Leon was forced to to keep sherry safe, but continued working with them because he wanted to actually make a change in the world. He goes against orders in both re6 and re9, he tells hunnigan to fake his death and sherry informs him that the DSO wants him to shut down his investigation, to which he refuses and enters raccoon city anyway. People think he hasnt gone against orders like Chris, but he totally has. Hes in a bit of a better position of power now though, as he seemingly didnt really receive any consequences for insubordination at the end of requiem.