(unfortunately for everyone, manjiro has always had that effect. it's a certain charisma, a certainty in his words, along with that ridiculous strength and larger-than-god attitude. no wonder he has been a beloved leader, he just feels things, says things, helps when he feels like it, to whoever he finds worthy of his time and attention - not many, mind you. he'd not even look at sha-ming if he didn't see something in there.

not that manjiro is smart, he's observant in ways that are almost a string of poetic metaphors. shoulders that seem to carry the weight of the world, feelings that he can't particularly shake, things that his large eyes see and just stick to it. right now, he sees that sha-ming shrunk in size, almost like he wants to fit somewhere manjiro can't exactly see.)

... I thought you were much better than that, Shamin'. I'd rather die than ever be pitied - and you shouldn't either, when you got the real thing right in front of you. People are going to worry about you - because they care about you. Nothing in life is roses, love is worry, pain, suffering, but it's wonderful, and it's worth it, and a thousand times better than pity. You should know, you love Minatan so much you were tortured not to give him up. Would you rather pity him instead because he's sheep?

(sorry, how unexpectedly personal.)

People come and go, but they make who you are. What will happen is that they'll stay a part of you regardless, you gotta trust me on this, kinda expertise at this point. So, wipe that look off your face, you are much better than that... and I don't like it, actually.

(oof. his b.)

And real fucking strong. I could lift this bar counter with a single hand. I've always believed in fist fighting, your own damn strength and everything, because then it's fair. Can't be fair if I am stronger than anyone, so it is fucking with me personally.