Leaving a job to further an agenda
The seemingly casual question was anything but.
Tristan was estimating Tomas' opinion of Pierce.
In the time of peace, Pierce was a competent leader, fit for his position. Normally, it could've taken Tristan years to achieve a similar level of status and respect in the King Lion Gang.
However, Cuatro Angulos' attack became a fortunate opportunity for him.
In times of war, whether between countries or gangs, it was always easy to get promoted, especially when high-ranked officers died.
Tristan was sure that if Pierce kicked the bucket, no one would cry about him.
But if Tristan himself didn't have enough respect from the other gang members, he won't be able to seize Pierce's position even if he died.
He needed allies, and the best way to get them, in Tristan's opinion, was bribery. The second-best opinion was uniting them around hate toward something or someone.