Commentary:
Hey now, we can't have it be too easy for them. If anything the fact that they can even check how someone is doing makes things easy already. Either way, now Mako is determined to do... something. The next page will cut away from Mako and Jamon for a bit, but don't worry. Mako's plan will be elaborated before the chapter is over.
As for "going through something similar" mentioned in panels 5/6, well there's a LOT that Mako's been through at this point. So the specific thing that his friend is going through is anyone's guess. Of course I know it, but I'm not going to tell you.