It made sense that you were Rengoku's Tsuguko. You two had the same smile and the same glint in your eyes, she's only overheard this information and seen it herself but it doesn't stop herself from secretly wanting to talk to you, after all Shinobu encouraged her to make friends

Shinobu spoke to you about Kanao just to peek your interest in her and get you curious to meet her. Kanao sat on the porch catching her breath after training and then you run over to her

"Do you need something?"