[ Life in Revachol has dictated that Kim is no stranger to hearing all manner of tragic stories, varied and macabre. Life in Revachol has, too, dictated that he's aware that much of the tragedy is generational; you don't generally peel underage addicts off the sidewalk with the knowledge that you're sending them home to a happy, healthy home. Unhappiness seems to be their birthright, inheriting their parents' regrets and bad habits, shouldering their debts and responsibilities.

So in a way, what Matoba describes is not a surprise, provided that he accept the reality of Matoba's life. In another way, it's usually not quite so literal; even one trapped by the expectations of their ancestors are able to find a way out without feeling as though the balance of life itself hangs in the balance. Those who pursue them may be old crime associates or debt collecters, not... demons.

Matoba seems to speak of it in stride, so Kim certainly won't voice any unwanted pity. It is a sad lot, though. It also reaffirms how little Kim thinks of supra-natural matters; it should never be someone's duty to deal with something just because they're one of the few special people who were born that way. ]

So even if you chose not to pursue this line of work, you'd be affected anyway. I doubt that the ayakishi who hold grudges are willing to accept that you've chosen a different career path. [ He watches Matoba cut at the streamers thoughtfully. ] Being here must be as alien for you as it is for me. That expectation hasn't followed you here. Would I be right in assuming that the ones with grudges against your family haven't followed you here either?