An invasion of Shanghai, which entails a massive missile barrage and air superiority action, is being planned as the first step of beating back the Xi. As Kei, who wishes to participate in the mission, tries to sort out his feelings, he is nearly overrun by a truck due to Phantom's actions. Phantom does not want him to take part in the attack lest he gets hurt, as she surmises that the assault will only serve to sacrifice the Japanese Anima in order to both provide live combat data for the new drone fighters and preserve the status quo between Japan and America...