Golden Flash did not seem particularly surprised. Given how indifferent he was to everything around him, even if Sonic's growth had shocked him, he was unlikely to show it.
But after losing that exchange, he would have to take Sonic much more seriously.
There had been a time when Sonic had been nothing more than Golden Flash's sparring partner. Defeating the genius had been unthinkable; even leaving the slightest scratch on him had been impossible.
But hard work did not go unrewarded. Sonic had grown enormously through grueling training, and after the tragedy of the graduation test, hatred had driven his strength to new heights.
Now, the boy who had once ranked last could challenge that genius head-on.
And at last, his efforts had earned Golden Flash's acknowledgment.
Golden Flash was giving Sonic the attention he deserved.
The ground beneath Golden Flash suddenly exploded.
He had driven off it with astonishing force.
Propelled by the shattered ground, Golden Flash shot forward at a breathtaking speed.
He streaked toward Sonic like an arrow from a bow, and a dazzling light burst from his hand.
It was the unmistakable sign of one of Golden Flash's signature techniques: Flash Fist.
After abandoning his identity as a Ninja, Golden Flash had developed techniques of his own. Flash Fist and Flash Kick were among his signatures.
They were also the origin of his title, Golden Flash.
The glare from Flash Fist blurred Sonic's vision for an instant. But that instant was enough for Golden Flash to unleash a string of precise strikes.
Sonic's vision was disrupted for only a fraction of a second.
At Golden Flash's speed, even 0.1 seconds was enough to throw several punches.
Yet Sonic had not stood idle during those brief moments without his sight.
In that sliver of time, he