友の心とともに
A wise man once said, “Do not use flattery to describe a fight. A fight is supposed to be extremely merciless and cruel. When fighting with an irreplaceable friend, the mercilessness of the fight is at its absolute maximum”…
10 days after Gau and Low’s duel…
At a deserted place, Low was recovering from his injuries. Scar Face paid him a visit and advised him to eat to regain his strength rather than thinking about his fight with Gau. At the same time, Gau was accompanying Elle to a gambling area of cock fighting. While watching the two cocks (roasters) fighting, Gau recalled his fight with Low. His face was filled with dismay.
Low was very confused as he tried to analyze his defeat. Though he wasn’t exactly sure of the causes of his defeat, he was certain that Gau put everything he had in the fight. If Gau hadn’t done so, it would be humiliating for him. Scar Face disagreed with his thinking. Using the duel between Folly and Elle as example, he said no matter how the fight was started, the consequences would always be bitter. Though Low had been taught about the differences in honour and fear, they were in fact the same and indivisible. If Low wished to become a Cevar, he had to overcome and learn from his battle, as his mental strength would decide the value of a true Kuruda Cevar. If Low wasn’t able to overcome the bitterness of defeat, he should die and leave the world. Before leaving, Scar Face coldly told Low put himself into Gau’s shoes instead.
While Elle and Gau were traveling back to the Octopus restaurant, Gau asked her opinion of Low’s conditions. Elle couldn’t be bothered since it was a simple matter. Low has lost to Gau. Yet, Gau felt that Low was concerned with him and wanted to teach him what a Kuruda’s Var was. Elle was disgusted with his thinking and criticized him. Gau had no right to think that Low was concerned for him. Low did his duty to send her the writ of summons. No matter how the fight was started, Gau and Low did fight with each other.
Soon after Scar Face had left, Low went into a forest for training. Although he couldn’t understand Gau’s reasons in accepting his challenge, he would have to listen to Scar Face’s advice and carry on with his life while he suffered the pain of defeat.
At the Octopus restaurant, Elle was entertaining the customers with her singing as Gau was cutting firewood. Scar Face showed up and slightly praised Gau for his victory at Blorahan. Then, he asked about Gau’s feelings in defeating Low, more importantly, what were Gau’s reasons to fight? Gau replied that his reasons were to uphold the honour of Kuruda and to become a shield to protect loved ones. Scar Face smirked at Gau’s naïve answer. Though that was what Gau was taught but in reality, the real reason for fighting was the desire to become stronger. After using Elle and Dais to illustrate his point, Scar Face icily told Gau that he should feel great defeating Low, as he was just a stone in Gau’s path towards being a Cevar. If Gau continued to let trivial things get into his way, he would never become a Cevar. Only the masters had the luxury of reflecting themselves with reasons and logics. Although Gau may not understand now, he would when he become older.
The next day, Gau went to the place where he defeated Low. While he was recalling the duel, Low appeared. Low told Gau that he was going away for some time. Till then, he would like Gau to take care of Kyou in his absence. After the 2 friends made up with each other, Low gave Gau his red earrings, promising that his spirit would always be Gau wherever he may be. The two then departed in their separate ways with tears glistening in their eyes.
A wise man once said, “Do not use flattery to describe a fight. A fight is supposed to be extremely merciless and cruel. When fighting with an irreplaceable friend, the mercilessness of the fight is at its absolute maximum” Nevertheless, some people objected and said, “Although it is true, if just one teardrop remains in their eyes, this will be proof that they will forever be great friends.”…
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