Be Proud, You're Actually Very Strong

Hearing his words, Utahime Iori raised her head and blinked in surprise, then said with some dissatisfaction.

"Are you being sarcastic?!"

"Of course not. I genuinely think you're very strong."

Seeing that she looked a little angry, Toho Tetsu hurriedly explained.

"First, you said your ability was useless because it could only enhance other people, but I don't see it that way. When I was attacked by that monster at the subway station, if it hadn't been for your enhancement, I might not have been able to land that so-called Black Flash at all. You know that, don't you?"

Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, the angry girl froze for a moment, and the resentment in her voice became uncertain.

"Is... is that so...?"

He nodded.

"I think that in battle, sometimes all it takes is that tiny bit of extra enhancement. So your ability isn't useless at all. On the contrary, it can make a difference at the most critical moments."

After a brief pause, he brought up his second point.

"Besides, you clearly know that your ability can only enhance others, yet you still step forward when danger arises. Isn't that courage itself a sign of strength?"

Although his pep talk was served up smooth and steady, Utahime did not buy it. She merely sighed.

"Maybe... but what use is courage? Courage can't be turned into strength..."

As for how to improve her strength, Toho Tetsu had some different thoughts and ideas. However, considering that his public image was that of a newcomer who knew nothing, he had to be careful with certain wording.

That was also why he had not directly mentioned cursed spirits or cursed energy before, instead referring to them as monsters and that kind of power.

"About that, senpai, aside from that ability to increase other people's strength, is there anything else you're good at? Maybe we can look for a solution from another direction?"

Hearing this, the dejected girl paused. After thinking carefully for a while, she spoke with some uncertainty.

"As for other things, I've studied barrier techniques for a while. That's probably the only thing I'm relatively good at."

Right, barrier techniques. That was it!

Toho Tetsu's eyes lit up, but he deliberately phrased his hint vaguely.

"Although I don't know what barrier techniques are, they sound like some kind of technique that can restrict a certain area of space and set rules within it?"

Utahime Iori nodded.

"That's right. It's something you'll study later, but there's no harm in letting you know about it now."

The moment the topic turned serious, she immediately adopted a highly professional demeanor.

"Barrier techniques are a general term for techniques that use the power you mentioned—the power we commonly call cursed energy—to establish boundaries within a space and set rules inside the designated area."

Seeing that Utahime had taken the bait and was actually explaining the principles of barrier techniques to him, he put forward an idea he had considered for a long time.

"Then, hypothetically speaking, could we design certain rules for a barrier and indirectly gain methods of attack?"

Hearing that, Utahime was stunned at first, then fell into thought. His next sentence made a trace of anticipation and longing rise in her heart.

"Wouldn't that give you, senpai, a way to fight enemies head-on?"

When a new path appeared before her, she instinctively resisted it a little. But after thinking about it, it actually seemed like there might really be some possibility?

She gave Toho Tetsu a rather strange look.

"You... your mind works pretty fast, huh? You haven't even started learning anything yet, and you already have such unique insights and ideas?"

Toho Tetsu humbly shook his head.

"It's only because I'm interested in this stuff too. I told Teacher Yaga before that I wanted to gain strength. These things should be part of strength too, so if you want to research this sort of thing later, make sure to teach me as well, senpai."

Seeing the expectant look on his face, the girl felt as though her mood had brightened somewhat. Her voice also carried more liveliness than before.

"Barrier techniques aren't as easy to learn as you think. If you start complaining that it's difficult, I won't teach you."

"I won't, senpai. Don't worry."

Seeing that her mood seemed to have improved a little, Toho Tetsu's expression turned serious once more.

"So, you see, senpai, you're not as weak or worthless as you say. You still have many possibilities. You just need a little room to grow, so have a bit more confidence in yourself."

Halfway through, he added jokingly.

"So be proud. You're actually very strong."

Hearing his affirmation and support, Utahime Iori's heart trembled.

In the past, she had gone on missions with seniors and juniors from other grades. Though none of them had ever said it outright, whenever they brought her along, they seemed to think they were carrying a burden.

Some people did think her technique was useful, but that recognition was only for her role as support. No one had ever thought that she could truly stand on her own.

So, feeling recognized and affirmed like this made her awkwardly look away. Forcing herself not to meet his eyes any longer, she complained in a somewhat strange tone.

"What are you talking about... You make it sound like you know me so well, even though we only just met."

Toho Tetsu merely smiled at that slightly tsundere response.

"Maybe we met in a dream before?"

They had not met in a dream, but in another world. So he really did know her well.

Unfortunately, he could not say that. Even if he did, no one would believe him. Instead, they would only suspect that something was wrong with him.

Utahime really did roll her eyes at him.

"I think you got hit in the head when you were fighting that cursed spirit before, and it never healed properly. We might have to visit the infirmary first thing tomorrow."

He did not argue, merely wearing an expression that said, Whatever you say.

Seeing him like that, Utahime Iori could not hold back a soft laugh. Then, as if only realizing it afterward, she turned away, her voice carrying a hint of lightness and brightness.

"Seven-thirty tomorrow morning. Meet at the training ground, and don't be late."

"Understood, senpai."

After leaving him with that reminder, she turned and headed toward the girls' dormitory. Her steps were lighter than before, and the sound of her boots against the floor seemed brighter as well.

Toho Tetsu leaned against the side of the corridor and watched her figure grow more distant.

The next second, his expression suddenly froze, and a trace of surprise appeared in his eyes.

It was not because the girl in the distance suddenly turned around and waved at him, but because he saw what appeared to be a layer of pale blue radiance light up around her...