"Phew..."
Koneko Toujou leaned against the wall, panting heavily. Her school uniform was soaked through with sweat, yet she was still incredibly happy because... she had seen herself improve once again.
"Finally, I can last five minutes now."
Lasting five minutes under Kiana's practical guidance was a breakthrough for Koneko. Before, she would be unable to continue in less than two or three minutes.
"Here, wipe yourself off!"
Kiana tossed Koneko a clean towel. She did not tell her that... she had been holding back all along. If she truly fought seriously, even in hand-to-hand combat, Koneko would still only be able to get KO'd by a single punch.
Still, Koneko's progress in such a short time was already considerable.
"Thank you, Senior."
Taking the towel, Koneko wiped away her sweat, pushed herself off the wall, and thanked her sincerely.
Being able to feel her strength improve every day like this made Koneko, who longed for power, extremely happy.
As a cat yokai, Koneko's true talent should have been in "senjutsu." But because of her older sister... she loathed and rejected senjutsu.
As for physical combat... she was not actually all that strong, and could not be of much help to the president.
So, without involving senjutsu, she worked very hard to become stronger.
"Actually, your sister..."
Kiana hesitated. She wanted to tell Koneko about Kuroka, but after thinking it over, she held back. Kuroka had not appeared yet, so telling Koneko now... would probably not have much effect. It would be difficult for her to believe it.
The one who tied the knot had to be the one to untie it. Only Kuroka herself could make Koneko understand.
And right now, no one knew where Kuroka was.
By all rights, she should have joined the Hero Faction by now.