"I can't really fake confidence. I've tried, but it only works a little. I'm only at my best not when I'm trying to hide my fear, but when what I have to do just leaves no room for it to stop me."

He rolls his sleeves back into place and shares her wry smile.

"But you know... Rose-san and I have that in common: We should think of ourselves more. I wish I'd done that when I was younger. I guess that comes with getting old, seeing my mistakes..."