"I despise the Phantom Thieves."
A bombshell dropped just like that. And he wanted Kasumi to understand him? That infamous smirk of the male would soon return as he aimed his gaze directly for Kasumi's face to see her expression afterwards. There must've been a lot of shock with how serious he got. She definitely took a minute to process his words as they were truly a shock to anyone to hear. The way he sounded in his words, made it feel extremely genuine. But almost all of the tension was quickly washed away the moment he decided to open his mouth once again.
"Kidding. I don't 'despise' the Phantom Thieves. In fact, I somewhat agree with what they're doing. But the way they 'change the hearts' of these other rotten criminals goes against the legal system. Forcing someone to repent for their sins isn't the way we want to handle things. Quite the contrary actually. Haha...I bet if Akira were here, he would've immediately jumped at the opportunity to lash out at me for my joke earlier. By now, you should be aware of what I'm hinting at by saying all of this."
"You're suggesting he is a P-Phantom Thief? How can you think that, sure he seems like the person who wants true justice but aren't you just making a giant leap in logic?" Kasumi for a second didn't want to believe it, though she understood that Akechi isn't the type of person to make up something if he didn't believe it himself.
Criminal or not, he was trusting and a genuine human being. Those thoughts seemed to be what Kasumi truly felt about him. In some cases, that's what Akechi has thought as well. Through the anger and hatred that was starting to swell up from within, the detective could admit that Akira was definitely not an ordinary teen living the quiet life of a teenager on probation. However, that's what led the boy to believe he was an actual Phantom Thief. He could even be their leader if he wanted to stretch out that logic even further. A lot of things had pointed to Akira and his friends, but there's no way anyone would believe Akechi. Tangible proof was needed to take them all to court. Little did he know, in the coming months, he'd soon get all of the proof he needed. The detective had listened to Kasumi speak before he eventually responded to her concerns. Sure, it was a huge leap, but he wouldn't have made such an assumption if things didn't line up as weirdly as they were.
"...While I do acknowledge this, there are too many things that are linked with him for me to just shrug it off as a mere coincidence. Think about it for a second. When he first transferred to Shujin Academy, the Phantom Thieves had their sights set on Suguru Kamoshida, the athletic coach who sexually harassed female students and physically abused some male students. Not only did he undergo a change of heart a week after Akira had transferred, but he had also made a few friends who were linked with Kamoshida in some way. Ryuji Sakamoto and Ann Takamaki, both victims of Kamoshida.
Akechi paused for a moment to take a sip of his coffee. Only to set his cup back down and resume where he was. For those few moments where it paused in between his words, Kasumi was trying to process everything that he was saying. Cramming it all into her skull and making sure she was following what he was talking about.
"Fast forward to May and then you have the incident revolving around an artist who was once famous among those in the world of art. Madarame with his pupil, Yusuke Kitagawa. Soon after Madarame went through his change of heart, Kitagawa became friends with the newly formed group. And then you have their most recent heist with Kaneshiro, a mafia boss who the police couldn't even track down. After that, the student council president of Shujin joined the group. Makoto Niijima. Currently they face the challenge of Medjed, but until they somehow prevail, I can't count that case as of now. But surely you must be thinking about it and viewing it from more of a critical point of view."
With that, Akechi remained silent for another couple of seconds. He seemed like he wanted Kasumi to really get all of the information crammed into her skull so they could see eye-to-eye on this for once. But of course, if she didn't, he knew exactly what to do with her just to spite that bastard Akira. Even if Akechi believed that Akira and his friends were related or even the Phantom Thieves she didn't want to believe it. It could be for the very fact that she has a crush on Akira since he has been so helpful to her ever since they met. It is a biased reason but she couldn't help but bluntly defend the male that she holds dear to her heart even if she was wrong and he is the leader or a part of the Phantom Thieves then it proves to her more than he isn't a criminal and truly a kind and generous person. She did have to agree that many things did seem like a huge coincidence especially with how the whole timeline comes together. From when he first came to Shujin, to meeting his first two friends, the sudden appearance of the Phantom Thieves and the constant relation to the victims of the Thieves targets the group that Akira hangs around. It did make sense when thought about like that but still it didn't make her believe that Akechi is hundred percent right about everything he is saying and that Akira & friends are truly criminals, because they aren't but Akechi is so blinded in her eyes of how he thinks because they are doing his job that they must be criminals especially with how unknown their methods are.
"...Even if what you're saying is true and that Akira is part of the Phantom Thieves or even its leader, that doesn't make him a bad person or a criminal if you see the Phantom Thieves. You may agree with their methods but with your constant hunt to find out who they are has blinded you from the fact that good things happen because good people like the Phantom Thieves want to fix this world from the corrupt mindset a lot of people have gained. If Akira is truly a thief then he just proves to me that he is a lot kinder and perfect as I see him."
Blinded by the hunt for the Phantom Thieves? To hear such words come from Kasumi's mouth proved to be quite a shock to Akechi. But to hear her continue on about how the Phantom Thieves were these hero's of justice pissed him off beyond belief. He couldn't stand this for this. He wasn't planning on standing for this any longer. With how Kasumi talked so highly of Akira, it made Goro think the two were close. They've only been talking and keeping in contact with each other for about four months now, and one can already assume one has a crush on the other. This was the golden opportunity Akechi needed to really ruin someone who was more closer to Akira than any of his teammates if you didn't count Ryuji, who's been with him for the longest. The detective's eyes would narrow down as the atmosphere in the room got a lot more thicker. The tension was quite thick, actually. To the point where you couldn't cut it with a butter knife without struggling to no avail. It was clear at this point that she was going to blindly defend him no matter what he said. After taking another sip of his freshly brewed cup of coffee, Goro would soon continue on with what he was saying before he paused to let her speak.
"Now, allow me to ask you a question: are you defending Akira because you truly believe he isn't a Phantom Thief? Or are you merely defending him because you two are close? I want you to answer this honestly"
During this moment of time, Kasumi was completely clueless to the fact that Akechi had such a deep hatred for the man she spoke so highly of. Every word she said about him, angered the Detective Prince straight to his core. Soon after his comment was made, she found the words for a coherent answer flooded into her mouth before she spoke boldly and with confidence behind them.
"It's both...I believe he isn't and as well because he is so dear to my heart. I can't stand by and watch you accuse him of something he mostly likely is not. You can claim I am blinded by feelings for him, but isn't that what you do for the people you love and trust?"
That cup of coffee Kasumi was so caring to make for Akechi would soon be placed back on its tray gently to avoid any spillage, before the two would make eye-contact once again. This time, there seemed to be a lot of malice in those hazel brown irises that stared directly down towards Kasumi's. It was as though he had been hiding his true self all along and was ready to reveal it. Soon enough, that would be the case. She was blinded by her feelings for him, Akechi on the other hand knew the truth and he was going to make her see it as well.
"Hmph. So that's what you truly think? I have to say Yoshizawa...I'm quite disappointed. But nevertheless, I must show you why you have to pick your friends more carefully."
Suddenly, Akechi's lips would curl back up into a smile. But it wasn't like the normal smile he was cracking during this entire conversation. This one signaled off to Kasumi that there was danger heading towards her way like a speeding truck. But unfortunately for her, she had made a crucial mistake the moment she decided to let Akechi into the Yoshizawa household. Just by looking at him, his strange frightening aura of malice that radiated off him as well as his soul piercing eyes truly struck at the inner workings of her heart. It made her want to be sick with how cruel and psychotic his expression now was to the red haired girl.
"A-Akec-..."
She was unable to finish her last words thanks to Akechi's quirk and swift actions. In his other pocket that didn't contain the diary he had stolen from her, there was a slick, silver piece of equipment he had always carried with him just in case things got out of hand. It was blessed with a silencer to make sure all of his kills went unnoticed if he had to use it. This thing was a regular pistol that Akechi had immediately gotten out right after he stood up from his seat with almost no hesitation. That gloved hand was now gripping onto a deadly weapon that could've ended Kasumi's existence had she made one wrong move. The chair? That had also fallen back when Akechi violently stood up. These games were over now, as the detective revealed his true intentions from the moment he drew that silenced pistol out from his pocket. Seems like this conversation just got a lot more interesting for Akechi, but a lot more scary for Yoshizawa.
"I enjoyed this conversation. Really, we'd make for a great team in the legal system. But my hatred for Akira goes right back to you with how much you decide to defend him because of the 'bond' you two share. Personally, it makes me sick to my stomach. Shall I go on? Keep in mind that if you move a single muscle or try to call for help, your blood will be spilled on such a beautiful room."
The metaliac object pointing its way directly towards Kasumi was enough to keep her shut up for a good while. For the first time in what seemed like forever, the true mindset, his true self was revealed and no less to the girl that was crushing on Akira. Kasumi gripped her bedsheets, trying to calm herself down from having a gun pulled on her, especially by someone she considered a friend. He was clearly able to see the panic he was causing her, and that only furthered his enjoyment out of this. It felt like it was his favorite breakfast and he was scoffing it down bit by bit while Kasumi couldn't even move her body. Only able to do a short nod to respond to his statement about being unable to get help.
"W-W-Wh..y-y" Her voice broke a little midword. It was very quiet but thanks to the tension filled silent room, he was able to hear it despite Kasumi being covered in fear.
Seeing her nod her head so obediently did wonders for Akechi. Her parents had no chance in coming up to check on the two and if they did, things wouldn't end well for this entire family. By extension, she must've already known that telling anyone about this encounter would've more than likely gotten her killed the next time she saw Akechi, which only added fuel to the fire burning within Akechi's body. Seeing her so helpless brought a new feeling of mirth to him that he couldn't describe. Happiness at the misfortune of those who were associated with that scumbag who lived in an attic. That was how Akechi was and that's why he never revealed his true self to anyone but the people who he worked with. As time went on and the seconds passed them by, his smile became more deranged and it really showed the true colors of the detective. He wasn't a real detective. He was a force to be reckoned with, as double-crossing him was the same as committing suicide with assistance from a known entity. His lips would soon start to mouth since had some other things to say.
"Truth be told, I was hoping I wouldn't have to do this. But the way you stated your opinions so boldly ticked me off. How can you believe in someone to this degree? You've only been on and off with him for about four months now, and THIS is how you think? You are an amazing gymnast and a great woman at this, but your stupidity is incomprehensible. Anyways...as you may already know judging by how quickly I put your life on the line because of your words, the Phantom Thieves are the source of my hatred. More specifically, their leader. Akira Kurusu. Just the name alone pisses me off. He thinks he can come into this town and make a mockery of me without suffering the consequences? He's just trash who lives in some tacky attic. I'll make sure to personally punish him and his group after this month's events unfold, when they take care of Medjed. And you'll be there to witness all of it, Kasumi Yoshizawa. Your precious little Phantom Thieves will fall into a trap that has been placed by an unknown entity and they'll be done for."
It was hard to discover how Akechi really felt thanks to that wicked tone of voice that bashed the Phantom Thieves and their leader down onto the pavement. On one hand, he despises them for what they've done, making all of his accomplishments and achievements seem like nothing compared to theirs. On the other, he has to give them credit, as he will soon rise up the ranks and become a natural leader of Tokyo if he plays his cards right. Or will he? Was that his true goal in the end? As the silence would linger, the tip of the silenced pistol Akechi had aimed at Kasumi would trail along her cheek and move closer to the underside of her neck, pushing against a random spot with a good amount of force. Not enough to make it a struggle to breathe, but just enough. And of course, Akechi had gotten a bit closer to Kasumi so he could've done this. Boy, this was definitely a lot of fun for him.
"P-P-P-P-Ple-ease…" It truly was pathetic, the words came trembling out of her mouth like before and all it did was give Akechi a rush of power. He was fully in control with no sight of losing that rush of power that he had over the girl.
"But you know...I just wanted to say, I've had my eyes on you for quite sometime. You're a woman with class and your future is practically set in stone. And the way you obediently obey my commands with that fear in your eyes. I don't think I've felt like this for anyone, not even Sae-san, a fellow female partner of mine. Though, unfortunately, with all of this hitting you from out of seemingly nowhere, you must hate me, right? Or do you want to ditch Akira and join my side? I can provide much more than that simpleton you know~."
His words kept hitting her right at home. It was like he knew all her weaknesses and was able to calculate which words would do the most damage and be critical to her submission and torture. Kasumi saw herself in no position to stay quiet or begin looking for a way out. Her only solution was to respond and keep him from pressing that trigger.
"O-Of course I h-hat-te you. W-Wh-hy would I like you or even w-want to dat-te you...your not like A-Akira" Her words were slightly harsh but even harsher to a deranged lunatic like Akechi. Those words were like a range of bullets as the perfect girl rejected her but at last he still had complete power over her.
Despite hearing Kasumi lash out at him in that pathetic tone of voice, Akechi still kept that smile plastered on his deranged face. She could've said 'no' for a long time and he still wouldn't have budged. An opportunity like this one only comes once when he's lucky so there's no way he's gonna throw it away like yesterday's garbage. Keeping the gun pressed against her neck, Akechi was thinking about how he should deal with this disobedient mess of a girl. He knew she didn't like this, no one would. But he was also aware that with enough damage dealt to her mental state, she'll be all over him in no time. She'd beg for him to treat her poorly and completely forget about that washed-up Phantom Thief and his pitiful companions who blindly follow him. That's the fantasy Akechi was going to make into a reality. To break one of Akira's best friends to the point where she'd be a different person altogether. He wouldn't even know about it until it was too late to save her. As the silence grew more thick, the detective would continue to speak after he allowed Kasumi to say her piece. Judging by his tone, he really didn't care about what she believed.
"Such a bold statement to make in your predicament, Yoshizawa. But that's what I like about you. Even when you're knocking on death's door, you still manage to squeeze in a snarky remark or two. Though, those words would be poor choices for your final ones. But perhaps I should explain myself. Why would you want to date such an utter disgrace to a world like me? Hmmm...well, allow me to explain." Seems like he was about to pour out his heart and soul. There was a pause in his words before Akechi would speak some more. He was in a role in his head.
"I own you, Yoshizawa. By extension, that also includes your family as well. With the following I have, it's quite easy for me to influence the public when the Phantom Thieves inevitably screw up. I can easily ruin your life without even lifting a finger. Everyone around you would be doomed to fall as well. Including your precious Akira who you try your hardest to protect. However...maybe I won't resort to doing such a terrible thing. Besides, I love a woman who can fight back. It makes this 'game' we're about to play more fun than if you were to just accept your fate and grovel before me."
A game? Yeah, that's right. He considers all of this a game and this was only the explanation of the rules. It hasn't even officially started yet….
