Wounds healed overnight

Rock watched Kuma sink into thought and did not interrupt him.

Silence filled the church, broken only by the faint crackle of the occasional flickering candle. Warm yellow shadows swayed across the walls.

The silence was not oppressive. Instead, it felt like a space deliberately left for reflection, allowing the things that truly mattered to slowly become clear.

A moment later—

Kuma raised his head.

There was no longer any hesitation in his eyes, only the certainty and clarity that came after careful, repeated thought.

He stood and bowed his head slightly to Rock, his manner solemn and sincere.

"Mr. Rock."

"I'll take what you just said... to heart."

Seeing the clear resolve in Kuma's eyes, Rock smiled faintly and nodded.

"Good."

He slowed his words, his tone steady. "Your gentleness is your weakness, but it is also your armor."

Kuma paused at those words, instinctively straightening his back as he listened intently.

"But gentleness alone can't stop the blades of this world."

"You're not growing stronger to hurt anyone."

Rock's voice was calm, yet it was like an iron hammer descending slowly, each strike landing on the heart, heavy and clear.

"It's so that when hostility comes your way, you can reach out and push it back."

He paused, his gaze deep.

"Instead of only standing there, helplessly watching it—"

"Pierce the hearts of those you care about."

Those words were like a seed gently planted, quietly taking root in Kuma's heart.

It could not yet be seen, but it had already begun to grow.

Kuma said nothing more. He simply nodded solemnly.

Then Rock set aside his seriousness, his tone suddenly turning light.

He tilted his head and cast a casual glance at Ginny, who sat nearby, a knowing smile lifting the corner of his mouth.

"And another