[ he was spoiled, but it came at a price; he would gladly give all of that up and go back to living a humble life and being owned by a samurai clan, because money can't buy you the admiration or respect of your owners...

there's a thoughtful tap at his chin, and after thinking it over, tsurumaru figures that that's as far as hijikata will go on this, so he feigns giving up. ]

I guess. For now, that's good enough.

[ he's definitely going to surprise him with it soon... maybe even within the next day? or in the next few hours? it's a mystery...

for now, though, mostly because he's been dying to know: ] But if you had a dog — yes, I know, but indulge me, okay? — what would you name it?