Nase Fumino's training method was extremely efficient.
The schedule looked packed, but after one training session ended, the next one immediately helped relieve the parts that had just been fatigued. Once that fatigue had mostly faded, the next cycle would begin again.
That was the ability of a senior trainer.
Training while resting, and resting while training. The body was always kept in a state where stamina remained plentiful. Compared to Chiya's plan, the efficiency was on a completely different level.
At this rate, by the time summer training camp ended, Shirayuki's strength should improve quite a bit.
When will I be able to arrange everything as neatly as Fumino, like a master of time management? Maybe in another three or four years, I might be able to catch up to her footsteps.
On the way back, Fujiwara Chiya ran into a group of trainers coming out of the dorm. They walked together in small groups, arms around each other's shoulders. When they saw Fujiwara Chiya, they greeted him.
"Yo, Chiya."
"Come here!"
Minamizaka, Nishizaki Ryu, Katsumura Yota, and several others were among them.
"Where are you all going?"
"To the House by the Sea for barbecue. Come on, join us."
As they spoke, Fujiwara Chiya was pulled over by several senior trainers.
"Eating barbecue and drinking beer in the cool evening breeze. That's the true meaning of life."
"Drinking on the first day?"
"You don't understand, Chiya. Summer is short. It passes in an instant. If you don't seize it properly, it'll slip through your fingers the moment you look away."
"I was planning to go back and record today's training content first..."
"You really aren't coming? We're paying today. You younger ones can eat as much as you want."
"Senpai, do you think my problem is whether someone else is paying? The main thing is that I suddenly feel the training records aren't that urgent. I can write them anytime."
"Haha, knew it. Let's go!"
Fujiwara Chiya left the dorm with the group of trainers.
At the same time, Fujiwara Shirayuki, who had just finished bathing and gone out to buy juice, happened to meet Nase Fumino in front of the vending machine. Fumino had already changed back into her usual outfit.
After handing Shirayuki a bottle of barley tea, the two walked along the tree-lined path near the seaside.
"Chiya told me what he thought of my outfit today. He said it was very beautiful."
"I knew my cousin would like that kind of outfit."
Fujiwara Shirayuki smiled stiffly.
From the way Fumino spoke, was she treating Shirayuki as a relationship adviser now?
Even though Shirayuki really did know Chiya's preferences, discussing them with Fumino like this still felt strangely awkward.
"Shirayuki, if I became your cousin-in-law in the future, would you dislike it?"
Nase Fumino brushed aside her hair and asked.
"No. Trainer Nase is such an outstanding person. If you became my cousin-in-law, it would be my honor. If anything, I feel like my cousin is completely unworthy of you. Trainer Nase, what exactly do you see in him?"
Nase Fumino thought for a moment, then said, "He fits my preference in men. The kind of person I like is exactly his type."
"I see... But Trainer Nase, my cousin isn't outstanding. If you have very high expectations of him... I think he might find them difficult to meet. He only does what he can to the best of his ability. He doesn't chase unrealistic dreams."
"That's enough."
Nase Fumino spoke.
"That's exactly what I like about him. He doesn't aim too high without reason. He keeps his feet on the ground. Once he decides on something, he lowers his head and works hard. Very few people at Chiya's age can pass the trainer exam right after graduation. Shirayuki, you can be proud of your older brother."
As she spoke, Nase Fumino affectionately patted Shirayuki's head. The cold face that normally kept others at a distance revealed a smile.
Fujiwara Shirayuki's eyes flickered.
Her heart felt strangely unsettled.
She turned her gaze elsewhere. Right now, she could not look at Nase Fumino's face.
"Thank you... for praising him so much. My cousin would definitely be very happy to hear that."
"Don't tell him. I'd feel quite embarrassed saying these things in front of him."
Nase Fumino brushed her fingers across her cheek, completely losing the cold image that had earned her the title of "Prince."
"Oh, right, Shirayuki. Is there anything you want to eat? I heard there are a few good restaurants around here. We can go try them. What about Chiya? Is he coming?"
"My cousin went out with the other trainers."
"Other trainers."
Nase Fumino's gaze changed slightly.
"It's not Kiryuin, is it?"
"No, no. It's Nishizaki Ryu and the others."
Nase Fumino's gaze relaxed.
Why is Fumino so hostile toward Kiryuin? She's just Chiya's classmate.
"As for me... I already promised to eat with Spe-chan and the others, so I won't trouble Trainer Nase."
Fujiwara Shirayuki casually made up an excuse.
Nase Fumino took a sip of barley tea.
"All right. Let's go together when we have time. By the way, how was today's training? Were you able to adapt?"
"I learned a lot from it."
"That's good."
Nase Fumino held the bottle with both hands.
"Can you tell me more things about your cousin in the future?"
"O-Of course! I fully support Trainer Nase!"
"Mm. Thank you."
Nase Fumino showed a gentle smile, put the empty bottle into her pocket, reminded Shirayuki to return before dark, then turned and left.
Fujiwara Shirayuki stood in place, quietly listening until the sound of Fumino's footsteps completely disappeared.
Looking at the sky gradually sinking toward evening, Fujiwara Shirayuki covered her face and crouched down on the ground.
What exactly am I doing? Am I helping Fumino make progress?
If she knew that everything she said was also heard by Chiya, what would she think?
Would she get angry?
Probably not.
But she would definitely be embarrassed.
Come to think of it, Fumino looked pretty nice when she was embarrassed.
Fujiwara Shirayuki shook her head.
Next time they met, even if she had to act, she would pretend she did not know anything.
At least until Chiya became a senior trainer, Fujiwara Chiya had to keep being a blockhead.
"Shirayuki, why are you here?"
A soft voice came from behind her.
Turning around, Fujiwara Shirayuki saw Seiun Sky carrying a fishing rod and holding a fish basket.
"Sky-chan. I was taking a walk. What are you doing?"
"Going sea fishing. How about it? Interested in fishing with Sky-chan?"
She waved the fishing rod in her hand.
Fujiwara Shirayuki originally wanted to refuse, but after looking at the sun, she said, "I'll go with you."
The seaside at night was very dark. Fujiwara Shirayuki was a little worried that Seiun Sky might get lost.
"Let's go. I found a great fishing spot."
The two entered the nearby woods. After finding a very large rock, Seiun Sky jumped onto it and invited Shirayuki to sit beside her.
"Were you talking to someone just now, Shirayuki?"
"No... Why do you ask?"
"Your expression looked very tense. Just like a child who didn't know what to do. You seemed heavy with worries."
"I didn't..."
"Well, I'm just saying. Whether you're unsure or nervous, there's nothing that can't be solved by sleeping it off. Notice this, Shirayuki? This rock has been under the sun all day, so it's still warm."
Seiun Sky showed a leisurely smile.
"How about it, Shirayuki? Do you mind lying down and resting for a while? Sky-chan can lend you her soft pillow."
"Pillow?"
"Of course, Sky-chan's lap. It gets rave reviews from customers. Of course, the only customer so far has been Trainer Chiya. Sky-chan is giving you siblings quite the discount. How about it? Want to try?"
Fujiwara Shirayuki thought for a moment.
It did sound nice. In any case, she did not have a fishing rod. She had only come to accompany Seiun Sky, so resting a little was not a bad idea.
"Then I'll lie down for a bit."
She lowered her head onto Seiun Sky's lap. The soft sensation, combined with the warmth of the rock, immediately made Fujiwara Shirayuki feel drowsy.
Looking at Fujiwara Shirayuki, who seemed half-asleep on her lap, Seiun Sky stroked her hair and hummed softly.
"Whether it's Grass or Special Week, neither of them understands one truth."
"Taking it easy is the real truth."
The fishing rod in her hand twitched.
"Oh my~"
Seiun Sky smiled.
"Looks like today's catch is pretty good."