This pink-bubble-filled scene was witnessed in full by someone in the corner of the training ground.
Andy.
He stood there silently, watching the two figures pressed almost together. His knuckles went white around his short staff.
Once upon a time, he was the one who could make Mai smile like that.
He was the one who sparred ninjutsu with her.
But when had everything changed?
He remembered that night at the arena—Mai rushing onto the stage without hesitation to embrace that man.
In that moment, his world had turned black and white.
He'd lost.
Not just in strength, but in matters of the heart.
Cloud's appearance was like a mirror, reflecting his own cowardice and obtuseness.
Andy had always believed that as long as he was strong enough to avenge his foster father, Mai would wait for him forever.
He was wrong.
Love isn't about taking someone's waiting for granted—it requires nurturing and reciprocation.
He'd given all his time and energy to revenge and training, neglecting the most important person right beside him.
A deep sense of powerlessness and bitterness welled up inside him.
"What's wrong? Jealous?"
A voice suddenly spoke beside him.
Andy turned. Terry had appeared at some point, a blade of grass in his mouth, his eyes carrying a knowing wisdom.
"I..." Andy opened his mouth but didn't know what to say.
"If you like someone, say it loud. Miss your chance, and you can only watch someone else take her away." Terry clapped his shoulder. "Andy, you're an excellent fighter. But you're not a good lover."
Terry's words stabbed into Andy's heart like a sharp knife.
He fell silent.
After a long moment, he raised his head and looked at the two figures in the distance. The last traces of resentment and jealousy in his eyes slowly faded.
In their place came an unprecedented calm and resolve.
Perhaps... his brother was right.
Perhaps letting go was the best choice—for her and for himself.
If he couldn't give her the happiness she wanted, then he'd wish her well.
With this realization, Andy felt a massive weight lift from his chest.
His entire bearing seemed to become lighter and more at peace.
He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and walked straight toward Cloud and Mai.
"Mai, stop for a moment." His voice was calm yet firm.
The two "instructor" and "student" paused and looked at him curiously.
Andy didn't look at Mai. Instead, his gaze locked onto Cloud with unprecedented intensity.
"Cloud!" He spoke deliberately, word by word. "I admit it. You're better than me. In strength and... in other ways."
He paused, then continued: "From today on, I won't see you as a 'rival.' Mai's happiness is her own choice to make. I will focus solely on my one goal—revenge against Geese Howard."
"So..." Andy bowed deeply to Cloud. "Please teach me!"
His words struck everyone present like thunder.
Mai was stunned. She couldn't believe that the proud, stubborn Andy would voluntarily admit defeat and ask Cloud for guidance.
Terry was stunned too—then his face broke into a gratified smile. His little brother had finally grown up.
Cloud was also surprised. Looking at this man with clear eyes and a martial artist's resolve, the last bit of wariness in his heart melted away.
He could feel that Andy had truly let go.
[Ding! Detected major mental shift in Andy Bogard. "Hostile" status removed.]
[Current Affection: +20 (A worthy and respectable opponent)]
Cloud stepped forward and helped Andy up.
Looking at this fighter who was equally respectable in the original story, Cloud felt a sense of kinship.
"Alright." Cloud's face broke into a genuine smile. "Since you put it that way, I won't hold back. You want to learn? I'll teach you!"
And so the training ground witnessed an even stranger sight.
Cloud—the "self-taught" martial arts prodigy—began simultaneously instructing two legitimate heirs of the Shiranui school.
"Andy, your 'Slashing Shadow Fist' focuses too much on speed—it lacks penetrating power. Try releasing the force in a spiral!" Cloud demonstrated as he spoke.
Andy watched intently, mimicking the motion. Sure enough, his punch's power increased dramatically!
"And you, Mai." Cloud turned to her. "Your 'Phoenix Dance'—the flame temperature is fine, but the shape is unstable. You risk burning yourself. Try using mental energy to 'guide' and 'shape' the flames instead of just releasing them."
He taught Mai the application methods from the [Mental Shock] fragment he'd plundered from Athena, filtered through his own understanding.
Mai tried it and was delighted to find her flames had become more solid and controllable!
The training ground's atmosphere transformed from a "battleground of love" into a harmonious "academic symposium."
Andy completely immersed himself in the world of martial arts. His eyes no longer held romantic entanglements—only hunger for power and determination for revenge. He was filled with gratitude and respect for Cloud's guidance.
Mai watched Cloud patiently instructing both her and Andy, her heart stirring even more.
This man wasn't just powerful—his heart was also incredibly broad!
He didn't hold back because of his "rival" relationship with Andy. Instead, he taught them everything he knew.
This magnanimity, this openness...
He was simply... amazing!
[Ding! Target "Mai Shiranui" affection change: +70 → +80 (This man is strong, funny, flirty, AND generous... I can't... I think I've really fallen for him...)]
Terry watched this harmonious scene from the side and took a satisfied sip of beer.