--- Chapter 83 ---

The morning of the tournament finally arrives. Hiro and Red stand face to face for the first time after three months. They smile at each other, exchanging glances. Not speaking to one another, yet communicating perfectly.

Master: Alright! It's time everyone! We should head out now!

They break their glances and head toward their assigned carts. Everyone competing tags along, including Geno.

Master: Now, you all trained so hard. Red, Hiro, Luna, Cari, Romeo, El, Ava, and Togi. Do your best out there!

Participants: Right!

They all line up and get in the carts. The master gets inside Kota’s fancy cart, and they all head toward the tournament grounds.

Master: So how was he?

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Kota: He was pretty good, difficult to train but pretty well i’d say.

Master: I see, why was it difficult?

Kota: A couple reasons really. For starters, I’ll start with the weird one.

Master: Weird one?

Kota: Well, most insignia are based on monsters, and his is a dragon, so it's already ‘conflicting’. But when someone uses their insignia it's usually them working with the insignia. Like a conversation between them. But it's odd, because his insignia is sabotaging itself.

Master: Sabotaging?

Kota: Yeah, it seemed like his insignia was willing to cooperate but it stopped itself, preventing that outcome. Almost as if his insignia has two personalities.

Master: I see.

Kota: Yah, or maybe it's just him, I'm not really sure about anything right now. But on another note, he was also so damn difficult because he was never taught how to use it! You could have at least told him the thing about linear thinking or the old generic flow like a river speech!

Master: You know why I didn’t tell him.

Kota: Yeah, but I don't think it would ruin your little vow, just helping a kid. He’s already going to have a difficult time with his insignia, because it's a dragon. Trust me, I know.

Master: I know, but I’m not using my own or even teaching insignia’s ever again. Other than this one I guess.

He signals to the red dot on the back of his hand.

Master: I have to use this one.

Kota: Sigh. So you're really serious about never using your insignia again?

Master: As serious as I can be.

Kota: Fine, whateva. But you still have to attend the meetings, and do your duties. Light saint Taizawa.