I suppose so. You suggesting it was what made Makoto speak up about how she wanted to save her sister too.

[ If only I'd met you sooner, what a loaded thing. How much sooner would he have had to insert himself into Akechi's life to circumvent bitterness and anger that deep? A year ago? Two years ago?

When they were still children?

Maybe. Or maybe if he'd tried hard enough, cornered him more effectively, pressed him on those little cracks that with hindsight he can see may have come through unintentionally.

Maybe, maybe, maybe. Maybe doesn't make changes though. ]

I guess not. [ and then he tilts his head. ] But right now, you're here, so maybe that counts for something.