Neil thought about it, then took the jersey. Jean folded his arms over his chest and took a couple steps back. Neil turned the jersey over in his hands to look at his name. The white letters were surrounded by a faint red outline. The number beneath it wasn't his.

"I can't even keep my ten?" Neil asked.

"Unimportant Ravens wear double-digits," Jean said. "Riko's inner circle does not. This number suits you better. Did you know? In Japanese, 'four' and 'death' sound the same. It is appropriate that the Butcher's son should wear this number."

Neil shook his head but gave up arguing. He dropped the jersey in his locker again, steeled his nerves, and undid the buttons on his coat. He yanked the zipper undone next and shrugged out of his coat. He peeled his shirt over his head next and pretended not to notice the intent look Jean raked across his scarred front. Neil toed out of his shoes, pushed them out of his way with a foot, and yanked his jeans off. He put the Raven uniform on piece by piece as fast as he could. It fit him better than he expected it to, but Neil felt choked by it.

"Good," Jean said. "Now put it back. You won't need it until afternoon practice."

Neil stripped it all off and put it back. He'd just fastened the last button on his coat when the door opened. Neil had his back to it, but he didn't miss the way Jean blanched. Neil looked back to see Tetsuji and Riko in the doorway. Tetsuji had brought an ornate walking cane with him. Neil had never seen him with it before and hoped that meant Tetsuji was suffering some sort of injury or illness.

Riko let his uncle enter the room first and locked the door behind them. Neil spared a moment to wonder who installed locks on a changing room door, but he pushed that thought away as quick as he could. He couldn't afford to be distracted when facing this man.

Tetsuji crossed the room to stand before him. "Nathaniel Wesninski," he said, like he found every syllable wanting. "Kneel."

Neil hid his hands in his pockets so he could clench them into fists. "No."

He thought Jean said his name, but it was barely louder than a breath of air. Neil didn't look back at him. He didn't think it was his imagination that Riko took a half-step back to put more space between himself and his uncle. A man who could keep even Riko in line wasn't a man to challenge so carelessly, but Neil had no choice.

"You will kneel," Tetsuji said.

Neil had a feeling he was going to regret this for the rest of his very short life, but he smiled and said, "Make me."