Snippet #1306729

Sumio crossed his arms over his bandaged chest as Tezuka spoke, watching him stride over to a large tree. He had to admit that he enjoyed being taught by his friend rather than the teachers in the academy, unlike them, there was no disdain or resentment gleaming over his friends eyes. They were equals, and he respected him more than he could ever express. As Tezuka struck the tree, it gave a splintering groan before lurching forward, shaking the ground beneath his sandaled feet. He couldn't help but smile appreciatively, he wanted to do the same but knew if he injured his hand—it wouldn't heal as quickly as anyone else, it was true that he could use his own body as a deadly weapon, but its self-destructive repercussions were far too high. Even his friend urged him not to use his clans abilities. Walking closer to the fallen tree, he analyzed it, the trajectory, the explosive punch. He wanted to be able to utilize his body as much as his friend could. As his friend praised his passion, his weak smile fell into a frown. He knew the way the conversation was turning, and his mind thumped in protest. Opening his mouth to argue, he closed it and stared hard at the tree. Unfortunately, Tezuka was right.

“How can I expect to get stronger, if I keep worrying about my body?” Sumio questioned quietly, he hadn't noticed his hands gripping into white-knuckled fists. Someday, he knew, his weakness would bring his friend down. His weakness and ailments posed as a threat to his friend, someday if he couldn't protect himself, he knew his friend would risk his life to protect him. The thought made him sick. However, he released the tension in his fists and ran a shaky hand through his hair, a nervous habit he'd acquire over the years. “But you're right, as much as I hate to admit it,” He added, with a withering sigh. Moving towards his hakama, he slipped it over his slender shoulders and swung the scarf around his neck. He took a few steps towards his friend before adjusting his hakama.
“You better keep that promise,” Sumio dictated, nodding his head with a wary smile, “Or else I'll be left in the dust, and pretty pissed.” He couldn't help but feel disappointed at passing up a chance to train with Tezuka, but they had all the time in the world, and he knew that his friend always kept his promises. It was “his way of the ninja” or something like that. Standing there like that, he couldn't help but be reminded of the two boys they'd been years before, promising they'd be the best.

“Alright, let's go see what she wants.”

((XD I can make a random Sand Ninja for ya, Kaida, so Kouta's not so lonely! ))