Withering winter, sudden spring

Akito takes in Takeji’s posture and reaction, but does not pay it more mind than that. He slows to a stop, thoughts quickly hurdling through what exactly he wanted to help teach the younger boy. A surprise attack to throw Takeji off guard was always a good choice, but his brother might expect that.

Facing Takeji, Akito looks him over, assessing and contemplating. He respectfully nods in return, accepting the thanks and other words spoken to him. While he had not had older siblings to help him much, he would not do his own an injustice. If they required help, he would be there.

”One must always be aware of their surroundings,” Akito speaks monotonously, eyes never leaving Takeji as he begins to pace left and then right. ”Just because you see me standing before you as an opponent does not mean that there are not other threats hidden around.” Before the last syllable dropped from his lips, he lunged forward. Teeth clacking in the air toward Takeji’s face. In the same moment, his Akita dog leaped from a bush it had been hiding in, knowing exactly when it needed to emerge. The dog aimed for Takeji’s heels, snapping and barking to startle and throw the boy off balance.