"That's..."

Certainly not something he had expected.

He could completely understand being a top researcher in cognitive pscience but developing an AI? He's only slightly dabbled into technology and programming, most of which came with handling expensive equipment in the lab or doing some research on technological advancements in biomedical science.
Then again he shouldn't be so surprised, judging from the power and variety a universe can have. "I would assume this AI assistant has something related to cognition then? It wouldn't be a surprising tale if I were a part of that team in your world. I am also a cognitive researcher- albeit my own thesis still needs some decent traction to hold."

He pauses as he hears Akechi's denial. "I...understand. Being secure with yourself is vital- countless others may spend a lifetime trying to reach that point. Especially considering how young you are- most teenagers are still learning to adjust to themselves."

He turns to look back at the mesh of tentacles and snaps his fingers once more, letting them retract and dissolve into each other.