"Because if you're recruiting founding bloodlines, they should know the complete history. The Hayashi family owes Kaito a blood debt. Yoshihiro ran when things got hard, when his best friend needed him most."
He looked directly at Shiinchiro, forcing eye contact even though Shiin was trying desperately to look anywhere else.
"Will you run too when the trials get difficult? Or will you actually be better than your brother was?"
Takeshi wasn't done. His predatory gaze moved from Shiinchiro to Ren, and something like genuine respect entered his expression for the first time since he entered the room.
"A Ryūhara."
"Kaito's little brother. Everyone in Yugen City knows that story by now. The kid who fought Yuto and survived. Who protected civilians from Kotekai bikers."
He looked back at Hasegawa, spreading his hands in a gesture that managed to be both casual and accusatory.
"A Hayashi and a Ryūhara." His smile was sharp, dangerous, knowing.
