Kip. 9: A Dead Flower Shall Never Bloom
Mikio is pummeling Joe in their official rematch, as Mikio's gear, Ace, has been significantly upgraded from before to learn Joe's moves and counter them within seconds. Yūri notes that Mikio upgraded his gear to be able to fight him, as a flashback shows Mikio using drugs to increase his synchronization with Ace to a higher level than normal. With none of his combinations working, Joe decides to drop his guard completely, confusing Ace's programming and leaving Mikio unable to finish Joe off. Further flashbacks show Mikio questioning whether the boxing ability is actually his, or that of Ace. Joe decides to bet everything on a counter-punch. Nanbu expects Mikio to throw a right straight, but instead Mikio punches with his left. However, Joe instinctively counters with an uppercut, knocking out Mikio and earning his spot in Megalonia. As Joe's Team Nowhere celebrates at their boat, Nanbu sneaks out of their post-fight party to meet with Fujimaki. (Source: Wikipedia)