Persona 5: New Game+ #1

Kaneshiro's Confession

((Yukata Akechi wears))

[July 9]

(Early morning)

Akechi checked his phone and smirked. "Nice work, Phantom Thieves."

[July 10]

(Evening)

Akechi got to the studio and got ready for the shoot. He sighed a bit and put on a smile. He then sat on the couch.

It started going...

"And that was the follow-up report on the suspect Kaneshiro. Now, Akechi-san... this case is said to be the result of the Phantom Thieves' actions, but in actuality, is this true?" "Considering how a calling card was scattered about, I believe there's no mistaking that. The question is what the Phantom Thieves actually did. They truly are a remarkable group of people. Their justice burns true. I've really come to admire them. I hope they continue with their vigilante justice. We need more true heroes than the awful police who couldn't stop Kaneshiro themselves."

It then ended...

Akechi left as soon as he could. He groaned a bit and rode his bike all the way to Yongen-Jaya. He parked outside of Leblanc and noticed everyone inside. He slowly entered.

The Phantom Thieves looked over quickly.

"Dude! You really are a supporter of the Phantom Thieves!" Akechi went over to them. "Shouldn't you be studying, Sakamoto." "Yeah..." He chuckled a bit and looked over the material. "It's simple, really. Watch me." He helped make it easier for Ryuji to understand. "Oh! I get it now! Thanks, man!" "My pleasure. Need help, Kurusu-kun?" "No. I'm top of my class." "I saw. Good work. Keep it up." "Hey, we should go to the Fireworks Festival!" Ann smiled at the group, even Akechi. "Oh yeah, it's that season, huh!" Makoto smiled a bit, "that sounds good to me." "Ah, the beauties of summer. I demand we feast at the festival as well." "Hm... it's supposed to rain on the day of the festival. Why not come over to my apartment? I have a patio where we can do our own fireworks. And yes, you can wear whatever you'd like." "No way! Thanks, Akechi!" "Yes, that sounds wonderful."

Akira smiled a bit and nodded. "Yeah. After exams, we'll do our own fireworks." Akechi smiled small at Akira. "I should take my leave. Good night." He walked out of there and rode home on his bike.

[July 11]

(Early morning)

Akechi got to Akira, smiling.

"What a refreshing morning. How are you doing from last night?" "Good." "I expected the Phantom Thieves would suppress a man even the police had trouble with. The fact they have so much support online is nice. We're all being praised. My co-workers don't agree with me, but I truly believe in the Phantom Thieves. All the interviews these days ask me about my ongoing support. I was originally investigating the mental shutdown incidents. People are dying from an unknown cause. I believe there is someone truly evil doing these things. Maybe the same, yet different methods of the Phantom Thieves. There's no telling. I can't find who is responsible." He got into his thinking pose. "Considering that I no longer am under that bastard's thumb..." Akira picked up on that. "Akechi... are you responsible?" He looked at Akira, eyes widened a bit. "No. I'm not. Not... let's stop talking..." He looked down, closing his eyes tightly, in reminiscing pain.

Akechi got onto the train far away from Akira.

(After school)

Akechi sighed as he got to Shibuya Central Square. He narrowed his eyes as he saw that girl from before. He went over quickly.

"Kurusu-kun." Akira and the girl looked over. Akechi looked at the girl. "And you are..." "It's been quite a while, Akechi-san." He furrowed his brows a bit. "And the same for you..." He blinked a bit as a name popped into his head. "Yoshizawa-san, right?" "You two have a history?" "My father works at a TV station. Have you ever seen "Good Morning Japan"? My father's the director." "I've been brought onto the show as a guest a number of times now. That's how I ended up becoming acquainted with Yoshizawa-san. Guess she goes to Shujin with us, and she was who you protected mons ago." "She's my friend." "He helped me out of more jams before, and now he is offering me guidance." "I see... so, what were you two up to?" Yoshizawa looked at Akira. "Oh, right! I was just about to share some exciting news. It's nothing to keep secret, so I may as well spill it now."