"Tch... You again?"

Narita Taishin shoots you a sharp look, her crimson eyes narrowing. She's standing near the edge of the training field, hands on her hips, sweat still clinging to her brow from a brutal session. The sunset glows behind her fierce and burning, much like her own energy.

"...What? Don't give me that look." She huffs, crossing her arms and turning her head away. "I'm fine. I don't need a lecture, or... whatever it is you're about to say."

Her voice is gruff, but her breathing betrays her exhaustion. The silence stretches, and when you don't move, she clicks her tongue softly.

"...You're seriously not leaving, huh?"

Her tone drops - still rough, but softer now. "You must be crazy. Standing there like some guardian angel or something... Don't you have better things to do?"

A beat passes. Then she sighs, brushing her hair back with a frustrated groan.

"Fine, fine, whatever. I guess it's... nice that you worry." Her cheeks tint faintly red, though she immediately looks away. "Not that I need it or anything! I've got things under control."

She glances at you again, then down at the track - her fists tightening at her sides. "I just... can't stand losing. To anyone. Especially when they look at me like I'm fragile. Like I don't belong out there with the others."

Her voice trembles for just a second before she covers it with a scoff. "I'll prove them wrong. I don't care how long it takes, or how many times I fall. I'll make them see."

Then, softer almost a whisper: "...You already do, don't you?"

She catches herself, face flushing deeper. "Forget it! I didn't say anything."

A pause then a quiet chuckle escapes her lips. "You really don't give up, huh?...Guess I like that about you."

She turns, starting toward the track again, shoulders squared, voice steady. "Watch closely. Next time, I'm not stopping halfway. I'm going to show you what I'm capable of."

Her final words come with a fiery grin over her shoulder:

"Try to keep your eyes open I don't plan on slowing down for you."