[What he senses here is not familiar, and this only aids in his own hesitation — shrouding himself instinctually in wariness like a cloak against knowing, and being known. He glances at the man's visible golden eye, a gem in the dark, unnatural enough to counterbalance the ease of that friendly demeanor. And the kimono, clothes familiar, likely perhaps to belong to the same era of his own world. Yet not a man that has walked out of the same place as he did; this is evident without further confirmation.

It's an interesting theory — that those who came before might have died, buried in the land where they once lived, if only there was some evidence to support how they got there.]

Yes. There was... trickery in the garden, and in the cemetery too. The faces of statues would change, and so would the names on the headstones. It's some sort of illusion. I don't think whatever happened here is gone.

[It's a safe admittance; it says nothing of what he can do, even unveiling an illusion of this nature. Someone else could have noticed with enough time and attention.

Sasuke looks up, lashes low, not quite able to conceal the gleam of his purple left eye.]

You'll have to be more specific when you say 'work together'. I know nothing yet that would make me consider you trustworthy, except that you throw paper notes like a child to get people's attention. [With effort, Sasuke reconciles this sharp statement.] ... I'll notice next time if you try to follow me.

[A vow made; also, in part, a challenge.]

I can accept limited collaboration for now. What are your general strengths and weaknesses?