[ he's thought about the sort of person that guy might be a few times since he's known hizen is someone who exists, so would he really have the answers? if the sword he carries right now were to suddenly become like hizen, what would that person think? it's hizen speaking up again that shakes him out of those thoughts and he peers at him curiously to see if he was going to add anything else.

... and as a matter of fact, he does. only it's a punch to the shoulder. when will he learn to anticipate further violence? judging by his track record with the people he goes out of his way to surround himself with... never? ryouma holds his hands up as a sign of surrender after the second hit, but he just laughs and puts on his best pleading face. ]

Sorry, sorry! But, I have to ask—... you really believe that?

[ he ducks down a little and holds his hands up again because he anticipates it this time because he's already been struck twice. ]

That probably sounds stupid, doesn't it? From my perspective, I've never really... stopped? I thought that's what I've been doing, trying to finish what I started.

[ so imagine his surprise. he knows what people call him — hero of the restoration — but it's like someone's pinned a badge to his chest. he knows it's there but he doesn't really feel it. it's not as if he's experienced time in a linear fashion or anything, so if what hizen says is true he has a lot to think about and no idea where to start.

... so he decides he might as well start with what's right in front of him, and so ryouma gets a fresh toothpick and spears one of the castella still in his cup, offering it out to hizen. ]

To make it up to you. I'll get you another order for all the trouble if you want.