Inside the Shabukyo Headquarters.
Finally done with the endless documents piling up from the Shabukyo's daily reports, Ayato Kamisato stretched his arms and prepared to take a short break before handling the next round of external affairs.
Suddenly, a small hooded figure leapt gracefully through the wide-open window, landing steadily in front of him.
"Sayu?" Ayato blinked in surprise.
Hadn't he assigned this little ninja to follow his sister? Why had she returned?
"Did something happen to Ayaka?" Ayato asked, concern clear in his voice.
Sayu hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing her words before responding in a calm tone, "M-Miss Ayaka... she's with that Luo Qing guy now!"
"Uh?" Ayato's mind went blank, confusion spreading across his face.
What do you mean 'with'? You better explain yourself!
"Take your time, Sayu. Start from the beginning and tell me everything," he urged, trying to stay calm.
"Well... um... it's like this..." Sayu took a deep breath, reorganizing her thoughts. She then detailed how the Raiden Shogun had called for a sword training session, revealing that the mysterious swordsman was Luo Qing, and that Ayaka had been publicly pulled into a very close embrace by him.
"I see..." Ayato murmured, stroking his chin thoughtfully, his brows furrowed.
He understood his sister's personality well. If Ayaka felt no fondness for someone, she would never tolerate such ambiguous behavior, much less blush about it.
He glanced at the discs Luo Qing had sent him. Ayato had envisioned numerous scenarios in which Luo Qing might approach his sister, but this... this was not one of them.
Ayato trusted in Ayaka's character—she was not one to develop feelings for someone so casually, and certainly not a man who had pulled her into his arms without hesitation. If she had responded this way, it could only mean one thing: Luo Qing already held a significant place in her heart.
But how had Luo Qing managed it? Hadn't he sent Sayu to warn Ayaka?
This wouldn't do. No matter what, he had to go to Inazuma City himself and meet this Luo Qing in person!
"Banma," Ayato called out, and moments later, a bespectacled young man stepped into the room.
"You called, Master Kamisato?"
"While I'm away, I want you to manage the affairs of the Shabukyo."
"Master Kamisato, you're leaving?"
"Yes," Ayato nodded, his eyes reflecting a determination. "I'm heading to Inazuma City."
A week later.
Today was a day Luo Qing had eagerly awaited.
After what seemed like an eternity, Kura-san had finally delivered the much-anticipated set of training outfits.
Just seeing those blue shorts and white form-fitting tops made him envision Ayaka under the sun, moving with grace.
That morning, Luo Qing called the students to gather at the training grounds half an hour earlier than usual.
The young swordsmen, their faces puzzled, watched as Luo Qing gestured for Theresa and Kujou Sara to hand out the training outfits.
They were confused as they held the unique-looking clothing in their hands, unsure of Luo Qing's intentions.
"Alright, everyone," Luo Qing announced with a broad smile, "From today onward, whenever we do our warm-up exercises, you'll be required to wear these training outfits!"
The announcement left the students in shock.
The boys were more or less unfazed—their outfits were simple and straightforward, just shorts and a short-sleeved top. It wasn't anything unusual for them.
But for the girls... it was a different story.
The snug shorts and tight tops made them blush just by looking at them.
For the traditionally modest Inazuma girls, Luo Qing's training outfits felt a bit too revealing. Wearing them in private was one thing, but standing in the middle of the training grounds, surrounded by so many people, made them all feel shy.
But Kujou Sara's earlier decree echoed in their minds: Luo Qing's commands were to be followed without question.
So, despite their embarrassment, they gritted their teeth and put on the outfits.
Among them, Ayaka Kamisato's thoughts were different from the other girls'.
When she first saw the training outfit, a suspicion crept into her mind.
Could it be that Luo Qing specifically wanted to see me in this outfit but was too shy to ask directly, so he made everyone wear it?
Ayaka looked at the garment in her hands, then stole a quick glance at Luo Qing.
Their eyes met.
There's no need to guess anymore, she thought.
He must have designed these outfits just to see her wear them!
Ayaka's face grew warm as she buried her head in the fabric, debating whether or not to put it on.
Ever since the ice had been broken between them, she and Luo Qing had become closer, visiting the Komore Teahouse together almost daily, speaking freely about anything and everything. It had reached a point where she no longer felt uncomfortable when Luo Qing occasionally pinched her cheeks or playfully tousled her hair.
She'd always rationalized it as harmless teasing between friends—nothing more. But holding this outfit in her hands made her doubt that interpretation.
Deep down, there was a part of her that wanted to put it on just to ask Luo Qing if she looked good in it.
Having read plenty of romance light novels since childhood, she was familiar with these kinds of feelings and what they might signify.
But Luo Qing was with the Fatui...
Could she really allow herself to feel this way?
After a long moment of hesitation, Ayaka looked up at Luo Qing with a sudden, determined expression. She gave him a gentle smile, nodded, and then hurried off to the changing room, clutching the outfit to her chest.
"Uh... what was that about..."
Luo Qing scratched his head, puzzled by Ayaka's fleeting smile.
Why did she look so solemn about putting on the training outfit?
Just as he was pondering, the door to the changing room opened again.
Ayaka stepped out, dressed in the light blue, form-fitting shorts. The white, snug top accentuated her graceful curves, with her dainty white socks tied with red ribbons at the back. Her cheeks were tinged with a rosy blush, and she avoided meeting Luo Qing's gaze.
...
Luo Qing's breath hitched as he took in the sight.
Absolutely adorable.
Cute girls truly shine in training outfits!
If only she could step on me a few times... or sit on my lap...
No, stop, stop thinking like that!
When everyone had finished changing, the boys finally realized the true intention behind their master's directive.
This was it—Master Luo Qing's true goal revealed!
The girls present were all dedicated swordswomen, their figures toned from years of training. Every single one looked stunning in the training outfits, capturing the boys' attention and leaving them slack-jawed.
Calling him "Master" suddenly didn't feel like a bad deal at all!
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