A/N: Hello, everyone! I hope you've all been staying safe and healthy during everything that's been going on these past few months. These next few chapters set up some pretty big stuff, so I hope you'll stick around and enjoy them! Editing as always done by Ghost Fire 6.
Chapter 24: Smile for the Camera
Sunday, 06/05/20XX, Evening
Kobayakawa was in his home, perusing the latest proposal for the school trip later in the year. As usual, every teacher was proposing their own dream vacation, but there were a few that stood out…
The ringing of his phone shook the Shujin principal from his thoughts. His eyebrows furrowing in confusion as he saw a blocked number, answering it. "Hello?"
"Principal Kobayakawa, yes? I hope I didn't wake you." The voice on the other end greeted, the principal's eyes widened as he recognized the stern, cold, no nonsense voice.
"G-good evening, sir! You didn't disturb me at all. I was just reviewing some paperwork, and-"
"What's the status of that problem you were asked to look into?" The voice asked, causing Kobayakawa to blink.
"I-I'm sorry?"
"The one your investigating on my behalf. The one our mutual friend asked you to take care of." The voice stated, causing Kobayakawa's throat to run dry.
"Uh, yes sir. I've had my best people looking into it ever since the first incident, and-"
"Have you found anything?" And it was at this moment that Kobayakawa knew the true purpose of this call. The voice on the other end already knew how this was going to go, he just wanted to hear it from the principal's mouth.
"…n-no, sir. I've had my best people looking into it, but we haven't found anything yet."
"…I see." It was like a cold hand was wrapping around his soul, restricting his breath and causing him to sweat. "I was assured by multiple people that you were capable of handling this issue, but there's been a second incident since then. If you're not capable of handling this, I can find someone who can."
"T-that's not necessary at all, sir! I promise you, I'm close to a breakthrough!" This wasn't a check in. This was a call to remind Kobayakawa that his position could be taken away just as easily as it had been given to him. "I-in fact, I'm about to put into motion a plan that should take care of the issue in the next few days, no problem!"
"Is that so? Very well, then. I hope you'll keep me informed when you have something."
"Of course. Thank you for your concern, Shi-" The like went dead mid sentence, causing the principal to let out a sigh of relief he didn't know he'd been holding in. Something would have to be done, and done fast.
Niijima Apartment
"Nothing again? Come on…" Makoto sighed out, rubbing her red eyes as she reasoned the computer screen in front of her. She'd been researching ESP and telekinesis for several weeks now, ever since she'd witnessed Jolyne's fight with Ishigami, but so far she'd found nothing that would line up with what she had witnessed. Everything she'd found had to with moving cups and bending spoons, not tossing a grown man around like he was nothing. She was starting to get frustrated, positive that the answer would explain what connection the transfer student had with the Phantom Thieves…
Wait. The Student Council President was going about this all wrong. Instead of going about it like the answer could be answered with a quick online search…what if it was the opposite?
Opening up the search engine, the brown haired girl typed in 'unexplained phenomena, Japan.' Red eyes travelled over the results, until something caught her eye.
Who Is Yoshikage Kira? A 15 year Retrospective On Japan's Most Mysterious Serial Killer.
The article was three years old, and an unexplained curiosity prompted Makoto to click on it. The article examined Yoshikage Kira, a man regarded as Japan's most infamous serial killer. Apparently, in the years between 1985 and 1999, Kira had committed a spree of killings, targeting young women in the small town of Morioh. As Makoto read on, details began to stick out to her.
Firstly, Kira's method of killing was unknown. Extensive investigation into all of his holdings found little to no evidence that a murder even took place. No blood, no skin, no fluids, no hair…Kira didn't even own any ingredients needed to dispose of such bodies, such as bleach or hydrochloric acid.
Second, the volume of his victims was unknown. In fact, the only reason the police even had an idea as to the amount of victims was because of the detailed journals Kira kept of his fingernail growth. The dates of which all lined up with the high rate of disappearances in Morioh.
And the last, and perhaps most bizarre aspect of the whole thing, was the circumstances surrounding Kira's final months. Makoto read on, reading about how, at some point, Kira killed and assumed the identity of a man named Kosaku Kawajiri, a Morioh businessman. That wasn't unusual in itself, Makoto thought. Her father had once told her that it wasn't uncommon for a criminal on the run to take a false identity, but what stood out to Makoto was just how the serial killer took the man's identity: at some point, Kira had undergone complete reconstructive surgery, to the point he was practically indistinguishable from Kawajiri, to the point he was able to fool Kawajiri's family. The article lacked info about what his exact actions were in that time, but Makoto's eyes widened as she read the details about the serial killer's demise.
About how a series of explosions occurred in a residential neighborhood one morning, killing one man and injuring two high school students. How a bloodied Kira approached a paramedic on the scene, confessing to her his crimes…before being thrown by an invisible force, just before his neck was broken by an arriving ambulance.
"It can't be…" It wasn't a coincidence. The article featured an interview with the nurse in question, who explained it was like Kira had been hit by an invisible truck. Makoto leaned forward, about to find the answers she was looking for…
…when the article ended. "Oh come on!" She groaned, letting out a sigh…before she looked at the comments, particularly one a few comments down.
DuwangGang: they don't want you to know the truth!
The comment included a link to a website, and against her better judgment, Makoto clicked it, being taken to a website that looked shockingly professional..
We know the truth of the world.
There are people in this world with incredible abilities.
The people in charge don't want you to know the truth.
Are you ready?
The website may have looked professional, but the writing itself struck the student council President as borderline unhinged. Still, she came here for answers, so she clicked through the threads featured. The posts may have been published in the last few years, but the incidents they depicted were dated across a span of roughly thirty years.
Our plane crashed when the pilot's head exploded!
I saw strange men fighting without moving in Hong Kong…
When I was a kid, yellow slime ate my dog in Singapore!
I was vacationing in Egypt when this strange old man fell from the roofs…
A Japanese student was killed in Egypt, and no one knows why.
April 2001. I was on a train with my mom, and we started to get old out of nowhere! I remember hearing a bunch of men yelling, and then we all were young again, like nothing happened.
One might, this weird mold started to eat everyone who was moving in Rome!
I was walking my dog near the Colosseum in Rome, and all of a sudden I was in my dog's body!
When I was in Afghanistan, there was this blind sniper who always knew where his target was…
Any other day, Makoto would have brushed this all off as the unhinged rants of troubled individuals trying to rationalize the horrific, traumatizing events they had endured. But after seeing the fight in the alleyway…she was ready to believe anything.
Poll: Do you believe in the Phantom Thieves?
Yes: 16.7 %
Anon: this site's still up?
Anon: it looks like a preschooler made it lmao
Anon: the Phantom Thieves are a joke.
Anon: Idk, Kamoshida and Madarame were bad guys
Anon: they're just blaming someone for acting like shit
Anon: that old man crying was hilarious lmao
Anon: my boyfriend took a job running errands in Shibuya, but he's been acting weird…
Anon: I think he's getting blackmailed
Anon: lol get a real man, not some wimpy beta.
Monday, 06/06/20XX, Early Morning
"Excuse me…pardon me…ow! That's my foot…hey, hands off the bag!" Jolyne barked as she pushed her way through the crowded subway, Morgana's bag clutched close to her chest, eventually managing to secure a seat. "Finally! Buncha goddamn animals…" Jolyne grumbled our, as Morgana stuck his head out.
"We finally got a seat on the subway. I thought this day would never come…" The feline Thief happily purred our, and Jolyne was getting ready to pull out the book she'd borrowed from Leblanc…
"Oh, my knees…" She heard a voice groan out, and she looked up to see an older woman sandwiched between two businessman. Looking around, Jolyne saw no other seats open, and didn't deliberate for too long.
"Excuse me, ma'am, over here." The transfer student beckoned, drawing the woman's attention. "You can have my seat."
"Oh, dearie, you don't have to-" The woman tried to protest, but Jolyne just smiled.
"It's fine. I insist." She reassured, causing the woman to smile.
"What a kind young lady." She responded as she traded spots with the teenager, who held on to the support pole as the train went along the tracks.
"Feeling charitable today?" Morgana asked, and Jolyne smiled.
"Hey, someone's gotta do the right thing." She responded, earning a proud scoff from Morgana.
"A dashing rogue who steals the hearts of the corrupt and helps those in need…of say you've become quite the Phantom Thief!"
Shujin Academy, Early Morning
"Settle down, everyone!" Kawakami instructed her class, a stack of papers on the podium. "Before we start today, I want to remind everyone that the social studies trip starts Thursday! Remember, you have to select one of the options on this form when you turn it in tomorrow, so we can finalize the preparations. If you don't turn this in, you stay behind for a remedial lesson." This got a groan, and as Kawakami passed stacks to the ones in the front row, she made eye contact with Jolyne. She said nothing, and went about the rest of her announcements.
Lunchtime
"So I was lookin' on the Phan-Site last night, and I honestly almost crushed my phone." Ryuji told his friends, who were gathered in their usual lunch area. "I mean, all these people were trash talkin' us, saying that we didn't actually do anything and that we were just looking for attention."
"Well, I can see how they'd say that. I mean, we did pick Madarame because he was famous…" Ann surmised, causing Ryuji to sigh.
"I mean, that was part of it, but he was screwin' over people like Yusuke! How can anyone look at what he did and think he didn't have it comin'?!"
"Calm down, Ryuji. I mean, I can hardly blame people for not believing in us." Jolyne stated, crossing her arms. "We've got out name out there. That was part of why we picked Madarame in the first place. Now, we just need to show people we mean business. Any leads on our next target?"
"Nope. Just people bitchin' about their lives. Yknow, girlfriends, bosses, parents…" The false blonde answered. "I mean, there were a few bad cases that stood out, so I wrote down their names, but nothin' that really screamed 'Palace Ruler', y'know?"
"And we need to consider that the next Ruler might not be in plain sight. Remember, Madarame didn't appear to have distorted desires until we started to dig deeper." Morgana piped up, causing Ryuji to groan.
"Is it too much to ask for something to fall into our laps?"
"Wow, you would've ever guessed that changing society would require homework…" Ann sarcastically remarked, looking at one of the forms Kawakami had handed out. "What are you guys thinking about doing for the trip?"
"Ugh, I don't wanna go to that crap. I just wanna ditch it…" Ryuji answered, Jolyne raised an eyebrow.
"Do you ever pay attention in school?"
"Sometimes. Why?"
"No reason…" She muttered, Morgana scoffed.
"Didn't we agree to not stand out? Just stick your head down and do your school activities!"
"Wouldn't me turn in' into an outstanding student just raise more attention?"
"He's got a point…" Ann muttered. "Well, I was thinking about going to the TV station." The model admitted, causing Ryuji's ears to perk up.
"Wait, TV station?"
"Yeah, the one where they film Good Morning Japan. Did you actually read the forms?"
"Look, whenever they give us that stuff, I just give it to my mom to sign." Ryuji explained, pulling out the crumpled up form from his pocket. "'A two day backstage tour of Japan's number one talk show, including participating in a live taping…' Yo, you guys know what this means?!" He excitedly asked, causing the two girls to exchange a loom.
"That…we get an eye opening look at the behind the scenes production of a tv show?" Jolyne asked, Ryuji grinned.
"It means that we can get a lead on our next target!"
"Uh…what?"
"Think about it! You've heard stories about celebrities who are secretly terrible people, right? I bet one of the hosts like, beats his wife or treats his assistants like crap! Or something…"
"That…seems like a stretch…"
"I mean, any of you got a better idea?" He asked, and they had to admit they didn't.
"So…the tv station?"
"Sure, why not."
Tuesday, 6/07/20XX, Early Morning
"Whoa, is this for real?"
"Looks like if…"
"Kobayakawa's really trying time cover his ass now…"
These were the things Jolyne stayed as she entered Shujin Academy on Tuesday morning, seeing a bunch of students gathered around a bulletin board. She didn't get too close, as the other students still kept their distance, so she read the post over the other student's shoulders.
"A request from the student body…?" She muttered out, reading the post. "'We request that you please keep a look out for any suspicious activity. If you have any details, please consult the student council president.' The hell does that mean?"
"It could mean that Kobayakawa asked Niijima to investigate us." Morgana spoke up. "I've been thinking on this ever since she chased us off the rooftop last month."
"Hm…" Jolyne huffed our, frowning. "I don't think we need to be too worried. It's not like she has any solid evidence."
"That's true. Still, we need to keep our heads down."
"That goes double for you. Last thing I need is people talking about me bringing a cat to school…"
"For the last time, I am not a cat!"
After School
"Sorry I'm late!" Makoto apologized as she entered the student council room, closing the door behind her. "I had to discuss something with one of my teachers, and I…ran…late." She trailed off, seeing her fellow student council members looking downcast. "What's wrong?"
"We've been getting students coming up to us all day, about that notice." The girl answered, and Makoto sighed. She'd also been getting complaints all day, ever since that notice was posted.
"Principal Kobayakawa posted that without my permission."
"Well, they've been coming up to us all day too. I guess they think we can pass it along to you or something." The boy stated. "I mean, most of it was rumors about Cujoh-San in class 2-D, but…there were some students talking about blackmail." Makoto's brow furrowed at this.
"Blackmail?"
"Apparently, some of our students are being threatened by people asking for money. It's starting to worry the other students as well…"
"It honestly sounds like those rumors I've been hearing about criminals in Shibuya…" The girl muttered, and Makoto frowned as the boy sighed.
"To think it's reached here…what should we do? This is way beyond the student council…" He griped, turning to the president. "Didn't Principal Kobayakawa talk to you the other day? Did he say anything about this?"
"Well, no…" She replied. "He's already gone home, but I'll talk to him tomorrow. See if we can't figure out what's happening. I promise, I'll get this all sorted out."
Wednesday, 06/08/20XX
"Let's see…" Ann muttered out, crossing her arms in front of the vending machine. "I hate the brands here…"
"Did you see that post the other day?" Ann's ears perked up at this, looking around to see a pair of third years gossiping.
"What, that one from Niijima?"
"Yeah. Looks like Kobayakawa's trying to get dirt on the students. Why do you think he's doing that?"
"Probably because of what happened with Kamoshida and Suzui. Word is she's coming back soon, so he's trying to clean this place up, considering that he probably knew what Kamoshida was doing. Makes sense that he's using Niijima to do it."
"Ugh, and Niijima was probably all for it, too." Girl 2 remarked. "She's always been a teacher's pet. Even in middle school, she was always sucking up to the teachers."
"Wait, you don't think she knew, do you? About what Kamoshida was doing?"
"Wouldn't surprise me. I bet Kobayakawa bought her off with a letter of recommendation or something."
"Ugh, what a bitch…"
Ann hasn't meant to eavesdrop, but she'd been curious about that message since yesterday. Niijima…did she know? Ann was the last person to put stock in rumors, but the more she thought on it, the more sense it made. Kamoshida only got away with what he did because the school enabled him, and the student council President was a vital part of the school ecosystem. If anyone would have known…it would have been her.
At the same time, Makoto was in Kobayakawa's office. "Principal Kobayakawa, what's the meaning of that posting?" She asked, and the man out on a smile.
"Why, to help you in your investigation of course! The more information you have available, the easier the investigation will be! I'm sure you'll have a good lead in no time!
"But, sir, that's just it. I've gotten information, but not about the Phantom Thieves." She stated. "We've has multiple students coming up to us, saying that they've been threatened by a criminal organization." She informed, causing the principal's jaw to drop.
"What?! This has to be some sort of mistake!"
"I'm afraid not. We've got multiple reports from several different students, all saying they're being blackmailed. I'd like to request we contact the authorities, and provide protection for the threatened students."
"Contact…? W-what students do outside of this school is of no consent for us! I see no need to contact the authorities for any such matters!" He stated, causing Makoto's eyes to widen.
"You can't be serious! Sir, our students are in trouble!"
"And if you wish to handle this matter, you shall have to do it on your own!" The principal ordered.
"I can handle both issues! If students need help, it's our duty to help them." The president countered, Kobayakawa seemed to have some sort of epiphany.
"A-Ah, it all makes sense to me now! The organization that threatened Kamoshida and the organization threatening our students must be connected somehow! Keep investigating, and I'm sure you'll find a link!"
"Wha…? Principal Kobayakawa, that doesn't make any kind of sense!"
"How can you be positive until you've chased down every lead? I'm sure your sister would have solved this rather easily, were she in your position." Kobayakawa's words hit her like a spike in the chest, causing the girl to wince.
She had no doubt that Sae would have solved the matter of the Phantom Thieves by now. Her older sister had always been of a strong focus, something that would often scare Makoto when they were younger. Once Sae set her mind to something, it was her vs whoever was in her way.
"…I'll get started at once, sir." Makoto spat out, turning and leaving before Kobayakawa could say anything else. It was the duty of the student council President to represent the student body, to help maintain communication between the student body and the administration. But if said administration was only interested in serving its own goals…where did that leave her?
Thursday, 06/09/20XX, Morning
"…and that's why we recruit sponsors!" The tour guide finished explaining to the Shujin students, as she lead them through the studio. "You know all those annoying commercial breaks that you use as an excuse to go to the bathroom? Well, they're not just there to kill the tension of your favorite shows. Those are actually sponsor-related product placements!"
"Huh…" Ryuji hummed our, tapping his chin. "I actually didn't know that. Explains a lot, actually…"
"Right? And here I always thought that they just picked them at random…" Jolyne amused, sticking her hand up. "Excuse me, Miss. How do they determine what commercials to show?"
"An excellent question! Each program has a certain amount of time budgeted per airtime, and the sponsors each pay for a 30-second slot in that time frame, with price varying depending on the program. In fact, during widely televised events such as the World Cup, Olympics, or American Super Bowl, a 30-second ad can cost as much as over 300 million yen!" She explaiend, causing Jolyne to let out a whistle.
"Never thought a commercial could cost that much…" She muttered.
"You guys didn't know that?" Ann whispered, as the tour guide went on about the scheduling department. "I mean, it's pretty obvious. I thought everyone knew that…"
"Pardon us for not workin' in showbiz…" Ryuji countered.
"I'm a model, not an actress! This is just common sense!"
"Excuse me, you in the back? Do you mind keeping it down?" The tour guide beckoned, causing Ann to blush as she continued. "Now, the editing room's job…" Ryuji grinned, nudging the blushing model's side.
"You heard her. Keep it down." He teased.
"And here I was thinking Ryuji would be the one to get in trouble…" Morgana sighed, Jolyne couldn't help but chuckle…
Before a man brushed past her, knocking her off balance. "Ow!"
"What's going on?! I can't stand this noise!" The man demanded of the tour guide, who nervously swallowed.
"M-my apologies, sir. I'll move them to a different area at once." The tour guide apologized, causing Jolyne to scowl.
"Who does this guy think he is?"
"I think that's one of the hosts…"
"Freakin' asshole…like to change his heart…"
"Unfortunately, someone being a jerk isn't enough to qualify for a palace…" Morgana commented, as the tour guide began ushering them away for what she called 'hands on activity.' As promised, the television station tour was an expansive look inside the workings of a talk show, with the Phantom Thieves being shown around the editing room, camera and lighting departments, sound equipment, as well as being shown a hands-on demonstration of setting up the lighting and camera equipment (which Ryuji was dragged in to). All told, it was a rather unremarkable trip, until…
"Aw man, this suuuuucks…" Ryuji groaned out, as they walked through the station. "I thought we were gonna get to be on tv, not get treated like interns…"
"Well, they did promise a hands on experience." Jolyne countered.
"I could've gone without those producers trying to hit on me." Ann sighed out. "I swear, I hear one more producer call me 'exotic', I'm kicking something."
"Hey, I feel you." Jolyne spoke up. "When I first moved here from America, I felt like I was some kind of zoo animal. 'Can you say this in English?' 'Do you get a sunburn easier?' 'Is it true everyone owns a gun in America?' It was constant…" She recalled, as Morgana stuck his head out.
"Don't worry, Lady Ann. Any of those producers come near you, I'll claw them up!"
"Weren't you just telling us to keep our heads down?" Jolyne observes, as Ryuji sighed.
"I don't wanna do more of this crap tomorrow…"
"No flaking out, Ryuji. If we've gotta be here, you've gotta be here." Jolyne instructed, causing her friend to groan.
"Yeah yeah…at least we get to go straight home from here."
"Oh, why don't we go out and do something? We rarely get out to this area, so why not look around and explore some of the shops?"
"Oh, I know where we should go!" Morgana piped up. "On our way in, I saw this huge place that looked like a pancake! What is that?" He asked, causing Ryuji and Ann to exchange a look.
"He's gotta be talkin' about Dome Town, right?"
"It's the only place that looks like that." Ann answered.
"See, the round part is a baseball stadium, and they've got this big amusement park on the outside."
"Those rides are pretty intense, though. I went with my brother and his wife the last time he visited, and we almost threw up all over the place." Ann explained, and Morgana smirked as best his feline face could.
"Let's go! I'll show you all just how courageous I am!"
"Uh, getting on scary rides doesn't really prove courage. Plus, cat's can't go into amusement parks." Jolyne commented, before she tapped her chin. "Though I guess you could stay in my bag…but you'd probably throw up, and I can't afford a new bag."
"I dunno, Ann's really got me thinkin' about it now. I say we go for it!" Ryuji cheered, and Ann grinned as she clapped her hands.
"Bring on the roller coasters!"
"I think I'll pass on the puke rides…" Morgana groaned out.
"Should we invite Yusuke? It doesn't feel right to leave him out."
"Oh, good idea! I'll text him." Ann volunteered, and as she pulled out her phone, someone walked by the hallway they were standing in, noticing them.
"Excuse me, are you all Shujin students?" The boy with brown hair greeted, drawing their attention. As Jolyne turned to look at him, his eyes went wide. "Oh, it's you…"
"Huh? Can we help you?" Ryuji asked, shaking him out if his haze.
"Oh, my apologies. I saw your uniforms and figured I should introduce myself. We are going to be filming together, after all." He stated, and Jolyne frowned. Why did he look so familiar…?
The realization hit her like a freight train, her eyes going wide. "You were in Leblanc a few months ago!" She stated, earning a sheepish smile from him.
"Indeed I was. I was feeling a little guilty that you didn't recognize me, but I guess I am a little bland compared to you." He admitted, looking at her uniform. "You're a Shujin student? You didn't mention that the last time we met."
"I didn't feel like sharing too much with a complete stranger."
"Ah, I suppose that's my fault. Allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is Goro Akechi." Akechi greeted, Ann frowned in confusion.
"So you guys know each other?"
"Kinda. He came into Leblanc a few months ago, ordered some coffee. You liked it…black, right?"
"Ah, so you do remember me. I'm flattered." Akechi remarked, as Jolyne crossed her arms.
"I remember you mentioning that you had a part time job. Are you some kind of celebrity?" She asked, earning a laugh from the brown haired boy.
"Well, that's a rather generous description. If you've mean that I've appeared on tv a few times, I suppose you could call me a celebrity. However, I like to think of myself as a regular high school student with a…rather unique job. One that's kept me from making good on my promise to return and sample more of your delicious coffee." He explained, Ann actually looked taken aback.
"Y-yeah, well, uh…I'm sure you're not that big a deal…" She muttered, audible enough only for Ryuji to hear. However, before anyone could say anything else, Akechi's phone chimed, pulling it out and seeing the message.
"You'll have to excuse me. Like I said before, I only intended to say hello. There's a briefing for tomorrow's recording I have to attend, so I have to excuse myself." He stated, offering up a friendly smile. "I take it you're all going to go have cake now? I didn't have lunch, so the mere thought is making my stomach rumble…" Akechi stated, causing them all to exchange a glance.
"Uh…cake? What are you talking about?" Jolyne asked, and Akechi's smile faltered.
"Oh, am I mistaken? I could have sworn I heard something about delicious pancakes…" He answered, before chuckling. "Oh dear, I'm afraid I'm so hungry I'm hearing things. I'll have to take care of that as soon as the meeting's over. Take care, and I'll see you tomorrow." And with that, the Leblanc customer walked off, leaving three weirded out teens and a feline.
"Man, that guy was weird. He's gotta be some kind of stand up comedian or something…" Ryuji stated, as Morgana stuck his head back out.
"If that's his material, I don't see how he became famous." The feline remarked, and the group's model frowned.
"Akechi…why does that name familiar?" She muttered, only for her phone to chime with a text message. "Well, Yusuke can't make it to Dome Town. Said something…'capturing the anguish of his textbook?'"
"Well, that sounds like something he would say. Sucks, though. I was hoping we could use this to celebrate." Jolyne stated.
"Eating with you grandparents didn't count?"
"I mean, that was fun, but it wasn't you know, just us. Like how Josuke crashed our last party."
"That's a good point. Ain't gonna he the same without 'em."
"We'll just have to do a proper party on Saturday." Ann suggested. "Now, let's go have some fun!"
Suidobashi
"Hraghhhh!" Ryuji groaned out as he hurled into a nearby trash can, as the others just watched.
"Good grief…"
"I told him he shouldn't have eaten all that junk before we got on that ride…"
"This is why I insisted on skipping those vomit machines…" Morgana commented, and Ryuji looked up.
"Dude…don't use your cat hood as an excuse now…HURAGHHHH!"
Friday, 06/10/20XX, Morning
"Ugh, this is so lame…" Ryuji groaned out as Good Morning Japan! went to commercial. "How do you watch this crap, Ann?"
"Well, I don't actually watch it. When I watch, I mostly just put it on in the background. This…is pretty lame." The model commented, Jolyne sighed.
"This is lame as hell…" She breathed out, as one of the hosts stepped up.
"We'd like to thank you all for choosing to visit us today! Now, we've prepared an extra special treat for you all today. Please, give a warm welcome to Goro Akechi!" The host announced, the Thieves' eyes all widened as none other than Akechi walked on to the stage.
"Oh my god, it's Akechi-Kun!"
"He's so hot!"
"He can arrest me anyday…"
These were but a few of the reactions among the visiting Shujin students, mainly from the girls (and one or two of the guys) as the brown haired boy waved at the crowd.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all! Thank you for joining us!" Akechi greeted, and Ryuji groaned.
"Ugh, this guy again?"
"So that's where I recognized him from…"
"Alright everyone, quiet on set!" The Director beckoned, as Akechi took his seat next to the hosts. "Alright, we're back from commercial in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!"
"And now, on to the 'Hottest Meet and Greet' segment of our show!" The female host excitedly declared. "Long time viewers will recognize the young man sitting next to us. After how much you all seemed to like him, we decided to invite him back! Please give a warm welcome for the high school detective, Goro Akechi!" Applause broke out, and Akechi gave a small wave.
"Hello, everyone. Thank you all for inviting me back."
"Your popularity is truly something to behold, Akechi-kun! After your last we received an outpouring of fan mail for you! In fact, you're all my daughter's been able to talk about!"
"Oh? Well, that does make me blush. I'll have to make out a personal autograph for her." Akechi responded. "Truth be told, no one's more surprised by my popularity than me. It's actually more than a little suffocating. In fact, I was recently shopping in Akihabara when some fans recognized me and insisted on taking pictures with me. Honestly, I found the whole incident quite embarrassing…"
"All a part of the job, I'm afraid. When I first started here, I couldn't even go to the convenience store without getting recognized! Eventually, I just learned to live with it, and go with the flow."
"Oh really? You'll have to give me some advice later." Akechi joked, leaning back. "In all honesty, I'm nothing special. I'm just a simple high schooler putting his skills to use."
"That's putting it mildly!" The male host said, turning to the camera. "For those of you at home who might have missed his last appearance, Akechi-kun here fancies himself a junior detective! He first made waves two years ago, stepping in to help solve a murder that even the police had given up on!"
"Oh please, that was nothing. I simply followed the evidence presented to me to its logical conclusion." Akechi tried to downplay, but the host wasn't having it.
"Ever since then, you've made headline after headline, solving murders and kidnappings that have stumped even the police. Why, some people online are even calling you the Second Coming of the Detective Prince!"
"Ah, I've heard that one." Akechi replied, turning to the camera. "As ostentatious as it may be, I am deeply honored to be thought of in such a way. After all, Naoto Shirogane was an inspiration to me growing up. In fact, had it not been for her, I doubt I would have had the courage to begin solving crimes on my own."
"Humble to a fault! No wonder you're so popular with our younger viewers!" The female host complimented, leaning forward. "Now, as much fun as it is to talk with you, we didn't bring you here just to flatter you. We heard you're working on a super important case, and were wondering if you could tell us anything!"
"Ah, you refer to the scandal regarding the now infamous artist Madarame, yes?" Akechi stated, causing the Thieves' eyes to widen. "Yes, I have been looking into that matter."
"Ah, so you've caught Phantom Thief fever as well, Akechi-kun! Forgive my bluntness, but what's your opinion on these justice-oriented Phantom Thieves?"
"Oh, I don't mind at all. The Phantom Thieves have been a topic of conversation around my school for the last week or so, and my classmates have been asking me similar things. As for your question…Well, if they are heroes of justice, then I certainly hope they exist."
"Oh? So you don't deny their existence?"
"Of course not." Akechi responded, Jolyne leaned forward intently as he continued to speak. "Like any Japanese boy, I grew up glued to the exploits of whatever team of Featherman was on the air that season. It's only natural that I wish for such champions of justice to exist here in the real world. After all, if every problem could be solved by destroying a giant monster, there'd be no need for individuals such as myself." He answered, before his smile faded. "However, we don't have the luxury of living in such a world. It is my belief that, should they exist…the Phantom Thieves of Hearts should be tried in a court of law." This sent murmurs through the crowd, a concerned frown from Ann, a dropped jaw from Ryuji, and a pair of narrowed eyes from Jolyne.
"Oh? Are you saying they're committing crimes? Some are saying that the Phantom Thieves are even helping their victims abandon their evil ways…"
"Please, don't get me wrong. What Madarame and Kamoshida did are unforgivable crimes, and I sincerely hope that both men are punished to the fullest extent of the law. However, it is undeniable that by taking the law into their own hands, the actions of the Phantom Thieves are the opposite of justice."
"That's quite a statement, Akechi-kun."
"It's how I feel. More importantly, I believe it is wrong to 'steal a person's heart', whatever that may mean."
"You raise a valid point. After all, they are the Phantom Thieves." The male host agreed, Akechi offering up a smile.
"Of course, if they don't exist, I would be rather embarrassed after getting up here and making a fuss." He joked, the female host turned to the audience.
"We're joined in the audience today by students around the same age as Akechi-kun. If you think the Phantom Thieves exist, please press your button now!"
"Oh hell yeah! Time to show that smug prick!" Ryuji grinned, the three all pressed their buttons…
"Wow, thirty percent!" The male host exclaimed, and Akechi let out a 'hm.'
"Wow, that's more than I expected. I would love to hear some more detailed thoughts on this question."
"Then why don't we get a few audience opinions?" The female host asked, looking over the crowd until her eyes settled on a particular student. "Oh! This student over here's been quite enamored with the conversation so far. Why don't we hear her thoughts?"
"Uh oh…" That was all Jolyne had time to say before the woman was in front of her.
"Tell me, Miss, what are your thoughts on the Phantom Thieves?"
"Uh…" Jolyne wasn't expecting to be grilled for her thoughts on…well, herself, especially on national television. She felt Ryuji and Ann watching her with support in their eyes, the host expectantly watching her…and Akechi looking directly at her. Oddly enough, that particular factor calmed her, and she spoke from the heart.
"I think…that the Phantom Thieves are justice." This sent murmurs through the crowd, especially along the students in her class.
"Whoa, Cujoh actually supports the Phantom Thieves? I thought she was a criminal…"
"Not surprising, considering she hangs out with Sakamoto and Takamaki. Kamoshida really screwed them…"
"I cannot get a read on her…" As the students mumbled among themselves, Jolyne stood up, taking the microphone from the woman.
"I think that they're a necessary element, the weapon of last resort. There are people who think themselves above everyone else, people who can't be brought down by normal means. Because of this, these people think they can do whatever they want, without a care in the world to who they hurt. I don't know how the Phantom Thieves did what they did, but I can't argue with the results." Jolyne explained, and Akechi…smiled. Not in the friendly way he had before, but there was a curiosity behind it, with a twinkle in his eye, like he'd found a worthy opponent.
"That's an understandable position. However, let me propose a hypothetical." Akechi suggested, and Jolyne nodded. "Let's say someone close to you—say, your friend in the red shirt—had their heart suddenly changed. If he suddenly became a different person, wouldn't you blame the Phantom Thieves?"
"No." She immediately answered. "The Phantom Thieves have only targeted criminals so far. If my friend suddenly started acting different, I'd assume it's just because he's maturing as a person."
"Interesting. But how would you know if that was the case? How would you know whether or not he was targeted by the Phantom Thieves? After all, we still don't know the method by which they enact this so-called 'change of heart,' something which I find to be most concerning." Akechi surmised. "Was it blackmail? Extortion? If these individuals do possess the ability to induce a complete change of personality, what guarantee do we have that they will continue to use these for pure intentions? Are they using this as a means to cover up for other crimes?"
"I see. I never thought of it that way…" The male host replied, Akechi 's smile changed to something more akin to delight.
"Don't get me wrong, this is all purely hypothetical. It depends on several factors, namely whether or not the method of the 'change of heart' is conventional or not." He justified. "This is why I wish for the Phantom Thieves to be tried in a court of law. If such a power truly exists, we need to determine whether or not using such a power violates any kind of moral or legal standards. Until then…the Phantom Thieves pose an unquestionable threat to all of us."
"Oh my. That's quite the bold claim…"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I seem to have gotten ahead of myself again…" Akechi sheepishly apologized, before his face turned serious. "I received permission to share this information last night. The reason I've been so enamored with the Madarame case…is because I'm working with the police to investigate!"
Ryuji's jaw dropped, Ann gasped, Morgana yelped in Jolyne's bag, and the Cujoh clenched her fist.
Jolyne had figured Madarame would inevitably put more eyes on them, but she honestly hadn't figure that the police would get involved so soon. She supposed it made sense. After all, changing hearts using a realm that dwelled under the skin of reality might not have been exactly legal. But what they were doing was right, she was certain of that. But now…now they'd have to be extra careful.
Afternoon
"So…am I the only one who thinks that Akechi maybe had a point?" Ann asked, catching Jolyne off guard.
"Whoa, where's this coming from?" She asked, Ann frowned as they stepped out of the walkways and against a wall.
"Well, he was saying a bunch of stuff about whether or not what we're doing is ethical, much less legal. It kinda got me thinking…"
"Who the hell cares about that? Just because something ain't legal don't mean it's wrong." Ryuji stated, scowling. "The thing that's got me pissed was all that stuff about us trying to cover up other crimes. I mean, where's he get off making us sound like the baddies?"
"As much as I disagree, I can see how he arrived at such a conclusion. After all, people always fear what they can't understand. It's easy to see how one could suspect it's all a ruse." Morgana commented, sticking his head out of the bag. "Still, we can't let him get us or not our actions are just us something we'll have to decide ourselves!"
"I agree with Morgana! Who cares what blowhards like Akechi say? We just gotta keep doing things like we've been doing!" The former track runner stated, and Ann simply sighed.
"I guess you guys are right…" Jolyne could tell Ann still had her doubts, but before she could say anything, Ryuji spoke up.
"Hey, you guys go on without me. I gotta go take a leak."
"You don't have to be that blunt!"
"I'm sorry, I've been holding it in ever since Akechi came on stage! I gotta go!"
"Good grief…" Jolyne groaned out, leaving Jolyne with Ann. "Has he always been like that?"
"More or less…" Ann sighed out, frowning. "What Akechi said back there, about the police looking into us…do you think we'll be ok if we keep doing this?"
"Yeah, I do." Jolyne answered. "Look, my mom had a garden, and she had a saying: you can use all the weed killer you want, but sometimes you've gotta get down in the dirt and pull out the bad weeds yourself. That's exactly what we're doing." She explained. "And as for the cops? I'm not worried. I mean, there's no way they can prove the existence of Stands out here, let alone the existence of the Metaverse. We just have to stay true to ourselves, follow our hearts, and trust thag we're doing the right thing." She finished, causing Ann to smile.
"That…actually does make me feel better. Sorry, that guy really got into my head." She stated, causing Jolyne to smile.
"Don't sweat it. I have a feeling he has a tendency to do that…" The leader replied, scratching the back of your neck. "So, you wanna stick around for Ryuji to find his way back, or you wanna go on ahead?"
"As much as I'd love to hang out, I've got a shoot this afternoon on the other side of the city. I've got to head out now if I want to make it in time."
"Have fun." And with that, Ann had left, leaving Jolyne alone with her feline companion. She was about to ask Morgana if he had anything he wanted to do…
"Oh, you're still here." A familiar, light voice spoke behind her, and Jolyne turned to see Akechi approaching her, monogrammed briefcase in hand. "I'm glad I found you. I wanted to thank you in person."
"It's nothing. They asked a question, and I answered." She replied, causing the Second Detective Prince to chuckle.
"According to Hegel, true advancement can not occur without both thesis and antithesis."
"Uh…what?"
"Well, I'm paraphrasing a bit, but the idea I'm trying to get across is that our discussion was quite stimulating. That's twice now that you've got me to consider things I hadn't beforehand." He explained, referring to their conversation in Leblanc just after Kamoshida's confession. "You see, since my last television appearance, I've found most conversation…lacking. Apparently, once people see an opportunity to gain social traction by associating with you, they're no longer inclined to disagree with you, as you saw with the hists."
"They want a photo for their social media, and they don't wanna risk pissing you off. Makes perfect sense."
"Exactly. So for you to counter me without even batting an eye…I found it quite exhilarating. In fact, there are only two other people who don't shy away if they disagree." Akechi rationalized. "I…hope I'm not being too forward in asking this, but I would relish the chance to speak with you again about such matters. I feel the discussion could be quite fruitful."
To say this was unexpected was an understatement. Akechi was smart, that much was clear just from her three small interactions with him. If they were calling him things like 'Detective Prince', then it stood to reason that he deserved the title. And if he was investigating the Phantom Thieves…the logical move was to tell him to piss off, and keep her distance. But Jolyne's gut was telling her the opposite, that the best move was to keep him close, where she could keep an eye on him. Her logical brain was telling her that this was the best choice, that refusing him would tip her hand and that maybe she could get him to slip up, but deep down…there was something that stood out about Akechi. That twinkle in his eye, telling her that he considered her a worthy opponent…
"Alright. If the opportunity arises, I wouldn't mind speaking with you again." She stated, earning a smile from the boy.
"I'm looking forward to it."
I am Thou, Thou Art I
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breakers thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the JUSTICE Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that will lead to freedom and power.
Akechi reached into his coat, pulling out his phone. "Do you mind if we exchange contact info? I imagine that would be a tad more convenient than just dropping in on that charming little coffee place in Yongen."
"Sounds good." As she watched him walk away, Jolyne frowned. She'd either just made a potential new friend...or a dangerous new enemy.
A/N: And thus, the birth of a new...friendship? What lays in store for the Phantom Thieves next? Will Makoto find the answers she's been looking for? Will Jolyne ever work up the nerve to confess her feelings? Will someone get the poor detective some pancakes? The future is uncertain! Please, stay safe, wear a mask when going outside, and wash your hands, and I'll see you all again next time!