With the helicopter's engine now able to withstand the ash cloud, the group decides to try through it. On the other side, they find a darkened wasteland covered by rivers of lava, and see the wrecks of Nimura's helicopter squadron. Mount Fuji has vanished, and in its place they find a gigantic crater. They dare to fly inside the hole to see how deep it goes, but ascend when they are overcome by fear. Considering the environmental conditions, the group theorizes that Mount Fuji has either suffered a catastrophic volcanic eruption or has been hit by a meteor.