Ep. 9: Mikio fights Joe in a rematch with upgraded gear, but Joe wins via counter-punch to reach Megalonia.
Mikio dominates Joe in their official rematch using his significantly upgraded gear, Ace, which has been programmed to counter Joe's moves within seconds. Yūri observes that Mikio enhanced his synchronization with Ace through drug use, raising doubts about whether the boxing prowess belongs to Mikio or the equipment. When Joe’s standard combinations fail, he drops his guard, confusing Ace’s programming and preventing Mikio from securing a knockout. Joe then risks everything on a counter-punch. Although Nanbu anticipates a right straight from Mikio, he throws a left instead. Joe instinctively counters with an uppercut, knocking out Mikio and earning his spot in Megalonia. While Team Nowhere celebrates at their boat, Nanbu leaves the post-fight party to meet with Fujimaki.
Episodes
- Ep. 5 · Nanbu confronts his presumed-dead student Aragaki, who seeks revenge against Joe for his war injuries and lost gym.
- Ep. 6 · Joe fights Aragaki while Nanbu reconciles with him before Megalonia announcements
- Ep. 7 · Mikio exposes Joe's illegal status and vows to seize control of the Shirato Group from Yukiko.
- Ep. 8 · Nanbu seeks leverage on Mikio while Joe crashes the Megalonia finalist ceremony to demand a fair fight.
- Ep. 9 · Mikio fights Joe in a rematch with upgraded gear, but Joe wins via counter-punch to reach Megalonia.
- Ep. 10 · Nanbu reveals the true bet to Joe, who rejects the match-fixing order and flees.
- Ep. 11 · Joe defeats Glen Burroughs despite Nanbu's orders to throw the fight.
- Ep. 12 · Yuri Removes His Gear to Fight Joe Fairly While Nanbu Trains Him
- Ep. 13 · Joe and Yuri fight in the finals of Megalonia without Gear, leading to a dramatic conclusion and a time skip.