"Ah—" and just like that, Ren's eyes are back on Sakuya— and he seems to relax in the wake of that smile. With a silent protag nod, he returns the gesture, feeling somehow more at ease. "With everyone's help... it doesn't always have to feel so heavy."

His gaze drifted over everyone in the small gathering as he spoke— "Thank you," sensei, Naoto, Finn, Johnas— "all of you. Uendo-san is right when he says this world has become precious to us, so..." Maria and Sylvarie, then finally...

"We won't let you down—" Ren reached forward this time without hesitation, a firm and gentle grasp on the crystal, as he looked to meet the elezen's gaze. If this young man had truly been one of the heroes that came before them, then it was only fitting that Sakyua be their... "senpai."