Ficlets

Loyalties (Daniel Gate)

Daniel set the Phoenix coin on the desk and licked his lips as he waited for a response.

Hideki Inagawa smiled as he took the coin and rubbed his thumb over one side. “Allow me to guess. Nobutoshi asks for protection from the KokuryĆ«-kai.”

“Hai. They have asked for his loyalty and will surely pursue him when they do not receive it.”

Inagawa nodded. “We agree to his request. I’m sure any information Nobutoshi has about his family’s connections to the KokuryĆ«-kai will be most useful. We should meet to discuss things as soon as possible. Tell Nobutoshi we will contact him to set up a meeting.”

Daniel nodded, bowed, and started to head towards the door.

“You are an interesting man, Gate-san. I did wonder why Nobutoshi put so much faith in you. But after your performace this evening, I am beginning to understand. One question I still have, however, is why a gaijin like yourself is getting involved in our problems?”

Daniel turned back to Inagawa and smiled. “I have that same question myself.”

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