#persona x detective naoto

[anzuhan]

P25th - P4 & PXN & P4A & P4AU

all busts here

[icryink]

kurogami ai!

[wilbursmightiest]

redesigned persona x detective naoto!

i didnt like the new design much, so i decided to merge naoto's p4g design with their detective naoto design.

as you can see i kept the winter detective outfit from p4g (how could they take the hat away :( ), but i kept the shirt and tie from detective naoto.

i also kept the long hair, but made it less long and put it in a low ponytail.

i like to think that naoto doesnt mind how people percieve them anymore after their dungeon, and so presents as more androgynous than masculine.

sorry for yapping i hope you like the art!! (not open to discourse btw)

[soft-serve-soymilk]

is this anything.

[systematicallycapricious]

[AoN] PxDN Lore Snippet: R-00 + R-01 Reactivation

Yep, I read Persona x Detective Naoto, and yep, I'm incorporating it into this story. Why? ‘Cause it’s not a bad read, and more importantly it’s got a lot of feasible world lore I can use to enrich the setting, of which I can do all sorts of fun stuff with. Also, Sousei and Sho share a lot of similarities in terms of circumstances and behaviors, so any chance for him and Sholar to cross paths has lots of fun potential as well, even if it's only once.

Anyway, this is just a little snippet from the full AoN-PxDN lore doc that I'm getting straightened-up, 'cause I'm excited about how nicely I got it to fit together. \o/

Spoilers for: Persona x Detective Naoto, Persona 3, Persona 4 Arena/Ultimax, and my fic "Apropos of Nothing" (very mildly though, otherwise I wouldn't be posting it xP)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(For quick reference, the R-series ASSW project spanned from roughly 2006 to 2009, with Sousei's run being from 2007-2008, Ai's spanning 2008-2009, and their endings being Yūri's death and Aigis's reactivation respectively. SEES is first founded in Spring 2006 (being Mit/Aki/Shinji), and P3 happens as normal from 2009-2010. The 7th Gen ASSW project also ended with the explosion & creation of the Dark Hour on Sept 10th, 1999.)

So, several times throughout 2011, Minazuki accesses Ikutsuki's isolated server + the Ergo database server in general, with the first instance of the latter catching the ShadOps/KJG's attention. A bit spooked by the unauthorized access, everything related to Ergo (both current and old) is given a thorough security check, resulting in the discovery of 3 ASSWs sitting around in storage, among other things.

(Note: the database server access happens differently in this AU, so up until now, Minazuki had been accessing the isolated server legitimately via Ikutsuki's whitelisted computer with admin credentials, and then attempted to access the general server with an unregistered device. I still have to learn how databases work though, so I might have to adjust that in the future.)

Pretty much no one seems to know much about this mysterious 5th Gen and two R-series androids, despite there actually being a decent bit on information on-file for the latter once they decrypted it, and so, alongside a bunch of other old Ergo artifacts, the three are shipped out to the Yakushima Ergo quarantine facility for inspection and threat assessment. Some of the staff who were cited to work on the R-series are also contacted by Mitsuru to get further information.

(Note: unlike OG, the transport goes smoothly, because canon-divergence. /o/)

Mr. Tsuge Tetsuma has been employed as a researcher in the Kirijo Ergonomics Robotics Division for a long time now, but more importantly since the R-Series project was abruptly halted and its products stuffed away into storage. Now, he was nowhere near happy about having to leave Sousei and Ai in there for all this time, mind you, but he didn't have the authority nor the opportunity to get them back out of storage on his own, and so it was all he could do to stick with the company until an opportunity might arise. Getting a phone call from Mitsuru provided one such opportunity.

With the aid of Tsuge, the three ASSWs are reactivated and inspected, and once Mitsuru learns that they're not threats and are sentient beings with "hearts" of their own, they're given official rank as auxiliary members in the ShadOps to keep Public Safety from trying to confiscate them on the grounds of being "highly dangerous weapons". And… I guess I haven't figured out the specifics beyond that point yet, like if they actually help out the ShadOps or not. I feel like they might given Sousei’s determination to prove his usefulness and Ai’s desire to help out overall, but Sousei’s determination to have a combat-type Persona might also undermine that? Anyway, Tsuge is also brought into the fold as an official ShadOps researcher and tasked with being the supervisor of the Kurogamis due to his past experiences and relations with them and their creator.

(Fun fact: the reactivation order goes Ai, Sousei, Labrys because they have more information on, and familiarity with, the R-series units than the 5th Gen unit, so there's less risk involved with activating the Kurogamis than there is with Labrys. (Plus, in the event that Labrys ends up being hostile or out of control, the Kurogamis could be called in to help suppress her.) Also, Tsuge knows that Sousei will be rowdier than Ai, so as one of the chief specialists on the team, he's making the executive decision to give the team the ‘easier’ one to start with, lol.)

A year passes (which is what makes up a lot of Sousei's impression of "smoldering away at a lab, not yet fulfilling his mission as a suppression weapon"), and in late 2012 the National Police Agency entreats the KJG for technological aid in civilian safety and law enforcement measures. With the Kurogamis’ robotic physique and Sousei’s Past Reading in mind, this opportunity gets presented to Tsuge and the Kurogamis, of which Tsuge eventually gets Sousei on board with when he learns that they can be stationed at Yagokoro's PD, where Aoi Touko works. Ai didn't really need a ton of convincing, being content to be wherever Tsuge and Sousei are and determined to help out where she can.

(Note: part of the "last year's brutal crimes" is influenced by the Inaba kidnapping and murder cases, as it caused quite a stir across the nation, though the other part is probably more mundane, non-magical crime. Also, other technology and robotics were implemented in other PD's across Japan, but Yagokoro was the only one to make use of ASSWs specifically.)

And from there, PxDN happens more-or-less as normal, although certain events may or may not have Naoto meet the Kurogamis and/or Tsuge before PxDN occurs. It depends on if they end up staying on Yakushima for the whole time or if they go to an Ergo or ShadOps facility on mainland Japan, and furthermore if it happens to be the one Naoto visits or not. Most likely, if they do cross paths at all, it'll be brief, or else an off-handed mention of them by someone else, but I'll have to see as I solidify more of that part of the timeline. P:

Also, Tsuge’s employment with the ShadOps lets him distribute Evokers to Touko and Naoto during PxDN’s events, perhaps special models more recently designed for use outside of the Dark Hour/CoUn, because they really shouldn’t be able to summon their Personas so casually in the conscious world. It’s somewhat believable for when Naoto Awakens to Amatsu Mikaboshi and when she’s trying to save Touko, given the circumstances, but outside of that. :P

[nerdygingergremlin]

Something that I think we've all forgotten in the persona fandom (or at least i haven't seennon ao3 or ff) is that Ken is in the right age range for P5. Like he could be a senior with Haru and Makoto. The perfect in for a P3/P5 crossover. Ken and Koromaru just having flashbacks to P3 Minato in high school. Maybe he finds mementos on his own, runs into them and goes "Look, none of you know what you're doing, imma call Aigis. Koromaru, don't let them move." As he walks off to call someone while in Mementos.

[madmanwonder]

Crossover Crack Ship: Lucky Detective/NaoMako

Makoto Naegi:

X

Naoto Shirogane:

[sillydummydum]

Hello Everybody!!!

My name's Luna, I'm an autistic 16y old demiaroace bissexual girl who really enjoys playing games, drawing and self shipping!! I've been doing it without knowing since I was like 8 so yeah -v-" I'm a little bit shy and definitely don't know how to make pretty aah tumblr posts but I try to have fun! Never interacted with much people from the self shipping community due to shyness-- but I'm happy to make new self shipper friends!! I tend to talk allot so sorry if I yap! I got the silly--

☆ She/her ☆

I really like:

- Persona (main special interest)

- Pokemon (very strong special interest!!)

- Sonic

- Undertale

- Touhou

- Rpg

- Honestly videogame and uh-- hell! even anime in general!! sign me in! I really like to learn abt other people's passions so plz show me lots of cool media!! I'll love it!

- Does my boyfriend counts?... cuz I do like him allot

- Making friends!!

I don't really enjoy:

- fighting on the Internet (I swear don't fight me I'll cry) /j

- Basic dni stuff yk just bad people in general

- Anti self shippers duhh

- People who don't like my boyfriend

- People who DO like my boyfriend/j

Romantic F/O's:

- Goro Akechi ♡ (my main f/o!! My boyfriend! My silly!~ Will mostly if not a 100% of the time talk about him!! And I'm usually mocking him lol he's stupid, miserable and fun to laugh at/pos Not really comfy with sharing! Aaah sorry i mean i don't mind if you interact but you knoooow... ><")

- Naoto Shirogane (kinda jealous so nu-uh)

- X!tale Chara (don't mind!)

- Satori Komeiji (don't mind~)

Short list lol the only ones I am very invested in are Goro and Naoto, i'm a detective kisser ig 😭

- Shuichi Saihara (don't mind!!)

- Shadow the hedgehog (It's a little funny to think abt that one I mean I freaking love yall Shadow selfshippers plz do interact)

Platonic F/O's:

- Honestly all the persona 3/4/5 main cast are my best friends in my respective persona alternate universes, change my mind. BESTIES BESTIES BESTIES!!! I LOVE MAKING FRIENDS AND BEING SILLY WITH THEM!!!

- Akiren and Futaba specially tho, Leblanc familly makes me happy happy happy hi Sojiro plz adopt me :3

- Sumire too, THAT'S MY BESTIE RIGHT HERE EVERYONE!!!! (Can my royal trio favoritism be noticed throughout this post? Impossible challenge.)

- Nanako as well!~ my cute little consideration sis <3

- Sumireko is my absolute Touhou bestie!!!

- Flandres is my sis <3 (Remi too naturally cof cof)

- Cream the rabbit as my little sister? HELL YEAH, CLAIMED!! (I really enjoy having siblings leave me alone 😭)

- If a character exists in a media I self insert into, i'll probably be their friend or steal their blood/hj

Okay let me stop myself before i start becoming a friends/sister with the whole fictional universe...

So that's it! I'm not really good at using tumblr or... talking to people-- so yeah lol sorry!! I just really really like my boyfriend and wanted to share that! he makes me happy and joyful and makes me forget about my problems to worry about his ♡ And i wish that everyone could be able to experience that hapinnes without judgements! happy self shipping for everyone!!! And remember...

Your F/O loves you ♡

|....☆.....☆......☆......☆.....☆.....☆......☆......☆.....☆....|

[princedetectives]

in my last post i mentioned at the end how goro akechi's "detective prince" outfit looks a hell of a lot like naoto's persona. well im still thinking about it. sit down

like. when you see them side by side the resemblance IS pretty uncanny isnt it? im not crazy??

my thesis: akechi's detective prince outfit is a mix of symbols he sees as upholders of justice. aka, his role models. aka, mainly naoto and the neo featherman rangers. you know, because he's a nerd.

the latter is even more obvious in robin hood. i could swear it's canon but i for the life of me cannot remember where from. but i KNOW he is a featherman fan. it makes sense, watching a show where heroes of justice fight against evil and forming an image of justice based on that. it's further supported by his weapons, described as kids' toys. it's very likely his image of justice was formed when he was pretty young, the perfect age to form role models like this. this resemblance has been pointed out before im sure youve heard it

but i digress. you know who ELSE is a featherman fan?

(really really cute that both of them are featherman nerds. comes with being a detective prince i suppose)

that's already a pretty strong link between them -- i bet featherman ranger influenced naoto's persona, too. at least a little bit. but the resemblance to the cartoon isn't as strong with naoto. it's there, but the bird-like theme can also be explained by yamato-takeru's mythology (when he died, he turned into a great white bird and flew away).

so naoto's persona is mostly original. which means the resemblance can only be explained by respect for naoto. and i guarantee you he doesnt even realize it. (unless he's seen naoto's persona before, which might be true if you want to get funky with AUs, but probably not.) and you might look at me and think the link is kind of farfetched... but come on. the resemblance is too much to ignore to me. and even if it wasn't intentional it's interesting and fun to look at it like it is.

but what does this mean

as i mentioned in my last post, akechi's status as the first detective prince is vital to his self-image. self-image affects metaverse appearance deeply, ESPECIALLY with akechi, since his personas work differently than everyone else's. it feels easy to write this off as "oh it's just his public mask" but remember both detective prince and black mask and equally essential.

and again, it's not like naoto's popularity gets in the way of his. akechi has garnered respect on his own (or by shido's tampering, but that's a whole other can of worms). even so, the detective prince name is directly congruent with his predecessor. naoto's shadow looms over it. it's only natural that his "detective prince" form, as i've been calling it, reflects this. it's a LEGACY!

of course, naoto definitely wouldn't have a metaverse outfit like this, even with the same influences. crow is uniquely akechi, because the detective prince title is just as much his as it is naoto's.

p.s. i usually avoid the existence of persona x detective naoto as much as possible but.. but the new persona he gets there... i couldnt help but notice....

okay, genuinely don't get me started on this one LMAO

[katsona-the-katsequel]

Timeline Preface

First of all, it's necessary to make clear which years will be used as reference for each game, for these years will dictate everything else in the timeline.

Persona 1 -> 1996

Persona 2 -> 1999

Persona 3 -> 2009

Persona 4 -> 2011

Persona 5 -> 2016

In total, we will be covering 20 years of in-game events plus a few here and there. The following is a list of the events that WILL NOT be considered canon in the timeline, just to keep it in mind:

Shin Megami Tensei: if... Gakuen no Akuma Tsukai

Shin Megami Tensei if...: Jin of the Expanse

Shin Megami Tensei: Kahn

Revelations: Persona (basically the americanized version)

Megami Ibunroku Persona: Ikuu no Tou Hen

Megami Ibunroku Persona: Shadow Maze

Megami Ibunroku Persona Digital Collection

Persona 2: Innocent Sin ~ The Errors of Their Youth

Persona 2 Tsumi: Lost Memories

Persona 2: Tsumi ga Ataeshi Batsu

Persona 2 Batsu: Infinity Mask

Persona: Tsumi to Batsu

Persona 3: Owari no Kakera

Persona 3: Shadow Cry

Persona 3: The Night Before

Persona 3 Portable

Persona 3 Portable: Velvet Blue

Persona 3 Reload

Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight

Persona 3 Em

Megami Tensei Chaining Soul: Persona 3

Megami Tensei QIX: Persona 3

Persona 3 Broken Shadow

Persona 3 Illust Puzzle

Persona 3 Escape

Persona 3 Drama CD: New Moon

Persona 3 Drama CD: Full Moon

Persona 3 Social

Persona Ain Soph

Persona 3 FES: Alternative Heart

Persona -trinity soul-

Persona -trinity soul- Novel

Persona 4: Kiri no Amnesia

Persona 4 The Card Battle

Persona 4: Your Affection

Persona x Detective Naoto

Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight

Persona O.A.

Persona 5: Mementos Mission

Persona 5 Tactica

Persona 5: The Phantom X

Persona Mobile Online

Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth*

Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth*

Vanilla Versions of P3, P4, and P5

Animation and Movie Adaptations

Manga Adaptations

Bad Endings

Comic Anthologies

Live Action and Stage Adaptations

Drama CDs unless specifically mentioned

Novel Adaptations

That weird promotional P4 flash game

The ones that WILL be considered canon and will be included in the timeline are the following:

Plus the Persona 2: Eternal Punishment PSP additional scenario.

Final Details

After each part, I will be including a "personal assumptions and headcanons" section. None of the things mentioned in said section are confirmed, in fact, some headcanons will be mentioned. Its purpose is just to enrich the canon already established by the timeline. You'll get it when you see it.

If there is a Social Link/Extra Scene/Additional Dialogue in another game/novel/CD that wasn´t in the list but enriches the story, those details will be included (glances at P3 Portable and Reload). A similar thing happened with PQ, which was almost included because of Chronos. Since everyone's memories were erased anyways, I just took Chronos and left them in their pocket dimension to live their non-canon adventures. Same thing happened with the P1 manga, since it offered extra details and more about Naoya. From Tsumi to Batsu I only took the extended Philemon lore.

Possible Questions

“Why wasn't X media included?”

It depends.

I would have been okay with Tsumi if it didn't overlap with what happens in the main game. Batsu did have some interesting elements, but I couldn't find a gameplay in a language I spoke.

I wanted to include Tsumi ga Ataeshi Batsu so badly, but also couldn't find it online.

I didn't include Vanilla P3 since it needed The Answer to feel truly complete. The same happened with Golden and Royal. Portable was already an AU the moment Minako was included (sorry, queen). Honestly, you can just ignore the extra content from the remastered games or change Minato's name to Minako/Hamuko/Kotone to get the timeline you want (if you want the full FeMC experience, also read Velvet Blue).

At the moment of this timeline's creation, Reload still hasn't launched their own version of The Answer.

Ask me for specifics about other media that wasn't included.

"You forgot X media, which wasn't on either list!"

PLEASE, LET ME KNOW! I know the wiki is incomplete (discovered this when I tried doing an iceberg years ago), and that some media slips through the cracks.

If you can provide a link where I can read/watch/hear it (either English or Spanish is fine), I would be eternally grateful (also if someone can give me a translation of the Naruhodona-SEES section of the Persona Stalker Club pretty please, I would kiss you).

Though if new media was released after March 2024, the year this timeline was made, then that's why it wasn't included.

"Are the timelines already done?"

Nope. They're still in progress, but I wanted to leave some things clear before I published them. If you have any proposals or recommendations, there's still time.

That's all for now. See you next week!

[noassallclass]

Hi! Sorry I didn't know if you liked people dming you randomly so I figured I'd send an ask. Tbh I only know you as that person going insane about Naorise so I figured you might like these panels I got while reading the Persona x Detective manga (worst mistake of my life dear god they did not lie they can really sexualize that detective and ruin their personality with poor writing) (i don't. even know what pronouns you use for naoto but yeah even if you interpret naoto as cis would not recommend I am telling you do not. you do not want to read this I hate it I hate it so badly I h)

ANYWAYS. UM. IMAGES BE UPON YE

These are great! thanks for sharing with me!

I do love that this is basically implying that Rise is one of the most important people in changing Naoto's life! They are just so good for each other 🥺

You truly are the bravest soldier for reading Detective Naoto 🫡 I've heard that it should be avoided at all costs because of how bad it is.

There is no way that Naoto is cis but I will use any pronouns for them haha but boy sometimes how Naoto is treated in these stories after their revealed to be a "woman" is like 😰 we don't need to see all that!

[almoststedytimetravel]

i saw your naoto post and deep dove your persona 4 posts (like a normal person). i am now asking what are your trans naoto discourse opinions

Scariest thing I've ever seen in my ask box

ahem

Personally idc what people headcannon a character's gender identity as (Especially one as poorly handled as Naoto giving you so many avenues for interpreting their Gender), just as general rule. Have fun with it, they aren't real people, Godspeed. As for my personal reading of Naoto as a character though...

So I'm not gonna deny that the specific way Naoto (specifically their shadow) talks about themselves comes across as transphobic. Shocking that a game that first came out in, what, 2008, isn't very good at talking about Gender issues. If/when P4 gets a remake they will almost certainly over hall the script for Naoto's arc (Thank god).

That being said I think Naoto's choice to crossdress her way out of misogyny is a way to show her social isolation and naïvety. Naoto expresses that she didn't have any friends until she met the Investigation Team and that she read a stupid amount of fiction from her grandfather's library. Crossdressing to do quote-un-quote men's work is something pretty confined to fiction, which was Naoto's only real window into the outside world (Other then the police force). Anyone with any real world experience could tell you that transitioning (or crossdressing) is not going to get you respect, especially in the police force.

I think Naoto's social link does a fine job of implying that pretending to be man was making her miserable, but I think it could have been more explicate about it. The spin offs however (Dancing and Arena specifically, if you bring up Persona X Detective Naoto in my presence I will reduce you to atoms) Really put a fair bit of effort into showing that presenting as a girl does make her happy! Her idealisation of Mitsuru in Arena, even saying that she was the type of woman Naoto wanted to become, does a lot to patch up the holes in her character.

Of course since these character moments are confined to spin offs a lot of people won't see them and only get her bad dungeon and mediocre social link.

Personally I like She/They nb Naoto!

[etrosgate]

been reading persona x detective naoto and it is Not good so far (and probably will never get good). but if you are reading it through a transgender naoto lens it Will make you put your head in your hands every 20 pages

[lunariamv]

i love edgelords <3 adachi tohru x fem reader (part 3) | [Part 1] [Part 2] im late but i finally did it >:D adachi gets clocked by girlboss; featuring: female rage

The formidable shadow burst into a million particles. A satisfied exhale escaped you as you lowered your smoking gun. The leftover rush from the fight was settling in your veins. That has to be the last one, right? Everything was leading up to the end, and you were determined to clear this dungeon. You were getting closer. The finale was drawing ever so near, and you could feel it in your bones.

Turning your head over your shoulder, your hair swayed in the faint breeze. Standing behind and beside you were the seven high schoolers (and bear) you were in charge of. “Are you guys alright?” 

Call it your maternal instincts kicking in, but you wanted to make sure the kids were prepared to keep going. Everyone needed to be at their best if you wanted to stand a chance at defeating Adachi. Losing wasn’t an option.

“Yeah, we’re good!” Chie replied. Honestly, she was pretty fired up. She could fight these shadows, and still be full of energy.

“Yes ma’am.” Kanji added politely. The others uttered similar notions.

Upon everyone’s confirmation, a smile formed on your lips. Glad to see you were all on the same page. “Okay, good. We’re almost to the end, aren’t we?”

Rise, the eyes and ears of the team, nodded. Since the way had been cleared up, her persona had an easier time detecting enemies. Adachi in particular. “Yeah. He should be down that way…!” She replied firmly. Teddy could sense it as well. All of you were almost to the final stage.

“Let’s go then.” You declared, and the leader of the investigation squad agreed. Stepping forward, Yu took charge and led the group.

Inside the winding nexus of concrete paths and caution tape, there was a singular path to the end. Just before your feet, there was a long stretch of path ahead. Taking a deep breath, you took off with the students.

This was it. You’d finally get the closure you had been waiting for.

As you kept up your brisk pace, Yukiko jogged alongside you. She turned her head to face you.

“Are you gonna be okay, Miss (Y/N)?” She held a look of concern. All of them knew that Adachi used to be an important person to you. To face him head on like this would be rough.

Upon hearing her worries, Rise, Chie, and Naoto slowed down to join in the conversation. It was horrible what Adachi did to you, betraying your trust like that. They couldn’t imagine what it was like for a person they liked to turn out to be a completely different person.

“...I’ll be fine.” You replied with a faint smile. To you, this was nothing.

Admittedly, it warmed your heart to see that the girls empathized with you. In fact, the days leading up to the dungeon were filled with talks from the girls. They were there for you in Adachi’s absence, and the reassurance was comforting. It was a reminder you weren’t alone in this endeavor. Your Ex’s reckless and twisted actions affected so many people. Soon to be many more. Whether you were prepared or not, you had to stop him at all costs. Everyone deserved justice.

A confident smirk formed on your lips. “I’m just ready to take him down already.” You joked.

The boys were in full agreement with that sentiment. Not only did they want to beat him up, but also for your honor and Nanako’s. “Hell yeah, we’ll kick his ass!” Kanji cheered, and Yosuke agreed.

The group was successfully hyped up now. The eight of you ran down the long narrow path littered with signs and caution tape. The red mist was vaguely hazy through your glasses. Off in the distance, you could see the end of the line. At the finish line was a figure standing there.

Upon spotting the edge, you picked up your speed. Closely behind, the others followed suit. Once you caught up to the figure, your movements skidded to a halt. All done in stilettos. It was impressive how well you moved in heels.

Adachi’s back was turned to your group. There was a brief pause, then he gradually turned around. As he did so, he offered your group a slow pity clap.

“Wow, I’m surprised you made it this far.” He observed. Though he said it to the group, it was mostly meant for you in particular. The drive you had to beat him was fascinating.

At the forefront of the investigation team, you crossed your arms. If he tried anything, you’d do your best to protect the kids. They took priority, as their personas were much stronger than yours. So you served as the support, and the first line of defense. 

“I’m surprised you can even see.” You retorted as you placed him under heavy scrutiny.

He raised a brow. “Huh? Of course I can see.” For a moment, his dark nature dropped due to his confusion. What kind of observation was that?

You tilted your head curiously. Raising your hand, you pinched the temple of your glasses and lowered them about an inch. Just to be sure. As you expected, the scenery before you was barely visible. A foggy, hazy mess. Without the lenses, it was hard to make him out. You skeptically narrowed your eyes and moved your specs back up. “Really…? Isn’t it foggy?”

The teenagers with you realized you had a point. Does Adachi not need glasses because he’s a shadow or something?

“Oh no, I can see you perfectly fine, (Y/N)...” Adachi shook his head with a chuckle. The fog was nothing to him. In fact, it was comforting more than anything. Smirking, a low rumble left his throat. “And man, you look as lovely as ever~”

Gross. Needless to say, his compliments had you grimacing in disgust. Any of his flirting attempts were like a mouthful of sand. Glaring, you held your hip. Everything he said got on your nerves now.

“Enough.” Naoto noticed your mild discomfort. “Allow me to confirm the crimes you’ve committed thus far.”

“You had suspicions that this world was dangerous, yet you threw Mayumi Yamano into the TV. Knowing full well that Ms. Yamano died here, you did the same to Saki Konishi. Not only that, but you duped Namatame into taking over your murder attempts, while you watched like a spectator at a game. When the disappeared stopped dying, you sent a warning letter to ensure more victims.”

Adachi sighed with disinterest.

“Even when a copycat killer arose, you had the gall as a detective to eliminate a suspect under investigation.” Naoto’s glare burned. “Two people died in the last six months, and a young girl is now in critical condition… but that’s not all.”

“If at any turn something had gone wrong, many more would have succumbed… all for some foolish ‘excitement,’ like a criminal reveling in the chaos he creates!”

Naoto put it better than you ever could.

“You’re disgusting, Adachi. To think you’d go as low as to convince me to turn my back on everyone. These kids have a better grasp on reality than you do.” You spoke up.

Yosuke and the others were surprised by what you revealed. Adachi tried to trick you into joining him?!  This guy was more than messed up.

Admittedly, Adachi was a little hurt by your words. “Oh come on, (Y/N). All I did was put people in here.” He retorted. His tone was normal and flat, as if he was a disinterested child being lectured. “It’s the world that really kills them, isn’t it?”

His gaze wandered over to the red sky. “This world reflects people’s thoughts… which… oh dear… does that mean the real culprits are everyone on the outside, including you?”

What backwards logic. “That may be fundamentally true, but who are you to lead them to the slaughter?” You glared at him. 

It’s true, not everyone was strong enough to face themselves. That doesn’t mean they deserve to be taken advantage of and killed.

“Face it for what it is. If you didn’t do what you did, Mayumi and Saki would still be alive.” Your targeted gaze was narrow and filled with contempt. It was his actions that damned them to the afterlife. “Why don’t you be a man and own up to your crimes, instead of making up excuses?”

“Yeah, to hell with that!” Yosuke barked. Like you said, it was a shitty excuse. “You did that stuff knowing full well those people were gonna die! If that’s not a crime, then what is!?”

Adachi snickered in response. “Haha… you’re so self-righteous.” He retorted smugly.

Chie was appalled by his words. For an officer of the law, his attitude was so out of place. “How can you say that���!? Aren’t you a police officer!?” She questioned. 

He was a detective, the same as (Y/N). While you became an officer to help people, here was this messed up guy in the same field hurting people. He was a walking contradiction. “Out of everything you could have been, didn’t you specifically choose to join the police!?”

“Don’t make me laugh. Just because someone joins the police doesn’t make them some kinda ‘agent of justice.’” Adachi scoffed in a disparaging tone. The credulous precedent made his skin crawl.

Upon hearing that, your fists involuntarily clenched. That crossed the line for you. You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. “What are you saying? That’s the whole point… that’s your job…!” You exclaimed. 

It both horrified and frustrated you to think he didn’t take his job seriously. Bad actors like him were an insult to your integrity as a detective. All of your talks with him of busting culprits, and helping people… it was all a lie. To think you thought he was being sincere when you opened up to him. Helping people and being a detective was part of your identity… so it was personal.

Why would he even bother?!

His eyes met your hardened ones. “Do you really wanna know why I applied, (Y/N)? So I could legally carry a gun… that’s all.” He replied, shrugging nonchalantly. “You’d be surprised how many are like that.”

Brows furrowing, your expression twisted to one of shock. “...You’re joking.” The corners of your lips turned downward. Just to own a gun…? Seriously? He’d compromise the principles of the police, just for a simple weapon?

“You wanted a gun?” Face stuck in disbelief, you stared at him in horror. It quickly changed to one of frustration. The notion was so absurd you had to reaffirm it. With one hand over your chest, your other swung your arm to the side. Though you originally wanted to remain calm when confronting Adachi, it was impossible. Rage was boiling inside you thanks to his absurdity. Growing more heated in the argument, your voice raised in volume. “Then move to the States! Their firearm laws are much more relaxed there…!”

While you agreed it was nice to carry a firearm, you didn’t understand his odd desperation for one. Going so far as to force an occupation just to get one. It didn’t make any sense. “There was no need to incriminate yourself and ruin the integrity of the police! Where’s your sense of honor?!” You argued.

While everyone bore some resentment for Adachi, they could tell your back and forth was much more heated. None of them had ever seen you this angry before. It was very personal between you two.

“Honor?” He tilted his head at you. A short, pitiful laugh escaped his lips. As much as he liked you, preachy garbage like that got on his nerves. “When you’re like me, you don’t get that sort of privilege.”

“Everything and everyone around me was boring. I was surrounded by idiots. Then one little mistake bought me scrutiny, and a ticket to Nowheresville. Why bother with honor or integrity when life is just a sham?”

You bit your tongue. Before all of this, you did think that compared to yourself, he was a lost man. What you didn’t know was the true extent.

“I was bored shitless and wondering what to do next… when I discovered this power.”

Kanji for one, agreed with you regarding honor. A piece of shit like Adachi didn’t deserve powers like the rest of you if he couldn’t even have a single shred of dignity. “For crying out loud… why a bastard like you!?”

“A gift for having to put up with this lame job out in Nowheresville, I guess.” Adachi said simply. His expression was plain again, the one you used to like. “I did that stuff ‘cause I could. And it got interesting, so I watched.”

“That’s your reason!? You can’t be serious…!” Yukiko scoffed. She couldn’t believe how apathetic the man was. It was horrifying to know this was the type of person they were supposed to trust with their safety. “You really don’t care what happens to our world!?”

“Let’s be honest. There’s nothing great about the real world, is there? It’s just dull and annoying as hell.” Adachi held a scowl. “No one accepts that’s the way things are… they’re just stuck with it because they can’t deny it, either.”

“Those who actually succeed in life… they just happen to be born with the magic ticket called ‘talent.’ If you don’t have it, you can either accept or deny that fact until you die. That’s your only choice.”

He averted his gaze. “Once you realize that, all you have left in life is despair. The ultimate game over. Wouldn’t it be better if that kind of reality was wiped away?”

“You don’t actually believe that crap, do you?” You couldn’t help but ask that rhetorical question. Hearing his defeatist rantings made you feel an ounce of pity for him.

As you spoke, you held your hand over your chest. Your eyes flickered with conviction. “Life can be unfair, but what makes it boring or exciting is up to you. Instead of giving up, you work and adapt for the things you want.”

Adachi went silent for a moment. Perhaps processing your words. Then he scoffed quietly.

“You’re so naive, (Y/N)... it kind of pisses me off.” He grinned at you. It appeared the advice went through one ear and out the other. “You don’t get what it’s like to be me. You’re pretty and you have talent. You have it easy, and you can have it much easier if you wanted to.”

It was impressive to him that you were a good detective. However, he wouldn’t have been surprised if you got advantages due to other factors. And even then, you could always be a trophy wife if you ever got tired of working. It wasn’t the same thing for him. He didn’t get those advantages.

“Shut the hell up.” You uttered with wide eyes. 

Instead of screaming or yelling, you were eerily calm. Though you didn’t shout, your voice was laced with burning anger. It was enough to give anyone chills.

He doesn’t get to say that. You spent years of painstaking labor to get to where you were at. Even more for people to start taking you seriously. In truth, you had to spend years in a similar situation to Naoto. In a job you loved, but one where you were held back, shunned, or mocked just for being a woman in a male dominated profession.

Being pretty or ‘talented’ wasn’t strictly a blessing. It can be a curse. Drawing the ire of people just because of how you look. Talent can mean nothing when your mere existence decided your worth. Getting advantages or disadvantages because of how you are perceived. All you wanted was to work hard and be acknowledged for your skill rather than your looks. Even now, you were close but not entirely there.

He knew that, and he had the gall to say you had it easy.

Naoto herself understood how you felt, and she was just as disgusted by his speculation.

“Just where the hell do you get off saying any of this, Adachi?” You spoke up.

“You think you know true adversity because… you were given a slap on the wrist, and kicked out of the city? Your life got a little too boring, and you’re too lazy to spice things up?”

“Instead of turning anything around… you sit there and cry about it?” You scoffed. The rage was boiling over. “Poor Adachi. Wow, I feel so sorry for you. You pathetic piece of garbage.”

“I mean it when I said life is dictated by how you live it. Your life is boring because of your own choices. Holding a pity party whilst doing nothing to improve it isn’t going to change anything.”

“You’re coping when you say ‘that’s how reality is.’ It isn’t. I’m sorry your life is terrible, but not everyone aspires to live the same way you do.”

“So please, don’t patronize to me about your shitty life experience when you’re not even trying.”

“Hell yeah, (Y/N)! Tell it like it is!” Kanji cheered you on. Him and the others had been silent, but they were enjoying hearing you dress down Adachi like this. He needed someone at his level to knock him down a peg.

It was inspiring to hear you talk. It made them fired up for the incoming battle.

“That’s why… this entire farce is pathetic. It’s cowardly to destroy the world and ruin things for everyone else because you want to be cynical. It’s selfish, and childish.” It was hard to believe this was the same man you fell for. Should you even be calling him a man at this point?

His plan to turn everyone into shadows was ludicrous. You stared at him, your gaze shimmering with conviction. “You’re far too close-minded to decide how the world will run.”

Perhaps in another life, your words would have reached him. If your paths had crossed sooner, he could’ve turned it all around. But it was too late. The damage had already been done. He was too far gone now to be reached. The harsh truth was threatening to shatter his ego.

“Shut up…. shut up, (Y/N)...!!!”

Adachi glanced down. A faint blue glow began to overtake his body.

“Be careful! I dunno what’s happening!” Teddy warned the group. Whatever it was, it wasn’t good.

The blue light continued emanating off his body like smoke. His eyes were glowing yellow. It was the same phenomena that occurred when the others encountered their shadow forms. A haunting realization came to you. Here, there wasn’t a second Adachi to contrast the first. 

Meaning they were one and the same.

“You all saw Shadows as mere monsters, didn’t you!? These things move on pure instinct! They go wild because you defy them!” Adachi’s voice was now distorted. “If you don’t want to be with me, but those annoying little brats… then so be it! You won’t be welcomed in the new world!”

“What new world? La la land?” You asked. A faint grin of amusement tugged on your lips. He was delusional if he thought you’d let him destroy the world and rebuild it in his image.

Adachi was at a loss. He couldn’t believe you were betraying him. The only person who brought him comfort was now against him. He was trapped in a corner.

It was all one big migraine. “Stop… stop trying to act tough, (Y/N)!” He lashed out at you. His composure was gradually getting worse. He was hunched over, as if in pain.

He held his temples, his entire body shaking. “You have no idea what kinda shit I’ve been through!!” He shouted.

“Get over yourself.” You sighed, adjusting your suit blazer. At this point, you’ve had it with him. “I dealt with a lot of injustice and nonsense. You don’t see me crying and scorching the Earth over it.”

Honestly, you didn’t mind being ruthless. It appeared Adachi had made up his mind about how he wanted to live. Therefore, all of the generous empathy you had for him was spent. You can’t help someone who doesn’t want to change.

Adachi yelled out in rage. His body dispersed into particles of shadow. Everyone else got into their fighting positions.

“Here he comes!” Rise warned. “This will probably be our last battle… let’s hit him with everything we’ve got!”

“The world is about to change…” Adachi’s body materialized from the shadows. He whipped out his gun. “Your existence won’t belong there!”

“I thought I could just leave you be, but you’re like a plague… I’ll have to get rid of all of you!”

“So be it.” You exhaled sharply. As you spoke, your vindictive gaze never left him. It was hard to believe this was your reality now. A nightmare made real. The man standing before you, the person you had to fight was your former lover. However, instead of shying away from the truth, you’d embrace it head on. “Let’s go guys…! I’m not letting us lose to the likes of him!”

“Right! Let’s work together! There’s no way we can lose to this bastard!” Yosuke and the others agreed. It was finally time to kick his ass for all the things he’s done.

Looking at the others, you nodded. Whether or not you still held feelings, you’d take him down all the same.

It was an exciting set of circumstances too. Beating your ex, to save the world? A faint chuckle escaped you at how poetic it was. “I’m going to enjoy this.” You smirked. With a snap of your fingers, your card shattered into a million pieces. A shimmering blue flame sparked behind you, and your persona materialized in its place. “Let’s dance, Adachi!”

Adachi hated how cocky you were getting. You didn’t stand a chance against him. He had to crush that semblance of hope. “Shut up…! Get lost! Get the hell outta my sight!!”

“Nope.” You mused. “Let’s go, Isolde…!” Upon channeling your persona, you summoned a protective barrier around the group.

The first strike to him was your Maragidyne. Adachi was hit with a large blast of fire. Not only did you make the first move, it showed your blazing resolve. It cemented the fact that you were serious about fighting him. There was no holding back in this battle.

The adrenaline rush you got from battle flowed through your veins. It was the perfect outlet for all the frustration you had at Adachi’s betrayal. The anger you had over opening up and giving him your heart, of which he took for granted. Also hitting him was just pretty satisfying.

The fight was long and arduous. As much as you hated him, Adachi was a formidable opponent. In order to defeat him, you had to give it your all. Each attack you made was powerful, with  smooth and fluid movements. It truly was a dance for the fate of the world.

The others jumped in with their own attacks. Each move weakened Adachi slowly but surely. His strikes were painful to endure, but you and Yukiko had spells to keep everyone at peak performance. You could keep this up forever, but could he?

It wasn’t before long, Adachi’s figure was starting to wane. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, his strength was dwindling. He was losing. His change in demeanor didn’t go unnoticed by you. In fact, it gave you a burst of energy. It was confirmation for you to keep going so you could finally end this once and for all.

A series of attacks followed your observation. Rise had pointed out Adachi’s state, and everyone in your group sent a fury of attacks. It was time to wrap this up.

It was only a few minutes longer into the fight that Adachi had grown weaker. Upon letting his guard down, there was a moment of weakness, and you took it. You sent the final blow. “Once more…!” A fire blast escaped your persona’s hands and hit the man.

That was it. He stumbled back before dropping to his knees. He was defeated. Adachi visibly grimaced, wincing as he held his shoulder.

“D-Damn… this is lame…” He grumbled as he grit his teeth. “Ngh… oh well…”

“Our world’s gonna disappear soon, no matter what… I didn’t have anywhere to go back to anyways… Everyone’s gonna become Shadows…” He chuckled before being met with a surge of pain.

To your dismay, beating Adachi didn’t completely solve everything. If only it had been that simple. It turned out he was a conduit for the true culprit behind the phenomena, Ameno-sagiri. It had been called upon due to the desire for mankind to live in ignorant bliss. Since they desired for the absence of truth, they would become shadows and live in the darkness of the fog.

You didn’t think you’d fight against a giant disco eyeball, but you did.

Upon its defeat, you opened Ameno-sagiri’s eye to the truth. You and the others showed the supernatural being the power of human potential. The fog was lifted over Inaba.

Once the being faded away, you approached Adachi, who was laying on the ground. You gently nudged the side of his arm with the tip of your stiletto. He’s still alive…

Adachi sighed as he stared at the sky. He was defeated. “So that’s it, huh…?” The world he wanted wasn’t going to happen.

“Fine… Live however you want…” He breathed out. It was clear he still had some lingering influence of Ameno-sagiri. His voice was rough and strained. “If you think… you have the power to change the future… then go right ahead…”

“I’m surprised you don’t know it’s very possible.” You raised a brow. Changing the future has been a believable concept since the dawn of time. Nothing is set in stone.

“Everyone has the power to do that.” Yosuke said in agreement.

Adachi let out a pained laugh. He wasn't sure why any of you were still around. Surely, you'd leave him to rot, right? “Get outta here… The Shadows will finish me off…”

“Just leave me be… you came to kill me in the first place… didn’t you…?” He stared at you and the group. He wouldn’t expect any less. He was a murderer who betrayed your trust.

“No, dumbass.” Kanji said to Adachi.

“You’re joking, right?” You held your hip as you glanced down at the man. Bending your knees, you crouched down next to him.

“You’re not getting off that easy.” From your pocket, you got out your handcuffs. With swift yet gentle movements, you took his arm and attached the restraint to his wrist. It was only fair Dojima got closure just as you did. Adachi needed to own up to his crimes as well. “I said I’d put you behind bars. Unlike you, I keep my promises.”

“Yeah, your stupid game’s over. We’re taking you back.” Yosuke said in agreement. “Live and face your punishment… that’s how it works in our world.”

“...Right…” Adachi didn’t move as you locked his hands up. There was a hint of humiliation he felt being put in restraints by you. It was the cherry on the bitter sundae of defeat. However, he couldn’t bring himself to resist anymore.

Naoto agreed with your wishes. “I’m sure that’s the outcome Dojima-san wishes for as well.”

As you kneeled close to the man, you glanced down at him. Amidst the momentary silence, he met your eyes. “We have the same power, but things turned out so differently for us…” Adachi muttered.

He wasn’t wrong. The two of you were in the same field, and granted the same ability, but that’s where your similarities ended. Like fire and water, you were complete opposites. While he succumbed to his loneliness and cynicism, you were optimistic and driven to your goals. Despite dealing with hardships, you managed to overcome and adapt. You had friends, family, and things to live for.

You were Adachi’s only gateway to a world of color. The exciting life he thought was long dead. He had a taste of it for a moment, and it felt nice… but then he ruined it. Foolishly, Adachi let his selfishness get in the way of his own happiness. He pushed the only person he cared about away. The woman of his dreams slipped out of his grasp, and he was the only one to blame.

Regret was seeping in through the cracks. “If only I had met you sooner… things wouldn’t have gone this way…” He whispered, his eyes softening.

Falling silent for a moment, you averted your gaze. “Maybe so…” You replied softly with a frown. Gently, you lowered his wrists about an inch. As much as you resented him for what he did, you did feel a small ounce of pity. It wasn’t an excuse, but you understood how he got here. “But I shouldn’t have to be the sole reason for you to change.”

You can’t magically fix someone’s problems overnight. Changing isn’t someone else’s responsibility, but your own. Change has to come from within. It wasn’t your job to save someone who can’t even help themselves.

“...Yeah, right…” Despite his begrudging acceptance, Adachi smiled weakly at you. His clarity arrived far too late. The damage was done, but his feelings persisted even now. In the fight he said he hated your resilience. In truth, it was one of the things he loved most about you.

After leaving the TV Realm, you were tasked with bringing him back to the station. You got into contact with Dojima and told him everything. Adachi was carefully taken into custody. As he was taken away by a stretcher at Dojima’s personal request, you didn’t speak any more words to each other.

The teenagers decided to go off and celebrate, but you hung back to go to the station.

Officers and civilians were coming and going through the Junes. As you walked out the glass doors, you were hit with a shining bright glare. What followed was a comfortable sentiment of warmth. Your eyes were shielded with your arm, and you slowly lowered it to glance up. 

The sun was out. The fog was no more. It was a peaceful, sunny day. One that filled your senses with a feeling of tranquility. The light breeze gingerly swayed your locks as you stood there, admiring the sight. How long has it been since you’ve seen a clear day like this? Too long… A small smile crept up your cheeks.

Thanks to Adachi, you were back at square one. A single detective, able to return to the city and resume her life of chasing thrills and avoiding lows. However… that wasn’t entirely true. You grew a lot from this experience. Not to mention all the bonds you formed here during your time in Inaba. It made you appreciate living, whether it be materialistic or minimalistic. Thrills were fun, but sometimes tranquility was better.

Brushing the stray locks away from your face, you continued your walk to the station. Perhaps… you’ll stay here a bit longer.

haha totally not gonna use this as a blueprint for a persona game for girls hahahahahahaha whaaa???

anyways stan p4 detective y/n best mentor character

lowkey i wanted to do another part thats like aftermath interrogation stuff or ultimax or something but omg ultimax is longggg and id rather make my own persona type story instead hhhhh oh well maybe

divider: cafekitsune

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