He looks at Shinjirou's face this time, studying his expression thoughtfully. If he were to be compliant, he could be useful.

Or he could try to escape.

It's too bad he hadn't been with the slavers for a bit longer; it would be much easier to control him if he had a healthy fear of being returned to the market. But it's a risk Jade doesn't mind taking. It should be interesting, at least, although he knew it was morally incorrect for him to find entertainment in this manner. Perhaps he should feel guilty. But the only emotion he feels is a sense of anticipatory excitement, as if he's on the verge of a breakthrough in some months-long research project.

"I think I'll take it." He turns away from Shinjirou coolly. "I do enjoy a challenge."

All that's left is the haggling. Once they finally settle on a price, Jade pays, and the seller hands him the whip and the key to Shinjirou's chains. He waits patiently while Shinjirou is freed from the pillar and brought to him, hands still cuffed behind his back and a short length of chain attached to his collar.

Jade takes hold of the chain. With barely a glance backward, he begins to walk. "Come along now."