A Fateful Meeting! The Unexpected Gold Saint!

After his victory over Sōma, Kōga senses a familiar Cosmo approaching, which he recognizes as Athena's. Rushing to meet her, to his surprise, he finds not Athena, but a frail, fearful young girl, whom Capricorn Ionia reveals to be Athena's true self. Ionia also reveals his true allegiance, to Mars, and reveals their plans to a shocked Kōga. After defeating the young Saint, Ionia leaves with the young girl, not before laying waste to the Palaestra, leaving it in ruins. Hours later, Kōga awakens in Mars' Saint Prison, to be greeted by the mysterious Wolf Haruto.