Chains of Rebellion

The Chains of Rebellion (反逆の鎖! Rebel Chain) is a leitmotif in the Bad Smash Fanfic. While they are never visually described in the text, they appear in artwork for various characters (most notably Kasuigi.) The chains themselves are intangible. They are used solely for aesthetic purposes.

Usage
The chains are often accompanied by a raging spiritual flame and represent a character awakening to an immense power. These chains can also be seen when they are using their power at its maximum force. These chains do not directly mean that a character possesses a persona.

Compared to their usage in Persona 5, the chains also tie down the user. However, the chains are seen to be used for offensively as a weapon rather than being broken. In the anime, the chains can be seen following the motions of a character's attacks. This reflects the power a character awakens to. Instead of breaking free from the weight that holds them back like in Persona 5, the chains represent one's ability to channel the world's weight on the character to use against the world itself.

There are 4 main colors of chains seen in the anime; red, purple, and blue. Red chains are seen around villains who channel their oppression into their fighting force. Not many villains exhibit this trait. Purple serves the same purpose as red but for heroes. Blue chains are one of the prophetic symbols of Destiny Itself. Only bearers of destiny itself exhibit these chains when they awaken to the power. These chains are also seen when the two bearers fuse to create the penultimate being. Said penultimate being exhibits similar chains when active. The chains themselves grow in size and motion the more force the being uses.

Origin
Chains play a large role in the thematic art design of the Persona series, most notably the sixth entry in the series Persona 5. Chains appear in numerous parts of the game's art. Chains in the game are typically associated with the awakening of a persona. When awakening to this new power, the chains flail wildly around the persona and the user. When fully awakening to their second power, the chains break. This is also demonstrated in ranking up confidants as the chains surrounding their tarot card slowly dwindle with each rank.

Persona 5 deals with the themes of rebellion, liberation, and self discovery. The chains themselves reflect the oppression the outside world has on them. Much like a rioting prisoner trying to break free, they might shake their chains in anguish. The chains flail wildly as the user is finally able to resist what pulls them down. When the chains break, they have finally found freedom in the world.

Blue

 * Mitsuru- Mitsuru is first seen with these chains in the infiltration of monstropolis. In the infiltration, Mitsuru fully awakens to destiny itself. The chains themselves also hint at the awakening to the other characters. During The GreatER Maze, the chains are also seen frequently around Mitsuru, albeit at a lower intensity. They are also seen during the two instances when Mitsuru fuses.
 * Waluigi- Waluigi also is seen with these chains in his awakening. He exhibits these chains in similar instances to Mitsuru. However, the chains more often twist around his limbs and upper body rather than how Mitsuru's frequently circle around her hips and lower body. Waluigi also has seen to be able to wield the chains instead of Mitsuru's following the path of her sword. It is not yet confirmed if Waluigi's chains can actually inflict damage or if he was just being a badass.
 * Kasuigi- The fusion of Mitsuru and Waluigi. When the two fuse as a test run, the chains are present around kasuigi's basic form. When Kasuigi is in combat form, the chains are briefly seen trailing her tailcoat. When she morphs to combat form MK II, the chains more actively circle around her body.

Purple

 * Wilbur Soot- The chains are only seen twice around him in the anime, once when he brandishes his full power and once as he charges to his demise in the infiltration of monstropolis. In the second instance, the chains trail violently behind him, symbolizing him using his maximum anger-fueled power. Unlike the other characters, his chains are accompanied by real fire. The chains act as wisps of smoke for his pyrokinetic attacks when he goes full force.
 * George Miller- The chains are only seen once around Joji, that being when he transforms into a fake Ikutsuki. He has finally created a power strong enough to counter the malicious acts of the Kirijo Group.

Red

 * Takuto Maruki- in his final fight with the Cübe Alliance, he becomes fed up with their plot convenience bull shit. He goes full force in an all out battle, breaking away from his saturday morning villain facade. The battle ultimately ends with his defeat, and the alliance makes it to the GreatER maze.