[Soon she is close enough, and laser-fast, Yagyuu scoops her up, holding fast as she wriggles and squirms and finally settles in his arms. He's careful not to let the Fire Stone touch her, replacing it in the bag once he's sure he won't drop her by freeing one hand to do so.]

That's something you ought to ask Fuji-kun.

[He pets her fondly.]

It'll be easier for him to accept his own evolution if he has someone else's to control in the process. We won't be his third-year senpais forever.