"He's dead," Raidou cut in short and fast, desperate to throw a dam across that rising tide of panic. "Kid, look at me. He's dead. They sent a team back to track him down and kill him. He's not even dust anymore." At least, that's what the green-eyed nurse had told him. And he had no reason to believe she'd lie.

And if she had, he'd take it anyway. They needed that much.

"You sure?" Genma's voice was raw, his chakra flickering uncertainly. He was trying to pull it back, keeping himself together. "What about the others?"

Raidou didn't know. He didn't hesitate, either. "Dead, too. They're all gone. It's just us, kid, and we're fine." If he could have, he would have fallen onto Genma's bed and dragged the other man into a fierce, protective hug. Shielded him from everything. But Genma's tethered hand wouldn't allow it, his broken ribs wouldn't bend, and Raidou didn't have the strength to lift himself again.

"C'mon," he encouraged hoarsely, tightening his fingers around that hummingbird pulse, "you know the drill. Just stick with me. Answer a couple questions. Don't think too hard. Okay?"

For the barest millimetre of a breath, he broke eye-contact to twist and glare at the little Intel agent still standing in the corner. Don't you dare tell him otherwise. Then his focus was back on Genma, determined not to let him fall apart.