The abrupt switch from anger on Hiei's behalf to anger at him practically knocks the wind from his lungs. Kurama doesn't respond right away, too busy taking several deep breaths in order to maintain control - unintentionally calming breaths with the potency of the demon world pollen surrounding them.

It's enough to clear his head a bit, the blinding hurt and anger from that accusation subsiding long enough for the redhead to understand how little sense that logic makes when considered analytically. He blinks for a second before finding the words to argue his point.

“You're lying,” A mirror of the fire apparition's own words earlier that same morning. “Perhaps you simply bluffed before, but you can't truly believe this unless you never actually checked for yourself as you claimed. So, which is it?”