Did he believe me just like that? Even in a situation like this, I carried out the fusion without a word, entirely based on my own subjective wishes, and even restricted his movements. Yet he believed me immediately?
Just as naive as before.
Slightly taken aback, the gloom on "Chiba's" face faded a little as he stared blankly at Chiba before him—the different version of himself. For no reason, such a thought crossed his mind.
And the instant that thought arose, his intention to fuse, along with the fusion process that had naturally begun because of that intention, stopped.
Though he had done something highly suspicious, was it because the other party was himself? He had naturally believed his words at once.
And, as if by instinct, he knew he was telling the truth.
He didn't lie to me!
Was it because they had already acknowledged one another, or because the fusion process had, to some extent, already created an initial connection between their minds? Never mind that! They absolutely could not undergo this so-called fusion now. Even though the person before him was "him," this situation was simply too... perfect!
They absolutely could not fuse. At the very least, it had to wait until later! At the same time, Chiba's eye twitched slightly as he looked at the "Chiba" before him, and this thought involuntarily flashed through his mind.
"W-Wait a moment. I need you to undo the fusion right now. There's something very important."
As that thought crossed his mind, Chiba could not help repeating himself, emphasizing just how important it was to stop the fusion now.
He said it again...
Was this really so important?
Was postponing the fusion really that important to him...?
Then, did he want to use their mutual independence to deal with something?