I was. [ He brings his hands closer together, just about six inches apart. ] I was so small before I took this form. Still as cute, though, ehe.

[ A playful look as he moves his fingers over his hair and then looks right up at Hijikata. He doesn't mean to sound like he's joking about it. Honestly like this for him certainly isn't a joke. It's a rare treasure. He looks thoughtful as he answers - as if he's trying to sort out the math and his age for Hijikata, so he can give him a real answer. ]

I'm over 2600 years old. I know it's surprising to a young man like you, but I also know that I trust you with this because you've shown me that you're someone worth trusting.