".. It's hard." But he'd worked hard for other things, hadn't he? It's not as if he started out wanting to train - and sure, a lot of it hadn't been optional, but he's worked for what he has. "... I'm going to need a teacher." He squeezes Ryo's hand and then takes it, lifting it to his arm to touch one of the old burns.

It's strange, the pale skin against the dark burn. But it's... better. It's better than the burn, isn't it?

"Okay. I... okay." There's still the memory of mocking laughter, of insults and jokes at his expense, but... that man is dead. And the rest of those men will be sooner rather than later. "... It's okay. Just... you need to rest after this."