Through the second and third weeks, Yumi’s training grew sharper, faster, and more relentless. Her Kensei was nearing full activation, her stamina nearly matched Kaizo’s, and her reflexes were razor-sharp. Even Infinity looked impressed — which was saying something, considering he usually spent training hours lounging in vines eating jungle fruit.

  Her physical improvement was visible too — the Nekodaira diet Kaizo customized (with Infinity fine-tuning the nutrients like some mad scientist-slime hybrid) had made her stronger, leaner, and more balanced than ever.

  …Which was becoming a bit of a problem for Kaizo.

  Kaizo (internal, deadpan to us): “Okay… so her posture’s straighter, her coordination’s smoother, her reflexes are scary good… and— wait. There’s just one problem... Her clothes are becoming a bit too tight, because… it ain’t flat no more…”

  He blinked.

  Kaizo (internally, nervous grin, staring at Yumi): “Oh no. Oh no. Don’t look. Don’t make it weird… I’m gonna make it better.”

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  But of course, Infinity noticed everything.

  Infinity (snickering telepathically): “Noticing something, coach?”

  Kaizo (gritting teeth): “Yeah… I definitely am.”

  Later that morning, as they were stretching before drills, Kaizo accidentally said the quiet part out loud.

  Kaizo (out loud, muttering): “Y’know, I might have to retire the ‘Flatline’ nickname soon.”

  It's a good thing I already got into the habit of calling her “Grace” instead.

  Yumi (blinking): “What?”

  Kaizo (sweating): “Nothing, focus on your stretches."

  Yumi squinted at him suspiciously.

  Infinity (muttering with a smirk): “Smooth save, genius.”

  Kaizo sighed, looking at the camera only he could see.

  Kaizo (to us): “Guys, I don’t know if I’ll be able to contain myself at this rate.”