Maruki's eyes widen in recognition. "Oh right-! You must have talked to Futaba-san!" It hadn't even clicked for him until now, more fixated on Akira-kun when he figured that the phantom thieves were Kuon's benefactors.

For a moment he doesn't even remember the previous question as he is deep in thought. "She is quite bright and sharp, isn't she? Honestly, you two are very awfully similar so I am not surprised that you two got along well."

He proceeds to chew away at the sushi, nostalgia flashing over his eyes. "I remember Futaba-san speaking to her cat the time when I came to Leblanc. I genuinely thought it was neat but really we just ended up striking conversation when she realised that I had a book on cognitive pscience." He covered his mouth for a moment, finishing on the last gulps. "Her father...Well, I believe he was her guardian at least, and got quite defensive. Turns out her mother also agreed that it was a lovely division of science, which can help many people."

He looks away. "From what I have heard from here and otherwise, tragedy had followed her mother. In some worlds, I was involved too...Still, I am sure Futaba-san will be able to make her mom proud someday. If she hasn't already, considering how you speak of her."