That's enough denials to beg belief. Bunta won't be the one to call him out on it, though. Not even with his inhibitions lowered.

Yukimura misses the attention, doesn't he? The recognition and admiration. And who can blame him? He's grown up with a reputation of the strongest, celebrated and revered both among his inner circle and well beyond that. It's hard to lose things.

Bunta drains his glass again.

"Who knows. Fame is fickle. There are a lot of shiny things and special people out there. But nothing has changed for the people who know you."