Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 39

“Handle the Phantom Thieves without remorse. Use any means necessary to win. That’s how I would deal with them.”

This was something Nijima didn’t have to tell Goro twice. He had all the intentions of doing just that. Of course he was already more than aware yet he had to gather the evidence or a confession. Something concrete to latch onto. Use any means necessary to win… That was self explanatory, wasn’t it? What type of detective would he be if he didn’t? Well, then again, maybe detective was the wrong term here. It was not the role of a detective he was filling. And everything should go smoothly since, shouldn't it? Nothing unexpected will occur. Then again, maybe he shouldn't have talked so soon… Because fate just has to throw more and more curveballs in his way. 

Honestly, it just so happened that he and prosecutor Nijima had yet another conversation in regards to the Phantom Thieves. She wanted to know something, how progress was. Goro had been hesitant at first yet eventually he decided to present the theory he had heard from them right to her, down to the tiniest detail. Though this deduction had occurred based on literary analysis alone.

“So, you’re telling me that you know someone who has been deducting all of that just based on a few lines? Don’t joke around with me.”

“Haha, I’m speaking nothing but the truth. This source has been quite helpful in tracking down the Phantom Thieves. They have an… Interesting approach at least.”

“I’m surprised that you’re even considering working together with someone else.”

“They have shown interest in the case recently. And besides, their theory sounds plausible.” Not just plausible, they were on the right path… Much to his dismay, if he played his cards wrong. “I didn’t even consider looking at the phrasing. At least not right away.”

“Looks like they got your attention.”

He chuckled. “I guess you could say that. They are proving very capable.”

"Capable you say…”

“Are you doubting my judgment now?”

“No, not at all. Just keep doing your job, alright?”

“Of course. The priority right now is to bring those Phantom Thieves to justice. You may rely on us.”

He may have said that and was a little surprised himself that he was able to keep a straight face during this entire conversation. After all, since the festival day he couldn’t look them in the face and hasn’t seen them directly since. What had happened was so embarrassing. Not to mention that it was a careless slip up, towards them of all people.

“What’s with you today? Being like that out of nowhere.”

Of course they would pick up on it pretty much right away. They would, he had learned that by now. Noticing the smallest of changes. Of course that was not solid evidence and would not hold weight by any means. Their words were just that, words. And yet one would feel exposed the moment they would catch on. Hence why he had tried to keep communication to the absolute minimum. Of course he also couldn’t make it look suspicious. After all, if he did they would just bombard him with questions and catch on yet again. 

Though it was terrible… Him slipping up like that in their presence… Was he getting a little too comfortable with them around? He hated to see it that way but he let his guard down. And that was unacceptable. Their presence was becoming a hindrance to him. Why did they have to show up so suddenly in his life? How was he supposed to feel about that!? About them on top of that! Ugh… If it wasn’t for their stupid sharp senses he would have tossed them away like anyone else. Of course he could just go for the kill if he really needed to but that would be a pain to cover up. There was no other reason than that! He had to keep them at bay and that is what he will do! Y… Yeah… That’s all there is to it.

Then again, he couldn’t even think straight sometimes. Luckily Goro knew how to push his feelings aside for now. They’re nothing but a tool… Nothing but a mere tool… Someone they keep in check. A piece he will not be afraid to discard once the time comes… Right. As long as he appears to keep up with the deal the two had made. 

He can’t start caring for someone now of all times… No, he can’t. He absolutely cannot! If they dug a little too deep he would have to dispose of them. He has to be ready for that. Maybe their death will also become unavoidable. 

But at the same time he knew that it wouldn’t be so easy if things kept developing in that direction… And it was only getting worse as the days passed.