Page 263 of Mercy Written in Blood

Sota stepped away from the table.

"I think you are both already doing the work. You are investigating the same deaths. Following the same records. Confronting the same lies."

"You murdered people in our territory," Haruki said.

"Not on my order."

"In your name."

"Yes."

"And you expect that distinction to matter."

"I expect it to matter to you more than most."

Haruki felt the insult beneath the observation. Sota's expression remained composed.

"I am not asking for obedience," he said. "I am asking for alignment."

"Call it whatever you like."

"You oppose the Accord's lies."

"We oppose murder."

"So do I."

Ken gave a humourless laugh. Sota looked towards him.

"You do not believe me."

"No."

"That is reasonable."

Ken appeared momentarily disarmed by the response. Sota turned back to Haruki.

"I will give you what information I have about the historians' deaths."

"In exchange for what?"

"Nothing."

"There is always an exchange."

"Then consider it an investment in trust."

Haruki's mouth hardened.

"I do not trust you."

"Not yet."

Sota reached into his coat. Ken moved. Renji did not. Sota removed a small envelope and placed it on the table.

"No names," he said. "Only locations, dates and financial transfers we believe connect the attacks."

Haruki did not reach for it.