"In short, from today onward, the title Demon Spear will also become history."
Jaden's voice was calm.
"From now on, on the fighters' register, you can call me Iron Fist."
The moment he said that, the surrounding fighters froze.
For a fighter, changing a title was never a casual decision.
Titles carried history.
Reputation.
Weight.
But for Jaden, this clearly wasn't a big deal.
After all, among his many titles, Demon Spear wasn't even the most famous one.
World's Strongest.
Strongest Creature on Earth.
In some places, the name Jaden alone was enough.
A title was optional.
So of course, he could pick whatever he felt like.
The reason everyone was stunned wasn't because of Jaden.
It was what followed.
"Yuki, since you don't want the title Demon Lance anymore," Raian Kure said with a grin, "then I think I'd be the perfect successor."
As he spoke, he glanced sideways at Ohma, letting out a low "hehe."
Only after that did he look away.
"Wait," Kanou Agito said flatly, stepping in. "If we're talking about succeeding that title, I believe I qualify as well."
"I'm no longer the Fang of Metsudo."
"And I happen to need a new title."
"I think I'm the most suitable person here."
Kanou Agito's logic was solid.
But as he said it, he also flicked a glance at Ohma from the corner of his eye.
For a split second-
The man who was usually expressionless seemed to smile.
Raian.
Agito.
Both of them.
Their glances left Ohma confused.
But the others clearly understood.
And one by one, they joined in.
Even The Monster, Wakatsuki Takeshi, spoke up.
"I won't be The Monster anymore."
"The title Demon Spear might not mean much to the outside world."
He paused.
Looked at Ohma.
"But inside the Kengan Association, it represents the strongest fighter in history."
"I'm very interested."
Another glance at Ohma.
"And besides, Yuki changed from The Monster to Demon Lance back then."
"So I think I'm the most suitable candidate."
He stared straight at Ohma this time.
Three times.
Three very obvious glances.
Ohma was completely lost.
He couldn't even understand why they were fighting over a title.
What confused him even more-
None of them were looking at Jaden.
They were all looking at him.
Those gazes weren't hostile.
They were... gentle.
Amused.
Almost fond.
Ohma's scalp tingled.
What the hell are these lunatics staring at me for!?
Are they... trying to take advantage of me!?
Then-
Something clicked.
A line echoed in his mind.
"Because I'm your dad!"
His pupils shrank.
That movie.
The one that had been screened worldwide.
The one where someone "took advantage" of him-
No.
The one who played his dad.
That was the Demon Lance.
Oh.
Oh.
So that's what this was.
No wonder they were fighting so enthusiastically.
No anger.
No killing intent.
Just smiles.
-So you were all fighting to be my dad!?
Did any of you even ask for my opinion!?
"Shut up!"
Ohma suddenly stood up and shouted.
"If anyone's going to take that title, it'll be me!"
The moment he spoke, everyone turned to look at him.
And the atmosphere instantly became lively.
In the end, no one could convince anyone else.
And since they were fighters-
Jaden clapped his hands.
"All right, stop arguing."
"Since you all want to be Ohma's dad-"
"Ahem."
"Since you all want my title..."
"Let's settle it the Kengan Association way."
"With a fight."
Aside from Ohma, who looked at Jaden with a complicated expression and didn't know what to say-
Everyone else was instantly fired up.
The Demon Lance Tournament
The Kengan Annihilation Tournament was held extremely rarely.
Although these fighters still participated in regular Kengan matches, those were nothing compared to a large-scale event.
So, with Jaden's initiative and Erina's tacit approval-
A Kengan match was scheduled.
The prize?
The title Demon Lance.
The fighters were ecstatic.
They'd all grown stronger recently.
And all of them wanted another chance to make up for their regrets from the Annihilation Tournament.
This was the perfect opportunity.
However-
Before the matches began, the fighters gathered together.
Including Ohma.
And they made a pact.
-They could lose.
But if Kiryu Setsuna participated, they would beat him mercilessly.
It was obvious.
They had completely pinned everything from Kengan Demon Lance: Legend onto Kiryu Setsuna.
Muteba knew.
He knew very clearly.
But-
He chose to say nothing.
Because it was funny.
Besides-
Jaden clearly knew about this misunderstanding.
And since Jaden didn't explain anything, who was Muteba to open his mouth?
Muteba had already fallen into Jaden's hands twice.
As a mercenary whose creed was survival above all else-
There was no way he'd let that happen a third time.
What Muteba didn't know-
Was that he'd misunderstood Jaden this time.
Jaden did have a terrible personality.
But-
He genuinely didn't know that these people had pinned the blame on Kiryu Setsuna.
After all, from a normal, rational perspective-
How could anyone dare to indirectly place such a massive accusation on Kiryu Setsuna?
Then again...
If you asked Kiryu Setsuna to do it-
He might actually dare.
Well.
Never mind.
Jaden truly didn't know.
He was just planning to finish helping the old man and come back to watch the chaos.
He'd already pranked Ohma once.
As far as he was concerned, that matter was settled.
So after those guys left, Jaden turned to Erina.
"Erina."
"The old man contacted me earlier."
"He said the intelligence gathering is complete."
"And that I can head over once I'm sufficiently rested."
Erina froze for a moment.
Then she looked at him.
"How long will you be gone this time?"
"About half a month."
"Just think of it as a business trip."
Jaden felt a little awkward saying this.
Ever since they'd discussed their engagement, it had been delayed again and again by all these messy affairs.
If not for them, they would've been engaged already.
But with so many of the old man's problems unresolved, Jaden didn't feel right bringing up engagement around him.
Erina didn't complain.
She didn't get angry.
She simply looked at Jaden gently.
"Then be careful."
"And remember to eat properly."
Her tone sounded like a wife seeing her husband off on a trip.
Jaden nodded.
"Mm."
"You too."
"Make sure you get enough rest."
"Wait for me to come back."
"Once things with the old man are finally settled..."
"We'll invite everyone."
"And get engaged~!"
"Jaden..."
As they spoke, they leaned closer.
For a brief moment-
They shared their own quiet, familiar farewell.