Chapter 108 - 3: The Ninja World’s Infernal Affairs
"Tairo Aotu, you were here ten minutes ago. Tell me, how many file folders were originally on my desk?"
Gaojin Xuechi spread his hands, gesturing to the now-empty desk.
"Six. Four white ones on the left, one red one on the right, and a black one in front of Minister Rasa," Tairo replied calmly, standing straight with unwavering composure.
"What do you think of me as a person?" Rasa asked, his usual grim expression unchanged. He sat with one leg crossed over the other, giving off a slightly roguish air that seemed oddly out of place.
"Apologies, I'm not sure. I've never worked under you. But you must have been in a hurry this morning," Tairo replied without hesitation.
"Why's that?" Rasa asked.
"Because your belt is tied with only one knot, and it's not even tightened properly."
Rasa glanced down at his loosely fastened belt, then looked back at Tairo without saying a word. Meanwhile, Gaojin Xuechi lowered his head, his shoulders shaking slightly as he tried to suppress his laughter.
"Alright, you can... wait outside for now," Gaojin Xuechi said, waving Tairo off. Watching Tairo leave the office, he extended his hand toward Rasa, grinning.
"Come on, Minister Rasa. A bet's a bet. Hand over the 500 ryō."
Rasa, visibly annoyed, pulled out a 500-ryō note and slapped it into Gaojin's hand while tightening his belt.