At first Sori refuses stating that a humble artist would be of no use, then Rin reveals that she knows the truth behind Sori, that he is not just a painter but a member of Shogunates secret police. This revelation leaves both Sorii and Manji stunned, but again he refuses, this time citing shame at how tainted his sword is due to the various illegal and immoral acts his used it in over the years. Manji sees right this facade and eventually gets Sori to admit that he just cannot be bothered to risk his life while all he wants to do is paint.
Initially, Sori rejects the idea of helping, claiming a simple artist wouldn't be useful. However, Rin reveals Sori's true identity: a member of the Shogunate's secret police. This shocking revelation leaves both Sori and Manji stunned, but he again refuses, citing shame over his sword's tainted history from years of illegal and immoral acts.  Manji sees through Sori's facade and eventually forces him to admit that he simply doesn't want to risk his life while all he wants is to paint.