Were he one for jokes, he might jest that he needs a few more drinks before he can start trusting demons– but being about as literal-minded as one can get, he’s distracted imagining what sort of job ‘Hell Secretary’ must be.
It sounds like someone who would have some grievances for him when he finally arrived.
But the oni sounds… oddly friendly, if not at peace. The words strike a chord somewhere in him– a harsh, unpleasant one, though the intent is anything but malicious.
He forces himself to drink slowly, enjoy the moment for what it is.
“…You seem terribly eager to help. What have you to gain?” His usual distrust shows itself first, though his tone is more curious than accusing.
“This one has interest in only one path, and that is the one that leads back home. He has… places he is yet needed.” A place he belongs, a life to forget his war with, a man he wasn’t ready to let out of his sight again for a while longer. Nowhere to be heard.
He’s violently tempted to just take the whole sake bottle– he lifts it gingerly, pours his host another cup before refilling his own, sipping away ever more quickly.
“Surely you understand, hm…? Have you seen no leads on a way out in three years?”
Were he one for laughs, that would be for sure Hozuki's first reaction to Bansai's inquiry. Suspicious, careful, but polite and smart enough to not become too defensive and throw harsh words for no strong reason, losing sight of details.
He was always good dealing with demons, no doubt.
"That's a fair question to ask to every stranger that looks too friendly, I suppose." He answered simply, staring blank at the empty cup in his hands.
"I have nothing to gain, except maybe a regular customer. Like I said, I have sympathy for you, coming here and talking to me in a boring New Year's Eve. You can believe or not, and it's up to you ask about anything... even about me, if you are really curious. And, like I said too, it's really not a sacrifice for me to offer basic information to newcomers. I've been doing it for a long time."
Hozuki rested hand on chin and stared at Bansai again, a little more relieved after open up a bit, even if under the situation's discretion. Still, it was definitely a heavy gaze, like the gaze of someone in grief, while the realization they were strangers again was starting to sink in.
"I understand, yes. That's good then. I hope they send you home as fast as possible, even if there's no guarantee." Hozuki nodded, thanking for the refil, holding it a bit before take a sip and sigh, shrugging before Bansai's question, but answering it in all seriousness.
"I've seen many people coming and leaving, but.. just like the arrival, the only way out is when they decide it's your time. I never found a pattern, neither hints of other paths. The city is constantly changing, though... I don't want to discourage you from trying, even if the chances are very low. It's harder than run from Hell, I dare to say... and sometimes, it becomes a lot more like Hell."
Even if Hell had patterns and rules, at least.
