Ken wasn't feeling much better despite his S grade stamina. He could feel his legs trembling as if they were jelly, however he persisted.
"I-I told you it wouldn't be easy." He placed his hands on his hips and stared out into the horizon, trying to look as if he wasn't struggling himself.
However, Hiroki saw straight through it.
"Bah, just tell the truth. You're trying to make me quit."
Ken shook his head vehemently.
"Do you think I'd be doing this crap with you if I wanted you to quit?"
"Ah."
Hiroki suddenly saw the flaw in his words and felt a little embarrassed. At least until his leg began to cramp up, causing him to roll in pain on the ground.
"H-Hiroki!"
Thus ended the first day of Hiroki's special training, only hours after completing their first friendly match.