"By the way, what was that stone Chikasu picked up after the Judgment?" Sho asked.

"George's physical body was erased, and only that peculiar stone was left… Do you think it was inside him all along?" Sojiro asked.

"Heck if I know… Weird vibes all around if you ask me. Hey! What the- Check out the shape of that stone!" Agito said. "I think it's the exact same shape as the holes in our gear…!"

"Hm? You're right, mate. Perhaps it's some kind of socket? That's what it looks like to me, at least." Mana said.

"Well, where there's a socket, there's a way! Let's try inserting it!" Agito said equipping the stone.

"Wait! Are you sure it's safe?" Yoko asked.

Agito started to feel power flowing through him. "Huh!? Oh, man, what the heck!? You're kidding me! Guys, I think I can use George's powers now… This thing is… like… a crystalized form of George's abilities, I think!"

"I see…" Chikasu said. "So George isn't completely gone. When members of SEALED are erased, they leave behind these stones, which allow those that are left to use their abilities. This could lead to some pretty interesting combinations. We might have to experiment with this as we go."

"Were our instruments equipped with this function all along? They're standard issued from SEALED! Why...here in the Pillar?" Sojiro asked.

"Ha! I knew something was fishy about this! Very well. From here on out, we do what we gotta do." Zenji said.

"So The End expects us to use our erased allies' abilities in order to survive… What do you think this all means?" Sho asked.

"Hard to say. But we may as well not let George's abilities go to waste if that's the case." Chikasu said.

After the discovery, Chikasy decides to have a follow-up conversation with Zenji.

"You doing okay, Zenji?" Chikasu asked.

"Peachy. In fact, I've been wanting to talk to you about something." Zenji said.

"Oh? About what?" Chikasu asked.

"About what you said in the lower stratum. It made me realize who I really am." Zenji said. "Though I hate to admit that."

"Is that so? I'm glad to hear it." Chikasu said.

"I think the reason why I'm so aggressive all the time is because I was so insecure about not having my own identity." Zenji said. "If all I do is copy others, what the hell am I then? Y'know what I mean? Well, it's BS!"

"I agree. That's stupid." Chikasu said. "Your ability doesn't matter. You decide who you are."

"Well, of course!" Zenji said. "I was thinking about it, and I feel like I was trying to hurt others so I can leave my mark behind. I mean, I don't know how this is all gonna turn out in the end… But I've left an impression on you, right? Some mark of my existence?"

"A very lasting one. I've never seen someone as outspoken as you." Chikasu said.

"Then I don't have any regrets. Let's keep going until it's all over." Zenji said.

"Sure thing. Let's work together to survive this, Zenji." Chikasu said.

After talking with Zenji, Chikasu headed towards Agito.

"So, Agito. You're kind of a wild card, aren't you?" Chikasu asked.

"Hm? What makes you say that?" Agito asked.

"This whole demeanor of yours, as if everyone's your friend." Chikasu said.

"Well, you'll never know who's a friend or enemy, right?" Agito asked. "Depending on the situation, the battle lines tend to change very often."

"That's...very true." Chikasu said.

"Besides, you said that your son is trying to save this Cheetah chick's humanity, right?" Agito asked.

"Yes, though so far, none of his attempts are bearing any fruit." Chikasu said.

"Saving the soul of someone like her is difficult, but not impossible. He just hasn't found the right way to do it yet." Agito said.

"I'm...surprised you have so much insight on the subject." Chikasu said.

"I mean, he's even gotten chummy with Dark Meta Knight and Symonne, right?" Agito asked.

"Yes, even though they're supposed to be his enemies. Well, nothing bad has happened between them yet, so I guess things are going well." Chikasu said. "Well, you know me. I'm a father, so I can't help but worry."

"Isn't it the duty of a hero to save those in need, even if they are enemies?" Agito asked.

"Yes. David told me that those were the very words that brought him to that mindset." Chikasu said.

"I believe in that too. I believe that if there is a way to save her, then I have faith in the both of them, and you should, too." Agito said.

"I see. Thank you, Agito. I think I've finally begun to understand you." Chikasu said.

After a series of battle in what looked like a desolated jungle, Chikasu and Sho were standing in front of the Judgment Room.

"Sho, do you know who the traitor is?" Chikasu asked.

"I do. I even told everyone that would believe me." Sho said.

"In that case, let's not waste any time." Chikasu said as the group went inside.