[Sometimes, all Shuichi needed was that nudge to focus him. Spite-motivated, Seiji had very early discovered that the best way to bring out his talents was by igniting that competitive spirit. A charmpoint, certainly. But at this point in their adulthoods, it was a chore. When, oh when was he ever going to improve past the point of these needless distractions...?]

[The acting. It was definitely the acting's fault. Of course he ran off trying to investigate with these wasteful parlor tricks of his, instead of his true skills.]

[At least it sinks in quickly. As to all it implies, Matoba doesn't offer anything. It's obvious enough, he thinks. They are all trapped here. He has information to offer- details that will paint a clearer picture of their opponent- but none of that is important until the big picture is understood. The question Natori finally settles on brings a small smile to Matoba's face, at last something a little more approving than impatience.]

Time is said to pass differently in ayakashi realms. I suppose that means that no one has noticed anything amiss, hm? I thought that perhaps I would be like Urashima-san, and return home after a century.

[But, going by the timekeeping in the resort... After a moment's consideration,] A little longer than a year, I suppose. One and a half?