Alric raised an eyebrow. Hijikata wasn't someone he usually experienced as beating around the bush, but besides its outward straightforwardness, that answer was practically evasive.

Interesting.

Alric paused a moment, puzzled (and, partly, for effect), and then chuckled, scratching lightly at the back of his head. He had an inkling, but he'd clearly have to tease out an answer, and perhaps provide a context in which Hijikata was willing to express it. To begin with, pretend he totally answered the question.

"..ah.. I apologize, sensei, but I'm afraid I still don't quite follow. I trust you wouldn't have called me out, without being concerned for some reason... if not an error I've made... ...one that you fear I may, in the future..? If so, your guidance would, of course, be most appreciated."