The last big setback, before our boys actually cross blades again? How is he going to change Shuuzaburou's mind? Is he just going to beat him? Is Shuuzabourou going to be his giant ape, to actually quality for the tournament? Or maybe just Seigen's word will be enough to convince the others to let Genno join.
He tried to be nonchalant about this, but he does still fear, admire and compare himself to Gennosuke. That's why he's came for Iku, that's why he said what he said in the presence of Tadanaga. Let's see how far off my assumptions are now!