[Could the magic answer be both... A soft snort escapes Matoba.] Coldness and directness are different. I prefer to do away with pretenses when unnecessary, to avoid any misunderstandings. [He's really not trying to earn anything back on the 'cold' accusation, there, is he. He takes a step after the man as he goes sauntering off.]

But, the pleasure is mine, Gojo-san. [He inclines his head, a polite half-bow. There. There's your precious manners! They may be bloodless and business-like, but at least he can't complain anymore.]

[Attitude aside, the confidence isn't offputting. Matoba allows Gojo to take the lead on this case, since he seems to already know where he's looking. Matoba knew many of the hiding places of these bakeneko, thanks to his tireless efforts to seek them out... But it was a different matter from when they were skulking about casually to when they were on the lamb. He was expecting them to actually put up a fight, this time.]

I see, it's this alleyway as usual... It's a good thing I thought to bring some treats along. I hope they will like them. [...] Do you like cats, Gojo-san?