The New Winds

For some reason Kokyou seemed greater than usual today. Was that because everyone was talking about how awesome he was the other day, or was it how people were talking how he stole the heart of the most beautiful Doji maiden from a trickster fox?

Probably all that, added to the fact that some hair started to sprout out of his chest. He noticed it right now, in fact, looking to his bare chested teen muscles and nodding.

He wonders if a mustache could grow before gempukku is finished.

Sakura didn't like waking up this early. She also didn't really careful for what she'd heard around - but she didn't let it show beyond a yawn as she walked to the dojo where Kokyou had asked to meet, giving him a bow and a smile as she arrived.

"Good morning Kokyou-san. I hope you are well?"

Kokyou grin nearly takes the whole room as he sees her this early. His eyebrows wiggle and he greets her, inclining her chin, "Much luck 'n a fair wind t' ye this jolly mornin', poppet. Hope ye slept good."

He starts to chuckle, remembering some of the rumors, and poses, "So. Ye fancy me, eh!?"

"Huh?" Sakura blinked a few times "ano...why do you think that?"

"Ha-har. Well. 'tis obvious." He chuckles and keeps on going, "But now 'tis gettin' too overt 'n scallywags are natterin' about it. Don't wants it t' be a nuisance fer ye."

"Ok?" Sakura was clearly confused "ano...thank you, but it is not a nuisance for me. I would be more concerned about untrue rumours affecting your future though. Please forgive me if I've caused these" she bowed to the man.

"HAR!"

He puts hands on his waist to laugh. "Ye're too good t' be true, poppet. No needs t' be concerned about me future. I was worried about yers. True rumors, aft all."

Kokyou inhales, and, being the gentleman as he is, he bows in return, offering, "Worry nah. I'll omit if they ask. Keep appearances 'n everythin'."

I don't think he listened to me at all...

Rather than press the point, Sakura bowed again. "Thank you Kokyou-san. I'll do my best to ensure these rumours stop circling also."

It probably wasn't loud enough.

"Good. Ye always do yer best. Now... throw yer best one." Kokyou inclines his chin for her to punch, confident that it would leave a tiny mark –– from such tiny hands. Enough to appear... bruised?

He could always make fun of the Moto and call him fat if he needed to reinforce the damage. He thought.

"Ano...hai."

Sakura approached, nodding. She closed her fist, and hit the boy...not very hard. Clearly still holding back a little.

D9 Tiger - throwing a punch at Kokyou for some reason! Damage only: 2d10o10k1 2

He nods to her punch, and makes a victory fist before asking for more. "That was good, aye. But, let me ask ye one thing. Try t' imagine somethin' ye dislike, or even hate. Then, pretend 'tis me face 'n do it again."

Sakura took a few moments to think, before shaking her head. "But I don't hate anything or anyone."

"Ack!" He sucks his teeth and brings another idea up. "Imagine then I am one o' those monsters from yesterday tryin' t' destroy the forge t' build another hole."

"Ano...they looked kind of scary, and apparently touching them risked getting some kind of infection, so I don't think I would punch them" Sakura, ever the honest little artist, looked down "forgive me. I'm not very good at this."

Kokyou shakes his head, saying, "No needs t' apoloigize, poppet. O' course ye're good. Anythin' ye try t' do ye're good at. Believe me. Imagine ye 'ave blessed hands. Actually ye do 'ave 'em. Make items like ye do, ye must. Now punch this pretty face once more, will ya."

She nodded, balling up her fists again and doing as asked - punching Kokyou. Again, it wasn't very effective.

D8 Tiger slot damage: 2d10o10k1 5

"Perfect punch, poppet!" He bows to her, proud. "Thank ye fer carin' fo me silly requirements."

"You're welcome" Sakura said, still unsure, but she stepped back and bowed "is that everything?"

Kokyou touches his black eye and whimpers a bit, then nods. "Nay. Wha' ye would like me t' do t' return the courtesy, poppet?"

"It's ok, I didn't do it for reward" Sakura smiled "I did it to help a friend."