I was Reincarnated as the Scum Older Brother of the Protagonist in a Romance Battle Game, But I don't want to Die, so I'll do my Best - Episode 21

Training Camp, Day 2 – We Arrive at Genbu’s Rain-Soaked Boulder Training Grounds, the Crimson Zone

A lone stone martial stage, about fifteen meters in length and width, stands in the center. At each of its four corners, statues of the Four Sacred Beasts face inward, watching over the platform.

Mashiro and I, dressed in the pure-white martial robes prepared by Umesan, step onto the stage.

“Joji, today’s joint punishment training will be harsh. Be prepared.”

Turning toward me on the stage, Mashiro’s Meteor Eyes shine more intensely than usual as she gazes at me.

“I’m counting on you.”

Faced with Mashiro’s seriousness, I respond with equal sincerity, bowing deeply. Today, I’m the one asking for her guidance—she, the superior, will lead our synchronization.

“Then, let’s begin… Rin (臨)!”

Following Mashiro’s mantra, we face each other, lowering our stances. I extend my right hand, close enough to lightly touch her left shoulder as we form the first synchronization stance.

“Hyō (兵)!”

This time, we spread both arms, turning back-to-back until our shoulder blades lightly touch, forming the next stance in perfect unison.

“Tō (闘)!”

Now, we face each other again, lowering our stances. Stepping forward with the right foot, we form fists—raising the right arm above the head, the left at the abdomen—and press our fists together, creating a perfect circle with our arms.

“Sha (者)!”

Still facing each other, we widen our stances to shoulder-width, lowering our hips as we press our hands together again.

“Kai (皆)!”

Next, we step forward, raising our right elbows to chest height while slightly shifting our left feet back, pressing our elbows together.

“Jin (陣)!”

Leaning our bodies, we now press our right shoulders against each other, forming another stance.

“Retsu (列)!”

We raise our right legs to shoulder height, extending them in a high-kick motion—our shins meet, crossing into an X shape.

“Zai (在)!”

Spinning our bodies, we pivot into a left roundhouse kick motion, pressing our left calves together this time.

“Zen (前)!”

Finally, we face each other once more, extending our left hands to lightly touch each other’s right shoulders, completing the sequence.

This is the standard synchronization stance used in joint punishment training. By repeating these mantra-linked stances, we expand the capacity of our Heart Domain, allowing access to a broader skill set domain.

It also enhances physical training, synergistically raising our overall level.

“Alright, Joji, put some spirit into it!”

“Yes!”

“Rin (臨)!”

“!? Ugh…!”

Mashiro’s right hand digs into my left shoulder—pain shoots through me, forcing me to my knees.

“Get up. Now.”

“Hah… yes!”

Gritting my teeth, I force myself back up at Mashiro’s command.

“Hyō (兵)!”

“Gah—!!”

The moment our backs press together, it feels like my lungs are being crushed. I can’t breathe—I collapse forward.

“Next.”

“Y-yes!”

………………………………

……………………

“Zen (前)!”

“Gwaaah—!”

Mashiro’s left hand slams into my right shoulder. I clutch it, dropping to both knees on the stage. Nearly two hours have passed since we started, and with each repetition, Mashiro’s strikes pierce deeper into my body.

“…Let’s take a short break.”

“No… I can still go! Please, continue!!”

Even as I crouch in pain, I look up at Mashiro. Her expression remains unchanged—her Meteor Eyes still sharp, unwavering.

“Joji, a piece of advice—you’re often half a breath too slow. Try releasing your power a little sooner.”

“Got it. I’ll try.”

“Then—Rin (臨)!”

“!?”

This time, our movements synchronize perfectly. The impact from Mashiro’s strike flows through my left shoulder, courses through my body, and surges back into her left shoulder through my right hand.

“Mmm, that was good. Can you feel the energy flowing?”

“Yeah… this is joint punishment training? It’s my first time feeling something like this—like you’re inside my body. It’s strange.”

“Let that sensation sink in.”

“Hyō (兵)!”

Again, our backs press together in flawless sync. The force reverberates between us like an echo, resonating within our bodies.

“Next—Tō (闘)!”

Our fists meet, forming a circle. The air at its center trembles faintly, vibrating with energy.

……………………………………

…………………………

“Zen (前)!”

The force from Mashiro’s left hand flows into my right shoulder, travels to my left hand, and surges back into her right shoulder—then cycles back into mine.

“Joji, you’re starting to grasp the sensation.”

“Thanks to your advice. I’m not at 100% yet, but I think I’m syncing up pretty well now.”

As I say this, Mashiro suddenly places her hand on my forehead, peering into my face.

“!? Mashiro?”

“Hmm… your Divine Vision has risen significantly in this short time.”

“R-really!?”

“Mmm. Maybe we’re just compatible.”

“!? W-what do you… mean by that?”

Her expression remains unreadable—still serious, as always. There’s no special meaning behind it. She must simply be referring to how easily we synchronized.

“S-so, Mashiro… where would I rank in our year now? Middle of the pack?”

“Hmm… lower upper?”

“!? Still at the bottom!?”

“Mmm. But it’s still incredible progress.”

Though she says that, being below average means I haven’t even reached the minimum threshold—Divine Vision Level 20—required to pass the preliminary exam before the Forbidden Zone Test.

(This place… I hate to resort to underhanded methods, but I can’t afford to hesitate now…)

“Hey, Mashiro… the joint punishment mantra has a hidden reverse mantra, right? Want to try it?”