[August 2018]
[Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido]
[11:45 PM]

(NIghttime, Akechi is walking all by himself. Dressed in his work uniform with his black jacket over it, he is also wearing a white face mask.)

Akechi: *sigh* Another day filling up cars. One of these days I need to get a higher-paying job. I really need a car at this point.

.....

.....

(He feels a droplet splashed on the top of his head.)

Akechi: Hm?

(He looks up, barely seeing clouds covering the night sky. More droplets splashed around his face.)

Akechi: !

(It's about to rain, Akechi begins running back home.)

Akechi: *pant* *pant* *pant!*

.....

.....

.....

(Akechi stops running, feeling exhausted. He is still far from his house and yet he is all drenched by the rain.)

Akechi: *huff*..... *huff*..... *huff*.

(Akechi notices a small bar on his right, across to the other side.)

.....

(It's named "Bar Restare".)

Akechi: (Wouldn't hurt to budge.)...

(Akechi crosses the street, reaching to the bar. He walks in.)

[Bar Restare]

Akechi: .....

(The door opens. Revealing Akechi, who's shivering as water is being shaked off while he forms a small puddle. A female bartender with a short bob-cut hair whose bangs is covering her right eye, wearing a black semi-sleeved shirt and a pair of glasses, is cleaning the counter table. She noticed Akechi's presence.)

Female Bartender: Hm?..... Oh! Uhm. Welcome!

(The bartender bows. Beyond the counter, is a disgruntled middle-aged yakuza member with a slicked-back hair, wearing a maroon suit under his stocky build. He is sitting down on one of the bar's seats, Drinking whiskey and holding a cigarette. He notices Akechi, and glares at him.)

Yakuza member: .....

Akechi: Hi. Do you mind if I stay here for a while?

Female Bartender: Of course! Please, make yourself at home!

Akechi: Thank you.

(Akechi bows. He takes a seat near to the counter, being two seats away from the yakuza member. He continues catching his breath.)

Female Bartender: What could I get you?

Akechi: A glass of water, please.

Female Bartender: Coming right up.

(She quickly grabs for a tall glass, and a large bottle of water. She pours it into the glass.)

Akechi: .....

Female Bartender: There ya go!

(She serves it to Akechi.)

Akechi: Thanks!

Female Bartender: My pleasure.

(Akechi removes his face mask as he quickly chugs down the water. He then slams the glass down to the counter after finishing it.)

Akechi : *pant* *pant*

Yakuza member: ..... Hey, you.

(Akechi looks at the yakuza member, receiving his attention.)

Yakuza member: You look like you're not from around here. Where the hell are ya from?!

Female Bartender: Tomizawa-san! Please, be kind. It's his first time here and you're making him feel uneasy.

Akechi: I- It's fine. Uhm..... I'm from Gunma-

Tomizawa: Bullshit! You ooze of a Tokyo man!

(Akechi slightly becomes nervous over Tomizawa's remarks.)

Akechi: .....

Tomizawa: Tch- I don't know what's making me tick but there is something around ya that I can just smell. What's yer name?

Female Bartender: Tomizawa- I think its best if you lay it off. You're getting ahead-

Tomizawa: SHUT IT! Now, answer my question.

Akechi: K-... Keisuke. Kei for short if you like.

(Tomizawa takes a clear look at Akechi's face.)

Tomizawa: Alright Kei. You know, ya awfully look like that..... detective kid everyone used to yap about until he died or sumthin'.

Akechi: !

Tomizawa: Ehhh! Whatever! I just don't like the look of ya. We don't take youngsters like you around here.

Akechi: I'm well aware of that, sir. I won't be standing in your way ever again.

Tomizawa: Kids oughta learn. Why don't we take it outside!?

Female Bartender: Tomizawa!

Tomizawa: Now!

(Akechi gulped in response. The two stand up from the chairs and walked outside. Akechi slowly becomes anxious as the bartender follows. The two then stand apart from the rain.)

Tomizawa: The yakuza ain't to be messed with! And you, kid? You just messed my peacetime in the bar!

Female Bartender: Tomizawa, enough!

(Tomizawa charges onto Akechi.)

Akechi: !

(He throws a right hook into Akechi's face.)

Akechi: UWAH!

(Akechi is pushed, he hits the ground. The bartender watches in fear and worry over Akechi.)

Tomizawa: Heh, that'll do.

Akechi: Ugghhh.

(Akechi gets back up, revealing his face to have a large bruise on his left cheek as the left side of his lip bleeds. He glares at Tomizawa's eyes. The latter notices.)

Tomizawa: Oh? I didn't take you to be a stubborn one. Well this one will teach ya a lesson when to QUIT!

(Tomizawa goes for a left straight punch into Akechi's face.)

Akechi: !

(Akechi suddenly becomes surged with adrenaline, seeing the oncoming punch. He stops the punch with his arm and wraps around it to hold his arm.)

Tomizawa: !?

Akechi: HmmMPH!

(Akechi headbutts Tomizawa, strong enough to push him back.)

Tomizawa: GAH!

(Tomizawa hits the ground as the bartender watches with surprise. Akechi puts his hand on his forehead out of the pain he inflicted upon himself.)

Akechi: Gaaaah.

(Tomizawa gets back up.)

Tomizawa: WHY YOU LITTLE-

(He grabs for Akechi's neck and grips it firmly. He slams him into the wall.)

Akechi: AGGH!

(He then lifts him up.... then slams him down.)

Female Bartender: TOMIZAWA!

(Akechi becomes unconscious as Tomizawa looks at him while wiping away the blood from his forehead.)

Akechi: .....

Tomizawa: Psh. That's it, I'm heading back.

(Tomizawa glares at the bartender.)

Tomizawa: Remember, Hana-chan! If you don't pay us in a week. Your bar is done for.

Hana: Y-Yes.....

(She frantically bows before Tomizawa. He then leaves.)

Hana: .....

(Hana looks at an unconscious Akechi on the ground.)

Akechi: .....

.....

.....

.....

.....

.....

..... ?

(Akechi felt a sting on his left cheek, waking himself up.)

Akechi: O-ow!

Hana: W-woah easy there.

Akechi: Agh-.....

(Hana is attending to Akechi's wounds, who's laid down on the bar's couches. Akechi happens to have his top removed, revealing his body riddled with faded gunshot wounds. He then notices Hana.)

Akechi: You.....

Hana: Are you okay?

Akechi: *sigh* For the- least. Agh.

Hana: *sigh* Tomizawa-san doesn't have a soft spot for anyone in this bar. Especially those like you.

Akechi: What kind of yakuza picks on civilians?

Hana: None but him and his family. It's worse when he's drunk.

Akechi: I take it your bar is under their debt?

(Hana nodded with a tired look on her face.)

Hana: Yeah..... My dad..... was an ex-yakuza. He retired that life when he met my mom..... But when she passed away, he opened this bar. It was usually overrun by a lot of yakuzas he dealt with back then so he had to pay the Egashira family for protection. Eventually, we managed to stay afloat as the bar was such a success which made my dad able to pay to continue for their protection. And then the pandemic came..... Before it took my dad, I inherited this place as his last wish.

Akechi: .....

Hana (cont'd): And here I am. Trying to keep things afloat especially since the pandemic is now coming to a fast decline. Not only have sales been hurt ever since I started running this place, but the Egashira has been extorting me non-stop. Hence, Tomizawa.....

Akechi: I see...

(Akechi lifts himself up, he is now in a sitting position.)

Akechi: Agh.... I'll admit..... your bar oddly reminds me of a café I used to come.

Hana: Really?

Akechi: Yeah. I feel..... safe here for some reason.

Hana: Well..... After all the bar isn't called "Restare" for nothing.

Akech: It means "Rest" in Latin, right?

Hana: W-wow..... I didn't take you as a person to know that.

Akechi: Haha.... agh-

(Akechi felt a brief pain in his forehead.)

Hana: Easy there.

Akechi: Yeah- agh.

Hana: Actually now that I think about it..... There's no doubt that you're Goro Akechi, right.

Akechi: ..... (Great, her too.) Oh I get that a lot, no I'm not.

(Hana's face switches into a rather neutral expression over Akechi's words.)

Hana: *sigh* You know, my job is a bartender is to also keep track of returning customers. I want to make them feel welcome when they come back and that means remembering how they look down to the tiniest part of themselves.

(Akechi makes a nervous expression over Hana's words.)

Akechi: .....

Hana (cont'd): And oddly that has gone over to a lot of things I see. I was following the Phantom Thieves of Hearts years back and I often watch you on TV, discussing about your viewpoint on them. So you can't fool me for the least, Akechi-san.

(Akechi looks away for a bit, feeling uneasy.)

Akechi: (Oh great, there goes my identity. Well I'd be suspicious either way If I still tried to hide it.)

(He looks back to Hana.)

Akechi: Ugh, alright then. True or false: Am I a sweet tooth?

Hana: Yes, you are. You said it outrightly on TV.

Akechi: ..... (I ran out of facts to say about "myself". Darn.)

(Akechi shows a sign of embarrassment. He shifts his eyes from him.)

Hana: Gotcha~.

Akechi: Fine.... you win. But why press so much over someone who's dead?

Hana: You think that's gonna serve as leverage?

Akechi: Tch.....

Hana: Hey....

Akechi: Hm?

(She gets close to Akechi.)

Akechi: ......

Hana: I get the gist of your situation. I can keep your secret, Akechi-kun, It's only between you and me. Okay?

(She smiles and winks.)

Akechi: (Wow.....that was quick for her to realize my situation? Impressive I guess.) What is your name?

Hana: Oh- uhm..... Hana. Hana Kikuchi. A pleasure to meet you!

Akechi: Ah.....

Hana: I assume that crash thing was just a cover-up, right?

Akechi: Yeah.

Hana: Why? What's someone like you winding up in Sapporo?

(Akechi gives a tired look, remembering the past.)

Akechi: .....

(Hana notices Akechi's refusal to answer her question.)

Hana: Hey, I said my side of things. Well, I won't pry into it but it's a lil unfair ya know.

(Akechi rolled his eyes as he sighed.)

Akechi: Haha- yeah you have a point..... You're the only person to trust me enough to keep me hidden anyway so.....

Hana: Ehe.

(Hana briefly giggled.)

Akechi: Let's say..... I got tired of everything. Back in my time in Tokyo..... I'm not who you think. Work was unforgiving. I was really stressed out about everything, I got so jealous of my friends..... that I tried to throw them away. On top of that, I keep getting constantly bombarded by fans no matter where I go.

Hana: ....

Akechi: Then I found out..... I was just being used. Luckily being a famous detective allowed me to build enough links to get close with the government. And that's when I ran away. Hadn't it been for the "car crash", I would still be hunted down and I'd have many people nitpick me. "Death" was one way to shut things up.

Hana: Didn't you have your parents in mind when you were thinking of that?

Akechi: Heh..... you're not the only one who doesn't have their parents by their side.

Hana: Huh? What happened?

(Akechi briefly looked away with a pained expression.)

Akechi: My mom.... uh.... she died when I was little..... My dad is currently in jail.... He's quite an asshole too.

(Hana begins to show empathy, she looks away out from sadness. Akechi notices.)

Akechi: Don't worry. I managed to move past it really. I know my mom wouldn't want me seeing like this.

Hana: I understand. So, why did you end up here?

Akechi: ..... I really don't know..... I just wanna get away, as far as I can..... But I guess Hokkaido was warm enough to me. I feel like If I were just to keep it down and hide behind the crowd. I'd be hard to find.

Hana: That's one way of putting it. But I checked your uniform and it seems you worked at a gas station. Don't your coworkers would notice?

(Akechi clears his throat. He then speaks with his voice down low to the point it begins to resonate.)

Akechi: A little bit of a voice change always does the trick.

Hana: W-wow! I- certainly didn't think you could do that, You're like a voice actor!

(He then resumes back to talking normally)

Akechi: It's the only thing that's keeping me in the job..... Actually..... where's my uniform?

Hana: Oh don't worry, I'm drying it through the backdoor.

Akechi: W-wow..... Uhm- thanks.

Hana: Don't mention it.

Akechi: It's getting really late, I need to get back home.

Hana: Mmm, yeah. Tell you what, From now on you're my first private customer.

Akechi: Huh?

Hana: I usually close the bar at 12, But if you plan to visit me then I'll change it to 11:30 for you, Because that's the time you can come in all by yourself..... without the Egashiras bothering you.

Akechi: ...... Well- I don't drink but- yeah. I will if I can.

Hana: Could always serve a cup of tea. I don't drink much either so..... It'll be nice to drink tea with someone.

Akechi: Heh, okay.... Sure.

Hana: Yes!

(She mildly pumps her fist.)

[A week later]
[11:30 PM]

(Akechi enters into the bar.)

Akechi: !

(He sees Hana with her knees on the ground, without her glasses as it's seen to be on the ground, cracked. She happens to be crying, with her hand laid on her cheek. Next to her is an angry Tomizawa. The two noticed Akechi.)

Akechi: H-Hana!

Hana: Kei!

Tomizawa: Huh!? You again!?

(Tomizawa approaches Akechi with threatening intent.)

Tomizawa: Get the hell OUT!

(Tomizawa readies a punch into Akechi, his mind rushes into an alarmed state.)

Akechi: !!!

(He throws the punch, briefly deteriorating Akechi's face.)

Akechi: GAAAAH!

(He is sent away, he tumbles into the road.)

Hana: KEI!

Akechi: Agh.... ahhhh-..... Tch!

(Akechi gets back up, now full of anger. He wipes the blood out from his mouth as he sees an approaching Tomizawa and Hana rushing outside.)

Tomizawa: And I thought you'd scurry back home since the last time we met. But perhaps I'm gonna make it clear for you now!

(Tomizawa cracks his knuckles, Akechi tightens his fists.)

Tomizawa: HmmMPH!

(Tomizawa throws a punch into Akechi, but the latter quickly makes a fast right side kick into the former's stomach.)

Tomizawa: URK-

(He is frozen by the sheer strength of Akechi's kick, and he staggers back.)

Akechi: *pant*..... *pant*

(Akechi then goes to wildly throw hooks at Tomizawa's face left and right with all his strength.)

Akechi: YaaAAH!

(He finishes with a strong right hook. He then feels the pain in his hands.)

Akechi: Aaaah!

(Tomizawa regains his composure, he then goes to punch Akechi again. Hana notices.)

Hana: KEI!

(Akechi takes Hana's words, seeing the oncoming punch. He then goes to tackle him down. Tomizawa hits the ground with Akechi on top. He then proceeds to punch down Tomizawa with all his strength again.)

.....

(He gets tired and relents his punches. He gets off from Tomizawa, the latter remaining on the ground with his face bruised up. He goes to Hana.)

Akechi: Are you okay?

Hana: Y-yes.

Tomizawa: Ugghh...

(Tomizawa tiredly gets back up, the two noticed.)

Tomizawa: You.... you dare interfere with Egashira- business! Know this, boy... That we're coming for your head now! You signed yourself into something you'd regret, just like Hana-chan..... This isn't over, gasboy!

(He walks away, leaving the two. Akechi sighs out of relief.)

Akechi: .....

(Hana hugs Akechi, taking him by surprise.)

Akechi: !

Hana: ..... Thank you....

.....

.....

[June 14 2020, Sunday]
[12:11 AM]

(Akechi and Hana exit the bar.)

Hana: It was a great night with you, Akechi-kun...

Akechi: Yeah.....

(He walks to his car and unlocks the door.)

...

Hana: Wait!

Akechi: Huh?

(Akechi stops.)

Hana: I-..... I was thinking that...

Akechi: ......

Hana: If we could spend some time together somewhere else this weekend?

Akechi: Uhm..... Sure, if I got enough time.

Hana: *relief sigh* I look forward to it!

(Akechi nods, He then gets into his car and turns on the engine.)

Hana: Bye!

Akechi: Bye.

(Both wave back at each other, and Akechi then drives away.)

[Akechi's Apartment]
[Higashi Ward, Sapporo]
[12:32 PM]

(Akechi arrives home, he pulls up the handbrake of his car then cuts off the ignition. He sighs, feeling sleepy. He exits his car and walks to his apartment. He goes up the stairs that lead to his unit. He reaches to his door as he pulls out his keys.)

Akechi: ..... !

(He hears the door open behind him.)

???: *ahem*

(Akechi sighs, recognizing the person behind him.)

Akechi: Kuroda-sama.

Kuroda: It has been two weeks since you told me you'd pay rent, Yamashita....

(Akechi tries to unlock the door.)

Kuroda: You do know the consequences, right!?

Akechi: *sigh* I'll try to pay as soon as I can. I haven't received my pay yet this week....

Kuroda: Tch..... Alright but this is your last warning!

(Kuroda closes his door.)

Akechi: ..... (I need enough money fast.)

(Akechi unlocks his door and goes inside.)

[Inside, Akechi's Apartment]

(He closed the door as he turned on the lights, revealing his small living room to be tidily unkempt. He undresses himself and puts on a white T-shirt. He shuts off the lights before walking to his bed that's placed in his living room. He drops down there and yawns..... He then falls asleep.)

[??:?? ?M]

.....

.....

.....

.....

Cognitive Akechi: "Ho?~ Did you truly believe you'd be spared? After all the murders you undertook?"

.....

(Akechi kills Futaba's mother "Wakaba" from the Metaverse.)

Cognitive Akechi: "Don't tell me..... Were you actually feeling good about having someone rely on you once?"

.....

You wanted to be acknowledged didn't you? To be loved?

.....

(Akechi then kills Mr. Okumura. A TV feed then shows his death happening live.)

Cognitive Akechi: "You've been

nothing but

a puppet

from the very beginning~".

(Akechi and his cognitive self shoot each other.)

.....

.....

Akechi: GAH!

(Akechi immediately wakes up, startled by his nightmare. He pants before regaining his composure.)

[5:43 AM]

Akechi: *pant* *pant* *pant* .......

(Akechi grabs for his phone that was placed under his pillow, he checks the time.)

Akechi: *pant*...*pant*

[6:20 AM]

(Akechi is making pancakes.)

Akechi: *sigh* Just another day.....

[A few minutes later.]

(Akechi is scrolling through his social feed from his phone as he eats his pancakes.)

Akechi: ..... !

(He sees a video that appeared on his feed. He reads the caption.)

"Goro Akechi: A Legacy Cut Short"

(He sighs at the sight of it.)

Akechi: Not this again.

(He closes his phone, then continues eating his pancakes.)

[6:40 AM]

(Akechi heads out of his apartment while putting on his black jacket. He gets into his car and buckles himself up. He then switches on the engine.)

Akechi: ..... ?

(The car refuses to start, its engine sputtering.)

Akechi: Damn it.

(Akechi twists the key, his car sputters again.)

Akechi: Come on..... come on!

(The engine continues to struggle to start itself, the sound of combustion being rapid. Akechi's face is full of anxiety.)

Akechi: .....

(Finally, the engine starts running. Akechi sighed out of relief. He then shifts into the first gear and drives away to work.)

[Gas Station, Chuo Ward, Sapporo]
[7:00 AM]

Nakamura: Aizawa?

Shinji: Here!

Nakamura: Koyama?

Tatsuo: Heeere..... *yawn*

Nakamura: Saito?

Saito: Present!

Nakamura: Yamashita?

Akechi: *sigh* Here...

Nakamura: Alright! That's everyone as usual. Let's get to it!

Everyone: Yes, sir!

(They all bow.)

[12:32 PM]

(Akechi is waiting for cars to come by.)

Akechi: ..... *yawn* ..... Hm?

(Feeling something suspicious, Akechi turns around. He sees Shinji and Tatsuo, who are looking at Akechi's car.)

Akechi: Hey!

Tatsuo: What!?

Akechi: Do you mind your hands off from my damn car!? We gotta look out for customers!

Tatsuo: Do we mind? You have a machine sitting here and you expect us petrolheads to? You got a racing seat, a roll bar, buncha gauges- HELL! That steering wheel is literally meant for racing!

Shinji: You forgot the elephant in the room? The TE37's and not to mention you zip-tied your bumpers?

Akechi: Hey- I'm not the one who did that okay?

Shinji: Kei, are you even aware of your car right now?

Akechi: Huh? Why? What's wrong?

Tatsuo: If you're not into cars, Then how did you have all these modifications to your S13?

Akechi: What the hell are you even talking about?

Tatsuo: Stop lying man! You literally got a decent setup. I mean you have a racing seat right here! Don't you even notice what you're sitting at?!

Akechi: Racing? I thought it was a cheap substitute because probably the last seat got broken or somethin'..... Seatbelts were a pain though.

(Shinji and Tatsuo looked at each other with exasperation over Akechi's response, they then did a facepalm in unison.)

Akechi: ......

Shinji: Can you even tell us how did you get this car?

Akechi: Why are you two so invested in my damn car!?

Tatsuo: Come on man! Tell us!

Akechi: *tsk* Fine..... I just got that online like months ago or so, 'can't properly remember. But it was up for sale in around ¥200,000. The guy who sold it to me just quickly gave me the keys and darted off.

Shinji: Well I guess that's understandable, It seems that person wanted to get rid of his car quick.

Tatsuo: For that cheap!? That's a steal! But I don't even take you the type to buy that, I always assumed you're just a Corolla or Belta guy or somethin'.

Shinji: For that price..... Surely it's full of problems ain't it?

Akechi: Well yeah you could say that. I had to get it repaired by the local mechanics. Actually..... he too did mention if I were racing or not.

(Shinji and Tatsuo stared at Akechi with a neutral expression in response to his words.)

Shinji: .....

Tatsuo: .....

Akechi: Now we're done here!?

Shinji: Not yet.

Akechi: Ughh.

(Akechi briefly looks upwards out of frustration.)

Tatsuo: You mind poppin' the hood?

Akechi: Huh?

Shinji: The hood, Open the cover of your engine.

Akechi: Uhm..... Alright?

(Akechi unlocks the door of his car, and pulls a switch that opens the hood. He puts up the hood prop to hold it in place as Tatsuo and Shinji take a look at the engine.)

Shinji: Hmm..... It has the same SR20DET engine but with some slight modifications. Not bad.....

Tatsuo: It has a turbo too!

Akechi: Turbo? So is my car fast or something?

Tatsuo: Pretty much yeah. But I doubt you even utilize that thing considering what you are.

Akechi: ......

Nakamura: Hey! What are you three standing around for!? We got customers!

(Shinji closes the hood. All three run back to their designated positions.)

[11:30 PM]

Shinji: *yaaaaawn* Another good day.

Saito: Not really, It's hell as usual.

Tatsuo: Hey, you signed up for full-time!

Akechi: ......

Nakamura: Well good job again as usual, and since you all worked hard today. I'm treating you all to some seafood!

Saito: Really!?

Tatsuo: Nice!

Nakamura: You all 4 worked hard since the start of this year so why not I give you guys some rest for the least?

Shinji: Thank you so much, boss!

(Shinji bows.)

Nakamura: Shinji, you mind if I ride at yours?

Shinji: Sure, but It doesn't have a backseat for the rest of the guys, so.....

(Shinji looks to Akechi.)

Akechi: Oh.....

Tatsuo: Looks like the rest are hitting your S13!

Akechi: (Again with those unrelated acronyms.)

(Tatsuo and Saito head to Akechi's car.)

Saito: UUEEGH!

(The backseat is filled with trash.)

Akechi: Oh.... right...

Tatsuo: Hehe..... You never had anyone ride your car before.

(Akechi cleans out the backseat.)

Saito: Come on Kei! We gotta hurry up!

Akechi: Alright Alright! Do you mind helping too?

(All the 3 briefly clean out Akechi's car.)

....

....

(Tatsuo drops the trash into the bin.)

Tatsuo: That's the last of 'em!

Nakamura: Hey! What's the hold-up?

Saito: Nothing!

(The 2 enter his car. Akechi ties his hair before entering in. They drive away.)

[Seafood Restaurant, Susukino]
[12:23 AM]

(They exit the restaurant, after being filled up.)

Tatsuo: Ahhh I'm stuffed!

Saito: Phew! They were delicious.

Shinji: *yawn* It's getting late, We still got work tomorrow.

Tatsuo: Ugh, you don't have to remind me.

Nakamura: Hey Hey! He's right, can't have anyone who's absent.

Akechi: .....

(The five head to Shinji and Akechi's car.)

Nakamura: You know, it's fine. I'll take a taxi back home.

Shinji: Huh? You sure?

Nakamura: Yeah, yeah..... You go on ahead. I'll see you all tomorrow.

Shinji, Tatsuo and Saito: Bye!

(The three bow, as Nakamura walks away.)

Tatsuo: Welp, looks like it's just you and me again.

Shinji: Heh. That leaves the nerdy man to you, Kei.

Saito: Haha.... no. I'll be walking back home, it's not far from here you know.

Akechi: Oh good.

Shinji: Well, catch you guys tomorrow.

Tatsuo: See ya!

(Shinji starts his car and they drive away, as Saito walks back home.)

Akechi: (Well..... It's just me now again.)

(Akechi grabs something out from his pocket..... revealing a box of cigarettes.)

Akechi: (I'll just find a quiet place to have a smoke.)

(Akechi proceeds to walk.)

.....

.....

(He notices Nakamura entering the taxi. The latter notices back.)

Nakamura: Oh hey, Kei! Planning not to go home yet?

Akechi: Oh-....uhm, yeah. Just wanted to have a peace of mind.

Nakamura: Okay then, Don't stay up too late.

(Nakamura closes the door, The taxi then drives away.)

Akechi: .....

(Akechi continues walking.)

.....

.....

.....

[12:30 AM]

(Akechi enters an alleyway.)

Akechi: .....

(He pulls out a box of cigarettes.)

Akechi: ..... !

(He is stopped by Watanabe. Akechi glances at him, trying to discern his features.)

Akechi: .....

Watanabe: ENS Gas Station's Keisuke Yamashita, right?

Akechi: ..... Yes? And you are?

Watanabe: I may need your help.

(The man pulls out his wallet that shows his badge and I.D., Akechi examines it.)

Akechi: Naoya Watanabe of Tokyo Prefectual? What's a detective like you doing here?

Watanabe: I'm conducting my own investigation with approval from the force, We believe the suspect we're looking for is reported to be around.

Akechi: And what has that to do with me?

Watanabe: Well..... That man is the captain of the Egashira family, the people you constantly have conflict with.

Akechi: .....

(Akechi looks away for a bit.)

Akechi: (Oh great, it somehow reached to a cop from the mainland.)

(He looks back to Watanabe.)

Akechi: So..... you're asking me to gather info about them?

Watanabe: I believe if you can. I only know you, A Sapporo citizen who has his hands tied to them the most. What a perfect way to have someone like you for the job.

(Akechi looks away again, thinking over his decision. Watanabe watches.)

.....

.....

(He then faces Watanabe again.)

Akechi: ......  I'm sorry..... but..... I'm not risking my life for information. I already made myself an enemy to them for a while now, I wouldn't want to get too close and end up at bottom of the bay.

Watanabe: Tch....

(Watanabe slightly expresses his frustration over Akechi's decline.)

Akechi: Have a good night, Detective. Good luck with your investigation with them or whatever.

(Akechi walks aside and away from Watanabe, going to the other opening end of the alley.)

Watanabe: Don't think you can just scoot off from a cop..... Akechi.

Akechi: !

(Akechi's eyes widened, hearing his real name. He stops for a bit.)

Akechi: .....

(He continues walking.)

Akechi: Psh...

......

(Watanabe grabs Akechi from behind.)

Akechi: !?

(He slams him to the wall, back-first.)

Akechi: GAH!-

(Watanabe then pins him by putting his right forearm near Akechi's neck.)

Watanabe: Four years ago, A rookie detective showed up to the world and became a media sensation, praised as the "Second Coming Detective Prince" by the public for his amazing skills. But all of a sudden he "dies" in a car crash.

Akechi: Shut-..... up!

Watanabe: Now I don't know why the hell you went up north from us but know this: Don't even try going off the radar, with that much you laid out for yourself and to all of us in the force? You can't simply sell a situation, and expect us to buy it!

Akechi: Why- do you-..... want me?!

Watanabe: Because things can't line up any better than the fact that you, a former, well-respected and charming detective get chained with the the Egashira family. And one of them is suspected to have a link with the Kaneshiro mafia.

Akechi: What about them!?

(Watanabe pulls out a small picture that's about the size of a stamp. Akechi looks at it.)

Akechi: !?

(He becomes shocked by the content of the picture. It's a portrait of Sumire, her hair down and wearing eyeglasses.)

Watanabe: Familiar?

Akechi: B-BULLSHIT!- You're- just using-...... me! To-.....reel me back-

Watanabe: You'd really pass off critical information as a lie, Especially if it involves someone you know closely!? Tell me, do you really hate your past that much, that you're willing to let your scars settle on you forever?

Akechi: L-LET-... ME-.... G-G-..

(Watanabe briefly closes his eyes as he lets go of Akechi, he catches his breath..)

Akechi: KUUUUH-...*cough* *cough*

Watanabe: Look..... I know how much you deeply care about Yoshizawa. But one thing for sure, that her involvement with the Kaneshiros is one of the few critical steps in bringing down the Phantom Thieves.

(Akechi's eyes widened once he heard that name.)

Akechi: Phantom Thieves!?

Watanabe: Her being a close affiliate to you and the leader of them. It all seems like more than a coincidence now.

Akechi: How can you be so sure?

(Watanabe pulls out his phone and shows it to Akechi.)

Watanabe: A few days ago, One of the CCTV cameras in Tokyo captured Yoshizawa's last location, which is in an alleyway.

(It shows a video of Sumire walking with a black van appearing right in front of her. Several men emerge out from the van and grab for Sumire, and knock her out.)

Akechi: !

(They all take her into the van, The video then glitches and stops.)

Watanabe: Unfortunately that's where the video ends, but it was clear this was the Kaneshiro Mafia's doing because of that van right there. It appeared again in another feed in Shinjuku.

(Watanabe swipes into the next video and plays it.)

Watanabe: A few days later after that incident, They reappeared again. This time, having a brawlout with the leader of the Phantom Thieves of Heart, Ren Amamiya.

Akechi: What!?.....

(The video shows Ren's battle with the Kaneshiro mafia. Akechi is left with a shocked expression.)

Akechi: (Ren?..... Could he.... be?)

(Watanabe closes his phone and puts it away.)

Akechi: To think the Kaneshiro mafia returned. But if he's fighting them..... how come they are related?

(Watanabe pulls out another small picture, revealing a portrait of Takumi. He shows it to Akechi.)

Watanabe: This, is Takumi Matsushige. The captain of the mafia. I was there during Amamiya's skirmish with them. And I saw him, having the same getup as the Thieves. Including having similar "abilities".

Akechi: Abilities?

Watanabe: I couldn't properly deduce what they are but they at least explain why I can't seem to overpower them in a fight. Goes the same to Amamiya and the rest. My only thought is the mafia and the Thieves have come to a misunderstanding first.

(Akechi slowly shifts into deducing the situation, he looks away from Watanabe.)

.....

Akechi: Knowing the Phantom Thieves, as much as they bend the law to their will. They would have no reason to ally themselves with the Kaneshiros.

(Watanabe becomes intrigued over Akechi while expressing a suspicion.)

Watanabe: ..... Go on.

Akechi: This Matsushige..... a captain of the mafia and yet bears the same looks and abilities of the Phantom Thieves. Something that doesn't just sit right. I'd like to think Matsushige is doing this to provoke them especially with Yoshizawa being kidnapped. And with these..... "abilities" he has, I can see why he'd even have the courage to take on the Phantom Thieves. They put their leader behind bars years back after all.

Watanabe: You're saying the Phantom Thieves are not the enemy?

Akechi: At least in this situation. Only thing I can say about them is that they brought themselves out from the shadows in response to Yoshizawa.

(Akechi looks back at Watanabe.)

Akechi: Detective, I suspect you intervened yourself into a "war" the Phantom Thieves and the mafia are at.

Watanabe: I guess I can see myself that..... That doesn't mean I'm siding either, I'm a detective after all and my job is to bring down whoever causes a discourse to society. Especially the two. If we were to see the Phantom Thieves and the mafia enter into a fight again, then we make our intervention. The only thing to make sure is if we go deeper with the mafia's affiliations first such as the Egashira family. We're basically piggybacking our enemy, leading us to who the Phantom Thieves.

Akechi: We?

Watanabe: I ask you, are you up for it?

Akechi: .....

(Akechi distances himself from Watanabe.)

Watanabe: .....

(He looks at Akechi, having his head faced down as he thinks it over.)

.......

.......

Akechi: Yes..... I'll take the case, only if it means getting Yoshizawa back.

(Akechi turns around and walks to Watanabe.)

Watanabe: Thank you.

(Watanabe puts up his hand, Akechi notices.)

Akechi: ......

......

(Akechi then puts up his. They both briefly shake their hands.)

.....

(Both let go, Watanabe then bows.)

Watanabe: Apologies for putting you to the wall, I'm short-fused when it comes to stubborn people. I'm a busy man, so here's my contact number.

(Watanabe hands his calling card to Akechi.)

Watanabe: I only promise you this, I necessarily don't want to intervene with whatever you built up in this town, I asked because you're the only man for the job within here. If anything happens in Tokyo, its not yours to take action, but mine unless if the situation really calls you for it. I will call you when you're needed. Have a good night, Akechi.

(He walks away.)

Akechi: .....

(Akechi looks at the calling card.)

渡辺 直也
(Ｗａｔａｎａｂｅ  Ｎａｏｙａ)

Division 4
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department

+8172-994-xxxx

Akechi: Tch.....

(Akechi exits the alley.)

[Akechi's Apartment]
[Higashi Ward]
[12:52 AM]

(Akechi tiredly, goes up the stairs, walking back to his unit's door.)

Akechi: *sigh*

(He stops before the front of his door, suspecting something off.)

Akechi: !

(The door lock is broken, and the door makes a small opening gap.)

Akechi: What the?.....

(Akechi's foot taps the door, it slowly opens for a bit.)

Akechi: ?

(He then opens it further, and slowly enters in.)

Akechi: ......

(He slowly closes the door.)

.....

.....

.....

(He gets slammed by a blunt object, knocking him out.)

Akechi: UGH-

.....

.....

.....

.....

"Easy now....We need him alive."

Akechi: .....

"He's still half-asleep."

(Akechi is splashed with cold water, He then makes out huge gasps and coughs. He finds himself tied to his chair by a rope, surrounded by a gang of yakuzas, one of them being Tomizawa.)

Tomizawa: Wakey wakey, fucker!

Akechi: Tch!-

???: How're ya feelin'? Kei-kun,

(His eyes widened as he heard the deep and rough voice, recognizing the person. A menacing man with short spiky black hair, wearing a suit with a black trench coat over it, emerged from the shadows, standing in front of Akechi. The latter reacts with anger, glaring at his eyes, with one of them having a scar.)

Akechi: .....Shit! ....Ishida

[Seitaro Ishida, the captain of a yakuza clan known as the "Egashira Family". He is also known to be a leading debt collector and oversees any money-related businesses.]

Ishida: It's been two years now Yamashita, don't ya think?

Akechi: Give Hana- time! She's clearly trying to do her best so she can pay it upfront-

(Ishida makes a mean right hook onto Akechi's face.)

Akechi: GAH!- *huff*.....*huff*

(Akechi glares back to Ishida, as his lips bleed.)

Ishida: I always wonder what made you have to intervene with Egashira business everytime. Every trouble we have with getting Hana-chan to pay up always came from you. Had it not gone further, my boy Tomizawa would be in better health.

Akechi: Yeah- but not her!-

Ishida: What is your deal with that bitch!? Why? You think had it not been for your actions, she'd wind up in the barrel? You could've chosen any bar here that lies in Sapporo and yet you've chose this? You have a some sort of special affinity with that place? Or with her?

Akechi: Tch- None of your buisness!

Ishida: You know what, if she can't pay up then I guess I'll have to make you do it in her behalf!

(Ishida nods his head upwards, commanding his men to search around Akechi's house for money. Rumblings are heard around.)

Akechi: .....

.....

.....

Thug A: Sir! We've got nothing.

Ishida: Disappointing. And I thought you were some sort of a good samaritan. No surprise for a gasboy! You just blindly set your own death with her.

Akechi: .....

(Ishida heads out through the door.)

Ishida: Make him suffer.

Thug B: Yes, sir!

(Ishida shuts the door. One of the thugs cut off the rope binding both Akechi's arms and legs.)

Thug B: Off the chair!

(Thug B pushes Akechi off the chair by his head, He falls down to the ground.)

Thug A: Get him up!

(Thug C puts Akechi up, and Thug D then holds him from behind. Thug A cracks his knuckles.)

Thug A: HMMMPH!

(He punches Akechi's face.)

Akechi: GUH-

(He continues to punch him, doing left-and-right hooks. He then kicks him on his stomach.)

Akechi: GAH!- *cough*...*cough*

(Thug A makes a few steps back.)

.....

.....

Akechi .......?

(Everything slows down in his view, he feels a tingling sensation behind his back.)

.....

(He sees a blue, glowing butterfly flying around.)

???: "Even under the pressure of your own façade, what remains true is your heart."

(He hears his own deepened voice echoing through the room, as everyone around him has been frozen.)

??? (cont'd): "I am your true self, You are far from your truth but your heart. In my sleep, I have sensed the retribution you served. You are far from accomplishing the repentance of your sins but the bonds you have forged deep down no longer bear hatred. You now willingly face the situation rather than create one, and that has made me grow stronger than ever before. I act as your mask no longer, but your guardian spirit."

(Akechi remains in shock, realizing what's happening.)

???: "Now heed my command, I am thou, thou art I. Thou hath the fortitude to right the wrongs, to shed the light from the darkness you made. Utter my name, to put your demons to rest!"

(The voice then fades, and the flow of time resumes.)

Akechi: !!!

(Akechi's eyes suddenly widened.)

Thug A: .......haaaaAAAAAAHHHH!

(Thug A runs to Akechi and makes an oncoming punch.)

Akechi: ROBIN HOOD!

(A big gust of air suddenly lashes out from Akechi, blowing everyone away. A severe pain occurs inside himself, He then drops his knees to the ground followed by his arms.)

Akechi: GAHH.... AAAGGGHHH!!

(All of the thugs get back up. as Akechi coughs out blood. His pain then goes away.)

Akechi: *huff*....*huff*

Thug B: HAAAAAAH!

(Thug B goes to stomp on Akechi. But suddenly he is thrown away and hits the wall.)

Thug A: What the fuck!?

(Akechi stands back up, full of anger. A large blue fire appears and wraps around him. All the thugs watch in surprise. The fire then goes away, revealing Akechi in his white Metaverse attire. Robin Hood then appears behind him.)

Akechi: ..... !

(Akechi looks over himself with surprise.)

Akechi: Woah

Thug C: HAA!

Akechi: !

(Thug C punches Akechi from behind.)

Robin Hood: HMPH!

(Robin Hood blocks the Thug's punch.)

Thug C: Wh-..... What!?

Thug A: What's stopping you!?

Thug C: I-I don't know!

(Akechi turns around.)

Akechi: Robin Hood, let's finish this!

Robin Hood: Certainly, Let justice be meted out.

(His Persona pushes away the thug.)

Thug C: Fuck!..... haaaAAAH!

(Thug C makes another punch, but Robin Hood blocks it.)

Thug C: Grrrrrrr!

Akechi: *pant*...*pant*....HMPH!

(Akechi punches Thug C.)

Thug C: GAAAAHCK!

Robin Hood: SHAH!

(Robin Hood follows it up with a finishing straight punch onto Thug C's face. He drops to the ground, knocked out.)

Thug D: ORRYYYYAAAAA!

(Thug D runs onto Akechi.)

Akechi: !

(He quickly looks at the thug running at him. Robin Hood quickly kicks his foot, making him slip.)

Thug D: !

(He then quickly follows it up by slamming him onto the ground.)

Akechi: *pant*.....*pant*....

Thug A: Wh-..... What..... What are you!?!?

(Thug A runs away, he quickly opens the door and dashes out.)

Akechi: ......

(Crow looks at the unconscious thugs.)

....

....

(He slowly turns back into his normal form.)

Akechi: Woah.....

(Akechi looks at his Persona.)

Akechi: I..... I didn't expect you to come back.

Robin Hood: Likewise to myself. It is with great pleasure to serve under you once again.

Akechi: I'm just glad to know that you never left me.