"You train more," was Li Hua's rigid answer to Noriko's insecurity, not about to change her tune until Noriko's resistance came even harder. She wasn't denying the possibility, though; she must have known Li Hua was right. After all, what did they have that Noriko didn't? Costumes and egos built on pandering. They didn't even know the trial of earning the gifts of the Seven Cities. "They do not know humility," she admitted, "and their cause furthers only the success of the already privileged. None of them know what it is like to live like you have, they buy you toys," she nodded to Noriko's gauntlets, "and your affection, rather than solve the problem." Li Hua understood why it was appealing, but it had to be so clear that this was bad for Noriko and only weakened her when she had clearly known strength. It might have been appealing, too, to remain in her father's house and suffer his ignorance rather than taking a lonely journey around the world.