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vgckwb · 5 months

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P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 181: Little Secret

Akechi’s phone rang. He picked up. “Hello?”

“Hey there, Akechi,” Makoto said, nervously.

“Ah, Makoto,” Akechi replied. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Well, I know this is on such short notice,” Makoto began, “but our school’s cultural festival is coming up soon, and Principal Arai asked me to find a speaker. I wasn’t sure what to do, but then you popped into my head. So, I was wondering…if you’re not too busy…”

“I’d be delighted to,” Akechi said.

Makoto was surprised. “R-Really?”

“Of course,” Akechi said. “I’m surprised you didn’t call earlier.”

“Well, I was busy with midterms,” Makoto countered.

“Ah, right, of course,” Akechi said. “Well, I look forward to seeing you then. As well as Mr. Arai. What do you think I should get him as a gift to celebrate his new position?”

“I think your presence will be enough,” Makoto assured him.

“How nice of you to say,” Akechi replied. “Well, this has been nice, but I have a work matter to attend to, so I have to hang up now.”

“Alright, bye!” Makoto replied.

“Bye!” Akechi said. He hung up. He looked at the prosecutor’s office, and headed inside.

As he made his way to Sae’s office, he met up with Riko. “Ah, good afternoon Detective,” Riko greeted.

“Good afternoon,” Akechi said, returning the greeting. “How are things going?”

“You’re…guess is as good as mine,” Riko said. Riko began whispering. “She’s been on an emotional rollercoaster all week. More so than usual.”

“Hm,” Akechi reacted. “Well, I come bringing good news. So hopefully that will cheer her up.”

“Hopefully,” Riko said. She got up and knocked on Sae’s door. “Miss Niijima?! Detective Akechi is here to see you!”

“Send him in!” Sae replied.

Riko gestured to Akechi. He nodded. “Thanks.” He walked in. “Hello,” he greeted.

“What do you want?” Sae sniped.

Akehi was taken aback by how aggressive Sae was. He took a seat. “Well, I have some good news for you.”

Sae stopped what she was doing. “This better be good.”

Akechi took out a piece of paper. “I’ve been doing some investigating, and I found some other people connected to director Ono who may have also taken advantage of his services.” He slid it over to her.

Sae picked it up and looked it over. “Well, aren’t you busy?”

Akechi was stunned. “You really are more on edge than usual.”

Sae sighed. “Sorry. I just have a lot on my mind.”

“Is it personal, or about the case?” Akechi asked. Sae glared. “I ask because I’m definitely more helpful in one situation than the other.”

Sae decided to let Akechi in. “When I talked with Director Ono, he told me he was only doing what he was doing at the behest of The Phantom Thieves.”

Akchi was shocked. “You…don’t believe him, do you?”

Sae pounded her fist on her desk. “Why is that everyone’s reaction?!” Akechi grew a little frightened. “Even if what he says is or is not true, which I believe him by the way, I still have to investigate it!”

Akechi was still shook. He composed himself and said “Well, there’s another reason I’m here.”

Sae gared at him. “Go on.”

“I was recently contacted by The Phantom Thieves,” Akechi explained.

“WHAT?!” Sae said. She shot up from her desk. “What can you tell me?”

“Nothing concrete,” Akechi said. “They contacted me using some hacker tech and deleted the conversation once they were done.”

“Hm,” Sae said. “That checks out.”

“...With what?” Akechi wondered.

“Makoto told me something similar,” Sae said. “During the Kaneshiro incident.”

“I see…” Akechi said.

Sae grunted. “What did they say?”

“They told me a few things,” Akechi explained. “They told me they believed that Director Ono was not at the top, but they want me to keep quiet on that for now.”

“Why?”

“Because,” Akechi answered, “if we don’t try going after them, they might let their guard down, and their identity can be figured out easier.”

“Hmmm,” Sae groaned, unsure of what to make of this.

“However, “ Akechi smirked, “I’m telling you this because The Phantom Thieves want to work with you.”

Sae was shocked. “What?”

Akechi nodded. “They believe you’re the key to solving this case. Or rather, you and them cooperating.”

Sae slammed her desk again. “Why would I ever work with them?!”

“You work with criminals to catch other criminals regularly,” Akechi pointed out. “I see no difference.”

“The difference is if I get this wrong, things will get out of control!” Sae protested.

“Pardon me,” Akechi said, “but doesn’t it seem like things are already out of control? I don’t see what you have to lose.”

Sae glared daggers at Akechi. “This case will determine the future of Japan. You know what I have to lose? Japan!”

“Ok, OK,” Akechi said, trying to calm Sae down. “I apologize. However, they told me something else.” Sae was curious. “You know how in the calling cards they also mention someone going after their target?” Sae nodded. “Well, they believe that someone like that exists for you.”

Sae was shocked. “So, they’re planning on stealing my heart?”

“Well…”

“They ARE! I knew it!” Sae barked.

“Settle down,” Akechi said.

“How can I settle down?!” Sae said.

“Well, as I mentioned,” Akechi repeated, “they want to work with you If you open your heart to them-”

“I’m sorry, WHAT?!” Sae barked. “You want me to work with them?!”

“Well, it’s either that, or let the true criminal get away,” Akehi reiterated.

“As far as I’m concerned, they ARE the true criminals!” Sae retorted.

“You really believe the director on this…” Akechi said.

“You don’t?”

“Well… Yes, I don’t,” Akechi said.

“How come?” Sae asked.

“I have some suspicions,” Akechi said. “If my hunch is correct, there’s no way that what he’s saying is true.”

“Oh god,” Sae groaned. “Don’t tell me you think Makoto’s involved with them too,” Sae said.

“...’Too’?” Akechi wondered.

Sae sighed. “Someone told me they think Makoto’s a Phantom Thief.”

“You don’t believe them?” Akechi wondered.

“Why should I?” Sae sniped.

“You believed the director,” Akechi pointed out.

“That’s different,” Sae said.

“Is it?”

“Look!” Sae said, firmly. “There’s no way Makoto is involved with those thieves! Got it?!”

“Hm,” Akechi said. “If you say so.”

“Hm,” Sae huffed. “Are you done?”

“...I think I might be,” Akechi said. “Unless you suddenly want to be more cooperative.”

Sae glared and simply said “We’re done.”

“Very well,” Akechi said. He stood up. “I still hope you’ll come around sooner or later.”

“Go!” Sae said. Akechi was stunned. He nodded, and left.

Once he got out, Riko asked “How’d it go?”

“That…definitely could have gone better,” Akehi remarked.

Riko was confused. “I thought you had good news.”

“I did,” Akechi said. “But she didn’t take it as such.”

“I see,” Riko said. “Well, good luck.”

“I think you’ll need that more than me,” Akechi pointed out.

“Well…”

Akechi nodded. “Well, good day.”

Riko nodded back. “Good day.” Akechi left.

Once he was outside of the prosecutor’s office, he took out his notebook. On his page of Phantom Thieves, he wrote “Makoto Niijima(?)” “Hm. And the game only becomes more interesting.” He left.

A little later, Riko knocked on Sae’s door. “What?!” Sae asked.

Riko peeked her head in. “I have some preliminary notes from the Shujin interviews.”

“Set ‘em on my desk,” Sae said.

Riko came in and did as she was told. “I’m going to take a break now,” she said. “Do you want to come with?”

Sae sighed. “I’m fine. You go.” Riko nodded “But if possible, could you maybe bring me back some food?”

Riko nodded. “Sure. Is there anything you like in particular?”

“Surprise me,” Sae said.

“Very well,” Riko said. She left the room, closed the door, and headed out. Meanwhile, Sae began looking through the notes.

A little while later, Riko knocked on Sae’s door after coming back. Sae opened the door. “Oh,” Riko said. “I got you some beef and rice from a REALLY good place in Akihabara.”

“Nevermind that,” Sae said. Riko was surprised. “I mean, just leave it on my desk for now.”

Riko was confused, but she maneuvered in and placed it on her desk. “What’s going on?”

“There’s an urgent matter we must attend to,” Sae said. “We got a call from the director. He has some new information.” Riko was shocked. Still, she nodded, and the two headed out. As they were heading toward the director’s house, Riko popped a stick of gum in her mouth. “Hmm?” Sae wondered.

“I just ate,” Riko said. “So I want to freshen my breath a little.”

“Gotcha,” Sae said. They continued on.

Once they arrived, the director was waiting for them. “Ah, Miss Niijima.”

“What is it?!” Sae said. “You said it was urgent.” The director presented a small red and black piece of paper. “What is that?”

“A calling card,” director Ono said. “I called as soon as I got it.”

Sae took it and read it. “‘Director Ono, You were sloppy, and thus have jeopardized our mission. Therefore, we have no choice but to give you an ultimatum. You have one month to repent. If you do so, we shall forgive you. If you choose to continue to be a hindrance, we will have to eliminate you. The choice is yours. -The Phantom Thieves.’” Sae grew pale.

“Obviously, I don’t want to submit to them anymore,” director Ono said. “But they’re threatening my life! I just…”

Sae grew serious. “You did the right thing. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure we’ll catch those thieves before they do anything.”

Ono nodded. “Thank you.”

Sae turned to leave. “Let’s go Riko.”

“Right,” Riko said, still processing what just happened.

Once they were back, Riko asked, “Um, Miss Niijima?” Sae looked at her. “I know you have to investigate this, but if you were to ask me, I don’t think that’s really from The Phantom Thieves.”

Sae looked away. “Well I didn’t ask you.”

“I’m just saying, “ Riko continued, “I’m not as smart as you, and if I can see that that’s a fake, so should you.”

Sae turned to Riko. She stared her down, and Riko broke into a sweat. “You’re perfectly fine just the way you are,” Sae said. This slightly confused Riko. “I know it’s hard, but I don’t think the director is lying. Please, just bare with me, OK? If The Phantom Thieves are innocent, we’ll figure it out by the end of it, OK?”

Riko was still shaken. Still, she mustered an “OK.”

Sae smiled and nodded. “Good. Now, I know you always say you leave when I leave, but right now, I’d like to be alone. So please, go home.” Riko nodded, and she left. She looked back, unsure, but Sae just stood there. Once Riko left Sae’s sight, Sae went back into her office.

She took a seat at her desk. She started eating the food Riko got her, and looked through all her notes. Akechi’s findings on people connected with the director. The preliminary results of the interview. Notes on previous cases. She sighed. She then recalled what everyone else said. They were all hesitant to believe that The Phantom Thieves were responsible. “I want to believe you,” she said. “But I can’t. I just can’t. Not only is there mounting evidence, but a case like this… I’m sure you’ll understand once it’s all said and done.”

“Hm hm hm,” an ominous voice giggled.

“Riko?” Sae wondered. “I thought I told you to go-” Sae looked up. Standing before her was not her assistant, but a mysterious cloaked figure. “Who are you?”

“I’m someone who believes you,” the figure said. “I know those thieves are destroying everything you’ve worked so hard for.”

“How did you get in here?” Sae wondered, concerned.

“Don’t worry about that,” the figure said. “For right now, just know that I’m on your side.”

“Again, who are you?”

“You may call me Eris,” she said. “Now, let’s talk.”

“What do you mean?” Sae wondered.

“Tch tch tch,” Eris clicked. “You haven’t found a shred of evidence on The Phantom Thieves in all this time. What makes you think you can find some in a month?”

“Well…” Sae tried to counter.

“He he. Don’t worry though,” Eris said. “I can help you catch those thieves red-handed.”

Sae was stunned. “What’s in it for you?”

“Quick on the uptake,” Eris said. “I’m on your side. I don't trust those thieves either. But I need you to be on mine. I’ll give you the power to take on The Phantom Thieves. They can’t be taken down by conventional methods. But the power I give is unconventional. She brought out an apple. “I know you’ve been stressed. Well, you don’t have to feel a thing. Just swallow this.”

Sae looked at Eris’ offer. As practical as Sae was, what Eris was saying was right. The Phantom Thieves defied practical thinking. If she was going to solve this case, if she was going to save Japan, if she was going to change Japan, she needed to meet The Phantom Thieves on their level and win. She took the apple, and bit into it. Once she swallowed it, an energy awoke within her.

Eris chuckled. “Hail to the queen.” Sae grinned. She rushed out of her office, looking determined.

Meanwhile, Riko may have told Sae she was going home, but she didn’t do anything of the sort. Instead, she hid in the women’s restroom, and took out her phone. She opened up an app. “I sure hope this works.” She began interacting with the app.

Back when she was getting food, she also asked a friend of hers in Akihabara about a listening device. “Please? This is really important!”

Her friend looked at her. “What’s in it for me?”

“I’ll pay twice as much next time I’m at the maid cafe,” Riko bargained.

“You haven’t been showing up as much recently,” her friend said.

“Sorry,” Riko said. “I got a new job. I’ve been bringing my boss to different places, and well, I’m not sure she’d like going to a maid cafe.”

“Or finding out you used to work there,” her friend said.

“Well…”

Her friend smirked. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you.”

Riko sighed. “Thanks.”

“I will hold you to your end of the bargain though.”

“Hm hm. Of course,” Riko said. Her friend gave her instructions on how to set up the listening device with her phone. Riko nodded. Later, when she was at the director’s house, she covertly stuck the listening device under the couch using her chewed up gum to adhere it.

Currently, she was waiting for something, anything. She then heard the director laughing. “Ah, that Sae Niijima. She’s too easy. She’s had it in for The Phantom Thieves from the start. All I had to do was push her in the right direction, and she’ll help us deal with those rats.

Once we get Sae to provoke The Phantom Thieves to come to her, we’ll have them right where we want them. And either she’ll take them out, or they’ll weaken her to a point where we can take her out, and we can blame her death on them. Hm. To think she’d have one. I’m a little surprised actually.

But no matter. We’ll always win. We’ll take over Japan, and once we do, nothing will stop us. Not even you, Miss Sakurai.” Riko gasped. “That’s right. I know you’re listening. You have to get up pretty early to pull the wool over my eyes. I sure hope you were recording, because no one will believe you. No one who matters anyway.” The signal flatlined.

Riko went pale. “GAH!” she said, throwing her fists against the wall. She wasn’t recording. She didn’t account for getting caught. She was frustrated with herself.

She breathed heavily. “Maybe…” she said. “Maybe she’ll believe me.” She rushed out of the bathroom, and back to Sae’s office. She noticed the door was open, and entered. “Miss Niijima!”

Eris turned around in Sae’s chair. “Sorry."

“GAH!”

“You just missed her,” Eris said.

Riko composed herself and asked “Who are you?”

Eris stood up. “I’m your boss’ new assistant.” Riko clenched her fist. “Hm hm, don’t worry, I’m not here to replace you. I just gave Sae the power to take on The Phantom Thieves.”

Riko was stunned. “But they’re not-”

“I know,” Eris said. “But the power I gave her will allow her to take on that threat too.”

“So why not tell her that?” Riko asked.

“Because The Phantom Thieves are her enemy,” Eris said.

“But they’re not!” Riko protested.

“Try telling her that,” Eris said. “With my influence over her, she’ll only listen to what she wants to hear.”

Riko was shaking. “If Sae is really listening to you, then there’s no way she’d listen to me.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” Eris said. Riko was confused. Eris took out an apple. “You could join her. If you accept my power like she has, you’ll be able to save her.”

Riko was stunned. Still, she held steadfast and said “I’m not turning this into a Foli a Deux.”

Eris cackled. “Of course not. I think you're more interested in a Menage a Deux with Miss Niijima anyway.” Riko snapped, and slapped Eris in the face. “Oh. Struck a nerve, did I?”

“You did so when you started lying to Sae,” Riko countered.

“Heh. You’re not exactly telling her the truth either,” Eris countered. Riko stared her down. “Still, even without you, things are going incredibly well. There’s no good escape from all of this. Something’s going to give, and I am here for it. So, I’ll give you the key. Let’s see if you can figure out what to do with it. ‘Fashion Show.’” With that, Eris disappeared. Riko was now more worried than ever.

Back at the director’s house, he was reading a book late into the night, when there was a knock at his door. “Who is it?”

“It’s me,” Sae said.

“Come in,” the director said. Sae came in, and walked up to the director. “What do you want?”

“Cut the crap,” Sae said.

Ono was confused. “Excuse me?!”

“I’m in charge of this investigation, not you!” Sae continued. “So I’m going to catch those thieves, but I need some guarantees.”

“What’s gotten into you?” the director asked.

“Don’t you get it?” Sae snapped back. “For once I’m in charge, not you. So keep your questions to yourself, or I’ll leave you to your fate.”

“But…but what of The Phantom Thieves?” Ono wondered.

“I’ll get them one way or another,” Sae said. “But I don’t need you alive to do it.” The director was scared. “Honestly, after everything you’ve done, you may be better off dead. But I can still use you. So if you wish to stay alive, just do exactly as I say. Understand?” Ono nodded. “Good. It’s pretty late now, so I’ll come by tomorrow to iron out the details. And don’t tell anyone. Or else I’ll unleash everything. And then you’ll WISH you were dead.” Sae walked out.

The director was horrified. “Well…I didn’t expect that…” He put his book away, and went to bed for the night.

Meanwhile, Makoto was looking at her phone. The metaverse app had given her some grave news. The middle section, “Courthouse”, was still in black. The distortion, “Casino” was gone, and replaced with a blank white line. What horrified her the most was the top line. “Niijima” was in black, but just like when Futaba was her own crusader, “Sae” was in white.

Makoto went pale. “What do I do? What do WE do?” Her phone then started ringing. She didn’t recognize the number, but she wasn't thinking straight, so she answered. “Hello?”

“Makoto?” the voice said.

Makoto faintly recognized the voice on the other end. “Riko?”

#p5 #p5r #persona 5 #persona fanfiction #p5 femc #p5r rework #femc #female ren #persona 5 royal #p5 rework #sae #akechi #siu director #makoto niijima

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rattled-shadow · 6 months

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Do you remember the notorious 11/21 exposition scene?

Would you like to hear it without background music?

My friend @ocean-stuck was kind enough to give me the isolated vocals, so I combined them into one track

And yes, I wrote a transcript for it under the cut:

Shido: I finally made it this far... It's already been two and a half years since we met.

Akechi: Back then, you were in the media's attention as a young politician who could rise up against bureaucracy. Because of that, those who wanted to preemptively deal with problems tried to tie you up in scandal.

Shido: To think I would fall for the ruse schemed by those decrepit fools in power. I recall that's when you came to me. You promoted yourself, saying that you had "special powers". If it wasn't for the research in cognition that I dabbled in, I would have thought you insane.

Akechi: I made those troublesome opponents psychotic, and erased any trace of that scandal.

Shido: Who'd think that tampering with a person's heart could trigger a psychotic lapse or mental shutdown? And when someone like that said he'd support me, I had suspected that there'd be an ulterior motive.

Akechi: It's because I sympathized with your aspiring ideology. I believed that your ideals needed to be achieved for the sake of the country's future.

Shido: Well, my faith in you is precisely why I pulled the plug on that research. I only need you using that power. It'd be troublesome if someone else uncovered how it works.

Akechi: ...Wakaba Isshiki, was it? That researcher, she wouldn't have had to have died if she just complied.

Shido: Any suspicions should be snubbed out. Even the smallest doubt must be severed at the root. After all, we had an active Public Prosecutors Office director on our side until recently.

Akechi: Astounding, isn't it? To think the director himself would often forge evidence to secure his promotion. He was quite surprised when you confronted him about it. He didn't know who leaked that information. Well, I got that out of his Shadow, so technically speaking, he did it himself.

Shido: This country's affairs have become stagnant. The political world is filled with old men who only act to preserve their own vested interests. The general public has forsaken such political affairs and don't even bother. Only ruin awaits us.

Akechi: I must agree.

Shido: There's no need to be ruined with such incompetent fools. I will lead this country to its revival. Those who get in the way must be eliminated at times - that's the correct way to use the Metaverse.

Akechi: Still, it would stand out if there were continuous deaths and scandals with your political rivals. Which is why I made them "suspects." Prosecute the targets that I turned psychotic... and solve them as cases unrelated to you. And thus, the charismatic ace detective was born.

Shido: Thanks to your efforts, my clean image remains untarnished, and I monopolized public opinion. Once I gained public sentiment, collaborators from all sectors began approaching me on their own. The police were no exception. With their management in my pocket, keeping them in check was easy.

Akechi: When the Phantom Thieves emerged, I thought things might become somewhat troublesome.

Shido: They were just brats once we looked into it. All we needed to do was to lay the blame on them...

Akechi: When you told me that, I knew then that you were the better man.

Shido: Their popularity was a bit beyond my expectations but flipping it made the negative press stronger. After that, all I had to do was openly berate them. I've been gaining more supporters since. The current administration is dead with ongoing scandals... never mind the fact that they're my doing. Even the government parties have begun splitting up... and they're dissolving just as planned.

[Shido laughs]

Shido: The time has finally come... Just a little more and I'll take the seat of prime minister. However, inauguration isn't my goal. That's when everything truly begins. I'll make this country rich for the sake of its selfish and ignorant masses who can only rely on others.

Akechi: In other words, you're creating a powerful country that can compete with the world.

Shido: The public resonates with my ideals and follows me. And for that, some "sacrifices" can't be avoided. That is my duty as the chosen one. Your assistance has been very influential in making my plan run smoothly. When I become prime minister, I'll grant whatever wish you want.

Akechi: With this most recent case, my name has become known across the country, perhaps even the world. Surely my story will be passed down as a hero who won against monsters that could control people's hearts. I believe I'll lay low and devote myself to my studies.

Shido: ...I suppose with your age, you wouldn't come up with debauched desires.

Akechi: ...I am thinking about the future though.

#persona 5 #persona 5 spoilers #masayoshi shido #goro akechi #I put too much effort into this post lmao #when I looked up the scene on youtube someone described this as the 'expositioning' which I think is accurate #the voice acting really is the only redeeming part about this scene imo #you can hear keith smile as he delivers some of those lines which feels unsettling with what shido is saying #what shido said is so horrifying but it's in a gentle tone. god the dissonance #and then there's akechi playing along with the expositioning #I love robbie's delivery on the part about the siu director. so sassy lol

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kougaonn · 1 year

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u know he's a bad guy when he stands in front of a big bay window with his hands behind his back

#text #bleurgh. siu director #p5r.playthrough

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vashtijoy · 6 months

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shido's conspiracy is big: koenkai (supporters associations) in japanese politics

How do you take over Japan, if you're a corrupt piece of shit?

On 11/25, when the Shido's Palace mission starts and you're finally released from captivity in Leblanc, the Modest Housewife in the Shibuya underground mall suddenly becomes the Not-So-Modest Housewife. And what does she tell us?

shido has a what now

What's the "supporters association"? In Japanese, it's a 後援会 kouenkai. From Wikipedia:

Koenkai (後援会, lit. "local support groups") are an invaluable tool of Japanese Diet members, especially of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). (note: in P5, this is the "Liberal Co-Prosperity Party" or LCP, Shido's original party and the original ruling party.) These groups serve as pipelines through which funds and other support are conveyed to legislators and through which the legislators can distribute favors to constituents in return.

The article is fascinating; do give it a read, as I can't possibly do it justice here. These are massive organisations, and relay vast amounts of cash to their members. They organise endless activities for their members—that meeting at the Wilton Hotel on 5/5 is one. They often require a personal connection to be invited, which is why the Housewife says this to her friend:

... she knows she wasn't invited.

Though koenkai are weaker in modern times, there are many examples of them being involved with corruption; here are a couple.

"The Asahi reported in the mid-1970s that the [koenkai of former Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei] "virtually controls… agricultural committees, popular welfare committees, election management committees". This thorough penetration of Tanaka's koenkai into all important facets of Niigata's people's lives propelled him into becoming the father figure of the district. After his arrest in 1976 on corruption charges, many of Niigata's residents still expressed deep respect towards him."

"Due to the huge support [former Prime Minister] Takeshita Noboru enjoyed as a result of his koenkai, his electoral district in Shimane came to be known as ‘Takeshita Kingdom'. Despite being embroiled in many political scandals, related to insider trading and corruption (for which he was never charged), Takeshita's immense local support never waned."

so what does this tell us

In short, Shido's conspiracy is not a few corrupt high-level officials. It's not just Shido, Akechi, the SIU Director and those people on the ship. It is a vast organisation.

It recruits people by reputation (remember those five recommendations in the Palace?) from all levels of society—and those recruits then operate as a bloc, networking, doing favours for each other, advancing their mutual interests, connected via a hierarchy to Shido at the top. This is why Shido can control everything.

It also explains why everyone seems to be linked to the conspiracy—including the hapless Principal Kobayakawa. Did you think it was unrealistic for him to be involved? It seems likely that he was just a low-level member of Shido's koenkai.

When Shido needed someone at Shujin to investigate the Phantom Thieves, Kobayakawa was there—because they have people everywhere. A quick phone call from a higher-up in the organisation—the SIU Director, most likely, who we know Kobayakawa speaks to—and he's eating out of Shido's hand. And will do anything he wants....

So Kobayakawa wasn't anybody at all. He wasn't important. He wasn't somehow part of the deep state. He was just one of likely hundreds of thousands of paid-up Shido supporters looking to advance themselves, getting the vote out, and funding the cause.

He was in the right place at the right time. After all, the koenkai got Kobayakawa his job at Shujin. All his hopes for advancement are centred on it:

Because just like the two housewives in the underground mall, and probably like everyone else in the koenkai, Kobayakawa is a desperate social climber, impressed by wealth and fame and power and flashy titles.

I hope he thought it was worth it.

revision history

Click here for the latest version.

v1.0 (2023/10/31)—first posted.

#persona 5 #p5 meta #masayoshi shido #principal kobayakawa #japanese politics

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allthecanadianpolitics · 10 months

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A York Regional Police officer who fatally shot a 25-year-old man at a Vaughan banquet hall last October did not see him in possession of a gun when he fired at him, according to the province’s police watchdog. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) also found that the subject officer (SO) ignored direction from his superior not to interact with the man in the moments leading up to the Oct. 9, 2022, shooting at Universal EventSpace. Despite that, SIU Director Joseph Martino concluded the investigation without laying charges against the officer. “On my assessment of the evidence, there are no reasonable grounds to believe that the SO committed a criminal offence in connection with the complainant’s death,” Martino said in his findings released Tuesday. The 25-year-old man is referred to as the complainant in the report. Using video footage from the banquet hall, eyewitness accounts and materials obtained from police, the SIU provided a detailed account of what happened that evening at the facility. [...]

Tagging: @politicsofcanada

#cdnpoli #York region #police watchdog #police brutality #murder tw #police brutality tw #York Regional Police

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afterthelambs · 19 days

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The fact that the 3 people we see Akechi kill directly onscreen are:

okumura aka fast food elon musk

principal kobayakawa, who let a sexual predator run wild among students for years

the corrupt misogynist SIU director who sexually harasses Sae

And the fandom wants me to be upset at Akechi for that? Akechi (a teenager who was groomed into violence) is somehow the evil douchebag of the game? Every time someone yells that Akechi killed those people I'm hissing "omg BASED" under my breath

#sorry. this post is because i saw someone getting mad on some forum that akechi killed the principal #how the hell does *principal kobayakawa* of all people have shooters? thats wild #like once again i understand feeling bad for Futaba and Haru's situation #but i just dont feel anything about those deaths at all #but the more i see people call akechi evil over it the closer i get to just cheering him on unironically #and no death is never the answer #and it's not like akechi was motivated by noble reasons #but since this game is uninterested in exploring systemic changes beyond “good person tries to change the system from the inside”--#then discussions of whether death is a viable solution is irrelevant from the game's own narrative #goro akechi #persona 5 #persona 5 royal #p5r akechi #my post

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mydaddywiki · 6 months

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Barry Hinson

Physique: Average Build

Barry Douglas Hinson (born May 12, 1961) is an American college basketball coach and most recently was the head coach of the Southern Illinois Salukis men's basketball team (SIU). Before SIU he was the Director of Men's Basketball Operations at the University of Kansas, head coach of Missouri State University and head coach of Oral Roberts University. Hinson is now Analyst, for the Men's Basketball team at Oklahoma State University.

In 18 seasons as a head coach, the Marlow, OK native tallied 14 winning seasons, including eight season with at least 19 wins, finished in the top three of his conference nine times and advanced to the NIT on four occasions.

Handsome with nice legs, Barry is what I like to call “nerdy hot.” Hinson and his wife have two daughters and two grandsons. There isn't much else I can say about him. He's lovely looking and I'd love to fuck him until I'm dry.

#Barry Hinson #mydaddywiki sports figures #basketball coach

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vgckwb · 5 months

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P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 179: The Ballad of Sae Niijima

Ren woke up Monday morning. She looked around the attic she’d been calling hers since April. But today was the start of Midterms, and once that was over, she’d have a new room all to her own. She smiled. “Just a little longer. Thank you.” She got changed, ate, and headed off to school.

Meanwhile, Sae decided to start her week interviewing Kunikazu Okumura. She waited for him to come, looking at her faint reflection in the separating glass. It suddenly flashed to that dark reflection of her she saw in her dream. Sae became alarmed. She rubbed her eyes and then saw only herself again. She sighed, relieved.

Okumura came in, sitting face to face with Sae. “Hello,” Okumura said.

“Hello,” Sae replied. “I’ll get straight to the point. I want to talk about your confession.”

“You want to know if I’m telling the truth, correct?” Okumura asked.

“That’s correct,” Sae said.

“Well, as I'm sure you’re aware,” Okumura began, “I had my heart changed by the Phantom Thieves. And just as every time before, I have spoken nothing but the truth.”

“We’ll see,” Sae said. “Now then, did Mr. Ono find you, or did you reach out to Mr. Ono?” Okumura hesitated. “Well?!”

“Sorry!” Okumura answered. “It’s complicated. I came to him looking for help breaking into the political world, and he made the offer of these ‘mental shutdowns’ to me.”

“I see,” Sae replied. “How long ago was this?”

“About two years ago,” Okumura answered.

“Hm. Interesting,” Sae replied. “Do you remember anything else about that meeting?”

Okumura nodded. “He said it was the power to change the world, and that only a select few can harness it.”

“Why did he trust you with such power?” Sae asked.

“Well, when I came into his office asking for political help, I offered him an enormous sum of money,” Okumura said. “I figured that he thought he could use this wealth to change the world as well.”

“Why didn’t you say no?” Sae wondered.

Okumura hesitated. “...At the time, I was a greedy businessman. Nothing more, nothing less. I saw it as a good business deal. If they really had that power, I wouldn’t want to be on the wrong end of it. Besides, if it could help me, who was I to say no?”

“Hm,” Sae responded.

“Of course, I regret it now,” Okumura continued. “But I suppose it’s a little too late for that.”

Sae was reminded of her talk with Haru the previous day. “Mr. Okumura, are you aware that Mr. Ono tried to give you a cake?”

Okumura was surprised. “He did?” Sae nodded. “This is the first time I’m hearing about this.”

“He gave it to your daughter,” Sae said. “She had a bad feeling about it, so she threw it out.”

“I see…” Okumura said.

“Do you know why Mr. Ono would do this?” Sae asked.

“If I had to guess,” Okumura answered, “it was probably a ploy to get rid of me once and for all.”

“How do you figure that?” Sae asked.

“I imagine the cake was similar to what they asked me to do with Starfall Coffee,” Okumura explained.

“Which was…?” Sae inquired.

“I’m not entirely sure of the specifics,” Okumura explained, “but it worked basically like this: They gave me a special ingredient, as well as components to add to the coffee machines. They used the coffee machines to spy on people, and whenever someone they wanted to eliminate came in for a coffee, they’d activate a switch which added their special ingredient to the coffee. It doesn’t taste like anything, but it guarantees that whoever drinks it will become a victim.”

“I see,” Sae said. “That sounds very complex.”

“It’s even more complicated than you think,” Okumura said. “They didn’t tell me everything about it.”

Sae nodded. “Intriguing. Just one more thing: Do you trust your daughter?”

Okumura was surprised by this question. “Of course.”

“When I spoke with her yesterday, she said that before your change of heart, you didn’t seem to.

“I did!” Okumura protested. “Or at least…I thought I did.” He sighed. “I didn’t make her the inheritor to my company because…I didn’t trust the world. A female CEO of one of the largest companies in Japan? The business world would eat her alive! I couldn’t do that to her.”

Sae was reminded of herself in that moment. She was just as willing to protect Makoto from the dangers they knew all too well. Sae simply smiled and said “Your daughter is stronger than you give her credit for.”

Okumura smiled, but his smile was more sad. “I…guess I didn’t notice. Perhaps I was too afraid to notice.”

Sae stood up. “Thank you for your time.”

“I’ve got plenty of it,” Okumura joked.

“I’ll contact you if I need anything else,” Sae finished. She walked out.

Okumura sat there for a minute. “...I think I sensed a kindred spirit,” he remarked. “Although I don’t know if that’s a good thing.” He got up and was escorted back to his cell.

The next day, as Sae was just about to leave, Riko stood up and said “Wait!” Sae looked at her. “Um, may I come along as well?”

Sae thought about it. “Sure.”

Riko rushed over to her. “Thanks.”

Sae was the tiniest bit flustered, but held it together. “Just so you know, we’re going to interview the director. I’m bringing you along because he and I have a rapport. I could get caught up in it, so having you nearby as an anchor is helpful. But he’s a very smart man. He might try to catch you off guard. If it becomes too much, you may leave.”

Riko shrugged. “I’m sure it’ll be fine,” she said. “Besides, I have you too.”

A light pink blush came over Sae for a second before she shook it off. “Yes, well…thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Riko said. They headed out.

Once they were let into director Ono’s house, he looked up at them and said “Took you long enough.” Sae glared at him. “Please, have a seat.” He was sitting in a chair, while Sae and Riko sat on the couch. “I take it I’m not the first person you’ve been in contact with.”

“That is correct,” Sae answered. “I see you’ve posted bail.”

“I have the right to,” Ono countered.

“Of course,” Sae said somewhat bitterly. “Anyways, let’s begin.”

“Very well,” the director said. “I’ve got nothing to hide. Ask away.”

Sae nodded. “Let’s start with Okumura’s confession: He told Japan that you’re the one responsible for the mental shutdowns. Is this true?”

“Straight to it, eh?” Ono said. “Well the answer to that is no."

Sae and Riko were stunned. “‘No’?” Sae repeated.

“No,” director Ono stated again.

“So, who is?” Sae asked.

“While I could coax the answer out of you,” Ono explained, “I’m afraid that we just don’t have the time for that, so I’ll just tell you: It’s The Phantom Thieves.”

Sae and Riko were even more shocked. “The Phantom Thieves?” Sae exclaimed.

“Are we going to keep doing this every time?” director Ono said, sarcastically.

“Well…this certainly is a development,” Sae explained.

Ono nodded. “They contacted me two years ago to start sewing the seeds of chaos. They told me they found Wakaba Ishiki’s research and used it to kill her, and if I didn’t follow orders, I’d face a similar fate.”

“So, why are they acting like heroes now?” Sae asked.

“It’s a facade,” Ono explained. “Once everything crumbles, they’re the authority most people will trust, and thus they’ll begin their iron-fisted rule of Japan.”

“I see,” Sae said. “How involved were you in the process exactly?”

“What do you mean?” Ono asked.

“How much of what you did was The Phantom Thieves’ ideas versus your own?” Sae clarified.

“I see,” Ono said. “Well, they only asked me to get stuff done. They didn’t care how, as long as they got what they wanted.”

“So, the plot to use Starfall Coffee as a method for inciting mental shutdowns was your idea then?” Sae asked.

“Well, it was a stroke of luck on my part,” Ono said. “Okumura came to me asking for advice. I figured The Phantom Thieves and I could gain a lot from having him on side.”

“So it was your idea?” Sae said.

“Well, there was some dialogue between us,” Ono said. “But the initial idea was mine.”

“How many people have you offered these services to?” Sae asked.

“I don’t know the exact number,” Ono said. “But I think it was about a few dozen.”

“Even with repeat customers, that number seems low,” Sae said.

“I only assisted,” Ono explained. “The Phantom Thieves were also taking it upon themselves to commit these acts for their ends.”

“Hm,” Sae grunted.

“Please understand, I wouldn’t have done this had I not been forced to,” Ono said.

Sae nodded. “Do you have a list of people you’ve given these services to?”

“Unfortunately, no,” Ono said. “I’ve been doing a lot to cover my tracks.”

“Some good that did you,” Riko remarked snidely under her breath.

Sae glanced at Riko, and then turned back to Ono. “Well, if you have anything else for me, you know how to get in contact.”

Ono nodded. “And you know how to contact me.” Sae got up and started heading out. Riko then got up and quickly followed her.

A little ways out, Riko stopped and asked “You don’t really believe the director, do you?”

Sae stooped and slightly turned back. “Whether or not I believe him, I still have to investigate his claim to see if it’s true.”

“But…it doesn’t make sense,” Riko countered.

“I know you have sympathies towards The Phantom Thieves,” Sae said, “but Mr. Ono’s story makes sense. You can choose not to believe it, but I’m the one that has to prove it. I am on the side of truth, no matter how hard it can seem at times.” Sae continued walking.

Riko stood still, quietly saying to herself “I just hope truth is on your side,” before continuing to walk behind her boss.

Meanwhile, in Futaba’s room, Futaba was a little nervous. Morgana noticed this.”Hey,” Morgana said. “You can do this.”

“I know I can!” Futaba barked. “But…”

“Listen, I know it’s a little nerve-racking,” Morgana told her, “but think of it as a house-warming present for Ren.”

“Right…” Futaba said. “I can’t be nervous at a time like this.”

“Sure you can,” Morgan replied. Futaba looked at him curiously. “I mean, it’s only natural. Ren gets nervous like this all the time.”

“Really?” Futaba wondered.

Morgana smiled. “I’d thought you’d pick up on that with all the spying that you’ve done. But yeah. Ren gets nervous.”

“How does she get over it?” Futaba said.

“She knows everyone is counting on her,” Morgana said. “And she hates to disappoint.”

“Well, it’d take a whole lot to disappoint me!” Futaba said. Morgana grinned. “OK, I get it.”

Morgana chuckled. “I’m glad.”

Futaba chuckled back. “Well then, let’s get crackin’!” She got to work messaging Akechi.

Akechi was busy with finals, when he noticed his phone vibrating. He turned the sound off, so as not to bother anyone. He checked his phone discreetly, and was stunned at what he found.

???: Hello Detective.

???: This is Alibaba, contacting you on behalf of The Phantom Thieves.

???: Do you have a minute?

Akechi looked surprised. He looked up at the teacher observing the test. “Um, excuse me. Something work related came up just now. May I?”

“Of course,” the teacher responded enthusiastically.

“Thank you,” Akehi stood and bowed. “I’ll stay late today to finish up.” He left the room, and went out into the hall.

Goro: How brazen of you to contact me during midterms.

???: Is it midterms? I didn’t notice.

Goro: Why are you contacting me?

???: You wanted to cooperate, right?

Goro: I see. What do you have in mind?

???: We have two things we need you to do.

Goro: And what do I get out of it?

???: Huh?

Goro: I don’t exactly trust you.

Goro: How will I know this information is valuable to the case?

???: …

???: Alright! You want something? I’ll give you something.

???: There’s a figure out there even more powerful than the person masterminding this mental shutdown epidemic.

???: We The Phantom Thieves are the only people who can stop them.

???: We can’t do that if you know who we are and can’t act freely.

???: Do you understand?

Goro: …I do.

Goro: I never would have guessed.

Goro: But I’ll allow it. So long as what you have is good.

???: Of course it’s good. Don’t you trust me?

Goro: I just told you I didn’t.

Goro: But right now I believe you, and that’s what matters right now.

???: I guess that’s as good as I’m going to get.

???: OK, so, first off, the director isn’t at the top of this mental shutdown business.

Goro: So you want me to figure out who is?

???: If you can do that discreetly, maybe.

???: But publicly, we need you to put pressure on the director.

Goro: How come?

???: If they know that we’re on to them, the real mastermind will try to hide themselves.

???: So long as they’re still an unknown, they might let just enough slip to let us figure it out.

Goro: I see.

Goro: A classic bait-and-switch. How wonderful.

???: The second thing is, remember that figure I mentioned earlier? They’re going around corrupting people to target our bigger targets.

???: We know who we need to target next. We want you to inform them of the potential danger of someone acting strangely who might want revenge.

Goro: I see.

Goro: So those other people you mention in your calling cards…

???: Correct. They were targeting the people we targeted.

Goro: If you know who your next target is going to be, why not go now?

???: We need to look through some other possibilities first.

???: If we can avoid confrontation and get what we want, we’ll take that opportunity.

Goro: How eloquent.

Goro: I hope it doesn’t backfire.

???:With you working alongside us, I’m sure we’ll manage.

Goro: Of course.

Goro: So, who is the target?

???: Sae Niijima.

Akechi was stunned.

Goro: I see.

Goro: Mind telling me why?

???: There’s a bit of a complication to that.

???: But if we want a shot at who’s truly the mastermind behind the mental shutdowns, we need her on side.

Goro: Well, she can be stubborn.

Goro: But I’ll see what I can do.

???: Thanks.

???: I’ll reach out if we need anything else.

???: Ta ta!

Futaba deleted the text conversation before Akechi could respond.

Akechi was a little surprised by this form of techno-wizardry, but still, he smirked. He took out a notebook. On a page labeled “Phantom Thieves”, he already had Ren’s name written down there. He took out a pen and jotted down “Futaba Sakura - Known Aliases: Alibaba”.

“Hm,” Akechi smirked. “You’ve given me more than you could imagine. Thanks.” He put away his notebook, and went back to finishing his tests for the day.

He had to stay a little later to finish up the tests for that day. Once he was finally done, he apologized to the teacher, but they said it was alright. He walked out of school, and found a secluded area to make a call. “Hello?” the voice on the other end said.

“Pardon me,” Akechi replied, “but is there any one we can throw under the bus?”

“...Why are you asking that?” the voice asked.

“I was presented with the opportunity to get closer with The Phantom Thieves,” Akechi said. “But in order to do that, I need to sacrifice some of our pawns.”

“I see…” the voice said. “Are they onto me?”

“They haven’t a clue,” Akechi said.

“Hm. Very well,” the other voice said. “I’ll work on a list of names and give them to you soon.”

“Of course. Thank you,” Akechi replied. “I promise you won’t regret this.” He hung up.

Meanwhile, the man on the other end was a little concerned. He was an intense, bald man, wearing a black jacket and pants combo, with a white shirt, and sunglasses. “Hm. The Phantom Thieves HAVE to know that Ono is not the top dog. Perhaps they didn’t tell Akechi. Hm. I don’t like it.”

He looked at a stack of papers on his desk. The top sheet read “Countermeasure M.” “Well, there’s a plan in motion already. I like to think of myself as fair. If Akechi can’t get me anything concrete by the time this plan has taken full effect, then perhaps he’s outlived his usefulness. But he shouldn’t have anything to fear. So long as he’s truly working for me.”

The next day, Sae and Riko stopped at Shujin Academy. They went to the Principal’s office, where they found Mr. Arai setting things up. “Oh, Miss Niijima,” Mr. Arai said. “I was told you were coming.”

“Where’s Mr. Ogata?” Sae asked.

“He’s supervising some of the tests,” Mr. Arai. “Besides, if you’re going to be dealing with the school for an extended period of time, it’s better to talk to me at this point.” He noticed Riko. “Who is this, by the way?”

“Riko Sakurai,” she said, reaching her hand out. “Pleasure to meet you.” Mr. Arai shook hands with Riko.

“Riko is my assistant,” Sae said.

“I see,” Mr. Arai said, letting go. “Well, come on in, have a seat.” Mr. Arai sat at his desk, while Sae and Riko sat in chairs opposite of him. “So, how may I be of assistance?”

“To put it bluntly,” Sae said, “we have some suspicions that at least some members of The Phantom Thieves attend this school.”

“I see,” Mr. Arai said. “And what do you intend to do?”

“We wish to set up interviews to see if we can figure out who they might be,” Sae answered.

“Hm,” Mr. Arai said. “Pardon me for telling the prosecutor’s office what their job is, but shouldn’t you be more concerned about the SIU director?”

“I have multiple cases,” Sae said. “Besides, there is a connection between the mental shutdowns and The Phantom Thieves.”

“What kind of connection?” Mr. Arai asked.

“They have similar methodology,” Sae informed him.

Mr. Arai stared at her. “I know you’ve only had me in your first year in high school,” he said, “but I remember you well.”

“I’m flattered,” Sae said, trying to end the conversation there.

“However,” Mr. Arai said, “I didn’t expect you to give up on your dreams as much as you have.”

Sae grew angrier. “A lot has changed.”

“I know,” Mr. Arai said. “I can’t blame you.” Sae felt a little contempt in that statement. “I’ll let you have those interviews. On two conditions: One, you have to wait until midterms are done.”

"I can do that,” Sae said.

“And two, I need you to tell me you’re sure you’re doing the right thing,” Mr. Arai said.

Sae was stunned. “I beg your pardon?”

“I don’t have the fondest opinion of the justice system at the moment,” Mr. Arai said, “but I trust you. And if you can tell me that you’re sure you’re doing what’s right, I’ll trust you.”

Sae was a bit perplexed, but she took a deep breath, and said “I have the utmost confidence that I am doing the right thing.”

Mr. Arai nodded. “Very well. I’ll see you Friday.”

Sae stood up. “If all goes well, yes.” She reached out her hand. Mr. Arai shook it. “Thank you.” Sae left.

Riko stood up. “Um, I apologize for her,” she said. “She’s under a lot of stress. I’m sure that-”

“It’s alright,” Mr. Arai said. “I understand.”

“Really?” Riko said. She bowed. “Thank you.”

Mr. Arai nodded. “Just be there for her when she needs it.”

“Yes, of course,” Riko said. “Thank you.”

“RIKO!” Sae shouted.

“Coming!” Riko shouted back. She left.

Mr. Ari pondered for a moment. “I feel like I’ve seen Riko before… Well, that doesn’t matter now. What’s more important is that Sae does the right thing.” He looked up. “If she’s not, I want you to intervene, OK, Aki?”

Riko caught up with Sae, and they both started leaving “Um, if you don’t mind,” Riko said, “the energy of that meeting was a little intense. May I ask what that was about?”

“It’s a personal thing,” Sae explained. “It has nothing to do with work.”

“I see,” Riko said. “Well, as much as I hate to be a bother, I do think Mr. Arai has a point.” Sae stopped and looked at her. “I just…I just want you to be alright.”

Sae turned back. “I’ll be fine. I can handle it.”

“Of course,” Riko said. “And I’ll be there if you need anything.”

Sae smiled. “Thank you.” The two women left the school.

After midterma for the day, Ren went back up to the Leblanc attic. She was a little surprised to see the table set up, and two cartons of sushi on the table, alongside Morgana. “What’s all this?”

“Well, tonight’s the last night we’ll be roommates,” Morgana said. “I talked with Futaba to help set up this little celebration Just the two of us.” Ren smiled. “You didn’t need to do that,” Ren said.

“Sure, but I wanted to,” Morgana replied.

Ren giggled and sat down. “Thanks.” She started digging into her sushi. Morgana followed suit. Ren looked up. “You know, we’re still going to be in the same house. You can come in whenever. Well, mostly whenever.”

Morgana swallowed the sushi in his mouth. “I know. But it’s not the same. But I don’t mind. I’ve enjoyed watching you grow.”

“I was just going to say the same thing,” Ren said.

“Yeah,” Morgana said. “I know I can be a little moody sometimes.”

“I think we all are,” Ren retorted.

Morgana rolled his eyes. “But I really think that we bring out the best in each other. And while maybe it’s been a little difficult, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve been wondering what my purpose is for a while now. I’ve wanted something more than just being your assistant. But I think I’ve found it. I’m your friend.”

Ren started welling up. “C’mere!” she said, giving Morgana a big hug. “You’re my friend too.” Morgan was a little surprised at this, but he let it happen. He wanted this too, though he’d hesitate to admit it. He nestled himself into Ren and started purring gently.

Magician-Morgana: Rank 9

Ren let go. “I think we should finish this sushi.”

“Of course!” Morgan said. They went back to eating.

Ren looked around the room. She lifted her glass. “To the attic.”

Morgana stopped eating, and repeated “To the attic!” They finished eating, and went to bed in the attic for the last time.

At school the next day, before the last day of the test commenced, Mr. Ogata called out to the school on the PA. “Attention Students: After tests today, please report to the auditorium to welcome your new principal! Thank you!” There was a little commotion, but Ren smiled. She took her seat. The tests were handed out, and they began.

After school, just as they were told, the school headed to the auditorium. Mr. Ogata took the stage. “Good afternoon,” he said. “I hope you did well on your midterms. As you know, today is my last day here. I would like to thank each and every one of you. Not just the students and staff who are here, but everyone who I’ve had the responsibility and joy of looking over through the years. I have never had a more rewarding career. As much as I would like to continue, I realize my time has come. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything.” He bowed. There was applause, but some of it was a little reluctant. “Thank you. And now, may I present your new Principal: Mr. Atsuo Arai!” As Mr. Arai took the stage, the applause was louder than before, slightly annoying Mr. Ogata.

“Thank you,” Mr. Arai said. “It is an honor and a privilege to be your principal. I look forward to working with each and every one of you to help this school reach its full potential. I know things have been a little turbulent, but I want to assure everyone that I will be there for you. There are times where I need help as well, which is why I’m also counting on you. I look forward to being your principal, and I wish Mr. Ogata the best as he leaves this wonderful school. Thank you.” There was more applause, as Mr. Arai bowed and waved at the crowd.

Mr. Ogata smirked. We’ll see who has the last laugh.

After the assembly, Ren headed back to Yongen-Jaya. Out of habit, she headed to Leblanc, but she caught herself. She headed over to Sojiro’s house. Her house. She opened the door. It was a little dark, so she turned the lights on. As she did, Futaba and Sojiro jumped out and popped some poppers. “Surprise!” They yelled. Ren was taken aback.

“Hm hm. Welcome home,” Sojiro said. Futaba blew on a party blower.

Ren chuckled. “Thanks.”

“C’mere,” Sojiro said. “Let me show you to your room.” Sojiro, Ren, and Futaba headed to Ren’s new room. They opened the door, and Ren was astounded. The bed was in the far left corner facing the right wall. On the right wall was a dresser with a TV on top of it. Next to the dresser was a closet. On the opposite side of the bed on the left was a work desk, painted lavender. In the middle of the room was a red and black rug to match the cherry red walls and black ceiling. “What do you think?”

Ren smiled. “It’s perfect.”

Sojiro smiled. “I’m glad. Now then, let’s head out.” Ren was confused. “I made reservations at a steakhouse to not only celebrate your new room, but you being done with midterms as well.”

Ren smiled. “Thanks Sojiro.”

Sojiro nodded. “Futaba, are you ready?

“Yeah,” she answered.

“Then let’s head out,” Sojiro said. The three of them headed out to celebrate.

Meanwhile, Sae was in her office. She pondered her notes, took a deep breath, and stood up. She told Riko. “I’m heading out for a little bit. I’ll be back in an hour. Maybe an hour and a half. Don’t feel like you need to wait for me. You shouldn’t come with. This is personal.” Sae stormed out.

“O…K…” Riko said, befuddled.

Sae arrived at Naoko’s apartment. She knocked on the door. Naoko answered. “Ah. Come in.” Sae walked in. “I’ve been cleaning a little since you last came. But I’ve been a little busy. I’m actually working on a case recently.”

“Do you need help?” Sae asked.

“Nah, I’m already working in tandem with a lot of people,” Naoko said. “But do you need help?” Sae froze at the question. “You come here when you want help.”

Sae stood still. “...I’d appreciate it if you didn’t say it so bluntly.”

“That’s just who I am,” Naoko said. “Now, how can I help you?”

“You know what I want,” Sae said.

“Phantom Thieves info again?” Naoko said. “I told you everything I’m willing to.”

“The situation has changed,” Sae said, firmly. “I’m not an idiot doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.”

“Hm. I’ll hear you out then,” Naoko said.

“Director Ono told me he was working at the behest of The Phantom Thieves,” Sae explained.

Naoko was puzzled. “Pardon me, but do you actually believe that?”

“Whether or not it's true, I have to investigate to be sure,” Sae said.

Naoko shrugged. “Alright. But I can tell you they aren’t.”

“How can you be so sure?!” Sae countered.

“Because once you know what I know, you’ll know,” Naoko said.

“Fine,” Sae said. “Just tell me what I want to know.”

“Alright,” Naoko said. “One of the kids was a boy with short blonde hair.” Sae was taking notes. “The second was a girl with shoulder-length black hair and glasses.

Sae paused for a moment. That sort of sounds like Amamiya… “You said they were there on the orders of a third?”

“Correct,” Naoko said. “And while I don’t know the names of the two people I just described, I definitely know the name of the third.”

“What is it?” Sae asked.

“Makoto Niijima,” Naoko replied.

Sae was shocked. She looked at Naoko. “Hm. Alright. We’re done here. If you insist on lying to me to cover their tracks, then our conversation is done.” Sae started to leave.

“HEY!” Naoko shouted. “I may have covered up the truth, but I’m not a liar!”

“There’s NO WAY Makoto is a Phantom Thief,” Sae protested.

“Is that the truth, or just what you want to believe?” Naoko said.

“It’s the truth!” Sae countered. “I know you and I are on different teams when it comes to The Phantom Thieves, but I at least expect you to trust me to do my job!”

“Oh, I trust you to do your job,” Naoko countered. “What I don’t trust right now is you doing what’s right!”

Sae was stunned. “EXCUSE ME?!”

“Yeah, you heard me,” Naoko said.

Sae became indignant. “My job IS to do what’s right!”

“Not always!” Naoko said. “I thought you of all people would know that.”

“You-”

“And don’t think I don’t know the difference!” Naoko interrupted. “Just four months ago, I thought what I was doing was right, when that couldn’t have been further from the truth!” There was a tense standoff. Naoko sighed. “Look, maybe that was a bit too far. But…well…you’re Nobuyuki’s kid. And he’s not here to guide you right now. So I’m trying. I can’t be him. I know I can’t be him, but I still have to try.”

Sae stared at him. “I appreciate your concern, but I’ve got this under control.”

“You still don’t believe me?” Naoko said.

“Of course not,” Sae said. “I respect you, but I can’t take your word.”

“Did you tell that to your boss?” Naoko sniped.

“...I’ve had my suspicions of The Phantom Thieves as well,” Sae answered. “His statement only confirms it.”

“But you won’t listen to what I have to say,” Naoko said.

“I’ll take it into consideration,” Sae said, bitterly. She started leaving.

“Look!” Naoko said. Sae stopped once more. “I know what you’re after. I’ve been in that place before too. I’m here to tell you that it’s OK to bow out. I know it’s hard, believe me, but…you seem so miserable right now. I hate seeing you like that.”

“Hm, Sae grunted. “If you want to make me smile, give me correct information.”

“I did,” Naoko insisted.

“Then stay out of my way,” Sae said. She left.

Naoko sighed. He took out his phone, “Risi: Remind me to call my sister tomorrow to ask for her cookie recipe.”

“OK,” his phone said. “Setting reminder.”

Sae arrived back at her office. Riko was still there, but she didn’t care too much. Riko noticed Sae was upset. “Is everything alrig-” Sae slammed her door before Riko could finish answering.

Sae opened her door. “Sorry. You may go.” She closed the door again, still aggressively, but more quietly.

Riko, unsure of how she should respond, just quietly repeated “I go home when you go home.”

Sae was at her desk. She interlocked her fingers and looked at it. The contents of her desk blurred together, but at the moment she didn’t care. She was contemplating the situation she was in. She was so close to solving this case, which would put her in a position to do everything she ever wanted. And yet, everyone she trusts was telling her it was a bad idea. She could put away The Phantom Thieves, but no one would believe they were responsible without proof, which in this case was few and far between.

She couldn't do much except follow through on the investigation. And she knew she was the only one who could. So why is everything telling her not to? It didn’t make sense. She felt trapped. She knew that if she could just get out, she could make a difference, but she couldn’t see the light. She collapsed on her desk. “What am I going to do?”

A few minutes later, she got up, and headed out. She noticed Riko was still there. “I’m going home. I suggest you do the same. We have a big day ahead of us.”

“Yes ma’am!” Riko said. She got up and walked out. Just as they were about to head their separate ways, Riko said “Just so you know, I’m here for you, no matter what.”

Sae smiled. “Thanks. I needed that.” They two women headed home.

#p5 #p5 femc #persona 5 #p5r #p5r rework #persona fanfiction #femc #female ren #persona 5 royal #p5 rework #ren amamiya #sae #kunikazu okumura #siu director #futaba #akechi #morgana #sojiro sakura

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megaderping · 7 months

Text

Saw a rather mean post last night, and genuinely, I do not understand how people can play Persona 5 (particularly Royal), and come out thinking Akechi genuinely hates Joker when Morgana outright states for the audience, "You don't really hate Joker, do you?" Akechi laments how they didn't meet a few years earlier and how they could've been "great rivals, perhaps even friends." o_O Like... is this a vanilla thing? I genuinely don't get it. The interrogation room wasn't even his idea (SIU director mentions as much). It's not even about the ship- the game spells out that their bond is more complex, and it just so happens that a lot of people like to explore it as one. Even as platonic, tho, there's a shit ton of depth. Idk, any time I see discourse (especially people making fun of Shuake fans and stuff), I just question how many people actually paid attention to the dialogue. Even the "I hate you speech" reads as him being extremely emotionally constipated and conflicted. Plus, y'know...

Very hateful. Sure. :p Idk, maybe certain playthroughs of the game remove all those moments where the game spells out that they have a special bond (Maruki even states it isn't based on hatred, but that's only if you get his third awakening). Just wish people would get off their high horses, if anything. Sometimes I see people get really condescending about liking Akechi or liking Shuake, and like... just block the tags if you don't like these things instead of posting untagged ship/character bashing and making fun of fans? At least have the decency to tag it as something that Shuake fans can filter because some of those posts are really mean-spirited. :/ You think we haven't heard it all before? I may be new to the fandom, but I have heard that this BS has been going on for years.

I don't think it really matters if there are "healthier" ship options because some of us prefer the messiness, the depth, and complexity. It's not for everyone, and I respect favoring more straightforwardly sweet and wholesome dynamics or wishing your favorite pair got more spotlight. I'm a Riku and Kairi shipper in Kingdom Hearts, for crying out loud. :P I get it, but you're not gonna win anyone over to your side by telling them that [insert ship here] is better. In my case, it makes me more averse because of how deeply their relationship in the confidant, engine room, and third sem touched me and seeing people go "yeah, but you are wrong for feeling that way, THIS is better" is just... yeah. :/ (Also, people gotta learn the difference between hitmen and serial killers. Akechi is the former, which I've ranted about before, but yeah.)

So many fandom problems could be solved if people didn't take the piss out of others for shipping something they don't personally like. x_x; By all means, feel the way you feel, it's okay to not like things.

#goro akechi #persona 5 #persona #persona 5 joker #joker p5 #akira kurusu #ren amamiya #not naming names but the amount of times i see people shit on shuake fans while ignoring blatant dialogue in the game #i was just trying to look for cool akechi posts last night #every time people make fun of shuake fans i like the other joker ships less and less tbh #the ship and the character mean so much to me #discourse

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chernobog13 · 11 months

Photo

Beggar So (Simon Yuen/Yuen Siu-tien) training a young Wong Fei-hung (Jackie Chan) in Drunken Master (1978).

Yuen Siu-tien, father of the film’s director, Yuen Woo-ping, was so popular as Beggar So he played the role in three more films - Dance of the Drunk Mantis (aka Drunken Master Part 2 - which is NOT the same film as Drunken Master ll), Story of Drunken Master, and World of the Drunken Master - before his death in 1979.

#Drunken Master #Beggar So #Simon Yuen #Yuen Siu-tien #Wong Fei-hung #Jackie Chan #martial arts #kung fu

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