[now would also be a good point in the conversation to back off, probably, but Kaoru doesn't mind getting this kind of rise out of a person. it isn't quite as entertaining as Chizuru's frantic distress or as satisfying as Okita's hair-trigger temper, but he doesn't shy away from it. even at the loud sound of his fists hitting the table, Kaoru hardly seems fazed, continuing to finish his preparations in silence.

once everything is on the stove and on its way to being done, he turns back around, carefully wiping the kitchen knife on a towel that he had brought along with him. with a tone that's almost thoughtful:]

Then you should discuss it with the one who accepted the offer, shouldn't you? If you believe it to be the same as ending one's life, that person was the one who chose to slice open his stomach with the blade he was given. [his head cants to one side just a little.] But if the person is as good as dead either way, it wouldn't matter much to them, would it?