[At the mention of the blanket he looks away, muttering something annoyed, like he's been caught with his hand in the cookie jar; it didn't mean anything. But he thinks about what's been said.]

I suppose... if he experiences cognitive dissonance as you describe—you'd agree that's what it was?—then logically it can't be just him. The constant disturbances would make him unable to function.

You said Maruki's focus was on making people happy. [Oh, the scorn in his voice at the very idea.] You think that's what was done to him? That he's effectively been lobotomised?

Can it be undone? [He's just curious.]