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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXytwtOzXZ

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuShTzxBDL6

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0wQ52coFW

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQ58fdlDhZ

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3rJYKdg54

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sAJANmkdR

"Hello, hello there, viewers~"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQLyeOF9Vz

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNObgedIqF5

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97d9JUYIwG

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScxYgynKu3

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXDERWNXlh

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzzrD8Jfot

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgkuYz61SN

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVcca3rDAp

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q3AtHcqb9

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DLs5IpAdf

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgJRPPyOaC

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIggWzOxuuD

"I am the strongest man alive."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jxTaTgjSa

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0nMkvtZfQ

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmAXTLGovh

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl32oNVKwfn

"And I want to be beaten."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wto8JaVpW

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCBD8XeFJL

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl6ELDIurc

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7uUTdP6wf

"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."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ2Z5gmG5J

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYGMm42vN5

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPaxIZa4C0

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ686HvB22hK

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nUNQtDhfd

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKpD7iaEbe

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRn1ho2vNL

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZYgVu3lbP

"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."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ROq7C7CWq

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iEWYHhXJA

A stunned silence filled the village.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Wx0lMNHaf

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCBniaxU0E

Then—an uproar.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxYkdlGzaD

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKyzeaWs3Q

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlof7M8MpM

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJCfUVnTGV

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetIenNOw2A

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmOLKPpzb1

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglo0K5DHbC

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6ryyEEz59

"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?"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHy8GQeUQ0

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFs6f1XiHT

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoi8UDw3LyZ

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBZIF8ps6f

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp6CNs2jEr

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmFrZdGqQo

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTigBwDY91

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhgDSlOHmK

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMMsXiDCYv

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6vaVoKEcR

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZUzKNM14A

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFV55F4dSB

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!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLpEwERu0s

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg1xJ6ccm6

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxV79rbTLS

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN6qMkBrzn

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehUtRswHB3

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfhYriI4lX

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrGkzxD6wN

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH1vdfKb5j

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH4CFc1aaz

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5nelRuU8A

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—

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0k6MO5pvF

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoNnCOSKH6

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPAXfKuhKW

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd9JEqDyLf

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lIbxBkYc6

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRunvJahkRN

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQSUUxDqz1

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuKI17YL0o

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?!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwW9dT9EJWM

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTFvVnbDtK

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0TQyv1iMC

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i1xcXaqlm

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvWNcYoJpr

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBgcsdvWKv

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb0Us0Ah6t

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJk03VhM5I

WHAM!

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOz0WuDySG

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqFOz0dZBV

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkxBfnflpy

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUebR9TQ1gf

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY7xYCLCHe

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJVkvIDosI

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl9yg7H1HK

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIKeBWcBqb

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHi7tp5V24

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDop4QYiFnm

WHAM!

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjqA0zeW7T

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ632PPftP58

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllZn5UgCAI

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfcxGHO6XU

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyvAD8e9la

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv1EDSb9rJ

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxZF50UM9d

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEZZzNs62d

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLCRw7eYIy

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cCSzcWMKI

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFWMm8OSHf

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEUWnwS4PJ

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?"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGgUY6DhiU

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkesIm8h1at

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjkkCJd7Vy

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfwh865qLd

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ3vrn99de

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigUK0RO7jI

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwhE8hhL1A

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t79q828Pz

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ek2oTwXUF

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwZbNTm3MC

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4qizd8r4w

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnAAHzzIj5

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!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FHCw9p0ni

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrZZQGk5c9

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—"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxXxsjKFoQ

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQAPB8OU1c

WHAM!

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLwAcXzFT1

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwopkq8WSB

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlZN28VAyJ

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNCq745L7s

Eleo groaned. "Whyyy…?"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KIZILwsI3

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6OvRAdkCL

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3liX8AhlG

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LG4BXiIMu

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAlNuQxT1x

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMzvpYEifo

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q2lAVjXU5

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z93xSzJ3y

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrd28Ab7Cw

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rMT44aYea

BAM!

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTzDnVbDDS

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99cTXdvy7V

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7LgoIhnoc

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi4bBdAHjs

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RdgwS2sfu

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNkeVrDcuR

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQrafXxMdM

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTyTyIyRXc

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaJ0OxsAj1

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4Mo9UUX4q

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70thdcxNXT

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUwnfEk8Sj

"GRANDPA WAKE-UP ATTACK!!!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPo46AR70r

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mxWSOzW7h

THUMP!

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VTGua95vw

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1DOwHT30b

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs4lfczadN

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHpfHrVUTw

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY6d4xyUzs

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs6WbMEMQ4

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."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInAXZrxrAg

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8OT1R0xRN

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0GoaJA73I

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnDkLj6yKH

The Morning Routine – A Warrior's Start

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T05RCdYjr

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs3RWmRjQX

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysjMbrYFpy

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAli6s0oOb

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJQI6VvvzL

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0n4ZQvcWms

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDmbPQBT6x

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsygFR052b

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BLoLmTSTn

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xvpC8RAdb

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N51km0YUn

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO77dDWlNKG

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pVggIX3CD

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhu47EOeXm

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkYeURGULK

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy6nicg8Mv

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUJ7TrqBd6

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9g407t6xA

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcus2K6nVQE

Eleo grinned wide. "OKAY!!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ITojoodWw

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VShdC7lzA

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuirhgPODYF

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NsIN9DPif

WHOOSH!

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Qlbr42o2p

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLilfdsYdv2

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6adRoKGII

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNkAr2ADBy

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WKvggGRn9

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecaBzO4kUL

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xBJifUVPA

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMEINj6INZ

And just like that—he blasted off.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f2W3oPMEN

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAm3OT1qxwz

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbUuccILIB

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoxkAVCEbq

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqkjmLSkrT

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCga5RuoHqa

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzcUNVk4kQ

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQcaURb5Il

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RuBRIlcaz

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyoqbnSEA6

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjtFCIxvRl

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JzhuvNuds

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcPHz46al2

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh0PIhYmB9

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbVBw5sbdi

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡro27F7flOi

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVH6MrQL1n

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EbtEyLKx1

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAUykliAj9

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfqlwm7F73

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBJBVL7YsU

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSbwcyhcQN

Kuma chuckled. "That's right."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GsMijj3uO

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkMi4RpaHy

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtvtKwCLBH

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpO6hBdd2A

The entire bar went dead silent.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO2Ja68Uyh

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofRzXQXqjh

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oTUKB1czI

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEwhHvbCcH

Abby's eye twitched.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblSmhSGuCc

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfykNdb1U0M

SNATCH!

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjsOWqehHn

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGGy60AJXU

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2plvJMSqSr

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtY7Lyb6oE

"YOU WANNA SAY THAT AGAIN, PUNK?!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpDywGuKCz

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6LrF5Gqip

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mgi2fP8NP

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2dOUZ57pb

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnMIszVjdv

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz05tqeQ5DS

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJ0MG6OUWm

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7SiholAN3

Kuma chuckled. "Mhm."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtefp2paWev

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e1RAF8ncZ

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMQCBX7FNn

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BbsbP53cO

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSTJKL20Lv

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz2ai9SMCA

The bar erupted in laughter.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuyF3GmRJ7

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmlYaAn04a

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt5E6izPh5

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuhwRNTJzZ

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTUazx93RC

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeX6B1YQ9Sc

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV5ComO2M0

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMea4eihsl

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN9lnXXyIS

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDX8eCZl0p

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01k9SCAQQa

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxBSLAydz0

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoYtpmn04p

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fOEHxwY15

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXmRexGJSd

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneUfZ6380F

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJkdy1Mmuq

And with that, everyone headed twords the woods.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5N2DLgoX5

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dRTBpxAHl

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMzocOaeLq

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbz9NYI4id

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWOt64cPPT

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEd8P5NLce

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0JAWsCUXw

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYcpRP9784

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡata89lShhH

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdz6Ywx9eQx

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31GKFEonOT

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCptlpfSdRA

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7OdkMb2SG

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlamB2l7c06

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6Ipjprd2v

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs389g4EVM

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jSaTGcXg9

The crowd went silent. The tension was thick.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxWMD61oXZ

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFuE4MQqJM

Then—

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtxbiM3KNe

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK7qmIDDT9

"BEGIN!" someone shouted.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhYSWEhidR

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAkyKLANST

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OcdTmBclU

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsKfcXNbpR

Kuma?

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlzq013Ugb

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gDqBRfTJi

He yawned and scratched his belly.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZmhrWmFCQ

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKh9Y6mVpSL

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIBIeqxXdu

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylzpaIXHNN

Thud.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQz9eOcZ9G

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxEpctpcGW

His fist connected.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsus7TfUyk

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B4InX1WWe

With a soft boop noise.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFzaZ8cVbO

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpZhHkS3te

Like he had just punched a pillow.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgsGTGF9Yu

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoS0V0ocud

Eleo blinked. His ears twitched. He looked up.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDuageUE9L

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLUdDGXQmO

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTY1PGWY3I

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUTPWlXPWd

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ219lsySzmq

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFibzcGirbB

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5dsL8QoJa

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kWrGThghB

The crowd burst into laughter.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kP1moOLoD

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIJDYNvaUL

Kuma smirked and finally moved.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YD5KObwKm

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDdLvZKLC2

BAM.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBSpHUuXjR

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQsObwSk7d

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZayRpJ4d3

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp2O5RGumF

"GAH—"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS9vqXaUPh

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRK5fCLzV9J

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXkI8VVN6s

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkclutNQs7

Kuma had moved so fast for such a big guy.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQewM598PSh

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AM3ueBVCn

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmNuBd9Y8o

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxXP6Goqbx

Abby facepalmed. "EVERYONE KNEW, ELEO!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTIF695M0U

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h80gwAIQ6

Kuma stood up slowly, dusting himself off.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXbo27CVaR

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRFHO4dgk0

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6TL8evH63

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHieA7O9pJr

Eleo's ears stood straight up.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPowRCIYjzy

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIkn2Xu2My

"Oh, crap—"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8agnhgVRs

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1RSdyVOZv

WHOOSH.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2eoWcLMND

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwWsEPEGfW

Kuma vanished from his spot.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLbjm8XjPP

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwagZNEOmX

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xog4Hfy6s

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkpSqsT8rs

BAM.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARspmQzWcI

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYCoJmQjNS

Kuma lightly chopped Eleo on top of the head.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5mr5qzvJR

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOchpDuZRR

"OWWWW!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtHMxg8NPL

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbplNT20khk

Eleo face-planted into the dirt.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hjn7B82qy

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZHVlj0j0K

The crowd howled with laughter.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBlFMBRAei

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4XPiIVdwe

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl5pncWGxN

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYhaiGkZbO

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3sy3rnJMx

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JHRa9gKwQ

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyCZ6QK2G0

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSKNdwDkia

Eleo gritted his teeth.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22picBn1FE

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGdmU524xp

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0s9engmkTu

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeGeJ9GLQn

Left. Right. Left. Right.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzJaCgdJMK

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH9AieZ3KX

Every punch—dodged.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru1tOqZN5V

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYg0jWdk3Yw

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwI7mbPMUY

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xpfK4FTtg

The crowd gasped.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMrDww466E

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu7mx0WgMa

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpckfHC4QtZ

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRnJkNwcwC

Eleo growled in frustration.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡro1zHd8fuo

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDw6Fwb7eM

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAFbplixtW

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PKfxBXfBB

Kuma smirked. "Alright."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yCcd9LAye

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9142krhPRp

Eleo's ears twitched. "Huh?"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8caPVfTw3

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1HaPEdIVa

Before he could react—

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCowD2nzQd0

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgY91g3TDw

WHAM.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCD3meneKO

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxLJpxv0V3

Kuma backhanded Eleo across the clearing.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBnyUYKozq

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgdtLp8eAO

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bxrL84aSS

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl2w4D71gH

The crowd cheered and laughed.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKjcLVcbXh

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMDILgaaUa

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3z8wX9WOc

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx83IIOStVD

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOI0U3ZvSS

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40WN68x1na

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ42xRVzoL

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKkjIGCrz5

His legs wobbled.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpD5gZOI8z

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQeobaSxpo

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7pBdX65IN

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o4YdPSBjH

Eleo took a deep breath.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfRa8VOcYP

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nHhTDBXhb

Then, despite everything—

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEofkmu4tlt

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr4qOwb1aL

He grinned.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkphsVwWZvU

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAK28bLQKN7

"Not even close."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglTD7sn3Qq

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yvHAdPdVv

Kuma raised a brow. "Oh?"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNUdmVl6uw

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNkiSCNCw0

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyihtht9qt

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzTZRWpHBz

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGyBsyHqD4

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJXt2vjBCx

"…BUT…"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM54BG9HKU

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTplDQ4eOYw

Eleo puffed out his chest.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMVhuDkq7F

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqPUM3cbBf

"I REFUSE to stay weak!!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvDcvEW2hj

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡke1n2aV0Tf

The crowd went silent.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SpZGmh98L

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRTyIODBW9

Kuma watched him for a long moment.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hUWwDJW39

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwfKirhGEm

Then—

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTQJfBmXHb

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hLBvYFPwv

He laughed.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc8f2JkPba

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ExURjzzxz

A deep, hearty laugh that rumbled like thunder.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NwdrvDQrD

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN30xJCe28V

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTUDdWHIsc

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGpbeuYJ0l

"Good answer, boy."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWXj7cBUNK

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeayox8WxX

Eleo blinked. "Huh?"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6gzANMM6H

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1P9Lc3YHF

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOCFbPbFkM

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhewOVmNTz

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LtP9ZvDzc

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQTmgtcZOV

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUwVkN6yLb

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I2rKK5Ezx

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD6eBLolEX

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SaDMMqVne

The crowd cheered.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKpyp1qzJ6

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPePd5QHYcJ

Eleo pumped his fist into the air.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6eqntCgJJ

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjT0zki4rAe

"YEAH!!!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGrkYMCQpB

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIxuD8gDTS

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXP5XYiQs7

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIW83oeSGd

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.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsklSr4aaT

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMGhNuyGyp

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFloSS2lYH

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhOeTEVLUX

"Alright, boy," Kuma finally said.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodOw6EU7O9

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r0IfmMCnC

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOyptm6X75

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavnsHmLq4M

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7cG6KXhzY

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAlMjBR95D

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpsAbzRDmn

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhqCjUpBLh

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0tuIdaxUG

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6XOfLrXW8

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPzt5FPP8X

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUR1nwqVSi

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3NanUISLB

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX1hli6JFX

"Follow me," Kuma said, standing up.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUL2NrPa1zH

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0jX6lRLjE

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3xyS63GMH

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErVNAe2Py6

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW6mL6hB4y

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbfKOtSAM4

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0zSalnNJV

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNGwpl04cF

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytHsp1rS0F

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOL1mad9JP

Eleo's eyes lit up like fireworks.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBndcA0G3r

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JVdVwffj4

"WHOA—WHAT IS THAT?!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AITbzRBVL

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUCRDFed92

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IAkjhZUkm

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVLkGE5B4y

Eleo snatched it immediately and…

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHPMhh1JCl

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdT7TzsfQVy

Licked it.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodEUjdW8ku

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvocFLYJrp9

Kuma stared. The wind blew softly.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGaz2tR8Yf

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpYLuHKHxw

"…"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGbPEVvQkr

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG7lNYWFOM

"…"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9f2ijpKtW

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHy8br3YnSx

"…Boy, what the hell are you doing?"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme3eQ9Bi3B

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviHvBseVWI

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojYzBFU8UN

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq1HKqPokc

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcpHPTRU74

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1QIvxdkBe

Eleo blinked. "Oh."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7N3hs7OzY

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYKyNpFpKm

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3TtO7x9Qw

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ364Wsthm8r

Then—

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb4aSgQS69

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7UCKq5eN6

PAIN.

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzEbK0xuQv

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MOryMTbzs

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCCiAQAbVz

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEst29nU2b

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpKsA0qVsT

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzsOi7G5sX

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenHsGLkPOW

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVYj67baVP

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEIKoJk4W8

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1pWAIg3Bi

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcXPYIwALp

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u6ZcL72Ps

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDkYlqg2VV

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6at76Ibn92

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSmrLqRQKv

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnaOBeLDEz

Kuma nodded. "Yep."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvmJ96l7Dn

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lTTE4O3xN

"AND YOU DIDN'T WARN HIM?!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVCwRSikb5

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60TCfHSn40

"…Nope."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdnwA7HW7p

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTjS80N5Xr

"ARE YOU EVEN A RESPONSIBLE ADULT?!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RnHWKYFmr

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAqyTNoeze

Kuma sipped his beer. "Nope."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rjf0xY8p2

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFzOdGfGLJ

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkjA5lg4UY

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiYwONp26k

"I... I think I saw my ancestors…"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBm3TYIEIa

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXNpJvVp9R

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh44lhHS6rn

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgqXskW1bZ

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCksM8YX1g

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAYUD2j8f3

"Nope."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhC6rACVFP

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzECV78VPrt

"Super speed?"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgbiNBJrV4

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBwCPyFW4h

"Nope."

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEv08K4P8m

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQTqfJu3JB

"Heat vision?!"

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHp5U5geQOa

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e4uKfPvrH

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfCWtIJyhJ

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ip1zSSrgy

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

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr8DWqAXgD

53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr8kCle7KI

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

ns18.222.58.240da2

Reading Theme:

Font Size:

Line Spacing:

Paragraph Spacing:

Load the next issue automatically