[ Hmm... If that's not the part that Minato is supposed to represent, the options that are left are... indeed very obscure. Bordering on dark, perhaps. Not very much like the Minato he's come to know so far.

Well. He supposes everyone keeps secrets, after all. ]

Well, from my experience with other Persona users, there is always a connection. If you can't figure it out now, I'm sure it will come to you, at some point. Until then, it will just be one more fun mystery to solve.

[ Fun... sure........ ]

[ POSSIBLY... Although that might be a little hard to do if they're ever in battle, and Minato needs to quickly switch to something more effective... ]

Yes, I agree. [ And there's that easy, plastic smile back, always so agreeable-- when in reality, any and all other Persona users are a threat to his plans. Time to keep an even closer eye on Minato... ]

Although, in my case, there were already several other people to my knowledge that also had access to a Persona...

[ Well. According to his Ace Detective narrative, anyway. ]

[ Good, stay oblivious, Minato.

But the mention of other Persona users who summon like him does get a slight arch of his brows. Akira had told him he and especially Yusuke hadn't been all that secretive about their identities, but this is still the first person that Akechi has seen admit they know of the others. ]

Oh? So they have revealed themselves to you, as well? That's rather surprising. They were a lot more cautious about their identity, back in Tokyo.

[ Because, you know. Criminals!! ]

[ These sneaky Persona Protags and their sneaky ways!! ]

That is correct. [ He nods. ] The Phantom Thieves are wanted for a number of criminal activities, but more recently, they have been charged with murder-- wrongly so, of course. Regardless, because there is no way to be sure who among the people currently in this place may have heard of them before, exercising caution with regards to their identities was the best course of action.

[ A pause, and he offers a placating smile. ] I hope you won't take this as a lack of trust, however, and that you can understand the position they are in.

[ Akechi-- or rather, the "Black Mask." That's what happened. But shh. ]

Thank you. You truly are a very understanding person, Arisato-kun.

[ Apparently, enough that he doesn't even question the fact the Phantom Thieves have been (falsely, according to Akechi) accused of murder. Doesn't act repulsed, suspicious, or even scared at all. Is he really just that kind? Or... could it be that he just trusts his own powers enough to believe he could stop them, if they were to become a threat?

Minato Arisato... Really, what kind of person - and Persona user - are you? ]

But, I must admit, it feels nice to have at least one other person know about this secret. Perhaps we can even share some of our experiences? I'm certain there's a lot I could learn from you.

[ Well, that was fairly easy. ]

Yes, I agree. Our different experiences might be particular helpful when dealing with a quest int he future.

[ And with another flash of light, the gaudy outfit is gone, and he's back to being Goro Akechi, the absolutely ordinary teenage detective. ]

However, for now perhaps we should resume the task that originally brought us here? Or was that all you wished to learn?

There is no need for that-- though if that is what you wish, I will not stop you.

[ And yes, there is... definitely a lot he can learn from Minato, like a good wildcard senpai. But for now, he'll help Minato with picking up the materials he brought along. ]

Thank you for today, Arisato-kun. I've had quite some fun-- and it was a very enlightening meeting, too.