Chapter Text
It was an understatement to say that Akira was not excited for the buffet. However, even though he was thrilled to be able to use the money from Kamoshida’s palace to treat his friends, he couldn’t help but feel guilty regarding his decision to become the team’s leader.
After all, he was just some quiet criminal who might do more harm than good. Wouldn’t someone like Ann, whose passion for justice burns brightly as she fights, or Morgana, whose knowledge of the metaverse far exceeded his own, be better options? Sure he was able to command during a battle but a leader should also know strategies to win and weaknesses of his enemies, which he was still learning.
He wished he had said something regarding this when he accepted the position. Maybe then, he and his team would have been able to come to a better decision. However, they were already long past that point in conversation and it would be strange to mention it again.
Akira sat looking at his delicious buffet meal but suddenly did not feel hungry. The weight of this decision to become leader was finally becoming clear. He would have to be in charge of all the team’s funds and weapons. He would have to make sure everyone was healthy in the metaverse. Heck, his team practically put their lives in his hands! Of course, he didn’t mind doing all these things, just did not know if he could do it very well. Surely Ann or Morgana would be better options, right?
Suddenly a hand on his shoulder ripped Akira out of his thoughts.
“Hey, you ok man?” Ryuji had a concerned look on his face, “you don’t look so good, is the food making you sick?”
Akira stayed quiet for a moment, debating whether or not to bring up his plight. Ryuji sensed his struggle and continued.
“You have been uncomfortable ever since we deemed you leader. Look, If you are upset about the leader thing, you don’t have to be leader if you don’t wanna,” he said as his gaze suddenly shifted to one of determination, “but just so ya know, I think you’d make a great leader.”
The others nodded in agreement.
“You think?” Akira asked hesitantly.
“I know, man. Not only were you the first to awaken a persona, but you always seem to make right decisions in the metaverse,” Ryuji’s smile beamed as he admired Akira, “I don’t know anyone else who could have solved those puzzles in Kamoshida’s palace with such ease.”
“Plus, you have never failed us in battle!” Morgana interrupted, “you are amazing at knowing what to do at the right moment! Half of those battles we only came out unscathed because of your excellent leadership.”
“If it weren’t for your leadership,” Ann started, “I would have never been able to avenge Shiho, so please never think that you aren’t a capable leader.”
Akira looked at his friends in disbelief. He had never realized the drive behind their decision to make him leader. The determination and passion in their eyes made him wonder what he did to deserve them. After his probation, Akira lost all his friends. No one in his hometown would so much as spare a glance in his direction. Akira had begun to accept this way of life as his own now, he expected to survive Tokyo by keeping his head down and his nose out of trouble. Now, looking across the table at his wonderful friends, his old mindset disregarded, he was happier than he ever had been. He came to a decision right then and there, if he was going to be leader he was going to do everything in his power to make sure no harm ever came to these people. Akira knew that if they wanted him to be leader, he would go to the ends of the earth to lead them.
A smile grew on Akira’s face as he took in the kindness his friends gave him.
“Ok,” Akira began, feeling Joker’s strong personality take hold, “I will not disappoint you as your leader then, that is a promise.”
As Akira looked around at his team, the Phantom Thieves, he knew how special these moments were. The smiles that shone on his teammates’ faces were worth more to him than any amount of hearts they could steal.