Jiro smiled, like he'd heard a joke. "Heh heh. Not happening." He didn't flinch. "And even if you think you can make me—" He stepped forward, close enough that Raito could see the light in his eyes. "—defeat me, I'll stand my ground. The last time we fought, I was holding back. This time I won't. I'll go full throttle. No more defense."
Raito and Jiro stood there, staring at each other in silence. The air between them was heavy.
Raito finally broke it. "If I keep talking to you, I'll burn out. So tell me—what do you want?"
Jiro smiled faintly. "Oh, finally. You're willing to listen, huh? That's good. What I'm about to say might interest you."
Raito's eyes narrowed. "If it's something I can do, I'll do it. But if it's something I can't—trust me—I'll get that phone from you, no matter the cost."
Jiro chuckled. "Relax. You said you can't join a Hunter Guild, right? I'm not asking you to. I'm offering you something better. Work for me—personally."
