As the week unfolded, the Forest of Time became their new home.

  Every morning, mist hung heavy over the canopy as light filtered through moss and vines, and the sun painted gold streaks across the forest floor. The sound of insects, rushing streams, and distant roars created a strange symphony that marked the start of training for the both of them.

  Yumi’s Meikai sessions grew more complex each day.

  Kaizo adjusted her routines constantly — blind sparring, moving through unstable terrain, even testing her awareness during meditation.

  And every time, she adapted faster.

  Kaizo (arms crossed, watching her dodge his movements with her eyes closed): “You just keep getting better and better.”

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  Yumi (breathing steady, smiling faintly): “Well, I got my crazy teacher to thank for that.”

  Kaizo (smirking): ‘Oh, thanks. Now keep paying attention.”

  Infinity often watched from the branches, sprawled out and pretending to be lazy — but his red eyes missed nothing.

  He’d occasionally mutter comments to himself, or vanish into the woods to “do science,” which usually meant pestering anything that moved.

  By the fifth day, Yumi could detect Kaizo’s moments flickering before he even moved.

  Her Meikai had evolved from raw sensitivity into slight predictive analysis.

  Kaizo (to himself as Yumi ducked under a surprise strike): “Her Meikai is insane. She might be comparable with some elites in the Sosei Legion.”

  Infinity (curious, speaking through the IF Link): “Are those people as strong as you?”

  Kaizo (half-smiling): “Nope. (slight pause) WAY stronger.”