[ The strike makes contact with its intended target. Akechi has never managed to stab him in battle; he does so now, pinpoint precise and devastatingly sharp. It runs a fissure down the center of Maruki's heart, loss and grief compounding with memories of a future he hasn't lived and still doesn't know how to contend with.

He lets silence settle through the machiya after those vicious words. A dozen different comebacks rise to the surface of his mind and sink back down again just as quickly. None are worth the effort. This is a fight they will both lose.

Eventually, he stands. ]

I refuse to escalate this further.

[ Simple and firm. He stretches out his back, moves down off the raised alcove and toward the stairs. Stops while he's still in line of sight of Akechi at the kotatsu. ]

I won't bring it up again if you'll agree to do the same. Consider the topic dead.