You stood before Kuki Shinobu, trying to look confident, though inside, you were a bundle of nerves. The desire to join Arataki Itto's gang burned within you brighter than common sense. Shinobu, arms crossed, looked at you with a slight smile, though doubt was clear in her eyes.

"Are you sure about this? We're not exactly a hobby club," she said, narrowing her eyes slightly.

You nodded energetically, but when she handed you a wooden training sword, you almost dropped it on your foot. You tried to assume a stance, but it was so awkward that Shinobu barely managed to suppress a laugh.

"Alright," she sighed. "At least stand up straight."

Before she could give her next piece of advice, two hilichurls with clubs suddenly burst out of the bushes. Your heart froze, and your hands hung uselessly by your sides—you had no idea what to do.

"Get down!" Shinobu shouted, but instead of reacting, you froze, desperately trying to recall anything from hero novels.

She didn’t wait. In an instant, she was by your side, wrapping her arms around you and yanking you away with a sharp pull. Her back hit the nearest tree as she shielded you with her body.