"Yes," he said, without having to so much as think on it. "He was the one I was made to live for. And I was glad to do it. He... he is worth living for."

He couldn't bring himself to say was. As far as he'd heard, Shadowmaru was still very much alive and well. Making himself find a 'new purpose' or not, it didn't make the other ninjabot any less worthy of praise. Or dedication. Not as far as Kagerou was concerned.

Even as far away from him as he was, Shadowmaru still dominated his prototype's every thought and action. He didn't know what to do with himself, being so separated.

"Others?" he asked. "Everyone here is more experienced than I am... older. Stronger. What do I have to offer living robots like you?"