Zaria rushed to Ken's side, who was struggling to sit up amid the scattered debris. Julian stood frozen, the gun still warm in his trembling hands as he stared at the spot where the ninja had vanished.
"Are you okay?" Zaria asked as she lifted Ken up, supporting his weight with her shoulder.
Ken winced, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. "Yeah... I'm good." His eyes shifted to Julian, narrowing slightly. "Who's the kid?"
"That's Julian Blackwood, André's best friend," she replied, steadying Ken as he found his footing.
Ken's eyes widened. "What?... Blackwood? The Blackwood?" he asked, surprise evident in his voice.
"Yep, the same," she confirmed, fixing her gaze on Julian who still looked confused and shocked. Once Ken was steady enough to stand on his own, she approached Julian with purposeful strides.
