Twilight, Sanemi Shinazugawa

twenty seven, advice

A/N: Long chap! I had sm fun writing this

—☆—

"Yoshida, can I ask you something?"

"Of course," you replied, your voice steady as the love pillar stretched your limbs, her hands working with practiced care. You winced slightly when she applied pressure to your back, folding your body forward.

"Well... I, um," she began hesitantly, her voice faltering as her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. With a warm smile, you shifted your position, sitting up and patting the soft grass beside you. She sat down, drawing her knees close to her chest and wrapping her arms around them as if seeking comfort.

"I wanted to get a gift for Obanai, but I'm not sure what he'd like. He's pretty quiet and doesn't talk about himself much. Do you have any ideas?" she asked softly, her gaze fixed on the ground.

You crossed your legs and leaned back, resting your weight on your hands as you considered the question. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the training ground, the air filled with the distant sounds of nature. "Why're you asking me, Kanroji?" you wondered, curious about her reasoning.

"Well, you're close with Tomioka, and they're sort of similar," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

You hummed thoughtfully, nodding as you processed her words. "I usually take Giyuu to get his favorite food. Do you know Iguro's?" you asked.

Mitsuri furrowed her brows in thought, her eyes distant as she searched her memory. Then, her expression brightened as if a light had been switched on. "Tororo konbu!"

Your eyes widened in surprise. "That's... his favorite food?" you asked, the revelation catching you off guard.

She chuckled, the sound light and melodic. "Yeah, he's so cute!"

"If you say so," you replied, unable to resist smiling back. Your gaze drifted towards your wooden weapon, the reason you had come here in the first place.

Mitsuri's eyes followed your gaze. "Tomioka told me you were working on a new form. That's exciting!"

You nodded, a mix of determination and frustration in your eyes. "It would be even more exciting if I could get it right."

Her expression softened with empathy. "I know how that feels. Can I see it?" she asked, her tone encouraging.

You hesitated for a moment before nodding and standing up. "Alright." Mitsuri moved to stand a little further back, giving you space. She watched intently as you took a deep breath, focusing on the sequence of movements you had been practicing.

Starting with a slow, careful motion, you executed the first part, your movements fluid and precise. As you continued, you could sense areas where it felt off, where your timing and technique didn't quite align.

Mitsuri's eyes followed each motion, her gaze sharp and attentive. When you stopped and turned towards her with a frown, you groaned, "It doesn't feel right."

She approached you, her expression thoughtful as she placed her hands gently on your arms to adjust your stance. "Well, for one, you're far too tense! Relax your muscles a bit," she instructed softly. Her touch was light but firm, guiding you into a more relaxed posture.

You took a deep breath, trying to follow her advice. "Like this?" you asked, shifting your stance as she directed.

Mitsuri nodded, her eyes studying your new position. "Much better! Let your movements flow naturally instead of forcing them."