Chapter 26

Elsewhere in the association…

Garou was doing his rounds. He has spoken to Genus about it, his theory is that since Alley was born pretty much a monster, her gestation period may be different. However Suiryu is still partly human… "Huh… don't know what to make of this… maybe that's why she popped a lot sooner than later…"

He was so lost in thought, he accidently bumped into someone. "Excuse me…"

Garou froze.

He turned as Amai continued on his way. "Since when the hell do you apologize!"

Amai Mask paused as he turned to face Garou, there was no high and mighty look on his face. In fact, he was humble. "I apologize for earlier… I apologize for everything…"

"Seriously, who the hell are you?" Garou demanded with his arms crossed. "What's with you?"

He was silent, he appeared to wish to speak his mind, yet he held his tongue. He couldn't find the word at first but then, he looked at Garou, his hand gently came on to his shoulder and he said. "I wish I could be half the man you are…" and then walked away.

Garou's confusion didn't go away. "What the hell happened to him…" He shook it off and went on his way. The Association has stepped up with training. Drax has been helping Max with that, but as he walked by one of the spar rooms, he froze. Rimuru was in there… armed with a sword… battling Iaian!

He stopped for a moment and watched on. Despite not being well versed with a sword, he kept up well with Iaian!

Yet the one clash he saw, sent Rimuru flying! He hit the ground hard as Iaian pointed his blade at his throat. The duel was over, yet Iaian was smiling. "Not bad!" Garou heard him say.

Rimuru was all smiles as he accepted Iaian's hand to get up off the ground. He has a lot to learn, and Garou was surprised that Iaian was willing to train him! He knows Atomic was against it, yet he smirked that his top disciple would go behind his back!

Then he looked at the spar room across from him, and smirked. Going all out against Atomic Samurai in hand-to-hand combat was none other than Silverfang!

"Wish I brought popcorn with me for this…" Garou paused as he watched Atomic get his ass kicked time and time again. Lingering on the far wall was Hunter, keeping a close eye on everything.

Garou couldn't help himself as he snuck into the room as Atomic hit the ground once more. "Damn it Bang!" Atomic protested. "Just because you are as young as me now doesn't mean this match is fair… shit!" he protested.

Bang smirked as he turned to Hunter. "You've been trying to teach him?" he asked.

"Tried and failed…" Hunter stated. "He lost a bet to me, hasn't honoured it yet. I've been trying though I attempt to be a man of my word."

Bang nodded, as he appeared to have an idea. "I know that look…" Garou said with a smirk. Bang grinned as he turned to Garou and back at Atomic.

"You have always seen me as a rival, haven't you?" he asked Atomic.

"Of course! You were always a rank ahead of me!"

"And yet, you have been given an opportunity to study to face me better without the use of a sword. Even I noticed your weakness when we fought Garou those many years ago…"

He went silent. Atomic refused to acknowledge it. "So, let me say this. Every week, once a week, you and I will spar like this. You can either stand up, or continue to fall to me. It's up to you. But I won't train you, for you have a teacher willing to do so yet refuse… how foolish are you?"

"Oh come on Bang!" Atomic protested. "You expect me to learn from a kid like him!"

Bang however appeared curious. "Hunter… may we spar?" he asked.

Hunter stood at attention and bowed respectfully. "Of course master."

Garou smirked as Silverfang snickered. "You sure he's your son? His manners are better than yours!"

"Shut up…" growled Garou.

Hunter stood at the ready. Atomic took to the wall and watched from a distance. Garou too.

As the two went at it, Garou was even impressed to how much Hunter had improved his method as well as his technique. Even though he improved, he still fell to Bang in half an hour.

Yet he was all smiles. "Whoa… you've gotten even better!" Hunter announced.

"When back pain doesn't bother me, I can go all out!" Bang laughed as he helped Hunter up. "You too have gotten a lot better, a lot stronger too. Perhaps I should continue your lessons here then… You as well Garou!"

Garou was taken aback by his former master's words. He felt offended, however, then remembered he has yet to defeat Bang himself. Only when the student surpasses the master can he be considered fully trained. A smile broke out on his face. "You know what, that's fine with me…"

"WHAT!" Atomic demanded. "You want to train him still!?"

"He's come so far, I feel that this is like an incomplete puzzle. Garou has yet to best me…"

"But you keep him in line if he falls out of it!"

Bang gave a hearty laugh. "I am afraid that job is no longer mine anymore… I do believe Melee has taken over that position…"

"Don't remind me…" Garou muttered. But then remembered he has left Melee with Titan a lot as of late. "I am going to excuse myself. I need to tend to my wife…"

He left shortly after and managed to fine Titan in the cafeteria of all placed. Sitting with Puri Prisoner. The two appeared to be having a knit off!