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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KSC3KXud6

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0XYprqifm

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt99n4HPE3

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX89xA8DjR

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBflzdd5Vi

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodhX51FEx8

"Hello, hello there, viewers~"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3XTmbV84v

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ruuOPfkUC

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv1aNikEjc

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8NCrMQuAw

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURVZubo7Oq

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCCrUnCY2D

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopfFZINuZR

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0SupeUB43

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCEY892VNI

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdlNn7Ziit

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fKrSDsj09

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXYz6BT374

"I am the strongest man alive."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r5soyiwhE

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfDFuMgkOw

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBt846xtqD

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYK63EadGOU

"And I want to be beaten."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRbW2oVMi4

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIrrEYWiZe

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeDKs8WcLy

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQhGrh6W6K

"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."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzx8ERyGCP

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a0S5Rrh8E

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyMEgW9mla

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGhvTfKO9z

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjXbdFjBQ9

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu91VJsIUzS

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh6e4SfQYi

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUPZAN9Zu6

"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."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd0gK7QBi7

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckvr9KsjDr

A stunned silence filled the village.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aC65SHypK

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡay1uSaj60P

Then—an uproar.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP4nTCgurh

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmB6PDyHx3Z

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGXQyE2UMt

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi8XN92kvk

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbZtJyQ4T5

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4dvXD6Jbt

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9P5C3pgPC

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjETt2oGGSB

"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?"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rXj8wcquY

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeNDBEksSO

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsG7vpxYy1

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbw0LUlpHWu

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡashprJSgYc

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuWOzZyLhY

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUqbn6wFyj

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9xfLO0TiI

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyITJikVId

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk07SicROkd

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUv2sIhNDH

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBliNLHBPFW

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!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MgjsGY2BO

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMz72lObPRw

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81HUeHYetg

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t87iKegHN

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVaMU4EZZd

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweoi0Q74Zq

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4FBfuyfzR

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWPF2vA2kJ

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgDOa9WF1f

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJwJkluVql

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—

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XYJZbJb30

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgr3YB5K2p

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBmMLigKOx

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhOPIe768F

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvBJmmOS7z

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M0WYVejoL

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUCPygT6wZ

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdOPZ2rghD

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?!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z0OrHeAcv

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKW6aY2zcW

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmCnYPgkcu

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbM42cA3qId

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8uttTjo07

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl46jkXBOU

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCaigeDeAo

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nAfXz9hI2

WHAM!

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3o9nAnKoV

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6svV0nPe3

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNhCoMGM5R

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRQCj3GzxU

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqzXZkdKBP

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfvMgKsGFb

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xX95BSZ5S

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYxcENCLQQ

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7ziFvvXeL

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH6Yw4r4lQ

WHAM!

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45WZQfXACX

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jBMo6yoee

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuxF8P2hPV

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaXgl6aTBn

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6WZ0wZCjc

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtYAj6O5Vs

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2sSdl2eXW

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cmcxuvpc1

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yW8cOIHqk

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYBonMo6VG

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRQQN2HhC6

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf1uUoqvDg

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?"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlCrftsgK4

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3munk9kLO

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcZ6aXjH4X

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjugeHUrWhI

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCQ64XOUnm

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eQDSIBEoA

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryP324N8B0

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdiTQ7DAjT

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFexDQbmcn

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z8g6p0JSJ

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk8oatgRhY

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxdz7WXTmD

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!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oI1pAGcWI

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHNGjll3eq

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—"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xfJTxgPmT

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPjNbSLhkI

WHAM!

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTT2dQfTA6J

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpfvAqCSVB

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxMKm78e5L

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlShMYKePG

Eleo groaned. "Whyyy…?"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9S1BBw76A

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu3D2gMnDA

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5I3yYFpgM

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAr9qbhZBq

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHlSYQgp6q

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnAAPooVRh

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fx5FFUjpc

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIDUUMdvZ8

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XRvOx2Tfc

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUZUkDr2YS

BAM!

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCvwK1ZF0H

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1Nq2ve03j

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnz9I9roAe

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDslO0DHrs

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBQVd9Pjw1

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOfp8TCcae

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugDu80CSlP

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xlat13NGi

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ102HFEUJFd

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU47FOtExRr

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrzNgMhhhC

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFt9QIFeb2

"GRANDPA WAKE-UP ATTACK!!!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gzXjCzhw1

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTZcW78QpQ

THUMP!

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1rYKxNdEE

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNneFW3SXfR

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9gDfxtCom

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nDcFTPErN

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznnrQYTeIA

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo30MEPJMNl

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."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNOW6uTI7f

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndgvsCngdG

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxR3wlxZaX

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoXVrTj3MY

The Morning Routine – A Warrior's Start

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6cnlrlaCE

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXd3MQO972B

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Rchc1XO1O

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFpx2BHGyn

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtr347EdvUp

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fwfqhcSMk

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMosCafrGmP

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdBlanDIf9

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsokmtTPO2K

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17KLqnDMtK

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1Rona7OFg

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XLt4flcvb

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2919ab0YBQ

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkLiUTagbB

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpq3vgVIPB

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0oilzXLnw

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVpfoK0ujh

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjgCf226sR

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmasSiFvokk

Eleo grinned wide. "OKAY!!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA3Eg3Sfvn

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbWATI9Jw3

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqEO2IdYrE

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iVPR1Egks

WHOOSH!

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphb859AfQ0

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM6cGwoPgx

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7vVz44DpR

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBcHr9aHXd

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIht1mjoH9

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUfjOG7ZHm

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdyoRIdc6g

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQVc3dBwpZ

And just like that—he blasted off.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVze8XaIMjA

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMQ1c1DNz3

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhFPk56Lvv

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkDioiKyr6

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62npsJUQvr

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡES23zvlbfp

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE3rXb1O9n

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwLzi3k4k0

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO1QtqDEZ9

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSBpVFnT6M

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdQhlP7A35

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkhx860Dz3

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXTtwdjZpT

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYIQZtLe9T

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwHl3FZoLF

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hIrEl2P5Q

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUyBcmYjJa

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBqDBRDyif

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OwEE7YHIw

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡualXFAy3R6

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKDzOYYf0z

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c6SZNYBnX

Kuma chuckled. "That's right."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviAFLO1Nz4

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0ebMIpCdg

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2WX20ghaH

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNUVXneZBt

The entire bar went dead silent.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI1NEKnWw1

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7nFQ2C5Rd

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CZrn3d4l3

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqaJTJ7LS3

Abby's eye twitched.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxpr7BVSSK

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9isL8kiOM1

SNATCH!

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhuFvATUxT

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJjg1UV8zI

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpcOnAhLxH

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qZ8ofNfU6

"YOU WANNA SAY THAT AGAIN, PUNK?!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU4CowClB1

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf8rNbUwMh

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ55Ra9ecD

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRfuBOspzf

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8JSlDfGDp

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yPilaf2Z0

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHZ3v7Pvo5

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW2KZhp72S

Kuma chuckled. "Mhm."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6qU44kRJI

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPnsOPw2FW

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6z2DBdRph

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tVuutU6Oe

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5p8eSDJIX

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5RugrPD5E

The bar erupted in laughter.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6AkeruXoH

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6VM6kbNNZ

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvc2POiZfm

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I83Xl1DWj

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCMocXeRxR

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH1RtC2YnX

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdmPVmzNeI

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSlsYn76SJ

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU69IMwtAL

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP0xQqK6Ca

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7eTwYWz4W

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8GHzZ0y2p

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolCHqiRiHR

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWcxOLe1iH

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzM673rrulW

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ5mg5E3KT

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3CptmLzP2

And with that, everyone headed twords the woods.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Y19D1g70K

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XF5TJouBS

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpXGYoXlKe

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOvWPWd9Hp

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVCa5anJpA

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOrK80rdcI

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMJae10kCU

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh14T7GTfoa

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV3de1qtqw

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4A9Cyy1Ma

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdXIRjNQaX

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopC4jSUqXo

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEnWrqzWvb

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsO8jLwcBP

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fAVjdGI0V

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6zg7aOuc7

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJNQBi38xy

The crowd went silent. The tension was thick.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8aL3zYbzO

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI5ncn9Tle

Then—

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0OVYlzo3R

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNDpdnXJ9i

"BEGIN!" someone shouted.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtTq6KpWGu

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjj6zfsqNsI

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcdRpxC0GR

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVzKLQTuR4

Kuma?

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPwEu4rVJG

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLyq1C5hMP

He yawned and scratched his belly.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc305SL39qE

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhIBOQFHOs

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCCsnqaLo4

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuhPnECUsY

Thud.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiy4rM19Ch7

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS4YrWtRyP

His fist connected.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWUlwKP4jV

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa414K0u44

With a soft boop noise.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi8e2jZfs8

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu3eOhphvd

Like he had just punched a pillow.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ604Va5ebuC

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ429Xv2rzza

Eleo blinked. His ears twitched. He looked up.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tMCQTKRre

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LEAc9c043

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gfvQnXA0V

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjxbWfOGKj

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCpyikxLNU

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtfiNuyVmo

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2DeRjs5Hl

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y5SFQa1cH

The crowd burst into laughter.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7a8dGey6U

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI6R5GuwYz

Kuma smirked and finally moved.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN7rrnsc62

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzS7iPPOit

BAM.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3r6OGZulk

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08dnkzFoBL

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOAk2d1u9P

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrxzuDp6U9

"GAH—"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUtodG4eeG

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm7Af1kAHC

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvB8KRLoAR

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVowixOSkt

Kuma had moved so fast for such a big guy.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlh15vFtF2

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUi7E0Er3W

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINCzU2wm6X

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e1HHYGQXR

Abby facepalmed. "EVERYONE KNEW, ELEO!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhPvDKQD1f

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMEQH5hojc

Kuma stood up slowly, dusting himself off.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeN7895aU0

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzotAeOwYEJ

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LwmxfHyWu

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJk9j0tcjl

Eleo's ears stood straight up.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEG9pIZDVVJ

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlWYxhxjze

"Oh, crap—"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91jZGKXZs4

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPK4rcFBKq

WHOOSH.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Mg3bgIMYV

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGQOOlVQFY

Kuma vanished from his spot.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyLNLmGyYo

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk32JjpbNfh

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04Y45FqmKB

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CnEgPvYbP

BAM.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICvXwO57ri

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuw7HILJeta

Kuma lightly chopped Eleo on top of the head.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO7jl1L8kZ

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR0lhBquYH

"OWWWW!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRKA5A1BWl

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYShqzB46c

Eleo face-planted into the dirt.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0HJVZCglz

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHsqOSzbPN

The crowd howled with laughter.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppxgtxwjDd

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBynkZAn9O

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjW3jh9EZf1

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV9Ck4OfCd

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfbVU7D5Pi

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE6N7yf5AK

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx3uhynW6q

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrXM5txg0u

Eleo gritted his teeth.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaleWoh7LP

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2oydTysjl

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cjayx26oW

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdhAGWH6KH

Left. Right. Left. Right.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv919MEWxM

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMC6wtYEaO

Every punch—dodged.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAbE69qoym

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwqO8tGGKI

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlZXD3umaz

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaRxDn8E64

The crowd gasped.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlZDUkPqP7

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3J6UstjBTT

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53PqqJ1TCo

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZxahUkDpD

Eleo growled in frustration.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w1GBqrcYE

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3D4zjnKvZs

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRKdETE7eG

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8km3iaiTj

Kuma smirked. "Alright."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWZUM65CsM

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLMR7zc8vx

Eleo's ears twitched. "Huh?"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzwGXOcSMu

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvPl8IVvH4

Before he could react—

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPB0ATA9i2

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa0P1Tl3Da

WHAM.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZWxrkImOH

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZEtS2nudF

Kuma backhanded Eleo across the clearing.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdttxa9v0Z

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJmnv5IQxb

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0vAnAl5GK

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8UbthNfXr

The crowd cheered and laughed.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlU1Bens1tj

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHobM9LjOS

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡln5YA6O2BS

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MskvPeGsz

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCdYpH4zkr

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgMvzWdcuJ

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFu6An35k0

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuB1l0djx6

His legs wobbled.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO52lM8IbY

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQHvBqu2MH

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp18EReCRF

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnkumONAhx

Eleo took a deep breath.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nOn412DTz

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg4ByNG9wq

Then, despite everything—

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbkFc7Trt6

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9thjAnk6k

He grinned.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWK7TQGukeD

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZwwMysrUN

"Not even close."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG5MjKf3n5

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7457TSByz

Kuma raised a brow. "Oh?"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdYnm0OY6w

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oXlUZU7x5

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfms5xGubc

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eFaccyTZq

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCBwSLhPLU

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp4CvfR2Uf

"…BUT…"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtD6jSwk9m

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqbt8Cz8sV

Eleo puffed out his chest.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E2UY9yrLy

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw2XwoQesB

"I REFUSE to stay weak!!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w4sjVhYOT

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQojwtkXIPa

The crowd went silent.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpUR0qYizo

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv80xKj5Imo

Kuma watched him for a long moment.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwiKgXA5kZ

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwLL7pMPOc

Then—

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bs0dNmYCt

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipKLGf5gYb

He laughed.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2mxW0JE2c

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh23G92Z0od

A deep, hearty laugh that rumbled like thunder.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwjXnY4t78

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVabnSTeLIZ

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGzxHRA3Ap

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbh992DOx2u

"Good answer, boy."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxHH5rAF1U

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhHJdEEMYl

Eleo blinked. "Huh?"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8U86KDWZap

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPoc9YvUh2

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZjgcMq73V

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KslwWjzHo

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2sPMi2itJ

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmhkaQMROq

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBwEfmjI3y

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1t1mhVHEOQ

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQf8bdXB2x

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLC6EOPbyM

The crowd cheered.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEj66dCzNi

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthsmeONjxj

Eleo pumped his fist into the air.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSri7D91qkC

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGed2ggThp

"YEAH!!!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT77qlWpzL4

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllguxXjls3

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTm3XXBWHMv

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ5JfOZ66O

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.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU1T6w41Gx

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrflnGGL5o

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1XTk0AJJS

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlHvs5wVMI

"Alright, boy," Kuma finally said.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOHBxCIp22

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEMUJxuqt8

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZcW6HobUk

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3SrzzVhKH

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexFAbD7csJ

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcD0HKOIs7z

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpRNhkIZDE

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUc7us1RBP

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Avy22hdAd

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2DzV9HxGK

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2adOyP10H0

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6UJtcZq3T

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnynx5zqTl

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WJO1SJXi9

"Follow me," Kuma said, standing up.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHndH3Lisc

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uj60QtPv8

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafl8npynfv

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq8B8EWLkV

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz3QSCH1Ew

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSnTZ8c2FV

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefTj4n0ho2

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfznHDwDMg

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR1Wy1RWJH

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHO1b77qim

Eleo's eyes lit up like fireworks.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLtVPkHALc

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1vfj74WtL

"WHOA—WHAT IS THAT?!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPOi3rrUgG

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74YBgdSTkd

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIX0uu05BrB

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN5U3Jxwr4

Eleo snatched it immediately and…

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnozqwZ1jU

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnajIGgRnkw

Licked it.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJx6ruMYad

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa7IrHBHju

Kuma stared. The wind blew softly.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOVUGezer8

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQp6S0zdZ7

"…"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtZnjmwkFr

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xJnyvLXGV

"…"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUMlL7Ac6S

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKZHNXN7if

"…Boy, what the hell are you doing?"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuCgwXrMWF

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncvK0FlgPU

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8vB4NDHIP

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyWI5MzJ4h

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOy4dzFLQCb

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ExC3fjMUN

Eleo blinked. "Oh."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHBGZ43Rr5

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6j8ucuRn2

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAI0jRYA7jn

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7Dd4ZZ4fP

Then—

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXDCmSpeXa

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpaSh8CJnr

PAIN.

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliJDYjXti2

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULfq5dhE2h

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Lyf0MnHgi

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7lDSko1uV

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hlL6rFHws

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnXQj9U9iL

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8SMPCERqL

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC26tTMlZa

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWCkJKp6ZJ

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAapAvYSvC

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijZGjDjKBg

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN1iikJGqO

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx62u8Z8Jz

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDdTdwJRki

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAqAxyDBQP

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GCSZ0v8ed

Kuma nodded. "Yep."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2IcfbMYJo

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBELvlUA4s

"AND YOU DIDN'T WARN HIM?!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk9Qa1d6Ab

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZasbj11dPk

"…Nope."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAi2hhuOtf

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwTWfKo0E9

"ARE YOU EVEN A RESPONSIBLE ADULT?!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ052IzXAMWh

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Evg7o8tA6

Kuma sipped his beer. "Nope."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdUV3ZlbKs

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnegyZaz5B

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGmrwEugk4

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhJVOrqoKm

"I... I think I saw my ancestors…"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ346DOoosGQ

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9wKgu974f

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTU829OqHcc

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeJeCmu5zn

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuRemKUmU0

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBELp8FyC1K

"Nope."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e4l6csc6Q

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XXCn5ogAN

"Super speed?"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4dluwWzMs

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F1q9pNIVj

"Nope."

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusn9upJU51

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf620WIpcQ

"Heat vision?!"

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCykZzu8s5

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4jiSKvBtw

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQayihH1Ca

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWKcfsc5Cy

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

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpTLVdUL1a

211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZyw9O7EVJ

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

ns216.73.216.176da2

The strongest man

註冊

登入

介面語言:

故事語言: