Description: ... think alike. Mizuki finally meets the one and only Kentou Ondori and an awkward conversation turns to a more natural flow--and perhaps the beginnings of a friendship.
The Young Fighters' Community Center. A bastion of community... and fighting... ... yeah. Mizuki's a regular contributor--a teacher of self-defense classes, amongst other things. Much like a certain blue-haired Kenpoist... although Mizuki can't claim near the skills of one Hotaru Futaba. But she tries, really.
In fact she's just now finishing a class--dressed out in a traditional karate dogi, rather than anything else, she's demonstrating some barehanded techniques--though she uses a baton, mostly, she is trained in barehanded fighting as well...
"Excellent. Okay, your homework is to practice the strikes I just taught you--next week there'll be a test!" She tries to sound stern, but she doesn't really sound too stern, and the students don't seem too disappointed.
A bastion of really awesome people who're great to learn from!
That has been Kentou's mantra for the past few weeks. His sensei Hotaru and instructor Frei both teach coursework and classes at the youth-oriented establishment. Both of whom Kentou first met at the center while he was ... less than agreeable.
Actually the boy was picking fights with the students initially, and that certainly got him in trouble until the faculty straightened him out. Even to this day, however, there's a certain degree of tension between the students and the boy wonder. Even after the boy went the distance against a shadowy marauder to let many children escape that foul attack, his peers often want little to do with him.
Nevermind the fact the special attentions he seems to be receiving from the top instructors, and his own unfocused talents overshadowing most of the average youth here just trying to get a little discipline in their often crime-hardened lives.
Naturally this means, there's an understanding. Kentou doesn't attend classes, and does his best job to make himself invisible to the other students here. In return, they tolerate his existence. For his part, Kentou is content with this arrangement anyway. He promised he'd never disrupt classes again, and that's precisely what he aims to do. Besides, he has important training to do. Very important advice handed to him from the master of the Arts of Ancient Chinese Magic himself!
"TIRED." The boy blurts out in his corner of the center, away from the class session on the other side of the center. His fists striking the blue punching bag over and over, every time alternating another word, "BORED. *BMP* DULL. *BMP* FRUST *BMP* RATED *bmp*" Sweat rolling down his brow, having kept at this for sometime now. His eyes stare at the bag hard with a flummoxed expression, as if hoping the pummeled surface will yield the secrets he seeks.
Ah yes. Kentou Ondori. Mizuki had heard a bit about him from both Frei and Hotaru--she's been meaning to meet him, really. Just she hadn't had the time, and then this thing with Kurogami Kimi... She's been busy. But still doing her classes, and having the occasional match and that kind of thing. Life goes on.
But she can't help but notice Kentou now, with the dull thumps of the strikes to the bag--and the way her students go around him, which draws a frown. Is it just because of his attitude? Mizuki dusts her hands off, then pads over towards the young one, putting on a pleasant smile.
"I'm... sorry if I'm intruding, but... is there something I can help you with?" It's not that she'd recognize Kentou on sight--contrary to popular belief, the YFCC does not post pictures of 'problem' students...
If this ostracism has something to do with his attitude, it isn't immediately evident. As Mizuki approaches the boy the youth seems not to notice her immediately, carefully having tuned out his surroundings for a multitude of reasons.
One, he's supposed to get in touch with his feelings with every attack as Instructor Frei told him to. This is best done by trying to isolate such things and ignore extraneous stimuli. Two, because he's trying to not cause a fuss with the surrounding students as they file out from their class.
However! As the young instructor politely interrupts, her affect upon his zen is immediate.
"STARTLED!" Kentou blurts out in mid-punch. Mousy eyes blinking out of some kind of repetitive zen as his attention turns to the Youth Center Instructor in full. While the girl isn't much older than the boy himself, he's gotten pretty good at picking out the teachers from the students here. Besides that, he's seen her around on a peripheral basis. In passing, here and there. Unfortunately, the youth suffers from a certain level of tunnelvision in terms of his social circles. He isn't exactly.. outgoing. Not to say he isn't kind, assuming of course the company is kindly on a first impression as well.
Retracting his fist from the swaying bag, the boy hastens a quick, friendly smile, "Oh! Ah..Oh.. Nooo.. Nope. I was ah.. just, you know.. practicing.." He stammers somewhat awkwardly. Catching the bag as it sways back towards him then wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his forearm. At which point the boy vaguely realizes, "Oh! I hope uh.. my exercising wasn't disturbing your class or anything.. Ah.." Gesturing behind her with a quick nod.
"No, no, nothing like that," she says, with a smile. And that smile certainly seems genuine, as she straightens, folding her hands in front of her.
"I'm not sure why my students are avoiding you so, they're usually quite nice... I'll have to talk to them next time. Oh! I haven't introduced myself. My name is Kamigawa Mizuki," she continues, offering a proper bow.
"What were you practicing? Just basic strikes? Or something else...?" He was shouting out ... emotions, so, that's a little strange, but...
"You're obviously a martial artist, are you taking classes here?"
A smile that is reciprocated, as Kentou likewise returns the pleasant gesture.
She certainly seems like a nice person! Always good to see those around Southtown. This town is filled to the brim with such gruff tough guys and outright criminals that seeing a genuinely kindly person is a real breath of fresh air. But then, a lot of the staff at the Youth Center seems to be pretty good people all around. Probably why Kentou ends up hanging out here fairly often these days, not that the boy particularly is on the lookout for comfortable places to hang at. No, way too little time for that!
"Huh?" Kentou queries at Mizuki's assertion, turning his gaze briefly towards the meandering students before offering a single shrug of his shoulder, "..Oh.. Ah.. nah nah, it's okay.." Trying to seem somewhat nonchalant about it, "..Guess some of 'em are kinda all mad that I beat most of 'em up a little while back, I dunno.. You don't have to talk to them or anything about it." The boy has managed to make peace with the students at least, he doesn't want to risk rocking the boat. Especially if it could get Hotaru mad at him.
At the introduction, Kentou abruptly straightens and claps a fist to an open palm, Sword-In-Sheath, with a bow, "Ondori Kentou. Ah.. pleased to meet you!" The boy smiling again, "...Oh.. That.. ah.. well.. ah-hah.." Expression growing sheepish as he looks back to the lightly swaying bag, scratching the back of his neck as he inwardly debates how to explain this, "..Ummm.. see. Instructor Frei.. here.. ah, he gave me some training. Um.. its.. kinda a long story.. eh-heh.." Stammering a bit.
On the subject of instruction, "Oh! Well.. I.. sorta guess. But not really.. um. I'm Hotaru-Sensei's apprentice!" The boy proudly proclaims then. ^_^! "As she teaches here I.. guess that kind means I'm a student here! In a.. uh.. roundabout kinda way!"
Of course, that could explain a little bit of the friction with the other student body as well. Hotaru is one of the more popular faculty members of the Youth Center as is. As a world-class fighting contender she's gotten quite a lot of press and no small amount of fans. That a little punk like him got one of the most coveted apprenticeships around likely sticks in the craw of more than a few boys at the center.
"Oh!" The exclamation is out before Mizuki can stop it, which might come across bad. But she tries to explain, "I mean, I've heard your name before. From both Frei-san and Futaba-san." But Kentou, he seems awful nervous. Mizuki's brow furrows.
"Are you -sure- you're alright? You seem awful nervous. C'mon, why don't we go get something to drink? Some water, at least. I've been curious about you, actually. Frei-san and Futaba-san have some amusing stories to tell," she smiles.
Without really waiting to see if Kentou follows, Mizuki turns towards the front of the YFCC, where there are undoubtedly vending machines. This -is- Japan, after all. "Oh, and I'm buying," she says, over her shoulder, as she stops by the door to pick up her duffel bag of stuff.
Why would Kentou be nervous? Well, lets review!
Firstly, typically when unexpected people get his attention.. He's come to expect the worst. That and the boy is entirely preoccupied with making sure his behavior while at the Youth Center is as calm and polite as possible as per Hotaru's instruction. Calm is one of those things where the harder you try to achieve it, the further you get away from it. At least he's managing the polite part easily enough, but having such gentile company in turn makes that easy.
As Mizuki has a Eureka moment, the boy's eyes widen with visible anticipation. Frei and Hotaru are talking about him? ...Her brow is furrowing?! What could they be saying about him, exactly? Such paranoid considerations don't help the boy's bid for mental tranquility as he tugs the collar of his wushu jacket, "Aaah.. ah-hah.. I..I see.."
However! As she inquires, the diminutive kenpo artist states quickly, "Nervous? Me? HAH no nooo.. totally fine. Pfft, me? Calm as a cucumber. W..hm? Drink? S.sure! That sounds cool.. yeah.." Clearing his throat then as he looks around just one more time, wondering how many are staring.
Although, at Mizuki's follow up commentary, its the boy's turn to stare. Looking up to her with a blink, the youth adds, "..You have? ..... Amusing.. stories..?" Swallowing audibly.
Oh Jeez.. ._.; Eyes drifting to the floor a moment as he follows along in her wake, "..Aw.. but.. that's.. Buying? I can't.. I mean.. I can afford it its not a .. problem or anything.. ah.. ...." His eyes shift about, "... How 'amusing'?" '_';
Mizuki doesn't have anything against Kentou! But if he started outbeating up some of the other kids, then they retaliated... well, she canunderstand why he might be nervous.But even when her battle blood is upshe never projects an air of menace, of potential harm.It's just the wayshe is, and, in more physical schools of martial arts it might beconsidered a liability.Like that old movie Karate Kid, where the Cobraswere all supposed to be aggressive as hell.
"Well," she says, with a little smile, "First off, what do you want? Looks like we've got the usual," she says, studying the drink machine. She goes for just a bottle of cold mineral water, popping the coins forthe drink in and pressing the button.
"And, those stories just had to do with someone who was... a littlerambunctious? Or perhaps... overzealous.But!" She turns, with a littlegrin. "They always said his heart was in the right place." Mostly.
Infact, it is that reserved and calm demeanor that has Kentou sointimidated! The boy isn't terribly used to dealing with individuals whoare... ah.. overly polite and gracious. He's only recently been gettingpractice in dealing with such people since his apprenticeship with Hotaru,whom is practically the personification of graciousness. Besides, theyouth is beginning to learn that over-aggressiveness is more of aliability than a lot of those hole-in-the-wall dojos tend to preach.Intimidation only matters for so much, as some of the most unintimidatingpeople he's ever met.. also happen to be some of the best martial artistshe's ever seen.
The youth follows along at Mizuki's side, smiling up to her politelyas he seems to be calming a little bit more. Still rather wary, if onlybecause the youth can't help but wonder exactly what stories his mentorhas been telling of him. Mousy eyes looking to the vending machine andback as he adds, "Oh.. Um. I'll go with the green tea.. ah.. If ah.. youdon't mind? I can pay though! I mean.." Already reaching for a smallpocket inside of his Chinese vest.
However! As she reveals a bit of the secrets told about him, the boy'ssmile softens and seems to visibly relax, "..Ah.. W..Well that's.. I canlive with that." He announces proudly! Turning his attention to themachine once more the youth has a question of his own, "...So.. ah.. youteach here? I mean.. how long have you been teaching?" Trying to strike upa little more conversation as he considers. She looks awfully young to bean instructor here..Hotaru herself looks pretty young, but Mizuki lookseven younger!
But, but Mizuki is -always- calm and reserved!Well, maybe not -that-reserved.But she is polite, for certain.However, her blue eyes dosharpen when Kentou offers to pay. "I said," she says, and her tone, whilealways gentle and warm, brooks no response other than an affirmative."that I would pay."And being closer to the machines, she makes thepayment and soon enough, the rattle and clunk announces a can of coldgreen tea.
Retrieving the can, she proffers it, bottom-first, to the young boy."Me? Oh, I've been teaching here for just a few months really.Basicself-defense stuff, and sometimes I demonstrate the flashier chitechniques... I'm not really allowed to teach 'my' school of martial artsyet, but the techniques that overlap are okay."Weird family schoolrestrictions and all that.
"So how long have you been learning from Frei-san and Hotaru-san?"
At Mizuki's firm denial of his request, the boy's hand slowly fallsaway from his vest pocket. Tilting his head and spreading out his hands insurrender, "O..Okay.. Alright, alright.."
Still, Kentou looks up warmly to the girl as she offers the coolbeverage. Accepting the can with a polite nod of his head, "Thank you.."Taking the vessel in both hands and promptly snapping the top open. Theboy is quite attentive as Mizuki outlines the curriculum for her studentshere. Eyebrows raising at the description, "Huh.. That's cool but..'flashier chi techniques'? Man.. Seems like everybody in Southtown can dothat stuff! Its pretty incredible!" The boy murmurs before sipping histea. Mmmm!
As for family restrictions, the boy can understand thateasily enough. Nodding once more, considering that his own style isn'tpermitted to be taught outside of his own family at that! Of course.. Notlike there's anyone who could tell him different. Being that Kentouhimself is the very last practitioner of the Ondori-Style of Kenpo. Evenstill, the youth isn't about to go against his late father's wishes.
"Oh! Frei only like.. as of yesterday actually. I just takes a couplelessons from him.. Hotaru-sensei wants me to learn a few things from him.Hotaru-sensei I've been learning for.. oh.." Eyes drift to the ceilingwith a puzzled expression. Counting days and weeks in his mind for a fewmoments as his lips work silently, before nodding again, "Aaah.. Close totwo months now! Starting to be a little while.. I've already learnedlike.." Shaking his head slowly, unable to articulate the depth of whathe's already found out, "... Just tons."
"It comes with the territory... I guess some are flashier than others.It's just, I call them that because... a lot of kids see fighters on TVthrowing 'Hadoukens' or doing things like that, and they think that's allthey want to learn... or need to learn.And they're useful, of course...but they aren't the fundamentals, and the fundamentals are -so-important... so I tell my students straight that using chi is a prettyadvanced thing, is all."
Mizuki takes a sip of water, and smiles. "But you don't -have- to usechi to be a great fighter.Look at all the karate masters who never wenta day doing anything with their chi externally... there are different waysto use one's life energy, and they don't have to be expressed in bigfireballs or lightning bolts..."
Pausing to listen, she nods. "Hotaru-san and Frei-san are both quiteknowledgeable. I imagine you'll learn quite a lot from them, and you soundlike you've learned a lot already..."Briefly, Mizuki wonders what itwould be like to have a protege...
Apparently Southtown's territory! It is pretty amazing how so many ofthe best fighters in the world live here. Even the schools are filled withkids that can literally take on armies. He's seen it on TV and everything!
If only he could find the water the people around here are drinkingbecause.. Wow.
As Mizuki describes children all wanting to learn Ryu's most famousmove, Kentou just giggles while shaking his head, "..Haha. Like it wasthat easy! Heee! That stuff is like.. so beyond 'fundamental' its llike..I have no idea how people even do it. Its weird.." The boy chugs his tea amoment in consideration. Swirling the can's contents as he tilts his head,"I've seen people around town who make that stuff look so easy.. And Iswear they've had like.. half the training I've even had. And.. well.." Arueful grin and a slight shift of his shoulders, "I.. guess I haven'treally had all THAT much yet. But.. it almost seems like.. practicallyanybody can do that stuff. When the reality is like.. you know.. barelyanyone can. In like.. the whole world. You know?"
"I bet there's maybe only.. two or three dozen people on the wholeplanet who can do that stuff. And.. haha.. its like.. they all live inthis town. Do you.. you know.. ever think that's kinda weird?" Lookingback up to Mizuki again searchingly. However! As she expounds upon thevirtues of Hotaru-sensei and Frei, the boy grins and nodsenthusiastically, "Oh yes. Very much so! I've learned a -lot- fromHotaru-sensei! She's taught me so many things about fighting that Ihaven't even thought of before! Its really amazing.. I can.. I think Ialready see a real difference. I mean..Its hardly been a few weeks and-already- it's like.." The boy's tone drifts off a moment as he looks into the near distance, thoughts drifting.
A sigh, as Mizuki toys with the cap of her water bottle. She takesanother drink, perhaps to marshal her thoughts. "Well.. the truth is, somepeople can, and some people can't.In that regard, people are not allborn equal... if you've tried, then you probably know this.Which is whyI try to teach my students the fundamentals.To an extent, anyone can bestrong, and fast, and everyone can build skill in the martial arts.Butthe talent to use chi is sometimes difficult to pinpoint, and like anytalent, there's some that's natural and some that's trainable..."
Mizuki's thought a lot about this, because she is, in some respects,one of those 'chi prodigies'."And yes.. Southtown does have a lot ofthem. But like often attracts like, especially for powerful fighters." Asmile. "But I bet your fundamentals are pretty good, aren't they?And asyou train, they'll just get better and better.Maybe you won't ever tosschi around, but you don't have to, and you shouldn't feel like you needto.I can, and I've trained that ability a lot, but I don't want othersto think they can necessarily learn to do it too, if they can't..."Shelooks somewhat distressed.
"I'm sorry, I'm babbling... this is just something I think about alot...I'm glad you're learning from both Hotaru-san and Frei-san.Ifanyone can draw out what chi talents you have, those two can... I thinkthey're both more skilled than me in that respect."
The concept of being born unequal is certainly one that concernsKentou to no end. His eyes drift downward at that consideration, growing anote more somber. There are a lot of fighters in Southtown who are awfullyyoung, some nearly as young as he is.. But already vastly more 'advanced'than he. There is always the worry that, perhaps, Kentou simply can't beas good as most of them. He's genetically dead-ended. Him, his father,perhaps his grandfather before him. They reached the limits of theirability not because they trained oh-so-hard.. But simply because they wereonly born to be a certain strength.. And that's all they'd ever be.
That older boy.. Kurow. Only a handful of years older than him... Butalready more powerful than any fighter he's ever seen.
But if such a simple observation could bring down Kentou'sdetermination,he certainly wouldn't have gotten this far! His attentionreturns to Mizuki's face with a knowing smile, "I know I'll be the bestthat I can be! Whatever.. whatever form that might take!" If you asked hima few months ago if he'd ever learn to throw the flashiness around likesome kind of superhero, the boy would laugh in your face. Now? Afterseeing what Hotaru can do.. Anything is possible. The Ondori-Style hasnone of those external chi abilities inherent to it. But then, as Hotaruhas been teaching him, adapting and learning pieces of other styles isperhaps the true path to greatness. Iron melded with bits of othermaterials turns to Steel, after all.
As the girl backpedals, the boy shakes his head, "Oh! No no, it'sokay. Its.. Its something I've thought a lot about too. I mean.. I think,hah.. I think anybody who's serious about martial arts really thinks aboutit. I mean.. serious serious. Like..I think.. I think I can learn to bethe very best that I can be with Hotaru-sensei. She knows so much and.."
Voice trailing as he considers. She IS also very much like him.. herown family, her own circumstances. But, those matters aren't for him toinvoke publicly, or on a casual basis to near total strangers, anyway.Instead, the youth simply finishes the thought with, "..And she's verywise. I'm.. I'm really lucky. Extremely lucky."
It's a terrible concept to consider.Most don't want to think aboutit.But it is unerringly true in many cases--particularly as relates tothe physical body.Of course, anything taken 'as a whole' can beconsidered prejudice, but even if you examine the issues at a personallevel... Mizuki's gaze is just as somber, although she tries to shake outof it. Kentou didn't voice his fears of being at the limits of his skillalready, but if he did, Mizuki would insist, vehemently, that it is nottrue.
But it is also true that there are those for whom the 'path' tostrength and power has often been easier.But what about it?Take a lookat the prototypical example of the young, powerful fighter--not Kurow, butone Kasugano Sakura.Sakura is, by most standards, pretty skilled andpretty powerful, 'for a teen' and in general.
But she worked hard at her skills, she would say, and it's true. Butthere must be something -else-... Mizuki has worked almost as hard, foralmost as long, if not longer, but some sort of spark just didn't grow atthe same rate... a sobering thought.
"You are," she replies, earnestly, shaking off her reverie. "And Ifully believe that if you're serious about the martial arts then you cansurpass -any- barrier you want... maybe even the barrier to being able toexternalize your chi."
In the end, Kentou doesn't necessarily wish to be the strongestfighter. He's already seen where the tunnel-vision focus of strength andpower alone can lead, and he wants no part of that. Honor and respect meanas much to him as proficiency in melee. Perhaps, perhaps there areshortcuts he could take. Methods he could use to become every inch aspowerful as Kurow. In the end, it wouldn't be worth even a fraction of thecost.
As such, in terms of competition or worrying about being the best ofthe best, that isn't so much Kentou's issue. Perhaps other child fighterswill always be stronger than him, but that's always been true. There is-always- someone stronger. Always. All that matters, is that he show theworld that the Ondori-Style is a path of honor, integrity as well as skilland puissance. All of the things that make a school of fighting great.
Of course, it is possible to meld both great strength with true honor,such as Sakura-san whom Kentou has heard lives in this city. He even knowsthe most famous young fighter in the entire world is even friends with hissensei! He just.. hasn't had the honor of meeting her yet.
However, as Mizuki offers her own encouragement and praise, the boyagain smiles bashfully. Color returning to his cheeks, "Aww.. T..Thankyou. I .. I'm sure I can! I have the best in the whole world helping meout!"
Letting that comment hang in the air for a moment longer beforeadding, "..You must learn a -ton- here too. I mean.. teaching and hangingout with the instructors who work here? ..Wow. I mean.. That must bepretty incredible.."
Laudable thinking, that.Mizuki would certainly approve.She holdsto many of the same tenets regarding honor, and respect--which is whypeople like Drake affect her so badly, accusing her of cheating,essentially, because she can do something that they can't.Mizuki'scomments were of course directed towards proficiency in the arts... butthey apply to everything and anything.Tenacity and passion can make upfor a lot of deficiences... and bolster strengths already held.
Mizuki smiles at the blush. "Well, you're welcome!And of course, I'mlearning as much as my students... and not just from the other teachers!Even teaching itself gives me insight... not only into my skills, but...into the world as a whole.I feel that every class I teach, I learnsomething about the harmony of the world and my place in it... and I growmore comfortable with whatever my role may be in this world.But yes...'hanging out' here is incredible."
Kentou smiles pleasantly as his companion reveals what revelationsshe's uncovered while in her current position. Chuckling quietly as shespeaks of harmony and ... well.. serenity that she's gained. While beforehe would have said that she's just laying it on a liiiittle thick there,the boy must admit that he's likewise come to have those feelings as well.As if, the truth of martial arts is more about learning how to be at peacewith yourself than anything. ... But the, Kentou knows he has a loooongway to go on that account. Juggling such feelings of contentment with anatural eagerness for competition seems a hard mixture to get right. But,indeed, with such fine company as his instructors he feels confident thathe can do it. For the first time in his life he actually feels like.. hereally, really can do it.
Its easy to see how Mizuki can have such similar thoughts. "Yeah.. I.I really do know what you mean." The boy admits, quickly guzzling down thelast of his tea. Wiping his lips with the back of his wrist, "I think..its that way for the students as well. Just learning.. I guess, gives akinda.. I dunno. Confidence isn't really the right word.. more like..peace of mind, I guess. But.. uh.. eh-hah.." The boy sheepishly rubs theback of his neck as his head bobs up and down, "..I kinda got a long wayto go there.. hee heh.."
Surely confidence is a big part of it--and Mizuki will readily admitto losing her own confidence during fights.It's unavoidable at times. But she always bounces back. "Yes, that's it exactly.It is confidence,but it's also peace of mind... peace of soul."Yeah, she is laying it onthick.But it's a subject she's passionate about.She's a littlesurprised to find that she, too, has finished her drink; she twiddles theempty bottle between her fingers... and happens to catch a glance at theclock on the wall.
"Oh no! I'm going to be late for my next class," she frowns."Well,Ondori-san, it was very nice to meet you, and I must say that Frei-san andHotaru-san's stories don't do you justice."Rising from her lean, shegives the young boy another formal bow, her long crimson hair sweepingover one shoulder, then straightens.
"If you ever feel like sitting in on one of my classes, please do.Orif you don't mind volunteering, I could always use an assistant fordemonstrations..."
The older teenager's passion for the occupation isn't something theboy can fault! He too takes the lifestyle very seriously, more seriouslythan most! Unlike some fighters, he chose this path. It didn't choose him.This is what he wants to be, and while he's certainly gotten hurt in everypossible connotation of that term.. Kentou absolutely loves it.
As Mizuki realizes she's late for a very important date, the boysqueaks in surprise! "Eeep! ..Ah.. Here!" The youth reaches out to accepther empty bottle in his free hand, offering to throw it out for her, "Itwas nice meeting you too!" The boy grins a bit more, chuckling underbreath as he bows deeply if briskly, "I.. I hope you tell them that too!"
His empty can clinks against the bottle as he hastily manages anawkward sword-in-sheath salute, "S..Sure! I'll probably be around a lot,I'm sure. Thank you!" While this ... may not necessarily the best ideawith the thin-ice he's already on with so many of the other students here,he certainly doesn't want to insult the young instructor's kindness.
"I hope your class goes well!" Taking a step back and watching her go.
Man.. Hotaru has so many nice friends! Perhaps Mizuki is right. Likereally does tend toward like.
A good sign, at least, that he really is on the right path here.
Mizuki proffers her bottle, and smiles. "Thank you, Ondori-san.Itwas very nice to meet you, again.And I hope to see you around!"Shebows, once more, then turns towards the classrooms, moving at a steady, ifnot entirely rushed, clip.
Halfway to the door, she turns, and calls out, "And don't worry aboutmy students! I know how to control them.Helping me teach would be goodfor your training, too!"In more than one way, of course.A veryinformal wave, a bright smile, and then the redhead is disappearing intothe classroom area, her voice audible over the general murmur and buzz of the YFCC as she greets her students.
Log created on 21:14:18 11/19/2007 by Mizuki, and last modified on 11:23:29 11/23/2007.