He frowns slightly, not thrilled at the idea of comparing Maruki to these strange alien gods. For all the man's flaws, Akira still saw him as a friend. But... he has a feeling Akechi would not appreciate any attempt at putting the man in any sympathetic light.

... he wouldn't have been thrilled at being seen as someone with 'followers' either, but thankfully that thread is unknown and unspoken.

"Not surprising for the locals, if this has always been the way it is. But the people like us..." He shakes his head in distaste.