As the gong echoed through the circular arena, silence fell instantly.
Baki Hanma's red hair swayed in the breeze as he assumed a fighting stance, eyes sharp, analyzing every subtle movement of Sol Mirek.
But Sol stood unnervingly still, hands relaxed at his sides, a faint, teasing smile on his face. The sight reminded Baki of their first encounter. Back then, Sol had known nothing about combat, not even basic punches, yet his raw intuition and natural physique had allowed him to win.
Now, after more than four months, the young man who had once been a novice had transformed into a monster capable of rivaling—and perhaps surpassing—Yujiro Hanma himself. Baki felt the sharp sting of his own limits; in comparison, his growth over the past months had been sluggish.
Baki inhaled deeply, replicating the opening stance of that first fight. "Sol, do you remember our first encounter?"
Sol smiled knowingly. "Of course. I knew nothing back then. I should thank you, Baki."
"This time, I won't be careless like before," Baki replied, a confident grin forming despite the fine sweat starting to bead on his back.
Sol remained motionless, only smiling as he observed him. "Your heart is racing, Baki."
"Enough talk!" Baki suddenly surged forward, masking his nerves with ferocity. His right leg whipped toward Sol's head like a living whip, cutting through the air with a sharp whoosh.
Sol tilted slightly, the strike grazing his hair and producing a gust of wind, but nothing more. The audience gasped at the speed and precision.
"So fast! Yet Sol Mirek dodged it effortlessly!" the commentator shouted. "Two prodigies in a spectacular duel!"
In the preparation area, Oliva stroked his chin. "Baki's faster than when we captured the death row inmates…"
Yujiro Hanma smirked, arms crossed. "Still not enough. Good to let the kid indulge in some forbidden fruit."
Back in the arena, Baki launched a relentless assault. Fists and feet rained down like a storm, each strike calculated and precise, targeting vital points.
Sol moved with the grace of a dancer, evading with minimal motions. Baki's attacks only stirred the air around him.
"Baki, slowing down already? Not holding back at all?" Sol teased, his tone light.
Baki's veins throbbed, teeth clenched. "Less talk! I'm disciplined!"
He shifted, delivering an elbow strike at Sol. Sol stepped back slightly and returned one of his own.
"Bang!"
The collision reverberated through the arena. Baki staggered three steps, shaken, while Sol remained grounded, nodding slightly. "You've improved. These four months have done you well."
Baki shook off the impact, determination blazing in his eyes. "This is only the beginning!"
He charged again, more aggressive than before, fists and feet whistling through the air. The audience held its breath, captivated by the duel.
"Baki Hanma's offensive is intensifying! Can Sol withstand this assault?" the commentator exclaimed.
Sol observed calmly. "Your progress is significant, but you're still far from me. You've indulged too much in forbidden fruit."
"Enough!" Baki roared, face flushing as he launched a low sweep kick. Sol lightly leapt, stepping onto Baki's calf mid-air, flipping behind him, and landing with perfect poise. "Predictable," Sol remarked.
Baki's sweat-soaked face showed shock. "He's so much stronger than four months ago!"
Breath ragged, veins popping, Baki stared, then grinned. "Sol, ever since I lost to you, I've spent every day thinking about how to beat you—while eating, sleeping, even with Kozue…"
"I could tell," Sol replied, eyes scanning Baki's legs. "You've thought about it a lot. But your body isn't ready yet."
In the waiting area, Kaioh Kaku stroked his beard, smiling. "Sol has been affecting Baki's mind from the moment he stepped into the arena. He clearly respects him."
Retsu Kaioh exhaled. "Baki's condition isn't ideal. His rhythm is off, but he won't fall easily. I hope Sol doesn't underestimate him."
Ron Shobun leaned against the wall. "Being overly nervous against someone like Sol only accelerates defeat."
Kaku Shunshei waved his fists. "Why not let us fight? That weak kid is stealing my toy!"
Baki adjusted his breathing, eyes glinting with determination. "Sol, I want to know how you train."
Sol smiled faintly. "Every day: 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10-kilometer run. No excuses, no skipping—even under harsh conditions."
Baki's jaw dropped. "Just… like that? Every day?"
"Exactly. Three years straight, no breaks, no summer air conditioning. Brutal, isn't it?"
Baki roared, veins bulging. "This isn't training! No one could become this strong with this!"
Sol simply smiled, silent, letting the truth of his strength speak for itself.
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