[but hasn't he created a problem bigger than the one he was trying to solve? wasn't that the whole and sum of the hogyoku? but he did pay that debt, and, in turn, he accrued a far bigger one, one he'll probably stake his entire being on righting one day, because Ichigo Kurosaki deserves so much better.

and all he can wonder is if he truly believes that or if he's convinced the dangers may never really be over, and he can't bear to lose such a magnificent pawn. he is a creature of habit, and his habits aren't good ones. ]

Mmm. I wouldn't seem the type to do many things I've done, Genji-san. I've been called unpleasant- and for a second, you thought I was too, didn't you?

[there's no judgment. he expects it- would be more than surprised if a person didn't find someone willfully deceiving everyone around him to not be an unpleasant act in itself.]

But what ALASTAIR is doing... It does seem a good way to clear the books, doesn't it? Start fresh.