The night air was cool as Kamiko lay sprawled on her bed, scrolling through her phone's screen.

Hey, how's it going?

She watched the three dots appear at the bottom left of the chat, waiting for Etsudo to respond.

Not much, just chilling? You?

Same here. Just finished binge-watching that new anime that's popular right now.

Immediately, Etsudo demanded for details. While Kamiko had subscriptions to streaming platforms, Etsudo paid money for … other websites. But when it came to cinema, Etsudo worshipped piracy. All the illegal websites, all the ad blockers … Etsudo knew every one of them. The only problem was that Etsudo had to wait about forty-five to sixty days before a movie appeared on those websites in high definition. Otherwise, they were available before then in terrible camera quality. The only benefit Kamiko had to paying suspiciously obscene amounts of money every month was that she would watch movies within a few days of their release. Which is why she was here, spoiling every part of the plot in paragraphs. Etsudo was one of the few people in the world who appreciated spoilers. Very much unlike Kamiko, who resented them.

I've heard it's intense, and from what you're telling me, it sounds like it really is, Etsudo replied after the barrage of messages.

Definitely! The fight scenes were amazing. I love how they moved so fluidly.

Oh, I saw clips of those on social media. Part of their promotions. It makes me want to train! And she sent an emoji of a karategi. Kamiko suddenly remembered that her friend was a martial artist. Prefecture tryouts were in the spring, and Etsudo was preparing for them. If she ranked as one of the medallists, her career in martial arts would be practically solidified. From there, she could compete at higher stages. Kamiko was certain that she would win. Which is why another thought appeared in her mind, more dubious and uncertain.

Haha, I could never do that. I'd probably trip over my own feet, Kamiko sent.

Etsudo was quick to refute her self-deprecations. You'd be surprised! You have more strength than you think.

Maybe. I just don't feel very … Kamiko let the message trail off for a moment, thinking of the best phrase to finish the sentence. … capable sometimes.

I get that. But you know, martial arts can really boost your confidence.

I've thought about that before. But I don't know if I'm cut out for it.

Why not? It's not just about fighting; it's about discipline, self-defense, and empowerment! Isn't that the main message of the anime, too?

Well, Etsudo had a point. Kamiko even admitted as much. I guess it would be nice to feel more secure.

Exactly! Plus it could be fun. We could train together.

The proposition was not half-bad. That actually sounds appealing.

Seriously?! You're in?

I don't know …. maybe?

Minutes ticked by with no reply, and a knot formed in her stomach. Always the assertive one, Etsudo would never accept a grey-zone response. And Kamiko had just given her one. Just as doubt began to creep in, her phone rang, startling her from her thoughts. "Etsudo?" she asked, answering the call with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

"Give me a clear-cut answer! You actually want to learn martial arts?" Etsudo's voice burst through the line, full of energy. So loud that the vibrations hurt her ears. Lowering the volume to an absolute minimum, Kamiko could not help but smile, even as her heart raced in response to the excitement on the other end. It felt like stepping onto a precipice, teetering between fear and exhilaration. It was Kamiko's turn to remain silent this time. "No backing out! You could start with basic self-defense and work your way up."

And it all came down to Kamiko. A simple choice: yes or no. To train or not to train. That was the question. So at 10:42 pm on a quiet Saturday night, she made a choice that she hoped she would not regret. "I'd like that. I want to be able to handle myself."

"YES! That's the spirit!"

Perhaps enthusiasm really was infectious. Because more optimistic this time, Kamiko responded, "Okay, let's do it!"

"Get ready for an epic adventure! Tomorrow morning! No excuses!" Etsudo declared, her joy practically tangible.

Instantly, suspicion clouded Kamiko's judgment. She did not like the ominous nature behind those statements, especially given Etsudo's boisterous nature. At 10:47 pm, she began wondering if she had made a mistake. Before Kamiko could protest, though, the call ended, leaving her staring at the screen in disbelief.

That night, sleep eluded Kamiko. Memories of the incident so long ago that had changed everything haunted her thoughts - the fear, the helplessness, and the anxiety that had turned her world upside down. Each flash of memory was a reminder of her vulnerability. Therapy and support from her friends and family was good and all, but that did not change the fact she had been caught off guard once. Of course, Kamiko never deserved to be hurt like that. She knew that it was not her fault. Yet she refused to be defenseless the next time someone tried to assault her. If anyone tried to assault her. They would think twice. And perhaps be in jail by the second thought.

Etsudo stood outside Kamiko's door, bouncing on her toes in anticipation. The morning sun had not yet risen. It barely peeked over the horizon, yet her bubbling excitement was more than enough to compensate. She could hardly contain herself. This was going to be epic, she believed, envisioning the transformation that lay ahead for her friend.

With a deep breath, she burst into the room, her grandest entrance yet. "Kamiko! Wake up! It's time to train!"

There was a groan. Then some shuffling. "Who … What … Why …" Kamiko lifted herself from the bed, haunching on her shoulders. Her hair a mess and pajamas wrinkled. She squinted her eyes, adjusting to the harsh hall light illuminating a silhouette distinctly shaped like a cross between canine and human. Then her eyes widened to the size of coins. The sight of her friend's started expression brought a grin to Etsudo's face.

Jolting upright, a squeal escaped her lips. Kamiko blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, but the reality of the situation was dawning on her. The clock displayed a blaring 5 am.

"Etsudo! What the -?!" Kamiko gasped, scrambling to throw the covers off.

Etsudo guffawed. Literally guffawed, already rummaging through Kaiko's closet for workout clothes. "I didn't want you to miss the perfect training time! Besides, your parents are awake. They said I could come in."

Kamiko could hardly believe it. She shot a glance toward the bedroom door, where her parents had surely been amused witnesses to this surprise invasion. "And you thought that starting before the crack of dawn was a good idea?"

"Well, that and also …" Etsudo pulled out her phone that she had been sneakily hiding in her hand. "I wanted to record your got-you-first-thing-in-the-morning face." With very obvious motions, she opened the text message app, uploaded the video … "And sent!"

"Sent what? Sent to whom?!" Kamiko demanded.

If Etsudo's smile could have turned more mischievous, it would have. "You know, to the group chat. With Echidna and everyone else."

Kamiko growled. Baring her teeth at her friend's antics, she climbed out of the bed and left the bedroom. "Why are we training so early?" she mumbled, heading for the bathroom.

"Because the early bird catches the martial arts skills!" Etsudo laughed. Kamiko narrowed her eyes at her. Even smaller when Etsudo threw a pile of clothes at her face. "Now hurry up! We have a lot to cover today!"

A final reprimand before Kamiko shut the door behind her. "Your idioms are horrible. Especially for a Sunday early morning."

One hour later, they boarded the metro and jogged the rest of the way toward Miura Beach. Kamiko's mother had bid them goodbye. Etsudo kept the energy high, filling the air with lighthearted banter about the amazing techniques they would learn together. An utter contrast to Kamiko, who stumbled every five steps because the urge to sleep was hitting her again. The sun began to rise, casting an orange hue over the path ahead. Each step felt like a leap toward something transformative. At least, that was how it seemed to Etsudo. Kamiko needs this, she thought, imagining the empowerment that awaited the vixen. Her best friend would never say it, but Etsudo understood why she was offering to step out of her comfort zone. And Etsudo would never admit it, but she had wished she had been there for Kamiko that night. A part of her blamed herself for what happened. Now she had a chance to redeem herself.

"Did you eat breakfast?" Etsudo asked, glancing behind at her friend.

Kamiko, still a bit upset, replied stoicly, "No, genius. How would I, when you dragged me all the way here immediately after I got dressed?"

"Perfect! A little hunger will keep you sharp. Let's go!"

The cool morning air filled Kamiko's lungs, refreshing but still carrying a hint of lingering nerves. With each step, her anxiety twisted in her stomach like a coiled spring. Why was she doing this? She wondered, replaying the events of her past that had led her here.

"Come on, lazy bones! You can do this!" Etsudo's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts, bright and encouraging.

Kamiko forced a smile, trying to push aside the memories that haunted her. Focus on the present, she reminded herself as they approached the beach, the sound of waves crashing against the shore soothing her frayed nerves. The familiar rhythm of the ocean felt ground. It reminded her of the night she met Izuku on the beach. This was not the same beach, but the ambiance was still a comforting presence. Breathing deeply, she let the salty air envelop her.

The golden sand stretched invitingly before them. The rocks beside them gleamed in morning light.

"Alright! Time for some basic exercises!" Etsudo declared, launching into stretches.

And there went all the relaxation Kamiko had been feeling. Well, some of it, to be specific. This training was her idea, and this place was too pretty to not feel completely down. Kamiko shook her head and sucked it up.

As they warmed up, Etsudo guided Kamiko through a series of stretches. Standing hamstrings, side lunges, arm circles, leg swings, butterfly stretches, and the rest. At some point, Kamiko forgot the names. And later, she wondered if the names Etsudo were actually the names of the stretches or just her messing with her. "You want to make sure your body is ready," Etsudo explained. "Reach up, then touch your toes! Feel that stretch?" She demonstrated, her arms reaching high before she bent at the waist, fingertips grazing the sand.

Kamiko tried to follow along, feeling the tension in her muscles as she bent over. "Like this?" she heaved, voice strained.

"Exactly! Just breathe into it!"

Breathe into it, my foot! If the warmups already had Kamiko feeling this exerted, she could not imagine how draining the training would be. Not even twenty-four hours in, and she was starting to regret her late night decision. Fast breathing, sweat dripping, and blood rushing. Kamiko was an overall fit person, but even this was beginning to tire her. She wondered how Etsudo managed to do this on a regular basis. Or if this was another one of her antics.

Etsudo watched as Kamiko followed her lead, but she could see the tension lingering in her friend's body. She's still holding onto the past, Etsudo realized, her heart aching for Kamiko. But she was determined to help her let it go.

"Good! You've got nice flexibility!" Etsudo clapped her hands together. Kamiko glared at her after completing a sit-up. No words were needed to express the irritation radiating in waves. Haha, waves. "And your stamina is impressive. But we need to talk about your diet."

Annoyance immediately shifted embarrassment. Kamiko reluctantly nodded, "I mean, exams have been coming up at the academy. I've been eating a lot of ramen lately …"

And Etsudo's demeanor shifted from risqué to admonishment. "Exactly! That won't cut if you want to train hard. We'll need to adjust that." Etsudo pulled out her phone, making notes as Kamiko continued the exercises. Just as Kamiko was starting to feel more confident, Etsudo blurted out, "And you know, a great physical condition will come in handy-"

Blood surged through Kamiko's cheeks, turning her russet fur to cherry. "I already know where this is going. Etsudo, please don't."

Etsudo was entertained to no end at how excellent Kamiko could read her. Best friends in every sense of the word. Which included a never-ending responsibility of humiliating the other to the afterlife. "-for impressing Midoriya!" she finished, a mischievous sparke in her eyes. "Can you imagine? All that power in the bedroom? You would totally be the dom."

She almost saw the gears of Kamiko's mind rotate, turning to the unholy land called 'The City of Smutty Thoughts.' Etsudo imagined how scandalous her imagination must be. For someone who did not watch *** or have a stash of smut, would her ideal sex fantasy involve lots of foreplay? Probably not. And it would probably not include multiple rounds of filthy sex, kinks, and a post-sex shower which would only lead to more sex. Perhaps Etsudo should start lending her some of her collection. Having the theoretical knowledge would be invaluable when it came to the practical. However, given how Kamiko's face turned redder and redder, maybe her thoughts were kind of interesting. How Etsudo wished to peer into her mind. "Stop!" Kamiko shrieked after a considerably long time. "You can't just say stuff like that!"

A moment later, Kamiko fainted, collapsing into the sand.

All amusement forgotten, Etsudo rushed to her side, panicking. She called out her name several times. No response. Then, she gave Kamiko a gentle nudge. "Hey, wake up! I was just joking!"

With a moan, Kamiko blinked up at her friend. "What happened?" she mumbled, still disoriented.

"You were knocked out. I may have traumatized you with my romantic visions." And because Etsudo was ever so shameless, she could not resist making one more dirty joke. "Damn, Kamiko, you're more fragile than I thought. If just the idea of debauchery is enough to make you lose consciousness, what will you do when the time comes to actually do it?" Etsudo grinned sheepishly, helping Kamiko sit up. "But now you're awake, and we have to talk about your training!"

"So we're just going to brush off your behavior? Fine."

"Now, here's the plan. Given your height and build, we're going to incorporate Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing into your training."

Kamiko instantly furrowed her brows. "Aren't those all different?"

"Exactly! And that's what makes you a badass." Etsudo had already animatedly begun explaining the benefits of each martial art. "Takewondo for agility and kicks, Muay Thai for powerful strikes, and Kickboxing to combine them all."

"Couldn't you just say you want to teach MMA?"

Etsudo shrugged. "Yes, but where's the fun in that? Plus, I'll be your Sifu henceforth!"

Kamiko hesitated, a grin tugging at her lips. "Sifu? Really?"

"Absolutely! We're going to do so many attacks from various East Asian cultures, but we cannot forget the largest country comprising the region: China. You need to address me as such during training. It adds to the whole 'master' vibe," Etsudo said, puffing out her chest dramatically.

"Okay … Sifu," Kamiko murmured.

Etsudo tutted. "Louder, please. The master deserves proper respect." And Etsudo prepared for the second video of the day with her phone.

"Sifu," Kamiko susurrated, even quieter than the last time.

"Keep that up and I'll torture you with dirty jokes all morning."

A second passed. Then, "YES, SIFU!"

"Again!"

"SIFU!"

"Once more!"

Now, she was pushing her luck. Kamiko untied her sneakers and threw both of them at Etsudo's face.

Etsudo demonstrated a front kick, her leg shooting straight out in a fluid motion. She pivoted on her standing foot, using her core to maintain balance as her foot connected with the imaginary target. "You want to create a strong line with your leg, like this!"

Kamiko watched intently, her eyes wide with determination. Taking a deep breath, she focused on her own kick, trying to mimic the technique. She raised her knee, thrusting her foot forward, but it felt awkward. "Is this right?"

"Almost! You're a bit stiff. Relax your body. Let the energy flow!" Etsudo coached, her tone upbeat. With each repetition, Kamiko began to lose herself in the motions, feeling a sense of freedom wash over her. Once satisfied, she replied, "That's the one of the basics of Taekwondo. Now, let's move to Muay Thai! It's not just about kicks' we also use our knees and elbows." She displayed a knee strike, bringing her knee sharply upward, stimulating the action as if driving it into an opponent's midsection.

Kamiko's eyes widened in amazement. "That looks intense!"

"It is, but it's incredibly effective in close quarters. Here, try it!" Etsudo encouraged, stepping back to give Kamiko space.

She took a deep breath, stepping into the stance Etsudo had just shown her. She lifted her knee, the movement feeling foreign yet empowering. "Like this?" she asked, trying to channel the energy Etsudo had radiated.

"Exactly! But remember to engage your hips and keep your balance." Etsudo guided her, adjusting Kamiko's posture. "You're strong, Kamiko. Harness that strength!" With every knee strike, Kamiko felt more confident. The training was becoming more than just physical; it was a mental challenge as well. She could almost see the ghosts of her past fading with each thrust of her knee. No more letting them control her anymore. As they continued, Etsudo added, "Let's work on elbow strikes! This is crucial for close encounters." She showed the motion, bringing her elbow up and across her body in a sharp, fluid movement that was both beautiful and deadly.

Kamiko studied closely, her determination unwavering. "Is this correct? Kamiko copied the movement, her elbow slicing through the air.

"Yes! That's exactly it! Feel that power, and combine them: knee strikes followed by elbow jabs!" Etsudo instructed, her excitement rising as they flowed through the movements together. It started to rub off on Kamiko, too.

Etsudo's pride surged as Kamiko practiced the combinations. She was truly coming alive, the anxiety that had clouded her eyes now replaced with fierce perseverance. "Keep your core tight," Etsudo called, watching as Kamiko moved with increasing fluidity. "You're doing amazing! We'll conclude with some kickboxing."

"Kickboxing? What do I need to know?" Kamiko queried, her amber eyes sparkling with eagerness.

"It's all about combining punches and kicks seamlessly. Think of it like a dance - one movement flows into the next. Except in this dance, you're pummeling your partner senseless." Etsudo remarked, exhibiting a series of jabs followed by a roundhouse kick. "Feel the rhythm!" Kamiko stepped forward, emulating the moves with a newfound faith. Her fists flew with purpose, and the power in each slice resonated deep within her. The exhilaration of movement filled her, and it was pure adrenaline that coursed through her veins like wildfire.

"Great! Now let's put it all together. Kicks, knees, elbows, and punches! You got this!" Etsudo cheered, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the waves crashing behind them.

Kamiko threw herself into the combination, losing herself in the rhythm. She executed a strong jab followed by a powerful knee strike, the moves coming together like a symphony. Etsudo could see how each punch and kick was a mental release, a step further away from the past that had once held her captive.

"I never thought I could feel like this!" Kamiko shouted, her joy ringing out as she executed a particularly strong roundhouse kick. The salty wind caught her hair, and for a moment, she felt unstoppable.

Etsudo beamed, "See? I told you! You're a natural." Like an emotional mother watching her child take its first steps, she watched her friend transform before her eyes. "And remember, it's not just about the physical techniques. It's about the mental strength you're building, too."

With a final flourish, Kamiko struck a pose, her stance solid and fierce. "Perfect grand finale?"

Etsudo chortled, stepping forward to give Kamiko a playful shove. "Okay, not the most perfect. But passable. As your mentor and best friend since primary school, it's my responsibility to humble you from time to time. You're on the right path, though, I'll give you that much."

Neither had realized when dawn had turned to midday. Kamiko still was not hungry, despite having exercised more in seven hours than she did in an entire week. Finally finished with their session for today, the girls decided to reward themselves by taking a walk along the beach. Etsudo had really chosen a nice location. There was no one around when they had arrived, and now, with the month being February, only a few visitors were here and about. She felt a calm wash over her. The sun was high in the sky, reflecting off the sand and making it shimmer almost white.

Kamiko appreciated the privacy.

And despite all of Kamiko's exasperations with Etsudo, she also appreciated her making the time and effort to teach Kamiko. She deserved proper gratitude for that. "Thank you for believing in me, Etsudo. I don't think I could have done this without you."

Etsudo smiled warmly, and for once, there were no salacious intentions behind that grin. "It's just the beginning, Kamiko. You're going to be awesome."

As they walked, Etsudo could not help but feel a keen sense of satisfaction. The journey was just beginning, but within a few hours she had already witnessed an evolution in Kamiko that filled her with hope. They had stated from a place of uncertainty, and now they were stepping into a world of possibilities. "Tomorrow, we'll focus on self-defense techniques," Etsudo planned aloud, her mind charging ahead. "It's important to know how to protect yourself in real situations."

From the corner of her eye, she saw Kamiko nod, humming her agreement. "I want to be prepared for anything."

Etsudo's heart ached at her words, but she knew that together, they could forge a way. "And you won't. You're building a skill set that will serve you for a lifetime. Just remember, the most crucial thing is your mindset. I cannot emphasize that enough."

"I won't forget," Kamiko promised, her voice steady. "I'm ready to learn."

Etsudo leaned against the wall outside Shizuya's apartment, a playful smirk on her face as she watched him struggle to juggle a stack of DVDs nearly taller than he was. "Wow, I didn't realize we'd haul back a whole library of documentaries today! If we'd known it would be this much, we could have brought a trailer instead of your arms."

Shizuya peered around and grinned, his frost blue eyes sparkling even as he adjusted the precarious stack. "Hey, documentaries are where the magic happens! Look at all this knowledge! You can't just throw a bunch of action flicks at people and call it cinema."

Etsudo rolled her eyes, pushing off the wall and taking a substantial pile of DVDs to lighten his load. "True, but why do they all have to be slow-paced? It's like watching paint dry with a side of existential dread."

Feigning offense, Shizuya dramatically clutched his chest. He could do that because one arm was free. "But Etsudo, these films help people cope with the pressures of life. You know, like the one about deep-sea creatures and their lonely existence. It's profound!"

She giggled, nudging him playfully with her elbow. He staggered, trying to maintain balance.

"Yeah, profound. Just like how you get when you start explaining the symbolism of sea cucumbers. Can't we mix in a little excitement? A bit of 'explosions and car chases' wouldn't hurt."

"But these are popular among the serious movie buffs," he began, feigning offense, dramatically clutching his chest. "I swear, they have a fan club or something."

Etsudo raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. She loved this side of him. Shizuya could get so passionate about his hobbies, and it was always a delight to watch him in action then. But, he was so fun to tease, too. More so than Kamiko. "Popular among the serious buffs? You mean the ones who wear glasses and debate over film grain? Come on, Shizuya, you can't be serious!"

Chuckling, he finally dropped a couple of the less exciting titles into her arms. "Excuse you, but I am a computer science major and wear reading glasses. It comes in a package. And I am serious."

Shizuya fumbled with the apartment keys before unlocking it. Together, they set down the collection on the center coffee table before leaving to continue the rest of their date. Which was the udon shop a ten-minute walk from his home. If Kamiko knew that Etsudo had been eating noodles while scolding her not to, she would be called a hypocrite in fifteen languages. Kamiko would pull up a translator just for that. Internally, she apologized to her best friend. Some secrets simply had to be kept for one's own good.

They reached the shop, and after placing their orders, Etsudo gave him a conspiratorial grin. "When was the last time a documentary got you all hot and bothered? You're not fooling anyone with your passion for sea cucumbers."

It was his turn to do the judgemental eyebrow. He raised his both of them while taking a seat beside Etsudo, facing the chef and long table where their meals would be served. "Are you implying that my tastes are boring? I can't believe you'd say that to a documentary enthusiast!"

Leaning closer, Etsudo lowered her voice. Not just to maintain some privacy but to be naughty without getting caught.

"Oh, come on, we both know it's not just documentaries that get you going," she whispered, her tone dripping with seduction and desire. "How can I compete with those breathtaking underwater shots? Maybe we should just stick to the 'wet and wild' section."

Shizuya nearly choked on the water from his glass. He made a fist and thumped it against his sternum, easing the sensation. "Just … don't … get … too carried away … with the 'wild part … okay?" He gasped out between breaths. "I need you … focused for the movie selection … later!"

No doubt his reactions were so much more amusing. Etsudo could have done this all day and never get bored. Which is why she turned one corner of her mouth up and murmured close to his ear, "Focus is my middle name - after 'hot' and 'fun,' of course."

The poor guy rubbed the back of his neck till it turned red as he turned away from Etsudo to accept their bowls of udon.

As they settled in for a quick meal, the surrounding air buzzed with a mix of laughter and blushes.

They both felt the thrill of adventure that awaited them at home, ready to dive into their movie collection, no matter how slow-paced or exciting it might be.