Morning Star wasn't an attack Souji could shield himself from, either on his own or with Izanagi's help. He gritted his teeth against the pain, and even when the light had dispersed, his vision was bleached out and blurred, like an over-exposed photograph.

He let his head hang between his shoulders, gasping, only conscious by a thread. He couldn't endure another attack from Minato--even something as innocuous as Agi would probably send him spiraling into unconsciousness. Arguing wasn't a viable response--clearly. He had to try something else.

He swallowed, gathered himself, and spoke again. His voice came out hoarse and soft, not as composed as he'd hoped.

"...How will you treat me?"