Chapter 155 - Masks

"I know, we've spoken about this already. But, be careful," Akito mumbled as the other two split from them. It was undoubtedly an abandoned building. Layers of dust covered the floors, ceilings, and walls. She could see mice running around from the corner of her eyes.

"I know."

And she did know. This is a standard case - but it's her first time being on the field. At least at this time. Police cases here differ from the ones in the future. Even though incidents like this aren't uncommon in the future. Her thoughts broke off when she caught a glimpse of a large tower. Ah?

Akito glanced over at her, "Do you know what that is?"

"The Panopticon prison?"

"Yes, correct. Bentham described the new plans for the 1843 panopticon prison, as a new mode of obtaining power of mind. The entire concept of the prison was an easy way to oversee the prisoners. We could see the prisoners whenever we want - but the prisoners did not know when the warden would watch them. It's impossible for a single security guard, or even two to watch every single prisoner. However, the prisoners don't know that."

"In other words, the purpose of the prison was too play with the minds of the individual. Rather than say, it was a confident way of observing the prisoners easily because they don't know when they are being watched. One can observe they're natural behavior. Some will constantly behave, while some will act like themselves. It's an ideal model to observe one's true nature. People put on a mask when they are in front of others. That mask falls off when that person is gone. It's the same here too," Setsura interjected.

Akito laughs, "You make a good scholar."

Setsura rolled her eyes, "And you're not?" she trailed off. She wanted to ask him about his education. But, she held back.

With the end of the Tokugawa reign in 1867- Japan ended its isolation policy. The following year, the new leadership set Japan on the path of modernization. The leaders established public education so that Japan could catch up with the West. They event sent individuals abroad to study the education system.

The first group returned with so many ideas. These ideas and ambitious initial plans were difficult to carry out. Japan's modernization took time because of the 200+ years of isolation. They were behind everything. It took time, but eventually, a new national education system emerged. A system similar to the West.

Akito appears to be well educated.

"Well, you're right there. I studied a lot when I finally got the chance. It was one of my first requests when the old man found me."

Ah...

"Still," Akito sighed. "We're still behind the times. The West has developed so much. By the time we catch up, the people living in the West are already developing new things."

"So, we will always be behind?"

"Indeed."

'If Akito saw the future, then she wondered what he would say.'

"The concept of the prisons, do you agree with it?" Setsura asked. She raised the lantern she had in her hand towards the large tower. While it resembled the towers from the Panopticon system, this tower is a normal one.

A relieved sigh passed her lips. The idea itself ended up rejected. So, of course, there shouldn't be any more of those around. Still, this place gives her the creeps.

"I was about to ask you the same. A society where one controls the minds of the individuals through everyday equipment/buildings. How do you feel?" Akito paused. "Let's rephrase that if you were locked up in prison like that. How would you act?"

"I'd act like myself; nothing would change."

"Even though you could get in trouble?"

"I don't see any need to hide under a mask. I've lived an honest life until now, even to the extent it would get me in trouble."

Akito smiles, "I see, you hardly see people like you these days."

It really does feel like Akito is mocking her here.

"Don't mock me. I know your the same. What's the use in hiding behind a mask? Do you gain anything from pretending to be somebody who you aren't?"

"That way of thinking is very amazing," Akito suddenly stopped walking. "Tell me, something Setsura. Since you think that way, then how about me? Do you dislike me because I pretend in front of others?"

Setsura sighed, 'what a stupid question.' Why is Akito even asking something like this? It's true when she discovered Akito wore a mask like those people she disliked. She wanted to stay away from him. Those who wear a mask are the insincere ones. The ones who will end up breaking your heart and discarding your feelings.

People who would treat human beings as trash. However, Akito differed from those people. He had a reason why he wore a mask, why he didn't act sincere and honest in front of others. The death of somebody important, losing somebody important to him. It messed him up - and before he knew it, to survive, he had to pretend to be somebody else. Wearing that smile on his face to stop others from worrying.

But that's very stupid.

Setsura saw right through him from the very first day. This person has the same clouded eyes as her. Their situations may differ from one another, but they both feel loneliness and pain.

Pain, most people wouldn't understand.

Everybody here is the same; they don't notice anything. They fail to recognize the pain and suffering of those who are close to them.

People noticed Akito's pain; they knew he faked his smile. But what did they do? They did nothing. Why would they take action? No matter how much another person claims to care. The moment they realize that the pain is too much to carry, they leave. None of them stay and help. Those who do stay end up getting messed up and affected. Only those who have gone through it will understand.

There are those who left. One of the main reasons why Akito ended up in a worse state is because of those people. They left him, even though he trusted them. Akito's teammates, she wondered what they thought of their captain. A senior, an elite who came from squad one. Do they hate him, and look at him with eyes of disdain? Do they judge him?

How much pain has Akito gone through? No, even now, he is still going through a lot. He's asking her this question because her opinion is important to him.