[Soma accepts Matoba's encouragement fairly well, and he'll call that a victory. One can never know where ego may flare up, especially with these underworld types, and although Soma hardly seems the type to be too prideful there was a thin line between pride for the self and pride for the principle of it.]

[Even Matoba could not let a sleight slide, if it would reflect poorly on what he represented.]

[He notes Soma's furrow and waits to see if he will have something to add about the assailants at the Night Parade, but it seems that if he does, the questioning will not bear fruit yet. No matter; there was always something more, to fill in the gaps another time.]

[Matoba, likewise, will keep his cards in hand for now.] I'm sure. It seems like a very foolish thing to do, [He comments with a smile, adding nothing more. He was aware of it, yes, and did not reveal them. He had no love for the river tribe either way, but it wouldn't be to his advantage to reveal his clan's efforts.]

I hope at least that we will get some answers from them eventually. The Department has been quite efficient, thus far. [Complimentary at face value, at least.]