Snake had to wonder why it was natural to want to work so hard for something instead of it being easy. It didn't make sense, though challenges provided the only way one could improve.

And when it was all based on survival of the fittest...

It made some sense, then.

"We'll see if he listens to me," he said with a smirk and a shrug. He was surprised the young man hadn't tracked him down yet to give him a tongue lashing for the stunt he'd pulled the day before, but maybe the kitty was still licking at his wounds.

They'd run into each other eventually.

Snake was pleased to see how empty the mess hall was. Nodding to his mentor, he moved away from her so that he could quickly grab a tray and gather some food.