In a camp not far from the Dragon's Arena at night time, Tsuyu tries to sleep, but was unable to. She gets up and sees Tokoyami sitting by the fire.

Tokoyami: You should sleep Tsuyu. It's going to be a long journey ahead.

Tsuyu: I couldn't sleep. Everything that's happened just got to me. 

Tokoyami doesn't reply. Tsuyu looks to the sleeping Jiro, curious about how she fits in to all this. 

Tsuyu: What's Jiro's story?

Tokoyami: She was a bard in a traveling band. She played the Lyre. While on the road, they were attacked by bandits. By the time Shoji and I got there, the bandits had killed them all and were ready to take Jiro. We stopped them and took her in. 

Tsuyu: That's horrible! I'm glad she was able to find good company. 

Tokoyami simply tended to the fire as Tsuyu was curious about Tokoyami. She finally decided to ask him about his past. 

Tsuyu: What did the Blacktongues do? How did they from you for murder?

Tokoyami immediately looked at Tsuyu with serious eyes.

Tokoyami: I do not wish to speak of it. Get some rest. We continue on at the crack of dawn. 

Seeing Tokoyami's stern demeanor, she decided not to continue asking. Whatever the Blacktongues did to Tokoyami seemed to bother him greatly. All she could do was try to get some sleep. After she finally fell asleep, morning came as Shoji woke her up.

Shoji: Rise and shine! 

Tsuyu got up as she hopped on a horse with Jiro. 

Tokoyami: All right! To the Dragon's Arena! 

They began riding to the Dragon's Arena. Eventually, they reached the Dragon's Arena where they are surrounded by guards. They all aimed their spears at them. 

Guard: STAY WHERE YOU ARE!

Shoji: Well that was fast!

As Shoji says that, a man walks out of the Arena and greets them. 

Man: Well well well! If it isn't the great Fumikage Tokoyami and his loyal sidekick Mezo Shoji! Wanted murderers at my doorstep!

Tokoyami: Giran. 

Giran: And what's this, lovely females at your side! Oh how the mighty have fallen! Perhaps we should kill you and deliver your corpses to Lord Menos! I'm sure he'd be very grateful!

Shoji: Over my dead body!

Shoji prepared to attack, but Tokoyami stopped him.

Tokoyami: What do you want Giran?

Giran: My Arena is a place of justice! Where criminals are judged by blood! Fight in the arena, and perhaps you'll regain some of that lost honor! Decline and we'll kill you and your friends! 

Tokoyami realized that he had no choice. They were surrounded. Tsuyu and Jiro were not warriors. Tokoyami and Shoji wouldn't be able protect them in time. 

Tokoyami: Fine. But only I will fight in your arena.

Shoji: You kidding me?! We work together! I can help!

Tokoyami: No! I need you to watch the others. I don't like this. Something's not right. 

Giran: Then we have an arrangement! You will escorted to the gladiator's quarters and your companions will be taken to the guest's quarters. Guards! Escort the accused to gladiator's chambers! 

The guards then took Tokoyami to the gladiator's chambers. The others were taken to guest's quarters. Hours later, Tokoyami was in his cell when a guard comes in. 

Guard: Tokoyami! Get up! Your trial starts soon! Go see Hatsume to get your weapon! She'll be at the blacksmith station. You can't miss her!

The guard opens Tokoyami's cell and he makes his way to the blacksmith's station where Hatsume was working on a weapon.

Tokoyami: Are you Hatsume?

Hatsume: Indeed I am! Mei Hatsume at your service! And you must be Tokoyami!

Tokoyami: I am. What's going to happen in my trial?

Hatsume: You're going for a triple threat death match. One of them is a big brute known as Muscular. Fights with his fists and is one tough cookie!

Tokoyami: And the other one? 

Hatsume: The Arena's champion. They call him Stain. He's a master swordsman who's never lost a fight! His gear is something else! Would like to look over it sometime!

Tokoyami: So what will be my weapons? Or am I expected to fight with my fists?

Hatsume lets out a big laugh. 

Hatsume: I'm sure that's what Giran would want! That guy is a real scumbag!

Tokoyami: What do you mean?

Hatsume: I've seen Giran deal with some suspicious looking people. Just yesterday I saw him talking with a guy covered in tattoos. 

Hearing that made it clear that Giran was working with the Blacktongues. He immediately felt great concern for his companions who were under his roof. Tokoyami knew that he had to tread carefully.

Tokoyami: Blacktongues!

Hatsume: Blacktongues? You mean the cult that worshiped All For One? I didn't think they were still around. But I guess that explains Giran's shifty behavior! 

Tokoyami: So what can I expect from my trial?

Hatsume: A loud crowd, violence, blood. The usual. Here's your gear!

Hatsume then hands Tokoyami his sword and shield. 

Hatsume: A lightweight sword made of Damascus Steel and a shield made of made of several layers of the strongest oak covered in a layer of bronze with a layer of leather in between, to absorb shock! Nothing's gonna get past this baby! 

Tokoyami marveled at the beatuy and craftsmanship of the weapons. 

Tokoyami: These a finely crafted.

Hatsume: Thanks! I always strive to make the best! 

As the crowd begins to cheer loudly, Tokoyami takes that as the time for his trial. Before he leaves for the fighter's entrance, Hatsume stops him. 

Hatsume: Hey! Be ready for anything! I heard that Giran's planning something. Keep on your toes! I'll be rooting for you!

Tokoyami: Thank you Hatsume. I don't intend to die.

Tokoyami then leaves for the fighter's entrance and prepares his fight against Muscular and Stain, while also being wary of what Giran may be planning.