Akira Konoe - Tumblr Posts

The Deluded Hero and his Personal Attack Dog

"Did you kids really think that I was on your side? You're more naïve than I thought..."

Was listening to "Worst in Me" by Unlike Pluto and it gave me Accomplice AU brainworms (it fits the AU so damn well!)! Just Shadow Zen and Konoe really!

Further context: This was an AU idea that came about on Twitter when I suddenly started shipping those two (Hero X Villain ships are one of my weaknesses, I couldn’t help it! XD) and it just went off from here! Basically, prior to P5S, they encounter each other and (long story short) a deal was made: Konoe gets to carry out his plan while Zenkichi gets the satisfaction of taking down Owada and avenging his wife due to awakening early. Basically, Zen becomes his own Black Mask except it’s mostly torture (irl and even the Metaverse as Zen still maintains some sort of moral code) and he would actually start giving a damn about him. And yes, he would start out using him as a pawn but got legitimately attached as time went by. Also, there would be a roleswap into the mix since Zen becomes the Kyoto Monarch (more or less losing Valjean in the process until his defeat) at Konoe’s request and Akane is the one who becomes a PT. There is a whole Twitter thread between me and a mutual that has more detail but that’s the gist of it! Also, if Konoe ever got a Persona, it would be Javert (also from Les Misérables)! No contest! 

Your Accomplice Au looks cool, I wanna know more pls

O-Oh! Thanks! Well, besides the basic description I gave with those edits, I don't have much else planned out (keep in mind that this came about from me freaking out on Twitter about the idea of shipping Zenkichi and Konoe and a later convo with a mutual). But I guess more description is in order!

Their backstories are still the same but prior the events of Strikers, they end up encountering each other somehow (I haven't figured out how yet but maybe he was assigned to be a bodyguard or something? Either that or he was dragged by Kaburagi to an event he held? It's not set in stone) and they strike up a conversation.

Zenkichi sympathizes with Konoe's hardships while Konoe expresses his own sympathies to him about Aoi's death (more reason for Owada to be on his shit list since he was planning on backstabbing him anyway).

They become close until Konoe trusts him enough to reveal his secret about how he's using the Metaverse along with his findings and plans with it. Now Zenkichi would normally be horrified but Konoe then gives him a tempting offer: He helps him with his skills and connections to the force along with another thing he will discuss with him later and in exchange he will be able to avenge Aoi and bring down Owada for good, making the world safer for his daughter. THAT is what ends up clinching it and he agrees but on the condition that Akane doesn't get dragged into it (spoiler: She does anyway). The deal is made.

As for the other thing he mentioned? That is where Zenkichi awakens his Persona by being dragged into the now deserted Okinawa Jail as more or less an experiment. After being overwhelmed by Shadows and awakening Valjean, Konoe's version of the Black Mask is born as Zen tears them all apart. Of course, Konoe takes the time to make sure he recovers from the ordeal.

Now Zen's tasks are different than Akechi's as he mostly resorts to torture in both the real world and Metaverse if needed and is sent on those changes of heart that are mentioned in the game (the ones not caused by the other Monarchs themselves). Basically he starts up the change of heart epidemic while under Konoe's employ.

Now one thing about their relationship: It starts out as being more of a transaction/exchange so to speak. One benefitting from the other with Konoe at first viewing Zen as a pawn to be used. That and some occasional... Ahem, distractions if needed. Zen's feelings start to change as he desires to be more closer than that with Konoe not exactly wanting to get attached at first (ironic huh?), mostly faking how he feels at first to keep Zen around before possibly throwing him away when his plan is a success. But naturally they become real and legitimate and expresses it as such, wanting his little "Attack Dog" to be by his side forever.

Now onto the main game, Zen still joins the PTs on the road trip but mostly to act as a mole for Konoe. He DOES get attached to the kids a bit but Konoe came first. The meeting at the Madicce building is actually when Konoe gives him a risky idea: He will make Zen the Kyoto Monarch in an attempt to catch the PTs. Zen is hesitant due to the potential risks but Konoe reassures him and even gives him a glimpse of what his Jail would look like and he finally agrees.

The Kyoto arc continues as usual except the false message from Akane is from Zenkichi's Shadow while the real Akane is actually alone at her house after he leaves for "business reasons." The girl starts to suspect something is wrong, hell, she had been suspicious for a while now. But she brushes it off as him being a selfish asshole that she thought he was. That is until she decides to go to his old hideout and she finds a distraught Futaba who tries to explain the situation and Akane is just... Stunned. Not only were those kids she befriended the famous Phantom Thieves but her father basically more or less lost it. She still has mixed feelings about him but ultimately decides to go in the Jail herself with Futaba guiding her (FutaKane maybe?).

She confronts her father before he could forcefully change everyone's hearts and he actually hesitates before suddenly snapping at her. His mind is a mess from being put into the Monarch position despite him agreeing to it. His Persona is screaming at him to stop but he refuses. Akane is horrified when he reveals what he had been doing and all for the sake of Konoe and avenging his wife like Akane would have wanted along with keeping the world safe for her. Akane doesn't believe that this Shadow is her father, the one who despite his faults genuinely loved and cared about her and her mother. While he clearly still does, his morals and character are gone.

It's with that realization that she awakens to her own Persona (who it's based off of, I haven't decided yet).

After the eventual fight against him, she asks him why he really did it and why he would help someone like Konoe with the PTs offering him to join them. He refuses and contently says that Konoe gave him new meaning to his life and the he loves him, plain and simple, before vanishing. Akane is horrified and heartbroken in response before fully blaming Konoe for taking away the only family she has left.

He feels terrible for his failure when he wakes up at Konoe's place. Thankfully his Persona is back and still in his control. Both men agree to fight the PTs themselves.

Side note: When the PTs explore the zoo section of Konoe's Jail, Zenkichi is not seen among the Monarchs on display. They're confused as they are all convinced that Konoe manipulated and used him (Akane especially).

When they confront him, Akane yells at him for what he did to her father. Konoe's Shadow promptly spells out two things:

He WAS using Zen but his feelings ended up being legitimate.

That while Zen was no saint in everything that happened between him and Akane in the past and present, Akane wasn't either as her OWN (bratty) selfishness and negligence blinded her to every potential red flag that might have been present up until it was too late. Like what Zen ended up doing in canon, AKANE drove her own father away.

Akane just freezes in shock since he was actually right in a way. All she had ever done was yell at her dad, made everything about how SHE (and she alone) was affected by Aoi's death and refusing to empathize with him nor look at the bigger picture despite the fact that they were both grieving for the same reason, just handled said grief differently.

The rest basically goes the same as canon at best. At least for now. Phew! That was a doozy to write but yeah! That's basically it so far! ^_^

An addendum:

I only JUST realized that I didn't talk about Konoe as another example of a toxic and black & white view on justice that was shown with Akane and I very much apologize for that! But I will say he also counts as a good example/representation of the idea! Especially since he doesn't really have the excuse of being a child (though it IS slightly rooted from his own traumatic childhood). His reasons and motives ARE from an understandable and genuine desire to help people and be his version of a "hero" and he makes VERY SOLID points about the PTs in general, but it's still played as the wrong way to go about it by robbing free will in order to do so. While I DON'T agree with the victim blaming after his fight by comparing him to his abuser (who was way worse), he's still also an interesting case as well and I MIGHT elaborate more in a later (potential) analysis regarding him and Zenkichi being foils of each other. Just thought I'd add that though!

Persona 5/Persona 5 Strikers: Pro-Police or Anti-Police?

Hoo boy... So this honestly has been a LONG time coming on my end because I have seen so much of that debate on social media (Twitter namely) and I can see the points of BOTH sides but there have been moments where it just got out of hand... Especially whenever people tried to put in a more grey/nuanced take only to be slammed and taken out of context. Even repeatedly mentioning the interrogation at the beginning of P5 which, I will admit has gotten tiresome. At least for me, I do still feel for Joker and I wished the game acknowledged his trauma more but there's a thing called, "beating a dead horse" and this is one along with "Haru says ACAB" in Strikers (which was done THREE TIMES in the same arc and it got annoying fast, like shut up already! We get it!). So, let's dive in a little bit:

MAJOR SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT!!!

Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal

Now let me just say I know! Police in Japan are just as bad if not worse than the West and I STILL hate the idea of Makoto wanting to become a cop for such naive reasons (especially with what happened to Sae, her own sister!)... But there are at least some of form of nuances sometimes and by that I mean, I can see what they were trying to do? I do agree that P5/P5S backpedaled SEVERELY by deciding to sweep issues under the rug after addressing them and not continuing from such. In fact I feel like it could have been a hell of a lot better. But P5 did something different compared to previous games and addresses the issues DIRECTLY right at the beginning of said game! It was tense and horrifying, but needed. Of course... They then sweep it under the rug and act like nothing traumatic happened to our protag which is NOT a good look at all and I'm still pissed off about it. In the main game's case, it's portrayed as more black and white with only a SMALL amount of nuance like that cop that was trying to help Futaba when she went out by herself and got lost (which people ignore entirely by the way). So I CAN see where people got the "anti-police" message from... But that's only the tip of the iceberg as it's ACTUALLY more about Systematic Corruption, not exactly or JUST police corruption. Namely in politics with Shido and the Conspiracy (which is apparently still somewhat around in Strikers until Owada's downfall) controlling everything all the way to law enforcement. The force had been basically under his payroll (including the corrupt SIU Director before his death) whether by force or not (mostly not in this case though). Now honestly, the police depicted there are undoubtedly rotten to the core save for a VERY SMALL handful (the cop that was trying to help Futaba which, again, gets ignored by several). Look at the interrogators who ruthlessly beat and drug a minor without any second thought or remorse for example. But again, the black and white narrative the game kept unwittingly doing ended up being to its detriment in a way. I'm not defending those assholes AT ALL! They deserved every punishment given to them! But for a game that goes on about grey morality... It doesn't quite deliver on that. Still though, it does emphasize that it's more of the fault of the whole corrupt system, not just one part of it. There needs to be change and reform which is what our MCs were trying to do in a way (more like inspiring change but still). In the end, it's all about the following:

Corruption and abuse of power.

Again the police depicted in this game were incompetent at best, corrupt at worse with very few silver linings. But it's not just them but rather the one person responsible for the whole mess. Who had them under his payroll? Who controlled them and by extension all of Tokyo? Who was willing to dispose of anyone who "outlives their usefulness" or is perceived as a threat to what he wants (including his own family)?

SHIDO AND BY EXTENSION THE CONSPIRACY

Bottom line: They are definitely a problem but it's not just them.

"But, Joker and his trauma?"

I definitely understand that and still do. I fully believe he has and still has trauma with the police. Easy! But... I do feel like people go too far with it sometimes. It's hard to explain but there have been moments where people either use it as a justification/argument against someone trying to provide a more nuanced view of things or... Dare I say, depict him like a "uwu soft traumatized boi." Like I said, it's hard to explain on my end so feel free to ignore it. Everyone deals with trauma differently so there is STRONG chance that I'm overanalyzing it. I just remember moments where I just feel a little, I guess annoyed? I'm not sure exactly but final thing: I understand what he went through and I can't imagine how long it would take to recover but I hope he DOES overcome it.

"Sae? Akechi?"

Yep, even though their jobs are different, they are by and large members of law enforcement no matter how you spin it. Both were broken in a way. Akechi is pretty easy to explain with how Shido negatively impacted his life but not much about Sae, who dealt with sexism/misogyny at her workplace along with the trauma of her father's (also a cop) death. She no doubt had some idealism only to be hit with the fact that she's gonna have to use underhanded/downright illegal tactics to get by and even rise up the ranks. She, therefore ended up (well, nearly) corrupted herself before coming to her senses. That's honestly one of the BIGGEST REASONS why I felt like Makoto joining the force to become a police commissioner isn't a good, even a downright naïve, idea. I honestly would have been somewhat fine with it if it weren't for that fact among other things. Regardless of her willpower, it will go south fast.

Now... Onto Strikers!

Persona 5 Strikers

Since the game came out and I started playing it, I still feel like the system is still beyond saving, especially when attempting to do it from the inside. But I don't mind the added nuances that P5 didn't do much of. It's still continuing the critiques, just shows more of what does happen within said system and even has an ACTUAL officer (Zenkichi) say, "Yeah, my job sucks, everyone's corrupt, there are much better ways to do things and make a change but not this. I'm only staying because I have a daughter to take care of and it's all I know. I'm no different from them." Was it all handled well? I wouldn't say "yes" (Joker's trauma is BARELY addressed at all of course) but a little better than what P5's narrative did which only addressed the issues but not exactly follow up on them. Now to be fair... In the system, regardless of where you live, any one within it who remotely tries to do something or speak against it either lose their jobs or even go "missing" irl. Those have happened and it's more proof that yeah, it's rotten to the core. There's no denying it but regardless, that's NOT what the game is about at all. At least that's what I feel about it as it's only PART of the narrative. I think Zenkichi puts it best here:

Speaking of Zenkichi... Oh boy... Now I definitely understand some of the criticisms with him but honestly, he was the best written (PT) character I've ever encountered! He was honestly the perfect representation of those that genuinely want to help and do good, only to be held back by an extremely harsh reality. It was already hinted at with Sae but here? It 100 percent confirms just how harsh and even cutthroat it can be if it could break someone's idealism so badly. Even Kaburagi of all people thinks the same thing Zenkichi said:

Then there's his past and it's a tragic one! But let's look more at the decisions he ended up making:

While it was no doubt done to protect his daughter, he ended making a selfish decision along with a selfless one (which was brilliant!) with not only allowing the cover up of his wife's death and denying justice for her, but also ruining an innocent person and their family's lives.

It's horrible, but also... There's a grey area/nuance as with the rest of his character. It was both understandable, but also wrong as he, as Akane's Shadow puts it:

He sacrificed his values, his morals, all for the sake of having a peace of mind. Speaking of Akane, she's also an interesting case in a way that she more or less perfectly represents the more "black and white" views on justice in general. Namely the more toxic/biased kind. Her reasons are also understandable but she was also acting selfishly by only focusing on how SHE was effected by Aoi's death and not even considering those that were also grieving her death and/or that people grieve/handle grief differently than her. But back on topic.

Her own views and beliefs that law enforcement basically SHOULD be dismantled (mostly out of said childish bias and black & white views) and it's framed as WRONG and it's very much correct on that. Chaos and order are two sides of the same coin, one can't exist without the other. When I say ACAB, I'm calling for reform, defund, have the corrupt held accountable for EVERYTHING and even face jail time for their crimes! Defund the police, have the ones that arrest, harm, and even murder out of bias (race, gender, etc.), lose their badges/jobs and locked up, make improvements! It's saying that there IS still corruption out there and there's no denying it. But fully eliminating the law in general will just lead to more problems. Now granted, she's young and clearly doesn't fully understand why those views are ultimately wrong but still... It was a very interesting subject to tackle and I feel like they handled it well.

Now back to Zenkichi, he was at first in denial about his decisions ultimately being the wrong ones too and even tries to justify it. Of course, his Shadow said otherwise and that was when he finally admitted that he really did act no different from the criminals he despised. But it also doesn't mean he can't redeem himself and that's what ultimately leads to his new resolve:

That right there along with everything else! There's the nuance! And ultimately despite some hiccups, Strikers handled the grey morality and nuance beautifully! Especially regarding law enforcement! Dare I say, even better than the base game! It continues the critiques with no problem but also showing different sides and areas of it! There is good and evil, but what about in-between? What about the more greyer area? It still says that there IS corruption, sometimes even beyond saving but... Sometimes a small silver lining is hidden somewhere.

Now, the ultimate question:

Is P5 & P5S (namely the latter) Pro-Police or Anti-Police?

Personally, my answer is this: Neither.

Why? What theme do they both have in common?

JUSTICE

Someone puts it best on Twitter that the games are more pro-justice and I fully agree!

P5/P5S gives the idea about following your OWN justice, your OWN moral code and rules, paving your OWN path and not let others dictate it! That's what the MCs ultimately start to learn in both games. Therefore it's pro-justice. Again, do I agree that the system is beyond saving? Yeah. Do I at least acknowledge and understand what the narratives are trying to say and nuances regardless even if I don't agree with some writing decisions (ex: Makoto wanting to become a commissioner despite everything)? Also yes. But at the same time, don't judge a book by its cover for other people (not just law enforcement and politics mind you). Especially some that genuinely DO want to help at best. That there is nuance and greyness, just have to look closely. Some of the MCs are still TERRIBLY written and executed (even annoying) but the message was still somewhat there.

Final Thoughts

Now I fully understand how you all feel of course! I still believe in ACAB and even I agree that maybe I'm one to talk and have a lot more to learn about the world... This is just my own attempt at putting my own two cents in. If you disagree, that's fine! This is just what I've felt should be at least talked about more often. And I tried to phrase it as best as I can without coming off as insensitive or ignorant and if I did, I sincerely apologize for that! I'm not trying to say, come off as a "bootlicker" or any of the sort. I'm just trying show discuss more of the grey areas and nuances that are, more often than not, constantly overlooked. How one interprets both games is ultimately up to them. You, the player. And this is my own interpretation. Simple as that. I hope you all have a good day/afternoon/evening!

Idk why I decided to fiddle with Konoe's sprites but eh, I like them! Just some expressions while wearing his Shadow Outfit (let's be real, if he gets redeemed and gains a Persona somehow, it would probably be his Shadow outfit but maybe with modifications).

Bonus: A blushing/flustered Sprite! Why is he blushing? Open to interpretation!

Akira the Hero

Very random HC I conjured up, basically that he wears glasses sometimes but mostly for reading and such or when he needs to get a closer look at something. Nothing big!

Aaaand I'm finally done! Decided to do some young Shujin edits of Zenkichi, Aoi, Maruki, Konoe, and a bonus Ichinose! Miiiight make an AU out of those... Hmm...

No one has to ship it, but I just like the idea of Konoe trying to make up for what he did, even if giving Akane the jail was by EMMA's manipulations and then just.

Letting him and Zenkichi be quiet lovers who protect kids for a living.

Ok but... Konoe being in a relationship with Zenkichi by the time the Holidays come around and seeing him and Akane having fun and decorating is just... So foreign to him due to his traumatic upbringing. Let's face it, his father probably ruined it for him at some point. Like the man would probably put on a happy family facade for the public before going back to his usual abuse of his wife and child (before the former's death). So Konoe seeing a legitimately happy father and child is something very new for him. Then lets say Akane ends up breaking something, like a decoration of some sort, and Konoe gets worried that Zen might snap at her or something. His fight or flight response almost kicking in until he sees Zen appearing mad at first before pulling her into hug and teasing her with her laughing along with him. He's stunned but... He can't help but get a warm feeling now. He eventually joins in helping them finish decorating and starts to smile fully. I would say it would end with something kinda sappy like Zen getting a mistletoe above them and Konoe just finding his dorky attempt at flirting endearing. Of course, Akane would comedically ruin the moment by giving the typically childish, "Gross! Get a room!" Much to her father's embarrassment and Konoe's further amusement. Just being precious in general!

Just a shit post that I needed to get out of my system! Let's face it, Maruki would come up with ridiculous stuff like that (Kawakami is more annoyed than anything while Konoe is just exasperated)! I may do a different variation with the PTs themselves but have at this for now! ^_^

Quote source: https://youtu.be/cD39sMJBbc4

Was going through the P5S digital art book again and my KonoZen brain is going, "Mmm... Black and white theming..." with their designs here...

I mean, one is considered to be and compared to a villain by even his own teammates at one point while the other is adored and considers himself a hero all the way down to their irl and Metaverse/Monarch designs... But it turns out that Zenkichi is a genuinely nice guy with some issues and baggage while Konoe has A LOT more issues that involves untreated childhood trauma and a black and white view of justice. Mmm... This is so good and the foils are STRONG here!

PT Akira Konoe ideas!

Persona: It would basically be John Henry "Doc" Holliday ("Doc Holliday") while his 3rd tier would be John.

I chose this in particular because he does a couple qualities in common with Konoe: Holliday himself was noted to have a quick/hot temper but also still maintaining his gentleman qualities and etiquette. Like what was implied with Konoe, he was also close to his mother too who also tragically passed away. Another thing with Holliday is that he was a gambler so you could say that Konoe technically took a gamble himself with him allowing EMMA to make Akane a monarch and while he was unaware of who was turned into such, he ultimately lost. Perhaps this time he will get more lucky along with redeeming himself?

His 2nd tier would be Odysseus from Greek Mythology.

Weapon: My bf suggested Chakrams as both his melee and primary weapon to add a bit more variety.

Design: Was thinking kind of a steampunk combined with futuristic design. Namely inspired by the designs of Viktor and Jayce from "League of Legends Arcane" but maybe add a coat (Maybe shade of brown or lighter).

His mask was suggested by @we-cross-universe-king-relate on Twitter: Basically something like this but more regal and futuristic which can also be done in an edit by using his Shadow's helmet. But I'm open to other ideas!

Aaand that's all I have so far! Redeemed Konoe just sounds like so much to think about ok? ^_^

Persona 5 Strikers Monarchs/Antagonists 6/?: Akira Konoe, "Akira the Hero" "The Osaka Cage of Arrogance" "Akira Konoe is a character from Persona 5 Strikers. He is the CEO of the multi-billion IT company Madicce. Having suffered from extreme household abuse because of his influential father, Konoe looked toward his childhood hero, Zephyrman, to seek the meaning of true justice. He started to believe that all crime in the world must be wiped out. After murdering his father, Konoe developed a deluded, misguided sense of justice."

Decided to do a separate post with textless versions of the Monarch backgrounds I did for my gifsets (except for Ubukata since he doesn't make any appearances). If anyone wants any of them as banners, feel free to message me!

So... I've been trying to type out a remake of my old oneshot, "Beneath The Mask" and I now know why it's taking so long for me to type and why I got stuck: I've thinking on and off about changing the main ship.

The original HaseMaru version was good but... I've been thinking about the remake being focused on KonoZen because 1: It would make a bit more sense why Zen would be at this fancy party (Konoe invited him), 2: There would be more reasons for Zen to be anxious besides people looking down on him (feeling like he doesn't belong/out of place, people blaming him for what happened with Konoe and the company, etc.), and 3: There's just not enough love for this pairing and I've been wanting to give it such for a while now.

I would say: Konoe, fresh out of prison, had an invite sent to the station inquiring that Zenkichi (along with Kaburagi) should come (he's already gotten a bit of media attention regarding Owada's arrest). Zen is VERY hesitant due to past events but ultimately agrees. He is surprisingly met with a warm welcome from the other man who helps him get properly dressed (Zen didn't have anything besides his suit). Konoe's subordinates however... Not so much. That's where the anxieties would come in and he and Konoe do start bonding a bit before the latter offers a dance. Zen nearly gets cold feet but takes it. During it though, the whispers get worse and he runs off after it was over. Other things would happen but it would end rather happily and with the same overall idea and message except Konoe's case would be a confession than anything. Or something like that. Idk. But yeah, I think that's why I've been having trouble lately so... Yeah fuck it, I'm switching it. KonoZen needs more love on AO3. I will store the polycule idea away for the two and Maruki for another day though. I will keep the original up for anyone who wants the HaseMaru version though!

A pair of abused and lost souls that seek justice above all else... But took different paths to achieve it. One on the path of eventual healing, the other on the path of self-destruction. One is outcasted while the other is loved. One desires and regains free will, the other unknowingly steals it from others under the belief that they're "saving" them. In the end though... Who was the hero and who was the villain in their stories?

THE DEMIURGE'S CHOSEN // THE HERO, AKIRA

It's been a long time since I've done a full illustration, I really love Akira both as a character, and because he is very dilfy lol. Please enjoy the artwork and I hope you take the time to pick apart all the little details I've crammed into the work :>

This asshole... This hot traumatized mess of an asshole who mostly needed severe therapy and a hug... And a boyfriend! Preferably one who is a certain single dad that led his own arrest... ^^;

Pfft! I would say yes on the last part. XD

As for the age difference, there is a confirmed age with Konoe according to the Wiki site so he's nearing his 30s at best (and he was apparently 8 when he ended up killing his father):

I personally don't think age should matter too much in ships, even if there are a handful of age gap ships I'm not exactly into. It's all in good fun! Like I said, I just like the intrigue with this one!

This asshole... This hot traumatized mess of an asshole who mostly needed severe therapy and a hug... And a boyfriend! Preferably one who is a certain single dad that led his own arrest... ^^;

I don't blame you there!

This asshole... This hot traumatized mess of an asshole who mostly needed severe therapy and a hug... And a boyfriend! Preferably one who is a certain single dad that led his own arrest... ^^;