First Day of Training: Sanosuke Harada
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?
I tightly grip the hilt of my katana, swinging it and letting myself become re-accustomed to its weight.
"You're pretty scary with that thing." I jump at the sound of my new trainer's voice.
"Harada-senpai!" I bow to him. "Thank you; please take care of me!"
"Haha! Anything you say" he says, walking over to me. "Shall we begin?"
We duel, my sword against his spear. I had thought I was a good fighter, but he was much more skilled. As we fight, he instructs me on how to read my opponent's move whether they fought with a sword, with a gun, or with a spear.
"You're a very skilled fighter" Harada-san remarks as we take a break.
"Thank you, Harada-senpai."
"What's with the 'senpai'? Just call me Harada-san" he says, smiling invitingly.
"Oh no, I couldn't."
"And why not?"
I search for an answer. "Ah, well, I just… I just couldn't!"
"(y/n), it's okay." I look up to see him walking towards me. His kind face reassures me that it will be alright. I take a deep breath, then meet his eyes with my own.
"Then, thank you, Harada-san."
"You're very welcome." He holds his spear out towards me. "Wanna try?"
"Huh?!"
"Here." He places it gently into my hands, then guides my fingers to grasp the handle.
"Your fingers go here… And then you hold it like this. Now you'll thrust it like this; that's right." He gently teaches me how to use the spear. He speaks encouragingly to me, complimenting me on my strengths and kindly correcting my mistakes.
I feel a warm glow start within my heart; he's so kind. He trains in the way I always imagined a teacher should instruct.
"You're smiling; that's good sign, right?" I look at him, pulling out of thoughts.
"Of course!" I say, beaming at Harada-san.
"You're very adapt at using the spear."
"Thank you. Uh, Harada-san?"
"Yes?"
I look at my hands nervously. "Would it be alright if I made the spear my dominant weapon too?" I steal a cautious glance at him to see that he looks shocked.
"You want to use the spear?"
I nod hastily. "Yes! I feel very comfortable using it!"
He chuckles softly. "Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way."
"Then, you don't mind?"
"Not at all; it will make training you an even easier task!"