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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGeZQzMsGz

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7w7nkKzsW

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwQBm8YLFH

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcUnosmwKo

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5X3Z8T0HV

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9V1e4zmnVS

"Hello, hello there, viewers~"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXR84anfwuy

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaBYHxbkQ0

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXVCZuHS3H

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pvEMjbeAC

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD546GWNFzY

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23aAFvztHg

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cPiF5PtTe

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbBmm3mOAI

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xe1zvN3Md

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfA2bRJw3w

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT0ca2HLXw

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcrwEzFBU0

"I am the strongest man alive."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMvtuVbxom

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSlYE9w1Sg

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JbONBhhpK

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDJtijoLeS

"And I want to be beaten."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynKHrRbMuA

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWQ8meO22T

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxZ4tCtG68

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpzczb6CRu

"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."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR94MDgYhR

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue8oaLd5VN

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjF3RlgF2I

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYV5yomULO

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNtfu1LeCe

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWhAYZqtPq

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6twc8eio19

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7UQHfBq2f

"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."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbns6E4SVE

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡId0pwZymGS

A stunned silence filled the village.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iVQehfJue

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnBCrDi1OS

Then—an uproar.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnMhEqfddr

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yEdBMxqWC

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW7BIPGqaQ

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP0JaAt1kC

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpW91OVWU8

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrk8fBm1Sv

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSY5zapsHG

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zPvDFXkaa

"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?"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xVOT5QBdb

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA4BIVjNwI

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3PmJqrVId

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBjGunBNlz

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3VkmDDlBh

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtC4rLqz3l

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI50C5slpvO

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrMV9ISZ5L

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaZdTu8ioe

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR3xc4kLR1

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBJ5M673Vx

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj49zXAgss

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!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWL6DL6X7h

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBcXVZJvpM

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3ZNDij0gB

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFfX9gFuQt

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrIqoX0ESz

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY2lFiK6ME

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSYQOaNA6U

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOWgJjqhbV

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7yLosMX22

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4bBhTrAs4

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—

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0dK0KvBE2

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlmuttKjGT

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxysqRDG7Jk

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEedMkXoczw

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpipsE7d466

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rICxdJDpb

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhB4fARJzN

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvfLlWtdmw

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?!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLucSOEch6

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeEQ8f9EWi

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhDpzMcDMy

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM9xgvppL5

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauO2Zf6ZmW

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG81m2fFHQ

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoRXa4ukWY

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUctRrvOl00

WHAM!

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhijxYxrIs

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24uQAxDQIJ

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr26G7xw4VJ

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq50uBEXY0S

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchK7nl77QF

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9ViPyHCuz

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2R0ih5XUY

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t6MYzUnbF

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwFTCE5gtd

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAla2JlsC8A

WHAM!

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iEDB1qdc9

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAX2avvMwgO

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdnwKBq3JP

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjP77pq9Dv

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRgQ1D2Wis

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTfqQAVIao

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRzfyfXOHj

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR94flkBMvM

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uADEjbIfh

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ckPQXZnQ4

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnbMq59pLJ

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpIYzyK4Zk

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?"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VSFsDfIuB

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kfzPoUCoR

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnsiALQEYb

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINK7jaBtmI

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTYk9GU5CC

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZvhEjXEyc

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6vfxC0Q2C

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXyDxwWBpo

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiObXSq4vPM

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TtgUlBCFN

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgTXVwELoC

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdTpjPxuzn

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!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBPDLplPy3

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34qMBLJrVu

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—"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf6bqzP6DL

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QHWCjqw0o

WHAM!

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUIibgBK33

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTd3ze5nNA

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDME9Zx7xSh

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJMozQbETG

Eleo groaned. "Whyyy…?"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHCdANKt8C

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg87DXOoL4F

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVgb8Iw2pS

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2HxwNlZ2v

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ2aHpJ0un

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzzhovOsFT

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyo5Af6I2H

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N2kg6Pove

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQkxT1LM5M

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IXXOf1V1s

BAM!

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57Dm6LRb7W

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckRlRHKMer

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ydYujEj72

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUazWk7Klx

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1SZT0Dttn

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPk1CMef9C

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOXnJNMDuO

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWw7qvCZ0N

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBXWLxHTFh

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYFi5ITmY5

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2m5zgr2LJF

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha4L4xrkYW

"GRANDPA WAKE-UP ATTACK!!!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdD8yeOMW1

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnRYbR4SSR

THUMP!

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVeJGGkWhm

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvWAtEvpSm

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s2nc8lSeH

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbmNq9Pk7e

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95m83vPdhA

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCTcWdo6SM

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."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1lf7Tnzmw

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDlnqNatXh

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBmBDs3oSi

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFribDE8ci

The Morning Routine – A Warrior’s Start

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd97F3mSwhE

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ifGRtKRlB

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF8sw9yHJE

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAsEny2OlO

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc1usRKTQP

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLZqS861Rg

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH5UpubApo

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEZb1SrMSF

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24IMmSgkHp

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSfzdiwjc4

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFd8Mzxz5h6

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgRfUlWXZ3

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQxFjZciBI

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtL08fAUIS

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIBqUftp87

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkTFA2ebYC

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr2cEodgS9

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFqr3Bdpwb

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOfCla21YV

Eleo grinned wide. "OKAY!!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRXgitMFNB

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCmMocF0YN

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0FOCV0nuR

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvPt7huOgX

WHOOSH!

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgWMe9YDQm

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoijNQH3MUa

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiLIsHbel2

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtirz7KdaPG

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrB7XxZrh4

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cjGszQINp

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgOsiMjVbf

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZQy1bW7vy

And just like that—he blasted off.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyAc1dfDYt

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mqVmzl5vu

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu9nXsqFT5

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5QJZAxUZP

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7hfqXd99n

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjePuajoiBk

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTfT4cxp4z

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FHqyUCFxL

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK7JAKRuHw

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzS7i4vLXE

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KWSsvIisE

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhZdQKwvi3

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88H6A8vnUS

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTTKvFO5W9

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTU188KIGTK

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPiXtEsg1o

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsbJOKGpfY

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoyfxbb5AZ

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NRWlU8C5b

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnWP8NY90v

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuD5s8Yb2W

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehYEiRwFO1

Kuma chuckled. "That's right."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJyUKEjONG

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqc8R2bm1A

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmatrjMIZHY

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA8QRDsRmy

The entire bar went dead silent.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjDY6lvdfz

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U1Sqk4lyH

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQVsBnAlAn

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFdSqIUhBg

Abby's eye twitched.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ783idl7pXq

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KI6gAKvYe

SNATCH!

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrLkNSGv6V

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOFbaopcrC

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7bIymlioz

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk04KO5Ch6

"YOU WANNA SAY THAT AGAIN, PUNK?!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpEp3KBKcv

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WsVrX9wE1

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBum2wLyzA

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfJIraFrgm

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwDMqyNt82

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgKG27aspU

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9kbj1xmhI

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEDFIlcvdd

Kuma chuckled. "Mhm."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuQo2SMzBa

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2OXz0ZQFr

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJOmG6JbXQ

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5fxCfnsAG

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhi3iMib0k

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21kToFgrKz

The bar erupted in laughter.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeM9euRU3u

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV2zSisvLm

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8RdE1OisM

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxrE0IYPA3

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtSaG65JKV

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7avnSwYlN

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UaJNFQar2

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGi6cEpT9XC

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSpB8OPwr2

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtVrWscwXw

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJbypJzBUz

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnrEeXfUKl

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOraRFkSiX

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYJ2UuOPAt

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcJvpV9mzz

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSHku2zHnK

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM2rle7ySo

And with that, everyone headed twords the woods.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3O7lx4ijS

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5SzhX2vVn

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR28yKY5APU

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjBFFdGT42

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv8WK6pFIN

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIJKwyREp4

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPDVy8FGsA

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqPfzATHQu

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6jHDl8Vta

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUphFLKuzb

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WcPBX7qke

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIFxgASAZD

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljXpAq2UHP

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPMOYZ7nnv

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9zhjmIiEy

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVaCLZBRgB

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkjmEaDUKE

The crowd went silent. The tension was thick.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYW2RRtP5q

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRSlwvASju

Then—

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZrV1HmovW

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69ri5AFfOJ

"BEGIN!" someone shouted.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT37UMoWcs

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGBvxILWEm

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSRDnGJG7Q

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyveMjEJ6Yk

Kuma?

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aQ3fuOq2v

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Nb5bILFHC

He yawned and scratched his belly.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGk4fmp3o2

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizAqgnbbTK

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW0E7fhsNL

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaf40cVYMQ

Thud.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCrchl47lt

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMjwKDPF8Z

His fist connected.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJigB1ukry1

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0qXQY26br

With a soft boop noise.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9k6ceVuYl

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVwjtFdsbq

Like he had just punched a pillow.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgla7hP5Mc

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyrI4j8WwG

Eleo blinked. His ears twitched. He looked up.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9nWgUpvHR

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwvELP2Qst

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kdbFLZ2YF

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMwnMUdboS

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIAMpmYBNm

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCZrVifMKX

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEr28I8COw

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA0dQtPoto

The crowd burst into laughter.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMji2uVxSp9

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gYieg0aNv

Kuma chuckled and finally moved.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt6PYtBWug

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1597k4HUgS

BAM.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuT3UxUaYo

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzo0AaQbzG

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn7b3DiwBs

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8S4yfKkn4

"GAH—"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhr0IUQpgF

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBCnuMBX7M

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE0gegL1yY

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzquHSz7AH

Kuma had moved so fast for such a big guy.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfsBl5puVA

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIhE5wXabE

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkEqPHGEmT

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa49BJ8ZMBg

Abby facepalmed. "EVERYONE KNEW, ELEO!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFGZBDUEpr

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQi68IpmY0

Kuma stood up slowly, dusting himself off.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNmblHevkD

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JqnZuVmDl

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaFArP3lbS

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFZkmn0XeY

Eleo's ears stood straight up.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbYsQCcbzA

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJNgXC3J26

"Oh, crap—"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrMiw2Lcxi

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzHRxtYXy9

WHOOSH.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2p8As6LI2

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHrmdZqu1I

Kuma vanished from his spot.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ965E482OGV

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsbyHKxkAj

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpOw08Ew2R

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToAJ0Sm1uI

BAM.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskyFpzKaTo

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vxzxnGqHy

Kuma lightly chopped Eleo on top of the head.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUHOHUaGzU

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTXUMuDklO

"OWWWW!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc01eYzEA23

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9synMGzro3

Eleo face-planted into the dirt.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ1obsQKwL

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTgxL1prqL

The crowd howled with laughter.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBKbCbUFUr

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5dvisaAzo

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j7zUhlZYZ

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6tEE7dDHd

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60HmYsne8z

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNSOba3QvY

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdD7NzN0N2V

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP4bDocMhC

Eleo gritted his teeth.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1Bxsp0o0W

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z8Jj7Tf1D

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHM7NL38GO

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWAwEAQhzG

Left. Right. Left. Right.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PPCK2Zn4S

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8M4yJwThVO

Every punch—dodged.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJswA4HSCwy

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC0Ktvk87w

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ6mwWGInK

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpBA8EDDDP

The crowd gasped.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIM48mQ6iO

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHmibpuk3n

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBGJkINvJt

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwRO9gjhSP

Eleo growled in frustration.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuWRArHTYA

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7JXTRubTU

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yAr76j2jJ

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkOGyccTsM

Kuma smirked. "Alright."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCo73SZfC5

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0ub5lt94e

Eleo's ears twitched. "Huh?"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChhMp7Jrjy

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5xJRoFSxm

Before he could react—

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGdH1aqcXW

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco9c14TPns

WHAM.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjZR0ZoKCQ

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTaF0VwKnG

Kuma backhanded Eleo across the clearing.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlHNB0pmDd

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaLlPEXE52

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6EwPZQlZa

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEItTLGOf9

The crowd cheered and laughed.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EA2nOdier

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZTa5z3RyZ

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ufp1Mu3O3

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB7TPfcmec

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGphq5RHxi

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKjDBYTsrZ

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jxAQsA0RG

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGceoyfoIGl

His legs wobbled.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAytVNRofX

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwQ79CDvvT

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ypPCDTZvP

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84QZPLWZuK

Eleo took a deep breath.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA9J4UvXad

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfc8qr0kJC

Then, despite everything—

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYU51cxwiw

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dgrQHmGVU

He grinned.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpuVwFa4gF

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk2gDp6nkz

"Not even close."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSs15lMJzf

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kz4lXn0gq

Kuma raised a brow. "Oh?"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LhklhXHo6

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUkHcMwrTf

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq7LGDDKbK

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Kxz1txOIy

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwJvdOba2t

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4weTn56EHB

"…BUT…"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4P9r1kMZR

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt56edDrTm

Eleo puffed out his chest.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPzhucz117

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtel1kzYNnJ

"I REFUSE to stay weak!!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5jJDJjRxV

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHDoq086JP

The crowd went silent.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOexIvzvxA

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDu0L0LPSc

Kuma watched him for a long moment.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcdfxEj7M8

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsobojl2gV

Then—

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSfSZ5tqPk

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddwn4YdyT3

He laughed.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWwtUiJVF1

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53s0c2cIwO

A deep, hearty laugh that rumbled like thunder.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCboH1JnLw

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcF1AXCW97

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1F7TwYekU

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvmQviKCpG

"Good answer, boy."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtYMG8KeRO

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYZkJF51Mn

Eleo blinked. "Huh?"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4XrmV5O0Q

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPD2pc1qZX

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBE0LW4Fq2

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tMvXiMBqv

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaGrUNcgXP

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg0mMdF4zK

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7CWPfa2Hr

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMgHzBRvCI

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNDQ9j5I9C

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPqXFTXvhu

The crowd cheered.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uyp1bOpPS

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntndpBtotP

Eleo pumped his fist into the air.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxH33wuWJ7

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPWg1jREuj

"YEAH!!!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkj2IXGkz9

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2q0Xn1EXg

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HGNETBjmv

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2x738GAlp

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.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lqeC1Y022

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSZyNVq9j1

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡserF4ym0Wk

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl5YLfqg2k

"Alright, boy," Kuma finally said.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuXbxZmDak

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozzJnA67wA

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TuV8hkigK

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkXEofyWcb

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNwYyC7QLU

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrKqGKRoYu

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwqOzguHES

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NKUaq4klj

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOnoXu9Qnm

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl61JncnLii

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7St21E4Zg

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj24zH0vgNG

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeeNuMr3L2

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGcAv7n1oW

"Follow me," Kuma said, standing up.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3duJbKojMI

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreIGO6PQOU

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ns7FE2qds

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlKzGhiqCo

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa28UKatSUt

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqmQJMQtYl

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKYGAOs1Zo

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vPslOhvAO

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCwDiqyned

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxQ9uWuLZ2

Eleo's eyes lit up like fireworks.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZxwsIUwvH

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHQN67Acrz

"WHOA—WHAT IS THAT?!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6qgl5Lt0u

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV12ynaQ6x2

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa6NZkCiBW

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FVshsvG6K

Eleo snatched it immediately and…

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QpWmb5xR7

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgiQA7tW1T

Licked it.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUWV7q8zDQ

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJ8Y0APmTt

Kuma stared. The wind blew softly.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qJWhkFqxJ

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd6IMfXSqY

"…"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD0uo9xeNx

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNVF11rzOx

"…"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGPfMdVBAw

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9olUXOKGDM

"…Boy, what the hell are you doing?"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bRQvYBmzR

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUwb6wPNi5

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9LhQ23Lc5

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcqFO577BQ

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnXA1tZHCY

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzZh1OBDq2

Eleo blinked. "Oh."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJwZpguf86

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMsryralNx

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVUaRjSOEN

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2US6A5xcNq

Then—

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSC3pfzxn5

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0ZzPF7xLo

PAIN.

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAFkRCzoMb

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4g4aazxDa

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYSVceApjc

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSezoRfkJZF

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOLFth0s2U

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxOJ1tZDuk

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEAR2NMpno

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPw4lIpuQ6

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17CYwV63Bu

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcuVRaPIhZ

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMurgNPd94

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05yavTyjKo

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9k8RsKzd9

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2j1l11dW8

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhRlwaCT5B

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt87qzBUR7

Kuma nodded. "Yep."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47TuFvLmlS

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveGaAvFerN

"AND YOU DIDN'T WARN HIM?!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINUG6LGSdQ

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilRO0GNdbt

"…Nope."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMQ9VklDRX

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxmxYviDXB

"ARE YOU EVEN A RESPONSIBLE ADULT?!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNb4q29TeQ

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylRgtjg7KV

Kuma sipped his beer. "Nope."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCZYhCG0nS

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rY0VRkitL

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ29073TaO1

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALANF6lsqI

"I... I think I saw my ancestors..."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lhmg4es8V

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡra1FU36xNL

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwcV2QXPpr

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CcboHYaJU

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrukSaADdoC

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2xQ9dpe3z

"Nope."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgS1SUgi7N

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQeSRlUrqJ

"Super speed?"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9KWVs3ix8

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzgniM5Sna

"Nope."

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xq9eXJUa0

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrJBUcNgHu

"Heat vision?!"

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJft9PINSwU

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb92iLgIj61

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJraoWsdSxA

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwgvne4So5

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

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQSJieR9Xl

383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1J4LyM58x

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

ns216.73.216.121da2

Reading Theme:

Font Size:

Line Spacing:

Paragraph Spacing:

Load the next issue automatically