That badly, huh? You know, back in my time, you could've been executed for that.

[ for trying to live the life of a samurai, tsurumaru means, despite being from a different type of family. he glances down, fingertips pressed together — and there's a brief moment of hesitation, before he speaks again. ]

If you love wielding swords so much, then... I'm glad you were born later — even if it was into a time that I don't remember much about.

[ —which is actually a huge compliment coming from tsurumaru — who, for the most part, cares very little about what makes humans happy, and it wouldn't be incorrect to say that he does revel in their misfortune, too. in other words, he's making a rare exception from his usual bitter self, and he's not going to repeat himself! huff!

but yes, thirty-two whole birthdays! or thirty-two presents. or both. he gives hijikata a shake of his head, though, because that request is too simple, yet too difficult for him to dream of filling. time is a vague thing! ]

No, no — that won't do! Time is okay, but isn't time and gifts even better? You can't say no to more, right?