I stand to the back of the dojo and watch Kagome with Morina, leaning basic stances and strikes. She seems a natural, having only had a week of training. Why is it that none of her old pack bothered to teach her before. It would have served them all well if she knew basic self defense, even without any weapons training. Shaking my head, I continue to watch, even as my second general, Naoko, and Akiro join me.

"My Lord, you wished to see me?" Naoko asks. His keen eagle eyes watching the Miko and her guard. A mountain hawk eagle, with bright copper eyes, tan skin and brown hair threaded with his signature speckled feathers. He has been the second general since before I was born, and one of my own instructors in a multitude of weapons.

"Yes. The Miko wishes for weapons training. She is learning hand to hand and short blades from her guard, but she also wishes for sword training. I understand you have other duties, and if instructing would hinder those, you are free to decline, however. You are the foremost expert in the art of the sword, and an excellent instructor." I say with a smirk, watching as his feathers fluff a bit, preening at the compliment. Not that it is unfounded. He is one of the very few who still pose a challenge to myself.

"Hm. At present, there is nothing pressing to prevent taking a student." His head tilts as he appraises the Miko further, watching as she strikes out and ducks in the mock soar Morina is taking her through. "Does she possess any prior training?" Naoko inquires, tone laced with curiosity.

"None at all. This is her first lesson in any manner of defense aside from a long bow, of which she is self taught, but proficient enough." I reply. He will take her, he will not be able to resist someone as untaught as her.

"Hm. A trail period." Naoko states before stepping forward and clearing his throat.

Morina immediately drops to a knee, her head bowed. "General." She remarks evenly.

Kagome turns and bows her head, before smiling. "Oh, hello! What's up?" She says lightly, her cobalt gaze catching mine curiously.

"Kagome, this is Naoko. He is my second general and a master at most weapons." I hear him grunt under his breath. "He has agreed to begin a trial period to instruct you with a sword."

"Oh, really?!" Kagome beams, clapping her hands together. "That's great! When do you want to get started? Morina and I have been here for a couple hours so far, but I have a few hours before the kids are done with their lessons." Her face alight with joy and anticipation.

"Tomorrow, Kagome-sama. We will begin tomorrow at dawn, and Morina may continue her instruction after." Naoko answers, shifting lightly as he studies the little female.

"Awesome! I look forward to it." Kagome tells him with a bow and a bright smile.

With a nod and a grunt, Naoko excuses himself from the dojo. Akiro, having watched the entire exchange, is smiling wickedly, barely containing his laughter. Naoko is renowned for his, as Kagome would put it, crankiness. It was going to be highly amusing seeing how he handles her, and how long it took for his gruffness to be worn down by her smiles and determination.

"Well, guess that's that. Thank you, Sesshoumaru!" Kagome calls genially, before turning back to Morina as her guard stood. "Again?"

"Absolutely, Kagome-sama." Morina says with a fanged grin.

4/2/21 A/n: combat training, yeehaw!