Evening
The training ground was quiet.
No clashes.
No commands.
Just the sound of wind.
A Rare Pause
Goro had called it.
"…That's enough for today."
No One Argued
Not even the Enforcer.
Because everyone felt it—
The weight of earlier.
A Small Fire is Lit
Near the edge of the rocky field.
Not for warmth—
But for presence.
Hiroto Sits Nearby
Blade resting beside him.
Not training.
Not moving.
Just… still.
Akari Approaches
Holding two small water flasks.
She tosses one toward him.
"…Drink."
Hiroto catches it.
"…Thanks."
Simple Moment
No tension.
Just quiet.
Akari Sits Beside Him
Not too close.
Not distant either.
A Few Seconds Pass
Before she speaks.
"…You handled it better than I expected."
Hiroto Glances Slightly
"…That supposed to be a compliment?"
A Small Smirk
"…Take it how you want."
Hiroto Takes a Sip
Then—
"…I couldn't do anything."
Akari Responds Immediately
"…You stayed standing."
A pause.
"…That matters."
Hiroto Doesn't Reply Right Away
But he doesn't deny it either.
Nearby
Yui is talking quietly with the Watcher.
The Enforcer lies back, staring at the sky.
Kenzaku—
Standing alone again.
Hiroto Notices
"…He's always like that?"
Akari Follows His Gaze
"…Pretty much."
A pause.
"…Doesn't mean he's not paying attention."
Hiroto Watches Kenzaku
Silent.
Still.
Kenzaku Suddenly Speaks
Without turning—
"…You're staring."
Hiroto Doesn't React Much
"…You're easy to read."
Kenzaku Turns Slightly
A faint look.
"…No."
A pause.
"…You're just starting to see."
That Hits Differently
Hiroto exhales lightly.
"…Maybe."
Kenzaku Steps Closer
Not confrontational.
Just direct.
"…You changed today."
Hiroto Looks Up Slightly
"…How?"
Kenzaku's Answer
"…You didn't chase strength."
A pause.
"…You accepted your weakness."
Silence
Akari glances between them.
Hiroto Thinks About It
Then—
"…Yeah."
No Denial
No pride.
Just truth.
Kenzaku Nods Once
"…That's the first step."
Then Turns Away Again
Conversation over.
Yui Suddenly Speaks Up
"…Hey—are we just going to sit here all night being serious?"
The Enforcer Laughs
"…What, you want a celebration?"
Yui Crosses Her Arms
"…I want food."
Akari Smirks Slightly
"…That I agree with."
Small Shift in Mood
The tension loosens—
Just a little.
Later
The fire burns lower.
The group settles.
Quieter now.
More relaxed.
Hiroto Lies Back Slightly
Looking up at the sky.
Stars faint above.
His Thoughts
The fight.
The gap.
The path ahead.
But Also—
The team.
Akari.
Kenzaku.
Goro.
Something New
Not just strength—
Connection.
From the darkness, Goro's voice comes calmly:
"…Rest well."
A pause.
"…Because this peace won't last."
Hiroto Closes His Eyes
Not uneasy.
Not afraid.
Just ready.
"…I know."
To be continued…