[Kokichi glances down to stare at his tea. Wow, it's so interesting! A lot more interesting than this conversation. Because he can't help but think the same thing.

Why him? Why not someone who deserves to live? Who was already alive? Kaito deserved it more...Kaito would be more useful, more helpful. And surely Maki and Shuichi would want him there more...taking a deep breath, he tries to push those thoughts out of his head. They won't help anyone.

He looks up with an uncertain grin.]

I guess she just saw all of our useful qualities! I mean, who's more determined and inspiring than Akamatsu-chan is? If we have to search for and find these relic things, Saihara-chan's is great for that. Aaaand Harukawa-chan is suuuuuuper strong, fast and has lots of endurance! That's the makings for a pretty great party right there.

[He's not sure if Maki's feeling the same way, but he can at least recognize those questions in Kaede and Shuichi's expressions.]

So she didn't make too bad of a choice. We'll just have to hold out until she brings all the others.