[Kaoru draws closer, too, shifting subtly so that he stands in front of Chizuru to just a slight degree. Outside of that, though, he doesn't seem to be in possession of a strong guard. Soujirou is met with a brief but polite smile; while Kaoru greets him with a nod as usual, he doesn't take his eyes away from his face this time.

Once Chizuru poses her own questions, he addresses the statements with the same tepid air of politeness.]

Soujirou-san. It's good to see you faring well... [A little too well for the circumstances, probably.]

You don't need to thank me, though. As long as I was able to help, I'm glad for it. [The briefest pause, and then:] Are you heading to the safe area as well?