[That tone is interesting and worth pursuing! But, well, he just feels compelled to show off a bit, since she said it sounded interesting, and he himself happens to agree.]

Mm. As much as you could consider Hijikata Toshizo or anyone from the Shinsengumi one.
[They're samurai well enough, he supposes, from what he read.]

And what about you? Are you defending it because you use one yourself?
[He figures, given her tone.]