Five days later, at night, in Akita City.
" Flower Breathing - Sixth Form: Whirling Peach!"
A clear and firm voice rang out on the street, and a figure Flash through the night like a pink phantom.
Immediately afterwards, a pink flower bloomed on the street.
Kanae gently sheathed her Nichirin Blade and swiftly returned to Teiichi's side at the rear.
Kanae said, "I thought it would be stronger, but I didn't expect it to not even have Blood Demon Art!"
Teiichi chuckled lightly, "Perhaps there is? But you were too fast. The moment you spotted him, you rushed over and beheaded him with a single strike. You didn't even have time to use the Blood Demon Art!"
"Maybe," Kanae. "I wonder when I'll encounter Lower Rank or Upper Rank again!"
" The Lower Rank is fine, but let's leave the Upper Rank for now!" Teiichi retorted.
"Hmm? You look down on me?" Kanae frowned slightly upon hearing this, turned to stare at Teiichi, and spoke with a hint of resentment in Teiichi tone.
"No, of course I think highly of you!" Teiichi quickly shook his head and retorted.
"Then why don't you just say it's Upper Rank!"
Teiichi explained, "Because the Upper Rank is indeed very strong! You haven't even faced Upper Two for a year yet, and although you've improved, you're still not at the level to fight Upper Two!"
Kanae sighed and said, "I know I'm not strong enough to Upper Two opponent yet, and I'm not even thinking about Upper Two- Upper Six opponent, but I feel like I can still give it a try!"
Since there are Lower Rank, and Upper Two is so much weaker than the Lower Rank I've encountered before, then as the last Upper Rank, Upper Six Two must be the weakest, right? I feel like I can still find a chance to fight him!
Upon hearing this, Teiichi to face Kanae, placed his hands on Kanae's shoulders, and stared intently at Kanae.
" Kanae, please promise me!"
"A... agree to what?" Kanae.
Teiichi said seriously, "Unless you get my permission after some sparring session, if you encounter Upper Rank in the future, run away first, okay? No matter how high it is, no matter if there's anyone behind you!"
Upon hearing this, Kanae remained silent, and the two locked eyes.
Through Teiichi's gaze, Kanae saw a deep concern, the same concern she felt for Shinobu.
If it were me, I would also hope that when Shinobu encounters Upper Rank demon, I would run away first, regardless of anything else.
A warm feeling flowed through her chest, Kanae nodded.
"Um!"
Seeing Kanae nod in agreement, Teiichi sigh of relief.
The other pillars will only encounter the Upper Rank after the main story begins, but Kanae was saved by him, and he can't guarantee that she won't encounter them again.
Now that I'm sure Kanae won't rush in, I feel much more at ease.
Teiichi and added, "Oh, and when you get back, tell Shinobu and Kanon too! If they encounter them later, remember to run first!"
"Okay, I understand!"
Kanae nodded gently, took Teiichi's arm, and the two walked towards the inn.
Walking on the streets of Akita City, Kanae looked at Teiichi beside her, her heart filled with happiness and contentment.
Since the two realized their feelings for each other, they have spent most of their time together, which is the period after Teiichi left the team.
However, he spent most of this time at the Butterfly Mansion.
Meanwhile, she still had things to take care of at the Butterfly Mansion, and occasionally had to go out on missions. In addition, Shinobu and Kanon would occasionally interrupt, so the two of them didn't actually have much time alone together.
Seeing that Kanae was staring at him, Kanae Teiichi to her and asked, "What's wrong?"
Kanae, "Are you starting your journey tomorrow?"
"Yes! Didn't you finish your mission?" Teiichi.
Turning his head and seeing Kanae still looking at him, Teiichi seemed to realize something and asked, "Would you like to play around here for a bit?"
Upon hearing this, Kanae smiled and happily replied, "Yes!"
Time flies.
Today is the third day that Teiichi and Kanae have been in Akita City.
Two days ago, they walked around Akita City to see all sorts of attractions. Because it's not a famous city, and it's still early, before the city has started to develop tourism, there aren't many places to see in Akita City.
However, based on recommendations from locals, they did visit several small restaurants that were indeed quite delicious.
This tastes much better than the shop they found themselves a few days ago, which looked nice from the outside.
On the third day, having nowhere else to go, the two strolled around the streets of Akita City.
Kanae's gaze wandered among the dazzling array of shops, pausing occasionally to select heartfelt gifts for the Butterfly Mansion Sisters.
After selecting their items, the two took them back to the hotel first, and then went to the beach together.
evening.
The setting sun cast its golden rays upon the sea, creating a shimmering, breathtaking scene.
The waves occasionally lapped against the beach before slowly receding.
The two strolled hand in hand on the beach, the setting sun casting long shadows on them.
After walking for a while, Kanae suddenly squatted down.
Her shoes and socks were gently removed, revealing her fair, delicate feet, and then her trouser legs were gently rolled up.
After tentatively stepping a couple of times on the beach, letting her feet feel the softness and warmth of the sand, Kanae let go of their hands and started running on the sand.
Clear, melodious laughter echoed across the beach from time to time, like heavenly music.
The harmonious scene made Teiichi smile.
" Teiichi! Come quick!"
The girl's cheerful voice made Teiichi turn his gaze in that direction.
At that moment, Kanae stood in the distance, waving a conch shell at him.
The girl's face beamed with a radiant smile, which appeared even more dazzling in the setting sun.
Teiichi chuckled, squatted down, took off his shoes, and then ran towards Kanae.
" Teiichi, you can see seashells on the beach!"
When Kanae saw Teiichi running over, she raised her hand and showed him the conch shell she had just seen.
Teiichi and explained, "Yes! Because when the tide washes ashore, many marine creatures are swept ashore, and then when the tide recedes, some are left behind."
"Huh? Is that so?" Kanae exclaimed in surprise, "Do fish from the sea get washed ashore too?"
"There are even fewer fish. What usually washes ashore are things that are not able to move easily, such as conch, sea urchins, starfish, clams, and the like! There are also crabs, but relatively fewer!" Teiichi explained.
"Why don't we pick them up and roast them?"