The dojo settled into a steady rhythm.
Not chaotic.
Not new.
Just consistent repetition of training days.
Carina stood in the training yard, rolling her shoulders.
Her breathing was calmer than before.
Still not perfect—but controlled.
"…Okay. I'm ready this time."
Kuina stood opposite her, wooden sword already raised.
"…Then don't hesitate."
Kevin stood off to the side.
Watching without moving.
Koshiro stood further back, observing both of them in silence.
"…Begin."
Koshiro's voice cut through the yard.
Carina moved first.
Not fast.
But stable.
Her footwork was lighter than before.
More balanced.
Less wasted movement.
Kuina did not react immediately.
She observed.
Then stepped in.
One strike.
Clean.
Direct.
Carina blocked—
This time properly.
The impact still pushed her back slightly.
But she held her ground.
"…Good."
Kuina said simply.
Carina blinked.
"…That sounded real this time…"
Kuina followed immediately.
Second strike.
Different angle.
Carina adjusted faster now.
She rotated her stance and deflected it sideways.
Kevin's gaze shifted slightly.
"…Improved timing."
Koshiro nodded once.
"…Her adaptation speed is increasing."
Carina exhaled.
"…Okay… I see how this works now…"
Kuina didn't stop.
She increased pressure.
Not overwhelming.
Just constant.
Carina was forced into defense.
Step.
Block.
Adjust.
Repeat.
But she didn't collapse.
She stayed upright longer than before.
After several exchanges—
Kuina stepped back slightly.
Lowered her sword.
"…Enough."
Carina blinked.
"…Wait, that's it?"
Kuina nodded.
"…You didn't break."
Carina pointed at herself.
"…That's the win condition?"
Kuina replied simply.
"…For now."
Carina dropped to sit on the ground.
Breathing heavier.
But smiling slightly.
"…Okay… I'll take that as progress…"
Kevin walked past her.
"…It is progress."
Carina raised an eyebrow.
"…You're agreeing more lately."
Kevin replied.
"…Because it is accurate."
Koshiro stepped forward slightly.
His gaze was on Carina.
Then Kevin.
"…She is no longer unstable."
Kevin nodded.
"…Yes."
Koshiro continued.
"…But still inefficient."
Carina groaned slightly.
"…There it is again…"
Kuina returned to her stance again.
But this time—
She looked at Kevin.
Not long.
Just briefly.
"…You're not correcting anything."
Kevin replied.
"…They are correcting themselves."
Kuina nodded once.
"…That is slower."
Kevin answered.
"…But permanent."
Koshiro narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…That is your approach."
Kevin nodded.
"…Yes."
The wind moved across the dojo yard.
Training continued in smaller groups.
The day was not ending yet.
But progress had been made.
Carina slowly stood up again.
"…So tomorrow is the same thing again?"
Kuina replied immediately.
"…Yes."
Carina sighed.
"…Of course it is."
Kevin turned slightly toward the sea direction beyond the dojo.
Just for a moment.
Then looked back.
For now—
They stayed.
And improved.