Renketsuen (before battle)

To present the conclusion first - no, the notion of the sword being a sentient one is incorrect.

The locus of the will is not the blade, but the scabbard.

An E.G.O forged in a rather paradoxical nature... yes, that would be the most appropriate description.

.......

Tch. Not a sentient sword, huh.

Ryōshū's grumpy dismissal made the scabbard quiver almost as if it had taken offense.

... Somehow, I felt like I could understand what Hohenheim meant by "will" now.

It was a reunion of sorts. One that gave both a tinge of sadness... and hope.

<If the scabbard has its own will... does that mean the owner of that will can be resurrected?>

It is too premature to deliberate on the matter. The state of existence under question is not one that may be defined as death at the moment.

I assume they asked whether it can be "revived" or "brought back to life," so to speak.

Even supposing that "survival" is a fixed variable, and that the reconstitution of the original corporeal body falls within the realm of theoretical possibility... The probability approaches zero given the limits of today's technology and conditions.

We researchers are inclined to entertain even infinitesimal chances, but in the terminology of the laypeople like yourself... such a prospect would be labeled impossible, wouldn't it?

<.......>

There is no need to fixate on the impossibilities of the present, Manager Dante. Such matters are reserved for us scientists to hold onto.

<... Right.>

Ah, but we may have uncovered a thread - something that could lead to restoring Sinner Ryōshū's memories. Though, again, that too is merely a possibility.

A far more practical avenue for you to pursue at the moment, nevertheless.

And to that end... hm... yes. Further analysis on the scabbard itself would be necessary.

Coordinate with Alan for your next duty. He should still be in the Ring Nursefather's quarters. That will be all.

Hohenheim cut himself off there, clamping his mouth shut as if any further exchange might scatter and mess up the theories he'd constructed in our conversation.

<All right, then. Before we go...>

<Anyone wanna tag along?>

Munching on food, averting their gaze - the Sinners were pretending they weren't interested at all,

but going by the way their forks had long since stopped moving, it was pretty clear to me that they'd been intently listening in on our conversation.

Where are we to go...?

<Ah - right. Sorry. Forgot the rest of you weren't there with us earlier...>

<Faust, Don Quixote, Ryōshū, and I have been checking where each Backdoor leads.>

.......

<Oh, and Kira too.>

The prisoner of war, Executive Manager...?

We talkin' about me?

Um, yeah, I guess... I'm working with them too, yeah.

Hm. Best remember to tread carefully. Should you cause even the slightest harm to the Executive Manager, you will be held accountable without exception.

Yeah sure, whatevs~

Kira needled at Outis with a mocking pout, but oddly enough, she didn't appear particularly irritated.

<Anyway, I think it'd be better if we had a few more people, just to be safe.>

<One of the doors we went into earlier led straight to the Ring's Corridor... That was a close call.>

Outis and Heathcliff's hands shot up the moment I finished speaking.

I would very much like to accompany you, Executive Manager!

<I knew I could rely on you, Outis.>

Heh. Your recognition of my loyalty honors me, Executive Manager! I, Outis, understand better than anyone your concern about the peril of working with a prisoner of war so liable to betray.

To have your indispensable self proceed with only a handful of soldiers under your command - this cannot stand! I'm afraid I won't be able to focus on other duties without personally seeing to your safety...

<I... I get it, Outis. You've made your point clear enough.>

Not keen on how I just keel over the moment you summon me. Feels a bit dodgy, that. Better I stick by your side an' scrap it out myself.

You probably don't need me to come along, then. I guess you can just summon the rest of us like you did earlier if shit hits the fan.

A research yet unfinished holds my efforts. I shall join you once it has found closure.

Haha... I don't think I can be much help wherever you're going.... I'll pass~

I will follow if that is your order, Manager.

<N-no, it's fine. Just get some rest.>

It'll probably be okay... I can always summon them again if things get too dangerous.

For now... I should go see Alan again.