"I see. So Ann and Shiho will be modeling first."
"I am low on funds, so I may only be able to hire a single pair of you," Yusuke awkwardly said.
"Don't worry about it, Yusuke." Ren shook his head. "I want to see the way you see the world."
Yusuke was stunned and froze.
No one had ever said that to him.
Sensei always asked for better. He said to do his best and that he had limitless potential. He trusted his sensei's vision. His maiden work evoked emotions in him like nothing else could. It made him want to paint. Paint anything. For as long as he could. He wanted to bring hope to the world with his art, but—
"Yusuke?" Ann asked gently.
Shaking his head, Yusuke simply said, "Thank you, Ren. Everyone. Truly."
His voice had a slight quiver.
---
"This is your home?" Ryuji asked.
The team looked at the shack-like house in front of them. It was extremely old. There were obvious gaps in the siding where one could see insulation. The siding was made of old, crumbling wood. It was obviously not fit for residence.
"Yes," Yusuke nodded.
"Are you okay here?" Shiho asked.
"Of course," Yusuke nodded once more. "All I need is food, water, canvas, and paint."
The team blinked.
"Yusuke, rest is important too!" Orihime said with puffed cheeks.
"That's right," Ren nodded. "Recreation isn't necessarily bad."
"I see..."
Shiho and Ann prepared to take the poses Yusuke had asked for, and suddenly, after doing so, their auras changed. It was as if Dove and Panther were standing in front of them.
Yusuke looked like he'd entered a trance and began to sketch.
He moved rapidly and confidently. Surely, it wouldn't take long.
---
After forty-five minutes of silence, Ryuji finally opened his mouth impatiently.
"Hey, you're a disciple of Madarame, right?"
...
"How is he as a person?" he continued.
...
"Can you tell us about him?"
...
"Ryuji," Ren said, shaking his head.
"What?!"
Suddenly, Yusuke jumped. He didn't seem angry or anything, just shocked.
"I've never tunnel-visioned like that. My apologies."
"The painting is not yet complete, but it is acceptable for now," he continued. "Thank you."
He gave a gentle smile. It was the first true smile he had given them. Not forced. Just happy and content.
"Can we see it?" Orihime asked with a tilted head.
---