Steaming Hot Bath

[Kokyou]

"The sensei might nah put that damn combat trainin' crew on the morrow. Then I'll needs a second row o' that beatin'."

[Doji Sakura]

"Huh? Combat training crew?" Sakura blinked, confused again "Kokyou-san is getting beaten up a lot? That's...that's mean! Who is beating Kokyou-san up?"

[Kokyou]

With a chuckle, he says. "By the way: ye like even cuter when ye worry about me. But nay. I only got beaten once. Now I am nigh-on invincible. Don't worry about that. Worry about dockin' me a good punch in the nose afore the combat trainin' day. I wants t' show that even hurt, I can defeat any opponent they put in front o' me."

He nods with a smile. "Got it, now?"

[Doji Sakura]

"Ano...not really. Surely if you wanted to do something like that you should challenge Hida-sensei?" Sakura said, still not understanding the idea "I'm just an artist."

[Kokyou]

"I can nah challenge an adult yet. No status fer that. These damn rules." He grunts.

[Doji Sakura]

"Why not? It's just friendly sparring, ne?" Sakura shook her head "I think it would be fine."

[Kokyou]

"Are ye chickenin' out?" He asks, cocking his head back. "Come on. I know that wee frame o' yers might make a punch feel like a caress, but ye can try, at least. That's why I suggested the weapon."

[Doji Sakura]

"I just thought Kokyou-san wanted a challenge. I don't think I'm a challenge. Maybe an art contest I'd be a challenge but I'm not a figher. I'll do it though because I said it" Sakura frowned "I think Kokou-san was mean in what he said though."

[Kokyou]

"No, poppet. I 'ave already challenged plenty o' scallywags. I wouldna challenge ye fer that. I jus' wanted someone heartie t' give me a good punch so I can show injuries are no excuse t' make me triumph. I didn' mean t' be mean, though. I apologize. I am jus' too gruff, most o' the times."

[Doji Sakura]

"Ano...hai" Sakura nodded, a small smile "I forgive you. I know you didn't intend to be mean, Kokyou-san is too nice to be a mean person. I look forward to helping you tomorrow!"

[Kokyou]

"Ye're the cutest, poppet." He says, nodding. "Always wantin' t' help me out."

[Doji Sakura]

"Ano...Kokyou-san" Sakura looked up at Kokyou "why do you call me poppet?"

[Kokyou]

"'cause ye look like one." He says, simply.

[Doji Sakura]

"I do?" Sakura looked confused "what is a poppet?"

[Kokyou]

"A poppet be a... how do ye call it around here... Ah! 'tis a doll." He says, nodding and keeping his eyes at her.

[Doji Sakura]

"You think I'm a doll?" Sakura said, confused "is that a good thing?"

[Kokyou]

"Ye look like one. Pretty, delicate 'n... well... wee." He chuckles.

[Doji Sakura]

Sakura blushed slightly.

"Ano...thank you Kokyou-san. That's sweet of you, although I think it's as much because you've not seen many Doji. I'm not that much smaller."

[Kokyou]

"O' course ye're nah that much smaller. Ye're the greatest wee Doji I know." He winks and inhales a bit to control himself. More of this and she would get embarrassed. Wasn't his intention... today.

The boy leans back to his side and says, "I shall weigh anchor, poppet. I be beginnin' t' get wrinkled."

[Doji Sakura]

"Ano..hai Kokyou-san" Sakura bowed to the boy "have a good day Kokyou-san!"