"I - " Snake started, but his crushed throat tightened and he gave a hard, phlegmy cough - "I know that look of fear. You're thinking of that battle we had. It's etched into you. It's going to be with you for the rest of your life. I know that feeling. That's how I've felt for the past half-decade. Dead to everything. And scared."

Despite the calmness of his voice, his skin was clammy with sweat, and his body shivered in its bonds. Even though his mind was clear and relaxed, his body wasn't. Too much pain and adrenaline. Exhaustion pressed on his chest, as if he hadn't slept in weeks.

"Big Boss," he asked, "what's the reason why you didn't tell me what I was until right at the end? Was that part of your plan, too? To ensure I lived out my life on the battlefield until I died? Did you think knowing that would change me?"