I found Kazuo in a place I didn't expect, not a guild hall, not a training ground.
He was sitting at an outdoor café in Shinjuku, sipping black coffee like it owed him money.
"Rian" he said without looking up. "If you're here to return my sword, you're late."
I dropped into the chair opposite him. "What if I'm here to ask for a favor?"
Kazuo raised an eyebrow. "You don't strike me as the 'ask for help' type."
"I'm not. But this is different."
He waited, the silence stretching until I could practically hear the espresso machine in the background sighing in impatience.
"I want in on your next raid" I said.
Kazuo blinked once. "In Ebon Claw? You're not a member."
"That's why I'm asking. Call it... a trial run. I'll carry my weight. Probably yours, too."
A slow grin tugged at his mouth. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But why? We pay well, but you already got double last time."
I leaned back. "Let's just say I'm in the mood for bigger challenges and I'm tired of clearing garbage after other people have all the fun."
"Fun?" Kazuo chuckled. "We lost two good hunters last month. You still think it's fun?"
I met his eyes. "I think it's necessary and I think I'm ready."
He studied me for a long moment, then set down his coffee. "Alright. Tomorrow. 8 a.m. at the guild hall. You're in, but you follow my orders in the field. No lone wolf stunts."
"No promises" I said, smirking.
Kazuo just shook his head. "You're going to be trouble."
"Then why are you smiling?"
"Because trouble's useful if it's pointed in the right direction."
As I stood to leave, he called after me. "Bring the sword."
"Thought you said it was mine now."
"It is. But I want to see if you can swing it properly."