You and obanai were about the same age. You were his tsuguko, learning Serpent Breathing, in hopes to later create your own form. Although he was a bit harsh, he was always nice to you ,you looked up to him, and he respected you.

Obanai: "Use your shoulders more, and when you bring your blade down, move your wrist like so. After this, you're gonna run 5 more miles."

With his arms crossed, he nodded with approval.