Wait—... there's something like that? [ because this is news to him. ] In any case, I think... Izō prefers things as they are. He likes to remind me that I'm on my own even when I've asked for advice to smooth things over, after all.

[ but he's fine turning to emily's other point because he probably won't enjoy thinking about the rest. if he does this right, it won't matter anyway. ]

But you're right, I should. [ he takes it back, thinking about this also sucks given the lack of his usual backup. ] I actually did have two others working closely with me at one point but then they ended up disappearing and it was enough just to pick up the slack. I was planning on calling the others together as well if you wouldn't mind joining us in the future? Something like a strategy meeting. Have you considered if you want to be involved like that yourself?

[ he has to ask that question because it's not as simple as having someone agree to it given the potential for danger. ]