Persona 5 - The Jester's Point Of View

Scene 165

What had Lukanja agreed on? They had to admit that it was honestly just a spur of the moment thing yet the offer had been too neticing. Sato–San hadn’t been wrong with his observation either. They didn’t want Akechi to die by any means. Even if their reasons may be from the complicated set of feelings… It was something they couldn’t let happen. So the officer’s proposal sounded very compelling, compelling enough for them to accept. There was no other way out of this anyways, not with them accepting the deal. No, with them confessing everything. Everything was set in stone since then. 

It sounded simple enough. They just had to catch Akechi at the right time. The best thing to do that was to catch him during the next Good Morning Japan show. A quick look at a tv guide online to see when it aired and sneak onto the set. To not be recognized right away they even got changed… Which just meant them wearing a sweater with a hoodie and tying their hair into a ponytail. Then throw the hoodie over their head once arriving at the studio and sneaking past several people – From security to reporters to special guests and actors. 

Luckily nothing was very tight in terms of security so they could easily sneak past without raising much suspicion… Which had led them to the set of Good Morning Japan… Unfortunately right in the middle of the live show. They were a little too late but no matter, they could at least keep watch until Akechi would leave the venue, then strike or follow right behind. Then again, maybe that was not the best plan since they heard some things which they had their own thoughts on.

“I would never have imagined that their leader would commit suicide. Akechi–Kun, did you… Anticipate this curious turn of events?”

“Oh, certainly not to this extent… But it is important to note that he was the mastermind behind the recent commotion. Getting captured must have wounded his pride irreparably. Such things happen often to insurgent leaders.” Yet those words were foul, even if everyone else in the room was fully convinced. Lukanja wasn’t, the leader never seemed to them to be that type of person after all. But not like they had voiced it anyways. It was simply a thought in their mind.

“According to the police, the whereabouts of the other members are still currently unknown.” Thank goodness! “Considering they no longer require testimony from the leader, the investigation will be hard to—”

“May I butt in for a second?” Akechi interrupted, though seemingly politely.

“Of course.” One of the hosts said.

“The Phantom Thieves may have laid low since then… But they must not be excused! I don’t care if they come after me! For the victims of their evil deeds, and for their families…” He began, making a clear declaration to the public. A false declaration. No, only a somewhat false one… Maybe… “I will capture the remaining Phantom Thieves, no matter what!” 

And just right after that the cheer was unbearably loud, not to mention the amazement from some people. The clapping took some time to cease yet once it did they saw the Detective Prince sit back down onto the couch, turning to the two hosts.

“My apologies. I didn’t mean to get so worked up.”

“No wonder they call you an ace detective of justice! What passion!” Was the only response before they all turned back to the people. It was there where they turned their hoodie down, to cover their entire face, just in case they would be recognized. And while they couldn’t see anything they felt a glance at them, if only for a moment. But they ignored it, just as one of hosts continued speaking.