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Chapter 16: Same Dojo, Same School

(…This is surprising.)

Tsutae couldn't take her eyes off the small boy, Okinaga, who was criticizing Nakuru.

Their sparring session had ended, and Okinaga had rushed over.

He said she had overdone it, but this intense training wasn't unusual for them. 

Of course, they wouldn't subject a beginner to such rigorous training.

Nakuru and Tsutae themselves started with basic exercises like falls and flexibility. 

To be honest, the throw she had shown at the end wasn't something you'd usually use on a child like Nakuru. 

But for Nakuru now, it wasn't a big deal.

Not long ago, Nakuru couldn't even take a fall without tearing up. 

But she had taken the fall from that throw well and minimized the damage. 

Her growth made Tsutae happy.

Yet, what caught Tsutae's attention more than Nakuru's growth was Okinaga's earlier remark.

If she or the master had given Nakuru the advice she needed at this moment, it wouldn't be surprising. 

But Okinaga, a six-year-old boy who didn't seem knowledgeable about martial arts, made a very accurate comment.

Moreover, his words were—

"If your opponent is more experienced, you should anticipate your arm being grabbed and use a feint.”

She couldn't believe her ears. 

For him to say this meant he had seen Tsutae's movements in that moment.

Of course, she wasn't moving at full speed against Nakuru. 

But she had grabbed Nakuru's arm and thrown her at a speed most people couldn't catch.

Even Nakuru, who had sparred many times, had her arm easily grabbed. 

While she could sense the movement, her body just hadn't reacted in time. 

Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to take the fall.

Nakuru's response was due to her daily training. 

However, this boy made a comment that suggested he had seen Tsutae's movement clearly.

(This kid…)

He seemed unaware of how amazing his observation was.

Strength, stamina, and skill are essential, but they can be trained.

Tsutae believed the most important thing for a fighter was to have an eye for discernment.

Of course, this skill can be developed to some extent, but unlike strength and stamina, it doesn't come quickly and requires a lot of experience.

Tsutae doubted Okinaga had spent years honing this skill. 

It was likely a natural talent.

Looking at him now, he seemed like an ordinary boy. 

He didn't exude the inner strength Nakuru had.

An adult-like adaptability and natural discernment.

(Fufu, another interesting kid has come.)

Tsutae couldn't help but get excited when she saw raw talent. 

She felt the same when she first saw Nakuru. 

She sensed the strength of a fighter in her and was excited, knowing she was the daughter of Shuichiro Hinobe.

And today, Tsutae felt that same thrill throughout her body.

<->

Currently, Okinaga was also trembling.

Tsutae had been smiling at him, which made him feel a chill.

(Why? Why is this person smiling? And at me!)

To be honest, it was terrifying.

His intuition told him that meeting her gaze would not end well, so he desperately avoided looking at her.

Then his parents, along with Shuichiro, arrived at the entrance. 

It seemed the conversation was over, and they had come to pick him up to go home.

Nakuru pouted at their departure, but when told they could practice together from now on, she saw them off happily.

On the way home, his parents talked about the schedule. 

His life as an elementary school student would start soon, so he wouldn't train every day but would go on weekends. 

Once he got used to it, he could go on other days if he wanted.

"Oh, by the way, it seems you'll be going to the same elementary school as Nakuru-chan."

This was the first he heard of it. 

It wasn't surprising since they lived in the same school district, but it was nice to know they could talk at school too.

"I also heard about that Tsutae-chan. She's still a second-year high school student. Oh, she'll be a third-year this year. She was quite mature and beautiful. Well, it seems some husband was mesmerized by her despite her being a minor."

One husband looked away, sweating nervously under the wife's glare.

(Sorry, Mom. I can't blame Dad either.)

He too had been captivated by her beauty. 

He mentally consoled his father, thinking he'd have one less side dish at dinner tonight.

"She's an assistant instructor. Nakuru-chan's father has high hopes for her future."

Given her extraordinary moves, it wasn't surprising she had such potential. 

Okinaga wondered why she practiced ancient martial arts and asked his parents about it.

They didn't know much but said she was under the care of her family's wishes. 

Her family seemed to have a long history in martial arts, and the head of the family was close to Shuichiro.

(So, she might have been practicing martial arts like Nakuru since she was little.)

This explained her skill and poise despite being a high school student. 

While Okinaga thought she could use her beauty to become a model or actress, he also understood her dedication to martial arts.

(I'm going to train with her too.)

It was nice for a boy to spend time with a beautiful girl. 

But after seeing her spar with Nakuru, he also felt some anxiety.

(And that smile…)

Right after her sparring with Nakuru, Tsutae had been smiling at him. 

It felt like she had found a fascinating toy, which scared him.

It was a smile of pure joy at discovering something interesting.

(…Will I be okay?)

Okinaga felt a tinge of regret.