The childish part of him that came out just now urged him to mock Ryuma after he was being told off by Rena, and that same childish part of him wanted to say something like 'I didnt do anything bad'. And luckily, his adult side of him was still there and echoing hard through his body. Yes, he wasn't so angry that he would just lash out like a little kid. He had been immature enough already as it was. [B]"Yes... yes, I know that."[/B] Noboyuki shook his head, before breaking into a smile. [B]"I will do my best from now on. Sorry, Rena."[/B] He simply said in response to Rena telling him off. Yes, it was necessary at times. 

And even then, after being scolded by Rena, Ryuma didn't seem to show any signs of changing. He merely smirked. "Haha! You say that now, but once you see me in action, you'll be BEGGING to have me in your team! Don't ever understimate me, princess!" He said, still sounding quite cheery despite everything, before he became serious again and looked at Noboyuki first, then at Rena. "And what's this? I didn't know you guys were lovebirds. Saying that so openly with each other.... Ain't you embarrassed or something? There are countless other places to be whispering sweet nothings to each other." He smiled yet again, though this one was a mocking smile. 

Yes, Noboyuki had to be the better man, more diplomatic in Rena's words. But how could he be more diplomatic right now? Handling this situation with care.... He took Rena's hand and squeezed it a bit, being careful not to hurt her, and then turned his eyes to the boy with blonde hair. Their eyes met, and if it would've been possible, sparks would've come out only because of that. In a way, they were both total opposites to each other. Noboyuki knew that, Ryuma probably didn't. Like that, he decided that the best way to be diplomatic here was to smile at him, even if it was a clearly forced smile, and gulp down every curse words he wanted to spout out at the guy in front of him. 

"What? you got something to say? Go ahead and say it. Perhaps, you will finally piss me off and we can get on with my crushing of you in front of the princess. You'll lose her respect and love and she'll decide to take me instead of you. We both win. You won't die in upcoming battles and I get to do what I came to do here. What do you think? It's a good deal, right? Your life in exchange of an adventure that just wasn't meant for you." Even while he says so and his words seem to cut deeper than blades as he speaks, he still seems.... worried perhaps? Not something Noboyuki would catch on anytime soon, of course, as his anger just grew by the minute while speaking to the arrogant piece of a brat known as Ryuma. 

He squeezed Rena's hand even tighter. [B]"Just what I-!"[/B] He was about to accept the challenge, but he was reminded of what Rena said. Be more diplomatic. Yeah, the best act of diplomacy he could do was leave everything to Rena. He loosened his grip on Rena's hand after taking a deep breath and calming himself down. He just turned to Rena, seeking for an answer from the girl. [B]"What do you think, Rena? Should we humor him anymore?"[/B]