The dojo's rhythm did not change for them.
It simply absorbed them.
Kevin stood at the edge of the training yard, watching the students repeat their sword forms.
Clean.
Repetitive.
Disciplined.
Carina stood beside him, rolling her shoulders.
"…So this is real training?"
Kevin nodded.
"…Yes."
From the center of the yard—
Kuina struck forward again.
Wooden blade cutting air with precision.
No wasted motion.
She did not look at Kevin.
Not anymore.
Because there was no need to.
Koshiro stood near the side of the yard, observing everything in silence.
Then he spoke.
"…You will not remain observers."
Carina blinked.
"…Huh?"
Koshiro continued calmly.
"…If you stay here, you train like everyone else."
Kevin replied immediately.
"…Understood."
Kuina finally stopped her practice.
Not because of them.
Because she finished her sequence.
She turned slightly.
"…You're not here to stand around."
Carina pointed at herself slightly.
"…Me too?"
Kuina nodded once.
"…Especially you."
Carina sighed.
"…Of course I'm the "especially" one…"
Koshiro stepped forward slightly.
His gaze moved to Carina.
Then Kevin.
"…We begin simply."
He turned toward the training yard.
"…Footwork. Balance. Reaction."
Carina frowned.
"…That sounds basic."
Koshiro replied without emotion.
"…Basic is what you lack."
Carina froze slightly.
"…Okay, that was kind of rude…"
Kevin spoke quietly.
"…He is correct."
Carina glared slightly.
"…You didn't have to agree so fast."
Kuina stepped into the training space again.
Wooden sword lowered.
Not for fighting.
For instruction.
"…Follow."
Carina hesitated.
Then stepped forward.
The training began.
Not combat.
Not sparring.
Movement.
Control.
Repetition.
Carina struggled first.
Her balance shifted too often.
Footwork too heavy.
Timing slightly delayed.
"…Again."
Kuina's voice was flat.
Not insulting.
Just factual.
Carina exhaled.
"…Yeah yeah… again…"
Kevin trained separately nearby.
Koshiro watched him more than the others.
Kevin's movements were minimal.
Efficient.
Each step placed with intention.
No wasted force.
Koshiro spoke quietly.
"…Your foundation is not normal."
Kevin replied.
"…I trained here before."
Koshiro nodded.
"…Yes. But not like this."
A pause.
Koshiro continued.
"…There is pressure in your stance."
Kevin didn't respond immediately.
Then answered.
"…Control."
Koshiro studied him.
"…That is not normal sword pressure."
Kevin replied calmly.
"…It is mine."
Kuina overheard briefly.
Her eyes flicked toward Kevin for a moment.
Then returned to Carina.
"…Focus."
Carina groaned slightly.
"…I am focusing…"
She stepped again.
This time steadier.
Kuina adjusted immediately.
"…Better."
Carina blinked.
"…Was that another compliment?"
Kuina did not answer.
Hours passed.
The sun shifted slightly.
The dojo continued its rhythm.
Carina slowly improved.
Not fast.
But visible.
Kevin remained consistent.
Koshiro remained observant.
Kuina remained precise.
No one broke the flow.
As the session ended—
Carina dropped to sit near the edge of the yard.
"…Okay… I understand why people here are strong…"
Kuina stood nearby.
"…Because they don't stop at understanding."
Carina sighed.
"…That sounds like I'm being insulted again…"
Kevin walked past her.
"…You improved."
Carina blinked.
"…Wait. That's it?"
Kevin nodded.
"…Yes."
Carina leaned back.
"…I'll take it."
Koshiro spoke finally.
"…You will stay longer than expected."
Kevin answered.
"…Time is available."
Koshiro nodded once.
"…Then improve it."
The wind passed through the dojo.
Calm.
Steady.
And for the first time since arriving—
They were no longer visitors.
They were training within it.