[Despite everything - the painful memories, his own reluctance to gain his second chance - Those words, the emotions behind them come through crystal clear, and he smiles, gently nodding.]

...Alright.

[Yet, he lifts up a hand before Akira can speak again.]

But....you're right, that you're supporting me. And I'm supporting you. So...

Don't talk about repayment, or anything like that, because - we're being partners. And partners don't have to repay each other for watching each other's backs.

[He's serious, his eyes searching Akira's face before continuing.]

Our lives...they're connected now, you know? So it's more like...watching out for and supporting each other is really just us supporting ourselves.

[He pauses, and then scratches the back of his neck, looking away.]

That's what it seems like to me, anyway.