The children were all stunned for a moment. Without warning, they erupted with cheers. As they danced about, Toshiro came into the room and began speaking with the adults.

  Ragnar: Any news?

  Toshiro: Yes. It's nothing concrete, but from what I've been able to gather, the Warden we know is not the most powerful opponent we'll have to face if we want to escape.

  Jugo: Shit. Well, this was a suicide mission from the start, we all knew that.

  Ragnar: We're gonna delay another year.

  Jugo and Toshiro: What!?

  Ragnar: It was easier before they came along to simply march off to our doom. Now that they're here, I feel like we have a real shot at getting out of here.

  Jugo: But sir, everyday our resources wane. More and more prisoners are giving up on their training to simply live here.

  Toshiro: This might be for the best Jugo. If we can get each of these kids to become battle ready by that day, escape might actually be possible.

  Ragnar: So you believe that this is the best plan Toshiro? You're the smart one here so I'll defer to your answer.

  Toshiro: That's too much pressure. Give me a few days, a week tops and I'll have a more concrete answer.

  Ragnar: Deal. Listen up tiny ones!

  The children stopped their horseplay to listen in. Ragnar introduced Toshiro to them once again and explained his crucial role in their plans. Toshiro was going to analyze each and every warrior's progress over the days of preparation. He would assist with diets and workout planning to maximize their growth before the big day arrived. He had been gathering Intel on everyone already in secret, and reported his findings to Ragnar.

  Ragnar: So, you all continue practicing on your own. Toshiro will be around to provide any extra help. And remember, if you want to fight, all you need to do is ask.

  Jugo: Except for you little guy. When we get a date set, you'll need to take it easy so that you can heal on your own alright?

  Raioten nodded and turned towards Toshiro.

  Toshiro: I won't be able to physically help with your exercises and the like, but I'll do what I can for us to succeed!

  Raioten tilted his head and placed an arm on his bicep.

  Toshiro: No no, I'm not strong like you guys. In fact, the only reason I'm even up here on this floor is completely thanks to Ragnar. He fought extra hard all those years ago so that we could ascend the floors together. Thank you for that.

  Ragnar: You know you never need to thank me. After all these years, we're family, and I promise I'll get you out of here.

  Toshiro: You have no idea what that means t-

  Without warning, Raioten punched Toshiro in the stomach. Toshiro fell over, holding his ribs.

  Ragnar: Hey!

  Ragnar lifted Raioten up by his arm and began to scold him.

  Ragnar: Do NOT attack him little guy. He's not a fighter at all.

  Raioten shook his head and looked on in confusion. He pointed at Toshiro and once more at his bicep.

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  Ragnar: I know it's hard to understand but not all of us adults are really tough. Please don't hurt him, he's our best chance to get out of here ok?

  Raioten stared at Toshiro in confusion and reluctantly nodded his head. After he was sat back down, Kagura began to tease him.

  Kagura: You got in trouble! You got in trouble!

  Raioten just growled and turned away. Jugo helped Toshiro stand and apologized for Raioten's attack.

  Toshiro: Its really nothing to get upset about. Maybe I should've put more effort into training all this time. If I had, we might have had better odds for this insane mission.

  Ragnar: Nonsense! Your brains are the only reason our muscle even has a shot at winning! We need you to use all of your time effectively. I know that it isn't the easiest job in the world but there's no man more qualified. I've seen you awake at four in the morning, analyzing just the way I throw a punch. You work harder than anyone Toshi.

  Toshiro: Thanks, I'll keep doing what I can.

  The kids all left the room to go exercise on their own. Red ran about, challenging everyone she could. Kagura went straight for the weights and begun lifting as much as he could. Raioten disappeared from the crowds and lost himself on the track. Jugo cane up with an interesting proposition after they left.

  Jugo: I got some data for you to analyze Toshiro.

  Toshiro: Oh yeah?

  Jugo: Yeah, me finally taking Ragnar down!

  Ragnar and Toshiro: Oh?

  Jugo: You and me old man, let's go.

  The kids gathered to eat lunch together. They limited their talks of escape in the common areas, but bounced around with extra energy thinking that their time in imprisonment would be limited.

  Red: I thought Toshiro was going to follow us around?

  Kagura: I don't know, maybe he already did?

  Raioten got a serious look in his eye and pointed off towards a wall.

  Kagura: What did they just paint that one or something?

  The kids felt a small quake in the building. After a second of silence, Jugo was sent crashing through the wall into the common area.

  Ragnar: C'mon now young man! I know you've got more than that!

  Jugo: *spits* I was holding back so I didn't break your delicate bones gramps. Come on!

  The two clashed in the center of the third floor. Their mighty contest put everyone in a trance like state as they were unable to look away from the contest of the two strongest. Each of the children also watched on intently. Kagura was enamored with the concussive force the two men struck each other with.

  In his mind he vowed to pass them both in strength. Red watched their strikes. She gathered her own Intel on which strikes landed and why, and began to criticize their respective martial arts styles in her head. Raioten was surprised at their footwork.

  He knew he was faster than the two of them, but the way the adults moved their feet so quickly in the make of a fight shocked him. With Ragnar being an absolute mountain of a man, it was even more impressive that he could move so light on his feet.

  All three of the children stood on the side, trying to move their bodies in sync with the adults in order to prepare for the future. Jugo had challenged Ragnar many times since his ascension, but had never been able to take him down. Toshiro stood on the other side of the room, scribbling notes down so fast even Raioten was impressed. He muttered to himself a ton of numbers and made a prediction on the fight.

  Toshiro: Balance of strength would be 70/30 in favor of Ragnar. Speed is 65/35 in favor of Jugo. Skill seems to be nigh even. Durability is 85/15 in favor of Ragnar. Ragnar will simply outlast Jugo in this war of attrition.

  The two juggernauts continued trading earth shattering punches. Jugo recognized that he was fighting a losing battle so he hastily can't up with a plan. He rushed Ragnar and stood right in front of the behemoth. He refused to back down until he could make Ragnar move backwards.

  Toshiro: An obvious tactic, but completely ineffective. He's only sped up his defeat. There isn't anyone strong enough to overcome Ragnar in a contest of pure strength.

  Jugo inpressed Ragnar with his ferocity and managed to land a few clean hits. They were however, largely ineffective against the towering giant. Jugo was slowly getting worn down by the heavy strikes of Ragnar. His face was bloodied and his strikes grew slower and slower. Out of the corner of his eye, Jugo saw Raioten running back and forth. He was waving his arms like a madman in order to cheer Jugo on.

  Toshiro: He's got one more little burst of strength left. Ragnar will counter, and Jugo will fall.

  Jugo rushed back in and threw a massive overhand right to try taking Ragnar out in one shot. Having the longer arms, Ragnar was able to connect first, striking Jugo right in the face.

  Toshiro: Another dominant victory.

  As Ragnar's fist cracked into his face, Jugo struck at the inside of his arm. The force of his strike caused Ragnar's arm to bend, and allowed Jugo to move in closer. Mirroring the perfect high kick he had watched Raioten do time and time again, Jugo landed his right leg clean on Ragnar's temple. Jugo fell over unconscious, and the QRPT rushed to his aid immediately. Ragnar was a little dizzy from the strike and lost his balance. He caught himself with a hand to the ground and wiped blood from his mouth.

  Toshiro: He knocked Ragnar down?! That's impossible!

  Ragnar whispered to himself with a massive grin on his face.

  Ragnar: Hell yeah! We're getting out of here no matter what!