The afternoon sun bathed Reikosha Academy in a warm golden glow as students slowly returned to their dormitories after another exhausting day of training. The once-noisy training grounds gradually became quieter, leaving only the sounds of birds and the gentle breeze flowing through the academy. While Kairo and Yura had gone their separate ways, Tyouro wandered around the courtyard with both hands behind his head, humming to himself.
His eyes suddenly landed on a familiar figure sitting alone beneath a large maple tree.
Kimimaru.
He sat quietly with his Zweihander resting beside him, reading a worn-out book as if the entire world around him didn't exist.
A mischievous grin spread across Tyouro's face.
"There you are."
Kimimaru didn't even bother looking up.
"I knew you'd find me."
Tyouro gasped dramatically.
"So you admit you've been waiting for me?"
"No."
"You hesitated."
"I didn't."
"You definitely did."
Kimimaru finally closed his book with a quiet sigh before looking at him with his usual expressionless face.
"...You're loud."
"And you're boring."
"..."
"..."
After several seconds of silence, Tyouro burst into laughter.
"I win."
Kimimaru simply stood up, picked up his Zweihander, and began walking away.
Tyouro quickly caught up beside him.
"Hey, hey, hey! Don't ignore me! I skipped my nap just to annoy you."
"I noticed."
"So where are we going?"
"I'm taking a walk."
"Great."
"I didn't invite you."
"I invited myself."
Kimimaru sighed.
"...Figures."
The two left the academy grounds together, following a narrow stone path that led toward a peaceful riverside just outside Reikosha. The water reflected the afternoon sky beautifully while leaves drifted along the current. It was one of the quietest places near the academy, a place where students rarely came unless they wanted to think alone.
Tyouro stretched his arms and inhaled deeply.
"Man... this place is nice."
Kimimaru leaned against a nearby tree.
"You finally stopped talking."
"For five seconds."
"..."
"...Okay, maybe four."
Kimimaru shook his head.
"You really can't stay quiet."
"I can."
"No."
"I can if I sleep."
Kimimaru couldn't argue with that.
Tyouro suddenly skipped a small stone across the river, watching it bounce several times before disappearing beneath the surface.
"You know..."
His voice became much calmer than usual.
"When I first met you, I honestly thought you hated everyone."
Kimimaru looked toward the river.
"I don't hate people."
"You just look like you do."
"I know."
Tyouro smiled.
"But after all these missions..."
He folded his arms behind his head.
"I figured something out."
Kimimaru glanced at him.
"You always protect us first."
Kimimaru remained silent.
"When Yura rushes ahead, you're already covering her blind spot."
"When Kairo gets overwhelmed, you're the first one preparing your Astral Trapping."
"And whenever I charge in like an idiot..."
Kimimaru interrupted.
"You always charge in like an idiot."
Tyouro laughed loudly.
"Exactly!"
He pointed at him with a grin.
"And you're always there to back me up."
Kimimaru looked away.
"...That's called teamwork."
"Nah."
Tyouro smiled warmly.
"That's called caring."
For the first time, Kimimaru didn't answer immediately.
The wind quietly passed between the trees as both of them watched the flowing river.
After a long silence, Kimimaru finally spoke.
"...You're overthinking."
Tyouro chuckled.
"Maybe."
He walked closer before lightly bumping Kimimaru's shoulder.
"But I'm glad we're teammates."
Kimimaru looked at him for a few seconds.
"...You're annoying."
"I know."
"But?"
"..."
"But?"
"..."
"...You're useful."
Tyouro's eyes widened dramatically.
"NO WAY!"
He grabbed Kimimaru by both shoulders.
"Did you guys hear that?!"
"There isn't anyone here."
"I DON'T CARE! MARU JUST COMPLIMENTED ME!"
Kimimaru calmly removed Tyouro's hands from his shoulders.
"I regret saying anything."
Tyouro laughed so hard he nearly fell onto the grass.
"I'll remember this day forever!"
Kimimaru quietly shook his head, but although his expression barely changed...
A tiny smile appeared for only a brief moment before disappearing again.
The two eventually wandered into a small village just beyond the academy, where food stalls lined the streets. The smell of grilled meat, fresh bread, and sweet desserts filled the air.
Without hesitation, Tyouro bought two meat skewers and shoved one into Kimimaru's hand.
"My treat."
"I didn't ask."
"I know."
Kimimaru looked at the skewer for a moment before taking a small bite.
"...It's good."
Tyouro froze.
"You complimented the food too?"
"..."
"Today's my lucky day."
Kimimaru simply continued eating while Tyouro happily talked about random things—the next mission, Kairo's strange training methods, Yura's serious personality, and how Lady Chõko somehow managed to eat enough food for ten people every single day.
Kimimaru didn't say much.
He mostly listened.
But somehow...
That was enough.
As the sun slowly disappeared beyond the horizon, the two began walking back toward Reikosha Academy side by side.
Tyouro suddenly smiled.
"You know..."
"If we ever fight someday..."
Kimimaru glanced at him.
"I'll win."
Tyouro laughed.
"Maybe."
His smile remained.
"But I hope that day never comes."
Kimimaru looked forward once again.
For a brief moment...
His usually emotionless eyes softened.
"...Me too."