Begin!
~Normal POV
8/27 - Sunday
Konoe held a live press conference today. The gang gathered in the streets of Osaka to watch it happen on the building screens. Their air-dropped calling cards had been cleaned up at this point, but they were sure the city would never forget such a spectacular delivery.
"I am Akira Konoe, founder and CEO of Madicce. On behalf of the company, I have an announcement of grave importance. Recently, I stated my company had been targeted by the Phantom Thieves in an attempt to discredit our company. I now admit that this was a total fabrication, with no truth to it whatsoever.
"I, Akira Konoe… am the true culprit. I devised a plan to accuse the Phantom Thieves of a terrorist plot so I could conceal my own heinous crimes… Specifically, so I could abuse EMMA and gain control of people's hearts. I publicly admit the virtual assistant app, EMMA, contains a function that allows me to manipulate other people. Using specific language, I could change their hearts and make them do as I wished… Yes, this process is essentially brainwashing, and I have scores of evidence proving it works. The change of heart epidemic that has plagued this nation is entirely my own doing. By controlling people's hearts, I was able to make them do my bidding across the entire country, including horrific crimes. This includes the death of Shuzo Ubukata, the head researcher of our Okinawa research facility. Instead of taking responsibility for my actions, I shifted the blame onto the Phantom Thieves.
"I must also confess… these are not my only crimes. Over 20 years ago… I claimed that my father was killed during a home invasion… When the one who really killed him was me. I took my father's life then attempted to frame others for my crime so I could avoid any repercussions. These are the crimes I confess to you all… As of today, I will be stepping down as CEO of Madicce and turning myself in to the police! EMMA will be shut down… The A.I will be wiped from the servers… All these terrible things were done for nothing but my own selfish desires. So now I must do the right thing… And bring myself to justice."
"Oh, yeah!" Ryuji shouted, grinning.
"Yes! It really worked!"
"A comeback win for the Phantom Thieves." Sophia chimed happily.
"Once we confirm that EMMA is no longer running, our work will be done," Makoto said.
"Yep- once that's done, everything's up to the police and the courts." Zenkichi said. "In fact, I'll head over and pick him up right now."
"Good luck!" Ann said.
"I hope it goes well for you," Haru said.
"Thanks, Zenkichi," Akira said, smiling, "And-"
"I know, I know, don't rough him up." Zenkichi interrupted. "You think he'd give me a little more credit by now." He turned and left.
"So we're finally nearing the end of our journey…" Yusuke said, contemplatively.
"What say we wrap it up with a round of sightseeing? Osaka has plenty to check out," Haru suggested.
"Ooo, totally, let's go!" Ryuji said, grabbing her hand.
Before Akira could follow everyone else, Sophia asked for his attention once more. "So, once the Jails disappear, the trip will be over…" She said, sadly.
"Yeah, it felt like quite a while," Akira replied.
"You think so? It felt like an instant to me." She paused thoughtfully. "Akira? Do you remember the promise we made? I join the Phantom Thieves and in return, I learn about the heart? I've experienced so much on this journey, and learned all sorts of feelings… But I still don't truly understand the heart. All this time, I've had the same query: What is the difference between you all and Konoe? He was trying to help people, wasn't he? And the Phantom Thieves do the same thing. However, everyone instead argues that Konoe was wrong. What exactly was wrong?"
"He never had anyone to support him," Akira answered. "So he didn't trust anybody."
"That is true. Konoe didn't have any true companions like all of you. But there's something else… The Phantom Thieves live their lives following their beliefs… But Konoe and his Monarchs, they couldn't do that. The Phantom Thieves must have strong hearts to live as they do. When our journey ends, I won't be able to help you anymore, and our deal will be finished. If the Jails disappear, I won't be able to learn about myself anymore. What should I do? If I had a strong heart like the Phantom Thieves, maybe then I could choose my own path…"
Morgana popped out onto Akira's shoulder. "Hang on there, Sophia! I think you got the wrong idea. Just because we're going back to Tokyo, that doesn't mean your deal's up, right, Akira?"
"Right, no one said it was over."
"Really?"
"You think we're joking? The Jails may go away, but we still learned a whole lot on this trip." Morgana said, "And there's gotta be some evidence about your past here in the real world! So let's go look for it together!"
"Yeah, we'll find it." Akira said, warmly. "I can't promise it'll always be comfortable living with me and Mona, but you're welcome to stay as long as you want."
Sophia smiled up at him brightly, touched by his kindness. She would be honored and happy to live with Akira, even if it meant being stuck in this phone for good. As long as she had her new family, she could live with it.
~...
After spending much of the day sightseeing around town with everyone, Akira and Ann broke off from the gang in the early evening for a private celebration. They'd be having a full on after-heist party with everyone later on, but for now, they wanted a moment alone. They chose to head up to the top of Tenboto Tower to see the view. (It was a popular date spot.) Ann was leaning against his shoulder comfortably while they enjoyed looking at the city below.
"Mm…"
"Mhmm." Akira agreed with her silent statement. "This was a perfect way to end our Osaka trip. You, me, alone, with a gorgeous view."
"With none of our family members around to disturb us," Ann said, giggling.
"Well, sort of- I told Sophia not to interrupt…" Akira thought. Well, they were alone enough. Sophia had learned very fast to keep quiet when he and Ann wanted time alone together.
"Damn right…" He said, instead, smiling. "Don't get me wrong, I love all of them to pieces but we haven't gotten nearly enough time to ourselves on this trip…"
Ann shrugged. "I don't mind. We're here, we're happy, and you know I'll always come to see you when I can after break is over. I know it's a little disappointing that we couldn't have a real camping trip but… we still had fun, right? We were able to make the best of what we had."
"...Yeah…" Akira replied, "There were some… difficult parts… but we did have a great time."
He pulled her close and kissed her deeply. Ann was stunned momentarily by his sudden boldness but melted into the kiss anyway, wrapping her arms around his neck. When the two pulled away however, she was understandably flustered.
"Akira!"
"What's wrong?" He dropped his voice to a low whisper, "I just wanted my victory kiss after a successful last heist."
"Ok- but think about where we are, damn it…" Ann said, giggling softly. "There are other people here, ya know?!"
Akira smiled down at her, still holding her pressed up against him. "Are there? Funny, when I get a moment like this… All I see is you."
Ann could have melted in his arms right there. She smiled even bigger and pressed her forehead to his. "Damn you, Mr. Smooth Talker…"
All of a sudden it didn't matter how many people were around them anymore.
~...
After their little moment alone, the couple rejoined everyone else for their party. Ann had chosen the perfect place for it too. Universaland: one of the many must see places in Osaka. When they arrived at the front gates, Akira had something special to say.
"This is our last big blowout as the Phantom Thieves. For better or worse, let's make it a night to remember: As a family!"
"Hell yeah!"
"Let's go wild!" Futaba shouted, eagerly.
It was a long and happy night for all of them. Even if they might regret it a little in the morning. It was worth it for one last after-heist party together.
~End of Chapter
