[in the future, that last statement will resonate with Akira on a deep level he never wanted to reach. it already kind of does, even though he hasn't properly pulled the trigger on anyone just yet. he was still there, he still watched as his fellow Reapers took lives, and he still helped where his help was needed. he isn't completely innocent. his hands aren't completely clean]

[and maybe that's how he finds himself understand why Ichigo wants to separate himself from the person he used to be]

[he drops his hands into his lap, curling his fingers into his pants, resisting the urge to reach out and take Ichigo by the shoulder. he'll give him a bit of breathing room. for now]

. . . for what it's worth.

[even though he does think that there's good in Ichigo, even though he has seen fire in his eyes and the desire to fight]

No matter which one of us is right, I still like the person I see in front of me right now.