Gratitude could wait; Ace had never been the type to favor a small talk, especially now that he could feel more confident about discussing the matter at hand. As much as he suspected it being merely one among many factors that had contributed to his friend's reserved demeanor, it seemed like a sound start.

"To make a difference?" Though he gave Minato a studious look, it didn't include waiting for the other to answer before he continued. "As a collective, we should focus on ensuring we have all the means to win the battles ahead, and for that, Eidolons are the force that might just tip the scales in our favor. We don't know nearly enough about their allegiances to count on the Mysidian summoners in time of need, so it would be good to have someone with that level of knowledge on our side."

The cadet regarded his companion with a solemn look for a moment, if only to let his eyes fall shut and complete his response with a soft sigh. "The question is, are you really just lacking faith in your abilities, or fearing the responsibility that would fall upon you?"

Not that either of them should be a reason to stop, but he left that notion unspoken for now, catching himself sounding a bit too overbearing than he'd necessarily meant. The same realisation caused him to slip into a less formal tone, eventually. It wasn't as if he was capable of making any promises, so he found it befuddling to see the other boy be this disillusioned from the get-go.

"Good, because neither can I." As if to counterbalance Minato's gesture, he decided to follow with a firm nod. "That said, the offer still stands."