I've been slacking quite a bit, but I'm going to try to be more active on here again!

Other places you can also find me:

Then Hikaru...

Then...

And finally...

I know its only part of a drink link story and didn't have any impact on the main story, but I really wished the writers could have delved a little deeper into this. I love the thought of Kiryu finding comfort in Zhao's company, because he actually does understand how Kiryu feels to an extent. But also a little worried about him, hoping Zhao won't have to deal with everything he went through and get to live a peaceful life. However, if you choose the slightly more "personal" dialogue...

After they have that little moment, Zhao sort of puts up a wall to stop that particular conversation from going any further. Like he slips back into acting "tough" like he did with Ichi in Y7. The impression I get from it was him, for some reason, not wanting to seem too vulnerable with Kiryu? They don't seem to bring this up again in the rest of the drink link story (unless I didn't see all the conversation options, then correct me please lol).

Slightly off topic, but I remember also wanting them to at some point talk about the similarity of their childhood friend growing up, coming to resent them, and trying to kill them. Nishiki and Mabuchi may have some differences, but both Zhao and Kiryu trying to have faith in them and still wanting to save them was exactly the same. To my disappointment, it never came up. But it wasn't like there was a point for it to be brought up anyway, so... shrugs