[The grin on Cloud's face is genuine and he hefts the blade in his hand, pumping it to feel the weight and the burn in his muscles. With the match over he's feeling the endorphin rush fading and the fatigue setting in.]

I've been getting better I think. It's been hard work but I think I'm at least getting the hang of fighting like this.

[As he's said before, he doesn't simply want to rely on the powers his job gives him, but to be able to do this himself.]

I just hope it's enough when the time finally comes to take on Garland.