Not terrible

[Mikhail]

Eiji did not expect people to understand jingi or even honor. One did not expect children to behave as adults. It was enough that they tried. This man tried, however it obviously pained him. And for that, he would be accorded the proper respect.

His eye flicked to the Kolomovs. Up until now, Koji had been speaking for him. It was a simple technique. His words, given beforehand, sometimes brought anger. With Koji speaking, people often forgot who they came from. Eiji was free to observe and find the necessary weaknesses.

His own oyobun Hoshi had plans for the ninkyō dantai in the DI. His clan in Moscow would be the most powerful in the region. Much of Kolomov's territories had been claimed by the other families in the area. But with this new connection brokered by Ryker Petrović. they would begin widen their holdings.

He looked at the large bald Kolomov and allowed a small smile.
His contempt bled through in his voice. For the first time, his own voice spoke. "I am afraid, gentlemen, the ninkyō dantai is not interested in propping up a dying house run by fools."


He turned, dismissing them in his mind, but not before he failed to notice the flaring of their eyes and nostrils. He couldn't help but smile to himself at that. Lessons were often painful- and usually deadly. Koji and Akira would handle any problems they cause.

He nodded to Petrović to lead the way and seated himself at the table, his two men sitting on either side of him. He nodded to Koji, who immediately got the server's attention and ordered vodka in small cups.

When they arrived, he lifted it and regarded the man, nodded slightly, and took a sip. It was ceremony, nothing more "Mr. Petrović, we thank you for acting as intermediary between us and the Amengual cartel."
Likely, the man did not know of the privilege that he had undertaken to speak himself. "We have been most impressed with the product. It is far better than we have seen anywhere else."


Not strictly true. He had occasion to try the blue pill that the Perov family sold. It had cost him $10,000 CCD bills for a single pill and had been worth every bit of it. There were only a few in existence, though rumor said the Mordvinovs had a source that would soon start producing again. If that happened...well, the Mordvinovs might find themselves envying the Kolomov's fate.

Until then, though, this would do.