Persona 5 x persona 4

chapter 52

They were surrounded by the crowds of Shibuya. The world just seemed to go on as if some fierce battle for humanity hadn't happened just moments ago. Goro looked at everyone as the main group of Phantom Thieves looked heartbroken over the loss of their feline companion. Goro could empathize with them but for the moment he knew more things needed to be done. He'd let them morn their feline.

Stepping back carefully he moved through the crowd and disappeared from the people who had just fought alone side. He continued to move away from them until he was certain they either couldn't find him or see him anymore. It felt a bit scummy running like this but truth be told, Goro wasn't good with goodbyes, and there were too many people he had fought alongside that he cared about. It was a strange feeling still to him about having people he could rely on.

Stepping through the crowds Goro reached for his phone. The first thing he checked was for the MetaNav, but just as Morgana said, once they took the treasure the whole Metaverse had collapsed. Goro never wanted that to happen, there were still many wrongs that could have been made right if they had been able to keep it for a while longer. All that was no longer in the cards it seemed, so that left Goro with one option for bringing down the hydra that was his father's organization. He needed to turn himself in now and work with the authorities to bring in as many of Shido's people as possible. They had loads of evidence and hopefully, with the public's change of heart they could finally move forward on the case.

Scrolling through his contacts, he picked out Sae Niijima's number from the list. Ducking into an ally way to get away from the noise of the crowds, Goro pressed called. For a minute his heart lurched at the thought of not being able to see Naoto, Futaba, Ren, or any of the other people he had felt a connection with. Putting the phone to his ear he tried to choke back those feelings, but he could feel his eyes start to dust with the emotions he wanted to shed.

"Niijima here." Came the curt voice of Sae Niijima on the other end of his phone.

Goro let out a long soul-crushing sigh. He had found people who cared about him, and he in turn cared for them. Everything he did after his change of heart was all working for this last step. Salvation also meant he would need to pay for his crimes, only after that step was complete could he truly be a free man; mind, heart, and soul. There were still 17 deaths on his hands, and well he may never get out of prison for his crimes, these last few weeks would stay with him for the rest of his life.

"It's me Akechi... The Thieves have stolen the hearts of the masses, if there ever was a time to take down Shido's organization it needs to start today. Right now. I'm going to turn myself in." Goro announced.

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. "No not tonight. Tomorrow morning, I had to pull a few strings but I'm going around the SIU. I have someone ready to work on the Shido case tomorrow morning. Shido's people are still pulling strings in unexpected places, come with me tomorrow you can turn yourself in then."

"How did you find a way to work around the SIU?" Goro had to know.

There was a small chuckle on the other end of the line, Goro had never heard Sae make such a pleased sound. "With the evidence you and Naoto gave me; it led me to find out that there are some internationally wanted people. I've been in touch with agents from both America, China, and England. This sent me to the Japanese International Police Task Force, and surprisingly they don't have any connection to Shido's group. I already sent them over some of our evidence, and a few of them are familiarizing themselves with it so we can strike. They'll need the night however to get acquainted with the information and tomorrow you can turn yourself into them."

"What time tomorrow?" Goro asked.

"You can be a free man until 8. I'll call you at 7 to pick you up to bring with me." Sae explained.