The younger one meets my eyes, and again I am struck by that old energy, as if he is much older than he would appear at first glance. For the first time, I consider too deeply the implications of my transformation. In ten years, will I still look like this? Precisely like this?

Micchi leaving me behind?

I look at the other, Hiromu, and nod, admittedly a bit sheepish. "Yes, we have had some troubles. But we are in a state of recovery now, and once there I can assist you in any way, to contact your own people."