First Day of Training: Toshizo Hijikata
Scenario: It's your first day of training, and the one who found you is the one responsible for your instruction. What will it be like to train with him as your mentor?
"Strike left, now right; no, you're other right!" I grit my teeth in irritation at the sound of Hijikata-san yelling at me.
"Gosh d**n it, commander. I'm doing my best, so cool it!" I shout at him as I swing my sword.
"Watch your tongue, young lady" my trainer says as he dodges my blade. "Now do it again!" I continue to follow the routine which he had been instructing me in for the past fifteen minutes. Sweat breaks out on my forehead, and I feel my energy start to waver.
"Again!"
"Yes sir!"
After another fifteen minutes, I was running a new drill which Hijikata-san had taught me. I take one swing to my left and fall to my knees, gasping for air. I hear strong but rapid footsteps walking towards me, and I raise a hand as a sign for him to stop.
"I'm fine!" I say, using the sword as an aid. My legs are shaking beneath me, and I press my lips together to suppress the pain and exhaustion that I'm feeling. I go to swing the katana again, but there is definitely no force in the would-be blow.
"Take a five minute break, (y/n)" Hijikata-san says. As I open my mouth to protest, he adds, "That's an order!" Grunting, I bow to him before plopping down right where I am standing. My trainer raises an eyebrow at my obvious show of immaturity, but otherwise says nothing.
"What?" I ask defensively, my hands resting on my knees as I cross my legs. His lips twitch in amusement as he looks away.
"Nothing."
"Don't 'nothing' my ear! You think I'm childish, don't you?"
"I never said that." By now, he's cracked a small smile as his eyes drift towards me. As my gaze meets his, I feel myself begin to blush and then grow irritated that I'd feel even the smallest bit of embarrassment about such a ruthless leader.
"Whatever" I mumble.
"Your face is turning pink; are you developing heat exhaustion? If so, we must get you to some shade." I start a bit at his observation, then quickly hide my face.
"I-i-it's nothing!" I stammer, scowling a bit. "Really, I'm fi-" I then notice the smile sitting blatantly on his lips.
"Hijikata-san! That wasn't funny!" I object. He chuckles softly, and I pout. "Well it wasn't!" At this point, I'm smiling too, though I do my best to hide it.
"Anyway, shall we continue your training?" He holds a hand out to me. I take it, and he effortlessly pulls me to my feet.
"Well captain," I quip, smiling impishly, "you just spoke my language."