[ ryouma is well aware of the threat and the warning but instead of backing down he just reaches over and refills the cup. because it's clearly empty and in his experience with izō, a refilled cup does better as an apology than an actual apology. ]

I'm happy you're willing to sit and drink with me, honestly. Couldn't ask for better than that. But I consider Izō family too, you know? Even if he'd probably react the same way if I said so...

[ so as long as izō never sends him away for real, hizen is stuck with him by association. ]

I don't expect either of you to forgive me, but—...

[ but what? he's not sure. good thing he still has sake left for himself. ]

Us men of Tosa oughta stick together.

[ who cares what hizen's name is and all that ryouma doesn't see it he only sees what he wants.

what he isn't saying is that he worries. he doesn't have a poor opinion of toraguma so far but he knows what he's seen and heard of the shuten culture. it doesn't matter if they're skilled at violence and killing; it's not what he would want to see either of them do any more if he can help it. so he worries and wants to keep them close — even knowing it won't change a thing until he finds a way. this is one of several reasons why he keeps pushing himself. ]