Wisteria Eyed

46

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(~<Red District Arc>~)

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"Your skills in close combat are exceptional, Miyasha."

I dodged the incoming hand towards my neck, ducking down to twist my body to get out completely from the semi-hold Tomioka had almost trapped me in.

"I had to be, senpai," my voice came out breathily as I turned back to aim an axe kick at his head, "I grew up with two rowdy brothers, after all."

Tomioka dodged my kick at the last second, stepping back a few steps before I lunged forward to attack him again.

"Not to mention," I decided to continue as I felt him duck and turn in for a roundhouse kick — most likely aiming for my gut, "My primary weapon is made for close combat."

I jumped back and raised my arms to block before his kick slammed into my crossed arms, sending me sprawling.

"However," I tilted my head as I felt Tomioka's aura move away from me instead of attacking again, "Your defence is better than attack."

"Eh, that's mostly because I lack the strength for the offence part." I admitted as I gradually stood up to dust my clothes, "So, we done for the day? Or are we just taking a break?"

"Three hours."

"Huh?"

"It has been three hours since we started, Miyasha." Tomioka's exasperated voice made me huff a laugh in disbelief.

"Wait, seriously? It's already evening?" I asked in disbelief since I genuinely couldn't believe time went by so fast. Maybe it was because we started our training in the afternoon today?

"The Sun is setting," he replied almost seriously before continuing, "I know you can't see it but it is."

"Ouch, damn." A smile spread on my lips as I could imagine the Hashira shaking his head at my theatrics, "I understand, no need to poke at my injury, boss."

I wasn't dignified with a response at that as I sat down on the porch, feeling the aura of my companion step inside for a moment before returning.

"Throw the flask from where you are, senpai." I instantly spoke out, making Tomioka pause a few steps away from me, "Come on, throw it. I can catch it, trust me."

Thankfully, he did as I asked — passing out the bamboo flask as carefully as possible. I caught it without any issues as I concentrated on the aura lingering around the flask.

"See?" I proudly grinned while swinging the flask in my hand, "Told you I can sense lingering aura on things too. It's not that strong, but it works fine for the initial few moments."

"Initial few moments?" His quiet voice asked softly as he sat down right beside me.

"I mean, right after the detachment from the host of the aura," I explained briefly before drinking a few gulps from the flask, "Like, until the aura fades off from them since they can't retain it due to their lack of own aura."

"And how long can you detect them for?" His voice coupled with his warm aura comforted me a lot as I almost leaned back on him before stopping myself.

What is wrong with me? Since when did I become this touch-starved?

"A... few minutes?" A sigh escaped my lips, "I mean, I'm not sure. It's still a skill in progress, so." I shrugged off-handedly as I removed my hair from the messy ponytail, noticing how long it had turned out to be.