Kanzaki Aoi immediately ran out and said, "No, Lady Shinobu! Inosuke is too dejected right now; he's not suitable for a competition at all!"
Shinobu glanced at Inosuke. She then leaned closer to him and asked kindly, "Inosuke, do you still want to participate in the competition?"
Inosuke, who was usually so enthusiastic and outgoing, was acting very strangely. He lifted his head, his eyes unusually murky, and said, "I'm sorry... I'm so weak..."
"He seems really dejected, doesn't he?" Shinobu noted.
"Right, Lady Shinobu!" Aoi said. "Inosuke has been very dejected ever since he was treated by Su Chen. It's really strange, especially since his illness was already cured before!"
Shinobu was also very puzzled. She bent down and carefully examined Inosuke's condition. She guessed that, just like before, it was because his confidence had been shaken.
They are currently in rehabilitation training, she thought. This might be a good opportunity to let Shinazugawa-san try. Perhaps being trained by the Wind Hashira will help him.
Shinobu stood up and looked at Shinazugawa. "Alright! Let Shinazugawa-san try. After all, I don't have any better methods right now."
Shinazugawa said confidently, "Don't worry, Kochou. I'll have this boar-headed boy docile in half an hour!"
"That would be for the best," Shinobu replied, walking back to Su Chen's area.
At this point, all preparations for the competition were complete. The indoor training grounds of the Butterfly Mansion were divided into three sections. They would be used as the rehabilitation training areas for Su Chen, Shinazugawa, and Kyoujurou.
Kanzaki Aoi quietly retreated. She had to quickly run back to the ward to oversee the other patients, just in case Shinazugawa tried to snatch someone again. Kanao took a new table, then sat in front of it, silently watching Su Chen.
Kyoujurou, with his five rehabilitation patients, had already begun the first step: stretching all the joints in the body.
Su Chen was also ready. As a doctor, Su Chen was particularly serious about stretching a patient's joints. He had a habit of maintaining a high level of concentration for a long time to do one thing.
In no time, the first four male team members had finished their massage with Su Chen.
Shinobu stood by and observed the entire process. As a doctor, Shinobu had some understanding of massage techniques. So, as soon as Su Chen started, she, as an expert, saw his true skill level.
Su Chen didn't know how to massage.
But she found that Su Chen's techniques and skills quickly became very good. When she first watched, his movements were still a bit clumsy. He was clearly a beginner.
But Su Chen's self-learning ability was truly terrifying.
When he massaged the second person, it was clear that his movements and speed had both improved significantly.
When he massaged the third person, Su Chen's strength control was also extremely precise. The male team member he was massaging almost cried out in comfort several times. This level was almost on par with her own.
And when Su Chen massaged the fourth person, it was even more amazing.
Shinobu could no longer see Su Chen's massage techniques. Yes, the speed was so fast that Shinobu couldn't even see where Su Chen's hands were. She could only hear continuous slapping sounds from the patient, followed by sounds of incomparable comfort and relief.
After these four exhilarating massages, the four male comrades felt full of vitality. Their backs no longer ached, their legs no longer hurt, and they could even lift their Nichirin Blades.
They all praised Su Chen's technique. It was, in two words: Professional.
Su Chen stood up and stretched his body. He then said to Shinobu, "Shinobu, please wait for me for a moment. I'll wash my hands before I start with you."
Shinobu's pretty face flushed. Is it finally my turn?
Watching Su Chen rush off to wash his hands, Shinobu suddenly felt a bit conflicted. Would Su Chen... take advantage of her later?
It was Shinobu's first time letting a male massage her. Although Su Chen was still young, he was, after all, a boy. Is he washing his hands now just to... Bah, bah, bah! Shinobu! What are you thinking in that little head of yours!
Shinobu quickly pulled her thoughts back and slapped her own face. Her heart rate had quickened, and her cheeks were terribly hot. She couldn't understand. It was just an ordinary massage, so why was she so nervous?
Is it because the other person is Su Chen?
Shinobu's thoughts couldn't help but drift. Should I lie on my stomach later? Or on my back?
"Lie on your stomach!"
Su Chen had returned at some point, his hands still covered in many undried water droplets. He casually wiped his hands on himself, then said to Shinobu, "I was all sweaty just now, and I was afraid of getting the clothes your sister gave you wet, so I went to wash my hands. Sorry for the wait."
Hearing this, Shinobu's heart stirred slightly. So, he only went to wash his hands because he didn't want to get my clothes wet. I misunderstood him.
Shinobu pursed her lips, feeling terribly embarrassed. That's right, Su Chen is only 14. How could he have such desires! Oh dear... How embarrassing.
"Lie down first," Su Chen said gently. He helped Shinobu find a brand new berth and specifically changed to a softer pillow.
Shinobu stood rooted to the spot, dazed. She kept fiddling with the corner of her patterned kimono, looking somewhat conflicted.
Seeing this detail, Su Chen thought for a moment and said, "How about taking off your haori? To avoid getting it dirty later."
"I... I won't take it off." Shinobu pulled her haori tighter, wrapping it firmly around herself. Her face flushed, and after taking a deep breath, she finally lay down obediently.
Su Chen sat cross-legged beside her, beginning to massage the girl's joints and acupoints with his hands. He could clearly feel Shinobu's slightly stiff body and constantly tense nerves. These firm sensations flowed into both their bodies like an electric current.
"Relax, it won't hurt much."
A gentle voice sounded in Shinobu's ear. The girl's delicate body trembled, and a blush spread directly to the roots of her ears. She buried her head in her pillow, only showing a head of beautiful hair to Su Chen.
Su Chen gently patted Shinobu's back, comforting her. "It's okay, relax."
After he finished speaking, Su Chen could clearly feel Shinobu's body slowly softening. This was a signal that she was relaxing her guard.
Su Chen held his breath and concentrated, knowing the time was right. So, next was the massage technique he had just learned—the Shadowless Hand massage method.
Su Chen directly activated the Bullet Domain.
[You have learned a massage technique. You are familiarizing yourself with and organizing the massage technique you just learned. You name this move - Shadowless Hand Massage!]