I only realised just now why Sugishita barely talking is so relevant in Wind Breaker's narrative.
In wbk, fights are conversations, not just because they 'talk with their fists' but also because it's an opportunity to literally speak to your opponent.
Sugishita barely speaks even outside of fights, and that's like, the core of most of his problems in his life, he isn't proactive in connecting with people like Sakura is, and that's why Sakura has been evolving so fast while Sugishita has been staying so stagnant.
And that's why Sugishita reminding Sakura of his potential and goal is such a relevant moment for both of their characters but especially Sugishita's, because for once he chose to engage with someone first, to speak his mind to Sakura without Sakura asking first.
