[ So he's a subordinate. Kiryu probably should've figured, but it's surreal to hear someone refer to Nishikiyama as such. He wonders what kind of person this guy on the phone is— and more than that, how Nishikiyama's adapting to having people like him under his wing. Everything had happened so abruptly, it seemed. Earlier on, they used to spend so much time in these phone calls that Kiryu had been the one forced to hang up.

Why has he been so difficult to reach? ]

...

[ He understands that Nishikiyama is refusing contact from him. The person he's talking to now either doesn't know or is pretending not to. Kiryu should pick his words carefully. Say something now that, should the stranger be merciful to share, should get Nishikiyama to come back to him. ]

You can tell him that I heard what happened and that we're still sworn brothers. I'm not mad that he's avoiding me. I just want him to talk.