The bunny kid who wants to become the strongest - The strongest man

The village was quiet, save for the crackling of torches and the distant chirping of insects. A small gathering had formed in the town square, where a single, old-fashioned television sat atop a wooden cart. It was a rare sight in this humble settlement—technology was scarce, and yet, tonight, everyone had gathered to watch. Farmers, blacksmiths, merchants, and children all huddled together, their faces illuminated by the bluish glow of the screen.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ODhMeU9DT

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeS2lFV6K1

Elder Hagan, a grizzled man with a long beard, leaned forward on his cane. "Turn it up, lad," he muttered to the young boy at the front. The child obeyed, twisting the knob.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVUig4eaTk

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX55ZzJbNu

Just as the broadcast began, the screen flickered, static crackling. Gasps filled the air as the picture distorted. Then, as if emerging from the darkness itself, a tall, thin figure stepped into view. His top hat cast a long shadow, his long coat swayed slightly, and his voice—smooth yet filled with an eerie playfulness—echoed through the village.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy2F3p3UkS

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRSDT3U3Hn

"Hello, hello there, viewers~"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFlGuFEUtd

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVYLZIeaWQ

The villagers exchanged wary glances. Some clutched their necklaces of prayer, others instinctively reached for their weapons.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA50grVgMKC

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsO5hNpO62

"I have hacked everyone's TVs. And I mean... everyone's."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyMAmpYLY8

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqSfaNzQ04

A shiver ran down the spines of the listeners. Even in their secluded village, they felt the weight of his words.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxb2oFKuxy

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81CeSWaXOy

"And you're probably wondering—who am I?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgFvMWKZoy

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDSwCu6amh

The man chuckled, twirling his cane lazily before resting it on his shoulder. His presence felt both regal and dangerous, like a king who had long grown bored of his throne.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDzhQmedrC

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uSmWQPMyC

"I am the strongest man alive."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G5e6c7ZSQ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJy0MI5ZI1

A hushed silence followed. The baker dropped a loaf of bread. The village guards stood frozen, hands gripping their spears. Even the cattle in the distance seemed to quiet down.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXss00FRsJ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSLRrAnVlO

"And I want to be beaten."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxojHyu6EM

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOatE2KzpY

Murmurs broke out. The blacksmith's son, a fiery young man, clenched his fists. A cloaked traveler, sitting at the back of the crowd, tilted his head in interest. Even Elder Hagan's eyes glimmered with something between suspicion and curiosity.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEbLfX2cyQ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOzSXPJ1zz

"It's been, what, a month since the Supreme Council officially recognized me as the strongest? And let me tell you—it's been so boring."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OwpMQrdgr

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEVOb1cJKl

The villagers whispered amongst themselves. Some laughed nervously, while others frowned, their warrior spirits stirred by his words.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW47olAOEns

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefAWXrSmHn

"Now, I won't reveal myself, and I won't say where I am. But here's all you need to know—"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYZLEH8sZj

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32c5qIYSeB

He leaned in closer to the screen, as if speaking directly into their souls.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WdcHpWjXX

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcdFwvtytF

"Whoever defeats me, kills me, or makes me surrender... will be rewarded handsomely. One trillion gold. The strongest sky ship. Mythical weapons beyond your imagination. Magic scrolls containing spells lost to time. And, best of all... the power to create your own domain."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWCbf9edjF

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3S1knOpd2

A stunned silence filled the village.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRn4JMr2DT6

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxpaS9pCJU

Then—an uproar.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX5O2J2e1W

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVk6ozyaPN

"Is this a trick?!" a merchant shouted.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ3cWFRI8J

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaiAAt14fj

"He must be mad!" cried a mother holding her child.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfXUVZhPlO

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTFmMYk1u8

But among the chaos, a few stood still. The ambitious. The fearless. The ones who saw this not as madness, but as an opportunity.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggZSlG3NGw

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAjCFtoOmY

"Invitations have been sent across all worlds. If you accept, know this—you will be hunted by the Supreme Council. But that's fine, isn't it?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS137p9gHy

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jc1NWfPXH

The man in the top hat chuckled again, the sound lingering like a whisper on the wind.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5Cs6IrWDM

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTsr7b3lDm

"Anyway, I must go. I wish you all luck."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4hHPujXtE

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWnhuR47tM

With a final tip of his hat, the screen went black.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2kw5i2yxa

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dBLcMixMJ

For a moment, the village stood in silence. Then—

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sClmbEW2u

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBwzWKlrmq

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlnZ83p7GR

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG6Fgf4UF6

Laughter erupted from the tavern as a burly warrior slammed his fist onto the table. "A trillion gold?! A sky ship?! I'm joining, no question!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJMuUCSOOj

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWQPv8Y7KJ

"This could be our chance," a robed sorcerer murmured, his mind already racing through possibilities.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyE8UAOryI

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXk99GI0tv

The village was alive with excitement and fear. Some trembled at the thought of such a challenge, while others felt something awaken within them—a hunger, a thrill, the call of adventure.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkXkgNIzAS

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE6k0zcjiT

As the night stretched on, one thing became clear: the world would never be the same again.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2akBsT1ja

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWXmQQL5I2

The glow of the television flickered in the small wooden home, casting a warm light over the cozy interior. Plates of half-eaten food sat on the table, and a single candle burned low. Sitting on the floor, wide-eyed and ears perked up, was Eleo, an 8-year-old bunny kid with an energy level that could shatter mountains. Beside him, lounging back in a creaky rocking chair, was his human grandpa, Gou, an old warrior-turned-fisherman with a face like a weathered mountain and a personality as gruff as a shipwrecked sailor.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JhMoFSvLo

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUUkf60Z1E

The TV suddenly cut to black after the mysterious man's challenge, leaving the room in silence. Eleo's nose twitched. Then, without missing a beat—

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWaxk6gtZk

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcOW18VcoB

"GRANDPA GOU!! I WANNA BE THE STRONGEST!!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlejGjE4fI

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZV5YS5zUYY

Gou rubbed his temples, already regretting his decision to visit. "Boy, did you not listen to a single word that man just said?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9dbzH1ASh

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQaNBLIxTf

Eleo grinned, his buck teeth shining. "Yeah, I listened! He said if you beat him, you become the strongest!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTufwxMXDAz

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4gWoZlQnt

Gou facepalmed so hard that his chair nearly tipped over. "Not just that, ya goofy little furball! You'll be hunted by the Supreme Council! You know what that means?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyks4QHiizZ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwmztw2XyI

Eleo tilted his head, blinking. "Uh… they wanna shake my hand?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7G7cncPpj

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixmtX0UGxN

Gou's eye twitched. "No, boy, they wanna KILL you!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZHXe42ESY

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qD3svIzMd

Eleo stood up on the couch, puffing out his tiny chest. "PFFT! I don't care! I'll kick their ass!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AdKpdvfdk

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXo29bsd0Z

WHAM!

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd4j98tPhR

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7SoA1ZnJJ

Before Eleo could blink, Gou's fist crashed into his face, sending him flying back into the couch with a loud "OOMPH!" He sat there, dazed, legs sticking up in the air like a knocked-over toy.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBuTGW59nJ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnKqcOtdOO

Eleo rubbed his cheek. "Hey!! What was that for?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczMrG94aT0

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK9pEEAXno

Gou crossed his arms. "Well, Eleo, my boy, you said a very, very bad word."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F9tyWABrP

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGODvP8qxT

Eleo sat up, shaking his head dramatically. "Wait—ass?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAepn1QzuB

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQfz7XHN9D

WHAM!

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaxWCPQiPw

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8VrW0wzbw

Eleo hopped into the air and double-kicked Gou right in the face, sending the old man skidding back, his chair flipping over. Gou sat up, nose bleeding, and wiped the blood with his thumb, smirking.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ3PRXVmEx

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡds8t2LYLp9

"Heh… you made me bleed." His grin widened. "I'm proud of ya, boy."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlroaQ5KJO

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeWzslfi6w

Eleo beamed like an idiot. "YEAH! I AIN'T WEAK! I BEEN TRAINING WITH MASTER KUMA!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2Rj55r2ko

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9M3xOE4p0

Gou cracked his neck, standing up. "I can tell. You hit like a malnourished squirrel, but hey, it's somethin'."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6FmSd062X

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZIaX1d8TE

Eleo's ears twitched. "Wait… what's a squirrel?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwNGSsje2i

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSO9rsgJfc

Gou stared at him for a long, long moment. Then, sighing like a man who had just given up on life, he patted Eleo's head. "Boy, ya ain't got a single brain cell workin', huh?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvJBkyr7eo

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbDsAwAq2e

Eleo gasped, ears perking up. "WAIT! I GOT A BRAIN?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHbq2oAnB4

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiyDasKIgt

Gou just closed his eyes and took a deep breath, muttering a prayer for patience.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY7CEvImDw

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl7K0PnuVV

Anyway, brushing off the madness, he stretched his arms. "Alright, I need to hit the sack. I'll be leavin' Pork Island tomorrow."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVHyOqWO3k

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK7XXSR1fx

Eleo's ears drooped. "Already?! But ya just got here!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xu1iaVbwd

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoj2vpgPtz

Gou shrugged. "I know, I know. But hey, at least you got your lil' friend Abby to keep ya company."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO8SyOBgf7

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxAgOycRwx

Eleo pouted dramatically. "Ughhh, but Abby's no fun! She always tells me not to punch stuff, and that's, like, my favorite thing to do!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGSoHqJYWJ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAKQeW2RIB

Gou chuckled. "Good. Maybe she'll knock some sense into that thick skull o' yours." He patted Eleo on the back and started walking toward his room. "Alright, go to bed—"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBMFesd6Kz

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnAd1AQtJS

WHAM!

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EDule1bmb

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEGEeDIUt9

He punched Eleo in the face again, sending him flying straight into his pillow.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc7mTQgiL9

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniTwwQXHEK

Eleo groaned. "Whyyy…?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsofpQL8xf

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBlGro2OZq

Gou grinned. "Told ya to get some sleep, didn't I?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBxw1SkEs7

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cOjqMauVB

Eleo, half-buried in his blanket, gave a thumbs-up. "Night, Grandpa Gou… when I wake up, I'm gonna be the strongest."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHyJs16hbX

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTScdr7uBnC

Gou chuckled, walking away. "Yeah, yeah, kid. Just don't forget to wake up first."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzvxSURsA7

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hSM5sAmLQ

The sun had barely risen over Pork Island, casting a warm glow through the wooden windows of Gou's home. The salty sea breeze swept in, rustling the curtains. But inside, the peaceful morning was about to be utterly destroyed by an energetic little bunny kid.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY120KiCMdL

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46LhGaBKrK

BAM!

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaF56AG3K8J

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4NsFizXX7

Eleo kicked open the door to Gou's room, his fluffy tail wagging wildly.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKlhNGPHDf

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwTCsV7Gqa

"GOU! GOU! GOU!! WAKE UP, OLD MAN!! I ALREADY WOKE UP FIRST!!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIN7jaLe9B

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9FUau80Ua

The only response was the loudest snore imaginable—like a walrus choking on a bagpipe. Gou was sprawled out, arms behind his head, snoring so deeply he might as well have been in another dimension.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtczJJ1yT0m

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BmmiyulgW

Eleo squinted. "Okay… you asked for it."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSuYmcfUiv

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDub2Ppyvol

He hopped onto the bed, crouched like a tiger about to pounce, and—

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinboZOHdjr

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TUTuzmW9w

"GRANDPA WAKE-UP ATTACK!!!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMsUfXcx8T

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2X4RZUXOC

THUMP!

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODXMzB6LNe

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7KaIU640N

Eleo flopped down onto Gou's stomach like a sack of bricks.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgyIHK8TkH

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ783nsGUHVr

"BLAGHH!!" Gou gagged, eyes snapping open as he nearly choked on his own spit. "KID, WHAT THE HELL?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMabNn7epX

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB5MMDtZZE

Eleo, still lying on top of him, grinned innocently. "Well, I didn't want you sleeping all day. Also, I called your name a bunch of times and you wouldn't wake up, so… yeah."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNALBjK58ai

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekWR6ubqZG

Gou sighed, rubbing his face. "Good grief, boy. If you weren't my grandson, I'd have punted you into the ocean."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkup1811s6X

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWKXfSw9nG

The Morning Routine – A Warrior's Start

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP13cl7Zz9I

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycnPLy7TUw

After prying Eleo off, the two got up and went about their usual morning routine:

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk81LFdoRw

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dLOQESpPU

Brushed their teeth (Gou had to stop Eleo from eating the toothpaste—again).

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53W3MZX6Ql

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMnhQkrJxk

Ate breakfast (Eleo devoured an entire stack of pancakes in two bites).

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlJrXdX5VP

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTTvnhBXiA

Did push-ups (Gou did them casually while Eleo did them dramatically, yelling, "ONE TRILLION!" after every single rep).

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5LsmxOLwC

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcH6v9vnpm

Punched each other for fun (Gou smacked Eleo across the yard, Eleo kicked him in the shin).

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc76VMVZni

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaVnyD2rXn

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QrUsRI8pj

After all that, Gou grabbed his travel bag and stretched. "Welp, I'm off."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLDUVHSoWS

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEHKVRCMEN

Eleo pouted. "Man… I'm gonna miss you."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4o3tBFDPET

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd90tD97sKz

Gou smirked and messed up Eleo's hair. "I'll miss you too, kid. And hey—keep that dumb little smile of yours, alright?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNdLGnJpHL

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ79nAR6w0i

Eleo grinned wide. "OKAY!!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUs33suHOp

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkPjJZ0SkQ

Gou glanced at his watch. His eyes widened. "Oh hell, I'm gonna be late—"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoIOLbmk6H

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pAGFmcDek

WHOOSH!

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXq2vgIm7a

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJnnlQS9c9

Without another word, he sprinted off like a madman. "BYE, ELEO!!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO6njhlIMJ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSCAT6N1qq

Eleo waved, sighing as he watched the old man disappear. Then his brain caught up.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdBbQWlq4b

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNhbomUpjc

"OH, WAIT! I GOTTA SEE MASTER KUMA!!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKXVhNBDZe

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMIz1NFBZe

And just like that—he blasted off.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobLY27kdZf

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QPGGS1FbD

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MB6n1WIwt

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiGlFS7Vz5

Eleo raced through the forest, weaving between trees, leaping over logs, accidentally knocking over a guy on a donkey, and finally bursting into the rowdiest bar in town—The Iron Fang.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUkMMu4Iui

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4Wdh33tye

The place was alive with laughter, the clinking of mugs, and the occasional bar fight in the background. At the counter, a fox woman with sleek orange fur—Lucy—was busy serving drinks with the speed of a seasoned warrior.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7GJBnGUTu

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcylEWnv9Ul

At the biggest table sat a massive, muscular bear in a kung fu gi—Master Kuma. He was laughing heartily, a large mug of beer in his paw. Beside him sat Abby, Lucy's daughter and Eleo's best friend, sipping some juice.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruzcmYbzsx

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp7rjaX74e

Eleo ran right up to Kuma, jumping onto the table dramatically.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKbk882F75

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYxL159KZZ

"MASTER KUMA! DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ5wlnIdRD

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXqnhTpe0l

Kuma took a sip of his drink, unfazed. "Yep."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cSfU8Jby3

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qT1SLJEoX

Eleo grinned. "THEN YOU KNOW I'M GONNA BE THE STRONGEST!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf4KQmIogw

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLa9Gwv8mg

Kuma calmly set his mug down. "Boy, you ain't ready."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWT27McPxq

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcPh33dRtT

Abby nodded. "Yeah, Eleo! You gotta be extremely strong! Right, Master Kuma?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXuRnR4GpR

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkv7EByPfI

Kuma chuckled. "That's right."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWM5plG2yW

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUgW6Nx4Lm

Eleo puffed out his chest. "I am strong! Stronger than you! All you do is sing."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MfUAnuoS5

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdl6onrI3LQ

The entire bar went dead silent.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtESVVHW5Fy

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zjVknlH5x

Kuma froze mid-drink. A single drop of beer fell from his mug.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aq1LxuJui

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr6LN8eSOQ

Abby's eye twitched.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdfckjkwXX

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOZlfkrg6n

SNATCH!

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoIcUw2w8K

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc4NiV3pZ8

Before Eleo could react, Abby grabbed him by the ear and started twisting.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5tvJGGAbz

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDYvxyZj63

"YOU WANNA SAY THAT AGAIN, PUNK?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C1MF1J5ou

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd63MTxm1cT

Eleo flailed. "OW! OW! OW!! ABBY, STOP!!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFTTtJTP0p

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFFTqzPbTf

Kuma calmly took another sip. "Abby, no hurting Eleo."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ez1865V6W

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI67ZIccph

Abby kept twisting. "I'M NOT HURTING HIM! I'M DISCIPLINING HIM!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4G4ponyui

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJppnbiGIP

Kuma chuckled. "Mhm."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5yHrozKnW

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLFYfCOkkc

Eleo, dangling by his ear, flailed helplessly. "AAAAH!! KUMA, HELP ME!!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZRKOIkvnN

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEkxyoMEMm

Kuma smirked. "Nah. You brought this on yourself, boy."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IERHtFE1N

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNNHte4d6X

The bar erupted in laughter.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvNYEDiAKf

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB20A8j37f

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd6GxJ6O9I

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9p0p8sHAAB

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwgtjppf9m

Eleo eventually escaped Abby's wrath, rubbing his sore ear while pouting. Kuma just smiled, watching his student with an amused expression.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmDgsqCYf5

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡID6qDQGCqT

Kuma leaned back, crossing his arms. "You really think you can be the strongest, Eleo?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksjJuJYr8l

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBmppx9dZK

Eleo grinned, full of unshakable confidence. "NO—I KNOW I CAN!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Twh9tq6Ul

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡen6BmSlJel

Kuma chuckled. "Well then, let's see if you can survive today's training."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0r3bJLUyY

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt45sIilFfy

Eleo's ears perked up. "TRAINING?! AWESOME!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eLQ82juQD

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStBgbwwRtu

Abby sighed. "Oh boy, here we go again…"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sxmGk86o1

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalA5Jm5end

And with that, everyone headed twords the woods.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bQYx4k1Lc

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNtQVeSzMI

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7brm6zVFC

The crowd gathered in the clearing, the trees swaying with the anticipation in the air. The Iron Fang bar regulars stood on the sidelines, drinks in hand, whispering about what was about to unfold.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqTrsq3NHK

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRnRlz0TLi

Master Kuma, towering over the crowd, stepped forward, his massive, fur-covered arms relaxed at his sides. He still held a long wooden mug of beer, taking a slow sip like this was just another ordinary day.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOEOt8by0I

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V5EsLMsEJ

Eleo, standing a few meters away, bounced on his feet like an excited kid—which, to be fair, he was. His fluffy tail twitched, and his ears perked up.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8WMKyMlQz

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPQkTUXfKg

Abby cupped her hands around her mouth. "Eleo, you can do it!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9iODSYmN6

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDNTCOUSN1

Eleo turned and grinned wide. "Thanks, Abby!" He then pointed dramatically at Kuma. "Alright, Master! Let's FIGHT-FIGHT!!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyHPlHxn73

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh6Ag7TKwQ

Kuma sighed, swirling his beer. "Boy, you're more impatient than a starving wolf at a feast."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtifT1MjfV

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjQvJSI70w

Eleo cracked his knuckles. "Yeah, yeah, enough talking. Time to see if all this 'training' actually made me stronger!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNPfG2Gpik

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y6tpDWtMQ

The crowd went silent. The tension was thick.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7XymdDIny

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVnm5mA5kO

Then—

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7OEcLtbxK

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykGJPeLltK

"BEGIN!" someone shouted.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkcWJpkERI

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3z3azi87F

Eleo sprinted forward, fists clenched. His tiny legs kicked up dust as he charged, letting out a war cry that sounded more excited than intimidating.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQXrIcE8jk

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuIi8aTAJt

Kuma?

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ft9O18OPW

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IMjPdFhO8

He yawned and scratched his belly.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf7xTMoU2O

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlkS0KTA22

The moment Eleo got close, he swung a wild punch straight at Kuma's chest.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnhJDknzA8

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjnTX4q2OG

Thud.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs40mPS95Uf

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEojYO8sFK

His fist connected.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoN70Hfk6P

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9wu7rqJxe

With a soft boop noise.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiVm8eczPg

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ885HqPwXg2

Like he had just punched a pillow.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39hLG8gO2g

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYydcV1ZAU

Eleo blinked. His ears twitched. He looked up.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfrQPfElLk

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrPcaSrkNN

Kuma just sat there. Unbothered. He blinked back at Eleo.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvS4jqfIQg8

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDpxXDiVYj

"...That was it?" Kuma asked, sounding a little disappointed.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa85B2IHNDe

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2bpPYqzX0

Eleo stepped back, shaking his hand. "Owowow—dang, you're built like a brick wall!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLliA7nkpd

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W8gkRA6BV

The crowd burst into laughter.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0GJNRqQUn

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEEgGubInv

Kuma smirked and finally moved.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMJSwvv1z4

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmgXTzbx8x

BAM.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03cjxD19Kq

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0fcYhv5a2

His massive paw came down, aiming for Eleo's head.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgiefquexw

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySFYgtkOE4

"GAH—"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdrXXbub23

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIae311zuu0

Eleo barely dodged, tumbling backward and rolling to his feet. His heart pounded.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9dXSL7aFN

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkN4qJ8fm6

Kuma had moved so fast for such a big guy.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHyXvXk4co

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8FY3BLhl7

Eleo gulped. "Alright, okay, so you're actually pretty strong—who knew?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIPM12yds8

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeowxiHXRs1

Abby facepalmed. "EVERYONE KNEW, ELEO!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWVXdCRHOP

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaoi6KqLJp

Kuma stood up slowly, dusting himself off.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9x4SfDJ0p

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUPt8Csr1A

"Well, boy, looks like you at least dodged that one," he said, cracking his knuckles. "Let's see if you can dodge the next."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhD24ZReAk

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAPVeYhlbH

Eleo's ears stood straight up.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARLDvCTLRW

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWHs7bsAcV

"Oh, crap—"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaT1x8sKmV

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbOBTIkfDz

WHOOSH.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltGnwAlhQY

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxhQP7nGdr

Kuma vanished from his spot.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sQWAOliNe

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu8qLtFXYF

Eleo's eyes widened. "WHERE'D HE GO—?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNAjnrvR4v

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04EKztG1h1

BAM.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx9ZF3dveS

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72b8Wx01BQ

Kuma lightly chopped Eleo on top of the head.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw2SEmCSKA

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmFrpkPSA9

"OWWWW!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUTAPpbulc

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj88vqq5ml

Eleo face-planted into the dirt.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgurkXw7vj

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kcfVHsMOZ

The crowd howled with laughter.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmVufXFri4

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqlInU2x4V

Abby sighed, rubbing her temples. "This is painful to watch."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeWQHSt0dl

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ0TSsF11Q

Eleo popped back up, clutching his head. "HEY, WHAT KIND OF TEACHER HITS THEIR STUDENT?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ulzTwakRC

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDr5URCPAXt

Kuma took another sip of his beer. "The kind that teaches lessons. Ready to learn?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjAsNdGuT2

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9nJTQqoC9

Eleo gritted his teeth.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaxR5I3TiP

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB769w0fDP

He lunged again, this time swinging a barrage of punches.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5V8MSxYdR

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlL1DTkzUC

Left. Right. Left. Right.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLlM9GmXxL

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIRiu74J7Q

Every punch—dodged.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD0q791MKy

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkymS2UVToU

Kuma simply leaned left, then right, then back, then forward, sipping his beer without spilling a drop.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgrqv4h3AX

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSkwIcGD2r

The crowd gasped.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTbzDQLlwv

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhioYvEkhBL

"He's dodging without even trying!" someone whispered.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1M93IjM4X

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqv0L4Sr0Q

Eleo growled in frustration.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD2cTk2ZV7

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf44L9WRy7T

"STOP DODGING, OLD MAN! LET ME HIT YOU!!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7wVcHWZn7

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbICZ6c2H0

Kuma smirked. "Alright."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUPv5N0Y9s

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8yReo4sKB

Eleo's ears twitched. "Huh?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySFVYZeMqC

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrklo38CBq

Before he could react—

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUuJLksITG

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx0pTpYOIl

WHAM.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2RbQgnMWh

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuKSCxHTP4

Kuma backhanded Eleo across the clearing.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdR7zDqaHE

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ0bSIbqtC

The bunny kid went flying, tumbling through the dirt until he crashed into a bush.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMlqfxhicF

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGNxs80kCX

The crowd cheered and laughed.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaBWvo3Mr7

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsipFwbEPb

Kuma stretched his arms. "Welp, that was fun."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DzIYDoJ3N

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaj3VgFMgD

Abby ran up and peeked into the bush. "Eleo, are you alive?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl8YJduFbC

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxN3Ud1r5g

Eleo popped out, twigs stuck in his ears. "Yep! Totally fine! Not even hurt!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZrJ8uhRJh

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbaHTCA0Tj

His legs wobbled.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIlZgTIfVJ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVjCncWRLx

Kuma walked over, standing over Eleo. "You done yet, boy?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlqUzDwaEm

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93E8raGbNa

Eleo took a deep breath.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNsNBds755

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3Aq4bipDW

Then, despite everything—

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmbqWwNzSd

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynW7OfHWb6

He grinned.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb4bgW0dXE

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWN3liJNDrz

"Not even close."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbS97mDoHe

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW61jx5DZp

Kuma raised a brow. "Oh?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJyyqLjFLg

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCEZUEDhVf

Eleo wiped the dirt off his face, stomping his foot.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5yj4RZhdD

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y0UY3F3Qr

"You might be stronger, faster, and way better than me at everything…"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEtSBBpN8K

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBAoHFlUWL

"…BUT…"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuaHJEeZTR

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z3TbMv5ra

Eleo puffed out his chest.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV4JGdXcvc

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1KN6AGBip

"I REFUSE to stay weak!!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2F7bUiVC4

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnZRb9EyGG

The crowd went silent.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJRZFPYL5T

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZt9wnUdVQ

Kuma watched him for a long moment.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmHdgyd34t

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAICKCeJGk

Then—

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlB8XAXTW7T

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iBYr5QF1Y

He laughed.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVcKhEhaYV

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqi0cLvrjl

A deep, hearty laugh that rumbled like thunder.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhM5qsTkGS

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7oylEB6Jm

He put a paw on Eleo's head, ruffling his ears.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32ZJoKmtRJ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaA3DiKSqL

"Good answer, boy."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH72nY0HiQ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGou04MWzUT

Eleo blinked. "Huh?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMcqsG3XhF

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKwLX2z6S6

Kuma smirked. "You lost, but you ain't broken. That's good."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAB2zOGtEG

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcD5gB5FsIs

Eleo's eyes widened. "Wait… does that mean—?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlhaDYDJFP

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe41Pu53HJU

Kuma took one last sip of his beer, then grinned.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RBMsXA4QC

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqp5z91X2N

"Alright, Eleo. I'll keep training you."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gKjy8na54

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJcEvobCCJ

The crowd cheered.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRMhkR9e9Z

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6bzKili39

Eleo pumped his fist into the air.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPoMKsnpeM

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvYmHd4RUP

"YEAH!!!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfQlJ8YXpZ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9G9xNvEvN7

Abby sighed. "Well, at least he survived."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWHmCXTcDk

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54NAEiZxUF

5 days: later Eleo lay sprawled on the ground, panting like a dog, sweat pouring off his fur. His ears twitched slightly as he tried to lift himself up, only to collapse face-first into the dirt.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrsped9vtz

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcoty9YT6J

Kuma, meanwhile, sat on a log nearby, completely relaxed, drinking beer from an oversized jug.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML7ucnyOEB

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmNxXSjWdi

"Alright, boy," Kuma finally said.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EZqrTagSU

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmc0VCC6ay

Eleo peeked up. "Y-Yeah?" he wheezed.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGszGCVmh3O

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiYZvTmYWR

Kuma took another sip. "I'm leaving soon."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3ne4ffXuJ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzweMTUQ7Fw

Eleo shot up immediately. "W-WHAT?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7ebmR9Ejx

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1VqVunDLQ

Kuma gave a small sigh, stretching his arms. "Gotta handle something big—dangerous stuff. Can't stay here forever, kid."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3dAV36AAG

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94JsOc9Twu

Eleo's ears drooped, but he forced a smile. "Oh, uh… okay! Yeah! No big deal!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO3X938BAc

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKQqrAX0hf

Kuma's eyebrow twitched. He saw straight through it.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h4RAuGpDZ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9bLfzw58c

"Follow me," Kuma said, standing up.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NABKydvHl

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbcTWn6AIo

Eleo blinked. "Huh? Where we goin'?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpNlYOVAqV

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqmpKRsqQ3

Kuma didn't answer, just started walking. Curious but confused, Eleo scrambled after him.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDj4kKfnfh

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzZZS9zSbB

They stopped in a small clearing, away from the main village. Kuma reached into his coat, pulling out something glowing.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsDqolythJ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr56rjR6KD

It was an orb, dark blue, swirling with ink-like patterns inside.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY8XuCuihq

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcOqYrDCds

Eleo's eyes lit up like fireworks.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4vXFVStvP

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91RnMpI4cV

"WHOA—WHAT IS THAT?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOcJ5pCS3g

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MAmBfm2Eu

Kuma smirked. "This, boy, is a Soul Orb. We call it an S-Orb for short. Here, take it."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8VuJLMXeF

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL3R72HkJC

Eleo snatched it immediately and…

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByzccOdR0h

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F0aJx4BUP

Licked it.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEfaaPupJk

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXSWilCQ7b

Kuma stared. The wind blew softly.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKExUZF27wT

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU05muuHOuY

"…"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVvtfg08jW

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEhHSWYh7o

"…"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEugNCfEhZ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUMbVrkmLF

"…Boy, what the hell are you doing?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u5uwc4p40

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmLkEe8JHH

Eleo wiped his tongue, gagging. "ACK—IT TASTES LIKE A SWEATY ROCK!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqJaR9GIlX

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeIMvbVRSR

Kuma palmed his face. "You're supposed to absorb it, you idiot."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MG67LDukH

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0J9UmWLcz

Eleo blinked. "Oh."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyroFCooyb

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocSbodI0VA

He closed his eyes and concentrated. Slowly, the orb began to sink into his body, and for a brief moment, he felt warm. Powerful.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyUOErhc2p

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL97botFg9

Then—

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3AIduxX1T

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeLJGvd74K

PAIN.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXMCi5djbd

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLrox0r9z1

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6M9GTA0Ll

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVRMTOy3Sv

Eleo dropped to the ground, rolling around like a fish out of water. His body felt like it was on FIRE.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2Ro8OwY8f

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhvAz7kNLV

Kuma took another sip of beer. "Oh yeah, forgot to mention—it hurts."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIWJtnFnRQ

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LSOgCtL7U

"YOU FORGOT TO MENTION THAT?!!" Eleo screamed, flailing.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSAkfNy0xa

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ba0afMKsK

Abby, who had just walked up, froze in horror. "What did you do to him?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg4XQeUUdx

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eDJVAZlgl

Kuma shrugged. "Gave him an S-Orb."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9ZDWozCNj

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dN0r9ljDf

Abby stomped over, pointing an accusatory finger. "You just gave him a legendary artifact like it was a snack?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPpehO7pMX

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W8RMwxNgu

Kuma nodded. "Yep."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW99nC3te5k

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4Mi5i6v3l

"AND YOU DIDN'T WARN HIM?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyh6VTM1GW

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMehu8qeMi

"…Nope."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3PVMaxUst

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSckirl52mH

"ARE YOU EVEN A RESPONSIBLE ADULT?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCKx5PjeNs

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPAKoiKF52

Kuma sipped his beer. "Nope."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2YLIt74IV

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pNZ379C0M

Eleo finally stopped twitching, panting heavily. His fur was ruffled, his ears crooked, and his face full of regret.

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgakJ8mmEHf

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLkSoknDTL

"I... I think I saw my ancestors…"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MwcEkU0Ca

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JJHrYJ5W4

Kuma patted Eleo's head. "You'll be fine, kid. Might not be strong now, but that orb will be useful someday."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKqEjAyu8U

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOsDvKpaNh

Eleo groaned. "D-Does it at least give me super strength?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQJPjlb9zS

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasJSUtxEAR

"Nope."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfOldm1qFx

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXCjfOajg3

"Super speed?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzdmlVKvur

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigNHr1G1xz

"Nope."

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bEmEWm6N0

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoHLH19cEX

"Heat vision?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNkqgNaRDt

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWRlT0QCNX

Kuma tilted his head. "Why would a bunny need heat vision?"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH9xg9ejCA

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktAsigbqbF

Eleo gasped. "I'M STILL WEAK?!"

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5Sx3zHIH0

84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU90F4uz81

Kuma grinned and stood up. "No, but now you've got potential

ns18.225.175.56da2

The strongest man

註冊

登入

介面語言:

故事語言: