Annkoto - P5

Annkoto - Chapter 15: I'll Be Waiting

(SMS)
Akechi: "Ren, you're going to that sushi bar with your friends today, correct?"
Ren: "That's the plan. Did you want to come along?"
Akechi: "Nono, I thought I would just stop by and say hello... if that's alright of course."
Ren: "Are you wanting to tell them today?"
Akechi: "Just the business side of things, I'd rather wait to reveal our personal matters."
Ren: "Of course. I always want you to be comfortable, after all."
Akechi: "You're too perfect. Stop it."
Ren: "Make me."
Akechi: "Are you inviting yourself to my apartment again?"
Ren: "I'll come over at 8."
Akechi: "I'll be waiting."

It's July 24th, AKA the first day of summer vacation, and the Phantom Thieves are finally getting the celebration they deserve for taking down Kaneshiro. They decide to feast at a sushi bar in Ginza, which Morgana is especially happy about.
At the bar, they enjoy the delicious sushi and have meaningful conversation. They also lightly discuss the Sojiro and Futaba situation.
After spending all their earnings, courtesy of the golden suitcase from the Kaneshiro heist, they walk together outside in the Ginza area.
This is when a seemingly random encounter with Akechi occurred.

Akechi: "Oh, Ren, what a surprise. And you all must be his friend group. Though of course I remember you, Nijima-san and Takamaki-san."

Ann: "Yes! From the train station. Hi Akechi-kun."

Makoto: "Greetings Akechi-kun."

Ryuji: "Hey, why are you all so buddy-buddy with this guy? Ain't he the one who uh- wait-"

Akechi: "The one who was shaming you all on public television, that's right."

All of the Phantom Thieves except Ren have pale, horrified looks on their faces.

Yusuke: "You don't mean..."

Akechi: "Yes I know all about your little Thievery business. I could mention that on the air as well, if you wish."

Ryuji: "Hey man, cool it!"

Ann: "W- We don't know what you're t- talking about."

Makoto is holding onto Ann's arm.

Ren: "Akechi..."

Akechi: "Ugh, Ren you can't let me have any fun, can you."
Ren chuckles at this.

Akechi: "I'm sorry for scaring all of you. It was only natural that I, the ace detective, would come to this conclusion... but when I was starting to put all the pieces together, me and Ren had already become quite close. So let me formally introduce myself as your ally."

Ryuji: "So what're you sayin'. You're going to help us? For real?"

Ren: "Yes Ryuji, for real. He won't be joining the Phantom Thieves but he will be our eye on the inside."

Makoto: "It's only a matter of time before the police start suspecting Shujin students. My sister has told me that much. Akechi-kun's assistance couldn't have come at a better time."

Akechi: "That's exactly right. I have even joined the investigation team looking into the Phantom Thieves. The information I gather from my meetings there is most of what I'll give you."

Yusuke: "I'm not so sure about this..."

Ryuji: "Me neither, if you're helpin' us then why do you have'ta go out and say all that shit about us on TV?"

Morgana: "Relax Ryuji, let's trust Ren on this. He might turn out to be a great asset."

Akechi: "Thank you for your kind words, Morgana."

Ann: "Wait. You can hear him!?"

Makoto: "Does this mean he is a Phantom Thief, then!?"

Akechi: "Ahaha my apologies. I am merely a metaverse user, I will not be acting along side you... for now."

Yusuke: "For now you say?"

Ren: "He said he would help us if things become extra challenging. He is quite strong."

Makoto: "You've seen his persona, Ren?"

Akechi: "We head down to Mementos on occasion, it's actually a pleasant past-time for us."

Ren: "That's right."

Ryuji: "You get extra trainin'? No fair, that's why you're so much stronger."

Morgana: "I didn't know about this, why didn't you bring me along!"

Ren laughs and says: "I'm sorry Morgana, next time."

Akechi: "Well I really must be going, it was pleasant meeting you all."

Makoto: "You as well, Akechi-kun."

Akechi: "And I'll see you later, Ren-kun." Akechi leaves him with a wink.

Ann and Makoto caught on to what that wink meant and started smiling at each other.

After that, each Phantom Thief went off to their respective train stations and enjoyed the rest of their night.