Ep 9. Freedom Run

Dan and Runo are out on a date when they are confronted by a group of boys who challenge them to a Bakugan battle. Dan and Runo oblige and easily defeat their opponents with their Bakugan Drago and Tigrerra. However, they soon realize that their opponents were sent by Masquerade, who is still seeking revenge against Dan and his friends.

Meanwhile, Alice is feeling guilty for betraying her friends and decides to leave the team. She heads to a nearby park where she meets a mysterious boy named Masquerade who encourages her to join his team. Alice is hesitant at first, but eventually agrees after Masquerade shows her the power of his Bakugan, Hydranoid.

Back at the Battle Brawlers' hideout, Shun receives a message from a mysterious source warning him about Alice's betrayal and Masquerade's plans for the Infinity Core. Shun, Marucho, and Julie set out to find Alice and bring her back to the team.

Dan and Runo, unaware of Alice's betrayal, continue on with their date and end up stumbling upon Masquerade's hideout. They see Alice there and try to convince her to come back to the team, but she refuses. Masquerade then challenges Dan to a Bakugan battle, with the prize being the Infinity Core.

Dan accepts the challenge, and the battle begins. Masquerade's Hydranoid proves to be a formidable opponent, but Dan's Drago is able to hold his own. As the battle ensues, the rest of the Battle Brawlers arrive and join in the fight.

In the end, it's a close battle, but Dan and Drago emerge victorious. Masquerade reveals himself to be none other than Alice's grandfather, Michael, who had been possessed by the evil Naga. Alice is relieved to be reunited with her grandfather and apologizes for betraying her friends.

The episode ends with the Battle Brawlers celebrating their victory and Alice rejoining the team. However, they all know that their battles against Masquerade and the other Bakugan brawlers are far from over.