Hiruma, Sena, Musashi and the others walked quietly down the corridor. They could see doctors and nurses running up and down the corridor, doing whatever it was they were supposed to do.

But they weren't interested; they only wanted to see one person.

They soon came to the door with the number 77 on it.

K eke ke, thought Hiruma quietly. The room number is the same as his fucking jersey.

The door suddenly opened and a sad-looking Banba emerged. Seeing them, he nodded quietly and said. 'It won't be long now.'

Musashi nodded and led the Deimon Devilbats in.

There, lying prone and pale and a huge bed, was Kurita Ryoukan.

He turned to look at them and a big smile appeared on his face. 'Everyone…'

Sena, Monta and Komusubi allowed themselves to be enveloped into one huge arm. What scared them was that the arms that used to always crush them unintentionally now could hardly be felt.

Unable to take it, Komusubi began to cry. 'Ma…master…'

Suzuna and Mamori also began to cry.

Hiruma walked forward quietly.

'How're you doing?' he asked quietly.

'Won't be long now,' answered Kurita in a weak voice.

Something seemed to break in Hiruma. He reached and held Kurita's massive hand. 'I told you shouldn't eat too much, fucking fatty,' he said, attempting to cackle but failed.

Kurita merely smiled. 'Are you crying, Hiruma?'

'Tch, fucking hospital,' snapped Hiruma. 'Use too much antiseptics.'

Musashi walked forward. 'We'll all miss you Kurita. You know that.'

'Kurita-san,' said Sena. 'Thank you for everything. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have become everything I am today.'

Every member of team came forward to say something to Kurita, just to comfort him in his final moments.

'What about your father?' asked Mamori. 'Where is he?'

'He's been with me for the past week,' answered Kurita. 'Now he's praying at the temple.'

Suddenly Suzuna cried out.

Everyone turned around and saw Rikiya Gao standing there.

He walked quietly and stood next to Kurita's bed.

Everyone watched quietly, feeling worried.

Then Kurita merely smiled and said. 'Good to see you again, Gao-kun.'

Gao took Kurita's hand and said. 'This isn't how I expected our final meeting to be.'

Kurita chuckled. 'I'm sorry I can't give you your second chance to crush me on the field.'

Gao laughed quietly. 'I owe you so much Kurita. You taught me that true strength comes when you try to protect others instead of trying to hurt them. You made me a better player and a better person.'

Kurita's eyes began to grow glassy. 'Gao, everyone. You all made me so happy. Thank you for everything. Thank you for your respect Gao, thank you for being my friends, everyone. And Hiruma, Musashi, thank you for everything.'

And the light left Kurita's eyes.

For the first time Gao could remember, he cried.

---------------------------

The next time Gao stood on the field, facing his opponents, instead of his standard, monstrous roar, he took up a new battle-cry.

One that echoed the spirit of a gentle giant.

One that echoed the kindness of a friend.

One that guaranteed protection to his comrades.

As Gao broke to the opponents' line like he always did, he roared one cry.

'FUNNURABA!!!'