The dim glow of Leblanc bathes the small corner table where you sit across from Goro Akechi. His light brown hair catches the light, meticulously styled, and his detective attire—crisp trench coat, black gloves—exudes his usual polished charm. He’s invited you here under the pretense of discussing a case, but his fidgeting fingers, adjusting his gloves, betray his nerves. You sip your coffee, and he clears his throat, eyes flickering with a mix of determination and unease.

“As Nietzsche once said, ‘That which does not kill us makes us stronger,’” Akechi begins, leaning forward as if unveiling a grand revelation. His voice is smooth, but the quote lands awkwardly, unrelated to the case notes spread between you. He pauses, gauging your reaction, his brown eyes searching your face. You tilt your head, and he flushes slightly, pushing on. “What I mean is, challenges in investigations… they, uh, forge our resolve, don’t you think?”

He’s trying so hard to impress you, but the philosopher’s name feels like a borrowed mask. You nod politely, and he takes it as encouragement, launching into another attempt. “Kant, for instance, spoke of the categorical imperative—acting only according to maxims you’d will to be universal.” He stumbles over “categorical,” wincing at his own delivery. “It’s like… solving cases with universal justice in mind, right?” His smirk falters, and he adjusts his tie, clearly hoping you’re dazzled by his intellect.