[He didn't expect anyone to believe him, but he always hoped they would. It was hard enough putting what he felt into words that wouldn't scare everyone away, but talking about things that scared him was nearly impossible. It hurt too many people and then their faces changed. He hated watching people look at him, waiting for the day when he wasted away. The pity and sorrow was too much for him to handle.

Hijikata had taught him how to kill, but no one had taught him how to grieve.

With the smile stuck on his face like a picture frozen on a television, Souji shook his head.]

I'm samurai - it isn't quite the same as military, but it is close.

[He looked down at Saizou who was staring up at him as he lifted the water bottle from the ground and straightened up. The pig stepped forward and craned its neck back to look at its master.]

As for what I was hiding from? I was hiding from you.

[He turned his gaze to Cliff and tried to bring his light tone back from the grave. He even managed a small laugh.]

I'm apparently not as good at hide and seek as I used to be. Is it your turn to hide now? Or do you not need to do it as much as I do.