[ There's no flinch as that fist hits the wall beside him. Only something almost empty resting briefly in his eyes. Almost as though some part of him was just... going to let it happen? But it's the mask.

Because in the next second, there's an unsteadiness to his expression. His teeth clench harshly, and his voice finally cracks just a little -- the volume just briefly rises. ]

And what time did I have to find anything, huh!?

[ During the trial. ]

If I can't protect the person who matters more to me than anyone else, then what good--

[ It's the last words that seem to finally strike something harshly... He's actually glaring for a second. ]

If I hadn't done what I did at that trial, then I would have been doing nothing!

[ His breaths are unsteady as his head drops. An unsteady laugh breaks free for just a fraction of a second. ]

... Heroics...

[ A hint of empty defeat enters his voice. ]

Is that what you saw...?

[ It's not a real question. He sees nothing heroic in what he did. Kurama, yes... Himself? No. ]