple silently took their job as painters as they swayed from left to right, upward to downward, whatever method they could perform to cover the whole portion that they needed to repaint.

"So far, so good." Mai then broke the ice.

"Yeah…" Sakuta simply replied.

"You sound like a dead animal, aren't you?"

"Am I? Yeah, it feels like I'm in a desert, alright…" Sakuta added but followed up when Mai shot daggers at him. "With a hot chick! Yes! Mai is super hot, and she's so crispy!"

"Crispy? What's that supposed to mean?"

Sakuta showed signs of himself, freaking out at what his next act was.

"I am really hitting a wall here. Mai being a reigning leader really is a nightmare!" Sakuta confessed.

"What makes you think it's a nightmare?" Mai asked.

"Because it was in my dream because it's a nightmare, obviously."

Because of this sarcastic remark, Mai pinches Sakuta's ear tightly that sending the latter into the world of pain.

"Hey! Let go! Ouch!"

"Nice try, funny man. But I'm not laughing at your dumb retorts." Mai said.

Shino & Takatoshi

"Hey, Tsuda!" Shino called the tall student.

"What is it?" Takatoshi responded quickly.

"Can you paint my face white?"

"What are you trying to say?" He curiously inquires about her intentions.

"Oh, I wanna feel that I have showered with cu—"

Shino paused after seeing Takatoshi swapping colors between them.

"Hey, what are you doing?!"

"Just do the job, already!"

"What kind of job? The common one? Or the—"

"Just burst it!" Takatoshi loudly blurted out but realized that his phrasing was off.

However, Shino took this as an order and obliged, began to paint.

"That worked… somehow?" He muttered.

La Fortaleza

Ritsu & Mio – 4 th  Place; arrived at 12:45pm

"What happened to her?" Phil asked Mio.

"Well, things did not go well back at the painting challenge," Mio said.

"Ugh! I need this thing to get out of my skin!" Ritsu complained.

"Same here…"

"Who said tha—AHHHHH!" Ritsu screamed after looking at her right side, revealing the NEETs, also arriving at the mat.

Sora & Shiro – 5 th  Place; arrived at 12:46pm

"Where did you even guys come from?" Mio asked.

"Same place as you guys," Sora answered in a sarcastic tone.

"I mean… Never mind that…"

"I guess the two of you need some hard washing, so I better let you go right now." Phil gave them the go signal to get some rest, clearly referring to both Ritsu and Shiro.

"Finally!" Ritsu sighed in relief.

"Yeah, Shiro looks like a ghost to me!" Sora told Phil.

"G-GHOST?!" Mio became horrified at the mention of the scary creature. "Where?!"

Both gamers looked at each other in confusion.

C. Cera St., Santurce

Kazuma & Megumin

"I guess I'll cover the top for you." Megumin took charge of her partner as she started her painting session.

"Okay then!" Kazuma accepted the proposal of Megumin.

Before he could start, Kazuma caught sight of an interesting matter and smirked evilly.

"I didn't know having a leg cramp could be a blessing in disguise!" Kazuma confessed.

He continuously giggled until Megumin noticed that Kazuma hadn't started to paint. When she looks in the direction of his eyes, she instinctively shrieks and ultimately covers her robe in embarrassment.

"Kazuma!" She shouted. "Did you use your injury to move up your ranks as a perverted adventurer?"

"Wha?! No, I wasn't!" Kazuma denied her allegations.

However, someone other than Megumin doubted his motive as that other made its presence known, dropping itself to Kazuma's head.

"OUCH! Megumin!" Kazuma now threw a protest to her.

"That wasn't me!"

"Looks like even the paint can suspect Kazuma as a sneaky pervert!" Megumin said. "I didn't even know they could even agree to what I said!"

"Ugh! This day couldn't get any worse…" Kazuma only muttered after what had just happened in two minutes.

Calle Cerra, Santurce

"I think that's all of them!" Ryuko surely said after delivering the final batch of supplies to the last restaurant.

"Yay!" Mako exclaimed, grabbing the receipt from the manager.

Ryuko & Mako - 2/3 locations – 6/9 ingredients delivered

Souma & Megumi - 2/3 locations – 6/9 ingredients delivered

"Thank you!" Megumi greeted the counter as they left the restaurant.

"Nice! Now, where do we go next?" Souma asked everyone in their circle.

"It's on the left. It's the same location as the last clue box that we encounter earlier." Ryuko answered.

"Oh, nice! Let's go back!"

"We have a great time teaming up with the chefs, they were honest and the happiest team I have ever met so far," Ryuko confessed. "Especially, the girl is the most hospitable person I have ever seen!"

"Mako agrees to all of it!" Mako added.

"Those guys rocked! They're honest, and one of them was the happiest human being ever!" Souma admitted. "I can't wait for another opportunity to work with them in the future!"

"Yeah, they're a cool team, if we might add up." Megumi followed up.

The two teams arrived at the starting point where they compiled their receipts to the supplier, who rewarded them with two clues.

"Thank you!" All four greeted the supplier concurrently.

Souma & Megumi – currently in 6 th  Place

"Make your way to the Pit Stop…" Megumi reads the clue first.

Ryuko & Mako – currently in 7 th  Place

"…to La Fortaleza…" Ryuko continued.

"Alright! We're out of here!" Souma exclaimed, then faced the other team. "Well, see you at the Pit Stop!"

"Yeah, see you too!" Ryuko replied back.

"Bye!" Mako added.

With that, the teams went their separate ways, going forward to their vehicles then to the Pit Stop.

C. Cera St., Santurce

Shino & Takatoshi

"Are we almost done?" Shino asked her partner.

"Not sure, but we're getting there," Takatoshi answered.

She sighed and continued to work on her painting. "It's no fun when no one's showing the fun."

"Can you check it, mister?" Takatoshi asked the artist who put his eyes over their work.

"No." The artist said, shaking his head, emphasizing his verdict.

"Well, more painting, less fun…"

Kazuma & Megumin

"We're getting there! We're getting there!" Kazuma chanted, picking up the pace at his current stance.

"Yikes! Where did you get that energy?" Megumin asked while doing her work.

"Oh, I have my own ways of boosting the mood." He smirked, but that smirk looked familiar to Megumin, who decided to ignore it.

"His phase is gonna come back anytime soon! I can feel it!" Megumin said.

La Fortaleza

"Looks like two teams are coming ahead…" Phil commentated as soon as he saw the glimpse of those teams until they arrived at the mat. "…and they all stomped at the mat!"

With their weary and happy faces, they greeted Phil and the greeter.

"Souma and Megumi… you are team number six!" He announced.

Souma & Megumi – 6 th  Place; arrived at 1:21pm

"Alright!" Megumi took the announcement well and smiled.

"I'll take that over the bottom placement!" Souma exclaimed as he offered a five to his partner, and they did just that.

Phil then stared at the other team. "Which means that Ryuko and Mako are team number seven!"

Ryuko & Mako – 7 th  Place; arrived at 1:22pm

"We'll take that, I guess." Ryuko reacted with a shrug afterward.

"Yay! We're still here!" Mako happily took the stage for a quick dance that caused the others to chuckle, even the host.

"It's fine that we're somewhere in the middle, but we need to step up and climb that ladder," Souma said with pride.

"You bet! I am ready for another leg of difficulties…" Megumi added. "As long as they're food-related, we're totally going to nail that!"

"We need to improve ourselves next time, right, Mako?" Ryuko asked.

"Of course, Mako will definitely need something to be better!" Mako answered confidently.

C. Cera St., Santurce

Mai & Sakuta

"Alas! I think we're done!" Mai exclaimed, realizing that the color was brightly stained over the wall. "Can we have a check, please?"

The artist appeared where he took a good look at the artwork. Much to his quiet demeanor, he gave their work a thumbs up, sending them smiles as he presented the clue to the couple, in which Mai claws the envelope to read out the following instruction for them.

Mai & Sakuta – currently in 8 th  Place

"Make your way to the next Pit Stop…" She reads the complete details in a whispering tone. "Alright, let's go there."

Once they made their way inside the vehicle and left the street, Sakuta breathed and asked Mai for something.

"Hey, Mai." He spoke.

"What? What is it?" Mai replied instantly.

"I think we should resolve this cold environment that we're facing right now," Sakuta answered.

"Are you sure you turned the A/C into its maximum?"

"No, not that! The A/C is alright. But about us, about this day… if you know what I mean."

"Oh…" She paused and realized what he was referring to. "Sure, but first, we should land at the Pit Stop first, then we can talk about it."

That comment alone made Sakuta put a smile on his face. "Thanks."

"Seriously, when we first took the time to talk about us, we addressed how to improve our relationship. But here we are, hoping to be at the same wavelengths once we get through it." Mai said. "And I am hoping we could keep this up until the end of the race."

Shino & Takatoshi

"I think it's done!" Takatoshi judged his effort by one look as he called out the artist for the second time.

"Man! Painting really is hard, if you ever think about it deeply." Shino admitted.

After a minute of observing the mural in the wall, he decided that it was enough as he approved their painting work and awarded them with the clue for their efforts.

Shino & Takatoshi – currently in 9th Place

"Thank you!" Takatoshi bowed after grabbing the clue as he ripped it open to read. "La Fortaleza… Let's go!"

"Okay then," Shino replied.

Both of them left their mural work to their cars somewhere along the street.

Kazuma & Megumin

"I wonder if this is enough." Kazuma thought and firstly checked his paintwork.

"I think it's enough," Megumin answered, also looking at her work.

"Alright, that's enough!" He cried. "Where's the artist? Can he check this one?"

Once he heard the magic word, he simply walked to them and checked the overall look of their artwork. Once he got the whole look of their art, he gave them the clue, approving of their efforts.

Kazuma & Megumin – currently in Last Place

"Yes!" Megumin exclaimed.

"Thank you!" Kazuma greeted the artist and snatched the clue from the hand of the artist. "Make your way to your next Pit Stop… the last team to check-in may be eliminated… Let's go, Megumin!"

"I'm on it!" She said as she slowly climbed down from the ladder to the ground.

"Nice underwear, though," Kazuma told Megumin, who showed an obvious embarrassing blushing form on her face.

"Shut up, you limping pervert!"

La Fortaleza

Mai & Sakuta – 8 th  Place; arrived at 1:45pm

"How's the race progress for both of you so far?" Phil asked them.

"It's been like we've hit a rocky road today," Sakuta answered. "But once we get to work on how to escape it, then we should turn to the bright side."

"Yeah, I think I may have judged him wrong after all his efforts that have done so far." Mai somehow agrees to the statement, admitting to her mistake.

"Once the next leg starts, we totally should be on the same page!" He assumed.

"I hope so!"

?

Shino & Takatoshi

Takatoshi, who is currently driving the car for their team, notice that the gas meter is almost reaching the lowest point.

"Hey, we might want to refill the car." He told Shino.

"Wait, what?" Shino clearly all of it but was unsure if it was right.

"I might stop by the gas station."

She groaned in reaction after hearing the bad news. "Now I have to take a pee since I have been holding it from the airport…"

"NOW WE HAVE TO GO TO THE GAS STATION IMMEDIATELY!" Takatoshi loudly cried; his urgency kicked in after hearing such worst news.

Kazuma & Megumin

"Can you at least add up some speed?" Megumin told Kazuma, who was still dealing with a cramp.

"No, my leg still hurts at this point. I can't even go overdrive!" Kazuma answered.

"Come on, at least, we should be at the speed limit."

"I'll try."

Shino & Takatoshi

They are currently in a gas station, where their car needs some refilling. But in Shino's case, she needs some removal of excessive liquids over her body.

"I don't know which one will be longer, this one or Shino's…" He said to the camera. "This is stressing me out!"

Kazuma & Megumin

"Ten minutes! I think we can do this!" Kazuma said with confidence. "I hope the other team faced some troubles along the way."

"At least, don't jinx it for us!" Megumin replied.

"Don't worry, the good luck might be calling on me."

"Now you're jinxing us!"

Shino & Takatoshi

"You took five minutes more than the gas refilling!" Takatoshi complained.

"It is way more complicated than you think, Tsuda," Shino replied haughtily, crossing her arms. "Now, let's go!"

He sighed only in a reaction as they left the gas station.

La Fortaleza

A team's car was soon spotted by the entrance of the government mansion as they left their vehicle. Meanwhile, another team arrived at the same place, also leaving their vehicle.

"There he is!"

"There's the mat!"

"Please be worth it!"

"Please don't let us lose!"

Soon after, a team stomped at the mat, simultaneously greeted both the host and the greeter.

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"Shino and Takatoshi…" He paused to stir up the tension in the air and spoke. "You are team number nine! You're still in the race."

Shino & Takatoshi – 9 th  Place; arrived at 2:09pm

Both sighed in relief after hearing that they spared being last placers.

"Thank goodness…" Takatoshi said.

"Finally, now the tension's off, maybe we should…" Shino said.

"Yeah, let's do just that."

"But I didn't even finish my sentence!" She complained.

"Whatever it is on your mind, just say it!"

"Never!"

After several minutes, the last team arrived to check-in for their placement with gentle smiles over their face, especially for the one who got hurt today.

"Tough day?" Phil asked them.

Both of them nodded in agreement.

"Kazuma and Megumin… you are the last team to arrive…" Phil said.

Kazuma & Megumin – Last Place

"Well, at least, we tried, right?" Kazuma nervously asked Megumin, who did not take the announcement well.

"Oi! We're adventurers. We certainly tried! But I don't want to end it like this!" She whined as she grabbed the collar of Kazuma's green mantle and shook the man uncontrollably. "It doesn't have to end like this, right? Right?!"

Meanwhile, Phil observes Megumin's frantic actions as he coughs to say something to them.

"Megumin, I will answer the question for you." He paused and spoke again. "You're right. It won't end at a time like this because this is a pre-determined, non-elimination leg, and you're both will be given another chance to race."

Kazuma & Megumin – Last Place; arrived at 2:26pm

Megumin's eyes spoke her reaction as she continued to shake Kazuma violently. "What?! Did you hear that?! We're still in it!"

"I know, I know! Can you stop shaking me to the core?!" Kazuma then complains to Megumin.

"However, at the next leg, you'll be encountering a Speed Bump somewhere, where you'll have to finish an additional task before you can continue racing." Phil reminded them of their penalty for arriving last at a non-elimination leg.

"Okay, then! No problem with that!" Kazuma stood up decently. "But I need to rest my leg first. I think it will be fine at the next leg!"

"Are you sure about that?" Megumin asked.

"I am definitely sure!"

"Wishing you a quick recovery and good luck at the next leg! You'll be needing it." Phil said a reassuring reminder to them.

"Thank you! We will be needing that!" Megumin took the message and digested it well.

"If I am 100% recovered from my cramps, we'll be back at high stakes racing! And once the luck replenishes back fully, then I'll utilize it whatever the situation that we're in." Kazuma said.

"You better be, or you'll be facing an explosive trouble!" Megumin sends a threat to Kazuma, who pays no heed to her warning.

"Really? That's the only thing you can say to me? Ha! I have a better comeback from that!"

"Hey! Stop that!"

SHORT END CREDITS

"Next time on The Amazing Race… teams were in for a treat!"

Teams went to eat some delicacy that sends them in pleasure.

"This is great!"

"Definitely a five-star food!"

"And time was money for them!"

One by one, a scene where coins were fallen from a table as a competitor picked it up was captured.

"How many coins are there?!"

"This is the hardest game I have ever taken in."

"And some teams were left behind…"

The train's door began to close as a team was spotted, arriving too late at their schedule.

"Oh, no…"

"We are so doomed."

P.S.

Btw, I have posted a poll here at AO3. If you want the poll regarding the season, click the link here.

Chapter Text

"Previously on The Amazing Race…" Phil spoke off-screen. "At the island of Puerto Rico, teams surge ahead to the waves as they showered from the colorless waters…"

"CANNONBALL!" Mako shouted, jumping off the platform and lands on the water.

"AHHH!" Ryuuji also cried after diving himself into the waters of San Juan.

"…while others, were hailed by the colorful paints."

The camera captures Shiro being a victim of an unprecedented paint shower.

"I don't mind." She said nonchalantly.

Then, off to Ritsu, who went frozen after getting drenched by the paint.

"Just give me something to wash off the paint! Quick!" She exclaimed, ordering Mio.

"As for Sousuke and the siblings, they bombed the competition that sent them to the top!"

The faces of the other teams after he solved the puzzle were captured by the cameras over the port.

"Sousuke, you are pretty ridiculous… you know that?" Kaname reacted to his partner after overcoming the flag challenge.

The siblings then showed their answers to the captain.

"That's correct!" The captain declared.

"However, with utilizing their newly-won Salvage Pass, Nagisa and Karma leaped ahead of them, earning another victory…"

"Nagisa and Karma, you are team number one!" Phil announced them as winners of the leg.

"…and another pass!"

"You have won the Express Pass!" Phil revealed the prize that they got.

Okay, we got it!" Karma answered, notifying the stakes of their newly won pass.

"It feels great to be in first again," Nagisa said to Phil.

"Meanwhile, Kazuma cramped up at the Roadblock…

"MY LEG!" He shouted after sensing an unpleasant sensation from one of his limbs below.

"…but he persevered from the pain. And wasn't enough for them and Megumin as they arrive last…"

"Kazuma and Megumin… you are the last team to arrive…" Phil announced the bad news.

"But somehow, their luck was on their side and survived."

"It won't end at a time like this because this is a pre-determined, non-elimination leg, and you're both will be given another chance to race," Phil told them the good news afterward.

"I think it will be fine at the next leg!" Kazuma confidently said, hoping for a 100% recovery before the next leg starts.

"Are you sure about that?" Megumin asked.

"I am definitely sure!"

"Ten teams remaining… who will be eliminated next?"

10:18PM – La Fortaleza, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Nighttime in San Juan was silently windy as the fully-lighted blue government mansion was standing behind the first team, waiting for their time to open the first envelope of the leg. When they precisely hit their departure time, one of them opened the envelope to reveal a blue-colored packet.

Nagisa & Karma – departed at 10:19pm

"Fly to Italy and locate the main image of the newspaper that was brought along with your clue…" Nagisa read their first clue and paused to digest the new information. "Wait, does it have a newspaper from there?"

"Yeah…" Karma picks up a piece of a page from a newspaper from the clue, where he observes its content. "It's black and white… and it's in another language!"

"Teams will have to figure out that the article that was brought alongside from their clue is referring them to the city of Milan, Italy. Once they arrive, they must make their way to the image illustrated in the newspaper, Piazza Fontana. It is here where they will find their next clue." Phil narrated their first instructions for this leg.

"We need to ask someone…" Nagisa told Karma.

"Yep, we just need an internet connection…"

Both men found a taxi, waiting for them from a distance, and entered.

"We're on a roll here! Two victories in a row! Sweet!" Nagisa exclaimed.

"Wouldn't it be sweeter if we pull a trifecta of wins?" Karma asked Nagisa, who was compelled by the question.

"That would be the sweetest! If our momentum won't falter once we've landed in Italy."

Kaname & Sousuke – departed at 11:25pm

"Hmmm, where could this be?" Kaname said after reading the unreadable article.

"At least, it's a foreign language," Sousuke said.

"I already know that!" She snarled.

"Being the second team to arrive last time was just a breeze for me. Although, Sousuke took the initiative to send us to this place. But yeah, I'll have to give him credit for his crazy performance at the flag challenge." Kaname said, complimenting her partner for his efforts last leg.

"Wonder what this means, though…" She spoke.

Ryuuji & Taiga – departed at 12:08am

"We know we're going to Italy. But where?" Ryuuji said after reading the foreign newspaper.

When he looked over at Taiga, she was dumbfounded that he dared to ask her.

"Why would I know? It's in another language!" She scoffed in response.

"Well, we have to find a way to figure this one out…

Ritsu & Mio – departed at 12:45am

Sora & Shiro – departed at 12:46am

Due to their gap at the arrival and departure, they managed to stumble at each other as they asked one another about their following location.

"Do you have any idea where we are going?" Ritsu asked the siblings.

"We don't know either. All we know is that we're going to Italy!" Sora answered.

"Oh, alright… I think we should go to the airport, at least." Mio suggested.

"Is the airport still open this time?" Shiro then asks.

"I'm not sure, but let's give it a shot.

Once their conversation had passed, they went their separate ways, with taxis leaving a few seconds apart.

"Is it weird? That those siblings were next to us the last leg?" Mio asks Ritsu, who nodded and realized it until Mio revealed the revelation.

"Yeah, how did they even beat the others? When they're clearly the weakest looking team." Ritsu said, also baffled by this observation.

"Now I have a bad feeling about the other teams…"

"Little did they know that we have actually figured out where we're going, though…" Sora confessed. "Although, we don't wanna share the info from them. Let's just be sneaky at them at first before when the coast is clear."

"We're going in Milan, and the picture is from a place named Piazza Fontana, in which an unfortunate event occurred there back in 1969," Shiro told an informative clue to Sora, who nodded in understanding. "That's what the article is all about."

"Alright, we have to book a flight before anyone can," Sora said to the camera. "We'll just have to be careful."

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport

Ryuuji & Taiga

They arrived at the airport, where they attempted to find any device connected to the internet to provide them the location of their next clue.

"They must have something that can give us internet access," Ryuuji said.

"Ah! Wait for me!" Taiga said as she was behind him all the time due to her lack of physical experience. "Ryuuji!"

"I just hate that I can't run faster like everyone else," Taiga admitted.

Nagisa & Karma

They luckily found someone who owns a phone to give them access to the internet, punching some keys to type the keywords that they needed, they ultimately found the location of the picture from the newspaper.

"Piazza Fontana. It's on Milan." Karma told Nagisa, who wrote a piece of information that could help them progress.

"Got it."

"Man, this one gave us enough stress right off the bat!"

Souma & Megumi – departed at 1:21am

Ryuko & Mako – departed at 1:22am

"Thanks! We may have the seats for ourselves." Ryuko told Megumi.

"Eh, it's all I can do for now. Hehe." Megumi nervously replied.

"Thanks to that girl chef, we might take a look around at which flight could be suited for us," Ryuko said.

"She told us the next location!" Mako exclaimed.

"Megumi has been a great partner for me so far. She's Megumi, for a reason. Hehe." Souma chuckled.

"Now, where is the counter here?" Souma asked as they traveled further inside the airport.

Soon after, another team arrived at the airport as they picked up their pace to find any new leads to their next location.

Mai & Sakuta

"Where can we ask somebody about the newspaper article?" Sakuta asked Mai.

"Not sure; if we get a glimpse of teams booking their flights, then we might sneak up to them," Mai answered.

"Brilliant idea."

"Now, we should be focusing on how our relationship can work without any making errors and faults. And let's just say, we're off to a decent start." Mai said.

Sora & Shiro

"Hi! Do you have any earliest flights from here to Milan, Italy?" Sora formally asked the counter.

"We do. Just let me have the info for the flight…" The attendant answered as he typed from his keyboard. "You will leave today at 1:15pm and arrive in Newark at 5:15pm. Then, from Newark to Milan, you'll be arriving at the next day at 8:20am."

"That's the earliest flight you can offer?"

"Yes."

"Then we'll take two seats there."

"Okay."

With the offer promptly enticing them, they were guaranteed seats from the flight as they received their tickets from the counter.

Sora & Shiro – 1st  on Flight 1

"Thank you!" Sora greeted the attendant and left the counter.

However, a team saw them leaving, presumably bought tickets as that team went to the same counter and asked the same question.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"Did those guys buy tickets here?" Ryuuji said.

"Yes."

"Uh, we need to buy the same tickets as them, please."

"Okay."

Ryuuji & Taiga – 2nd  on Flight 1

"Thank you!" Ryuuji sends his regards to the counter after receiving their tickets and looks over to Taiga as he smiles. "Good thing, you saw them from a distance. I wouldn't see it from there."

"Yeah, you wouldn't see it 'cause your eyes are so small," Taiga replied, haughtily staring at her partner's sanpaku eyes.

Ryuuji sighed in response. "I really hate my dad."

Kaname & Sousuke – 3rd  on Flight 1

Meanwhile, at the other counter but the same airline, the duo also books a flight from the same destination as the last two teams.

"Oh, thank you!" Kaname said to the attendant, then faced her partner. "Thank goodness that you have heard it from before, Sousuke."

"Once all the information was gathered, I immediately recognized the place somehow." Sousuke stoically answered.

"Let me guess, back in your job, right?"

"Affirmative."

Shino & Takatoshi – departed at 2:09am

"Okay, let's find a phone or a computer if that's possible here," Takatoshi told Shino, who deeply thought of something.

"Yeah, if we get access to the internet, we can find the earliest flights. Then I can search for something that can please my sexual tension." Shino enthusiastically replied.

"She's trying to eliminate ourselves here." Takatoshi thought.

La Fortaleza

Kazuma & Megumin – departed at 2:26am

"Is your leg alright now?" Megumin curiously asked.

"Yeah, it's all fine now. Twelve hours of rest is all it needs." Kazuma answered, swaying the leg that was previously cramped by the swimming challenge.

"Massage! Don't forget I have a massage that leg of yours, just like you told me!" Megumin elaborated.

"Eh, whatever… it's all healed up now!"

She pouted at him in response because he completely ignored Megumin or her efforts from his leg being healed.

"We thought we would be eliminated until we got spared!" Megumin exclaimed. "I thought our adventure ends there prematurely! That would be disappointing if we get eliminated."

"But still, my high-skilled luck is here to save us," Kazuma told Megumin.

"I mean, you can use it now…"

"Nah, I'll choose when it's the right time!"

"You're so picky! You're lucky that you can use a skill while I am so bored, doing nothing but imagining explosions!"

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport

Souma & Megumi

Ryuko & Mako

The two teams found themselves in a vacated airline counter, which differed from the previous teams. One of them took the chance to ask.

"Excuse me! We need tickets to Milan! And we want the earliest ones!"

The attendant pressed a few keys and several clicks until she stopped and told the teams.

"1PM today, and you'll arrive at JFK, then a 2-hour layover there. Then, you'll be in Milan at 9:05am tomorrow." The attendant announced.

"What do you think, guys?" Souma asked everyone.

Mai & Sakuta

The couple notices the teams on the counter, leading them to assume that they have found their location. They decided to look over them as Mai poked the shoulder to one of them.

"Hi! Do you have any idea where we're going?" She asked as the one who got poked turned around to see her and Sakuta.

"Uh, yeah, I think…" Mako answered unsurely but looked over to the other side to see that their tickets were ready to present. "I think they do."

"Thanks!"

"We're lucky to see that there are teams who have figured out the clue, and I must say, we have some really, really smartest people around," Mai said.

After the two teams left, the couple took their chance to book the same flight as them. Meanwhile, another team spotted the pair and made their way to the line.

Nagisa & Karma

"There's the line, and we're hoping that we're on the first flight arriving in Italy," Nagisa said to the camera.

1:15PM – United Airlines 1173

There were only three teams packed in the plane, where they mainly questioned about one thing.

Sora & Shiro

"I haven't seen Sharkgirl and Lavaboy in here." While looking at the other seats, Sora noticed nothing familiar in those seats.

"There might be on another flight, but we're not sure if we're the first flight to arrive in Milan," Shiro added.

"Let's keep our fingers crossed."

Both siblings did the said gesture.

Kaname & Sousuke

"So far, I have seen the brother and sister team, and them, obviously," Kaname said, but she growled and tightly clenched her fist when she uttered them. "I actually didn't know they're here with us!"

"Who's 'them'?" Sousuke asked.

"Them? Them!" She cried.

"I don't get it…"

She frowned and crossed her arms because he didn't get the whole point.

"Figure out yourself!"

Ryuuji & Taiga

Taiga groaned after discovering that her adversary was also on the same flight as them.

"She has the audacity to sneak up on us, huh?!"

"I don't mind about th—"

"Oh, you better mind them! We better watch out on what they're going to do!" Taiga interrupts Ryuuji and warns him.

"They're not harmful."

"But her partner is harmful! Remember when he straightly looks at you like you're his enemy?"

"It was because of my eyes! How many times did I tell you that?!"

"You better watch out for their tricks then." Taiga would not bother to escalate their pointless discord as she looked to the other side, ignoring Ryuuji completely.

The plane began its journey towards the US and to Milan, Italy.

JetBlue Airlines 904

Nagisa & Karma

"I'm not sure, but we're wishing that we are leading once the plane touches the ground." Nagisa hoped.

"No worries, once we go out of the door, then we should beat the others in a sprint." Karma confidently said, reassuring his buddy.

"Yeah, I mean, we're technically not last."

Mai & Sakuta

"Just to hope that we can do in our power to stay in the race," Mai said to the camera. "Once we stumble upon a challenge, we should definitely be on the same page."

"It would either benefit us, or it will kick us down to the curb," Sakuta said. "But I'm hoping for the first one to happen."

Souma & Megumi

"We're hoping for the best here not to be on last!" Megumi wished.

"And more food-related activities!"

"Why do you always wish the challenges have to be related to food?!" She asked.

"Because it's our chance to get to the top! You know that everyone wants to be at the top so badly!" Souma explained. "So do we, right?"

"Y-Yeah…"

Ryuko & Mako

"We're going to Italy! We're going to Italy!" Mako chanted until she was stopped by the finger of Ryuko against her mouth.

"We know that! And we can outrun the others! Let's hold to whatever we can do!" Ryuko exclaimed.

"Alright!" Mako said, pumping her fist in excitement.

The second flight came next on lifting off the runway.

Delta Airlines 639

Shino & Takatoshi

"Looks like we're the two teams here inside," Takatoshi stated their status to the camera. "But we're not sure on who's landing first or last."

"We are so definitely in big trouble if we found out that we're the last plane to arrive there," Shino added, wishing that they would arrive at the earliest time possible.

Kazuma & Megumin

"We're expecting to arrive at Milan at 9:50 the next day," Megumin said to the camera. "Here's to wishing that we're turning the bad luck on the other side!"

"I will turn the luck to us!" Kazuma elaborated and spoke cockily.

"If we get eliminated, we would be disappointed since we're adventurers. Adventurers' expedition should last longer until it's finished!"

The third flight soon lifts off and begins its aerial expedition to the locations of the USA and Italy.

"All teams are now making their way 4,600 miles across the Atlantic and Mediterranean to Milan, Italy, via various airports in the United States. Once they arrive at Milan, teams will now make their way to Piazza Fontana. It is here that they will find their next clue."

8:20AM – Malpensa Airport – Milan, Italy

The first plane that touched down smoothly landed on the runway as the aerial vehicle soon opened its door for the newly-arrived teams, who went in sprinting mode as they began scattering around the airport to strategize a new plan to advance.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"Now, where are the taxis?" Taiga asked.

"I don't know. Let's ask someone for now." Ryuuji answered.

Sora & Shiro

Shiro looked up to a sign and saw something that could either help them or not.

"We could use the train." She suggested.

"Yeah, we're taking the train definitely." Sora agreed. "If we're trying to avoid any possible traffic, that's the solution.

Kaname & Sousuke

"Do you know how to get to Piazza Fontana?" Kaname asked a local.

"You either take a taxi or a train." The local answered.

"Thanks!" She replied, then faced Sousuke. "So, where do we ride?"

"Taxi? We can get out of any time if something happens." Sousuke answered unsurely, but he brought a reason to take one.

"Okay then, taxi it is."

Sora & Shiro

"We need to go to Piazza Fontana," Sora told the cashier in front of them.

"You need to go to L1 and stop at Milano Cadorna station." The cashier answered, giving them tips right off the bat.

"Thank you!"

"You have three minutes left before the train leaves." The cashier told them.

"Thanks!"

"Now, we have to run as fast as we can." Sora then told Shiro.

"I'm ready!"

With that, they attempt to enter the train on time and run as fast as possible despite their physical difficulties.

"That was probably the most running we ever did so far since we got out of our house," Shiro admitted.

After using the escalator to go up, they made their way to the fair gate to validate their tickets. Once successfully read their tickets, they immediately sighted the train.

"There it is!" Sora exclaimed. "We gotta go!"

"Alright! We're almost there!"

They were a few steps away from the floor of the train's interior until the train signaled that they were ready to go.

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With seconds to spare, they successfully entered the train with exhaustion already visibly showing to both siblings.

"That. Was. Close." Sora paused every word to take a breath.

"We. Need. To. Sit. Down. Now." Shiro followed, also weary at a short but tiring sprint.

"Yeah…"

Kaname & Sousuke

They found themselves in a taxi station where they picked up one immediately when they got out.

"Piazza Fontana?" Kaname told the driver, who nodded. "Thank you. Go fast too!"

"I'm not even sure if we decided the right thing because some of them might take the train instead," Kaname said, fearing for a possible wrong decision.

"So far, so good. The traffic isn't there…" She added.

Ryuuji & Taiga

The team was spotted entering the automatic turnstile and waiting for the next train to arrive.

"So, they told us that the next train will be here at 8:55am," Ryuuji said to the camera.

"I wonder if the others took the other way," Taiga said.

Ryuuji only raised an eyebrow in response, implying that he could not get quite understand what she meant.

"Taxi."

"Oh," Ryuuji said. "I hope the other teams on the other flights would arrive later because we're building a gap here."

"Ah! Could the train be faster?!" Taiga groaned in frustration.

?

Kaname & Sousuke

"If there isn't any traffic, then the stoplights hinder the trip," Kaname said, almost upset at their current predicament. "I don't know if this was the best decision."

"It's all clear. Nothing is hampering our trip so far." Sousuke said.

"That's not what I'm trying to say." She covered herself to avoid getting any attention.

Milano Cadorna Station

"Now, where do we go now?" Shiro asked.

"Excuse me." Sora begins to talk with an officer. "Do you know Piazza Fontana?"

"Take Cadorna, a train. Then stop at Duomo station." The officer answered. "Go to the station first."

"Another station? How long?"

"One minute."

"Grazie!" Sora greeted as they left the station towards the other one. "We better hurry."

"I know!" Shiro replied.

"The cons on taking trains are that you're about to be met with a marathon, which is not our strong suit at all," Sora said.

Aéroport de Milan Malpensa T1 Station

Ryuuji & Taiga

After waiting, they entered the train and sat down in their vacated seats.

"I'm pretty sure we're gonna get there," Ryuuji said. "I hope we can get there as fast as the train could."

"Don't be so optimistic; they're smart individuals. They know the way." Taiga said, bringing up a pessimistic thought to him.

"Don't be such a downer! Anything is possible!"

"Hmph!" She looks away and ignores him completely.

"We are really on a different side of the world if we keep saying things that are contrasting to our relationship," Ryuuji said.

?

Kaname & Sousuke

"How many minutes left?" Kaname asked the driver.

"Uhhh… ten or fifteen minutes." The driver answered.

"We have to make it there quick before the other two teams behind us." She spoke. "Better be ready, Sousuke."

"I understand." He calmly replied.

Piazza Fontana

Sora & Shiro

"Piazza Fontana?" Shiro asked a local, who instantly pointed them to go straight. "Grazie!"

With that, they found a familiar sight, which was the clue box… and another clue box, where the faces of Kazuma and Megumin were posted on a yellow board. They quickly made their way to the standard clue box as Sora grabbed one to open. Once he had opened the envelope, he was surprised to see two packets, which consisted of red and green.

Sora & Shiro – currently in 1st  Place

"A Roadblock and a Fast Forward? Hmmm…" Sora said.

"What's a Fast Forward?" Shiro asked.

"A fast forward is a task that one team may complete, allowing themselves to skip all remaining tasks and head directly to the Pit Stop. However, teams may only claim one during the race, so they must decide where it's convenient for them. At this Fast Forward, teams must make their way to the rooftop of the University of Milan, where one team member will have the duty to pilot a helicopter…" Phil said. The camera points to a helicopter and zooms out to reveal a toy-sized helicopter. "…in remote control. The pilot has to land the remote-controlled helicopter in a helipad."

The other half was wearing a helmet worn with the replica of a helipad placed on top of the helmet as the pilot successfully landed the plane at the top.

"Once they have a successful landing, they will win the Fast Forward and can go directly to the Pit Stop."

"We're going Fast Forward!" Sora announced.

"I concur. It will increase our chances of winning the leg by at least 90%." Shiro replied, also agreeing with the suggestion of her big brother.

"We know Fast Forward will come around this time. So, we just went to the clue box first, when no one's around." Shiro said. "The timing couldn't have been greater."

"University of Milan," Sora told the driver.

"Università degli Studi di Milano." Shiro added, emphasizing their next destination to the driver, who nodded instantly.

Kaname & Sousuke – currently in 2nd  Place

"Speed Bump?" Sousuke asked, observing the second clue box beside the first.

"That's not us," Kaname answered as she retrieved an envelope from the box. "Fast Forward? Roadblock?"

"What's the Fast Forward?"

She opens the green packet to read. "Pilot a helicopter—"

"Then that sounds convenient for me." He interrupted Kaname's reading.

"I doubt that's a real helicopter."

"I have experience with it."

"But the question is, do you even know how to drive one?" She asked.

Sousuke paused, but his silence took much longer that Kaname took it as a no.

"Then we'll take the Roadblock," Kaname said. "Who's hungry for the next clue?"

"Teams will now experience a unique way of wandering around Milan…" Phil began, sitting on a farther table as the camera focused over the eating clients. "…in a moving tram."

"In this Roadblock, one team member will have to take a ride from a dining tram, which tours around Downtown Milan, and they will need to consume the dishes that will be given to them before the tram arrives back at the starting point. If they have emptied their plates within the time, they will receive their next clues. However, if they cannot finish the whole dish, they will have to try again. Plus, there are only four slots available at each tram."

"I'll do it." Kaname volunteered, poking fun at a clueless Sousuke, in which she literally poked him at his cheek. "Since you don't even have the hunger in your eyes."

"…"

"Then let's go!"

9:05AM – Malpensa Airport

The second flight containing five more teams arrived at the runway. When the plane door soon opened, the five teams began to run like lunatics, searching for any mode of transportation that could lead them to their next destination.

Ritsu & Mio

"Ahhh! It's either taxi or a train. Where should we ride?" Ritsu asked Mio while running.

"The train preferably, but if we missed it, it would cost us time," Mio answered back.

"So taxi is our getaway vehicle?" Ritsu said.

"Ritsu, we're running for the million dollars, not running from a crime!"

Mai & Sakuta

The couple decided to take the train as they climbed the escalator, following the signs that were given to them.

"Train is always a convenient vehicle when it comes to visiting a new country," Mai said.

"You bet." Sakuta nodded in agreement, hastily sprinting towards the ticket counter to buy them.

"Piazza Fontana?"

"Stop at Milano Cadorna station." The counter answered honestly.

"Thanks. Two tickets, please?" Sakuta asked as the counter gave them the tickets to their destination.

"Thank you!" Mai bowed to the counter and soon left the counter to validate their ticket.

"Thank goodness, the train's here!" Sakuta exclaimed, eyeing the vehicle before entering on one of the cars.

Nagisa & Karma

The duo decided to hail a taxi from the station outside of the airport as they entered one and left the airport. "Piazza Fontana?" Nagisa asked the driver, who immediately nodded to the location. "How far?"

"One hour." The driver answered.

"Is there a train here?" Karma then asks the driver.

"Yes."

Karma then stared towards Nagisa, who looked stupefied at the new discovery. "Train sounds faster than taxi."

"But we're inside of the taxi now!" Nagisa replied. "There's nothing to do now."

"I can take you there faster." The driver told them, popping a thumbs-up behind them.

"See? He can lead us there quickly."

"Sure, but I'm 50/50 over this," Karma answered calmly, leaning over his seat to take a respite.

"Sometimes, the argument that we started, we end it with a pinch of doubt, especially for Karma since he always distrusts people except for me," Nagisa confessed.

Souma & Megumi

Ryuko & Mako

Both teams were seen climbing the escalator towards the train station.

"We decided to take a train because it's the fastest way to get to our destination, like one of the people here said," Megumi explained their reason for the decision to the camera.

"Yeah, it's always reliable!" Souma agreed.

Meanwhile, Ryuko looks back to see Mako, a few steps behind her, and scolds her.

"Mako, can you run here? We don't wanna miss the train!" She told her partner.

"Ahhh!" Mako shrieked the ran to Ryuko. "Sorry, I was just distracting on how beautiful Italy is!"

Mai & Sakuta

The pair looked over to the window to find nothing as they were waiting for the train to leave the station.

"Still no sign of any teams here!" Sakuta told Mai.

"Good! We should definitely, it's almost five minutes! The door should be closed right now." Mai said.

Meanwhile, the two teams inquired about their tickets and picked up their passes, one by one.

"Come on, guys! Let's get to the train quick!" Mako cried as her colleagues nodded and ran afterward.

Mai and Sakuta were impatiently waiting for the train to move out.

"Come on, come on, come on!" Sakuta chanted.

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The door closes finally closes, much to the relief of both Mai and Sakuta and the disappointment of the quartet who came in short of entering the train.

"Aww, shucks! We came by a second!" Mako exclaimed in disappointment.

"We were so close!" Megumi added.

"Don't worry, guys, it's not over till it's over," Souma said confidently. "Just remember that."

"How come you are still optimistic about this kind of situation?" Ryuko curiously asked the red-haired chef.

"Oh, you know, being passionate and being optimistic really ascends us to victory, just like we do back at the cooking academy," Souma explained, in which Megumi nods.

"That is definitely true," Megumi said.

"Oh… so, how long will we be waiting on the next train?" Mako then asked.

"Maybe five minutes," Souma answered with a shrug, unsure of his answer.

"It better be five minutes," Ryuko said with crossed arms, looking doubtful from the answer of Souma.

After the train moved away from the station, the couple sat down in relief.

"That was the most suspenseful I have ever experienced in my life," Sakuta admitted. "So far…"

Mai smirked in response. "Not until you hear my stories when I'm working."

"Will you be able to tell me that?"

"Not really. I'm still doubting you." Mai's face averted her boyfriend's gaze with crossed arms.

Sakuta only groaned in response.

ATMosfera Tram Ristorante

Kaname & Sousuke

"Oh, there's the train," Kaname said as she gave a clue and stuff to Sousuke. "Better keep it at your hands, or you're toast!"

"Roger!" Sousuke instinctively nods and salutes to the outgoing Kaname.

She then entered the tram. Much to her surprise, the inside was wider and fancier than she expected to see. A waiter offers her a seat to start the challenge.

"Thank you!" Kaname said to the waiter, who immediately went to the back to get the delicacies on her.

While waiting, she looks up over the window; the tram instantly moves off to its station as the waiter sets up the dishes and other necessities in front of the challenger, who looked fascinated by the looks of the food.

"One gnocchi, the appetizer; one parmigiana di melanzane, the main dish; and last but not least, the popular dessert, tiramisu." The waiter introduced the dishes that would be consumed by the participants. "You must finish all of the food before the tram stops at the station again, or you will try it again."

"Okay, I understand. Thank you!" Kaname bowed in response as she began the challenge when she took a volume of gnocchi and sent it to the mouth. "Oh, it's potatoes. Not bad."

"The Roadblock seems easy on paper, but when I look over the volume of the plates, maybe I can skip the window viewing part," Kaname confessed.

"Wow, these dishes are incredible!" She exclaimed after tasting the other delicacies. "Maybe I could take a peek at the window?"

Malpensa Airport  Train Station

Ryuko & Mako

Souma & Megumi

"Well, that took longer than we expected," Megumi said.

"Oh well, it's not we're last or anything. We better get there." Souma added.

"Yeah, we should be!" Mako agreed.

While Mako furrowed her eyebrow, still questioning the uplifting personality of her colleague.

"I'm not sure how to put it this way, but that chef is way too cheerful for his own good. It could also be his downfall if he did not change it around when a situation comes around." Ryuko said.

Piazza Fontana

Ryuuji & Taiga - currently in 3rd  Place

"There are two here, Roadblock and a Fast Forward?" Taiga said once she stumbled upon two papers from the clue.

"Probably someone did it, so let's do Roadblock," Ryuuji suggested.

Taiga only shrugged then read the question from Roadblock. "Who's hungry for the next clue?"

"Let me have-"

"Uhh-uhh, let me have a go on this one!" Taiga interrupts the volunteering act of Ryuuji, who raised in hands in relenting. "Oh, looks like I'll be just eating."

"Then let's run," Ryuuji said.

They both did run and began to search for their next destination.

University of Milan

Sora & Shiro

"There's the place." Shiro gestured to an upcoming sign of the school, which had a route marker hanging up beside it as their taxi stopped by the gate.

"Good job, we found the place," Sora replied with glee as they exited the cab and told the driver to stay put, who said yes to them and moved forward.

"If people ask us about our education, I think we have a decent background, but gaming piques much more interest to us than books," Sora said in the confessional. "Though our intelligence just bloomed upon our minds when we started using devices."

"Thank goodness for that," Shiro added.

After what seemed to be an eternity for them from taking many steps, they arrived at the rooftop, where they met the operators for the Fast Forward.

"Ciao!" Shiro greeted the crew, looking upon the equipment that would be used, in which Sora was perplexed about the revelation.

"So, let's speak English, in case you wanna be comfortable with the language." One of the crew spoke to them, in which they nodded. "Someone has to control a helicopter, and that controller must land it on a helipad, which is in this platform above the helmet, which will be used by the other team member. So who's who on the controls?"

Sora raised his hand to volunteer to control while Shiro instantly became the other.

"Okay, so you might wanna try to pilot it?" The crew told Sora, who nodded and held the controller as the helicopter moved. However, the aircraft moved faster than he expected and almost hit a wall but was avoided with Sora's instinct.

"Whoa, this one's really sketchy to control!" Sora responded.

"Don't worry, it's just a warm-up. You can control it all day until you reach the goal."

"I thought controlling a helicopter is easy, but it isn't, unsurprisingly. I've used a controller and a steering wheel when playing racing games before. From this to the Fast Forward, I think this one is harder than the steering wheel, not just because I have been using it for a long time." Shiro continued.

Another attempt was made by Sora as he moved the helicopter towards the helmet, but it was collided with the helmet, sending the toy down to the floor.

"Wow, this ain't easy to control," Sora said.

"Don't worry, you're just trying it; take your time too." Shiro comfortably responds to her brother, patting the helmet a few times. "This helmet sure is heavy."

ATMosfera Tram Ristorante

Kaname

"I'm finished!" After eating the whole meal package, she sighed as the waiter checked the completely empty plates. Because of this, the waiter reveals the clue in front of her. "Thank you! The meal was delicious!"

"Thank you! Now, wait for the tram to go back to the station." The waiter told Kaname, who did not complain about the trip, as she wanders over the window to look up the city.

"Well, that was pretty nice. After eating, window viewing is the next best thing. Why Japan couldn't make this one?" Kaname admitted.

Ryuuji & Taiga

The duo was spotted running and saw Sousuke at the waiting station. At the presence of the soldier, Taiga was incensed as she attempted to talk to the clueless soldier until Ryuuji stopped her and pulled her instantly, causing the grouchy girl to speak.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing?!" Taiga asked Ryuuji.

"No, what do you think you're doing?" Ryuuji answered back the same to Taiga, who automatically threw a tantrum over him.

"I was just gonna ask the dumb bluebird's partner for her location."

Sousuke heard the commotion and went over to them to ask.

"Oh, uh, what's going on here?" He asked the pair.

"No, nothing! It's just a short misunderstanding, nevermind us." Ryuuji shyly answered, scratching his head to trick Sousuke, who nodded instantly.

A chime was heard as an upcoming tram was making a complete stop right in front of them. On the tram inside, out comes Kaname, who was raising the clue, and this gesture made Taiga clench her fists while Kaname saw the episode in front of her, smirking at the current happening and made her way to her clueless partner.

"Guess what, short stuff. We beat you!" Kaname cackled menacingly until Sousuke stared at her obliviously. Kaname quickly became embarrassed as she feigned chuckling. "Come on, Sousuke, let's get out of here!"

"Roger." Sousuke nodded as he followed Kaname to a distance where the other team could not be seen in point-blank.

Kaname then rips the clue to reveal the following details.

Kaname & Sousuke - currently in 1st  Place

"Search for the flipping bird statue somewhere in Milan." Kaname read the details and became confused as she scratched her head. "What?"

"Teams must figure out that the flipping bird statue is referring to this offensive statue that is located here at Piazza Affari, and it is here where they will find their next clue," Phil said in a voice-over, capturing the middle finger statue that is standing in the center of the square.

"We have to find someone who knows where the statue is," Kaname said to Sousuke, who nodded immediately as they left.

Taiga

Meanwhile, the tigress girl was served with certain delicacies as the waiter told her to finish the plates before the time was up.

"Okay then…" She replied unsurely while looking at her dishes.

"I know I'm always up for convenience store foods but seeing a unique dish fascinates or weirds me out, but both counts," Taiga said in the confessional.

Taiga takes a bite of the main dish, parmigiana melanzane, and chews slowly to grab the full taste of the food as she swallows it.

"Wow… this food sure is something…" Taiga said, followed by tasting both the gnocchi and tiramisu. "These two taste nice than the other one, but I guess I'll eat it since it's my first time tasting unique dishes."

9:50AM - Malpensa Airport

The final flight containing two teams arrived safely at the runway of Milan. When the door opened up, the quartet soon scattered throughout the building to find any transportation possible.

Shino & Takatoshi

"Now, where's the taxi station here?" Shino asked Takatoshi.

"Hey…" Takatoshi paused as he looked up where Shino followed him. "There's a train station here inside!"

"Oh, great! Let's take the train then!"

The duo finally decides their mode of transportation while the other team has other plans.

Kazuma & Megumin

Kazuma asks a taxi driver to take them to their destination as they enter the cab to move out of the airport.

"Piazza Fontana," Kazuma said. "We better get there fast!"

"We still have a Speed Bump, though," Megumin replied. "I think the other team went to a train."

"Yeah, but this is the best way to take some time since cars don't stop until they get to their destination unless something happens bad."

"You don't wanna jinx that!"

"I don't!" Kazuma shouted.

"Whoever brought that up should be exploded in pieces!" Megumin cried.

Overhearing the conversation, the taxi driver was less impressed over the two behind him, unsurprised at their discussion.

Shino & Takatoshi

"Two tickets, please," Takatoshi told the attendant inside of the counter, who currently types at her computer and passes the tickets afterward. "Thank you!"

"When does the train arrive here?" Shino then asks the counter.

"Oh, the train's still here. It will close in a minute." The counter answered.

With that announcement, their eyes widened in horror as they hastily ran towards the train ticket checking machine, delaying their sprinting. After successfully checking, they went for a home run.

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The train chimed as the doors were automatically closed, and the train left the station, leaving Shino and Takatoshi weary and disappointed.

"Oh, no…" Shino said.

"When we missed the train by a few seconds, we were tired from running, and we were fully defeated as if we are really be going out in this race," Takatoshi confessed.

"Crap…" Takatoshi breathed roughly after a long run. "We are so doomed."

Chapter Text

Malpensa Airport

Shino & Takatoshi

"We are so doomed," Takatoshi said, pointing out his disappointment in not making it on the train.

"All this excitement just came crashing like a falling tree," Takatoshi confessed.

"Do you know when will the next train arrive?" Shino randomly asked a commuter beside her.

"Only five minutes." The individual answered quickly.

Shino then faces Takatoshi to poke him in the shoulder, and he turns to meet her.

"We can wait for five more minutes, right?" She told him in a relaxed tone and wore a smile on her face.

"Uh… yeah…" Takatoshi also wore a smile but in a relenting manner.

"Then we can do it again! We can rerun the course, and we can-"

"I thought you were cheering me up, but you're cheering yourself!" Takatoshi exclaimed.

?

Kaname & Sousuke

The pair searched through the streets to gather information about their destination but found nothing for the last 15 minutes.

"Okay, this is weird, we tried to ask everyone out, but they didn't answer nor talk to us," Kaname said to the camera. "Is there something wrong with the way we speak?"

"I'm not sure, but let's keep asking," Sousuke answered.

"If we get nothing, then it's a matter of time that we are actually stuck in the city," Kaname said.

ATMosfera Tram Ristorante

Taiga

The blonde petite has slightly progressed but was barely finishing her plate due to its volume and is currently consuming the main course.

"How much can I eat this thing?! This food is slowing me down!" Taiga complained while slowly chewing the potatoes.

"I thought the food challenge would be easier for me to finish, but the food is not taking easy on me and my stomach!" Taiga admitted.

"This is why they called unique foods for a reason." She additionally said. "It's heavy."

Piazza Fontana

Mai & Sakuta

"Piazza Fontana." After hopping off the train, the local told the couple, gesturing for them to go upstairs.

"Thank you so much!" Mai said happily as both make sprinted towards the stairs. Afterward, they caught sight of the familiar box, and the duo made their way to the clue box, with Sakuta picking up the pamphlet to open it.

Mai & Sakuta - currently in 4 th  Place

"It's a Roadblock… Who's hungry for the next clue?" Mai read the question until she coughed before Sakuta could speak. "I'm leading, so I'm taking this one."

"Fine, fine…" Sakuta reacted in defeat, sighing heavily.

"I almost forgot to tell you that I'm leading the team in the meantime. So, I'm taking the Roadblock until we can perform well in the race." Mai said.

University of Milan

Sora & Shiro  - 11 th  Attempt

"Any progress, big bro?" Shiro asked while cupping the helmet on her head, clearly having pain above. "My head is starting to get hurt."

"We're getting there, Shiro. I'm improving the plane's control, and I think we're still in a good place." Sora told her little sister, attempting to control the helicopter but failed once more when it collided with the helmet, collapsing in the process.

"This is heavy!" Shiro complained while picking up the helmet on the floor.

"Even at games, when there's a new game in the market, we'll be in baby steps, where we practice the mechanics, then after that, we dominate and conquer the whole game. It's the same situation." Sora said.

"Damn it!" Sora cried.

?

Kaname & Sousuke

"Excuse me. Do you know a statue that flips the bird?" Kaname asked a random bystander in front of them.

"Wait, flips the bird?" The bystander answered.

"Yeah! Do you know?!"

"You know what that means, right?" The bystander asked.

"W-Wait, that has a meaning?" Kaname replied with a raise of her eyebrow, confused at what she had just heard.

"It means like this…" The bystander showed up the obscene gesture in front of her. But because it is an offensive gesture, they took it seriously. Sousuke grabs the finger of the bystander tightly as it is a threat to the safety of his partner. "Wait! What are you doing, sir?!"

"It seems that you have harmful intentions around Chidori. If you've just st-"

Kaname interrupted Sousuke with a fist to the head, sending him kneeling and rubbing his noggin. However, the bystander was somehow relieved but intimated by the duo.

"Okay, I have figured it out already. But where's the statue of that?" Kaname said and questioned the whereabouts of the statue.

The local took a minute to search the location as he showed it to the duo, to which Kaname gladly nodded and bowed down to the local.

"Thank you so much! And sorry for the inconvenience!" She exclaimed, then faced Sousuke, rubbing his head to alleviate the pain. "Come on. I figured it out!"

ATMosfera Tram Ristorante

Taiga

"I'm done!" Taiga announced and put the final empty plate on the table as a crew went to the table to check.

"Congratulations! Now, wait for the tram to stop at the station." The waiter nodded, giving a thumbs up to the little tsundere and the envelope.

Ryuuji & Taiga - currently in 3 rd  Place

With that, Taiga took a good look at her window as she saw familiar faces outside, indicating that the end of the trip was nearing.

"Oh, didn't know they were behind us."

Mai & Sakuta

"There's the train!" Mai exclaimed and squinted her eyes to see Taiga inside the vehicle. "There's someone there too!"

"Good luck…" Sakuta said to Mai, who looked unimpressed at his lack of enthusiasm as she pinched his cheek. "I mean, good luck, Mai! Go, go, go!"

Mai smirked in response as she lets go of him. "You're really out of yourself when I'm in charge!"

"What do you mean by that?!" Sakuta replied, but no mas as Mai entered the tram, sighing to the camera. "I mean, that's a double meaning, am I right?"

Ryuuji & Taiga

"Nice! Did that food feel great?" Ryuuji curiously asked Taiga.

"Yeah, it was great. It's better than your cooking." Taiga bluntly answered Ryuuji, who didn't like the tone of her voice.

Taiga then opens the envelope. "Flipping bird statue? Okay, where is the statue?"

"I don't know. Ask the people around us?" Ryuuji suggested that his voice has a hint of sarcasm. "Then let's scram!"

"Wait!" Taiga shouted when Ryuuji ran away from her. "I feel so heavy! The food's heavy!"

"Then lift yourself, not being a dead weight!" Ryuuji shouted from a distance.

Piazza Fontana

Ritsu & Mio - currently in 5 th  Place

"Fast Forward? Someone might have done this." Mio said after seeing the green-colored packet, then reads the red packet. "Who's hungry for the next clue?"

"I think you should take the Roadblock," Ritsu suggested.

"Okay, then… I'm doing it." Mio replied.

Behind them was another team, surprised after seeing the presence of Sakuta and the girls.

Nagisa & Karma - currently in 6 th  Place

"When we got there, we've seen teams that we never thought had passed us. Did we just get a bad flight?" Nagisa asked.

"It's not bad if we're not last, isn't it?" Karma replied.

"Roadblock. I think I should do it." Nagisa said after reading the question.

"Sure, your bloodlust is more extreme than mine," Karma answered with a nod.

"Really? I mean, I look like an innocent guy and-"

"I would beg to differ. Just go." Karma waved him off as they left simultaneously.

ATMosfera Tram Ristorante

Mai

Mai was welcomed with a seat offer from the waiter, to which she responded with a nod.

"Please wait for the other passengers." The waiter told her.

"Passengers?" Mai instinctively looked over to the window to see two upcoming passengers, or in other words, competitors.

Mio and Karma entered the tram also, offering a vacated seat not too far away from Mai.

"Did I come at the train first than them?" Mai asked, perplexed at what she had just realized.

"Now, it's my time to come back!" Mai excitedly said as the waiter served her three plates. "Thank you!"

Mio

"Here's gnocchi, parmigiana di melanzane, and, tiramisu!" The waiter told Mio the foods that were set in front of her.

"Wow! This looks delicious! Thank you for the meal!" Mio responded with a bow.

"I didn't think I was stuck between the two other racers. The actress is somewhere at the back, while the blue-haired girl is at the front. I know this is a competition; I must at least savor the moment here." Mio said.

Nagisa

"Thank you!" Nagisa said to the waiter, who put the delicacies on his table.

"Oh, boy, it's an eating competition. I'm not a great eater, but I'm willing to put myself on this one!" Nagisa said.

With all the passengers ready to eat, the tram moved out of the station to begin its roundabout trip around central Milan.

Plaza Affari

Kaname & Sousuke

"There's the clue!" Kaname cried as she made her way to the clue box, while Sousuke was looking at the offensive statue as he attempted to pick up something in his pocket but found nothing.

"Huh? Where is it?" Sousuke asked after feeling nothing solid in his pocket.

"Oh, Sousuke. I have confiscated your weapons, just in case you're seeing offensive stuff, like the statue." Kaname reminded him with a smile. "Now come here. I'll read the clue."

Kaname & Sousuke - currently in 1 st  Place

"It's a Detour! Golden Coin or Golden Time?" Kaname reads the options first.

"In this Detour, teams will travel back in time to reminisce the history of Italy, but they must choose two staples for which the country is known.

Lira is once known as the national currency of Italy for 40 years and now, finding lira nowadays is as rare as finding a treasure. In Golden Coin, teams must make their way to the marked tables stacked with one-thousand silver coins. Teams must search through this pile of silver coins to find a single golden coin - a 200 lira coin. Once they have found the gold, they must exchange it for a tour guide somewhere around the gallery for their next clue.

Italy is also rich in history, specifically in paintings dating back 600 years. At Golden Time, teams will have to find a marked room, where they will arrange six paintings in chronological order, according to the year the painting was made. Once they think they found the correct history, a historian will receive their next clue."

"So, what should we do?" Sousuke asked.

"Golden Time sounds so easy," Kaname suggested, to which Sousuke agreed. "Okay, Golden Time, it is!"

University of Milan

Sora & Shiro - 15 th  Attempt

"Almost there, almost there…" Sora said, trying to control the momentum as the helicopter made its way above the top of the helmet, but the toy suddenly dropped to the helmet pad and then bounced off the ground, to the groans of everyone on the rooftop. "Ah! So close!"

"You're so close, Sora!" Shiro said.

"I know it has to be, and I just have to control the momentum."

Piazza Fontana

Kazuma & Megumin - currently in 7 th  Place

The adventurers arrived, found the boxes, and went straight to the box, where their faces were posted above.

"There's us! The Speed Bump!" Megumin exclaimed, picking up the sole clue on the box.

"After arriving last at the last leg, Kazuma & Megumin will have to take the Speed Bump, an extra task they must complete before continuing racing. In this Speed Bump, teams will have to participate in an experiment in which one team member will hold a Sun model while the other will hold an Earth model. The person that holds the Earth will have to run around the person with the Sun for six minutes and five seconds, replicating the Earth's orbit. Once they have fulfilled the time required, they can continue racing."

"I call dibs on the sun!" Kazuma automatically shouted. "You're running the Earth!"

"NOOOOO!"

They made their way to the grassy park nearby, where they saw the needed objects and noticed an impersonator beside a large timer.

"Good day, competitors!" The impersonator greeted them.

After waving, Megumin picks up the Earth while Kazuma stands still with his Sun in his hands. With this, Megumin pouted in response.

"I was supposed to be the sun!" She replied.

"Nah, you're fine with Earth," Kazuma said with a reassuring wave, pausing, then brought his signature smirk. "Besides, there's a similarity between earth and your chest, almost."

Megumin's eyebrow raised in suspicion, looking below at her chest and then the model until she realizes the similarity as she gasps and covers her chest with the Earth.

"Why are you comparing my chest to this?! Why did you even bring that topic?! Stupid Kazuma!" Megumin complained, holding the model tightly.

"Ahhh! I can't believe someone on the back is teasing my physique!" Megumin vented out in the confessional.

"Come on, Megumin. Do you want to grow yours?" Kazuma beckons his partner to begin the task by mocking her.

"Shut up!"

ATMosfera Tram Ristorante

Nagisa

Nagisa is currently chewing his main course after finishing the dessert and appetizer.

"Oh, man. How much are these potatoes?" He subtly complained while chewing.

"The main course was the hardest part of them! The potatoes are kind of a heavy food. I could not swallow them so easily." Nagisa continues to complain in the confessional.

The blue-haired boy drank plenty of water from his cup.

Mio

The musician was seen chewing desperately, then drank the water afterward, sighing heavily.

"I'm almost there!" She confidently said.

Mai

The actress captures the final bite of her main course and her last drink to be consumed after a difficult time consuming the meals.

"Thank you for the meal!" She said happily, clapping her hands in succession.

"I was the first one on the batch to finish the food, but unfortunately…" Mai paused.

The waiter rewarded Mai with a clue and then said. "Please open the clue once you meet with your partner.

"Oh, yes! Thank you!" She replied with glee.

"...I can't get out of the tram easily."

Mai frowned once the waiter was out of her sight, wandering currently at the window.

Piazza Fontana

Kazuma & Megumin

Time Elapsed: 2:08

"Four minutes more, Megumin! Keep it up!" Kazuma shouted at Megumin, who was currently jogging around him.

She groaned in response. "This is taking too long!"

"You'll pass it! Think about this as a training!"

"Oh, you're right!" Megumin replied as she maintained her pace.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Kaname & Sousuke

"Good thing, it's a walking distance, so we couldn't afford to lose money!" Kaname said to the camera and immediately sighted signs of the Detour tasks. "Right turn is Golden Time!"

"Roger!" Sousuke nodded as both turned right.

Once they entered inside, they instantly found doors with marked stickers and entered one of them to reveal paintings on the ground and a historian inside the room.

Paintings:

1. Pieta - 1460

2. The Dead Christ and Three Mourners - 1483

3. The Marriage of the Virgin - 1503

4. The Kiss - 1859

5. Human Flood - 1895-1896

6. Riot in the Gallery - 1910

"Ciao!" Kaname greeted the historian, who nodded in response.

"Now, the task is to put the paintings on the wall in chronological order of the year that was created. But, we don't even know what we're going to put first, to be honest." Kaname said.

"Do you have any idea about paintings, Sousuke?" Kaname asks her partner, who was focusing on the paintings one by one, almost groaning at him. "I'll take that as a no."

Piazza Fontana

Kazuma & Megumin

Time Elapsed: 5:47

Megumin, sweating profusely, kept her pace, but her breathing became heavier as time passed.

"Come on, Megumin!" Kazuma cheered for his colleague.

"I'm trying!" She replied.

"I was really out of breath, almost. But we have to continue racing if I stop. Kazuma will be disappointed in me!"

A chime was heard when the timer stopped at 6:05, indicating their task was completed.

"Congratulations! Your time is up. You may continue." The impersonator announced.

"Yahoo!" Kazuma jumped in celebration while Megumin suddenly collapsed to the grass. "You alright, Megumin?"

Megumin only responded with a thumbs up without looking.

After a minute, they went straight back to the clue box, where they opened the second box to pick up their next clue.

Kazuma & Megumin - currently in 7 th  Place

"Who's hungry for the next clue?" Kazuma reads the clue, and once digested, he smirked before looking over to the weary Megumin, who gulped in horror after seeing a familiar expression from him.

"Me again?" She asked Kazuma, who nodded in response. "Gimme that!"

She snatches the envelope to read the clue. After silently reading it, her face becomes a smirk, and she confronts Kazuma, who seemed to reciprocate her expression moments ago.

"Hehehe…" Megumin said as she suddenly ran away from Kazuma.

"Hey, wait a minute, Megumin!" Kazuma shouted and followed the mage's track.

ATMosfera Tram Ristorante

The trio on the tram got off simultaneously and met with their partners with happiness.

Mai & Sakuta - currently in 4 th  Place

"Hey, you're back! How's the experience?" Sakuta curiously asked Mai, who seemed happy with him.

"Nah, I just have fun. I'll read the clue." Mai answered, then ripped the clue open. "A flipping bird statue?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sakuta replied.

"I'm not sure, but let's ask the crowd." Mai agreed

The couple ran first out of the place.

Nagisa & Karma - currently in 5 th  Place

"Flip the bird?" Karma sneered. "We know this, am I right?

"Yep, but not the location, though," Nagisa said.

Ritsu & Mio - currently in 6 th  Place

"Flipping Bird Statue?" Mio suggested.

"Hmm, is that the name of the statue?" Ritsu replied openly.

"Not sure, but we'll get the idea once we ask someone!"

"Right!"

All of the teams are now gone from the tram station.

University of Milan

Sora & Shiro - 19 th  Attempt

"It's been two or three hours, and I still could not get a proper grip on the landing," Sora said, fidgeting the controller continuously to no avail as the helicopter landed once more on the ground. "Damn it!"

Shiro whimpered in response, obviously standing in pain.

"You alright, Shiro?"

"Yeah, I'm alright here," Shiro answered, clearly feigning from her current position.

"Clearly, Shiro's been uncomfortable standing there for so long. If I see her struggle, then that makes me one too. I know processing the system is hard, but when you beat it, then it's a game over!" Sora said, addressing their struggle.

Sora & Shiro - 20 th  Attempt

"Okay, I'm getting the hang of it lately. I'll just be careful." Sora said as he began carefully moving the helicopter.

Staying consistent at the current pace, Sora slowly ascends before it can hit Shiro's face and cautiously aims at the top of the helmet until the helicopter drops above the helipad. After a few seconds, they learned that Sora had successfully landed the vehicle on the top.

"Yes!" Sora shouted as the crew applauded him. At the same time, Shiro removed the objects from her head as she hugged her brother.

"You did it!" Shiro complimented him.

"No, we did it." Sora elucidated.

"Congratulations! You won the Fast Forward. Here's your clue." The crew announced, unveiling the clue in front of them.

"Ciao!" The duo replied joyously as Sora opened the clue.

"Congratulations! You have won the Fast Forward! Make your way to the next Pit Stop!"

"After winning the Fast Forward, Sora & Shiro can now pass through other tasks and make their way to this leg's Pit Stop - Tempio Voltiano!" The camera then pans over to the museum's exterior and its location.

"Okay, Tempio Voltiano?" Sora asked the driver.

"Ci puoi portare a Tempio Voltiano? (Can you take us to Tempio Voltiano?)" Shiro clarified the question in the local language.

"Si." The driver answered as the racers entered the taxi and exited the university.

"I can feel it, Shiro," Sora said to his sister.

"Yeah, 100% is the chance of getting the first place," Shiro replied with a smile.

Piazza Affari

Ryuuji & Taiga - currently in 3 rd  Place

"Piazza Affari?" Ryuuji asked a local beside them and nodded.

"There's a statue nearby, you idiot dog!" Taiga cried, pulling the collar of Ryuuji's t-shirt and landing in front of the box.

"Detour. Golden Coin or Golden Time?"

"My brain's gonna get scrambled over some art stuff!" Taiga immediately complained.

Ryuuji sighed in defeat once his partner made the decision.

"Golden Time should be easy, but-"

He stopped when he saw a scowling Taiga, looking at her straight, sending his throat to a gulping halt.

"Golden Coin is the choice then."

Piazza Fontana

"We've made it, finally!" Ryuko felt at ease once they spotted the clue box but turned different when she noticed the other box. "Guys, the adventurers were here before us!"

"What?!" Everyone reacted in shock after seeing the empty board beside the box.

"How did that happen?!" Megumi said.

"Come on. We don't have time to lose!"

"Wow, it looks like I let my guard down once I saw the empty clue box beside the other. These teams are unpredictable and competitive, and that's a lethal combination if you ask me." Ryuko confessed.

Ryuko & Mako - currently in 8 th  Place

"It's a Roadblock!" Mako exclaimed.

Souma & Megumi - currently in 9 th  Place

"Who's hungry for the next clue?" Megumi reads the question. "I should-"

"No, that would be me." Souma interrupted his partner's announcement, but when he saw her soured expression, he patted her shoulder and chuckled. "Just kidding, you're doing it."

"Yay! Thank you!" Megumin jumped in joy after hearing the change.

"Ah! You know who's hungry?" Ryuko asked Mako, who instantly snatched the envelope from her.

"Mako's hungry!" Mako answered as she read the info about the task. "Woo! Yes, food!"

"When I read the clue first, I know what the challenge is all about," Ryuko said.

ATMosfera Tram Ristorante

Megumin

"This is great!" Megumin cried in excitement as she chowed down the food in front of her. "I have never been served these delicious!"

"Maybe being flat has its perks, huh?" Megumin asked Kazuma, mocking the upset adventurer.

Piazza Fontana

Shino & Takatoshi - currently in Last Place

"Roadblock. Who's hungry for the next clue?" Shino said, reading the question on the pamphlet.

"I'll take it," Takatoshi replied as he snagged the clue from Shino.

?

Mai & Sakuta

"Do you know where a flipping bird statue is?" Mai asked some locals that were passing by but did not get any response from anyone. "Seriously? No one knows?"

"There has to be a trick in this. I just know it." Sakuta said confidently.

"Really?"

"Yeah, you can't simply say that there's a statue named Flipping Bird."

"So, what you're saying is…"

"There has to be a name of that statue and the name of the location of the statue," Sakuta concluded, sending Mai a wide smile.

"You know, I was not wrong about you being a perverted rascal all the time. I know you had something behind you." Mai said.

"Huh? I don't have any gifts behind me, but a hug, perhaps?" Sakuta said, much to the annoyance of Mai, who accepted the hug from him.

Ritsu & Mio

"Do you know where this is?" Mio asked a customer in a restaurant outside, showing the clue to the said individual.

"Huh? Flipping the bird?" The individual clicked a few times on her phone and saw a familiar gesture, then clicked a few buttons again.

"She probably knows it," Ritsu whispered to Mio.

"Flipping the bird means the middle finger gesture, and you're going on a statue that has the gesture. It's on Piazza Affari." The individual answered the question of Mio, who felt relieved hearing the revelation.

"Oh, my God! Thank you so much!" Mio shook the hands of the good samaritan. "Come on, let's find a taxi!"

"Okay!" Ritsu replied as the musicians left in a hurry.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Kaname & Sousuke

"Ugh! This is harder than I thought!" Kaname complained, then asked a silent Sousuke. "Do you have any idea about these paintings?"

"Negative." Sousuke frankly replied.

"Maybe we should have done the other Detour, but both should be time-consuming," Kaname said.

"Okay, I think we should give it a shot," Kaname said as they called the historian to give a verdict on their answers.

(Format: Paintings - Date; in Italic are incorrect, in Bold are correct)

1. Pietà

2. The Kiss

3. Human Flood

4. The Dead Christ and Three Mourners

5. The Marriage of the Virgin

Riot in the Gallery

"It's not correct." The historian announced.

"This might take a while." Kaname shyly replied while scratching her hair.

Ryuuji & Taiga

The couple arrived at one of the coin stations, which was clearly stacked with silver coins, with no sight of any gold on the hill. This made them panic internally.

"I have no idea that we're going to find a gold coin in this hill of silver coins!" Taiga complained.

"Maybe we should have taken the other Detour, to be fair," Ryuuji replied.

"No! Changing tasks would be crucial and time-consuming."

"Alright! Then let's begin!" Ryuuji exclaimed as he started to sweep the coins, causing some of the coins to fall flat to the other side. "Wow! This is what it's like to find a treasure!"

"Oh, geez! Some coins fell off! Be easy on them!" Taiga told her partner and began to pick up the coins on the floor.

ATMosfera Tram Ristorante

Megumin

"It's all finished!" She announced as she served the dirty, empty plates to the waiter, who showed the clue to the fiery mage. "Thank you!"

Back at the station, Kazuma was standing with a pout on his face, tapping a foot in frustration after hearing about the Roadblock task.

"How does she get the best quests?! Is she even luckier than me, who has a luck skill on his prowess?!" He vented but stopped when he glanced behind to see the upcoming teams. "Wait a minute…"

"Did we just pass those guys?!" Kazuma asked in disbelief.

As soon as the teams came, the tram arrived in front of them at the right time possible, where Megumin waved the clue to him and the others.

"Hey! I got it!" She cried excitedly.

Kazuma & Megumin - currently in 7 th  Place

"Come on, Megumin! Let's go!" Kazuma shouted as both adventures left while the other teams, including the last team, entered the final tram to begin the challenge.

"Hey, did we pass those teams?" Megumin asked.

"Yeah, we did! I don't know why that happened, but I guess we don't wanna waste this chance!"

Mako

The wacky girl sat on one of the empty seats, where the dishes were unveiled in front of her as she clapped continuously with excitement in her eyes.

"Mako's gonna be full!" She said.

Megumi

"Thank you!" She said to the waiter.

Takatoshi

"Enjoy the meal!" The waiter told the tall guy, who nodded in response.

"Well, we did end up not getting on the first train, but somehow, there were others who faced the same problem as us. So, this is good news! We might have the chance here!" He said.

The trip began as the trio inside began to consume their food.

Tempio Voltiano

Sora & Shiro

The cab dropped them at a parking zone, where there were no signs of the mat as the siblings exited the vehicle.

"Ciao!" Both said in unison as they began to jog as fast as possible.

"Where's the mat, though?"

"We have to circle around if we can't find it straight," Shiro suggested.

After taking their precious time, the siblings found the mat not too far away from the museum and walked to the mat, stomping it simultaneously as they met the greeter and Phil.

"Buona Giornata! (Good day)!" The greeter began his speech. "Welcome to Milan, Italy!"

"Ciao!" Both greeted back the local.

"Sora & Shiro… you are team number one!" Phil announced them as victors, which they celebrated with a raise of their fists and a tight hug.

"Yes!"

Sora & Shiro - 1 st  Place; arrived at 1:14pm

"As the winners of this leg of the race, you two will receive a trip from Travelocity, and you will go to the Bahamas!" Phil continued his rundown for their reward. "You will spend three days and nights at Paradise Island, where you will be in a treat of their unique pools, bar and lounge, and most importantly, a fitness center with gym. The reward will be given after the race. Any thoughts?"

"Wow! This is awesome! We could not believe that we were first!" Sora exclaimed.

"I couldn't believe it either since both of you look like you haven't taken a good sleep, but I am impressed by your performance so far in the race." The host added.

"Thank you for the acknowledgment, but this is only the beginning of our chase to be the winners of the race." Shiro calmly responded.

"And at the upcoming legs, you'll be in a performance of a lifetime because there will be more challenges that you need to conquer. Congratulations to both of you." Phil ended with a smile on his face.

"Thank you!" Both Sora and Shiro bowed in response as they walked off the mat.

"We will survive this race; the teams and the challenges are the only hindrances to our mission. We'll play the game if we want to make a name for ourselves." Sora said.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Kaname & Sousuke - 2 nd  Attempt

"Wow… this is really getting me stressed!" Kaname vented out, swapping paintings in between. "I think this is it?"

The historian took his time to check the position of the paintings as he observed the art.

1. Pietà

2. The Dead Christ and Three Mourners

3. Human Flood

4. The Kiss

5. The Marriage of the Virgin

6. Riot in the Gallery

"Not correct." The checker told the team, earning a long exhale from the pair.

"There's not much I can do in here, Chidori. All I can do is stare at them." Sousuke admitted.

"Pretty much. You almost drop your academics because of your job." Kaname calmly replied.

Ryuuji & Taiga

Ryuuji flattens the once mountain of coins into plains to continue swiping the silver coins from left to right, but the strategy was ineffective for the team. With this difficulty, Taiga is showing signs of frustration.

"Okay, this is getting us nowhere. Why don't we try something else?" She suggested.

"Like a strategy?" Ryuuji replied.

"That's the answer, idiot."

"What do you got?"

Taiga answered with her actions. One by one, picking up silver coins, stacking them each until she could make a tower, and showed it to him.

"Not a bad strategy. But we must pick up the coins faster because we might see other competition." Ryuuji said, approving the idea.

"But it's time-inducing," Taiga said.

"It's fine. Let's get picking!"

The team picked up the silverware carefully.

Piazza Affari

Nagisa & Karma - currently in 4 th  Place

"Ah, yes. The good ol' middle finger sign…" Karma said as they faced the obscene gesture in front of them. "It's funny that I learned about this while we're watching the movie…"

"Aww, don't bring that up! You know I cracked up whenever we mentioned that movie." Nagisa said emotionally.

"Our teacher really brought up our A-game to us! It's one of the reasons why we're here at this point." Nagisa said.

"Golden Coin or Golden Time?" Nagisa reads the clue. "Both sounds hard-working."

"Since we have a thing called 'assassin tactics,' we should be doing Golden Coin." Karma suggested.

"Great idea." Nagisa nodded, concurring with the idea of his partner.

ATMosfera Tram Ristorante

Mako

"I'm done!" Mako shouted as she showed the empty plates to the waiter and the other competitors, who were baffled by her eating ways. "Definitely a five-star food! That was great!"

"Congratulations, here's your reward!" The waiter presents the clue to the goofy individual.

Takatoshi

"How can she be the fastest eater here?" He murmured as he put a portion of the main course into his mouth.

"If I know that was going to happen, then I'm going to predict that we might get a pinch of a chance to be the next one eliminated," Takatoshi confessed.

Megumi

"This is great! It's a well-thought, balanced meal!" Megumi praises the course that was given to her.

"I can see why Mako likes the food, but I can't see why she is eating like a competitive eater," Megumi said.

After a few minutes, the remaining challengers quickly finished their meals as the crew presented the clue to them.

"Thank you!" Both Megumi and Takatoshi replied after picking up the envelope.

Once the tram stopped back at the station, the other team members outside met the volunteers, who greeted them, and all of them opened up their clues in a hurry.

Shino & Takatoshi - currently in 8 th  Place

"A statue that has the bird-flipping?" Shino asked her partner, who was also unsure of the vagueness of the information. But when Takatoshi saw Shino in a smug, he backed off immediately.

"I know what you're thinking, but that's not what it is!" He replied, waving off at his presumption.

Ryuko & Mako - currently in 9 th  Place

"A flipping bird statue?" Mako said.

"I don't have an idea either, Mako. Let's get some help to the people in here." Ryuko replied, sharing the same sentiments as Mako.

"Okie dokie!"

Souma & Megumi - currently in Last Place

"Statue? There's like too many of them in Italy!" Megumi exclaimed.

"I don't know, but let's find someone with an internet connection if that's what you call it." Souma brought out an idea, to which Megumi nodded in agreement.

"Sounds like a plan," Megumi replied, then looked to the other side. "Hey, guys, wanna continue our alli- ance…"

But they encountered nothing as the other teams left off the tram station.

"Oh, they just…" She stammered mid-sentence.

"No worries, it happens," Souma said to relieve Megumi's emotions, patting her back gently.

"Megumi is really fragile when it comes to friendship, and she doesn't wanna get emotional once they feel that they don't need us. But that's their strategic plan, so no grudges holding up here." Souma said.

"Come on. We'll find someone with the connection!" Souma exclaimed, rallying up the spirit of his co-chef.

"Right!"

Piazza Affari

Two teams were spotted running towards the clue box beside the gesture of interest as they picked up an envelope each for themselves.

Mai & Sakuta - currently in 5 th  Place

"Golden Coin…" Sakuta reads the clue first.

Ritsu & Mio - currently in 6 th  Place

"...or Golden Time?" Ritsu then reads the other. "What do you think, Mio?"

"Golden Coin sounds like a 'needle in a haystack' challenge," Mio answered.

"Okay, so coins?"

"Yep."

"We'll go for the coins too." Mai approached the musician, followed by Sakuta. "Wanna join us?"

"Uh, yeah, sure!" Ritsu answered sheepishly.

"I totally didn't expect the couple to join forces with us! It feels like we are a force to be reckoned with!" Ritsu said with confidence, but the theatrical tone was not well-received by Mio, who hits her friend's head with a karate chop. "Ouch!"

"Stop trying to make yourself like an idiot!" Mio complained.

"It wouldn't hurt to be part with the musicians. They look decent enough for me." Mai addressed the current situation.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Ryuuji & Taiga

"Okay, we're halfway through. Haven't you seen any gold around?" Ryuuji asked Taiga, who is currently focusing on stacking the coins.

"Nope, all I see are shiny silvers! This is taking us forever!" Taiga answered with a hint of rage in her voice.

"Geez, I don't know if we missed it out, or is it still buried underneath."

Unknowingly to the pair, the gold coin was hidden on one of the towers Taiga stacked.

Kaname & Sousuke - 5 th  Attempt

"Really?! Darn it!" Kaname's voice began to change its intensity as she studied the paintings again. "I don't know which one is right, but maybe did I redo this? I'm not even sure I could remember it!"

1. Pietà

2. The Dead Christ and Three Mourners

3. Human Flood

4. The Kiss

5. Riot in the Gallery

6. The Marriage of the Virgin

Kaname reshuffled a few of them, assumed that it was a new order, and called out the historian to give it a verdict.

Kaname & Sousuke - 6 th  Attempt

1. Pietà

2. The Dead Christ and Three Mourners

3. The Marriage of the Virgin

4. The Kiss

5. Human Flood

6. Riot in the Gallery

"It's correct!" The historian announced, sending Kaname into a frenzy as she jumped in excitement with her, suddenly embracing Sousuke, who got surprised at this sudden interaction.

Kaname & Sousuke - currently in 1 st  Place

With Kaname realizing she is embracing him, she squeaks and releases the hold on him as she shyly receives the clue from the historian.

"Hehe… thank you!" She said and bowed, taking her time to open the clue while Sousuke's face became flushed for a few seconds.

Kaname notices a bill inside the clue and then reads the clue carefully.

"Make your way to the next Pit Stop! The location that is printed on the back of the 10,000 lira note."

"Teams must know that the location featured on the 10,000 lire banknote is the Tempio Voltiano, a museum built in honor of the inventor of the electrical battery, Alessandro Volta."

Phil was spotted walking around the museum as he stomped on the mat.

"This special attraction built in 1927 is the third Pit Stop for this leg of the race. The last team to check in here may be eliminated."

"Huh, okay, the Pit Stop is in this building," Kaname said, looking at the banknote on its backside.

"That's Tempio Voltiano." Sousuke nonchalantly replied.

"You know this?"

"Roger, we have once set a meeting place nearby there before." Sousuke promptly replied.

"Oh, nice! Then we better get going!"

Nagisa & Karma

The duo spotted Ryuuji & Taiga on one of the tables as they picked up a station for them and began scrambling the coins, sending them on a slope to the other side.

"Now, we just have to keep an eye for any signs of gold," Karma said.

"Okay." Nagisa simply answered as their eyes went from left to right continuously.

Ryuuji & Taiga

While the other team had finished stacking the coins, unfortunately, they did not find the gold overall. The discovery made Taiga infuriated.

"Okay, where is it?! Where is it?!" She shouted.

"I-I don't even know! I am carefully looking at it while stacking it!" Ryuuji explained his side.

"It's even pointless when your eyes won't get a clear view!" She retorted, targeting the sanpaku-eyed individual.

"Oh, now you're blaming my eyes?! How about I blame you for not thinking about the tasks clearly?!" Ryuuji fought back.

Taiga groaned in response. "Now you're talking to me like that! I think clearly, you dumb dog!"

"Clearly, you're not!"

"Fine! Then go figure out yourself!" She replied with rage and whacked the table strongly, causing the coin towers to collapse to the ground. The coins were scattered around their table, causing Ryuuji to pick them up one by one as Taiga walked out of the table and was astray.

"You're kidding me. She just left me…" Ryuuji murmured.

With the drama unfolding, Nagisa and Karma watched the whole ordeal while making contact with the coins.

"Wow, she really is the Palmtop Tiger, and I even mean it! That was crazy!" Nagisa exclaimed.

"As must as I hate to admit it, she is feisty and arrogant, but I'm not on her level with that kind of personality. I can be like that depending on the situation." Karma added.

Ryuuji sighed as he glanced at the other team.

"Don't worry, guys. It's just the usual couple's conflict. Just keep doing what you're doing…"

"Right, sorry…" Nagisa said as they continued their task silently.

"I must do something about this…"

Chapter Text

Leg 3, Part 3: Golden Needle in a Silver Haystack - Ritsu

Pinacoteca di Brera

Ryuuji & Taiga

Taiga was seen sitting on a stairstep, not giving anything zero care to anything. She is currently hiding her resentment toward her partner, who manages to find her in an isolated place.

"Hey, Taiga. Are you alright?" Ryuuji asked her, but the reply went empty to the petite girl. "Okay, I just realized that I did say something bad that hurt your feelings. But can we go back and continue what we are doing in the first place?"

He could hear a heavy sigh as Taiga's head lifted up but seemed tired or distressed; either way, it was a good sign for Ryuuji.

"Are you still mad at me?" She asked this time.

"Huh? Why would I be mad at you? I care for you, duh!" Ryuuji replied bluntly. "This competition really tests us on how we can support and rely on each other, we're in the front of the pack, but we're in an emotional wreck right now. The game always has to be like that."

Taiga has no response, at least verbally, as she offers a hand to him. Ryuuji nodded and picked her hand up.

"Okay, now are you feeling alright?" He asked once more to the nod of the Palmtop Tiger. "Right, because we don't wanna be drop to the last."

With that, the couple soon rushed back to their station, where they picked up the pieces to continue their progress of the challenge.

Ritsu & Mio

The musicians arrived at the gallery and immediately followed the arrow signs toward the challenge of their choosing - Golden Coins.

"Yeah! There are teams here!" Ritsu cried after seeing the two teams on the same challenge as them.

Mio nudged Ritsu hardly as they found a vacated station for them to start.

"Okay, Ritsu, no time for celebrating early! Finish the challenge early!" Mio ordered.

"Yes, Captain Mio!" She saluted in response.

"Only Mio would be fine." Mio sighed after hearing Ritsu's theatrical effort.

Piazza Affari

Kazuma & Megumin - currently in 7th Place

"It's a Detour! Golden Coin or Golden Time?" Megumin reads the two options provided. She looked at Kazuma with an unfazed look. "I already know what you're going to pick."

"Golden Coin. That's it, easy peasy. I hate arts and history! Why is there a combination like that exists?!" Kazuma answered.

"Okay, none of that matters to me, but we should keep going."

The adventurers left afterward to find their next destination.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Mai & Sakuta

The couple arrived at the gallery, meeting the other teams doing the coin challenge as they began instantly.

"I was wondering how many coins are there but seeing thousands of them makes me want to snatch those and exchange them for yen!" Sakuta said.

"You really are a delinquent, and I can't believe I have fallen to you," Mai replied.

Sakuta sneered in response. "Couldn't be prouder of myself to be a delinquent!"

Mai spreads the coins carefully on her side and begins to hunt for the golden coin while Sakuta slowly picks up coin after coin and tosses it to the ground.

"Huh, they all look the same." He said.

"Try not to be easy-going and not to throw anything on the floor," Mai told her partner.

Nagisa & Karma

The former classmates are in a hot seat after seeing more teams entering their stations by sweeping coins in different directions.

"I was wondering if we could change Detours for a few minutes…" Nagisa said to Karma.

Karma pauses at what he is doing and looks at his partner with a distraught look.

"I'm unsure if we could find anything when the pressure is on us. These guys surely chose this one because it's convenient, but apparently, it's not." He answered.

"So, we're switching detours?"

"Yeah! Despite the other task being a mental challenge, I'm starting to get a headache. But whatever…"

The brethren left the station with coins in a mess while the others looked at each other in concern.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"Did they quit?" Taiga asked Ryuuji.

"No, they just switched," Ryuuji replied.

"If we don't find anything, we have no choice but to switch too."

Ritsu & Mio

"I have a hard time finding anything gold!" Ritsu complained while wiping off silver coins on her side

"Ritsu, we're five minutes in, and you're already complaining? Just play the coins along." Mio said without looking, hastily picking up the coins one by one.

Ritsu groaned and grabbed her forehead tightly. "Ugh! This Golden Needle in a Silver Haystack is stressing me out!"

Tempio Voltiano

Kaname & Sousuke

"It is familiar to me." Sousuke simply said after hopping off the taxi.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Let's search for the mat!" Kaname answered.

"Roger."

A few minutes passed, and they ran around the park until they found themselves near a museum. It turns out that they have discovered the mat and make themselves a runner until they have arrived at the carpet.

"Kaname & Sousuke… you are team number two!" Phil announced their leg placement, much to the surprise of both team members.

Kaname & Sousuke - 2nd Place; arrived at 3:56pm

"Wait, what? I thought we were first!" Kaname said.

"A team successfully performed the Fast Forward then arrived at the mat first," Phil answered.

"Could you at least tell me what kind of helicopter did they ride?" Sousuke added another question.

"I wouldn't say they ride it, but they control it."

Sousuke got confused at the answer, but Kaname's eyes lit up in shock.

"Wait, you mean…" Kaname chimed in.

"They control a toy helicopter to land on a helipad." Phil elaborated.

"Oh…"

"But we should have done that instead," Sousuke suggested.

"Nah, you wouldn't even control a helicopter, let alone a remote-controlled one!"

"But- Ouch!"

Kaname slapped Sousuke's head with the envelope to stop him from adding nonsense.

"No need, we're second again, and that's fine for me." She answered.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Nagisa & Karma

The duo started brainstorming on figuring out to surpass the history test.

"Oh, man, we never even learned much about art history," Karma said.

"Yeah, all we have to do now is to shuffle them around until we find the right order," Nagisa answered.

"There are like hundreds of ways of arranging them, but the coins could keep them busy for a while," Karma replied. "So, it's a crucial moment for us."

"Let's keep an eye on them and try remembering it."

Karma nodded as they began thinking about what to put first until to the last.

Mai & Sakuta

The pair arrived at the coin station, where they spotted the other teams having difficulty processing the task, specifically looking at the musicians whom they met at the statue earlier.

"Hey, I thought we arrived at the same time as them," Sakuta said.

"Doesn't matter. We should just play like the others." Mai replied, to which Sakuta shrugged eventually.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"I haven't been so distressed for a task!" Ryuuji vented out his frustrations while swiping the coins from left to right.

"As much as I would like to throw a fit right now, I agree with you," Taiga said. "This is pretty stressing, but I like to keep it going."

Ryuuji was pretty surprised by the current approach of his girlfriend.

"It's weird to see Taiga being chill and approachable to me like that. I don't know if the realization that she can't quit the competition or that she was being guilty of herself for being pushy, but either way, I'll take it as a progression to her character." Ryuuji said.

"Yeah, let's keep it going." Ryuuji smiled over to Taiga.

Nagisa & Karma - 4th Attempt

1. Human Flood

2. Pieta

3. Riot in the Gallery

4. The Kiss

5. The Dead Christ and Three Mourners

6. The Marriage of the Virgin

"Attempt number four…" Nagisa said and called out the checker to validate the answers. "Check, please."

"Not correct." The historian said.

"Okay, okay, not good."

Piazza Affari

Ryuko & Mako - currently in 8th Place

"Oh, that's one big statue!" Mako exclaimed, was in awe after seeing the obscene gesture in front of her while Ryuko picked up an envelope from the box.

"Mako, it's a Detour!" Ryuko said. "Golden Coin or Golden Time?"

"Mako picks out coins!" Mako announced enthusiastically.

"Yeah, coins are definitely your strong suit. Let's go then!"

Pinacoteca di Brera

Nagisa & Karma - 6th Attempt

"Alright, let's see what we've got…" Nagisa said.

1. Pieta

2. Human Flood

3. The Marriage of the Virgin

4. The Kiss

5. The Dead Christ and Three Mourners

6. Riot in the Gallery

"Not correct." The historian said, earning groans from both assassins.

"What are we seeing wrong in here?" Karma said.

Nagisa thought for a second and responded. "Let me try to rethink all of our attempts. This might take a while."

"We don't want to be here for a long time, or we will regret it forever."

"Yeah, yeah! I know!"

Ritsu & Mio

"This challenge is so, so hard!" Mio cried. "I never thought we would be here for like thirty minutes!"

On the other side, Ritsu rummages through the silver coin plains as she slowly pinches every coin, but it turns out silver most of the time. But Ritsu squints her eyes on a part of the coins, where a clear golden color was shining under the heavy rubble. Once she picks it up, it turns out that she has found the golden coin.

"Hey, Mio! I found the coin! I found the coin!" Ritsu cried as everyone from their stations looked at the golden coin.

Mio gasped and snatched the coin from the hands of Ritsu. "This is the coin! Okay, we should find that tour guide for our clue!"

"Yes! Let's go!"

The musicians soon left off their station with a silver mess. Meanwhile, the other teams urgently begin searching for one particular gold.

Kazuma & Megumin

"There it is!" Kazuma said and read the arrows and turned left for the challenge of their choosing. "Golden Coin…"

The duo soon chose an empty station to start the task immediately.

"Alright, now where's that luck stat that you're preparing to use?" Megumin asked.

"Okay, then…" Kazuma said with a smug and rubbed his hands in preparation as he twiddles his fingers, sending his hand through the silver coins. Kazuma slowly pulls the arm to reveal a golden coin on his fingers like a well-oiled crane. "Found it!"

With that, everyone changes their focus to Kazuma's sudden announcement, causing the others to get upset about not completing the Detour task.

"What the hell was that?!" Taiga complained.

"From a guy like him, he was lucky…" Ryuuji added.

"I thought superpowers aren't allowed in the race…" Mai said.

"Not sure about that; he might just be lucky!" Sakuta replied. "But goddamn, that's ridiculous!"

"Ha! And I know when I should utilize my luck!" Kazuma proudly said.

"Let's go, Megumin!" Kazuma told his partner, who nodded happily and left the station quickly.

While the girls on their stations desperately sweep the coins that are not gold and do not bother to pick them up as the pressure continues to haunt them.

"Those guys… these coins… Ugh!" Taiga exclaimed madly.

"I might start looking at the floor if you have dropped the gold," Ryuuji said.

"Want me to look at the coins below?" Sakuta asked Mai.

"Yeah, you should. And don't peek underneath my skirt, or you'll get my knees on you." Mai warned her partner, who smirked in response.

"Oh, I would choose that one instead, so I'll hit the jackpot…" Sakuta paused as he saw the menacing glare of Mai until he chuckled nervously.

"Right, right… the coins…"

Ritsu & Mio

"I think there's the tour guide, and he has the marker!" Ritsu exclaimed as they made their way to the person and showed the golden coin.

"Here's the golden coin!"

The individual presented a clue to them, and Mio picked up the clue.

Ritsu & Mio - currently in 3rd Place

"What's this?" Mio currently looks up at the bill that came from the envelope.

"Make your way to the next Pit Stop! The location is printed on the back of the 10,000 lira note." Ritsu reads the clue on behalf of Mio.

"Oh, alright! I wonder where it is…"

"Let's ask someone outside!" Ritsu suggested the agreement of Mio as they left the building.

Not too far away, another team arrived before the tour guide to exchange the coin for their clue. One of them picks up the envelope.

Kazuma & Megumin - currently in 4th Place

"The location that is printed on the back of the 10,000 lira note." Megumin reads the details, looking back to the paper bill. "Think we should go to that building."

"Oh, I see," Kazuma said after seeing the attraction on the back of the bill. "Let's get out of here!"

The adventurers then picked up their pace as they also left the place to catch up with the leading team.

Piazza Affari

Souma & Megumi - currently in 9th Place

"Golden Coin or Golden Time?" Souma reads the question on the clue.

"Well, I think history should be easy since we know about much of the history of food." Megumi thought, alluding for them to pick the best option.

"So, Golden Time?"

"Yep!"

"Okay, then let's find our taxi!"

The chefs then rode back to their taxi and entered the vehicle.

"Pinacoteca di Brera?" Megumi told the driver their next destination. "Grazie, grazie!"

?

Shino & Takatoshi - currently in Last Place

"How many minutes?" Takatoshi asked their driver.

"Fifteen minutes." The driver answered.

"This is really weird, we've been inside the taxi for almost an hour, and we don't even see anything statue-y."

"Uh-huh. One hour is enough for you to flick the bean inside of the taxi." Shino told a displeasing fact that caused Takatoshi to almost vomit.

"One hour of sleeping should be enough, honestly," Takatoshi replied, uncomfortably resting on the seat. "Just tell me if we arrived there."

"But I don't have any idea where it is!"

Takatoshi suddenly snored, indicating that he indeed slept on their current ride, causing for Shino to hit a panic button internally as she grabbed her hair in distress.

"Oh, no! Where the heck are we in right now?!

Pinacoteca di Brera

Nagisa & Karma - 9th Attempt

1. Riot in the Gallery

2. The Dead Christ and Three Mourners

3. The Marriage of the Virgin

4. The Kiss

5. Human Flood

6. Pieta

"Can we check our answer, please?" Nagisa asked, internally pleading that this should end at this point.

"Not correct." The historian answered bluntly.

Karma groaned in response. "Maybe we did choose the wrong Detour."

"If we can't get the right answers at the next few attempts, then we should use the Express Pass," Nagisa suggested.

"If it is the purpose of survival, then I agree!" Karma agreed to the proposal. "After three attempts, we should give the pass."

"Okay, then…"

Mai & Sakuta

"This is the hardest game I have ever taken in," Mai admitted as she tried to shuffle the coins throughout the table. "I don't know how much I can handle this thing."

"What thing?" Sakuta asked as if it was intended to gain his attention, but it turned out to be untrue as Mai glared at her. "Oh, the coins. But it's true, these coins are a hard thing to take care of, might as well keep it."

"That's the reason that I hate knowing that you spend items with money," Sakuta confessed.

?

Kazuma & Megumin

The adventurers notice the leading musicians took off via taxi, in which both took the same action as the other.

"Do you know where this is?" Megumin asks the driver, giving the bill and giving it a thumbs up. "Thank you, please take us there!"

"As quick as possible!" Kazuma added, emphasizing the urgency by increasing his tone.

"Do those girls know that we're tailing them behind?" Megumin asked Kazuma, who was focusing on the road.

"No, I don't think so. We're like two minutes away from them, but the intensity off my chest is starting to build." Kazuma answered. "I am pumped!"

"Never have I felt so thrilled on a race, so in the quests that I took before! Man, Aqua really is a catalyst to anything stupid that has happened to me since being reborn." Kazuma said.

Megumin looks at her partner aloof, unsurprised by the revelations she has always heard from Kazuma since the beginning of the race.

"You always have anything to say to Aqua, huh?"

Ritsu & Mio

Concurrently, Ritsu was looking at the back window, looking nervous due to the swift movements of a taxi behind them.

"That looks like a team behind us!" Ritsu cried.

"Huh? Who are they?" Mio replied but decided to look over at the back, and to their surprise, they found Kazuma & Megumin trailing them behind.

"I don't even know," Ritsu answered, failing to portray a perfect figure of the presence behind them.

"Can you drive faster for us? There's a team behind us!" Mio requested to the driver but to no avail. "Uhhh… a crazy car is following us!"

The response was nothing, so they had nothing to do but to pray above that they would arrive first.

"Ahhh! Please take us first there! Please?!" Mio wished desperately.

"I can't get into my head that we're still facing some trouble since the race began," Mio said, noticing an odd pattern.

"Being last at the first challenge, sleeping outside next, then a taxi driver who's not responding to anything." Ritsu enumerated the problems that they have faced before. "That's three in a row."

"Can this bad luck can go away?"

Pinacoteca di Brera

Nagisa & Karma - 12th Attempt

"How long have we been in?" Nagisa asked.

"We've been here for a long time, and this is the last attempt," Karma said.

"Right… I know it's not the same thing that we answered before. I lost count after the last one!"

"Okay, check, please!" Karma called out the historian.

1. Pieta

2. The Dead Christ and Three Mourners

3. The Marriage of the Virgin

4. The Kiss

5. Human Flood

6. Riot in the Gallery

The historian nodded and gave the boys the approval as the latter was enthusiastically relieved that the task was over. Karma then picks up the clue from the hands of the historian.

Nagisa & Karma - currently in 5th Place

"Thank you!" Nagisa said to the historian as both bowed their heads, leaving Karma to open the envelope.

"Make your way to the next Pit Stop…" Karma reads the clue and then stares at the bill he found inside the envelope until he flips the paper bill to reveal an infrastructure. "I think we should be here."

"We'll ask someone!" Nagisa suggested.

"Right!"

The duo proceeds to leave the station to ask a nearby local inside of the gallery. They stumbled upon a young lady as the blue-haired boy began to inquire.

"Excuse me, do you know this place?" Nagisa asked, showing the back of the bill.

"It's Tempio Voltiano. You have to take a train there." The local honestly answered.

"Ah, please take us there! We don't even know where it is, hehe." Nagisa nervously requested as the lady nodded instantly.

"Okay, yeah… follow me!"

"Nice!"

The brethren started trailing to the lady, avoiding misdirections as much as possible.

Ryuko & Mako

"Yes, we're here!" Mako excitedly cried after seeing the coins, not much focusing on the remaining teams on the challenge.

"Wow, they're still here too…" Ryuko said.

"I'm surprised that there are teams still on the Detour, especially that one team who got the spot on the top on the last leg. I guess we'll take what we get and see what happens." Ryuko said.

Ryuuji & Taiga

"Crap… this is getting ridiculously harder for me!" Taiga mumbled, slowly picking up coins and stacking them beside on a tower of coins.

"We're almost there. I just know it!" Ryuuji replied softly.

"As if that works!"

Mai & Sakuta

"Gold, gold, gold…" Sakuta chanted as he lazily picked up coins from his fingers until he stopped when he saw a shining coin on his finger. "Gold!"

"You found it?" Mai asked, then turned to her partner, who revealed a golden coin in his hand. "You found it!"

The couple then walked out of their station while the other couple was furiously picking up speed on collecting every coin possible.

"Oh, my God! We're so stranded! I can't believe we're still here!" Taiga's tantrum begins to grow again.

"Ugh! I shouldn't have said that." Ryuuji said. "But you have to do what is left for you."

Mai & Sakuta - currently in 6 th  Place

"Thank you!" Mai said after swapping the coin with the tour guide as he rips the clue off, revealing a paper bill and the following details. "Make your way to the next Pit Stop! This has to be the destination!"

"Quick! Right before they can arrive here!" Sakuta exclaimed.

"Yeah!"

Piazza Affari

Shino & Takatoshi - currently in Last Place

"Finally… we're here…" Shino said after sighing as she picked up the clue. "Detour - Golden Coin or Golden Time?"

"Golden Time. That's our last resort if anything else!" Takatoshi said.

"Right! No time to lose, except for lonely time, I guess." Shino replied.

"Now's not the time!" Takatoshi shouted, pulling Shino out of nowhere and going back to their taxi. "Pinacoteca di Brera, please? Faster!"

Tempio Voltiano

A cab was spotted, stopping at the parking lot, where a team exited there to pay up the bill from the driver. Also, the same goes for the other team, who replicate the same exchange of actions.

"Come on, we have to get there first!"

"I'm trying!"

"I think I see the mat!"

"Ahhh! I have to run like a wild cat!"

After a few seconds, the host and the greeter met the already two tired teams, who arrived just a few seconds apart as the former stared at them.

"A close race but no one's in the first place, but…"

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

"Kazuma & Megumin… you are team number three!" Phil announced the adventurers as the second runner-up.

Kazuma & Megumin - 3 rd Place; arrived at 5:20pm

Kazuma sighed and howled like an animal in excitement after hearing the great news.

"Yahoo! Yes! We did it, Megumin!" He said to the wizard as they shared hands without the prior knowledge of his partner.

"Yeah, yeah, we did it! Hooray…" Megumin replied shyly, following the current mood of Kazuma.

"Which means, Ritsu & Mio, you are team number four!"

Ritsu & Mio - 4 th Place; arrived at 5:21pm

"It was a close race, but Kazuma & Megumin, you sprung up from last to third, and that's quite an achievement for you, guys. Given the fact that you're both adventuring for a living." Phil complimented the surviving team.

"Thank you so much!" Both greeted the host back.

"But certainly, Ritsu & Mio, what can you say?" The host asked the other team, who was surprised at this sudden inquiry from the host.

"Oh, uh, well… good for them. They can race for another day, and that was crazy!" Ritsu said, scratching her hair and extending her arm to offer a gesture to the adventurers.

"Right… I know it's not for the first place. But if we see you again, this time it should be for the grand prize!" Mio added, also offering a handshake to the other team.

The adventurers looked at each other first and nodded, both smirking as they shook hands with their now friendly adversary.

"I like the proposal! You're on!" Kazuma said, shaking the hand of Mio.

"Yeah! Bring your explosiveness, or we'll bring it to you." Megumin said to Ritsu, also exchanging handshakes with one another.

"Uh-huh, very convincing! We will rock your place once we win the millions!" Ritsu fought back.

"It's really on!" Mio smirked, hardly pressing the hands of Kazuma.

"I have no idea that our competition is this friendly. They're strong, but man, this is gonna be interesting." Kazuma said.

"Oh, yeah. I can smell the next victory coming our way!" Megumin added.

"We're still somewhere at the top, no biggie. But the competition gets tougher when an upcoming leg is passing by." Ritsu said.

"We'll be serious and laser-focused on the next challenges, then we'll get that prize!" Mio exclaimed.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Ryuuji & Taiga

The panicking couple scrambles around the leftover in a hurry after most of the teams left before them.

"I have never been in this position before. It's irritating and petrifying at the same time." Taiga admitted.

"These stupid coins…" Taiga roared in anger, getting rid of silver coins in sight. "Why can't we even find it so easily?!"

"I don't even know what to say…" Ryuuji said, forcing himself to agree with his partner's current sentiment. "This is just horrible…"

Ryuko & Mako

Meanwhile, the other team had a meticulous method of the challenge as Ryuko picked up silver coins one by one while Mako looked down with her eyes widened to find any sliver of golden shininess on their board.

"We have just the plan for this Detour, although it's risky, but the ability for Mako to detect any gold on her sight is greatly exceptional," Ryuko said. "I think Mako can do it for us."

"Yeah, Mako's good at handling business!" Mako exclaimed.

"Hmm… can you remove coins on that side for me, Ryuko?" Mako told her partner as she gestured to a specific part of their table. The latter obliged and swipes the said portion.

"There's nothing here," Ryuko said after seeing no gold. But what she didn't know was that Mako was focusing under the buried silver coins that were promptly moved by her friend until she picked up a coin that turned out to be the golden coin.

"Ha! Here it is! Mako's got the coin!" Mako shouted in joy, earning glares from the other team.

"Come on! Let's exchange it!"

The partners-in-crime soon rushed off to find the tour guide, leaving the couple team in last once again. This thought just brought Taiga into an inflaming mood.

"Aghhh! This is so grueling!" She said. "I can't believe we're getting passed by the other teams! I am just gonna… I am just gonna…"

"Okay, Taiga, settle down. But this is no time for-"

"We have no time for any crap!" Taiga blatantly interrupts Ryuuji's attempt to reassure her.

Ryuko & Mako - currently in 7 th  Place

"Thank you so much!" Ryuko said, then opened the envelope quickly. "Make your way to the next Pit Stop!"

"Yay! Pit Stop!" Mako cheerfully clapped and celebrated.

The pair found a taxi in a hurry and entered the vehicle.

"Take us here!" Ryuko said to the driver, who nodded as they moved out of the gallery's view. "Thank you so much!"

"Pit Stop, here we go!" Mako continued her enthusiastic episode as she wiggled in her seat.

Tempio Voltiano

Karma & Nagisa - 5th Place; arrived at 5:47pm

"What happened back in the Detour?" Phil asked the assassins.

"Well, we did outsmart ourselves there. I thought the coins would be easy, but of course, the academic instinct kicked in, and we got right passed through it." Karma answered for the team.

"It was a lapse of our judgment in the first place. A simple mistake that we should learn about, and we don't want to do the same thing again next time." Nagisa added.

Mai & Sakuta - 6 th  Place; arrived at 6:13pm

"You are team number six, congratulations," Phil told the couple, who were ecstatic about their new placement. "It looks like it's a sign of improvement for you both."

"I can see that, but we're hoping for a better improvement at the next leg," Mai said to the host.

"Now, since we improved, at least, can I get a kiss from you?" Sakuta bluntly asked Mai out of nowhere, with the tall individual pushing himself for a smooch but was caught by the fingers of the latter, who pinched his lips tightly. "Ow! Ow! Ow! That hurt!"

Mai decided to take to her own terms to peck Sakuta's cheek, much to the shock of the boyfriend. This made Phil and the local greeter chuckle widely.

"Once we get better results in the future, maybe I could give you what you wanted in the first place." Mai playfully teases Sakuta, then pinches his cheek this time. "Got it?"

"Yeah, got it!" Sakuta excitedly replied like he was in a dream.

"Maybe that's a booster that is needed for me," Sakuta said.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Souma & Megumi

The chefs arrived at the gallery where they went to their chosen task, meeting the historian in a room filled with portraits.

"Okay, there are six of them; maybe we should analyze it first, then we can start arranging the pictures," Megumi said.

"Right…" Souma said as he lazily stared at the picture. "I don't even have an idea on when to start."

After hearing Souma's lack of analytical powers, Megumi's lip curled in disappointment. "Maybe we should have switched already, but I think this is the best option for us."

Ryuuji & Taiga

Taiga's frustrations were visibly increasing when she buried her face in the hard coins on the table.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" Ryuuji asked.

"Just forget it! We are done!" Taiga said while her face was stuck on the coins. "This has got to be it…"

"Hey, don't be like that! Come here!" Ryuuji said, pulling the heavy head of his girlfriend to reveal coins that were glued on her face. But Ryuuji stopped momentarily as he focused on Taiga's face, to which the tsundere girl got flushed when their faces were nearing each other.

Taiga thought that her beau would be kissing her as she closed her eyes and prepared for the smooch. But for Ryuuji, she picks up the golden coin from her cheek, causing the petite teenager to be embarrassed, turning her face into a tomato red.

"Ha! Got 'ya!" Ryuuji said, raising the golden coin proudly.

Because of what happened, Taiga instinctively slaps Ryuuji's face, causing him to rub his cheek of his.

"What the?! Hey!" He complained.

"You idiot, stupid, foolish, brainless, moron, imbecile dog!" Taiga chanted loudly.

Ryuuji then realized Taiga's reaction as he smirked in response.

"I am so, so humiliated by his actions! I don't wanna see it again! I don't wanna remember this!" Taiga said, her head tucked in shame, avoiding showing her expression.

"You're expect something, huh?"

"Shut up! Let's get out of this place!" She demanded.

Avoiding any unnecessary arguments, they ran off their station towards the tour guide, who offered the clue for them.

Ryuuji & Taiga - currently in 8th Place

"Okay, finally, it's the Pit Stop!" Ryuuji exclaimed. "Let's find a taxi."

The couple then left the gallery to travel to the Pit Stop.

Tempio Voltiano

Ryuko & Mako - 7th Place; arrived at 6:54pm

"Ryuko & Mako, you are team number seven!" Phil announced as the team cheered and shared fives with each other, then to Phil and the greeter.

"Nice!" Mako said.

"What a day!" Ryuko added.

Ryuuji & Taiga - 8 th  Place; arrived at 7:20pm

Phil was sending daggers to the couple, who got intimidated by the eyes of the host.

"Tough day?" Phil asked.

"I'm pretty sure that's we could describe the leg." Ryuuji nervously replied.

"Ryuuji & Taiga, you are team number eight…" The host announced the placement for them. "Looks like it's not your day, guys."

"Definitely is. Looks like I'm the one to be blamed here, I'm being stubborn to him today, and it led us to a bad position." Taiga faulted herself for their underwhelming finish.

"Nah, nah, it's all part of our life. You make mistakes. You prevail." Ryuuji said some reassuring words to Taiga. "And that's what we're going to do at the next leg… to prevail!"

With that speech alone, Taiga embraced Ryuuji under his hip, covering herself from embarrassment.

"You alright?" Ryuuji asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine… just laying my disappointed face to you," Taiga answered in a mumbling tone, causing Ryuuji to chuckle lightly.

"I'm not the one to judge, but she has a soft spot for those speeches like that. She just doesn't wanna be embarrassed about it." Ryuuji said.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Shino & Takatoshi

The colleagues arrived at one of the vacated rooms as they began picking up their pace since the other team was doing the same Detour task.

"We need to choose the right pictures as quickly as possible because there's an occupied room, which pretty means we are probably on the bottom two!" Takatoshi said, observing their current situation.

"But who should be on top?" Shino asked curiously.

"Your wording is a mess already. But we should be on the top, or we'll be out!"

"Oh… right… let's be serious right here…" She said, looking intensely at the artwork.

"Of all times, why are you being serious now?!"

Souma & Megumi - 3rd Attempt

Souma put their possibly finishing touches as they looked at their guesses and called out the historian to validate.

"This should be right, this should be right…" Souma continues to mumble, praying for a pass.

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"It's incorrect." The historian said, gesturing a thumbs down to the chefs.

"Oh, my God!" Souma exclaimed.

"Okay, Souma. Don't get stressed out. It's only a matter of time for us to get through, right? Isn't that your mantra?"

"Yeah! You're right; there is still hope!"

Shino & Takatoshi - 1st Attempt

"Is this right?" Takatoshi asked the historian as the latter stalls time to check their work.

"That's incorrect."

"Gah!" Shino exclaimed.

"Let's switch some paintings, then we can recheck it," Takatoshi suggested.

As they did what the vice president would say, they swapped out a few of them in a different order and once again called out the historian.

Shino & Takatoshi - 2nd Attempt

"Check, please," Takatoshi said.

"Not correct." The historian instantly answered, causing the team to fumble at their feet and become panicky over switching places of the artworks.

Souma & Megumi - 5th Attempt

"It's incorrect."

Shino & Takatoshi - 4th Attempt

"Not correct."

Souma & Megumi - 8 th  Attempt

"It's wrong."

Shino & Takatoshi - 7th Attempt

"It's not correct."

Souma & Megumi - 9th Attempt

"Hmmm… I wonder if we have placed them before…" Megumi said after swapping out the paintings once more.

"I'm not sure, but let's give it a shot," Souma answered.

"I'm also unsure of my answer there. I don't know if we did the same placement as before, but who knows…" Souma said.

"Check!" Souma shouted to the historian.

The historian then proceeds to check the placement silently. After what it seems like an eternity, the historian spoke.

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1. Pieta

2. The Dead Christ and Three Mourners

3. The Marriage of the Virgin

4. The Kiss

5. Human Flood

6. Riot in the Gallery

"That's correct." The historian announced, showing the envelope in front of them.

Souma & Megumi - currently in 9th Place

Both chefs gasped in reaction to hearing the good news as Megumi grabbed the clue from the historian's grasp.

"Thank you so much!" Megumi said, bowing continuously as she ripped the clue open.

"Make your way to the next Pit Stop. The last team to arrive may be eliminated." Souma reads the clue while Megumi takes a good look at the paper bill.

"I think we should be here. Let's ask someone out."

"Right!"

The cooking partners went their way out of the gallery, leaving the only team there was Shino & Takatoshi.

Shino & Takatoshi - 8th Attempt

"I think this should be it, but not quite sure about it," Takatoshi said.

"I wanna get out of here quick!" Shino exclaimed.

"Can you check it again, please?"

The historian went to their board again to verify their answers. Once he was done, they intensively stared at them, making them nervous at the highest level.

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"That's correct."

Shino & Takatoshi - currently in Last Place

"Yes!" Shino cried in excitement as she picked up the clue.

"Finally…"

Shino opens the envelope to reveal a bill and then the usual information.

"The last team to arrive may be eliminated!"

"Okay, now it's super serious time!" Takatoshi said as they left the gallery on a whim.

Souma & Megumi

The chefs arrived at the train station, where they went ahead to the counter to inquire.

"Hi! Do you have any trips to this place?" Souma asked, presenting the bill in front of the attendant.

"Ah, Tempio Voltiano." The attendant answered.

"Due biglietti per Tempio Voltiano, per favore. (Two tickets to Tempio Voltiano, please.)" Megumi told the attendant in a hurry, making the transaction a quick success. "Grazie."

"Let's go; there should be enough time!" Souma exclaimed as they entered the station and hopped onto the waiting train.

"I hope they decide to rent a taxi. Trains are faster, in my opinion." Megumi said.

Shino & Takatoshi