To prove his resolve to protect Eiji, Ash takes a gun from Yut-Lung and pulls the trigger on himself without hesitation. The fact that the gun was empty (a psychological test by Yut-Lung) doesn't lessen the impact; it reveals that Ash values Eiji's life far above his own survival.
: Following the events at Kippard’s, Ash returns to Eiji, who takes care of him while they hide out. Banana Fish Episode 18