[He does, though perhaps he shouldn't.]

Regardless, I am grateful. [Whether Ryo wants to be thanked for it or not, his gratitude remains.]

His current state of existence is more durable than that of a standard human. Fudo Akira is precious individual--your actions have ensured for him a longer life expectancy without losing that which makes him so precious.

[A longer life "expectancy" doesn't necessarily mean a longer life, it simply means that the odds are stacked a bit more in his favor compared to otherwise.

zaShunina nods his agreement to Ryo's words.]

I will do everything within my capacity to that end, as well. [Even if zaShunina now knows what lies beyond the unknowable boundary of death--beyond information, he will still protect Akira while he remains in this world. There's no need for him to cross that horizon so soon.]