1 Week Later.
"That's all? Concentration, focus, and stay calm?" Kazuki repeated the words that Ishida had said moments ago, standing in front of him with a bewildered expression.
"Yes, is that a problem?" Ishida asked.
"Well, I mean, you're so strong and do so many things effortlessly. There has to be some secret technique or specific training regimen you follow, right?" Sakura questioned, clearly expecting more detailed instruction.
"Well, I guess I never really thought about it like that," Ishida replied, pausing for a few seconds to consider their question. "I never really had an instructor who taught me formal fighting techniques or gave me step-by-step guidance. Most of what I do is instinctive while fighting demons—like, a lot of it."
Ishida scratched the back of his head, clearly struggling to articulate his methods. "I suppose that's why I'm not great at explaining it. When you learn everything through trial and error, through life-or-death situations, you don't really break it down into teachable steps. You just... do what feels right in the moment."
"So you're saying we should just wing it?" Kazuki asked, looking skeptical.
"Not exactly," Ishida said, shaking his head. "What I'm saying is that those three things—concentration, focus, and staying calm—are the foundation everything else builds on."
Both Kazuki and Sakura looked a bit disappointed at his explanation.
"So we can never become as cool as you," Kazuki said with a dejected tone.
"And I can't become as strong as him..." Sakura muttered under her breath.
Ishida was bewildered for a second by their disappointed reactions, then a slight smile crossed his face. "Well, I have an idea, though it would be a bit difficult. Are you two ready or not?"
But instead of answering his question, both stared at him with surprised expressions.
"He smiled!" Sakura exclaimed.
"He can really smile, huh?" Kazuki added in amazement.
"I thought he couldn't smile," Sakura finished with exaggerated shock.
"What are you guys muttering about?" Ishida asked, his smile fading back into his usual neutral expression as they continued whispering among themselves. "Are you ready or not?"
They quickly straightened up, snapping to attention. "Yes!" they both replied in unison.
Ishida let out a small sigh, then prepared himself. "Alright then, get ready."
---
"Where are we going ?" Kazuki asked , walking behind Ishida as Sakura walked beside him
"Isn't it obvious, for a mission." Ishida replied, with his always straightforward tone.
"But, you said we were going for training." Kazuki responded.
"You are really dumb, aren't you?" Sakura spoke up, glancing at Kazuki with exasperation. "This mission IS our training, idiot."
"Exactly," Ishida confirmed without turning back. "The missions you two have been taking are too easy for your current skill level. You're not being pushed to your limits, so you're not growing."
Kazuki's eyes widened as realization dawned on him. "Wait, so you're saying this mission is going to be harder than what we usually handle?"
"Yes," Ishida replied matter-of-factly. "According to the information I received, there have been multiple disappearances of young women near a mountain village temple over the past few months. The pattern suggests we're dealing with something stronger than the average demons you've been fighting."
Sakura felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. "How much harder are we talking about?"
"Difficult enough to push your limits," Ishida said, finally glancing back at them. "But don't worry—I'll be there. Though I won't be holding your hands through it."
"Great," Kazuki muttered, though there was determination in his voice. "No pressure at all."
"The whole point is pressure," Ishida explained. "Real growth only happens when you're forced beyond your comfort zone. The missions you've been taking? They're keeping you stagnant."