Jason nodded.
"Yes."
For the first time, Jason wasn't trying to prove anything.
He was trying to improve.
CHAPTER 9 — THE GIRL WHO NEVER WANTED FAME
After the fight, people wanted to know more about Mia.
They wanted interviews.
Photos.
Stories.
But she refused.
She returned to her normal routine.
Training.
Studying.
Helping younger students.
She didn't become famous because she defeated Jason.
She became respected because she never needed to.
The students who laughed at her before were now asking for advice.
But Mia treated everyone the same.
Because that was the lesson her grandfather taught her.
"Respect is not something you receive after victory. It is something you show before it."
CHAPTER 10 — THE LESSON THE DOJO NEVER FORGOT
Months later, Jason was asked a simple question.
"Who was the toughest opponent you ever faced?"
Everyone expected him to name a champion.