Simon says it's some sort of complex, but to use such a mechanical word is entirely unsuitable for knives and snarls and flying objects. A "complex" is something you find in an encyclopedia or on the tip of a psychologist's tongue. Not in the darkest alleys of Ikebukuro. A "complex" cannot describe the joy of the hunt, of the chase, of the blood and passion.

Erika says it's love, which makes me laugh. If I loved Shizu-chan, I would keep my knife in my pocket and his blood in his body, not splattered all over his precious bartender outfit. And if Shizu-chan loved me, he'd call it quits with the flying heavy objects. Love is defined by affection and caring, never mind all those kinky ideas like bondage and masochism out there. If either of us loved the other, we'd put a stop to the endless bills for destroyed public facilities and constant hospital visits.

Shinra says it's because I got on his bad side when we first met, but I disagree. If I had met Shizu-chan anywhere else, be it at a park, on a boat, or in the rainforest, we would have been enemies regardless. Shinra just doesn't believe in fate, which is what I hate about doctors, their total lack of belief in the predestined or in mythology (where Celty comes in to that, I'm not quite sure), or sometimes even in religion. Though I myself don't believe in fate (for how could a man believe in fate when he himself knows the pleasure of playing God?) I really do dislike it when people choose not to believe. Largely because it makes them more difficult to manipulate, of course. Such is the case for Heiwajima Shizuo, and therein lies the conclusion that foes such as ourselves need no prerequisite to become enemies.

Celty says it's because I'm evil, and though I don't deny that I am (though evil has all sorts of definitions), that blatantly fails to elaborate upon the nights I spend scampering down forsaken streets dodging airborne debris and the unharmonious roar of my name pronounced from between gnashing teeth. An opponent of evil is not necessarily good, after all.

Masaomi says it's because I'm a lying, cheating bastard, and again I don't deny it. In fact, if put to the vote, I'm sure the good majority of Ikebukuro would agree. And Kida's past gives him more than enough reason to hate me; yet my lying, cheating nature is hardly why I visit Ikebukuro constantly and can't seem to ever imagine a day when Shizu-chan and I no longer fight or exchange insults. I would miss that, I think.

I say it's hate, but even I know that I'm wrong.

There is just no explanation.