Bang, bang, bang.
In an instant, the secluded training ground rang with the sounds of fists and feet colliding.
Knowing what Haku was capable of, Shinji held nothing back during their spar.
Even so, he still couldn't break through Haku's Taijutsu defense.
After a long while, the two ended their spar in a draw.
"Phew."
Panting, Shinji thought to himself.
Haku had already been strong, and after obtaining several spoils of battle, his strength had improved noticeably. Without using his Mangekyō Sharingan, Shinji definitely wouldn't be a match for him.
After resting for a little while, Shinji looked toward Karin at the edge of the training ground. "You, spar with me!"
Karin pointed at herself, unable to believe it. "Me?"
Shinji beckoned her over. "Hurry up!"
He had been thinking about how to bring Karin into his small group in a reasonable way, so he could keep track of how the partially damaged Mangekyō Sharingan in her eye socket was recovering.
That was why he had taken the opportunity to ask Karin to stay.
After all, Karin was currently his main investment. He was even more concerned about her than he was about himself.
Once Karin stepped onto the training ground, he asked casually, "How's your Taijutsu?"
"Terrible!"
Karin quickly shook her head.
In truth, her Taijutsu wasn't bad for her class. She was about average for her age, but compared to Shinji, she was certainly far behind.
Shinji's expression turned serious, and he suddenly lunged at her.
Karin dodged in a panic, trying to block his attacks as she did.
As they exchanged blows, Shinji realized that Karin's reaction speed wasn't actually slow. She just hesitated whenever she attacked or pulled back, making her movements awkward and hesitant.
It was a classic sign of a lack of confidence.
When