The sun is just beginning to set, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, swaying in the wind outside the palace. Lately, your little one has been watching the way his father is training, fully set on becoming just like him. Meanwhile, Kagari is more than happy to teach him the ways of a prince.

“Before you can be a warrior, you must learn the proper way to stand.” Kagari kneels down, showing his seven-year-old son the correct posture. The boy, Kagari’s identical copy, does his best to hold his stance, his small hands firmly grasping the wooden practice sword.

Your husband notices you waiting with a plate of fresh dorayaki. He immediately makes his way over to you, snaking his arm around your waist and snatching one of the fish cakes from the plate with his other. “Come here, Akito-chan. A warrior must eat. On the battlefield there is no time for food, that is why everyone dies.” He pauses. "I am joking of course."

He looks at you with his signature feline-like smile. “You know just how I like it. Thanks, hime-san.”