A/N: The first day of March leads to a dream of Spring. I am really taking a liking to this. Thanks for the first impressions from reviewers, I know I'm doing the best I can and aware of the different criticism. Like, I did write in keep the characters 'in-character' as one thing. Plus, I may not be truly a professional writer since I'm not an English/Journalism major, yet still learn new experiences to improve as a person.
Recalling how the Thieves ripped off their masks to call forth their Personas and blood appeared in their eyes, it fits well for the blood meaning of Vein. Hence the title of this fic.
(Cue Owari no Seraph OST - 108)
Persona Vein (ペルソナの静脈)
Act II:
Spirit (精神)
(Cue Muramasa: The Demon Blade OST - Dim Twilight A)
"I am Togo Hifumi, the Venus of Shogi. These past few days are quite the changer.
I met a young man, who thought to be someone from another country like somewhere in Europe. Then, a Yokai attacked us and our house. But, I bonded with a Guardian Spirit named the Janemocho as me and the stranger defeated the Yokai and her minions.
The young man introduced me with the name of Sion that he's from the future. Surprisingly, he is a vampire, to which I am not afraid since he is not evil. But he's not the traditional ones, nor the ones from Twilight which I am not interested, thank you very much. He is a being called a Revenant, who killed the two monsters that fought alongside the Yokai called the Lost. Somehow, he accidentally traversed to this timeline, and with his enemies 'follow' him. We both don't know why, and unsure whether he decided of going back home. Sion even mentioned he lost his real memories, and is still trying to search for answers.
I then told him my name and a few things about me to slowly get acquainted. At first, my parents are surprised to see Sion, to the point they reacted with hostility, but after my convincing that he needed a home to stay, they began to warm up to him. Besides giving him food and drink, I feel I needed him to drink some of my blood for him to stay alive once in a while. I was very concerned last time, but I formed a bond since that contract, lest I do not want him to be turned to the same Lost monsters he faced. Luckily, Sion also had some spare Blood Beads in his equipment, they are kinds of fruit from his world in containing blood to feast on. Still, he doesn't use them often due to the less violent atmosphere of my world, and it is lucky to not waste these Blood Beads. Perhaps the spiritual essence from my Guardian Spirit even soothed him. Speaking of being a caretaker concerning food, Sion liked pizza, so I ordered him one from Domino's at Shinjuku. He commented that it tasted no different from back in his timeline.
Sion does not mind of sleeping in the couch in the living room. Not only that, but I taught him how to play Shogi, something that Sion begin to catch an interest.
At the same time, we already are aware of the surprising news seen on television. With these same monsters that Sion fought, the Yokai, and the return of the Phantom Thieves, it feels too much.
As of now though, let us see how he fares well in getting used to the present time much further."
(End theme)
Hifumi's House/Kanda (神田)/Chiyoda, Tokyo (千代田区, 東京)/July 28th, 2020 (2020年7月28日)
It is another morning in one of those days. Hifumi's parents are already out for work, leaving the two being free to converse various subjects. At a table; Hifumi and Sion are at breakfast together. Hifumi is drinking some green tea, while Sion is trying out French Toast. Particularly, Hifumi bought the French Toast from an Excelsior Café. Yes, a vampire is giving another try of eating modern food besides food from his future and blood.
Sion is seen wearing normal clothes to blend in and disguised himself. He wore a teal blue shirt, light gray pants, and black shoes.
"How is your sleep? Feeling a bit better in living here?" Hifumi asked after giving a little sip from her tea.
"Fine to both questions. I mean, living here feels alien at first, but it's just peaceful compared to the hellhole from my time." Sion answered. "Your home is already nice to begin with, Hifumi."
"I am glad about it. Likewise, I already began in getting used to harness the Guardian Spirit's power." Hifumi said, much to Sion giving a small smile. "You can say I became similar to being a hero like the Phantom Thieves."
"The Phantom Thieves…" Sion muttered with a solemn expression. The mere mention of them again besides seeing the news. As if he knew about them and their fates in the future, but there are no memories based on them.
"Are you feeling okay?" Hifumi notice him feeling uncertain as she gently touched his hand.
"It's nothing." Sion answered.
"Do you want to go outside again to clear your mind?" Hifumi asked Sion.
"Sure, I guess so." Sion answered.
Afterwards, both Hifumi and Sion are beginning to head outside as Hifumi locked the doors of her house. However along the way, both will also be destined to meet another Guardian Spirit user.
Café Leblanc (純喫茶ルブラン)/Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo (四軒茶屋, 東京)
(Cue Persona 5 OST - Restlessness)
Back at Sojiro's café, after some time to think about and rest a bit, the Phantom Thieves have reassemble to their meeting table and sitting in chairs.
Sure that the vigilantes redeemed themselves when the people of Tokyo supported them against the Holy Grail. Sure that they just saved the innocent again from those monsters that interrupted the Summer Olympics. Of course their powers still bring some environmental damage in the stadium despite no injuries. There are a lot of headlines and tweets from the news discussing the return of the Phantom Thieves. Although the news warned civilians of any future monster threats, life is currently normal without a lockdown just yet.
This does not affect Ren Amamiya's state since back then as the Thieves' leader, he was already arrested and also in juvenile hall before to assist Shido's testimony. Heck, even those like Sae supported the Phantom Thieves in knowing they are the only solution to handle the new problem. Sojiro showed encouragement, despite reminding the Thieves and Futaba to not get into real trouble. Because of this, law enforcement and spies decided to take a step back in not personally get involved. Other famous figures, such as Hyakkaou Private Academy's former student council president named Kirari Momobami gave their personal comments on live news.
With things going on lately, the Phantom Thieves have a lot to discuss for themselves. No longer are they stealing the 'hearts' of corrupted figures, but ventured into facing more of the supernatural.
"Man, we're just becoming so popular like a 180!" Ryuji hollered, remembered of his initial reasons of the Thieves becoming famous back then.
"Indeed, we still have the positives and negatives about our reputation. Then again, popularity isn't everything unlike our younger years, Ryuji." Yusuke concurred.
"Er, right. My bad." Ryuji sheepishly chuckled and scratched his forehead, also reminded of his newfound maturity.
"Me and sis had a serious conversation two days back." Makoto brought her thoughts to the discussion while sharing her phone of the news. "Everything doesn't even add up."
"Yeah, I mean, the Metaverse returns for no reason! But then, we have these new monsters that are brought to the mix. No Palaces and all that stuff. We're totally in the real world without hiding." Futaba announced with these topics.
"And we're in serious risk of what could happen if our powers were to bring collateral damage, or worse, hurting bystanders." Ren warned his teammates.
"Just like Taichi Kamiya's behavior in those Digimon Adventure tri. movies, I agreed." Futaba compared the situation and faced Ren, knowing she can compare her brother figure to the gogglehead character.
"I thought we would let the responsible adults to take over in helping society." Haru recalled a past comment since the final heist of Mementos. "But with all this, we were being 'forced' to return."
"I really feel that way, it's so wrong." Ann regretfully said with a concern expression.
"As cool as we made a comeback, Haru and Lady Ann are right." Mona speak up to everyone. "All of these gave a huge suspicion. The first thing we need to do is finding answers."
"Actually, I received some info when I went to the Velvet Room a few hours ago." Ren clearly reported to his teammates.
Then, a flash of white appeared in shifting to what happened of Ren's deed.
(Theme fades)
The Velvet Room (ベルベット・ルーム)/Flashback
(Cue Persona OST - Aria Of The Soul)
In a flashback, it showed Ren alone inside the Velvet Room in reuniting two special allies.
One is a man sitting in a chair in front of the desk. Although, one could wonder from first glance if this 'man' was really human. He had features uncharacteristic for a human. He had the physical features of an elder man but a long beak for a nose and wide bulging eyes that appeared bird-like. He had tufts of gray hair around the back of his head and thick black eyebrows. He wore a black suit and white gloves. He raised his head to Ren's level, grinning wide. His name is Igor (イゴール).
The other is a long platinum-haired young girl with golden eyes. She wore a blue dress and a matching headband decorated with white butterflies and yellow roses. Her name is Lavenza (ラヴェンツァ).
"Welcome, to the Velvet Room." Igor politely greeted the Trickster.
"It is good to see you again." Lavenza smiled.
"So, are you both surprised that me and my friends have just came out of retirement?" Ren casually asked. Remembering well that he still has the Wild Card ability in using other Personas besides Arsène/Satanael.
"Indeed, it was an unexpected turn of events." Igor stated. "We thought that the Metaverse is gone out of existence, but due to the recent monsters that are not from this timeline, the Yokai, and the connected energies that restored you and your friends' former glory, these connections are tied together to a source."
"We sensed that there is an anomaly that traversed to this dimension." Lavenza theorized.
"An anomaly?" Ren feels piqued.
"Yes, that being should not exist in this world that caused these events to happen." Lavenza answered. "However, there must be another real reason why."
"For to seek the answers yourself, trickster. You must start off by going to the Meiji Shrine in finding a special recruiter." Igor provided a guidance.
With that, the flashback ended with a burst of white light.
(End theme)
Café Leblanc (純喫茶ルブラン)/Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo (四軒茶屋, 東京)/Present
(Persona 5 OST - Restlessness resumes)
Returning back to the present, the Phantom Thieves are initially befuddled.
"An anomaly..?" Mona wondered what Igor told Ren.
"Whoa, holy hell, you mean we're dealing with someone who just came from another world?!" Ryuji cried out.
"Yeah, something tells me that it won't be easy." Ren warned his friends.
"And of the other subject. The Meiji Shrine?" Ann pondered.
"You mean you are telling us that we should recruit a Guardian Spirit?" Yusuke began to answer the connection. "I thought they were just simply legends. Sure we encountered cognitive Personas and Shadows that are based on mythological figures, but not the real deals other than some like Nyx and Izanami."
"If Igor and Lavenza wanted us to, then yeah." Ren firmly answered to both. "And, if we're going to deal with someone that's much tougher than our past experiences with the Palaces, then we need to do this."
"Sounds like a great idea, brother." Ryuji grinned.
"Sure we had our max leveled powers within ourselves, but we still need to take caution in not inflicting property damage from ourselves." Makoto warned in wanting the team to remain vigilant.
"I guess we're ending this meeting." Ren gave a light-hearted smirk to his friends.
With the meeting adjourned, the Phantom Thieves are about to head to one of Tokyo's famous shrines.
(End theme)
Yotsuya, Tokyo (四谷, 東京)
Outside, Hifumi and Sion are walking across the streets of Yotsuya. The weather is clear and sunny for the day.
"Walking here feels nice." Sion muttered, looking curiosity at the buildings and Japan's civilians. As if nothing disastrous happened unlike the ruins from his home without people around.
"Yes, but wait until we can explore the big areas. Like Shinjuku that we are heading." Hifumi offered him.
While walking, Sion then notice there are people that also wore surgical masks. He's reminded of when wearing his Revenant attire in his timeline, he and his fellow Revenants wore his mouthguard mask outside to protect from the toxin airs and stimulant bloodlust of becoming Losts. Thankfully, these toxic airs do not appear in the present timeline, knowing he's more calmed about it.
"I see you do notice civilians wearing masks." Hifumi sees Sion's curiosity. "Basically, it is simply to protect themselves from allergies and to not spread their sickness."
"Yeah, thankfully to not infect themselves for mere humans. Is this really part of the culture in Japan?" Sion quipped.
"Likely yes, the Japanese people are like this way." Hifumi replied.
(Cue Kakegurui OST - A Flower Without a Match)
Suddenly, both are bumping to a long, black-haired girl. They come to their senses in encountering one person, who is none other than Yumeko Jabami.
"Sorry about that." Hifumi apologized.
"No, it's okay. I didn't notice you two." Yumeko replied. Then, with her newfound spirit powers, she sensed something. "Wait, do we have something in common?"
Both Hifumi and Sion begin to realize something odd.
"Yes, I believe so. I sensed something to you as well." Hifumi figured out.
Both of Hifumi and Yumeko's Guardian Spirits: Janemocho and Nine Tails respectively materialized in front of them. Thankfully nobody else sees the spirits.
"Well, this turn out to be a surprise. You have a spirit as well? Alongside understanding my language?" Sion asked Yumeko.
"Yeah, I was attacked by a Yokai till that kitsune saved me." Yumeko answered, apparently understanding Sion's words due to her spirit giving Yumeko the translator ability. "And we made such a lovely team."
"Same here. We were both just feeling compatible." Hifumi stated.
"Then, we can have hopes in getting to know each other? I feel like you two remind me of my old friends: Mary Saotome and Ryōta Suzui. We three attended Hyakkaou Private Academy." Yumeko offered and introduced.
Hifumi blinked before replying with a quizzical expression, "Hyakkaou Private Academy? Is it not the school that gave an infamous reputation of gambling from upper-class students becoming great leaders?"
"Yes! And I enjoyed being a gambler there!" Yumeko smiled.
"Well, I am not exactly a fan of illegal gambling to say. I am a professional Shogi player." Hifumi introduced with the differences of gaming between two ladies, knowing gambling is usually illegal in Japan.
"Oh, I've heard of Shogi." Yumeko replied with a coy smile. "Perhaps once we get to know each other more, we can play."
"Hmm, if you insist." Hifumi responded.
"Umm, I know you two are having fun talking, but your Guardian Spirits are calling forth something." Sion interjected.
(Cue Sengoku Musou Sanada Maru (Samurai Warriors Sanada Maru) OST - Ornamental Hairpin)
Both Hifumi and Yumeko got their attention from Sion as their partners are materializing two figures. To their surprise, these are the two spirits of historical figures from the Sengoku era and their involvement back at the Siege of Osaka.
One is a man garbed in crimson armor and wearing a red helmet with antlers. He is named Sanada Yukimura (真田 幸村), known as Sanada Nobushige (真田 信繁).
The other is a beautiful pale-skinned Japanese woman with long black hair emerged. She had two long strands of hair tied and left hanging in front of her chest. She wore black royal robe covered with white feathers covering the top areas. Her primary clothing is a red kimono underneath the robe. She is named Yodogimi, known as Lady Chacha (茶々). Again; only Hifumi, Sion, and Yumeko can see them.
"Sanada Yukimura and Lady Chacha?!" Hifumi cried out in surprise, as she remembered them in historical stories.
Yukimura nodded, "Indeed, it is a good thing that we meet briefly."
"And I thanked you that you used my former Guardian Spirit under control." Lady Chacha said to Yumeko.
"But why do these spirits chose us?" Hifumi asked.
"Because at the same time these energies materialized a few days back, we sent our spirits in helping the new candidates, and they chose you well." Yukimura explained.
"Wait, I remembered you had the other spirit in your time?" Hifumi asked the Sanada warrior.
Reminding of this, Yukimura briefly showed his other Guardian Spirit, a red-bodied Kirin with antlers and a draconian face. He is named Enku (円空) that the spirit let out a neigh.
"He is my trustworthy partner and the symbol of the Sanada Brave. I'd say one Guardian Spirit is good enough for you." Yukimura replied before dismissing Enku as the Qilin disappeared. He then turned to Sion as that enigmatic figure, "And you are not from this world, yet, there is no hostility inside you."
"Yeah, I really don't know how I got here. Not to mention I have no memories. Hifumi is the one guiding me in return in hopes to find some answers." Sion replied to the Sanada warrior.
"And I've taken care of him quite well, like a knight and a squire." Hifumi said with metaphors.
"Wait, what do you mean?" Sion questioned Hifumi in brief embarrassment.
"It is a compliment." Hifumi quickly replied.
"I thank you for getting me involved. I don't know why, but there's something about my spirit." Yumeko smiled at Lady Chacha.
"Well, you can say the Nine Tails has taken a liking to your personality." Lady Chacha said to Yumeko.
"Not only that, but you two women are the yin-yang to balanced and guided the mysterious figure." Yukimura stated.
"So I'm the light half and Yumeko is the dark half in enforcing a mental equilibrium for Sion?" Hifumi asked.
"Something I feel of bonding with a human soul to keep me in check." Sion muttered of knowing his bloodlust anger inside.
"Then we're really are destined to meet each other!" Yumeko exclaimed to Hifumi and Sion with ecstatic joy, much to the two's embarrassment.
"I..I did not really mean that!" Hifumi blushed.
"Don't get too carried away." Sion retorted to Yumeko while turning his head away from her.
"Anyway, our time has already pass." Yukimura reminded. "Now we have our temporary wielders to handle the current problem humanity is facing."
"To seek some starting answers, you must go to the modern city that is Shinjuku." Lady Chacha suggested.
"Wait a minute, that is where we are heading." Hifumi realized.
"But only after you three enjoyed yourselves first." Lady Chacha encouraged.
"Nevertheless, we thank you both for the guidance." Hifumi bowed in respect.
"Your welcome, Lady Hifumi. I wish you farewell." Yukimura bowed back in return.
Then, the spirits of Yukimura and Lady Chacha are returning to the afterlife.
"That was interesting." Sion commented.
"Yes, they are such unique people to interact and encouraged us." Hifumi smiled.
"So can we please resume going to Shinjuku?" Yumeko interjected. "I wanna explore!"
"Alright, if you insisted." Hifumi sighed while replying to the gambler.
"Don't worry about her attitude." Sion calmed Hifumi. "Remember your goal is taking me to explore."
"Yes, you're right." Hifumi smiled at Sion.
With that said, the three newly formed trio are walking down the streets into Shinjuku.
(End theme)
Meiji Shrine (明治神宮)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)
The Meiji Shrine. A place dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken that was meant to tribute the Meiji Revolution. A lot of Japanese and tourists came here to pray in the Shinto shrine for good luck and prosperity. One of the Japanese civilians seen is named Yuriko Nishinotōin (西洞院 百合子), another former student of Hyakkaou Private Academy who is giving people a tour of the place.
Today, the whole group of Thieves are walking through the pathway of the shrine.
"Nothing changes, this place looks as artistic as ever." Yusuke commented.
"Yeah. Me and Ren remember visiting, we both remember meeting this woman named Tae Takemi." Ann recalled.
"Hehe, I remember her." Ren chuckled, knowing his good time with the doctor viewing him as her 'guinea pig'.
"Now all we have to do is find that spirit of ours." Ryuji said casually.
"And also to show some respect, Ryuji." Yusuke reminded the former delinquent.
"But shouldn't we be careful since we have a lot of people surrounding us?" Haru felt worried.
"Not really. I believe only us can see spirits since we experienced the supernatural as vigilantes, while normal people could not see them." Yusuke answered with his authentic knowledge of Japanese mythology.
"Wait, Inari! I just picked up a reading!" Futaba interjected from one of her devices.
The Thieves begin to take alert, as something is rattling under the bushes. Coming out instead is just a white cat with black spots. The cat stared at the young adults.
"It's just a cat, Futaba." Ann said.
"Well, not exactly." The 'cat' spoke.
The Phantom Thieves react in surprise of the response.
"What?! That cat just talked like Mona?!" Ann cried out in shock.
"Hold on, that's not a cat, something briefly possesed it." Mona interjected.
"Yeah, the readings are coming out!" Futaba announced.
Just then, a sphere of light energy began to materialized that comes out of the cat. It then forms white twin-tailed cat emerged. He wore a right black eyepatch and a purple scarf. He is a nekomata spirit named simply, Nekomata (猫又). Fortunately as Yusuke said seconds ago, only the Thieves can see the spirit and no one else. As for the white cat with black spots, it walks away from the Thieves.
(Cue Nioh Soundtrack OST - Dazaifu Shrine Futamata)
"Greetings, youngsters." Nekomata sagely introduced.
"A cat?! Like me?!" Mona yelled out.
"Not a cat, but a Yokai called a Nekomata. This is one of the benevolent ones that's the guardian spirit of the second Hanzo Hattori in the Sengoku era." Yusuke explained.
"Needless to say, it is an honor for us to meet you." Makoto bowed to the Nekomata.
"Likewise, Makoto Niijima." Nekomata replied.
"Wait, how do you know my name?" Makoto said in a bit of surprise.
"Yeah, it's like you all watch over us." Ren added.
"We are Nigitama, Guardian Spirits that are born from the light of human faith and belief. We have observed the modern world in a daily basis since the dawn of history." Nekomata explained with historical facts. "Human society is an interesting, yet fickle kind. There are always meant to be peace, conflicts, and changes seen in every century. Back in the feudal era of the Warring States up to the Genna Era, there were prominent wars with the involvement of Amrita."
"Amrita..? I know some of my party members used techniques with the name, but care to remind us?" Ren pondered.
"In Hinduism, Amrita means immortality as a gift of the Devas. Therefore, they are mystical spirit stones that granted power for humans and us Guardian Spirits. But, they are also one of the main sources of Yokai. Known as the Aratama, fiends that are born from the darkness of human resentment. We Nigitama and Aramata opposed one another, much like Philemon and Nyarlathotep's views over the human subconscious."
"Wait, with the connections of how the Yokai reappear alongside these other monsters, does that mean that someone must have rediscovered Amrita in the first place?" Makoto wondered.
Suddenly, spiritual energies materialized in front of the Phantom Thieves and Nekomata. The Nekomata has expected their brief welcome. They are the spirits of the Sengoku Era's historical figures.
The first of the four is an non-Japanese man. He is an blonde-haired Irish man; his hair was tied in a ponytail. He wore Japanese gray samurai armor coupled with a blue cape. He is named William Adams (ウィリアム・アダムス).
The second of the four appeared to be a black and gray uniformed Jounin ninja. He is named Hattori Hanzo (服部 半蔵).
The third historical figure was a kunoichi in a blue ninja uniform and a black shirt underneath the uniform. She is named Okatsu (お勝).
The last historical figure was revealed as a blue and black armored warrior. This warrior wore a helmet with a yellow crescent and a right eyepatch. He is named Date Masamune (伊達 政宗).
A background of William's fate. Although his personal Guardian Spirit, Saoirse (A merrow spirit born from the prayers of William's home village that was destroyed, to which she revived William as a child.), gave him immortality so long William believed her, William decided to die for real at some point to rest in the afterlife since the changing human society over the centuries. Nevertheless, William still believed in Saoirse, as he passed over his Guardian Spirit to someone else over the horizon.
"Whoa guys, check it out!" Futaba exclaimed.
"Yeah, no kidding!" Ryuji agreed.
"I remember these people in historical stories and classes that we all studied." Yusuke stated. "Especially the One-Eyed Dragon of Ōshu that wielded the real Blue Dragon Guardian Spirit and not the Persona version."
Hanzo is the first to greet the Thieves, "Greetings, Phantom Thieves of Hearts. We are so honored to meet you."
"And to answer your question, it's a possibility. We once dealt with intruders such as Edward Kelley and Maria that are involved in turning the tides of Japan's conflicts with Amrita." William stated.
"We sensed that someone enigmatic and wretched might be using the stones." Okatsu said.
"There's also the mysterious anomaly that's not from this world which ties into this." Masamune added.
"Yeah, that we know about that already." Mona said to the historical figures.
"Once again, you all reminded us about the main clue here who's from the future." Ren felt reminded.
There was a brief moment of silence in seconds.
"In fact, we sensed his presence in Shinjuku." Nekomata announced.
"Really?" Ren raised an eyebrow.
"Shinjuku? But that's not far from our location!" Ann exclaimed.
"Not only him, but there are two accomplices that have recently gained Guardian Spirits." Nekomata added up.
"Wait, so there are other two people that wielded Guardian Spirits?" Yusuke questioned.
"Yes, their involvement is unexpected. Of course we don't know if they and the anomaly are on our side."
"And that's why there's another reason why we're here." Ren asked the Nekomata, "I went to the Velvet Room about these recent events, and for their suggestion in recruiting you."
"Yes, I am that aware as well. We had acquaintances with Igor and his assistance." Nekomata responded. "Cognitive Personas are a wonderful thing, but working together alongside the spiritual folklore is fascinating."
"So, will you be joining us?" Ren asked Nekomata.
"To our agreement, yes, I will be glad to join you on your quest." Nekomata offered.
"Wow, sounds to me that we'll get to know one another just fine." Mona commented.
"Haha, sounds like you're jealous that another cat is joining us!" Ryuji snidely joked at Mona.
"Hey! I am not!" Mona retorted back at Ryuji. Indeed, unlike Mona, the even tempered Nekomata doesn't mind of being called a 'cat'.
"It is time for us to go, then." William interrupted and announced.
"Good luck on this journey." Okatsu said.
"Make sure you do not let your guard down." Masamune reminded the younglings.
"Stay safe, heroes." Hanzo gave his farewells.
Then, the spirits of William, Hanzo, Okatsu, and Masamume disappeared back to the spirit realm.
"Wow, that is an awesome experience." Futaba said in awe.
"Indeed, now you see why we meet these legendary figures." Yusuke said in admiration.
"And we have more information in our tables." Ren announced. "We'll make sure to confront this future anomaly and his two acquaintances."
"So are we all set?" Makoto asked her leader.
"Yeah, we're going to Shinjuku." Ren announced to his team.
With everything all set, the Phantom Thieves and their newly allied Nekomata are ready to walked towards their destined location.
(End theme)
Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿区, 東京)
(Cue Xai - White Out - Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters)
It has been a few minutes since Hifumi had Sion toured Shinjuku, alongside getting to know each other more with their new friend Yumeko on their side. Thousands of civilians and tourists are seen in the sidewalks, with the trio themselves blend in with them to go somewhere.
They already started off by taking a look around in a clothes store. Granted they are not buying anything, they are just having Sion look around clothes used by normal people. A Japanese woman who worked in this store spoke English fluently and had a small talk with the disguised Revenant.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎)/Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿区, 東京)
Next, the trio are taking a look outside of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Known in short as the Tochō (都庁), this area is where governors do their usual sessions and enforcing policy. It is also one of the main places used for an old anime back in 2001 called Digimon Tamers.
They are admired by the prestige of the building, especially for Sion learning how humans in the present timeline had their government to rule. Yumeko decided to do a selfie with herself, Hifumi, and Sion with the building behind as the background. The picture came out right, with Yumeko smiling while Hifumi and Sion gave embarrassing expressions.
Kabukichō (歌舞伎町)/Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿区, 東京)
Then, it showed the Kabukichō, the red-light district which luckily it is not nightfall yet for the folks of the city. Needless to say, Hifumi and her two friends are doing the usual exploring.
The trio then walked through a girder bridge to give a better view of the buildings and the busy roads. It is a nice experience to see through their own eyes. Yumeko considered wanting to gamble in this area around nightfall, but Hifumi obviously rejected the plan.
Around this area showed a Toho cinema called the Shinjuku Toho Bldg., alongside a store nearby decorated of Godzilla. Next to the cinema is a tall skyscraper called the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku has the notorious statue of Godzilla.
The trio are briefly taking a look at the action figures and shirts of the Godzilla-themed store. TV screens showed Shin Godzilla, the Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters trilogy, and the Godzilla Legendary Films. They have consideration of seeing a random movie in the Toho cinema, granted Sion doesn't know anything of films since they are not around in his world. However, due to needing the balance time of other things, Yumeko had another suggestion in mind that is not gambling.
Cat Café Calico/Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿区, 東京)
And yes, the compulsive gambler's answer is here: A cat café.
A lot of the adorable cats are seen wandering in the floors, resting in couches and cat trees for people to pet them, yet not allowed to hold the cats. Some people are tourists. One showed a young man and woman from Melbourne, Australia looking at a manga collection. Another showed a lesbian couple from Europe petting another cat.
The trio themselves (Hifumi, Sion, and Yumeko) are seen enjoying the company. Some of the felines have taken a liking to the disguised Revenant. Hifumi urged him to pet one of them. At first, Sion is unsure, but he slowly pet one of the cat's foreheads and slowly give a warm smile. Frankly, there's no experience like this in his future, so it is a nice change of pace.
Of course, one cat just suddenly jump to Sion's back and into a bench to land on. Sion looked in disbelief, while Hifumi just chuckled at the scene.
"Are you..laughing at this?" Sion pondered.
"Yes, it is kinda cute of a cat doing it." Hifumi reassured.
Then, out of the blue, Yumeko is seen lying on the floor. She acted like a feline and gave a coy smile towards Sion and Hifumi. Heck, even some of the other people around felt awkward of seeing Yumeko acting this way.
"What do you think? I am a naughty cat. Meow!" Yumeko playfully teased.
"The hell is wrong with you..?" Sion muttered.
Indeed, Yumeko love to act this way, recalling her past high school experience when there are students insulted her house pet status as 'Mike', she merely replied acting like a cat.
(End theme)
Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑)/Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿区, 東京)
A few hours have already passed. The trio have explored much of the city. Now, they are at one of Japan's famous park called Shinjuku Gyoen. A lot of civilians and tourists are seen having picnics, walking, and doing various activities. The scenery and the air breathed peace to the atmosphere.
"That was a fabulous time. Never felt this much happiness." Sion commented of the experience.
"Thank you for your positive words, Sion." Hifumi stated.
"Meow!" Yumeko playfully teased Sion again.
"Oh please, have some etiquette, Jabami-san." Hifumi lectured Yumeko.
Before they walk more, they suddenly felt an ominous energy going on. Within an unexpected warning, the trio immediately transported to a pocket dimension. It is the same location as the park with innocent people, except that nobody sees the trio nor that they are unaware of the magic. Sion is wearing his Revenant attire again.
"What is this…?!" Hifumi cried out.
While Yumeko is feeling odd, Sion becomes alert of the kind of trap.
(Cue Yakuza 0 OST - 11 Unrestful)
At the same time, the Phantom Thieves and Nekomata are searching around the park to find the 'enigmatic figure'. Within moments, the same mysterious force is dragging them over.
"What is happening?!" Haru cried out.
Then, they all transported to the same pocket dimension like the park, and of course that no civilian can see their presence. The Phantom Thieves are wearing their Metaverse attires again.
"We're in our vigilante selves again!" Oracle cried out.
"But how is this possible?" Fox pondered. "We haven't called these by ourselves."
"Not just that, we have company." Joker alerted his teammates.
Then, the Thieves see Hifumi, Sion, and Yumeko. Hifumi takes notice in big surprise to see the Phantom Thieves, but most of all is by seeing Ren again.
"Hifumi?!" Joker exclaimed.
"Ren Amamiya?!" Hifumi cried out, seeing through his identity.
"Wait, the Hifumi from my high school?!" Fox said in surprise.
"I remember meeting Hifumi before, but that's not the point here." Queen commented and turned to Sion. "I take it that he's the anomaly we've been looking for."
Sion then glared at the Phantom Thieves, "So, you must be them I heard about."
"So what if we are?" Queen glared at the Revenant.
"Wait, it seems that we're understanding what that person is saying." Noir realized.
"That's because the Nekomata granted us the ability as being translators, knowing if that anomaly is likely foreign." Fox said, knowing it saves the trouble of language barrier.
"Duh, I am good at speaking English you know." Panther reminded her quarter-American ethnicity to her friends.
"And there's that third person, wonder who she is and why she's just drag along?" Skull mentioned of Yumeko.
Then, Nekomata materialized and lets out, "These two young woman. They have Guardian Spirits."
Within the Nekomata's presence, the images of Janemocho and Nine Tails from Hifumi and Yumeko are seen right before the Thieves' eyes before disappearing. Needless to say, they are surprised.
"Those Guardian Spirits… I remembered that they were originally used by Sanada Yukimura and Yodo-gimi." Fox commented.
"How do they get these is surprising and unclear." Mona muttered.
"This must be something to do with the same energy that restored your powers, Phantom Thieves. They are brought to the involvement for a reason." Nekomata explained.
"And we have the answer here." Joker turned to Sion and negotiated. "Look, why don't we just talk this out?"
"For what business, this is none of your concern." Sion aggressively defended.
"Sion, can we please stop this?" Hifumi interjected.
"Please stay back, Hifumi-san. I'm the one they wanted." The Revenant ordered the Shogi beauty.
Hifumi hesitantly does so while Yumeko is silent of watching the coming conflict.
"Then, we'll just have to fight you to make you talk." Joker readied a battle stance by holding his dagger.
"Hmph, you better watch your words." Sion brandished his sword. He powered up as red electricity briefly cackled through his body.
(Cue Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance OST - Rules of Nature)
The Phantom Thieves then materialized their Personas. A battle between the Phantom Thieves and the Revenant has begun.
Skull started off by using Matarukaja that boosted the whole party's attack. Joker makes the slash with his dagger, but Sion blocked it with his sword. Noir used One-shot Kill from her gun, while Mona supported by firing his slingshot. Sion sensed it coming and brandished a rifle in shooting Noir and Queen, only that both runs away from the bullets. Within this distraction, Joker makes an easy slash to damage Sion a bit.
Sion backed off from Joker. Then, Queen leaped above in using Flash Bomb to deliver damage to Sion. However, Sion blocked it as both are in a fistcuff struggle.
"Heh, your not as bad as yourself." Sion smirked underneath his masked mouthguard.
"Don't even push yourself." Queen fiercely glared.
Queen then countered by delivering a flurry of punches and kicks at Sion. Sion fights back using his sword. Neither of them are willing to accept defeat. This is followed by Panther using her whip to damage Sion. Sion quickly recovered and briefly unleashed a long, metallic scorpion tail to swiped both Queen and Panther away.
Sion's scorpion tail disappeared. Then, Skull used Ziodyne to shocked Sion a bit. Fox used Brave Blade in delivering a devastating sword slash at the Revenant. Sion growled in countered by summoning twin wolf heads that delivered bloody bite damages at Skull and Fox. Sion called back his secondary weapons.
Queen used Mediaharan in restoring the Thieves' health. The party regroups while Sion is waiting for their next coordinated attack.
"Man, this fight reminded me of God Eater ten years ago, especially God Eater Burst that there's this one character with the same name as you, Joker." Skull casually quipped.
"Not the time to mention video game references, Skull." Joker replied.
"Joker's right, we need to concentrate in wearing down this guy." Mona interjected.
Then, Joker summoned his Lucifer Persona and used Morning Star to deliver Almighty damage to Sion. Sion countered by slashing at Joker with his sword, only that Joker use the passive ability from his Persona in absorbing some physical damage. Joker countered with his dagger. Sion unleashed ivy spikes from the ground in attempting to skewer Joker, but the Phantom Thief leader leap upward to evade.
Panther has arrived and unleashed Maragidyne to burn all of the ivy spikes. Then, she used her whip to ensnare Sion. Sion briefly struggled, only to get hit by Queen's Atomic Flare and Noir's Psiodyne. Sion broke free in using his Ogre claw in directly hitting his two opponents. This is followed by Skull blocking the claw to defend his friends, and hits the Revenant repeatedly with his mace. Sion viciously grabbed Skull by the face and smacked him to the ground. Fox and Queen saved Skull by attacking Sion with their weapons in making him back off.
Joker then used his Black Frost Persona to unleashed Diamond Dust to deliver freeze damage at Sion, only that the Revenant used his twin hound heads to unleashed fiery bites that dissolve the freezing attack. Glowing in a blackish red aura, Joker rushed in destroying the hound heads with his dagger. Then, Joker wildly slashes and kicks his opponent, followed by throwing his dagger to pierce Sion's body in crippling him. Joker then released his dagger and kicked the Revenant upward. Indeed, he has taken cues from Goro Majima's Mad Dog of Shimano style from the Yakuza series. This is followed by Mona to directly hit Sion with his slingshot.
"Now, Oracle!" Queen ordered.
"You got it!" Oracle then used her Persona's abilities to stun the Revenant in temporary unable to move for about a few seconds.
"Wh-What is this?!" Sion cried out and struggled.
"Alright, team! We had him where we got 'em! All-Out Attack!" Mona ordered.
Then, the Phantom Thieves (except Oracle) began to rushed towards Sion in closing in for a flashing beatdown.
"Beat him up!" Oracle cheered.
And so they did in a red background filled with black silhouettes and flashy hits. Sion remains unguarded as the Thieves rush forward in all directions in repeatedly hitting him. Sion keeps enduring every second of damage the Phantom Thieves are throwing at until he can't keep up. This ends with a finishing blow from Queen in punching him down to the ground. Sion is getting up.
"Sion!" Hifumi is about to run towards him.
However, Sion raised his arm in wordlessly order Hifumi to stay back. All the Phantom Thieves raised their guns at their target.
"Surrender now." Joker warned.
(End theme)
"Okay, let us all stop this!" Nekomata materialized and interrupted.
The Phantom Thieves and Sion stopped their hostilities and turned their attention to Nekomata.
"There is no need for this nonsensical fight. With all of you together, we should discuss our next step." Nekomata announced.
"Great, why didn't you tell us sooner?" Skull groaned.
"At least we have good news, the strange energy is fading away." Oracle spoked out.
Then with Oracle's words, the pocket dimension is beginning to revert back to normal. The Phantom Thieves and Sion's group are at their civilian uniforms again. Of course, no innocent bystander did not see anything suspicious, not even the police. There are no land damages caused by the battle.
"Whoa! We're back!" Ryuji exclaimed.
"And not even a single scratch of the park, thank goodness." Yusuke commented of the park's condition.
(Cue Iryu (Team Medical Dragon) - Hiroyuki Sawano - Spirit)
"So, we properly meet again, Ren Amamiya." Hifumi walked and greeted him despite the initial surprise.
"Yeah, and your getting the hang of using that Guardian Spirit?" Ren asked.
"Yes, our connected bond is going well." Hifumi responded. She then turned to Makoto, "And I do remembered you at the Jinbōchō bookstore a few years back."
"Yes, I am Makoto Niijima." Makoto introduced. "Good that we meet again."
"Same here." Hifumi smiled back.
"Don't forget me, Hifumi-san." Yusuke stepped in.
"Yes, I do remember you, Yusuke Kitagawa." Hifumi greeted. "You were that artist that strived to follow your dreams."
"Likewise so." Yusuke replied back to her.
"And my name is Yumeko Jabami, please to meet you all, Phantom Thieves." Yumeko smiled.
"Wait, that name reminds us of Yumeko Mogami back in Shujin Academy!" Ann recalled.
"Yeah, we once took care of her distorted Shadow back in Mementos!" Ryuji added.
"Really feel a reminder that this Yumeko has a Yandere attitude like the one we know." Ann commented.
Yumeko turned towards Mona and smiled, "Aww, is that a black cat?"
Yumeko walked towards Mona and picked him up to cuddle him. Being fresh from the Cat Café Calico really helps.
"H-Hey, what the hell?! Let me go!" Mona lightly struggled.
"Did that cat just talked, because I am really hearing his voice?" Yumeko pondered.
"Um, that cat is the same cat-like being that fought Sion with us." Ann corrected the gambler.
Yumeko then stared at Ann in curiosity while dropping Mona to let him go, "Oh, your voice happened to remind me of myself."
"What…?! Really? Where did you get that from?" Ann said in brief surprise.
"Oh, it's a coincidence." Yumeko smiled at Ann.
"Hmph. What manners." Mona glared of Yumeko's handling on him.
"And that leaves it to you." Ren cautiously turned to Sion. "So we're no longer going to fight, hearing from Hifumi, your name is Sion, right?"
"Yeah, that's my name. I get the fact of that Nekomata spirit told you where I'm from." Sion commented.
"Yeah, you're from the future and all that." Ryuji casually said.
"And I'm a vampire, a Revenant of some sort." Sion finished.
"Whoa! For real?!" Ryuji yelled. "That sounds awesome!"
"No kidding, like you're a vampire from the future and that you totally gave us a run for our money." Ann admitted.
"It took us teamwork to wear you down a bit though." Mona concurred.
"I also see that you took care of him, Hifumi?" Ren questioned.
"Yes, he is a hospitable guest in my household." Hifumi replied in helping out the question.
"Then, a new friend of Hifumi is going to become a valuable ally to us." Ren amicably offered to Sion, showing no hesitation.
Sion is quiet for a moment. Can it be possible that he's starting to view the Phantom Thieves as companions like his home timeline? Their not even Revenants he can relate, but humans wielding these personifications of themselves called Personas. A destiny is reached between them.
"Why so glum, my boyfriend's cool-minded in wanting you to join the gang." Ann kindly encouraged.
"Sounds to me that we'll be good friends in no time." Ryuji grinned at the Revenant.
"Meeting a vampire as a protagonist is interesting indeed." Yusuke said.
Without a word; both Mona, Futaba, and Haru agreed with their teammates positive comments.
"Say Makoto, what do you think of Sion?" Futaba asked the former student council president. "He seems to be a cool guy."
However, Makoto turned her back and feels quiet. She's not in the mood for anything.
"I don't even care. You guys can allow him to come with us, but I don't see him as unworthy of our cause."
The other Phantom Thieves are a bit surprise of Makoto's hostility towards Sion. Is there something wrong? Sure that Mona himself is not human and is a creation by Igor and human's hope, but Sion feels like a different case that he's from the future. Yet, as a vampire, if he would have gone out of control in bloodlust.
"Oh well, then welcome to the team you three!" Ryuji casually said to Sion, Hifumi, and Yumeko in moving on.
"Yay!" Yumeko cheered.
"Thank you for allowing us to come. I look forward to it." Hifumi pleasantly smiled.
"Now that we are all here. As I figured out, the pocket dimension is caused by the same being that wielded Amrita." Nekomata announced since that magic is already wear off.
"Yes, I have heard of Amrita in mythological stories as well. Interesting concepts that brought gifted power." Hifumi said about these stones.
"So, that perpetrator wanted us to be together in one location as a way to unite? He must have planned this from the start." Ren stated.
"And consider me joining you, it will help me find the answers of why I came here." Sion offered.
"That's fine by me, we're willing to hear your side of things." Ren said to Sion.
"Indeed. Thieves with Personas, the Revenant of the future, and Guardian Spirit wielders of the Shogi and Gambler are four unifications. He then offered you to find his location far away from Tokyo." Nekomata responded to Ren.
"And where will that be?" Makoto questioned Nekomata.
Nekomata then announced with the next objective, "We are all going to Osaka."
(End theme)
Meanwhile, as the Phantom Thieves gained new friends, they also gained the attention of someone else.
Somewhere in the park, a woman was watching them from a bench. Her bright blue eyes gazing at each youths, especially the one with the glasses.
"Huh. They're an interesting bunch."
Behind her, and with no normal people seeing it, is a white mermaid spirit with red feathered wings on her forehead and wing-like fins from her arms and bottom half as her tail. This is William's personal Guardian Spirit, Saoirse. Saoirse gave an understanding nod to the woman.
"You got that right."
She felt her ponytail loosen, and as she tightened the hairbinds, the dark haired woman made sure her hat is affixed on her head.
"Osaka, huh? Always wanted to visit that place. I also hear the foods are fantastic."
The woman stood up from the bench and made her way out of the park.
(Cue Hiroyuki Sawano - Ace and Arms)
Café Leblanc (純喫茶ルブラン)/Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo (四軒茶屋, 東京)/August 1st, 2020 (2020年8月1日)
A few days have passed to the first day of August. The Phantom Thieves alongside their new allies have done their packing up routine to their next destination.
The Founding Thieves (Ren, Mona, Ryuji, and Ann) alongside Sion are seen eating curry and drinks in the table while introducing the foreigner to Sojiro.
"Oh, so he's from somewhere in Europe?" Sojiro asked Ren concerning Sion.
"Yeah, technically, he's like a new ally to help out in our missions, not to mention being new to Japan with Hifumi taking care of him." Ren answered to Sojiro of being the translator for Sion.
Sion drinked a sip of coffee and comments, "This tasted good, and the place looks nice."
"Thanks for the compliments." Sojiro positively responded to Sion in understanding a bit of his English.
"Hey, not to interrupt, but look at how the girls are doing." Ann interjected in showing Hifumi and Yumeko's scene.
(Cue Kakegurui OST - Strange Visage)
In another table, it showed the two elegant woman are playing in the middle of Shogi. Having getting to know each other, such as even remembered playing Yu-Gi-Oh!, alongside the different high school uniforms (Blue - Hifumi and Red - Yumeko) they wore in the past in reflecting their personalities, this is the first time they compete each other by their gaming skills. Yumeko is close to defeating her opponent.
"Yes! Give me more till I defeat you!" Yumeko cried out in ecstasy. Her eyes are glowing red of the hedonistic enjoyment of playing, to the point she slid her right hand through her undies as if she's masturbating, while she nibbled her thumb from her left hand.
Ren and the others are feeling a bit unnerved at Yumeko's craziness. However, within luck, the phlegmatic Hifumi strikes back while playing with her pieces.
"You've fallen to my trap!" Hifumi exclaimed to her opponent. "Let the hair threads of the queen ensnared my opposing pieces! Infantry, go all out to slay the source!"
After moments, Hifumi has won the game. Yumeko stand up and clapped in joy.
"That was wonderful, Hifumi-san!" Yumeko cried out and grinned while still clapping. "Playing Shogi with you gives me great pleasure like kindred spirits!"
"Um, thank you. I've learned Shogi from my father and gotten his habits. I once supported him when he was ill for playing the board game professionally, and with my mother controlling my decisions till the Phantom Thieves intervened, it was complicated."
"Lucky you, my parents had already passed away, and I once took care of my older sister who was hospitalized by gambling." Yumeko contrasted her life story.
"I supposed we did have similarities and differences." Hifumi gave her symbolic statements to Yumeko with a calm expression. "For one, I am cool and collected, while you are fiery and passionate. But, we both have adrenaline bravery when we play games."
Indeed, Hifumi has sensed the spirit of a gambler emanating from Yumeko. Sion feels impressed at how Hifumi play to win with honor.
"Hoo boy, I never knew that woman feels so special to you." Sojiro jested at Sion about Hifumi's skills.
Feeling a bit unsure of understanding Sojiro's words, Sion turned to Ren and asked, "What does he mean by that?"
"Well, getting to know a girl like Hifumi started off slow. Takes time you know what your heart is saying to go with the flow." Ren encouraged his new friend.
Then; Ren, Ann, and Ryuji are playing with their phones in starting a chat room with the others for a debriefing. Profile pictures of themselves and their written texts are seen on the phone screen.
Ren: It's been years since we did these kinds of chats.
Futaba: No kidding. We have awesome memories on the phone, especially when we dealt with Medjed.
Ren: Yeah, and you dealt with them with your hacking skills, Futaba. Anyway guys, have you all bought the tickets? We're planning on going on the third of August.
Yusuke: Yes we all are. It is quite fascinating that Osaka is a change of pace.
Haru: I have never been to the city, but it looks to be fabulous.
Ryuji: And the food there tasted real sweet! Not to mention Universal Studios.
Ann: Yeah, we have a hotel reserved to relax. :) Feels reminded of our Hawaiian trip back in high school, only that we're on our own without teachers watching over us.
Futaba: Duh! We are adults! ^^
Ren: And with Hifumi, Sion, and Yumeko joining us; their valuable assets on the spot.
Makoto: I still have my suspicions towards that vampire. I don't know why you guys are being friendly towards him?
Haru: Well, he hasn't done anything cruel to us.
Ann: Makoto, you're just taking things too seriously.
Ryuji: Yeah, maybe being a workaholic police officer is way out of your head. :P
Makoto: Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!
Futaba: Okay guys, settle down and chill!
Ren: My sister figure is right. You guys and myself included need to get some rest for the coming big day. Later.
Afterwards, Ren and his two friends turn off their phone's chat room.
(End theme)
A/N: The main Code Vein protagonist is slowly getting use to the conditions of the present time, especially getting to know Hifumi more and with Yumeko joining the two. Originally, an early idea would have show Hifumi and Yumeko briefly fight each other besides becoming friends, but it is scrapped.
The Phantom Thieves are learning new information and discussing the current news. They have recruited the Nekomata from Nioh. And yeah, specific characters from Nioh such as William and Hanzo make guest cameos in guiding the young generation. Between writing this scene and the part of Hifumi's group meet Yukimura and Lady Chacha, I like writing the Phantom Thieves' scene more.
Philemon, Nyarlathotep, Nyx and Izanami are mentioned as references, reminding readers that past Persona games like Persona 3 and Persona 4 exist like in official canon. A Kakegurui character makes a cameo seen in the Meiji Shrine, Kirari Momobami's name is also mentioned.
I'm putting the lore of Nioh for the Phantom Thieves to mainly fight Yokai as one example. None of the Nioh protagonists get personally involved in joining the Thieves, with the exception of Nekomata and Hifumi & Yumeko's Guardian Spirits as quality. Knowing that the gameplay and myth lore is great and interesting, but the story is meh. If I imagine sequels in different time periods, I imagine one set in the late 1800s of the Meiji period (Remind of Rurouni Kenshin's live-action films, especially Okatsu is voice by Emi Takei.), another can set in WW2 (That will be intense of Japan using Amrita and Yokai in turning the tide.). A friend of mine also told me, "As far as sequels go, Meiji could be cool, but I'd prefer either something during the Taisho Democracy of the 1920s, with early industrialization and the military moving towards open hostilities in China and Korea, or something set much earlier, during Heian, or even the nearly prehistoric period before the formation of the first unified Japanese state we have native records of. Either one would make for an interesting change to combat due to the significant difference in weapons technology." The official creators mentioned that sequel opportunities can range from covering one of the many other popular generals in the Sengoku era, to samurai and onmyo mages in the Genpei War or Heian era such as Minamoto no Yorimitsu.
A special case, that woman with William's spirit, it's inspired from StrangerDenB4 suggesting me to add an OC based on William's descendant or could be a reincarnation. She'll mainly be a guest character.
Finally, we have the characters above have come together in Shinjuku. First, the Phantom Thieves and Sion fight as at first of suspicion, before they decide to form an alliance. It will take time for Sion to get to know the vigilantes more. Yumeko and Ann's voices are similar is a meta nod of having the same English voice actor (And she also voiced Kurapika from Hunter x Hunter, both he and Yumeko have glowing red eyes.).
Yumeko also shared the role as Meiko besides Hifumi. Sion, I imagine him in playing the role as Meicoomon. Phantom Thieves' Personas are compared to the Digidestined's Digimon partners, with Satanael played the role like Omnimon. The Yokai and Lost loosely play the role as the infected/rogue Digimon. William's descendant is like Hackmon. As for Nekomata, he plays the role as Leomon, except he's a permanent party member and not going to die like many Leomon incarnations. :P
Yeah, with these cat references, Mona, and that cat café scene, this chapter has a cat theme. Well, 2018 is the year of the dog and not a cat. :3
Overall, the second chapter is a step up in terms of quality. Next, the gang are heading to Osaka in finding more clues and the source besides their first time exploring the city. Chapter 3 is going to be one of my favs that it's not just a further major improvement to impress readers, but other circumstances.