After Galli's explanation, Guts decides to wrap the 'flag' like a headband, because screw making it easy for this girl in particular. She'll have to jump high if she wants to get her victory. The trailing ends fall over the back of his neck.

"That's why, since you were askin'." He jabs a thumb at Nerine smothering herself in mud, a delayed response to Galli's 'topless' question. That mud that will inevitably end up all over him in short order. He brushes the drying dirt off his shoulders, exposing a bit more skin to the sun, and makes his way over to his tiny opponent.

Hesri catches him before the start of the round, and the earnestness of the question manages to strum some guilt out of him. She was too kind-hearted. In truth, even focusing on the ten-second rule she'd set still didn't leave him feeling right. The weak grip of her hands and the burns of her skin made him feel like he was beating down on a sick or injured person. At least Nerine was feisty enough to make him feel annoyed at her instead.

"It's just a contest." he ends up saying with a shrug. In his head, that draws a line between game and proper duel.