kscans

Chapter 677 - Seiza Underwater

"—Alright, let's begin this emergency reflection meeting."

"O-Okay…"

After a scene that must have looked like a spectacular, instantaneous slaughter to any outside observer, we were still in the water, same as ever.

While the younger members (?) swam about leisurely, letting their bodies acclimate to the environment, my master and I sat facing each other in a neat seiza posture.

It was a surreal and rather awe-inspiring sight, but it was all to respect her wishes. She had asked me beforehand to 'not hesitate if I see anything lacking.' In that case, unworthy disciple though I may be, I had to steel myself for this lecture.

Incidentally…

"That was some ridiculous gimmick-breaking through sheer force…"

"Tetra-kun, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. As long as we're in contact, I don't need to release it."

As for the continuous MP drain, which seemed to be a time-attack mechanic, we were currently nullifying it with what Kanata called 'sheer force.' It was an illegal-among-illegal techniques, a no-risk MP regeneration made possible by the combined power of my [Nine Tail] and Tetra's armament, [True Theory: Shadow Cloth Looking Up to Black Wings (Per-fe Grim)].

In other words, there was no need to worry about time. We could talk slowly and deliberately.

"Now then, to begin… I'm not here to point out things that are lacking, but rather things that are… a bit too much. In any case, I don't plan on just criticizing you, so please don't look so down. Your cute partner has been glaring daggers at me for a while now."

"I-I'm not glaring!"

Lies. Sora-san was staring at me with the most intense, narrowed eyes—she needn't worry. There's no way a disciple could ever seriously blame his master.

"With that said, Master."

"Yes."

"Could you please explain your intentions for stepping out of your position as 'primarily Sora's bodyguard' to carry out that god-like massacre?"

"Well, that's… I thought that simply doing the job I was assigned wouldn't be a sufficient contribution to the party…"

"Why did you suddenly start thinking like an over-eager office worker? It's fine, really. You're a beginner at party play, so don't push yourself too hard at the start."

"But—"

"No buts, ifs, or ands about it."

"Haru-kun, the expression is 'cats and dogs,' not 'buts, ifs, or ands'."

I know that. I'm just flustered from being in the incredibly stressful situation of lecturing my revered master— Agh, I won't be drawn into her invincible, fluffy world.

Besides, the other three, who don't know the circumstances, are giving me looks that say, 'Was there really anything worth having a reflection meeting over?' I need to get to the main point quickly, or I'll be falsely accused of being a nag.

"Ui-san. That Uminari from before… You've never used it in a real battle, have you?"

"…"

As expected of my master, her expression remained calm, her eyes not wavering.

However, I didn't miss the unnatural way she blinked—it wasn't quite a habit, but it was a telltale sign she was just a little troubled.

Furthermore, as her disciple in the Kesshiki style, I have perfectly 'memorized' all thirty-something techniques she's shown me, including the unnumbered ones.

I remember every single one of her explanations, annotations, and everything else, without missing a single word. That's why I can say with conviction:

"At the very least, you've never used it with allies nearby, have you???"

"…………W-Well, that's true, but I am, for better or worse, known as the [Sword Saint]. I have confidence and pride in the precision of my techniques—"

"Ah, so that's why… I mean, I was wondering what that was when it grazed my cheek, but for a technique you've never used before, that was some incredible skill… I mean, it was."

"…, ………………"

The first mutter was likely an unintentional thought spoken aloud. The words Tetra offered after she looked at him were probably half honest and half an attempt to smooth things over… but the result was that the [Sword Saint] froze solid, a blush slowly creeping up her cheeks.

"…I, too, am still inexperienced. How embarrassing."

And so, I had merely advised her, 'Don't get overeager and do something reckless.'

In the end, she showed the world an incredibly adorable side they'd likely never seen before, sending her relatability and favorability sky-high. I guess you could call it a win-win.

Well, I already knew she was quite the character, but still…

Meanwhile, nearby, a certain individual was squirming.

As her partner, her senior, and a gentleman, I decided to pretend I didn't see the young lady, a true [Sword Saint] fan, writhing elegantly as she floated there.