They are friends. [ His eyes close. ] Rin felt bad for him. He was brainwashed and almost killed her. Yet she forgave him ... and asked me to forgive him, too.

[ His eyes opened. ] It's the same as someone else I know. [ He gives Konoha a pointed look before taking another sip of tea -- like to add emphasis. ] That boy is not only Rin's friend, but one of mine.

[ And that is all there is to it, really.

Sesshomaru pauses as he listens that there are other demon slayers present in this world. He comprehends almost immediately what she means by saying that they're "passionate." Konoha worries that they would attempt to kill him -- and die terribly for their efforts.

And humans have the problem of taking the death as one as an attack on others. He has no reason to attack anyone else if they leave him be. But if they want to make a stand, he will cut them down, too. It does occur to him that he might lose; it does occur to him that he might be the one to die. His powers are weakened and he is not himself. Yet he cannot think that way. He cannot think that way because it means he will lose.

However, as he thinks all of these things, he sees the strain her smile. ]

... you want me to forgive whatever foolishness that they may say or do?