A flashback kicks in to Shaft's past, tuning in to the end of a rugby match where Shaft celebrates his team winning by making a comeback. His team mates compliment Shaft for kicking ass and taking names out there crediting his physical abilities for the win. Shaft narrates that rugby had been his whole life until recently, so his memories from that time have been seared the the underside of his eyelids. He had plenty of friends, and his life was fun. He wholeheartedly believed that he'd be turning into a pro rugby player and that all he had to do was go on and achieve it.
A teammate notices a talent scout coming by, so he prompts Shaft to look good when they come over. The scout thanks everyone for coming to the space league tryouts, and they specifically single out Shaft as doing well out there and asks to talk to him some more. Shaft is surprised by this but quickly agrees. Shaft's teammates are excited for him, calling him the Iron Man and joking about getting his autograph now before he goes to be the best player in Japan Earth. Shaft is a bit awkward as he frets about the situation, but he happily laughs. His teammates tease, but ultimately cheer for him. It was a happy time for Shaft, what with having the support of his team and being able to make a living out of the thing he loves in life. Practice and sponsored matches would be coming forward and make rugby his whole life, and some time after that, his manager gives Shaft a suggestion.
Shaft's manager mentions there being a hero agency called Galaxy Athletes that supports the hero lives for pro athletes. Since Shaft has the ability to become a hero, the manager asks him what he thinks about becoming a pro hero along with his rugby stuff. Shaft is surprised at the proposal, but he quickly agrees and asks for more details. In narration Shaft says that he might have gotten carried. Everything in his life went well up to that point, so deep down he may have assumed it'd just keep going that way. But even so, he intended to his best in both jobs.
Flashback jumps forward in time to Shaft finishing up a battle with some monsters. He cheers getting through it successfully, then asks if that's all the enemies accounted for. An Operator tells him that it seems to be so, then says they should leave soon since the nearby buildings are falling apart. Shaft agrees with the point, though he asks the Operator to cancel his hero transformation for him due to fatigue of fighting for so long in it. But at that moment, a building crumbles and rubble falls. The Operator attempts to warn Shaft of this, but Shaft unfortunately isn't able to get out of the way in time. The Operator is horrified at this and tries to ask if Shaft is okay. Shaft is still conscious and tries to play tough, but he's seriously wounded as the Operator attempts to call for help.
Shaft narrates that injuries are a fact of life when it comes to sports and heroics. He's been hurt countless times up to that point in his life, so he figured he'd be fine if he recovers well enough. But getting crushed by falling debris took longer than usual for him to heal from. Some time later, Shaft's manager congratulates him for getting out of the hospital. His injury was serious, so even the medical staff were surprised that Shaft turned out as well as he did. But even so, it was bad enough that the manager needs to discuss Shaft's work situation with him now.
In the time Shaft was hospitalized, it turns out that upper management have talked about terminating his contract. Shaft is distraught at this and asks if he's being forced to quit the rugby league and why. His manager tries to keep polite and say Shaft still gets to choose to stay if he wants, but they are strongly encouraging him to stop. They just don't believe he can keep it up like he used to now post-injury. Shaft narrates that he knows it's a logical decision to quit the sports world and go into the business world, and he understands that the management is concerned for him. The manager adds that Shaft is in his thirties now, and that's the age range at which you hit the limits at which you can keep going in a demanding sport like rugby anyway. It would take even more time to make up for his medical leave, and that's time he just couldn't fit into his schedule.
Flashback jumps forward again where Shaft is at some office job and timidly asks what to do with some data he has for his data entry. A kind coworker goes to answer him and says Shaft doesn't need to be that deferential since it's fine. Shaft (whose last name is revealed to be Todoroki) has never done this before, so it's not like he can do anything about that. Shaft awkwardly nods and apologizes. Shaft narrates that when he got into data entry, he never got the hang of spreadsheets and had to bother people around him for help. They were kind to him, but that only made him feel worse. And with no rugby in his life now, everything felt dull and colorless. Why was he even alive? And how long was it going to continue?
When work is over Shaft watches a rugby match on TV or something, despite the bitterness and jealousy he feels in doing so. Part of him wants to know why he isn't down there with them, but another part of him knows he doesn't have a place there anymore. When he lost the ability to play rugby, his ability to become a hero went with it. He let other people define his limits and decide how he lived. He gave up really. It's his fault he gave up on rugby and heroics, so he decided that if nothing else he'd live his life so as to not bother other people. He didn't want to feel even worse than he did.
Some time later, Shaft is talking to his group manager and apologizes for meeting with him when things are so busy. He thanks him for all the help he was given, and as ashamed as he is to say it he admits he's thinking of retiring. Shaft then narrates that his life ended there. Everyone's lives come to an end at some point. His just happened to be then.
Title card pops up, and this episode is called I Can't Go Back to Those Days
We tune in back to the present as Kalaski thanks you all for helping him get rid of the looters. He feels he should pay back any debt he incurs, so he suggests heading over to the monolith right away to stop the phantom thief and junk. You speak up to ask for a moment to contact the police over on the moon, but Alchiba knits his eyebrows and makes a disapproving noise. Alchiba starts talking about not knowing the Earth and moon's police forces that well, but the public security force he was on before was very inflexible. If they're any similar, they'll need concrete proof before doing anything. He suggests that there's not enough now to contact them for any help and that it may be better to solve things on your own for now.
You are a little put out by Alchiba's argument but let it be and note how informed he is of things. Alchiba sadly says he was part of something similar in the past, but then changes the subject back to heading to the monoliths and asks Shaft to drive you guys over. Shaft agrees, then asks you guys to wait a moment for him to switch his taxi from space mode to planet mode.
Kalaski is quiet for a moment, and Mokdai asks why he's staring at Shaft when he notices. Kalaski says he was curious about something and asks Shaft if he used to be a hero. Shaft is shocked at the question and stammers something of an indirect no. You are shocked yourself to hear that Shaft is a hero, and Kalaski says that one hero maniac in Broadcasters is that much of a nerd. He believes he went to Galaxy Athletes to get some coverage of stuff, and Kalaski remembers being shown a picture of a pro rugby hero that looked a lot like Shaft. He has work-related photographic memory, and he comments on vaguely remembering seeing Shaft before.
Shaft goes quiet, and Mokdai turns out to have heard enough about Shaft's previous stint to ask if he's that illusory Iron Man hero who was only around for a short time. He only knows what they looked like in their hero form so he never noticed before, but he asks Shaft if he was that hero. Shaft asks if they can move on from the conversation as if shying away from his reflection in Mokdai's bright eyes. He only indirectly admits to it as he says he can't become a hero anymore and apologizes for not being able to do anything, and he grasps his cap tighter as he looks away.
You get concerned as you ask Shaft if he's okay, and Mokdai apologizes for getting so excited about a sensitive subject. Shaft however says he's happy they remember him and apologizes for being forceful earlier. Alchiba clears his throat to help clear the mood, saying that whatever happened in Shaft's past hasn't changed what you guys need to do now. He suggests that Shaft just do what he can right now, so Shaft thanks him and asks you guys to wait for him to get things ready. He walks over to the driver's seat, and the rest of you follow.
After the party gets into the car, Mokdai sighs as he feels guilty over what he said to Shaft. You point out that he didn't do so on purpose, so it should be fine if he apologizes. Kalaski asks why Shaft got the Iron Man nickname, so Mokdai explains it came from how implacable Shaft was during his heroing stint. No matter what attacks were thrown at him he just tanked through it without stopping, and people said it resembled how he played rugby. Kalaski says Shaft doesn't really look the part anymore since it looks like he's always blaming himself for something. The pessimism is a bit much. Alchiba says things would be easier if Shaft could fight as a hero with you guys, but if Shaft doesn't want to do so it's better for everyone involved that he not.
While everyone is having their whispered conversation about Shaft, Shaft suddenly yells for everyone to hold on as he suddenly floors the pedal. You and Alchiba are thrown by surprise and ask Shaft what's going on. Shaft answers that there are people shooting at the car now, though he can't tell who. He has managed to get the car to cover, and once he's there he turns to you guys in a panic and asks what to do next. Kalaski is calm as he points out that whoever was shooting should be pursuing you guys soon.
Mokdai asks why people are firing at you guys and wonders if the attacks are soldiers. For that matter he asks how Kalaski can be so calm about this. Kalaski explains that ambushes happen regularly in battle, and you have to be calm to deal with them. But in this case it seems like a deliberate attack against you guys as opposed to looters trying to sneak around. You either say it would be dangerous to be attacked while traveling, suggest attacking them first, or suggest running away. C gets an extra line where Kalaski says it'd be a problem if any refuge the taxi takes gets attacked too, so it'd be better to fight back.
Alchiba suggests stepping away from the taxi and ambushing whoever is after you guys when they get closer. He also asks Shaft to stick with you, figuring he should know how to act if he's an ex-hero. Shaft agrees to the suggestion and says he'll be counting on you. Kalaski says you guys will need to know who exactly is attacking you guys, so Alchiba hopes that it's just another big misunderstanding like Kalaski had when he attacked you guys. Kalaski gets snippy about it and says he needs to focus on what's going on now, so Alchiba sighs about his Parallel Weapon not really being suited for fighting and admits part of him wishes he had the gun he threw away in times like this. Your phone glows red which you notice, but when you go check it looks the same as ever.
Alchiba asks you if something is wrong, and Kalaski prompts you to transform the party quick before the unknown assailants come closer. You comply with his request, and Kalaski psyches himself up saying he's counting on you to operate after he's suited up. Alchiba suggests getting this over with quick so you guys can get to the monolith after this.
Mercenary mobs turn up soon after, and Mokdai is intimidated by their weaponry. Kalaski reminds him that you guys are ambushing them to keep yourselves safer, then tells him to stay focused. Eventually you signal the team to attack, and Mokdai charges the mercenary mob team first. The mercenaries are surprised by you guys using the taxi as a decoy, and Alchiba demands the mobs reveal who they are to you guys. Kalaski says he doesn't particularly care who they are, but if they're attacking then they're enemies as the episode battle starts. More happens afterwards.
After the battle, the story picks up midway with Kalaski casting his ultimate move Instant Capture "On Frame Resident" which is in effect a Stop spell to halt the mobs' movements when their photo is taken. Mokdai follows up to use his own finishing move to punch out the mobs as hard as he can. One of them shakes their hand angrily at getting their ass kicked so hard, and another mob orders a retreat and says to contact the others to get ready, especially the guys by the monoliths. The mobs all run off in a cloud of dust they kick up, and once it's confirmed they're gone the party cancels out of their suits and Shaft pops his head out.
Shaft asks if it's all over, then says he was on edge and comments on the mobs being dangerous. Alchiba talks about how you guys can't afford to lose your only mode of transport here since it would prevent you guys from reaching the monoliths. Shaft says the taxi actually belongs to him, so if it gets destroyed that's going to be a huge dent in his business and savings. You point out that the taxi is fine, so all's well that ends well. Shaft is dubious about this, but he doesn't argue the point with you.
Time passes a bit to Kalaski commenting on how fast the mobs ran away and how you guys lost the chance to question them. Alchiba however points out that the mobs mentioned monoliths before they left, and given the circumstances he's sure they serve Vulpecula. Mokdai is amazed by that deduction and reasons himself that this would mean you guys are on the right track going to the monoliths. At that point, you decide to suggest to Alchiba contacting the police on the moon or calling Huckle. He shows reluctance to the idea either way, though in the latter he adds a quick bit about how calling Huckle would also tip off the police.
Alchiba says after a moment that you guys should put off the phone call and hurry on ahead to catch Vulpecula yourselves. The warp gate is down, so it'll take time for them to get over here anyways. If Vulpecula leaves or comes up with a counter plan against you guys then this entire thing will have been a waste. And if Vulpecula's minions are attacking you guys at this point then you guys should already be posing a threat to him, so you ought to press on.
Shaft tries joining in the conversation and asks about Vulpecula streaming a video if he's going to move again. He's going all in on the phantom thief schtick with sending advance notice of his crimes before acting, so he figures he should do so. Alchiba admits it's possible and notes that Shaft has learned how to read Vulpecula's patterns as well. He decides to ask for some time to research something, then pulls out his phone to fiddle with it.
After some searching, Alchiba happily says that Shaft is right as there are signs that Vulpecula made a video a few hours ago. He'll be able to download it in a little bit. Mokdai is excited to see another of Vulpecula's videos, then catches himself and says it might have an important riddle to solve. You either sigh at Mokdai's geekiness or strongly remind him that Vulpecula is a villain. Either way Mokdai winces as he asks you not to get fed up with him and promises he's doing his best to catch him.
Vulpecula's video starts playing as he addresses his viewers, saying that while they may be looking forward to the second act of the show, the footsteps on the white silky skin have been discovered. Some uninvited foolish guests have arrived, and they are close to awakening the bird of parting. So there's been a change of plans and he's moving right into the finale. Vulpecula orders his family/minions to show the interlopers the joy of living in the present and the foolishing of standing still in the past. Once it's time to reveal the answer of his poem, he'll offer up a parting bouquet as a present.
When the video ends, you start to comment on what the video is and Alchiba says it's a war declaration with fools referring to you guys. The mention of the finale means there must not be much time left as well. Alchiba scoffs to himself about Vulpecula sending a taunt like this and says he'll be able to pay Vulpecula back for the humiliation he felt that one day. The episode then ends as Alchiba decides to stake his professional reputation on finishing this job.
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