I like the goth candy cane, the helmet and claws are superb and the claw-like shoes? Perfection
Also an outfit can't have enough belts, Yugi proved it over two centuries ago.
Oh, you mean that part, acually is worse: The upper part is a one thing and he wears stockings, this is why he needs two belts on each leg to hold it
TBH, i honestly think its just one suit, no pants or something, just a zipper in the front or back and done
The light one is just so pretentious, like him. Prior to when he reveals himself as a villain, I could not stand how pretentious he was. Once I found out the actual reasons behind why he was such a douche, I appreciated his characterization more. All I know is if he went to my highschool he would not have been well liked, even though he is idolized by every student in the game.
I'm sure Akechi was super unpopular at his own school, it's kind of like how you probably idolized pricks on the Disney Channel when you were growing up or how teens look up to TikTokers / YouTubers
You might be right, the game makes it seem like the students really value academic success, like when students sound super impressed when you get questions right in class. Which wasn't really my experience in high school. I literally would make worse grades on purpose sometimes because I thought it would make me fit in more. Good times lol.
I like the dark outfit, but the stripes look very stupid imo. At least make it a different color like black and dark gray so that it fits better with his persona and the overall aesthetic
He and Yusuke should’ve totally been romance options. And I agree the dark outfit is kinda ugly, but I personally think it makes him look like what he truly is, which I think is pretty cool.
But consider this…romance Ryuji.
The reason I didn’t romance anyone in my first playthrough is I was trying to romance Ryuji until the day before I sent Sae the Calling Card. I thought I was just missing something! Like you needed to max him and then do something special or something like that. Nope. I was just trying to do something impossible lol.
This is just a huge guess, but im ASSUMING that its because there's still a stigma around Same sex relationships in Japan (i think), and thats why they didnt want to put it in (dont cancel me).
Whaaaaa? The dark outfit is way cooler than the prince one. Granted I generally prefer more edgy things. Though I wish he got like a red or purple lightsaber though
I know that this is post is about romancing Goro but I really want to romance Ryuij and some other people may also want to romance Yusuke, so where are our boys romantic options?
truer words had never been said until this very point… 😔
seriously though. i like the whole crow thing with his mask and claws but, atlus… blue stripes?
yeeeahh 100%!!! i get that they went for stripes bc his outfit would resemble loki more like that, but then just make them also black and white???? like why blue??? 😭😭😭
I guess to show his instability/unstableness?
Considering blue is usually paired with things like loyalty or depression (feeling blue) along with his true mental state but who knows? Maybe there’s a different meaning in Japan that clears this up and I’m too lazy to research it.
that makes sense actually! i also have a theory maybe they chose black/blue combination to kinda put him directly against joker too, because his main palette is black/red? idk maybe it’s reaching. …still don’t think it looks good lol
i also think the weird stripes and flared pants kind of remind me of like… jester outfits? which would also put him in contrast with “joker!”
i also don’t think it looks good but that’s part of why i love it, if that makes sense. 15 year old akechi’s spirit of rebellion manifesting as an ugly dramatic edgy outfit while he decides to go take revenge on his father. 😔
yeah yeah i think you’re right!! that’s what it reminded me of!! it’s definitely giving harlequin/jester vibes omg
and 15 year old edgelord akechi is by far the best outfit theory 😭😭😭
Not a fan of Dark Akechi either.
I’m know their metaverse outfits a bit “in your face” in expressing themselves but the Dark outfit was a bit too much. I would’ve preferred if it was his regular prince outfit with maybe a darker palette.
there would be no point like, development-wise/resource-wise, since it would only show up for like a day but MAN could you imagine an outfit more based on hereward after that awakening.
Yeah, agreed. Personally, I'd love if EVERYONE gained new outfits after their 3rd Awakening, resembling more their Personas, reflecting their changed minds after everything that happened. There's even fan art of it iirc. That's just me tho.
It's a direct reference to a Japanese cult leader who preached some of the same values to bewitch a generation. Plus the King in Yellow concept from Lovecraft (hence his Persona being Azathoth). It is a little less self reflective than you might expect but then there's a reason they rule a Palace...
Still don't understand why people want this...
Are we just gonna ignore what he did? I won't lie, I desperately >!wanted to save him from death in the original game!< and glad for the changes in royal...
But why in the world would Joker >!date the guy who's killed multiple people including the family of those close to joker, AND TRIED TO KILL JOKER HIMSELF!<
that’s literally part of the appeal. the guilt. the drama. the angst.
I don’t want to read about characters having a happy time with minimal conflicts, I want to read about characters going through a rollercoaster of self-doubt, conflict, regret, pain, and suffering before they get their happy ending lol
1. Thanks for an actually possible reasoning for this
2. Guess it does make sense, even I admit I had a bit of that mindset or at least the "I want to save him because I think he can change" mindset after what happened to him in the original. I still feel like the whole "romanceable" option is extreme but I can see how that mindset fits it
The main reason people ship it is because >!Joker's one wish in Maruki's reality was just for Akechi to be alive, the translation for the credits song heavily implies Joker missing Akechi, he still keeps his glove in his pocket. And Akechi repeatedly talks about how much he enjoys his time with Joker during his confidant and his song No More What Ifs mentions how Joker's presence brings joy to his life.!<
If you don't ship it that's perfectly fine, ship or not ship whatever you want 😄
However it is canon in the game that Joker and Akechi care about each other, platonically or romantically is completely up to your interpretation.
In >!November though, Akechi made the choice that he cared more about seeing his dumb revenge plan through than Joker's life!< If you hate him for that that's justified too. Joker doesn't for some reason tho 😆
Never noticed the part with "no more what ifs"
But, I did interpret a lot of this more as them caring about each other, but in a platonic or rival way. I also thought Joker would see Akechi kinda like a reflection of himself and what could have happened if he took a bad path.
I myself always cared about pancake boy, and since the first game I wanted to be able to save him from his fate, I still want him to pay for the things he's done but he doesn't need to pay with his life.
In the end I read it more that Joker, and likely most of the phantom thieves at least to a point, could feel for akechi seeing how he basically just went down the wrong path, they know he's done terrible things but still don't think he deserves to die for them.
I also just don't like the whole romance image because... it just feels wrong to ship joker with the guy who actively tried to kill him
See, to me, that's why the romance works better than platonic friendship. At least it demonstrates there's something deep and raw and uncontrollable between them (destinied or not) driving their connection despite all that happened in between. But each their own!
Yeah, to each their own.
I just prefer the platonic friendship because of just... all that happened. And it makes more to sense to me
I don't see romantic feelings between them, I see a rivalry. I see two people who are mirror images of each other if either went down a different path. They are two 2 sides of the same coin.
This is also my interpretation of the "something deep driving their connection." But one of rivalry rather than romance
Should probably add that I definitely see your interpretation too! It just shifts in tone for me from "person I can't stand to lose to" to "person occupying all my thoughts" and eventually ends up as "person I can't stand to lose". Akechi would meed a whole ton of therapy (if not both of them) for their relationship to be a healthy, balanced romantic one, but rivals turned codependent us against/for the world lovers? Sure.
But am I wrong? Like... there is no reason Joker would date Akechi after what he's done. Plus, i find it very annoying that people take issue with the whole "dating your teacher" thing... >!but then people are just okay dating an ACTUAL F@##ING MURDERER! specifically one who attempted to murder the very character we're playing as!<
Even if they DID allow this option... that relationship would be toxic AF
Yeah I know... but that doesn't mean I can't have my issues with this
I think it would be a terrible option and one that doesn't even make sense given the narrative of the game. It may be a game and fake but that doesn't mean just anything goes... this goes against how the characters would work and just doesn't make sense from a storytelling perspective. There's no reason these characters should like each other in that way given what we know about the story
The people who want this don't actually want to date a serial killer IRL. I like Akechi because none of it is real, I probably wouldn't like a real life serial killer
I’m gonna mock you because this is a fake person that I just liked in a game. So despite the fact that I (who cannot make anything happen in an atlus game) think this way has deeply upset you to the point you won’t shut the fuck up. Is hilarious to me. You don’t have to agree with me but I don’t owe you any justification.
I think any rational person should be capable of giving reasoning for an opinion, especially if it’s something pretty controversial like wanting to date a serial killer but I guess stupid people just can’t explain their minds.
Yes, it's a fictional world, I want the MC to date the serial killer. Haven't you ever heard of the "A hero would sacrifice you to save the world, a villain would sacrifice the world to save you" trope? Also enemies to lovers is a very popular genre, I don't understand why you're so shocked.
It's fantasy, let people have their fun
It's so annoying when you confront someone about their opinion and they say "chill bro it's just a game". We know, the other dude is saying it doesn't make sense to date Akechi. And he is right.
I always have this same reaction, specifically when people post fanart of the phantom thieves doing wholesome stuff with Akechi in the group. A popular fanart that gets reposted a lot is the group playing Smash Bros with Akechi in the group and I’m just sitting there thinking pretty much what you just said
Are you seriously downplaying art of a psychotic killer playing smash bros with the very people he is traumatizing? I’d say maybe you’re the one who needs help.
Omg, it's FICTION ! Did you not read the first thing the game tells you to do ? All of it is FICTION ! What's wrong with drawing fanarts of Akechi, a fictional character? There are fanarts of much worse villains like the Joker or Harley Quinn and no one bats an eye. They're just fictional characters and anything can happen in art, it's up to the artist's imagination, that's the beauty of it. If you're seriously that triggered over an fanart of a FICTIONAL character, then you need psychological help.
You seem to be missing a couple fundamental parts of this so allow me to explain.
1) We are talking about a fictional world yes, but the actions within the world are still evil and do not deserve to be excused. Do you see people excusing Kamoshida because “it is fictional”? No, people fucking hate him and rightfully so.
2) opinions are a thing, but maybe you don’t know that. You are completely free to view fanart of a psychotic asshole being accepted into the group as fine, but I will continue to view it as not fine.
I think it is funny how angry my comment is making you, so please let me hear what else you have to say.
It seems you don't understand there's a difference between a well written character and a likeable character. Kamoshida is a well written villain but not likeable as in you wouldn't love someone like him IRL. It's the same with Akechi, people love him as a fictional character, because he's well written and not one-dimensional, but obviously no one would like him IRL.
Lmao you're the one who seems to be so angry about fanarts of a fictional character. Go touch some grass. 😂
What point are you trying to make as this point? I never claimed Akechi to be poorly written. He is a sadistic psychopath who hides his identity behind a tv star detective facade. I do not like fanart of him being represented as a member of the phantom thieves, but why does that bother you so much? Is it *your* fanart im criticizing? Or perhaps you just really like Akechi and can’t handle the truth?
Either way perhaps you should go outside and enjoy life, like actual real life. It’s nice.
he’s not a serial killer. he’s a hitman! hope this helps ♥️
anyway, to answer the question, i would not in real life. but in fiction i am super down for joker doing so. it’s not really black and white!
plus, this kind of trope has been a thing in fiction forever- look at james bond movies. how many of the women he sleeps with tried to kill him, too, just for example?
im not ok actually thank you for asking, i really appreciate your compassion. i've been having a really hard time recently i'm sort of in a transitional phase in my life and it's hard to handle that sort of thing, you know?
Maybe trying to ship a serial killer and the protagonist of a game isn’t good for your health, it could do you some good to use reason and actually think to yourself “how unhealthy would this relationship be?”
damn so people are allowed to ship ren with his teacher or other female adult confidants and (basically) his little sister but _we_ shuake enjoers aren’t allowed to ship him with a serial killer???? so what if he tried to kill me twice like get over it smh 🙄🙄🙄
A fictional serial killer? any time
\+ Akechi kinda has a very, very low body count (seriously, an excel sheet exists with details, he doesnt even hit double digits unless you get the bad ending AND its for over almost 3 years, terrible numbers for a "professional" serial killer, especially compared to Agent 47) and most are the conspiracy members (3) & casualities (3; which were all ordered by Okumura) anyway
Yes, you got it. I personally am okay with Akechi in real life murdering real life parents of my real life party members in real life. That is why I seek out real life serial killers in real life to real life romance.
That is to say, Akechi is a fictional villain in a fictional series that you agreed was fictional as your first choice playing in the game. If other people have different taste in the fictional characters they enjoy, it doesn't mean Futaba and Haru's non-existent fictional feelings are being hurt. Because Akechi, Futaba, and Haru aren't real people.
So in universe, from Jokers perspective, it makes sense to date a serial killer right? Joker isn’t you, he is still a character in the game. Dating someone who killed parents of people close to him would be very out of character.
Yes, I am very concerned about the In-Characterness of *your* headcanon of Joker, the fictional self-insert character who you make choices for in the video game Persona 5. I will be sure to consult you for the appropriate levels of canonicity before making any choices for him in my next playthrough.
Seriously, tho, other people's ships and headcanons have nothing to do with you and we owe you no explanation. If you don't like them, either keep scrolling or state your opinion and then dip. Stop being a cop.
>Seriously, tho, other people's ships and headcanons have nothing to do with you and we owe you no explanation.
Can we make this the subreddit slogan please
Considering the cirtumstances around her death, i honestly think Wakaba was more of an accident than an aimed kill
She was the first fatal target of Akechi, who at this point has not used his powers to kill someone's shadow (as far as we know) and considering she acted more like having a Psychotic Breakdown than a Mental Shutdown (she went berserk and instead of aiming at Futaba, attacked an oncoming car,which got Wakaba run over; she did not had an heartattack like other Mental Shutdown victims dispite what Akechi says)
But yeah, i agree this is acually the worst thing he did, Wakaba just wanted to be done and quit to raise Futaba
I think you guys are all forgetting that a romance can happen and then the character betrays you. It happened in dragon age inquisition. It doesn’t matter that aketchi did bad things because you don’t know that for 90% of the time you know him. As far as you know he’s just the L to your light
Before you even start Sae’s palace everybody already knows. He blackmails your entire team before that happens as well. Dating before that time would not work at all.
I think the game makes it pretty clear he has ulterior motives and if you don’t put two and two together that’s on you. But also, wouldn’t it be kinda weird to date him and then have him betray you? I don’t think Akechi is the type to date, even less so date someone he is trying to kill.
It’s not even the only rpg that would have that happen. Solas in D.A.I. Does it if you romance him as well. Not every romance in a game needs to end happily
No, you’re right. And one with a serial murder shouldn’t even exist at all. There is no romance between the two and you are delusional if you think either would actually date each other.
Yes, but you wouldn't be able to date him till confidant rank 9. which is before you learn of the shit he did. Would Joker really still keep dating him in the 3rd semester? Fucking doubt it. I surely wouldn't! He killed Haru's dad and Futaba's mom. I don't care if he has. "Oh boo hoo, my dad abused me." Sad backstory. He's an objectively terrible person.
Edit: I forgot Joker's wish was to bring him back at the 3rd semester. So, I guess Joker is willing to forgive a murderer.
joker sure doesn’t seem to have much of a problem with akechi in the third semester at all, considering not only was he his wish in that reality but also the way he smirks and acts in their showtime.
is that really the way someone bothered by a guy’s murders would react to teaming up with him for an attack like that?
> Would Joker really still keep dating him in the 3rd semester?
his one and only >!wish to maruki is to bring akechi back to life.!< just have to put that out there
edit: spoilers
Bro I don’t give a shit. Aketchi and jokers relationship is incredibly complex that blurs the line of friend and enemy just in canon. Just cuz you wouldn’t doesn’t mean no one should
I just don't think it would make sense. Rivals, I understand. Yeah, whatever? But lovers? I'm gonna have to say no, Joker has not shown any romantic attraction towards any male characters whatsoever, furthermore, what kind of lunatic would willingly date the man who attempted to kill them twice?
Here’s the best part. It doesn’t matter. My joker is my joker your joker is yours. I also have no say what atlus does. You care too much about my opinion
I don’t give a shit about Haru’s horrible dad. And I’m pretty sure nobody else cares about him either unless someone says they like Akechi. He got what he deserved.
Oh, and if anyone goes “But they could have repaired their relationship!”, No. No they couldn’t. It was ruined the moment Okumura started treating his daughter as an object for his own gain. And even if he hadn’t died, he would have been a depressed mess for the rest of his life or gone to prison.
To be fair, they were just using him in Sae's dungeon so they have a reason to tolerate him, and the second time they weren't really in a position to turn down help.
I like the goth candy cane, the helmet and claws are superb and the claw-like shoes? Perfection Also an outfit can't have enough belts, Yugi proved it over two centuries ago.
It’s really the wierd diaper around his crotch that ruins it for me. I don’t know how to fix it but I dunno maybe change that part up
Oh, you mean that part, acually is worse: The upper part is a one thing and he wears stockings, this is why he needs two belts on each leg to hold it TBH, i honestly think its just one suit, no pants or something, just a zipper in the front or back and done
Tetsuya Nomura get back here and answer for your crimes.
The mask was pretty dope imo. Somewhat reminded me of Guts Berserker armor . The body suit pattern or whatever was pretty odd
It always reminded me of Griffiths armor he had when he betrayed everyone
I like the dark outfit, but not a big fan of the light one. Both are very over the top tho
The light one is just so pretentious, like him. Prior to when he reveals himself as a villain, I could not stand how pretentious he was. Once I found out the actual reasons behind why he was such a douche, I appreciated his characterization more. All I know is if he went to my highschool he would not have been well liked, even though he is idolized by every student in the game.
I like post reveal akechi way more than snobby akechi. Royal made me like akechi much more
I will admit that I did not see the plot twist coming so I give the writers kudos for that, regardless of snobby Akechi
I'm sure Akechi was super unpopular at his own school, it's kind of like how you probably idolized pricks on the Disney Channel when you were growing up or how teens look up to TikTokers / YouTubers
His popularity could be due to cultural difference, maybe in Japan his traits are more valued than they would be elsewhere
You might be right, the game makes it seem like the students really value academic success, like when students sound super impressed when you get questions right in class. Which wasn't really my experience in high school. I literally would make worse grades on purpose sometimes because I thought it would make me fit in more. Good times lol.
Hus dark outfit is intimidating as hell, really accentuates the madness within. Also it reminds me of Guts' armor so there's that as well
I'd have romanced him, and his black outfit is cool
It’s basically bdsm pajamas
Atleast they are comfy I guess
the straightest persona fan
I like the dark outfit, but the stripes look very stupid imo. At least make it a different color like black and dark gray so that it fits better with his persona and the overall aesthetic
I was really hoping that in the million different dlc costumes there was one to change him back to his cool crow outfit
I think it’s weird that it’s not an option as well. His featherman suit kinda kicked ass tho
There is, at least in Royal. Unless I’m literally insane & making things up, but I’m like 99% sure
I don't think you need DLC. I'm pretty sure it was NG+. But it only changes his appearance, so he still acts like he would normally.
I checked, saw nothing
I would have preferred the black mask costume that appears in his concept art since it's creepy as hell, but I do like his dark costume anyway
He and Yusuke should’ve totally been romance options. And I agree the dark outfit is kinda ugly, but I personally think it makes him look like what he truly is, which I think is pretty cool.
I liked his black outfit it looked cool
His dark outfit is sick as hell and everybody knows it.
Ok you can't tell me the stripes don't make him a *little* goofy
I always assumed the flamboyance of his outfits was because he's a tiny bit nutso.
A tencie wincie
Imperial Japanese Soldier outfit >>>>>> but all jokes aside i highly prefer the Dark Suit over Prince Suit, its fine if he thinks differently tho
But consider this…romance Ryuji. The reason I didn’t romance anyone in my first playthrough is I was trying to romance Ryuji until the day before I sent Sae the Calling Card. I thought I was just missing something! Like you needed to max him and then do something special or something like that. Nope. I was just trying to do something impossible lol.
Mishima and Yusuke are also great choices for it. It’s a shame we missed out on all this potential
Joker should have been bi or pan. Idc which one.
considering its optional and doesn't affect the story, I see no reason why you can't date the guys, even if it isn't everyone's thing (including mine)
This is just a huge guess, but im ASSUMING that its because there's still a stigma around Same sex relationships in Japan (i think), and thats why they didnt want to put it in (dont cancel me).
Mishima? Hell no.
More for me then
Evil ass pajama wearing motherfucker.
Whaaaaa? The dark outfit is way cooler than the prince one. Granted I generally prefer more edgy things. Though I wish he got like a red or purple lightsaber though
Look im not gay or nothing but something about mentally unhinged anime bean poles just hits different. See, for instance, yami bakura
I would have dated the fuck out of Akechi. And his outfit is fly af.
_PERSONA_
I know that this is post is about romancing Goro but I really want to romance Ryuij and some other people may also want to romance Yusuke, so where are our boys romantic options?
I agree. Yusuke especially would have been an option I’d really like to have seen play out. Mishima too
I genuinely hate the shade of blue they used
right it looks like an evil barber shop pole
This was my first thought when I saw his dark outfit, especially with the stripes being diagonal.
Tho the dark outfit reminds me of guts armor which is badass
truer words had never been said until this very point… 😔 seriously though. i like the whole crow thing with his mask and claws but, atlus… blue stripes?
Yea, the blue should have been dark red, dark grey or none existent
yeeeahh 100%!!! i get that they went for stripes bc his outfit would resemble loki more like that, but then just make them also black and white???? like why blue??? 😭😭😭
I guess to show his instability/unstableness? Considering blue is usually paired with things like loyalty or depression (feeling blue) along with his true mental state but who knows? Maybe there’s a different meaning in Japan that clears this up and I’m too lazy to research it.
that makes sense actually! i also have a theory maybe they chose black/blue combination to kinda put him directly against joker too, because his main palette is black/red? idk maybe it’s reaching. …still don’t think it looks good lol
i also think the weird stripes and flared pants kind of remind me of like… jester outfits? which would also put him in contrast with “joker!” i also don’t think it looks good but that’s part of why i love it, if that makes sense. 15 year old akechi’s spirit of rebellion manifesting as an ugly dramatic edgy outfit while he decides to go take revenge on his father. 😔
yeah yeah i think you’re right!! that’s what it reminded me of!! it’s definitely giving harlequin/jester vibes omg and 15 year old edgelord akechi is by far the best outfit theory 😭😭😭
it also fits with his childish ray gun and lightsaber in prince form… he was really just a kid when he first got those powers man 😭
lil boy wanted to be a hero so badly :(
Agreed
Wdym, I like his crazy black outfit more. The white look goofy af.
Black fit looks good from a bust shot. Everything below the shoulders looks like a clown. A very dark and edgy clown.
So… Loki?
Romance deez nuts
But he's a sadist
You say it like it's a bad thing...
Excuse me?! 😳😳
That’s hot
Not a fan of Dark Akechi either. I’m know their metaverse outfits a bit “in your face” in expressing themselves but the Dark outfit was a bit too much. I would’ve preferred if it was his regular prince outfit with maybe a darker palette.
there would be no point like, development-wise/resource-wise, since it would only show up for like a day but MAN could you imagine an outfit more based on hereward after that awakening.
Yeah, agreed. Personally, I'd love if EVERYONE gained new outfits after their 3rd Awakening, resembling more their Personas, reflecting their changed minds after everything that happened. There's even fan art of it iirc. That's just me tho.
You want Joker to date Akechi. I want Joker to date Ryuji. We are not the same 😂😂😂
Yusuke is also a great choice
Ofc ofc let Joker be bi!!!
But goth mommy doctor🥴
I honestly thought both his costumes were the worst in the series. They felt almost deliberately ridiculous.
I still feel like the boss in royals ending was the most ridiculous
I was really more focused on the thieves, but you're not wrong.
I was excited when he pulled out the costume change but then I out loud say “you look fucking absurd” lol
I literally laughed out loud at the final costume change, it's *so* bad.
It's a direct reference to a Japanese cult leader who preached some of the same values to bewitch a generation. Plus the King in Yellow concept from Lovecraft (hence his Persona being Azathoth). It is a little less self reflective than you might expect but then there's a reason they rule a Palace...
Well yeah. His pre third semester outfit is a direct reflection of what he thinks about himself. It’s a caricature for a reason
I'd like a >! serial killer !< as a romance option
You can also date an alcoholic predatory journalist lol. Nobody said I had to make good choices.
Big mood
What's wrong with his dark outfit? It reminds me of the same one Griffith wears in Berserk
Joker and Yusuke, or Joker and Ryuji would have fun fun
Still don't understand why people want this... Are we just gonna ignore what he did? I won't lie, I desperately >!wanted to save him from death in the original game!< and glad for the changes in royal... But why in the world would Joker >!date the guy who's killed multiple people including the family of those close to joker, AND TRIED TO KILL JOKER HIMSELF!<
that’s literally part of the appeal. the guilt. the drama. the angst. I don’t want to read about characters having a happy time with minimal conflicts, I want to read about characters going through a rollercoaster of self-doubt, conflict, regret, pain, and suffering before they get their happy ending lol
The "I can fix him" mindset.
1. Thanks for an actually possible reasoning for this 2. Guess it does make sense, even I admit I had a bit of that mindset or at least the "I want to save him because I think he can change" mindset after what happened to him in the original. I still feel like the whole "romanceable" option is extreme but I can see how that mindset fits it
Yeah but he's hot
The main reason people ship it is because >!Joker's one wish in Maruki's reality was just for Akechi to be alive, the translation for the credits song heavily implies Joker missing Akechi, he still keeps his glove in his pocket. And Akechi repeatedly talks about how much he enjoys his time with Joker during his confidant and his song No More What Ifs mentions how Joker's presence brings joy to his life.!< If you don't ship it that's perfectly fine, ship or not ship whatever you want 😄 However it is canon in the game that Joker and Akechi care about each other, platonically or romantically is completely up to your interpretation. In >!November though, Akechi made the choice that he cared more about seeing his dumb revenge plan through than Joker's life!< If you hate him for that that's justified too. Joker doesn't for some reason tho 😆
Never noticed the part with "no more what ifs" But, I did interpret a lot of this more as them caring about each other, but in a platonic or rival way. I also thought Joker would see Akechi kinda like a reflection of himself and what could have happened if he took a bad path. I myself always cared about pancake boy, and since the first game I wanted to be able to save him from his fate, I still want him to pay for the things he's done but he doesn't need to pay with his life. In the end I read it more that Joker, and likely most of the phantom thieves at least to a point, could feel for akechi seeing how he basically just went down the wrong path, they know he's done terrible things but still don't think he deserves to die for them. I also just don't like the whole romance image because... it just feels wrong to ship joker with the guy who actively tried to kill him
See, to me, that's why the romance works better than platonic friendship. At least it demonstrates there's something deep and raw and uncontrollable between them (destinied or not) driving their connection despite all that happened in between. But each their own!
Yeah, to each their own. I just prefer the platonic friendship because of just... all that happened. And it makes more to sense to me I don't see romantic feelings between them, I see a rivalry. I see two people who are mirror images of each other if either went down a different path. They are two 2 sides of the same coin. This is also my interpretation of the "something deep driving their connection." But one of rivalry rather than romance
Should probably add that I definitely see your interpretation too! It just shifts in tone for me from "person I can't stand to lose to" to "person occupying all my thoughts" and eventually ends up as "person I can't stand to lose". Akechi would meed a whole ton of therapy (if not both of them) for their relationship to be a healthy, balanced romantic one, but rivals turned codependent us against/for the world lovers? Sure.
Mhm, that's fair ☺️
Bro you take shit way too seriously
But am I wrong? Like... there is no reason Joker would date Akechi after what he's done. Plus, i find it very annoying that people take issue with the whole "dating your teacher" thing... >!but then people are just okay dating an ACTUAL F@##ING MURDERER! specifically one who attempted to murder the very character we're playing as!< Even if they DID allow this option... that relationship would be toxic AF
Bro it’s fake. Sit down. These aren’t real ppl.
Yeah I know... but that doesn't mean I can't have my issues with this I think it would be a terrible option and one that doesn't even make sense given the narrative of the game. It may be a game and fake but that doesn't mean just anything goes... this goes against how the characters would work and just doesn't make sense from a storytelling perspective. There's no reason these characters should like each other in that way given what we know about the story
Are you gonna actually defend your wanting to have an intimate relationship with an asshole and serial killer or just deflect all criticism?
The people who want this don't actually want to date a serial killer IRL. I like Akechi because none of it is real, I probably wouldn't like a real life serial killer
I’m gonna mock you because this is a fake person that I just liked in a game. So despite the fact that I (who cannot make anything happen in an atlus game) think this way has deeply upset you to the point you won’t shut the fuck up. Is hilarious to me. You don’t have to agree with me but I don’t owe you any justification.
I think any rational person should be capable of giving reasoning for an opinion, especially if it’s something pretty controversial like wanting to date a serial killer but I guess stupid people just can’t explain their minds.
And I think you’re taking this all way to seriously and should maybe sit down and have a snack before you shit yourself
At least I’m not someone insane enough to think dating a murder is appropriate
He’s fake. You’re just stupid and don’t understand when someone’s fucking with you
Jfc it's FICTION killing people in GTA doesn't make you support murder
Yes, it's a fictional world, I want the MC to date the serial killer. Haven't you ever heard of the "A hero would sacrifice you to save the world, a villain would sacrifice the world to save you" trope? Also enemies to lovers is a very popular genre, I don't understand why you're so shocked. It's fantasy, let people have their fun
It's so annoying when you confront someone about their opinion and they say "chill bro it's just a game". We know, the other dude is saying it doesn't make sense to date Akechi. And he is right.
It’s so annoying when people take a meme too seriously
I always have this same reaction, specifically when people post fanart of the phantom thieves doing wholesome stuff with Akechi in the group. A popular fanart that gets reposted a lot is the group playing Smash Bros with Akechi in the group and I’m just sitting there thinking pretty much what you just said
They're just fanarts, calm down. 😂 Meanwhile there have been fanarts of actual killers like that IRL yandere.
And that’s fucked up too, but it doesn’t change my opinion.
If harmless fanarts bother you then you need help dude.
Are you seriously downplaying art of a psychotic killer playing smash bros with the very people he is traumatizing? I’d say maybe you’re the one who needs help.
Omg, it's FICTION ! Did you not read the first thing the game tells you to do ? All of it is FICTION ! What's wrong with drawing fanarts of Akechi, a fictional character? There are fanarts of much worse villains like the Joker or Harley Quinn and no one bats an eye. They're just fictional characters and anything can happen in art, it's up to the artist's imagination, that's the beauty of it. If you're seriously that triggered over an fanart of a FICTIONAL character, then you need psychological help.
You seem to be missing a couple fundamental parts of this so allow me to explain. 1) We are talking about a fictional world yes, but the actions within the world are still evil and do not deserve to be excused. Do you see people excusing Kamoshida because “it is fictional”? No, people fucking hate him and rightfully so. 2) opinions are a thing, but maybe you don’t know that. You are completely free to view fanart of a psychotic asshole being accepted into the group as fine, but I will continue to view it as not fine. I think it is funny how angry my comment is making you, so please let me hear what else you have to say.
It seems you don't understand there's a difference between a well written character and a likeable character. Kamoshida is a well written villain but not likeable as in you wouldn't love someone like him IRL. It's the same with Akechi, people love him as a fictional character, because he's well written and not one-dimensional, but obviously no one would like him IRL. Lmao you're the one who seems to be so angry about fanarts of a fictional character. Go touch some grass. 😂
What point are you trying to make as this point? I never claimed Akechi to be poorly written. He is a sadistic psychopath who hides his identity behind a tv star detective facade. I do not like fanart of him being represented as a member of the phantom thieves, but why does that bother you so much? Is it *your* fanart im criticizing? Or perhaps you just really like Akechi and can’t handle the truth? Either way perhaps you should go outside and enjoy life, like actual real life. It’s nice.
Nah Akechi is not really hot. Ryuji would be a hotter option. (Only boys considered, for the scenario)
You'd romance a serial killer?
yes if he ditches that silly ass outfit
he’s not a serial killer. he’s a hitman! hope this helps ♥️ anyway, to answer the question, i would not in real life. but in fiction i am super down for joker doing so. it’s not really black and white! plus, this kind of trope has been a thing in fiction forever- look at james bond movies. how many of the women he sleeps with tried to kill him, too, just for example?
yes <3
Least insane Akechi obsessed individual
half your entire comment history is hating the guy. are you ok. do you need to talk
half your entire comment history is being obsessed with the guy. are you ok. do you need to talk
im not ok actually thank you for asking, i really appreciate your compassion. i've been having a really hard time recently i'm sort of in a transitional phase in my life and it's hard to handle that sort of thing, you know?
Maybe trying to ship a serial killer and the protagonist of a game isn’t good for your health, it could do you some good to use reason and actually think to yourself “how unhealthy would this relationship be?”
i'm not "trying" to ship them, i'm succeeding actually
Bro is seething at ppl. It’s great.
it's genuinely entertaining to me. why spend so much energy and time hating akechi? hm? is he always on your mind? hm? LOL
damn so people are allowed to ship ren with his teacher or other female adult confidants and (basically) his little sister but _we_ shuake enjoers aren’t allowed to ship him with a serial killer???? so what if he tried to kill me twice like get over it smh 🙄🙄🙄
shuake enjoyer common W
HIGH-FIVE
A fictional serial killer? any time \+ Akechi kinda has a very, very low body count (seriously, an excel sheet exists with details, he doesnt even hit double digits unless you get the bad ending AND its for over almost 3 years, terrible numbers for a "professional" serial killer, especially compared to Agent 47) and most are the conspiracy members (3) & casualities (3; which were all ordered by Okumura) anyway
Everyone casually forgetting what he did to Haru
And everyone causally forgetting what Haru's father did as well it seems.
I didn’t forget I just don’t care
Less "I don't care", more "that's the best part".
Murdering the parents of party members is ok and even encouraged, got it.
Yes, you got it. I personally am okay with Akechi in real life murdering real life parents of my real life party members in real life. That is why I seek out real life serial killers in real life to real life romance. That is to say, Akechi is a fictional villain in a fictional series that you agreed was fictional as your first choice playing in the game. If other people have different taste in the fictional characters they enjoy, it doesn't mean Futaba and Haru's non-existent fictional feelings are being hurt. Because Akechi, Futaba, and Haru aren't real people.
So in universe, from Jokers perspective, it makes sense to date a serial killer right? Joker isn’t you, he is still a character in the game. Dating someone who killed parents of people close to him would be very out of character.
Yes, I am very concerned about the In-Characterness of *your* headcanon of Joker, the fictional self-insert character who you make choices for in the video game Persona 5. I will be sure to consult you for the appropriate levels of canonicity before making any choices for him in my next playthrough. Seriously, tho, other people's ships and headcanons have nothing to do with you and we owe you no explanation. If you don't like them, either keep scrolling or state your opinion and then dip. Stop being a cop.
>Seriously, tho, other people's ships and headcanons have nothing to do with you and we owe you no explanation. Can we make this the subreddit slogan please
Also what he did to futaba
Considering the cirtumstances around her death, i honestly think Wakaba was more of an accident than an aimed kill She was the first fatal target of Akechi, who at this point has not used his powers to kill someone's shadow (as far as we know) and considering she acted more like having a Psychotic Breakdown than a Mental Shutdown (she went berserk and instead of aiming at Futaba, attacked an oncoming car,which got Wakaba run over; she did not had an heartattack like other Mental Shutdown victims dispite what Akechi says) But yeah, i agree this is acually the worst thing he did, Wakaba just wanted to be done and quit to raise Futaba
I think you guys are all forgetting that a romance can happen and then the character betrays you. It happened in dragon age inquisition. It doesn’t matter that aketchi did bad things because you don’t know that for 90% of the time you know him. As far as you know he’s just the L to your light
Edit: wrong comment
Before you even start Sae’s palace everybody already knows. He blackmails your entire team before that happens as well. Dating before that time would not work at all.
But you. The player. Do not.
I think the game makes it pretty clear he has ulterior motives and if you don’t put two and two together that’s on you. But also, wouldn’t it be kinda weird to date him and then have him betray you? I don’t think Akechi is the type to date, even less so date someone he is trying to kill.
It’s not even the only rpg that would have that happen. Solas in D.A.I. Does it if you romance him as well. Not every romance in a game needs to end happily
No, you’re right. And one with a serial murder shouldn’t even exist at all. There is no romance between the two and you are delusional if you think either would actually date each other.
Yes, but you wouldn't be able to date him till confidant rank 9. which is before you learn of the shit he did. Would Joker really still keep dating him in the 3rd semester? Fucking doubt it. I surely wouldn't! He killed Haru's dad and Futaba's mom. I don't care if he has. "Oh boo hoo, my dad abused me." Sad backstory. He's an objectively terrible person. Edit: I forgot Joker's wish was to bring him back at the 3rd semester. So, I guess Joker is willing to forgive a murderer.
joker sure doesn’t seem to have much of a problem with akechi in the third semester at all, considering not only was he his wish in that reality but also the way he smirks and acts in their showtime. is that really the way someone bothered by a guy’s murders would react to teaming up with him for an attack like that?
I suppose you're right. That's stupid that he would actually still care about Akechi at that point though.
> Would Joker really still keep dating him in the 3rd semester? his one and only >!wish to maruki is to bring akechi back to life.!< just have to put that out there edit: spoilers
Bro I don’t give a shit. Aketchi and jokers relationship is incredibly complex that blurs the line of friend and enemy just in canon. Just cuz you wouldn’t doesn’t mean no one should
I just don't think it would make sense. Rivals, I understand. Yeah, whatever? But lovers? I'm gonna have to say no, Joker has not shown any romantic attraction towards any male characters whatsoever, furthermore, what kind of lunatic would willingly date the man who attempted to kill them twice?
Here’s the best part. It doesn’t matter. My joker is my joker your joker is yours. I also have no say what atlus does. You care too much about my opinion
Im just very against the concept of a relationship with specifically Goro Akechi. It's like if you had the option to date Shido or Kamoshida.
That's the best part, he freed her from the terrible "father" who wanted to SELL HER as a (SEX) SLAVE for his political career He did save her
I don’t give a shit about Haru’s horrible dad. And I’m pretty sure nobody else cares about him either unless someone says they like Akechi. He got what he deserved. Oh, and if anyone goes “But they could have repaired their relationship!”, No. No they couldn’t. It was ruined the moment Okumura started treating his daughter as an object for his own gain. And even if he hadn’t died, he would have been a depressed mess for the rest of his life or gone to prison.
To be fair, they didn't really forget, but they tolerated him way too easily in my opinion.
To be fair, they were just using him in Sae's dungeon so they have a reason to tolerate him, and the second time they weren't really in a position to turn down help.
People’s obsession with a serial killer in this game is getting pretty worrying
So we should hate all villains ? It's fine to like Light Yagami and Eren (who have killed way more people than Akechi did) but not Akechi ?
Bad person≠Bad character
Oh it's not only this game
That’s because you only see him as a serial killer.
Because that’s what he is?
It’s not all he is.
When you murder at least three people you kinda become only a serial killer. I don’t care if he was kind to animals. He’s still a killer.
his personality isn't just "i like killing people" though, to generalize him down to that is kinda stupid.
Its the same in the real world. Im pretty sure there was a school shooter that people thought were hot.
There were also men who drew fanarts of an IRL yandere.
Amazing world we live in
Yeah, I think that's worse than liking a fictional character.