[It was multiple confirmations: first, that this really was fucking Hide-and-Seek-Alone; second, the 'next time' was really trying to do it all over again; third, this guy was infamous Daisuke, the guy who might've been related to the kid in the courtyard and but had definitely been the person responsible for what happened last month.

[Niko's eyes widened at first from the realization but then narrowed into a sheer, rage-filled glare. He'd told Narumiya he would 'try' to listen and he would 'try' not to 'harass' the guy if he met him but now that he'd actually come across him all of Niko's instincts were saying otherwise. His body trembled from what Daisuke said and he unconsciously, quickly stepped closer, not fully sure of what he was going to do. He had intended to say something, his mouth starting to open, when the other guy said something first.

[Niko's head turned in time to see a the flick of the hilt (and now finally registered the sword) and the sword unsheathing. Any words he was about to say died, his heart stopped, his eyes were no longer locked on Daisuke but the sword, and the words 'I can't let you do that' stuck out in Niko's mind, spelling clear firmly what was happening. If this'd been another time in another place, Niko might've had time to think about things, such as what exactly Daisuke deserved (even him and Narumiya had talked about it), why this guy had a fucking sword, and if this guy was just going crazy like a lot of other people right now.

[In that moment, though, Niko simply registered 'sword' and 'someone in danger', regardless of the target. On sheer impulse, he threw himself at the guy to tackle or push the guy - anything to redirect the coming strike.]