One angle to keep in mind is Iona- after all, she did just appear out of nowhere on Diqiu, and while Akio isn't likely to leave any route unprotected, he might not be able to keep a Fog vessel from popping up in his garden pond.

Of course, this assumes that Iona is willing and able to work with the Duelists in time, but historically Akio's downfall has been hastened by those he tries to use as puppets.

"This is probably a stupid question, but . . ."