4.1

"Shall we stop here?"

Both of them were greatly exhausted, partly because they were forced to fight as an unfamiliar pair. When I called it a day, they both sat down at about the same time.

"Even if we do this for another day, it won't make much difference, but it should be somewhat better."

If they had challenged Amasawa for revenge without receiving any guidance, they wouldn't have any hopes of winning.

"How did you become so strong...?"

"I've been learning martial arts since I was little. That's all there is to it."

"I've been doing the same. I've been trying not to lose to those around me, with karate as my main focus."

Maybe I was a little too harsh. Did I damage Horikita's confidence? It seemed to have been backed by her experience.

I was thinking of inserting some mental care in a hurry, but it seemed that there was no need to worry about that.

"But I've decided to think of you as an exception. The fact that my brother recognized you is now a great source of support for me."

"Hmm..."

Unlike Horikita, Ibuki, who was still grumbling, stood up and turned her back away.

"I'll definitely make you use both hands tomorrow."

Leaving those words behind, she stomped on the ground and returned to the camp.

"She really is a sore loser."

It wasn't a bad thing, but it was a shame that her vision was narrowed because of it.

I wasn't sure if she was able to absorb all the moves and fighting styles.

"It's okay. I'll have a talk with her later and review today's experience. Even if I have to force it upon her."

That was reassuring.

I walked back to the camp with Horikita.

"I didn't think you would cooperate so much. I thought you would hold back more, or stay within a safe range..."

There were several reasons stacked up, but the main reason for not revealing too much of my hand was that I had judged it to be too harsh for the future Horikita.

"Sometimes I do charity work."

"It's suspicious. I can't help but suspect there's something behind it."

"There's no choice but to be prepared for when it happens."

When I said that, with deliberate implications, Horikita narrowed her eyes in disbelief.

"Right. Let's be patient with each other."

After she accepted it, I parted ways with Horikita in front of the building and decided to return to my room separately.

It would be better if Amasawa didn't know that I was teaching them.

And by the time I returned to my shared room, it was just before seven o'clock.

It was just then when Hashimoto was waking up and sitting in his bed.

As we were quietly conversing, the first-year students were also waking up from their shallow sleep, and soon after, everyone in the shared room woke up.

"Alright. Then I'll leave for the morning bath. What about you guys?"

I decided to join Hashimoto and enjoy the bath.

"Oh, is Ayanokōji-senpai going too!?"

"That's the plan—"

"Yanagi, Kobayashi, Kozumi, let's go too!"

"Huh? No, we..."

"Just come! Ayanokōji-senpai is calling for us!"

No, I'm not calling for anyone at all.

I would appreciate it if you didn't say anything that could be misunderstood as power harassment.