2025-08-04: The Hard Way
- Log: The Hard Way
- Cast: Minato Arisato, Yukari Takeba
- Where: Iwatodai - Strip Mall / Naganaki Shrine
- OOC Date: 2025-08-04
- IC Date: Wednesday, June 20 2012
- Summary: Yukari finds Minato buying computer programs at the Net Cafe, and elects not to purchase TypinGhoul, though she's impressed by his courage to buy Virtual Diet right in front of her. (It's for him, so it's fine.) But she invites him out for a difficult personal conversation so that she can apologise for being so harsh -- and manages to get him to agree to TRY to have more self-preservation so that he can be a good example. Unfortunately, Yukari asked what kind of girls he likes, and when he suggests that type might be Yukari's... he fails a skill check.
<Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
"'Til then," Minato can be heard saying, as he opens the door to an old second-hand bookstore tucked away in the corner of the strip mall. Who would have guessed that he and Minako both spend a surprising amount of time hanging out with the old folks who run it?
He's still in his Gekkoukan uniform, after school; presumably, he hasn't been back to the dormitories yet. He looks up the winding, twirly stairs of the strip mall, and begins clonking up, up, up...
Up to the Net cafe. Where else would he go after a long afternoon of organising books? He's gotta check out the latest releases, even if his laptop doesn't have space to install most of them. It's fine, there's a computer in the common room.
He picks up a copy of Virtual Diet, the program which promises to help you attain a beautiful body by watching videos. He wonders, vaguely, whether it might make him more charming.
And... he's quite visible, there, in the window of the store.
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
Yukari was feeling down today, which might not be too surprising given her exchange with Reiya the other day, so on the way home, she swung by Azuki Arai.
Now, in her room, inside her personal fridge she has taped a post it note of 'Just one a day.'
But staring at her favorite sweet, "Ohhhhh it's just too good for only one." She sighs in a long suffering way, then orders four-
Azuki Strawberry Daifuku.
"I'll just not eat any snacks for the next three days to make up for it, it'll be finnnneee. It's not like I don't get a lot of exercise anyway."
Once finished, she staves off the urge to buy another four to go. It won't keep that long in a fridge!
"Sh'yeah like I wouldn't just eat it tomorrow." She says, dubious of her ability to keep her promise there as she keeps walking down the upper floor of the strip mall.
"Guess I'll go back and-"
That's when she spies Minato through the cafe holding up, "Virtual diet?" She gives it and him a suspicious look, "How's that supposed to work?"
It's for himself right? "Knowing him he'd buy it for his sister without batting an eye." Her voice deepens, 'I remembered you talking about diets, Minako.'" Her voice pitches up, "'Oh that's so thoughtful. Let me keep smiling so I don't get tempted to throw things at you.'"
She rubs her brow, "Great now I'm wondering why he's interested... okay. Just... go in there, talk to him." She has to work herself up to it for a bit, before she enters, the bell ringing to give away someone coming in.
"Oh hey... Arisato-kun. I didn't realize you were shopping here." She lies, "Checking out games or something?"
There safe topic, boys like games right? Well Junpei does at least - a lot. So it's a good thing to wonder about!
<Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
Dingle-ding!
Minato senses danger, as the door opens, and looks up...
"Takeba-san." No danger, just a teammate. Good to know. (His tone is monotone as ever; presumably, he's pleased to see her.)
"They sell computer programs, too," he explains, because obviously he knows more than her about the contents of the Net cafe, he doesn't even have to think about that one.
He lifts Virtual Diet, and says: "Since I put on some weight, I was looking at this one." Wait, how can he just say that? About himself? Straight out?!
"Though," he adds, "I'm not sure how videos can do something like that. Maybe it's the force of persuasion."
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
No danger of course, why would she ever be a danger?
(She wouldn't want to know the answer to that!)
Minato may know more but she knows what a Net Cafe sells, mostly. Still she doesn't snap at him for it... after all, uh...
... she's done a lot of that lately, "Yeah, I was thinking of getting a typing program myself. I kinda want to learn how to use a computer better. Plus... you know, everyone's on their smartphones or laptop these days."
Well not everyone, but the gradual shift - she can see the writing on the wall, Yukari Takeba is a trend follower in style, which tends to lend her to being one for society in general.
"... Wha..." She still seems shocked he came out to say it, but rather than yell anything else, "...I didn't realize guys like you were the type to manage your weight like that... much less, come out and say it flat out. I mean I get it with Sanada-senpai and boxing right? But-"
...
"... Wait how'd you put on weight anyway?" He's always so fit with what they d-
Oh.
Yukari maybe regrets asking that question as the answer might be herself.
"I dunno how something like that would even work." She considers, clearing her throat, as she shifts on topic, "Anyhow..." She looks over the rack for typing programs and picks up...
"... TypinGhoul? 'Defeat Zombies by showing them your typing know-how.'" Nngh, "Hmmm, maybe not that one... that feels less... comprehensive than I'd like!" She puts it up and checks over but...
... it's the only typing software on display. "Uhhhh..." She starts checking behind other sections, just in case, even if she keeps coming up short!
<Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
Minato nods. "It depends on what keyboard layout you're using, too," he adds, helpfully. "Thumb-shift and JIS have different attitudes. Or if you're using a Western keyboard, you can do kana spelling."
Man! Why is that so complicated?!
He tilts his head, though, at Yukari's surprise. "The nurse said it's normal," he shrugs off the developmental milestones, "but I feel like I should put some effort in." To look good, obviously. "... I don't think it's fair to expect girls to do all the work while I get to just say I'm supposed to look like whatever."
Does gender equality really mean everyone gets suckered by fad diets? Sure, Minato. Good try, man.
He leans over, though, to spy on the game Yukari's picked up. "That one's good, actually," he draws from the well, completely missing the fact that Yukari was freaked out about Junpei's ghost stories just recently. "You can set it to your input method... and it has a story."
A SCARY STORY!
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
"Oh really?" Now that's something Yukari didn't know about keyboard layouts and configurations, "I'll keep that in mind if I ever buy a computer. Wow... I can type a text or e-mail on my flip phone just fine but that sounds more complicated than I thought."
In part due to the fact she's never owned a computer! Look, she's not about to ask her Mom for the money to buy one.
No way.
But Yukari seems surprised by his next comment, even smiling, and chuckling, "What really? I kinda feel the same way, believe it or not. And well... guys definitely do put in less but it's not as if they don't have to put in any effort either..."
As she follows up in a tone that's a little sad, "... guys can be pretty cruel to each other when one of them isn't trying at all. Maybe in a different way than girls but..."
She trails off, then smirks at him a little, "Does that mean you're looking to get a girlfriend sometime soon?" She teases him a little. "You're sure this hasn't been prompted by Yamagishi-san coming to join us? She is pretty cute, after all."
There... maybe she'll get some idea of what he's thinking anyway.
But he insists TypinGhoul is pretty good and Yukari maybe blanches just a touch. It's not like she can't take any zombie film or shows!
It's just, she can't watch them alone-! And zombies are different from ghosts! They're a horror you can see!
But it's still spooky, "Welllll I dunno, a typing game with a story may just not be what I'm looking for. I-I'm just not that type of learner!" She gives an excuse hastily, because nope. It's possible it's a scary story, and doing it alone on the computer in the common room!
NOPE!
What would everyone think if she freaked out!?
<Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
"Yeah, it's pretty complicated," Minato agrees, mildly. Of course, the extra inputs on his keyboard make him great at MMOs, but he has no clue if Yukari is into games like that.
He shrugs, though, when Yukari points out that boys can be cruel. "That's true," he agrees, just as mildly. But...
Does he want a girlfriend? He blinks, two inches of surprise sneaking onto his milquetoast expression. "I guess so," he supposes. "... she is cute, but I don't think I'm the type of guy for her."
Just, Fuuka seems a little delicate, and Minato can be a little... what's the opposite of delicate?
He blinks, though, to hear Yukari dismiss the idea of an educational game with a story. "Oh. Then... maybe there's a good website on it. Like, an FAQ." Beat. "A 'frequently asked questions'. It's like... a list of tips."
Minato knows this, of course, from looking up gaming FAQs.
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
Yukari is definitely the opposite of a gamer. It's not that she can't see games as theoretically fun, it's just that she thinks the road to being a strong - independent - responsible woman does not include things like that.
Look. Gender gets to the best of people.
Her expression is a little grin at him going 'I guess so,' as he replies that he's not the type of guy for her, "Oh yeah? I would have thought she was your type, but guess not... well, better work hard if you want to attract the girls at our school."
A hand sifts through her hair, it's not like she actually wants him as her boyfriend or anything - but hey, if he worked hard at himself, that'd be more interesting than the usual guys who asked her out?
Wait what is she even thinking!?
"Hmmm... I'll have to look it up on the dorm computer. The internet on my phone is... basic."
Really not great.
But... then she confides, "Uh hey, now that I think about it..."
Smooth, very casual, definitely no one would think she was leading up to this, "...do you wanna go somewhere else and talk? There's... something I want to say, but a net cafe isn't exactly the place?"
She doesn't want him to get any ideas but she does want him to feel comfortable though, "But I don't wanna impose on you... so maybe if you were going somewhere else after... you could pick a spot on the way for us to chat?"
Yes good, let him set some terms. She just didn't want to get caught with the unexpected of 'How about my room' or something - because he might not even realize.
Well maybe.
<Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
"I like her," Minato affirms, of Fuuka, "but not like that, I don't think. Since we're both shy. Nothing would get done there." Not until he figures out how to apply his Guts to his social life, anyway. "... anyway, it would be bad timing if I did. Sucks pretty bad to hit on someone right after they almost died."
Has Minato had to remind Junpei of this basic courtesy fact? Has he had to remind him multiple times??? Minato's not saying. Bro code, man.
He blinks, though, when Yukari smoothly and casually suggests going somewhere else to chat. "Sure," he says. "We can go back home and hang out in the common room."
HEY, STUPID! THAT'S NOT WHAT SHE MEANS!
A sudden flash of insight has Minato shifting on his heels, as he looks to Yukari. "... uh, or we can stop by the shrine on the way," which is a place where way less people hang out minute-to-minute.
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
"Well you did put your life on the line for her." Yukari points out, "... Some girls are into that."
Some girls that are DEFINITELY not her. Right? All it gives her is insecurity. Except... why does she keep thinking about it!?
"Though... you're right that you should wait, you wouldn't want her to be suspicious of your intentions."
The COMMON ROOM?
"Uhhhhhhh..."
She was about to say something, maybe even chew his butt out for being stupid but - then he course corrects. "Oh hey, the shrine is a good spot. I go there pretty often myself. We can pray about finals next month together."
Yeah that's only about one in every four or five times the subject that she prays about.
Yukari considers TypinGhoul again then... "I think I'll do a little more research first." Virtual Diet does sound interesting if there's actually anything to it, but it's not like she's going to buy it RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM...
... or ask to borrow his.
-=-=-
The way to the shrine was just back and forth small talk about school mostly, though she did note that more people recovered from Apathy Syndrome recently.
She saw it reported on the local news.
It's only once they get there and she checks there's no kids by the Jungle Gym that she heads over to one of the benches in the shade.
"Whew... it really is hot out here today..."
But it was her choice to come here, putting down her school bag on the bench, she takes a seat beside it, allowing that to mark as a divider between them.
Old habits die hard, if she doesn't have that there, then guys might get some ideas. "Hmm, where to start..." This is really difficult for her to get her head on straight for it, "I wanted to apologize for what I said that day about you not coming. It's not like, I didn't mean it or anything. I did, but..."
She trails off, as if to consider it, placing her hands down on either side of her, as she looks off distantly.
"... you kind of proved me wrong, I guess. I don't know if that means I was right at the time and things are different, or if I was wrong all along."
Where is she going with this? "But either way, it couldn't have felt good hearing that from me. And... to be honest... even if I meant what I said, it was crueler to you than it had to be."
...
"I don't like that side of myself either." She admits, in an echo of the words she said to him that day. That she hates that side of him.
<Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
"I'll let Iori-san know," Minato tells Yukari, gravely, when she advises him about potential suspicion over his intentions.
HEY WAIT WHAT ABOUT THE BRO CODE, MAN?!
(The bro code may be violated when it is, quote unquote, 'really funny.')
Luckily, Yukari's hesitation helps Minato to realise that Yukari was not, in fact, just asking to chat, but was in fact asking to chat, and he smoothly corrects course. (Well, more or less smoothly.)
"Only the Gods can save us now," Minato agrees with her plan, just as serious. But she decides to do more research on her purchase, and he nods. "Sure."
He's going to purchase Virtual Diet, though. Right in front of her!
She might be able to sneak in while it's still installed on the common room computer and check it out... after he's practiced the video exercises, that is.
... it's good that people are recovering, he thinks.
But Maiko isn't here, today -- she tends to text him or Minako when she is, so that one of them can come play with (keep an eye on) her. There's no sickly young men on the bench, either.
Minato sits down, once Yukari and her bag have found a seat. (He just puts his bag down on the dirt. ... there's not really room for two sets of bags plus two kids.) She has something to say, and he watches her, as he listens.
"... I was hurt," he admits, after a pause. "But I didn't really figure it out, because I thought I didn't care. Except... I did. It's just that caring frightened me." Another pause, as he looks out at the jungle gym. "... bad things happen to people I care about. I guess I thought if I wasn't affected, nothing bad would happen."
It's... uncharacteristically revealing, to say it out loud, like that. But... there's something about what happened that...
"But even though I wasn't invested, Moriyama-san still ran into the Dark Hour," he goes on, quietly. "It didn't matter if I just went along with life or not... I guess that's when I figured out I was lying to myself."
It's not a flattering quality. But... "So, that makes two of us," he says, scratching at his cheek.
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
There's an exasperated noise at the mention of Junpei already getting on flirting with Fuuka, "Somehow I knew that was gonna happen."
-=-=-
Flashback to Junpei less than a week ago in the common room:
"So Yamagishi-san right? She's so shy. Maybe a girl like her could use a guy who isn't afraid to just walk right up to her and take charge."
"You wish. The last thing any girl needs is you thinking you can take charge of them."
"Hey! Lots of girls love a guy like me taking charge!"
"And not a single one of them is human."
-=-=-
"Aha... I hope it's not that grim. On the gods being their only savior. Plenty of time left to study."
She watches him buy Virtual Diet, seemingly surprised, or impressed...? She's not sure. She never knows what to think about a guy like him.
He's always surprising her.
Once they're settled on the bench, and Yukari's finished speaking, then Minato does. And she listens, only interjecting at times, "... Bad things. Yeah... I can relate to that." It's a little twisted around from her normal, but it's close enough.
Upsettingly close to herself.
Even if he has a sister - he's so isolated, like these walls... is that why Minako was so insecure about the idea that they weren't close?
"I guess, I'm worried that Moriyama-san is just going to forget it all - and go back to the way things were but, you're right..."
Her eyes dip down, and, she inhales, "... Like I said, I apologize, but... the real reason I said all that is, it's not right that you value your life so little."
He said they were friends - and while she isn't sure if she'd go that far, it bothers her - that he considers her a friend, even if he was addressing everyone. "Fighting the way you do... it was going to get you killed. And I didn't want it to be just because... you were asked to and no other reason."
...
"I guess that must seem stupid, because you almost got yourself killed anyway because you found a reason besides that."
She shakes her head and says with a strange honesty, "Really... that's almost more infuriating. Now that you know you were lying to yourself...?"
She looks his way, searching for something in those blue eyes of his, "Can't you care for yourself first?"
<Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
Fight on, Junpei. Minato believes in you.
(Somehow.)
"I don't think she will," Minato says. "... seems like she's different, now."
Does that mean he's looked out for her, in school? Man, what a creep, don't watch girls like that!!
"You were worried about me," he recognises, quietly.
And he looks at her, and he is silent, for a long moment. Caring for 'himself'...
"There is something about me incompatible with life," he supposes, finally. "I can't see it when I look directly at it... but when it's me, I can't make myself care. I guess it's because of what happened... but I feel like if I can help other people, somehow, I might figure it out."
How to care? Or why he can't?
He doesn't clarify.
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
"Yeah... maybe."
Is her guarded response on Moriyama. She doesn't seem so hopeful, not after seeing her boasting of what she did to Fuuka.
But then he calls out that she was worried about him, and her reaction is to look startled, then a little upset about being so transparent, "Hey - just - sure? But as teammates! ... God!"
Why does she look a little upset, as she looks forward again, away from him, "I have to you know... as the team's healer. Even if I have more help lately... you still almost died there. Even with several of us giving it our all..."
She sounds disturbed by that, troubled. "We told you to retreat too..." She adds... before he confides that something about him is incompatible with life.
And she looks back at him quickly, with an expression at first like 'wot?' like she's just confused, but then she thinks about it.
"... Huh. I'd like to say I can relate to that too..." Those words, it's like she's invoking what she said before when he woke up in the hospital. To his Parents and to her Father.
"... but I'm not sure I can?" She might think she's incompatible with life - not knowing how to live - with her Father dying - with her Mother growing further away from her, with Ran giving up on her... but... she knows she's scared of death, "It sounds like a very lonely way to live."
Pot, meet Kettle.
Yukari searches his expression for so long that she begins to grow insecure, believing that's awkward, then looks away and sighs so deeply that she dips forward at the waist some as she tries to think of how to deal with that.
"... Look, you said you realized you were lying to yourself, about not caring, right? Well, part of caring about other people is... is being considerate about their feelings too."
She says as she nods, thinking she's onto something here, "If you feel like you can't bother to care for their own sake, then maybe... care because... it'd be inconsiderate of your teammates' feelings too if you died?"
She finally leans back, and smiles at him, though a touch of awkwardness has entered into it given that she's about to cite the subject of Minako, "Or your sister for that matter, come on. She'd be devastated if you died because you threw your life away needlessly."
She cites her because she can't admit to herself even now she'd be devastated if he died - despite it being on full display to everyone.
"You realize that right? If you care about other people then... forcing yourself to live even when you can't care yourself is like - taking responsibility as a man."
She's not ordinarily one to cite it in such terms, but she at least understands that Minato has a protective instinct.
So telling him it's a way to take responsibility as a man is a way to keep providing and protecting the people in his life.
Even if she herself certainly doesn't need either. "That makes sense, right?"
<Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
"I apologise for the trouble, Healer-chan," Minato says, and it's... probably his idea of a joke. Cut through some of the tension, when she's obviously kind of flustered by him pointing out what she's saying here. (Is it also an excuse to try out another honourific on her? Perish the thought.) "... well," he adds, more seriously, remembering that the last time she thought he was telling a joke she took it rather badly, "I do recognise that my feelings were difficult to accommodate."
Did he almost die...? It was difficult to stand up, again and again. Is that what being close to death feels like? Getting up, again and again?
He must be very close to death, then.
"That's fine," he assures her, though, when she says that she can't relate. "Or... I'm happy you can't. It isn't something people should feel."
... isn't he people?
But... Yukari tries another approach. Minato listens, quietly, and wonders whether she's been talking to Reiya. (If only he knew.)
... part of him wonders if it's inconsiderate to their feelings, to talk to them like this in the first place. To get close to them in the first place, when he's as close to death as he is. ... even so, he meant what he said.
He wants to.
"You're right," he agrees, mildly. "It's inconsiderate. I don't always understand how other people feel, but I suppose dying is something which would make anyone feel bad... right?"
Minato frowns, lightly. "And... if I do those things as your leader, it might make the team think you have to go that far, too." Look at him go! Thinking independent thoughts building off of Yukari's concerns!
"All right," he nods, gravely. "I'll try to take more responsibility for the situation."
... though he worries that saying something like that will be easier than doing it.
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
"Pfft..." Yukari snerks, which leads to a chuckle, "... aha. Hey, since when did we get so familiar that you can call me Healer-chan?" She says, with a smile, as it does it's actually work this time on her.
"... 'difficult' is a bit of an understatement though." She adds onto that, more serious herself.
"Hmmm... well, I won't claim that I wish I could. It doesn't sound... enjoyable." Yukari asserts, "But I won't say it's wrong or anything either."
She doesn't know how to live, so she can't tell other people how they should live - or how they should feel while alive.
She can't even begin to think of how to do that. "Just... lonely." She repeats.
Minato is indeed close to death, but... she doesn't want anyone to die. And while she can't say that to him.
She does look relieved as he says 'she's right'. "Yeah. It would." She agrees, before he then extrapolates and builds on it further, "That's right! You have to... set a good example, as our leader."
That look of relief becomes a sigh of relief, "There you go then. And I'll do my best as your teammate to keep you alive so you can do that. Without you... I bet we don't even stand half a chance of erasing the Dark Hour for good."
That can't be all she means to him - his powers - representing their chance of erasing the Dark Hour.
But perhaps she just isn't ready to stop lying to herself yet.
"Anyhow... if you can do that, then - I won't have any further objections to you coming on our operations, promise."
Before a fingertip scratches the side of her chin as if in awkward realization, "Not that you'd... stop, anyway, now that things have changed right?"
<Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
Minato smiles for precisely two point seven eight seconds, proving that it is, in fact, theoretically possible. "Sorry, sorry." But like, he's not THAT sorry.
He does nod, though, when she says it's an understatement. In a heavier tone, he adds: "... thanks for your hard work." And the difference between 'Minato making a joke' and 'Minato feeling the weight of Yukari's worries' is about the distance between two of a centipede's feets, but hopefully, she can tell the difference.
"Maybe so," he agrees, mildly, when she says again that his feelings are lonely. "But I don't feel alone." Even distancing himself from everyone around him, Minato's never felt... alone.
He couldn't tell Yukari just why he feels that way, though.
She can't see him.
He checked.
"I wouldn't stop," Minato clarifies, after giving Yukari the space to say her piece. "But that doesn't mean I'm not glad to have your approval, either. It would be bad for morale if you were unsettled. You're an important part of our team." Is that the only reason why he wants her to be happy with him being here...?
Well, it's one reason.
Though, as he thinks over some of those disaffected responses he gave previously...
"... and I think a lot about what you want, anyway."
See, the kind of girl he likes is more... you know... independent and assertive?
<Pose Tracker> Yukari Takeba has posed.
Theoretically possible is in fact - possible! "You better be." She says, but it sounds like she's in pretty good humor about it actually.
He does state that he doesn't feel alone, but after thinking about that for a while, she tells him in reply, "Well... there's a difference between alone and lonely."
Indeed, she lived with her Mother for years and felt... lonely. "I think that's what makes it hard for people to tell." She does not in fact know about that.
And when he goes to the Velvet Room, she only seems him staring in space for a few seconds.
He says he wouldn't stop and for some reason... that's a relief, because it means he's not doing it just because he was asked to.
But she looks a little surprised when he says he's seeking her approval, "Yeah?" An important part of our team? "Uhhhh... I dunno about that." After all, her insecurities are amped higher and higher lately from needing to be saved again and again.
"We just recruited a lot of people who can do what I do." She adds, somewhat chagrined, "Maybe even better. But... it's nice that you think so."
She admits, as a hand cards through the side of her hair, even as he says 'And I think a lot about what you want, anyway?'
The motion stops, as her brain freezes up for a second or two, then she... blushes visibly, "Huh!?"
Taken aback, as she recoils from him, then stares for a second... two seconds, then three and... starts to laugh. "Ahahahaha. Oh come on. You've been listening to Junpei-kun for too long if you're using a line like that." As she grins at him, "Nice try though! It's at least not the worst attempt I've heard from anyone!"
> Your Charm Level isn't high enough to catch her interest!
> Maybe if you were Charismatic you could manage.
"Now come on Leader-kun." As she grabs her bag and stands back up, turning around to face him, "We should head back. Can't be late to start your Virtual Diet."
<Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
"Oh," Minato blinks, when Yukari points out the difference. "... I guess that's true."
Is he lonely...?
He shakes his head, though, when Yukari says that other people can do her job. "Katsuhiro-san has strong abilities to support the team, but many of his skills are erratic or effective over time. Yamagishi-san and Kawase-san both have the capacity to scout ahead for us without leaving the team, but their focus lies in insight, not healing. And Hitomi has some potent enhancement capabilities, but isn't able to restore us like you can. When it comes to direct restoration, you're the one with the greatest strength."
... he's quite the little battle analyst, isn't he? But then, he'd need to notice everyone's strengths in order to lead them effectively.
If only he could have foreseen...
Yukari laughing at him!!!
Minato's cheeks colour, as he swings and misses. He experiences the curious emotion of choking on his heart because it got lodged in his throat somehow. He is EMBARRASSED.
Maybe the reason he doesn't date much has to do with the difficulty level of the kind of girl he likes...
"O-oh, yeah," he clears his throat, and makes an excuse to look away by grabbing his bag. "I'd better check my lines with someone else." Ha ha, it's a funny joke. It's a funny joke!!
... at least she's responding to his actual joke, too...
Minato wonders, as he straightens up, whether he maybe had better check his approach with the boys. Perhaps Yukari is full of wisdom...
oh no.
"Commencing mission: return to home base," Minato confirms, as he slings his bag over his shoulder.
... and he will, in fact, be going on a Virtual Diet.
HE NEEDS TO BE MUCH SMOOTHER.