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052 [Written]
I am in need of a sparring partner. Preferably someone familiar with Japanese katana, knowledgeable of different styles, and willing to practice early morning hours. He needs practice with several opponents, so I'll take as many of you as want to help♥ But I do ask that supernatural powers be kept to a minimum, hm? Not that a little here and there won't help.
Thank you~
[For any looking for him personally, he's finally emerged from his room after over a week of illness and will be at House 50.]
Thank you~
[For any looking for him personally, he's finally emerged from his room after over a week of illness and will be at House 50.]
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A few. Enough, but I'm always looking for more. Anyone who can help him diversify and to better hone the skills he learned with me, so we can work on what areas need it.
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Your tendency to hide your worries and your ailments, primarily. You might still be doing so, in fact--but we're both aware that you'll likely never admit to it. Perhaps not even to yourself.
[He's so onto you.]
If that is so, I'd be willing. I'd like to see just what sort of person you'd make into your student. Of course, the matter of supernatural abilities does come more into play in my case.
By the way, just when are you planning on jumping back into the fray yourself?
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I'm returning to training tomorrow morning, along with a new sparring partner for him. If you wish to help, you'll have to do so with minimal or no powers since we are training with normal skills at the moment.
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[The glare prompts little change in the demi-god's demeanor. He remains where he is, letting Okita turn away as he wishes. That hardly means Homura will exit the room, or even let the matter drop.]
That's good to hear. I've been wanting to go against you myself. Although it would either have to be in the tunnels or the Battle Dome, as certain aspects of my power are innate.
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[He flips a page of his book, ignoring the rest of what Homura said.]
I'm afraid I won't be a good partner, however. Not when compared to a god.
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[As is expected. Homura has pushed the point enough at present by even saying the words. Instead he chuckles at Okita's self-assessment.]
You shouldn't underestimate yourself. Ayumu provides me with quite the challenge on a regular basis; there is no reason you shouldn't do the same.
Besides, I would limit my powers so they would be a non-factor. Otherwise there'd be no reward in it for me. I'm not looking to show off my abilities, but to practice my skills.
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[Hijikata would be upset knowing that Souji was sparring people again. The last time, the most recent, had been against Tetsu and that hadn't ended well. After that, he's kept to sparring people with powers, people he knows he can't touch, just so he can't hurt them. Getting hurt himself is nothing, but after seeing what happened to Yamanami that one day so long ago...]
Wood or bamboo swords only. That is my only stipulation.
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But in return, I will ask you now to hold nothing back when we fight. Even if it is merely practice, I intend to come at you as an opponent.
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[He says this smiling, but there is only a false sense of happiness to the expression.]
So I'm afraid I must hold back. I hope you understand.
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[Although it is an interesting revelation. Homura's grin widens, and unlike Okita, the demi-god's delight is genuine.]
I had assumed you knew of that as well.
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Especially since he doesn't want to get into the habit of dealing lethal strikes as if they were nothing.]
....You do enjoy pushing people beyond what they are comfortable with, don't you.
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I won't deny it. There is far too much beauty in both the struggle, and the strength of the person enduring it.
Besides--[And again, Homura focuses his eyes on the smaller man.]--to not kill is not a luxury allowed the Toushin Taishi. Once a battle begins, it does not end until either I lay dead, or my opponent does. That is the rule of the Heavens, for the five hundred years I fulfilled the role, and long before they issued me that title.
So in that regard, you could say that I haven't been trained to merely spar either.
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Mm...I suppose men of war can't help themselves but continue to fall into their role. If you wish, Homura-san, I will do as you ask, but it must wait for awhile. My student takes priority.
[When he's done speaking, he'll lower his hand finally and take a tissue from his sleeve. With his head still turned away, he wipes at his nose like it's simply allergies or something else and then palms the tissue.]
I hope you understand.
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Is it merely a role? Perhaps that is how it started, but if someone is willing to make such a sacrifice for their chosen cause, I also think that the least I can do is respect that warrior's wish.
[Homura nods when Okita postpones, although of course he cannot merely take the man at his word. Yet what he says is less to force the man into further discomfort, and more out of real concern.]
I would hope your own health also does. But I do understand. Take whatever time you need.
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I should be better soon enough and once I'm certain Sokka-kun hasn't lost anything from my absence, then we can try. Thank you.