Obviously!! He's a proud and accomplished warrior, he totally had everything under control and definitely was not feeling lost or anything, no sirree.

"What? The master emerald is no mere 'gem', it possesses incomparable power, and must be guarded against those who would misuse it."

Knuckles clearly took this Very Seriously indeed.

"I see. In that case, it seems we have no more business at present."

Enjoy your fruit, cat guy!