Manipulation, indeed. That would require a sort of brain function and no small amount of malic Gaja simply doesn't possess. Nam isn't privy to Gaja's fits of fixation since, well, they've never involved him specifically. Old and wise as a phoenix is claimed to be, he's still just a bird at heart. A very large one. There's a reason why calling someone bird-brained is an insult.

He pauses in his step. Only for a few seconds. Only long enough to mutter a quiet 'thank you' before continuing on. Hadn't he just said he wouldn't bother Nam anymore? Let him keep his word.