The two weakened men were helped down the stairs a time later, looking a little brighter than they had previously.
"Can you speak?"
Gengyo asked upon seeing them.
The first man shook his head, but the second – who had his body riddled with numerous cuts – managed a reply.
"I can, now that my throat is no longer so dry."
"Good. My questions for you are very simple: who are you, and why did Toda have you imprisoned down there?"
"My name is Togashi Hiraie. The bastard arrested me because me and a few others showed dissatisfaction toward his rule. That fucker took our women as though they were his own! He sold some of them… and kept the rest for himself."
His said angrily, clenching his fist tightly.
"So he really was a slaver…"
Gengyo muttered in thought, before turning his attention back to the man.
