[ maybe it should have been an obvious thing, but from the way he looks surprised, it clearly wasn't. really makes you feel foolish, and he gets to add a little shame to his expression too. ]

Then consider this me askin'. Help me see what I'm missin'. Please? I'm not askin' about him. I'll ask Izō about Izō.

[ he looks at hizen now, finally. this isn't what he'd planned for this, but since it's happening he'll stick with it as long as he can. maybe that's a sign of how bad it's gotten that he's willing to wade through these issues if it means he might get to hold on to someone. he's sticking to it right now like a life line, for lack of any better ideas. ]