You did an... admirable job, all things considered. From the perspective of achieving what you set out to do, I mean.

[He smiles, because you know, there's something to be said for taking pride in your work.]

A little of each, in a sense. I didn't approve of the way Kondou was grasping for power prior to his death, nor the way Hijikata directed things. And, considering some other variables, my time with them was hindering me from progressing in both research and personal goals. So I left, and took my men with me.

[Look, if he already knows the Shinsengumi had some shit going on, who's Sannan to avoid the unpleasant topic? He deals in unpleasant, and even in tactless on rare occasions. Despite time having passed and Toudou's reassurances, Hijikata and Sannan never really saw eye to eye on anything. And Kondou had spent too much time trying to kiss ass, and not enough time investing in the value of the men under him.]

The shogunate's fight was no longer my fight, you see. So why should I bother being loyal to those who have no such similar feelings about me?