2025-12-18: Good Evening, Sumaru: Interview with the Detective
- Log: Good Evening, Sumaru: Interview with the Detective
- Cast: Gozaburou Gessou, Goro Akechi
- Where: <Sumaru City/Yumezaki Ward>
- OOC Date: <2025-12-18>
- IC Date: <Aug 27 2012> (Can be found with +checkdate if you aren't sure what it is for the OOC date.)
- Summary: <Zabu interviews Goro Akechi on Good Evening, Sumaru!>
<Pose Tracker> Gozaburou Gessou has posed.
Today, 'Good Evening, Sumaru' is out in the field, meaning there is a section near the entrance to the Mu Continent that is blocked off to the public, though a few watch from afar. It's a good day for it! Not too hot due to some light cloud cover. The set up is actually rather impressive consisting of a well lit stage with two -very- comfortable chairs separated by a photogenic plant, a craft services table, and a tent for make up and hair services. There is also a second stage set up with a few random people. This is the infamous panel, consisting of anything from celebrities to people of interest. Today it is populated by few teenage girls, one of which has a shirt on with a heart with Goro Akechi's face at the center of it. Wonder why they were chosen?...heh.
Zabu stands mid stage, checking his phone as he flatly chews his gum. He was dressed in a light colored linen suit with white shirt and tie.
He looks up when a stage hand announces they are coming back from break. The second he looks up his face brightens with the Hollywood magic entertainment was known for. "Alright, buddy. Hey, keep up the good work... or else. Haha." He might've sounded like he was kidding but he wasn't.
Zabu looks toward the camera, standing in front of his comfortable chair with his hands clasped together. He makes micro adjustments as the countdown begins. On the final number, Zabu smiles and opens his hands, gesturing off stage. "Good Evening, Sumaru! My next guest is known as the second coming of the Detective Prince. I'll see if he can figure out what's up with the latest fashion trend. Goro Akechi!"
The "panel" erupts in loud applause, cheering, -swooning-, and one very sincere 'I LOVE YOU' to the guest star of the moment. Zabu keeps smiling despite being a little perturbed he isn't the man of the moment.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
'Good Evening, Sumaru.' is a popular enough TV show. And Akechi is a well-known media darling, making the circuit because of his opposition to the latest 'trend' of support for the Phantom Thieves of Hearts.
Of course he accepted the invitation. He's a resident of Sumaru City, though some more casual fans may not realize that given the amount of time he spends in Tokyo.
When he introduces him, the Guest comes out from back stage, in a sweater vest over a white sleeved button up shirt, khaki pants. Ordinarily he prefers his uniform, but during summer break him being in more 'casual' attire makes him feel more relatable, doesn't it?
He's all smiles, as he walks across the set, with a cant of his head, a smile, and a raise of his hand as if to wave to his fans in the crowd. "Why hello there." Right before he settles down in the Guest Chair.
"Thank you for having me." He says with a well practiced tone of friendliness in front of his host. "I can't say I expected this crowd response."
He takes on a jocular look, "It makes me feel as if I might be a little overdressed for the occasion. But in my line of work, you rarely get enough time to enjoy one's Summer Break."
He seems to be playing to the crowd of fans, at least, making quips in order to get a response. It's rather normal for him during an introduction.
<Pose Tracker> Gozaburou Gessou has posed.
The crowd goes wild upon seeing Akechi's outfit. Zabu is tipping the scale by keeping the crowd entirely on the Team Akechi hypetrain but the reasons remain a mystery right now.
Zabu gives Akechi a respectful bow, smiling brightly for the cameras. "What sort of reaction were you expecting?" He laughs giving Akechi a little throw away to get some banter going.
"No, you look great. Very professional which makes sense for someone of your status" Zabu laughs before gesturing for Akechi to sit on the opposite chair before taking his own. "So how is summer break going for you? Any summer time romance for a dashing hero of justice like yourself? I'm sure these girls wanna know."
The crowd quietly murmurs over the question. Did the Prince have a Princess? Who is she? (Or He?!) Oh say it isn't so, Akechi.
Zabu just quietly chews his gum, smiling at Akechi as he waits to see how this interview will go.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
Folding his hands together from his elbows on each arm rest, he crosses a leg over the other.
"Well I'm not accustomed to welcomes so... enthusiastic. It's a bit embarrassing, actually. However, I can't say I'm not flattered by it. I would like to thank my fans for their support."
It's this contradiction of emotions between the practiced humility of the humble boy next door, embarrassed at all the attention - and the none too subtle validation while soliciting attention from his fans that makes him quite popular.
It's almost like he discovered the perfect show biz formula for being a teenage Detective in Japanese media.
"I appreciate you going easy on me." He says on his choice of outfit, "Often I have little enough time to do anything but throw something on before I'm out the door."
And yet the outfit looks perfectly pressed. Newly put on. Not a drop of sweat despite it being the summer.
"Haha..." Akechi chuckles at the question of having a 'summer romance'. "... Mostly I've been working on my various cases, though I do catch a little 'me' time every now and then. In that sense, it's certainly more relaxing than during a school semester. As for romance, that's quite the dangerous question..."
He lets that linger off for a time, as if to leave a lingering sense of 'discomfiture' among his fans that he might, before answering, "... I have a feeling if I answered 'yes' it would only add to my caseload. As it stands, I've been far too busy to be searching for romance- though, if I were to find the right girl... well, I certainly would find a way to make time for her."
And with a smile that leaves everyone of his fans in the crowd feeling like he might choose /them/ as the right girl.
<Pose Tracker> Gozaburou Gessou has posed.
Gozaburou smiles and nods as he watches the boy get flustered. Generally, if you put anyone in front of their hardcore followers, they either got flustered or lived in the moment. From Zabu's perspective, Akechi seemed to be someone embarrassed by their fame.
Such a pity.
"Well well, a man dedicated to his craft. Gotta love it folks." Zabu clasps his hands together before reaching for a notecard where presumably most of the questions were. Teleprompter got left at the studio it seems.
The crowd of panelists go wild for Akechi's answers. This time there are three "I Love You"s for example.
After a beat, Zabu checks the card and then turns to Akechi, smiling. "So you are no simple guest...Tell us what is a day in life for you right now? Like I'm sure there are some people out there who want to know what it's like being someone who has to juggle school and this job usually held by much older individuals?"
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
Is he truly embarrassed? Well, no, but it wouldn't suit his purposes to let the entire world know.
"Haha... well, I would like to think I'm quite committed to my pursuit of Justice. Though perhaps I'm not quite as dedicated as some of our studio audience."
He says, while lifting a hand, and making a small raise of his hand as if in acknowledgement of them.
Zabu's next question causes him to tilt his head as if in thought, "Well during the school year on most days, I wake up early - perform a light work out. Then often I catch the earliest train to Tokyo that I can."
He says with a smile, "Not many my age can say they already have the proper 'Salaryman' experience. Aha."
He's still smiling, "You see- given my work with the Police, often I'm called upon to miss school. However, I have an arrangement with the administration at my school. So long as I turn in all of my assignments, and sit for my exams, they're more than willing to 'share' me. I /do/ still try to make time to go into class when I can... though unfortunately it's less than I'd like."
He gestures at the camera casually while still looking at Zabu, "Perhaps I might ask any criminals out there watching right now to give yourselves up? Then I'd have much more time to enjoy my life as a high schooler."
He says as he makes a light joke, "The prosecutor's office will go much easier on you if they don't have to wait for me to catch you."
He's definitely trying to get a laugh there, before he smiles at him, "Still, I do quite well for myself, even missing many days. I believe I'm still top of my class, though- I can't say I've even had time to look at the results."
He makes a small theatrical sigh, "These Phantom Thieves of Hearts are keeping me quite busy."
<Pose Tracker> Gozaburou Gessou has posed.
Zabu listens to Akechi grandstand and charm the crowd. It was something he did so he knew these tactics well. Still, there was no way he could see past Akechi's exterior as Zabu was too concerned with himself.
Still, he laughs at Akechi's jokes, following the story of someone who gets to play as an adult without being one. Not an ounce of disgust shows on the TV host's face. He turns to the camera. "You hear that, criminals? Akechi-kun has got you in his sights. So lets hope he catches you before he misses out on all the precious youth." There is a laugh on the back of his heartful, polite plea to the underworld.
Then there is the moment he was waiting for. The Phantom Thieves. Zabu nods at Akechi's sigh, laughing. "I take it the case isn't going well." There is a pause for laughter, which is piped into the mix on TV. In the actual air, there is only a split second of dead air as Akechi's fans won't laugh at their idol. The magic of Television!
"So would you say the Phantom Thieves are your greatest trial, Akechi-kun? Surely they are no match for someone of your intellect." Zabu turns his gaze to look at Akechi. He isn't trying to be a dick. Not yet. Right now, it was about making Akechi feel good.
"While my show had some bad intel on their latest target, I find it disturbing how there are a band of criminals extorting even children. While my sources are now telling me this child was arrested for very credible crimes, Can the law actually carry out justice when these confessions are--coerced?" Zabu isn't sure how this next question will go as he is starting to get a little more direct. The man just waits to see how Akechi deals with this latest question.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"Yes. I do hope I won't grow up to be someone that says that youth is wasted. That would be a true tragedy."
He says, referencing so many adults who claim that youth is wasted on the young. "So please turn yourselves in, right away."
Winning smile. The camera certainly loves him. And then, Akechi folds his fingers again together, "Oh? What makes you say that?" He replies, seeming curious as to Zabu's justification. "Even if they're not in custody, I'd say the case is going quite well thus far."
However... he asks if they're his greatest trial, "Well. I suppose we'll know for certain when I finally bring this case to a close. However, if you were to think about it, the value of a Detective is uncertain- isn't it?" He says with a more serious expression, "What separates one from another? What defines their value to society?"
He offers to him, as if he were getting philosophical on the matter as he raises two fingers, "Two things - a tough case that only he can solve, and the existence of a worthy rival to make such a case." One fingers lower at a time as they say each of those things, "If indeed - they became my greatest trial..."
He pauses, seeming lost in thought for several long seconds before...
"... well that would truly be a shame, don't you think? To face my greatest trial before I'd even graduated high school! What would there be to look forward to?"
He grins at Zabu, "Besides, I'd say my current greatest trial are my upcoming college admissions exams. I do hope they manage to top that one!"
However... the interview turns to Eiji, and the grin just vanishes to become more pensive, as he leans forward, placing a hand to his chin, "That is indeed the question. If a Change of Heart is forced upon another party- then can they be said to be offering that confession of their own free will? I believe the answer is 'No'. Nevertheless - when we are faced with a Juvenile charged for such serious crimes, we cannot exactly ignore the wrongs he has done. The victims would demand no less."
Taking his hand off of his chin, he leans back again, and concludes to Zabu's question, "We as a society must come together and decide to reject the 'Justice' of the Phantom Thieves. If a criminal such as this one is to be truly punished for what he has done, then his sentence cannot be the result of a coerced sense of responsibility. He must choose to take it of his own accord."
It's a tough needle to thread, to say 'even if their hearts are changed, they deserve punishment' while also saying 'it's not right for the heart to be changed for the sake of their responsibility to society'.
And yet, he threads it rather well, in a well practiced manner from defending his position time and time again on TV.
<Pose Tracker> Gozaburou Gessou has posed.
Zabu laughs at Akechi's joke. "So true and I think we can agree you have a long way before you become an old man like that" The same smile is given back to the boy detective. Such is the tango of talk show television.
"Oh ho...I suppose I'm not used to how a detective sees their work. From the outsider's perspective, your mannerisms kinda paint a picture of someone in over his head...Temporarily of course." Zabu crosses his legs and he adjusts himself in the chair. "If you're saying that the case is going well, then who am I to argue?"
Zabu listens to the Detective Prince explain what makes a detective, chewing his gum with a satisfied smirk. "Is that so--fascinating! Though I suppose it would be sad to meet their match in High School. Most couples don't meet until college and I can't imagine a better comparison than soul mates for such a fated confrontation!" Zabu winks at the camera. "So in a way, maybe you do have more of a summer romance than you think." There crowd makes a "oooooo" and if they don't, it's piped in.
"I can't imagine college being very useful for a young man who has such a stunning career already. Does this mean we might see the Detective Prince at an office space near you?" More laughter.
"You are part of a legacy...the previous Detective Prince was well known for solving cases just like you. When you consider who came before, are you afraid they could've solved the Phantom Thieves case before you? Do you ever compare yourself to your predecessor?"
Zabu notes Akechi's flawless handling of the Eiji case. While he wishes that brat only the worst time in prison, he can't help but understand the public. If you were stupid enough to get caught, you deserved what came next.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"I do hope so!" He replies quickly to the idea it will be a long time before he becomes an /adult like that/ that /undercuts children/. Or as Ryuji Sakamoto himself would say...
'A shitty rotten adult'.
He doesn't know how much Akechi would agree with him there. Zabu however, indicates that his mannerisms paint him as someone in over his head, temporarily, "My- and here I thought I was the Detective, here. Are you sure you're not moonlighting as a Psychological Profiler for the police?"
Akechi quips in regards to Zabu calling out his 'mannerisms', "I wouldn't say I'm in over my head at all. if anything, I'd say I'm eminently suitable for this case." As he pushes back just - lightly.
He's not exactly warning him yet, but it's rather clear a button was pressed.
Zabu keeps going however, calling it a 'romance' of sorts eliciting crowd 'oooooo's. And Akechi's smile widens subtly, in a somewhat forced manner. "Do I? Well I'd hardly think of it as romance. I suppose some may see a certain 'romance' in rivalry. But it's not as if I'm considering a criminal as a serious romantic prospect."
His close-eyed smile opens on the side of Akechi facing Zabu to stare at him, outside of the camera's angle on him. "Aha... hardly. I certainly don't expect to settle down as an Office Worker. However, just because my career is well underway, doesn't mean there's no value in an education at a proper university, don't you think?" He says, as he offers back to that point, "No, I fully intend to continue my studies to be of even greater use to society."
He then has to try his hardest not to frown at him bringing up Naoto. "I have nothing but respect for Shirogane-san." Akechi seems to be taking on a more guarded tone now, "I don't believe it's particularly relevant who would solve it first... so long as Justice is done. However, if I had to speculate for the sake of argument... given what I know of their prior cases." He pauses, as if considering the subject thoroughly, "I believe Shirogane-san and I would solve the case in a near equivalent amount of time. If it were a competition - it would be quite a close thing."
How humble!
However, let's take a brief look at Akechi's internal landscape right now:
https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/047/210/nah_id_win.jpg
"I must admit though, I would rather enjoy a competition like that-!" Akechi says, musing out loud. "However, with the stakes so high... I think it more likely the two of us would be working together."
<Pose Tracker> Gozaburou Gessou has posed.
"Well I do enjoy a good mystery book every now and then." Zabu laughs and shrugs at the camera. "But I guess I do have a decent judge of people so maybe I have my backup career as the Detective Prince III" Another laugh. Another quip to entertain the masses.
"Oh ho...Ex~cit~ing!" He responds to Akechi's claim that he was suitable for the case. "Then we can expect to see a showdown for the ages. I hope we get to see it all go down!"
Zabu notices that smile, making his wider too. Like beast showing its fangs in a grin. "No, of course not! I mean more of a poetic romance between rivals. Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty for example. Though I can see a movie there....star crossed lovers on either side of the law." Zabu looks at the camera and points. "I'm copyrighting that just in case. He winks and turns back to Akechi. "That is very true, Akechi-kun. Can you believe this boy? So dedicated to the justice and betterment of society!" There are actual applause from the panel.
The panel goes wild when Akechi proves he is just a humble. To not grandstand against one's processor? To speak of all parties with a sense of respect? Yowza!
"So you think you'd work together the case? It sounds like a manga set up. Two generations teaming up on their greatest case." Zabu smiles and taps a finger to his chin. "Lets hope it doesn't come to that as I think our lovely audience wants you to take the win.....Speaking of, lets leave our guest with a question from the panel." Zabu gets to his feet and walks to the second stage. He walks to the girl in Goro Akechi heart shirt and smiles. "What do you want to ask Akechi-kun?"
"Ummm, oh...Uh...Akechi-san, I was wondering if uh...who are your heroes? And also what you use in your hair since it's so pretty. Omigosh! I'm talking to him. EEEEEE"
Zabu smiles and chews his gum as he looks back to Akechi. "I asked for one question but it seems we have two. Akechi-kun, would you be so kind to close us out by answering either or both questions?"
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"Oh my- do I have more competition in the room? Well, to declare yourself our successor... you must be a great deal younger than you appear!"
He says it so playfully! It's all in good fun, isn't it?
"Well, I'll do whatever I can to meet your expectations."
Then of the poetic romance between rivals, "Of course of course-!" He chuckles, "Though I'd say it's more akin 'Herlock Sholmes' and 'Arsene Lupin' myself... after all, Moriarty is more Mastermind than 'Gentleman Thief'."
Well, of course he'd say that, the Detective Prince has to be fully knowledgeable of Detective fiction, right?
"Aha-! Well of course! What reason would we have to compete, when we both have the same end?" He laughs, before the audience question comes.
And-!
The fangirl goes wild, Akechi looks mildly startled, like a boy befuddled and charmed by the fairer sex all at once.
"Aha... why yes you are. It'd be my pleasure to answer you."
Folding his fingers together, "My heroes - one might say it was somewhat fated. But I grew up on my mother's Detective Novels. She was a great fan of Edogawa Ranpo's work - with the character of Kogoro Akechi. One might say she named me after him. I sincerely hope that I'm able to meet her expectations with my work."
He says with a smile, Filial piety! What a guy! "I have others as well of course, Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and even Philip Marlowe from the Western Noir genre. And then there's Shirogane-san. His young age when he solved his first case was inspirational, even to myself at the time."
Inspirational, as in Naoto Shirogane had everything - wealth, lineage, all the resources he did not to make his way in the world.
Akechi's definitely bitter.
"As for the latter... I believe I use a brand from a local Convenience Store?" Akechi looks up as if straining to remember, "I don't actually put all that much thought into it. I'm afraid my hair's naturally always been this way."
(He's lying, he has a whole treatment regimen and actually uses Yoru Relax the Brand as his main conditioner.)
"I hope that answer met your expectations, miss!" He tells her, cheerfully, "Though you needn't be shy about talking to me. I promise! I don't bite."
<Pose Tracker> Gozaburou Gessou has posed.
Zabu's teeth grind when Akechi mentions his age. He is still smiling because yes it was all in good fun. Keep the audience positive.
The fan girl eyes go wide when Akechi mentions "biting". She is bright red and ready to put such info in her Goro Akechi fanfic where he romances the beautiful Phantom Thief self insert character she wrote about.
Zabu nods slowly at Akechi's answer, knowing full well that convenience store conditioner wouldn't do what Akechi is claiming. Still, props to the kid for clearly thinking about his image. He wonders if Akechi has studied all those detectives or if it was part of this brand he was selling. Still, there was a chance Akechi was truly this ray of sunshine. A knight in shining armor perhaps.
Zabu can feel his stomach start to turn. He was going to keep an eye on this boy to see if he was useful. "Coming up, we look at some new trends in Sumaru. Can you believe what rumors are going around? Join us."
The stage hand calls clear and Zabu's smile dims just a little when the cameras turn off. "Good working with you, buddy. I hope you bring those criminals to justice quite soon. It would be good TV. Let me know if we can be there to see you bust the Phantom Thieves." He nods politely to Akechi, treating him with the respect usually reserved for adults.
Keep the audience happy. That was the key to success.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
All in good fun! Such good fun between host and guest on TV!
Indeed Zabu pegs it correctly, that being overly concerned with his /hair/ wouldn't be masculine enough. It wouldn't be /boy next door/. There's an order in the chaos of his unruly mane.
Every single strand is exactly where he wants it to be.
But indeed, he's read nearly every piece of Detective Fiction that exists in Japan translated - and several in English.
"I know I can't wait to hear all about them." Akechi follows up the 'Can you believe what rumors are going around'. Getting a word in before the Stagehand calls 'clear'.
"And it was a pleasure working with you as well, Gessou-san." He says, as he extends his right hand to shake it. "I'll keep that in mind, when the time comes."
He definitely sounds like he's taking it seriously! The publicity tours after he defeats the Phantom Thieves - ah, they'll be epic, he can already see them now.
Keep the audience happy. Akechi looks towards his fans in the audience, and smiles at them one last time.
He is ever so good to his fans.