Suguru shook his head, his black hair swaying slightly with the movement. "No, Satoru. This is not just about Six Eyes. Your talent, hard work, and understanding of power are far superior to mine. That is a fact."
"You are too self-deprecating." Satoru showed a rare serious expression. "The reason we are called the strongest duo is because our strengths complement each other perfectly. Your Cursed Spirit Manipulation can overwhelm a thousand with one."
The sunlight slanted across the training ground, giving the two figures a golden edge. Shunichi stood in the distance watching, a hint of relief in his eyes. These two have grown a lot. Satoru's talent is astonishing, but Suguru's growth is equally impressive.
"Speaking of which," Satoru suddenly thought of something, "have you made any new progress in your Cursed Spirit Manipulation lately? That Rainbow Dragon was much faster than last time."
Suguru's eyes lit up. "Yes. I've been studying how to make the cursed spirits coordinate better with Dankū. If I can switch between offense and defense instantly..."
"That's a good idea." Satoru thought seriously. "If we can combine a cursed spirit's surprise attack with Dankū's defense, it will be a very powerful combination."
Even now, he is still thinking about how to help me improve my combat power. Suguru felt a warmth in his chest. This is my good friend, Satoru.
...
The autumn sun slanted through the window lattices of the Gojo Kyokushin-ryu Dojo, coating the entire space in warm gold.
The old wooden floor bore traces of countless practice sessions. Those shallow dents and scratches silently told of the unremitting efforts of generations of practitioners.
In a corner of the dojo, several wooden swords were neatly placed on a rack. The paint on the blades had become mottled after years of use, yet they exuded a sense of history.
Shoko stood in the center of the dojo, looking at Riko in front of her.
An unprecedented determination gleamed in the girl's clear eyes. She held the practice bokken tightly, her knuckles whitening from the force.
The air was filled with the scent of sandalwood, the lingering fragrance of incense burned during the morning classes, lending a solemn atmosphere to the entire space.
"Riko," Shoko said softly, her voice as gentle as ever, tinged with her signature concern. "I really don't have the authority to teach you Kidō directly. But before that, can you tell me why you suddenly want to learn this power?"
An autumn breeze blew in from the open sliding door, carrying a few red maple leaves onto the smooth floor.
Shoko's long hair was gently lifted by the wind. Her figure, framed against the shrine behind her, formed a picture full of quiet poise.
Her eyes were gentle, yet a bit scrutinizing.
This child has changed a lot recently. Is it because of Reverse Cursed Technique? Or is this a desire that has always been hidden in her heart?
Riko looked down at the wooden sword in her hands. After a brief silence, she raised her head with a firm gaze.
"After seeing the battle between Satoru and Suguru, I finally understood what it means to be strong. The ability to use power with ease, to control it freely... I want to be that strong too. Not for fighting, but to truly protect what I want to protect."
Shoko could sense the sincerity in Riko's words.
As the teacher who had been guiding her swordsmanship, she knew better than anyone what potential lay within this seemingly delicate girl.
With every practice, every repeated swing, Riko had shown extraordinary focus and perseverance.
Just then, brisk footsteps approached from the training grounds.
Satoru and Suguru had finished their sparring for the day and were walking toward the dojo. There were still traces of battle on them, and faint residual fluctuations of Cursed Energy lingered in the air.
Satoru casually brushed the white hair on his forehead and showed his signature lazy smile.
"Man, I'm exhausted today."
Satoru stretched exaggeratedly, his tone a bit complaining, but his eyes sparkled with satisfaction.
"By the way, what new thing is Satoshi tinkering with in the forge? I heard clanging this morning when I passed by. Is he making something weird again?"
Suguru shook his head helplessly. "You are too rude. You are from the Gojo clan after all..."
"Come on." Satoru cut off his friend's lecture with a grin, a cunning light flashing in Six Eyes. "Do we really need to be so reserved here? Besides, Satoshi will be annoyed if he hears you say that."
As he spoke, he stepped into the dojo. His sharp gaze caught the subtle atmosphere between Riko and Shoko. "What are you two talking about so seriously?"
Shoko briefly explained Riko's request to learn Kidō.
After hearing this, Satoru, who had maintained a relaxed expression, suddenly became serious. The change in his demeanor made everyone present feel an unusual tension.
Sunlight filtered through the window lattices, casting mottled shadows on the floor. The breeze carried the rustling of distant leaves. The entire dojo seemed shrouded in a special atmosphere.
Satoru stood there, the light in Six Eyes growing deep. He looked directly at Riko, his voice carrying a rare gravity.
"Riko, I have a question for you." He spoke slowly, each word carrying unusual weight. "As the Star Plasma Vessel, are you still prepared to merge with Lady Tengen?"
The sudden question was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, sending ripples through the room.
Riko stood there in a daze, her pupils slightly dilated, and the hand holding the wooden sword tightened unconsciously.
The word merge had always been like a heavy burden on her heart. When brought up so directly, she was at a loss for words.
She looked down at her trembling hands, a storm churning in her chest.
Lady Tengen... merging... the word always fills me with fear.
But without the merger, the entire world will be in danger.
Yet after the merger, will I still be who I am now? The memories with everyone, the times I practiced so hard, and this current desire to become stronger, will all of that disappear?
(To be continued.)