"Now, on the positive side," Greaves continued, "you do have good instincts. Your reactions, while untrained, were quick. Your physique is excellent—I'd say among the best I've seen in years, actually. Natural athleticism, good proportions for swordwork. You look like a hard worker, I hope you are."
He met Yamamoto's eyes directly. "The question is: are you willing to start from the beginning? To unlearn bad habits and build proper foundations? Because that's what you'll need to do. It won't be glamorous. It won't be quick, but if you commit to it, I can make you into a real swordsman. If your answer is no, then you have no place here."
That was awfully brutal and raw, but Yamamoto didn't mind. His pride was a bit bruised, but pride wasn't a particularly useful skill in life and death battles, so he did what anyone with a few brain cells and above would do—drop his pride aside and get ready to learn.
"I'll commit," Yamamoto said. "Whatever it takes."
