[there's a brief lapse into silence at that as Kaoru weighs his options. this conversation could well be a turning point and he's all too aware of it; what he says here and now could determine how easy his life in Zelien would be. it would be smart to continue playing things off to the best of his ability.

...but when has he ever been smart about making things easy for himself REALLY. since half-truths skewed for his amusement are about all he thinks he can get away with right now (because wow, Shinpachi is surprisingly observant when he wants to be, he's shocked), that's exactly what he goes for.]

You say that as if I had the time to plan out what to bring with me. [the false concern in his voice is gone now, but the amusement isn't back, either.]

...Kodo-san gave a vial to me a long time ago, and I gave it to another as a gift. [A GIFT...] I have not received any since that day. [A LIE but he sure passes it off artfully as truth.]