[ he's surprised - pleasantly, to find out just how disliked matoba is at this particular joint. he snorts when the oni calls for them to leave, but then he feels matoba's bony fingers on his shoulders, and can barely get out a hey before he's coerced forward.

the situation is easy enough to assess, and as a fellow shuten, he can tell they're all ready to fight if needed, but when it comes to food there are some exceptions that have to be made, probably also for oni. he waves a confident hand at them. ]

Hey, I'm new 'round these parts. Ah, don't worry, [ he points back at matoba with his thumb, ] I've got this guy under my control. You could say he's my slave or something. [ smirks. ]

We're just here to get some fried chicken, yeah? Apparently this place is the best in town.