(R)Evolve (Bloo)

Kuro leapt across the gap between the buildings, landing, and slowly approaching Suzuki. However, he did not ready his sword. To be honest it was taking all he could muster to just stand. He didn't want Suzuki to worry about him. He cared about her too much.

He returned the blade to the sheath with a *click*. "This is my loss," he said in monotone. "I know I forced you to withdraw Susano'o...but I am running on fumes and adrenaline." It wasn't a half-hearted "you win", either. It seemed genuine. Kuro nodded to himself. She could defend herself in his absence. "End simulation."

In all honesty, it was that he had tried to use his powers again. He had neglected the price long enough. He turned, leaving the Danger Room, and retrieving something from closeby for her.

"You are skilled with a blade, and you have my highest respects. I wish to give you something close to me." It was a long box, and he handed it to her. Inside she would find a blocky object, but might discover it to be a sword in a sheath.

Shinogu:

On the sheath, she would see the writing for 凌ぐ.

Shinogu. To surpass.

Kuro watched her with what he supposed was aniticpation. It was a new sword to a swordswoman, after all. She did seem to like it, much to his satisfaction, but then she asked who it was that she was supposed to surpass. Kuro stared into her eyes steadily, hoping she wouldn't see his fear in them. "I want you to surpass your own limitations. I want you to soar. Perhaps, Suzuki-san, you may even surpass me."

He directed her attention to the blade. "That sheath is somewhat of a charger, if you will. Your strikes should focus on ending the battle with a few strikes and minimal effort on your part. This blade will help you in that aspect. Its power boasts strength, but precision is its true nature."

He drew his blade, looking at her as he merely flicked it against Shinogu's edge while she was holding it. A metallic clang rang out as Shinogu severed the blade by just standing still, and showed its prowess.

He looked at Suzuki for a moment as she reached forward, trying to give the blade back to him. She was no doubt fearing what she would be able to attain with the blade. Kuro reached forward slowly, as if to take the blade, but instead put his hand on top of Suzuki's, and pushed it lightly and gently back towards her, his hand remaining.

"A blade's worth is not measured by its inherent traits. It is defined by its master. In the same way, a sword's master is only waving a metal bar around if they are unable to decide how and when to use their blade. You should only cut what you desire to cut in the first place. And you should start honing that skill, for your sake and the sake of our comrades."

"You have rarely ever seen these blades used, for I use them as a tool in our line of work. This is not what they were intended for, but I use them for my wishes," he emphasized. "I forge my own path. Shinogu will help you do this. And if fate is kind, I will be there to help you stay on that path."

Kuro blinked as Suzuki started speaking, and mentioned that she was aware that something wasn't quite alright with him. Apparently he had let his guard down and she had seen right through him. She asked him to get some rest, and reminded him that they were friends, and that she was willing to help him shoulder any burden he carried.

To Kuro's surprise, she hugged him, and told him that she cared about him. It was shocking to say the least, and he soon returned the hug very lightly. "...the Syndicate has returned, Suzuki. Or at least, resurged. I do not know how I could have missed any of them, but I need to stop them."

"...something is coming, Suzuki. And we all need to be prepared for it."

Kuro looked down at her as she said that she wanted him to know that he wasn't alone, and that he didn't have to face this nightmare alone, either. She wanted to help him when he went hunting for the Syndicate. She said she didn't know if she could handle it if hwe went off on his own without telling her. He nodded gently. He brought a hand lightly up to hold her cheek. "You have my sincere promise as the Kurogami that I will not hunt the Syndicate on my own."

He lingered a moment, as if seeming to want to say something else, but shortly nodded, and let his hand drop. "Please try to get some rest, Suzuki-san."

He would then head up to his room, walking slowly in exhaustion, leaning against the wall for support. He was starting to feel weak.

It is almost time, Kuro Kumosawa.