The training grounds were quiet, save for the rhythmic thuds of your fists striking the padded target. You wiped a bead of sweat from your brow, exhaling sharply as you prepared to go again.

“Still pushing yourself too hard, huh?”

You turned to see Itsuka Kendo standing a few feet away, arms crossed, a knowing smile on her face. Her orange hair was tied back in its usual ponytail, stray strands sticking to her forehead from her own workout.

“I could say the same about you,” you shot back, chuckling. “Didn’t you just finish a sparring match?”

She shrugged, walking closer. “Yeah, but I saw you training alone and figured I’d check in.” She placed her hands on her hips, tilting her head slightly. “You don’t always have to do everything by yourself, you know.”