Maruki sombered a little even if his smile lingered. "Bond, huh?" Igor had been rather pushy with that statement when it came to the residents here but Hamuko...she was different. She brought a different energy to the table, one that almost seemed to distract him. Away from sterile walls. Away from being buried in papers.

He listened intently to her explanation and followed along for the most part. This part was relatively easy, coming up with strategies on the go was...not that difficult to follow. The blue glow around her eyes did make him back up a little. "I can give you some insights on when shadows slip," he nods with a brief smile. "That's how I usually land attacks from my end."

Or just slam them with Azathoth's tentacles.

Still, her resolve was bright. Challenging in a way that asked you to be better.

Maruki grew silent for a moment, boggled by how much he wanted to feel that connection of another passed away individual. It made his chest sink, realizing that he may have never met this person in his world- someone who held so much pain and no place where she could be understood.

The Death. What a cruel name.

"You're very kind, Hamuko-san."