[That basically confirms Matoba's assumption, then. Leave it to ayakashi that the only way they know how to live is by preying on others.]

[But he decides not to say it out loud. His earlier comment sorta said it for him.] It isn't that human disputes do not devolve similarly to underhanded tactics, but the potency of the poisons that catch my attention, [He explains instead, stirring up his drink and sipping again.] I suppose it's all dependent on the ingredients at hand, but I've heard some rather nasty things of ayakashi flora... Good thing we are in a city, where we don't have to worry too much about that.

[Were there ayakashi forests, somewhere in this realm? ...Matoba knew they existed, but who could say where...]

It's not necessary. I just like it. [Simple.]