The emotional charge is noted, but The Shadow does not feel it is his place to pry. There is some sorrow associated with the memories of many of his own teachers, for various reasons.

"Perhaps I didn't adequately express my drive to learn everything..." There is amusement in his tone, as well as preliminary gratitude that Ichi might be a willing teacher. "I don't expect you to turn me into a master swordsman, but I'd appreciate whatever you can pass along. You never know what tricks will help in a pinch, and I get into a lot of those." He takes a swallow of scotch and studies the other man. "When your arm is up to it, of course."