Ah. [ ... he's about to ask if that was at all negative?? but, from context alone it's clear that is not the point of this activity. hence, he decides to take a mental step back to evaluate her advice. which, is actually completely sound.

it was interesting to be someone's student again, and he supposed if he was to learn under anyone, musashi would be an excellent choice. but, he supposed it's precisely this line of thinking that's creating these issues. temporarily placing them aside. ] That is an accurate assessment as that's exactly what I wanted. [ at least, he's honest?? ] But, I do see your point. [ he seems to commit this to memory, before— ]

Then, if I mask ask, how do I appear less "intimidating"?