Kyuden Shika

After the exercise was over, he turned to the class.

"Now, who can tell me, which method was best against each of these two? Even if your own bout went poorly, what do you think you should have learned? The objective was not to defeat them, after all. Do not press on yourself whether or not you won, but did you see how they were beaten when it happened? What works, what does not?"

He could answer easily, having seen it all go down. There were a number of people the tall lad went easy on, even if he won against them, the sour boy treated everyone the same until he tired, perhaps making moves he wished he hadn't.

Various theories were put towards the Shosuro, some were useful, some were tactical, and some were just another way to either compliment the tall boy or insult the sour boy.

After the rush of words had already flowed out, but before Hikimasu could say whatever he was going to say...the middle girl spoke up, albiet quietly.

"You should remember not just what you are fighting for, but what they are fighting for. There is a world of difference between fighting to showcase your talents, and fighting to survive."

"An astute observation", he said. "Though everyone here is correct in their own way, certain amswers can be considered over others."

He.held up a hand.

"Doing your best in the dojo is expected, but the stakes in any contest must have your consideration."

"Now", he said and placed his hands behind him, the creepy dead eyes baring down on them. "Using what we have learned today, pick your opponent and I will show you a new exercise you can apply it to."

The class paired up i their standard pairs, with tall lad and sour lad squaring off against each other once more.

"It may be taken as rude at times, to stare at another", he said. "yet in battle it is important to meet your opponent's gaze and learn what they are made of. Watch your partner, meet their eyes and think about who they are, what they've done, times you have shared and difficulty you may have faced, either against each other, or standing together."

And at this he paced around the class, watching their eyes, paying attention to their focus.

"No speaking, stay still", he corrected one pair with a glare.

After some silence he could tell who was taking it seriously, who fell into it and who was simply bored waiting for the command to attack.

He drew it out a little longer.

"When i give the word, you will attack, using your new perception of your fellows", he said.

And walked, waiting, and waiting.

And still, as he stood watching the Thoughtful Girl a moment, then he passed her and stood at the head again, next to Sour Lad and Tall Boy.

He waited just a bit more, allowing tension to build, calculating who would fall and who would stand by the end.

"BEGIN!"