["It is our purpose", he says, and Sousei's eyes slowly slide shut in response. It isn't the first time he's heard that from one of them, but there were always other things happening t the time that prevented him from really listening. But now...

He can't accept that.

His purpose, as a child of the Abe family, had been to be Orochi bait, and then die when his purpose was finished. He had had no other purpose. The thought of someone living by a single purpose that they believe was given to them honestly leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.

He doesn't care if they're swords given life. They're people nonetheless, clearly with preferences and beliefs. It's enough.]

Living by someone else's purpose is unnecessary. [It's said simply, and honestly, he knows it's not easy. He knows when you're given a purpose and you believe all your life that that is what it is, then you stick to it, because it's frightening when there's nothing else.

But he also knows that it's dangerous to cling to a purpose that does not allow you to live your life. So he's blunt, but....this is something that he has experienced for himself, and is something very important to him in the end.]

You do not have a master here. That means you may choose what you make of your life here. If you do not wish to fight--then do not fight.

[And...back home as well, he thinks, but that's probably enough bluntness for now, especially because he's aware he's basically lecturing a sword that is hundreds of years old, ah.

Well.

He doesn't take any of it back.]