We've all got our burdens, Mei. Pitying him's just gonna make it harder for him to bear it. As long as he doesn't ask for help, we've just gotta respect it.

[His eyes are dark when he looks up again. Kouha has experienced much, but he's also seen his men go through even worse. If they can hold their heads high and be proud, there's no reason to assume Aladdin can't do the same until he proves otherwise.]

Besides, he's a smart, resourceful guy. If anybody can make the impossible happen, it's him and Brother En. I'm just gonna make sure I don't get soft while we're here.

[That has him smirking. Too bad that Kouha and Koumei don't even know the half of it. For now, though, they can hold onto their dreams, and that'll get them through the day.]