[Please, his observation haki is not developed yet; on the other hand, his natural senses are still highly attuned to women, so he does in fact hear Asa's mumbling. Considering how vulnerable she looks like this, he makes the effort to listen with even more care than usual.

What dreadful experiences has she had to harbor such powerful fears? The horrors of loneliness versus the agony of rejection—one is already painful enough. Why do people have to suffer both? What could justify these things happening to Asa? Why does salvation elude those who plead for so long that they end up stopping before it happens? It's too cruel, all of it. And yet, she still cares so much insofar that it's worn her down to this.]

You were just trying to protect me, weren't you? Yanami-san, too.

[From what, he doesn't know. Herself? Something else? He takes a step forward, tentative and asking.]

Asa . . . I understand that you're afraid, and I don't resent you for it. But what is it that you want?