With the Version 1.3 update for Xenoblade Chronicles 2, still set to go live this week, Nintendo UK have taken the liberty to share some news pertaining to Mikhail and Ahkos and in Mikhail’s case, the news is interesting!
According to the Big N, Mikhail can not be bonded by awakening Core Crystals, as he will only join your party, if you are available to find him in New Game+. Pictures can be found below, along with the tweet Nintendo UK put out that revealed this news, a quick video of Akhos:

Though he's also a Torna member, Mikhail can't be bonded by awakening Core Crystals. Instead, you'll have to find and talk to him in the game world to have him join your party. Happy hunting! #XenobladeChronicles2 pic.twitter.com/WsKq44iiHc
— Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) March 1, 2018
Presenting the resonance scene of "Torna's brains", Akhos. He can become your ally in #XenobladeChronicles2's New Game Plus mode, coming as part of a free software update! pic.twitter.com/NX5GK05VIR
— Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) March 1, 2018
Source: @NintendoUK (Twitter)

