As my foot is about to touch Mito's chin, he pivots and allows his momentum to swing him away. Again, Mito reacts with an instinctual action.
Mito flips back to a safe distance once more, and we both pause. Shiki erupts with laughter and applause once more. Unfortunately, it seems like he's only here to laugh and enjoy rather than assist my growth.
Mito: "Whoo! Nice try, Adachi! You're a freakishly quick learner, do you know that?"
Adachi: "Well, I had just realized the secret behind your movements is a lack of conscious thought."
Mito: "Precisely! The more you allow your movements to be subconscious, the more conscious thought you'll have for critical decision-making! Honestly... I've been training here for over ten years, and you've nearly caught me on the first day."
Adachi: "I don't plan to be weak for too long, so prepare yourself!"
Mito and I continue to play tag for the remainder of the day. Every time I come close to catching him, he tries a little harder than before.
Shiki: "Alright! That's enough!"
Adachi: "What?! But I was just about to catch him!"
Mito: "Pah! You wish! That's not gonna happen anytime soon."
Shiki: "Enough! That's enough, both of you! Who's going to make me supper if Mito is out here playing tag?! It's been 8 hours!"
I look towards the horizon, where the sun has begun to set. I hadn't even realized we were training for this long, let alone 8 hours. Then, all of a sudden, I become aware of how sore and hungry I've become.
A half-hour later, I've showered and changed clothes. Leaving my room, I smell an aroma that has become familiar to me. It's potatoes, chicken, and gravy. Sitting around the table, we all eat and laugh. Telling stories and enjoying each other's company, I feel that I've finally found myself a family. I have to become strong enough that even I can protect this dojo.