Suzume Chihaya wrote:
That brought a laugh, which she covered with her hand.
"Ah yes, well, it was at least flattering to know I still possess some womanly charm, old and worn though I am."
Resuming the kata, she caught up with a series of swift motions, performing the strikes at full, rather than reduced, speed.
"I suppose it is true that a friend has a unique position - to help or to harm. I've been stung by scorpion before - why should I trust this one when he claims he does not swim?"
"Still can't believe how clumsy that conversation turned." Degarashi scrubbed at his face with his free hand. "Merciful kami, if sake isn't a product of sakkaku I can't think what is."
Degarashi watched Chihaya between his fingers, not even trying to keep up with her at full speed. "I don't recall ever expressly stating that I don't swim. I most certainly can. And I've already stated once in the past day that any who speaks upon their own worth of trust clearly has none. It isn't for me to decide. Any attempt to convince you will only breed more suspicion, barring divine intervention that offers me a chance to demonstrate rather than speak to it."
Raising the bokken high, he began the kata over again.
"But you
are beautiful."