He brings an arm up to massage the crook of Ren's neck beneath his collar, with two fingers. "Why not give him a place on the training runs? Assess how he gets on in the team. Like when we brought you in." It's a weak joke, despite everything.

"Mind you, the stakes were a lot lower then. Niijima's Palace was nothing compared to the power Amada appears to have. And if we all die here ... at least we'll come back."

Goro has neglected to say how he feels about Suou joining the team.