Goro Akechi in Persona 5 Royal: Unraveling the Complexities of the Third Semester

Goro Akechi, a prominent figure in Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, is a complex character whose motivations and actions drive much of the plot. Publicly, he's known as a charismatic and intelligent "ace detective," but beneath the surface lies a troubled individual shaped by a tragic past and a burning desire for recognition. This article delves into Akechi's character, focusing particularly on his role in the third semester of Persona 5 Royal and addressing common misconceptions surrounding his existence in this altered reality.

Akechi: The Ace Detective with a Dark Secret

From the outset, Akechi presents himself as a staunch opponent of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, publicly condemning their methods and viewing them as criminals. He temporarily aligns himself with them, using the codename "Crow," seemingly for professional reasons. He even quotes Hegel, stating that "advancement cannot occur without both thesis and antithesis" when expressing his disagreement with the Phantom Thieves. This is all a facade, carefully constructed to mask his true nature and motivations.

Akechi's design reflects this duality. In his public persona, he sports a tan peacoat, a striped tie, and black gloves, projecting an image of a well-mannered and approachable young man. As Crow, he dons a princely white regalia, complete with a red, long-nosed mask reminiscent of those worn by medieval plague doctors. This costume is intended to evoke an "air of a champion of justice." However, once his true intentions are revealed, he trades this garb for a dark, body-covering outfit with studded belts and a menacing helmet, signifying his descent into darkness.

The Roots of Akechi's Misanthropy

Akechi's troubled past is the key to understanding his character. Born as the illegitimate child of Masayoshi Shido, a powerful and ambitious politician, Akechi was ostracized and stigmatized from a young age. His mother, a sex worker, faced immense shame and ultimately committed suicide, leaving Akechi to grow up in child institutions, feeling like a "nobody" who yearned for love and acceptance.

This experience fueled his misanthropic worldview and self-loathing. He desperately sought acknowledgement, striving for perfection in his studies and cultivating his "Detective Prince" image in the hope of being accepted by society. However, his association with Shido and his increasingly obvious fraudulent hero persona led to further isolation.

Read also: Persona 5 Royal: Akechi Analysis

Akechi's Confidant: A Glimpse Beneath the Mask

In Persona 5 Royal, the Akechi Confidant offers a deeper look into his character. The Protagonist begins Akechi's Confidant on a social studies trip on June 10th. This Confidant becomes manual, and freezes at Rank 8, transitioning into a story-based progression. Throughout the confidant, the protagonist is able to experience a simple, normal life with a friend. Unlike most people, the protagonist is honest with him when speaking his mind and actively pursues him. Spending time with the protagonist gives a profound effect on Akechi. He admires yet envies the protagonist, who does not let anything stop him from carving his own path, and thus considers him his rival. He holds the protagonist in high regard to the point that he believes that the Phantom Thieves are nothing without the protagonist's leadership. Despite being overwhelmed with jealousy and contempt for the protagonist, who has everything he doesn't, Akechi says he would have wanted to meet the protagonist earlier, and doesn't deny what Morgana says about him taking a liking to the protagonist.

Akechi's Role in Shido's Conspiracy

Driven by a desire for revenge against Shido for ruining his life and causing his mother's death, Akechi acquired the power of the Wild Card and gained access to the Metaverse. He offered his services to Shido, becoming his assassin and carrying out his dirty work. Shido taught Akechi how to induce mental shutdowns by manipulating Mementos, and Akechi became instrumental in Shido's plan to rise to power.

His actions include the murder of Wakaba Isshiki and his involvement in the events leading to Okumura's death.

The Third Semester: A Second Chance?

The third semester of Persona 5 Royal presents a unique scenario where reality is altered by Dr. Takuto Maruki's Persona. This new reality offers the Phantom Thieves their deepest desires, including the return of those they have lost. This is where the biggest questions arise, and where the user wants to emphasize the importance of the fact that the Akechi in the third semester is the real Akechi.

The Reality of Akechi's Return:

It is crucial to understand that the Akechi present in the third semester is the real Akechi, not a cognitive being or a figment of Maruki's imagination. This point is explicitly stated by both Akechi and Futaba. Maruki cannot directly revive the dead or "think" them back into existence. Instead, he alters reality itself to change the events that led to their deaths.

The Official Complete Guide for Persona 5 Royal confirms that Maruki was unsure whether Akechi had actually died in Shido's Palace. He simply assumed Akechi was dead and created a reality where Akechi and Ren could have another chance. This reality is not a simple revival; it's a complete alteration of the timeline.

Akechi himself is uncertain about his fate, experiencing memory lapses that he attributes to his presumed death. However, there could be other explanations for these lapses, as explored in various fan theories.

What Did Maruki Change?

The exact event Maruki altered to bring back Futaba, Haru, Ren, and Akechi is open to interpretation. However, the key takeaway is that Maruki reshaped reality to allow for their survival.

Akechi's Transformation and Motivations in the Altered Reality

In the third semester, Akechi undergoes a significant transformation. He no longer feels the need to maintain his "Detective Prince" persona and is comfortable expressing his true self, regardless of how others perceive him. He is direct and blunt in his conversations, abandoning small talk and getting straight to the point.

While he no longer harbors contempt for the Phantom Thieves, he doesn't necessarily become kinder to them, as they are already aware of his true nature. Interestingly, he doesn't hide his true personality from others either, surprising Sumire during their exploration of Maruki's Palace. He even displays a morbid sense of humor, suggesting they kill Maruki when handing him the calling card.

Despite his outward demeanor, Akechi remains a formidable fighter. While he typically speaks calmly and politely, he becomes wildly aggressive and profane when engaging in combat as the Black Mask. However, this behavior is reserved for enemies, particularly Shadows.

Akechi's core values remain consistent. Having been manipulated and controlled by Shido, he places a high premium on free will. He is disgusted by Maruki's "salvation" plan, which requires altering memories and distorting personalities, viewing it as a form of control similar to what he experienced under Shido.

Akechi's True Potential: Deduction and Analysis

Despite his fabricated reputation as a detective, Akechi possesses genuine deduction and analysis skills. His quick and insightful thinking proves invaluable during Niijima's Palace and Maruki's Palace, as well as in Persona Q2. He is also cunning and resourceful, as demonstrated by his secret plan to counter Shadow Sae's cheating in her Palace.

These abilities suggest that Akechi has the potential to become a true detective, independent of his past manipulations and lies.

Akechi's Complex Relationship with the Protagonist

The relationship between Akechi and the protagonist is one of the most compelling aspects of Persona 5 Royal. Akechi develops complicated feelings for the protagonist, harboring both admiration and envy. He admires the protagonist's ability to forge his own path and considers him a rival.

In Persona 5 Royal, on Christmas Eve, Akechi willingly turns himself in to testify against Shido in the protagonist's stead, claiming he does so to repay his debt with him. He is alarmed and disappointed should the protagonist accept Takuto Maruki's reality, as he believes that it betrays his ideals and their relationship with each other. At the same time, he is relieved each time the protagonist turns Maruki's offer down, knowing that he is resolved to return to their normal reality, and accepting Maruki's offer would be a betrayal of Akechi's wishes.

Achieving Akechi's Third-Tier Persona: Hereward

To unlock Akechi's third-tier Persona, Hereward, in Persona 5 Royal, specific dialogue choices must be made during his Confidant progression. These choices demonstrate a deepening bond and understanding between the protagonist and Akechi.

Condition 1: During Akechiâs Rank 7
- When Akechi asks âHow about it? Will you stay with me and leave your friends?â
- You MUST select: ææºã¯å¥½æµæã (But youâll make a good rival)
Condition 2: During Akechiâs Rank 8
- After Akechi throws his glove at Ren and says âIf the opponent accepts the glove, then the duel has been madeâ
- You MUST select: åãã¦ãã¤ (Iâll accept your challenge)
Condition 3: After Akechiâs Rank 10

This happens during Shidoâs palace heist. Ren will be laying in his bed at night, thinking about Akechiâs promise. If you select all 3 of these dialogue choices, Akechi will show up in 2/2 during Ren and Marukiâs convo.

tags: #akechi #persona #5 #royal #third #semester