The beast growls softly, annoyed at Akechi's mocking and on guard against the vines. He never saw Maruki's persona, but he got deep enough into the Palace to remember the tree. If Akechi starts smelling of apple he might just lose his mind. As if he hasn't already...

But growling is all he does. Ever since he discovered Akira's shame that was all he did at worse. Because deep down he knew Akechi of any form had the right to demean him for this.

"I didn't fail." He snaps, reaching out like he's about to grab Goro's neck- instead he just tears the shirt collar with his new claws so he doesn't almost strangle again under more growth.