[Carefully, he takes the note the look it over. His face softens at the brows and the lips, but he does smile wryly at the words.]

Kanesada-san is a young sword, but he very wise. His former master, Hijikata-sama, was an amazing man. He's right; you shouldn't lose your smile even in the darkest times. [He offers Junpei the letter back.] We will meet him again when this is finished. Don't lose hope.

You can win the war even if you lose a few battles. I know that from experience, Junpei-san.

[He tries for a reassuring smile.]

I will admit... I am scared. To be corrupted... It's... [He shakes his head, the smile faltering.] A corrupted treasure is so dishonorable. But more than that, to be... to understand what the swords corrupted by the Revisionists feel... I don't want to know. I don't want that to happen to any of us.

I'm at least glad Kanesada-san was spared that.