Enlai's Links
When Enlai was falling, Esrey grabbed him and pulled him back up from the abyss of self-hatred and self-doubt. Esrey saw something in him when no one else did; seeing only his injuries, not his determination and dedication. He hopes to be as capable as Esrey some day.
Ever since Esredes himself had been mentored by someone in the faction as a young member, he's always felt it in himself to have to return the favor someday. Seeing this young recruit so full of determination that reminds him of his own self and having already been abandoned by any other older nochmal that might've wanted to take him under their wing, Esrey decided in the moment it was time for him to repay that favor. By this point he was past ready for it.
Having maintained for a long time that mental strength is prevalent over physical weakness, this belief of Esrey's is directly tested through the kid, considering he's at a disadvantage with a missing arm and finger. Nothing that a request to Levi for a prosthetic and a sword for four fingers can't at least alleviate, but Esrey is willing to work with his disadvantage to watch his raw determination make up for it. While he may have some worries about trying to be a mentor, he feels he's well able to do it. And he's hoping he can take this kid far in doing so.