That was excellant! That dry humor evinced in Hakkai's thoughts is spot-on characterization. I especially liked the different kinds of 'Hakkai smiles', as well as the verses chosen from the Tao te Ching. One of my favorites has always been verses 11 and 33, and I'm looking for ways to insert them into my own Saiyuki fictions. I hope to see many more fictions from you! Rock on!