Taimanin: The Weakest's Resolve

Extra - Momochi Nagi

Throughout the days, Nagi carried out her duty as Kotaro's personal bodyguard without any flaws. She had kept herself hidden in plain sights. Asides from the Elite Taimanin teachers and some upperclassmen, the students hardly aware of her concealed presence within their vicinities.

Whenever Kotaro went to somewhere else, she would follow suit to watch over him. The Young Master continued his daily life without ever seeing Nagi in his line of sight, that was something Nagi considered as the right thing to do. She wouldn't want to disturb his focus on things. All she required was to be the stealthy watchful eye that protects Kotaro from potential threats.

After classes ended, Kotaro parted way with Hebiko and Shikanosuke while Nagi continued to watch from the shadow. As the silence at dusk filled Gosha streets, Kotaro's support cane made subtle noises.

"Hm?"

Kotaro changed route. He didn't take the usual path to home, he was heading to the old training ground in the forest. Nagi was somewhat confused. What reason could he possible have there? If it was about training, his body condition would need more time to prepare for such.

"Nagi, you there?" Kotaro said once he reached the entrance leading to the training area.

"Yes, Master." Nagi heeded his call.

She swiftly appeared behind him, getting down on one knee and lowered her head, waiting for an order. Kotaro scratched his head in awkward, he had half-expected her to do another formal greeting.

"O-Okay, like I said. You don't have to bow like that, just approach me naturally."

"My apology." Nagi stood up, still keeping her gaze low.

"Raise your head."

Nagi did as told. His left eye calmly met hers.

"Yeah, this is better. It's necessary to loosen up a bit and not being too stiff. Since it's me, you can relax, no need to be formal."

"Very well. I will keep that in mind." Nagi looked at the forest. "Would you like me to remain here and wait like the previous times?"

"It's fine, you can come with me. There's something I want to try out very quick."

"Understood."

Shortly, they reached the secluded area owned by the Fuuma clan. An open field equipped with the basic needs for young Taimanins-in-training within the clan to practice in the old days. There were dummies, automatons made of wood, hidden containers inside dried logs which had shuriken and kunai boxes.

Before the Great Ashen Tree incident, Kotaro had cleaned up the place after his last training here. Traces of combat usage was noticeable, however, the open field appeared like new.

To try out something...Nagi began to wonder what he meant.

Kotaro approached a dummy and shook it. After confirming the object was fixed in place, he let go of the support stick. Kotaro took a deep breath, stretched his legs, aligning the feet with both shoulders un vertical. Fists formed and elbows fixed by his sides.

Nagi was observing from a distance, the Young Master's face obscured from her view. The way he moved indicated the beginning of a close-combat technique.

"?"

Suddenly, her senses tingled.

Something had blended into the atmosphere. In the surrounding silence, Nagi felt a faint existence flowing nearby. It came from the direction where Kotaro was standing. It felt similiar to her usage of energy, like Taima particles spreading thin yet concentrated in the air.

When Kotaro took a step forward with his elbow cocked back, she could feel the energy making a movement. It became even more prominent, Kotaro and the Taima particles flow were in sync.

Could it be...?!

"Nyaa!"

"Eh?"

Out of nowhere, Nagi heard a cute noise.

A cat jumped out from the bushes next to Kotaro and rushed off to the street lights of Gosha. It carried in itself a trace of Taima energy. She saw a mark on its back, depicting one of the clans' emblems. That little one was among the many raised and trained by the Taimanins. It wasn't uncommon to think the animals around Gosha Village have Taima energy infused with their bodies after years of exposure.

Thud!

Nagi returned her attention to Kotaro, he'd just done the technique.

It was certainly...weak.

The impact of his fist barely knocked down the dummy. The object stumbled backward shortly and came back to its original position. With his injuries not yet recovered, the result was expected.

"Hm. This feels different, doesn't quite cut it." He muttered.

"Master, if I may ask. What were you planning to do?"

"I was...thinking of doing a bit stretching to see if I'm able to train again or not yet. What do you think, Nagi? Should I wait for some time?"

"I believe right now is still early for your body to handle the activity."

He nodded.

"I guess so. Well, I'm done here. Let's head back."

"Yes, my Master."

Kotaro picked up the cane and led the way while Nagi followed closely. For a moment, she could see the eagerness in his eye. The motivation to push forward was flickering.

That spark of tinder would burn bright when the time comes.

Nagi smiled, the realization made her understand more about the person whom she's serving. What Fuuma Kotaro was doing now and in the future, she would continue to devote herself to him.

"What?"

As Kotaro glanced over his shoulder, her smile was gone before their gazes met.

"U-Um, no. Is something the matter?"

"Huh, somehow I felt you were smiling." Kotaro focused back on the road. "Or maybe my tired brain mistook it with the rustling trees."

"..."

Nagi said nothing. His perception were getting sharper, she wouldn't want to deny those words. Yet, she felt embarrassed to admit it.

As she was out of his line of sight once again, Nagi's expression relaxed. The stiffness replaced by a shade of red and a soft smile.