Akira knew this was important.

He wasn't entirely sure why he'd agreed to accompany Shindo, well, Hikaru when alone, on a sudden and strangely apologetic so-called Shusaku Pilgrimage.

No, he knew why he was there, and it wasn't a lack of other plans. Something just felt...

He kept his distance as Hikaru had a long and strange conversation with Shusaku's grave; it clearly wasn't for him. And when Hikaru had finished, Akira didn't comment on his tears.

But he did offer his hand, which Hikaru took.

"It's a long story."

That sounded about right, given all this.

"Then tell me."