Benjamin had woken up uneasily that morning. He could feel a sore throat coming on from the day prior and he was still undecided as to whether or not he might join the mafia. It was all up in the air. He got dressed that morning and, taking his bag and sword and a hastily put together bagel sandwich, headed to morning fencing. He spent the next three hours sparring and taking advice from the two owners of the team. His form was flawless but he hesitated after parrying and that moment cost of hesitation him at least six matches, amongst other critical yet minor flaws. He was only a little better than the average duelist. He took an hour for lunch and silently went over all his mistakes and betrayed himself for each. He couldn't improve if he didn't fix his mistakes, his bad habits. There was no way he'd ever land a trophy. What did that say about a Mafia career? If he couldn't win enough in the one thing he took joy in, how would he win in something criminal?
Deciding to go back to practice, he knew at least two others would stay a few hours after. One of the owners would be sparring with one of the overachievers. Well now Benjamin was one of those. He let his frustration take control during the next few matches. It cost him a handful of wins but the owner picked up in the newfound drive. After pointing out one hole Benjamin's kept leaving in his defense, Ben took the fastest win any of them had seen, lashing out with the last remains of his frustration, but using it to fuel his power and not letting it cloud his thoughts. His strike was fast and precise and it slapped the owner's forehead. The victory went to Ben and at that he'd decided. After changing back into his clothes, he pulled his jacket tight and tucked in his shirt as he walked to Naoto's house, bag over his shoulder and sheathe on his hip.
Naoto's mother was polite and kind, much like his own. She offered him tea and it appeared he were a tad early for their meeting. Waiting at the kitchen's table, he made light conversation with the pink-haired boy's mother and the other Guardians as they arrived.
"I'm here meeting with you and Sonya. I imagine they're here to do the same." Benjamin said after Naoto burst downstairs. "The real question is why are you still in bed after noon? With that he finished his tea and graciously accepted a second.