Ryunosuke is a flinchy, jumpy guy by nature, so it's really not surprising that he jolts, in as much as his bindings will actually allow, when Gen strikes the pillar. He wasn't expecting such a quick escalation, or such a volatile reaction. Though considering how their last interaction had gone, maybe he shouldn't be so surprised...

He's not deterred, though, even though he's very conscious of the fact that Gen could make things very painful for him right now if he wanted to. A dubious groan rumbling deep in his throat, Ryunosuke scrunches up and tilts to try and avoid the ash, cautiously craning his neck to frown up at Gen.

"But there's a difference, isn't there?" he counters. "Between running out because you just don't want to do something, and resigning an obligation because you no longer agree with the cause." He continues to stare at Gen, pointedly, fiercely. "The latter takes far more bravery, in my opinion."