[There's another universe where he might actually enjoy this. Back at university, at one of the local bars or something. He has always liked flirting as a means of stroking his ego. And this guy isn't so bad to look at, but...

Now isn't the time. This might not even be the right life, or death, for this. So he watches Akira with barely contained rage.]

...Thank you. You've made me realize that things could be worse. I could be still be stuck as a pathetic, blubbering mess like you.

[He checks his arm, but the brand is gone. Why's it still effecting this guy?]