It took him a while to respond, though not out of unwillingness to do so. He was still reeling from the strange feeling of having his mind, nay, his being stretch its wings, or at least, bare its fangs.

His mind was a mess for a moment. A moment when every instinct of his ego and super ego fought for control-- and succeeded in repressing the urge to smile like a crescent moon for a moment.

The self overcame the persona, and, with a polite bow, he said in an even, though increasingly earnest tone: "Thank you. I will use my time to recover to prepare for my duties for the nation!" A promise he followed by looking up. "Yes, sensei? What do you need of me?" he said.

For the time being, it seemed the beast was leashed, and entirely eager to serve his purpose.