[Cloud can't help but smirk at the list of faults rattled off.]

Sounds a lot like me when I enlisted with ShinRa. But that didn't stop Zack from becoming my friend. Or watching out for me and helping me get better.

[He ignores the brief pang of worry at the mention of his best friend's name.]

Being friends and being ready to fight, you just need to have the right heart for both of those things. Anyone can do it as long as they're honest and try their best. As long as they don't give up.