Koby found himself engrossed in his afternoon workout, his muscles working hard as he shadowboxed and practiced his punches. He could sense the curious gazes of Ikki and Musubi as they observed him from the corner of his eye. It was evident that they were impressed by his fighting skills.
He paused in his training for a moment, turning to face the pair of them. "You two want to train with me?" he asked, a knowing smile on his face. He could tell that they were eager to join in.
Musubi's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she nodded vigorously, her eagerness to learn evident. "Yes, Koby! I'd love to train with you!"
However, Miya had something else in mind. She approached Koby with a soft request, "Koby-kun, do you mind if I take the opportunity to teach Ikki some sword techniques? I happen to be quite skilled in that area." Koby sensed an underlying seriousness in Miya's tone, which intrigued him.
He nodded in agreement. "Of course, Miya. I trust your judgment," he replied respectfully.
Musubi happily joined Koby for their training session, her excitement evident as they began their exercises. The inn was becoming a place not only of camaraderie but also a hub for skill-sharing and growth, with Koby at the center of it all.
Koby engaged in a sparring session with Musubi, their movements fluid and precise. He deftly dodged her powerful punches, making mental notes about her fighting style. Her attacks were indeed heavy and potent, but they lacked speed and focus. Koby had to stay alert and agile to avoid her blows and not underestimate her strength.
"Musubi, you've got great power, but in a fight, it's not just about hitting hard," Koby advised as he continued to evade her attacks. He maintained his calm demeanor and spoke with a gentle tone. "You need finesse, a mixed style that uses your power strategically. Catch your opponents off guard, and you'll be even more formidable."
Koby's words were meant to encourage Musubi to refine her fighting technique, to find the balance between her raw strength and a more calculated approach. He didn't even need to rely on his observation Haki to anticipate her moves, as he could read her attacks through his keen martial instincts.
Koby skillfully danced around Musubi's attacks, using his speed and agility to tire her out gradually. He hadn't yet tapped into his six powers, but he was ready to employ Iron Body if Musubi managed to land a clean hit on him. His observation Haki was also active, allowing him to stay aware of his surroundings.
As he sparred with Musubi, he couldn't help but glance over at the other fight between Ikki and Miya. It was evident that Ikki was struggling to keep up with Miya, who was clearly on a different level when it came to combat skills. Miya's teaching style was stern, but she had a genuine concern for the younger Sekirei's growth, pushing her to her limits.
Koby returned his focus to Musubi just in time to narrowly dodge an improved strike from her. He could see the progress she was making, gradually learning from their sparring session, even as fatigue began to set in. Musubi's determination was evident, and Koby was there to support her every step of the way.
Koby was fully engrossed in his workout, constantly evading Musubi's attacks while honing his own fighting skills. He knew that improving his abilities was essential, as he might need to protect Musubi and Ikki from potential threats in the future. Lost in the rhythm of their sparring, he momentarily lost focus on his surroundings.
Unexpectedly, Musubi's punch found its mark, striking Koby's arm and pushing him backward. The force of her punch combined with her own forward momentum caused her to lose her balance. Koby stumbled to the ground, and in an awkward twist of fate, Musubi ended up on top of him.
For a brief moment, Koby found himself in an unconventional and somewhat awkward position. The two of them shared a moment of surprise before Musubi quickly scrambled off him, both of them returning to their feet. Koby chuckled softly, breaking the tension as he said, "Well, that was unexpected."
Koby flashed Musubi a warm smile. "Not bad at all. With time, you're going to become amazing," he complimented her with a kind and humble tone. His encouragement was genuine as he believed in her potential. He then turned his attention to the spar between Ikki and Miya, which had also concluded.
"Great job, Ikki. You did really well, especially considering how skilled Miya is. You've definitely improved," he praised Ikki, acknowledging her effort and progress in the training session.
Ikki beamed with pride at Koby's words, appreciating his encouragement. "Thank you, Koby. I'll keep working hard," she replied with determination, her eyes reflecting her resolve to become stronger.
Musubi, still catching her breath from their sparring session, chimed in with a bright smile. "Koby, you're an amazing trainer! I'm lucky to have you as my Ashikabi."
Koby nodded, pleased to see their enthusiasm. "We're all learning and improving together," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and growth. "Let's keep training and supporting each other. We'll make a great team."
Koby's observation Haki allowed him to sense the immense presence and power that Miya held. It reminded him of Vice Admiral Garp, someone he respected greatly and didn't want to cross paths with. With humility, he addressed Miya, recognizing her strength and the help she had provided to Ikki.
"Miya, I truly appreciate your assistance with Ikki," he said sincerely, acknowledging her expertise and guidance.
"How about we go a bit, show the girls something to aim for?" Miya suggested with a friendly smile, but Koby could sense an underlying intensity in her demeanor.
"Okay, might as well," Koby agreed, nodding his head. Miya's speed was astonishing. If not for his advanced observation Haki, he would have been overwhelmed in an instant. He struggled to keep up, utilizing his Iron Body, Kamie, and even Soru to match Miya's pace. It was evident that she wasn't going all out, and Koby had to maintain his focus at all times. He couldn't afford to make a single mistake against Miya, as he found himself constantly on the defensive, unable to find an opening to counterattack.
Koby thought he had spotted an opening and moved forward with a punch, only to realize it was a clever feint that had lured him into a trap. He ended up on his back, defeated. Getting up, he dusted himself off and said, "Well, I have a lot of growing to do as well. Thank you, Miya; that was very helpful," maintaining his usual humble tone.
Miya nodded in acknowledgment of Koby's words. "You did well, Koby. Remember, training is an ongoing process. We'll continue to help each other improve," she said with a hint of a smile, her demeanor softening from the intense spar.
Koby appreciated her encouraging words, and he knew that under Miya's guidance, he could become even stronger. "I look forward to it," he replied, determined to grow and protect the Sekirei under his care.
Ikki and Musubi nodded enthusiastically, their faces lighting up with excitement at the prospect of preparing a meal for Koby. Musubi, with her simple and earnest nature, chimed in first, "Yes, we want to make something delicious for Koby!" Her determination to please Koby was clear in her eyes.
Ikki, while more reserved, shared the sentiment, "It's a great way to bond and show our gratitude. Plus, I want to prove I can cook as well as fight." Her competitive spirit shone through, and it seemed she was determined to excel in all aspects of her role as a Sekirei.
Koby smiled at the two of them, touched by their eagerness to make him happy. "Sounds like a plan. Let's go get some ingredients, and I'll be your willing taste tester," he said, encouraging their culinary adventure.
Koby was attentive as he took note of the ingredients needed for the meal, and he promptly went out to gather them, paying for everything as he went. He understood that the kitchen was their domain, a place for the Sekirei to bond and have some quality time together. So, he patiently waited outside, curious and eager to see what culinary masterpiece they would create.
As Koby waited outside, he could hear the cheerful chatter and laughter coming from the kitchen. It was evident that Musubi and Ikki were getting along well, their voices filled with camaraderie. He couldn't help but smile, appreciating how quickly his two Sekirei were forming a bond.
After some time, the door to the kitchen opened, and Musubi and Ikki emerged, each holding a plate with a beautifully presented meal. Musubi carried a dish filled with a hearty stew, while Ikki had a plate of perfectly cooked tempura.
They both approached Koby with pride in their eyes, eager to see his reaction. "We made this for you, Koby-kun!" Musubi said, her face beaming with happiness.
"Yeah, it's our way of saying thank you for taking us in," Ikki added with a warm smile.
Koby looked at the dishes they had prepared, genuinely touched by their efforts. "Wow, it looks amazing. Thank you both," he said, his gratitude evident in his voice.
Musubi and Ikki exchanged glances, and then Musubi spoke up, "You have to taste it first, Koby-kun. We hope you like it!"
Koby took a spoonful of the stew and tasted it, savoring the flavors. It was delicious and hearty, perfect for a meal. He then tried a piece of the tempura, finding it equally delightful.
"This is really good, you two! You did an excellent job," Koby praised, his smile growing wider.
Musubi and Ikki's faces lit up with joy, their mission to please their Ashikabi accomplished. They had not only formed a strong bond but had also shown their gratitude and affection through their cooking.
As they all sat down to enjoy the meal together, Koby couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. He had gained not only two powerful Sekirei but also two loyal companions who were eager to support and care for him in this unfamiliar world.
Dinner was a delightful experience, and Koby couldn't help but be impressed by the culinary skills of Musubi and Ikki when they worked together. Their teamwork was a force to be reckoned with, and he knew he had to be on his toes to keep up with them. As they shared the meal, Koby felt a sense of camaraderie growing among the three of them, and he cherished the moments they spent together.
After they had all enjoyed their fill, Koby insisted on helping with the cleanup. He believed in sharing responsibilities and wanted to show his appreciation for the delicious meal they had prepared. Together, they quickly tidied up the dining area, leaving it spotless.
Once the cleanup was complete, Koby turned his attention to planning a shower schedule for each of them. He wanted to avoid any awkward encounters and ensure that everyone had a chance to wash up comfortably. Respecting the rules of the inn was essential, and he wanted to make sure they adhered to them while maintaining a sense of order and privacy.
As they continued to spend time together, Koby couldn't help but feel grateful for the bond that was forming between him, Musubi, and Ikki. They were surprises to him, but happy little ones as it were.
Koby and the two girls headed to their respective rooms to get ready for bed. It seemed like a logical course of action, given that each had their own space to sleep in. Koby prepared himself for a good night's sleep, changing into sleep shorts and a comfortable t-shirt. He set up his mat, blanket, and pillow, content with the success of the day that had brought him a second sekirei and earned him some money.
However, just as he settled down, he heard the door slide open and then close quietly. To his surprise, both of his arms were soon occupied by a sekirei. Musubi nestled on his right side, while Ikki found her place on his left. They both curled up close to him, seeking comfort and warmth in his presence. Koby couldn't help but smile as he embraced this unexpected closeness, feeling a deep sense of connection with the two sekirei who had entered his life.
Koby lay there in the dimly lit room, sandwiched between Musubi and Ikki. Their presence was comforting, and he couldn't help but appreciate the bond that had formed between them in such a short time. Despite the unexpected turn of events, he felt a sense of warmth and contentment.
As he closed his eyes, Koby whispered softly, "Goodnight, Musubi. Goodnight, Ikki." His words were met with gentle sighs of contentment from the two sekirei. The room fell into a peaceful silence, and Koby drifted off to sleep, grateful for the companionship and protection these two extraordinary women provided in this strange new world.