[Considering heart is the department he lacks in, having hers to rely on for situations like this makes perfect sense. Akechi's deduction always accounts for the logical side of evidence, but anything to do with emotions makes it so much harder to track.

Working together isn't the worst idea he's ever had.]

It is fascinating. Especially going back to your previous point, regarding true agency. Clearly, Thoth has no remorse forcing others to do her will under the guise of choice - unless you pick the wrong choice, naturally, and then she forces you into it anyway. But there's another thing I noticed about this particular choice and those refusing to participate in the experiments. [There's maybe just a little sparkle in his eye, ok, he's having his professor layton moment.] Have you realized it yet?