We won't be taking your lantern. There isn't any point in playing along with this game. [But Kaoru has no qualms with taking his life if things come to it. He won't kill just because a band of strangers says "kill", but if it's in self-defense, no one can really blame him.

Though his eyes remain evenly fixed on Soujirou, it's clear by the softness in his tone alone that his next words are meant for Chizuru.]

Please stay behind me. I promised to keep you safe, didn't I? [So he will. He unsheathes his sword in one fluid motion, but the stance that he holds is still more defensive than offensive.]

I suppose I'll give you the courtesy of having one last chance to withdraw.