Page 261 of Mercy Written in Blood

Renji's hand remained on his wrist. Sota looked towards it once, then back at Haruki.

"You protect one another."

"That is not your concern."

"It is relevant."

"To what?"

"To why I asked you here."

At last. Haruki pulled his wrist gently from Renji's hand. Not rejection. A return to control.

"You could have sent your philosophy in another message."

"You would not have believed it."

"I do not believe it now."

"You believe that I believe it."

Haruki said nothing. Sota smiled faintly.

"That is enough for a first meeting."

Ken remained standing. Haruki gestured for him to sit. After a moment, he did. Sota refilled the cups. No one drank.

"The violence will continue," Sota said.

"That sounds like a threat," Haruki replied.

"It is a prediction."

"Based on what?"

"The Archive exists. The historians found enough to frighten powerful people. Doctor Takahara has now read material intended to remain buried."

Sota looked towards Renji.

"You will not be permitted to walk away."

"I have no intention of doing so," Renji said.

"I know."

"And you?"

"I want the records released."

"To whom?"

"Everyone."

Renji's expression hardened.

"You do not possess all of them."

"No."