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gyaxaOscar: “Stress Elimination Method: Mentor Style—”
(Sparring Brad & Oscar)
Brad: Let’s up the pace, Oscar. There’s no point in holding back.
Oscar: I’m not trying to hold back… Well then, how’s this?! Haah!
Brad: Hah, hah… That’s a good offensive. Alright, come at me some more!
That turned out to be a good practice. There really is a lot of merit in sparring with you.
Oscar: It's an honor to hear that. Brad-sama, here’s some water.
Brad: Thanks. By the way, Oscar, you have tomorrow off, right? Do you have any plans?
Oscar: Huh? Let’s see… I’ve been thinking that it’s about time to redo my training menu, so I was thinking about working on that.
Brad: I see…
Oscar: Um, Brad-sama… Is something the matter? It’s rare for you to ask about my plans for my days off…
Brad: The truth is, I got back the results of the stress check from Headquarters today.
Oscar: Stress check? Ah, that thing we filled out a few days ago, right?
Could it be that there was something wrong with the rookies’—
Brad: Nothing stood out in particular on the rookies’ results.
Akira got a stress level of 100% and his results were marked as needing attention, so I got worried for a moment, but it turns out he checked all the things he didn’t mean to check by accident.
Oscar: Akira… He asked me how to answer the questions so I showed him how, but to think he would still make such a blunder… My sincerest apologies.
Brad: You don’t need to apologize. I didn’t want to talk about Akira’s situation, in any case.
Oscar, your results turned up a stress level of 60%, which needs to be checked up on.
Oscar: Huh, mine…?
Brad: Based on that reaction, I’m guessing you weren’t aware of it.
That’s right… rather, I’ve never thought the idea of stress had anything to do with me…
The fact that you got this result without even being aware of it might prove to be problematic… to put it another way, this is worrisome.
Oscar: W-Worrisome…? T-There is no need for you to worry yourself over this!
Brad: For starters, don’t do any work tomorrow and just rest.
Oscar: H-However!
Brad: We don’t know if work is the cause just yet, so try taking a break so we can find out.
Oscar: I can’t imagine work being the cause, but If Brad-sama wishes me to, I shall comply.
Brad: Yeah, please do.
Are there any things you do to reduce your stress normally?
Oscar: To reduce stress…? Nothing in particular comes to mind.
Brad: I suppose if you weren’t aware of your stress, it would be expected for you to not have a method to reduce stress.
Is there anything you do when you’re looking for a change of pace? Like going for a walk or listening to music.
Oscar: Walk… music?
Ah, come to think of it, the rookies said they were planning on training tomorrow, so joining them sounds like a good plan—
Brad: Doesn’t that count as work?
Oscar: Y-You’re right…
Brad: Heh, I guess you’re not the type to leave your comfort zone.
Oscar: Um, how do you eliminate your stress?
Brad: Me? Let me think… If I’m feeling a little stressed, sitting in Zazen and meditating helps me feel better. I’ll also take my car on a drive and go to some enjoyable places to let off steam.
Oscar: I see! It’s very impressive that you have a proper method to eliminate your stress!
Brad: Now’s not the time to be impressed. You should take the time to come up with your own method.
I’d take you for a drive somewhere if I had time… Well, if there’s anything else I can help you with, don’t hesitate to ask.
Oscar: That’s… I couldn’t have you go out of your way—!
Brad: Maybe this kind of thing is an issue too.
Oscar: Huh?
Brad: You have a habit of being way too considerate of me. Being overly conscientious when it comes to other people is a common cause of stress.
Oscar: You’re wrong! That can’t be true!
Brad: Oscar…?
Oscar: I do this because I want to—or rather, it comes as naturally as breathing to me!
I’ll follow your order to take a break from work and rest, but I won’t oblige in an order to not be considerate of you!
…I-I’m so sorry, Brad-sama! I would never dare to speak back to—
Brad: Heh, Don’t fret like that. So you can’t stop being considerate of me even if I order you to, huh? Thinking back on it, it’s not like I ordered you to act like that either.
I got it. If you’re acting like that because you want to, I won’t say anything.
Oscar: B-Brad-sama…
Brad: If taking a step back from your work turns out to be a source of anguish for you, then—
Oscar: Um, Brad-sama! I’ve come up with a way to relieve my stress!
Brad: Hm, what is it?
Oscar: Sparring with you. I think trading blows with you has a lot of merits, and I always feel full of bliss when we finish a session!
Brad: I see. Then how does another round sound?
Oscar: W-Would you be willing to join?!
Brad: I’d have no problem joining you for a spar. If you’d be okay with me, I’ll accompany you until your stress alleviates.
Oscar: T-Thank you very much, Brad-sama! Your assistance is very much appreciated!
