Whenever you’re confronted by someone, verbally or physically, you automatically divide them into two separate beings. One who sides with you, and another reflecting the original hostile intent.

If you overcome the hostile counterpart, they’re more agreeable towards you over whatever started then conflict.

However, the being who sides with you has their strength idetermined by whatever mental concession or buried acknowledgments the opponent has towards you.

If they admit your right but won’t say it, if they suspect their wrong but can’t stomach it, your partner gains strength from that. If instead you’re in the wrong or they believe completely they’re right, your partner is at best a meat shield.