Kai watched on, a beat of sweat coming down his temple. It’s an elaborate ploy, surley Kiro will not lose here. The village is counting on him to put the Xeno’s in their place. Kai stood up, throwing his hands to his masked mouth.
“Kiro, defeat the Xeno! Muster the strength to continue!”
..............
“The sound villlage?” The boy cocked his head. “Do you think...there would be room for another guy like me?”
Zaku looked left and right, making sure he wasn’t being watched. He then turned back to the boy, winking at him.
“Better to ask forgiveness than permission!” Zaku smirked. “When we are done with our business here, you can tag along with me on the way back.”
The boy seemed overjoyed, giving a small laugh before tears of joy came out, looking to be excited to leave his street life behind. He hugged Zaku’s knees, trying to wrap his arms around, but Zaku proved to big. Zaku was surprise by this, his eyes widening. Zaku hadn’t been hugged in his life, not even by Lord Orochimaru. Shakily, without knowing how to respond, Zaku slowly moved a hand over and patted the boy’s head.
“Ahem, well enough of the water works.” Zaku spoke, breaking the hug, brushing himself off. “I’m in the semifinals of the tournament, so I’m about to be on their fighting, can I count on you to watch?”
The boy nodded quickly, which forced a chuckle out of Zaku.
“Heh, figured as much. Come now, lets get to the arena area.”