[It's pandemonium by the time the apples find their targets, and while the force isn't enough to knock the boys to their knees, all three of them yelp and cry out from the sudden pain. Sanji's mouth drops open in dumb surprise.]
Wha-- who did that?
Who is it?! Who dares--
When we find you--!!
[These are boys being groomed for top positions in their father's personal army one day, and for all their bullying, it becomes clear why Sanji is never able to defend himself. They split up, honed in on the spot where the apples came from, and growl like murderous wolves when the search comes up empty. Ichiji rounds right back on Sanji when he's close enough, gripping the smaller boy by the front of his robes]
Who was that? They didn't hit you!
Or me. [Reiju pipes up, and her voice sounds disinterested. She stares idly at the trees with her eyebrows raised] Really, Ichiji. I bet it's some stupid village boy who thinks he can steal our fruit. [She gives a shrug of her shoulders] But even they wouldn't bother with Sanji. Look at how surprised he is.
[Ichiji turns to glare at her, but it's momentary. Apparently, Reiju still holds some authority as the oldest. She doesn't really defend Sanji so much as deflect further punishment, and with an angry shove, Ichiji sends the smaller boy toppling into the ground]
Yeah... no one'd be stupid enough to be friends with him. [He folds his arms.] Look at you. Father'll whip you good for those dirty robes. [And with a laugh and an added kick to coat Sanji with another layer of dirt, Ichiji turns around to address his siblings] C'mon, Father wants us back immediately.
[They're still laughing to each other when they start to leave; only Reiju bothers to turn around, once, looking at Sanji before her eyes glance about the trees]
no subject
Wha-- who did that?
Who is it?! Who dares--
When we find you--!!
[These are boys being groomed for top positions in their father's personal army one day, and for all their bullying, it becomes clear why Sanji is never able to defend himself. They split up, honed in on the spot where the apples came from, and growl like murderous wolves when the search comes up empty. Ichiji rounds right back on Sanji when he's close enough, gripping the smaller boy by the front of his robes]
Who was that? They didn't hit you!
Or me. [Reiju pipes up, and her voice sounds disinterested. She stares idly at the trees with her eyebrows raised] Really, Ichiji. I bet it's some stupid village boy who thinks he can steal our fruit. [She gives a shrug of her shoulders] But even they wouldn't bother with Sanji. Look at how surprised he is.
[Ichiji turns to glare at her, but it's momentary. Apparently, Reiju still holds some authority as the oldest. She doesn't really defend Sanji so much as deflect further punishment, and with an angry shove, Ichiji sends the smaller boy toppling into the ground]
Yeah... no one'd be stupid enough to be friends with him. [He folds his arms.] Look at you. Father'll whip you good for those dirty robes. [And with a laugh and an added kick to coat Sanji with another layer of dirt, Ichiji turns around to address his siblings] C'mon, Father wants us back immediately.
[They're still laughing to each other when they start to leave; only Reiju bothers to turn around, once, looking at Sanji before her eyes glance about the trees]