Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 155

With Officer Sato’s Palace cleared and preventing him from resigning they felt safe, a moment of victory. Lukanja was in the mood of celebrating. But they had been brought to reality shortly after. This was just a moment, nothing more. A moment only having lasted a few weeks. Cooperating especially in such a way. They could already hear one line from Akechi’s mouth. He hadn’t said it but they could imagine him saying something like that if they showed a little too much enthusiasm about this. ‘ Don’t get used to it. ’

Right, this all was just a temporary operation, enough to distract them from what was about to happen. With Nijima–San having found the calling card, as it had been confirmed by her younger sister, everything would come to an end. And worst of all, they would have to be a bystander during all of this. Just in the moment where they felt like doing something for once they are reminded about the harsh reality – They can’t help anyone.

The cooperation with the Phantom Thieves is probably no coincidence. No, it wasn’t. Only a fool would assume such a thing, at least with everything they knew. Maybe it was them listening to the agreement but it was still just… Realistically speaking, what could they do? It was so stupid yet also frustrating. Having to go through this operation without seeming any different… 

Even Pipistrello had called this out but of course it did. “ Aww, you look down. Even though it’s just becoming more interesting. ” Needless to say its words were not helping them much, didn’t put them at ease. Treating it like a game… Yeah, nothing more but a game. Or rather, a play on stage. The thought was constantly racing through their mind. Even on their way to the building, to enter Nijima–San’s Palace.

Lukanja had been of course walking with Akechi, it was a common occurrence at this point. A part of it was unsettling for them, how he managed to remain so calm. With each step he just kept silent, unbothered. There was no way… Right? And yet they had no evidence for the contrary either. And all while they had started to get to know him, or so they thought. 

Did they even know anything about him? Somehow it was bothering them, the holes which prevented them from understanding. They were still in the dark somewhat… But it was pointless figuring this out now. Today it would all be over, wouldn’t it? Yeah… 

And yet, the fool they are, it slipped out of their mouth, one last question. “You won't just let them steal her heart, will you?” This question had gotten his attention as both were walking. His gaze went over to them yet his head wasn’t turning to them. And they may as well just be thinking out loud anyways. “You ratted them out already.” Last was stated as a matter of fact. Nothing else would make sense in their head after all.

They didn’t expect anything in response. But he said something at least, although slightly annoyed. It was some weird type of annoyance though, one they could not explain. Yeah, annoyed, but at the same time… Was he holding something back? Ah no, maybe they’re overthinking it. The tone was one of annoyance and that was that. “We agreed to not ask too many questions, didn’t we?”

“No interference, I know…” They nodded.

Yeah, this just confirmed it all. There was nothing they could do about this, in either way. Maybe by some miracle the thieves would be fine. They are a tight knit group after all. But Akechi? They couldn’t do a thing about him, about his plans… They couldn’t figure out what it was that made things awkward between them sometimes. The moments where he managed to keep them at a distance.

They really wanted to understand. But… They can’t. It’s impossible. They can’t do a thing about it. About anything.

Even after everything they’re still powerless…