Ryozan was surprised at Takeo's request for Teuchi to give him a free meal. To be honest, Ryozan didn't feel altogether comfortable accepting the offer; charity was for those who had not the means to care for themselves, and while Ryozan didn't live lavishly, neither was he in any financial straights. Conversely, food service was this man's livelihood, so eating for free, especially on a slow day like this, felt like taking bread out of the poor fellow's mouth. Still, the offer had been made, and it would have been rude to shun their kindness. Instead, he took half of the money back and nodded gratefully saying, "Thank you. The ramen was especially good. Consider that a gratuity." With that, he turned to continue his conversation with Takeo.

The veteran's next words hit him like a right cross. Playing a verbal game of cat and mouse with Matsuka was one thing, but for someone to outright declare his allegiance to the rebels was beyond expected. Either this man was a brilliant tactician, or he had literally nothing to fear from anyone in the area; perhaps both. Ryozan couldn't even gauge the man's demeanor, for he had turned away, leaving his facial expressions a mystery to the young Jounin. Ryozan had expected this man to be a rebel, but the rebel commander? He didn't know if Takeo was lying or not, but he decided to respond to the man honestly; he was probably quick-witted enough to tear apart any lies he could think of anyway.

"My name is Ryozan Tanzo," he said after a stunned pause. His heart was pounding away in his chest, but he managed to keep his nerves in check, keeping a calm appearance and voice. "I have just recently been promoted to Jounin. I know of you by reputation, but I was unaware of your latter title until a few moments ago." He paused again; this was the difficult part. When he told this man that he was a potential recruit for the empire, would he turn around and cut him down on the spot? He couldn't hope to defeat this man in combat, but perhaps he could escape... [i]Assuming, of course, that there is no backup in the ramen stand[/i], he thought, though he didn't have time to appreciate the irony. If he waited any longer now, he would give the wrong impression; he'd just have to wing it. "As things stand, I have no reason to hold that second title against you... yet." He patted the Imperial scroll. Takeo had revealed himself to be a shrewd man; he would know what that meant. "To be honest, this is a choice I wish I didn't have to make, and I have no idea where the two paths will lead, but it seems Fate will want my answer soon..." Ryozan wasn't sure why he had said so much. If he was the rebel leader, obviously he'd tout the virtues of freedom that he'd heard so many times before and leave him with a one-sided argument. It was a bit of a biased source to get advice from, but just about anyone he could talk to would be biased these days.