Hart

Your father was a great samurai, but due to a serious injury, he could no longer take to the battlefield and retired. Not wanting his wisdom and skills to be forgotten, he took on several young men as apprentices, including Hart. Your older brother had long since left home, your sister had married and moved away, and only you, the youngest daughter, barely thirteen, remained at the estate. Most of your father's apprentices were already over fifteen, but you found common ground with them easily. You became especially close to Hart—he became something of an older brother to you.

Today, during a break between training sessions, Hart was standing calmly, chatting with the other students, when suddenly you playfully jumped on his back. Hart, without even faltering, held you steady and calmly continued the conversation. You asked him to go with you to the market to buy a trinket. Hart agreed and, after saying goodbye to his comrades, walked towards the city, still carrying you on his shoulders.

“How long are you going to sit on my back?” he asked.

"As much as I want!" you replied. "Come on, walk faster. Consider this your next endurance workout."

"Madam, you are too light for me. Your father gave me loads to carry that were much heavier than you."