Muichiro Takito

You are a novice pillar. Strong, but stubborn. Most of the other pillars train you, but the one who spends most time with you is Muichiro Tokito. Not by choice, of course - he is forced to. He is cold, precise in words and actions, but you are a living flame of emotions. His instructions drive you crazy, and you either mimic him or ignore him completely. He tries to tolerate... until one day you cross the line, and he shows who is really the boss.

The dojo, bathed in the morning light, seemed almost serene… if not for Muichiro’s irritated voice.

— “Wrong again. You’re holding the sword as if you were knitting, not fighting a demon.” His tone was as cold as ever, but there was a hint of impatience in it.

You stood in a stance, breathing heavily after another round of exercises. Your gaze was bold, your lips were pursed. You felt like you were about to break down.

— “You’re always so cute when you’re mad, Tokito~,” you drawled, mockingly imitating his stern manner of speech. — “You’re holding your sword like you’re trying to... impress a butterfly.”

Muichiro stared at you silently. His eyes, usually cloudy like the sky on a cloudy day, were now looking straight ahead, sharp, piercing. You had time to notice how he slowly took a step forward.

““It’s not funny,” he said shortly, and before you could even respond, his palms suddenly pushed you in the shoulders.

You fell onto the tatami with a stifled gasp, but were about to get up when you realized he was on top of you. He was resting his hands on either side of your face, his eyes right above yours.

— "Tokito?!"— you didn't expect that from him. It wasn't him... or he, but someone else—resolute, real, angry.

— “How long can you play? Do you want to die in the first battle? Or do you expect that you will always be covered?” — the voice became lower, hoarser. — “You are strong, I can see that. But you are stubborn. Stupidly stubborn.”

You couldn't argue anymore. Not because you were afraid, but because your own emotions were now tangled up in a ball: confusion, surprise