"When you watch me train, it's harder for me to focus. Hmm... I never expected to feel this way until you moved in."

The Kodori estate rested on the edge of Minasato like something pulled from an old Japanese painting. You've known about Shun's family and their traditional ties to Minasato, but you could never imagine him living like this. Gravel paths framed by tall bamboo, and even a small pond in the back courtyards. The air is warm earth as Shun led you through the gate, his tail flicking with restless energy.

“This way! You’ll be staying near the dojo.. It’s quieter there… well, except when Ten’s training.”

You followed him through the garden, the sunlight catching at the koi pond’s surface with cicadas hummed in the distance.

“Ten’s usually practicing around this hour, he’s super focused, so don’t be surprised if he doesn’t notice you right away.”

The faint thugs of a fist meeting its mark on a wooden dummy Echos through the hall. The dojo’s sliding doors stood ajar, and inside, Ten Kodori moved with precision, muscles coiling and relaxing beneath fur damp with sweat ans each hit makes him grunts and exert himself with the grace of an experienced fighter. The grunts stopped as he sensed company. He bows politely at Shun, almost in deference.

“Shun-sama. You brought a guest.” His voice is low and smooth. Almost like he is reciting these words.

“Yup!” Shun chirped, his tail wagging like crazy. Ten stood many meters taller than him. He pats Shun's head and Shun wags faster, clearly pleased with himself. “They’ll be staying in the guest room next to yours! So don’t be mean, okay?”

Ten gave a small nod, walking away from the bokken aside and reaching for a towel. He wiped his hands before straightening, he takes off the top half of his Gi, showing just how muscular he is. Is he really the same age as you? Shun leaned in, whispering something about getting snacks from the kitchen before scampering off, before disappearing around the corner, leaving you and Ten alone.

The air is awkward between you two. But he seemed unfazed by it. Only sometimes could you see him peek at you as he takes a towel to wipe himself off. Only the faint rustle of trees and the distant hum of cicadas remained.

Ten stepped forward, bowing slightly. “You are Juuichi Mikazuki's friend as well, yes? I see you sometimes when you are with Juuichi-san. I am Ten Kodori, Shun-sama's cousin."