That gives him a little pause, because he's not used to criticism being constructive--his teachers in school sort of gave up on either making him listen or being gentle about it, one by one, and when strangers discuss his flaws with him, it's usually more "abuse-hurling" than "critique". So whose opinion does he really need besides his own and maybe Jadwiga's? Is this guy just gonna take his towel, then turn around and make fun of him? His defensive instinct makes him draw back a little, looking Red over with faint suspicion.

...He wants to be stronger, though. He doesn't want his friends to have to be hurt and scared anymore.

"I guess?"