[fortunately for Akechi, Will has no reason to believe he is lying about this one specific thing. so he merely nods. . . then unsheathes his sword, gloved fingers holding the hilt tightly as he balances the flat of the blade against his other palm]

I learned at a young age. [he recalls those memories clearly-- drills in the middle of the forest alongside his best friend, who was leagues ahead of him in talent when it came to swordplay] . . . not all are as fortunate as I was, though.

Where I come from, not learning how to wield a weapon can be a death sentence.

[a sharp shing echoes in the room as Will suddenly slices the blade through the air, allowing it to come to rest at his side, light glinting off the metal]

The drills require strict mental focus. It's easy to get lost in hours of practice if one isn't paying attention.

Would you care for me to teach you?