Hashima had two motives for making this somewhat bold request to Kiryūin Fūka.
First, this upperclassman clearly had exceptional athleticism. Any guidance from her would only benefit him.
Second, since the system had listed her stock, this request also served to gauge her personality. Understanding her better might prove useful later—especially if he decided to invest in her stock.
Preparation never hurts.
"Alright. If you want my guidance, let's start with a race. I need to see your limits."
Once Kiryūin agreed, she dove into the pool with mermaid-like grace, swiftly positioning herself beside Hashima.
"There are two lanes. We'll each take one. On my mark, we'll swim to the end."
As the white-haired girl focused, her expression turned serious.
This was one of her life principles—if something bored her, she wouldn't bother. But if it intrigued her, she'd pursue it flawlessly.
"Got it."
"Remember, give it your all. This helps me assess your limits. If I sense you slacking, the lesson ends immediately."
"Understood."
Hashima nodded solemnly. He hadn't expected such intensity from her—a pleasant surprise.
"Then... on three."
Kiryūin poised herself in the water, her gaze fixed on the far end of the lane rather than the boy beside her.
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!"
The moment the countdown ended, a blur shot past Hashima. Within seconds, Kiryūin was already meters ahead.
"?"
Her physical prowess is even more insane than I thought.
But Hashima didn't hesitate. He pushed forward with everything he had.
Since acquiring pool access, he'd never skipped a day. The one-hour mandate from [Physical Enhancer] had honed his rhythm—breathing patterns, subtle adjustments—all fine-tuned through relentless practice.
Yet his skills paled against Kiryūin's. Before he even reached the halfway point, she'd already touched the far wall.
Despite her finish, Hashima didn't stop. Maintaining his pace, he pressed on until he finally reached the end—where he caught Kiryūin's faint smile.
"Not bad. Your speed is lacking, but that's likely due to stamina issues. Your explosiveness and endurance are decent."
Kiryūin scrutinized his swimwear-clad physique.
Though initially weak, his daily training had begun sculpting his body. Faint abdominal contours were emerging—subtle but tangible progress.
Swimming was an excellent full-body workout, toning without bulking, yielding a lean, athletic build.
"I've gauged your baseline. If you want to improve, mimic my form."
Kiryūin swam to the lane's starting point and instructed, "This first drill is observational. Watch my technique—absorb what you can. Next round, you'll replicate it."
"Got it."
Hashima gulped, eyes locked onto the lane, awaiting her demonstration.
"Begin!"
Her voice and the splash merged as Kiryūin surged forward. Her strokes were textbook-perfect—mechanical yet fluid, her powerful frame cutting through the water with effortless grace.
With her striking curves and athleticism, she resembled a Valkyrie—radiating vibrant energy.
Hashima memorized every detail of her lap. Though physically average, his post-rebirth memory was exceptional—a trait that had always fueled his academic success.
"Your turn. Show me what you've retained."
Kiryūin waited at the far end, arms crossed, studying him.
"Ready."
Hashima checked his system—20+ minutes remained. Plenty of time.
Returning to the start, he met Kiryūin's gaze before plunging in. Channeling her form, he replicated her strokes—breathing rhythm, arm angles, leg kicks—all meticulously mirrored.
Watching from the poolside, Kiryūin's appreciation grew.
My technique was refined over years. Most need repeated demonstrations to grasp even the basics.
Yet after one viewing, he's replicated most of it...
Photographic memory?
To retain so much in seconds... Impressive.
A faint smile touched her lips.
Previously, she'd floated through school life—no friends, no foes, just solitary routines.
Helping him had been a whim, but discovering his aptitude reshaped her perception.
What an interesting junior.
School might not be so dull after all.