Kaizo and Yumi had evolved past simple one-on-one drills.

  Now, their movements flowed together — instinctive, coordinated, and deadly efficient.

  Kaizo’s close-range ferocity paired seamlessly with Yumi’s precision aim.

  Every strike, every arrow, every decision meshed like choreography — or “battle jazz”, as Infinity called it.

  [Author’s Intervention: Yes, Kaizo has been teaching Infinity some stuff on the Internet.]

  They’d gotten used to reading each other mid-fight: Kaizo’s feints opened targets; Yumi’s arrows redirected enemies into his path.

  When Kaizo moved, Yumi already knew where he would be.

  When Yumi fired, Kaizo already knew why.

  The chemistry was through the roof.

  Scene — “Scenario Training”

  A clearing in the Jungle of Times shows as all that could be heard is sweat, dirt, and the echo of impact. Yumi kneels, drawing a glowing arrow; Kaizo circles her, motion sharp but relaxed.

  Kaizo (interesting tone): “If your enemy’s faster than you, What should you do?”

  Yumi (focused): “Try to predict their movements first. Don’t chase them but attempt to limit options and advantages.”

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  Kaizo (grins): “Good girllll.”

  Yumi (deadpan): “Stop it.”

  She fires a Lock-On Arrow, tracking Kaizo’s zig-zag approach — he slips past, catching it

  Mid-air and throwing it away before it explodes.

  Kaizo: “If they’re stronger?”

  Yumi: “Keep your distance, force them to overexert their stamina and exploit the opening.”

  Kaizo (nodding): “Smart?”

  Yumi (smirks): “Mentally or physically overwhelm them.”

  Kaizo (pauses, then laughs): "I see I’ve taught you well.”

  Yumi (giggles): “Thanks, Sensei.”

  Scene — “Reflection”

  That night, as they sit by the riverbank under the Jungle’s slow-moving stars, Kaizo tosses a pebble into the water.

  Kaizo (quietly): “You’ve really changed, Yumi. You went from normal to an elite Zenshin user in about a few weeks.”

  Yumi (soft smile): “Thanks, Kaizo.”

  Kaizo (smirking): “If you really are thankful, you could do something for me when we return back to Shinkami City.”

  Yumi: “I can only guess what you could possibly ask for.”

  Infinity (half-asleep): “You two done flirting?”

  Kaizo: “Hold on, Infinity. I’m trying to lose a certain card here..”

  Yumi (sarcastically): “You're gonna have to wait a while before I take that card….”

  Kaizo (intrigued): “Oh, so you’re saying it’s gonna happen?”

  They laugh — the sound blending with the hum of the Jungle — and for once, the night feels calm.

  Two friends, one night, and a bond sharpened through battle and banter.