Taro finished enduring until the next boy was in position with his beast manifested and ready to attack. And only then, when he'd completely fulfilled his tactical role, did he finally allow the bonds to be severed entirely. He collapsed onto one knee, breathing heavily, sweat covering his face.
But there was a smile on that face despite the pain and defeat.
He'd done what needed to be done.
Had pushed Ren's Golden beast to his absolute limits.
Had wounded it critically in those final moments.
And had set up his teammate for a clean elimination that would force Ren to face the remaining battles with one less beast available.
Had established a situation where his team still had a chance of victory if the following combatants executed appropriately.
It was the best outcome Taro could have achieved given the circumstances.
