Tiny paws hit the ground with absolutely no grace. The cub tumbled, rolled, recovered, and launched himself forward again with deadly determination.

The cub growled back. It came out more like an angry squeak.

Nearby, Kirishima’s shoulders shook. Denki had already rolled onto his side, paws clutching his stomach.

Katsuki glanced down at the furious puffball trapped under his paw. He said nothing. But there was something in his expression—almost pride—before he turned it into a scowl.

A long silence followed.

Every single lion in the clearing—Denki, Kirishima, Mina, even Sero who had been dead asleep—turned to look at Katsuki.