I know that. I've been there before. ...I've also been many more times where I didn't accept help when it's needed.

[ he's not defensive as he speaks, surprisingly, his tone somber. ]

Should we never do anything but be alone, then? Should we refuse seeking out those who see the world past themselves because they may not always be there? Is it cowardly accept help? To ask for help to begin with?

Or is it trying to do everything on our own that leaves us feeling unhappy and weak?

...I'm a warlord declaring I want to be a conquerer and unite the land of the Rising Sun. It's true that you can't always expect people to be there for you. Actually, I think a lot of people in this team of ours are some of the worst. Still, how can I wear a straight face and speak about a land united and everyone at peace with each other if I can't engage in relying on others? It's the only way that can happen-- relying on others to do their part.

My power isn't in being able to do things by myself. It's surrounding myself with people I know capable of sharing a burden with and with cooperating without further greed than is acceptable without being selfless.

[ this probably isn't much about the date pawning, anymore. ]