Training and Bonding

Mizuki POV

I flop onto my bed in exhaustion after my shower. 'Ugh it's been a little over a year of training and my body seemed to have gotten a bit stronger but this still tires me out. I'm now 7 and my mind wanders off of how is Michikatsu not even tired.' I think to myself. I sit up and start stretching my limbs. Starting with my arms I stretch them and pull them back. Then I move onto my legs and feel the stretch.

When I finished I layed back down on my futon and close my eyes, thinking of the what I have been doing. What I accomplished and what I need to improve on.

Even during the night, when I wasn't physically straining myself I would stretch out my limbs to take off some pain and to increase flexibility during fighting.

The training so far is still the same since my body is still small and doesn't have much muscle and power to work with. So, we've stuck with the training with posture, movement, and spares with Michikatsu.

'I need to start working with my breathing, I believe that is a major thing that makes a demon slayer. Duh. Though I don't know how to do it.' I sweatdrop and try to recall memories that Tanjiro used to explain. He said something like "Your bones make or feel like it's popping and feel like your lungs are about to explode." I say to myself. My eyes widen at what I just said and "Make your lungs explode!" I yell quietly to myself.

I then cover my mouth and talk to myself in my head. 'That's so bad at explaining Tanjiro!! And I don't have no gourd! What the heck! What do I do?!' I roll around in the room and start thinking really hard at my options. 'There's Yoriichi but he hasn't even showed how he did it and he probably doesn't even know.' I sigh to myself.

'Maybe let's just start with meditating and simple control of breathing.' I sit up straight and cross my legs. I breath in and out slowly. Taking in deep breaths and exhaling slowly. I slow down my breathing and expand my lungs. I do this for 30 minutes and stop. I look out the window and see the moon bright outside and hear footsteps from the hallway. I open the door and peak out to see Michikatsu. He's walking towards the Yoriichi's room.

I think to myself 'Why is he going there?' I watch his figure disappear and close my door. 'I'll just ask Yoriichi tomorrow.' I tell myself and walk over to my futon and go to sleep.

Now morning, I roll out of my futon and walk out of my room after putting on my outside clothes now no longer a kimono but an outfit like Michikatsu but smaller and more fit.

I make my way to the kitchen and prepare breakfast. I set the food on the table and carry a tray to Michi-san's room. I knock on the door and open it. I walk in and see a Yoriichi by her side, I walk over and set the food tray down by Yoriichi.

I poke his arm and hand him a rice ball and motion him to eat it real quick as I make my way out of the room.

I head back to the living room where the table is and see Sato-san and Michikatsu eating at the table. I sit down and pick up my chopsticks and start eating.

A long day of training starts after breakfast and chores.

After doing my chores and cleaning I make my way out of the house to the backyard. I grab my wooden sword and start practicing.

Swinging the sword 50 times, running laps around the yard, doing some exercises, and fighting with Michikatsu.

The day always ends with Michikatsu helping me fix my forms and improve on some stuff. At times he smiles at me and encourages me to continue on. Whenever he has time he helps with practice and improve some more. We have gotten close each day and it seems that he has warmed up to me.

Before he had such a cold exterior but when he's with me it seems that he is soft and kind. Maybe he just pities me since I'm weak at the moment or maybe he is just trying to be nice? That I'm not sure but I'm grateful for his help.

After practice...

"Michikatsu-san!" I call out to the boy as Sato-san goes inside. Michikatsu turns around and nods his head. "Can you help me with the form and technique that we learned today?" I ask him and he nods his head yes sending me a small smile. I shoot him a large grin. "Thanks Michikatsu!"

I grab my sword and get into position and start doing the technique. Michikatsu watches me for a while and walks up to me fixing my form by moving my arms farther away from my body and moving my legs farther apart. I nod my head and continue swinging the sword. "Like this?" I ask as I do it again.

"Yes that's it." I turn my head towards him and smile. "Thanks Michikatsu! Your the best!" I say and pull him into a quick hug.

Michikatsu stiffens up at my touch and the hug, I let go of him and start walking into the house. "I'll be making dinner! Thanks again!" I say and leave the boy out in the yard.

I walk into the kitchen and pull out vegetables and pots that I'll be using. I chop up some vegetables and start making rice. I cook the vegetables and small amount of meat. I put the food on the plates and put them down at the table. I then grab multiple bowls and fill them with rice.

I then put two bowls on the table and call out to Sato-san and Michikatsu that dinner is ready. They soon come into the room and start eating. I leave them to eat and grab my food and Michi-sans food, along with Yoriichi's portion in my bowl.

Before I leave to Michi-san's room I state "I'll be helping Michi-san eat and keep her company today. Leave the dishes at the table I'll come collect them when I'm done." I say and walk into the halls making my way to her room.

I knock on her door and enter closing the door behind me. "Michi-san, dinner is ready and I have your medicine here too." I say and place down the tray with our food and medicine. She sits up with Yoriichi's help and coughs. "Thank you."

I hand her the medicine and a cup of tea. She takes her medicine and goes into a coughing fit. I oat her back a bit and she calms down. I take the cup of tea and place it down handing her food to Yoriichi.

Yoriichi picks up the chopsticks and starts feeding his mom. She slowly eats and finishes her meal. Yoriichi places her down on her futon as she goes back to sleep. The boy passes me back the bowl and I place it down on the tray. I then pick up my bowl and start eating.

I pick up a vegetable and hold it infront of Yoriichi. I motion my chopsticks and put it closer to his mouth and he complys with opening his mouth and eating it. I smile and continue eating my food, feeding him as well.

After we're done eating, I put the dishes on the tray and pat Yoriichi's head leaving the room. I make my way back to the dinning room to pick up the dishes and see Sato-san reading.

I head to the table and start picking up the dishes. Before I could head to the kitchen Sato-san stops me. "Mizuki, when you are done, give me the scraps in the kitchen if there is any." I nod my head and make my way to the kitchen.

I place the dishes in the sink and put some scraps in a bowl and head out of the kitchen to bring it Sato-san. "Here Sato-san." I say and place the bowl down at the table. He looks up and nods his head dismissing me and taking the bowl.

I leave the room and go to find Michikatsu. I walk around the house looking to see if he is outside or in his room. I first head off to the backyard.

I see a Michikastu practicing again and I smile. "Michikatsu-san!" I say and he stops to look at me. He smiles a little but back, "Hi Mizuki-san." He replys with.

"Sorry to disturb your practice." I say as I head over to the boy. He shakes his head and continues on practicing his sword. "Say Michikastu....Do you think I could become strong one day and be able to defeat strong individuals?" I say worried about my progress.

He glances at me continuing swinging his sword. "Yes, I believe if you keep working hard and do extra amount of training then it will pay off. He says, I could hear the sincerity with it. I smile at him brightly. "Thanks Michikatsu! Then! Let me spare with you!" I say happily.

I see him chuckle and walk over to the sword rack and toss the wooden sword at me. "Then come at me." Michikatsu states. I smirk "Of Course!"