"Nonsense, Nishikiyama-san, you are well-deserving of respect." And the more he heard that man's words, the more he employed a perfect, vacant smile, the more Arakawa knew he was dealing with a professional. Nishikiyama could be reckless when it came to battling, but he was a savvy businessman. That image was just as important as strength in the underworld.
The glass that is slid over to him is promptly accepted. Arakawa takes it in silence, rocks the glass gently against his fingers. Nishikiyama's words are both a poisoned apple and its honeyed remedy. He highlights the Arakawa Family predicament, slithers the possibility of a solution, pours venom. It didn't use to be this way, did it? The bright eyes the man before him once had are nowhere to be found. He wonders if anyone misses them – he hadn't been as exposed to them as the rest, yet he found himself pained to meet this stranger.
His eyes drift to the glass for a second when he shakes his head. "We are far too small for those..." Manpower could work, maybe, but he wasn't ready to throw his men into the fire like this... Not yet. Those were his kids, he wanted them safe. The offer of a cigarette doesn't go unnoticed. He accepts that, too, pulling the cigarette before taking out his lighter. The least he could do was offer the man some light after the gracious offer. He waits to light Nishikiyama's before his own.
Arakawa pretends to agree, nodding with disdain. He knows his particular case, it was a miracle he was even allowed to stay after what he did to the Hikawa Family. Of course they'd keep his resources scarce... It was his price to pay. But his subordinates were not at fault, he did need all he could get and, somehow, Nishikiyama was willing to give him that.
The Tojo Clan's loyalty... His eyes close hard when he hears that. Nishikiyama's venom spreads easily through his veins, even as he tries to fight it. He is loyal, yes, but the Clan was only loyal when convenient. Once a new Chairman was placed, his Family was in jeopardy. And if Nishikiyama could keep his word, maybe...
Ah, maybe he himself is just as desperate.
"You speak truth, Nishikiyama-san. My Family is nothing but a pebble to the ones on top." And who gives their time of day to pebbles if not to throw or kick them away? His eyes open, drinking up the offered liquid just a little bit. Between a deal with the devil or no deal at all, he knew what he was bound to take.
"I suppose I might have been blessed by your graciousness, if you're keeping my and the rest of the smaller families in your thoughts." Acknowledgment and acceptance. He shall throw himself into the fire, give in to the poison, if it's to keep his children safe. "Though we still have a ways to go with becoming worthy, you shall have my backing if I have yours – if you can assure me that, at least, my men will not be left wanting. I am unsure what you stand to gain from us, good deals always go two-ways... But I suppose I shall see with time."
