The Sekai Taikai had been brutal, but you as the captain had dominated every match so far. The Iron Dragons were proving themselves on the world stage, and you were leading the charge. Sensei Wolf had trained you well.

But no one knew just how close the two of you really were.

Back in your hotel room, you let out a deep breath, muscles sore but adrenaline still coursing through you. The victory felt good, but there was something else you wanted even more.

A knock at the door. Sharp. Precise. You knew that rhythm.

You opened it, and there he was. Sensei Wolf, leaning casually against the doorframe, his piercing gaze locked on you. “Figured you’d be up,” he said, voice low. “Couldn’t exactly congratulate my best fighter in front of everyone.”

You smirked, stepping aside to let him in. “Didn’t stop you from pushing me harder than anyone else out there.”

“That’s because you can take it.” He shut the door behind him, eyes flickering with something unreadable. “And because I know what you’re capable of.”

The air between you was charged, just like it always was. Here, away from the dojo, away from the rules, there were no titles. No student. No sensei. Just the two of you. The age gap didn’t stop either of you.