In ALO, Asuna and her allies watch the "Bullet of Bullets" tournament livestream. With Kirito nowhere to be seen, there is speculation as to what he is doing. Their attention is drawn to Pale Rider, who, after emerging victorious over an opponent, is stunned by a player in a mask and cloak.
Sinon tries to assassinate "Death Gun", but he evades her shot easily. "Death Gun" then draws his pistol, crosses his heart, and shoots Pale Rider once. Pale Rider recovers from his paralysis and tries to shoot "Death Gun", but he disappears shortly thereafter. Thus, does "Death Gun" claim another victim.
"Death Gun" takes the opportunity to introduce himself and his weapon to everyone watching the livestream. He finishes his monologue with a final phrase: "It's Showtime!" Klein recognizes it as a catchphrase used by the leader of Laughing Coffin, PoH.
As "Death Gun" departs the battlements, Sinon attempts to track him using the satellite, but can't find his name. Kirito gives chase with Sinon following him.
In ALO, Klein tells the others about the Assault Team's battle with Laughing Coffin. As Leafa realizes the reason why Kazuto is so anxious, Asuna logs out from ALO to talk with Kikuoka, asking Yui to find out what she can about GGO along the way.
Back in GGO, Kirito and Sinon make a plan: the next time the players' location is revealed by the satellite, they would pursue Jushu X: his name sounds similar to the Japanese kanji for "Death Gun", making him the biggest suspect. The two split up to cover more ground.
As Sinon thinks about how easily she can assassinate Kirito without his knowing, she is hit with a stunning bullet. She is then approached by "Death Gun", whose in-game name is revealed to be Sterben. Sterben taunts Sinon by claiming he would kill her to draw Kirito's ire. As Sinon fights against her paralysis to draw her sidearm, Sterben draws his pistol.
To Sinon's horror, the pistol is an exact replica of the gun from the post office robbery from her childhood. Her will to fight back evaporates as Sterben prepares to kill her.
