The training session had just ended.
Tsuru immediately approached Klein. Because of what happened last time, she didn't dare get too close, nor did she dare stare directly at him.
"Klein, I've been practicing the Beauty Fist for a few days. I was hoping you could give me some pointers."
Klein nodded. "Mm."
He turned his head and shouted toward Zephyr, "Little Ze, I'm going to help Tsuru with some training. You go ahead."
"Alright."
Zephyr glanced at the two of them, then turned and walked away.
Klein and Tsuru weren't that far apart in height, and standing together, they almost looked like a golden couple.
With talent like theirs…
They really did look like a good match.
Inside the training room—
Klein lit a cigar, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Hoo—Tsuru, let me see what you've got from the past few days of training."
With that, Tsuru began demonstrating the modified version of Okama Kenpo—the so-called Beauty Fist.
This style combined showmanship with real combat effectiveness. Many moves incorporated dance-like motions, and the primary form of hand attacks was based on karate.
In the future, if Tsuru ever ate a Paramecia-type Wash-Wash Fruit, this style would definitely come in handy.
"Slender Waist Whirl!"
"Red Maid's Night Run!"
"Graceful Steps of the River Goddess!"
"······"
Just changing the names of the moves gave the whole style a fresh vibe. Klein couldn't help but smirk internally: If I didn't say anything, who would know this was Okama Kenpo?
As for the 'Okama King' Ivankov, that guy was probably still a tadpole at this point.
Watching Tsuru perform the Beauty Fist, her incredible female flexibility was on full display—waves upon waves, quite the sight.
Especially with her mastery of Kami-e from Rokushiki.
Her movement techniques within the Beauty Fist style were progressing at lightning speed!!
Only downside…
No stockings—deduction!
No miniskirt—deduction!
No attack speed boots—deduction!
All in all, Tsuru was wearing the standard Marine-issued school sailor uniform.
It just didn't do her figure justice.
Still, Tsuru had outstanding talent and learned fast. In just a few days, she had already grasped the fundamentals of the Beauty Fist.
After her demonstration, she eagerly asked, "Klein, could you point out where I'm lacking, and what I should improve…?"
"First of all, your knife-hand strike lacks power. You need to drive it with force from your waist and core…" Klein began analyzing and pointing out flaws in her technique.
With the system directly feeding him the experience of practicing martial arts, even a Level 1 Okama Kenpo user had already reached the Initiate stage.
His understanding far exceeded Tsuru's, especially since he had memories of several other fighting styles.
Iron Fist, Ramen Fist—many elements were worth borrowing.
Klein emphasized: "Tsuru, you should put more work into your knife-hand attacks."
Rokushiki had a technique called Shigan. Tsuru could replace that with the knife-hand to enhance the killing potential of Okama Kenpo.
He was serious when it came to teaching.
After all, the training school was his primary source of income—and a stable one.
He had truly invested in it. Otherwise, the school wouldn't be thriving like it was.
He'd even received praise from quite a few students.
After receiving his guidance, Tsuru nodded thoughtfully. She'd indeed discovered flaws in her technique thanks to his suggestions.
"Thanks for the tips, Klein. Can you do a demo of the Beauty Fist for me?"
Her bright blue eyes sparkled with expectation.
"My friend is the one who knows it," Klein replied stone-faced, adamantly refusing to admit he knew Okama Kenpo.
Tsuru raised a delicate brow. She seemed to realize Klein was reluctant to demonstrate the style in front of her.
Could it be…
Does he need to be paid?
A glint flashed in her eyes. Seems this guy doesn't have much resistance to money… so…
Let's see…
Got it!
"Klein, you want to make more money, right?"
"Of course I do! Who doesn't?" Klein replied without hesitation.
Only an idiot wouldn't want to make money!!
Tsuru chuckled sweetly. "I've got a way to help you make more money. And not just one!"
"But you have to teach me Beauty Fist personally. And I want a cut of the profits too."
"..." Klein fell silent for a moment.
Of course he wanted the money.
Refusing money was like refusing life itself!
But if he had to demonstrate Okama Kenpo… what would happen to his image as a genius Marine cadet and bane of pirates?
Klein looked at Tsuru. "Is it a lot?"
"If it's not good money, don't waste my time!"
Hearing this, a subtle smile tugged at the corner of Tsuru's lips.
The bait's out. And the fish bites right on cue.
A sly glimmer flickered in her beautiful eyes as she tilted her head slightly. "It pays well. But you know how money-making ideas work—can't just go blabbing about them, right?"
"Besides, some of them will need more than just the two of us."
Klein knew exactly what Tsuru was doing—it was all about saving face.
Still, he repeated the mantra in his head: There's no shame in making money!
Besides…
It's just Tsuru watching. No way that'd be embarrassing enough to kill him.
Klein lit another cigar and took a deep puff. "Tsuru, for the sake of money, I'll demonstrate the Beauty Fist myself!"
"I know you wouldn't lie to me," she said, smiling faintly. "But just so you know, if you do trick me—I'll make you pay for it."
"Let's see it then." Tsuru pressed her lips together, gesturing for Klein to begin.
This is for money. This is for money.
Never turn your back on money!
For the sake of making a living, a little performance was nothing!!
It wasn't like he was wearing anything weird—just the standard Marine Academy uniform.
Nothing like that kind of 'crossdressing' perversion.
In fact, Klein thought of anime scenes featuring Ivankov and Mr. 2 Bon Clay—one in fishnets and a camisole, the other in a swan tutu with hairy legs on full display.
By comparison…
He was dressed quite properly.
I'm not some crossdresser with weird kinks!
I'm a dancer!
Yeah!
A dancer!
"Beauty Fist, First Form…"
Klein balanced on the tip of his left foot, raised his right leg, and spun like a ballerina—generating a sharp gust of wind with a graceful kick.
The motion flowed seamlessly—fast, fierce, and fluid!
Clap clap clap clap clap—
Tsuru beamed with delight as she clapped. "As expected of the genius cadet Klein—your moves hit totally different!"
"All your motions are on point. If only you could explain them as you demonstrated."
She tried her best not to laugh.
Klein, you really gonna say you don't know the Beauty Fist?
You claim your friend invented it?
Then how come you perform it so naturally?
Don't tell me you were born knowing it?
"..."
Klein shot her a glare. Can't you just enjoy the show?
Can't you just quietly watch?
Also—
Explaining while demonstrating? Don't push your luck!
"My money-making idea can definitely bring in a lot," Tsuru said with confidence.
Klein's body immediately gave an honest reaction.
"Beauty Fist, Second Form…"
While explaining, he added, "For this second move, you've got to keep your waist straight. A good waist can really amplify the power of the technique."
"Even though the form looks soft and flexible, it needs explosive force to strike the enemy…"
Tsuru kept her eyes on him, face full of serious concentration. When Klein finished the move, she smiled slightly: "Your body's super flexible. The motion looked so elegant—totally unlike your usual self."
"And you still say you don't know it?"
"..."
Klein's cheeks burned with embarrassment, but he kept a stiff upper lip. "My friend practiced hard. I just watched him and copied."
"You know me—quick learner. I see it once, I master it!"
Hmph!
If your money-making method doesn't impress me later, just watch how I get back at you!
Deep down, he reminded himself:
It's all for the money!
There's no shame in making money!