Tatsuhito Ikoma (chapter)

Short Summary
With his foes engaged in battle, Osamu decides to head west; however, he is pursued by Ōji Unit. Yūma defends Osamu from his attackers.

Long Summary
Minamisawa and Kashio begin a fight while Osamu hides in the background. Osamu begins considering his options; staying and waiting for Yūma, head for Yūma, go to the empty southwest, or head west towards Ikoma Unit. He picks the fourth option, hoping that Ōji Unit and Ikoma Unit will fight each other while searching for him. Ōji predicts that he will head west, and decides to pursue him after recalling Kashio.

Kashio and Minamisawa are locked in a roughly even battle. Kashio finds the battle difficult because of Osamu's wires, which serve as an obstruction. However, Minamisawa unknowingly wanders into Kurauchi's firing range, allowing Kurauchi to launch a powerful Salamander attack. While he is able to withstand the initial explosion, the other bullets pierce him, forcing him to Bail Out, earning one point for Ōji Unit. Ikoma expresses concern over losing one member because it affects the team's fighting style. Yūma suddenly attacks Kashio, managing to cut off his arm. Ōji and Kurauchi arrive to support Kashio, and in response, Chika shoots Kurauchi in the leg with Lead Bullet. Doing so crippled Ōji Unit's advantage of having three mobile members. Ōji ponders whether he should try to take down Yūma or send Kashio after Osamu, but Ikoma attacks, bringing a new element into the battle.