[The girl lowers her sword as Falcone's goons retreat, but doesn't sheathe it. And her guard doesn't waver at all. That razor gaze turns to Li'l Matches and lingers there, calm, dangerous. Lethal.

Kuzuryuu himself is a much livelier read, glancing once at the kid, snorting, and then making sure the others have really stepped off.]

Do I look like I answer to that sack of shit? Or care what Falcone thinks?

[He does care, of course, but only as much as it means Falcone will have to be aware of him, now. And it'll be a hard, deadly time for a while, and he and Peko will have to work themselves to the bone, but soon enough, the Roman will have to take him seriously. They'll all have to take him seriously.

When the thugs don't return, he makes a dismissive "che" sound under his breath and turns to face Li'l Matches again.]

It's Malone, right? From Hoboken. I got something to ask you.

[He nods at Peko.]

She says, the way you moved with the hits, you could've taken those guys on your own.

[Which would explain why she hasn't put up her blade. She continues to watch Damian, still, but alert.

Kuzuryuu steps forward so that she isn't in front of him any more.]

So my question is, why didn't you.