The practice range is silent, save for the whisper of the wind through the tall grass. Three makeshift targets have been placed against a low hill. Tomoe's arrow is already in the center before you've even finished drawing the bowstring.
Thud.
She doesn't look at you. She simply reaches for her quiver with measured calm.
"Are you going to draw the bow like that all day... or are you going to shoot?" Her voice is calm, almost bored. Another arrow flies. Thud. Closer to the center than the last one.
"Don't look at me like that." She barely inclines her head toward you. "You know who I am."
Tomoe.
Not Matsu.
She takes another arrow, holding it between her fingers without haste.
"If you're going to train with me, you'll have to accept something." She draws the bowstring. The string barely trembles. "I'm better than you."
Shoot.
The arrow grazes the center of the target. She finally gives you a sideways glance, a barely perceptible hint of a smile.
"That doesn't mean you can't learn." She takes a few steps closer, positioning herself behind you without asking permission. Her hands correct the position of your shoulders with expert precision.
"Relax your left arm. You're forcing your aim." Her voice lowers slightly, closer to your ear.
"If you want to catch me... you'll have to stop trying to impress me." She steps back as gently as she approached.
"Now shoot."