[The conditions were reasonable, no doubt. Lupin understood that Smoker had his reasons, but he couldn't fight the nagging discomfort. He accepts the handshake.]

I've no intention to get your students hurt. No reason too--and I can be serious, but...

I was kinda hoping to keep Pops and Dellie out of this. Pops because, well, we have this thing. We've worked with and against eachother at different times, and I know we do concern ourselves with eachother as more than just rivals. [Lupin's taken out men specifically because they hurt Zenigata, and don't think that he's unaware of Zenigata's priesthood. Praying for the soul of your deceased rival to be reborn as an honest man is touching indeed, even if the rival in question isn't as dead as he appears.] I don't want him getting concerned.

And Dellie? I don't want to involve her anymore than I must. She's only a New Feather, but uncomfortably sharp. She's onto my plan, and I've told her almost nothing. ...I may have to tell her more if she keeps involving herself, just to make sure she doesn't get herself killed as she noses around.

[He sighs, almost wearily.] It's tough, is all.