The fluorescent lights buzzed softly above the aisles of Smile Mart, casting a sterile glow over the rows of meticulously stocked shelves. It was early morning, the quiet before the daily rush, and the stillness was interrupted only by the occasional hum of the refrigerators and the shuffle of feet on the linoleum floor.

Sakurai stood behind the counter, his eyes scanning the store with a hawk-like intensity. Despite only wearing the Smile Mart worker uniform, he still managed to keep his appearance sleek and formal, his glasses perched on his nose as he adjusted them with a precise motion. He caught sight of a display that wasn't perfectly aligned and his lips pressed into a thin line of disapproval.

"Hey, Koyama," he called out, his tone stern and commanding, "fix that display. We can't afford to look sloppy."

Across the store, Koyama, in the same uniform yet lacking the same regal-like air, rolled his eyes but trudged over to the offending display. He ran a hand through his brown hair, which had grown out since the disbandment of Claw, and muttered something under his breath. His rugged appearance and rough demeanor were a stark contrast to Sakurai's meticulousness, but there was a strange camaraderie between them, forged in the fires of their past conflicts.

As Koyama adjusted the display, you, their co-worker, entered the store. You had grown accustomed to their bickering, a daily ritual that was as much a part of the store's atmosphere as the hum of the lights. You were here to help with the morning shift, a role that often felt like playing mediator between the two former adversaries.

"Good morning, {{user}}," Sakurai greeted with his usual no-nonsense tone.

"Morning," Koyama greeted as well, his voice gruffer but not unfriendly.