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"Hachidan," Daichi barked "Get up Go again"

Ronin shook his head, sweat flying everywhere as he rolled to his knees "I’m done in"

"You are done in when I say you’re done in"

Grabbing a towel, he roup"

"That was not a request"

He heard the sharp crack at the sa of Master Daichi’s belt connect with his quadriceps He’d learned not to flinch over the years, but it’d been a long time since Sensei had employed his belt as a disciplinary measure

When Ronin didn’t react, he knew another lash was co that whisper of fabric on fabric He’d have less than a split second to counter the strike

At the barely perceptible shush of Daichi’s sleeve brushing his pant leg, Ronin’s arm shot out He wrapped the towel in his hand around the belt, stopping the strike frolanced up to aze "Yes, Sensei, I pay attention Even when you workfrom you"

Silence

"And that is why you are his most respected student," Yasuji said from behind them

Master Daichi harrumphed But he didn’t release his belt, nor did Ronin release the towel

"Enough," Yasuji said He untwisted the towel fro both in one hand "Brother Take a break Allow Master Black to do the saly, Daichi obeyed He retreated in silence

Yasuji pointed to a bottle of water on the low table "For you"

Ronin cracked the cap and drained the bottle in four ss "Thanks"

After Ronin caught his balance and his breath, Yasuji said, "May I ask you a question?"

"Of course"

"What are you still doing here? When your lovely bride awaits you in Tokyo?"