World of Matches(Kyojuro Rengokuxreader)

Chapter 4: Just One Look

You and Kyojuro continued walking as it was the second day. You simply chatted about the things during a couple of your old missions. He would talk about his. While most of his talks were cheerful and inspiring, it helped you feel less lonely and more joyful, hopeful.

As the night came again, you both rested alone. You didn't want to start a fire because it would draw unwanted attention. You sat against a tree. While Kyojuro sat against another,crossing his arms.

   "I noticed you mastered concentration breathing constant however you have use it together with another specific method to keep your body cold," Kyojuro mentioned it as he was proud you improved your breathing over the years.  

  You nodded,"Yes I have. The breathing technique I use helps release the hot air circulating around my body. My master taught me to have a stronger forms this way."  Your cold body helped create stronger forms of ice during the battle. The warmer you were the more you would become weaker. You always had to train in the snow to maintain your breathing to survive in such freezing temperatures.

"That's very impressive,"Kyojuro complemented you with a smile.

"Thank you,"You nodded avoiding to give him eye-contact again. He was very big eye-contact. It seemed like he could never blink to lose focus for once.

"You should get some rest. I will keep an eye out on the first watch," You reassured him knowing it was your turn.

"Are you sure? I could keep the first watch,"Kyojuro suggested as he didn't wish for you to become tired.

"I am sure. I usually can't sleep at night,"You told him as you were actually embarrassed that you tried forcing yourself to sleep. You didn't want him worry about your sleep schedule. You pretend to sleep hoping he wouldn't notice the difference.

"Alright."

A moment of silence came around. Kyojuro would close his eyes to rest. You stared off at the trees. You didn't want to lose your guard. Soon Kyojuro fell asleep. His head began to droop down and his breathing was slower. You watched him as he was so quiet and calmer in his sleep it was different from what he was. You admired his features from afar. His strong jaw, his wild hair and his lips that were formed into a frown. You stood up as you didn't think he would wake up until morning. Kyojuro drifted in his sleep.

You decided to freshen up by a pond you sense. You began to walk passed the small bushes and shrubs. You could say it was a less than a quarter mile away from Kyojuro. You took off your bag, laying it beside you. The water was gleaming by the moonlight.

You took off your kimono and untied your hat.You placed them on top of your bag.  You stripped off your jacket, leaving on the bandages. You continued took take off your shoes and unbuckling your belt. You let your pants fall down(in this era there was no underwear). You carefully took off your bandages around your chest. You folded your clothes neatly on top of your bag. In your bag you pulled out a small towel as you always came prepared for anything.

  You stared at the pond as small breeze gave you chills.  You stepped in the pond. You felt your breath quicken as the freezing water was swallowing you up each time you stepped in. You were concentrating your breath to become slower as the water was already above your chest. You thought of your master words when he used to make you submerge in ice water to help your body maintain in a freezing condition without death. You had to make sure your lungs and the rest of your body stayed warm while your breath skin had to release a colder temperature.

'Once you practiced controlling your breath in such cold temperatures, to gain full strength of a form. You must simply pause it. Similar to how water is frozen to stay for a moment in time,' You thought about your trainer's words as you closed your eyes,'Hold your breath.'