Akira: "You want a monster?"

Youko pulls Akira aside.

Akira tails Kuroishi to a meet with Takeda. Kuroishi is supposed to negotiate peace, but instead he pulls a knife. Akira watches from a ventilation tower. He doesn’t move.

Akira reads it, deletes it, and buys his noodles.

Youko pauses. Then she smiles—rare for her. "You’re a terrible liar. But you’re still the best."