The newcomer's imposing height, piercing gaze, and brash words made Klaus's brow twitch uneasily.
"You must be Mr. Arataki Itto, here for the meeting. I've heard so much about you."
Klaus glanced at the sports car that had left several golden arcs along one wall and chose his words carefully. "Uh, the meeting is about to begin. Why don't I take you to the venue first, Mr. Arataki?"
"The venue? Oh! Oh! Right, the meeting! Yes, yes, yours truly almost forgot until you mentioned it."
Itto brushed back his hair and solemnly cleared his throat. "Hey, what's-your-name."
"Klaus."
Klaus answered with a professional smile.
"Oh, Klaus. Well, thanks for coming to meet yours truly. But seriously, this place of yours has a terrible layout. All those twists and turns! If I hadn't used my natural genius to find the place in one go, I might actually have been late."
Klaus led the way, looking at this gangster boss who practically radiated hoodlum swagger and feeling that something didn't quite add up.
Calling him polite didn't seem right, since he'd smashed straight through the front of the building. But calling him rude didn't fit either, since he actually said thank you. What a contradiction.
As far as looks went, though, he certainly fit the image of the Arataki Gang's leader, especially with those two pointed horns on his head. Those were hardly something an ordinary person could have. Klaus was beginning to suspect he might have some mutant genes.
Klaus reached the elevator, pressed the button, and stepped aside for his "honored guest." "After you, Mr. Arataki."
Itto glanced at Klaus and strode inside without a care.
He planted himself in the middle of the elevator, then graciously shuffled farther in when he saw Klaus follow him.
The venue wasn't on