Ren had been on the precipice of offering to team up for a scavenging mission sometime - maybe even frame it as suggesting Akechi show him the ropes, since he was the default expert. But that’s one hell of a bombshell Akechi drops. Ren’s expression instantly lights up - surprised, yes, but more so delighted.

“I’m very happy for you.”

Quite the understatement. Ren always found it odd that he seemed to be Akechi’s only friend, until he started learning more about him. The other boy was a celebrity, after all - highly intelligent, charismatic, adored by so many fans. He could’ve had his pick of close friends and romantic partners if he’d spent any time developing relationships like with Ren.

And if he hadn’t been living a double life in the Metaverse, carrying out Shido’s assassinations. That sort of thing does tend to eat away at free time.

A wave of elation rushes through Ren, lifting up his heart. He knows just how beneficial it can be to make and cultivate these bonds, and he is thrilled Akechi is doing so well here, under such difficult circumstances. Maybe one of these new bonds could be for Akechi what Ren himself wished to be. As long as Akechi received the rewards of said bonds, Ren could accept any disappointment that it hadn’t resulted from him specifically.

Still … he’s curious.

“Would you be willing to introduce me to them sometime?”

Ren doesn’t want to intrude on the relationships, just to know more about the people here who are doing so much good for his friend.