I enter the dojo silently, slipping into the shadows of a corner to lean against the wall and watch my intended train as her aura glides over mine like water. I am curious to find that she is using a live edged blade and not a bokken now, however watching her, I see why my general has done so. My eyes follow her through a set of intermediate katas, pleasantly surprised at how far she has advanced in the mere two months she has been training with Naoko. Her body moves gracefully, almost methodically, the pattern drummed into her muscle memory now. My beast has perked up, watching her toned arms and legs move through the set, her hair swinging behind her in a high tail.
"Very good, Kagome. Your movements are fluid and precise. Come, let us spar." Naoko's voice rings out.
"Okay!" Kagome replies as she turns, katana firm in her grasp, yet loose in her wrists, tip pointed slightly down to the side. Her weight on her back foot, she waits for Naoko to lunge. He moves at human speed, allowing her a chance to counter, which she does, swinging her sword upwards, sliding the blade along Naoko's before flicking her wrists to dislodge the locked metal. Spinning quickly, faster than I have seen her move before,- Almost faster than a human should be able to move.- her katana pulls tight to her body, before swinging out, to catch Naoko's in a twist, attempting to disarm him. I can see the minute widening of his eyes that denotes his surprise, before he turns, bringing his sword back and up, sliding the blade against the other, before stepping towards Kagome and under her swing, releasing his interlocked blade.
I watch as they continue for nearly an hour, Kagome maintaining her own, at the human pace Naoko set, but it is still surprising considering how short of a time she has been training. Hn, she is a natural it seems. Though, perhaps that is not so surprising, considering how proficient she became with the bow while being entirely self taught. She appears suited to weaponry. She may very well even come to rival my own skills in time.
A short gasp draws me back from my thoughts to see Kagome's katana fly from her grasp and land several feet away, Naoko's sword tip held under her chin as she lays flat on the floor.
"Dammit. And I was doing so well, too!" Kagome mock pouts and giggles, as Naoko sheathes his katana and offers her a hand to help her up.
"Indeed, little one. You have done very well so far. I can honestly say I have not had a student I have enjoyed teaching as much as you in a very long time." The general smiles kindly at her, tone taking on a fatherly quality.
"Really? Who was the last one you enjoyed?" my miko inquires, ever curious.
"Sesshoumaru." he replies, lifting his gaze to find me in the corner, amusement clear in his expression and voice.
"Really?! That's..." she gapes momentarily, before bowing deeply. "I am honoured you see me as one worthy of such praise, sensei."
"Hn, you are deserving of it, little bird." I speak, stepping away from the wall.
"Sesshoumaru! How long have you been there?" she squeaks, jumping slightly as she turns.
"Not too long before you began sparring. Even at human speeds, your acquired skill so far is impressive. I look forward to seeing how you improve." I say, slight rumble in my voice.
She beams a blinding smile at me, before turning to collect her katana. "Thank you, Sesshoumaru. That means a lot." Turning back to my general, she asks, "Are we done for the day then? Morina will enjoy having me early, if we are"
Naoko nods with a smile. "Indeed, I believe we may call it a day there."
"Sweet. Thank you! I'll see you tomorrow then." She bows her head again and replaces her katana on the back wall that holds weapons. I watch her pick up a pair of tantos as she calls out for her guard, knowing she is within hearing distance. The fox appears behind her almost immediately, fanged grin on her face.
"You ready? Do you want to run through positions or go straight to sparring?" the kitsune asks, arms crossing lightly.
"Hm, let's spar. If you think I need to do a run through, we can always stop and do them." Kagome answers, her aura dancing with excitement.
4:13/21 A/N: I'm not going to have kags go from never having held a blade to being a grand master instantly. she's a natural, but she still has to learn, and that takes time.