[voice]

[by_your_leave]

[ The police officer's voice, which hasn't been heard on the network in a while, is impossibly dry, throaty and low with an out-of-character lassitude ]

It is remarkable what household implements people are capable of converting into deadly weapons, given sufficient motivation.

[ In other words, guess who had to go break up a blossom-fueled

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[Video]

[soul_scatter]

[He's sitting at a desk, grading papers, but the hilt of a katana peeks up over the edge of the desk, near his elbows.]

Guns are vulgar weapons and offer the wielder no honor.

[permavoice]

[by_your_leave]

There are those who would say honor is less important than preserving one's life. [ He isn't one of those people, and from the way he talks, Byakuya isn't, either. ]

[permavideo]

[soul_scatter]

[He barely glances up, and goes back to grading papers.]

Better a death of honor, than a life of dishonor.

[by_your_leave]

[ Perhaps a year ago, Fratley would have agreed wholeheartedly. Now-- ]

And better still to live a life of honor. Given the choice.

[soul_scatter]

[A small incline of the head.]

That is, as always, the best choice.

[by_your_leave]

As always.

Is that your sword, then? [ Were this video, he'd make a gesture at the katana; as it is, Byakuya is left to guess at what he means. ]

[soul_scatter]

It is.

[Byakuya figures he saw the hilt of Senbonzakura in the video. He placed it there on purpose.]

[by_your_leave]

Is it more than an ordinary sword?

[ It may be a rude question to ask. Fratley doesn't know-- but he has to admit he's curious. Not many things here are as they appear. Weapons are probably no exception. ]

[soul_scatter]

[Byakuya looks up at the thing, ticking up an eyebrow slightly.]

He is.

[by_your_leave]

[ Now he really is curious. ]

You speak as though your sword were a person.

[ It's not exactly a question, but there's an expectancy to the way he says it nonetheless. ]

[soul_scatter]

An extension of myself.

[Not the whole truth, but not a lie either. And something that a lot of warriors say about their favorite weapon.]

[by_your_leave]

[ He suspects there's more that isn't being said, but decides against pressing it-- he isn't a close acquaintance of the man, after all, so there's no sense in being unnecessarily inquisitive. ]

That must have taken some time to achieve.

[soul_scatter]

[The faintest amusement in his eyes.]

Over a century.

[by_your_leave]

[ He should really stop being surprised when people here are older than they seem. Still, he sounds wistful. ]

If only I had the time to do the same.

[soul_scatter]

[An eyebrow ticks up slightly.]

It is not a matter of time, but dedication. If you wish it, then you find a way.

[by_your_leave]

It is difficult when I cannot remember what I have already done. [ He laughs softly, at that. ] How much I have to learn again.