As Teppei and X journey towards The Area, they're pursued by the repaired and enhanced Metal Face and Madonna. They stumble into a trap zone that attacks intruders, but Shadow X, who appears damaged, intervenes to protect Teppei from Metal Face's ambush. Afterward, they examine Shadow in Hokuto's lab and discover she was handmade outside the Machine Empire. They find a clue linking Shadow to Kamui Island and Karen. After enhancing Shadow's systems to enable communication, they learn she refers to X as her "big brother." X instructs Shadow to return to Kamui Island and protect Karen while they proceed to The Area. Metal Face eventually confronts Teppei and X again, but Teppei's Shining Knuckle easily overpowers him. Teppei emphasizes the importance of relying on one's inner strength rather than machines, and X conveys to Madonna that B'ts have their own hearts and decisions. As they leave, Metal Face vows revenge against Teppei.

• Yoshiyuki Suga
• Masami Kurumada

• Gara Takashima
• Maya Okamoto
• Kappei Yamaguchi