Snake rolled with Big Boss's blow, minimising the damage to his nose, but it was bad enough - the halves of the recent break were sent askew again, and his head burst with white stars. His body curled into a C as Big Boss struck his stomach, and he took the opening to fight - clawing with his left hand, lunging in with his head to bite at Big Boss's face. But he was overpowered easily, and there was nothing at all he could do.

"You - know what I did in the CIA?" he gasped, swallowing blood. "Funny how you - only mention that once you've got me pinned down, huh?"

He laughed. It was all bravado, an attempt to distract him from what had fallen to the floor, but it was too late. He followed Big Boss's gaze to the can of hairspray, the matchbook folded around it. Terror spiked up in his chest, and he felt sweat immediately prickle all over his torso, damp underneath his tightening shirt.