[When Mitsuzane walked away, Takatora followed close behind. He walked up behind the other after he sat down, (very) carefully resting his hands on his brother's shoulders and doing his best to offer a comforting squeeze before he went to sit back down. As soon as they were done exchanging words over the question, Takatora would make a note of everything he already knew they needed to talk about, to make sure nothing was left out.

Once Takatora was seated, he leaned back in his chair and crossed one leg over the other, staring at Mitsuzane as he spoke.]

Ryouma... and I have been working on a project for a very long time. I offered myself for an experiment because I wanted to shoulder the effects myself. ... it was simply a miscalculation, a mechanical malfunction. I don't hold Ryouma responsible, even though I'm sure he still blames himself.

[He sighed heavily.]

I was in the hospital for weeks. I told you I was out of town, but I never gave you a reason. I didn't believe at the time you would understand or be able to handle such news. My recovery took months. It's far from perfect now, but it's condition has vastly improved. Sometimes, unfortunately, it still tends to act up. I feel like an old man some days.