Akihiko doesn't take the potentially rude gesture too harshly- prickly personalities don't mean someone can't make for an excellent team member, and scratches behind his ear with the hand that had been hovering before letting it fall to his side. With the potential vote of confidence, he perks up a little, shifting his weight back into his heels a bit. "Well I'd love to come along!"

Pleasantly surprised by the offered hand, he gave an enthusiastic handshake, and fortunately or unfortunately for Ed, Akihiko isn't the best at hiding initial reactions. It was only after he'd let go that his brows rose, belatedly registering what he'd felt, but said nothing as he listened to the introduction. Well, he'd managed to run into the best person to speak to. "Oh wow, thank you for doing so! It's nice to meet you." There's only a slight pause as Akihiko manages to not ask possibly the most tactless question to someone he just met. Instead, he sets his bag on the ground at his feet for now since it seems they have at least a little time to wait. "When did you arrive here, then? I was just in the last wave."