Bah, yes, that's what I meant - I can't believe I messed that up. But... yeah, they are very close, now that I think of it. It wouldn't surprise me if Akira thought of his uncle as "as good as" a parent. Especially given how protective Akira is.

I know it sounds kind of corny, but it might just be Akira needs someone to confide in and talk to. At the very least, it can't hurt your investigation - or ours as a whole.