You are my comfort

O-Bon

In this chapter we will get some insight on Yuichi's life in NY and his culture and also kind of familial bonding...
(if any of you find mistakes in the way i described this experience, please do inform me, since I have never been in Japan even all the research i did might not be enough)

-Damn, he's pretty strong..

Ever since that Sunday Yuichi's life has changed cardinally: from living the dull life of an ordinary hotel worker with mommy issues and too much responsibility on his shoulders to the dream they wished to accomplish as a kid. The life of a noble warrior, samurai that would make his ancestors proud. That would make his auntie proud...

He started training under his nightly companion – Leo's guidance and he could never be more thankful for such a fortunate turn of events. The news were shocking to both teens at first, because neither of them found themselves deserving of the roles. Yuichi faced the fear of failing as a student, again. Meanwhile, Leo felt forced into unwanted responsibility. All over again. At least, that's what Yuichi thought. To his view, the rabbit was nothing more than a dead-weight hanging on Leo, but at the same time, he couldn't help himself enjoying the presence of his friend. It's not every day that you get an opportunity to grow closer with someone that caught your interest so much, right? Plus, it's not like they have much choice here.

A meeting and a half later, Big Mama made up a schedule for them, which seemed majorly occupied with training. Wait no, it was fully occupied with training! Who does she think Yuichi is? A killing machine?!

-9 hours a day just for training?! I know that I am a little out of shape, but not that much! Do you want to kill us?!

-My! What are you saying? – she told, more than asked, Yuichi with a sly grin growing on her features, - Of course, not! I only wish the best for my fluffy little bunny, but you see – the arena is filled with awfully hostile yokai(that behave that way because of me) and as the caring employer I am, I don't want you to get too many hurties.

Big Mama made a pause to calmly observe her soon-to-be champion's expression, clearly amused by the reaction. Yuichi was staring at the piece of paper in front of him, his scarred brows furrowed, while his irises were running through the paper over and over again. Leo, on the other hand, seemed quite content with Mama's decision. Maybe he was used to such hard training? Where else could he get all that muscle mass from?

-Besides, didn't you tell me you spent 2 seasons on a lone mountain, training intensively to become the greatest samurai? Surely you can handle this.

-Ah..uhh...you're right, - Yuichi's face sparks up, - You're right! I can handle it! Ok.

-"Ok", - Big Mama repeated in affectionate mockery.

She stood up from her spot, graciously turning to face the massive window of her office and waited for the boys to leave the room. However, before they could even open the door, she spoke:

-If you fail me, I will make both of you pay the 'fair' price.

A single phrase was enough to make Yuichi and Leo hold their breath. Big Mama could be intimidating, when she wanted to.

-Toodeloo!

And they left as fast as they could, without as much as looking back. Actually, Yuichi wasn't supposed to leave – he had his room to take care of, but he zoned out and going back now felt a little awkward. So, he stuck to Leo's side, unaware of where they were heading and what for. The boys were silent, walking hurriedly in a weirdly familiar direction. The hare felt like there was no need to speak, so all he did was look around and appreciate the view. They passed some alleyways with people crowding them as if they were watching a celebrity pass by, then they got near the Run of The Mill pizza and got Hawaiian pizza, eating it on the go. Yuchi didn't like the taste of the pizza much, but he kept silent and enjoyed the sights of the city. They passed a pretty arc that said, "New York National Park" and that's when he realized they were heading towards their usual meeting spot. For some unknown reason, Yuichi felt his stomach tingle with something similar to anticipation. Did Leo have something to talk about? Because that's what they did here most of the time.