A little distance away, near the tree…

  At the same time when Ren and Yui were talking—

  Kazuma sat beside Sakura. His expression was unreadable, his eyes not meeting hers.

  Without speaking aloud, he activated Mind Voice Exchange.

  – Why are you making that face? You said you could forget… but I can’t. I can’t pretend like nothing happened, Sakura.

  Sakura flinched at the rawness of his words.

  – I’m sorry, Master… Please, talk to me normally. I know I was wrong, but… please.

  Kazuma turned his face away, jaw tightening. – Tch. At least give me time.

  I need to think. I need to talk to him too.

  Sakura’s eyes widened in surprise.

  – Huh?! You’ll talk to… Dad?

  Kazuma almost groaned aloud.

  – Are you mental? …Well, wait until night. I’ll talk. But don’t expect me to agree.I still haven’t forgiven you....Seriously, why are we even paired?

  Her gaze dropped. The wind stirred gently around them, brushing the silence like an unseen hand.

  – Okay… but Master, after the second round, I’ll step back. Maybe I’ll withdraw—or even eliminate myself. A few days… maybe I’ll return to normal. I know you won’t talk much… but at least, can you look at me like before?

  Kazuma said nothing. He sat still, lost in thought. Sakura didn’t know what else to say.

  ‘Sakura… she used to be so bright. Now that glow is gone. And it’s because of me. Tch… is it even possible to go back to how it was?’ he wondered bitterly.

  He exhaled sharply – Sakura… His voice finally broke the silence, strained.

  – Damn it, I don’t even know what to say. Just… tell me one thing that can make your face light up again. I’ll do it. Anything—except that one thing. Just… don’t look gloomy like this.

  Sakura remained silent.

  Kazuma’s tone softened. He knew that if he let anger rise, it would only make things worse. – …Say something. Please don’t stay quiet like this.

  – Just talk to me normally, Master… like before. That’s all I want.

  Kazuma’s frustration surged. He raised his hand instinctively, about to flick her forehead—but stopped himself. – You idiot. I’m not like you!. he snapped.

  – I can’t forget what happened. You might pretend, but I can’t.

  Sakura stayed quiet, lips trembling. After a few seconds, she finally spoke.

  – Master… Do you think I can pretend it didn’t happen? Her voice trembled.

  – I can’t either. I just… I was afraid. What if I miss the chance to ask it? I… I thought about it for a long time. I called because I was scared of rejection. But keeping it inside wouldn’t make it disappear either. So I asked.That’s all.

  Kazuma’s eyes narrowed. – Do you even know what you’re saying?

  She finally looked up at him. – Master… I already asked. You already answered.

  She wiped the corners of her eyes, forcing a broken smile. – There’s only one thing left. I don’t have the courage to tell Dad… so please, you do it. Then tell me tomorrow. I know it’s a rejection, but at least I’ll get clarity.

  She drew in a breath, steadying herself. – If you want, I’ll divide. I won’t speak to you for a while. I’m not asking you to accept me, Master… I know it’s impossible just looking at your face now. But… someday, I want to talk to you normally again.

  Kazuma didn’t know how to respond. His expression twisted between concern and confusion. He looked away.

  – …Stay on your words, then. he murmured.

  ‘God… please make the night pass quickly. Let morning come.’

  Sakura nodded weakly. – Okay…

  Kazuma glanced at her dull expression. – …Again with that face? Didn’t I say to at least look happy? you agreed, didn’t you?

  She didn’t answer.

  His brows furrowed. – Oi. At least act normal until night! You don’t have to talk to me. Just… look normal. Like before, you fool.

  Sakura smiled faintly. “At least… scold me like that. It feels normal.”

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  Just then, Ren and Yui returned from their talk.

  Ren squinted at Sakura. “Huh? You look… kind of normal again. Well, if you need to rest more, take your time.”

  *******

  In the mini screen, Miko’s group observed silently.

  Inori's arms folded. “Senpai… She's his disciple, right? Then why is that white hair guy being so… soft? Who is she? Do you know?”

  Miko didn’t flinch outwardly. But inside, she was shaken.

  ‘I can’t tell you that… not now.’

  Out loud, she replied flatly, “Just think of her as his disciple also.”

  **********

  After Ren and Yui joined them and chatted briefly, Kazuma and Sakura quietly walked into another direction in the forest. Kazuma glanced sideways, then activated the Mind Voice Art mid-step, his eyes narrowing slightly as he caught the subtle gloom still lingering on Sakura’s face.

  – Idiot. If I don’t agree… how will you talk to me normally?

  Sakura blinked. Then, with a soft huff – Like this… Calling me an idiot again… It feels like the old days already.

  Kazuma narrowed his eyes. – Idiot, this isn’t a joke. Do you even get it? Do you know how many damn years it might take to talk normally again? Mental girl…

  – I know, Master… she replied softly, her voice tinged with regret. – But... even if it takes years... at least it’s possible, right?

  Kazuma's eyes narrowed. – Tch… dumb… I’ve never understood you from the beginning. I swear, I’ll kill you.

  Sakura faintly smiled, eyes slowly blinking. – Then kill me, Master.

  Kazuma turned his head slightly, half-annoyed, half-sighing. – Hmph… Just keep that look. If you’re going to talk, talk like this—how you always used to.

  He looked toward Yui in the distance. – If you get bored, talk to her. She’s Miko aunty’s daughter. You know Miko aunty a bit, right?

  Sakura gave a small nod. – Well, okay Master.

  Kazuma walked forward, still frustrated, still conflicted—but something in his chest felt lighter. Just a little.

  As Kazuma and Sakura continued talking a short distance away, Ren’s fingers slowly wrapped around the hilt of his katana.

  The moment his hand made contact, a sudden chill ran through his palm.

  Cold...? Ren blinked,

  ‘Huh!?’ tightening his grip slightly. ‘They want to talk...? Or are they just playing around again?’

  He let out a small sigh, his grip loosening.

  ‘Well... I think they just want to tease me again. I can talk later.’

  *******

  Hisagi walked slowly, his face as innocent and dull as ever. He stopped just short of the group, his eyes flickering with a mix of hesitation and hope.

  “…Miko-aunt,” he asked softly, “can I sit here?”

  Inori tilted her head, noticing him immediately. “Huh? Why are you even asking? You’ve recovered fully, right?”

  “Yes,” Hisagi replied with a shy smile. “And… it looks like you’re enjoying yourselves. So… Can I sit between you?”

  His gaze dropped to the screen in Hina’s hands. He leaned forward slightly, and a sudden spark lit up in his eyes.

  “Oh! You’re watching the Master's”

  Before anyone could respond, Miko chuckled and patted Hisagi on the head with a gentle hand.

  “Sit here,” she said, smiling warmly. “I didn’t know you like those two. But I do know you, at least a little. You know me, right? By the way… you can admit defeat right? ”

  Hisagi stiffened slightly, his eyes darting nervously.

  “A-Aunt… I–I…”

  Miko kept patting his head. “Why so nervous? I don’t hit you”

  Inori smirked lightly. “Senpai, you ask him like you’re about to slap him. Maybe that’s why he got scared.”

  Hina, still sitting on Esha’s lap. Inori and Miko sat beside her, relaxed but observant, while Haruki and Hisagi positioned themselves in front, backs turned.

  ********

  The sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the quiet forest as Ren, Sakura, Yui, and Kazuma walked through the forest trees. The time around 4 PM.

  The forest paths were quiet, woven with tall grass and tangled roots. Shadows shifted gently with the breeze. Ren and his group moved steadily.

  Then—*thud*.

  A boy suddenly dashed out from the side, crashing shoulder-to-shoulder with Ren.

  “...!”

  Ren took a step back from the impact.

  The force of the collision sent the boy tumbling to the ground, unable to regain his balance. He collapsed, sprawling on the earth, his hood falling slightly to the side.

  Ren's eyes narrowed as he watched the teenager—slim, hooded, masked. His frame tense, breath quick. His posture is tight with haste. No one could see his face. He didn’t speak, didn’t move, something about him made Ren pause. He Felt strange.

  His eyes sharpened. Something felt off.

  “Azuma,” he said quietly but firmly.

  Kazuma blinked. “Huh?”

  “Take them,” Ren ordered. His voice had hardened—there was no room for questions.

  Kazuma didn’t understand, but something in Ren’s tone made him obey. Without hesitation, he moved. He wrapped an arm around Yui and Sakura, gripping their necks gently with the crook of each elbow. In one swift motion, he pulled them back.

  – I don’t know why you’re doing this, but don't do anything rash

  As Kazuma retreated with the girls, Yui glanced back over her shoulder. Her brows furrowed.

  “Why is he suddenly serious again? What’s happening?” she asked, her voice tense.

  Kazuma kept running. “That guy is his friend… maybe he just wants to talk.”

  Yui squinted at the figure. “Friend? He looks like a teenager.”

  Without answering, Kazuma suddenly vanished—teleporting cleanly out of sight.

  Yui’s mouth dropped open. “Wait…, you know about teleportation, right?” she asked “In that fog—when you disappeared—everyone thought you used it. Mom even said like you could use it. So… how many years did it take to learn?”

  – ‘Why are you so surprised?’

  – “I couldn’t do it, I can’t get past the second step. It’s… too hard.”

  Kazuma’s voice came back, cool and casual. “Why are you shocked? It’s not like it’s so hard. You’re just afraid of the second step. You convinced yourself it’s not necessary—that’s why you never learned it.”

  Kazuma continued. “If you can push through the second step, the rest is easier—not too easy, but manageable.

  Yui’s eyes widened. “Huh? So that means…”

  “Yeah, The second step is mostly about fear. The other Steps are about endurance.”

  Sakura turned to him. “Master… you never told me about this technique.”

  Kazuma scoffed slightly. “I only tell you what you can learn. I’ve told you again and again to increase your Kairo reserves, but you’ve been lazy. If I told you about teleportation, you’d mess it up and burn out.”

  He added, “Ken already used it in the first round, remember? When that guy froze time—he arrived using this technique. He knows it too.”

  *********

  At the same time as the group walked forward, Ren suddenly raised his hand.

  “Wait,” he said, his voice low. “We’ll talk. And… let me take the katana.”

  ‘I think I’ll need help’ he thought to himself.

  He pulled out a small cloth and began gently wiping the blade—his movements careful, almost too careful. The subtle motion was more than it seemed.

  That boy thinks ‘what’s he doing? Damn, I have to hurry, I can't waste time here’

  In the Center of the Forest, two Controllers who Controlling the ghost moths of Ren and that boy, suddenly heard a voice crackle into their minds.

  – { Tell your ghost moths to move. Numbers 101 and 45. }

  They flinched.

  This voice…!

  – Kaizen? What are you talking about? one of them asked, bewildered.

  Kaizen’s tone was calm but firm—and polite.

  – { Please, move the moths. It’s their personal matter. There is already a delay. If you don’t… he’ll act on his own and override the control. }

  They hesitated and one controller asked – Huh? Then… wouldn’t that disqualify him?

  Kaizen’s response came without pause. – { Yes. He’s already made up his mind. I can’t allow that to happen. Please—just move them. Quickly. }

  The two Controllers glanced at each other. – So you were asked for the pulses for this purpose—to watch them from the morning!?

  Kaizen’s voice lowered into something softer—but no less urgent. – { Please. Just move }

  – Fine. But only for a few minutes. After that, We can’t make excuses beyond that like we took a break.

  – { That’s more than enough. } Kaizen replied. – { Thank you. }

  At the same moment, while Kaizen spoke, the teenage boy—shifted slightly to the side, preparing to walk off.

  Ren’s voice cut in. “Wait. Where are you going? I just want to talk. Just wait a few seconds.”

  He froze mid-step.

  ‘What does he want now? To talk? Wait… does he know!? No… no, that’s not possible…’

  Then something changed in the air.

  The ghost moths began to drift, gliding away from both Ren and him.

  Ren’s eyes narrowed. He noticed.

  ********

  Miko, Hina, Hisagi, Haruki, Inori, Esha, and Hina watched the screen displaying Ren’s group as they walked, but Miko’s focus was elsewhere. Her sharp senses caught something that the others did not yet notice.

  ‘Why is he so serious?’ Miko thought, her brows furrowed. ‘And why is he taking the katana out? There is no danger there’

  Inori, ever curious, glanced at Miko. “Senpai, do you think a fight will happen now?”

  She didn’t answer immediately. Confusion clouded her thoughts. “I don’t know”, she finally responded, her voice low.

  Just as they spoke, the ghost moths moved—suddenly, the screen that had been showing Ren shifted. It now displayed trees, nothing more.

  Inori’s eyes widened in surprise. “Huh? Why are they moving?”

  Miko’s thoughts raced. ‘Wait... he said to wait a few seconds for this!? Is this part of his plan?’ Her mind confused more ‘If someone is helping him... it could only be another Controller. Or maybe someone asked them to move Or Could it be that he was preparing for a fight normally?’

  Author Note: Is it interesting Now? Please Comment your responses.