[Okay, that actually gets another stare from Akechi.]

Ren, you'd be fully justified in stabbing me. I almost shot you in the head.

[Not that he can't see where Ren's coming from. There's even a grain of truth to it...

But Ren hasn't hurt him. He had so many opportunities, but he did everything right.]

But... I suppose I have had time to reorient myself. Months free from puppet strings, where I could finally chose for myself.

[He lifts one taloned hand, flexing his fingers.]

...Even if it's only an illusion of freedom.