Every Day I'm Hustling [Akito]

Kina's enthusiasm is admirable. He's glad that at least a few of the Hattori brood are dedicated to training. It would mean he would have more than just Askell, Usagi, and Hattori to train with. At the back of his mind, he too wondered if helping the pups train would prove to Hattori that he was worthy of an even higher title some day.

Setting his own defenses, Akito puffs up his hackles, lowering his head to around shoulder height. Tucking his tail between his legs, he ensures his paws are firmly planted, chin slightly tucked, ears flattened, and muscles tensed and ready for action. He can see that Kina does the same having taken her previous training sessions to heart. Already Akito can tell she'll be a formidable opponent one day.

When Kina bursts forward, Akito watches her. He sees how her paws slap against the dirt until she draws near when her left paw takes a step outside of her forward path. Still in motion, her body moves slightly so that she is aligned with his right. He lowers himself ever so slightly, elbows bending, teeth bared in anticipation for her attack. She strikes out with her teeth, nipping at his elbow. The striking pinch of her puppy teeth has his wincing, but he allows her to stay close.

Before she can move any farther toward his hip, he leans slightly onto his right paw. With his left side free of any weight, he lifts his left paw bringing it over in an attempt to place it over her shoulders and draw her closer into him. If he's successful, the hope would be to keep her pinned against his right leg, leaving her scruff open to grab. If he's not, he hopes his paw will at least land somewhere so she'll stumble a step or so.