~*~

AT BUTTERFLY MANSION DOJO

"Begin!"

The sound of wooden swords clang together with ferocity, seeing Kaito not relenting to fall and lose from this spar. You can easily tell in his eyes his determination, something I clearly underestimated from the beginning. Kaito takes a wide opening to his advantage, not allowing the other slayer to have a moment to block. However the slayer managed to redirect the attack, but very sloppily. 

Many gasps follow the slayers around, whilst I keep myself focused on their techniques.

I knew very well this isn't Shinobu's way of rehabilitation, but I guess she changes from time to time to find an easier method in faster recovery. It happens every few years I would assume, changing ways in how to heal and recuperate without losing your physical strength to strict bed rest for hours. 

Kaito's fluid movements and motions were derived from his breathing technique, recognising it as Water Breathing. Easy to pick up on those moves, it was still rather stiff and hesitant. I wasn't sure how long they've been slayers, but I'm surprised to see more potential in Kaito than anyone else I've see so far. Maybe I was a bit to harsh before, but I can't let anything happen to anyone else again. It was like death was set for my line of successors, or those who walk that path with me who are fated to death.

A soft and sharp grunts follow with their swings, and their feet padding across the tatami floor with swiftness and stability.

Finally with one miscalculation of the slayers movements, Kaito saw an opening and took it as he jabs the wooden blade knocking the slayers blade from his grip. The young slayer collapses from his previous leg injury, as his chest heaves staring up towards Kaito with admiration and surprise with a little humiliation. "You got me......"

Kaito smirks and lends him a hand, "You keep lasting a minute longer, good job Takashi," hauling him in with a strong monkey grip, dusting himself off.

Both the slayers turn to me waiting for me to say a few words, as I gesture for them to kneel before my knelt position. They follow suit and lower themselves to my level, wanting them to know I see them on an equal level, "You both have potential, especially when your Wind breathing words along with Water......" I spoke up, earning surprised expressions.

"How did she--" Takashi chokes out, but doesn't finish whilst seeing a knowing expression on my face. He suddenly bows with his hands hitting the floor intensely, "Lady Mizutsuki, please forgive me for speaking out of turn!!!!!"

I hold my hand up, "Takashi, right?" earning a small nod, meeting his round brown eyes. "You have no reason to apologise, I understand some of you haven't been taught the full lessons of swordsmanship. However, seeking guidance by a mentor you previously has might help increase your potential........or even be chosen to become a Tsugoku for a hashira. Either that, or just become a student instead........"

Kaito's eyes lighten up in response, his cheeks flare up with excitement, "Wait so does that mean........"

Giving him a nod, "Kaito Igarashi, will you become my Tsukgoku?" I ask him softly, giving him my full focus on him. "Watching you today, has made me realise how much I've underestimated you. With my guidance, I hopefully will raise your potential into a fine swordsman........and will learn and teach Dragon Breathing if I ever retire or die in battle."

His green eyes widen in surprise, before he bows with vigour. 

"Yes, yes I will learn and be taught under you!" He spoke, with such a formal tone.

"Get your head up kid, it's not like I'm the emperor or anyone important," I chuckle, with an impish smile. Soon my eyes flicker up to the rest of the few injured slayers, "All of you resume as you were before........but please don't over exert yourself."

"Yes Ma'am!!!"

~*~

"Back straight, and don't make yourself so open,"

Guiding the wooden blade to push their limbs to how I want them positioned, the young slayer nods with responsibility to his stance when approaching a one on one. They resume training as they all paired up this time, as some trained outside in the fresh air and some inside the dojo to give them all some space.

"Don't think too much!" I advise them, with a loud voice. "This is just to warm your joints so you don't stiffen! Without warming your body up, your basically a double-edged sword!"

Walking by every single slayer within the dojo and heading outside, I observed them for a few hours overtime. Watching how they think, how they strategies, hearing a few complaints, a bit of laughter here and there. It was a place filled with mixed emotions that felt refreshing, but I could tell most of them were filled with apprehension considering some were new to this job. Some were from small country homes, some with families or some with none. 

All that mattered is whether they cared about protecting our people, despite how we're just human in all this.

Noticing a nice counter attack I clap gently, "Excellent counter attack, focus on anything that needs working on!"

"Lady Mizutsuki!" A soft familiar voice calls, as my eyes flicker only to meet the eyes of my lover standing there with bags beneath his eyes and fresh scars.

"Thankyou Kanzaki," I bow, before making my way to Sanemi. Aoi bows back before takes her leave, as she left Sanemi with me for now. 

Finally approaching him away from the training grounds, my hands automatically reach up cupping his face delicately, "Don't even baby me right now, in front of those brats," he mutters under his breath, hotly with annoyance. 

Drawing my hands away, "I won't.....but can I be concerned?" 

He sighs heavily, "Haven't slept for a few nights, so.......I might take a day or so to sleep it away," he replies, before sneaking a quick kiss to my cheek. He blushes self-consciously, before glancing over to the many injured slayer in rehabilitation. "Heard from that butterfly girl, Kanzaki was it? You're taking over rehabilitation in replacement of Kocho, so.........how are they going?"

Glancing back to see some collapse either from exhaustion or from their sparring, "They're injured, so.......I can be lenient for now," A gentle chuckle leaves at the end of my sentence, before turning to him. "I should be finished shortly, and I will come and stay the night......if that's what you're asking of me?"

He clicks his teeth, "You already know what I'm about to say, before I even to get to the damn topic," with his hand taking my own, feeling his shaking abit from overexerting himself. My thumbs rub over his calloused knuckles, as I took in his tired state and quickly kissed his forehand.

"I won't be long okay, wait for me?"

~*~

A WEEK LATER

"You sure about this?"

With a gentle scoff and pout, "Of course I'm sure........I could see potential in that boy," lifting my head up, with him gazing down with a slight frown. "Besides, I was hesitant at first.......but I must face it then run away......"

He leans down and kisses my nose, "Glad you're feeling a little risky, I mean.......it did take a toll on you....." he murmurs softly, with a hint of remorse and concern. His thumbs rub up and down my arms, as I remain tucked into him with my back against his chest and between his legs.

".........I wonder how I will training him from Water breathing, to dragon breathing....." I murmur softly, lowering my head to gaze at the flickering flames in the Iroi (Sunken Hearth fired with charcoal). ".........hopefully all of my teachings from Akihiro-Sensei, will help guide me with this boys....."

He sighs deeply, "You sure do have alot on your plate," pointing out the obvious. "Will you be housing him in that spare house in the back of your residence?"

With a nod, "Yes, it was renovated thankfully, and it's clean and near the Dojo if they wish to train....." I inform him softly, before taking his calloused palm into mine. Graciously I pull it to my lips, and kissed his knuckles one by one. "Stop worrying about it, please? I know what I'm doing, even if I'm stepping out of my comfort zone...."

With a defeated sigh he squeezes my hand before slipping down to my plush middle, and drew me in closer until it felt like I was in a cocoon inside his embrace. The flickering flames dim the room, with dancing shadows on the wall beside us. Silence falls between us finding the stress of our late nights on missions finally relaxing, along my muscles loosening from his warmth. It felt like a long time since I've stayed over at his residence, which was rare for the both of us.

His thumbs knead into my doughy flesh on the outside of my yukata, as he presses gentle kisses against my exposed nape.

"Did you want me to give you tips?" He suggests softly, against my hair. "You know.....help my girl out a bit, or have you got it covered?"

"Hmmm......you think I don't know?" I arch a teasing brow, as he scoffs.

He leans his chin against my shoulder nudging me in closer, "I mean....so you can have another opinion on the matter......?" making me tilt my head to meet his tired eyes. 

"Really? I do know the basics....." I reply, leaning back into him more.

"It's fine.........I don't mind, and when we spar next time I'll give you a few hints here and there," He continues, before kissing my earlobe and nibbles it gently. "From all the way from your feet, to her hands........every single step...."

A small sound emits from my lips, as he presses open mouth kisses against the nape of my neck more gently and more filled with need. Suddenly felt him sucking and littering series of love bites across the juncture of my neck, as his hands slide up and down beneath my loose Yukata that hugs me. His thumb grazing my lower breast, finding his needy affection more comforting in a way that makes me forget how hard my days has become.

"Mine......" he mutters against my skin, hotly. ".....all Mine."

~*~

NEXT DAY - AT THE DRAGON ESTATE 

"I hope you don't mind staying within my residence,"

I guide him through my entrance a few moments before his arrival, as we head towards the stone step to the entrance of my quarters. Glancing back I notice his eyes wide in awe, taking in his surroundings as if taken a liking to the place. "It's fine, I'm very honoured to be chosen-- I mean........never mind....." his eyes flicker down, noticing a hint of guilt.

Pausing in my steps before the stone step, I turn to him, "Your right, chosen.........I chose you," I correct him, seeing him blink in surprise.

"But I......I begged you!" He exclaims, but I raise my hand with a stoic expression. 

Shaking my head, "I observed you, and impressed me with what you know so far," I assure him, before slipping my sandals at the front door as he does the same. He almost clumsily trips, but gathers himself before his feet padded across the fresh varnished verandah. He carried a sack of his items over his shoulder, and his blade with nothing else. 

"R-Right!" he blushes in embarrassment, before his eyes flicker towards my zen garden that was in the centre of my quarters. "Your place is so beautiful, if I must say.......it's well maintained! It's so.........tranquil......"

A small smile curl upon my lips, "Thanks to the gardeners that maintain it on a regular second week, it eases me with cleanliness..." before pausing where my main kitchen is. Sliding the doors open, ".....in here is where I cook myself, and the room next door is where we eat....so feel free to eat. My home is now your home......."

He peers around the corner with eyes widen, "Wow, so authentic.......and neat!"

Guiding him down the verandah I began to show him where the study room is, meditation room is.....and I even made a hobby room if I felt the need to relax. The tour was quite pleasant that he seems to be amazed by it all, as if he's never been in a place like this.  Showing him more around as he asks a few questions, I answer them all honestly. Despite this place with many horrible memories, I tried to not utter a word about it to Kaito.

~*~

"This is my Dojo, feel free to train if you need,"

He gazed at the freshly varnished timber walls, as he slides his hand up the smooth carved wood with wide eyes. "Your place is rather traditional than some," He comments, before he looks around which wasn't much to look at except a wide open space for movement and training with wooden blades or self defence.

"I grew up with a traditional home," I reply softly. "Not like how the new modern era is slowly creeping its way into japan, with bustlings and busy towns and bright lights. It's all I know, and I'm comfortable with the setting....."

"No no no, I mean........it's a good thing!" He exclaims, and walks out slipping his sandals back on as he walks down the stone path. "It's just such a big space! It's amazing! Is this how all hashira live like?"

Nodding, "Yeah I could say that would be the case," I recall, before seeing him seeing the neatly grated stone gardens. "How about I show you to your new quarters? Get you settled in, hmm?"

He nods before he follows along, as we make our way to the building not far from the dojo. We both walk in silence before arriving, as he walks into his room which was similar to mine. A neatly pile of Blankets and futon were in the corner, with a desk space and a mantle for him to place his sword on when not in use. 

"Wait.......this is my room?" He asks, stepping back in hesitance. His green eyes flicker back and forth in disbelief, as if he was feeling more guilty. "Please tell me........cause...."

Chuckling softly I place a hand on his shoulder, "Yep, this is your quarters......bathroom next door," I reply softly, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze. 

Judging by his reaction it seems to me he hasn't been living the best, especially seeing the face of a boy who hasn't been given the attention he deserved. A part of me felt empathy for him, knowing how exactly he felt in a way though we may have different backgrounds. He placed his bag down at the entrance, as he slowly steps forward before twirling around gazing at the room with disbelief.

His eyes met mine, "Are you sure? Is this really......I mean.....?" he trails off, the slight crack in his voice hung in the air heavily.

Smiling warmly I walk up to him and placed a hand to his shoulder, "Kaito, I wouldn't have brought you here.......if this wasn't yours.....m'kay?" with a quick ruffle to his hair. "Now get yourself settled in, and we can start a bit of training or we can plan a schedule?"

He nods, "Yes Ma'am!"

~*~

"We will train every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at noon,"

Sitting cross legged in my Dojo, I placed a written schedule before Kaito. He was open-minded and listened without complaint, and agreed with anything I suggested. With my past Tsugoku I did a different kind of training, so this time I'm gonna prevent anything to happen to Kaito at all times. 

"This way in the mornings you can sleep what you lost from your night missions," I continue, pointing to the list. "Each of those days, we will learn different techniques instead of focusing on one move. I'm a rather patient person, so please.......don't feel the need to impress me. It takes a lot of patience to make a diamond from a stone, so please take care of your wellbeing too? It matters the most....."

Kaito hums in agreement, "Yes Ma'am! I will listen and not complain!"

His enthusiasm and his determination hasn't wavered since we first met, that it left my heart warm and content to know has a drive. "Don't get too over confident kiddo, there is alot to learn than basics.......even most have to learn the hard way," leaning over I ruffle his shaggy hair, earning a pout before he chuckles with a bright smile.

"I understand......."

"Also.......you sure you wanna learn Dragon Breathing?" I arch a brow, shifting the topic a little. A shadow slightly casts over my eyes. "This technique is quite difficult, and it took me so many years to perfect it.......and I'm still learning to this day. It takes alot out of you, so I just wanna know if your sure in changing your breathing style........?"

He nods with a hum, "I just, been finding that many use water breathing.........but, when I use it I feel like my strength that goes with it doesn't match the style," He spoke up, seeing his staring at his palms. Scars litter his hands with callouses noticing a morbid expression on his face, "I've got strength that I can't balance, physically......I even broke my first wooden blade when i sparred with my old mentor who passed. I never got to learn past Water breathing Third form, so I've been repeating the same techniques..........and even I struggle...."

"May I?" I ask, reaching to his hands. With a nod I took them as my thumbs trace his scars across his palms, "Being a Dragon Hashira is more strenuous on you, than you assume just by observing sparring or on the field. It took me time to realise that when wielding your blade, your body is the body of the dragon and your blade is either it's fangs or claws. Your body can be a weapon, so with training.......I not only focus on my sword techniques, but also my physical prowess. Flexibility comes with it, and balancing all at once can strain your body.........but I will make sure you'll succeed.......m'kay?"

His hands gaze at his hands in my own, before he studies my own hands seeing all the scars and callouses marred across my once soft hands.

"You really have put yourself through it all, haven't you?" He breaths out shakily, his eyes flicker up to meet my own. "How........how did you do it?"

With a warm gentle smile, "I will explain next lesson....hmm?" I suggest, with a chuckle. "Now, it's about time we eat something before we start our mission tonight?"

He was hesitant to agree, "R-Right,"

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