"What's wrong with your arm?"
"Hm?"
"You usually have a really steady hand, but now- it's all wobbly. Why?"
"I hurt it."
"How did you hurt your arm?"
"Hm. Training."
"Training with whaaaaat?"
"Hmmmm. Look."
"Ah! What kind of training does that?! Your arm is like- eew!"
"Kyuudo. Started using a stronger bow. Caught my arm on the bowstring."
"…Isn't there something you can do so that doesn't happen?"
"I spend all my money on turkey feathers from the Akimichi; Sheep leather isn't stiff enough, so no."
"What would you need leather for…?"
"Armguard. Three layers- smooth leather outer so I don't damage the bowstring. Soft lower so it molds to my arm. Wood, or bone inner so it stays stiff in all weather. Broke my old one."
"…When's your birthday?"
"Hmm?"
"…"
"Hmhm. End of the month. If you get something for me and not my sisters, I'll be mad."
"Tch. Troublesome."
"Hm. You going to resign again?"
"Yeah…"
"Tch. Giving up so easily- thought you were smarter than that."
"Wha-"
"You think too far ahead- then, when what you thought would happen doesn't, you panic and can't think at all. Plans are good- but not being able to change them when you need to is not good."
"But- but you've won every time! And you never plan at all!"
"No- my plan is always the same. I always plan to win. How I win changes every time."
"But then… how do I win?"
"I can't tell you. You'll have to figure it out for yourself."
"…Troublesome."
"Extra-troublesome."
"…"
"I need to change my bandage."
"What do you think the trunk over there is for?"
"Hm. Cheeky brat."
"Pthhhbbbt!"
That was the first time I ever saw Raiko-san cry. That was also the only time I ever saw her scar. It's thin, and looks like… like a snake's path through sand. It must have hurt very badly when she got it.
I haven't seen her shoot yet. I think- after I get her a new arm guard, I'll ask her to show me. I'm glad it's so obvious her favorite color is red.
I hope my dad keeps growing mushrooms in the west fields. That way, Raiko can keep having a reason to visit.