[ to that he only shrugs, lightly, and pushes off of the wall. his usual smile rests exactly where it always does on his face. ]

Knowledge has always been the only boon available to me. When stripped of my title and influence as I am, can you really blame me for seeking out what I can, especially when my own partner is now deceased?

[ Akechi is the only publicly outed Blotter still alive, after all. but... sure. he'll acquiesce, settling primly down into a chair nearby wherever it is Akechi is headed. ]

I sought you out after that particular trial not out of sympathy but out of wanting answers. Your motivations, your feelings; what you thought it might accomplish you.

Are you really so surprised that I might try to press you for it now?