[Honō Kojirou]

Reflexes… yeah, those came with time, right? The ability to anticipate the opponent’s attacks, coupled with the skill to respond in time, efficiently and accordingly to one’s strategy… would Kojirou be able to improve his combat reflexes in time?

In time… in time for what? The Chūnin Exams? Did the young swordsman look like Chūnin material at this point? It still required a team... or did it? No, it didn’t specifically, but... Kojirou had wanted to use that excuse for a long time. Maybe he was afraid.

But here he was, throwing blows at another Chūnin – and a Hyūga at that – and he just felt like taking a break after some hard work and vigorous training, something that the swordsman did on the daily. That was when it finally clicked in him, something that he should’ve realized a long time ago-

He had no excuse at this point. He was about to bring shame to his clan if he continued down this deserted path of clinging to his safe space, undesiring to test his mettle outside his comfort zone. He was a caged individual, bound by his own sense of guilt and inferiority that had no real basis or leverage to keep him down.

Kojirou was blanking, but he just noticed Shigure-senpai bidding farewell – the Hyūga was planning to return to the Leaf tomorrow, so he could no longer stay with him here. It was almost sad, especially since they went through a mission and a training and had already become friends. Kojirou quickly bowed towards the waving senpai and mustered up a wide smile.

"I’ll be much stronger next time! Wait and see!”

WC: 274
[Exit]