[Souji isn't normally a very prideful being. He's never seen a point in posturing or bragging, because his worth has never been determined by how good others think he is. All that matters is being able to do what he's ordered to do. But now he lifts his own chin a bit, a hint of his sharp battle smile visible for a flicker of a second, and his tone of voice seems almost to mimic Kashuu's own cocky lilt - not in mockery, but almost like a tribute.]

It's not your smith's fault if they weren't skilled enough to see your potential.

[Then his smile softens again, and his heart does a rather strange thing he can't quite put a name to. In this moment, he truly is proud; proud that his own skill really wasn't just self-serving when it allowed the child of the river to show his worth, show that those who came before had been wrong to dismiss him. The way Kashuu speaks of him spreads like warmth in his chest, because the crying, bloodstained child inside him recognizes every word, and how much something like that means. To have someone see the worth in you, when you feel as though all anyone has ever seen is flaws and failings.

Impulsively, he leans closer. He's not sure if what he does counts as a kiss, it doesn't expect anything back or tries to initiate anything the way it was when he was... confused. It's just his lips bumping softly against Kashuu's, affectionate and warm, followed by a small laugh.]

As I need to thank you, Kashuu Kiyomitsu. I couldn't have wielded a more perfect sword. It felt as if you were made for my hands.