[ . . . It's a cutting answer, whether Sousei intended it to be or not. The surprise shows on Tenka's face, though he's come to have enough self-control around Sousei by now to keep the hurt from seeping through. Is it really that hard to believe in him?
Soramaru and Chuutarou had always believed in him entirely, but they were his little brothers and Tenka would do everything in his power to protect and guide them. Shirasu never truly questioned him when it counted either, but what did that mean when now apparently Shirasu betrayed their family and therefore Tenka? But Sousei is his partner, the one who he stands with on equal footing and can give Tenka the most direct and honest opinion possible. And that answer is that it's hard to believe in him.
Well, Tenka supposes he hasn't given him much reason to - ten years of separation and unhappy reunions taken into account.
Ah, what a sad soul he is, to have his own partner doubt him. But that's a negative well of emotion, something the Orochi would feast on, and isn't that exactly what Tenka is trying to avoid?
So his own personal brand of medicine shines through as he manages a laugh, weak as it is but he's never really allowed himself to be devoid of hope and energy. That's when he would truly lose, after all.
In exchange for Sousei's faith in him, Tenka will trade something else in exchange. A simple admittance.]
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Soramaru and Chuutarou had always believed in him entirely, but they were his little brothers and Tenka would do everything in his power to protect and guide them. Shirasu never truly questioned him when it counted either, but what did that mean when now apparently Shirasu betrayed their family and therefore Tenka? But Sousei is his partner, the one who he stands with on equal footing and can give Tenka the most direct and honest opinion possible. And that answer is that it's hard to believe in him.
Well, Tenka supposes he hasn't given him much reason to - ten years of separation and unhappy reunions taken into account.
Ah, what a sad soul he is, to have his own partner doubt him. But that's a negative well of emotion, something the Orochi would feast on, and isn't that exactly what Tenka is trying to avoid?
So his own personal brand of medicine shines through as he manages a laugh, weak as it is but he's never really allowed himself to be devoid of hope and energy. That's when he would truly lose, after all.
In exchange for Sousei's faith in him, Tenka will trade something else in exchange. A simple admittance.]
I still don't want to die, Sousei.