~*~

TWO MONTHS LATER - AT THE WATERFALLS ~ (Hayami's Pov:)

"Two minutes......."

Puffing through my cheeks, my muscles in my arms strain holding a weighted sack of sand. Though it may seem very extreme, I slowly began testing the waters, hoping to try little by little. Wearing my zori sandals this time, I balanced my body upon the boulder in the centre of the rushing river.

The misty water's spray across my reddened face, feeling the warmth of the sun shining down as it was finally Spring.

Sweat glides down my temple, focusing on my main breathing technique, allowing my body to adjust to the weight. This was to make things lighter for me, as Ryuji explained. He clarified a while ago, if I trained my body to slim down and lose a bit of chub, I might be able to fighting with more speed.

I know what he said stung, but he was right. My body was slight chubby, especially around my stomach. 

".....eight minutes......"

Hardening my core, I inhale slowly and deeply through my nose, holding it for a moment, before exhaling steadily. Shifting my weight slightly on my right foot upon the large boulder, I'm almost reaching my ten minute goal. 

Inhaling sharply I began to count down, "Five..four....three...two..one!!!!!" 

Throwing both the sacks of sand to the ground, I felt the weight lift from my shoulders feeling more lighter. Taking a moment to roll my shoulders, as they were agonisingly holding in midair for ten minutes. Dammit, this is such a pain.

"Wonder what big brother is doing, today?" Murmuring to myself in deep though, I wipe the sweat with my forearm staring into nothing. My mind went fuzzy for a moment, as if all the blood rushed to my head all at once too fast. Sitting down to ease the dizziness, I hear footsteps approaching me from behind me.

"Himejima, thought you were on a mission?" I question, assuming seen he also visited me yesterday. Glancing over my shoulder to see his large figure towering over me, he walks over and sits beside me comfortably.

"Later tonight I shall have to go, just came to give you your lunch," he passes me a small bento, as my eyes slightly widen in surprise. "Noticed you haven't taken lunch breaks, you need it for energy and strength."

Placing the bento in my hands, the weight rests in my palms carefully. All I could was hesitate to eat a crumb, while my brother's words kept gnawing me to the bone. It hurts.

"I don't know why you're not eating, because its one of the main sources of strength to gain from," He continues to lecture me a little, while I puff my cheeks with a pout. "Though your brother may seem a little indifferent at times, and is teaching you his ways.......think about ways to extend your abilities to your unique breathing technique."

"Elaborate, please?" I untie my bento, waiting for him to explain what he meant. Finding a few onigiri, I take a small subtle bite while gazing up to the giant.

His palms were pressed together, red beads dangling around his hands and wrists with such balance and grace.

"Each Pillar has unique techniques, that makes each one reliable on the battlefield," He begins to indicate his thoughts. "The basic breaths are flames, water, wind, rock and lightning.......yours is Dragon breathing, but it's a unique technique that is derived from the water technique. Combing it is called Water Dragon breathing, and the name may sound far fetched......but it's a unique ability only your family can wield."

"You seem to know more of my breathing technique, than myself,"

His face remains nonchalant, eyebrows hiked up matching his usual expression.

"The main technique is 'Mizushi'  which are known to be fearsome dragons of the waters or just Water dragons," He turns to me, though he may not see. However his expression softens, "The Mizushi dragons were known to kill anybody who wanted to get close to them, no matter who they were.......so I want you to use that, and strengthen your blows to the enemy. No matter if you're bleeding out, or you're struggling..........these dragons are powerful known to man, so use that."

To summarise what he wanted me to learn, was that I should create and strengthen my own breathing technique that fits my body and capacity to go forth.

"Why help me, Himejima?" my eyes linger on the bento box in hand, my calloused hands sore and worn from holding wooden swords and hard work. "My brother is powerfully strong, but I haven't even reached his level and my drive to killing demons is strong, I just....."

"I see a lot of potential in you, and I'm blind," He unusually chuckles, with a dry scoff. "You're holding back........and that's all I can see......figuratively and metaphorically speaking."

A silent pause stretches across, as the rushing of the waterfalls crashes nearby where we sat down.

"...also, a man by the name Kumeno Masachika has requested to meet you at the dojo at the butterfly mansion," He adds, his blind vision resting on the old growth of bamboo trees. "So, I want you to think about what I said......focus and train til your limits. I know it may seem harsh to say, but the results will satisfy you in the end.......because I believe you'll become strong....Hayami."

The way he said my name, was so gentle and calming that it lit a small fire in my heart, to try better. It was enough to feel more encouraged, to try again and not give in to big brother's hurtful words.

Lifting a small onigiri roll, I take a small but savouring bite allowing the salty and gentle taste rest on my tastebuds. Taking another and another, I realised I was really hungry from my long hours of training. Feeling the sense of Himejima smiling, I couldn't care less showing a little vulnerability to him. 

His judgment didn't matter, as his presence was calming....

"Well, would you like me to walk you to the dojo?" he offers, as I finish up my bento box. "I need to visit the mansion for a moment, before I take off on my mission....if that's okay?"

With a soft hum, "Sure," picking myself up, I grab my haori and my zori sandals and tabi socks slipping them back on before making our way back down the hill to the butterfly mansion. Making our way down our feet began to sink into the soft white pebbles, as rocks grind beneath our weight making our way to the dojo a few feet away.

A distant quarrel began to echo from inside, making my head perk up at the sudden interruption of the peaceful mansion.

Resting my hand on the hilt of my sword my chin tilts up a little, as I turn into the entrance, only for myself to bump into the back of a broad stature. With a grunt of surprise, I step back only to recognized the height and the white hair with the white haori displayed. "What the hell, watch where ya goin--" he pauses, as his anger slight disappears when he noticed me. Soon he clenched his jaw with irritation. "Don't you have eyes, idiot?!--"

"Sanemi!" A familiar warm voice, scolding by grabbing Sanemi by the ear. "She didn't see, geez....." Kumeno sends me an apologetic look, with a warm smile. "Forgive him, I kind of provoked and worked him up a little......"

I wave my eyes subtly, "It's fine, so.....are ready to begin our sparring session?"

~*~

"You ready to take me?" Kumeno arches an eyebrow, playfully.

With my haori and sandals and socks off again, I stood on one side of the room with my feet firm on the tatami floor. A smirk plays across my face, as my eyes narrow with determination and confidence. Knowing he's around four years or another year older than me, it mattered with the skills you provide in your attack. 

"Don't get too confident, Masachika,"

Size didn't matter, or so they say....

Sanemi sat unbothered and uninterested with this small sparring, between Kumeno and I but it didn't seem to bother me. Shifting my feet we both bow in preparation of the sparring match, I could feel the texture of the rush tatami. Keeping my focus on Kumeno, we both soon begun our spar.

He throws a fist towards my head sharply, but my eyes traced along his movements.

Bending to the side I saw an opening already, making my move towards his left side. However he grabs my wrist spinning me around, as my back hits his chest. He locks me swiftly, but I swing my elbows into his ribs from behind, loosening his grip I took his hand and directed his next attack away.

Spinning around sharply I charge towards him without a second hesitation, I grab his shoulders as he does with me. Except I use my leg and wrapped from behind his leg near, before sending him to the ground with force swiftly. My hand held his collar tightly, but the wind was knocked from his lungs. His breath hitches sharply, with a painful chuckle following.

"Damn.........that was fast like wind," He grimaces, while I release his collar. His onyx eyes met mine, with an amused smile. "Guess, I'm underestimating you now......have you been training more?"

Not even realising Sanemi's surprised expression, I lend Kumeno a hand before hoisting himself back to his feet.

"I try to train myself harder, it's the only way I can get better," I reply honestly, before cracking my knuckles. "So.......if I win the next three rounds, you're buying me katsudon..."

He scoffs, "If I win, then you'll buy me a beef bowl........"

"Deal...." holding my hand out, we both shake on the deal before we stood apart and begun the next round. With different levels of moves in Judo, and other martial art styles, we both were becoming a tie on both ends. With my body becoming sticky with sweat and humidity, and my body aching from my previous early morning training resume, my head was becoming foggy and clouded.

"Kick his ass, Mizutsuki!" Sanemi abruptly declares, abrasively.

My heart suddenly skipped a beat when my eyes flicker across the room, to see an amused grin on Sanemi's usual cold exterior. His eyes meet mine for a only a moment, when Kumeno's fist glides past my cheek feeling a small cut open up. Blood rolls down, but with Sanemi's sudden exclamation my body grew with more confidence and determination. Swiftly, I angle my body to the side and grab the arm he used, and twisted his arm and pinned it behind his back. Sharply I twist my body and lifted his body onto my right shoulder, and slammed him down with enough force.

He gasped out for air, as I knocked the wind from his lungs forcefully.

My shoulders rose from my heavy laboured breathing, my knuckles turning white as I clutched his collar tightly. Beads of sweat aligned my temple, my eyes grew fuzzy, while I questioned why I suddenly had that drive inside me just now. Without a sound, Kumeno breaks with a loud laugh of defeat and bewilderment. It sounded so mellow like honey, but with warmth that he wouldn't take his defeat so seriously.

"Wow..........something must've clicked at that last second," He teases with an amused grin, between heavy breaths. 

Lending him a hand he gratefully took it, and soon we bowed to finalise our sparring session.

"Guess I owe you that katsudon, then....." He admits sheepishly, scratching his left cheek that had the two scars rested on the side. Glancing over to Sanemi, "Oi, wanna eat an early dinner with us, Sanemi.......we finally have another one to join us this time!"

Sanemi folds his eyes and angrily looks away, "No..."

I blink a few times, with how stubborn and rude he's being right now.

"Kumeno, you don't have to push him if he doesn't want too," I say softly, walking over to collect my socks, shoes and haori and blade. Tying my bangs with a clip from the sweat on my forehead, I lift myself up, "Besides, I know he probably doesn't wan--"

Furrowing his small brows,"Fine, I'll........go," Sanemi reluctantly spoke, with a huff and puff. If you could look closely, a red tinge dusts across his cheeks and the tips of his ears. The tall male doesn't say another word, as if he was being forced to come along. Maybe.

Kumeno walks over to him and gives Sanemi's shoulder a squeeze, with a wide grin.

"That's more like it, !" Kumeno exclaims, excitedly. He heads over to collect his belongings, while Sanemi stood to his feet. "Let's go into town! I know the best place, that makes a good warm Katsudon!"

Glancing over to Sanemi, his eyes were somewhere else while his hands were tucked into his pockets of his uniform. Curiously I tilt my head to see if I can try and cheer him up, knowing that would never happen, his eyes sliced to mine in an instant. I give him a warm smile mouth him a 'thank you' before exiting the dojo and sat down outside slipping on my tabi socks and placed my zori's on. The body has started to become more flexible and fast, that even anticipate my movement til the last split second.

"Though you beat me today Mizutsuki, don't let your overconfidence get to your head," Kumeno winks playfully, sitting beside me while doing the same. He slipped his tabi socks and zori sandals on, while I stood up slipping my blade into my inner belt on my left side. 

"Should be saying the same thing around, now.....let's get going," She nudges his shoulder with her hip, before walking onto the white pebbles crunching beneath her. Sanemi walks from behind Kumeno, already to go as he joins me but at a distance with his eyes hesitantly meeting mine.

~*~

Entering a small cafe in the nearest village to the butterfly mansion, there was only a few other people inside quietly or loudly chatting away. It has been a while since I've been out in public, especially due to my training which I've myself dedicated to. Kumeno was already ahead, and began ordering the katsudon he promised to buy me along with what he wanted.

Glancing up to look at Sanemi, I grew confused not seeing him there.

My eyes looking around, "Shinazugaw--" cutting myself off, I noticed him looking at the blackboard with the menu on it, with him in deep thought at the front. Returning my gaze back to Kumeno, I decided to sit down outside on the bench outside under the parasol that prevented the sun blaring. Sitting down comfortably, my eyes look around the main street of the village, children running around and young women carrying infants, elderly working or having a stroll.

The place was quite pleasant, especially after a hard day full of training. 

Someone sat themselves down beside me which startles for a moment, before glancing up to see Sanemi not paying any mind that I was there. His eyes remain still and unchanged, when Kumeno comes in view with a brighter smile with green tea in hand, "Here you go, also on the house for your efforts," passing me my green tea, making me take it.

"Thank you," with a grateful smile, before taking a sip slowly feeling it replenish some little strength in my face and stomach. "So Shinzugawa? What did you get?"

"......."

"Shinzugawa?" tilting my head up to see his face unchanged, and still, I just sighed and resumed sipping my tea some more. With a nudge to my shoulder on the other side, Kumeno grins with a bright smile.

"So.........I heard you're training under your big brother, to be the next Dragon Pillar," He spoke up, breaking the awkward silence that wasn't even eased with a sound. "I overheard it's gonna be hard to master, especially with a style with such strange techniques compared to normal water breathing techniques....."

"Tch.......it's not that hard, compared to wind breathing," The scarred boy scoffs in response, while I send a harsh glare his way. Soon my face softens as my attention turns back to Kumeno, resting my tea to the small space between us on the tray.

Closing my eyes for a moment, "It's hard yes, I will agree......but it's quite simple if you're patient enough to learn," my eyes lift halfway, gazing at my lap for a moment. Raising my head to meet Kumeno's bright eyes, "Yet, it's a tradition I'm willing to keep carrying, because I'm proud of my families lineage......"

Kumeno nods with curious look, "So........what do you normally do, besides training?" asking with a hint of interest lacing in his voice, as a woman comes by and placed our food on the table in front of us. Clasping my hands together to give thanks to the meal, my hands resting together in deep thought lowering to my lap.

"I guess........late night walks, maybe a bit of reading....." while trying to figure what i normally do, which I barely allocate time to. Lifting my jobs sticks, I snap them apart and lifted my bowl and blew gently while the aroma was making my mouth water. ".....I mostly just train most days, so it's hard to think about it, if I'm being honest."

Taking a bite of the chicken, the savoury taste melts on my tongue as I sigh deeply.

"Pfft....come on, you're just like Sanemi here," Kumeno laughs out loud, before smiling. Sanemi sneers quietly under his breath in response, "He just dedicates most of his time either training, or on missions....you gotta have some fun too..." he lifts his bowl, and began to eat his meal but starts talking mid-way. "....maybe try sewing, or even do Shogi or Gomoku. If your patient and tactical, I would recommend those.....hmm.."

"Eat with your mouth close, dumbass," Sanemi growls in annoyance, while trying to eat his meal in peace. Kumeno rolls his eyes with a dramatic sigh, as if being told off by a parent. "She doesn't want to see all that shit in your mouth, so close that trap of yours....it's pissing me off every time..."

I tried to stifle my laughter, as Kumeno gulps down his food before side-eyeing Sanemi.

"Why don't you do the same, but with your filthy language," He retorts with amusement, returning to eat his meal. However Sanemi didn't like that, before he tries smack Kumeno by stretching his arm around behind my head to Kumeno. Quickly I lean myself back to stop him, my eyes meet Sanemi's sternly like 'don't start this now' seen we were in public. He was hesitant, but slowly he lowers his arm making it brushing against my back. He puffs a bit of steam from his nose, before eating his food with more pent up frustration and irritation.

"Seriously Kumeno, don't start something you can't finish," Sanemi hotly seethes through his teeth, in a low tone. 

"Well think before you say, as everyone says," Kumeno remarks, without even hesitation. 

Slumping my head forward with a deep nervous sigh, I eat my meal quietly trying to enjoy the deliciousness. Eating quietly I noticed Sanemi was looking less tense than usual, seeing him enjoying his rice meal with a content look. It was actually feeling less tense, but it still wasn't clear enough to know they won't stop arguing. Taking my time after a big day, I place my bowl down and finished the remaining remnants of my tea.

"You two seriously need to understand each other," I prompt softly, glancing at both of them before standing up. The warm sun was slowly changing as the day goes by, seeing the sun glow more of a deep orange hue in the distance. "I best keep training, but thank you Masachika for buying me my meal........it's been a while since I've eaten something so good."

The young teen smiles with a wide grin, "Glad to make you happy," he expression sifts to one of concern. "Maybe get some rest instead.....the stone pillar was worried for your well-being ya know....so-"

I arch an eyebrow with a smirk, "Seriously Masa, I'm alright," assuring him softly, before turning to Sanemi. "It was nice to see you again Shinazugawa, just your presence if enough for me.....thanks for having me."

For a moment I thought Sanemi's eyes widen