You're far too kind with your praise - I've had time to practice is all. I have a friend who is quite skilled and he's had less time to learn than me.

[Akira, who picks up any new task or hobby with bizarre ease. It doesn't matter what - coffee brewing, billiards, retro games, and any sort of item that has to be created by hand. They're almost rivals sometimes, in the way Akechi needs to work to keep up. It's fun. Drives him to do better at every opportunity. Makes Akira the first person he drags to a new game room opening or some bizarre event - after he has time to practice first. To one up him before he even sets eyes on the rules. To-

Find a way to jam those rusty lockpicks straight into his throat - make him pay for-

Everything. Akechi drags him to everything.

And Maruki who takes the advice with grace, despite the vast difference in their age. A remarkable improvement in every way by only his second turn. The numbers on the board dwindle down and-

He comes over with a raised hand - there's no hesitation as he meets that action and high fives with a gentle, soft pat against his palm. It's common to do. He's been watching other players as well.

Sick to his stomach. Nausea overwhelming and-

He drops his hand, smile genuine across his face.]

While I'll accept my hand in offering advice, you can't teach someone to listen to it. If there's credit, it lies with you and you alone. You did quite well for a second try.

[Back to the mat - darts in hand yet again. One bullseye, two in the quadrants next to it.]

I heard somewhere a high five actually raises your skill level. It sounds ridiculous, but I imagine it has to do with the elation of success and the brain chemistry surrounding that.

[He raises a hand up - ready-

To break his fingers, break his arm, rip him apart-

For another high five.]

Good luck.