On the Edge of Perfection

, the floating city of Katashi Hamasaki. Morning.

"Say, what is the reason for this, Kōtaku-chan?"

An old man of average height, dressed in a trailing dark green garb, took a sip of tea, then put the cup back at the table. He seemed of advanced age, the face riddled with wrinkles and its features sharp. However, the gaiety of his demeanour stood in stark contrast with the appearance of a wizened sage, more befitting of a spirited youth. The vigour of a zealous young warrior emanated from the husk of a person who had experienced countless periods of intermittent strife and peace across several millennia. As such, he served as a foil to his taciturn interlocutor.

"I've already told you."

There was no follow-up to that statement, uttered in a tone devoid of emotion. The woman in front of him was an elegant beauty, a genuine lady clad in a regal indigo kimono adorned with flower motifs. She seemed young and petite, her almond-shaped eyes a brilliant emerald colour and face features indicative of nobility. Be that as it may, her light blonde hair cut short and the slight frown that contorted her face were more faithful to the disposition of the woman, stern, distant, brooding. Battle-hardened and cynical veteran locked in the body of a young princess.

"True, I know the official reason. But what about the actual one?", asked Katashi Hamasaki with a smirk. "Surely, there is more to this than a simple evaluation of skill."

Kimiko glared at him, the gaze of her eyes piercing him like the tip of a sword. She sat there, stiff, unmoving, her cup of tea left undisturbed even since it had been placed in front of her some time ago.

"Oh, don't look at me like that", Katashi shook his head. "I know something has been bothering you ever since that fateful day. What exactly? You can tell me. I may talk a lot, but I sure do know how to keep a secret. Isn't that right?"

Kōtaku narrowed her eyes, only to avert her gaze a while later. Of course he would suspect something. As the only one alive who knew of the connection between her and that man he was quick to draw the conclusion. But why did he insist on her expressing her doubts aloud? She was not one to talk much, and certainly not about her feelings.

"I need to regain confidence in my strength. I need to know I shall not falter again", she spoke in the end, though not without hesitation.

Katashi nodded slowly. His smirk transitioned into a more friendly, warm smile. For a moment, at least, until his mischievous nature took over the reigns again.

"But why not choose me?", he tilted his head. "I don't want to boast, but I'm the number one here as far as Kidō is concerned. If you want to prepare to combat his magic..."

"No offence, Hamasaki-san", interrupted him Kimiko. "But Shingen-san is the strongest opponent I can hope to spar with."

Katashi looked up and shrugged.

"Oh well, brutally honest as always. Excuse me for not standing up to the test of time as well as the two of you. Though I'm quite sure I'm the only who doesn't cheat in this regard..."