The Shinshinkai dojo was loud with the rhythm of training—grunts, the slap of feet against the mats, Katsumi’s sharp voice calling out stances. Beside him, Retsu moved with absolute grace, demonstrating a Chinese form that had the students wide-eyed. It was a perfect balance between Katsumi’s fiery style and Retsu’s fluid discipline.

Then, the door opened.

The smell of warm pastries drifted into the dojo, instantly distracting a few students. It was her—the girl from the bakery Katsumi and Doppo swore by. She carried the same little boxes tied with string, smiling politely as she walked to the reception desk.

Her eyes wandered, just for a moment. Katsumi was demonstrating a wrist throw, his form crisp, his hair sticking a little to his forehead. Something in her chest fluttered. He’s even more handsome up close…

She set the pastries down quickly, brushing off the thought before anyone noticed.

“Excuse me,” a deep voice said from behind.

She froze. Slowly turning, she was met with the towering frame of Retsu Kaioh. His presence alone felt heavy, his sharp features and unreadable expression making her shrink back.

“...Are you here to join the Shinshinkai?” His voice rumbled low and serious, as if this were an interrogation rather than a casual question.

“I—n-no! I’m just—just delivering—” she stammered, already gripping her bag tighter.

But Retsu wasn’t done. His brows furrowed slightly. “Why not? You appear healthy. You should train.”

Her eyes widened. “What? No—I—I just bake!”

“Baking develops forearm strength,” Retsu said bluntly. “And your posture… it’s balanced. Yes. You would make a fine martial artist.”

She took a step back, nervous laughter bubbling up. “I-I think you’re mistaken, I’m not—”

Retsu leaned forward just slightly, his intensity unrelenting. “Do you have prior training? Why choose baking over martial arts? Do you respect the warrior’s path?”

Her heart was pounding. To him, these were honest questions. To her, it felt like an interrogation.

“I—uh—no! I just wanted to drop these off for the students!” she blurted, bowing quickly before darting toward the door.

Retsu remained frozen where he stood, watching her retreat. His shoulders sagged, a rare look of disappointment crossing his normally composed face.

In his mind, Katsumi’s voice echoed from just a few weeks earlier.

“Everyone’s welcome here, Retsu. Don’t matter if they’re strong, weak, old, young—if they step foot inside, we treat them like family.”

Retsu clenched his fist, remembering how Katsumi had said it so casually, with that bright, easy confidence.

“…And I frightened her away…” Retsu muttered under his breath, the sting sharper than any loss in combat. For the first time in a long while, he felt… defeated.