Over him stands Hoshin—his crimson aura swirling, devouring the air around him.
His body finally gives out, kicking him out of the Berserker state as Masimo lies defeated.
Sofia runs toward him and throws her arms around him.
Sofia (crying): "You idiot…"
Hoshin gently pats her head.
Hoshin (softly): "I couldn't help it… I love you too much."
Sofia clings tighter, trembling.
Sofia: "Me too… I was scared. Please… keep protecting me, just like you did… keep on, Hoshin."
A small smile spreads on Hoshin's face.
Hoshin: "I'll always protect you."
Sofia's tears keep flowing.
Hoshin: "Hey, stop crying now."
Sofia: "I can't help it… I was so scared, day after day. But these are tears of joy."
Hoshin: "Oh."
Sofia (sniffles, smiling): "Thanks, Hoshin. For everything… just, thanks."
Hoshin: "No need. I just did what I had to do."
She wipes her face, smiling again.
Sofia: "See? I'm not crying anymore."
Hoshin: "Yeah, I see."
As they share that quiet moment, rumors spread across the streets —
the boy who defeated the unbeaten, the one who devoured a legend.
But this was only the beginning.
Many tests awaited him still — tests he could not yet see.