Before the story begins, I must say the disclaimers and policy. Every disclaimer and policy will cover this, and all chapters afterward, so it will appear once.
Ownership Disclaimer:
Atlus Co., Ltd. (which is now a subsidiary of Sega Games Co., Ltd.) is the sole proprietor of Persona 4, the Persona series, the Shin Megami Tensei series, and all characters and concepts created for those games. This disclaimer exists to acknowledge the aforementioned information, and that the author of this story is not receiving any monetary compensation for writing this fan fiction, thereby avoiding potential civil litigation in Japan and the United States.
Rating Disclaimer:
Persona: Scenario N is also rated M for similar reasons why the games are rated M, including blood, violence, sexual themes, alcohol usage and language.
If you are offended by any of the above, you should avoid this story ... and the Persona series as a whole.
Pairing / Shipping Policy:
I have decided the pairings for the story. I rather not give that away now because that would spoil the story. However, I am aware that some people will not read a story if the pairing is not their preference.
If you must know the pairings before you continue, log on to this website and send a PM requesting the pairings.
Okay, no more disclaimers! Time to start the story!
Chapter 1: Arrival
- - - April 11, 2011 - - - 12:00 PM - - - Iwatodai Station - - -
"This is it," a teenager with silver hair said to two people inside a train station and gave a sincere smile. The first person was a man with similar silver hair to him, while the second person was a teenage girl wearing glasses on a train platform inside a station. "Time for a new experience in a new town."
"Wish we didn't have to do this Yu," a man, also with silver hair, said as he rubbed his temples. "We were in this town for less than a year, but the boss needs us overseas."
"Don't worry about it Dad," Yu said with a formal tone as he adjusted the cuff of his shirt. "I know—"
"Your mom and I considered letting you stay here, or live in a dorm," the man interrupted respectfully as his forehead furrowed. "We know you are responsible, but she insisted that you stay with family."
"I understand where mom is coming from," Yu said as he waved it off.
"Your mom is on the plane to New York right now," Yu's father said. "She will give you a call once she arrives. I'm going to finish packing at the apartment before I leave for London tomorrow."
Yu nodded quickly.
"Don't lose the house key," Yu's dad continued with amusement in his voice as his smile broadened. "The company is paying the mortgage while we are overseas. We'll be back in the same place when everything is over."
Yu nodded again as a smile surfaced, remembering that the company was also paying for his school tuition at Inaba, as well as all of the moving expenses going to and from Inaba and the mortgage of the house.
"Your mom and I grew up in Inaba," Yu's father said with an unexpected grin as he reflected on various memories. "It doesn't have much, but it is peaceful. You'll like it there."
"I liked it here," Yu said with smile. "I'm sure I'll like it in Inaba too."
"You said the same thing when we moved from Tokyo," Yu's father said as his face lightened. "Your uncle is a good man that your mom and I trust. Your cousin is your age, and she thinks of you as a big brother." He grasped his son's shoulder lightly. "Your mom and I will call every chance we get, so keep your phone charged."
"I know dad," Yu said with a slight smile on his face. That was one of the things he looked forward to in Inaba.
"Keep up with your studies Yu," the teenage girl said as Yu's father stepped aside. "We aren't in the same school anymore, but it is still my responsibility to make sure my kouhai is doing well."
"Of course Chihiro-sempai," Yu said with a confident nod. "Don't overwork yourself. You are in charge of the student council now."
"It's not like being a treasurer," the teenage girl said. "Sometimes, I wonder how my sempai managed everything when I was a first year."
"Don't worry, you'll do fine." Yu said as he placed his hand on her shoulder, before Chihiro embraced him in a hug.
"Attention please," the announcement at the train station blared, before the teenage girl could complete the hug. "The train for Sumaru City is now boarding. I repeat, the train for Sumaru City is now boarding."
"That's my train," Yu said as he clutched his bag with his right hand, and waved goodbye with the other. "I'll tell everyone when I arrive in Inaba."
"Of course Yu," the teenage girl said as she stepped back, and waved goodbye along with Yu's father.
As he walked past a video advertisement of a young idol promoting a weight loss drink, and a video feed of the news speaking about a national political scandal involving a reporter sleeping with a married politician, he wondered what was ahead in Inaba. It was two years since he visited the town, and that was for a few days under unfortunate circumstances.
Once he walked inside the train, he sat down, and drifted to sleep, knowing it was a long train ride. He would need more rest before he arrived in Inaba.
- - - April 11, 2011 - - - Unknown Time - - - Unknown Location - - -
When Yu awakened, he realized that he was no longer on the train, but inside a limousine. Glancing to his right, he noticed a beautiful woman with unique gold eyes that appeared to look like an administrative aid. In front of him was a short man with graying hair wearing a suit. However, the most obvious feature about the man was a lengthy nose.
"Is this a dream?" Yu asked himself as he glanced to his left, seeing a small bar with a variety of drinks and cocktails. He never drank alcohol before, but he knew what they were thanks to his parents hosting events at their home when they were younger.
He admitted to himself that the limousine had an impressive variety of booze, and gave off an elegant vibe.
"Welcome to the Velvet Room," the man with the long nose said in a well-mannered voice as he lifted his head, revealing his beady eyes, and getting Yu's attention. Despite the scary look, Yu nodded in agreement, going along with the conversation as he felt the man was peaceful.
"It seems that we have a guest with an intriguing destiny," he says with a slight chuckle. "My name is Igor. I am delighted to make your acquaintance."
"I am honored, but what is the Velvet Room? This looks like a limousine." Yu asked.
"This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. It is a room that only those who are bound by a 'contract' may enter—" Igor said as he folded his hands.
"But I haven't signed a contract," Yu said as he raised an eyebrow. "At least none that I know of."
"It may be that such a fate awaits you in the future." Igor said. "Now, why don't you introduce yourself."
"Yu Narukami," the silver hair teen responded with grace and a smile. Despite being in an unusual place, he felt safe and relaxed.
"Hm, I see," Igor says with interest. "Now let's take a look into your future, shall we Mr. Narukami?"
"Sure, why not," Yu said with a shrug. At that moment, a flash of light appeared, and several cards appeared on the table. The cards then proceeded to move on their own.
"Do you believe in fortune telling?" Igor asked.
"Not really, but after seeing what you did with the cards, I'll take your word for it." Yu replied as he leaned forward.
"Each reading is done with the same cards, yet the result is always different," Igor continued as he gave a small chuckle. "Life follows the same principles, doesn't it?"
Yu gives a nod as Igor turns over a card, which depicted a tower being struck and destroyed by lighting. He became slightly uneasy when he noticed a man falling off the tower to his death.
"Hm, the tower in the upright position represents the immediate future. It seems that a terrible catastrophe is imminent." Igor says with some concern in his voice.
"A catastrophe?" Yu asked aloud. "Well, that's not good." Looking at the man in the card again, he realized he was diving into water, so perhaps there is a chance he escapes too.
"The card indicating the future beyond that is ... " Igor says as he flips another card. "The moon, in the upright position. This card represents 'hesitation' and 'mystery' ... very interesting indeed. It seems that you will encounter a misfortune at your destination, and a great mystery will be imposed on you."
"This, is not a good fortune Igor." Yu said as he frowned.
"In the coming days, you will enter into a contract of some sort, after which you will return here." Igor said in an inspired voice. "The coming year is a turning point in your destiny. If the mystery goes unsolved, your future may be forever lost. My duty is to provide assistance to our guests to ensure that does not happen."
"I appreciate it," Yu said with an affirmative nod. Even if he felt this was only a dream, if he was to face something horrible soon, at least he will have help to deal with it. He then turned towards the woman, who has yet to say anything at this point.
"Ah!" Igor said as he noticed Yu's glance towards the woman. "I have neglected to introduce my assistant to you. This is Margaret. She is a resident of this place, like myself."
"My name is Margaret," the woman said with a calm and professional demeanor. "I am here to accompany you through your journey."
"Pleased to meet you Margaret," Yu said calmly as he noticed the woman holding a gigantic book on her lap.
"We shall discuss the details another time," Igor said. "Until then, farewell."
Yu looked around, and noticed that the limousine, and everything around him, faded to black.
- - - April 11, 2011 - - - 3:00 PM - - - Train to Sumaru City - - -
Yu awakened when he heard a message notification on his phone. He reached for his phone, and realized he had one notification, which came from his uncle's phone number.
"Meet us outside YasoInaba Station at 4 PM"
Noting the time on his phone, he put it away.
"We are arriving at Sumaru City." The announcement on the train said. "Passengers going to Okina City and YasoInaba Station, please go to the other side of the platform. Passengers travelling to Mikage-Cho are to remain on the train."
Realizing he was at his stop, Yu grabbed his bag, and prepared to leave the train to switch to another one. Unlike the first train ride, the second one was short, taking approximately thirty minutes.
As he left the train, he overheard more reports about the scandal with the reporter and the politician on the television monitors throughout the station. Ignoring them, he boarded the next train, sat down and took out his phone and texted his uncle.
"Okay. See you soon."
He remembered the dream he just had, and wondered what could happen in a quiet place like Inaba while he waited for the train to depart.
- - - April 11, 2011 - - - 4:00 PM - - - YasoInaba Station - - -
When the train arrived at YasoInaba, Yu looked around at the endless plains and the clean water. The area was seemed more rural than he remembered.
Also, unlike the other train stations, this one did not have any monitors, only a simple platform where everyone boarded, an entrance leading to one platform, and an overpass to get to the other side.
"There's absolutely nothing here," Yu said to himself as he left the train with his bag, and realizing he was one of three people to get off the train, while everyone else on the train went to Okina City.
He noticed a mostly empty parking lot, and a bus stop, where one bus seemed to be waiting to depart from the terminal. To his surprise, there were not many businesses surrounding the train station, aside from a convenience shop and a small restaurant.
"Hey! Over here!" Yu heard someone well as he turned towards the direction of the voice. He noticed a man wearing a dark gray shirt and red tie, carrying a suit jacket over his shoulder.
He also noticed a teenage girl next to him, with her hair in a ponytail. She wore a white turtleneck with black pants.
Yu walked over to the two people and waved hello, recognizing both the man and the teenage girl.
"Well, you're more handsome in person than in your photo," the man said with amazement. "Welcome to Inaba. I'm Ryotaro Dojima, and—"
"Dad, he knows you are his uncle," the teenage girl interrupted before turning towards Yu. "It's been a long time Big Bro!"
"It's been a while Nanako-chan," Yu said with a smile as Nanako hugged him while he held his bag.
"My daughter certainly isn't shy anymore," Dojima said with a laugh. "Well then, let's get going. My car is over there."
"Sure," Yu said as he lifted his bag while Nanako and Dojima walked toward the car, as a paper flew out the bag. While following them, he passed by another girl.
"Hey," the girl said to Yu as she picked up the piece of paper. "You dropped this."
"Thank you," Yu said as he took the paper. He was grateful, as that piece of paper had Dojima's address, in case he needed to call a taxi or ride the bus from the station.
"Whatever. All I did was pick it up," the girl said with a shrug before she walked away.
Yu shrugged as he took notice of the girl's clothes. She dressed ... in a unique fashion, to say the least, with the striped stockings and plaid skirt. She would not be out of place in some cities.
"What's wrong?" Dojima yelled from his car as he was behind the wheel.
"Flirting already?" Nanako teased, as she lowered the window and saw the scene from the passenger side of the car. "You don't waste any time!"
Yu shook his head emphatically toward Nanako as he walked toward the car. He put his bag in the trunk, then sat in the back seat as Dojima drove to Inaba.
At that point, Yu pulled out his phone and touched a number on his phone, before the phone dialed it, then switched the phone to speaker.
"Hi Yu," the man on the other line said. "I take it you arrived in Inaba?"
"Yeah dad," Yu replied. "I'm in the car with Uncle Ryo and Nanako now."
"Hi Uncle Souji," Nanako said with enthusiasm as she turned her head back. "Send me a souvenir from London!"
"You got it Nanako!" Souji said with a laugh.
"How's big sis?" Dojima said, keeping his eyes focused on the road.
"Mai is still on her flight to New York," Souji replied. "Her flight left at 11 AM, and she has a stopover in Los Angeles. She'll probably get there around 2 AM."
"So give her a day of rest before calling?" Dojima asked.
"Probably," Souji replied on the phone. "Knowing Mai though, she'll find a way to call your house before Yu goes to school in the morning."
"Definitely something Big Sis would do," Dojima said.
"Okay, I have to talk some things over with my boss in a moment," Souji said. "If you need anything, give me a call."
"No problem," Dojima said.
"Alright Dad, talk to you later," Yu added.
"Later," Souji said before hanging up the phone.
- - - April 11, 2011 - - - 4:20 PM - - - Central Shopping District - - -
"I need to refill the tank," Dojima said as the car pulled up toward a gas station at the edge of the shopping district. "This will take a second."
"I need to use the bathroom anyway," Nanako added.
"Hi! Welcome to Moel!" a gas station attendant said as he approached the vehicle.
"Where is your bathroom," Nanako asked the attendant as she exited the car.
"It's in the back, to your left," the station attendant said with a smile.
"Thanks!" Nanako said as Yu exited the car, while she took off for the bathroom.
"Are you taking a trip out of town?" The gas station attendant asked.
"No, we just went to pick him up from the train station," Dojima said, pointing towards Yu. "He is staying with us for a year."
"New in town, huh?" The station attendant asked Yu.
"Fill up my car while you're at it," Dojima said, noting that the station attendant was beginning a conversation with Yu. "Regular's fine."
"Right away, Sir!" the station attendant said.
"Good time as any for a smoke," Dojima said as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes and walked toward the street, away from the gas pumps.
"Are you in high school?" The station attendant said as he walked to the pump.
Yu nodded, while raising his eyebrow, wondering if the gas station attendant was a female.
"Does it surprise a city boy to see how little there is out here? The station attendant said as he, or she — Yu was still deciding — refilled the tank. "There's so little to do, I'm sure you'll get bored fast. You'll either be hanging out with your friends or doing part-time jobs."
"That doesn't sound bad," Yu said with a nod, "My cousin will probably introduce me to her friends, and I can always use the money to buy some new books."
"We're actually looking for part-time help right now," the station attendant said as he stepped towards Yu and extended his hand. "Give it some thought, why don't you? We don't mind if you're a student."
"I'll consider it," Yu said as he shook his hand, while Nanako came back from the bathroom.
"Thank you," the attendant said with a smile while filling the car with gasoline.
"You're good at meeting people," Nanako said with a wry smile. "You're making friends fast—"
Without warning, Yu grabbed his head as he felt a brief migraine, which was painful enough to make him lean on the car.
"Are you okay?" Nanako said as she checked on Yu and felt his forehead. "Did you get carsick? You don't look too good."
"It's nothing," Yu said, feeling a little dizzy.
"What's wrong?" Dojima said as he returned from smoking his cigarette and looked at the two teenagers. "You okay?"
"I'm just tired," Yu said as he felt the migraine leave as quickly as it arrived.
"That's understandable. It must have been a long trip for you." Dojima said with some anxiety. "Why not take a short walk, get some fresh air. Just let me know when you're ready to go."
Yu nodded, believing a walk around the shopping district may help.
"I'll go with you," Nanako said. "I can show some of the stores," Nanako said. "These shops are near the house."
Yu nodded in agreement.
As they walked around the shopping district, Yu noted there was not much to it. There was a bus stop near the gas station, which was the same bus line that led to the train station. Yu noted that only one bus passed by since the ride in the car, and that he would likely need at least a bicycle to get around.
Nanako also pointed out to Yu some of the shops in the area, including a bookstore, an antique and smith shop, and a tofu shop. He took special note of the bookstore, Yomenaido Books, as Nanako told him that popular books had a tendency to sell out quickly.
Yu also noted there were more stores down the street, but he did not want to wander too far away from the gas station. However, he also noticed that some of the shops were closed or abandoned. For a shopping center with several small shops, this was unusual, especially for a small town.
It was there that he saw the girl from the train station again.
"We meet again," Yu said with a smile.
"Hm," the girl said as she glanced at Yu and Nanako. "Have we met before?"
"I met you just now," Yu said with an uneasy expression.
"Just now?" the girl said with confusion in her voice. "Hmm, okay."
"Is she playing a mind game?" Nanako whispered to Yu. Yu, shrugged, not knowing how to answer that question.
"We met at the train station," Yu continued. "What were you doing there?"
"Nothing," the girl said. "I just went. I don't have anywhere to go..."
Everyone fell silent at that awkward response. At that point, Yu and Nanako walked away, while the girl seemed to remained focused on something.
"Well, that was odd," Nanako said to Yu as she glanced at the unusual girl. "I've never seen her around town. Maybe she is new here, like you Big Bro."
"Probably," Yu said as he noticed two students talking to each other. Based on the similar hair color and faces, he believed they were siblings.
"That's my sempai," Nanako said, as she walked towards them, with Yu following behind her. "Let me introduce you to her."
"Hey, sis, do you know where my snack went?" the male student said as Yu and Nanako approached them. "I had it in the fridge, but it's gone—"
"Oh, I ate it a few minutes ago," the female student said with a shrug. "I thought it was leftovers."
"What? No!" the male student yelled. "It wasn't leftovers! I was saving it for later!"
"Oh, sorry about that," the female student said in a joyful manner just before she noticed Nanako and Yu.
"Saki-sempai!" Nanako said happily.
"Nana-chan!" the female student said with a warm voice and a smile. "How are you?"
"Doing great," Nanako said to Saki. Nanako then waved her hand toward her cousin. "Oh, this is Yu Narukami. He's the cousin I told you about."
"Pleased to meet you," Saki said as she shook Yu's hand. "You look way more handsome than the pictures Nana-chan showed me. Don't break too many hearts while you're here!"
"I'm not that kind of guy," Yu said with a smile as he noted that Saki had a bubbly personality.
"At least not intentionally," Nanako added as a joke.
"This is Naoki," Saki continued as she spoke to Yu, and introduced the male student, "He's my brother and a first year at Yasogami. Treat him well."
"You got it sempai," Nanako said, while she and Yu nodded to Naoki.
"I gotta work now," Saki said as she looked at the time on her clock. "Give me a call tonight Nana-chan!"
"You got it sempai," Nanako said with a smile.
"It was a pleasure to meet you Dojima-san, and Narukami-san," Naoki said, before walking inside the convenience store. "I was looking forward to that snack."
"First rule of the Dojima household," Nanako said as she turned towards Yu with an edge to her voice. "Don't eat my sweets."
"Got it," Yu said as he nodded quickly, not wanting to see or earn his cousin's wrath.
"We should head back," Nanako said with a smirk as she turned toward the direction of the gas station. "Dad is waiting for us. We'll buy something next time we're here."
- - - April 11, 2011 - - - 4:45 PM - - - Dojima's House - - -
After another short drive, Yu, Nanako and Dojima arrive at the house. Yu remembered from his last visit here that it looked like a small home on the outside, but it also had enough space for three bedrooms and a backyard.
He found the extra room unusual, as it was just Dojima and Nanako living there. He figured that Dojima bought the house with the extra room with guests in mind.
Yu entered the house after Nanako and Dojima as they took off their shoes. As he took off his shoes, it hit him that for the next year, this would be his home.
"Your room is upstairs on the second floor. It's the door on the left," Dojima said as he reached for his phone. "The boxes that Mai and Souji shipped are in your room already."
"Thanks," Yu said to Dojima, grateful that everything is upstairs.
"Do you need help unpacking?" Nanako asked.
"Sure Nanako," Yu said with a smile of appreciation. While his mom and dad sent mostly clothes and books, he was sure it would take at least a week to unpack everything and set up his room without help, especially while catching up with school.
The two cousins walked upstairs and entered the room Dojima mentioned. Looking around, Yu noted to himself that the room was spacious, and definitely bigger than the room in his home. Aside from several boxes on the floor, he noted the furniture already in the room, including some shelves by the door, a dresser for his clothes, a desk, a futon, a loveseat by the window, and a table in front of the loveseat.
"So what should we unpack first?" Nanako asked as she rolled up her sleeves.
"Let's start with this one," Yu said, pointing to a box on the floor. Opening the box, it held some of his clothes.
"Was this your uniform at your old school?" Nanako said as she took out a jacket with a red, black and white logo on it.
"Yeah, but the only thing required was the logo," Yu said with a melancholy tone as he took out the rest of the clothes from the first box, remembering the day the teacher announced he was going away for a year. "Students wore what they wanted, as long as it fit the dress code, but they preferred the black slacks and jacket with a white shirt."
"Yasogami High's uniform is not that different," Nanako said as she pointed to clothes in plastic on the dresser. "Dad picked up some already. The jacket is required for the winter uniform."
Yu walked to the dresser and opened the package. Taking one look at the uniform, he paid attention to the jacket and pants. "I can work with this style."
"Dad bought two more uniforms like that," Nanako said as she opened a second box. "If you want more, you have to buy them from the school. You need to buy the gym clothes as well."
Yu nodded, knowing the price of uniforms was inevitable.
"I need help with this one," Nanako said as she motioned towards the box she just opened. "I don't want to break it."
Yu walked over and looked inside the box. It was a new LED television that his parents bought him. It was not a large screen, but it was better than his old television at home. He preferred to read books, perhaps he'll watch a few shows if there is nothing else to do.
"It's not heavy," Yu said as he took out the television and placed it on the dresser. Nanako then plugged in the television and the cable wire. Turning on the television, the picture was clear.
"I may have to watch some shows in your room," Nanako said with a giggle. "It's better than the one downstairs."
"I have no problem with that," Yu said as he opened the box with his books, and started placing them on the small shelf at the desk.
- - - April 11, 2011 - - - 7:00 PM - - - Dojima House - - -
After they spent two hours unpacking boxes, Dojima asked for Yu and Nanako to come downstairs.
"This was supposed to be a welcoming party but I'm not much of a cook," Dojima said as Yu noticed all the food laid out on the table in the living room. There was no question that the food was take out sushi.
"It's nice," Yu said. "Thank you."
"All right, let's have a toast," Dojima said as he sat by the table near the couch, while Nanako took a seat near the window, and Yu took the seat closest to the kitchen.
"Cheers!" All three said as raised their drinks.
"So," Dojima said to Yu, "Your mom and dad are busy as always."
"Yeah," Yu said. "They didn't want to take me outside Japan, so here I am."
"I know it's only for a year, but getting stuck in a place like this because of your parents ..." Dojima said as his voice trailed off. "It's rough being a kid."
"I'm used to moving around," Yu said with a shrug.
"Well, it's just me and Nanako here, so it'll be nice having someone like you around," Dojima said. "You're part of the family. So long as you're here, make yourself at home."
"Thank you for your kindness," Yu responded, not sure if he should keep his response simple or formal.
"C'mon, there's no need to be so formal," Dojima said with a smile.
"Just relax Big Bro," Nanako said with a smile. "Save the proper etiquette for the teachers."
"Well, anyway," Dojima said. "Let's eat."
However, before anyone could take a bite, Dojima's cellphone started to ring.
"Ugh, who's calling at this time?" Dojima said, frustrated as he reached for his phone, while Nanako turned her face. "Dojima speaking." He got up and walked away from the table.
"Dojima-san," a voice from the phone said. "We need another detective squad on hand."
"What for?" Dojima replied as Yu and Nanako looked at him.
"The Amagi Inn reported that Mayumi Yamano went missing yesterday evening," the voice on the phone said. "We have a search party looking for her, but we need you to investigate the scene at the inn with Adachi."
"Uh huh," Dojima replied quietly.
"The paparazzi are already at the inn because of the scandal," the voice on the phone said in a serious tone. "Use an unmarked car to arrive at the scene."
"Looks like I made the right choice to skip the booze," Dojima said as he hung up. He turned to the teens who looked at him. "Sorry, but I gotta take care of some business. Go ahead and eat without me."
Yu and Nanako nodded, while Nanako held her frown.
"I don't know how late I'll be," Dojima continued, knowing that a investigation and search team would be involved. "Nanako, continue to help Yu out, okay?"
"Okay," Nanako said with disappointment in her voice as Dojima walked to the front door.
"Nanako," Dojima yelled. "It's raining out. What did you do with the laundry?"
"I brought it in before we picked up Big Bro!" Nanako yelled back.
"All right," Dojima said. "Well, I'm off."
After hearing the front door open and close, and Dojima drive off in his car, Nanako turned on the television using the remote, and the two teens watched the news.
"—for this week. Next, let's take a look at the hourly breakdown of tomorrow's weather," a woman said from the television. "With storm clouds moving in from the west, expect rain throughout the day tomorrow in most areas."
"Let's eat," Nanako said, with sadness in her voice. Yu decided to start a conversation with her.
"So what does Uncle Dojima do for a living again?" Yu said as he took a piece of sushi off the plate.
"Dad's a detective," Nanako said. "I think he works mostly with crime scene investigations. He probably got a call to go to one."
"And now for the local news," a male announcer said on television, before the conversation could continue further. "City council secretary Taro Namatame is under fire for an alleged relationship with a female reporter. His wife, enka ballad sensation Misuzu Hiiragi, revealed to this station that she will likely pursue damages. In response, Eye television has decided to cancel all of announcer Mayumi Yamano's televised appearances. Until allegations of an affair with Mr. Namatame are resolved, she'll remain off the air and out the public eye—"
"This is boring. Everyone knows about the affair," Nanako said as she changed the channel, which went to a commercial for Junes. Yu nodded in agreement, as that was on the news everywhere, including all of the news channels.
"At Junes, everyday is Customer Appreciation Day," a woman said in the commercial. "Come see for yourself, and get in touch with our products!"
When the commercial ended, it played a jingle, "Everyday's great at your Junes."
To Yu's surprise, Nanako sang the jingle as well.
"What? It's catchy?" Nanako said defensively.
"Anyone can use that as blackmail material," Yu said with a smile.
"You're too nice to do that," Nanako replied as she stuck her tongue out. "Aren't you going to eat?"
"Right," Yu said, as the two started to eat the sushi on the table.
- - - April 11, 2011 - - - 10:30 PM - - - Dojima's house - - -
After the dinner, Yu went upstairs and went to sleep, to prepare for the next day. He wonders if everything will be okay for the upcoming year.
He then sent a text to his sempai, saying that he arrived at Inaba, then went to sleep, knowing it was a long day ahead.
- - - April 11, 2011 - - - Unknown Time - - - Unknown Location - - -
Yu noticed he carried what appeared to be a sword. He figured it was useful, since he was on a kendo team back in middle school and understood the basics of using a sword.
More noticeable, however, was the fog that surrounded him. The only thing he could see were the red tiles on the ground that formed a path. He keeps walking forward into the fog, using the tiles as a guide.
"Do you seek the truth," he heard a deep, baritone voice say in the fog.
"Yes," Yu said, with some hesitation. Yu believed the truth was necessary, but he also acknowledged to himself that this scenario was similar to a horror movie.
"If it's the truth you desire, come and find me," the voice said as Yu continued to travel within the fog.
Ignoring the weird scenario, Yu reached a door, and heard the voice coming through it.
"So, you are the one pursuing me," the voice said, releasing a small chuckle. "Try all you like."
Yu, at this point, noticed a silhouette and walked towards it. He couldn't make out any features of the person, but it was clearly a person.
"Hmm, it seems you can see a little, despite the fog," the voice said. "I see, indeed, this is very interesting information.
"Who are you?" Yu said as he clutched the hilt of his sword, and continued to step closer to the person.
"You will not catch me so easily," the voice said as the fog became thicker, making it impossible to see beyond a few inches. "If what you seek is 'truth', then your search will be even harder."
Yu continued to walk around in the fog, following the voice to the best of his ability, but that became difficult.
"Everyone sees what they want to, and the fog only deepens," the voice said.
Yu continued to search around, but to no avail, as it was impossible to see anything at this point due to how thick the fog was.
"We will meet again, at a place other than here," the voice said as it faded away in the fog. "I look forward to it."
Author Note #1: Nanako's Age Up
Yu Narukami is still the main protagonist. However, Nanako Dojima is the deuteragonist of the story, or the secondary hero of the story, and will have a larger role. Her presence as a teenager instead of a child and as a (future) member of the investigation team will change some aspects of the story, especially as she represents the Justice Arcana.
As for Nanako being a teenager, I will say this. Ryotaro Dojima is 41 years old during the events of Persona 4. It is reasonable that he can father a child ten years earlier without implying a teenage pregnancy or shotgun marriage (if they have those in Japanese culture).
If you want to imagine Nanako with an older voice, think Kallen Kouzuki from Code Geass. Replace a Karen Strassman vocal role, with another Karen Strassman vocal role.
Author Note #2: Friendless Yu (?) His home town, and Previous Persona Games Confirmation
Most stories have Yu Narukami leaving Tokyo, and it's correct. (The Persona 4 anime does have Morooka briefly reference that he arrived from the capital, and the game mentions that he comes from the big city).
However, for this story, I want Yu to be from a different city, specifically one from the Persona Series. In the end, I chose Tatsumi Port Island, and by extension, Gekkoukan High School.
On the sendoff, I cannot see a person like Yu being friendless prior to this story. In the opening scene in the game, students are vocally shocked and disappointed that he is leaving his old school. I have to give him at least one person that would see him off.
That, influenced my decision to choose Port Island and Gekkoukan High over Sumaru City and Seven Sisters (from both parts of Persona 2) or Mikage Cho and St. Hermelin High School (from Persona 1). While I can confirm there will be characters from Persona 1 and 2 in this story, they must be older than the Protagonist due to the timeline. I needed someone close to the protagonists' age. Enter Chihiro Fushimi. Gekkoukan High, and Tatsumi Port Island. (And while it is redundant, there will be characters from Persona 3 as well.)
And yes, the field trip to Tatsumi Port Island will have a twist later in the story.