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Because we aren't enemies, you expect an easy outcome?!

(Because from his experience, he knows that isn't the case. It's the allies that prove to be the most difficult. The friends that are the hardest to forgive.

He expects Yuji to recoil from the kick but the boy holds his ground. Is his pain tolerance high? Is there more to him than what meets the eye? He can't really sense anything coming from him that would make him think he was anything but a boy but...

He doesn't have time to think on it. He's calculating his next move which is probably why when Yuji headbutts him, he takes the hit and lets out a growl but still manages to swing his arm at him as he pulls back. It's a wild swing thanks to being stunned but it's still a punch aimed at his face just to keep Yuji from getting too close.)

That hurt!

(It really, really hurt and he glares at Yuji. This is going to leave a mark.)

You're stronger than I thought, too.

(... And he flips his wrist, turning his sword so the blade is facing Yuji instead of away. He'd been using the flat of his blade as a safety measure but now he's going to really aim to hurt him.)

No, that's not what I meant -

[ Yuji takes the pain, takes the hit, because that's what he was built for, a physical blockade that has him standing up to anything that he comes face to face with. He's felt so much pain over the last few months that something like a hit to his shin or forehead doesn't even hurt that much any more; his attention goes on trying to overpower Tsurumaru and get him pinned somehow.

If only he was as good at using his brain as he is at using his head to smash into things.

The punch hits his face and has him swinging to one side, the grip on his sword loosening a little before he adjusts his stance, swinging the blade around to see if he can go for Tsurumaru's legs and have him faltering. ]

That's the thing I've got going for me!

[ He doesn't even recoil from the blade, just lets it cut into him so he can bring his around and aim the heel of his foot into Tsurumaru's ankle, to try and get him weakened and off balance. ]

(It will take more than a careless swing at him to throw him off guard. He's a natural swordsman with over a thousand years of experience to draw from. In response to Yuji aiming for his footing... he only leaps over Yuji's kick and he brings his scabbard up to swing at Yuji along with his blade. Surprise... he can dual wield.

He aims for Yuji's head with his scabbard and his side with his sword. While the blade may be the more dangerous weapon, the scabbard is going for the more critical target so he wants to see which one Yuji will prioritize.)

[ Fists might be his preferred weapon, and it's probably obvious how willing Yuji is to use his own body as a tool to get what he wants, but he is doing his best. He frowns as his brain works in overtime, battle instinct overcoming him - protecting his head and face is more important, and he shifts, lifting his arm up to cover the vulnerable place while trying to angle his sword to block the other blow.

He doesn't expect to be all that successful, but -

wincing, he staggers, ending up falling a step back and breathing out sharply. ]

(Luckily for Yuji, Tsurumaru isn't planning to actually destroy him. He takes note of which target Yuji chooses to prioritize and

He pulls back his sword. Suddenly, there's space between them and he keeps his sword raised, pointing at Yuji only to lower it to show he's finished. He doesn't move and gives the boy a moment to catch his breath and come down from the high of the fight,)

What would have happened?

(If he'd really gone for the slash, too? What did Yuji foresee happening? How would he have reacted if it had gone through?)

I would've taken it, probably?

[ Is that so weird? Is it that strange, to take a beating so you can try and get the upper hand? Yuji shakes his head absently. He's used to being hurt while he ducks and weaves, taking a punch so that he can lean in and hit with a Black Flash or something. It's just normal for him.

Wiping his mouth, he sighs and leans back. ]

You're way better than I am.

...

(He doesn't speak but it's clear he's thinking about something. He would have just taken? Let himself be cut and slashed for what?)

You would have eventually bled out if we kept going.

(He slightly raises the hand holding the blade,)

Whereas with your strength... (He holds up his scabbard now,) As long as you could recover or get away quickly. you'd only be stunned for a moment.

You have a wild style, Yuji-kun. I like it.

I would've been fine. I can heal myself, can't I?

[ This does not bode well for Yuji's attitude in real fights. ]

I know what the best way for me to fight is, and it's giving it my all. I'm not the best with these kinds of weapons, and I know I rely on other things too much. That's why I wanted to practice.

[ So he doesn't have to use headbutts to get what he needs in a fight. ]

You could use that energy for other things instead.

(It's just a waste as far as he's concerned. But then again, Tsurumaru's style has always been more about not getting hit and being able to strike in the right places. He doesn't have Yuji's crazy strength or the qild speeds some others have. He's just has a lot of skill and enough of everything else to be dangerous.)

Most humans fight for their lives instead of giving them in fights...

I don't think I'm like most humans.

[ There's a lot to unpack there, actually, and Yuji doesn't want to get into it. The idea of being a human fighting to live doesn't necessarily resonate with him these days, and he shakes his head as he rubs at one of the cuts, hoping that it heals up sooner rather than later.

People would get worried. ]

I'm working hard either way.

You've worked hard enough for now.

(And he comes over, his sword at his side and one hand raised to show he means no harm as he approaches,)

Rest and let me see your wounds, Yuji-kun.

Edited 2024-03-17 14:56 (UTC)

Oh, sure...

[ He could keep going... Tilting his head, he breathes out a little and smiles weakly. ]

I can heal myself, though.

Even so, you should take the time to rest while you can.

(He's checking out the damage he's done and frowns. Ah, maybe he was a little too harsh? No, if anything, he could have gone harder... Hm.)

Shion is a better teacher than me. (He knows his own style. He's horrible.) But if you wish to train in the future, you can find me.

I guess... There'll be another mission soon, won't there?

[ After the animal hunting one, he's expecting them to be sent off to fight some kind of monster soon. ]

Shion-san said he'd help me, so I'm going to keep working on it. I don't mind working with you too, though, if you were around!

All the more reason to rest.

(He's not budging on this.)

Burning candles during the day is a waste. (Of time, of energy, of resources.) If you burn without taking a break, you'll be left with no candles when night falls.

(Which is just a fancy way to say... don't burn yourself out. Rest is important to avoid burnout.)

[ It takes a moment for Yuji to process that, to figure out what Tsurumaru is saying, and then he brightens. ]

Right! A rest means I'll fight better later!

[ He grins, shaking his head. ]

Don't worry about it, I'll be totally fine.

Even after the body has healed, the heart and mind still need time.

(What an eager boy... it's kind of concerning but he won't let it show. He has no right to judge.)

I guess, sometimes...?

[ Like... Yuji gets it, but that's not how life was... ]

...

(Tsurumaru Kuninaga is judging and really he has no right to because he is the same.)

Let's take care of you now.

(He's going to start shepherding Yuji to like, a first aid station or rest area now.)

[ Huh? HUH? Yuji frowns, but doesn't stop himself from being nudged and moved. ]

I already said I'd heal, didn't I?

And I said we're taking care of you now.

(Heal faster.)

Have a seat. Let's see.

Uh, sure...

[ Yuji slides into one of the chairs, looking a little... Sheepish. ]

This is kind of weird...

Being cared for?

(He doesn't get it...)

Huh? I... Yeah, I guess?

[ He's used to licking his own wounds these days... ]

...

(He looks at Yuji, eyes soft and expression... almost disappointed? Sad? Hm. He doesn't look for long though because he's going to check out where he cut Yuji. )

How old are you, Yuji-kun?

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