The second day's matches ended. With Steven's half-real, half-feigned performance, Young Master Mao took Jon through to the finals.
They would face Leon on the final day.
After the match, out of consideration for Jon's health, Young Master Mao did not accept any media interviews.
Instead, he asked Chairman Rose to have someone arrange a place for the little fellow to stay, with a private medical team to look after him.
In a luxurious hospital room, Jon lay in bed, holding up a hand and looking at the ceiling as he recalled battling alongside Charizard that day, as well as the way Young Master Mao had calmly won the match.
"So cool! Teacher Gary is the best!"
Outside the room, Chairman Rose shook his head with a smile. He reminded the doctors to take good care of the little boy before turning to leave.
Meanwhile, having left the venue, Young Master Mao was digging into food at a roadside stall with Caitlin and Bea.
"Boss, another fifty skewers of squid tentacles!" Dressed in an extravagant performance outfit, Caitlin ate with grease all over her mouth. With a military-green coat draped over it, it was hard to say whether she looked tacky or trendy.
Bea thoughtfully picked up a large green beer bottle beside her, chopped off the cap along with the mouth of the bottle with a knife-hand strike, and handed it to Young Master Mao.
"Ahem... how thoughtful of you, my disciple." Young Master Mao smiled awkwardly. "Next time, use your finger."
Picking up another bottle, Young Master Mao applied a little force with his right hand. Aiki-do!
Viridian Force gathered at his fingertip. A light flick, a pop, and the cap went flying.
"Oh... live and learn..." Bea nodded seriously.
With that kind of control over his strength,