At Makomo's words, Kanzaki Kumo fell silent, his thoughts retracing his memories.
Ever since Kanzaki Keizan passed away, Kanzaki Kumo had had no one to lean on.
Although Gyomei had looked after him, there had been a dozen or so orphans at the temple then. Gyomei could only act as a guardian to them all; he could not possibly attend to every child in meticulous detail.
Besides, Kanzaki Kumo had been one of the older children and usually helped look after the others. Kaigaku was the only one older than him.
As for Jigoro Kuwajima, whom he met later, Kanzaki Kumo had developed more of a friendship that transcended their age difference. Though they were master and student, Kanzaki Kumo felt that, after toiling for half his life, Jigoro Kuwajima had reached the age when he should enjoy his remaining years in peace. He could hardly live off the old man.
And the people at the Butterfly Mansion did give Kanzaki Kumo the warmth of a home, while their everyday company helped ease his exhaustion. But no matter what, he was the mainstay of the Butterfly Mansion.
He had always been the one others trusted and relied on.
Kanzaki Kumo had thought he would not mind. After all, he had struggled alone for so long in his previous life that he was long accustomed to having no one to turn to.
Besides, with so many people who loved him around him now, what more could he want?
It was just that...
"You're exhausted, aren't you?"
Makomo's words drew Kanzaki Kumo back from his thoughts. The affection in those deep green eyes seemed to blend into the moonlight and shine into the depths of his heart.
"..."
"I'm all right."
Only after a stretch of silence did Kanzaki Kumo slowly