I know that. Maybe it's because Sephiroth joined up while I went to do something else. And if the Empire makes another move...

[Any previous loops with Cloud, or any interaction really, would have easily lead to him talking about how he enlisted in the ShinRa military because he idolized the other Hero.

At least his tone has more concern than the moping he had in previous months. He's simply unsure, not lost. The mention of Esdham likely caused this.]