(Daytime, Shujin Academy)
A week had passed, Haru came back to school and was back with the group, but the news still talked about the Phantom Thieves about how they were murderers; everyone had agreed to keep up the normal life, soon afterward, the school festival rolled in.
"The festival seems to be a success", Yusuke said, looking around the place
"There's definitely a lot more people than last year", Ann stated
"Well, yeah, this place got famous and all, the Phantom Thieves, Kamoshida, Principal Kobayakawa, on top of that, we got Akechi as a guest", Ryuji explained
"There may pe police officers in plain clothes too", Makoto said
"If there are, we should be cautious about what we say", Luna stated
"Acting like a normal student is going to be important", Morgana stated as well
"What do you normally do at a school festival", Futaba asked
"Look around at the exhibits... and eat stuff", Ann stated
"There's no rules, remember when we went to the beach before", Ryuji asked. "why not go about it like that",
"Just enjoy yourself, but stay on your toes", Akira said as Futaba nodded her head; soon everyone began walking around, looking at the exhibits and eating food; stopping by at a Takoyaki place, they ate some Russian Takoyaki, Akechi joining them later on, and eating a spicy Takoyaki, all the way up to enjoying some exhibits.
(Evening, Shujin Academy)
Everyone gathered in the gym, the thieves watched from afar, with the exception of Makoto who was on stage with Akechi.
"Well then, we will now begin tonight's panel, our guest of honor is Goro Akechi", Makoto announced as the crowd began to cheer.
"I feel kind of bad, considering how many people have gathered... I'm sure you all would've been happier to have a singer or a mascot appear, wouldn't you say", Akechi asked
"We'd appreciate it if you could tell us about your experiences with the notorious Phantom Thieves", Makoto asked, "it'd be wonderful if you could let us hear more about your actual investigation process".
"I'm not used to being interrogated... so please go easy on me", Akechi asked
"As much as you're allowed to say, would you tell us how far along your investigation is on them", Makoto asked
"Getting right to the point, I see... well, if it's as much as I'm allowed to say, then everything on the T.V. and the Internet is all of it, we don't have any leads yet", Akechi explained, "and the methods behind their crimes are still unclear",
"I see... even with this country's power, arresting them is proving to be difficult... is that the case", Makoto asked
"I wouldn't phrase it like that", Akechi stated
"Thank you for answering that question, by the way, it seems you've denied a correlation between the Phantom Thieves and the murders", Makoto asked, "why the sudden change, until now, haven't you upheld your stance that the Phantom Thieves are dangerous",
"Every person whose heart they changed have truly been criminals, including Okumura... why, then, was he the only one who needed to be killed", Akechi asked
"Why is that", Makoto asked curiously
"I must admit... I couldn't deduce a reason, that's why I believe a different party is responsible, and if-- this is hypothetical, mind you", Akechi explained, "if the Phantom Thieves are the ones I know of, I can't possibly imagine they would kill anyone",
The thieves who watched from afar stood there in shock, Makoto was the only calm one, and that was given due to her being on the stage.
"Your comment just now... does this mean the police already identified who they are", Makoto asked
"No, the police haven't gotten that far yet, this is just my own conclusion", Akechi stated, "are you going to ask me who they are",
"It may have a repercussions on the investigation, are you sure you can share that with us", Makoto asked
"It's only my personal opinion, it wont pose a problem", Akechi explained, "however... there is a possibility that everyone will hear the truth before the police or media",
"If your so certain, then very well, I'd like to ask you then, who do you think the Phantom Thieves are", Makoto asked, before Akechi could say anything, his phone rang which made the panel take a 10 minute break, during the break Akechi asked Makoto and the others to talk, as they entered an empty room, Akechi turned to the group.
"What did you want to talk about", Makoto asked as Akechi then showed everyone some pictures which shocked everyone; in the pictures, it showed everyone disappearing.
"That's gotta be 'shopped", Ryuji said in shock
"I have video footage too, please let's not feign ignorance", Akechi stated, "all of you can go to that other world too, yes",
"What are you talking about", Akira asked confused.
"You know what I mean, I am aware of that world too... I also know that when you traverse over there, your appearance changes as well, it's because of that mysterious power, isn't it", Akechi asked as he pulled out his phone, showing everyone the Meta-Nav on his phone, "I found out about that world about a month ago, this had been installed in my phone without my knowledge",
"It's the nav", Ryuji said in shock
"When I took the pictures, the app activated and the scenery around me changed, I saw the real culprit", Akechi explained
"Wait, what", Ryuji asked, shock in his voice
"Who was it", Ann asked
"I don't know, he had a mask on so I couldn't identify his face, a black mask; when I entered, I saw him, and he then saw me, and began shooting at me", Akechi explained, "when I got away, I awoke to the same mysterious power",
"He has a persona too", Morgana said which made Akechi look at Morgana in shock
"This cat... I swear it just talked", Akechi said in shock
"That's Morgana, our teammate", Ann said
"So, all this is true, I want to strike a deal, I may be able to save you from this situation", Akechi stated
"A deal", Futaba asked
"I would like you to cooperate with me on investigating the truth", Akechi asked
"And if we decline", Yusuke asked
"Then the police will be informed of you all, along the video I mentioned", Akechi explained
"This ain't no deal, it's blackmail", Ryuji yelled
"Say what you will, I believe this method is correct", Akechi argued
"What do we have to do", Akira asked
"We change a heart... of prosecutor Sae Niijima", Akechi stated which shocked the Phantom Thieves
"I look forward to working with you all", Akechi said as he then left the room
"Why change sis' heart", Makoto asked
"He's up to something", Luna said
"We have no choice but to comply for now", Akira said as everyone nodded their heads and left the room, all except for Akira and Morgana.
YOU ARE READING
The Rebel Persona
ActionAfter her parents are killed in a car crash, Luna is sent to live with her Aunt and Uncle, away from her friend and the boy she likes, then a week later the her childhood best friend/crush comes into town. an Akira Kurusu love story Story cover by D...
