"You don't understand; you don't understand a damned thing! Ryoshu's no fool, he–he–" His words were cut off by the masked man, who rested a hand lightly on his blade, turning to face him fully, paying no mind to the bandits behind him who stood in cowardice, too scared to meet the end of his blade.
"I know all about your situation. I know you got into debt because of your gambling habit. I know you worked hard to pay off that debt, only to blow the money on a get-rich-quick scheme," he explained, his hand on his sword, on guard. "I also know that got you both kicked out of Edo, leaving your only option to be us… Don't be mistaken; I'm not calling him a fool for his intelligence. I'm calling him a fool–"
The masked figure walked closer, leaning in to Rosaki's ear as he whispered, his words laced with venom.
"For keeping you around." His words struck Rosaki's mind and his ego like a toxin. Without thinking, he reached for his blade, only to be stopped by a swift strike to his gut. His vision blurred as he fell to his knees.
"You're nothing but a burden. Don't forget that." With that, the man finally took his leave, Rosaki collapsing face-first to the ground, writhing in pain.
"Rosaki! Are you alright?!" the other bandits rushed to his aid, kneeling to help him get up from the ground, the dirt attached to his droll stained jaw.