[Subtle, lowkey enough - it could be. It could be him. It isn't incongruent with some of Shido's other methods. Chances are high that even Maruki himself isn't aware of the would-be meddling, just like so many others caught up in the Conspiracy's web, so that's probably the most Akira can find out for now.

It's enough, though.]

That seems to be a common theme. [He lets his hands grip each other to give them something to do. No fiddling. No tells. Not right now.] From what I understand, Isshiki ran into troubles of her own the more she tried to pursue her research. Whether it's a conscious or unconscious effort, it seems like there's always something that hinders people from looking into it more.

[It's a breadcrumb, a hint. He doesn't know if he's ready to talk about Yaldabaoth with Maruki more than he has yet. But if he digs deeper... If he asks... Akira thinks he really will tell him.]

When you had to change career tracks, was there a reason you picked counseling?

[Akira can think of a few reasons, but... He'd like to hear what Maruki says instead of speculating about it.]