[81] Simple exchange

Kaoru continued walking through the forest, enjoying his last ice cream while contemplating the serene and cool atmosphere. He appreciated the tranquility, far from the hustle and bustle of the big city. However, his steps halted when he saw someone he recognized.

Ahead, under the rushing waterfall, stood Rinko Akiyama, Yukikaze's close friend. Rinko was training, wearing a tight kendo outfit, but because of the water splashing over her body, the outfit became slightly transparent, revealing the undergarments she was wearing.

Kaoru raised an eyebrow and sighed softly. "Geez, do all Taimanin kunoichi love showing off their bodies like this?" he muttered, without any exaggerated expression. He had grown accustomed to sights like this, especially after spending so much time with Asuka and Shiranui. He had become wiser in controlling his impulses, although this situation would certainly unsettle anyone unprepared.

Rinko, deeply focused on her intense training, swung her sword once more. However, her movement abruptly stopped when she noticed Kaoru standing not far away. Her eyes widened, and a small yelp escaped her lips. "Eep!" The startled sound disrupted her balance, causing her to slip.

In one swift motion, Rinko fell into the water. Splash! The cold waterfall engulfed her completely. Kaoru could only let out a long sigh, watching the scene without showing any shock or panic.

"Of course, she falls..." Kaoru muttered quietly, scratching his head as though such things happened frequently around him. He stood calmly, waiting for Rinko to resurface from the water, with no intention of helping—knowing full well she'd be fine.

"Puah!" Rinko emerged from the water with a loud gasp, taking a deep breath and panting heavily. Her eyes widened further when she recognized the figure standing at the riverbank. "Wawawawa! Kaoru-san!?"

Kaoru, now crouching by the riverside, gazed at her with a calm smile. "Yo, it's been a while, Rinko-san," he greeted with a relaxed tone, as if this meeting was nothing out of the ordinary.

Rinko, still trying to regain her balance, swam toward the riverbank. With her face slightly flushed, she saw Kaoru offering his hand to her. Without hesitation, she took his hand, and with a single pull, Kaoru helped her out of the water.

"Hah... yeah, it has been a while, Kaoru-san," she replied in a more composed tone, though there was still a hint of awkwardness in her voice.

Rinko Akiyama was known as a woman of strong will and maturity. Her demeanor was always professional, and she carried herself with a sense of responsibility. She was respected for her remarkable calmness and ability to stay focused under pressure. Yet, something about Kaoru always threw her off. He was different from anyone she had ever met. Kaoru was mysterious—possessing immense power but never flaunting it. Even with such strength, he was never arrogant or aggressive. He was just... there, with a presence that fascinated those around him.

Because of this, whenever Rinko faced Kaoru, she felt strange. Kaoru made her feel... like an ordinary girl. Something she had never experienced before. The nervousness she hid behind her strong personality always surfaced, beyond her control, whenever she was near him.

Kaoru looked at her for a moment, then spoke in a light tone, "You seem really serious about training. Is something bothering you, Rinko-san?"

Rinko, who usually maintained her composure in front of anyone, found herself offering a nervous smile. "A-Ah, no, nothing... I'm just... training, that's all," she said, avoiding Kaoru's gaze, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Hmm, I see," Kaoru smiled, noticing how Rinko was trying to conceal her emotions. "Well, carry on with your training. I'm just going to take a walk," he said, standing up.

Rinko could only watch as Kaoru slowly walked away, her heart pounding erratically. She didn't know why, but Kaoru's presence always made her feel different—more human, more vulnerable. The man had an aura that was hard to describe, as if he could read her heart without saying a word.

Meanwhile, Kaoru appeared indifferent. He knew Rinko was soaking wet due to his sudden appearance, breaking her concentration. But he was also sure that if Rinko had chosen to train near the waterfall, she was surely prepared with a change of clothes. To him, this was no big deal.

However, just before he could fully walk away, Kaoru felt a gentle tug on the hem of his shirt from behind. His steps halted, and he turned around calmly.

"Hmm?" His gaze met Rinko's face, which now looked hesitant—and, strangely, almost pleading.

"Umm... if it's not too much trouble, could you be my sparring partner, Kaoru-san?" Rinko finally spoke, her voice trembling slightly, her eyes looking at him with faint hope.

"You mean?" Kaoru raised an eyebrow, not fully grasping her request.

Rinko immediately grew flustered, realizing how her request sounded. Her face flushed a little as she quickly continued, "A-Ah! I mean, I feel like solo training isn't helping me progress much. Sometimes, I need a real opponent to spar with... don't you think?"

Kaoru stared at her for a moment. Rinko, who was usually so composed and confident, now seemed a little awkward and nervous in front of him. It was rare to see this side of a kunoichi who was always so calm and professional.

After a few seconds of silence, Kaoru gave a small smile. "Alright, then. But, you should be prepared. I won't hold back just because you asked for a spar."

Rinko looked surprised for a moment, but then her smile widened, showing her relief and deep enthusiasm. "Of course! I wouldn't expect anything less." Her voice was steady again, reflecting how serious she was about the request.

Kaoru nodded, then glanced around, searching for a suitable spot to spar. "Alright, let's get started." The faint smile on his face hinted that he was also looking forward to the challenge, though he never showed excessive enthusiasm.

Rinko gripped her sword tightly, feeling her earlier nervousness fade, replaced by focus and determination. In the thrilling silence, something unspoken seemed to grow between them—something that made Rinko's heart race whenever Kaoru was nearby.