On the way back to the hotel, Ryoma's concern for his mother gnaws at him. The news of this morning's incident has probably stirred whispers already. How long before the media catches wind? He doesn't want to take the risk.
It feels best to call home, just to let her hear his voice and know he's fine. So Ryoma pulls out his phone and dials the international number. After a short moment, a familiar voice answers.
[How are you doing, son?]
"I'm fine."
[Calling your mom at this hour? What about your training?]
"Training…? I'm on a break right now. Just wanted to check if you're okay over there."
A soft chuckle comes through the line.
[Kaori and Nanako are here with me. If that's not enough, maybe you shouldn't have left me.]
"What? Should I abandon this fight and come back? If you say so, I will."
[I just want you to stop worrying about me. You said you were going to fight a champion. Focus on your training. I don't want you to lose that fight and blame it on me.]
