The Japanese military launches an attack on Godzilla; it counterattacks by spewing a cloud of supercooled gas from its mouth, which results in a massive explosion that seemingly kills Godzilla and causes the red dust clouds to dissipate, leaving behind Godzilla's petrified body. The Otaki crew are en-route to Tokyo, when they discover the beached carcass of a Manda that has been partially eaten by something. Satō begins investigating Ashihara to try and find out where he went, while military scientists theorize that Godzilla may actually be undergoing another transformation...