[Mitsuhide inhales sharply. This man has gotten his connection with Lord Motochika wrong, though he can't be blamed for that considering Mitsuhide's wording... the problem is that it reminds him of someone else. Another life lost because of his own treachery.]

[He shakes his head, and makes no mention of Mori Ranmaru at all.]

No. He would never restrict my freedom. He just likes to think he doesn't ever need protecting, that being a guardian is his role. Lord Motochika as I know him is simply very headstrong and stubborn.

[There is a ghost of a smile on Mitsuhide's lips, small and brief but definitely fond, as he says that.]

Might be, perhaps, but still strange and hard to wrap one's head around. I have to remain cautious.