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This time, promises are not enough. You want something tangible that you can hold in your hand. You have been patient, and you have been polite, but day after day has passed and you are no closer to your desired outcome. At this point, you will serve anyone who will mend your arm. You want a sword, and he is going to give it to you.
Yuki's demeanour changes in an instant, and for a moment he is almost another person entirely. "And what would you do with it?"
"What ever you wish, I can open many doors for you." perhaps you answered too quickly, your skins itches and your nerves have run out. You will say anything that you think he wants to hear, but the truth is you have no idea what you will do. It was never the point. The sword is freedom, the freedom to choose. What you will do has always been an after thought.
Yuki's smile returns threefold and its luster drowns out the memory of what came before. "If I had but a sword to give you." He motions to his empty scabbard. "If only you knew just how difficult that seemingly simple request is. The sword hunt has had far reaching consequences my friend, none have felt it more then in the capital. You are still a prisoner, until your name is cleared you cannot be given a sword. Even after, 'I' cannot be the one to put a weapon into your hand. Not ever."
Its nonsense, you can feel the anger rise within you. He talks about what he can and can't do often. Yet it has become clear enough that he will bend the rules, or simply come up with new rules when it accommodates him. He does not trust you with a blade, it does not fall neatly into what even he has planned. But he needs you, that much is clear. You call his bluff. You are not taking a step outside of this shrine with him, until he fulfills your request. Your hand rhythmically opens and closes around a phantom hilt. Jakuchō can't see you, but she looks right at you.
Yuki simply nodes his head at you with understanding. "That is a shame, but I can sympathize with your frustration. Do you recall that samurai that accosted us when we were leaving? Well I finally have an appointment with his master, its tonight at the palace. After the bath house I will be going there. I had hopped that you would be at my side."
Yuki stands and bows before you both. "Should you change your mind you know where I will be today, I will tell the palace guard to allow you entry should you come. Know that, if you are adamant on your decision, I will not hold it against you. I will keep my word and seek your freedom to the best of my abilities."
Unbelievable, you attempted to call his bluff but now he wagers that it is you who has the weaker hand. He has already tied your freedom to his success, and now seeks to walk into the lions maw alone. Not once, but twice in one day! Either this boy is truly a master strategist, or he is an absolute imbecile greenhorn…
