The Sekirei’s Covenant

By the waterfall pond shore.

"Sora-san, do you realize how rude your behavior was and how much trouble it caused everyone? Even if you're angry at Ena, I have to point out that you were wrong!"

"Ena too, don't act like it's none of your business! Although Sora-san was at fault, Ena shouldn't have drawn her sword against him. Don't you know that's very dangerous?"

"Both Sora-san and Ena were too careless, they actually… actually…"

…

On the sandy shore by the pond, Sora and Ena were sitting properly on their knees, receiving a moral lecture from the miko Yuri.

After fighting for over an hour, neither had won. Although both were satisfied, they were exhausted and mutually agreed to stop and fight again next time. However, just as they got out of the water and dressed, this scene unfolded…

Seeing Sora and Ena with their heads drooping, clearly distracted, Yuri was furious. How could these two brats be so irresponsible? I'm pointing out your mistakes and you better listen carefully!

"Ahem… Yuri, let's call it a day. I think Sora-san and Ena already know their mistakes, so please forgive them this time."

Kaoru, who had been watching from the side, felt it was too much and finally stepped forward to speak to Yuri.

Sora and Ena looked up simultaneously, feeling very excited and grateful toward Kaoru.

Even though they weren't afraid of wolves or beasts, and even enjoyed their previous sword clash, they truly feared Yuri's extremely serious and overly responsible personality…

"But they still…"

Looking at the two who hadn't argued but showed no sign of remorse, Yuri hesitated. Out of duty, she had to make them realize their mistakes and correct them, but even she felt powerless against these two seasoned rascals.

"Alright, alright, Yuri, you're exhausted today. Take a break."

"Besides, aren't you curious why Sora-san suddenly appeared here?"

Raised with excellent upbringing, Kaoru had superb negotiation and psychological skills. With a slight smile, she cleverly diverted Yuri's attention.

Hearing Kaoru's words, the three girls, including Ena, all cast curious and puzzled looks at Sora. They had always wondered about this but never had the chance to ask due to various unpleasant memories.

"Don't look at me like that. I wasn't stalking you, nor was I trying to spy. What happened before was a complete accident."

"I come to the mountains every summer vacation to train for a while. You probably do the same, right?"

Shrugging, Sora said calmly.

After hearing Sora's explanation, Kaoru nodded, and even Yuri, who blushed at the word "spying," believed him.

There was no sign of lying on Sora's face. Besides, Sora arrived earlier than them, so it made no sense that he would have known they'd come to bathe and secretly lurked to spy.

"Ha! Ena just remembered. There were often signs of damage in the mountains before. Could that have been you?"

Ena suddenly struck her hands together, excitedly grabbing Sora's shoulder.

"Uh… if nothing else, that was probably me."

Scratching his nose and recalling how he had destroyed half the mountain, Sora replied awkwardly.

"See! When I saw those signs of damage, I guessed the culprit was a master and wanted to find that person to duel. I never expected it was you!"

"Hehe, you really didn't disappoint me. You're the first person I've met who can fight me to a draw!"

"Let me officially introduce myself. I'm Seishuuin Ena. Nice to meet you!"

Like discovering a new world, Ena's face was full of excitement. Although also a noble lady from a prestigious family, she was much more straightforward than the innocent Yuri and the slightly scheming Kaoru. While speaking, she extended her hand to Sora in friendship.

Though a simple gesture, it represented Ena's genuine acceptance of Sora!

"Kusanagi Sora, sorry for the earlier rudeness. Please take care of me."

Feeling this girl was very nice, strong in ability, and had a personality he liked, Sora smiled and introduced himself, shaking her hand warmly.

They released their hands and exchanged a silent smile. It was safe to say they had become acquainted through their fight!

Watching these two who had just fought fiercely but were now so friendly, Kaoru and Yuri both felt a twinge of envy.

"Sora-san, you really keep giving me surprises and unexpected moments!"

"Well, I won't pry into your secrets and privacy. I just want to ask, what are your plans next?"

Having come this far on his own, Kaoru knew Sora had secrets. Though curious, she wasn't the type to dig annoyingly and instead twirled her hair and asked.

Yuri and Ena also seemed interested, casting looks of expectation and curiosity at Sora.

"My plan is to train in the mountains for two months until summer vacation ends. It's only been a month so far, so I'll continue training here."

…

"There's nothing to hide," Sora answered candidly.

Thinking to himself, no wonder she's the daughter of a prestigious family; every word and action of Kaoru left an inexplicable good impression. Sora's impression of her deepened a little more.

"I see. We're pretty much the same as you, Sora. Meeting in a place like this is fate, I suppose. I have a suggestion: how about training together with us for the next month?"

A strange light flashed in her eyes as Kaoru casually twisted her beautiful hair and said.

"Tr… tr… tr… training together!!!"

Okay, that was the stammering voice of the miko, Yuri. Despite her extremely serious personality, she was surprisingly pure and shy. For some reason, her face started to blush again, like a ripe apple, making one almost want to take a bite.

"Hehehe… that's a good idea. Sora, you should train with us. Ena hasn't had such a satisfying fight in a long time!"

"This time it was a draw, but next time we must have a clear winner!"

Ena patted Sora's shoulder hard, showing her strong agreement and happiness.

Usually training alone in the mountains, although recently Kaoru and Yuri came to keep her company, they were no match for her in combat. Now that Sora, a worthy opponent, had appeared, Ena naturally didn't want him to leave.

All three looked at Sora, waiting for his answer.

After some thought, Sora considered the proposal.

It seemed like a good idea. Although Yuri was a bit overly responsible and talkative, Sora found her to be an unusually pure girl, even cute in some ways.

Moreover, whether it was Yuri, Kaoru, or the girl beside them named Ena, they were all top-class beautiful young ladies. He didn't seem to have a reason to refuse. Even Shizuka, that stubborn girl, had said that boys who refuse invitations from beautiful girls are doomed!

Most importantly, Sora had always wanted a worthy opponent to spar with. Looking at the expectant face of Ena, Sora made up his mind.

"Let's train together for the next month. I look forward to working with you three beautiful ladies!"

A smile appeared on his face as he spoke to the three girls.

Hearing Sora's answer, Kaoru's lips curved slightly, Ena looked extremely happy, and Yuri, though blushing and looking down, felt a shy yet small joy inside.

At this moment, none of them knew this was the beginning of their bond…