However, pardoning them would mean admitting his decision, in ordering only Takuminokami ASANO to commit seppuku, was unfair and if he did so in his position as shogun it could damage his authority.
しかし将軍として彼らを許せば、かつて浅野内匠頭にだけ切腹をさせた自分の裁断は片手落ちであったと認めることになってしまい、将軍権力に傷が入ることが避けられなかった。