Chapter 9: Goro Bear

Goro Bear

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Adal went mad with preparation.

He heads for the large fishing pond where his fight is set to take place after issuing the challenge. He circles the place a dozen times looking from every angle imaginable. He forms an endless array of plans from all of those angles that can help him with the fight. He thought through innumerable scenarios of how the fight would go.

He is distinctively aware that plans rarely go as they should. If anything, the more complex the plan, the more likely it is to go awry. So it's typically better to keep the plan as simple as possible.

The problem there is that all the simple plans sounds like suicide.

So he is forced to think of a complex one and he does. Many, many complex ones. He doesn't know what will work and what won't, so he set traps and tries to remember all of them knowing he won't.

He practices his aim and knows exactly now that he's generally very accurate within about 20 feet. He also discovers to his surprise that he has a new technique. While practicing his aim at a tree, he accidentally trips over his feet a bit throwing off his focus and somehow changed the shape of his energy ball into one like a spear.

Adal immediately gets to work practicing a bit more and, within an hour, he could easily pull it off. He couldn't believe it. Three days of practice with no success and he is now able to do this with no problems. Could it be because he devoured Roccoco?

He didn't have a chance to use his powers since that attack. Practicing now, he notices that there is a faint glow that wasn't there before and the power is much greater. Could it be he is also now able to do this for the same reason? Could devouring just one Earth grade really make all that difference?

Regardless of why, he is ecstatic. He loves growing in strength either way, but this may also help him against Goro.

His normal energy ball is simply very explosive. The energy spear, however, is much faster and has greater piercing power. Whereas his ball simply causes a tree to explode, the spear actually pierces it first before exploding. The explosive force of the spear is much weaker, but that can actually work to his advantage if he wants to avoid killing people.

That is not the case here. Though he would love to devour Goro, he is more than happy to kill him. Most of his plans involve Goro dying from a 'surprise' attack that he manages to get through.

That defies the truth, though. That the true, ultimate way Adal thinks he can win is simple: Use his devour technique to kill him.

That has been the core of his plan all along. From all appearances and information, Goro is extraordinarily strong. Just knowing he is a Sky grade can easily tell Adal the same.

He has no idea exactly how strong a Sky grade is and whether he can overcome the difference at all, but he intends to try. Unfortunately, all of that will be based on prayer. The prayer that he can take on Goro at all.

However, his idea to use his devour ability is not prayer. He knows it will work on everybody, including those much stronger than him. He has seen it with his own eyes. However, in each case where he used it on someone stronger than him, he had to either incapacitate them first or endure a brief struggle with them.

Adal will not be able to endure a struggle with Goro, so incapacitation it is. That's…where things get a bit tricky.

Most of his ideas here involve using the large pond somehow and it was specifically why he wanted the fight to be held here. Most of his plans involve trying to get Goro close to if not right into the water. At least one of them has to work.

That's what he keeps telling himself anyway.

When he exhausts himself with all the planning and circling of the area, he hides far off and takes a rest eating some food. He tries not to think. When he does so, he gets so frightened that it's hard to breathe. Every now and then, a voice appears telling him to run far away into the safety of the wasteland where Goro can't find him.

Day turns into night. Far too quickly. Adal trains his eyes on the pond. Deep inside, he almost wishes that Goro doesn't show up. Then he can go back to the cave where Riva is waiting for him. There, perhaps she'll reveal a great new plan to him.

It doesn't happen. As soon as it becomes even slightly dark, Goro appears and walks to the side of the pond. He sits on a rock enjoying the view of the water and fish.

Adal continues waiting. He stares around the area justifying to himself that he must make sure Goro is alone. Inside, he knows the man is alone. Goro doesn't need help from anyone and the villagers wouldn't be stupid enough to show up to watch. He makes sure anyway.

When he couldn't do it anymore and it's really dark, he realizes it's time to go in.

He almost couldn't. He suddenly finds his feet refusing to move and his body feeling heavy. Clenching his teeth, Adal hits himself hard in the chest. It works. It hurts, but it works. It seems to drive a bit of courage into himself. Enough to make him move. Not too quickly, though.

Just as he nears the patiently waiting Goro, a realization strikes him. The man is sitting with his back turned to the forest where Adal is. He's not even on guard. This is an opportunity.

Slowing down even more, Adal takes pains to approach quietly. Then when he feels he can't go forward anymore – and he is decently close by that point – he quickly forms an energy spear and throws it. His heart nearly bursts with joy when it hits Goro dead center in the back where his heart is.

The spear explodes kicking up dirt. When the air clears, there is a visible hole in Goro's clothes where the spear hits, but Goro's flesh is not pierced. He is completely unharmed. The smile drops from Adal's face.

"You certainly took your time. Were you scouting or waiting to see if I was alone? Have the conditions of our match met with your standards?"

Goro's mocking voice makes Adal's heart skip a beat with each lilt. He slowly stands up and turns around completely unconcerned. Adal's breathing quickens.

"Are you ready?"

Adal didn't bother to answer. He immediately rapid fire energy balls at Goro. The area turns into a large dust storm as dirt is kicked up from the explosions. A vague idea that this is a good thing passes through his mind. That he could use the dust from the explosions to hide and maneuver.

Suddenly, there is a loud explosion from within the dust that blows everything backwards and knocks Adal off his feet landing painfully on his butt. When he gathers his bearing, he sees Goro standing with his hands clapped together. Did he actually create an explosion that blew away the dust just by clapping his hands?

"Well, that was mildly interesting, but, boy, I've seen that technique already." A nauseous feeling appears in Adal's stomach. "Let me have a turn now."

Goro forms the enormous fireball he used during the tournament and throws it. It lands just a bit in front of Adal and explodes with a flash so bright it lights up the entire area blinding him. The ensuing explosion rocks him backwards slamming him against flying trees and debris.

He braces for a terrible landing, but is surprised to feel a hand grab him in a painful choke keeping him in the air. When his vision clears, he looks down at the smirking face of Goro with wide eyes.

"You've never really seen me fight before, have you? Did you think I was just a one trick pony that can only throw giant fireballs?" He laughs. "That is my main technique, yes, but I could do a few other things too. Want to see?"

Goro tosses Adal forward with incredible force. A tree smashes apart from the impact of Adal's back hitting it and he swears he feels something broke in his sides and chest. Breathing becomes really hard. He can feel blood seeping out of his mouth.

He wanted to get up and really tried to, but he couldn't. Goro leisurely walks up and picks Adal up by the neck again.

"Here's a lesson, boy. Your grade just doesn't determine the strength of your magic, but your physical abilities too. There is an enormous difference between an Earth grade and Sky grade. Don't think I'm like Roccoco."

He releases Adal and immediately punches him in the stomach sending Adal flying again into some trees. His abs feels like they're only fire and Adal vomits a mix of stomach contents and blood that ends up on the side of his face.

Looking through the blur of his vision, he sees that they're actually getting further from the pond. He has to get Goro in that direction. If he doesn't, it's the end of him.

Mustering what strength he could, he pushes himself up. Goro watches in amusement. Adal pointedly lifts his palm and forms an energy ball. There's a problem, though. He's having trouble keeping his hand straight. It keeps wavering.

"You look like you have some aiming trouble. Let me help."

An eye blink later and Goro is right in front of him. Adal hisses. That speed!

"Is that better? Please. Give it your best shot."

Everything inside of Adal is screaming to kill Goro. He happily obliges. He lifts his palm until it's aiming directly at Goro's face then sends the energy all forward. There is a large explosion that actually even hurts Adal due to the proximity. His palm stings painfully and some of his fingers feel numb.

Goro…Goro didn't even move. When the explosion clears, he is staring at Adal in amusement.

"I don't understand." Desperation and panic seeps into Adal's voice. "How are you this strong? If you were always like this, how did I manage to escape you the first time?"

"Hmph. Did you think it was due to your power or my lack thereof? Fool. I attacked you in…a poor location. I was distracted by the damage I caused around and I had some concern I may have hurt my own family. My distraction was what allowed you to get away. Had that area been clear, you would have never gotten away to begin with."

So that's it. He wasn't fast or that Goro lacked the ability to get him. It was purely because Goro got distracted by the unexpected damage he caused from the sheer strength of his attack. Unbelievable.

He has to delay. Just until he gets some strength back. Just until he gets an idea.

"That…that means I made a mistake in challenging you here? I should have set the location in town?"

Goro cocks his head. "Perhaps. I certainly wouldn't have been able to use my magic. I have no way of controlling its destructive power. The explosive force alone might be too close for even me to stay still. Nonetheless, I think I made it abundantly clear I don't need any of that to beat you, didn't I?"

Explosive force from his attacks…that's it. That's it! Adal has an idea! A real idea!

He forms two energy balls, but tosses it to the side hitting two trees. They begin falling towards Goro. The man simply extended both hands and pushes against them sending the trees in the other direction. As he does that, Adal forms another two balls and crushes Goro's head in-between them.

There is an explosion, but Adal isn't fool enough to think that would hurt Goro at all. Instead, it's a decoy. While the man's sight is temporarily blocked, he runs off into the forest and hides.

Seconds later, a voice calls out. "Hiding, are we? Is this a plan of yours? Or did I ruin all of those and this is desperation?"

Adal hated him for that. Goro is overwhelmingly strong and he knows it. He is envious of the man's strength and wants it for himself. Simultaneously, he knows there is no real way to take it. Right now, he just wants the man dead.

"Alright, I'll get you out."

Fear rises inside Adal. A moment later, an explosion rocked the area blowing away the trees, including the one he is hiding behind. Goro clapped his hands again! Rather than try to resist, Adal allowed the force to take him with it. He lands on his stomach and several trees land atop of him. He nearly passes out, but forces himself to remain awake by biting his tongue. He listens.

"Huh. Not bad. I still can't find you. Either you made it some distance or you're hiding under these trees. I have a way to find out."

The area lights up and Adal can feel an overwhelming heat. This is it! He forcefully pulls himself out of the wood rubble and sees Goro forming another giant fireball. He circles around catching Goro's attention and jumps in front of the man. He glances at the pond behind Goro and puffs his chest defiantly.

"Give it your best shot!"

Goro grimly smiles. "As you wish."

Just as he cocks his arm to launch the fireball, Adal runs forward surprising him. He jumps and clutches Goro's chest making his face twist in rage. Adal forms an energy ball then he throws the energy ball at Goro's fireball while shutting his eyes tight. The explosion deafens him and throws both of them high into the air and in the opposite direction of the fireball. Adal continues clutching onto Goro.

Minutes later, Adal feels a splash. They're both in the water.

That is when he opens his eyes. There is a really bright light above that pierces through the water brightening everything. Adal is still holding onto Goro who is glaring straight at him but he isn't struggling to force him off. That's good because Adal doesn't think he has the strength to fight back. He can't even get over the ringing in his ears and the burning pain on his body.

Instead, Goro begins forming another fireball. Right in the water. The water is literally boiling around them.

Realizing his final plan is about to go awry in the worst way, Adal holds onto Goro tightly and begins devouring. A few seconds later, an explosion lights up under the water.

Adal lets out a scream at the burning pain even as he feels the sensation of being thrown again. The water around him seem to disappear in an instant turning into scorching steam but he manages to fly out of that hell and brace himself just as he slams into the ground.

To his own surprise, he finds he is able to get up again. Every single part of his body hurts with an incredible burn and he can feel swelling everywhere, but he also feels incredibly energetic. He looks at his body noticing his wounds are healing.

The energy he devoured from Goro is already taking effect. He has more energy and he can resist longer. The pain he's feeling right now is tremendous. Most of his body is dark red and there are heat bubbles all over. The parts that aren't a cauterized open wound are peeling off to reveal meat, tendon, and bone. He is a walking bag of gore. As painful and bad as it looks, he would probably be in even worse shape, or possibly even dead, if he hadn't gotten some energy from Goro.

Hearing coughing, he turns to see something unbelievable.

First, the giant pond is completely empty. Goro's attack literally evaporated the entire pond! He laughs a little madly to himself. He is reminded of Riva saying that Goro can probably turn a tub of water into steam. Wait until she learns he did it to an entire pond!

The second thing he noticed is even more unbelievable. Goro is actually injured! There is blood spilling down his forehead and there are patches of blood showing on his clothes too. When the man collected himself and looks at his body, he seems equally as baffled as Adal at his own injuries scowling hard.

Honestly, the fact that he is even alive is amazing. Adal had been devouring him for several seconds before he initiated his attack. Most other men he did that to would be completely dead by that point. Goro looks like he doesn't notice any difference.

What a man! What a man!

Adal finds a bit of hope growing in him. For the first time since the fight began, something is going his way. Not only did he manage to injure Goro, but he has a new idea. He can chip away at Goro's power while staying alive through it. It's basically the only way he has of beating the other man at all.

"Lord Goro!" He shouts. "Prepare yourself!"

The man puts up a guard as Adal begin rapid firing energy balls. A surprise look comes onto his face when he finds himself being pushed backwards by the explosive force of the balls. Switching tactics, Goro slaps several balls away, then rushes forward.

Without even a chance to think of dodging, Adal is grabbed by the neck again. Goro drags him along the ground making the friction tear at his skin. Adal lets out gasps of pain.

"I have no idea why your attacks suddenly seem stronger." Goro growls. "But don't think for a moment that you are a match for me."

Goro throws him forward. Adal continues skids against the ground painfully until the friction stops him. By that point, a big part of his skins is hanging off him. He looks up just in time to see Goro jump into the air with the intention of stomping down on him.

Adal quickly forms an energy spear and holds it against his side with tip facing up. Goro maneuvers in the air and lands on all four above Adal managing to stop himself from contact with the tip. Sweat is pouring down his face giving away his struggle. Adal grins and slams the spear upwards. It pierces Goro's side eliciting a pained gasps before the spear explodes taking a chunk of his side with it.

Taking this rare opportunity, Adal wraps himself around Goro and begins devouring again. He doesn't get more than a few precious seconds in before Goro's elbow slams into his back and he is forcefully pulled away.

"You damn brat!" Goro throws him into a tree breaking to pieces. "You're actually injuring me. How? How are you doing this?"

Adal pushes himself up using the energy he stole from Goro. He coughs out several wads of blood then grins.

"I'm a lucky moron. Against anyone else, I think you would have had no problems killing them. Hell, in most cases, you would have killed me instantly. Today, though, I got lucky."

"No." Goro seethes. "I got arrogant. I gave you too many chances today. No more."

Goro rushes forward and punches Adal in the stomach lifting him in the air then kicks him several feet away. He tries to stomp him again, but Adal rolls to the side and jumps at Goro. The man is fully on guard, though. Before Adal can grab him, he slaps the younger boy away.

Adal pushes himself up and rapid fires energy balls again. Goro responds with a swift swat of the arm that dissipates the closer balls while detonating the ones further away. A moment later, his figure races through the cloud of dust kicked up by the explosions and he launches a furious physical assault against Adal punching, kicking, elbowing. Adal feels several bones breaking. He actually has to use an energy ball just to force Goro away and give him breathing space.

This isn't working. Goro is fully on guard now. He is still too strong. He needs to be faster. This will require a horrible idea.

Adal readies himself and rushes towards Goro. A short distance away, he forms two energy balls and hits himself in the back with them. Goro drops his guard slightly from the shock of seeing it. The force of the explosion on his own back tears it up worse but it achieves what he wanted. He flies towards Goro at an incredible speed.

He slams into the man and immediately latches on. Then he surprises Goro again by grabbing a thick tree branch and stabs it into Goro's back using an energy ball to propel the branch forward with greater speed.

The branch disintegrates upon impact with Goro's back and the flying splinters actually hurts Adal more than it does Goro but it nonetheless helps in disorienting the man with surprise.

"You harmed yourself." Goro snarls. "Desperate, are we?"

"Too desperate."

He maintains a tight grip on Goro and begins devouring. Hands are immediately pushing against his head trying to get him off. For the first time, though, Adal's begins to overpower Goro. With every second, Adal devours more of him and Goro loses strength while Adal gains strength. That balance s finally tipping in Adal's favor.

Changing tactics, Goro slashes down on Adal's arms eliciting a scream and breaking his grip, then he rapid punches Adal. When he manages to get some distance in-between them, he claps his hand. The force is enough to throw Adal away, though Goro lacked leverage and is losing power. He lands on his feet.

Goro breathes heavily. He is sweating and bleeding all over. His injuries have gotten bad. He looks up glaring at Adal.

"You…have some kind of technique that drains my power and add it to your own. That is why you're getting stronger while I'm getting weaker. Is that how you've been surviving all these years? Is that how you tested as a Common grade yet somehow became strong enough to beat Roccoco?"

"Yeah. That's how I did it. I call it devouring. It helped me become stronger all these years. Every time I devour person, it makes me stronger."

He didn't see a point in hiding it now. After all, either he or Goro is going to die here, so it wouldn't matter afterwards. He finds that it feels really good to tell the truth for once. To let someone else in on the secret of his power.

As if saying it out loud makes them acknowledge him as who he is. No more hiding, no more half truths.

"That also explains the state we found Roccoco's body in." Goro continues. "None of us could explain why his corpse looked like that. Why his insides were so dried out as if everything inside of him had been sucked out."

He nods. "Yes, that's what happens to a body when I finish devouring."

"What an amazing power."

"You don't think it's demonic?"

Goro snorts. "I only care about what it can do for me and my family. An ability to increase one's power continuously is an unmatchable treasure. Most of us tend to be stuck with what we're born with, boy."

Adal smiles. "I agree."

"Then let us finish this. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I will not last against you if this keeps up." Goro gives him a solemn look. "Boy…Adal, maybe in another life, we could have been fellow relatives. Now, though, I'm going to kill you."

He immediately goes on guard at those words. Goro jumps several meters away and begins forming another giant fireball. Then he forms another. And another. Adal's eyes widen in horror.

"I'm borrowing your techniques. You like spamming these types of attacks, don't you?"

"You can't! It'll hurt you too!"

"Did you forget? I'm a fire type. I don't feel heat."

Adal wanted to take cover but there is none. Their battle so far has wrecked a wide part of the area. At the last moment, he blasts a hole in the ground and dives in.

It is useless. The first fireball levels the ground and sends him flying. Right into another fireball that explodes. Adal is thrown against the ground only to shortly get hit by another fireball. The very nerves in his body fry and his body is like a giant vat of pure pain. Everything hurt. Even the wind of the explosions against his body hurt.

Desperate again, he starts throwing energy balls hoping to detonate Goro's fireballs far away enough to avoid some of the heat. The deafening explosions and constant blinding lights obscure his senses, but notices the aim of the fireballs are getting erratic.

It takes him a while, but he slowly gets it. Goro didn't tell him the whole truth. Yes, he is impervious to the intense heat of his own attacks, but not to the explosions. When Adal detonates the fireball early like that, it catches Goro too. When he did it before, it wasn't a problem because Goro was so strong that he could just shrug it off. As his strength diminishes during the fight, though, it's affecting him more and more.

Realizing this, Adal begins tossing balls in what he thinks is Goro's location. Soon, he begins to see openings in the mass of fireballs and light. As soon as he sees an opening, he switches to throwing spears which moves faster. When there are no more openings, he throws balls again until he gets some.

He doesn't even know how long the two of them have been fighting now. He is beginning to feel his stamina severely wear out, though. Moreso now that he hasn't had time to devour Goro for a while.

Adal switches tactics knowing he has little time left. He can't wait for openings anymore. Every time he detonates a fireball and gets blinded or blocked by the large fiery explosion, he just randomly throws energy spears in the direction of where it came from in the hopes that he manages to hit Goro.

It's risky. There's a delay. Other fireballs get closer as he loses time throwing spears towards places he can't see.

Then something happens. Just as he feels as if he is going to be cooked alive by all the fireballs, they suddenly stopped coming. Adal breathes hard looking quickly around him, but there is nothing. Goro is nowhere to be seen.

For a moment, he feared that Goro has hid himself to prepare a sneak attack while he was busy fending off the fireballs but as the ringing in his ears stop, he hears coughing in the distance.

Walking slowly over – he had to because walking hurt like hell – he discovers Goro lying on the ground with several spear wounds. So Adal had been hitting him. Goro has just been withstanding the attacks for the most part.

"I…managed to take you down?" Adal asks disbelievingly. "I did it?"

Goro chuckles. "I made a terrible mistake. A rookie mistake."

"What?"

"I forgot that there is a limit to my stamina. It's been years since I ever hit that limit or even came close. Today, though, I used it endlessly. For speed, for power. To throw fireballs at you. To withstand pain. Defend against your attacks. I used more energy than my entire household combined."

"And to make it worse, I had lost a good amount to you too." He coughs some blood. "In the middle of creating fireballs to throw at you, I suddenly feel my knees go weak and my sight dim. Then I fell and couldn't get back up. Now my injuries are suddenly feeling worse and worse. Even if you leave now, I'm not going to make it."

"Is that so?"

"Are you happy? You beat a Sky grade."

"I'm a little disappointed." Adal admits. "I had imagined a lot of different ways this could go. Most of my thoughts were dispelled within minutes of our fight. Even a little bit ago, I had thought the only way I could beat you is if I got a lucky spear shot before I burned to death. That's what I thought stopped the attacks."

"Then I come here and find out what really did it is that you ran out of energy."

"And that disappoints you?"

"Yeah…I didn't beat you. Not really. I just outlasted you. It's disappointing. It's a disappointing end to this monumental fight."

Goro thinks it over, then laughs chokingly. "You're right. It is disappointing. How funny."

He laughs a bit more, then it dies away as Goro's breathing slows. Adal feels guilty about it somehow, but he can't let this supreme opportunity pass. He places a hand on Goro's chest and begins devouring.

In the wastelands, Riva, Sko, and Bluflow sit inside. Sko's and Bluflow's hands are tied but Riva is gracious enough to keep their legs untied.

They had been sitting in the front of the cave watching the forest earlier. It was impossible to ignore. Every now and then, there would be a ringing explosion and the sky would brighten so much that it almost like one area of the world became day while the rest stayed night.

All of them had attended the annual village competitions before. Bluflow has also been fortunate enough to attend inter-village competitions where Sky grade warriors can sometimes be seen fighting. However, this level of fight was something else entirely. None of them has ever seen a fight quite like that.

Eventually, they stopped seeing lights and hearing explosions, though, so Riva rounded them back inside. There, they wait.

"That…was a really long fight." Sko says. "That means Adal gave Lord Goro trouble."

Bluflow is too surprised to chastise Sko like she normally would. She even ends up agreeing.

"Yes, that's true. I thought the fool would get annihilated within seconds, but that fight went on for what must have been an hour. Was he actually that strong?"

Sko shakes her head. "I don't think so. He couldn't be. I heard that Lord Roccoco almost beat him. If he was really strong enough to take on Lord Goro, surely Lord Roccoco wouldn't be a match for him?"

"It doesn't make sense to me either." Riva interjects. "I would have sworn Adal isn't this strong, but he must have been doing well against Goro."

That riles Bluflow. "Nonsense. There's a difference between fighting and running. Adal did badly against Roccoco because he fought him head-on. He probably lasted so long against my dad because he ran the whole time."

"Ridiculous."

"Is it? We can all agree that my father is much stronger than my cousin Roccoco, no?" Riva nods. "And we can all agree Roccoco is a match against Adal, no?" Riva and Sko nods. "And lastly, we can all agree that my father is much stronger than Roccoco, no?" A last nod. "Then the only logical conclusion is that Adal didn't fight the same way. There's no way he could match against my father head-on, so he must have used subterfuge or some kind of trickery."

Riva hate to admit it, but it makes sense to her. How else could have lasted so long against Goro?

Something occurs to her. "Wait, did you just say that Adal is equal to your cousin, a Bear family member?"

Bluflow is embarrassed, but is forced to concede. "I want to deny it…but I can't. He seriously injured Roccoco twice and even killed him. If anything, Adal is stronger than Roccoco."

Sko pales at the words.

"Huh. Some of you Bears do have sense, after all." Riva says. "I would have though you'd try and deny it."

"Shouldn't you be running right now?" Sko says glaring. "You're wasting time."

Riva looks as if she's about to yell, then she pales herself. "You're saying Adal is dead."

"Isn't he? The fight seems like it's over. There's no way Adal won against Lord Goro, so he must be dead right now."

She is unsure. The problem here is that they didn't really create a signal to indicate if Adal won or lost. Just if she would have to kill Bluflow. Sko's logic makes sense, but she just isn't sure what to do.

Moments later, she gets an answer. Adal limps into the cave. Sko and Bluflow let out sharp screams and scuttle backwards. Riva lost control of her senses – and almost her bowels – but gets it together and helps Adal to lie down.

She looks over his body for wounds and is utterly baffled to find none at all. He seems completely unharmed despite all logic saying otherwise. If anything, his limp is from exhaustion rather than any actual injuries.

"Adal? Adal, can you hear me? Say something."

His eyes are glazed over. She tries again.

"Adal, please. Just tell me you're alright."

"Riva…"

"Yes, it's me, Riva. What is it?"

He grins. "I want to be as strong as Goro someday."