The morning light stretched across the wooden grounds of the dojo.
The training sounds inside were steady.
Controlled.
Familiar.
Kevin stood at the entrance path.
Carina beside him, watching the structured building ahead.
"…So this is the place you mentioned."
Kevin nodded.
"…Yes."
Before they could move further—
Footsteps approached from within the dojo.
Shimotsuki Koshiro appeared at the entrance of the training grounds.
Calm posture.
Measuring gaze.
He looked at Kevin for a moment.
Then spoke.
"…So you have decided to step inside."
Carina straightened slightly.
"…Okay, this guy feels serious…"
Kevin replied simply.
"…Yes."
Koshiro observed him quietly.
Not hostility.
Not surprise.
Just assessment.
"…You carry yourself differently from before."
Kevin answered.
"…The sea changes people."
Koshiro nodded once.
"…It does."
A brief silence followed.
Then Koshiro stepped aside slightly.
"…You may enter."
Carina blinked.
"…That's it?"
Koshiro continued.
"…This is Shimotsuki Dojo. If you step inside, you either train, or you leave unchanged."
Kevin nodded.
"…Understood."
They stepped forward into the dojo grounds.
Wooden floors.
Training yards.
Students practicing forms.
Everything was structured.
Disciplined.
Carina looked around.
"…So this is where you learned."
Kevin replied.
"…Yes."
At the training yard—
Kuina was already practicing.
She simply continued her training.
Carina noticed her immediately.
"…That's her again…"
Kuina didn't turn.
Didn't speak.
Just continued her sword practice.
Focused.
Controlled.
Kevin stood at the edge of the yard.
Watching.
Not approaching yet.
Koshiro spoke quietly beside him.
"…That is Kuina."
Kevin replied.
"…I know."
Koshiro glanced at him slightly.
"…You two have met before."
Kevin nodded once.
"…Yes."
No explanation needed.
No repetition.
Carina crossed her arms.
"…So everyone here already knows each other in some way…"
Kevin answered.
"…Not everyone."
Kuina finally spoke while still training.
Not turning.
Just voice carried over.
"…You're late."
Carina blinked.
"…Late for what?"
Kevin replied calmly.
"…No schedule exists."
Kuina stopped her movement briefly.
Then resumed.
"…Then don't interrupt training."
Koshiro observed this exchange quietly.
Then said—
"…You will train here if you stay."
Kevin nodded.
"…Yes."
Carina exhaled slightly.
"…So we're actually staying here now."
Kevin replied.
"…Temporary."
Koshiro turned slightly toward Carina.
"…You as well."
Carina pointed at herself.
"…Me too?"
Koshiro nodded.
"…If you remain beside him."
Carina sighed.
"…Great…"
The dojo resumed its rhythm.
Kevin stood observing.
Kuina trained without interruption.
Koshiro watched everything carefully.
No introductions repeated.
No emotional reunion.
And now—
Kevin had officially entered Shimotsuki Dojo again.
Not as a visitor.
But as part of its present moment.