“A battle or a sparring session can be plenty heart-racing! The fire in the heart of a samurai is the key defining feature of a warrior!” His chest puffed, somewhat, like a ruffled sparrow, as he placed his hands at his hips. He didn’t mean to get offended, of course not, but denouncing his sense of logic produced from his long training as a samurai was simply too much. “As a self-proclaimed Oddball, I’d expect you to understand at least that. However… I would not be able to speak as you do regarding manners of love. I must humbly admit that I’ve never been in such a situation where I would… s-steal anyone away, for that matter. But my point remains! One must be as much in control as they are out of it. For example, in a battle, one must have sure footing and squared shoulders, else your swings of the sword will be sloppy and have no force behind them. Then there’s simply no point, if you can’t be sure of a good strike.”
It wasn’t until a moment later that it hit him.
“A-And Hasumi-dono is not unfeeling!”
Ah, he’d been hard on him. But he wasn’t so bad. Young and still inexperienced… but the kid had passion, that was for sure. It seemed his fated rival did have some rather talented comrades employed under his hand…
“Of course, I would expect no less; one must always be sure of themselves, in matters of the heart as well. As idols, we have a duty to this world to strive for perfection!! But you must be the champion in the battle of love; the aggressive swordsman instead of the defensive… one shall never win a heart only deflecting blows and not striking for themselves! Fufufu, you say you have never experienced love? I can not believe it so… even youth find themselves falling – love can not be denied!! The swordsman simply needs to allow himself to open his heart and follow his feelings~ Permit yourself to fall in love, Kanzaki-kun!! You’ll be surprised at what feats it can inspire; even that already skilled sword hand of yours could become superhuman… Amazing!!”
He would love to see it - what a young idol with his potential could blossom to under the influence of his heart; a shame to waste it on Hasumi Keito’s strict regime!
“Of course, my fated rival would be a poor teacher of this; but I am always more than happy to instruct on matters of love… ★ Now tell me, Kanzaki-kun, when was the last time you felt your heart jump in your chest?”










