Absinthe's head rang from the blow, but he held on with grim determination, fingers digging in tighter to Kaito's arm. He hissed under his breath, and pushed down with his other hand, tightening his grip about Kaito's throat. It had been far too long since the thief had struggled, truly struggled against him. He held his grip, waiting for Kaito to stop thrashing. Whether unconsciousness took him or not, he didn't care. Perhaps the thief would be more pliable that way.