Bang slowly rose to his feet. A faint look of understanding passed through his aged eyes as he gave Sol a subtle wink.
"Sol, do you really have to go this far?"
Sol stood at the center of the ring, the dark red energy around him fading back into his body. He glanced over the unsettled crowd, his voice carrying clearly across the arena.
"I told you, I am just here to spar with a few old friends."
The chaos in the audience began to settle. Shock replaced panic as all eyes fixed on the ring.
Atomic Samurai spat out his toothpick, his hand resting on his sword hilt. "Kid, do you think this is a playground for you?"
Flashy Flash had already moved, his speed leaving only an afterimage behind. "Traitors meet the end they deserve."
Sol did not even look at them. His attention stayed on Bang.
"Teacher, guide me."
Bang exhaled softly. His posture straightened, his stance shifting into the form of the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist.
"If you insist, then I will respond."
Atomic Samurai moved first. His blade flashed like lightning toward Sol's neck. Sol stepped slightly to the side and caught the blade between two fingers without even turning his head.
Atomic Samurai's eyes widened. He pulled, but the sword would not budge.
With a slight movement of Sol's fingers, a sharp crack echoed. The blade snapped cleanly.
Before Atomic Samurai could react, Sol flicked the broken blade against his chest. The force sent him flying backward into the barrier at the edge of the ring.
"Relax," Sol said, his tone casual. "You will all get your turn."
Flashy Flash struck next, moving like a streak of light. To the audience, his speed was overwhelming. To Sol, it was slow.
Sol lifted his foot slightly and intercepted Flash's path with perfect timing.
A dull impact echoed as Flash lost his balance and slammed onto the arena floor, sliding across it.
Gasps filled the stadium. Two S-Class heroes had been defeated almost instantly.
In the VIP section, Sitch's face turned pale. He spoke urgently into his communicator.
"All units, stand by. Do not act without orders."
Back in the ring, Bang stepped forward, his movements steady.
"You have grown stronger."
Sol bowed his head slightly. "That is thanks to you, Teacher."
Bang did not respond. He launched forward, unleashing the full force of his technique. His strikes flowed continuously, like a river that never stopped.
Sol matched him move for move.
The same technique, yet different in execution. Bang's style was refined and experienced, while Sol's carried sharp precision and adaptability.
Bang's expression shifted mid-exchange. "You have surpassed me."
Sol redirected a punch and gently pushed him back a few steps.
"You taught me well."
From the audience, a figure suddenly moved.
Garou tore off his hood, his silver hair catching the light. "Sol, fight me!"
Sol glanced at him briefly. "Wait your turn."
Garou ignored him. He leapt over the railing and landed in the ring.
"I do not wait."
Garou attacked immediately. His movements were aggressive and unpredictable, driven by instinct. Every strike aimed at a vital point.
Sol avoided each attack with ease, occasionally countering. He even blended Bang's technique with Garou's evolving style.
"Pay attention," Sol said as he deflected another strike. "You still have openings."
He tapped Garou's arm lightly. Instantly, Garou felt it go numb, his attack collapsing.
Garou growled, his intensity rising. His attacks became faster and more brutal.
Sol shook his head and threw a straightforward punch.
The strike looked simple, but it sealed every escape route.
Garou had no choice but to take it.
The impact forced him back over ten steps. Blood appeared at the corner of his mouth, but his grin widened.
"This is good. This is what I wanted."
At the judges' table, Atomic Samurai and Flashy Flash stood again, their expressions serious.
"Together," Atomic Samurai said, gripping what remained of his sword.
Flashy Flash nodded. Both rushed back into the ring.
Sol's expression shifted slightly, a hint of interest appearing.
"Now this is better."
Facing four opponents, Sol moved with precision. Every action was efficient, no wasted movement. Each attack against him was neutralized and returned.
The audience fell silent.
They were witnessing something beyond their understanding.
Even more surprising, Sol relied purely on martial arts, without using any other abilities.
In the VIP section, Tatsumaki floated in place, her green eyes focused. Her hand tightened, but she did not interfere.
Sitch looked at her anxiously. "Miss Tatsumaki, please..."
"Be quiet," she said coldly. "This is their fight."
Back in the ring, the battle intensified.
Atomic Samurai attacked with his broken blade, each strike still sharp and precise. Flashy Flash moved at full speed, leaving trails of afterimages. Garou adapted with every exchange, growing stronger. Bang observed carefully, searching for an opening.
Then Sol changed.
His movements blurred, as if he were facing each opponent separately.
Every defense, every counter, was perfectly timed.
Bang's eyes narrowed. "This feeling..."
Sol smiled slightly. "Just instinct."
He shifted again, avoiding Atomic Samurai's strike, deflecting Flash's kick, redirecting Garou's punch toward Bang, and striking Atomic Samurai's back in one smooth motion.
The four collided and fell.
Silence filled the arena.
Sol stood alone at the center, his breathing steady.
"So, do you want to keep going?"
The four rose slowly, disbelief clear in their eyes.
Even together, they were no match for him.