A naive 'try harder' lecture that could have come straight from a shonen manga was exactly the ridiculous thing that would turn his attention away from serious discussions. Toki was so close to just outright laughing at Gongenzaka for that attempt because he probably meant every word of it. It was hilarious. He sounded like he was repeating some former mentor's advice with practiced enthusiasm, or it was a precursor for a 'join my dojo!' line.

“I will do my absolute best! Your words have touched me greatly, Gongenzaka! I only hope that I can make you proud!”