[ If Akechi cared about Maruki at all to even revel in his pain, that look might have been something to savor, yes; as it stands, though, he just thinks the man is pathetic. Not even deserving of a brutal yet quick ending like the countless shadows he has battled in the Metaverse; he is lesser than them.

He doesn't get the dignity of a swift death; he has to grovel for mercy. ]

That is where you draw the line, then? [ His scowl deepens, his tone taking on a lower rumble. ] At knowing? As if being a part of the blissfully ignorant masses with no sense of agency would have been any better?

[ It wouldn't. And Akechi wouldn't be ignorant, either; he'd be stubborn enough to see through the illusion, he's sure of it. ]