"Throw it harder Yoriichi!" Michikatsu's laboured huffs were evident in between his shout. Outstretching his arms, wriggling them as he jumped, his head was bobbing up and down, signalling his younger brother to aim the paper plane at his direction. A faint smile appeared on the younger twin's lips, he took a few steps back before giving the paper a quick shove.

"You almost got it, big brother," Yoriichi encouraged as soon as Michikatsu chased the paper plane. More of the older twin's pants appeared, desperately trying to capture it. He let out a panicked cry, struggling to catch up with the toy that was swaying aimlessly quick with the occasional breeze.

You let out a chuckle, shaking your head at the iris haori boy. He could have just waited until the paper plane land then collect it. Sometimes you don't understand child logic; even though you were once a child.

But then again, you recalled seeing Yoriichi being able to capture the paper plane Michikatsu threw a couple of times ago gave you the impression that the older twin may have noticed it and wanted to do the same. You pressed your lower lip, pushing the skin to graze against your teeth as you nibbled on it, only after a streak of prickly sensation alongside the faint metallic taste appeared caused you to stop.

Michikatsu was showing signs of competitiveness.

You initially had the two cooped up together during their training and learning sessions since they got along quite well, however, through the discussions and updates you had with the twins' sword instructor and tutor; you came to notice there were some gaps between both of their progresses even when you occasionally dropped by to observe. There was perhaps not much difference in their ability and speed in absorbing new knowledge. Michikatsu in the manga witnessed Yoriichi's prodigious talents which caused some form of inferiority complex sprouting inside of him. And you began to fear the same thing would happen should this continue.

Yoriichi was undeniably talented, swordsmanship was almost second nature to him. He was the strongest demon slayer in the manga for crying out loud. He definitely would have plot armour if the series based him as the protagonist. It was just the cold hard truth that you and even Michikatsu had to accept. In your years of teaching, you came to know that people have different learning styles, and even abilities, some may be much more gifted with a much better equipped set of skills; almost no different from character stats in you Dungeons and Dragons game, the same for sports, some individuals have better stamina or speed than others, they are purely genetics, well at least from what you remembered from your Biology classes.

Michikatsu on the other hand appeared to be much more well-versed in academics, his calligraphy was neat, prim and proper. However, it was a skill that noblemen enjoyed during their leisure; not of much use especially during times of war and the lurking of demons.

Speaking of which, you were surprised that none of you have encountered any yet, just like the manga. They won't appear until the boys reach early adulthood. While your anxiety levels fluctuate from the anticipation of the demons since they might appear earlier alongside the reports of certain battles participated and completed by the Sanada army. Tadamune's unit had been stationed at the Ueda Castle in your place as compensation while you continued to recover and regain your strength as decreed by the uncle of your host.

To die from either the effects of war or the fangs of demons. You were not sure which was the better option as both entailed a painful demise that you did not sign up for. Ever.

"They enjoyed your toy, my lord," Iso's comment interrupted your thoughts, you turned to her whose expression was serene and satisfied.

"As they should, their childhood should be as free and happy as they can be," the twins were lined up side by side at the edge of the yard, Michikatsu's fingers held onto the paper plane, raising his leg while giving his hand a rough shake. You almost uttered out a "what the fuck" at his ridiculous action before continuing your sentence: "Same for any child for that matter,"

"It is wonderful to see the young masters relax," the female attendant nodded as she tilted the teapot, pouring the liquid into your cup.

"You seem to appreciate children in your company," it was the truth, Iso met their daily needs which included checking and ensuring the twins' clothes were washed, mend any fabric threatened to leave little perforations on them were among the feats she completed better than you.

"I always enjoy their presence, your lordship," Iso smiled: "They are a breath of fresh air especially in this time,"

Your reciprocal expression froze as soon as you realised an incoming item swiftly headed your direction; you immediately snatched the object in the nick of time, almost reaching your face. The paper plane in your grip was smushed into a crumpled ball.

"Forgive me, Lord Sanada! That was my fault!" Michikatsu blurted out as he bowed at you, Yoriichi followed suit.

"Good throw," you stated after a short pause. Giving the paper ball a glance as you held it in your hand, you noticed their silence, Michikatsu's dejection appeared on his expression as he lowered his head, seemingly awaiting your lecture. A lightbulb popped up.

All you responded was: "Be careful next time,"

"Understood, Lord Sanada,"

You turned to Iso, giving your hand that was holding the paper ball a small wave. The female attendant knowingly bowed before leaving the three of you. You turned to the twins, placing the ball next to you as you gestured them: "Come closer,"

The two approached you with their heads down.

Even after five months, they are still so dang adorable! They weren't the type of misbehave either!

Your heart!

"I brought the materials you requested, my lord," you grunted in response when Iso lowered the tray on the location you pointed at. The twins focused their attention on the items that were newly placed between the three of you.

Since they wanted another paper plane, might as well let them learn on how to make one. With you making full use of your skills to teach them. Perhaps you get to gauge at their levels while you test the waters on teaching them.

"What do you see?" you questioned.

"It is paper," Yoriichi answered.

God damn, that's progress.

You hummed in response: "Now grab a piece, the both of you," the twins complied, you then took yours.

You held the paper in front of them, covering your face as you rotated it: "Make sure your paper is like this, the ones with the shorter lengths should be at the top and bottom," the two began to follow your action, with their arms outstretched, the paper in place as they waited for your approval.

"Fold them in half," you instructed, placing the paper on the wooden floor, ensuring they could see before grabbing one of the longer edges and pressed it down once they lined up. The twins' actions were the exact carbon copy of each other. It was then a game of following the leader as you continued your demonstration while waiting for them to catch up with your steps.

It was not before long you noticed Michikatsu started to struggle, Yoriichi barely followed through the step you showed earlier. The two paused, one was retracing his steps as he glanced at your paper while the other stared at you after he noticed his error. You decided to focus on the panicked one first. You called Michikatsu's name, the older twin stopped and looked at you. You scooted closer, sitting beside him. You eyed at the paper before pointing at his error. He instinctively removed his hands from the paper when he noticed your large hands were placed down. You unfolded the mistakes before showing him the correct angle to fold while stopping at the same stage as yours. You looked up, only to find Michikatsu's quick glance down after he realised your focus was now on him. It was expected for children at this age to stray their thoughts away so you paid no mind to this before repeating the steps again. You handed the paper to the older twin, gesturing him to retry. This time he finally got it. Michikatsu looked up, presenting the paper to your face. You smiled in approval, giving him a light pat on the head while words of praises came out of your mouth.

You eventually turned to Yoriichi whose eyes once again were fixated on your figure, he broke off his focus only to place his attention to your eyes.

"Let's see how you are doing," you took the paper off of his little hands, before examining the error. You did the same thing by scooting closer to Yoriichi, he was sitting in between you legs, you peered above his head. Demonstrated the correct steps to him before guiding him on his second try. Once finished, he held the paper up high reaching your eye level. You pat his head and smiled, offering him the same treatment as Michikatsu.

You demonstrated and repeated the process to the twins. It was not before long the two finally managed to fold out their air planes. They held their papers towards you expectantly.

"You did it, well done!" you praised before shoving your airplane away from the verandah. The twins instinctively chased after the paper.

You let out a sigh of relief. Let's hope they remember how to make one on their own.

You turned to your teacup, giving it a long sip, placed it down returning to your original position; only to find the two of them standing in front of you.

"Would Lord Sanada mind throwing it again?" Michikatsu asked as Yoriichi handed you your paper airplane.

"Magic word," you coughed.

"Please," Yoriichi responded.

God damn he's speaking! To you!

You grabbed the paper from his grip, pulling your arm back before giving it a hard shove.

Off the two ran.