At Uesugi Koshi's curse, laced with indignation and resignation, Ange finally showed a genuine smile.
"All right, my promises have always counted." Ange waved a hand, signaling him to calm down. "Since you've agreed, we're allies. Of course we'll deal with your sons' affairs."
"Then what are we waiting for? Hurry! When I, Uesugi Koshi, give my word, I keep it! But you have to help me sort out my sons first!" Uesugi Koshi paced anxiously around the tiny ramen stall like an ant on a hot pan. "What if we're too late and those two blockheads really work themselves into a fury and start trying to kill each other? They're my sons!"
But Ange shook his head. He picked up the already lukewarm sake and took a sip, his smile carrying a hint of reassurance. "Don't panic. It hasn't reached that point yet. Although the Eight Clans of the Serpent have been pressing forward step by step these past two months, Nippon Stronghold seems to have been deliberately avoiding battle and preserving its strength. Kazama Ruri apparently isn't ready to face Minamoto Chisaki yet. Oh, right. Kazama Ruri is your second son, and Minamoto Chisaki is your eldest. They also have a younger sister named Uesugi Erii."
"Kazama Ruri? What kind of lousy name is that?" Uesugi Koshi muttered.
"That's his stage name in Kabukicho's host club scene. It's quite famous," Ange explained. "His True Name is Genji Wakana. He's a—very handsome boy."
"Host?" Uesugi Koshi's expression turned somewhat strange as he muttered under his breath, "So he's popular with women? Looks like he inherited my charm from when I was young—"
This old man had a rather unusual focus.
Ange said helplessly, "How did I never realize you were this narcissistic before? Forget what he inherited for now.