[ this is more than he might have expected from even an owner, much less a human with no reason to treat him well. the fact that tenka not only accepts his affectionate gestures, but returns them is something extraordinarily precious to souza.

he gently nudges the other man's side with his elbow, making a mock-outraged noise. ]

Tenka-san, just who do you think I am? Aren't I the Tenkabito no Shouchou? A large household is still smaller than an entire faction. [ but he softens again a moment later, patting tenka's knee gently. ] I'll do my best to protect all of them. And who knows? Perhaps all this fretting is for nothing. Shirasu-san.. it doesn't seem to me as if he wants to be at odds with anyone. It's difficult being a blade without a master.