Esoteric Flame Breathing [INDEFINITE HIATUS]

2 - In the Crucible of Fire

Within two weeks after Mitsuri returned from Final Selection, Satoru was able to master the sixth form with ease, mainly by focusing on releasing the right amount of firepower in the jab.

After Mitsuri healed her injuries, Satoru can be found in the estate's training hall working on the seventh form while watching Kyojuro and Mitsuri spar against each other. Since he had more field experience, it's safe to say that Kyojuro was practically giving Mitsuri a run for her money.

Kyojuro: "Your body got really weak since you stopped practicing for so long!" He proclaimed as he swung his training sword violently while Mitsuri kept parrying the attacks. "You can't hold your own as a swordsman with that kind of drive! Try harder, Kanroji!"

Mitsuri: "Okhaay~!" She replied, her expression a mix of fear and longing. "B-But I'm so hungry, my tummy is reaching my back~! I request a sweet break!"

Kyojuro: "We just had lunch a while ago! And you only have a thousand more! You can do it!" Mitsuri's stomach growled as she blocked another attack. "Don't answer me with your stomach, Kanroji!"

As this was happening, Senjuro slid the shoji door open with a tray of food behind him.

Senjuro: "Good work today, nii-san, Satoru-kun, Mitsuri-san. I made snacks for all of you. So, why don't you take a break..."

Upon hearing that, Mitsuri lunged forward and embraced Senjuro tightly in a heartfelt hug, making the boy let out a surprised yelp.

Mitsuri: "THANK YOU, SENJURO-KUUUN~!"

Kyojuro: "Hey, we're not done yet!" The interruption did not amuse him as Satoru stood beside his teacher with a deadpanned expression.

Senjuro: "Ah... How are you doing, Nii-san?" He looked at Kyojuro with a worried expression. "I have some satsuma potatoes here, too, okay?"

Kyojuro:

Satoru: "You can't be serious..." He thought, rolling his eyes at his master's easily persuadable nature. With a sigh, he turned around, ready to resume his training. However, Mitsuri couldn't help but notice his reaction.

Mitsuri: "You're not going to join us, Satoru-kun?" He asked, gaining the brothers' attention as Satoru turned to face her.

Satoru: "As much as I would love to, Kanroji-san, I—"

Mitsuri: "I told you to call me 'Mitsuri-nee!'" She cut Satoru off with a cute, unamused pout.

Satoru: "Right, right... My bad." He apologized as he had a sweat drop on the back of his head. "Okay, I'm coming, Mitsuri-nee..." He added, his face turning slightly red with embarrassment. His response elicited a beaming smile from Mitsuri.

They all sat on the deck outside to enjoy the snacks.

Mitsuri: "SO GOOOD!! I could eat these forever!" She remarked as she ate one of the satsumas while Satoru nodded in confirmation.