[ so hizen was handed off to izou not because ryouma doesn't want him anymore, but because ryouma knew that his sword was better off with a guy who'd know how to use him to his fullest potential... ]

I see.

[ a knowing smile pulled at the edge of shylock's mouth. oh, hizen. the poor guy isn't aware at all, isn't he? ryouma's rambling about his bestie is rather cute too, he'll admit. ]

But as I recall, Mr. Izou had gone down a dark path, didn't he...? Not that there wasn't anything honorable about his chosen profession, no. It's a tough job, much like any other jobs available at the time.

[ IS IT, SHYLOCK, ]