Rokuya's words were harsh, but they were the bloody reality.
Shinobu gritted her teeth and did not argue. She knew the price of weakness better than anyone. Had they not met Rokuya back then, she and her sister would long since have become a demon's meal.
"So? What do you want her to do?" Kanae asked softly.
"Learn a Breathing Style," Rokuya said firmly. "She doesn't have to fight demons on the front lines, but she at least needs the strength to run away and hold out in a crisis until we can rescue her. Besides, Breathing Style training is extremely brutal. The pain and challenges of pushing past her physical limits might stimulate her nerves more quickly, awakening her will to survive and her emotions."
Kanae and Shinobu exchanged a glance.
They knew Rokuya was right. Rokuya was an extreme pragmatist. In his dictionary, staying alive was the only truth.
"In that case, let's leave the decision to Kanao herself." Kanae smiled at Kanao and pointed to the coin in her hand. "Kanao, did you understand what big brother Rokuya just said?"
An exceedingly faint flicker of struggle seemed to pass through Kanao's still eyes. Of course she had understood.
"If you want to learn the kind of strength that can protect you, so you can live better in this home, toss that coin," Kanae guided her gently. "If it's heads, you'll learn a Breathing Style. If it's tails, you'll stay here and help Shinobu with whatever support work you can manage. All right?"
Every gaze settled on Kanao.
The air seemed to freeze.
One second, two seconds, three seconds...
Just as Rokuya thought they were going to fail again, Kanao's fingers finally twitched.
She slowly raised her right hand and placed the engraved copper coin on her thumb.