Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 88

The aftermath of this argument could still be felt in the air. Goro could feel it, the tension Anja had around themself at that moment was something undeniable. One may as well cut said tension with a literal knife, right into little pieces. It was a little unusual. Never had he ever seen them this heated. Neither them nor Sae–San if he was completely honest. Actually, they butted more and more heads as of late, always ending up in one argument after the other. It was a little exhausting, to say the least. But that was how the two had planned to settle things now apparently. They were really pushing their theory, weren't they? And while he could somewhat understand the frustration he had made a deal with Sae–San.

"Though tell her to get in line, will you? She's being a nuisance." No need to tell him twice. They were turning more and more into it, in more ways than one, even for him. This could be seen as such as well. And yet things weren't exactly as simple either. Not just that but apparently they had slowly become his responsibility as well. Then again he had suggested them first and foremost so that was fair enough.

Although, even as he was talking their ear off pretty much and telling them the same thing he had told them not too long ago. That they can't just start a fight like that and expect the consequences to not bite their ass. Then again it was the same old dance over and over, nothing special in any way. Judging from how they were looking around they were probably not even listening. He may as well talk with a brick wall here. That would have been more productive. Yet he had to do this, didn't he? Even if he knew that it was completely useless. But at least he could say that 'he told her' if Sae–San asked. Although... The conversation had come to a sudden halt, right when the two passed by a shop with televisions on display. Goro had not paid attention to what exactly had been going on yet when hearing a certain voice he was not surprised.

" A new political system that goes beyond parties or factions... An ideal country of peace and order... "

He knew that voice all too well. After all, he had that voice in his ear pretty much everyday of the week. Ok maybe that was overdone yet he had heard it so much by then that he was tired of hearing it. Then again, he was also tired of this man just existing. That bastard of a man... The talk was none other than his very own father. However, he never dared to say it out loud, not make it official. It was one of the orders given and to maintain Shido's trust he would oblige. Not like anyone had been asking about his family situation to begin with.That was a while other can of worms after all. Though honestly he wouldn't have taken a peek if it hadn't been Anja stopping midway in their tracks and glancing over to the window, blinking as she saw the image of Shido right in front of a podium at a press conference. Or a public speech... Did it really matter though?

What was more surprising was the response they had to this speech. Maybe it was just unusual because he was used to people responding rather positively to that shitface. They were taken aback and said that he was the one who could turn this country around. People were putting their hope into a guy who was only out for power and not for the people. Yet no one knew. They were all just impressed. 'Finally! Someone who is ready to call the current politicians out and do something about it!' Or something like that. However... Anja... If there was ever a 'Karl–Like' response they had given, it would have been this one. The first time where there seemed to shine a characteristic through which their father had also possessed. At least as far as Goro could have seen from past speeches, interviews and retellings he had heard about Karl before his downfall.

"This guy again..." Anja sighed, grabbing onto the bag they were carrying. They held onto it, nearly squeezing it in their grasp. "I don't get why people hype him up so much."

That... Had gotten him a little curious. So he found himself asking, though his mouth may as well have moved on its own. "What do you mean?"

"Isn't it obvious? All he's doing is use pretty and complicated words in his speeches." They started explaining, this being almost like an automatic response. Yet mentioning it seemed to annoy them to the brim. "All to sound fancy and whatever to appeal to the masses. 'Look! He used those big words! He knows what he's doing!' It's making me want to vomit."

That... Was a strong way to put it. He didn't disagree, there were always big words in his father's speeches he loved to throw around. In fact he just wanted to openly agree with them. Yet he couldn't. He had to keep his mouth shut to not indicate anything. "Is that the reason why?"

"I could write a speech like that too with my eyes closed! Just gimme the big words and we're good to go!" They continued, scoffing nearly. "But no, that's not just why. That guy is just pointing fingers at everyone. I get it, the system isn't perfect and all but... What are his solutions? I don't hear him offer anything. It's always finger pointing and shoving the blame to others. Thank you for pointing that out but what do you have to offer?" The last part they said with not even a hint of sarcasm... it was flatout sarcasm.

Goro noticed that his lips were twitchting, about to curl up right then and there. In fact something wanted to come out. A laugh A simple laugh. Oh how amusing it sounded. Words which would probably upset this guy and make him nearly lose his temper. It would be one of the worst things gracing his ears. That much was obvious. And imagining it right in his head was nothing but pleasant thought. It entertained him already. But he would get into hot water if he ever revealed any of that. So he kept his mouth shut, just in case. But he was pleased to hear it.

"You're not a supporter, are you?" He asked, though the answer was obvious. Why did he even bother asking?

"Not at all. And if I gotta waste any more time listening to him then I'll go crazy!" With that they let out a quick huff before turning away from the tv screens and continuing to walk, the way to the train station. "Come on Akechi–Kun! Let's go home!"

They didn't see his face but it was just very amusing. To know that they didn't like him as well, even for different reasons... He welcomed it. At that rate he couldn't hide his smirk all of a sudden, perhaps the thought getting to him. And yet he wasn't exactly complaining, not even close. It made relief wash over him before following suit. "Yes yes. Message received."

Maybe one day he could get to witness them saying this right into his father's face. It wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing after all. But at this moment it would stay as wishful thinking, wouldn't it?