Do you mean to suggest that any one blade can fell an army of foes alone?
[Horikawa fails to see how anyone can consider that remotely possible, much less realistic. He understands devotion to one's master, and he knows what it is to relate more strongly to that one person's mindset than any other, but...
Surely, the defeat of a comrade who was fighting just as hard as the rest of them isn't a shortcoming on his part alone.
[ He doesn't make a move to change his posture, but his voice already does a good job of conveying his belief. But he had never been vocal, especially after just a few days - so there is still a long pause before he continues. ]
Whatever he was supposed to do, he did not finish it. That is all that matters.
But in a way, that's the implication. He didn't finish, and you consider that a failure.
[For his part, Horikawa stands a little straighter. His posture generally isn't lacking, but for some reason he feels the need to correct it, just now]
The results aren't everything. The manner with which he defended his allies holds meaning too.
We've long outlasted our masters, I'm sure you're aware of that.
[And the weight of that statement doesn't escape him, but he feels it needs to be said. Their former owners are an intrinsic part of them and will always have a lasting influence...but they are gone]
If nothing else, it's in poor taste to disparage the dead... Even if it's another version of yourself.
[Horikawa doubts they're going to agree about the manner of Mitsutada's death, but there are certain courtesies even a difference of opinion ought to observe]
You've both called him incompetent and claimed he slacked in his duties.
[Horikawa may not be the sharpest blade, but he's not one to let his allies be spoken of in such a way.
They're his comrades and for that, he won't stand for any belittlement]
And since you weren't there to see what happened, I don't believe you can assert either as truth. He fought alongside us bravely, and it's because of him that the rest of us are here and whole. I count none of that as failure on his part.
[On his own for not being able to do the same in return? Yes. But he sees no way to fault Mitsutada in this]
no subject
[Horikawa fails to see how anyone can consider that remotely possible, much less realistic. He understands devotion to one's master, and he knows what it is to relate more strongly to that one person's mindset than any other, but...
Surely, the defeat of a comrade who was fighting just as hard as the rest of them isn't a shortcoming on his part alone.
That's just...wrong]
no subject
[ He doesn't make a move to change his posture, but his voice already does a good job of conveying his belief. But he had never been vocal, especially after just a few days - so there is still a long pause before he continues. ]
Whatever he was supposed to do, he did not finish it. That is all that matters.
no subject
[For his part, Horikawa stands a little straighter. His posture generally isn't lacking, but for some reason he feels the need to correct it, just now]
The results aren't everything. The manner with which he defended his allies holds meaning too.
no subject
Well, have him tell that to Nobunaga-sama.
[ The Demon King never took that sort of excuses. ]
no subject
[And the weight of that statement doesn't escape him, but he feels it needs to be said. Their former owners are an intrinsic part of them and will always have a lasting influence...but they are gone]
If nothing else, it's in poor taste to disparage the dead... Even if it's another version of yourself.
[Horikawa doubts they're going to agree about the manner of Mitsutada's death, but there are certain courtesies even a difference of opinion ought to observe]
no subject
[ His expression darkens, and he folds his arms - though not in an outrightly aggressive way. ]
That was no disparagement. I was merely stating the truth.
[ With that, he falls silent, indicating that he had little else to say. ]
no subject
[Horikawa may not be the sharpest blade, but he's not one to let his allies be spoken of in such a way.
They're his comrades and for that, he won't stand for any belittlement]
And since you weren't there to see what happened, I don't believe you can assert either as truth. He fought alongside us bravely, and it's because of him that the rest of us are here and whole. I count none of that as failure on his part.
[On his own for not being able to do the same in return? Yes. But he sees no way to fault Mitsutada in this]
wow he's such an ass i'm so sorry
Nameless finds little obligation to elaborate nor accept. ]
it's all good
[Suggesting that someone will outgrow this attitude since he has once before? Yes, Horikawa is certainly doing that.
And aware this conversation has reached its limits, he turns to take his leave]
Should you find yourself with laundry that needs attending to, it's much easier if you leave it close to the door.
[He may not like the new attitude, but he'll forever remain a team player. Besides, he owes at least that much to the ally he lost today]