| 1 | '''Warning: Administrivia/SpoilersOff applies to Moments pages.''' |
| 2 | |
| 3 | ''For moments specific to the anime adaptation, click [[Heartwarming/Persona5TheAnimation here]].'' |
| 4 | |
| 5 | He may have been robbed of his future, but no one can rob Joker -- or his accomplices -- of some well-deserved fuzzies. |
| 6 | |
| 7 | [[foldercontrol]] |
| 8 | [[folder:Main Story]] |
| 9 | * A rather subtle one when you first meet Sojiro, specifically his AsYouKnow moment where he summarizes how you ended up living in the attic of his coffee shop. "You protected some woman from a man forcing himself on her, he got injured, then sued you." You gotta think really hard about this; he does not give the "official" finding that you randomly punched a dude any thought whatsoever. This indicates that despite all of his initial cynicism and hostility, he doubts you're the dangerous delinquent you've been made out to be. |
| 10 | ** This also leads to some Fridge Heartwarming for your otherwise unseen parents, as the fact that Sojiro already believes your version of events over the "official" story indicates that someone went out of their way to convince him. |
| 11 | ** Also subtle, but due to unforeseen circumstances that he can't explain (and certainly wouldn't be believed [[CassandraTruth if he tried]]), Joker misses the first half of his first day at school. Sojiro, naturally, gives him the riot act for this... but that's ''all'' he does; he doesn't take away any of Joker's limited freedoms or impose more restrictions, when a less-forgiving person might've done just that, if not worse at the first sign of trouble. |
| 12 | * What motivates Joker to awaken to his Persona in the first place? If he doesn't, it would mean letting Ryuji die for being afraid to do the right thing again. And if that means he'll be "chained to Hell itself"? '''''[[DareToBeBadass So be it.]]''''' |
| 13 | * Speaking of Heartwarming, out of all teammates, friends, or even confidants, who's the first to overtly support you ''before'' you became the leader of the Phantom Thieves? Ryuji. He pushes Joker away from the guards, putting himself at risk. Keep in mind that he's aware that Joker has a criminal record and is accused of assaulting people, but he does so anyway. Is there any doubt that he becomes the most trusted man on the team? |
| 14 | * Despite [[NoIndoorVoice his lack of volume control]] and grumpy attitude towards Morgana, Ryuji is a sweetheart and [[NiceGuy all-around good guy]] in general. |
| 15 | ** He yells at you to save yourself as Shadow Kamoshida's knights are about to execute you both, even though he barely knows you at this point. |
| 16 | ** He immediately befriends Joker as a [[BirdsOfAFeather fellow outcast]], apparently deciding that "salvaging what's left of my reputation" falls far below "helping someone else so that they don't end up as lonely as I was" on his list of priorities. He always jumps to Joker's rescue when people give him trouble over his "criminal record." |
| 17 | ** He expresses concern for the volleyball team that appears in Kamoshida's castle. Even when told that they're just Kamoshida's cognitions, he memorises their faces so he can help their real-world counterparts. |
| 18 | ** He's very forgiving of the track team despite their downright vicious attitude towards him. Despite the fact that they show NoSympathy towards his rather justified issues—namely a CareerEndingInjury and a character assassination inflicted on him by their abusive substitute teacher—and continue to maintain that [[MiseryPoker they have it much worse than him]], he mediates when they turn on each other, and shows serious concern when it looks like they'll fall victim to corrupt authority figures again. And when the track team actually offers Ryuji to come back, he respectfully declines, knowing he still has a place to belong: with his new friends. |
| 19 | ** Despite Ryuji's well-founded suspicion that she's going to report them, he basically forgives Makoto within about 5 minutes of getting the team dangerously involved with Kaneshiro—Ryuji simply says that there's no point in playing the blame game (something he has experienced before), and reassures Makoto that her worry about "being useless" is totally unfounded. He also openly admires her abilities in battle. |
| 20 | *** When moving to rescue Makoto, Ryuji goes as far as risking getting ''run over by a taxi'' to help his friends pursue the culprits. He's willing to almost get run over to keep someone he barely knows, and who has only been antagonistic towards them, from getting hurt. |
| 21 | ** The Okumura arc sees Ryuji and Morgana in an aggravating misunderstanding, but the ''second'' Ryuji sees Morgana hurt, he snaps at the perpetrator: "The hell're you doing to our friend!?" While he doesn't specify who "our friend" means, [[VitriolicBestBuds it's clear he won't let an argument stop him from worrying about Morgana's safety.]] |
| 22 | ** After he gets angry about the group being tricked into a set-up for being framed for Okumura's murder, he yells and even punches the couch he is sitting on, startling everyone in the room, including Futaba (who doesn't do well with sudden loud noises) and Haru (who has been forced into a physically abusive relationship). After he calms down, he calls Joker later and apologizes for letting his anger get the best of him. He also brings up that he has to apologize to Futaba and Haru in particular, since he ''knows'' he scared them the most with his outburst. |
| 23 | ** Even though he hated and distrusted Akechi the most out of the Phantom Thieves, even before he betrayed them; after it is all over, Ryuji is the first to acknowledge that Akechi really was special and tells him so. He's also the first to try and defend him against Shido's Cognitive Akechi. |
| 24 | ** The Thieves turning the tables on Akechi and the police scene is a rollercoaster of emotion, and we're shown a glimpse at all the thieves as they start to fear that their plan may have failed. But after seeing the news reports, Ryuji grins, certain that everything has gone according to plan. He didn't doubt that you'd pull through for a second. |
| 25 | ** Ryuji also shows a lot of concern for Yusuke's well-being during various Mementos conversations. He tells Yusuke not to fall asleep down there or he'll get nightmares and he gets worried when Yusuke mentions that he donates blood, stating that Yusuke is already very pale. But the best one of all is; |
| 26 | --->'''Yusuke''': You've said to keep a low profile at school, but nobody talks to me in the first place.\ |
| 27 | '''Ryuji''': Oh. Uh, well... wanna go get a beef bowl sometime, man? |
| 28 | *** Which gets a CallBack in ''Royal'', with Ryuji and Yusuke's new tandem attack taking place in a beef bowl shop![[note]]Sadly, Yusuke's making the meal, not eating it.[[/note]] |
| 29 | ** Most of the other Phantom Thieves occupy "respectable" places in society (Ann is a fashion model, Makoto is the Student Council President, Yusuke is the apprentice of a famous artist, Haru is the heiress to a huge company, and Akechi is a celebrity detective), and their character arcs involve recognizing and acting upon the rebellious anger that they've been suppressing inside themselves. Ryuji, on the other hand, has been outwardly acting as a rebellious delinquent for sometime before the game begins, and his arc is about learning to get over his anger and once again act and be seen as the NiceGuy he really is, while directing his righteous anger at those who ''really'' deserve it rather than everyone who happens to be around him. |
| 30 | * In the beginning, when you have to ask Shiho about her injuries from Kamoshida, depending on the line of dialogue you choose, Shiho will try to tell Joker not to let the rumors get to him because she thinks they've been getting out of hand. She's one of the only students in the school, Ryuji and Ann aside, who feels bad about the rumors circulating about you; and rather than worry about herself, she's more concerned about how you're doing, despite barely knowing you. She probably sees a lot of her dear friend's situation with you, too. |
| 31 | ** On the previous day, you can eavesdrop on Shiho's conversation with Ann, which pretty much confirms it: Shiho is just as concerned for you as she was for Ann when they first became friends. |
| 32 | * Morgana is very supportive of his friends, though is more open about showing it to the girls possibly due to his own ego. When Joker told them his story, Morgana instantly insists that they need to deal with the guy responsible, and expressed concern when Joker couldn't recall who it was who turned him in. When Futaba goes out on her own to buy fireworks, Morgana follows her, albeit secretly, to make sure that she'll be okay. He worries about Haru constantly, especially after her father's death, and just wants her to be safe. Joker takes him everywhere and he is always saying things that support him, instead of judging him for not working on the mission at hand. He even gives him advice on how to [[NotSoAboveItAll complete the Mega Burger Challenge]]. He may be a DeadpanSnarker with an attitude, but it's clear that he loves his friends dearly. |
| 33 | ** Even though he chastises Ryuji for trying to rescue Kamoshida's cognitions of the volleyball team from the Palace, Morgana still expresses visible dismay at the physical abuse they've been dealt. He's well aware that the real people that these cognitive beings represent are suffering unfairly. |
| 34 | ** If you've cleared Kamoshida's Palace on May 1—the day before the deadline, which could see you getting expelled and sent to prison—Morgana will apologize to you for being unable to reassure you that it will work out. Keep in mind that this is the first successful heist for all four Phantom Thieves, Morgana included, so they don't know what's going to happen until they see it for themselves. |
| 35 | ** A bit of [[FridgeBrilliance Fridge Heartwarming]]: Morgana's response to Makoto's blackmail is ''very'' gracious. Given how often he insults Ryuji's intelligence, it's notable that he doesn't give Ryuji a hard time at all for loudly proclaiming that he and his friends were Phantom Thieves in a public place where Makoto could record them. His first reaction to hearing Makoto's recording is "We screwed up!", implying that this lapse in their guard is just as much his fault, too. So instead of being the one to scold Ryuji, he takes a hopeful attitude, saying, "We made a crucial mistake... but not a critical one. We'll just have to recover from here on out." Morgana still remembers from April's forays that Ryuji was scapegoated for the fall of the track team, so he doesn't say anything that implies Ryuji might have brought ''this'' new team to an end. For all his insults, [[ThrowTheDogABone he avoids hitting Ryuji where it hurts.]] |
| 36 | ** Another small one occurs when you have to ask Sojiro about Futaba in order to complete Alibaba's request/demands—specifically your second attempt, after another visit from Sae leaves him angry. When Sojiro responds defensively to your questions and leaves, Morgana decides against you asking him further, as it would risk you getting thrown out. He's willing to put ''your well-being'' over the mission. |
| 37 | ** After, maybe even during, Futaba's Palace Morgana becomes very caring for Futaba. Morgana is the first to truly grasp the gravity of Futaba's situation, noting how little control Futaba has over her own Palace[[note]]and by extension, her mind[[/note]]. |
| 38 | ** When Futaba goes out on her own for the first time, Morgana follows her from the shadows to A.) make sure that she is okay, and B) give her the confidence to know she can face the outside world all on her own. [[note]]Her not knowing she has someone looking after her, is more helpful than knowing Morgana will leap to her rescue if she needs help.[[/note]] |
| 39 | ** The day after Sojiro learns that Joker's a Phantom Thief, Morgana expresses regret that they've inadvertently put a great deal of stress on him sheltering a wanted criminal. |
| 40 | * A minor one happens when you first meet Yusuke. Ann notices that he's stalking her, and Ryuji decides to confront him alongside Joker. The moment they get between Yusuke and Ann spells out perfectly the trio's friendship. [[TrueCompanions No one's doing any harm to Ann as long as those two are by her side.]] |
| 41 | ** Also, why did Ryuji decide to confront the stalker in the first place? Because Ann asked him to show a little concern for her situation. [[FriendshipMoment And he did.]] |
| 42 | ** Ryuji and Ann's relationship in general is this. They've known one another since middle school, but it's only [[FireForgedFriends after confronting the same man who had wronged them for the past two years do they rekindle their friendship.]] Despite their poking fun at one another and Ryuji's sporadic [[MaleGaze ogling of Ann's figure]] (Ann, notably for the series, resorts to friendly teasing Ryuji in response instead of beating on him), they have one another's backs, and Ryuji not only respects Ann as a person, he also ''always'' comes to Ann's defense whenever harassment of her goes too far. It's a refreshing take on the initial male-female dynamic of the game's initial trio, as many have felt that the prior two cases ([[VideoGame/Persona3 Junpei and Yukari,]] and [[VideoGame/Persona4 Chie and Yosuke]]) have the girls act just plain hateful towards the boys, while the boys take their perversions a bit too far. |
| 43 | * The true story of the "Sayuri". It was originally made by Yusuke's mother, with the woman depicted holding a baby. When Madarame acquired the painting, he painted over the baby to make the piece look more mysterious and to hide the connection from Yusuke. But while the original unblemished painting is probably lost forever in the real world, the Phantom Thieves discover that Madarame's Treasure is the original and unaltered "Sayuri". And since the one accepted by society is the changed one, it means Yusuke--after a long and grueling amount of time--can finally keep his mother's ''original'' self-portrait. |
| 44 | ** When Yusuke sees the unedited Sayuri for the first time, he can only say one word: "Mom!" He can't remember her face, but the moment he sees her work in its original state, he ''knows'' it's her. After leaving the Palace, Yusuke will declare that he will happily follow her wishes and use his inherited talents to keep making art. It doesn't matter that he can't remember her at all. He ''loves'' her. |
| 45 | * After wrapping up the Madarame arc, the group—consisting of Joker, Ryuji, Ann, Morgana and Yusuke at that point—have a celebration at Leblanc. From the gang drinking coffee (soda in Ryuji's case, with Joker helping Sojiro prepare the coffee) to eating hot pot and having a much-needed heart-to-heart about their pasts, it's just a very pleasant day overall[[note]]aside from, perhaps, the scene with Makoto and Sae in between[[/note]]. The following day starts with Yusuke moving back to the dorm, but not before leaving his mother's painting in a bemused Sojiro's care. It also shows Sojiro warming up to Joker and glad that he's managed to make friends. He even reveals (to Yusuke, at least) the reason why he agreed to look after Joker in the first place: because he reminds him of his old self. |
| 46 | * When [[StudentCouncilPresident Makoto]] joins the Phantom Thieves, you'd likely think that would cause a fair amount of friction with Ann (who dislikes Makoto for supposedly helping Kamoshida go unpunished for as long as he was), similar to [[VideoGame/Persona3 Yukari with Mitsuru]]. [[SubvertedTrope It doesn't.]] The next school day after Makoto joins, Ann learns Makoto's side of the story—that Makoto ''wanted'' to do something about Kamoshida, but felt powerless back then, and feels guilty now (not unlike Ann herself). Later, the two girls then exchange apologies and agree to [[FirstNameBasis call each other by their first names without honorifics]], a moment that shows how kind and [[{{Forgiveness}} forgiving]] both characters are. |
| 47 | ** On a similar note, when Makoto, depressed about her failure to help Kamoshida's victims ''and'' getting the Thieves into serious trouble along with her, [[HeroicSelfDeprecation calls herself "scum of the earth"]], Ann tells her this: |
| 48 | --->'''Ann''': [[YouAreBetterThanYouThinkYouAre Real scum wouldn't call themselves that]]. |
| 49 | ** If you go to Shibuya on the day Ann and Makoto talk about getting crepes, you can see the girls waiting in line together at the stand. It's really cute to see, especially since it's one of the few relationship events in the game that doesn't involve Joker at all. |
| 50 | * "You've changed, Sis. But you don't need to worry about me. I've finally found a place where I belong." —Makoto |
| 51 | * At the start of summer vacation, you can spend the day with Yusuke at Leblanc, talking about art and relaxing at your room. If you decide to spend the evening with him as well, Joker will brew coffee for the both of them. Make the right choices, and Yusuke will greatly compliment Joker on his skills as a barista. He says it tastes like Sojiro's coffee, but with enough character put in to make it more than just a pale copy and an exquisite cup of coffee in its own right. |
| 52 | ** Similarly, Futaba can propose to spend an entire day with Joker, playing video games non-stop and lazing around with her "key item". Regardless of whether you view her as [[LikeBrotherAndSister the little sister Joker never had]] or [[RelationshipUpgrade something even more intimate than that]], it hits the same beats as Yusuke's event above. |
| 53 | * A minor one happens when the gang enters Sojiro's house and meets Futaba for the first time; when Makoto grasps the protagonist's leg due to being scared of the dark, she begs for Sae to come and save her. Despite all the arguments her and Sae have had, it's nice to see Makoto rely on her sister to protect her. |
| 54 | * The very events during the boss of Futaba's dungeon '''definitely''' count. Futaba enters her own dungeon, and [[ShadowArchetype her Shadow]] details to her of all the guilt she's hoarded to this day has been slowly devouring both her mind and soul; as the false version of her mother in the form of a [[OurSphinxesAreDifferent giant Sphinx hybrid]] seethes unto her with hateful resentment, her Shadow asks her if she ever recalled her real mother ever saying such cruelly-harsh words to her, then realizes the suicide note was a falsified forgery by the corrupt organization led by [[CorruptPolitician Masayoshi Shido]]. After realizing this, it blooms into such a beautifully-emotional scene as Futaba finally discovers her inner-resolve against the false image of her mother, and '''greatly assists''' Joker and company in taking down the guilt-formed monstrosity in [[BigDamnHeroes badass style]] in the form of a [[SiegeEngines Ballista.]] A '''truly unforgettable''' heartfelt moment mixed with awesomeness. |
| 55 | * After defeating the boss of Futaba's dungeon—a monster born from Futaba's fears that her mother blamed her for her death, and always hated her—her mother's true feelings appear in spirit form, and we get this exchange (doubles as a TearJerker): |
| 56 | -->'''Wakaba''': Thank you for choosing to remember the real me.\ |
| 57 | ...\ |
| 58 | '''Futaba''': Um, I... I love you, Mom.\ |
| 59 | '''Wakaba''': I love you too, Futaba. |
| 60 | * When Futaba hears Joker went to a fireworks festival but got rained out she immediately goes out and buys her own fireworks so they can have their own private fireworks festival. |
| 61 | * Morgana struggles with his [[AlwaysSomeoneBetter inadequacies]] throughout the Okumura arc and as early as the Kaneshiro arc, to the point where he not only leaves the group temporarily, but considers leaving permanently once the group finally tracks him down. He reasons that the deal he's made with them "can't be called [fair]" anymore, now that the Thieves were risking their lives for someone who's become less and less useful to them. However, Haru successfully helps Morgana realize that he's lying to himself and ''does'' want to stay, convincing him to admit how he really feels. Later on, during the fight with Okumura's Shadow, it's Morgana who rejects Okumura's offer and [[Awesome/Persona5 saves the rest of the group by blasting the remote out of Okumura's hand]], getting kudos from Futaba (whom he thought would replace him) and [[VitriolicBestBuds Ryuji]] (who caused him to leave before by not realizing his mocking him for being "useless" was causing more harm than intended.). |
| 62 | -->'''Futaba''': Wowza! You're so cool, Mona!\ |
| 63 | '''Ryuji''': Heh, you stole the show, man! |
| 64 | ** When Morgana ran away, despite being a major source of his insecurities, Futaba seemed ''the most'' worried about his well-being. She was saddened that he was no longer there and hadn't come back, was worried for his health, and told Joker (who is probably as worried as she is) to wait for him with her immediately after school. Futaba never had any ill will towards Morgana, nor did she want him to feel like she was replacing him. She just wanted to do her best for the team. |
| 65 | ** When the Thieves encounter [[{{Jerkass}} Haru's fiance]], Morgana and Ryuji quickly set aside their differences to take care of Haru, who is not only physically exhausted but emotionally as well. |
| 66 | --->'''Morgana:''' I'll, um... apologize for what happened earlier. So... Would you let Haru rest for a while?\ |
| 67 | '''Ryuji:''' ''(crouching down to Morgana's level)'' Of course. ''(to Joker)'' We'll take her to your place, yeah? |
| 68 | ** After this incident has been cleared up and the team's hideout becomes Joker's room, you can see Morgana curled up in Futaba's lap—a sign of no hard feelings between the two. As the group move off to begin their operations, they look at each other as if exchanging a final remark. |
| 69 | * Shortly after Haru joins the Thieves, the group notices that she's being overly formal in her IM conversations, at which point they encourage her to loosen up, since they're all friends. Haru then refers to Makoto as "[[AffectionateNickname Mako-chan]]", since she's so glad to finally make a friend that's her age. |
| 70 | * Goro joining the Phantom Thieves, after you find out he's [[IJustWantToHaveFriends never had anyone to call a friend before.]] Turns into a TearJerker when you find out he's TheFriendNobodyLikes, due to him being the SixthRangerTraitor. And yet, he still feels an attachment to the group, even trying to convince the BigBad to spare their lives after he "kills" Joker. |
| 71 | ** When Makoto's about to have a breakdown at the start of the battle with her sister's Shadow, Goro lays a comforting hand on her shoulder and gets her to calm down. Granted, he's the traitor and is almost ready to set his plan into motion, but since he also comes to care for the Phantom Thieves, the gesture is likely genuine. |
| 72 | * While Sojiro's initially upset to hear that Futaba wasn't just targeted by the Phantom Thieves, but ''is one herself'', along with Joker, he ultimately decides that he won't turn them in, and is fine with them continuing as long as they don't start a fight that they can't win (granted, he doesn't know about their present circumstances). Keep in mind, he's aware of the reports surrounding President Okumura's death and his connection to the Phantom Thieves too, so he has every right to worry about his daughter encountering potential ''murderers'', especially after Wakaba's death; yet he knows you well enough that you're not that sort of person. Ultimately, he concludes by saying that he's made himself hungry by getting so loud, before fixing a meal for them. For someone who said that he'd kick Joker out if he got into any trouble a mere six months before, Sojiro turns out to be [[ReasonableAuthorityFigure quite understanding and caring]]. |
| 73 | ** Even before then, while initially surprised that they're in his house, Sojiro trusts Joker and company enough to tell them Futaba's situation. Also, the primary reason for Sojiro keeping you out of his residence was less about keeping a delinquent away from his daughter -- itself a perfectly valid reason to [[TearJerker keep a distance from you]] -- and more to avoid exacerbating her already-precarious condition. When Joker learns that, you have the option of saying, "I understand", showing that he can't begrudge Sojiro for doing what he thinks is best for Futaba. |
| 74 | *** Better is the other response, "Don't worry about it." While it's effectively the same response, it comes will the added reaction of Sojiro smiling in relief and thanking Joker. |
| 75 | *** More than a few players on Website/YouTube have picked this, saying that they've come to like Leblanc's attic as their home anyway. |
| 76 | ** The morning after discovering that Joker and Futaba are Phantom Thieves, Joker finds Sojiro watching a news report declaring that the police have placed a 3 million yen bounty on the Phantom Thieves. Rather than be tempted to turn them in, this just makes Sojiro even more worried about their predicament. From then on, when Joker returns to [=LeBlanc=] in the evening, Sojiro will express relief that he made it through another day without getting arrested or killed. |
| 77 | * After Sae gets her own calling card from the Phantom Thieves, she says to Makoto that once the case is all over, they should go to a hot spring together, just the two of them. Makoto is obviously touched by this, she tearfully declares that she's on Sae's side [[DeclarationOfProtection and she won't let anyone harm her]]. Though bemused by this outburst, Sae smiles and gives Makoto an AffectionateGestureToTheHead. |
| 78 | * Not only is the fact that the Thieves manage to change Sae's heart without having to steal her Treasure heartwarming in and of itself, but there's also ''how'' they do it--Makoto (correctly) believing that her sister's still a good person at heart and managing to remind Sae of the sense of justice she once possessed. |
| 79 | * After faking his death, Joker reunites with the other Phantom Thieves, thanks to Sae and Sojiro. After a long explanation of what they were doing up to November 20th, Sae promises to aid the Thieves however she can, becoming TheCommissionerGordon. [[ReasonableAuthorityFigure Sojiro]], though he doesn't understand some of the supernatural stuff, promises to help them by allowing them to commandeer Leblanc's first floor for meetings. It's a relief to know that the Phantom Thieves have such reliable allies in these people. |
| 80 | ** Throughout the month of December, Makoto is more confident than ever in spite of the fairly grim circumstances. Her basis for that? She and her sister are now on the same side. It's touching to see that even though they'd been keeping secrets from each other and arguing for much of the past six months, they're now cooperating and trusting one another. |
| 81 | * After Yaldabaoth lets down the façade and Lavenza is restored, the false god vanishes from the Velvet Room... and the ''real Igor'' [[HesBack finally returns]]. This isn't just a moment for the main character, who's confused but nonetheless relieved -- it's one for the ''player''. From the beginning, when the false Igor spoke, it painted an unwelcoming picture: "Welcome to ''my'' Velvet Room." And ''"his"'' Velvet Room it was: an oppressive atmosphere where Personas are ''tortured'' and ''executed'' to be fused, and the Guest is as a prisoner. Especially after the passing of his original voice actor in Japan, this was the first new showing for the new VA, and it might've led people to feel that the beloved assistant had taken an unfriendly turn... but Igor is still the good friend and stalwart ally he's always been. You will ''never'' have been so happy to see "The Nose" again in your life. |
| 82 | -->''"Welcome to the Velvet Room. My name is Igor. I am pleased to make your acquaintance."'' |
| 83 | ** For additional heartwarming, go back in after this. The prison door in the Velvet Room is open now, Joker is in his Phantom Thief outfit instead of prison garb, and the chains on the menus are broken. And instead of Justine and Caroline's condescending comments, Lavenza's dialogue is far nicer, she doesn't even get mad if you skip her explanations, and she never refers to Persona fusion as "execution". And when she performs a fusion, rather than Justine's slight smirk (or Caroline's chainsaw-wielding PsychoticSmirk if a Fusion Accident occurred), Lavenza's expression is more appropriately solemn. |
| 84 | * Joker reigniting his teammates' rebellious spirits after they are saved from oblivion by the Velvet Room. Each of the Phantom Thieves thanks Joker for setting them straight after being released, with any romanced female PT's thanks being longer and more heartfelt. |
| 85 | * The reveal of Morgana's true origins: he's not a Shadow, as he feared from the nightmares he had up to that point. While he was born within the depths of Mementos, he was actually created by the real Igor from the people of Tokyo's ''hope'' for freedom to aid Joker. In other words, he is a ''literal'' HopeBringer! |
| 86 | * The climax of the final boss fight: Even after Yaldabaoth has the Phantom Thieves against the ropes, Morgana declares that they will never give up and "Take the world!" His declaration is broadcast through Shibuya's giant monitors. Mishima begins to cheer on the Phantom Thieves, and slowly, so does everyone else. The Phan-Site ticker appears once more with the question "Do the Phantom Thieves '''really exist'''?", and the ticker keeps raising, higher and higher, until it ''finally'' hits 100%! The people's belief in the Phantom Thieves gives Joker the power to awaken his Ultimate Persona, Satanael, and defeat Yaldabaoth once and for all! For extra heartwarming, every Confidant you maxed out will be shown joining in the cheering. |
| 87 | * The events after the TrueFinalBoss are a rollercoaster of both this and TearJerker: |
| 88 | ** Immediately after the Phantom Thieves split up for the night, Sae approaches to speak with Joker. The world is saved and Shido is going to prison; but unfortunately, without testimony, Shido won't stay there for very long. Not to mention, the rest of the conspiracy will still be gunning for the Thieves so that they can try to save face. Thus, Sae asks for Joker to turn himself in so that he can give testimony against Shido. However, this will ensure that Joker gets sent to juvenile hall for breaking probation. ButThouMust is in full effect here and Joker can't refuse. However, you get to choose ''why'' he's going to turn himself in. Either it's in order ensure that the world will change...or in order to protect [[FireForgedFriends his friends]]. |
| 89 | ** Afterwards, if you have a LoveInterest, she messages you to spend time with you on a Christmas Eve date. Sae allows you to spend this one night before turning yourself in and you proceed to have a romantic date with your LoveInterest, albeit underscored by the fact that this might be the last time you'll see them in a long while. Alternatively, if you remain single, you have one last dinner with Sojiro and Futaba, who for all intents and purposes have acted as your surrogate family. |
| 90 | ** The next morning, the Phantom Thieves all meet up at Café Leblanc sans Joker, who [[NeverGotToSayGoodbye immediately left to turn himself in to the police]]. Naturally, they're all depressed and/or outraged over this turn of events and feel powerless over their inability to help their leader. However, the thought of Morgana (who at this point [[DisneyDeath is presumed to have]] [[ButNowIMustGo disappeared with the other world]]) making fun of them for giving up too easily reignites their resolve, as they begin to make plans to do whatever they can to save their leader. |
| 91 | ** What follows is a months-long TimeSkip punctuated by a montage of the Thieves and max-rank Confidants all doing whatever they can to help Joker. The core team along do everything they can to investigate the original assault case. In the meanwhile, the other Confidants do as much as they can in their own way: Sojiro testifies on his behalf; Tae promises to vouch for his help in developing a revolutionary, life-saving medicine; Yuuki and Shinya go about getting as much public support and awareness as they can; Kawakami gets the Shujin staff to back him up; Iwai calls on his old Yakuza contacts to make sure nothing happens to him behind bars; Chihaya gathers people for demonstrations against the police; Ohya tries to uncover the gaps in his falsified record; Yoshida rallies to get support from his allies in the government; and Hifumi gives an impassioned television interview praising all he did for her. All this to [[AFriendInNeed help get Joker his well-deserved freedom]]. |
| 92 | ** At the end of the montage, Joker visits the Velvet Room one last time. Igor and Lavenza lament that Joker ended up in a physical prison after escaping his metaphorical one, but assure him that he did the right thing, granting him the World Arcana and promising that he'll reunite with his friends one day before the room disappears, signifying the end of his journey. |
| 93 | ** Finally, at the end of it all, Sae visits Joker and delivers some good news. The first is that Shido will get his just desserts; but more importantly, that thanks to the efforts of his friends, they managed to track down the woman he tried to save in the incident that led to his probation, who is now willing to change her testimony. Thus, Joker's record has been cleared and he can get out early. It's oh-so-satisfying to finally have NoGoodDeedGoesUnpunished {{subverted|Trope}}. |
| 94 | ** Joker finally reuniting with his friends. And Morgana returning in his cat form, his friends having missed him a great deal (and [[AngerBornOfWorry understandably outraged that he only went missing]]). |
| 95 | * As with his predecessors, Igor tells Joker "You were truly a remarkable guest" during his final visit to the Velvet Room. If you think about it, Igor did not truly overseer Joker's rehabilitation till the end (as he was imprisoned within the Metaverse until the game's climax) but he has seen the things Joker did throughout his journey and is proud that he has made an improvement to the world. The prison-themed Velvet Room eventually disappears, symbolizing the end of Joker's journey and his time as a prisoner. Then a blue butterfly appears, implying Philemon had been watching over him as well (though it could be Lavenza again). Igor's probably also very grateful for Joker having a hand in saving him. |
| 96 | * At the end of the game, the Phan-Site's "Do the Phantom Thieves '''really exist?"''' poll is settled on an even 50%. The Thieves may have faded from public view forever, and in the future [[UrbanLegends people may choose to believe in them or not]] -- but it's '''their''' choice to make. People are free to make their own conclusions and thoughts, unbound by uncertainty or the wills of callous "gods". And with that uncertainty on your existence there's a debate to be had, a [[ShroudedInMyth conversation about your methods and motives]]. Thanks to that, the Phantom Thieves will never completely be lost in the public cognition -- in other words; times will change, but you ''won't'' be forgotten. |
| 97 | * The final cutscene is a perfect, heartwarming culmination to everything you've been through over the course of the game. Packing up to leave for his hometown, Joker comes across his friends, who've somehow acquired a real-world equivalent of the Morgana-mobile. Ostensibly, they're just going to take him home... but everyone agrees they'd much rather kick off a RoadTripPlot and spend as much time together as possible. And to punctuate it, the game ends on the first three notes of "Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There". |
| 98 | [[/folder]] |
| 99 | |
| 100 | [[folder:Unsorted]] |
| 101 | * Seems that some of the cast from ''VideoGame/Persona4'' are doing pretty well for themselves: |
| 102 | ** The fact that Rise and Kanami are still idols, as evidenced by the ads at the subway station. Many fans would be glad to see those two are still popular and doing well, especially considering how ruthlessly competitive the IdolSinger industry is, and how [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness many idols tend to have short shelf lives]]. The tone and composition of Rise's poster even suggests that she may well have graduated from "just" being an idol and is now pursuing a full-blown solo music career, which'd be a great step forward for her in her 20s. |
| 103 | ** On December 7th, it is revealed that Taro Namatame (the second suspect of the murder case) has returned to office and is currently a politician's secretary. Considering he's been through a year's-long period of emotional turmoil and misguided actions to rescue people, it's nice to see that things have changed for the better since we last saw him. |
| 104 | * Upon performing a Sacrificial Fusion with Arsène, a small cutscene will play as he says this: |
| 105 | -->'''Arsène''': I am Arsène--the other you who exists within... Though I may disappear at this moment, I shall [[AlwaysWithYou always be at your side]]. [[WeWillMeetAgain We shall meet again]]... when your fate reaches its conclusion. |
| 106 | ** And sure enough, he does indeed appear before Joker again shortly before he's about to get captured by the police, warning him that he's about to enter a situation which will determine if he lives or dies, and to consider his choices carefully. |
| 107 | ** He also reappears again at the FinalBoss, materializing behind Joker, who breaks his chains and transforms him into his Ultimate form, Satanael. |
| 108 | ** There's also the fact that, as any player with an "Endgame Arsène" can attest to, there is absolutely nothing stopping you from keeping him with you for the long haul, using Lockdown (or a Gallows accident in ''Royal'') to increase his stats and potentially eliminate or at least lessen the burden of his Ice and Bless weaknesses, the Gallows or Growth skills to make sure he stays on the same level as your more powerful Personas, and Skill Cards to give him more up to date skills to make sure he stays viable as a combatant. It'll be a lot of hard work and can be a bit pricey especially in the early game, but if you're someone who easily grows attached to your starter Persona in these games and regret not being able to take them with you the whole way in the previous ones, it'll be worth it. |
| 109 | * Sojiro's confidant includes a few of these. |
| 110 | ** During the Rank 7 event of Sojiro's confidant, after he upsets Futaba by suggesting that she might be better off elsewhere, Futaba gets angry, yells at him and runs off. Once she's calmed down, she immediately regrets what she said, telling you that Sojiro was good friends with her mother and sacrificed "a crapton of money" to take care of her. Once Sojiro returns, Futaba apologizes and tells the truth (along with the reason why she got so upset)--she wants to stay with Sojiro forever. |
| 111 | ** At the Rank 9 event of Sojiro's confidant, you learn that even though you've stolen Futaba's uncle's heart, he still managed to report Sojiro to social services. Futaba then stands up for Sojiro, talking about how much she's changed, and declaring that she's glad to have him as her father, something that Sojiro's completely surprised to hear from her. |
| 112 | ** The last event of Sojiro's confidant involves him taking you and Futaba to Wakaba's grave, during which he gives a natural smile and says that he's started to think of you as family. |
| 113 | *** Also a bit of extra heartwarming for any player who chose to [[RomanceSidequest romance]] Futaba is that while Sojiro does tell Joker to not get with her, because he would find it pretty weird for Joker to call him "father", he does reconsider immediately and concedes that it wouldn't be so bad. Overprotective he may be, but Sojiro does want what's best for Joker and Futaba. |
| 114 | * The fact that the Phantom Thieves ''refuse'' to fight Mishima's Shadow to change his heart. Instead, they just let Joker talk it out with him, both within Mementos and in the real world, in order to help Mishima get his shit together. You can even later say that Mishima's change for the better was entirely his doing. |
| 115 | ** Though it's never stated in the game due to this Confidant's optional nature, it makes the Thieves changing Sae's heart that much better. They're confident that Makoto talking with Sae's Shadow will work because ''they've done it before here''. |
| 116 | * Something that may be easy to miss is a girl stalking a boy on the second floor of the academy, who on most days she appears around a corner at staring at her crush. Around mid-July you receive a request to change the heart of a {{Yandere}}[=/=]StalkerWithACrush named Yumeko Mogami, and sure enough, it turns out to be her. The heartwarming part comes if you fulfill the request in Mementos and look for her afterwards. Over the course of the rest of the game, she has approached her crush, apologizing for the stalking and the creepy blog, asked him to be friends and becoming closer for real. |
| 117 | * A small moment when you're investigating the mafia on June the 16th. If you check on Ryuji, you'll find him helping an elderly woman navigate the train station. The old lady even comments on Ryuji's kind personality and stylish hair. |
| 118 | * Rank 10 of [[CoolOldGuy Toranosuke Yoshida's]] Confidant involves him giving a speech to a crowd of dozens about his hopes for the future and thanking Joker for giving him the confidence to speak his true feelings and forgive himself for his past. |
| 119 | -->'''Yoshida''': ''[to Joker, before the speech]'' I will strive down the royal road of politics, thinking of you as you walk down your path. [[AFriendInNeed But if you ever find yourself in harm's way on your journey, I will be there to help you.]] |
| 120 | ** Everything about Joker's interactions with Yoshida is heartwarming. His Confidant is so easy to max out because he loves almost every response you give him. He's touched by your undying support for him and interest in politics. Furthermore, this is the only Confidant that doesn't require the Phantom Thieves to intervene. |
| 121 | ** Politicians often [[CorruptPolitician have bad raps in media]] and one of the chief villains of the game, Masayoshi Shido, is a textbook example of that bad rap (and there's a lot of evil politicians running amok in the game). Yoshida is a kind reminder that in the end, politicians are also humans [[HumansAreFlawed capable of compassion, sometimes making mistakes but also owing up to it and trying to do better.]] Just as there are bad, selfish politicians corrupting the place for their interests, [[RousseauWasRight there are also good politicians genuinely trying their best to selflessly improve the lives of others despite the bad rap they received.]] |
| 122 | * (Un)Surprisingly, the Death Confidant, Dr. Tae Takemi, has some in your interactions with her. The whole reason she's creating that special medicine with Joker's help? She wants to cure a girl whose conditions worsened as a result of her incomplete drug. |
| 123 | ** Outside of her Confidant, she gives Ann advice on praying at the Shrine, and checks on a post-Palace Futaba for no cost at your behest. |
| 124 | --->'''Takemi''': A house call is going to cost you, you know. ... That was a joke. |
| 125 | * A bit more surprising is the Hanged Man Confidant, model gun shop owner Munehisa Iwai. An ex-{{yakuza}}, Iwai is a foster father to his adopted son Kaoru, who came into his care after a woman left him behind as an infant. The incident led Iwai to leave the yakuza and raise Kaoru as a good parent, and it shows. Example: that [[TattooedCrook gecko tattoo]] on Iwai's neck? [[SubvertedTrope It's not a yakuza crest.]] He got it ''after'' leaving, to match the gecko-shaped scar on Kaoru's own neck. |
| 126 | ** At one point, you join Iwai as a witness to ensure that a one-to-one meeting with one of Iwai's associates, Tsuda, goes smoothly. Iwai presents his yakuza colleague an ultimatum: he'll keep Tsuda's blunder a secret ''if'' Tsuda stays away from his family--which includes Kaoru ''and'' you. Unfortunately, the exchange ends with Tsuda threatening Iwai for his prototype guns. Realizing that he [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness might get killed once they have the weapons]], Iwai tells Joker Tsuda's full name, in case he tries to track you down, too--and unwittingly giving the Phantom Thieves a chance to save Iwai. |
| 127 | ** Even after hearing the truth about his family, Kaoru [[ShutUpHannibal tells Masa that it doesn't matter anymore]]. Because: |
| 128 | --->'''Kaoru''': I'm me, and Munehisa Iwai...is my dad!\ |
| 129 | '''Iwai''': ...hehe... Attaboy, Kaoru. |
| 130 | ** Also in his max Confidant event, Iwai explains to Kaoru about how he was afraid that people would stigmatize his son if they learned about that, just like how Iwai got bullied because of his loser parents. Kaoru just sincerely says, [[YouAreBetterThanYouThinkYouAre "My father isn't a loser though. He's a brilliant business owner."]] |
| 131 | ** If you max out his Confidant rank, what does Iwai give you as a going away gift on March 19th? A gecko-shaped pin, while saying that as far as he's concerned, you're [[CallBack part of his family]]. |
| 132 | ** There's also one of these in the events leading up to the final battle, after Mementos merges with reality. What's Iwai's first thought when the world literally goes to hell? [[PapaWolf Whether Kaoru is okay.]] |
| 133 | * Futaba's Confidant mainly focuses on working on becoming used to other people, and one step involves reconnecting with an old friend, Kana (as well as saving Kana from her AbusiveParents). What's more, part of the reason Futaba does this is for the sake of the only item on her mother's "promise list" that went unfulfilled--getting along with Kana. The Confidant ultimately concludes with both girls overcoming their issues and going back to school. |
| 134 | ** Futaba's interactions with Joker in general are super heartwarming. Even if you decide not to romance her, the LikeBrotherAndSister vibes from them are so wholesomely strong you'd be forgiven for assuming the two are blood relatives. ''Royal'' even lets you introduce her to Iwai by saying "She's basically my sister." D'aww. |
| 135 | * Valentine's Day in general. Your girlfriend, assuming you have one (and [[TakeOurWordForIt preferably just one]], to all you [[CasanovaWannabe Casanova Wannabes]] in the audience), is really glad to see you after you were imprisoned for two months, and [[IWillWaitForYou is fine with a long-distance relationship]]--after all, since she waited two months (and would have probably had to wait ''much longer'' if not for everyone succeeding in helping exonerate you), keeping in touch is nothing in comparison. |
| 136 | * The final day of the school trip to Hawaii can be this if you have a girlfriend when you get there. You get to enjoy a romantic day of sampling the local cuisine and exploring the island, topped off with watching a gorgeous sunset on the beach. Ann gets bonus points for her date actually having "I love you, Ann" as a dialogue option. [[note]] And for extra points, she even giggles, blushes, and says, "I love you, too..." Awww... [[/note]] |
| 137 | ** For more bonus points, play Music/TheBeachBoys' [[https://youtu.be/KUjZbD0Gcjc "Daybreak Over the Ocean"]] during the Ann date in Hawaii to augment the atmosphere further. |
| 138 | * Shiho temporarily returning to Shujin Academy in rank 9 of Ann's confidant to visit the place on the roof where she jumped. She confirms that she actually didn't want to die, but felt like there was another person inside her who forced her to jump in order to escape the situation she was in. Returning to the roof lets her confirm that person is truly gone. Ann declares to become a great model in order to support Shiho, while the latter outright hugs and tells Ann she loves her as they bid each other farewell. |
| 139 | * In Yusuke's Rank 10, he is again offered the support of a foundation meant for artists like him, just properly this time. He still gently refuses, but also notes this in the process: |
| 140 | -->'''Yusuke:''' I won't be stained by desire, as I can see hope. [[TrueCompanions When I am lost, they will extend their hands to me; when I am wrong, they will chastise me. As long as I have my rays of hope to guide me, I will be fine.]] |
| 141 | ** Yusuke also comes to terms with how Madarame isn't black and white, being both a terrible criminal who exploited him and other youths, and a fatherly figure who once reached out to an old acquaintance to get Yusuke medical attention. |
| 142 | * Since maxed-out Confidants outside of the Phantom Thieves discover your identity, when the news of your death is announced, they contact you to see if the news is true or not and are relieved that you are still alive. |
| 143 | ** After the public broadcast of your calling card to Shido we get brief scenes of all your maxed, non-party Confidants expressing their belief and support in you. |
| 144 | * Haru's rank 9 confidant, be it platonic or romantic, reveals that the adults were happy for Haru's impending ArrangedMarriage because they believed ''she'' was. When she finally has an honest talk with them and reveals that she wasn't happy at all with Sugimura, the board works to flip over Haru's abusive jerk of a fiancé and annul the marriage, proving they do care for Haru's happiness and showing adults aren't useless so long as someone is willing to speak up as well as listen. |
| 145 | * Despite what Akechi had done which included framing them, betraying them to the police, killing Haru's father, causing Futaba's mother's death, and trying to murder Joker, the Phantom Thieves were willing to risk their lives trying to help him, as while it is clear that most of them will probably never fully forgive him anytime soon, they acknowledge that he is that way because of his dark past and the manipulations of Shido and wanted to help him to work through his issues. |
| 146 | * Reaching rank 10 of Akechi's confidant may be automatic, and a major Tearjerker due to the events leading up to the rank up, but it can also be considered heartwarming since maxed-out Social Links have always been treated seriously in the ''Persona'' series. Even if the player couldn't understand Akechi and was cold to him every step of the way, at the very end Joker himself sympathized with Akechi's situation, and appreciated his sacrifice. |
| 147 | ** Wishing he could have met Joker a few years earlier, before becoming Shido's assassin as a means of revenge. Akechi shows the affection he holds for the team by stating they would have been great rivals or even friends. |
| 148 | * Rank 10 of Shinya Oda's confidant makes you feel like the best CoolBigBro around. You've kept a kid from becoming a bully, watched him get friends on his own, and helped him mature as a person. |
| 149 | * If you opt to go the platonic route with Kawakami, then her Rank 10 has her starting to dote on Joker like she's his mom, being concerned about his eating habits and him not cleaning his room. Obviously, one of the dialogue options here is to tell her that she isn't your mother, but she takes it in stride. While downplayed compared to Sojiro, it is nice to see another ParentalSubstitute in Joker's life. |
| 150 | * Some of the romance route beginnings are rather sweet: |
| 151 | ** Ann gets a cuddle from Joker after becoming upset at Shiho's impending move away. Joker reassures her that she's still got him, causing her to blurt out a declaration of love... before freaking out at her own honesty and grumbling at Joker for teasing her. |
| 152 | ** After Makoto confirms that Joker likes her when he offers to be her study partner, she goes red and sheepishly asks if its alright to start dating. She then giggles and tells you she looks forward to growing your relationship together. All this is witnessed by Lala-chan. |
| 153 | ** Hifumi is stunned that you're determined to date her given the scandal she was inadvertently at the center of, and the refined girl turns into a stuttering mess as she gives a very formal response and then wonders on earth she's saying. |
| 154 | ** Futaba's romance route starts off on more of a funny note than a romantic one, but she also adds some much-needed heartwarming elements to the unpleasant business of gently turning her down. Rather than be downtrodden, she praises the value of teammates, repeats that you're still her "key item," bounces up and down, demands a double high-five from you, and promptly gets overly involved in an RPG metaphor that gets away from her. |
| 155 | ** And if you ''do'' date Futaba, you get treated to her mind breaking at you confessing to her. She literally freezes in shock for nine sentences before she happily squeals about how excited she is. The Rank 10 Confidant shows she's even able to go shopping, without you, because she wants to continue improving herself for you. |
| 156 | ** Haru's romance route has Joker return her [[ShipTease hinted-at feelings for him]] that that she [[CannotSpitItOut previously couldn't admit to]]. After a confirmation from Joker that he was serious, Haru is relieved that he feels the same way - especially considering that the new president of her family's company agreed to end her ArrangedMarriage to the abusive Sugimura because of [[EveryoneCanSeeIt her feelings for Joker]]. She follows up theorizing she asked Joker for his help not as a fellow Phantom Thief, but to be able spend time with him... which is immediately followed up by a blushing admission that she's ''definitely'' getting better at speaking what's on her mind. |
| 157 | * Even if you don't romance Hifumi, you're still there for her at what's probably her lowest point, in which she doubts her worth as a shogi player and believes herself to be unworthy to teach you. You can even make a CallBack to her lecture about resigning by saying her decision to forfeit was "queenly," and after the event is done, [[GameplayAndStoryIntegration you earn the Resign ability]]. Even if her reputation is permanently marred as a result of her mother's actions, she knows you won't abandon her, and as you can see in the montage of the campaign to free Joker, she never forgets that. |
| 158 | * In a more generalized sense, when you reach rank 10 of any Phantom Thief Confidant, or more specifically, their second awakening. Compared to how the first awakening looks ''really'' painful at a glance, the second awakening is much more calmer, as their Persona transforms into a more powerful entity, but with no fuss on the wielder's part. Considering how Persona are basically representations of someone's personality, it really shows how much s/he has changed since the beginning. |
| 159 | * Lavenza's LoveConfession: |
| 160 | -->"I love you, my trickster. You are truly the world's greatest man." |
| 161 | * Looking back at it, there's something oddly heartwarming about the inclusion of dialogue with the others for Akechi in Mementos. It shows that even despite planning on stabbing them in the back, he does bond with them and grow to enjoy their company. |
| 162 | * If you draw the Phantom Thieves logo on the school blackboard while you're popular, Joker gets to enjoy a rare moment of camaraderie with his classmates. |
| 163 | -->'''Students:''' [Player] drew it, right? It's like, the best drawing I've ever seen. I can feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins! Nice going, [Player]! |
| 164 | * You can only catch it on a [[RewatchBonus second viewing]], but after defeating the FinalBoss of Niijima's Palace, Akechi will remark in surprise over how he, a detective, has helped the Phantom Thieves. One of the dialogue options is "Want to continue that?", which Akechi will decline. In retrospect, it seems that even after hearing Akechi planning to betray and kill him, Joker - knowing about the trap about to spring and how the Phantom Thieves have the upper hand anyway - can consider offering him a [[SecretTestOfCharacter secret]] LastSecondChance before Akechi burns his bridges with his new friends permanently. Note that this is before Joker learns about Akechi's FreudianExcuse that made the other Thieves more sympathetic to Akechi. |
| 165 | * Considering that Joker is a mostly SilentProtagonist who got royally screwed for trying to do the right thing and can't defend himself, his friends speaking up for him can be extremely cathartic for the player, who at this point is as used to Joker getting crap from every other character as Joker probably is. His friends are ''outraged'' when they hear the truth of why he got arrested and want to go change the culprit's heart to clear Joker's name. When they later find out that Shido is the guy, they immediately want justice for Joker and make a point of having his Shadow apologize to Joker after defeating him, before the Shadow can disappear. Even them taunting Shido about the LaserGuidedKarma nature of it to make him finally realize that Joker is the same person he had falsely charged with assault, kind of counts because it shows how protective they are of their leader and just how thirsty for payback they are for him. Since you're Joker, it's touching to see how completely they're on your side. |
| 166 | * One quiz show asks who the most powerful person in a democracy is, and the correct answer is you, the people. One would think this sounds like a platitude in the context of how many people get away with abusing their power, but it actually fits the game's themes. The evil adults only get away with their crimes because people let them, and the Phantom Thieves' goals have been to help people gain the strength to stand up for themselves. More than anything else, this is the game's most direct and open way of saying that yes, you can make a difference if you care enough. |
| 167 | * It's a small one in an otherwise [[NightmareFuel bleak bad ending]] but during Futaba's bad ending, when the police come over to arrest Joker on the suspicion of being a Phantom Thief, Sojiro, who distrusted you for most of the early game and scolds you in the other bad endings, actually sticks up for you instead, insisting to the police that Joker hasn't done anything wrong and that they must have the wrong guy. Granted Sojiro is also arrested on suspicion of assisting and harboring a criminal right afterwards but for a guy who said that he would kick out Joker if he even slightly steps out of line, it shows how Sojiro came to trust that Joker is actually a good person and not the criminal he's made out to be. |
| 168 | * If you talk to many of the random students around Shujin during the Okumura arc, they'll often express concern for Haru, and you can overhear some third-years expressing similar sentiments on the way to school in mid-October. As despised as Kunikazu is, the school community shows a surprising amount of empathy for Haru, understanding that she's going through a hard time and doesn't deserve to be scorned for her father's misdeeds. |
| 169 | * At Ranked 9 of the Strength Confidant, the twins tells Joker of a story related to the twenty-two arcana, namely how the Fool embarks on a Journey, defeating Death and achieving the World. It is clear the person who told this story to the twins is [[VideoGame/Persona3 Elizabeth]], who is still tirelessly trying to find a way to unshackle her guest from his fate. Much like Margaret, the twins also care for their dear sister very much, hoping she could one day be successful in her own Journey. |
| 170 | [[/folder]] |
| 171 | |
| 172 | [[folder:''Royal'']] |
| 173 | * For the upcoming ''[[UpdatedRerelease Royal]]'' [[UpdatedRerelease re-release]], the new content has Joker staying in Tokyo for a third semester. Considering that in the vanilla version Joker had to turn himself over after that whole Yaldabaoth fiasco, it is downright '''beautiful''' to see Joker getting to have more time with his comrades. |
| 174 | * One of the new characters is a [[ThereAreNoTherapists counselor]], hired by Shujin after Kamoshida confesses to his crimes. Now the victims of the abuse can finally get the treatment they desperately need! |
| 175 | * [[https://youtu.be/2iHSF4vwFBs When Morgana sees that Ryuji might be getting back into track]], he expresses his surprise with Ryuji's apparent decision, as well as worrying if his leg can handle it. |
| 176 | * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQtMkNssicE Akechi's Character Trailer]] shows off a scene of his reworked Confidant. The context behind it suggests that the poor guy is annoyed by the attention he receives from his fans and wonders if putting on glasses will help him avoid unwanted attention from them. Joker's response? Take him to someplace where he can mess up his hair and give him his own pair of foggy glasses. It's funny, sure, but at the same time, it's one of the most tender moments you can see between the two of them. |
| 177 | ** Another hangout has him go to the bathhouse with Joker, and he tells him that once his mother mistakenly conceived him after having impulsive sex with Shido, she would tell young Akechi to go to the bathhouse as she "receives customers." Finally, Akechi has a way to vent his suppressed anger without hiding it. |
| 178 | ** The mere fact that [[WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds Akechi]] is back and getting more screentime is this to a lot of people, as even some of the fans who disliked the character weren't happy with his BolivianArmyEnding, as it felt too much like a WriterCopOut than an actual closure. Here, on top of getting an actual Confidant instead of an automatic one, we get to see Akechi fighting alongside the Phantom Thieves... ''in his Black Mask outfit'', while using his Loki Persona no less. Despite this is actually one of Maruki's manipulations so Joker can reunite with the friends he recollected in his journey and his actual fate is still left ambiguous as usual, it's no less an actual redemption arc for him to turn from a psychopathic hitman into a Batman-esque rogue hero who fights for true Justice, be it Shido's malicious control plan or Maruki's existential nihilism in the form of blissful ignorance. |
| 179 | ** This is also reflected in the appearance of his Third-Tier Persona Hereward. He's clad in dark combat fatigues, but he retains Robin Hood's HeroicBuild and looks more like [[MovieSuperheroesWearBlack a modern interpretation of an anti-hero]] than an outright malicious entity like Loki. The implication is that Akechi finally found his purpose and became the hero he always wanted to be, a rogue but ultimately free one. |
| 180 | * In the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XWlZ4FM1w4 Japanese Launch trailer]] for ''Royal'', it is revealed [[TrailersAlwaysSpoil that a cognitive version of Haru appears in Kunikazu Okumura's Palace]]. While this may be somewhat confusing as to ''why'' it is heartwarming, one must remember that in the original game, there was no tangible evidence implying that Haru had become so unimportant to Kunikazu that she was metaphysically "out of sight, out of mind". The presence of this cognitive Haru shows that Kunikazu may still have some fatherly love buried deep within his distortions after all. It is horribly subverted in a TearJerker fashion, but when Maruki's fake reality starts kicking in, the revived Okumura revived is a perfectly fine person and is a genuinely caring parent to Haru. He might not have always been so bad before gaining a Palace after all... |
| 181 | * At one point during the investigation of Maruki's Palace, Morgana asks both Futaba and Haru if they're going to be okay working with Akechi during the new Palace. They both thank him for asking about it and assure they'll be fine with it. Justified, since all of the Phantom Thieves unanimously put the blame on Shido and not Akechi himself. |
| 182 | * Before the field trip at May, Joker will see Kasumi being bothered by a stranger, and he comes to her defense. The scene is almost exactly like the one that landed him in probation in the first place, yet Joker comes to the rescue. While mundane, it just proves what Arsène was asking Joker when he first awakened: helping people is the right thing to do, even if it cost him his future, and he ''will'' do it again. |
| 183 | * Shortly after properly joining the Phantom Thieves, "Kasumi"/Sumire asks Makoto and the others to call her by her first name. Not only is it a heartwarming acceptance of the others' friendship, but it's also accepting her own identity, rather than her sister's. |
| 184 | * Joker talking Sumire out of her mental instability throughout the later 5 ranks of her Confidant. It surely proves how Sumire has been escaped out of her sister's Shadow and her crippling mental instability so she can be her very own identity and not just some poorly stitched-on copy of her sister. |
| 185 | * The fact that Joker treats Maruki as an equal and a friend during the Third Term even with all the stuff he had done. Maruki thinks that he's helping him and his friends by making this nihilistic reality, but after a fist fight, he has learnt for the better. In fact, their friendship is so innate that the protagonist keeps his treasure, the newsletter of the murder of Rumi's parents as a FriendshipTrinket. |
| 186 | * In a way, the new Stay Ending can be seen as this. After all the hardships and trauma they've gone through, the Phantom Thieves get to live out the rest of their lives in [[LotusEaterMachine a world where all their deepest desires are fulfilled]] -- and as shown in the end credits, they're perfectly happy with this. |
| 187 | ** Ryuji is shown with his fellow track team members, all of them apparently celebrating a victory. Consider that for most of his Confidant, his teammates were angry with him for getting the team shut down by punching Kamoshida and were quick to turn on Nakaoka for being Kamoshida's informant. As such, it's heartwarming to see them actually showing some camaraderie. |
| 188 | ** Ann is shown going shopping with human!Morgana (who's carrying her purchases for her) and reading a magazine with Shiho. |
| 189 | ** Yusuke is shown working on a painting, with guidance from a [[HeelFaceTurn now-good]] Madarame. |
| 190 | ** Makoto is shown having dinner with Sae and a man whose face we don't get to see, but is in fact [[DisappearedDad her father.]] |
| 191 | ** Futaba is shown happily clinging on to her mom's arm while Sojiro watches, a smile on his face. She's also wearing a Shujin Academy uniform, meaning she's enrolled in school with the others. |
| 192 | ** Haru is shown with her father, apparently at the grand opening of a new Big Bang Burger. |
| 193 | ** The protagonist and Goro are shown playing chess with each other -- which is especially heartwarming considering the latter's ambiguous fate in the True Ending. |
| 194 | ** Kasumi is shown having won a major gymnastics award (though FridgeHorror kicks in when you realize that this means Sumire is ''metaphorically murdered for real''). |
| 195 | ** Based on the conversation after his friends leave Leblanc for the day, Sojiro asks Joker if he wants to stay for the rest of his school education and even a bit afterwards. It’s implied that Sojiro’s desire was for Joker to stay and become a family with him, Futaba and Wakaba. [[LikeASonToMe Boss truly loved his ward like a son]]. |
| 196 | ** The final shot is of all the Phantom Thieves hanging out at Cafe Leblanc, with the protagonist and Goro looking meaningfully at the camera. |
| 197 | ** The revelation that Maruki [[TheExtremistWasRight meant every word]] of his plan to make everyone happy is Heartwarming in its own right; even at his worst, he's still a good person and a good friend. |
| 198 | * The fact that, even after all the shit he's done, the protagonist ''still'' considers Goro enough of a friend that his deepest desire is seeing his return and two staying close. |
| 199 | ** Related to this, surprisingly enough the rest of the Phantom Thieves take the news of Akechi's "death" almost as hard as the news of Joker's incarceration. Despite everything he did to them and how much of a jerkass he was, they did come to consider him one of their own. |
| 200 | * Kasumi might be a bit hypocritical to Sumire and caused her inferiority complex to degenerate into suicidal depression, courtesy of her helping Sumire throughout most of her life and having superior overall performances, which caused her sacrifice when she pushed her away from incoming traffic. Despite this, she genuinely cares for Sumire and does respect her as TheRival. In fact, she never considered Sumire as someone to be looked down upon and Sumire does admire her as a person instead of a detriment, even so after her confidant completes. |
| 201 | ** Sumire's true awakening implies that Kasumi's soul has become the new Cendrillon. If the circumstances are the same as [[VideoGame/MegamiIbunrokuPersona the previous time that a deceased person has become a Persona]], this speaks volumes about the Yoshizawa sisters' devotion to each other and Kasumi's desire to stand by Sumire's side, even in death. |
| 202 | * It's subtle, but during Joker and Akechi's Showtime, look at the manner in which Joker does his [[CoupDeGrace final shot.]] Minus the [[OffhandBackhand tilting-of-the-head]] when shooting, it's ''identical'' to when Satanael shot Yaldabaoth with the Sinful Shell; Joker is effectively channeling the spirit of his Ultimate Persona's most powerful move. Given that Joker's first time doing the Showtime with Akechi is barely more than a week after the above showdown, it makes sense that it'd still be at the fore of Joker's mind as well. |
| 203 | * "Kasumi"/Sumire's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XaOOKnntOw Showtime]] with Joker counts as this. Not only is Sumire's interaction with the protagonist adorable, but she also has an ImagineSpot where she and the real Kasumi perform a dance routine together before delivering a finishing blow. Even in death, the real Kasumi still watches over her twin sister. |
| 204 | ** For an extra dose of ShipTease, Sumire ends the attack by taking Joker's hand and spinning around with him before trust-falling backwards, from which Joker catches and dips her. Then there's the implications of the scene taking place in a cathedral... |
| 205 | * As a stark contrast to the humorous yet still awful Valentine's Day event if Joker ends up dating more than one of his female Confidants at once, ''Royal'' tweaked Valentine's Day for players who've either remained loyal to one girl or stayed single altogether; any girl with complete Confidants where Joker [[PlatonicLifePartners pursues them platonically instead]] will hand him obligation chocolates as a sign of their close friendship. While not necessarily new[[note]]''Persona 4 Golden'' did include quick scenes where the female Investigation Team members handed off their own chocolates if the protagonist wasn't dating any of them.[[/note]], the more personalized meet-ups between Joker and his friends are a stronger touch. |
| 206 | * In ''Royal'', in response to the Valentine’s event, you can take your girlfriend out on a trip to the aquarium and a romantic dinner date for White Day. To top off the wonderful night, the restaurant has a beautiful view of the lit-up city, and you give your lady a bouquet of roses. The entire event will just melt your heart. |
| 207 | ** If you formed a harem and cheated on the girls on Valentine’s Day, you can choose one of them and they’ll forgive Joker for his debauchery, reaffirming that they still love him. |
| 208 | ** All of this was set up thanks to Sojiro’s connections and recommendations. He’ll always look out for you, especially with your love life. He essentially goes full 'dad mode' to coach Joker on producing a perfect White Day date. |
| 209 | ** Alternatively, if you don't date anybody when White Day arrives in your run, Joker and Morgana both agreed to instead gift a bouquet to Sojiro as thanks for everything over the past year. It's a sweet gesture of Joker and Morgana showing their gratitude to the man who has become a new ParentalSubstitute to the two. Though Sojiro advised Joker to give the bouquet to someone he'd date for the next White Day, he appreciates the gesture nonetheless. |
| 210 | * The revised Christmas Eve date. Picture this: It's been ''a hell'' of a day. You just saved the world from an evil god who almost managed to delete you and your friends from reality. Sae was asking you to surrender to authorities because she needed your testimony in order to prove Shido guilty when Akechi appeared out of nowhere to save you from doing it. You deserve a break, so you decide to take your significant other on a date. And guess what? It turns out ''perfectly'', as romantic and beautiful of an experience as you could have possibly imagined it. You even manage to find a delicious Christmas cake despite being so late! And sometime later, the FridgeBrilliance comes in: it was all thanks to Maruki. The ''true'' timeline's Christmas Eve date would have been much sadder: [[NoGoodDeedGoesUnpunished your last date before going to prison, without even a comfort cake to sweeten things a little]]. [[RippleEffectProofMemory But that's not the date you remember]]. If your significant other is a fellow Phantom Thief, that's not the date she remembers either. You may have traded Maruki's paradise for a harsh and cruel reality, [[ThrowTheDogABone but he still gave you a perfect night that nothing can take away from you]]. |
| 211 | * The DLC battle against [[VideoGame/Persona4 Yu Narukami]], or "Investigation Team Boy" as he's referred to in battle, has him use three relatively predictable Personas, Izanagi, Yoshitsune and Izanagi-no-Okami... but the other three? Kohryu, Sraosha, and Kaguya: the Personas he obtained from maxing the Social Links of Hierophant, Justice, and Aeon. In other words, even the Velvet Room recognizes that Yu loves Dojima, Nanako, and Marie. |
| 212 | * Similar to Yu Narukami's entry above, the [=P3=] Protagonist also uses some familiar Personas; Thanatos, Siegfried and Attis, the Ultimate Personas of the Death, Strength and Hanged Man Arcanas respectively. Said arcanas are associated with Pharos, the incomplete version of Death, Yuko the Sports Team manager and Maiko, the young girl you befriend at the shrine. |
| 213 | * In Madarame's Palace, a new addition to the distorted gold-plated maze is the addition of camouflage, which Ryuji unwittingly reveals when he thinks that the first "wall" was peeling and just tried to tear it off. Morgana praises him for the discovery, and genuinely to boot without any backhanded remarks added; Ryuji doesn't think anything of it and just downplays the moment by saying that he got lucky, but it's a nice addition to see [[VitriolicBestBuds between these two.]] |
| 214 | * Futaba's awakening during her Palace's boss battle gets tweaked. When the cognitive Wakaba tries to [[DeathFromAbove dive-attack the Thieves again]], Futaba immediately employs her Persona's support abilities to shield the team in the nick of time, declaring to the boss: "[[DeclarationOfProtection I won't let you!]]" |
| 215 | * Akechi grabbing Sumire's arm to prevent her from trying to save Maruki. It's small and it seems callous, but Akechi actively stopped her from dying. |
| 216 | ** Similarly, when Sumire is driven into insanity by Maruki and forced to attack Joker and Akechi, Akechi leaves the fight out of fear that he'd accidentally kill her. Considering his [[AxCrazy attitude towards the thieves]] beforehand, it's a sure indication that Akechi's not the violently insane hitman he once was. |
| 217 | * The ending cutscene once you finish the last battle in the True Ending path. Maruki has closed his eyes and has surrendered, prompting the crystal they're on to crack, with him about to fall to his death. Joker, despite completely exhausted, battered, and bruised, immediately lunges forth to grab his arm to keep him from falling. When Maruki just begs for Joker to let him go, Joker refuses, with one option of dialogue even being "we're going back together" before Maruki expresses his admiration for him. Despite the fight and everything that happened the last few months, the two young men truly and genuinely respect and care for the other. The ending animation even shows that Maruki is making the best out of his second chance at life. |
| 218 | ** The buildup to the last fight between Maruki and Joker also counts. When Maruki grabs Joker as the Mona-Copter tries to fly away, Joker calmly lets go and accepts one last fight. Since neither of them can use their Personas anymore, they have to use their fists. Before they start, though, Joker has the option to tell Maruki "I'm here for you", accepting that this is what Maruki needs, even in the midst of the dangerous situation they're both in. |
| 219 | * In the original game, the remaining Phantom Thieves started organizing to get Joker out of juvie soon after he turned himself in to the police, and the process took from Christmas to shortly before February 13th. The shortened timeframe allotted to ''Royal'''s version of events makes it so that their investigation of the original assault case, Toranosuke rallying the National Diet, Ohya tracking down the case's witness, and Sae negotiating your release all took place in ''just over a week.'' If it wasn't clear enough the first time, as soon as you needed help [[TrueCompanions everyone immediately dropped what they were doing and put everything into clearing your name.]] |
| 220 | * The conversations with your fellow thieves that lead to their Third Awakenings are a beautiful mix of heartwarming and tearjerking moments. After being snapped out of the ideal yet false reality that Maruki gave to them, if you managed to max out their Confidants before the Third Term begins they'll ask to meet with you to discuss something that's clearly bothering them. Each of them begin offering their apologies for having fallen for Maruki's illusion so easily, believing it to be a betrayal of everything that Joker had done for them throughout their Confidant. Keeping in mind that all of their deepest desires had just been violently ripped from them in one fell swoop, up to and including deceased family members brought back to life in the cases of Futaba, Makoto, and Haru, yet that pain is completely secondary to the guilt they feel for having gone back on the lessons they learned as you deepened your bonds with them. Not once does Joker chastise or scorn them for enjoying the lives they briefly led, instead he completely understands their feelings and only provides them the words of encouragement they need to help sort out their thoughts. It then ends with their newfound resolution to keep moving forward in spite of, or perhaps because of, the pain and that there's still more room for them to grow as a person with you there by their side. |
| 221 | ** Akechi's Third Awakening goes into a different direction since he never fell for Maruki's illusion. Instead Akechi is the one urging Joker to keep fighting despite knowing the former might return to being dead if they succeed. Since as Akechi said he already chose his path and wants Joker to do the same by fighting for his own beliefs. |
| 222 | ** These Awakenings (again, save for Akechi's) also flip the script on Joker by having ''him'' be invited to his teammates' rooms in their homes, which acts as an inverse of where they normally interact. For much of ''Persona 5'', the Phantom Thieves come to use Leblanc as their unofficial home mainly in part to how they know that Joker lives there and how he and Sojiro have accepted their constant presence around the place. Joker even invites many of his own Confidants to visit him there, whether as platonic hangout sessions or as intimate locations to be romantic in for any potential girlfriends he has. As such, the other Phantom Thieves choosing instead to invite Joker into their own homes after a year of being comrades in arms to bare their hearts out to him just shows how much the Third Awakenings mean to them in terms of being able to express so much for their leader and friend. |
| 223 | * In the Thieves' Den, one event has Makoto and Sae looking at the latter's Shadow. |
| 224 | -->'''Sae''': So this was the monster I had become.\ |
| 225 | '''Makoto''': It's in the past. Things are better now, so...\ |
| 226 | '''Sae''': It's okay, Makoto. I'm glad you stood up to me. A sister who truly cared for me would not allow me to behave so monstrously. ''(smiles)'' Thank you. You really came through for me.\ |
| 227 | '''Makoto''': ''(giggles)'' Sis... |
| 228 | * The Thieves' Den is not only a hang out for the Phantom Thieves, but the confidants get in on the fun, meeting one another and the teens they've been helping along the way. Some highlights include: |
| 229 | ** Yoshida bonding with Hifumi and Shinya, the former even asks if he'd like to play a shogi game with her. |
| 230 | ** Iwai complimenting Johanna's design and praises Makoto's apparent bike enthusiasm, much to her embarrassment. |
| 231 | ** Sojiro checking in to see if Takemi has settled in to Yongen-Jaya. The doctor happily responds she won't be going anywhere else and will keep going to Leblanc for coffee. |
| 232 | ** Shinya complimenting Futaba's video game skills, saying she's not too far to being the best. He later comforts Haru about her father's death, relating to his own experiences with his mother. Both of their respective parents had been out of line, so he believes that they had to do something to stop them. |
| 233 | ** The Thieves playing around with Lavenza is very sweet. Yusuke and Futaba pretend to interview her in a conference, and Makoto offers to teach Lavenza billiards (albeit she's too short to reach the table). |
| 234 | *** Lavenza commending Morgana for fulfilling his purpose of guiding the Phantom Thieves and humanity to a greater hope, and nearly sacrificing his life to stop Yaldabaoth. |
| 235 | ** Takemi encouraging Sae to try out her shadow self's makeup, complimenting that it looks good on her. Later she bonds with Kawakami over their mutual frustrations towards their incompetent (former) bosses. |
| 236 | ** Chihaya keeps up her positivity at her fortune stand in the Den. She assures Yoshida that several politicians use her services, and is moved by his philosophy. |
| 237 | *** With the Thieves, Chihaya is very patient with Yusuke's eccentricity, and also assures Ann that fate is not absolute, a remarkable show of her character development. |
| 238 | ** Futaba gets to tell Sojiro all of her misadventures with her Shadow Self and Palace. Sojiro feels dejected that he himself wasn't the one to help Futaba when her depression hit its peak, but she retorts that Sojiro protected her the entire time and he's part of the reason she's still alive and living for herself again. |
| 239 | *** While Sojiro misses Wakaba dearly, he encourages Futaba that Wakaba would want them both to live their lives fully, and tells Futaba that he intends to tell her plenty of stories [[TogetherInDeath once he sees her again]]. |
| 240 | ** Iwai gets an unexpected OneOfTheKids moment with Shinya while admiring Captain Kidd, with Shinya being happy that there are adults out there that have the same interests as he does. |
| 241 | ** Despite his true personality revealed to all, Akechi is still civil with Sae, conversing with her over the Monacopter and asking if she wants to play a round of billiards ([[BrickJoke with the loser buying non-conveyor belt sushi]]). |
| 242 | ** As the Phantom girls are observing the Shido statue, they admit they might have too harsh on Ryuji when they beat him up after her survived the cruise liner, and Futaba wants to apologize to him at some point. |
| 243 | ** Even if he's looking at a Persona or a hideous representation of a Palace Ruler (with the exception of Shido), Yoshida always has wise words that turn whatever he's observing as a lesson for life and spins it into a message of hope and positivity. |
| 244 | * A specific Thieves Den interaction around Necronomicon can provide Ryuji with the chance to apologize to Morgana for driving him off towards the beginning of Okumura's Palace, finally addressing a complaint that fans had made about the game since the original release. |
| 245 | -->'''Ryuji:''' ... Y'know, when Futaba joined the Phantom Thieves...\ |
| 246 | '''Morgana:''' What about it?\ |
| 247 | '''Ryuji:''' I... said some shit I shouldn't have. That you were useless, and stuff. So, uh... I'm sorry!\ |
| 248 | '''Morgana:''' Ryuji... [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness Why are you apologizing? Do you have a fever?]]\ |
| 249 | '''Ryuji:''' [[VitriolicBestBuds Just take the apology and shut up!]]\ |
| 250 | '''Haru:''' ''(giggles)'' I'm glad you two are getting along. |
| 251 | * Speaking of overdue apologizes, Yusuke also apologizes for calling Makoto "useless" on the day that she awakened her Persona, but Makoto forgives him. |
| 252 | * Similarly, when Ryuji and Morgana are looking at Zorro, Morgana will go out of his way to praise Ryuji without any hint of his usual backhanded compliments, addressing yet another of the biggest problems people had with Morgana. |
| 253 | -->'''Ryuji:''' When I first saw you summon this guy, it really bummed me out.\ |
| 254 | '''Morgana:''' Bummed? Why's that?\ |
| 255 | '''Ryuji:''' I was the only one who couldn't fight, y'know? I was just draggin' you guys down. All I could do was stand around and get my ass saved over and over.\ |
| 256 | '''Morgana:''' Well, I was more experienced, after all. It's an unfair comparison. Besides, when it did come time for you to awaken, you returned the favor. Why don't we call it even?\ |
| 257 | '''Ryuji:''' Hey, yeah! You're pretty wise for a cat!\ |
| 258 | '''Morgana:''' [[BerserkButton That's because I'm NOT a cat!]] |
| 259 | * One Mementos request in the third semester has you change the heart of a guy who was PromotedToParent after his parents died, accidentally hurt his younger sister in a rage, and now wants you to off him out of guilt and fear for her safety. Given how similar his situation is to Sae's, it shows the Niijima sisters' story has truly come full-circle. The IM conversation after the request indicates that while the siblings were about to be separated, the sister asked to stay with her brother. |
| 260 | * During the game, you run into a guy wearing a mask, glasses, and a hat in an alleyway who would offer you items in exchange for various other items that you would have to get, including food and toys. At the very end of the game, as you are bidding goodbye to Confidants and other characters, you can find a man talking to his son as the boy apologizes for asking his dad to get him so much stuff, admitting he just thought it was the only way to talk to him. The dad reassures him it's OK and he's always glad to make his boy happy, then looks at you and thanks you, revealing himself as the masked man all along. |
| 261 | * In the original Akechi was more or less completely forgotten after Shido's Palace. However ''Royal'' shows someone worrying about him. The owner of the Jazz Club Akechi regularly frequents, who wonders why Akechi hasn't visited for quite a while and tells Joker, whom he thinks is Akechi's friend, that Akechi is always welcome at the club. Although it also doubles as Tearjerker considering Akechi might not even be alive. |
| 262 | * The Return Ending of ''Royal'' is definitely one for Joker. Yes, the original's true ending seeing the gang taking Joker out for a road trip is sweet, but neither Joker nor the player got a say in whether they were ready or willing to after everything that's happened in the past year. In this true ending, Joker finally gets to go home on his own terms: freely. And besides, the Thieves will get [[Heartwarming/Persona5Strikers another chance at a road trip with Joker in the near future!]] |
| 263 | * The new opening for ''Royal'' prominently features Akechi among the other thieves, implying that he's officially considered one of them now. Special mention goes to the scene where Joker and Akechi lay down in a pile of diamonds together; even in the opening, it's obvious how much [[TrueCompanions they truly care for each other]]. |
| 264 | * While deciding whether or not to steal Maruki's heart and return reality to the way it was, after Makoto, Futaba, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Haru, Yusuke, and Joker agree to the plan, Ryuji turns to Akechi and asks for his vote. When Akechi is confused as to why his opinion matters to them, Ryuji replies that the Phantom Thieves don't make a move without a unanimous vote. It's a short exchange, but it's rather sweet, as Akechi is clearly happy to be considered part of the group. |
| 265 | * While the majority of the Shujin staff and students never treat Joker as anything other than a delinquent, no matter how long he's been at the school, ''Royal'' seems to downplay this after the first month, exemplifying this change with one easily missable bit of dialogue. If you go to the library during April, the student librarian reacts with hostility and asks you to leave (though you're not forced to, and at this point if you read or study there you can earn Guts points from it). But if you go back after Kamoshida's confession, she will readily apologise for prejudging you and tell you you're welcome any time. |
| 266 | * During Joker's final day in Tokyo, you can find a number of the minor characters that were introduced over the course of each Confidant arc, all of whom are better off due to Joker's indirect actions. Of note is the Shujin track team, who openly tell Joker that they fully intend on having Ryuji's back now that he's planning to rehab his leg and return to the team. |
| 267 | [[/folder]] |
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