The conversation in the Tombs of the Star Corridor had somehow continued.
Kenjaku stood calmly.
Takeru sat on the stone ledge, swinging one leg slightly.
Takeru suddenly looked up.
"So…"
Kenjaku glanced over.
"What?"
Takeru pointed at him.
"What would you be to me?"
Kenjaku paused.
"…What?"
"You know."
Takeru started counting on his fingers.
"Brother."
"Uncle."
"Ancestor."
"Dad."
"Mom."
"Aunt."
He looked at Kenjaku.
"What?"
Kenjaku stared at him.
"…None of those."
Takeru frowned.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Not even distant uncle?"
"No."
"Cousin?"
"No."
"Really distant cousin?"
Kenjaku sighed.
"No."
Takeru tilted his head.
"…Then what are you?"
Kenjaku folded his arms.
"That depends on what you mean."
Takeru gestured toward himself.
"I mean biologically."
Kenjaku was silent for a moment.
"Your lineage is complicated."
Takeru immediately leaned forward.
"…So there IS something."
"I didn't say that."
"You said complicated."
"Because your circumstances are complicated."
Takeru narrowed his eyes.
"…That's exactly what someone with a secret family connection would say."
Kenjaku sighed.
"You have an impressive ability to turn every conversation into nonsense."
Takeru grinned.
"Thanks."
"I wasn't complimenting you."
"I know."
Takeru stood up.
"So, final answer?"
Kenjaku looked at him.
"…None of the above."
Takeru thought for a moment.
"Okay."
He pointed at Kenjaku.
"Then I'm putting you down as 'weird ancient guy I might have a family connection to.'"
Kenjaku's eye twitched.
"…Absolutely not."
Takeru smiled.
"Too late."
The ancient mastermind simply stared at him.
For perhaps the first time in centuries…
Kenjaku seemed genuinely unsure how to respond.