The quick staccato of Ichi's cane along the fence is reminiscent of a child's running along one dragging a stick, or a baseball card in the spokes of a bicycle wheel, and for a brief moment The Shadow is lost in a fit of mild nostalgia.

"Mmmmm?" It is a distant, thoughtful sound, as if his mind was briefly very far away. "If I put you into something where you may need to defend yourself, I'll warn you, but it's very likely." Most of his agents are expected to have some kind of fighting ability, and to protect themselves when necessary.