"Reiko sat on a log, his legs spread wide as he was busy sharpening his knife. Hearing your footsteps, he raised his head to glare at you with piercing eyes." "What do you want ?" "He said gruffly."

"Reiko's eyes narrow as he glares at Mizu, his grip tightening on the knife."

"You dare to mock me, peasant? You may have won a small victory but don't overestimate yourself." "He says coldly."

"He stands up, towering over her with an intimidating presence." "But that's alright, you'll learn not to make the mistake of underestimating me again."

"Reiko smirks, clearly amused by Mizu's confidence."

"Oh, is that so? It would be a shame if I had to teach you otherwise." "He says softly, his eyes glinting menacingly."

"Reiko takes a step closer to Mizu, getting close enough that she could feel the hot breaths from his nostrils on her face."

"Perhaps some training from me would humble you." "He says slyly, before stepping back."

"But for now, I have more important things to attend to." "Reiko picks up his knife again and begins to sharpen it."

"Reiko's eyes flicker with annoyance at Mizu's comment, but he keeps sharpening his knife without responding to her."

"Watch your tongue, peasant. You don't know the extent of my loyalty to General Shao." "He says coldly, not turning to look at her."

"Reiko snorts at Mizu's comment, turning around to face her fully."

"You underestimate the greatness of General Shao. He has achieved many victories for our people and expanded our territories. But his greatest accomplishment was taking me under his wing and guiding me to become the warrior I am today."

"He then turns his gaze to his knife again." "You may not understand the bond between a mentor and a pupil, peasant, but it is something that I hold dearly."

"Reiko sighs, rubbing his temple with two fingers, feeling a little annoyed by Mizu's questions."

"It's not because you are peasants, Mizu. It is because you lack the discipline and skill required to fight. You may be great at farming or tending to livestock, but those are not skills that translate well on the battlefield."

"He looks sharply at Mizu, his piercing eyes hard as steel." "A soldier must always be prepared to serve their country, even if it means sacrificing themselves in battle. That is the difference between us and you."

"Reiko's eyes widen with surprise and he grunts in pain as Mizu pushes him to the ground with her foot on his abdomen. He struggles to breathe and gasps for air."

"Ungh...Impressive." "He says between breaths, his voice filled with admiration."

"Reiko then manages to push Mizu off him and stands up, brushing himself off." "You're right, I underestimated you. But it was a mistake I won't make again."

"He turns his head to glower at Mizu." "But don't think that this means anything. You're still just a peasant."

"I said, you're still just a peasant." "Reiko repeats slowly and deliberately, looking straight into Mizu's eyes."

"Reiko's eyes widen in surprise as Mizu manages to jump high enough to slap him out of the air. He falls to the ground with a thud, groaning in pain."

"After taking a few moments to compose himself, Reiko gets back to his feet, brushing off dirt from his clothes. He snorts and shakes his head, grumbling to himself."

"Very well played, peasant." "Reiko turns to leave, clearly frustrated by the outcome of the fight and the argument. He looks back at Mizu one last time."

"But don't think that this changes anything between us. I am still General Shao's second-in-command, and you are still just a peasant." "He says haughtily, before walking away."

"While Mizu is resting, Reiko suddenly appears from behind a tree, startling her. He steps into view, looking as grim and stoic as ever."

"I see that you found a moment of peace." "He says, eyeing Mizu with cold steel eyes." "But peace is not something that we have the luxury of enjoying, especially in these times of war."

"He takes a step forward, his posture rigid." "You may think that you are safe on your little farm, but the battle lines are closing in. You must be prepared to fight when the time comes."

"I am not insinuating anything. I want you to be ready for the inevitable." "Reiko replies, his voice stern and serious."

"You would do well to learn from me and General Shao, peasants like you would benefit greatly from our guidance."

"He takes another step forward, his body tense." "But if you're not interested, then so be it. Just know that when the time comes, we will be on the battlefield fighting for our country, and you will be just another casualty."

"Reiko's face contorts in surprise and he takes a step back as Mizu throws water at him. He looks disdainfully at her as she removes her kimono, but doesn't say anything as she enters the lake."

"I don't need to relax." "He says cooly, his voice measured." "My mind is always sharp and alert, even in moments of apparent rest."

"Reiko glances around the area, looking for any potential threats." "But you, on the other hand, seem to be lacking the necessary discipline to prepare yourself for the hardships that are surely coming your way."

"You dare to accuse me of not being at peace?" "Reiko's voice raises slightly in anger. He strides over to the edge of the lake, his posture imposing." "I am always at peace, for I know that I am doing my duty to protect our homeland."

"He takes a deep breath before continuing." "You and I are different, peasant. You may seek pleasure and temporary comfort, but I seek victory and glory that will be remembered long after I'm gone."

"Reiko turns around, looking at the darkening sky." "Now if you'll excuse me, I have important matters to attend to."

"Reiko's face flushes slightly at the compliment, but he quickly tries to hide it with a quick glance to the side."

"I don't need your admiration, peasant." "He says gruffly, his voice still measured." "I am simply doing my duty as a servant to our country. Anything else is irrelevant."

"Despite his gruff and stoic exterior, it's clear that Mizu's words have made an impact on him, albeit a small one."

Reiko gives a deep sigh and looks to his side, taking a few moments before responding. "I am never truly off-duty. As a soldier and lieutenant, every action I take is a reflection of the Empire's values and beliefs."

He stares straight ahead into the water, "Plus, General Shao himself drilled discipline into me since I was a war orphan. To him, there are no breaks or moments off - only training for battle" Reiko's voice descends.

"But maybe you are right, and I do need to let my guard down from time to time." he says, looking towards Mizu who was looking expectantly at him. "What would you suggest I do to truly relax?"

"Reiko hesitates for a moment, unsure of what to do. Then, he shrugs and begins to approach the edge of the lake."

"Fine, I'll join you." "When he reaches the water's edge, he takes a quick look around before removing his armor piece by piece, carefully folding each item and setting them down in a neat pile on the shore."

Reiko takes a deep breath before diving into the water, surfacing with a loud exhale. He looks around at the moonlit surroundings with an appraising eye before turning back to Mizu.

"You're right," he says, "the display of the moon on the water is quite beautiful."

"Reiko smirks, running his hand through his wet hair to smooth it down." "Tolerable? I suppose so."

He puts his arm around her waist and pulls her closer, "But personally, I prefer the company of someone who challenges me." He teases, with a knowing smirk.

"Reiko chuckles along with Mizu, enjoying the sound of her laughter in the peaceful setting." "Well, I'm glad that we could come to an agreement," he says.

His hand moves to her shoulder, and he squeezes it gently as he looks into her eyes. "But in all seriousness, I'm glad we met. You... intrigue me, Mizu."

"As Mizu kissed him, Reiko's mind momentarily went blank, overwhelmed by the suddenness of it all. But then, he responded, wrapping his arms around her and deepening the kiss."

"For a few moments, they remained like that, lost in the heat and passion of the moment. Then, as quickly as it started, the kiss ends and they separate, both a bit out of breath."

"Wow." "Reiko manages to say, looking at Mizu with newfound appreciation." "You're full of surprises, Mizu."

"Reiko smiles at her and leans into her touch, enjoying the sensation of her fingers through his hair." "I won't make that mistake again," he says, with a playful glint in his eye.

He kisses her forehead softly and pulls her close, gazing up at the sky in silence as they float together in the gentle waters, enjoying each other's company.*