There is a tension in the tantou's shoulders before Mitsutada looks to him and speaks again - like he's nervous that what he has to say isn't going to be accepted the way he hopes it will. He knows the two of them have never been close and so perhaps his words won't mean as much as they would coming from a sword that Mitsutada had shared a history with.

But he visibly relaxes, and even manages a smile, when the other sword speaks. They may not have a shared history, but perhaps the experiences they've shared as members of the saniwa's army are enough.

"If you try, you'll succeed."

That's what he wants to believe, anyway - that even if the darkness comes creeping in, their forces will be strong enough to beat it back by sheer force of will. It's a risk, because if the darkness isn't totally at bay he's putting himself right into Mitsutada's striking range, but after a moment, he holds out his hand to him.

"...let's go back together, okay? Maybe it will be easier after the master buffs you up a little. He can repair you, good as new."