49. Breathing
The most soothing sound anywhere was the whisper of Sakura's breathing as she slept.
Syaoran wasn't always close enough to hear it. Sometimes, when they landed in a world where living arrangements easy to acquire, everyone had their own rooms, and the walls blocked off the sound. But on worlds where space was a luxury, and he was shared a room with Sakura, Syaoran would listen to the slow, even cadence of her breathing to assure himself she was still there. It was critical to remained well rested. If that meant listening to the lullaby of her breathing, that was fine.
50. Apprentice (150)
There were few things in Kurogane's life he was proud of, but his student was one of them.
He'd done noteworthy things. He'd protected the Tsukiyomi from assassins, slain demons beyond count, fought and defeated skilled warriors in duels. But all those things had been for honor. They were expected of him.
This wasn't, and that was why he was glad to see his student improving. Despite his youth, Syaoran showed a gratifying degree of discipline. He never complained, he worked until his whole body must have ached, and there were times when he mastered concepts—just miniscule details—with astonishing speed. Yet that wasn't all. Everything the boy did was purposeful. When he made a mistake, he accepted criticism. When he did well, he needed no further praise to move forward.
Kurogane had never wanted an apprentice, but he supposed if he had to have one, Syaoran was the perfect student.
51. Trust
Syaoran hadn't liked the ninja when they'd first met. There had been a mutual respect between them, but their goals hadn't lined up.
The turning point occurred in Outo, when Kurogane agreed to take him on as an apprentice. Syaoran hadn't been certain of the answer he'd receive—he was never certain of anything. Up until that moment, their goals had been worlds apart. To hear Kurogane agree had solidified the tenuous trust he'd cultivated for the ninja. It was one thing he could rely on, in a journey where every world had its hazards. One person he could trust absolutely.