Chapter 1

Hado 31: Shakkaho!

*Cough* *Cough* Are you two all right?

Somehow.

I knew it. I still can't regulate it.

I think you're better than when you started, though! Every few tries, you manage to control it!

That's right. You're doing this extra practice every day. You should be improving gradually.

Yeah, I guess you're right.

............

............

Agh, fine then. I'll say it! I don't seem to be improving at all!

Renji...

Obviously, at the start it felt like I was getting better at it.

But these days, I don't know. It's like I've hit an invisible wall.

I have to say, I've had the same experience. How about you, Momo?

Hmm. Perhaps the period where we can train just between ourselves has passed.

What do you mean?

Are you all still here training?

Sir!

Passion is a great thing, but don't burn yourself out. You must take your time.

R-Right!

I guess we're stopping here for today. Just give me one last try!

Another explosion to finish with too, huh. I sure wish an instructor could come and help me with this training.

Well, I'm afraid they're busy.

But I agree with seeking out some advice.

We can't see what we lack anymore, and I think that's leading us to carrying out some ineffective self-training.

That makes sense. Which means we may learn something from a level-headed outside perspective.

If not an instructor, then you mean someone like Shuhei? A sixth-year student who commands practical exercises has to be strong. I think he'd give good pointers.

Shuhei?! But I mean, well, you do have a point.

I won't break through that wall just doing this. Let's just ask and see if he'll do it!

Right. Let's go and ask him first thing tomorrow!