[He almost asks "like who" but decides it's not worth it. If Izuminokami felt that a name was important, he'd give one. As it is, he frowns quietly because he knows he has a point.]
I always thought the philosophy was about "if you can, do" myself, but...I don't know. I haven't really had time to deal with most of what's happened over the last year so this place isn't unfamiliar. Figured I could deal later when it was over, but maybe it'll never be over.
...are you going to think differently of me if I don't know how to do that yet?
Mm... That often seems to be the case for humans, doesn't it? It never ends until your lives do, but then do you ever figure things out?
[ that might be a harsh way to put it, but as a sword, he doesn't have much more context than that. it's for that reason that he shrugs at junpei's question. ]
It would be a bit hypocritical for me to do that, wouldn't it? I may be a few centuries old, but I've only had a human body and the heart that comes with it for a few years. I couldn't claim to be an expert on how to handle it.
But that's how being human is, isn't it? [ this time, it's a genuine question. he'd like to know what the actual human thinks about such human things. ] You don't always know the right answer, but you do the best you can and figure it out as you go - it's kind of like a battle of its own.
Even those who've lived for decades as humans can't claim to be an expert because the human condition is always changing. [Just. Tiredly.] But that's how being human is. You're right. You spend your whole life deciding if the choices you've made are the correct ones and what can be done with them. Sometimes they're the wrong ones, or they're a path you have to fix.
I've never thought of living as a battle until recently, but...that's a good way to describe it.
The flow of battle is always changing. You can try to plan for every scenario, but that doesn’t mean it will work out. Sooner or later, you have to make it up as you go, even if nothing goes wrong - though something often does.
[ he smiles. ]
Whatever you choose to do, Junpei… If it makes your heart feel heavy, don’t suffer it by yourself. Even a leader needs to be supported, once in a while. You’re welcome to come to me, if you like - and I’ll find a way to make you smile again.
[That's...kind of sweet. He just gives off a half-smile because he's grateful even if uncertain.]
Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. [He'll always be bad at sharing, but he can make an attempt.] But what about you? Who're you talking to when things get worse around here?
[He's not letting Kanesada out of this so easily, it seems.]
[ he'll just brush that off with a wave of his hand. ]
Don't worry about me. There are four other swords here I can talk to, if I need to - and a few others, as well. A team works best when they can lean on each other when things get difficult, you know. It's the way of the Shinsengumi.
[ he's including junpei on that list, of course. ]
Why doesn't that surprise me? [But he sounds more amused than anything.] I'm glad to hear it though. What choice do I have then than to try and act the same?
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I always thought the philosophy was about "if you can, do" myself, but...I don't know. I haven't really had time to deal with most of what's happened over the last year so this place isn't unfamiliar. Figured I could deal later when it was over, but maybe it'll never be over.
...are you going to think differently of me if I don't know how to do that yet?
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[ that might be a harsh way to put it, but as a sword, he doesn't have much more context than that. it's for that reason that he shrugs at junpei's question. ]
It would be a bit hypocritical for me to do that, wouldn't it? I may be a few centuries old, but I've only had a human body and the heart that comes with it for a few years. I couldn't claim to be an expert on how to handle it.
But that's how being human is, isn't it? [ this time, it's a genuine question. he'd like to know what the actual human thinks about such human things. ] You don't always know the right answer, but you do the best you can and figure it out as you go - it's kind of like a battle of its own.
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I've never thought of living as a battle until recently, but...that's a good way to describe it.
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[ he smiles. ]
Whatever you choose to do, Junpei… If it makes your heart feel heavy, don’t suffer it by yourself. Even a leader needs to be supported, once in a while. You’re welcome to come to me, if you like - and I’ll find a way to make you smile again.
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Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. [He'll always be bad at sharing, but he can make an attempt.] But what about you? Who're you talking to when things get worse around here?
[He's not letting Kanesada out of this so easily, it seems.]
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Don't worry about me. There are four other swords here I can talk to, if I need to - and a few others, as well. A team works best when they can lean on each other when things get difficult, you know. It's the way of the Shinsengumi.
[ he's including junpei on that list, of course. ]
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[Try is the operative word here.]
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[ he smiles. the shinsengumi are, perhaps, predictable. ]
I know what’s worked best for me and my comrades in the past, that’s all. And all I can ask for is that you try.
[ he’ll dip his head into a slight bow. ]
Your efforts will not go unappreciated, Junpei.
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Thanks. I'll keep you posted on what works for me...if I ever find it.