Koneko's side kick came fast, but Shuo didn't bother blocking. He ducked low, slipping under her leg—and, not for the first time, caught a glimpse of something so dangerously cute it threatened a nosebleed.
In a blink, Shuo appeared behind her, crouched down, and gave her smooth calf a quick squeeze. "Koneko, your technique's way too basic. Anyone could dodge that side kick."
He grinned, eyes twinkling with mischief. "And, by the way, thanks for the view—didn't expect you to be so innocent. Matches your hair, honestly."
Koneko blinked, confused—until she saw the look in his eyes and realized exactly what he'd seen. Instantly, her cheeks burned scarlet. She clamped both hands over her skirt and yanked her leg free, stumbling back.
"Pervert! Are you just using training as an excuse to get handsy with your junior?" She glared, face blazing, bristling like a furious kitten.
Shuo shrugged, feigning innocence. "Hey, it's not like I planned it. But since I've already seen and touched everything, you might as well marry me, right?" He patted his head, putting on a mock-serious face.
Koneko's blush deepened, her usual deadpan expression shattered. She looked like she'd been thoroughly flustered—maybe even broken.
Shuo coughed, waving off his own nonsense. "Alright, enough jokes. I was just trying to lighten the mood. Your raw strength is solid, but your technique needs work."
He straightened up, voice shifting to teacher mode. "So, I'm gonna show you six basic combat techniques. Pay attention."
"Six styles?" Koneko's embarrassment faded, replaced by curiosity. She leaned in, eyes bright.
"Watch closely," Shuo said, and began his demonstration:
Iron Body: Tense every muscle, control your blood flow—your body becomes as hard as steel. Perfect for defense.
Shave: Rapid-fire kicks against the ground, building up enough force to launch yourself at high speed.
Paper Art: Relax your muscles, feel the air shift, and dodge attacks as lightly as paper riding the wind.
Moonwalk: Explosive footwork lets you move through the air—just a flick and you're airborne.
Rankyaku: High-speed, powerful kicks that slice the air, sending vacuum blades at your opponent.
Finger Pistol: Harden your finger muscles—or use a bit of Armament Haki—and your poke hits like a bullet.
He walked Koneko through each move, demonstrating with crisp, precise motions.
"Now, hit me with everything you've got." Shuo tapped his chest, inviting her to attack.
Koneko focused, drawing on her monstrous strength, and drove her fist into his chest.
Thunk!
"Ow—steel plate?" She shook out her hand, wincing. "That's...hard."
Shuo nodded, all business. "These six are beginner techniques, but they'll round out your close-quarters game and keep you from getting hurt. For now, they're perfect."
Koneko's voice was soft. "Thank you, Nangong-senpai."
She still thought he was a bit of a pervert—but with him nearby, she always felt safe. Reliable.
Shuo's tone gentled. "Koneko-chan, I can feel there's even greater power inside you. But you're holding it back. Why?"
"My power…?"
Koneko froze, eyes flickering with fear and uncertainty. Her body trembled.
Shuo didn't push. "You don't have to talk about it if you're not ready. Just know—I'll always be here for you. As long as I'm around, no one's gonna hurt you." He stepped forward and hugged her, comforting her with quiet strength.
He'd hoped to help her master her nekomata senjutsu, but clearly that trauma ran deep.
He ruffled her hair, smiling gently. "Alright, enough heavy talk. Let's get back to training."
"Mm." Koneko nodded, her composure restored.
But as they continued, Koneko's embarrassment returned in force. Shuo was a good teacher—but he still found excuses to touch her legs, her waist, and even, shamelessly, her chest.
Koneko had thought he'd reformed. If anything, he was getting bolder, shattering her expectations of perversion.
She snapped, cheeks aflame. "Pervert! Are you some kind of creep?"
Shuo, utterly unfazed, replied with absolute seriousness, "Nope. I just love training Koneko-chan. She's adorable. She's one of my crystal palace goals—how could I not dote on her?"
Koneko: "…"
"Ara ara, Shuo-chan, you really are a bad boy—flirting with Koneko behind everyone's back!" Akeno's voice drifted in, teasing.
Shuo turned, eyebrows raised. "Akeno, what are you doing? The Rating Game's almost here and you're slacking off? Looks like you need some discipline!"
He snapped his fingers, sending a jolt of lightning into Akeno's back. She shuddered, squealing for mercy.
Shuo ignored her, scanning the rest of the group with a critical eye.
"Rias, I told you to focus, not stand around like a stunned deer. You daydreaming or what?"
"And you—wolf! You're huge and tough now, but still lazing around like a pig. If you don't get moving, I'll stew you for dinner!"
"Kiba, are you a turtle? Your sword swings are so slow, even an eighty-year-old grandma could dodge them!"
He got more fired up with each scolding, finally levitating above the group and conjuring lightning spears, barking orders like a drill sergeant.
But inside, Shuo was still thinking about taming Koneko-chan. A trained kitten was just so much more cuddly.
Rias: "…"
Kiba: "…"
Kiyome and her beasts: "…"
Everyone watched as Shuo rampaged around, roasting the group. Mouths twitched, eyes rolled.
Is this training—or just one long rant?
(PS: Please keep the tips, votes, and flowers coming! Your support keeps me going!)
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