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- I wonder why we couldn't have met a few years earlier, Ren...
- —Akechi to Ren in the engine room.
- "If only we'd met a few years earlier"... But, such a convenient miracle could never happen. He'd probably say something like that. But... I don't want to give up my own "proof of justice."
- —Ren thinking about Akechi in Proof of justice OVA.
ShuAke is the slash ship between Ren Amamiya and Goro Akechi from the Persona fandom.
Canon[]
Main Story[]
June[]
The two first meet in on 6/9 during Ren's school trip to a TV station in Akasaka Mitsuke, where Akechi is being recorded for an episode of "Good Morning Japan." The day before the interview, he ends up running into Ren and his current group. In this conversation Akechi slips up and reveals his ability to hear Morgana.
During the interview, the topic of the Phantom Thieves and their justice is brought up, which results in Akechi wanting to hear the opinions of the audience. When Ren ends up randomly selected, he openly disagrees with the detective, defending the Phantom Thieves and leading to them having a short debate.
After the interview is over, Akechi approaches Ren and starts a conversation with him. He expresses interest in hearing more about his opinions, calling him a "worthwhile debate partner." He asks Ren to keep sharing his thoughts with him to which Ren agrees, shaking his hand in the Royal version of the game.
July[]
Akechi saying something to Ren who shakes his head in response while Kasumi checks her phone
A month later, on 7/11, Ren happens to be talking to Kasumi when Akechi notices them and decides to approach. After exchanging pleasantries, Kasumi reveals she wanted to tell Ren about being chosen to be a club representative for a competition. Akechi proposes that since they all are here, they can go together as a group to celebrate her achievement and he leads them to a cafe he knows. Once they're there, he points out how hot Kasumi's drink is to which Ren notices that Akechi also is drinking something warm. Then she asks Akechi about him liking sweets and when he responds that it's part of his image, Ren reacts dramatically, either saying he feels lied to or that he wishes he hadn't learned that. In response Akechi remarks that it's surprising how innocent he seems to be. As they talk about how each of them knows Ren, Akechi decides to ask Kasumi about her thoughts on the Phantom Thieves, referencing his first meeting with Ren. When she expresses doubts on how long a society that relies on them could last, he turns back to Ren to ask for his thoughts on her opinion. Kasumi worries about hurting his feelings thinking he's a fan and Akechi with a smile says that he didn't mean to start an argument and offers changing the subject. Their hangout ends when Kasumi has to leave.
The next run-in with Akechi, Ren and his friends have on 7/24 at the Ginza Line Gate. He approaches them, bringing the topic of Medjed and the war against the Phantom Thieves, pointing out how suspicious their group is and hinting at him being aware of their identities. Before leaving, he tells Ren that the two of them could be a great team if they worked together.
August[]
While the Phantom Thieves gain popularity, Akechi who publicly opposed them, receives more and more hate from their supporters as the story goes.
On 8/28, Akechi visits Leblanc while Ren is working as a barista, mentioning that Sae recommended this place to him. He opens up to Ren and Futaba on how unwelcome everywhere he feels these days and tells the story of how he lost his mother when he was young. He says to Ren that he didn't expect him to board at Leblanc specifically and that he believes they share some kind of bond. The player can in response agree, react coldly or dismiss this as a coincidence. No matter which answer is chosen, Akechi expresses the belief in fate bringing people together and adds "It's strange, but talking to you is thought-provoking". The scene ends with him declaring he found his go-to cafe.
October/November (up until 11/20)[]
Due the difficult situation the Phantom Thieves end up finding themselves in, during the meeting on 10/23, they decide to try getting information out of Akechi by inviting him to the school festival. In the Royal version, in this scene Ren reveals to the group he has Akechi's phone number.
Next day when Ren comes back to Leblanc after school, Akechi is already there. He greets him by saying "Welcome home" and if the player chooses the option to respond "Honey, I'm home" or "......", he follows it up with "You're back awfully late". After listening to Shido speaking on the TV, Akechi comments on his words by doubting whether the Phantom Thieves would commit murder. He then tells Ren that ever since they met, he knew there was something special about him and that he feels as though he could tell him anything during their conversations. He starts talking about how he was invited to Shujin Academy, but stops himself saying "Oh, wait, I'm sure you know that already". He lets him know he decided to accept the offer and gets up to leave, telling Ren he's happy he could see him before heading out to the door.
Akechi meets with the group briefly during the school festival on 10/25, once again hinting on him knowing their identities by commenting that everyone is there when seeing them. The following day, the panel Akechi was invited to is scheduled. When Makoto is trying to asks him questions during an interview in front of the students, Akechi reveals he's aware who the Phantom Thieves are, saying that if he's right, he can't imagine they would kill anyone. He makes up an excuse to take a break from the questioning and meet up with the group instead so they can talk. He reveals he is also a Persona user, claiming he awakened his Persona a month ago. He offers them working together, blackmailing them so that they don't have another choice if they don't want to end up framed for murder.
While they work together, during the infiltration of the Palace, the group needs to nominate one person from the group to participate in the Battle Arena. Akechi decides that sending Ren would be the best choice as his high-adaptability would be vital since they don't know what enemies might appear and Ren ends up agreeing. After the fight is won despite the enemies playing dirty, Akechi says that he expected that the fight would be rigged, but he had faith in his skill and adds that there was no other option.
Doing the Confidant and unlocking Jazz Jin leads to Akechi inviting Ren out on 11/16, right before 11/20.
After their final battle together, their deal comes to a close and their cooperation ends. Akechi tells them that the deal was a great experience for him and the two share a nod. This is when the player has an option to ask him to continue working with them which Akechi refuses. As they're about to leave, the Palace ends up surrounded by police and Ren offers working as a bait so that others can escape. This leads to him being caught and interrogated as he's told he was sold out.
As flashbacks reveal, the group anticipated it and was preparing for it. They realized Akechi was lying about when he awakened his Persona because of his slip up in June and by spying on him, they learned about his plans to sell them out and murder Ren.
On 11/20, the day after Ren was arrested, Akechi goes to the interrogation room he is kept in. Asking the guard to enter the room with him, he steals his gun and kills him. Then he turns to speak to Ren who is cuffed and unable to move as Akechi reveals to him his betrayal. With the words "Case closed... This is how your "justice" ends." he shoots him. His death is announced as suicide.
That all was part of the thieves plan. It's revealed that Akechi didn't actually shoot Ren, but a cognitive version of him in Metaverse, not knowing it was not real him. Real Ren was the entire in the empty interrogation room in reality, smirking to himself, smug because of his victory.
Post 11/20[]
During an interview that the group listens to on 11/23, Akechi talks about his plan to catch the leader of the Phantom Thieves, comparing his strategy to the one you would use when romancing someone.
When exploring Shido's Palace, the player is shown an interview where Akechi is asked how he reacted to the suicide of the leader of the thieves and he responds by saying it made him feel dizzy.
The next time the group meets Akechi is when they're nearing the end of the exploration of Shido's Palace. After noticing the change in Shido's behavior, he figured out that they must be infiltrating it, planning on changing his heart and learned that Ren's death was faked.
He approaches them in the engine room and starts by addressing Ren, telling him he's impressed that he managed to deceive him and that he underestimated his abilities. He calls him interesting, someone who is quiet yet has the determination and courage to take action and expresses that under different circumstances they could have been great rivals (the English localization of the game adds here "or perhaps even friends"). The player has an option to respond by saying "It's not too late", "We're already rivals" or can simply call him ridiculous. Akechi reacts with laughter, saying that he's the best (the English localization changes "You're the best" to "How wonderful!") and that he doesn't allow himself to be enslaved by things like human relationships and past selves. He calls his heart free, the exact opposite of his, expressing that he's jealous of him. That's when he tells him "I wonder why we couldn't have met a few years earlier, Ren..." but he decides that there is no use in talking about hypotheticals.
Akechi tells the group about his plans, his revenge and his history with Shido. During his speech, he repeatedly singles out Ren. He tells him to rest easy and die after threatening them all. After Ryuji makes a mistake of assuming they've seen all his abilities already, he addresses Ren to ask him how could he be so successful while teaming up with someone so dumb.
After defeating the enemies Akechi sends to attack them, he remarks that he didn't expect him to be defeated by them, after all he deceived him and escaped death. He tells him he wouldn't give up the chance to massacre him with his own hands.
When the fight against Akechi is over, the group tries to get through to him. Morgana ends up asking Akechi "You... like Joker[1], don't you?" (changed in the English localization to "And... you don't really hate Joker, do you?") and talks about him smiling before fighting being how he truly feels, saying he should follow his true feelings. As he tries to talk to Akechi about how he assumes people hate him and don't want him around, he's interrupted and Morgana's words to Akechi end up being the final straw that breaks him and results in him a breakdown. He dismisses the idea of needing teammates or friends, asking how he's inferior to Ren after he was so particular about creating a perfect persona so that people would want him around, that he's a famous detective while Ren is "just some criminal trash living in an attic". He questions how it's possible someone like him has things he doesn't, how "such a worthless piece of trash" is more special than him. No matter which option the player chooses, nothing will get through to him. As another fight against him starts and Akechi reveals his second form, he says he's going destroy and break him together with him.
Nearing the end of the fight, a message "Akechi is glaring at Joker...!" shows up and what follows is an attack capable of killing him with one hit.
After the fight is over, Akechi's attitude changes to resigned as he tells Ren how lucky he is to be surrounded by teammates who acknowledge him, meanwhile when Shido's crimes come to light, so will be gone Akechi's fame and trust of people. The Phantom Thieves show him understanding, empathizing with him and offering him to join them so they can fight side by side instead of against each other. Akechi comments on it by calling them idiots, saying they should get rid of him if they don't want him in their way and declaring them beyond his comprehension.
This is when Shido's cognitive version of Akechi appears, walking towards the real Akechi and pointing a gun at him, claiming to be at Shido's orders. He threatens to kill him but offers to spare him if he agrees to attack the thieves instead. Akechi draws out his gun, pointing it in Ren's direction, but instead of shooting him, he turns to shoot Congitive Akechi, using the distraction he created to close the watertight bulkhead door. Akechi and the enemies end up on one side while the Phantom Thieves are on the other.
He tells the thieves to leave, saying that they would have died if they tried to fight with him weighing them down. Before that happens though, he asks them to make a deal with him, asking them to change Shido's heart in his stead, handing his life goal of revenge to them instead. Ren agrees and Akechi smiles, facing the Cognitive Akechi on the other side. The group wants to help him somehow, but they're unable to do anything and Futaba says that she's not getting his signal anymore.
Later in the story it's revealed that Akechi and Ren were chosen and pitted against each other to decide the fate of the world by a god. Akechi was meant to incite the distortion of the society, leading to the doom of the world, while Ren was meant to be the one to stand against this, his win meaning that the world would remain as it is.
Confidant[]
Akechi's Confidant (also known as Justice Confidant) was remade in the Royal version of the game and made manual, with some parts being intertwined with the story. He's the only team member with who you can spend time during evenings and his Confidant doesn't start with a deal unlike most of them.
Rank 1[]
The Confidant starts automatically during their conversation after Akechi's interview on 6/10. Akechi states that he believes the Phantom Thieves would flee if a powerful enemy cornered them with which Ren openly disagrees. That's when Akechi asks him to continue sharing his thoughts with him, reaching his hand out for a handshake which ends up accepted by Ren who takes him up on his offer. Akechi tells him he senses something in him that's different from other people and calls it his "detective intuition". Ren in his thoughts comments on the event "It seems the detective Akechi has taken a liking to me..." and the two exchange numbers before Akechi leaves.
"While investigating the Phantom Thieves, his "detective's intuition" led him to Ren..."
Rank 2[]
Rank 2 can be started as soon as 6/13. Akechi invites Ren out to play billiards with him at Penguin Sniper. He starts out getting a break ace, claiming it's just a coincidence and that this game doesn't count so they'll start over. This is when Akechi switches his stick from his left hand to his right hand while Ren is turned away. During their next game Akechi is using his right hand and the game goes on until the player is given a choice to either shoot carefully or powerfully. No matter which is option is chosen, Ren ends up losing to Akechi and this is when he notices that the other was using his right hand the entire time. Ren points it out to him which ends up impressing Akechi as he didn't expect him to notice and he claims it's because it would be gauche to go all-out against junior. Akechi remarks that Ren truly is interesting and that he never ceases to intrigue him. He promises him that if Ren ever manages to win against him using his right hand, he will face him with everything he has.
During the phone call after the hang out, Akechi thanks him for coming along and expresses the desire to spend time with him again.
"He invited you to play billiards. What does he aim to accomplish using his non-dominant hand...?"
Rank 3[]
Next time Akechi invites Ren to spend time with him at a cafe. While hanging out, Akechi ends up recognized by people who have seen him on TV, resulting in a commotion. It makes him troubled as he says he doesn't want to cause trouble for the store and even though he wishes he could've relax for longer, they should leave. Even when Ren tries to protest, he claims it's best to go. He makes a passing comment that it's a shame he doesn't have glasses like Ren because maybe then he would be able to get out of the situation. This gives Ren an idea and he approaches Akechi, leaving with him for a bit. When they come back to their seats, Akechi is wearing Ren's glasses, his hair turned into a mess after Ren made him look more like himself. The plan ends up working and the people end up fooled that he's not actually the famous detective, allowing the two to spend more time together in peace. Akechi is in disbelief he would actually do this, deciding that he should better learn to watch what he says around him and yet still, he claims he learned a valuable lesson as there is no way of knowing how things will go unless you give them a try.
When talking over the phone, Akechi says it's a shame their discussion was interrupted as he was enjoying having a breather with Ren. He remarks Ren really surprised him and that he can't believe such a basic trick worked. Despite calling it an interesting experience, he doesn't want to go through it again and adds that he saw firsthand what happens when he's not careful with his words around him. Although, he does show interest in dressing up Ren as him instead, making him his stunt double as they're not much different when it comes to height and his clothes would fit Ren. He tells him "If we do this, it'll have to be carefully planned, of course. I'll be dictating everything, from hair to accessories" and that the events of today prove no one would notice the switch as most people can't see beyond superficial.
"You helped him escape a close call with fans of the popular high school detective."
Rank 4[]
It begins with Akechi telling Ren he wants to show him a certain place that is special to him, hoping he would like it too. He takes them to a jazz club called Jazz Jin, saying they'll be safe there as he's a regular. Once they're inside, Akechi orders drinks for them and the two listen together to the live performance. He explains how he really likes this place, saying that despite visiting quite a few restaurants and cafes because of his work, Jazz Jin is more special to him, calling it his go-to place. He asks Ren if he has a place like this too and he tells him that for him it's Leblanc. Then he proceeds to explain to Akechi his situation and how he ended up coming to Tokyo on his own to live in a cafe loft. Impressed Akechi comments that it's like something out of a story, though he's envious of how well-stocked on coffee and curry he must be. He tells him how he lives alone, but rarely has the time to cook for himself. Nearing the end of their hang out, Akechi says how usually goes there when he needs time to think on his own so it's refreshing to chat with Ren there. He adds that he's the only person he ever brought there, claiming that it's not like he was hiding it, but it shows the two of them have some strange connection. The two leave as Akechi notices it has gotten late.
After they part ways, Akechi calls Ren asking him if he's good to talk. He goes on to comment on how wonderful the music was, mentioning how live bands have certain power to their music and shows how passionate he is talking about jazz music, comparing it to euphoria like after solving a case. He ends by saying he should let him go and that he somehow always ends up talking more than usual when it's with Ren, telling him to expect another invitation soon before hanging up.
"The Detective Prince invited you to his go-to place, where you talked a bit about your personal lives."
Rank 5[]
Akechi's next invite is to the arcade, wanting to visit one with Ren, being interested as he's never been to one. They end up playing a hardcore shooter game which Akechi does perfectly at, not wasting a single shot while Ren even though he's not doing badly, he's worse than him. Akechi calls the game realistic and when Ren questions how well he did, his response hints at the idea of preparing to kill Ren in the future (the English localization added romantic subtext to the scene as it's translated to "I'll need as much practice as I can get if I'm going to take you out", giving the sentence the double meaning of either a date or murder) before claiming he's just kidding. He mentions that playing felt nostalgic to him as he had a toy gun as a kid he used to run around with around the house, playing hero. He goes on a short tangent on how there are different kinds of heroes before apologizing for that strange digression, saying that whenever he's talking to Ren, he can't help delving into these abstract topics. He calls it a day, saying that he worked up a sweat and needs to take a shower.
When Akechi calls Ren, he does it to say how grateful he is again, thanking him for hanging out with him and saying he had a lot of fun. He adds that he doesn't play these games too often so he wasn't sure how well would he do, hoping he didn't come off as too much of a novice and that he wishes he had played better. He finds games rather fun, calling it a novel experience as he usually reads in his free time, impressed by the realistic experience. He tells Ren that usually he really struggles to enjoy the same things as his peers, but thanks to him he had fun to today, expressing the hope that he will join him again.
"You played a shooting game with him with while talking about his childhood dream of being a hero."
Rank 6[]
The earliest day Rank 6 can be started is 9/3. After returning home from school, Akechi can be found sitting at Leblanc. If the player decides to talk to him, he tells Ren that he assumes they both had a long day and that after being out the entire day because of work, he can finally take a break. He asks Ren if he has any plans tonight and if the player responds that he doesn't, he offers talking together over coffee. That's when Sojiro speaks up, recommending them to go to the bathhouse nearby instead. Akechi entertains the idea, asking Ren to go with him and show him the way. Once they're in the bath, Akechi mentions how it's been a while for him and opens up about how his mother who worked at a nightclub would send him to a bathhouse whenever she had to bring a man home. He expresses anger at his father, saying he deserves all the blame after abandoning his mother, wishing he could force him to give her an apology, but it's no longer possible. Immediately after, he smiles, apologizing as he didn't mean for the conversation to get so depressing. He changes the topic to ask Ren if he's alright as hot water can make people dizzy, creating an excuse to leave the bath, but Ren makes it obvious he's fine with staying, his response turning it into a competition of who can last.
When they finally leave the bath, they end up sharing milk together while still in their towels. Akechi mentions it's his first time taking a bath like this, he also has never told anyone else about his family situation. He questions his behavior saying "I wonder why I told you? Curious indeed" to which Ren responds by saying that it's because the two of them share a bond. Akechi says to this that now that he mentions it, maybe they are pretty similar deep down and that they're both victims of adults who unfairly impacted their lives. After they decide they should put on their clothes, Akechi mentions how his skin is radiating heat and that they should keep the competition out of the bath, best to save it for the baize. Though, then he adds that they can make a competition out of who changes faster, saying that the first to leave wins.
Over the phone, Akechi tells Ren that he finally managed to relax, thanking him. He says that it's nice to spend a day as Akechi Goro rather than the Detective Prince. He goes on to talk about how people seem to assume he's some brilliant prodigy when it's really not like that, stating that if they saw how he was acting today, perhaps they'd say he wasn't acting like the Detective Prince. Then he tells Ren how he can't figure him out no matter how he tries. It intrigues him how the two of them have common ground in some aspects, but in others, they're total opposites, adding "The more I get to know you, the more it makes me think. I wonder why that is". He ends the conversation saying that he's veering into strange territory.
"In the bathhouse, he discussed his family and promised to play another round of billiards."
Rank 7[]
Rank 7 can be started on 11/2. Akechi invites him to once again play billiards together so this time Ren can try to win against him using his right hand. Once they are playing, he describes billiards to be a fascinating game, talking about how you can't simply strike the ball but be indirect yet precise. He goes on to say how it has many parallels to a hypothetical "perfect crime", eliminating the target without directly connecting yourself to it, similar to the victims of psychotic breakdowns or the change of heart. He remarks how everything, even the little events that happen around them, may just be one ball striking another. Even so, there is no guarantee the ball can be precisely controlled and regardless of player's intentions, the ball can end up striking many obstacles. After saying all of this, he asks Ren "Even then... do you still intend to play this game?" to which Ren responds affirmatively, not showing any hints of hesitation. He wins the match, impressing Akechi who offers to go outside to cool off for a moment.
Once they're outside, Akechi once again comments on how impressed he is that he managed to win even if it was against him using his right hand. He praises him as he became quite skilled. He asks Ren if he remembers how he said they're similar, once again talking about how they're both victims of unjust adults and now they have the power to rise against them. Yet he's working as a detective while Ren is acting as a phantom thief so he claims that their stances couldn't be more different. After Ren mentions Akechi's teamwork with the phantom thieves, he asks him if he would like to join him instead, but if he were to do it, he'd have to abandon the teammates he has now.
Ren's thought bubble comments "Akechi's eyes are deadly serious. I need to give him a real answer..." hinting at it being an important choice. Depending on the choice the player makes here, it's possible to unlock Akechi's third awakening. The option that leads to unlocking it is "You're my rival", answers "I'll think about it" or "I'm not doing that" do nothing. After making the choice, Akechi tells him that what he said carries great weight, to remember what he decided and not run from it. He adds that as long as they're working together, he will do his part and lend his strength. At the end, he mentions that he did say he will face Ren will all his ability if he beats him with his right hand, saying that he'll keep it in mind.
After they leave, Akechi calls Ren asking if it's alright to chat. He tells him he never ceases to amaze him and that he can't believe he defeated him, even if it wasn't against his dominant hand. He says his competitive spirit deserves praise as he was terrible at first but caught up to Akechi in no time which leads him to questioning why Ren is so competitive against him. He ends their conversation saying it was a bit much, so he lets him go.
"After defeating him in a game of billiards, he declares that he won't hold back next time."
Rank 8[]
Akechi contacts Ren, wanting to talk to him about something. He wants the conversation to happen in Mementos as they would be alone. If the player agrees, they head there together and Ren questions him about the situation. This is when Akechi pulls out his gun, pointing it at Ren who reacts with surprise, but doesn't panic. Akechi goes on to remind him about what they decided about him taking on Ren with everything he got if he beats him using his right hand. He tells about how he exceeded his expectations in every way, his insight, quick wit and most of all, how fast he has grown. Because of this, Akechi wishes to duel him without holding back. Ren agrees and he thanks him for indulging his selfish request.
After Ren wins their duel, Akechi remarks that it's no wonder he's the leader of the Phantom Thieves, mentioning how he's caught up to him on this front already too. This one sentence and their duel itself is Akechi allowing Ren know more than he should as during this point of the game he is still pretending to be new to Metaverse. Neither of them seems to be satisfied with ending the duel here, but Akechi says that if they went further, they'd go beyond the point of no return, even though he'd love to see just how far they can go. For now though they have an important mission coming up.
They leave Mementos and stop to have a conversation in Shibuya. Akechi tells Ren that his strength is reassuring, to the point he would rely on him in a difficult situation to which Ren responds by saying that he feels the same way. Then Akechi asks him if he believes he would win if they continued fighting. That's when Akechi decides to be honest with Ren and confess "I'm going to be an entirely honest with you: I hate you". He tells him how frustrated he is by how well he handles his circumstances, by how he keeps trying to surpass him and by how different Ren is from him (the English localization changes the line about trying to surpass him to "your ability to surpass me" and the line about the difference between them to "your uniqueness"). He adds at the end that he won't let himself lose to Ren. The other responds casually, accepting Akechi's negative feelings without much of a reaction.
- Make certain that you never forget: I am the one who will defeat you.
Akechi tells Ren that he'll let him have victory today, but next time he's going to win, throwing his right glove at him. He explains that there is a tradition in the West to throw a glove at the opponent when demanding a duel. If the opponent accepts the glove, so is the duel accepted. Here, similarly to Rank 7 is an option that can determine whether you unlock Akechi's third awakening. If you failed to choose "You're my rival" in Rank 7, choosing "I accept" will still allow you to unlock it (you don't need to make the right choice in both, just one of them is enough). He tells Ren to never forget that he's going to be the one to defeat him. This is when he mentions time, calling it day.
"You fought Akechi in Mementos and seized victory. He swore not to lose to you again."
Rank 9/10[]
Rank 9 and Rank 10 are integrated into the main story. Finishing Akechi's Confidant up to Rank 8 modifies how the events in the engine room play out.
Rank 9 adds a thought bubble after Akechi says "I wonder why we couldn't have met a few years earlier, Ren..." which goes "It seems that Akechi truly regrets this turn of events. I feel as though I understand him better now..." when the rank up happens.
"His objective is to get revenge on his father, Shido. After stating that, he attacked..."
Rank 10 changes:
- "You wanted to see my powers, didn't you? Fine... I'll show them to you! Hahaha, I've never felt like this before! You're right - I don't give a damn about Shido's acknowledgment... All I care about now is killing all of you... ....to prove I'm better than you!" -> "You're not satisfied with where we left it either, are you? Isn't this what you really wanted? You and I are going to strike and strike again until one of us is dead! To hell with holding back! Ah... Just picturing it sends chills down my spine... What Shido thinks of me? Haha! I don't give a shit... All I care about now is killing you... ...to prove I'm better than you!" The change is a reference to their Rank 8 duel and is singling out Ren instead of being directed at the entire group. Akechi also sounds more broken in Rank 10 version.
- After Akechi asks to change Shido's heart, instead of having an option to agree to the deal: "I promise." or "Leave it to me." the player gets the options to remind Akechi of their promise from Rank 8: "You better deliver your promise." or "I'll hold on to your glove." No matter which option is chosen, Akechi reacts with shock, saying "Heh... After all this, that's what you have to say? Seriously, you really are..."
- His smile changes to more confident one instead of the defeated smile he has in the version with no Rank 10.
- His line when facing Cognitive Akechi changes from "Not bad." to "I...!"
"He sacrificed his own life in order to save you... In the end, your wishes became one."
If the player chose the right answer in either Rank 7 ("You're my rival.") or Rank 8 ("I accept."), when going to sleep the day of finishing Rank 10, a scene of Ren thinking about Akechi on his bed is unlocked. He wonders what happened to Akechi and if Futaba losing his signal means he will never meet him again. That's when the player is given two choices, the final choice determining whether you unlock Akechi's third awakening: "I should forget about him, but..." (in the original Japanese version, the word "but..." is omitted, making it more clear it's about choosing to forget Akechi) or "I want to keep our promise." The second choice will lead to unlocking the third awakening.
Confidant invitation[]
Outside of the ranks, if the player started Devil Confidant, Akechi will end up texting Ren to invite him to aquarium on 7/29. The aquarium where Akechi invites him is a date spot for White Day date in romance routes.
On 7/28 evening, Akechi asks Ren if he's free tomorrow, telling him that a work acquaintance gave him tickets to an aquarium. He says it would be a waste not to use them, asking Ren if he'd like to come. If the player agrees, the hangouts happens. Morgana comments on it, calling it "guys' night out at the aquarium" saying it should be fun and it's not that weird.
Once they're there, Akechi remarks how it's been a while since he's come to visit a place like this, apologizing for dragging him along. The players is given three responses. Saying the place is nice earns +3 points of relationship with Akechi as he says he's glad Ren likes it. He adds how he wasn't sure if Ren's the type. Asking why Akechi invited Ren earns +2 points and makes the other say it's because Ren seemed bored. When Ren doesn't seem to like his answer, Akechi says he's mostly kidding, though he never ends up giving an actual answer as to why he invited him specifically. The last option that earns no points is saying that Akechi could bring a girl here and he responds that he supposes this place is famous as a dating spot. Though he'd never have guessed Ren was such a romantic.
This is when Ohya appears, coming up to them as she recognizes Ren before realizing he's with the famous Akechi Goro. When she questions why Ren is with him, Akechi responds that he invited him out as they are good friends. She introduces herself when Akechi asks about her, joking about asking a couple of questions about the two of them before saying he's not dumb enough to pry into high schooler's private life.
After she leaves, Akechi comments on Ren having friends in media and asks him about the agreement Ohya mentioned between the two of them. If the player chooses to ask what about it, it earns +2 points and Akechi dismisses his question as just saying it's interesting how Ren has all kinds of friends. Choosing an option to say it's nothing bad also earns +2 points, making the other respond that he didn't mean it like this, though he comments on it being suspicious that Ren felt the need to deny it. The third option that earns no points is "The fish are beautiful" (localized as "How about these fish, huh?"). This can be read as a reference to "The moon is beautiful" which is a well-known proclamation of love. Akechi responds to this by saying that his deception makes him look more suspicious instead of doing the opposite.
At the end he apologizes for prying, calling him interesting. He thanks him for coming before saying they should head home.
Third Semester[]
If the player finishes Maruki's Confidant, the Third Semester is unlocked.
Akechi's description and portrait changes during this part of the game. If the player maxed out Justice Confidant, a new description of Rank 10 appears.
"You kept your promise to settle his complex issues with Shido. When will the other promise be fulfilled...?"
First change is seen on 24th December when instead of Ren turning himself in to prison, Akechi shows up, revealing he's alive and taking his place, ending up arrested in his stead. He claims it's to repay his debt and leaves with Sae.
Next time Ren sees Akechi is on 1/2. He comes to Leblanc, seeking him out as he is aware of the reality being altered. Realizing that Ren knows the truth too, he asks him to speak about this. The two head outside to have a conversation.
Akechi tells him how he realized things are not right when he was released after a brief interrogation, acquitted of all charges. As Ren seems to be the only one besides him who is aware of what's happening, he asks him to make a deal. They would work together and find out what's going on, having the same goals it would be convenient for them to partner up. Ren thinks to himself that Akechi is right about the need for teamwork and that working with him would be the best course of action. As he agrees to work with him, he shares the information of what happened after they parted ways with Akechi back in the engine room. During their conversation, Kasumi calls, telling Ren about spotting a Palace, asking him to meet up. Akechi decides to go with him and they both leave.
As they arrive, Kasumi is surprised to see Akechi and he explains that they were together when she called. When he tells her he has the same powers as Ren, she wonders if that means he's one of the Phantom Thieves which Akechi denies. Kasumi is unsure how much she can tell him, turning to Ren which tells her it's fine to explain everything to him.
The three of them decide to head to the Palace together and they take notice of the outfit Akechi is wearing (which is the one that was revealed in the engine room, a different one from the one he wore when working with the Phantom Thieves previously). Akechi remarks that there is no reason for him to uphold his image of the righteous Detective Prince anymore.
During their first fight as a team, Kasumi ends up nervous after witnessing how Akechi acts. She asks Ren about it, wondering if Akechi normally is "ruthless sort of person" to which he responds casually confirming that yes, options being: "Yep, this is his normal." or "Just everyday Akechi." A moment later Akechi reveals he heard their conversation, smirking when he asks if Kasumi is fine working with him.
When the trio meets Maruki and learns the truth about Sumire, he tries to appeal to them. He asks them to put themselves in her shoes, talking about the tragedy of another person dying from protecting them. His words describe what happened between Ren and Akechi in the engine room and can be seen as him trying to convince Ren by drawing parallels between him and Sumire.
As Akechi and Ren refuse to accept Maruki's offer, he sends a Shadow to attack them. As they struggle during the fight, they decide to attack together. They improvise ShowTime, the only time ShowTime ever was improvised and created without the help of Jose's Star. It's also the only ShowTime Akechi has and the only Ren unlocks during the main story (the second possible for him to unlock is with Sumire if the player finishes her Confidant).
Their attack ends up defeating the enemy. When they express how unwilling they are to negotiate with him, Maruki tells them to see the reality he created first and disappears, taking Sumire with himself and saying that he will wait for them on 1/9.
After they leave, they talk over the situation. As Ren expresses the desire to save Sumire, Akechi tells him that it'll be a suicide to try to go get her now and that it's better to learn more first. He says that he'll do some investigating on his own and the two of them decide to meet again in a week.
When Ren comes back to his room, he receives a call from Akechi who informs him about what he learned. They agree on how frighteningly powerful Maruki is and Akechi adds how even the Phantom Thieves that Ren is so proud of ended up his victims. He ends up mentioning how Ren is going to try to change their minds, admitting that more manpower would help but expresses scepticism over it being possible. Despite his lack of belief, he tells Ren to do what he needs to and that he will focus on investigating Maruki. If Ren thanks him, Akechi deflects by reminding him they have a deal. He hangs up saying he'll reach out if anythings come by. Morgana who was nearby during their conversation comments that Ren and Akechi seem to be getting along lately.
Their next conversation happens on 1/8 when Akechi calls Ren to share his findings. He mentions what he learned about Maruki and his reality, such as dead people being real, actual living versions of them, not Cognitions. When they talk about Maruki's reality, Akechi says that he refuses to live like that and that he will be the one to choose his own path. He expresses worry that Ren changed his mind after seeing his friends in that world. Their conversation ends as Akechi shared the informations he had. After learning about Ren going out with Akechi the next day, Morgana once again comments on them getting along lately.
As they meet on 1/9, Akechi makes a comment on Ren's friends not coming. He decides there is no point in griping about it here, asking Ren if he's ready and giving him the change to make final preparations. Once the player decides they are ready, the two head inside the Palace.
Once they're inside, Akechi remarks that while it's fine to focus on their own abilities, depending on the situation it may be more efficient for them to team up and mentions how the combination (ShowTime) they pulled off before wasn't half bad. This leads to unlocking ShowTime for Akechi and Ren. Akechi makes one last comment on how it all depends on whether Ren can keep up with him.
When they meet Maruki, the player is given a choice to accept or refuse his offer. If the player considers accepting, Akechi reacts with a scared expression, saying "No... Ren, please tell me you're not serious..." Accepting leads to ending the game and getting what the devs called "Stay End[2]".
If the player rejects the offer, Akechi smirks saying "Negotiations seem to have broken down." Sumire seeing their refusal, grows desperate and decides to fight. Ren tries to speak to her, but Akechi comments on her stubbornness, saying that they have no choice. He remarks that he could take care of it for him, but since he knows Ren wants her to be unscathed, he lets him handle the situation. Once the fight ends with Sumire's loss, Maruki uses his power on her Persona to make it stronger which leads to another fight, this time against both Akechi and Ren teamed up. The two fight, but are incapable of winning. This is when the rest of the Phantom Thieves shows up, joining them in the fight.
After the fight is over and Maruki asks them to meet again on 2/3, Ren explains the situation to his friends. When it's done, Akechi joins in, telling them to not be defensive of him. Ren confirms his words and they explain how they agreed to work together. Akechi makes an offer for them to join forces, telling them to consider it before leaving.
The next day the Phantom Thieves meet up and decide to fight Maruki. That's also when they agree to work with Akechi.
When the group finishes exploring Maruki's Palace, they discuss how they are going to send him a calling card. Akechi says that Maruki must know about the card and that knowing him, he'll try to intervene on the day of sending it. He believes Maruki will try this with Ren and so the group leaves the calling card in his hands.
On the 2/2 morning, everyone exchanges messages in the group chat. Akechi once again tells Ren that he's the one Maruki is most likely to approach and if that happens, he has to make sure to handle it as they planned.
Third Awakening[]
If the player maxed out Justice Confidant and made the right choices, on 2/2 Akechi's Third Awakening happens.
On 2/2 evening, Maruki comes to visit Ren. He begins by asking how Sumire is doing and Ren either responds by saying she's fine or that she's tough, openly opposing Maruki's belief that she needs him. Maruki asks if they can't come to an agreement, saying that while they call this reality distorted, it's a reality where everyone can be happy. He goes on to say that in this world, no one has to suffer the pain of loss or having people or things stolen away from them. In response to this, Ren calls him out for projecting, saying that it's just like what was stolen from him. Maruki realizes that means he knows about Rumi, but claims that he's not the one suffered but she is and that she's living a happy life in this "distorted reality". He adds that he's doing it for them all, but for her happiness he needs to move on. Maruki says that his stance won't change, believing him gaining his powers to be inevitable and that it's something only he can do, that in his world everyone will be happy. He asks Ren if he really can say he doesn't have any doubts.
When Ren asks what he means, he clarifies that he means Ren and one more person. That's when he calls out to Akechi who has been listening in on the conversation from the outside. Akechi enters Leblanc, noting that he was noticed. Maruki goes on to say that it's not just about Ren, but also about Akechi. While Ren and Morgana react confused, Akechi goes quiet. Maruki talks how unusual their relationship is. They are a detective and a phantom thief who despite being enemies, don't hate each other. That's why he found it so tragic when he learned about what happened in Shido's Palace.
He asks Ren if he didn't have regrets, how despite the understanding they had, he couldn't save Akechi. That's why he created a reality where Ren can have a fresh start with Akechi. He claims he didn't want to tell him it like this, like he's holding Akechi hostage, but he just wants them to accept his reality. Akechi reacts by asking how does it matter and if Maruki expects him to surrender because of his life being on the line. Ren reacts by asking Akechi either if he knew or how long did he know. Akechi responds that he didn't have evidence, but he had a gap in memory between the engine room and meeting Ren again, there were also cases of other revived people. Maruki comments on the truth not being able to change Akechi's mind, but he still turns to ask Ren. He says he's fine if they see it the way Akechi put it a moment ago, but he still wants to ask Ren if he's willing to accept the reality. He says how Ren was the guiding light of his research, how he was the one to show him how to make his dream reality and that's why he's grateful to him which is why he wanted him to understand.
When Ren lowers his head, not responding, Maruki says that he shouldn't put him on the spot like this, standing up and getting ready to leave. That's when Ren speaks up, reminding him of taking the calling card and giving it to him. Maruki takes it and leaves, saying he will be waiting for them at his Palace if they don't accept his reality.
When they're alone, Akechi asks to speak to Ren so Morgana leaves, giving them space to have a conversation.
- I'll choose my own path for myself.
When they face each other, Ren has his head lowered as Akechi tells him he will choose his own path for himself and that he refuses to be kept in a world manufactured by someone just to be their pet. Ren is not agreeing with him, either questioning him or remaining silent. Akechi says to him that all he has to do is challenge the path Maruki carved out without hesitation, like he always have been. He questions if he'll throw everything he believes in for nothing. Here Ren can either oppose him by saying he's not nothing, disagree with him putting it so simply or tell him that his will won't break. If the player chooses one of the first two options, Akechi will end up upset, disagreeing with Ren and asking him if he thinks he'll be happy being showed mercy, not wanting to be pitied. He says that Ren's hesitation is a betrayal of him. If the player chooses the third option, he omits all of this and instead asks that he already knows what should be done.
Akechi tells Ren that he wants to hear him say it properly, what does he intend to do. That he won't wait and that he needs to answer now.
The player is given an option to either reject or accept Maruki's offer. Accepting will end up with the same Stay End[2] from 1/9 meanwhile refusal is the final option letting the player unlock the Return End[2].
Stay End[]
"One Conclusion Akechi enjoying a game of chess. As he enjoys his healthy rivalry, there is no trace of darkness to his expression."
If the player decides to take the offer, Akechi will ask Ren if he really means it. If he confirms, Akechi goes quiet, before remarking that that's his answer. He turns his back to him, saying he doesn't have anything more to say and calls off their deal. He leaves, making Ren wonder if he made the right choice.
The scene in Maruki's reality is the same like the one that happens if the players accepts on 1/9.
In the ending credits, we see Akechi's ideal reality. He's playing chess with Ren after school enjoying a happy rivalry with him. They're in Ren's room and Akechi has a cup of coffee that likely Ren made for him. In the normal gameplay, inviting someone after school to the protagonist's room is locked to romance routes. This means that them hanging out at there could be interpreted as them being very close or even dating.
In the anime, Ren is shown not to know how to play chess and Akechi is the one who teaches him, making the activity important to the both of them and ending up as a representation of their bond.
In the artbook, Usuda Mumon, the Chief Designer and Animation Manager in Royal, says it was Akechi's illustration that made the strongest impression on him and that it was interesting to see him with a companion, having a fun and peaceful time like normal high school students[3]. Meanwhile Kabayashi Akane, Persona Team Designer, said that thinking how Akechi's wish was to play with Ren after school makes her want to say "In the end, he really likes Protagonist (Ren) doesn’t he?”[4].
"A Reality Without Pain A glimpse of a happy world made into reality. What could that pair be looking at...?"
We can also see them together in the final ending illustration that depicts everyone together. While the rest of the group is on the left side, Ren and Akechi are together by the counter, Ren treating Akechi to a coffee. They're staring at Leblanc's entrance as if looking at the player.
Usuda said that while everyone else is enjoying themselves, Ren and Akechi are looking at the entrance as if asking the player "This is the kind of reality you wanted right?”[5]. Kabayashi confirmed that they are looking at the player and that they are aware this is Maruki's reality, the final scene of the Maruki Ending[6].
Return End[]
If the player rejects Maruki's offer, Akechi smiles relieved, saying that they should go back, to their reality. It leads to his two Personas, Robin Hood and Loki, fusing into Hereward. He leaves saying that there is no worth in living in that reality and that they will definitely win.
- Let's go home. To our reality.
The next day everyone fights Maruki together. When nearing the end of the fight everyone is helping Ren deal the final shot, Akechi yells "We've made it this far... so hurry up and decide!"
After the fight is over, Ren talks with Lavenza in the Velvet Room. When they talk about how the reality returned to normal, Ren can ask either what happens to him or to Akechi. Regardless of the choice, he thinks back to how Akechi must be gone (if the third awakening was unlocked, there is a flashback to the scene between them at Leblanc). If the player finished Akechi's Confidant, Lavenza ask him if he has regrets (opposed to "You don't have regrets, do you?" in the version without finishing Justice Confidant). Finishing the Confidant also changes Ren's responses to her question, making him more regretful and hesitant: "No, I'm still sure.", "There is no alternative." and "....." (the answers without the Confidant are: "Of course not." and "No, I stand by it.", showing that Ren will only feel regret if he grew to be close to Akechi).
On 3/19, a day before Ren goes back to his hometown, the player gets an option to say goodbyes to everyone and visit different places. Heading to Jazz Jin (if the player finished Justice Confidant) will lead to Ren having a conversation with the owner, Muhen. He recognizes him and asks if he's Akechi's friend. Ren can say that he either doesn't know or that they aren't to which Muhen reacts with confusion as he remembers them visiting together and that it was rare to see Akechi with another person. He goes on to say how he didn't see Akechi in a while and is worried about him, asking Ren to tell Akechi to come by next time he sees him. This makes Ren think to himself "But Akechi is already..." before he realizes that there is something in his pocket. It's the glove Akechi gave him when he promised him a rematch, leading Ren to deciding that his fight with Akechi isn't over yet. When Muhen tells him that he won't insist but the two of them can visit anytime, Ren agrees and can even say that he will let Akechi know. Before the conversation ends, Muhen tells him he will look forward to it.
Post-credit scene[]
If the player finished Justice Confidant, the ending scene is modified. For a moment, we can see Akechi walk past the train window.
"Promises With a promise in his heart, the protagonist sets off a new path."
In the P5R Official Complete Guide, Itô Daiki, the director, said that the most legitimate interpretation of the scene is what the player thinks. Wada Kazuhisa, the producer, confirms that Maruki didn't know if Akechi is truly dead and Itô adds that they took it into consideration when directing that scene. Wada goes on to say that just like Itô said, they are letting the player decide what the answer is. He knows that it will be polarizing, but the players will have different feelings towards the character and they made the choice to not give a clear answer. There were a lot of discussions on the topic and in the end they decided to add the scene where you see Ren's mask in the reflection, giving the scene the feeling of an illusion. However, this scene can only be achieved for the players who want Akechi to be alive. To this, Itô adds that if the player won't finish Akechi's Confidant, they won't see the ending and that the player's feelings are equivalent to the protagonist's cognition[7].
Usuda when asked about the scene said that there is nothing they can say about it and that he would like the players to use their own imagination[8].
Jazz Jin[]
Sae's Palace[]
Third Semester[]
Persona 5 the Animation[]
The anime is based on the vanilla version of the game, but modifies certain events and adds new scenes. Akechi plays a more important and prominent role than he did in the vanilla game.
Episode 1: I am thou, thou art I[]
The show opens with the scene of Ren and Akechi during the casino heist on 11/19. Akechi with his gun raised asks if he's ready and Ren makes an inviting gesture with his finger, smirking. Akechi fires a shot that barely misses Ren who doesn't even flinch and keeps his eyes on Akechi as some of his hair strands fly. The bullet hits one of the chandeliers, making it fall and cause a distraction. Akechi wishes him good luck as he waves him goodbye, saying to make sure they will meet again. Ren keeps his eyes on him until the very last second.
On the train to Tokyo, Ren notices some girls talking about Akechi and watching a video with him on the screen. This is when Akechi is introduced as a famous high school detective, the second coming of Detective Prince. The girls notice Ren staring and give him a look which causes him to avert his gaze.
Episode 3: A beautiful rose has thorns![]
Ren and Ryuji are talking about their experiences in Kamoshida's Palace while getting on a train. Akechi who happens to be at the train station, notices them and ends up staring at them until the door close.
Episode 5: The Phantoms[]
At the start of the episode, some girls from Shujin who are fans of Akechi approach him and mention the Phantom Thieves being at there school which gets Akechi's attention.
Sojiro makes Ren work as a barista, saying that who doesn't work, doesn't eat. This happens to be the evening that Akechi and Sae visit Leblanc together. Their first meeting happens around a month earlier than in the game, in May. Coming in, Akechi comments on it being Sae's regular place before going to sit in front of Ren.
He questions if they met before and introduces himself. He says he likes this place, that is has a good atmosphere. After already receiving his coffee, he goes on to say how detectives stand on unsteady footing and that alone, there is no guarantee a detective will be of value. What he needs, what makes a detective are a case only he can solve and the existence of a worthy rival who created it. He apologizes to Ren, assuming he didn't find it interesting.
In the post-credit scene, the group discusses Akechi as Ryuji scrolls through his profile. We can see he uploaded a photo of his visit at Leblanc.
Episode 10: I want to see justice with my own eyes[]
Unlike in the game, their meeting at the TV Station is the second meeting and they don't see each other the day before the interview. As Akechi walks onto the stage, Ann and Ryuji recognize Akechi as the person Ren mentioned to them. He notices Ren in the audience and smiles to himself. The rest of the scene happens similarly as in the game, with Ren saying that the Phantom Thieves are justice itself.
Akechi runs into the group after the interview. He thanks the Ren for interview earlier and for the delicious coffee, asking him if the other two are his friends. He says he's happy to see him since he wanted to thank him, repeating his words from the game. He tells him he has to drop by the cafe again sometime and Ren agrees to it. As he's leaving, his slip up happens.
Episode 13: Dreams and Desires[]
This episodes goes over Yusuke's Confidant but modifies the events and involves Akechi in it.
Ren is eating curry at Leblanc while the TV is playing a footage of Akechi helping arrest the criminal. Sojiro comments that that kid maybe really is the second coming of Detective Prince when the door opens and Akechi himself walks in. Sojiro looks at the TV and he informs him that the footage isn't live. After asking him for a coffee, he turns to speak to Ren, talking how the café has a great ambience. Ren turns to look at him but Akechi's attention is turned to the chess set at Leblanc, asking if he can use it. When Sojiro allows him, he asks Ren to join him who tells him he doesn't know the rules. That doesn't discourage Akechi who asks him if he played shogi and when Ren confirms that he did a little, he declares it's enough and that he will pick it up in no time.
Sojiro brings Akechi coffee as they are playing, asking him about his case to which Akechi responds by saying it's classified information. This prompts Ren to ask him about the Phantom Thieves case and if it's confidential too. Akechi confirms that it's a top secret as they pulled a fast one on them with Kaneshiro Junya. Ren asks him why he considers them his enemies and the other asks if they're picking up on their debate from the TV Station. Ren goes on to say that they expose criminals and make them confess to which Akechi says that the problem for him is how they do it. Ren questions if their methods aren't wrong and Akechi just says that they'll find out in time, adding that he's gradually getting his hands on more information. Ren makes a move in chess on which Sojiro comments that it's going to leave his king trapped and Akechi makes his move as he says he believes he's going to unmask the Phantom Thieves very soon.
Next time we see Akechi, he's spying on people in art galley and watches as Ren and Yusuke talk to Kawanabe, a director of a foundation that help artists and another man. Later, once Ren is alone in Yongen-Jaya, he approaches him telling him to hang out with him for a bit. The two of them head to Batting Cages and have a conversation while playing. Akechi tells Ren that while he was looking into Madarame case again, he found some shady rumors about Kawanabe and how he uses young artists, but there is no proof. When Ren questions why he's telling him this, Akechi says how he and Yusuke who was Madarame's student were together earlier, mentioning that Madarame and Kawanabe had the same teacher. He'd feel terrible if Yusuke were to be exploited by both of them. Then Ren asks what does it have to do with his pursuit of the Phantom Thieves. He responds that people become criminals when they succumb to their desires and it was to expose their sins he became a detective. This makes Ren thinks back to the reason he ended up on probation, protecting a woman from a man who tried to assault her and he misses his shot. Akechi who can't see his face chuckles, saying that it makes him sound like one of the Phantom Thieves. He asks him what does he think, telling him that he can set up further meetings with Kawanabe and stand with Yusuke to protect him meanwhile Akechi can get evidence for his case. Ren hits home run which makes Akechi smile and agrees to his deal.
There is a short montage of a scenes of Ren helping Yusuke and Ren and Akechi working together on their case. We see Akechi discussing evidence at Leblanc with Ren. Next we are shown Ren saying something while sitting at Leblanc while Akechi is listening to him with a serious expression. The last scene of the two of them together in the montage is once again a scene of Akechi sharing evidence with Ren at Leblanc as they both exchange their thoughts.
At Leblanc with the gathered evidence on one of the tables, Akechi is expressing to Ren how he's troubled with the case. He identified the principals but he's not sure how they're covering their track past that point and wonders if there is something he's missing. Ren narrows his eyes looking at a picture of one of the people involved but doesn't say anything, instead asking Akechi if he can barge in and investigate, but he responds that you can't get a warrant without solid evidence. Akechi remarks that they're running out of options.
After Ren and Yusuke meet with Kawanabe and the man who always accompanies him, Ren calls out to Kawanabe and lists the principals involved that Akechi identified, asking him if these names tell him anything. Kawanabe doesn't recognize any of them and Ren says it's nothing, not even explaining to Yusuke what it was about.
Next scene is Akechi catching the culprit, Kawanabe's right-hand man in the act of trying to get rid of evidence, commenting that no wonder he couldn't find anything by looking into Kawanabe himself. Outside of the building we see Ren leaving the scene, police cars behind him.
In the post-credit scene, the two of them are playing chess again. Akechi says that Ren was a great help and that he only solved the case because of him, praising the move of mentioning the companies. Ren dismisses his praise, replaying simply "Yeah, right" which makes Akechi smile awkwardly, confused. Ren says that looking back, it was obvious and wonders what if he hadn't done anything. To this Akechi replies that he did act, saying that's his answer. Then he proceeds to ask Ren if he would like to become his assistant, saying that he was looking for a good partner. Ren replies that he's on the Phantom Thieves side and Akechi questions if that means they are enemies. Ren goes on to say that it's true people commit crimes to satisfy their desires, referencing what the other told him earlier in the episode, but that's not the whole story. Akechi says that he can only think the Phantom Thieves have some way to manipulate people's hearts and asks what if they go out of control, starting to manipulate people as their desire. He remarks that would spell the end of the world. Ren tells him that this won't happen. When Akechi asks why, he says that their actions speak for themselves and it doesn't matter if the society treats them as criminals and the other comments that they can't see eye-to-eye. Ren continues, declaring that if they stick to their convictions and bring positive change to the world then it's clear their actions are nothing but just.
Episode: 23: How about a deal with me?[]
The same as in the game, the group decides to try getting information out of Akechi at the school festival.
Similarly, the scene of Akechi waiting at Ren at Leblanc and greeting him "Welcome home" happens. Ren asks him why he's there and Akechi responds that it's for coffee. He invites him to play chess together once again.
When Ren doesn't make a move for a while, Akechi asks him what's wrong, saying that this move doesn't require that much thinking. This draws Ren out of his thoughts and he goes back to playing. Just like in the game, Akechi comments on the Phantom Thieves being called criminal, saying it it's mistaking the essence of the problem which Ren questions. He goes on to explain that he believes the ones behind mental shutdowns are someone else than the thieves. He continues, saying that if they were only trying to change hearts of the people who did wrong things, while they would still be criminals, it would cast their actions in a different light. Ren asks him if have come around on the Phantom Thieves to which he replies that he's mostly being hopeful and that if that's what who they are, their actions aren't that different from what Akechi is trying to achieve. Akechi wins their chess game and praises Ren by saying he's gotten somewhat better. He questions if he has a good teacher and Ren explains that he has a shogi teacher. Akechi is surprised before chuckling, calling Ren amusing and that it's just been one surprise after another.
He thanks for the coffee and is about to leave before turning back to Ren to tell him he decided to accept the offer from his school, thanking for having him. Ren is taken aback by this.
Just like in the game, Akechi joins the team using blackmail during the school festival.
During the conversation with Akechi at Leblanc when he is pretending to hear Morgana for the first time, Ren is watching him carefully, clearly suspicious of him.
Episode 24: A challenge that must be won[]
This episodes goes over Sojiro's Confidant but modifies the events and involves Akechi in it.
After the team visits Sae's Palace for the first time, Akechi visits Leblanc again, he and Ren playing chess together. He says how judging from what they saw, he doesn't doubt they'll have to gamble and asks Ren if he ever gambled before. He denies, leading to Akechi comment on how he figured it out seeing how straightforward Ren's moves are, telling him that at this rate, he'll win in the next few moves. Suddenly, Futaba runs into Leblanc, hiding behind Ren as she's chased by Sojiro who is trying to talk to her. After she runs outside, Ren notices that Sojiro dropped the calling card they gave Futaba when stealing her heart, picking it up and letting Akechi see it too. Sojiro takes it back, telling them to forget about it and leaves after telling him to close the shop when they're done. Akechi comments that it might be bad news and Ren hums.
Their infiltration didn't go well because of Futaba not being able to focus and Akechi texts Ren about it. He says that they have a problem and that Futaba just wasn't herself in the Palace, leading to him asking if something happened. Ren tells him that there is someone[9] whose heart he wants to change and to not ask why. He promises that it will help Futaba go back to normal. Akechi agrees, saying that her state hurts him to so he'd be happy to help.
Ren meets with Akechi at a train station and tells him he'll message him the name. Akechi comments that Ren looks surprised and he asks him why is he doing this. The other responds referencing what he told the entire group after he joined the team, that his brand of justice is based of hatred for scumbag adults. He tells him how has gone through a similar experience himself so he knows how Futaba feels. He opens up about his past like in the game on 28/8, but here it's to Ren alone. He tells him about his mother and how she committed suicide after having him, saying that because of it his childhood was spent moving from place to place. After saying this, he smiles as he says that now he gets to live by himself and enjoy his freedom. When he's done sharing his story, he asks Ren not to spread it around.
In the scene right after this one, we see Ren lying on his bed, clearly deep in thought. Seeing as this happens right after the conversation with Akechi, this scene can be interpreted as him thinking about what they were talking about.
Futaba's uncle once again appears at Leblanc to try to blackmail Sojiro. When he threatens taking him to the court, Akechi walks in, claiming that he would be the one in trouble in such circumstances and he smiles at his nice timing. He goes on to explain how he looked into Futaba's uncle and learned how he racked up a considerable debt and lost most of the money he received for Futaba in a failed investment. He adds that the people he spoke to agreed that it was a bad move. Akechi asks him how does he think will court rule if they see this and the man responds with anger. After he trips, he declares that Ren pushed him and leaves, saying he's going to sue.
When the investigators from family court arrive to talk to Sojiro, they mention how they heard troubling things about the complainant, showing the file that Akechi made. This means Akechi gave the investigators the file to help Ren, Sojiro and Futaba.
Sojiro decides to give his chess set to Ren, saying that he and Akechi are the only ones playing anyways.
- I'll win next time. You can hold on to that until then.
In the evening, Akechi is hanging out with Ren at Leblanc, playing chess again. He comments on how Futaba's case is resolved and they can focus on the Palace which on its own is tough and they need to stay on their toes. Ren agrees and Akechi once again remarks on how straightforward he is. He checkmates Ren, winning again, but he says that Ren is getting better and that he nearly had him. He thanks him for the coffee, but as he's about to leave, Ren throws a chess piece at him - black king. "His" king as Ren is the one always playing black while Akechi is the one always playing white. He tells Akechi that he'll win next time and to hold on to the piece, giving him a smile. Akechi accepts, smiling back, declaring the piece as the symbol of their promise.
Episode 25: Jealous Sinner[]
Just like in the game, after the fight, Akechi says that the deal was a great learning experience for him and that he never thought he would be a phantom thief as a detective. Ren asks him if he's going back to his job and Akechi confirms it reminding him that the terms of the deal were that they will quit being the Phantom Thieves.
In the post-credit scene, the scene from the first episode is repeated, but with different angles, this showing both Ren and Akechi's faces.
Episode 26: I won't let it end here[]
In the anime, there is added a scene of Makoto and Akechi watching as Ren gets caught.
As Akechi was the one who caused all of this, he fakes his shock and indignation, putting on a show in his attempt to fool the Phantom Thieves. He claims that it can't be happening and that even if he planned for this to be be the last mission for the Phantom Thieves, it wasn't supposed to be like this, declaring that this is not his justice. He adds that he won't let it end here.
When meeting at Leblanc with the rest of the group, Akechi tells them about the information he has about where Ren is being kept. He warns them not to try anything reckless trying to rescue him. He goes on to tell them how their enemy is someone very powerful who has huge control and if they try to act, they will dig their own graves. Seeing as Akechi knew all of this the entire time and had no reason to tell them all the information, this can be interpreted as Akechi giving them a warning about how powerful their enemies are and attempting to dissuade them from acting.
He lies to them that he will go to rescue Ren, saying he can infiltrate the headquarters and sneak him out, asking them to trust him. He claims that this isn't what society would consider the right thing to do, but he made a deal with Ren and know that there's a real culprit out there, so for now he's going to stick to his own brand of justice. He says that one misstep will make rescuing him even more difficult so he asks them not to do anything careless, telling them to await good news.
The same as it happens in the game, Akechi steals the guard's gun and shoots Ren. He at first smiles and says sweetly he's there to rescue him before lowering his voice and asking him if he'd really think he'd say that. He shoots the guard before going up to Ren, telling him the same words as in the game. He chuckles to himself, saying that it serves him right and calling him "attic trash".
End credits show Akechi walking as he leaves the interrogation room.
Special 1: Dark Sun...[]
The episode reveals that Ren is alive, showing the events after 11/20.
The same as in the game, Akechi compares his plan to catch the Phantom Thieves to how you would pursue someone you're in love with. during an interview.
Similarly like in the game, we're shown an interview where Akechi is asked about his reaction to the leader's suicide. After responding that he felt briefly dizzy, he goes silent, as if lost in thought. He quickly gets his smile back, saying that perhaps the stress from handling such a major case had gotten to him.
Ren and Morgana talk over the slip up that Akechi made when he commented on something that Morgana said back in June, revealing he'd already been in a Palace. Ren has a serious, solemn expression during their conversation. Morgana starts to point out what would happen if his slip up didn't take place and Ren finishes by saying that by now he would be dead. Morgana adds how Akechi is sharp and he'll definitely see through their trick, making Ren narrow his eyes.
The next time the group faces Akechi is in the engine room, the same as in the game. The anime makes some changes, main difference being the focus on Ren and Akechi instead of the conversation being between Akechi and the entire group.
Akechi comments how he were able to put a fast one on him, saying that he underestimated him as the two face each other on the opposite sides of the room. He goes on to describe him as an interesting person, a boy of few words, but with courage and determination to take action. He tells him how under different circumstances, they could have been great rivals. Ren asks him why is he helping Shido and the other laughs at him, telling him to not be stupid. As he explains his motivations and his connetion to Shido, Ren just says simple "Akechi..."
Ren prepares himself to a fight, telling Akechi to settle this. He agrees, saying he will show him what he's truly capable of. Like in the game, he summons two Shadows to fight for him and the rest of the group ends up dealing with them while Ren fights Akechi on his own.
When Akechi reveals his Black Mask form, Ren calls out to him to ask him if it was him who was the one behind the murders, addressing him using his code name, Crow. Ren tells the others that he'll handle this, gesturing them not to involve themselves into the fight. Even as his friends call out to him worried, he tells them that he's got this.
Ren's pained expression when fighting Akechi
Ren summons his first Persona, Arsene. It's one of the three times he uses it in the anime, the other two being his awakening and 11/19. Arsene and Loki go against each other as Ren and Akechi fight using their melee weapons. Akechi yells at him to get out of his sight and that he's the famous great detective. Ren makes a pained expression, saying "Akechi..." which angers him as he yells at him to stop and not look at him like that.
When Akechi ends up defeated, Ren tells him to give it up as he's already lost. After all the Phantom Thieves empathize with Akechi, pointing out to him what he did wrong, Akechi looks down. That's when Ren asks him what will he do now, surprising him. He asks if he wants to make everything right together and Akechi reacts with shock, saying that they are beyond his comprehension.
Just like in the game, Akechi shoots Cognitive Akechi, though in the anime he disappears after being shot. Before the bulkhead door closes, Akechi throws to Ren the king piece he gave him. He tells him he can have it back, but on one condition, saying that he wouldn't refuse him now. He asks to change Shido's heart and put the end to his sins in his stead. Ren agrees, giving a nod that Akechi can't see. The other nod too on the other side, smiling. He tells them to get going, calling them white knights.
The group hears gunshots on the other side. As it quiets down, Futaba says she's not picking him up anymore. Ren looks down at his hand that's still holding the piece and runs over to the door, punching it. As he stays in that position for a moment, his eyes get teary and he's clearly on the verge of crying. After a moment of staying silent, he speaks, still facing the door. He says to go as it's not over yet.
Special 2: Stars and Ours[]
- What's wrong? Get up. It's too early for checkmate, isn't it?
When everyone is cheering for the Phantom Thieves during their final fight, Ren hears Akechi's voice. He tells him to get up as it's too early for checkmate. Ren opens his eyes, holding on to the king piece in his hand.
Proof of justice OVA[]
Proof of justice is an episode released along the 11th Persona 5 The Animation Blu-ray/DVD, one of the two OVA episodes. It takes place between the two specials, 21st - 23rd December in the story.
Story[]
Ren seeing Akechi's handwriting
While cleaning up after clients at Leblanc on 12/21, Ren's attention draw crosswords puzzles. He opens them only to react with surprise and sadness when he notices Akechi's handwriting.
Later he's sitting at the couch in his room, staring at the crosswords in his hands, thinking back to Akechi and reading to himself his answers. This leads to a beginning of a flashback.
Ren is practicing making coffee while Akechi is sitting at the counter, solving crosswords puzzles. They are alone except for Morgana who is resting on one of the chairs. Akechi starts going on about crosswords and how detectives are unable to ignore mysteries presented to them, though there is no challenge in simply putting in the answers they know. Ren who was working on the coffee the entire time, tells him that he's concentrating, asking him to be quiet. To this Akechi replies that he's free now and decides that he will consider quieting down if the other plays chess with him. Ren tells him that once he's done and Akechi declares that he'll have to solve the boring puzzles for now. He suddenly mentions a phrase "one for all", saying that somebody's been saying that lately. When Ren doesn't say anything but looks at him in question, Akechi dismisses the topic.
Back in the present, Ren notices a phrase Akechi wrote on the side of the page, "proof of justice". Morgana asks him if that's Akechi's writing, saying that he remembers that too. He tells him not to think about it too much as it just a scribble. Still, Morgana wonders what was justice to Akechi and Ren's expression grows sadder. He adds that there is no way of knowing now and Ren agrees.
Later during the night, Ren is lying on his bed with his eyes wide-open, thinking about Akechi. He says to himself out loud "Proof of justice... huh" before closing his eyes.
The next day Ren is preparing Leblanc before opening, until he decides to ask Sojiro for a day off and head to Kichijoji. He chooses to go to Penguin and watching a group of people play billiards together, he thinks back to when he and Akechi were playing together.
The memory starts with Akechi commenting how Ren learns fast and maybe he can finally win. The other says that it would be great if that were the case, but ends up missing the ball, making an annoyed sound. Akechi remarks that it's a shame and that it seems he won't be getting serious today. He goes on to describe the game the same as he does in Rank 7 in the game, talking about creating circumstances, calculating, not giving the chance to retaliate and chasing the opponent until the last moment. As he talks, he keeps shooting the balls one by one as Ren watches him annoyed at his skills. Finally, Akechi wins and declares the end. Ren lets out an irritated huff and the other tells him how he has to work a little harder to entertain him. Ren tells him that he has some guts, but he won't lose next time. Akechi chuckles, saying that the didn't think he'd be so competitive, though he is as well. Ren asks him if he can't go a bit easier on him, but he responds that if he did, he would get mad at him as he wants him to give it his all. Ren just stares at him, clearly still very annoyed at his loss. Akechi lets out one more small chuckle, telling him that he got to see another side of him and for that he's happy he invited him out which seems to lessen the other's irritation, instead making a singular sweat drop appear on his face, possibly out of confusion.
- I got to see this side of you, and for that I'm glad I invited you out today.
Then Akechi tells him that he wanted to go for another round, but he's getting thirsty, asking Ren if he's the same. When Ren agrees, he proposes to put their match on hold and go somewhere else.
In the present, Ren gasps as in realization, possibly remembering other places he and Akechi went to. That's when the owner of the Penguin Sniper approaches him, asking him if he's Akechi's friend (in the game similar conversation happens but with the owner of Jazz Jin instead). He tells him that he saw them play together a few times. Ren repeats after him the phrase "friend", clearly questioning it, though when the owner asks if he's wrong, he tells him that he's not. He comments on how Akechi hasn't shown up lately, saying how he must be busy since he got really popular after the Phantom Thieves situation which Ren doesn't respond to, staying silent, his shoulders falling. The owner asks if he can tell him to come by since he's been meaning to ask for his autograph. Ren doesn't respond at first, unsure how to answer, but after a moment of silence, he decides to finally say that he will tell him that, adding that he'll do it if he has the chance. As the owner begins to leave, Ren stops him, asking about the "proof of justice" phrase and if Akechi mentioned it. The other responds that he doesn't know, but if he wants to know, he should ask Akechi himself as they are friends after all. Ren watches after him as he leaves.
- I wouldn't be trying so hard if I could just ask him... And for some reason, I feel like playing detective.
Next scenes show Ren walking around Kichijoji, thinking in response to what the owner said, how he wouldn't be trying so hard if he could just ask Akechi. For some reason, he feels like playing detective. We see him talk to someone working at a cafe that he visits with Akechi in the game, trying to find out what the phrase Akechi wrote means. Finally, he ends up at Jazz Jin, but Muhen also doesn't know, apologizing for his lack of help and Ren assures him that it's fine. Muhen goes on to talk how Akechi is still a high schooler, but he's doing so many things, describing him as impressive. Though, he adds that he seems to be trying to grow up too quickly and he worries for him, asking Ren not to tell Akechi he said this. As the performance is about to start, Muhen asks Ren to stay and listen and he thanks him.
As Ren sits, listening to a live performance of No More What Ifs, he thinks back to how he was there with Akechi, listening to the same song but that time it wasn't live.
Ren's reaction to hearing about Akechi's past
Akechi tells him that after seeing Ren cook, he also was trying to cook for himself, but it didn't come out that well. Ren tells him that he thought he would be good at cooking and the other apologizes for not meeting his expectations. He goes on to explain how he's never been familiar with cooking as frozen meals have always been enough for him since he was little. This shocks Ren who asks if his parents never cooked for him. Akechi tells him how he's mention to him before he only had his mother who was thrown away by his worthless father and didn't have time for it. This visibly shakes up Ren who looks down, starting to say "That's..." but Akechi starts speaking again, saying how you can save time and effort by using whatever's convenient. When he says it's efficient since he uses the extra time to study, Ren asks him if that's his secret to his smarts as Detective Prince. Akechi says that there is that, but first and foremost, he didn't want to rely on anyone else. Ren questions this and the other explains how after his mother died, he was passed around relatives. He starts that's it's why he wanted the means and Ren finishes "to live on his own", his eyes narrowing.
- Seeing as we're here, let's stay a bit longer.
Akechi remarks that it's unlike himself to talk about this, asking Ren if they should leave, making it obvious he didn't mean to open up like this and wants to run away after being vulnerable. Hearing this, Ren narrows his eyes looking down, visibly troubled, before looking back at Akechi with a smile, telling him that since they're here, they should stay a bit longer. Akechi makes a surprised expression, before averting his gaze and agreeing if Ren says so, but only for a bit since he's got an appointment at a TV station later. Ren who doesn't take his eyes off Akechi, comments that it's tough being popular and the other asks if that's supposed to be sarcastic. He says that he supposes so and that it's thanks to the Phantom Thieves. Akechi's expression softens as he keeps looking down before asking for another drink. Meanwhile Ren keeps staring at Akechi with a soft smile.
In the present, Ren is smiling to himself while sitting alone and thinking about Akechi while the song comes to an end. His smile disappears after his mind leaves the memory, his expression turning solemn.
The drink Ren is drinking seems to be the same drink that Akechi ordered when they went there together.
After leaving Jazz Jin, Ren is walking down the streets of Kichijoji when he hears a kid yell phrases "one for all, all for justice" and "proof of justice", saying that he wants something, but his parents tell him that it just came out and is too expensive. Ren approaches them to ask about it.
He then heads in front of a toy store, looking at a ray gun at a display. He remembers that the ray guns were the weapon that Akechi used in Metaverse. On the packaging of the toy gun is written "One for all, all for justice! Put your hearts together with your friends and pierce through! This is the Proof of Justice!", revealing that "proof of justice" was referring to the name of a ray gun this entire time. Ren mentions to himself playing a hero, thinking back to his conversation with Akechi.
Ren and Akechi are playing a shooter game in an arcade together. They both are smiling as Akechi comments that it was a good match and that the game is quite fun, very well made. Ren remarks how the other is liking it a lot even though he said he's never played games before. Akechi does confirm it, but he adds that it feels nostalgic to him. Not looking at him, he tells him how he had a toy gun when he was little and he remembers playing a hero with it, his expression softening as he speaks. Ren asks him if he was playing with friends which makes Akechi's expression turn sadder and more serious before he smiles again, denying it and saying that "she" was happy when he pretended to be an ally of justice, his gaze softening even more. Ren realizes that Akechi must be referring to his mother and his eyes narrow.
Akechi quickly changes his expression and tone to a lighter one, saying that now it's different and that technically, he does have friends now, even though it's give and take as he has made a deal with the Phantom Thieves. Ren's eyes widen before he averts his gaze, telling Akechi that he also has a rival.
- You have a rival too.
Akechi reacts with surprise, speechless for a moment before bursting into laughter, saying that Ren is the best. He tells him that his heart is always free and that he's envious, his eyes softening slightly. Ren turns his face to the game, telling Akechi to have another match.
Akechi joins him, but he at the end he adds "If only we'd met a few years earlier..." This surprises Ren, throwing him off and resulting in him forgetting to play as the other already started, asking him about what he's doing and telling him to hurry up.
In the present, Ren keeps standing in front of the toy store, his hand on the glass as he stares at the toy gun. He thinks about him as the audience is shown the flashbacks of the scenes from Akechi from P5A: the scene from the Episode 23 when he thanks for coffee before leaving and right before telling Ren he'll come to Shujin; the scene from Episode 24 of Akechi after he finished telling Ren about his mother and two fragments of the scene from Episode 26 when Akechi is lying to the Phantom Thieves about plans to save Ren. These scenes can be seen as representing different aspects of Akechi, his pleasant Detective Prince attitude, his honest side and story that he shared with Ren, and finally his lies, his plan to betray them and kill Ren while pretending to be on their side.
Ren crying thinking about Akechi
- Akechi... You... You really are... At that time, I...
Then, Ren thinks back to their meeting in the engine room. The moment of Akechi appearing and the moment when Cognitive Akechi pointed a gun at him, his face more vulnerable than ever. Ren ends up crying, alone in front of the store as people pass him by.
"With this, I can also become an ally of justice!"
As Ren leaves and begins heading back, he sees the boy and his father from earlier and stands to watch them. The child is happy because his father gave him the Proof of Justice he was begging him for. As his mother walks to him, he tells her to look, showing her what his father gifted him. As he claims "With this, I can also become an ally of justice!" Ren sees in the boy young Akechi.
"But... I don't want to give up my own 'proof of justice'."
Later we are shown as people walk down the streets, a newspaper with Akechi on the cover lying there, dirty and abandoned, everyone stepping over it and not caring. Showing how the world moves on and forgets the once famous second coming of Detective Prince.
Back at Leblanc, once Morgana is already asleep, Ren is lying on his bed, thinking about Akechi. He thinks back to what the other told him about meeting a few years earlier. He believes that Akechi would probably say that such a convenient miracle could never happen. Even so, Ren doesn't want to give up "his own proof of justice".
Next morning, on 12/23, Ren took out his chess set at a counter in Leblanc. When Sojiro notices it, he wonders who he's playing with and Morgana is staring at Ren. With a smile, he responds that he's playing with a friend. This loops back to how earlier in the episode, he was unsure when the Penguin Sniper owner asked him if he's Akechi's friend. After spending a day thinking about him and their relationship, Ren arrives at the conclusion that yes, Akechi is his friend.
- A friend. It's no fun to lose all the time, right?
He places the king piece back in its place declaring that it's not fun to lose all the time. It references the promise he made with Akechi when he gave him the piece, that he's going to win against him next time since the detective kept beating him at chess.
Additional Details[]
The flashbacks from the episode take place in November. What points to it is Ren wearing his winter clothes and Akechi mentioning his deal with the Phantom Thieves during their meetings.
The episode uses the warm and cold colors to show the contrast between when Ren is alone and his memories with Akechi. In the present, colder colors are used, showing his loneliness and how he misses the other. In his memories with Akechi, the colors are warm, showing how happy he was when they were together and the warmth they shared. There are also two scenes of him feeling physically cold when alone and trying to warm himself up which following the pattern of cold vs warm, can be interpreted as him being cold in the present and warming himself up with memories of Akechi from the past.
The ending includes Akechi in the credits despite him not appearing in the episode that precedes Proof of justice, Dark Sun...
The scene of Ren crying in front of the toy store while thinking about Akechi can be compared to the scene from Dark Sun... where he's crying after Akechi sacrifices himself. In both scenes he has his right hand against a wall, his back turned to the audience. He stays like this for a longer moment as we can't see his face before he lets his hand fall down.
The other released OVA episode is called A Magical Valentine's Day. It contrasts Proof of justice heavily, as the Valentine's episode is first person POV fanservice episode of romancable Confidants flirting with the audience (with the addition of Sae in post-credits), Ren not saying anything the entire time until he appears as an actual character near the end. Meaning that there are two bonus episodes, one that focuses on Ren, his feelings towards Akechi and their relationship and the second one, romantic episode with the girls from the game where Ren exists only to be used as a stand-in for the audience.
Quotes[]
- Main article: ShuAke/Quotes
Opening[]
In the opening of the Royal version, Akechi appears in three shots, two of which are next to Ren.
Ren and Akechi are the only two characters with details on their bats which could either allude to them being Wild Cards or to their roles as the protagonist and deuteragonist.
First time the two of them are seen together is when diamonds start falling from the sky which represents the Third Semester and Maruki's altered reality. Ren and Akechi are together when it happens, just like they were together at the start of the Third Semester, holding on to their bats as they don't give up their rebellion.
During the sequence where the Phantom Thieves are throwing around and at each other diamonds, enjoying the fake reality, Ren and Akechi don't join them in that. Even so, despite not joining his friends, Ren still throws himself onto the diamonds next to Akechi, into his perfect reality with him. Like in the game, Ren seemingly doesn't have a wish and doesn't indulge in the reality like everyone else, but the truth is that he also had his wish granted. The other lays still, the only one not moving as if he's dead, hinting to his fate in the true reality being unsure and the possibility of him being actually not alive.
While Ren is lying down, for a split moment it's possible to see that Akechi is not wearing a glove on his left hand. This could be a reference to the promise they made when Akechi gives the other his glove. It's also a possibility it's simply a mistake as the moment is very short and it's the wrong hand - Akechi gives Ren the glove from his right hand and in the opening the gloveless hand is the left one.
Songs[]
Our Light/僕らの光 | Persona 5 Royal[]
The song that plays during the end credits of the Royal version of the game, performed by Lyn.
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The song tells the story from a point of view of a person who realizes that another person is with them only in a dream and will disappear once they wake up. It's just as the events of 2/2 where Ren learns that Akechi is with him only in the fake reality and that he will lose him if he chooses to fight Maruki. It explores Ren's desire to stay within that reality with Akechi while the other opposes it, silencing him. It shows his grief and his feelings towards the other.
"Now it's the day my memories begin, of you disappearing, choosing your own path for yourself" references what Akechi says on 1/8 and 2/2, "I'll choose my own path for myself".
No More What Ifs | Persona 5 Royal[]
Performed by Lyn, made its first appearance in the OVA episode, Proof of justice. Later, once Royal was released, it was possible to hear in the game if the player decides to do Rank 4 of Justice Cofidant, where Akechi invites Ren to Jazz Jin. During Rank 4, the song is sung live by a singer and once Jazz Jin is unlocked, the player can visit it and either hear the song played from a recording or come on the days the singer performs. The instrumental version of the song is the default BGM of My Palace (called "Thieves Den" in the English version).
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The song has heavy association with Akechi as a character and the lyrics are from his perspective. It elaborates on Akechi's inner conflict, and as in the game it's heard only if the player decides to form a bond with Akechi, is directly tied to his relationship with Ren.
The line "If I am the fool or what not" has a double meaning as the Fool Arcana in the series represents the protagonist and Wild Card. This can be interpreted as Akechi questioning his role in the story.
"Burn my dread, babe" is a reference to the Persona 3 theme song, Burn my Dread.
The final words of the song are directed at Ren who is an opposing player to Akechi, someone who has the story opposing his own. Akechi doesn't know when it'll end, but what matters most is how happy Ren makes him.
As My Palace is a place of the player's, Ren's, cognition, No More What Ifs being the default BGM shows the importance of the song to Ren and his bond with Akechi.
During Persona Live Tour 2024 Lyn performed No More What Ifs live with Jazz Jin as background. During her song, Akechi appears on the screen and walks to sit by a table. After a while, Ren joins and after Akechi gestures him to sit, the two of them engage in conversation while listening to the performance, clapping when it's over.
Unused Content[]
Outfit Lines[]
Akechi's outfits[]
- Catherine DLC: he mentions offering them juice or soft cocktail before saying he knows a lovely place in Kichijoji, talking about Jazz Jin where he invited Ren.
- Butler DLC: Akechi says if Ren was a woman he would have to call him milady, but instead he should call him master.
- Christmas DLC: he tells Ren not to stare at him like this. He says that dressed up as Santa just like Ren asked but asks if this isn't more of a clown look. Ren ends up laughing which annoys the other.
Ren's outfits[]
- Summier uniform: Akechi tells Ren he remembers was wearing it when they first met. Him remembering is made more meaningful by the fact the lines are only for team members and Akechi becomes a team member on 10/29, months after their first meeting in June.
- Winter clothes: Akechi comments that they feel a bit similar to his own.
- Swimsuit: Akechi clearly surprised tells him that as long as he can fight in it, anything's fine, it's just that the outfit doesn't match the environment. He adds that if he feels like goofing around, he asks him to keep it in moderation.
- Loungwear: surprised Akechi says that everyone is free to wear what they want but donning roomwear there takes incredible courage.
- P4 DLC: Akechi mentions how a brilliant detective lead the way in solving a series of murders, saying that they have to do their best not to fall behind.
- P1 DLC: Akechi tells Ren that he got the impression the other wears black a lot, but light clothing suits him too. He adds he's a little jealous.
- P2 DLC: Akechi says that he thinks it suits Ren a lot before asking if he's considering changing schools.
- Catherine DLC: Akechi comments that the outfit looks a bit "absent-minded", aware that he sounds rude. He notices Ren has bags under his eyes and asks him if he's getting enough sleep.
- Butler DLC: Akechi remarks that if he's a butler, maybe he should let Ren serve him before saying he's just kidding.
- Christmas DLC: Akechi is surprised, asking Ren what's with him all of a sudden. He ends up saying that some playfulness is necessary at times before asking if he'll listen to his wish. He tells Ren that he wants to keep competing with him before saying he's just kidding. He's not actually joking, as in Stay End[2] it's confirmed that playing chess with Ren after school[4] is what his wish in the ideal reality is. What makes this line tragic is that it would happen while Akechi is a team member, meaning he expresses his desire to keep spending time with Ren while working on the plan to murder him.
- P4D DLC: Akechi expresses surprise, saying that he does think it suits him, but he can't help but think it's unsuited for the place. He tells him that if he feels like dancing, he won't lose to him, adding that a detective should be splendid even in dance.
Unused Third Awakening[]
Translation used: YouTube video by Faz, Tumblr post by lokiarsene.
Kakekomidera Scene[]
Merch[]
Ren and Akechi are among Persona 5 Royal characters who received most merch, both together and separately.
There is an Akechi key chain that uses the quote he says during the Third Awakening on 2/2.
「君が迷うことは… 僕への裏切りだ」
"Your hesitation... is a betrayal of me."
It's quote only seen by the players who not only unlocked Akechi's Third Awakening, but also chose one of the two the wavering options during the conversation with him. Akechi doesn't say that line if Ren told him he's not going to fold. This can imply that the option to hesitate is seen as more in character and "official".
Lucrea figures of Ren and Akechi were given a base for the two of them to share, something that didn't happen for any other figure.
There is merch of the characters that portrays each of them with flowers. In Akechi's case, his flowers are forget-me-nots which in Hanakotoba have a meaning of true love and memories and lobelia which have a meaning of malice, modesty and "always charming". Ren's flowers, red asters, have a meaning of change (especially red ones are associated with change), belief and reminiscence, the last one because of their usage in the funerals. Daisies meanwhile have a meaning of hope, beauty, white daisy having a meaning of innocence. Ren and Akechi are the only to characters to have received a book with only them on the cover, the only other one being of the entire cast.
Behind the Scenes[]
Some of the comments made by the creators are in Stay End and Post-credit scene sections.
The creators repeatedly point out how special Ren is to Akechi, mentioning how he doesn't care about anyone but Ren, how he shows his true self especially to him and talking about his wish to play chess with him, how it shows his liking of him.
Before the release of the Royal version of the game, in a Famitsu magazine it was revealed that Akechi will have a Confidant where he will have a honest relationship with the protagonist[10].
A scene of Akechi that was often used as a way to market Royal was the scene from Rank 6 of him and Ren at a bathhouse.
Persona 5 Artbook[]
Akechi was designed to be the white to Ren's black. Ren is described as polished and sexy[11] while Akechi is meant to be "the pleasant youth" in contrast to him[12].
Persona 5 Maniax[]
His profile mentions how Akechi is another "chosen one" who received Wild Card powers like Ren[13]. Despite having the same power, he is jealous of him being surrounded by his friends and lets his hatred consume him[14]. Even so, his feelings are complicated as he doesn't deny liking Ren and wishes they could have met a few years earlier[15].
His ideal partner is described as "someone who can maintain distance", which fits Ren's personality. He also leaves a message for Ren where he questions how Ren is not better than him in looks, intelligence or athletics, and yet people gather around him[16].
Creator's comment talks about Akechi's role as a Confidant who is revealed to be an enemy and how because of that they struggled with the conclusion of his story until the very end[17]. It's also mentioned how they looked into making him rank up like normal Confidant instead of forced progression, but they decided not to[18]. Looking back at this comment now after Royal was released, it seems they decided to go back to this idea when making the upgraded version.
P5R Magazine[]
It mentions how in Royal, the main highlight for Ren will be interactions with Akechi who has a reformed Confidant and his interactions with two new added characters[19].
Akechi's appearance in PV is commented on, how he in his darker outfit and fighting alongside Ren, saying that seems to happen during the Third Semester.[20] It calls fighting alongside Black Mask a dream come true for the fans as Akechi didn't use this form Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth and Royal will be the first game where this form is playable and Akechi uses Loki, telling the players to "drag out the truth with his more aggressive powers"[21].
There is a mention of Akechi's improved Confidant which is now manual. While vanilla focused only on the serious scenes, in Royal, the normal everyday interactions with Akechi increased by a lot. There are also new events that include visiting various locations with him. The players are told to make it a priority to rank him up when they have a chance and get to the bottom of his true intentions.[22]
A various new events have been added to show an unexpected side of Akechi. As the player rank up, an ability “Sleuthing Instinct” is unlocked which is characteristic of the great detective Akechi and allows Ren to detect an enemy’s affinity at the start of battle.[23]
In the section about the Third Semester, Akechi is described as the person who holds the key. He offers to join forces and cooperate with Ren. It's assumed that vanilla players must be curious about talking to Akechi on 1/2 as in vanilla he would be gone by this point. His appearance is a mystery that is said to need his help to unravel.[24]
P5R Official Complete Guide[]
Wada talks about how Akechi's role is to be a rival and deuteragonist (lit. "main character in the shadows") and that because of the strong impression he left, he's a character that is polarizing and difficult to handle. He goes on to say how his "final fate" depends on the player's choice and they had to make sure he doesn't feel out of character in the scene, going over it for as long as the schedule permitted, saying that they're happy to hear that the scene was well executed and that they delivered Akechi that the fans wanted[25].
As they talk about how the real Akechi is presented, Yamaguchi mentions how they prepared a sprites for him specifically for the Third Semester because they figured they need different expressions for the real Akechi. When designing the events, they insisted on him showing his true to personality not to everyone but to the Phantom Thieves, and especially to Ren[26]. In the game itself, his new sprites are used for the first time when talking to Ren, but then he switches to his "Detective Prince" version of sprites when they join forces with Sumire.
In the section about the triangle "trio" in the Third Semester, Ren, Akechi and Sumire, Wada says that that they're glad to receive positive feedback from fans despite them Akechi and Sumire being playable for such a limited period of time. He mentions that the scriptwriter’s favorite part in the story is them fighting together during the beginning of the 3rd semester. He goes on to say how during this period, Akechi doesn't give a damn about Sumire, being either polite or cold when she fails. He compares his behavior to acting like if he's in a love triangle going on with Ren, saying it's an interesting segment of the story where they can show how Akechi doesn't care about people outside of Ren.[27] Worth mentioning that Sumire confesses to having a crush on Ren in her Confidant, meaning that according to Wada, Akechi is treating like a love rival someone who in the game admits to having feelings towards the other.
According to Wada, the writer in charge of Akechi's line "If you die, I'll kill you, Joker[1]!" when asked about it, said "I don't know what kind of mental condition I was in when I wrote that" and he said he felt it would be too scary to dig deeper[28].
Persona 5 Royal Artobook[]
The interviewer mentions how Ren is depicted as a special person to Akechi, going on to say that based on their story and the ending illustration, they can imagine various things about them. Usuda responds that the feelings are strongly expressed among Akechi fans[29], showing the awareness of the popularity of the ship and the romantic implications of their writing.
Fanon[]
ShuAke is a very popular ship in the Persona 5 fanbase, being put under the "Fan-Preferred Couple" and "Foe Yay" section of Person 5's YMMV TVTropes page, which states that fans in both Japan and the West expressed wishes Akechi would be a romance option in Royal. Something that has been modded by two separate people, albeit one via a female protagonist mod.
"Shu" part in the ship name comes from the Japanese word for protagonist, "shujinko" (主人公 shujinkō).
Despite Ren's name being confirmed as Amamiya Ren in multiple official media, a lot of the fans prefer to refer to him by the name used in the manga, Kurusu Akira (manga uses its own name as it started coming out before he was given his official name). This lead to the creation of "Akiren", a mix of the two that some people use as to not to choose between one or the other.
The ship is often portrayed as a part of so called "Royal Trio", which adds Sumire to their dynamic. Popular interpretation is Sumire being a third wheel (often as a supporter) to their mutual interest in each other.
Shuake is currently the most written ship on both the Persona 5 and Persona Series tags on AO3.
Fandom[]
- FAN FICTION
- Persona 5 Protagonist/Akechi tag on AO3
- Ren/Akechi tag on AO3
- Akira/Akechi tag on AO3
- Persona 5 & Akechi tag on AO3
- Ren & Akechi tag on AO3
- Akira & Akechi tag on AO3
- ShuAke posts on Twitter
- AkeShu posts on Twitter
- 主明 posts on Twitter
- 明主 posts on Twitter
- 주아케 posts on Twitter
- @Daily ShuAke on Twitter
- YOUTUBE
- Valentine's Day Date Mod posted by Rover Bernhard
Trivia[]
- In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, one of Ren's alternate colors is based on Akechi's first Phantom Thief outfit.
- Akechi is the only character in the game who receives skills Protect and Endure in Rank 10 (others learn Endure in Rank 8 and Protect in Rank 9) and has the ability Protect listed before Endure.
- During one of the Mementos conversations, Haru points out that Akechi's method of exploring is similar to Ren's.
- Akechi mentions he wishes he could have thief's clothes like Ren in one of his lines in Mementos.
- By itemizing Metatron, Ultimate Persona from finishing Justice Confidant, the player will receive a ranged weapon for Ren, Nataraja.
- When inviting anyone else to play darts, it will result in inviting a group, meanwhile inviting Akechi is always inviting him alone.
- Every character's third awakening happens in their room except for Akechi whose happens at Leblanc. There is an unused version of it that was supposed to happen at Jazz Jin that he called his go-to place.
- Akechi is one of the only two characters (the other being Morgana) whose third awakening happens during the event of the main story.
- Akechi's third awakening is the only voiced one.
- In an unused outfit line, Akechi can recognize Ren by the shape of his body.
- In the anime, Ren asks for Akechi's help with changing Futaba's uncle heart. In the game, it's something that was between Ren and Futaba, as Futaba said she doesn't want to involve the Phantom Thieves and that this is a family issue. Him deciding to share this only with Akechi shows that Ren sees him as someone he can rely on and trust.
- The only scenes of Ren crying were because of Akechi. He's close to tearing up in Persona 5 the Animation in the engine room and cries when thinking about him in Proof of justice OVA.
- In Persona 5 the Animation, Akechi having the chess piece on himself in the engine room implies he kept carrying it around even when he had every reason to believe Ren is dead.
- Ren is meant to be reminiscent of a black panther[30] while Akechi has association with crows.
- In Persona 2 DLC, Akechi shares his outfit with Kurosu Jun who is homosexual and has a romance route.
Gallery[]
- Main article: ShuAke/Gallery
References[]
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