If it's too formal, we can leave that aside for now.
Arima Shinya, together with Tousen Kaname, went to take care of all the hospital discharge procedures. While walking, Shinya spoke casually, taking the opportunity to explain in detail everything that had happened to him.
"I see… so that's how you trained your control over reiatsu?"
Tousen stroked the sword hanging at his waist, a faint smile curving his lips.
"Although it's a bit rough, it's still a positive gesture."
"…Huh? Why do you say that?"
"Because, Arima Shinya, you're probably still not ready to kill, are you?"
Tousen's voice was calm, like that of an outside observer patiently describing what he had witnessed.
"Your swordsmanship is indeed impressive, and your progress has been fast. But I still see a fatal flaw… I can't feel your intent to kill."
Shinya didn't seem bothered by the remark. He scratched his mouth thoughtfully and said:
"Not having a killing intent is normal, isn't it?"
During training, am I supposed to attack with the mindset of actually killing someone?
As if responding to that thought, Tousen spoke firmly:
"That is an act of cowardice."
Jeez… you guys really are all about the Spartan style.
"Arima Shinya, a sword is a weapon meant to kill. If you lack the intent to bring someone to death, it'll be difficult for you to stand your ground until the end."
"Is that so?"
Although Shinya had never thought so deeply about it, his mind remained relatively optimistic.
He had already seen the filth of the slums and knew that, in a true life-or-death situation, he wouldn't hesitate.
And, in the end…
"Humans are incredibly resistant to the sensation of pain."
Tousen didn't seem to fully understand.
"What do you mean by that?"
Shinya gave a somewhat melancholic smile.
"It's literal… things that seem strange, hard to get used to, or even provoke physical rejection."
"If you persist, over time, the pain fades — and eventually, you might even grow to like it."
"So, in the end… you just have to keep trying. You just have to adapt."
Yes, that's it.
The smell of iron and blood becomes familiar.
The sensation of cutting skin and flesh gradually becomes indifferent.
Until the end.
One day, he too might become someone capable of taking another's life without showing emotion.
Although the topic was heavy, Shinya didn't mind sharing his thoughts.
"I'm the type who believes that, in the end, everything works out. So I don't overthink… when the time comes, I'll think for myself. So, Tousen, I've received your intention."
Shinya also had his own way of doing things.
He could accept it, but that didn't mean he fully agreed with the other person.
In the end…
It's always been like this — is that really okay?
"Well, young people always have their own way of thinking, don't they~"
Even without seeing it, Shinya could feel the faint, awkward smile of the man beside him.
Despite clearly wanting to continue the conversation, Tousen didn't seem like someone who talked much.
He stayed silent for a while.
After two breaths, he spoke again in a calm and serene tone:
"I once had a friend — very naïve, foolish, and imperfect. But even so, her inner sense of justice never faded… I admired and envied someone like that."
Tousen rarely spoke like this, and his expression now was truly unusual.
Shinya noticed that he had turned his face slightly toward him.
"I don't have many friends today, but you're one of the few. That's why, Arima Shinya, I hope you live in good health and safety."
I see.
It's a piece of advice from a friend, delivered as a "loyal warning."
Kind of touching, actually. Shinya hadn't expected to hold such a place in Tousen's heart, and he gave a sheepish smile.
Trying to lighten the mood, he said:
"Ah, that sounds kind of like a last will, huh!"
"…You really don't know how to read the mood, do you?"
"Speaking of which, can I eat a tangerine? This fruit basket isn't cheap, right? Must be from some noble supply brand. I'm really curious about the taste…"
"Don't touch my fruit basket."
"Huh??? But weren't you going to give it to me?!"
The next day dawned clear and calm.
After his conversation with Tousen and completing the discharge procedures, Arima Shinya finally left the hospital.
Although his body hadn't completely recovered yet, he wasn't the type who could stay still for long. Before anyone noticed, he had already headed straight to the training grounds.
The person assigned to monitor his physical condition today was Kotetsu Isane, the officer who had shown a peculiar interest in him since the very beginning.
"So, you recovered faster than I expected."
Her voice was cold, yet there was a faint undertone of relief hidden beneath it.
"Well… when the treatment's good, I can't really complain."
Shinya replied with a light smile, rolling his right shoulder, which still ached a little.
Isane watched him with that same clinical, meticulous gaze as always, evaluating every movement.
"You really do have an unusual constitution. But don't push yourself too hard."
"Got it, got it~ I promise I won't overdo it."
"…You always say that."
Isane sighed, shaking her head. Even so, it was clear she wasn't truly annoyed.
While adjusting the medical records in her hands, she asked casually:
"Do you plan to keep training with Tousen?"
"Yes. He's got a pretty straightforward way of teaching. Besides, I like the pace."
"I see. He's strict, but efficient."
Isane crossed her arms, observing him for a moment longer.
"Since you've recovered, can I ask you something?"
"Hm?"
"Why do you keep pushing yourself so hard?"
Shinya blinked, a bit surprised by the sudden question.
"Why…? I don't know. I guess it's because there's still so much I don't understand."
"Don't understand?"
"Yeah. I still don't understand the world I'm in. The rules, the people, the reason everything works the way it does…"
He lowered his gaze and murmured, almost as if talking to himself:
"But if I stop, I'll never understand. So even if it hurts, even if I bleed, I still want to keep going."
Isane watched him silently.
For a moment, the air between them grew heavier.
But soon, she averted her eyes, masking whatever emotion had surfaced.
"…You really are a difficult case."
"Hey, is that supposed to be a compliment?"
"Depends on how you look at it."
Shinya laughed, a bit embarrassed.
"Well, in that case, I think I'll train a little more."
"Don't overdo it."
"Relax. I know my limits."
"I doubt that."
Her cold tone drew another chuckle from the young man.
He picked up his sword and made his way toward the training yard, where the wind blew gently.
Each movement of the blade traced clean arcs through the air, and little by little, the sensation of pain blended into familiarity.
The metallic sound echoed in rhythm, like a heartbeat —
clang, clang, clang.
With each strike, Shinya's expression grew more focused, more serene.
Isane watched him from a distance, silent.
"Persistence…" she murmured. "Or maybe… stubbornness."
And then she turned away, walking back into the building.
The sun rose high, bathing the training field in golden light.
Sweat dripped down Shinya's face, yet his gaze remained steady.
Even without killing intent.
Even without understanding everything.
He continued to move forward —
because deep down, he believed that someday, it would all make sense.