[ Akihiko is silent, at first. If Ken looks at him, he'll see that his brows are drawn down, his lips pressed tightly together - a pensive look that he's likely seen on Sanada before. Finally, he speaks. ]

The Kirijo group covered it up - all anyone else knows is that Shinji was at the wrong place at the wrong time in Port Island and died as a result of his wounds. They held a memorial service at Gekkoukan the next day.

[ A memorial service that Akihiko avoided, but attended later. ]

I realized all my strength and training had meant nothing to protecting the people most important to me. That I had to do better going forward, and end the dark hour.

I asked.... Shinji, and my sister, to watch over us.

[ Perhaps Akihiko's problems weren't what Ken was asking about, but he shares it anyways. ]

You ran away from the dorm the day of his memorial. Spent the night out on the streets, and I found you at Port Island the next day. I told you the dead were never coming back; that it was your choice to rot and fade away, or that you could move forward for the people we'd lost. I walked away to wait you out.

[ It's similar to the conversation they had here. A little more harsh, perhaps, which is why Akihiko admits that he'd walked away after the conversation. ]

I don't know exactly what decision you made, but you came back to the dorms with me, and your persona had changed, just like mine had. Everyone was worried when we arrived, but you were allowed to stay with SEES. We spent a lot more time together - training, studying. You even showed me and Minato how to make coffee.

Before we fought the last Shadow... we both visited Port Island again. You said you wanted to live a life you could tell Shinji about and be proud of.

[ He exhales. ]

I don't know if you want to hear the rest of it. It's not good. But if you want, I'll tell you. You're owed that much.