Kagoshima coast, Japan. It was somewhat quiet, only the sounds of waves on the sea could be heard, on a seemingly peaceful morning. Suddenly, gunshots rang out, cannons were fired, signaling the start of Japan's defense from Britannia. Several Mavericks and Black Knights Sutherlands and Glocesters were firing at Britannian models of the same, which had Float Systems, and the Shen Hu began assisting the ground forces, rending the flying units apart.

Xingke: Looks like Zero's hunch was right. We'll have to hold them off, as much as we can! For now, we wait for Zero's signal, and we'll head back to Tokyo!
Black Knights and Tokyo Mavericks: Right!

Meanwhile, Lelouch walked through some familiar surroundings, from his childhood, hearing a radio telling of the beginning defense of Japan. Lelouch stopped in front of a large set of steps, leading up to the Kururugi Shrine.

Lelouch: (thinking) This is it. This is where my new life began. I still remember listening to music I'd never heard, before, and loving every moment, not once realizing it came from America. But, nostalgia isn't why I'm here... I'm burying every god damn hatchet that I've got.

At the top of the steps, at the Kururugi Shrine, Suzaku was waiting for Lelouch, reminiscing about his childhood.

Suzaku: (thinking) Lelouch. It certainly surprised me, that we somehow got along, as kids. I treated you so poorly, at first, and you just...shrugged it off. You just listened to that music, adapted to a normal life, in exchange for giving up your old life. Guess you and I came from similar backgrounds. Nonetheless, I want our friendship to continue. That's the path I've chosen.

Back at the shore, the Percival entered the fray, piercing threw an airship with its MVS Particle Drill.

Luciano: You're beginning to bore me, rebels. Meager offerings do nothing, you know.
Black Knight A: The Vampire of Britannia!
Black Knight B: Charge, all at once!
Luciano: How precious.

Luciano grinned and the Percival fired its hip-mounted Hadron Cannons, in short bursts, destroying five of the six Akatsukis attacking it. The Percival then grabbed the last Akatsuki, threatening the pilot with its drill.

Luciano: I've got a question for you, scum. What do people value, the most?
Black Knight C: The hope for a better future, you insane asshole!

Luciano scowled, and the Percival killed the pilot with its drill and destroyed the Akatsuki.

Luciano: The correct answer was, "your life". Hope, indeed.

Aboard a Britannian flagship, Bismarck was preparing his Knightmare, the Galahad, for battle.

Engineer: Those terrorists are surprisingly strong, especially to hold our territory, for so long.
Bismarck: Indeed. Though, I honestly doubt terrorists is the right word. Rebels have never used fear, to change what they wanted, have they?
Engineer: I...guess not. But, with you out there, we can win this.
Bismarck: That may be so... But, this isn't the full brunt of their forces. Once we reach the capital of Area 11, we're in for a long fight.

Back at the Kururugi Shrine, Lelouch arrived at the top of the steps, panting and sweating.

Lelouch: God damn, you need less stairs...!
Suzaku: Sorry. Blame the people that built them, long ago.
Lelouch: Right... You're, uh...looking better.
Suzaku: Thanks, Euphie's helped, with that. I could say the same, about you, though.
Lelouch: Shirley.
Suzaku: I knew you'd make a good couple. (chuckles)
Lelouch: Yeah... The defense of your home's already started.
Suzaku: I figured. And, if you're gonna start kneeling before me, and begging me, for whatever reason, don't. I'm going to cut to the chase, right now.
Lelouch: Alright. Go for it.
Suzaku: I've only got one question for you, Lelouch. Did you use your Geass on Euphie?
Lelouch: ...Yes.
Suzaku: Are you sure about that?
Lelouch: I am.

Meanwhile, aboard the Avalon, Schneizel was sitting in his seat, as he secretly told Kanon something.

Kanon: That's a crazy plan, and you know it.
Schneizel: It's something that can work, Kanon.
Kanon: What makes you think something so skeptical and ludicrous could even work?
Schneizel: It has to. With this insane plot, complete trust will become the result, for everyone involved.
Kanon: You have to realize that you've gotten absolutely devious, over the years.
Schneizel: Comes with the territory.