The contest has taken a tragic turn that can't be undone. But if the rest of the participants are more like you, we may not have to fight each other so much. Now, more than ever, is the time to seek solidarity.
.... I think I'm pretty normal compared to people here. I've heard a lot of people go through things that I can't imagine, that I don't know if I'd be strong enough to survive through.
[ . . . . he pulls out shiki's Player Pin that he mentioned in the trial]
Shiks gave me this because she said that players are supposed to be strong enough to get through anything... and I don't know if that's really true for me.
[his gaze drops to the pin. senri had gotten close to shiki in that short period of time, hadn't he?]
There's more than one way to be strong. Only a select few are capable of attaining so many of those ways, but not being one of them doesn't make you weak. Don't underestimate yourself.
[seemingly satisfied with the answer, he smiles tenderly. all right! senri must be a plenty strong kid on his own, but here's another important lesson to remember:]
In the Cang Qiong Mountain sect, there are twelve peaks, of which I preside over one. Of these twelve, my peak ranks the lowest, and I'm not suited for combat like everyone else is. But there are things I can do that the other Peak Lords cannot, and this is what allows me to walk among these gifted leaders.
Not one person should be expected to shoulder everything. There is no shame in finding strength in numbers. Between the two of us, there's more than one, isn't there?
That's right. That way, if you feel there's something you can't overcome on your own, there are others to help you. In light of the contest's direction, that should include the processing of grief . . .
I have a martial brother back home who recently suffered a tragedy. We're not so far apart in our years, but news reached my ears about how his soul seemed to have lost itself. Were it not for his loving disciples' concern for his well-being, who knows where he would be now?
[he nods to himself. yes, even old men who have witnessed many a passing in their lives can behave like grief-stricken teenagers.]
Grieving takes time, Nito Senri. If you ever feel yourself getting lost in that pain, you can come and talk to me.
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[senri blinks in surprise at that, before huffing a laugh]
.... hah. I didn't think I'd ever hear anyone say that.
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[ . . . . he pulls out shiki's Player Pin that he mentioned in the trial]
Shiks gave me this because she said that players are supposed to be strong enough to get through anything... and I don't know if that's really true for me.
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There's more than one way to be strong. Only a select few are capable of attaining so many of those ways, but not being one of them doesn't make you weak. Don't underestimate yourself.
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[and his brow furrows as he huffs out a laugh]
But I want to believe you. So I think I'm going to try anyway.
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In the Cang Qiong Mountain sect, there are twelve peaks, of which I preside over one. Of these twelve, my peak ranks the lowest, and I'm not suited for combat like everyone else is. But there are things I can do that the other Peak Lords cannot, and this is what allows me to walk among these gifted leaders.
Not one person should be expected to shoulder everything. There is no shame in finding strength in numbers. Between the two of us, there's more than one, isn't there?
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Mm. You're not wrong. Like - building alliances and things you mean...? That doesn't sound bad to me at all.
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I think that'll take a while, no matter how much help I get. I've never... had to think about losing a friend before.
So I think it'll just - hit me in waves, you know? But I'll always think 'Ah, Shiks should be here.'
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[he nods to himself. yes, even old men who have witnessed many a passing in their lives can behave like grief-stricken teenagers.]
Grieving takes time, Nito Senri. If you ever feel yourself getting lost in that pain, you can come and talk to me.
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... We don't have a lot in common, Shang-san, but you're really kind. Thank you.
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Children are our worlds' future. As someone who has lived a long life, how can I stand by and watch this precious generation suffer?
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You talk like you're my grandfather or something....
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[he can't say the same for himself, because he doesn't have kids. don't let this man have kids.]