[... and he shifts a little, recognising that. Because while Akechi still feels himself to be in the presence of a greater danger, there's a larger room outside here, with a greater danger again. White light around him, and whispers in his ears—some tantalisingly inaudible, but others frustratingly mundane. did you pick this one? what, no, do I look like I have time for that?.. all right, just move him on....]

The thing that brought you and me here. [It's a concession, of sorts.]

Did you—hear anything? When you first arrived? I wasn't in a position to listen to very much. [He'd been kind of near death.]