tread carefully

It was clear to see Kiyohime was struggling, but the fact that she hadn't yet fallen was a testament to her efforts. Hattori whilst talented in some regards was not born perfect, to get to where he was today had taken years of gruelling labour, a harsh reality he intended to shield his children from if possible. He would not force them to train till they collapsed from exhaustion, he would not beat them with bamboo rods if they did not succeed, his paw was firm but not unfair. And if some called him harsh Hattori would insist they did not know the true meaning of the word, that no child should flinch at the sight of their sires shadow. Till all but the strongest of emotions seemed to drain away, like a dream long forgotten.

"Show me your fighting stance." He began, stepping close as he reached out to test the strength of her poise.

Laying a paw against her shoulder he gave her a testing push, toes curled back so that his talons did not touch her. He was gentle at first, closer to a tap as he tested the feel of her coiled muscles, before pushing a little harder to see if she could maintain her balance.

"Do not overthink this." He wondered if that was the root of her problem, if she was simply trying too hard and fumbling in the process.