Mitsuru begins to recover, but it traumatized with his experience with 002. In fear of what happened in the last battle, 002 is called back by the authorities to return to the front lines. As 002 is escorted to a transport with Strelizia, a Klaxosaur appears and attacks. The other pilots are dispatched to face it, but are overpowered by the enemy. Seeing 002 being taken away, Hiro finally makes his mind and urges her not to leave and become his partner instead. 002 then disobeys her orders and boards Strelizia with Hiro,which he manages to successfully pilot. The two then help the others to defeat the klaxosaur. Afterwards, Plantation 13 lifts off to rendezvous with Plantation 26, and Hiro resolves that he will pilot Strelizia with 002, even if it kills him.