[ When he responds, Nishikiyama wonders if Mine had even recognized his earlier tone. Funny how with any other person, he’d most definitely want them in their place. With Mine, though, he seems to be leaving room for playful pushback or banter. ]

Don’t just answer me all dry like that.

[ How he’d answered Nishikiyama’s teasing, without hesitation or taking offense. Mine’s name and congratulations are put in the back of the remaining patriarchs’ heads but, before long, the two yakuza are left to a relatively open space alongside the stragglers who’d maybe seen similar goals of getting close to their leaders.

Nishikiyama knows the rest of his men are waiting for them. He catches glimpse of Kanda’s bald head when Kazama, of course Kazama, passes Mine and himself another weighted look on his way out. Cane in hand. Face like judgmental stone.

The smirk across from Mine flinches once before regaining its usual burn. ]

It’s your success too. Celebration seems appropriate enough, but time to myself today’s a little short. Can you fit it between now and the Nishikiyama Family dinner later on? You didn’t forget.

[ Mine hardly needs to affirm because Nishikiyama already knows he hasn’t forgotten. It’s all formality, a verbal reminder that he’s a patriarch with matters a patriarch is obligated to attend. ]