[Hijikata doesn't need anyone to know that this is a topic that's caused him much unhappiness for a long time, even if he ultimately came to understand that his brother was still able to live a worthwhile life despite his blindness. He sounds more pensive as he responds.]

Back home we once had a blind manslayer to deal with who was incredibly dangerous. He couldn't see, but his other senses more than made up for it, as you said. It's pretty remarkable how people will adapt.

[He manages one more drag before his cigarette is also too short to keep burning. He freezes the tip over, by now an instinctive use of his magic, then glances at Ryouma's eyes, wondering if the difference will be notable when his sight returns. He has earned some more respect from Hijikata here - it may only have been a harmless game, but it does take some bravery to go blind for a collaboration with a near-stranger.]