[Once it seems as though the younger teen has collected himself, Mello lets go and takes a step back, not looking to prolong contact unnecessarily. He does, however, study his face as he listens.]

It sounds like they screwed up.

[As far as he is concerned, this is yet another reason to dislike this city — and another reason to question the motives behind the people in charge. If they have the technology to do this — bring people from different worlds, maybe even from the dead, and install chips in their brains — they should have the technology to make sure people do not suffer. Either they are skimping on the healing portion of their jobs, or they do not care.

He turns, then, eyes on the crowd instead of on Haku. It may give the impression that he isn't paying close attention to what is being said, but he is — he's listening very closely. And it occurs to him that he and this kid are not so different after all.

He doesn't know the details, but the similarities at there — Mello, too, is without parents and without a family, and he, too, was nothing until something gave him a purpose. Of course, the similarities end there — Mello became obsessed with achieving his goal and becoming number one, not with serving another, but he can understand having nothing, and the position that puts a person in. He understands the need for a purpose.]

I don't have anything. No parents, no family. [Not even Wammy's, because Mello turned his back on the home for good.]

But that's why I provide for myself, and no one else.

[He turns around and looks at Haku again.]

People follow me. I don't follow them.

[Mello gives the orders; he doesn't take them.]