[ Short-handed for a while is a bit of understatement. He's been with the Bureau long enough to know how much effort it can be to re-hire. Perhaps less so for the fallen Enforcers, but definitely a trial for new Inspectors. Their ranks will be so green, it's a bit worrisome.

But that's for another day. For now, he glances down at Akane, watching her expression go blank for a moment. His eyebrows knit together, a sure sign that he's about to go into super worry mode. Whatever was on the tip of his tongue gets cut off, though, and he relaxes a bit. ]

I know, you're strong. [ She keeps it together. Gino hopes that she always can. ] That doesn't count you out for taking care of yourself, though.

[ He flashes her a small smile, one that's edged with slight embarrassment. ]

How could I not? I think sometimes you'd forget to eat if I didn't hover.