[ ah, another one?! well, this oughta be a fool me twice-type deal where he really should've learned something. ryouma just pouts at her because she's right (again).

he knows what he needs to do because this is what he wanted to happen. he doesn't really care about the conflict, he just wants the operation. this is noteworthy because ryouma never really wants anything, so it struck him that he's so invested. it's fine. it's his job.

anyway, it's the wanderlust that he struggles with. he'll have to redirect that elsewhere then, somehow. ]

Need'ja t' do one more thing for me then while you're out there, if ya can.

[ he holds a finger up to ideally stave off any more takoyaki from cutting him short. ]

I can work on people here and get 'em on board with the idea, but I need somebody on top who knows what's what. Somebody close t' Iron Bear who doesn't wanna end up out of a job or like their lord and master.

[ it's clear from his tone that he doesn't like the guy. given iron bear rules on intimidation and fear, ryouma has a very low opinion. ]

You're gonna be searchin' for Ringo anyway, I figure it ain't too far off the mark. We want them t' know we'll support 'em if they toss their lot in with us, right? Just put the word out that I wanna talk. [ he's sure things will get to the right people eventually. ] I figure they've got no reason t' hide from a business proposal.