Honjowara -sama sips again from his tea. "There are many who would say that the members of the Guard are like statues, that they show no emotion. Yet, I have spent many hours with Sukayo-san in kendo training. I live my life surrounded by the Guard. I am used to your stark white faces. I have learned to see beyond the impassive masks you maintain. Thus I know that you, Machiko, your spirit is large and full of turmoil. You know what it is to feel the conflict between duty and compassion, between that which must absolutely be done, and that which our finer emotions yearn to see made real."