Page 308 of Mercy Written in Blood

Renji did. Observation became intervention. Intervention became containment. Containment became force.

Haruki stood beside him.

"We'll find the descendant," he said.

Mori looked at him.

"And after?"

Haruki glanced towards Renji. The look contained the argument unfinished between them.

"We haven't decided."

Mori inclined his head.

"That is the most dangerous position."

"Only to people who expect obedience."

Haruki turned towards the door. Renji remained seated for one second longer. He looked at Mori.

"You should have told me."

"Yes."

"Would it have changed anything?"

"No."

The Commander's honesty had become unbearable. Renji stood.

"At least you understand why Sota hates you."

Mori looked towards the false city.

"No." His voice was quieter now. "I understand why he should."

They did not speak in the lift. Haruki stood with his hands in his coat pockets. Renji watched the numbers descend despite knowing they were meaningless. The building did not display true floor levels. Another small deception justified by security.

When the doors opened, Haruki walked into the lobby without waiting. Renji followed. Outside, late afternoon traffic moved along the street. The city seemed offensively ordinary.

Haruki stopped beside the kerb. Ken waited across the road with the car. Renji stood beside him.

"We should discuss the descendant," Renji said.

"Later."

"The factions may already be close."

"I heard him."

"Then delaying—"

"I said later."

Haruki's voice remained quiet. Renji looked at him. Haruki did not turn away. The disagreement had not disappeared with the Commander's office. It had followed them outside.

"You think I defended the Accord," Renji said.