#crows can lead wolves to food sources and warn them of incoming danger

[epitomees]

What do you think Zenkichi's opinion of Akechi would be if he met him, both as the Detective Prince and as Crow?

((This is a concept that's been sitting on the back-burner of my mind for a while now, because I would love to eventually throw Zenkichi at the Akechis around here just to see how he would react and respond.

Before I deep dive into any specifics or his personal reactions, I'd like to start on the surface level. First off, I honestly think Zenkichi HAS seen Akechi in person before. Not so much as talked to him one-on-one or had any kind of deep discussions, but he's more than likely visited the Public Safety building for business matters. Whether it was for a case or gathering evidence via their government network. Zenkichi HAD to have seen him in passing, or perhaps witnessed some of his Detective Prince work in action. So just by seeing Akechi in this kind of scenario, Zenkichi already has a sort of appreciation for Akechi's conduct and work ethnic. He's dedicated to his work, always proclaiming to be on the side of society's true sense of justice; there is definitely a professional sense of genuine respect.

However, I think Zenkichi has a more personal dislike for Akechi as well. He's a popular celebrity at this point, and for someone so young everyone seems to fawn over him not just because of his legacy but because of his general public personality. He appears very humble and grateful when making TV appearances or being interviewed for news reporters, but Zenkichi believes it to be a clever guise. He's using his fame and his status as a well-known detective to influence the population, and that leaves a bitter taste for someone as hard-working as Zenkichi. He built himself up from ground zero to get into his current position, and it's not even the career he wanted to be in. He's STILL trying to form change inside the corrupt system, but it's taking it's sweet time. Meanwhile, here's some teenager who elevated himself to popularity status AND just so happens to be working for the government. It's not a good mix, so Zenkichi has some personal gripes too.

And then, Strikers happens, and we see his whole entire character go through change and development. I personally believe Joker has talked about Akechi numerous times during their travels, whether it was around the Thieves or one-on-one with Zenkichi. It would come as a surprise to know how close Joker and Akechi were, not to mention literally all the main game events that led up to his supposed death, but with this new enlightenment and information, I think Zenkichi's opinions of Akechi may shift. Not drastically, but...I think Zenkichi would give him a chance to prove his gut instincts wrong. He'd certainly be surprised to see how Akechi ACTUALLY acts around the Thieves; the stubborn, blunt, and rather rude detective who's not afraid to speak his mind. In fact, I think Zenkichi would get a kick out of it too! Somehow he knew Akechi wasn't this saintly, goody-two shoes Detective Prince like he presented himself to be for the media. He has his flaws, he's cold-natured and ruthless; Zenkichi would be glad and...maybe a bit relieved too.

He'd CERTAINLY be surprised to see how Akechi acts in the Metaverse too. Violent, cruel, a bit hot-headed but he still knows how to call the shots. I...really really think Zenkichi would enjoy seeing Akechi go hog wild when they team up. But of course, as someone who is a dad and now has adopted nine other kids into his family, he'd have some worries and concerns over his mental well-being. I think Joker would inform Zenkichi about what happened between them during Third Semester once he's built that trust up.

So knowing all of that, coupled together with Zenkichi's preconceived thoughts about the Detective Prince...they wouldn't get along at first, but Zenkichi would grow to favor Akechi's company. And maybe even adopt him too, who knows.))