[ But he wonders why this person doesn't know that. Nishikiyama's responsible for his own family now, and it's clear that whoever's speaking to him now knows who Kiryu's looking for. It's not a wrong number. ]
When's a good time to call here? I need to talk to him.
[ Kiryu remembers the excitement in Nishikiyama's voice from their last call. He'd heard him pacing around the streets to tell him that he'd be receiving a family of his ownβ to tell him he'd have a place for Kiryu to come back to after he'd finished serving his sentence.
Running a family must not be what he'd ever expected. Not that Kiryu is surprised; he could have warned Nishikiyama he'd been glamorizing things too much. Still, he won't scold him. He doesn't care as long as he can hear from him again. ]
If he calls back, they'll let me know. I can ask to move my time too.
[ Encountering Kiryu so suddenly'd made Mine take up a cloak of antipathy and mistrust. He's torn between the beating he'd swallowed for saying the man's name once, then Nishikiyama's confession to him about the make of him, as well as his own aim to climb the ranks within a ten-year time limit. For Kiryu's sake. ]
The boss is usually here.
[ Mine decides to shed his reservations. While his answer's no longer so clipped, though, it remains short. He isn't sure how much he should reveal. That he needs to talk, Mine's seen the insistence. ]
He's busy, but you should discuss changing your time with him.
[ Then, Mine can observe too. Left wondering whether Nishikiyama ever chooses to call back, Kiryu's reply resounds 'no'. He's curious and willing to pry. ]
[ 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 isβ 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.
[ His brow creases, obviously not for Kiryu to see, but to hear Mine trail off rather with an interest in the details than finding out about some secret at all. He imagines something. ]
I understand that you took an oath together. He hasn't forgotten, either.
[ Mine lets on that he knows more than an ordinary underling, but what is he doingβ Assuaging the man on the other end? He backpedals. ]
However, like I said, he's occupied with other commitments.
[ Yuko's death and Yumi's disappearance are both too personal for him to disclose. Especially not to a stranger. Kiryu holds his tongue, and the person on the line lets the conversation move forward without him having to reply with any explanation. Better off that way.
Almost mirroring how he'd made the subordinate react moments before, he also imagines a scenario that could preoccupy Nishikiyama's attention. ]
Which family?
[ He hears there's been a focus on expanding territory and that Nishikiyama's been receiving funds from someone potentially untrustworthy. ]
[ Mine's demeanor brightens, the opposite of what Kiryu, who seems uneasy, infers. ]
The Nishikiyama Family is expanding.
[ Mine has pride in the efforts made, even if vying for more territory in the coliseum tournament didn't have as much success. He's the sponsor of that growth. Just like at the assembly, he's strategic in not taking credit. ]
[ He notices the optimistic outlook, but isn't so convinced himself. Kiryu is quiet for a moment before a question that the stranger probably can't answer is prompted: ]
It just doesn't seem like something he'd actually want.
[ Kiryu responds, but he doubts that the man on the other end could really understand it or Nishikiyama either. He realizes that he doesn't know the person's name at the same time he senses a suspicious amount of arrogance regarding Nishikiyama's feelings. ]
Just because it doesn't seem like something he'd want, maybe there's something that's making him happy in this situation. People change. I understand you've been gone for a while already, Kiryu-san.
[ And despite Kiryu airing out his doubtsβhe knows some of it reflects on him, as the conversation goes onβMine doesn't feel hostile. He'll answer another question. ]
My name is Mine Yoshitaka. I took an oath with the boss, too.
[ The man Kashiwagi had spoke of. So this is the person stirring up so much speculation. Kiryu hesitates to pick apart what Mine says, simply because he's at his mercy. Nishikiyama is talking to Mine; Nishikiyama is not talking to Kiryu. Even if he's sure that Nishikiyama's struggling, he can't bring it up without offending his oath brother's new... kobun? How strange to picture, Nishikiyama sharing sake with someone Kiryu's never even met. ]
Your boss gets in over his head a lot. Don't let him do anything hasty that he'll regret later. You've noticed by now, haven't you?
[ His attempt to align with Mine, since they both are tied to Nishikiyama in some way. If Nishikiyama took him in, he must not be terrible. Kiryu clings to this faith. ]
[ Surely, his arrival, even more his stay, has inspired some discussion behind his back. Mine notices the way in which Kazama observes him but doesn't know what gets talked about. He doesn't think to forfeit common ground, doesn't comment, but he has no idea that Kashiwagi should be Kiryu's source of information; that Kiryu's even heard his name before. He and Nishikiyama were... are close. There's sense to his concern, though Mine doesn't share it. ]
...
[ He also weighs his answer. Kiryu isn't the enemy, he's someone Mine should talk to. ]
He's ambitious and willing to take risks. That's part of being a leader, isn't it?
[ Wariness floats in his thoughts. Unwittingly, Mine offers self-projection. Even with a gun to his head, he didn't think of disabling his support. ]
[ Kiryu will confirm that much, but there's deeper intuition that rings his concern. ]
It's fine until it's self-destructive. He shouldn't run from what's happened to him.
[ Mine seems to be listening. It's a good sign. He's more reasonable than others have painted him from the outside looking in, which Kiryu thinks to be a relief. ]
On my end, it sounds like he's using the family as a distraction. That's why I want him to talk to me again.
[ And just in case Mine thinks he's an enemy: ]
Nishiki's the best there is. There's no one better to have by your side.
[ He does listen. As a result, Mine's own opinion takes further shape. ]
You may say that, but I don't think it's true.
[ His reply's honest without elaborating too much more. Because, just like Mine himself, he thinks Nishikiyama is walking forward towards something, as opposed to turning his back on something else. One necessarily comes with the other, but Mine doesn't see that as the point being made. ]
Maybe talking to him will convince you. I'll pass on your request, like I said.
[ Again, Kiryu isn't the enemy. But is he an ally? A rival? Mine's feelings turn complicated over him calling Nishikiyama as 'Nishiki' one more time. He carves enough of a pause to adjust the conversation. ]
It's been nice talking to you, Kiryu-san.
[ Remaining civil at a distance is much easier; he'll put it back between them. ]
[ Kiryu is uncertain, but left with no choice but to accept the circumstances. He's in prison; without a choice, and without the ability Mine has. He disagrees but doesn't verbalize it. It's fine to end the conversation this way, especially if Mine will say something to his oath brother for him. ]
Thanks for that.
[ He won't hang up firstβ these are his only moments connected to the outside. ]
[ Nishikiyama reenters his office at this point. There's a can of black coffee in his hand, and he squints at Mine only after realizing he's on the phone for some reason. ]
Mine. Who're you talking to?
[ Kazama? Kashiwagi? Despite the time of day, Kiryu is not on his mind. He drops a binder on the desk beside Mine, closer and increasingly more suspicious of whoever's on the line. ]
[ Kiryu hears the annoyance in his voice. He hears something thunk loudly on a surface and even the way Nishikiyama comes into the room hot. Had he just come back from somewhere? Hearing him so accusatory like this is strange. In over his own headβ a little manic. It's different than the whining Kiryu had grown used to over the years. Without realizing it, Kiryu leans forward in his metal chair. ]
[ Kiryu's answer leaves Mine with room for interpretation. He can guess that the other man doesn't say everything he wants to. For a minute, Mine's of the mind to hang onto the conversation for a moment longer.
Then, the door opens; Nishikiyama doesn't hesitate to walk into his own space, right up to his desk. Cadence to his step, a flavor to his voice that Mine is more familiar with and used to than Kiryu. Mine lifts the handset away from his ear. He can pass on the call, not just the message, as he said he would. He still hears Kiryu speaking, faintlyβ A click. On Kiryu's end the line beeps rapidly, the call disconnected.
He looks up, from the binder dropped in front of him to Nishikiyama. He hesitates before answering, it's obvious. Mine has placed the handset back on the receiver, hanging up as if the call'd already been ended. ]
[ The name hadn't crossed his mind, but when it does, something snaps in Nishikiyama. He looks at where the phone is and swats at Mine's handβ reaching to pick the receiver back up and hit a button to redial the number that had just been received. He doesn't see Mine at all. Just color. His fingers clench the can in his hand. They tremble as the phone rings. ]
[ He stands by, dazed by Nishikiyama's prompt reaction. Mine doesn't expect it, the way he's only been letting the same call ring until it ceased, week in week out. Tension translates to his hand, Mine's gaze sinks there for minutes, it feels like, until the line chirping busy again warns Nishikiyama that no one is picking up his call. Mine isn't sure whether he should speak up, but does eventually. Maybe to placate his patriarch, divulging conversationβ ]
He mentioned they would inform him, in case you called back...
[ Nishikiyama clicks his tongue in annoyance before slamming the phone back down onto its rig. It clacks around and slides on the mount because he'd done it messily. ]
If you catch him calling again, tell him to quit.
[ He can't deal with it anymore. Week after week. Kiryu won't leave him alone. ]
[ Mine fixes the receiver, thinking to mitigate whatever resentment Nishikiyama is about to aim at him. Instead, he's released from the scenario where Nishikiyama'd wanted the conversation he'd just hung up on. ]
Understood.
[ Quietly satisfied, now Mine doesn't feel responsible for sharing Kiryu's concerns either. ]
[ Nishikiyama takes a moment to himself, gazing at the phone where it sits. Sick of the thought, he moves around Mine and the desk, lowering into the seat in front of the binder he'd brought in. His coffee can is empty, so he leaves it on the corner unattended. ]
[ Glad to have the topic abandoned, Mine feels placid in Nishikiyama's new request. ]
Of course.
[ It's what he does day in day out, on his white-collar job. It's where Nishikiyama may rely on him. Mine comes around to the other side of the desk too. He stands close to Nishikiyama in his chair and flips open the binder. His shoulders drop comfortably to skim through the pages of the portfolio. After a while his head dips in a nod, having decided. ]
I'll take a closer look, keep an eye out for any insider information that could give us an advantageβ
[ What's more: ] I'm pleased to see that you're willing to push forward with these investments.
[ His concern over Nishikiyama hoarding the money he was getting has only grown recently. This is a smart move; Mine's obviously at ease with it. Nishikiyama can trust what he says. ]
[ The territory in question. He side-eyes Mine from where he bends, wanting his opinion and advice first. ]
They seem small now, but I think with how the city's been growing they'll be relevant soon. We can sandwich the Champion District and put pressure on it that way later too.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ But he wonders why this person doesn't know that. Nishikiyama's responsible for his own family now, and it's clear that whoever's speaking to him now knows who Kiryu's looking for. It's not a wrong number. ]
When's a good time to call here? I need to talk to him.
[ Kiryu remembers the excitement in Nishikiyama's voice from their last call. He'd heard him pacing around the streets to tell him that he'd be receiving a family of his ownβ to tell him he'd have a place for Kiryu to come back to after he'd finished serving his sentence.
Running a family must not be what he'd ever expected. Not that Kiryu is surprised; he could have warned Nishikiyama he'd been glamorizing things too much. Still, he won't scold him. He doesn't care as long as he can hear from him again. ]
If he calls back, they'll let me know. I can ask to move my time too.
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The boss is usually here.
[ Mine decides to shed his reservations. While his answer's no longer so clipped, though, it remains short. He isn't sure how much he should reveal. That he needs to talk, Mine's seen the insistence. ]
He's busy, but you should discuss changing your time with him.
[ Then, Mine can observe too. Left wondering whether Nishikiyama ever chooses to call back, Kiryu's reply resounds 'no'. He's curious and willing to pry. ]
May I take a message in the meantime?
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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.
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[ His brow creases, obviously not for Kiryu to see, but to hear Mine trail off rather with an interest in the details than finding out about some secret at all. He imagines something. ]
I understand that you took an oath together. He hasn't forgotten, either.
[ Mine lets on that he knows more than an ordinary underling, but what is he doingβ Assuaging the man on the other end? He backpedals. ]
However, like I said, he's occupied with other commitments.
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Almost mirroring how he'd made the subordinate react moments before, he also imagines a scenario that could preoccupy Nishikiyama's attention. ]
Which family?
[ He hears there's been a focus on expanding territory and that Nishikiyama's been receiving funds from someone potentially untrustworthy. ]
Is he okay?
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The Nishikiyama Family is expanding.
[ Mine has pride in the efforts made, even if vying for more territory in the coliseum tournament didn't have as much success. He's the sponsor of that growth. Just like at the assembly, he's strategic in not taking credit. ]
You should be pleased, everything is going well.
[ Boastful more than assuaging this time. ]
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[ He notices the optimistic outlook, but isn't so convinced himself. Kiryu is quiet for a moment before a question that the stranger probably can't answer is prompted: ]
Is he happy like that?
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Yes, he is.
[ Selfishly, Mine doesn't want to mention that or consider it much anymore. They were happy together a few nights ago. ]
Are you worried about that, is that why you call?
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[ Kiryu responds, but he doubts that the man on the other end could really understand it or Nishikiyama either. He realizes that he doesn't know the person's name at the same time he senses a suspicious amount of arrogance regarding Nishikiyama's feelings. ]
I didn't ask your name. Who are you?
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[ And despite Kiryu airing out his doubtsβhe knows some of it reflects on him, as the conversation goes onβMine doesn't feel hostile. He'll answer another question. ]
My name is Mine Yoshitaka. I took an oath with the boss, too.
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[ The man Kashiwagi had spoke of. So this is the person stirring up so much speculation. Kiryu hesitates to pick apart what Mine says, simply because he's at his mercy. Nishikiyama is talking to Mine; Nishikiyama is not talking to Kiryu. Even if he's sure that Nishikiyama's struggling, he can't bring it up without offending his oath brother's new... kobun? How strange to picture, Nishikiyama sharing sake with someone Kiryu's never even met. ]
Your boss gets in over his head a lot. Don't let him do anything hasty that he'll regret later. You've noticed by now, haven't you?
[ His attempt to align with Mine, since they both are tied to Nishikiyama in some way. If Nishikiyama took him in, he must not be terrible. Kiryu clings to this faith. ]
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...
[ He also weighs his answer. Kiryu isn't the enemy, he's someone Mine should talk to. ]
He's ambitious and willing to take risks. That's part of being a leader, isn't it?
[ Wariness floats in his thoughts. Unwittingly, Mine offers self-projection. Even with a gun to his head, he didn't think of disabling his support. ]
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[ Kiryu will confirm that much, but there's deeper intuition that rings his concern. ]
It's fine until it's self-destructive. He shouldn't run from what's happened to him.
[ Mine seems to be listening. It's a good sign. He's more reasonable than others have painted him from the outside looking in, which Kiryu thinks to be a relief. ]
On my end, it sounds like he's using the family as a distraction. That's why I want him to talk to me again.
[ And just in case Mine thinks he's an enemy: ]
Nishiki's the best there is. There's no one better to have by your side.
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You may say that, but I don't think it's true.
[ His reply's honest without elaborating too much more. Because, just like Mine himself, he thinks Nishikiyama is walking forward towards something, as opposed to turning his back on something else. One necessarily comes with the other, but Mine doesn't see that as the point being made. ]
Maybe talking to him will convince you. I'll pass on your request, like I said.
[ Again, Kiryu isn't the enemy. But is he an ally? A rival? Mine's feelings turn complicated over him calling Nishikiyama as 'Nishiki' one more time. He carves enough of a pause to adjust the conversation. ]
It's been nice talking to you, Kiryu-san.
[ Remaining civil at a distance is much easier; he'll put it back between them. ]
1/3
Thanks for that.
[ He won't hang up firstβ these are his only moments connected to the outside. ]
2/3
Mine. Who're you talking to?
[ Kazama? Kashiwagi? Despite the time of day, Kiryu is not on his mind. He drops a binder on the desk beside Mine, closer and increasingly more suspicious of whoever's on the line. ]
3/3
[ Kiryu hears the annoyance in his voice. He hears something thunk loudly on a surface and even the way Nishikiyama comes into the room hot. Had he just come back from somewhere? Hearing him so accusatory like this is strange. In over his own headβ a little manic. It's different than the whining Kiryu had grown used to over the years. Without realizing it, Kiryu leans forward in his metal chair. ]
Let me talk to himβ
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Then, the door opens; Nishikiyama doesn't hesitate to walk into his own space, right up to his desk. Cadence to his step, a flavor to his voice that Mine is more familiar with and used to than Kiryu. Mine lifts the handset away from his ear. He can pass on the call, not just the message, as he said he would. He still hears Kiryu speaking, faintlyβ A click. On Kiryu's end the line beeps rapidly, the call disconnected.
He looks up, from the binder dropped in front of him to Nishikiyama. He hesitates before answering, it's obvious. Mine has placed the handset back on the receiver, hanging up as if the call'd already been ended. ]
Kiryu Kazuma-san called.
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[ The name hadn't crossed his mind, but when it does, something snaps in Nishikiyama. He looks at where the phone is and swats at Mine's handβ reaching to pick the receiver back up and hit a button to redial the number that had just been received. He doesn't see Mine at all. Just color. His fingers clench the can in his hand. They tremble as the phone rings. ]
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He mentioned they would inform him, in case you called back...
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If you catch him calling again, tell him to quit.
[ He can't deal with it anymore. Week after week. Kiryu won't leave him alone. ]
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Understood.
[ Quietly satisfied, now Mine doesn't feel responsible for sharing Kiryu's concerns either. ]
I let him know that you're busy.
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I want to buy out these properties further east.
[ An easier subject for him. ]
Can you look?
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Of course.
[ It's what he does day in day out, on his white-collar job. It's where Nishikiyama may rely on him. Mine comes around to the other side of the desk too. He stands close to Nishikiyama in his chair and flips open the binder. His shoulders drop comfortably to skim through the pages of the portfolio. After a while his head dips in a nod, having decided. ]
I'll take a closer look, keep an eye out for any insider information that could give us an advantageβ
[ What's more: ] I'm pleased to see that you're willing to push forward with these investments.
[ His concern over Nishikiyama hoarding the money he was getting has only grown recently. This is a smart move; Mine's obviously at ease with it. Nishikiyama can trust what he says. ]
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[ The territory in question. He side-eyes Mine from where he bends, wanting his opinion and advice first. ]
They seem small now, but I think with how the city's been growing they'll be relevant soon. We can sandwich the Champion District and put pressure on it that way later too.
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