[ as always, he handles the blade with his usual care and reverence, unsheathing it and drawing the blunt edge over his forearm to look for damage or scuffs. he makes a small noise as he works, gold eyes lifting briefly to find the spirit's gaze.

it's a good question, of course, but: ] I don't think so, no. I would have sensed something.

[ he knows that much. given how hard he and konnosuke work to keep track of their movements, how could he not?

he sheaths the sword again, offering it back out on the flats of his palms. ] I'll take proper care of you if we can ever find civilization. I'm sorry that I can't do anything else right now.