Man, how awesome was the battle An and Kohane had the other day?!
I know, right?! I still have no idea why it happened, but they both sounded super serious...
That was the most mind-blowing battle I'd ever seen!
Same here. I can't wait for their next event...!
(The entire city's been talking about us following their battle...)
(I'm sensing this mix of excitement and tension in the air.)
(The fire we lit that day has clearly grown much bigger...!)
Oh. Morning, Toya.
Good morning.
I didn't realize you were already here.
*Nod*
But you're also here pretty early.
Ah, so... I woke up and didn't have anything else to do at home.
Haha. I know the feeling! It feels better to practice here than laze around at home, right?
Oh, that reminds me...!
There's something I need to say to you!
To me?
Thanks for the advice you gave me about how I felt about Kohane.
You helped me realize that I had all this fear swirling around inside of me...
I was able to take another hard look at myself and tell Kohane how I really felt.
There's no need to thank me.
I was just doing what I should as your teammate.
I'm just glad that I could help you two somehow.
By the way, how are you doing now?
Do you feel less anxious after battling against Azusawa?
Hmm... Yeah, kinda...
It's more or less gone for now...
For now?
Yeah, I feel pretty good right now...
But I'm pretty sure it's gonna be back again eventually.
At the same time, I think that's fine.
No matter what happens...
No matter how hard things get...
We'll keep pushing and pulling. We'll keep chasing after each other. I finally know that this is what I've always wanted out of a partner.
But if I do get stuck again in the future, I won't just let my feelings fester. I'll be sure to let it all out...
And I'd expect no less from you, Shiraishi.
Hehe. I don't plan on losing to you or Akito either, so you guys better stay ready.
That's good to hear.
I'll make sure to be ready for when that happens.
(Thank goodness...
I'm so glad that Shiraishi's been able to find a way to move forward.)
(Come to think of it...)
(Does this mean I've finally been able to repay them for what they did for me back then?)
But that's not the case when you're up there with Akito. I can always tell you're having fun.
What is it that you really want, Aoyagi?
...
(Because they went out of their way that time to ask me how I really felt...)
(I feel like I was finally able to become the partner that Akito deserves.)
(Despite how poorly we treated them back then... They were still willing to show concern for us.)
(I can't thank them enough for that.)
(I was finally able to give back a little.
But more importantly...)
I still have a long way to go, but it makes me really happy to be able to work so hard toward something with her.
(I remember being stunned by the deep trust they placed in one another, as well as their determination to keep moving forward...)
(Which is why I'm glad I've been able to help them become even better partners.)
Oh, Kohane, Akito!
Hey, you guys are here pretty early.
Hehe. We couldn't wait to start practicing!
Right, Toya?
Yes, that's right.
So, let's get started.