Despite just how much like c r a p he felt, despite the EMOTIONAL && PHYSICAL exhaustion. . . It was almost tragic how Munakata’s words had such a pull over him. Despite his fear, pain, guilt – Despite all of that? He felt elated by the others simple sentence of praise. One sentence. That was all it took to nearly overwhelm him. It wasn’t that it was something complicated. It was simple and honest. But? That was a l l it took to get the BOXER to smile a little.
[ “I knew I could count on you.” ]
It was almost SAD that Juuzo already knew that this one moment would be his crowning achievement of all his struggles here at HOPE’s PEAK ACADEMY – During his time as the HEAD of SECURITY. Not to mention, it was the biggest reassurance that he had done the R I G H T thing. Even when he knew that soon? His stable little world would come crashing in. It was worth it. Scared as the former ULTIMATE BOXER was? That phrase held true. ( “IT WAS WORTH IT.” ) For Munakata’s sake, to live up to his expectations, it was worth it.
Perhaps… It r e a l l y was time to let go of the rest of his secrets. What better time to come clean about everything, right?
“Sounds good.” Juuzo replies, resilient. If Munakata wanted to strike soon? The current Head of Security would rally. It didn’t matter how he felt, personally. How exhausted, worn out, or in pain … He WOULD rally. If there was one thing he could count on? It was that he would protect his best friend. ( The person he l o v e d … ) “Allowing her to freely continue to do… well, whatever she is doing? Seems like a bad idea. I’m ready to do anything you need done, Munakata.”
… if today had proven anything to him?
It was just that. Juuzo Sakakura would do anything for the other – Even if it meant destroying himself. So, with that, he runs his hand through his wet hair. Slicking it back, and trying to calm himself. Consequences be DAMNED, right? That was what the former ULTIMATE BOXER had decided.
“You need people with little influence from this place? I can make some calls… Some old contacts of mine are in town. They should be able to lend a hand as well.” By contacts, he meant former competition- Aside from his school friends: Munakata and Yukizome? They were the only other people he kept in contact with. And very specifically, he only kept in contact with his old “RIVALS.” The only ones that could keep up with him… To an extent.
However – When his silver-haired friend brings up the ( “FALSE TALENT” ) child, his expression darkens a little. It was true that rumors, like wildfire, had brought that boy to light. If he was another one of her lackeys, they’d have to be cautious. ENOSHIMA WAS DANGEROUS. But that boy… If what he’d read was true? Had every talent HPA had ever researched… crammed to the brim of his mind. Juuzo, being an alumni of “Hope’s Peak Academy,” included. That meant he couldn’t just rely on his strength this time. If he was her ally, they would have to precede with caution.
“… yeah. This really might be our best shot. However, we should probably capture or eliminate her sister first. People like her are more dangerous when the person they’re protecting is taken away.” Juuzo understood that mindset. After all: If something so much as touched Munakata, he knew he’d be… RELENTLESS. However? This was their opening. And like hell was he going to waste it.
Enoshima was counting on his ( BETRAYAL ). She believed that she already had this victory in the bag.
If they acted now, not even a day after their little display? They really might have a shot at stopping this whole thing before it escalated even further. They might be able to ( “END an APOCALYPSE” ) before it had fully begun. It was worth it – Yes. It meant his secret would be displayed to the other. He would be outed in possibly the WORST GODDAMNED WAY EVER … But it was worth it.
With that, he frowns a little- Worth it or not, it wasn’t easy for him to forget about the consequences of his choice. Or the possible response. He had always been nervous about what might happen if the other had ever found him out. Would they be more awkward? Would they not be able to hang around each other the same way they always had. . ? Yes. This last while, they hadn’t been able to see one another as much. But? Their connection was something up upmost IMPORTANCE to him.
… When Kyousuke spoke up again, Juuzo’s magenta eyes return to the other. Curiosity showing in his eyes, as he pulled out his phone now. ( GETTING READY TO MAKE THOSE CALLS – Assuming the other gave him the okay. ) He hadn’t, however, been expecting the others comment. His reassurance. His eyes, for a second, widen… before a smile works its way onto his lips. “Yeah. Gotcha.” … he wouldn’t let it ruin him, hmm? Somehow, those words were very reassuring to him. As tense as he was, as stressed as he was? He could feel a wave of relief. If that was how the other felt? Perhaps if he saw them, he wouldn’t respond as negatively as the BOXER had always FEARED. “Thanks… No worries. I’ll concentrate on the mission. I’ve got a job to do. No time to stress about the small stuff.”
Was the other embarrassed? He wasn’t sure- But for a brief moment, the other had appeared even somewhat startled by what he’d said. Juuzo smiles.
“… alright. Not a problem. Yukizome can sit this one out.”