[Hizen receives a flat, bemused stare from Matoba in reference to the chicken; he gets it quickly enough, but-- still--] Chicken, [He repeats, eyebrow lifting.]

[The sword is a comedian. Matoba's mouth curls, and he stuffs some icy treat into it to keep from laughing.]

Do you think I get attached to such things? [He asks genuinely, because he's fairly certain Hizen knows better.] We each have our orders.

However, it is possible to follow orders and also have ...extra-curricular interests, Hizen-kun.

I don't believe for a moment that you have nothing outside of your orders, loyal as you are.