Did Maruki Bring Akechi Back to Life? Unraveling the Truth in Persona 5 Royal

The question of whether Maruki truly brought Akechi back to life in Persona 5 Royal is complex and doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer. In essence, Maruki did alter reality to accommodate Joker’s subconscious desire to save Akechi, but the exact nature of Akechi’s return and subsequent fate remains intentionally ambiguous. Akechi undeniably died during the infiltration of Shido’s palace in the original Persona 5. In Royal’s third semester, Akechi reappears, integrated into Maruki’s idealized reality. However, when Maruki’s reality is rejected, Akechi seemingly disappears once more, leading to considerable debate and speculation among fans. The ambiguity surrounding Akechi’s fate is deliberate, a narrative choice designed to explore themes of wish fulfillment, acceptance, and the consequences of altering reality.

Understanding Maruki’s Reality and Akechi’s Role

To fully grasp Akechi’s situation, it’s crucial to understand Maruki’s abilities and motivations. After awakening his Persona, Azathoth, Maruki gains the power to impose his cognitive reality onto the world, effectively rewriting the desires and perceptions of those around him. His intention isn’t malicious; he genuinely believes he’s saving people from suffering by providing them with idealized versions of their lives.

In Maruki’s reality, Akechi is alive and cooperating with the Phantom Thieves, seemingly redeemed for his past actions. This is a direct response to Joker’s hidden desire to save Akechi, a desire that Maruki subconsciously picks up on and integrates into his altered reality.

However, it’s important to note that Maruki himself is initially unaware of the exact circumstances of Akechi’s original death. He’s operating based on Joker’s desires and perceptions, not a complete understanding of the original timeline. This is why Maruki frames Akechi’s return as a resurrection, even though the specifics of how he came back are left vague.

The Ambiguity of Akechi’s Fate

The most significant point of contention is what happens to Akechi when the Phantom Thieves reject Maruki’s reality. He appears to disappear alongside the rest of Maruki’s alterations. The game deliberately avoids providing a definitive answer about whether Akechi returns to the afterlife or if there’s a possibility he survived.

This ambiguity is intentional. The developers want players to interpret the ending based on their own experiences and feelings toward Akechi. Some believe his final scene implies a glimmer of hope for his survival, while others think it’s merely a bittersweet farewell.

Akechi’s “Rehabilitation” – A Possible Misinterpretation?

The final scene with Joker in the train station is another source of debate. A figure resembling Akechi is seen briefly, with some interpretations suggesting he’s entering a rehabilitation facility. This is often attributed to the line mentioning a rehab facility in a cutscene, which might suggest he escaped death and is now seeking help.

However, this is just one interpretation. It could also be a manifestation of Joker’s lingering hope, a visual representation of his desire for Akechi to find redemption. The scene is intentionally fleeting and ambiguous, leaving Akechi’s ultimate fate unresolved.

The Importance of the Player’s Choice

Interestingly, the developers have stated that Akechi’s “survival” in Maruki’s reality is tied to the player’s choices throughout the game, specifically those made during his Confidant events. By reaching a certain rank with Akechi before a specific date, the player solidifies Joker’s bond with him, influencing Maruki’s reality and ultimately affecting the perceived likelihood of Akechi’s survival.

Conclusion: A Matter of Interpretation

Ultimately, whether Maruki truly brought Akechi back to life is a question without a definitive answer. Maruki certainly altered reality to allow Akechi to exist within it, fulfilling Joker’s subconscious wish. However, the exact nature of his return and his ultimate fate are left intentionally ambiguous, inviting players to interpret the ending based on their own experiences and emotions. The beauty of Persona 5 Royal lies in its ability to spark such thought-provoking discussions and allow players to connect with the story on a deeply personal level. The intricacies of the game’s narrative highlight the importance of game studies and how games can be interpreted in numerous ways. Explore more about the field of game studies at the Games Learning Society: GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Akechi and Maruki

1. Is Akechi really dead in the original Persona 5?

   Yes, according to the original Persona 5 storyline, Akechi dies during the infiltration of Shido’s palace. He sacrifices himself to allow the Phantom Thieves to escape.

2. What role does Akechi play in Persona 5 Strikers?

   Akechi doesn’t appear in Persona 5 Strikers. His absence is notable, given his significant role in the original game, and is often attributed to the events of Persona 5 Royal, which might not be considered entirely canonical for the Strikers storyline.

3. Why does Akechi hate Joker?

   Akechi’s “hatred” for Joker is complex and stems from his own deep-seated insecurities and lack of genuine connection. He resents Joker for the bonds he forms with the Phantom Thieves, something Akechi never experienced. It’s more envy and a twisted sense of rivalry than pure hatred.

4. Did Shido know Akechi was his son?

   In the main storyline, Shido only learns that Akechi is his son through his cognition in the Metaverse. He doesn’t seem to truly care about Akechi beyond his usefulness as a tool.

5. Why did Maruki create his ideal reality?

   Maruki created his ideal reality to alleviate suffering and prevent others from experiencing the pain he endured after losing his girlfriend. His intentions, though misguided, were born out of genuine empathy.

6. Is Maruki a good or bad guy?

   Maruki is an antagonist, but he’s not necessarily “evil.” He genuinely believes he’s doing what’s best for everyone, even if it means stripping them of their free will. He is more of a misguided anti-villain.

7. What sin is Maruki associated with?

   Maruki’s sin is Sorrow (Tristitia), as indicated by his Will Seeds. This reflects his desire to eliminate suffering and prevent others from experiencing pain.

8. Did Akechi shoot the real Joker?

   No, Akechi shoots a copy of Joker within a Metaverse space designed to mimic his cell. The real Joker is never physically harmed by Akechi’s actions.

9. Is Akechi a villain?

   Akechi is a complex character who acts as both an antagonist and, briefly, an ally. His actions are often driven by his troubled past and desire for recognition, making him a more nuanced and morally grey character than a pure villain.

10. How do you unlock the true ending in Persona 5 Royal?

    To unlock the true ending in Persona 5 Royal, you need to reach Rank 9 with Maruki by November 18th, Rank 8 with Akechi by November 18th, and Rank 5 with Kasumi by December 18th. You also need to make specific dialogue choices that demonstrate a rejection of Maruki’s idealized reality.

11. What happens if you accept Maruki’s reality?

    If you accept Maruki’s reality, you get a different ending where the Phantom Thieves remain together in his idealized world, with everyone’s personal desires fulfilled. However, this is considered the “bad ending” as it involves sacrificing free will.

12. Who is the main villain of Persona 5?

    While several antagonists exist, Masayoshi Shido is considered the main villain of Persona 5. He is the mastermind behind the conspiracy that leads to Joker’s arrest and the central target of the Phantom Thieves.

13. Why is Akechi considered insane?

    Akechi’s mental state is unstable due to his traumatic upbringing, abandonment by his father, and the pressures of being used as a tool. He exhibits signs of mental illness, including a distorted sense of reality and a tendency towards violent outbursts.

14. Is it possible for Akechi to survive after Maruki’s reality collapses?

    The game leaves Akechi’s ultimate fate ambiguous. While he disappears with Maruki’s reality, some interpretations suggest a sliver of hope for his survival, perhaps through rehabilitation, but this is never explicitly confirmed.

15. Does Futaba know Akechi is Shido’s son?

    There’s no direct indication that Futaba is aware Akechi is Shido’s son. The information is primarily revealed through the player’s perspective and doesn’t necessarily become common knowledge within the game’s narrative.