Mizuno Ichiro's Adam's apple bobbed. He drew a deep breath, forced the fear churning in his stomach back down, and tried to keep his voice steady. Even so, the end of his sentence trembled.
"The Daimyo hopes Lord Yongye will hand over the three Akatsuki prisoners to him..."
Yongye raised a hand, cutting him off before he could finish. His voice still had its usual lazy drawl, but every word carried an authority that brooked no argument.
"Forget about Hidan. He has to spend some time as a toilet in the public restroom first! I said so, and not even the Sage of Six Paths could change my mind. As for the other two, you can have them."
Mizuno Ichiro glanced again at the four figures still curled up on the floor. His Adam's apple bobbed once more.
He hesitated for a moment, then decided not to press the issue and nodded.
"That works."
Yongye fixed his gaze on Mizuno Ichiro's face. His voice took on a pointed edge, as if reminding him that he had left something undone.
"Say thank you."
The corner of Mizuno Ichiro's mouth twitched.
Thank you, my ass! This is what you subordinates are supposed to do! You bastard, you're even keeping the most valuable one!
As he raged inwardly, his body proved far more compliant. He immediately bent at the waist in a deep bow and forced out words so stiff that even he could hear it.
"Thank you! Thank you for your generosity, Lord Yongye!"
Yongye waved a hand as casually as if he were shooing a fly from the windowsill.
"All right. Get lost."
Mizuno Ichiro's face flushed again. Even the Daimyo has never spoken to me like that!
But his gaze lingered on Yongye's face for only a moment before darting