Knothole has been largely vacated by its Mobian inhabitants since it became contained in a temporally displaced Zone three hours ahead of the rest of the planet. The citizens have mostly returned to the reclaimed Mobotropolis, feeling uncomfortable in the Zone which is enclosed by a barrier breached only by the Great Oak Slide in Freedom HQ. Sonic, however, continues to frequent the village, still adjusting to the idea that his days as a Freedom Fighter may be over. Tails and Uncle Chuck attempt to gain a readout on Sonic's top speed, but his super acceleration burns out Chuck's equipment. An irate Chuck asks Sonic why he's being so uncooperative, but Sonic just blows him off. Sonic leaves, and Chuck wonders why Sonic isn't using his time in Knothole to relax.