[ It's for the best, honestly. Especially when it comes down to wrestling, Heisuke's just at a disadvantage with his body type.. but Shinpachi realises that very well, and it's probably why he's just playing anyway to begin with. ]

What kinda talk is that, huh?! Is that the way a man talks?

[ But after another moment of laughing and roughing up Heisuke's hair a little further, Shinpachi's grip on the other relaxes a little bit. Even if he doesn't fully let go either. It's since he remembers what Heisuke originally came to him for.

Instead his tone gets a little less boisterous - or at least less loud. ]

.. Hey, Heisuke. About Sano and I though.. you don't gotta worry about us abandoning you or anything, 'kay? We'll be here with you, that's what friends are for.

[ And it's not just ironic considering what's going to happen later. Because this Shinpachi knows the future - he knows that Heisuke is probably pretty much doomed too, considering he's a rasetsu already back home, but.. he still just doesn't want to leave the other guy behind. So he's already decided that when he leaves and Sano doubtlessly comes along with him, he's going to make sure to ask Heisuke too if he wants to come. If he wants to stay with the Shinsengumi, that's fine too - but he at least doesn't want to just abandon him and forget about him under those circumstances. No way. ]