After the Nadeshiko reached a point relatively close to Orb, Xiao Ran instructed Ruri Hoshino to continue with the original plan: head to Nouvel Tokyo City to receive the new combat forces. He then piloted the Darkness Sky away from the Nadeshiko and flew back toward Orb.
Only after the Darkness Sky had completely vanished from the Nadeshiko bridge's visible range did Ruri Hoshino contact Utamono Kōichirō again.
Utamono Kōichirō appeared on the Nadeshiko's bridge communications screen once more, looking far more serious than before. The moment the connection was established, he asked, "Liuli, do you know why that man wanted to take over command of the Nadeshiko? And what has happened in D Area these past few days?"
Liuli had not been in contact with Utamono Kōichirō every day while she was at Yajenar. In any case, he still did not know what had happened over the last two days, so she told him everything that had occurred there: DRAGON, AmbriO, the War of Freedom, and everything else.
She also told him that Xiao Ran intended to use the opportunity of intervening with the Nadeshiko to once again involve himself in Federation affairs.
As Utamono Kōichirō listened, his brow furrowed deeper and deeper. From time to time, he revealed a contemplative expression. Once Liuli had finished and he had sorted through all the information, he slowly nodded and said solemnly, "I understand. I never expected so much to happen in D Area. DRAGON are not monsters, but humans, and there is even an existence akin to a god."
"On top of that, there are visitors from three different worlds, along with so many threats and enemies to face. Perhaps it really is as Xiao Ran said: fate is guiding all of this, and we need to resolve the troubles