His gaze sharpened. Seizing the moment, with a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a flurry of leaves. The seemingly insignificant leaves transformed into deadly projectiles, precisely striking the micro-bombs in mid-air.
The thin leaves sliced through the bombs, severing them in two, causing them to harmlessly fall to the ground.
Genos, witnessing Kaito Ren's effortless deflection, felt a surge of astonishment and renewed fighting spirit. His thrusters engaged at maximum power, propelling him forward like a rocket towards Kaito Ren.
Kaito Ren, his brow raised, matched Genos's speed, constantly shifting position to avoid being locked on.
"Got you!"
Genos finally locked onto Kaito Ren, his hands clasped together, activating his beam. A blinding ray shot towards Kaito Ren.
Kaito Ren swiftly rolled to the side. Close call! He'd almost lost his hair!
Dodging Genos's attack, Kaito Ren, seizing the opportunity before Genos could recharge, charged forward.
Sensing Kaito Ren's fighting spirit, Genos braced himself, focusing intensely. Kaito Ren unleashed a powerful punch, which Genos met head-on.
Crack!
The impact shattered Genos's newly upgraded arm armor. Despite the damage, Genos had successfully absorbed the blow, exactly as Kaito Ren had planned. Only at close range could Genos land a decisive hit.
His right arm thruster engaged at maximum power, creating a sonic boom as he struck Kaito Ren with a devastating blow.
Kaito Ren countered with his own punch. Black and green fists collided.
Crash!
The outcome was immediate. Genos's right arm shattered, scattering parts everywhere. Kaito Ren stood unharmed.
"I… I lost."
Genos looked at Kaito Ren with a mixture of complexity and resignation. He'd expected a significant increase in strength after his upgrades, but he was no match for Kaito Ren.
"You did well."
Kaito Ren touched his nose. Genos's loss was expected. He'd been unlucky. Without the Hunter Gauntlets, Kaito Ren wouldn't have won. The gauntlets' Block ability had deflected Genos's punch.
"Really? Perhaps. But clearly, I'm still far from sufficient."
Genos mistook Kaito Ren's words for consolation, a bitter smile touching his lips.
"Let's go. As promised, we're going to the food-eating contest."
Genos quickly regained his composure. He would keep striving to become stronger, to find the culprit behind the town's destruction a year ago and avenge the victims and his parents.
"Good."
Kaito Ren grinned. He was hungry after the fight.
"What happened? Who… who won?!"
A breathless girl with twintails finally arrived, eager to know the outcome. She believed Genos would win, but she needed confirmation.
"I lost."
Genos stated calmly, as if it were insignificant.
"What?! That's… impossible?!"
The girl was incredulous. She couldn't believe the strong, handsome Genos had lost. Though the other guy was handsome too, she preferred the Devil Cyborg.
Genos offered no explanation. To him, a loss was a loss. Explanations were merely excuses.
The girl stood there, her gaze complex as she watched her perfect idol walk away.
"Kana, how did it go? The Devil Cyborg must have won, right?!"
After some time, several girls with backpacks caught up, eager to hear the results.
"The Devil Cyborg said he lost."
Kana's eyes welled up, her lip trembling.
"Impossible! The Devil Cyborg has defeated hundreds of monsters! He couldn't have lost!"
"He must have let the other guy win! The Devil Cyborg is so strong; he could defeat monsters with a flick of his finger. That guy didn't seem strong enough. He must have deliberately lost!"
"Exactly! He left so quickly, probably to avoid showing his defeat!"
"What a despicable guy!"
"I remember him! I'll get revenge for the Devil Cyborg!"
The girls chattered, their imaginations running wild. Kana remained silent, questioning if her friends were right.
If so, then… what about the metallic fragments clearly belonging to Genos scattered on the ground?
"Are you sure it's okay to say that?"
Kaito Ren and Genos arrived at the ramen shop for the food-eating contest.
"What?"
Genos was replaying the fight, analyzing his mistakes to avoid repeating them.
"About you losing. That girl seems to be a fan. Wouldn't they be heartbroken to know?"
Kaito Ren gestured towards the window, where a crowd of Genos's female fans had gathered, making him uncomfortable. It felt like being in a zoo.
"I merely stated a fact. Facts can be difficult to accept, but they remain unchanged and true."
Genos stated formally.
Kaito Ren frowned. Was it due to his modifications, or was he always like this? He didn't seem sixteen; more like sixty!
"Gentlemen, your ramen is here! Ten minutes to finish this bowl and win 100,000 yen! If not, you pay the price!"
The shop owner placed two enormous bowls of ramen before Kaito Ren and Genos.
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