Kaji nods, and he can't help but smile back a little bit, partly in relief that his answer didn't disappoint her. "Of course. I still want to know exactly what the people here want us to do." And, more importantly, what they expect a nine year-old kid to do.

"It wouldn't quite be fair for us to go home without helping them out, in some way." Kaji tilts his head a little and gets a very thoughtful look on his face. "But maybe that way doesn't have to be directly fighting?" Something less direct would usually be Kaji's choice, and if he can find a similar choice for Ib, something to keep her out of danger, then he would probably try to pass it along. There has to be another way.