Ep. 16: NICS arrives at Alohaora Island for the Artemis tournament with new rivals and familiar faces.

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The NICS team reaches Alohaora Island, where the President’s speech and Artemis competition are underway. Gouda and Daiki join as teammates, while Ban and Jin share information. An assassin from the previous year’s attempt on Zaizen is present and recognizes Ban. Security includes agents sent by Zaizen, with Gouda and Daiki acting as watchmen. The next day, the computer randomly assigns teams: Ban, Jin, and Jessica form one group, while Hiro, Yuuya, and Ran form the other. They meet Asuka Kojo, who struggles to find the CCM. Jessica locates it, clearing Ban’s name, and Asuka joins their group. Ban also sees Otared’s new members, Otagold and Otasilver. The tournament starts with a Spark 3000 prize. Asuka is in Block A, the Otarangers in D, and Daiki and Gouda in C with Team Jackal. The NICS kids are placed in Block E together. Asuka debuts the Vampire Cat LBX, which uses speed to win Block A without a finisher.