[ It takes him a moment to process the words. It sounds almost like something Yusuke would say? Close enough to have Akira's expression dimming a tiny bit as his gaze shifts to the side for just a moment, anyway.
But then, seconds later, the words fully sink in, and... ]
I'll be fine. [ a gentle, reassuring smile ] It's not the first time I've made it through a place like this.
[ Even if... he did fail in the last one. Even if, in the end, he couldn't protect anyone. Even if it hurts just a little to take in the next breath...
None of that will stop him from fighting through this one. ]
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But then, seconds later, the words fully sink in, and... ]
I'll be fine. [ a gentle, reassuring smile ] It's not the first time I've made it through a place like this.
[ Even if... he did fail in the last one. Even if, in the end, he couldn't protect anyone. Even if it hurts just a little to take in the next breath...
None of that will stop him from fighting through this one. ]