In the early morning, Hu Feng Toumi swung the baseball bat in her hand towards the rising sun, and as she moved, beads of sweat shook off her skin, glistening in the sunlight.
It was a powerful swing, but judging by her posture and movements, it wasn't a baseball swing, but rather a sword-drawing practice from kendo.
Moreover, this wasn't mere exercise; for Hu Feng Toumi, this was actually the final 'adjustment action' before ending a night of training.
It was used to adjust her mind and body, detach from the training state, and return to daily life.
Her loose tracksuit was already clinging to her body from sweat, giving the effect of tight-fitting clothes—showing that her exercise volume throughout the night was indeed considerable.
But Hu Feng Toumi's expression, while not appearing effortless, certainly wasn't one of great exertion.
It was as if… it was just her usual daily exercise.
The steel baseball bat in her hand weighed 1.5 kilograms; let alone for a game, even delinquents fighting wouldn't typically choose this type—it was too heavy, and swinging such a thing for a long time would undoubtedly be torture for the arm muscles.
It was generally only used specifically for strength training.
However, in Hu Feng Toumi's hands, this weight seemed like nothing, as she swung it effortlessly again and again.
The girl, Hu Feng Toumi, had her other merits overshadowed by her esper ability, Absolute Penetration—even Kanzaki Kaori, a Saint, was astonished by her stamina and strength.
As a martial artist, Shinkanzaki's own extraordinary abilities did not prevent her from having common sense like an ordinary person.
“That’s enough,” Kanzaki Kaori said, pressing the Seven Heavens, Seven Swords at her waist, stopping Hu Feng Toumi’s movements. “Tonight’s practice ends here. You have something else to do later, don’t you? Don’t you need to rest?”
“It’s fine, I’m not too tired,” Hu Feng Toumi said, casually dropping the bat in her hand and shaking her head. “Because I have important things to do today, I made sure to conserve my stamina.”
And judging by her appearance, she wasn’t putting on a brave front.
They were currently on the rooftop of a shopping mall building, and on the top floor of this building, there was a well-equipped gym, where some basic facilities and showers could be borrowed.
Since there was something else to do next, she had to wash up and get dressed—she couldn't possibly meet her companions while drenched in sweat, could she?
“I had Tsuchimikado bring two breakfasts when he came,” Kanzaki Kaori said. “If you don’t mind, you can eat before you go. It’s necessary to replenish your energy appropriately.”
After witnessing Hu Feng Toumi's focused training process, Kanzaki Kaori couldn't help but worry that she might faint from excessive exertion.
Moreover, she heard that Hu Feng Toumi’s breakfasts were basically high-quality meals personally prepared by Lin Wuming, so she wondered if she could adapt to the commoner's food from a street vendor…
“Thank you, Shinkanzaki Sensei!” Hu Feng Toumi had no intention of refusing, but instead bowed deeply in gratitude.
“You don’t need to thank me, after all, Tsuchimikado prepared it,” Kanzaki Kaori shook her head. “And I don’t dare accept the title of ‘Sensei’; I just gave a little guidance.”
“But it’s very important to me,” Hu Feng Toumi said seriously. “If you’re willing to teach me, then you are my Sensei.”
“I also have my own selfish reasons,” Kanzaki Kaori said with a wry smile. “If I didn’t find an excuse, I wouldn’t be able to stay here legitimately.”
A week ago, Kanzaki Kaori came to Tokyo again to investigate and resolve the Angel Fall incident.
Although there were some twists and turns, the Angel Fall incident was successfully resolved on the same day.
However, having traveled all this way, Kanzaki Kaori felt it would be a loss not to spend more time with Index while she had the chance.
But this operation happened suddenly, and it genuinely had no direct connection to Academy City, so Kanzaki Kaori, as a magician, had not obtained prior permission to enter Academy City.
As a result, after Index returned to Academy City with Kamijou Touma, Kanzaki Kaori had no choice but to part ways with her.
Tsuchimikado Motoharu had many ways to bypass customs and border controls to 'smuggle' himself into Academy City, but Kanzaki Kaori was unwilling to create unnecessary trouble for her own personal reasons.
During the 'infiltration' process, if an accident occurred and she was exposed... diplomatic disputes between Academy City and the Christian Church would be a minor issue; involving Index and Kamijou would be what she was even more unwilling to see.
Just as Kanzaki Kaori was hesitating whether or not to 'take the risk,' a 'request for apprenticeship' from Hu Feng Toumi helped her out of her predicament.
Also due to this Angel Fall incident, Hu Feng Toumi deeply felt her own lack of strength and urgently wanted to improve it.
But 'getting stronger' is never as simple as just saying it.
As an Esper, Level 4 Hu Feng Toumi had basically reached her limit.
Because of her close relationship with Lin Wuming and Shokuhou Misaki, Hu Feng Toumi also knew some details about 'Personal Reality.'
—The idea of advancing to Level 5 was basically a death sentence.
As a result, Hu Feng Toumi had few options left.
Hu Feng Toumi asked herself, besides being an Esper, what was her essence?
—The answer was a warrior, or rather, a 'swordsman.'
Coincidentally, not long ago, she had personally witnessed an absolutely powerful swordsman.
So, the rest was simple: go to Judgment 177th Branch to find Haruue Erii, get Kamijou Touma and Tsuchimikado Motoharu's contact information from her, and then contact Kanzaki Kaori through them.
Coincidentally, both sides had something to gain, so they hit it off immediately.
Hu Feng Toumi began training related to being a 'swordsman,' while Kanzaki Kaori received an invitation to enter Academy City.
“Well then,” Hu Feng Toumi glanced at the stairwell entrance, then turned and walked towards another exit. “I’ll go down first and come back later.”
“Oh dear, I’ve been discovered,” Tsuchimikado Motoharu appeared from the stairwell after Hu Feng Toumi left, carrying an insulated box in his hand.
“Of course, Kihara Yuiitsu’s perception is very keen,” Kanzaki Kaori finally put down her Seven Heavens, Seven Swords and stretched her muscles. “She is a born swordswoman.”
“To receive such praise from Big Sis, she must indeed be remarkable,” Tsuchimikado Motoharu said thoughtfully. “Is that why you’re unwilling to let go of your sword?”
“Yes,” Kanzaki Kaori nodded, walking to where Hu Feng Toumi had stood. She lightly kicked the metal baseball bat towards Tsuchimikado Motoharu with her toe.
“That’s dangerous, Big Sis,” Tsuchimikado Motoharu said, though his expression remained unchanged as he caught the bat with one hand. “So heavy! It would really hurt if I got hit in the head with this thing, wouldn’t it?”
“Better than being stabbed to death directly,” Kanzaki Kaori said. “Do you know why I made her use this unsuitable Item for practice?”
Logically, when practicing kendo or swordsmanship, there are specialized tools, such as wooden swords or bamboo swords.
There was no need to use a baseball bat, as the weapon's center of gravity and the way force is applied are different, making it unsuitable for practice.
“Because this is an undeniable blunt weapon,” Kanzaki Kaori said. “Only this won’t trigger her Absolute Penetration.”
