[it's Boss that brings that brings that out that side of Kaz, incidentally, softens the part of him that's capable of using people as tools. it's one of the things he'd learned from Boss in MSF-- why Boss had been able to talk Kaz's entire unit into betraying him, that leading was more than shouting orders. but he's never really been able to emulate it entirely, and now he's in a strange place where he would ruthlessly use the men to achieve his own ends, but never deprive them of their home.]

No. They need a man like you. They don't follow me like they do you... or him. Never have. They might be have been ours, but they only really listened to you. And I'm done trying to fill your shoes.

[those nine years had been exhausting in that sense. every ounce of respect Boss had commanded by his mere presence was one Kaz has had to fight for. he'd hardened his demeanor, lowered his voice, showed ruthlessness and not tolerated backsass and a thousand other things he'd never had to do before. he'd always known where to take the men next. what he hadn't known was how to make them do it.]

I'll stand back and let your Phantom lead them. They're... his, in a sense, too. [he doesn't exactly sound happy about that, but he's not about to take that from the Phantom] But I'll guide things along.

And someday... we'll meet again.