"You think you're different, but you must be just like your father, I bet. A tyrant. A spoiled coward hiding behind money and power. You're even hiding your face, ridiculous. I'm sure you can't wait to announce your identity to all of us. So stop pretending already."
And that… that was it.
That was the straw that snapped the last fragile thread holding Abuchi's patience together.
No.
His eyes narrowed, fire surging beneath his calm exterior. You can insult me all you want. Call me spoiled. Call me lazy. I can take it. But you do not, ever, bring my father into this.
His voice dropped even lower, thick with warning. "My father… has nothing to do with this. And I would appreciate it," he said, voice shaking slightly now, not from fear, but from how hard he was holding himself back "if you never mention his name again. Not like that."
But the man only laughed. A dry, hollow sound that echoed too loud in the space between them.
