[Akame looks on at him, looking both somber and taken aback by how genuinely stricken Tsuna looks, hand hovering over his heart as if it hurts him to so much as talk about what had happened during the neraki ambush.

It's a familiar sight. This was how Tatsumi looked when Bulat was killed; guilt and sadness stinging him like the pinpricks of many, tiny needles.

This was herself, after she had to kill Martha; after all her friends in the Elite Seven died one by one; after she turned her back on Kurome, leaving her to an unfortunate fate.

She understands how Tsuna feels, but he can't wallow in his mistakes---and, really, he was a kindhearted boy who couldn't bring himself to hurt innocents.

He can't be faulted for that. Akame puts a hand on his shoulder.]

You were conflicted for good reason. That's not so much a fault as it is staying true to yourself. You can do more and be more, Tsuna. But here...you have to be willing to compromise your intentions with the deeds you have to commit here.

[Akame's brow furrows briefly. She understands what he's getting at: he wants to do more, to become stronger, more resolute.

But that will come with a sacrifice, as Kaneki reminded her. She herself had to cast aside whatever inherent righteousness that remained within her to take up the mantle of assassin.]

You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to protect those around you, and back where you're from, even if it goes against what you stand for.