"He does. It's...always those little moments that mean so much, isn't it? Making time for you, caring for you in spite of everything...your mum really tried, regardless of the circumstances that made you. Since learning the truth about mine, I sometimes wondered if he saw her through me. And if that ever made it difficult...a pointless question by now, if I'm honest. Because he loves me anyway."

She can't help her eyes watering again, but she is wearing a smile. A genuine one.

"And he loves you, too. So much, Akechi. I think he sees so much of himself in you. And wants so much to be there for you. I think...I think the only thing stopping him from calling you his son is not knowing if you'd be okay with that."