got a sawed off

Overkill

It's simply my interpretation, but to me Pianoman uses 私 most likely because it's proper/professional but it's also the most common first person pronoun among leaders/bosses (for comparison, Mori uses it too).

However, unlike Mori, he talks in a more casual/assertive/masculine way, so his use of 私 makes him sound performative, like, "Look at how mature/proper/high ranking I am". It seems to me he is the kind of person who cares about his perception and wants to be taken seriously/respected (or at least aware of his position).

Coupled with the fact that he uses お前* for others makes it seem like he puts more "respect" (+distance) for himself. Though it should be noted that during his first meeting with Adam he uses 貴方 (+さん)** and then switches to 君 when he realises Adam means no harm, so I suppose it also matters whom he's talking to.

*Though it's kinda funny because お前 used to/was supposed to be respectful. I wonder if he too finds it funny.

**I am pretty sure he was putting distance and being sarcastic at the same time. Honestly, this guy.....

Speaking of respect, I've been wanting to get this out of my system; I don't know how many of you are aware but in case you weren't, I just need you to know that when Lippmann talks to/about Pianoman, he seems to use a specific kind of polite speech that puts Pianoman "above" him. For example, 「承りました」 and 「貴方がそう仰るなら」.

I suppose it makes sense considering the hierarchy but if you also consider that they're friends/colleagues, such word choices can feel kind of strange and over-the-top (they should really leave the roleplay in bed......). In other words, I think this is still something worth to note regardless.

There's also the subtle nuance of 承る which makes it sound like Lippmann is "bound/responsible(?)" to carry the order, and using 仰る instead of 云う makes it sound like, that to Lippmann, Pianoman is respected and his words carries authority/order/weight and must be acknowledged (even though he might not necessarily agree with it.)

Happy Valentine 🎹💄 nation 🫶