Whoever it was quite possibly saved Tom Black's life. Oh and as a side note: When I post my next part, that last scene may or may not be quite as it seems.



She'll be out permanently very soon. You remember what one of Marv's biggest campaign promises was - and she's one of his biggest political contributors. No pun intended.



It's quite likely that Chiaki warned Akiko not to go, and they've been friends long enough for Akiko to be able to detect that little edge of worry in Chiaki's voice.

Or it could simply be that Akiko is smart enough to smell a setup from 10,000 miles away.



Imagine Chiaki at some meeting of villains. They're busy doing the usual posturing and bickering, and she just sits there, silent. She waits some more, while they start to work out their deal, and more bickering and posturing ensues.

Finally, someone asks why "Akiko's representative has said nothing" - or Akiko herself asks what she thinks - and then Chiaki stands and says something profound that none of them would have considered. Since usually none of them are stupid, they'd then start asking her questions. This is how she manages to take control of meetings of some of the most powerful in Paradopolis. Not through threats or force, but by patience.

Note also that Yuki often does the same, only she gets there usually by either interrupting or breaking something so everyone gives her their undivided attention.