“Excessive curiosity kills even the snake, Informant.”

Without showing any sign of fear under the pressure, Izaya maintained his usual composure as he quipped, “Shouldn’t it be the cat, Shiki-san?”

“In the West they say cats have nine lives…but snakes are symbols of rejuvenation and immortality, aren’t they? …Just like you. You keep shedding your old skin and coming back to life no matter how badly you’re beaten up or stabbed with a knife…”