It doesn't surprise Kurama, anymore, how a little well-applied kindness can turn surly into sweet--it had been working for Hiei and Yusuke both back home and has long since worked its magic on him--but it still warms his heart to recognize it in action, and he can't help but smile back.

"Of course! It may take a while, but anyone can learn with enough practice and the right teacher."

And if his nose is any judge, the tobacco's steeped plenty now. "Now, shall we see how terrible this tea is?"