This Is Obviously Awkward, Isn't It?

Chizuru froze for a second, then looked at Yuko in confusion. "Why would you say that, Teacher?"

"...It's nothing. Let's continue."

Yuko had assumed Chizuru liked Ichigo. After all, the two had grown up together, but Chizuru kept talking about Orihime at every turn, so she had thought...

But Chizuru's face hadn't even reddened. It seemed Yuko had simply been overthinking things.

She had originally wanted to say that she had plenty of experience with this and could teach Chizuru a thing or two.

"Since you've made your decision, I'll teach you how to use this power." Yuko reached into the empty air beside her. Ripples spread through the air, and she drew out a snow-white blade.

Chizuru stared in shock.

Yuko handed her the blade, and Chizuru accepted it instinctively.

"I had this sword specially made for you. Try it out first and see whether it feels right. If anything doesn't suit you, I can help adjust it."

Chizuru hurriedly said, "No need. I'm very satisfied."

Yuko was already going to the trouble of teaching her, and just from its appearance, it was obvious that a great deal of thought had gone into the sword.

Yuko saw through her thoughts and said calmly, "Don't worry about troubling me. It's only a matter of pulling out a rib. If the blade doesn't feel right, losing a battle would be the real problem."

"Pulling out a rib?" Chizuru looked utterly bewildered, wondering if she had heard wrong.

Yuko nodded slightly. "Yes. That sword was forged from one of my ribs, so adjusting it is a matter of minutes."

Chizuru's hand trembled, and she almost dropped the hilt.

Ignoring her reaction, Yuko continued, "Stand up and swing it."

With Yuko acting like this, Chizuru had no way to refuse. She could only