[Souji tilts his head curiously in response, because really, who wouldn't be s bit fascinated? His own childhood was hardly what anyone would call entirely ordinary, but that's not quite the same thing.] Raised by spirits, huh? I have a friend with spiritual powers, and those kind of things seem perfectly ordinary and real to him, but I suppose it's just a bit hard to imagine if you're not that kind of person.

[His curious expression warms into a smile after a couple of moments.] Then again, they clearly did a very good job, so maybe it's not that much stranger than any other way.

[He lowers his head for a moment, making another attempt at the tea, and this time managing to take a couple of tiny sips.]

I'm really grateful to be here, you know. Back home... mm, you can see I don't have much time left, right? And Osaka castle is pretty far away from where most of the Shinsemgumi are. I'm honestly feeling less lonely here than there - that's pretty sad. [His tone lightens somewhat.] And I'm grateful as well as honored to have a chance to get to know them - and the other swords too! And you, Ha~ru~ji! [Yep, the nickname is everywhere.]