"It is more likely that the surviving party is all the sadder for it," he responded with a small smile, ones that don't reach his eyes. Still thinking about Pakunoda, all the waste that she had been just because she hadn't opted to use her head instead of what little heart the Ryodan's lifestyle afforded them. "Some might even be devastated. Tell me, Nataku, if your meister were to die trying to protect you, how would you feel?" Best to apply in a practical sense.

"I would like to sleep, but talking to you is pleasant enough to keep me awake," Kuroro murmured, still watching the boy for outward reactions.