[The issue with being someone for whom most things come easily — someone who stands alone as the strongest in his world — is that Satoru is accustomed to having situations work out in his favor. And when things don't come easily to him, he's accustomed to getting his way regardless, either by annoying others into compliance or sheer luck. He conducts himself as he does in part because he can.
But that isn't the whole story; Satoru's motivations are more complicated than simply getting his way. If he's obnoxious, people tend to pay more attention to his obnoxious behaviors than whatever else he's doing; if he's flippant, he will seem less like a threat to the current leadership of jujutsu society who must be watched closely and more like an annoyance no one wants to handle.
But no matter how he behaves, no matter how lacking his interpersonal skills may be, Satoru doesn't take cooperation for granted. Not anymore. He learned that lesson long ago, and that's why he understands the importance of having allies who are capable of standing beside him. It's why he's here at all, instead of making a plan to face both future train cars and the conductor entirely on his own.
As he trusts his students back home, he would like to trust others here — should the worst come to pass.
But this is an entirely voluntary proposal. Just as Satoru once learned the cost of taking others for granted, he also learned that he can't force others to do what he feels is right.
When Anakin slows, so too does Satoru, still allowing him to choose the pace, just as he will allow him to choose how to respond to this interaction as whole. He's still grinning, though his expression slides toward a more thoughtful smile when Anakin makes that astute suggestion. He maintains his stare just over his shades for a moment longer.]
I don't think that's the case. One was already gone. The other was contained.
[It's a lot more complicated than that, and difficult to explain in full without getting into all of the nuances of jujutsu society and cursed energy, but it's still true: both problems were handled, however temporarily. By unleashing them on this car, the conductor either made a huge mistake or they have bad intentions. Satoru's experiences lead him to believe it's the latter, but even if it is a mistake, one of this magnitude can't go ignored. Regardless, this would be a terrible containment system, given that they're allowed free reign of train cars and passengers alike.
But Satoru nods upon hearing Anakin say he's ready for answers. No matter what the intended reason behind all of them being on this train, no one should be content with having no explanation.
Satoru tilts his head back, once again looking through his shades rather than over them at the well of potential that is Anakin. Then he answers his question.]
Nope. But I've gone a plan to convince one of them to sit tight.
[In a manner of speaking. It's a risky plan, but the risk is Satoru's alone. If it works out as he intends, then the passengers will be spared.
The other is a lost cause. Satoru has already tangled with him once; there will be no convincing him of anything.]
I'll keep my eye on the other for now and [a little cheekily, considering Anakin's earlier statement:] play nice.
no subject
But that isn't the whole story; Satoru's motivations are more complicated than simply getting his way. If he's obnoxious, people tend to pay more attention to his obnoxious behaviors than whatever else he's doing; if he's flippant, he will seem less like a threat to the current leadership of jujutsu society who must be watched closely and more like an annoyance no one wants to handle.
But no matter how he behaves, no matter how lacking his interpersonal skills may be, Satoru doesn't take cooperation for granted. Not anymore. He learned that lesson long ago, and that's why he understands the importance of having allies who are capable of standing beside him. It's why he's here at all, instead of making a plan to face both future train cars and the conductor entirely on his own.
As he trusts his students back home, he would like to trust others here — should the worst come to pass.
But this is an entirely voluntary proposal. Just as Satoru once learned the cost of taking others for granted, he also learned that he can't force others to do what he feels is right.
When Anakin slows, so too does Satoru, still allowing him to choose the pace, just as he will allow him to choose how to respond to this interaction as whole. He's still grinning, though his expression slides toward a more thoughtful smile when Anakin makes that astute suggestion. He maintains his stare just over his shades for a moment longer.]
I don't think that's the case. One was already gone. The other was contained.
[It's a lot more complicated than that, and difficult to explain in full without getting into all of the nuances of jujutsu society and cursed energy, but it's still true: both problems were handled, however temporarily. By unleashing them on this car, the conductor either made a huge mistake or they have bad intentions. Satoru's experiences lead him to believe it's the latter, but even if it is a mistake, one of this magnitude can't go ignored. Regardless, this would be a terrible containment system, given that they're allowed free reign of train cars and passengers alike.
But Satoru nods upon hearing Anakin say he's ready for answers. No matter what the intended reason behind all of them being on this train, no one should be content with having no explanation.
Satoru tilts his head back, once again looking through his shades rather than over them at the well of potential that is Anakin. Then he answers his question.]
Nope. But I've gone a plan to convince one of them to sit tight.
[In a manner of speaking. It's a risky plan, but the risk is Satoru's alone. If it works out as he intends, then the passengers will be spared.
The other is a lost cause. Satoru has already tangled with him once; there will be no convincing him of anything.]
I'll keep my eye on the other for now and [a little cheekily, considering Anakin's earlier statement:] play nice.