Mirai turned to the student with a smile at this. "That was much better," he congratulated. "Keep trying. Try - be at ease in your own skin. I have to observe that your stance is getting better also. Keep it up."

He spoke in such a gentle and friendly way that he would have looked like a saint no matter what he was doing. He also plucked with utmost skill an arrow from her quiver. Far from desiring to make a game of their close contact, he simply handed it over. But there was something he did want - and wickedness came to his eyes. They seemed to pay her all of his attention.

Then his interest was gone. Gently he let go, stepping back and leaving her arms in mid-air. He turned on his heel and stared at Miyume.

"Excellent," he said. His eyes settled on her with the expression he knew what she was thinking. "Thank you for coming. It's a pleasure to see you here."