The next day, after much persuasion and a lot of talking, Myriad Dreams finally managed to push back her training in the "Kongō Yaegaki Style" by a few days.
Soon after, she gathered her collection of fishing gear— which was comprehensive enough to be called professional— and headed to the designated meeting spot with Seiun Sky.
When Seiun Sky saw Myriad Dreams practically drowning under the weight of various fishing tackle, she couldn't help but let out a surprised cry.
"Wait, what?"
Looking at Myriad Dreams, who was so fully equipped she looked ready for a deep-sea expedition, Seiun Sky couldn't resist a small mumble of criticism.
"Actually... bringing a parasol, a rod, bait, and a bucket would have been plenty."
"Sorry, sorry," Myriad Dreams laughed sheepishly. "Since it's my first time fishing, I was worried I'd miss something, so I ended up over-preparing a bit."
"Well~ whatever," Seiun Sky shook her head, feeling a mix of helplessness and amusement.
"Let's get going. If we wait any longer, the sun is going to get nasty."
The two soon arrived at a clear riverside.
A gentle breeze brushed across the water, creating sparkling ripples. Surrounded by lush greenery, the environment was peaceful and secluded.
"This place is beautiful! Do you come here often to fish, Seiun-san?" Myriad Dreams marveled at the pleasant scenery.
"It's alright. You could say it's one of my secret bases," Seiun Sky replied with a smile as she deftly set up the parasol.
"Let's start fishing!"
"Oh, right!"
Under Seiun Sky's guidance, Myriad Dreams fumbled through setting up her bait and cast her line into the water.
"You have to mix the bait properly so the fish will bite more easily," Seiun Sky said, beginning to expertly blend various types of bait.
However, no sooner had the words left her mouth than Myriad Dreams' rod suddenly bent sharply downward!
"I think I've got one!"
"Are you for real?!" Seiun Sky looked over in disbelief. It had been less than a minute since the cast, this speed was staggering.
Myriad Dreams reeled the line in somewhat clumsily.
After a bit of a struggle, she finally pulled a shimmering silver char out of the water.
"Eh?! Is this the legendary 'Beginner's Luck'?" Seiun Sky leaned in to inspect the catch, her tone full of teasing.
Myriad Dreams scratched her head awkwardly. "Maybe... it was just good luck."
By then, Seiun Sky had finished mixing her bait.
She sat down in the chair next to Myriad Dreams, gracefully cast her line into the river, and began her patient wait.
"Speaking of which, you're really hardworking during training, Myriad-san," Seiun Sky remarked casually, watching the calm surface of the water.
"Even though you look a bit lazy, I often see you doing extra practice until the early hours of the morning."
Hearing this, Myriad Dreams smiled faintly and responded, "Seiun-san, aren't you the same? You're always saying 'just take it easy,' but every time you train, you're secretly doing extra sets yourself, aren't you?"
"Hehe, I've been found out~"
Having her little secret exposed, Seiun Sky playfully stuck out her tongue without denying it.
Myriad Dreams pulled a piece of gum from her pocket and handed it over.
"It looks like the fish won't be biting for a while. Have some gum to pass the time."
"Thanks." Seiun Sky happily accepted.
The two sat side-by-side under the umbrella, enjoying this peaceful moment of leisure stolen from their busy schedules.
Chewing their gum, they waited slowly for the fish to bite, remaining there together until dusk.