To say that the words unsettle him is an understatement. Hearing those words in Shiro's voice is just—it's wrong. Declaring himself as stronger than ever feels like nothing short of a lie, and if Shiro knew better, he'd be fighting against it. He can't help but wonder if Pidge has some tech that could help, that maybe he should be focusing on getting Shiro to her ...

But they can't really do that right now.

"Yeah right," he says, contempt present and barely concealed. "I remember you back at the garrison. I was the only pilot who could give you a run for your money. And now you're saying you're stronger? No chance of that."

Maybe recalling those days of yore might bring him back to ... himself.