When Abi brought in the tea, most of what needed to be said had already been discussed with Nagakura and the others.
Now, it was just a matter of waiting for a response from the three of them.
The first to reply was Fujimura.
With an embarrassed look, he scratched the right side of his head with his index finger, bowed apologetically to Kondo.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Kondo, I'm still studying at the Ito Dojo, and Teacher Yidong doesn't allow our names to become disciples or retainers of other sword dojos while still registered as students there…"
Fujimura tactfully refused Kondo's invitation.
In the face of Fujimura's refusal, Kondo was not at all annoyed. He laughed heartily a few times and assured Fujimura with several "no worries."
