[ so it goes. Getou's smile doesn't flinch when that rough palm is in his — hand-to-hand fighters, the both of them — and he doesn't squeeze down on it any more than what it takes to keep them connected. no need to alert Itadori to just how much of a disadvantage he would be without Sukuna, should a genuine fight break out; not that he's thinking about it in those terms, only acting on the deception that has always come natural to him. he almost laughs. ]

Do you always treat people trying to help you with this much suspicion? That must get tiring. Lesson number one, [ he lifts their linked hands to bring them to attention, ] this place is much easier with a friend.

[ which is not what they are, that much is certain. there's the hope that, if he keeps things vague, the boy will slip and unveil just enough. that's all he needs, really. just enough. ]

It'll be a while before the doors unlock. [ said rote, like this isn't the first time he's done this. ] Shall we play a game until it does? I'll let you pick.