"The more we fight, the more desperate you get, Jostar." Joneus still sounded calm and unruffled, but his hands were slightly bent forward in a guarded stance.
In front of him lay Jostar, having been thrown to the ground. His chest rose and fell as he lay flat on the surface.
"Your growth really is astonishing." Joneus had seen plenty of geniuses. "You're already stronger than most Ultra Warriors."
Even Zero in the future hadn't grown as quickly as Jostar.
"It's still not enough!" Jostar pushed himself back to his feet. His diamond-shaped eyes shone with a brilliance that Joneus couldn't help but admire.
"Don't praise me, Joneus. I still haven't been able to beat you, have I?"
"Then go back and train for another twenty thousand years." Joneus echoed something Zero might say. Even someone as composed as he was couldn't help savoring the refreshing feeling that flowed through him like a clear spring.
The instant Joneus replied, Jostar sprang forward like an arrow loosed from a bow.
His elongated shadow trailed flames like a meteor, and his heavy fist blazed with enough force to make the atmosphere roar.
That streak of crimson turned even Joneus's pure white body red.
His running stance was very similar to Nexus's. Was that technique Mach Movement?
"You've learned a lot about fighting from Nexus." Joneus spread his fingers and lowered his stance, then caught Jostar's heavy punch in his open hand.
The immense force made Joneus slide backward a little.
Brilliant flames slipped between Joneus's fingers. The sparks swirled around motes of light and gradually died out without leaving so much as a mark on him.
"But are you fighting with the resolve to die?"
As he spoke, Joneus grabbed Jostar's arm with his other hand and instantly unleashed his strength.
Jostar felt an irresistible force lift him straight off the ground.
Joneus favored throwing techniques, and Jostar reacted the instant he realized what was happening.
He bent his right arm quickly, drawing his body closer, while straightening his left arm to strike Joneus's five-pointed-star forehead.
Joneus immediately released Jostar's arm and raised his hand to block the attack in front of his forehead.
But his original movement didn't stop.
Though he was using only one hand, Joneus hurled Jostar straight toward the ground.
The light-forged ground rushed closer. With no time to think, Jostar kicked Joneus's forearm hard and sprang into the air.
His clenched fist still throbbed with pain, but all his diamond-shaped eyes could see was Joneus's massive body rapidly growing larger.
Joneus was as strong as an ox, yet as agile as a leopard.
Ultramen didn't have a concept of staying airborne.
The wind roared against Jostar's back as Joneus's oppressive presence drew nearer. Jostar pressed both hands downward and shot upward in a streak of light.
But Joneus was astonishingly quick. He tapped the air with his toe, and that seemingly light touch carried an inconceivable force.
The light particles around the point of contact suddenly scattered, leaving a vast empty space.
Joneus adjusted his direction at once and charged toward Jostar again.
On Joneus's crimson fist, Jostar could clearly see the character for "death."
He barely had time to cross his powerful arms in front of himself. The next instant, a tidal wave of force slammed into them.
The impact made his forearms feel as if they were about to snap, and he was sent flying at even greater speed.
Nexus and Ace rapidly shrank in his field of vision. In just a few brief moments, all he could see was a tiny red dot.
But Joneus stayed right on his heels, his heavy fists pounding Jostar like someone working dough, raining down blow after blow.
Jostar managed to block them, but the overwhelming pressure felt like the sky was collapsing. It made him feel as though he would die at any moment.
"This still isn't enough, Jostar." Beneath Joneus's deep voice, his fists grew faster and heavier.
The pain and crushing pressure rushing toward him didn't defeat Jostar. Instead, they only stoked his fighting spirit.
Though he was being suppressed the entire time, he was like a dormant volcano, waiting for the moment to erupt.
At one point during Joneus's sustained assault, his punches abruptly slowed.
Whether it was an intentional opening or a moment of genuine weakness, Jostar couldn't refuse the opportunity.
Taking Joneus's blows, Jostar slowly advanced, his defensive stance turning into a frenzied offense.
He abandoned defense completely. Their fists crossed and landed on each other's bodies.
The thudding blows formed a surging battle song. Jostar cast every thought from his mind, leaving only one conviction.
Defeat him! Defeat him! Defeat him!
In the middle of their furious fight, one figure was suddenly knocked away like a rag doll. He tumbled across the ground, then ended up crouching on one knee.
The emerald five-pointed star immediately drew the eye.
Joneus looked up at Jostar, who stood where he was.
Jostar was hunched slightly, his arms hanging limp at his sides. Heat shimmered above his skin, a blend of crimson and silver, while his powerful muscles rose and fell with each breath.
Yet his diamond-shaped eyes shone brighter and more intensely than ever.
Just meeting his gaze brought a sense of invisible pressure.
Joneus stood up and praised him without hesitation. "Excellent."
"At seventy meters, I'm no match for you anymore."
Ace flew over from a distance, also quite surprised. The strength of Joneus, guardian of U40, was recognized by countless aliens.
Though Jostar had only beaten Joneus in his normal state, that was still enough to make him proud.
Jostar slowly shook his head. Looking at Joneus, who seemed completely unharmed, he said gravely, "Joneus, don't hold back. Fight me again."
Though an Ultra Warrior's expression was impossible to read, Joneus asked in a doubtful tone, "Are you sure?"
Jostar clenched his fists and held them in front of him. "I'm sure."
"Very good!" His voice rang out like a heavenly decree. "You have great courage!"
With nothing in his eyes but the immense figure that seemed to pierce the heavens, Jostar was engulfed by its shadow—and lost consciousness.
There'll be another chapter at nine.
Before you continue