Mm, I'm keeping him out of trouble if anything else. He needs a gentle, but firm hand. ...There's someone else I'd like you to meet, too.

[Out of most people he's talked to about this, Tomo is probably one of the most that makes him nervous. How can he tell him how broken he'd left him and how long it had taken him to heal when his friend was here and in front of him, like that horrible day never transpired?

But Kazuha has the scars to remind him it happened, his hand burned and the cuts from shogunate blades, tucked out of sight. He's gentle as he reaches up, taking Tomo's hand out of his mouth.]

It's not polite to chew your nails. [He chastises, but his hand lingers on his own for a moment too long, wrapped fingers stroking over his palm before he lets it go.]

It's hanami season here. I'm sure the inspiration will strike me.

[Once his heart has calmed, at least. He hums, thoughtfully, his steps taking them a little bit further away from the festival.]

If we take a boat across the water, we'll be in Little Edo and from there I can take you further into Tokyo.