"Just long enough for us to check," he decides, moving forwards. "If we run into something big, we want to make sure we're at full strength, and we haven't tested the limits before you tire out, if you do."

While yakuza aren't necessarily monsters - whether Shadows or Witches - they should still be approached carefully, and Souji isn't going to risk either of them getting caught in a situation that they can't easily get out of. Homura is strong, and likely sturdier than the delicate design of her shield suggests. He has combat experience, because he had to pick it up, but...

It's not because he wants to dive into trouble. So he'll stop and check the corners before carrying on.