The Grand Arena was alive with celebration. Street vendors flooded the walkways outside the arena, selling roasted meats, spiced pastries, and drinks that steamed in the cooling evening air. Strangers debated tactics and technique with the passion of lifelong scholars.
Leo watched it unfold from the delegation seating. Families eating together. People laughing, arguing, living.
Akane returned carrying enough food for the entire section. "I got everything they had. Figured we'd need energy for the finals." She distributed wrapped packages with easy efficiency. "Takeshi's still getting healed. Yuki's with him."
"Will he be ready?" Leo asked.
"Physically, yes. Mentally?" She shrugged. "Two seven-star fights in one night takes a toll. But he'll fight anyway, it's not like his opponent has had it any less."
Workers moved across the arena floor, setting up something Leo couldn't quite make out. Magical constructs, perhaps. Preparation for the night ahead.
