#sera talks goro

[akechi-stole-my-heart]

something im only a little insane about is how robin hood's earliest folklore portray a darker character. he became an outlaw by committing manslaughter. the "steals from the rich and gives to the poor" aspect was less pronounced. he was a yeoman, a commoner, and not a nobleman like in the later tellings. he wasn't loyal to the "true" king richard. he played tricks on people and got into fights just for the hell of it.

meanwhile, it's less clear since we have no early sources for loki, but it's commonly agreed upon that the mythological figure, before christianity's influence on norse myth, was not nearly as sinister as he's portrayed in the prose edda, which was heavily influenced by christian ideas of the devil. loki was a trickster and an underdog, but he wasn't evil.

neither extreme is the truth. the establishment turned both loki and robin hood into black and white figures that fit better into their society. were easier to digest. more palatable to those in power.

the truth of akechi lies somewhere in the middle.

[akechi-stole-my-heart]

All of this.

Also, for me the meaning of Robin Hood as Akechi's Persona is found when you compare Robin Hood not to Akechi's role in the narrative, but Joker's.

Robin Hood shares so many more similarities with Joker than it does Akechi. He's a leader of a band of thieves. He steals from the powerful and aids the helpless, exactly what the Phantom Thieves are doing when they steal hearts.

Akechi's ideal sense of justice, the justice he doesn't believe in anymore, is aligned with Joker's. It's the selfless noble belief in goodness despite the evil in the world that Joker still possesses even after the world has screwed him over. Akechi wants to believe in justice, he wants to be a hero, he wants to have friends who rely on him.

Akechi wants to be Joker.

what is the link between Akechi and the story of Robin Hood?

*pulls on my green British person hat and grabs a bow*

I'm not a huge expert on Persona links but they do tend to be a bit tenuous; Akechi's Robin Hood is no more like the legendary Robin Hood than Loki is like Loki or Arsene is like Lupin. That said:

Robin Hood is a thief, of course. Chalk that one up in the "Akechi is a Phantom Thief" column;

Robin Hood is a master of disguise, like both Akechi's other personas;

Robin Hood is often depicted as being of noble birth and having been unjustly dispossessed—Akechi's "prince" regalia is often interpreted that way, as a claim on a denied birthright;

Wikipedia defines "a Robin Hood" as "a heroic outlaw or a rebel against tyranny", which, well;

He's most known for having robbed from the rich to give to the poor, and I don't quite get that one. Akechi himself could be "the poor", but "robbed from the rich to give to himself" lacks a certain cachet.

The most notable thing about Robin Hood, to me, is that Superman motif that contrasts with Hereward's Batman motif, with Loki in the middle as the second awakening—hero to villain to antihero. Because, even if he awakened to both Robin and Loki at the same time, it's like Protect and Endure—there must still have been an order.

We see it during his third awakening to Hereward—the historical figure Robin Hood was allegedly based on. Hereward resembles Robin Hood, and Robin is on the left—which makes him the first awakening. Even if it maybe didn't work the same as the others we saw.

But yeah, one argument in favour of Akechi awakening to both Robin Hood and Loki at the same time is that Akechi did not randomly awaken. Like Joker, Akechi was awakened—to serve a purpose, to be Yaldabaoth's agent spreading fear among the masses.

That makes it very hard for me to picture Akechi starting out as a good guy, as the hero he dreamed of being. Akechi was chosen for his role because he was already full of hate—because he was the sort who, given power, would inevitably twist it to a bad end that he was already fixated on. Akechi is already the kid with the perfect outward image who's twisted and broken on the inside; he essentially tells us in the engine room that he lived his whole life that way. I have a feeling he was already becoming like that when his mother was alive.

The thing is, there's no reason that kid can't still believe in justice; of course he does. He believes in it the way people who've been hurt by religion often still believe in God. He believes in it as something that should exist, but doesn't; as an ideal, with the hate that's the flip side of love and belief. There are no heroes. Nobody will save him. Friends and family aren't real; love and trust are lies people tell themselves, tricks used to manipulate you. The system isn't on his side; no matter what he does, the world just finds new ways to hurt him, and what can he do about it?

And that guy he can't stop thinking about, who symbolises all of this injustice, whose shadow Akechi has lived in for so long? As well wish for the moon as hope to get back at him.

Except, one day, he finds the app on his phone. He goes from being bitter and powerless to having power, to having choices, to being able to hurt others like he's been hurt. But that part of him that aspired to justice, to being a hero, never really goes away. He does his utmost to give his life for it.

[zaddyazula]

majima’s first name (in our terms) better be fucking majima or i’m losing it

[nagarashi]

Majima Goro's storyline in Yakuza 0 is probably the biggest emotional shock for me in... well in a pretty long time. I'm not a very emotional person, but the Japanese developers clearly know more about the world than we do, so one of the few things that can really trigger a lively reaction in me is their games, and that for me was Yakuza, a series I just now finally got familiar with.

I first went through part seven of Like a Dragon. Seeing Majima there for the first time, I liked him immediately, and when I saw him in Zero, I was... to say the least, I was surprised how much he didn't look like that chaotic guy from part 7, what could have changed him so dramatically? It's weird, I've often heard that there's not that recurring moment when Majima Goro becomes the Mad Dog, or that he's not revealed at all, even though his whole arc is one big twist on the Mad Dog image.

So... I noticed one ironic, sad thing about Yakuza 0 that strangely stabs me in the heart... me, anyway.

In playing as Majima, there's a certain kind of... mood when you get distracted from the main story and start engaging in side stories. Maybe I'm just imagining it, but... There are quite a few stories in the game for Goro that have to do with love and family in one way or another, and the game also focuses on the essence of the protector in Majima. Take for example the whole cabaret-club plot, where he takes on the role of protector as something as natural as breathing. All of this leads to the cabaret girls wanting to be with him, but Majima responds with jokes and refers to his work, while in other quests he makes it clear that he has no relationship or that he can't imagine himself as a father. However, in the same side stories, he manages to show that he does have a predisposition to be a good father, for example the story with the girl and the toys.

All of this in some ghostly way, when you keep it all in your mind as you go through the story, affects the perception of this story and Majima Goro's character ... and then he meets Makoto.

Admittedly, I'm fascinated by the way the developers showed the feelings between Majima and Makota, without throwing out the phrase "I love you", just watching them... and it's amusing to watch Majima's response to Sera's phrase "You don't look like someone who's in love" suddenly responding "You don't know anything about me to reason with" Majima... argues? That's very funny to hear, considering that before this, he tried his best to make it clear that he doesn't want a serious relationship. It's not very direct, but Goro actually admits that he has feelings for Makoto, maybe unconsciously.

But the strongest blow for me was the final scene, it's been a long time since I felt so... I haven't felt so devastated in a long time.

That moment when he faces Makoto, this there's something unspeakably painful in heart... and in his eye. That look with which he looks at her... dare I say that there was a spark of hope in them, that she would recognize him after all, patiently waiting for the agonizing moment of:

"Please recognize me, I so do not want to do what I must..."

And then she looks away in confused consternation, not understanding who is in front of her and why he is staring so intently. So sad...

The spark in his gaze fades, covered by a shadow of unspeakable sadness, of doom... His facial features become softer, the look of farewell must be the gentlest in the world...

The ending becomes even more heartbreaking when you remember this the mood I was talking about above....

Majima, a man who helped a lot of people and watched someone love someone, even managed to help the kids, like a daddy... Doomed to have neither...

It's too cruel. It's the kind of thing I didn't expect when I first saw the famous Mad Dog Shimano...

This may sound too... romantic, but when we got through the game, my friend said that Majima buried his heart with that watch, too.

[kashimos-hajime]

so funny story. last year i was also opening the year with a celebration and for me to celebrating ANOTHER milestone a year later, thank you so much. last year was,,, a curveball and i hope you are all staying healthy as we get through this together. but thank you all for following, interacting, talking to me even through my rapid fandom switches. i appreciate all of y’all :)

this time, i’ll be doing a little drabble kinda thing because it sounds fun and im hoping it doesnt flop so haha 😀✌️ below are how it works, the rules, characters i write for and the prompt lists. 

all prompts answered will be linked to my masterlist when im finished. thank you all again!

how it works: just gonna have a few prompt lists and y’all can pick from the lists along with a character! make sure you specify the prompt, it’s number (if it has one), and from what list, and that it’s a character i’ll write for (i’ll put a list below). if you’re not sure, ask :) that’s it! nothing more needed. requests are open until monday, january 11th!

rules: -i prefer that you be following me but i’m too lazy to check -mentioned before, but please pick a character i write for. again, not sure, ask! -anons can participate :) -request as many as you want LMAO but if you want separate stories for prompts send them as multiple asks -tagging every post with #hayleys4kcelebration so if you wanna ignore those posts, that’s the tag to block. -reblog this post 

characters i write for: -star wars: din djarin, obi-wan kenobi, poe dameron, plus anakin skywalker, boba fett, cassian andor, ben solo, han solo -pedro pascal’s characters: agent whiskey, maxwell lord, and javier peña  -cyberpunk 2077: johnny silverhand, goro takemura -marvel: anyone on my master list, plus frank castle and matt murdock -hp: draco malfoy, harry potter, james potter, sirius black, remus lupin, open to pretty much anyone tbh but just check first ✌️ BONUS: horacio carrillo from narcos ❤️

prompt lists: star wars dialogue prompts (not all star wars specific) 

fluff/angst/misc. prompts 

misc. dialogue prompts

tagging some mutuals hopefully they dont mind ahsnslsndjk: @pumpkin-goob @the-darklings @wxntersoldiers @achillese @venusbarnes​ @sera-wonderland @stainedpomegranatelips @xxlovingfandomsxx @into-the-stratosphere @evansweaters

[akechi-stole-my-heart]

right back atcha @floweryfandomnerd

Has anyone else noticed that Akechi is literally the combination of the Phantom Thieves' personal stories? Like he has basically lived through their trauma collectively.

Examples I guess:

Ren: Wild Card, manipulated by god(s) in a game, wronged by the justice system and society

Ryuji: Raised by a poor single mom, forced to endure hardships for her sake, abused by those in power

Ann: social outcast for her birth status, struggles in the entertainment industry

Yusuke: Lost his mother at a young age, placed into an abusive foster home, father figure used him and manipulated him

Makoto: High expectations, no tolerance for failure from those above her, wears a mask over her true self in order to be more "socially acceptable", constantly considered a burden to those who have to care for her

Futaba: blamed for her mother's death, lives with the guilt of her mother's death

Haru: Cartoonishly evil capitalist father

[themusingsofafangirl]

Eye Contact (A Majima Goro Imagine)

A/N: Hey guys, I’m back with another piece here. I’m not sure if you like it. I just felt the need to write this piece since I’m so hooked into this Yakuza/RGG fandom (And I’m not even disappointed about it! IT’S ONAST TO BE IN THIS FANDOM). This one-shot does not adhere to any of the Yakuza/RGG canon timeline and obviously, as a work of fanfiction this is just my idea of what I want in my story. 

Prompt: So basically, as the daughter of Masaru Sera, named Miharu, you were with Madam Dojima having tea in the garden when the Mad Dog of Shimano caught your attention… Fandom: Yakuza / Ryu Ga Gotoku Pairing: (Fem) Reader X Majima

Type: One-Shot, SFW.

Word count: 1115

“It’s nice to have you back home Miharu,” said Madam Dojima as she sets her cup of tea on the table.

“Yes, a lot of things have changed while I’ve been gone, I see.” Miharu replies.

     Though deep down, nothing beats the feeling of relief and serenity breathing in the air of one’s own home country after living abroad for 7 years. The mother tongue you spoke that was foreign in the ears of your newfound friends overseas suddenly sounded normal amongst the crowd in the bustling streets of Harajuku the night your former high school friends decided to throw you a ‘Welcome Home’ party. Despite all this, you were also saddened at the fact that the vendor of your favourite Takoyaki stall has passed on and that it is no more. Even the club you used to snuck into as a teenager with your friends to party has closed down – rumoured to have been wrecked by loan-sharks and the owner has never been seen since.

       Bittersweet at all the newfound facts of your birthplace learned over the span of the few days after you’ve landed, your father, Masaru Sera asked you to accompany him to the Tojo headquarters which you just accepted because you really wanted to spend time with your father and learning a thing or two about the trade your family is in. While you would never attend the meetings, you usually stroll around the place and that was when you bumped into Madam Yayoi Dojima, widow of the infamous Sohei Dojima and invited you over to the gardens for a tea session.

      Whenever Madam Dojima was around, she always manages to leave you in awe with her poise and elegance – not to mention how beautifully she dons shimada hairstyle with the kimono. You respected her and she takes a liking towards you as well since you and her son Daigo have been childhood friends. Not much is known of Daigo’s whereabouts, which leaves Madam Dojima completely disheartened. You then diverted the conversation into more light-hearted topics such as your stay abroad.

“You know, there are days when I absolutely crave a warm bowl of homemade Gyudon just like the ones you used to make. While I could make them myself, there’s just missing ingredients that I can’t find there unlike here.” you said.

Madam Dojima smiled at the remark and said, “Well then, why not stop over my home one day and I’ll have it made specially for you. You know, just like those days when Daigo and you were still children.”

    Realising how the topic went back to Daigo, you pinched yourself beneath the table for your stupidity only to get startled by someone’s howling laughter from across the gardens you and Madam Dojima were at. Madam Dojima, startled yet still collected placed a hand over her chest after hearing such howl. There were voices of people not far from where the both of you are.

     You turned to try and locate the owner who made such ruckus in a peaceful place (but you also noted that being a daughter whose father is involve in the Yakuza; the leaders can come in all sorts of whack personalities. The weirdest one for you was Awano. But sadly, he died.)

     “Hmmph,” Madam Dojima said shaking her head and sighed displeasingly.

     “Who was that Madam?” you asked scrutinising your face showing discontent at the sudden disruption of tranquillity.

     “That, my child, is the patriarch to a family whom if the Tojo Clan is without, will not survive against the Omi Alliance. You should know who” She replied coyly.

      You were still trying to see who the man was and why on Earth would he crack a maniacal laughter like that. You only saw the top of head of the little crowd behind the bushes from where the both of you sat but once they came into view as they were about to exit the headquarters’ entrance, you noticed who the family Madam Dojima was talking about.

      Amidst the crowd of scrawny men – whom you assumed was the patriarch’s members, stood the patriarch himself in snakeskin designed jacket and leather pants.

      You only heard about him through your father and the stories he would sometimes share with you regarding the time he nearly died after being shot trying to save a blind lady who was hunted by the entire yakuza organisation like hungry vultures; yet you have never seen the man in person yourself.

Perhaps, today is my lucky day? You thought to yourself about finally getting to see the legendary Shimano no Kyoken in the flesh. Not that you want to ever interact with him, but you would prefer to just know how he looks like.

      The man in the snakeskin jacket stopped his tracks and then turned his gaze towards the gazebo where you both sat – as if he noticed the presence people besides his own men. You were surprised to see that he wore an eyepatch on his left eye. He bowed to the both of you and you saw that Madam Dojima did the same. You returned the formality and the next thing you know, you made eye contact with the Goro Majima himself. Rendered taken aback and nervous a bit, you turned to look elsewhere immediately and then to Madam Dojima again, pretending not to be affected by the accidental occurrence. You sure felt a chill in your bones and a slight shiver down your spine but you know that you will not being seeing him again. And you made sure of that deep down in yourself.

      You continued conversing with Madam Dojima as the Majima Family walked out of the headquarters. Hoping your father will be done with the meeting as well.

 ***

The drive back from the Tojo Headquarters was silent as he stared blankly at the view of the city. While he was proud of what he did today during the meeting, he was burning with curiosity; not that he usually cared. But there was something about the lady that sat beside Yayoi Dojima that makes him wonder.

      “Oi, Nishida,” he says.

      “A-ah, yes, Oyaji?” the driver behind the wheel timidly replied.

      “Say, did ya notice that there’s a woman sitting next to Mrs. Dojima just now?”

      “Y-yes, yes I noticed.” Nishida replied.

      “D’ya know who she is?” Majima asked as he scooted and prodded his head forward.

      “If I’m not wrong myself… she’s the 3rd Chairman’s daughter.”

      “Sera’s daughter huh?” Majima asked again.

      “Yup, Oyaji” Nishida replied.

      “’Aight. Shut yer trap and keep drivin’.” Majima said as he slumpped back against the car seat and continued pondering on that woman he saw in the garden.

****

Thanks for reading! I hope you liked it. I don’t know if I should just keep this as a one-shot or series xD. Anyways, my questions box is always open so feel free to submit ideas and questions~ Stay safe and stay hydrated friends!

[heavenzwish]

Hiya! I've decided that I'll be trying to post and write some short fics and/or headcannons for Yakuza 0-Kiwami 2. I'll mostly be writing and sharing my prompts but Anyone can make a requests! Just please refrain from NSFW topics. Im pretty bad at writing them and writing NSFW just doesn't vibe well with me, I'm sorry! I will happily do SFW though!

The characters I will write for are:

Osamu Kashiwagi

Shintaro Kazama

Akira Nishikiyama

Kazuma Kiryu

Tetsu Tachibana

Jun Oda

Lee Wen Hai

Masura Sera

Tsukasa Sagawa

Futoshi Shimano

Homare Nishitani

Goro Majima

Daisaku Kuze

Nishida

Hiroki Awano

Kenji Shibusawa

Lao Gui

Hiroya Egashira (Mr.Shakedown)

Yuki Sato (Mr.shakedown)

Shinji Tanaka

Pocket circuit fighter

Akimoto

Jo Amon

Hiroshi Hayashi

Junichi Sudo

Kazuki

Yuya

Kazuto Arase

Koji Shindo

Lau Ka Long

Royota Kawamura

Makoto Date

Daigo Dojima

Ryuji Goda

Kei Ibuchi

The list will get longer as I play more of the games! If there is a character you want to ask about then go ahead and if I am familiar with them i'll give it my best shot for writing about them! If you don't have any requests feel free to ask questions about me or just talk!

[akechi-stole-my-heart]

he's overcorrecting. akechi knows exactly how they know each other because he's been stalking akira (he literally says in third semester he'd been keeping tabs on all akira's acquaintances for some time the past year as part of his investigation into him for being a phantom thief). he doesn't want it to be obvious that not only does he know they have known each other since late spring and train together but also that he has a rageful burning jealousy of their bond that in no way correlates to his own feelings for akira.

Akechi really asked akira how he and kasumi knew each other, they go to the same school, they're both wearing the uniform in front of you, shouldn't you be able to detective-ing it, you're the worst detective I've ever seen

[akechi-stole-my-heart]

i've seen takes that are like "goro doesn't actually like philosophy it's just part of the detective prince mask and he stops being interested in it after third sem" which i think they get from him misquoting hegel (which imo was probably just a mistake on atlus' part? but if not then goro was definitely doing it on purpose as a test.) but it's like. you literally understand nothing about my boi if you think that. goro loves thinking. he loves solving puzzles. he thinks most of philosophy is pretentious bullshit but that's only after reading every major philosopher and developing a hot take on all of them. all he does whenever you invite him to the jazz club in third sem is talk philosophy. every conversation he's saying bullshit like "what if the happiness of one individual relies on the unhappiness of another?" he's a stupid fucking NERD ok like come on

[ask-the-phan-site]

Phan Cam: We ain’t your ordinary Rugrats

WARNING: SOME PERSONA 5 ROYAL SPOILERS AHEAD.

>We arrive at a place called Java Lava Coffee House. We came here to learn a little more about our target, Coco La Bouche.

Let’s see, we need to find her old employee. If anyone knows more about what kind of person who old boss is, she might.

It’s a good thing they’re closing early today, we might get our chance.

How are we going to do this? Mrs. Finster isn’t going to just tell us without a good reason.

Leave that to me.

>We go inside.

Welcome to Java Lava! Sorry, but we’re closin’ soon. So what are- Wait a sec... Holy Cow, you’re the Detective Prince, Goro Akechi!

Crow: Glad to see that I’m known even here.

Loud Woman: So, what’ll ya have? For you, I’ll put it on the house.

Crow: I’m actually here to see your employer, Mrs. Finster?

Loud Woman: Alrighty then. Hey, Kira, someone’s here to see ya! You’ll never guess who it is!

>Then, a woman comes from the back.

Yes, Betty, what is it? Goro Akechi?

Crow: Kira Watanabe-Finster? If it’s alright, I would like to talk to you.

Kira: Alright.

>Kira and the woman known as Betty clears the rest of their customers out and put up the closed sign.

Kira: What is it you want to talk about?

Crow: It’s about your former employer, Madame Coco LaBouche?

>Hearing this, both Kira and Betty go silent.

Guess I’m on the right track.

Kira: I guess... You know.

Crow: About what she did to you and your husband years ago? Yes. I did research. But I here she’s still not over it.

Kira: Then you also know that... That me, Kimi, Chas, Chuckie have been getting threats.. And in her handwriting. Here’s the latest one.

>Kira hands Crow a letter.

Miroir miroir sur le mur, Qui est la vraie reine de tous?

L'envie est mon nouvel amour. Il me donne le pouvoir d'en haut.

La luxure sera mon meilleur ami. Avec cela, vous rencontrerez votre fin.

Finsters, votre temps est venu. J'aurai ma vengeance. Vous allez tout perdre.

Exactement comme moi.

Crow: My French is a little rusty.

Noir: I can read it. I’ve studied French.

>Noir reads the letter.

Mirror mirror on the wall, Who is the true queen of all?

Envy is my new love. He gives me power from above.

Lust shall be my best friend. With it, you will meet your end.

Finsters, your time has come. I will have my vengeance. You will lose everything.

Just like me.

Kira: I just don’t know what she means. She loves being jealous of me? And how is lust going to hurt us?

Crow: Then I don’t suppose of heard of this man.

Kira: I think I have. There’s a picture of him Coco kept in her desk.

Betty: That looks like Lucas Brimstone.

Kira: I think that’s sounds familiar.

Betty: You should. He the Minister of Envy, one of the highest members of L.E.G.I.O.N.

Queen: The League of Evil Gentlemen Intent on Obliterating Nations? I have heard of them from my father’s old files. I think one of them also talked about Lucas Brimstone. He’s English, was the CEO of Brimstone Industries, and the ministry he leads are known for intelligence gathering and assassination. But what does he have to do with Coco LaBouche?

Lucky for you, I also did research. As of last year, Coco LaBouche and Lucas Brimstone...

Are husband and wife!

Kira: (surprised) I didn’t know she got married.

Crow: But I doubt she has gotten over what happened that day in Paris with you and Chas. I can only guess what happened next. After L.E.G.I.O.N.’s attack on Paris, Madame LaBouche must have gotten mixed up with them and met up with Brimstone.

Queen: But if she already had a picture of him, I guess she already knew him.

??????? and ??????: Indeed she does.

>We were shocked by the two newcomers.

Grandma Lindsay? Grandma Martha?

Betty: How did you two get in here? Guess I forgot to lock the door.

Lindsay: Can really expect a couple of old biddies to recall everything that’s happened?

What are you two doing here?

Martha: We were just in the neighborhood and we saw you.

Lindsay: So we thought we would drop by and see how you are doing. We heard you were speaking of Coco LaBouche and Lucas Brimstone.

Martha: So, as fortunetellers, we might know of some things that might help.

Joker: Well, I normally have another who does my fortunes, but I guess I can ask you. I don’t want to take too much of her time by having her come all the way to America...

Bruce san will be disappointed.

Martha: Very well. Would you like to speak to Lindsay?

Lindsay: Would you like to speak to Martha?

>We’re listening.

Lindsay: Did you know that Coco LaBouche and Lucas Brimstone know each other since high school.

Martha: Coco LaBouche and Lucas Brimstone were both students at Francoise Dupont High School... As was Madame Coco’s rival.

Lindsay: She was the one who one Mr. Lucas’s affection and became... his first wife.

Persephone.

Martha: Yes. They both were after Mr. Lucas’s heart. In the end. Ms. Persephone came out the victor.

Lindsay: Since then, Madame Coco buried herself in her work with Yamaguchi Industries which was a big rival Brimstone Industries. And in time, she became head of EuroReptarland.

Martha: And the rest is history.

Crow: Indeed it is. Persephone and Brimstone were married and they joined L.E.G.I.O.N. Brimstone became the Minister of Envy and Persephone became the Minister of Gluttony who deal with theft. Then came Devil’s Night, an even in which L.E.G.I.O.N. unleashed a worldwide attack. When Persephone saw this, she felt nothing but remorse for it and left L.E.G.I.O.N. and Brimstone. This only made him angry and attacked Paris. This convinced Persephone that it was time to take down L.E.G.I.O.N...

And M.A.Y.H.E.M. was born.

M.A.Y.H.E.M.?

Crow: Multinational Agency for Hunting Evil Masterminds. My guess is that they met up again after the attack. Sensing how much they were hurt, they got together. And then, got married last year. Followed by L.E.G.I.O.N. gaining a new ministry, the Ministry of Lust... With Coco LaBouche being its minister.

Oracle: And my guess is that for their one year anniversary, they’re going to get rid of the people who they believe gave them the most grief. And judging by the threats the Finsters got, they’re first. They’ll get rid of Persephone later.

Kira: This is terrible. Should we tell this M.A.Y.H.E.M.?

Violet: I doubt such a big organization is going to waste their time on a revenge plot for something like this. Do you even know what the Ministry of Lust does? ... White collar crime.

Oracle: My guess is, that “Cucu” lady might try to steal your identity to frame you for a crime. Do some kind of fraud job. Or even bribe someone to take you down.

Betty: I think I know how the bribery fits into this. The cafe’s annual health inspection is comin’ up. Coco might try to bribe the inspector to fail us. That will close down this place.

Kira: She’s right. This cafe is all me and Chas have left. It’s our sole source of income. If we lose it, we might lose everything. I know we have each other, but I don’t want us to end up on the streets.

Betty: Now Kira, you know we won’t let that happen.

Besides... I hear the Phantom Thieves might do something about it.

Kira: Can they really? I’ve heard of them online, but can they really stop Coco?

Crow: If they succeed in giving her a change of heart, yes.

??????????: Perhaps. Men once called her a heartless shrewd, but I guess getting married changed that.

Betty: Now I really wish I remembered to lock that door!

I doubt it wold have made a difference.

Kira: And we don’t permit smoking here.

Right, sorry about that.

Violet: (surprised) I guess I was wrong. M.A.Y.H.E.M. would help with something like this.

Persephone: (putting our her cigarette stick) My ex-husband marries my old rival and plans to surprise her by giving her the power to destroy her enemies as an anniversary gift and I wouldn’t know about it?

Kira: So, what will you do about it?

Persephone: ... We might come up with something soon. Right now, you should relax. Your family is already worried about these threats, they don’t need more worrying over you.

Kira: Al- Alright. Just do it. Not just for me and Chas... But for our children.

Persephone: Rest assure, we will.

Betty: And in case M.A.Y.H.E.M. is lookin’ for more members, I think I might be available.

Friday: ... You should know, we won’t compensate your family if anything happens to you.

Betty: ... Strike that. Never mind.

Joker: Right. We should-

>I see that Grandma Lindsay and Grandma Martha have already left... But I’m sure we might see them again.

>Out side after Kira and Betty left, Persephone and Friday have us follow them to the park.

I take it you want to talk to us.

Persephone: Quick to the point. (lights up her cigarette stick) Just what I’d expect from the Phantom Thieves.

I’m not actually surprised that you know who we are. You guys are a multinational organization after all.

Persephone: Actually... You just told us.

Oh, crap.

Friday: Forgive us. But we learned you might try to steal Coco LaBouche’s heart after our hacker found your website. The request that was made.

Oracle: By your hacker, you’re talking about Safeword.

Friday: So you know her?

We’ve crossed codes before. Along with a few others.

Still, what do you want to talk to us about? Are you here to arrest us? Or help us?

Friday: Believe it or not, it’s the latter. We know we can’t actually take down Ms. LaBouche and the Ministry of Lust. They already learned too well from when we dealt with the Ministry of Pride back in South Korea. And since they deal with white collar crimes, they can’t actually be charged with anything... Unless Ms. Labouche confesses to it. But that’s where you come in.

Joker: What can you do for us? I doubt you know how we change people’s hearts.

Persephone: Do we now?

>Suddenly, in a flash of light, we were somewhere else.

Joker: (overwhelmed) Th- This is...

???????: It sure seems that way.

Mitsuru san?

Yes, I am here, too. When they found out you might be targeting someone from L.E.G.I.O.N., I thought I might be needed. And it looks like I was right.

Joker: So does this mean M.A.Y.H.E.M. now knows about Personas and Shadows?

Mitsuru: No, but I will explain it to them now.

>After explaining for about an hour, I think they and pretty much any agent who heard us over their com links got the gist of it.

Whoa! That’s quite the story.

Friday: Yes. To know that there’s a world made from human cognition, and you can summon the power of your hearts to create a being to fight? It just takes my breath away.

Panther: I know. I couldn’t believe it either the first time. But after seeing it and gaining my Persona, I’m kind of use to it now.

Friday: So you’ll be using this place to change LaBouche’s heart?

Joker: That’s how we usually do it. And we better do it or there’s a family that’s going to suffer. After learning more about Coco LaBouche, I think we can get a grasp on the keywords to enter her Palace. She thinks she still deserves to become CEO of a Japanese corporation. Maybe... A feudal lord’s home.

Nav: Candidate found.

Mona: Now we have the who and the what. We just need the where.

Persephone: I think I know.

Joker: What is it?

Persephone: As a wedding present and to honor the creation of the Ministry of Lust, the Morningstar gave Coco... her own A.R.K.

Joker: Let’s try it out.

>I enter the word.

Nav: Results found. Updating guidance system.

It;s a hit. It’s go time!

Friday: Hold on, I know you’ll go to that world to change hearts, but you’re still going up against L.E.G.I.O.N. The least you can do is let us help you. So, we had Gremlin make something for you on the fly.

But because I had to work quickly, they haven’t been tested yet... No time like the present.

>Gremlin shows us what looked M.A.Y.H.E.M. versions of our Phantom Thieves outfits with agency’s colors: black, purple, and white with the agency’s white fleur-de-lis on the backs.

For real!? You made these!?

(on screen) We took the inspiration from your video calling cards. By the way, it’s nice to finally see you face to face, Alibaba.

Likewise, Safeword.

Gremlin: Actually, me, Safeword, Mixer, and Joule were already fans of you guys and already had this idea in mind.

(also on screen) Having a fashion designing mother does come in handy. But the rest, like the engineering and the technology in it, are all me and Gremlin. The measurements? That was left to Safeword and Mixer.

Mixer: And I gotta say, the girls’ measurements are wicked. Especially Takamaki’s.

WHAT!?

Safeword: Relax, he’s kidding. I did the girls’ measurements. I stuck Mixer with the guys’.

Mixer: (a little disappointed) It was a real bummer. Though, I was a bit surprised to find that their asses are... Enough. And your...

>Me and the other guys just blushed and were silent.

(also on screen) We Japanese grow off, not show off. We’ll leave it at that.

Mixer: (intimidated) Whatever you say.

(whisper) Thank you.

>We gain the Thieves of M.A.Y.H.E.M. Costume Set.

Gremlin: I’ll give you a quick run down on the works. Listen up.

Tutorial

The Thieves of M.A.Y.H.E.M. Costumes all have two of the same features: They improve your stealth and they enhance your Persona’s elemental attributes and affinities.

Of course, each suit also has their own individual ability.

Joker’s suit can let him use his Third Eye to get a grasp of a Palace floor’s layout without a map. But you’ll still need to find a map as this ability tends to be inaccurate.

Skull’s suit can enhance his leg muscle so the chances of him landing a critical hit increases and raises his evasion.

Panther’s suit changes her appearance so she can go near enemies without being noticed.

Fox’s suit can create decoys to lure enemies away.

Queen’s suit enhance her physical capabilities. Basically, it’s Attack Master, Defense Master, and Speed Master all at once.

Oracle’s suit grants her the ability, Palace Scan (similar to Mementos Scan). However, she can only use it once per visit.

Noir’s suit empowers her axe so she can bust through walls that hide secrets. It can also enhance her chances of landing a critical hit.

Crow’s suit can let him shoot an enemy from a hiding place for an ambush.

Mona’s suit grants his Persona the Skill, Traesto. This will allow you to escape a dungeon at the cost of 18 SP.

Violet’s suit allows her attacks to inflict Dizzy or Confusion.

Gremlin: There’s something else as well. You know how you guys use infiltration tools and other gadgets like your grappling guns? Well, Mona’s and Oracle’s suits comes with a portable work stations so you can make tools and work on gadgets in the Metaverse.

Joule: But keep in mind the only places you can do those things are in Safe Rooms and Waiting Rooms. But if you want to do it on the field, be sure to have Fox with you.

No arguments from me.

Same here.

Friday: Right, that is all we can provide you.

Mitsuru: The technology in your suits are powered by Papillon Heats. All that’s left to do is wish you all luck.

Joker: Thanks. Now let’s do it!

Phantom Thieves: Yeah!

>Coco LaBouche’s A.R.K. Some cyborg guy called Quartermile drops us off here in what I can only describe as a flying limo.

Buona fortuna, amici miei. Radio us when you’re ready to return.

Queen: Grazie.

Quartermile: Prego, signora.

>With that, he takes off.

Joker: Alright, let’s do this.

Nav: Beginning navigation.

>After the familiar red wave passes, we were now at Japanese fortress with a Reptar theme.

(Insert song: A Woman)

(imagine her and us in M.A.Y.H.E.M. versions of our outfits) I guess she really poured her heart and soul into her old job. I wonder what ever happened to this franchise.

After a lawsuit was filed because Reptar was way too similar to another kaiju, everyone just lost interest. Mr. Yamaguchi tried to bring it back, but he passed away before he could get the chance. And since he never found his successor before then, his company was bought out and just ceased to exist. And that was the end of Reptar.

Well that’s a shame. Sis used to tell me how when she was younger, she and Dad would get treats after she had a big test at school. And some of those treats were Reptar Bars.

Oracle: They have the recipe online. You can just make her some. Especially what with Christmas coming up.

Really? I’ll have to remember that.

Yeah, I might even make some for these heists.

And White Day. You still owe us girls.

>Actually, I’m not even gonna.

Anyways, let’s have a look around and see if we can find a way to establish a route to the Treasure.

>We look around. Look like these suit really do help. We managed to get past some of the Shadows (which all look like samurais and ninjas themed after Reptar) with ease. I used my Third Eye and I managed to find some rooms with treasures. One of which lead to a crazy strong Treasure Demon which almost killed us. Luckily, we got away from it. When we had to face regular Shadows, Skull proved quite good with critical hits and evade the enemies’ attacks. In times where we can’t hide, Panther took on the Shadows’ form and helped us get through. When we reached enemies we can’t fight and can’t be fooled by Panther, Fox sent his decoys to lure them away. Queen’s stats were incredible in battle. When we reached another part of the Palace, Oracle scanned it and we found more treasure chests. And with it, Noir found secrets places. Even one with an Ishi. Also, when it lead us to a Treasure Demon, Noir did a great critical hit. Speaking of more enemies, Crow managed to snipe one for an ambush. And in that battle, Violet inflicted Dizzy and Confusion on them. After awhile, we find a Safe Room.

(signing in exhaustion) Finally, we’re here.

But you have to admit, these suits really are helpful. I want to try out that tool making station.

If only Harry, Blurr, and Overflow can see me now.

Heck, if only Bald Cape could see me.

And maybe Mumen Rider.

Joker: Two more connections?

Crow: Seems like it.

Fox: I wonder if Kanji would be impressed about my decoys. Or Aleksei... Or Jotaro Kujo...

Would Cor be interested as well?

Yusuke, you too?

Fox: I haven’t been entirely honest with you. I’ve been having dreams of them. Just like with Skull and Crow. This has been going on ever since the day you were to return home. On our way back to your home town, you sang that song, Hoshi To Bokura To.

Violet: (puzzled) I don’t remember that.

It happened in the original game.

Queen: Though in the new one, that never happened. But I guess he still sang and we heard him... During that final battle.

Which we will not be talking about to avoid spoilers.

Noir: Anyway, I still can’t believe it was Joker’s singing that made those connections.

Joker: I know. I talked to Lavenza about it and she said, “It took you long enough. I found out on the second day of the Dream Festival. It seems that you have gained a unique new way of creating connections. And now that you are aware of it, you can now control it. You can now sing without the fear of forming connections without your knowledge.”

Queen: Did she say how you gained that power?

Joker: She says it’s most likely because of this.

Mona: The World Arcana?

Crow: Our friend, Yu Narukamai also has the World Arcana, yet his singing doesn’t do what Joker’s does.

Joker: Lavenza says each Wild Card who gains the World gains a new ability unique only to that Wild Card. Yu’s power is to seek out and recall lost bonds, whether they’re his own or another’s. Aigis can feel true empathy, Lavenza’s sister can traverse different world’s, and a previous guest of the Velvet Room can keep disaster at bay.

Crow: I see...

I wonder what power I would get if I obtain the World Arcana? I also have the Wild Card if you have forgotten.

I’m sure we’ll know soon enough.

Mona: Right now, I want to see how this work station works.

>After a while, we managed to make a few Lockpicks and we did some improvements on our grappling guns.

Oracle: We really have to thank Safeword, Joule, and Gremlin for this.

Crow: Let’s not forget Mixer. He also had a hand in this.

Oracle: Okay, we’ll thank him, too. Anyway, it looks like we’re nearing some early point. Shall we get going?

Joker: We will, but first, some Rejuvenating IV.

>After some healing, we went to the point Oracle was talking about.

Panther: What are they?

>Looking down from a balcony, we find robotic Reptars walking around. Then, we hear a voice in a French accent coming from some speakers nearby.

Woman’s voice: What are you waiting for? Get off your posteriors and get the show on the road! We have a revenge plot to carry out! TOUT DE SUITE!

Violet: (sounding hurt) I take it that’s our target.

Oracle: Pretty much.

>Then, a Reptar falls over and breaks apart.

Coco’s voice: How dare you fail on the job! You’re fired! VOUS ÊTES VIRÉ!

>Then, the Reptar explodes in blazing inferno.

Holy shit! When says “fired”, she really means it!

This is terrible. This is no different from my father’s Palace.

>I could tell that Noir was upset.

Joker: I’m sure this time it will be different.

He’s right, just have faith and believe.

Noir: I... I know.

Thank you.

Voice behind us: Hey, you!

>It was a couple of Shadows.

Shadow 1: You’ve been causing too much trouble for the boss.

Shadow 2: I think it’s time we kick you out.

Shadows: Petites souris!

Oracle: Persona!

>Necronomicon scans the Shadows.

REMINDER: THE OFFICIAL STATS FOR CAIT SITH HAVE NOT YET BEEN SHOWN, SO WE’RE JUST GOING TO GO WITH WHAT SKILLS AND WEAKNESSES IT MIGHT HAVE.

Oracle: I’ve got it. It’s weak to Bless Skills. And... Hold on! I’m sensing something else. But I may have to go higher for it. Even higher than Ultimate.

>Oracle goes Third Tier.

Oracle: PERSONA!

>Al Azif scans again. Then, one of the Cait Siths 

Oracle: Thought so! That Cait Sith’s a Kyouma. Everyone, be careful. If you attack it, it will attack stronger than ever.

Crow: Don’t worry, we’ll be careful.

Violet: Then let’s do this!

>Crow and Violet both go Third Tier.

Crow and Violet: PERSONA!

Queen: (also going Third Tier) I’m fighting as well. PERSONA!

>I change Personas.

>Cait Sith uses Lucky Punch on me. Luckily, it didn’t knock me down. Kyouma Cait Sith did nothing. Hereward uses Kougaon on Cait Sith. It was knocked down. We don’t attack the Kyouma Cait Sith, but Crow passes the baton to Queen and Agnes uses Marakukaja. Ella uses Sword Dance on the Downed Cait Sith. Agnes uses Freidyne on the Downed Cait Sith. Then, Melchizedek uses Hamaon on Kyouma Cait Sith. It wasn’t an instant kill, but it did drop its HP to 1 with a knock down.

Joker: Let’s do this!

>After the attack, the Kyouma Cait Sith exploded and the other Cait Sith was gone.

WARNING!

>Two more Cait Siths come. Luckily, none of them are Kyouma.

Crow: Not to worry, I can handle this.

Joker: Are you sure?

Crow: I’ll be fine. Here goes... BLACK MASK!

Oracle: Whoa! Crow, your reading are really high!

You haven’t seen anything yet. Now, Hereward!

>Hereward uses Rebel’s Blade on one of the Cait Siths. It is knocked down. Crow passes the baton to me. Melchizedek uses Mahamaon. It missed both of them. Ella tries to use Kougaon on the still standing Cait Sith. But it dodged it. Agnes tries to use Flash Bomb, but it dodged again. Melchizedek uses God’s Hand. It took a huge chunk of the Cait Sith’s health.

Cait Sith 1: (getting back up) We’re not done here. VIVRE MADAME COCO!

>Cait Sith 1 uses Mediarama. Cait Sith 2 uses Trapped Rat on me.

*squeak*

Queen: That can’t be good.

Crow: I’ve got us covered. No mouse is getting eaten in this fight.

>Hereward uses Heat Raiser on Queen. Ella uses Vajra Blast. Cait Sith 2 is knocked down in a critical hit. Violet passes the baton to Queen. Agnes uses Marakukaja. Then, she uses Mediarama. I obviously can’t do anything in mouse form. Cait Sith 1 tries to use Double Fangs on me. Luckily, I dodge it. Cait Sith 2 gets back up and tries to use Trapped Rat on Queen. Luckily, it missed. Hereward uses Brave Blade on Cait Sith 1. Ella uses Kougaon on that same Cait Sith and knocks it down. Violet defends herself. So does Queen. I change back.

Joker: Okay, enough is enough. Let’s finish this. Melchizedek!

>Melchizedek uses God’s Hand on Cait Sith 2. It knocks it down.

Joker: Let’s do it!

>After the attack, the two Cait Sith were still up.

Crow: I still have some time left in Black Mask Mode. Joker, shall we?

Violet: Really? I was hoping me and senpai would finish this.

>>Crow >Violet

Joker: I guess I can have Crow help me.

Crow: Then let’s do this! Bring forth the pain!

>And with that, the battle’s over.

Skull: Man that was tough!

Noir: Either way, I think we have more firm grasp on the kind of person Coco LaBouche is.

Panther: Yeah...

She’s a total bitch.

Queen: No arguments here.

Mona: All this just because she got spurned. We can’t just let her go ding whatever she wants just because she has the power.

Right, we’ll change her heart before she hurts the Finsters and their love for each other.

Phantom Thieves: Yeah!

Mona: Alright, let’s head back for now. We’ve explored all that we can. Zorro, Traesto!

>In a flash, we were back at the entrance. There, we return to the real world.

Queen: Quartermile san, avremo bisogno di un ritiro, per favore.

>Meanwhile, in her A.R.K.’s bridge, Coco could have sworn she felt something pass her. Then, her assistant, Jean-Claude, sees something.

Madame, it appears someone was just on our ship.

It would appear so... Do something about it! For all we know, it could be M.A.Y.H.E.M.! Could any of you  be so incompetent!?

?????????: Guess good help is hard to find these days, eh love?

Coco: Ah, my dear husband. How was your trip?

I get the feeling some people in a small nation in Europe won’t be missing their prime minister too much.

Coco: (impressed) Tu es tellement incorrigible, mon amour.

Brimstone: By the way, I just thought I should tell you.

Coco: And what is that?

Brimstone: Well, my sources tell me that... The Phantom Thieves of Hearts has selected you as their next target. I suggest we be careful from this point on. I even got word just now that they’ve teamed up with M.A.Y.H.E.M. to do so.

Coco: I like to see them try. But since M.A.Y.H.E.M. seems to be on their side, I suppose I should be cautious. I refused to let a bunch of masked buffoons get in the way of my revenge. (making a dangerous look) No matter what. (back to a friendly position) Now, about my Christmas gift for L.E.G.I.O.N.

Brimstone: I still can’t believe you’re going to do that. I know he was L.E.G.I.O.N.’s most popular agent, and he was one of the Ministry of Pride’s top lieutenants, but still... I thought the Ministry of Lust did white collar crimes.

Coco: (being flirty) You’d be surprised by what that could do. Just have to know what you’re doing. Trust me... They’ll love it.

>She then takes something out.

>To be continued...

[akechi-stole-my-heart]

FULLY GOING FERAL RN OK @lightlykos are you talking about this quote from the concept art?

'Loki's true form is unknown, and his design is a black and white pattern so you can't tell which one is more prominent. He wants to make people wonder what side he is on. Linking to this idea, his design is based off 'dazzle camouflage' which was used on WWI warships to confuse enemies about the size of the ship. The horns that form on Loki's eyes are meant to be snail parasites, evoking the feeling of not knowing one's true self and the unpleasant feeling that this brings.'

(I found the translation of the original Japanese online so it might not be perfectly accurate)

Akechi doesn't know who he is!!! sjkbsk I actually wrote a whole meta about this a little while ago that I am going to link to here bc its very relevant and goes into a lot more detail.

But man. I love that about Akechi and it makes me so.... rotates this poor man in my mind. he has no idea who he is!!! he gives me such strong p4 vibes my man.

thinking of the creator commentary for loki in the artbook that's like "We thought it would be good if the sight of loki made even Akechi question. 'who are you really?'" constantly like even akechis is put off by him...

oh this is making me go insane i love it. and the fact he insists on using exclusively loki in the third sem.... really makes you think (and using him to use call of chaos on himself constantly. truly. a lot happening here)

also calling up to join this discussion my fellow akechi expert bestie @akechi-stole-my-heart for possible additional input 👀

[imagined-comfort]

Masterlist

WARNING: Some of the content below talks about heavy or triggering themes. 

Please read at your own risk! 

Check our Rules and FAQ for our list of trigger words so you can filter this content accordingly. 

Google Doc version of our masterlist. (Just in case a link below doesn’t seem to work.)

Final Fantasy XV:

Noctis

Prompto

Ignis

Gladio

Cor

Gentiana

Ravus

Ardyn

Loqi

Dino

Talcott

Luna

Jared

Regis

Final Fantasy XV: Kingsglaive:

Nyx

Libertus

Titus

Final Fantasy XIII:

Sazh

Lighting (Claire Farron)

Final Fantasy VII:

Sephiroth

Overwatch:

Soldier 76

Cole Cassidy (McCree)

Hanzo

Genji

Lucio

Zenyatta

Reinhardt

Mercy

Sombra

Reaper

Ana

Voltage Inc.:

Nobunaga

Masamune

Ieyasu

Shingen

Hanzo

Kojuro

Saizo

Shall We Date?:

James Moriarty

Sherlock Holmes

Mystic Messenger:

Zen

Jaehee

V

Jumin

Ikemen:

Jonah

9 Persons 9 Hours 9 Doors:

Clover Field

Snake Field

Aoi Kurashiki

Your Turn to Die:

Keiji Shinogi

The Arcana:

Julian Devorak

Dance with Devils

Urie Sogami

Code: Realize - 

Saint Germain

Dragon Age:

Solas

Cullen

Male!Hawke

Iron Bull

Sera

Anders

Dorian

Zevran

Netflix Castlevania:

Trevor

Alucard

Hector

Isaac

DBH: Detroit Become Human:

Hank

Connor

Markus

Captain Allen

Rupert Travis

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure:

Young Joseph Joestar

Josuke Higashikata

Bruno Bucciarati

Devil May Cry:

Nero

Dante

Vergil

V

Tales of Series:

Fon Master Ion

Jade Curtiss

Dezel

Sorey

Mikleo

Zelos

Yu-Gi-Oh!:

Yugi

Fire Emblem:

Ryoma

Xander

Lissa

Leo

Inigo

Claude Von Riegan

Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd

Felix Hugo Fraldarius

Caspar von Bergliez

Ashe Ubert

Mercedes von Martritz

Genshin Impact -

Albedo

Horizon Zero Dawn:

Aloy

Red Dead Redemption 2:

Arthur

Charles

Dutch

Persona 5:

Futaba Sakura

Goro Akechi

Resident Evil:

Leon Kennedy

Claire Redfield

Piers Nivans

Xenoblade Chronicles:

Minoth

Dunban

Fate Series:

Gilgamesh

Borderlands:

Handsome Jack

Zane Flynt

Yakuza:

Nishikiyama Akira

Ace Attorney:

Daryan Crescend

Mass Effect:

Jeff Moreau (Joker)

Garrus Vakarian

Legend of Zelda:

Link

Kingdom Hearts

Eraqus

Hotline Miami:

The Son

The Adventure Zone:

Taako

Critical Role:

Percival de Rolo

Vax’ildan

RWBY:

Weiss Schnee

Detective Conan:

Shinichi Kudo

Kaito Kuroba

Voltron: Legendary Defender:

Shiro

Sanders Sides:

Logan Sanders

Virgil Sanders

TMNT:

Leonardo

Raphael

Disney:

Captain Hook

Wendy Darling

Robin Hood

Nick Wilde

Star Trek:

Khan

Leonard “Bones” McCoy

Spock

Geordi

Data

Steven Universe:

Bismuth

Garnet

Yellow Diamond

Spinel

Peridot

DC Comics:

Jason Todd

Buffy The Vampire Slayer:

Rupert Giles

Balto:

Balto

Steele

Pound Puppies:

Lucky

Ralph

Phantom of the Opera:

The Phantom (Erik)

Eddsworld:

Tord Larsson

One Piece:

Roronoa Zoro

Whitebeard

Marco

Aggretsuko

Haida

Durarara

Izaya Orihara

My Hero Academia

Shouta Aizawa | Eraserhead

Rumi Usagiyama | Mirko

Wotakoi: Love is hard for an otaku

Naoya Nifuji

Tolkienverse - 

Glorfindel

Pokemon -

Adaman

Tokyo Revengers -

Draken

Twisted Wonderland -

Lilia

Vil

Jujutsu Kaisen -

Gojo Satouru

Arcane (League of Legends) -

Silco

Touken Ranbu -

Kashuu Kiyomitsu

Yamantonokami Yasusada

Star Wars -

Obi-Wan Kenobi

[akechi-stole-my-heart]

its sooo crazy to me how akechi tells you if you beat him with his right hand he'll face you with "everything he has" and then when you do he proceeds fights you with his less powerful persona!!! like he's literally just doing the equivalent of using his right hand but in the metaverse. he never actually faced you with everything he has. you still have your rematch, he still hasn't actually shown you his true self like he promised. he's still lying to you and only showing his more acceptable half. left handedness symbolism something something deceit something something the historical discrimination against people who are lefthanded. does anyone understand can anyone hear me

[akechi-stole-my-heart]

People have speculated whether Goro intended to die after the election once his justice was served. Ala, "Goro never thought he'd live past 18." After all, using what he'd done as blackmail on Shido to end his career would also essentially end his own life, and with no big reason to keep living, why would he go on? And honestly, I think Goro just. isn't thinking that far ahead at all.

Like sure, it's definitely occured to him that his life would become a scandal, but that's true regardless of his crimes if his identity were to become public, so I don't think he gives a shit about that. He's probably thought about how things might go down one way or another, but I don't think any of that actually matters to him. All that actually matters is that Shido is humiliated and at his mercy. The moment of victory over him is all that's relevant, what comes after...isn't.

Maybe he'll live for a few years while he and Shido are convicted for their crimes and then off himself. Maybe he'll live the rest of his life out in prison. Maybe he'll hold his blackmail over Shido's head for years, making his life a living nightmare knowing it could all come crashing down at any moment. Maybe this, maybe that, whatever, who cares. None of that is important to him. All that matters is that he gets his revenge and for once in his pathetic life feels like he has the power.

What is true, though, is that Goro doesn't see a future for himself, at least not one that is positive or meaningful. Whether or not he continues to live in the literal sense, his life will functionally end the day of the election. So I think "he never thought he'd live past 18" does get at an important truth, even if I don't think it's necessarily a literal truth. He is throwing his whole life away for the sake of getting revenge--though, really, what life did he even have before anyway? In his mind, his life has always been defined by Shido, has always been utterly dispensable--he might as well use the worthless thing to destroy what ruined it on his way out.

[akechi-stole-my-heart]

Mmm good point. My only other theory is that maybe Joker told Maruki about Akechi's death but (1) we don't ever see that happen and we probably should have if that's the case (2) Maruki is not at Shujin in December so Joker doesn't have easy access to him and I believe it's kinda implied they don't see each other again until third sem? and (3) I don't know if it's in character for Joker to tell Maruki something that personal since he normally holds things so close to the chest.

On the other hand, if this were the case it would make Maruki bringing Akechi back feel all the more like a personal betrayal since he used Joker's vulnerability as a weapon against him. Which is a flavor of angst I am quite partial towards and I think fits with their dynamic very well.

Maybe it's just one of those things there's no concrete answer for? Since Maruki's powers are so vague and weird and break rules so often already maybe its something we just have to accept happened without explanation. I don't really like that answer though, it annoys my autism which wants for things to Make Sense.

engine room fix-it, part #5724

Okay, stop me if this is crap or if everyone else figured this out three years ago. In third semester, Akechi’s key piece of evidence that he’s dead in the true reality is his memory gap between the events of the engine room and meeting back up with Joker.

Here’s the flaw in that:

Maruki’s reality is a reality where Akechi died in the engine room and was revived.

It’s not just a reality where Akechi was always alive—the hole in his memory actually proves that. Think about it. Do Wakaba and Okumura seem like they’ve lost time? Do we think post-bad ending Pleasant Boy has a hole in his head? No, he doesn’t. Because reality was altered so that he never committed his crimes and never died.

But that isn’t the case for the Akechi we meet in the third semester. Sure, he exists in a world where his crimes never happened. But he still remembers them. He exists in a world where he never, supposedly, died. But he still remembers it.

The point of the third semester Maruki world is to give Joker a chance to accept Maruki’s reality. As part of that, Maruki gives Akechi back to Joker as a bribe—as someone who also knows things are different, someone he can work alongside. Maruki does not just give them the opportunity to solve the puzzle; he also creates the puzzle.

And how does Maruki create that puzzle, that reality where Akechi supposedly comes back from the dead? He looks into the heads of the Phantom Thieves and creates it based on their belief.

It doesn’t even have to be complicated. He doesn’t have to recreate Akechi from spare parts—which is why he acts nothing like any of them would expect. All Maruki has to say to himself on Christmas Eve, to create the third semester we see, is “Let this be a world where Goro Akechi, who is dead, is now alive”. Even if he just actualises Joker’s wish, that wish only has to be “I wish Akechi didn’t die a week ago, I wish we could have worked together instead of against each other”.

And Akechi is dropped in Shibuya with a hole in his mind. An inexplicable hole. Because if reality was changed so that he was always alive, as was the case for e.g. Wakaba, there wouldn’t be a hole at all.

There’s also the fact that Maruki is a manipulative fuck—not to state that as a negative, some of my best blorbos are manipulative fucks (cough). Sure, he says “Oh, I didn’t want to seem like I was blackmailing you with Akechi’s life”. But he does it. It’s so convenient for Maruki to be able to say “In the end, if you don’t do what I want, your friend will die and it will be your fault c:”. It’s so convenient if Akechi really is dead.

What Maruki doesn’t get, with his distorted belief that pain and loss must be avoided no matter what, is that Akechi himself won’t go for his bullshit. Not to save his life. And he won’t let Joker do it, either.