I never meant to cause you to make that face. The shock, the pain, the disbelief. Is that my blood on you? I think my vision is failing.

So many things I wanted to teach you, my cherished student. So many lessons you taught to me. Ah, but now I will never tell you. No, of course I do not know that either of us would be improved by such a conversation.

A friend of mine - I had meant to introduce the two of you when you were a little older - tells me that humans are creatures of much passion and little thought. This must be true after all. Why else would my first response to danger be placing myself physically between you and the threat?

I wish you wouldn't weep for me, Genjyo. I wish I could tell you that I am pleased to have lived my life exactly as I wanted to do. I know you will do the same. I believe in you, my boy, and I always will.

You will make me proud, just as you have always done.

For now, good night.