[ he brightens at the invitation, bobbing his head in a nod. ] Kotarou-san, then. Goodness, it's been such a long time since I've heard the Fuuma name.. [ he breathes a startled little laugh. ] Normally, I don't think much of my age, but times like this remind me that I'm actually something of an old man, myself.

[ older in some ways than some of the older blades. considering the things he and his brothers have been through--

but that's nothing he wants to focus on at the moment. instead, he shifts a little, meeting the other man's gaze again. ] Ah, if I may.. were you approached by those in charge here? I find it difficult to believe that they would take me from my owner and simply leave me here with no true aim or orders. [ what is a weapon without a master? and if any human would understand that, it might be someone from the fuuma clan, he'd think. ]