A/N:Early upload! Yay! I was going to upload this on the 19th but I got finished going over it(No joke I read over this atleast twenty times by now) and figured I had no point in making you guys wait!
This was the last chapter I wrote before I took a break from the story for a while so it may be a bit cringy, I apologize in advance, although this is where the story will start shifting a bit, as with Akira's new personality so to speak, and thanks to some things being changed, a very important scene will be changed drastically.
Also the first two love interests will start to form in this chapter, although you may notice something about them...Won't say anything so I don't spoil the chapter but you may put two and two together.
I thank everyone who has read so far, and I hope this lives up to the amazing praise everyone gave me on the first chapter(Well...Not praise, more like a golf clap)
~Elizabeth
March 2, 2017-Cafe Leblanc(4:00PM)
The rest of the day went by without a problem and soon I arrived back at Leblanc, I had to check the camera files before heading to meet with Mishima so I didn't have much time. Thankfully I had picked up a old spare laptop from the old man's store just next door so I didn't have to go completely out of the way.
I made my way upstairs and sat the laptop down on the desk, it took a few minutes to boot up but soon I was on the desktop and I stuck the USB into the lone port and soon the files came up on screen.
"Hm lets see...It seems the video files are by folder..."
"...Aren't we missing some Akira?"
"Yeah...There's no files for Kamoshida's office or the gym...What a surprise." Of course there would be no cameras in either location, Kamoshida wouldn't risk indicting himself like that...However I figure he would love to view his actions...I wonder if there are cameras, but they run to his pc, he can check the files whenever he wants plus keep them from any outsiders.
"I think the hallway one is the one we need to look at." I nodded as I clicked on the folder and sure enough, several hour long video files came up, each one time stamped. I found the time that me and Ryuji came in and clicked on it. "...This looks like the one."
Sure enough, it was from this morning when me and Ryuji came in and you could see several girls posting calling cards on the boards
"What a ridiculous thing to do."
"It is weird...While fanart of us is nothing new, I wonder why they would post it on the school's bulletin board?"
"Hm...I wonder the same thing." I closed the video and went back to the seven o clock file and loaded it up, I skimmed through it until I found something "Hey Morgana look at this."
Morgana looked at the video file in question with me, before many people had came in, a lone girl came up to the bulletin board with a card and placed it under one of the papers...Though someone saw her and they made their own card and placed it in clear view, and soon everyone followed suit..."Why did the first girl put her card under the paper?"
"I don't know..." I skimmed back to the point where the first girl placed her calling card and zoomed in on her..."...I feel like I know this girl."
"Oh I've seen her with Lady Ann."
"...Lady Ann?"
"Yeah, Ann Takamaki! She's so gorgeous that she deserves a title!" Morgana practically sighed with admiration as I swore his pupils turned to hearts...Uh...Right...
"Well anyway...Who is she?"
"Her name is Shiho Suzui, a member of the volleyball team. Rumor has it that Kamoshida often uses her as blackmail against Lady Ann." Hm...I do remember her bringing up Shiho earlier today...So this is her friend.
"But why is she setting a fake calling card up?"
"From how she hid it, I can only guess it's because she only wanted a certain phantom thief to see it...However because someone else saw her do it and got in on the action, it became a huge love letter to you."
"...I wonder if it's still present."
"When we left, most of the cards were still up, so I doubt they've checked under the papers...It be dangerous to go when school's already out...Plus Mishima."
"...Then before we go to Mishima, we stop by the school. We're safe if we're Joker and Mona, plus we have the camera data so they won't know Shiho set that card."
"...I suppose you're right...You better have a good excuse for Boss though."
"No worries, I'll just tell him I'm hanging out with Ryuji for the night...I've already used that excuse once."
"It only worked after boss met with his parents for about two hours to make sure that you two weren't going to do anything..."
"I'm sure it will work...Besides...I was able to make a small elixir so I was able to recover some Sp..."
"Even still, you need to be careful...Use up all your SP and you're going to be exhausted until it fully replenishes, which will take several days...Still this is a big mission, so all the information we can grab will be helpful."
"Indeed." I continued to search through the files, seeing if I could find anything extra but to no avail. I gave a sigh as I shut the laptop and stretched before looking at my bag "...We should head out now, we have to meet Mishima soon. Seven actually."
"Where exactly did you say to meet?"
"The Fishing pond, they're closed for the week so we don't have to worry about anyone being present."
"Well if it's that far out, and we also have to run by the school, then yeah let's head on." I nodded as I grabbed my bag and walked downstairs, immediately boss shot his head up.
"Where are you going?"
"Ryuji's, we're going to hang out tonight."
"...He's the kid you hung with last time right?" I nodded "...Fine, I'll let you as long as you stay out of trouble...But if I get a call from his mom, then you can consider this the last time."
"Understood...And thanks." I walked past boss who looked back down at his crossword puzzle but before my hand reached the door handle he spoke up.
"Yeah...And have fun." I looked back at boss but he didn't raise his head, I gave a small smile.
"I will." He didn't respond further as I opened the door and headed out into the night.
March 2, 2017-Shujin Academy-Courtyard(5:03PM)
"Never thought I'd be changing into Joker twice in one day."The words echoed out of my mouth as I stood on top of the building in front of the school with my coat flowing in the wind.
"Same here, and at the same place no less...Nobody should be here, so we're gonna have to break in."
"Oh really? I figured we could just walk in no problem." Morgana gave me a glare but I just laughed at it "Oh lighten up, I'll go check for the calling card while you make sure no one comes in."
"Will d-...Hey Joker, someone's here!" Morgana pointed at someone sitting down in the courtyard with her face down "H-Hey Joker...I think it's Lady Ann!"
"Looks like it." Ann Takamaki did appear to still be here for some reason, but why, I had no idea...Hm..."I should see what's up."
"We don't have time Joker-"
"Mona." Morgana quieted down and looked up at me "We became Phantom Thieves to not only stop criminals but also help out the weak...And I see a girl who needs help if you ask me...Plus she is related to the current case."
"But Mishima..."
"We have time to spare."
"I know that, but what happens if..."
"If..."
"If she needs you to console her for a while, it could be problematic."
"...I'll put her to sleep and drop her off at her place...It's not to far, so we will still have time."
"How do you know where she lives?"
"I studied up on everyone and memorized everyone's housing so in case I ever needed something for a heist I would know where to look."
"Well...I shouldn't really be surprised...Here how about this, I grab the card and you talk to her, save some time."I heard Morgana utter something under his breath about how I knew everyone's address but didn't actually know who everyone actually was, but I ignored it.
"Good plan, alright let's move out." Morgana vanished into thin air and I soon did the same thing as I jumped off the building and descended for the courtyard. I arrived with relative ease and I quickly hid behind a tree to avoid detection.
I slowly made my way up to Ann, hiding in every shadow I could, before I was close enough to hear her crying. By using my thief sense, I could see she was clutching her phone tightly. "Damn Kamoshida!"
Hm?
"T-Telling me that if I don't come to his house for the rest of the week then he will take Shiho off the team th-That bastard!" That bastard indeed, I can easily guess what the hell he would do with her if she came to his house by herself. "What should I do...?"
Ann's tears continued to roll down as she yelled at herself, clutching her hands tightly against her head as tears dropped down onto her skirt...I was silent for a few moments as I wondered what to do, I could appear as Akira Kursuru but...That could bring more questions than needed...Not to mention she might hesitate to talk to me then...However if I appear as Joker, a outsider, she may be more willing…
I gave a sigh as I made up my mind and quietly got a little closer before I spoke up.
"Stand up for yourself and your friend." Ann shot up and immediately looked behind her, but I could easily avoid her detection.
"W-What!?W-Where are you! W-Who are you! A-Are you with Kamoshida!?"
"I wouldn't be caught dead with a son of a bitch who preys on helpless women."
"T-Then why are you hiding from me! Y-You're acting like a creep!"
"Sometimes it's best to rather be heard than seen I say, especially when it's my speciality to hide."
"T-That doesn't make any sense!" Ann got up from the bench and ran towards where I was hiding, but again I easily avoided her as I went to a different location. "W-Where are you!"
"I don't think such a question matters...What does matter is Kamoshida."
"I-It does matter! I don't want to be talking to someone I can't see!" I gave a small laugh as I left my hiding spot and appeared behind her as I placed my hand over her eyes "W-What!"
"You can see me hand, better now?"
"W-What are you going to do with me?"
"Nothing...Like I said, I just want to talk about Kamoshida."
"...W-Why the privacy? Is it because you're a student? I-I swear I won't tell him! I want that bastard to rot away, not continue his handiwork!"
"I believe you, yet the reason I don't show myself is because I wonder how you will handle the revelation."
"Revelation?"
"Yes, I can help you but I need you to promise that you will not tell Kamoshida."
"I-I just said I wouldn't!"
"Yes when it comes to students, yet how will you fare if I am someone from the outside?"
"I-I still wouldn't tell him...I-In fact, I have even less of a reason to if you're not a student!"
"...Very well, then one last question. If you find out who I am, I may need you to testify in court, are you alright with this?"
"I-In court? S-So your a detective, y-yes that's alright!"
"Are you sure?"
"Y-Yes! I will do anything to have this bastard put away for good!" I smirked, I believe I had enough fun. I slipped my free hand into my pocket and pulled out a blank calling card as I placed it into her hand. "W-Whats this?"
"My identity." I took my hand off of her face and she looked down at the card I handed her.
"The Phantom Thief of...W-Wait!" She spun around and a audible gasp could be heard as she stared at me, her mouth agape "N-No way...You-You're..."
I gave a small laugh as I placed my hand on my chest and did a small bow "I am the Phantom Thief Of Hearts, Joker."
"I-I must be dreaming...There's no way your actually here! T-Thats too convenient!"
"Perhaps, but I am a pretty convenient guy...Truthfully though I have just arrived in Tokyo yet I heard about Kamoshida's antics and I have been investigating him."
"...Y-You're...The real deal...You're Joker..." Ann kept talking to herself "D-Do you're catch phrase!"
"Catch Phrase?"
"Y-yeah!"
I stared at her for a moment wondering what she meant...Until a thought hit me...I guess she could be referencing this...
"Hm...Don't believe I have one...Unless you mean this one." I wouldn't call it a catch phrase but a reporter heard me say it once and ever since then it was often associated with me, even if I never actually used it...Though I believe I often see it on third party merchandise so that could be why it's often associated...Ah well whatever...I don't like it but if it will get her to believe me. "On this fateful night, you're heart has been captured by me, Joker! The Phantom Thief Of Hearts!"
Ann was silent for a moment before she took a step back "O-Oh my god...You're Joker..."
I'm glad that worked, I gave a small smirk to her but immediately noticed she was looking away now with a small blush "...Is everything alright?"
"..." She was quiet for a moment before she took off her jacket and then started...Slowly...Doing something I never thought I would see…
She was unbuttoning her shirt...
"H-Hey wait, Wh-What ar-" I couldn't finish as her white shirt dropped to the ground, I was expecting a full cleavage shot but instead I got..."A-A Joker shirt?"
I was completely caught off guard as Ann's undershirt was a fan made shirt with the Phantom Thief Logo in the middle, my name on top and the ridiculous catchphrase I just said on the bottom "I-I'm...A big fan..."
T-This was unexpected..."I-I see...I appreciate it Miss Ann."
She looked at me with another gasp as her blush grew deeper "Y-You know my name...?"
"Yes I know most of the students here, it's all been apart of my spying."
"I-I figure but...To think you know my name...I-It's kinda embarrassing." Ann's blush was getting deeper, and soon Morgana's words began to bleed into my mind
If she needs you to console her for a while, it could be problematic
...Right..."J-Joker..."
"Hm?"
"U-Uh...About Kamoshida...I-I'll testify but...What about Shiho?" I gave a smile as I pointed at her "Huh?"
"Who is Shiho's best friend?"
"Huh?"
"Who is Shiho's best friend?"
"U-Uh I-I am…"
"Exactly...Meaning you have to believe and trust her! Right?"
"O-Of course, I trust her more than anyone else in the world!"
"Knowing that, then you should know not to go to Kamoshida's house, Shiho is too big of a star to be benched, you should know that."
"Y-Yeah...Of course...Of course she is!" I nodded and smiled at Ann's resolve, it seemed just a few words about Shiho was enough to get her pumped.
I gave a small chuckle as I turned and put my hand up "Then you have nothing to fear, I'll take it from here."
I began to walk forward when all of a sudden Ann grabbed my shoulder "U-Uh...C-Can I see you again?"
"Heh, I work in the shadows, unless you get caught up in another case...I doubt it." There was no answer, and for a moment I thought I could just walk on but she stopped me again.
"H-Have this!"She handed me a card and as I Looked it over, it seemed to be for a modeling agency "I-I model for these guys so...I-If you ever want to get in touch...J-Just let me know through them..."
Hm...this would be good for setting up meetings in case I needed to ask something from her."I understand, and remember, be strong and don't fall into Kamoshida's grasp, be strong for not only yourself, but Shiho as well."
Ann looked at me before nodding, she then looked down at the ground and after a second she spoke again "I-If I never see you again...Thanks, it was just a few words but coming from the person I look up to,I appreciate it."
"Heh, I'm just a thief."
"Maybe but...I've always loved the villains." Ann looked up with me a deep red face which caused me to blush as well though my mask hid it "Joker..."
Ann reached up and grabbed my face as she brought herself forward which caught me off guard "W-Wh-Mmph!"
Her lips connected with mine and soon I felt my arms go around her and though the kiss lasted for just a few seconds, it felt...Honestly amazing. Soon her lips came off though she stayed inches from my face "You have soft lips...Y-You're a great kisser~"
"U-Uh thanks..." She giggled as she lowered herself and picked up her jacket and white shirt before she ran past me.
"Thanks...I really appreciate it!" Ann turned and yelled out as she ran into the night as I watched on in stun silenced.
I kept looking for a few moments before I shook my head and grabbed my ear "H-Hey Mona, how's it going?"
"I found the card and I'm heading to the roof now to read it, you done with lady Ann?"
"Y-Yeah Heading there now."
"Roger that Joker." I shook my head as jumped onto a tree before I began scaling nearby objects up to the roof of the school.
March 2, 2017-Shujin Academy-Roof(5:22PM)
"Are you alright? You look...Lost..." Morgana was giving me a curious look to go with his questioning tone.
"I-It's nothing..."
"D-Did something happen with Lady Ann?"
"N-No nothing...Now the card." Morgana kept his expression but handed the card to me as I read it out loud.
If you are reading this, then I can safely assume you're Joker
I won't say who I am, but I am in need of help
My friend has been abused and blackmailed by a heartless soul
I beg of you to help her
If you need more details, then meet me at the school's rooftop tomorrow morning
I'll be present around six
That was all the note said, once I had finished reading, I placed the note into my pocket as I looked down at Morgana "It seems we have even more on our plate now Mona."
"The more the merrier, we need everyone we can to testify if we want to expose everything...I find it interesting though, Shiho is looking out for Lady Ann, while lady Ann is looking out for Shiho...You can really tell they are best friends."
"Indeed but...Something doesn't feel right...She can safely assume? Why? If a teacher found this note then..."
"It is strange, but it's one of the few leads we have...Hopefully we can get more from Mishima."
"...Right..." I wasn't sure why she had total confidence in the letter, but I pushed that thought aside as I looked back at Morgana "We'll arrive early if we head off now...What should we do?"
"The Fishing Pond is about forty-five minutes away, giving us until six-fifteen to handle stuff...We could investigate Kamoshida's office, but most likely we wouldn't be able to investigate everything...Additionally despite knowing where every student lives, we don't know much about everyone...Now would be a good time to steal everyone's files for future reference."
...He's right...We have no chance of searching all of Kamoshida's office with our limited time, however we have plenty of time to find and take everyone's files..."Most likely they are either in the principal's office or staff room...I'll take the principles office while you get the staff room."
"Roger that Joker." Morgana quickly vanished into the night as I turned to the rooftop door, despite being locked I easily picked it and headed towards the principal's office. Using my thief sense, I easily navigated throughout the hallway before reaching the principal's door, I smirked as I turned the door handle and headed inside.
March 2, 2017-Shujin Academy-Principal's Office(5:30PM)
Once inside the office, I quickly walked over the desk and began opening each drawer, going through all the folders seeing if I could find what I needed, however all the folders contained were test scores, teacher applications and other forms of useless stuff.
"Maybe on the pc..." I looked at the principles computer and flicked the switch on, to my surprise the screen flashed straight to the desktop without needing a password "Interesting..."
I searched through all the folders and many of them were just digital copies of folders he had in his desk, mountain and mountains of junk really...As I searched I saw a file that caught my eye...It was the file for the P. E. rally the school was going to be holding.
I clicked opened the file and everything seemed standard, it had the schedule, the punishment for the people who skipped which was cleaning, the food that would be served ect...However something caught my eye...It was the contestants for the teacher-student volleyball game...The students were all volunteers apparently and most of them were the volleyball team but...The contestants..."Yuuki Mishima, Naji Kano, Saku Makoto, Keima Katsuagi,Ciel Trancy and...Akira Kurusu..."
I was on the list of contestants...Despite not volunteering or being on the volleyball team...It's possible that Kamoshida added me to 'teach me' a lesson but this is a problem...I was planning on using the rally to fully investigate Kamoshida's office...Morgana can do it of course, but I don't believe he could easily operate a computer with his paws...
I gave a sigh as I scrolled down to the female section and was surprised at an ominsion...Shiho wasn't on the girl-student team...Now that is strange as well...Where could she be? I looked over the rest of the document and a chill ran down my spine as I saw that during this time, Kamoshida would bge hosting a 'meeting' with certain people...Alone...And Shiho was one of them...In fact they were all female...
...I gritted my teeth as I moved the cursor over and highlighted all of their names, I quickly took a blank card out and wrote them all down before I deleted all of them from the section. I then moved over and added Shiho to the volleyball team for the students so she couldn't be called to Kamoshida...I wasn't too worried for the other girls, as Kamoshida had his eyes on Shiho for one reason...Ann Takamaki...
I gripped the mouse tighter before taking a deep breath and relaxing, this guy had to be taken out quickly...Yet with how powerful he is from the school and olympics, I need every ounce of evidence I can get...
I scanned over the rest of the document and after finding nothing else of interest, I saved and closed the document. I ran through the rest of the principal's files, however I couldn't find anything that had all of the student's information "Damn..."
I clicked on the internet and opened up the principal's email, however I don't have time to read through all of it...So I opened up his account page and took out another card and wrote down his email address and password, I'm sure he won't mind. I also wrote down all of his recovery options should he change it, and got the passwords to all of them.
Once I had enough information that I could use for later I contacted Morgana "Found anything yet Mona?"
"Nope, the staff room has grades, midterms and stuff like that, but nothing that includes personal information about the students..."
"Same here, though I did find some interesting information, I wasn't able to find the students profiles..."
"I wonder where they are..."...A long silence overtook us for a moment before Morgana spoke back up. "Joker...You think...?"
"...Most likely...We're gonna have to come back though, it's getting close to six."
"Agreed, we can't waste time."
"Right meet me in the courtyard." I walked over to the window and like I had done earlier, I opened it up and jumped out to the ground below.
March 2, 2017-Shujin Academy-Courtyard(5:53PM)
I walked over to the center of the courtyard and waiting in the middle for me was my little cat in crime "What was the information you found?"
"It was info about the P. E. rally tomorrow...Apparently I'm now apart of the student team."
"What? Why?"
"Most likely Kamoshida's doing...However it may be a blessing, it may allow me to study Kamoshida's movements for when we eventually have to face him."
"I guess...Anything else?"
"Yes, all the information we need to keep track of the Principal's emails and contacts, anything he sends or receives, we can look at."
"Smart move, this should let see how much he's been covering for Kamoshida, because you know he has."
"Oh most definitely." I gave a grin before I started walking towards the gate "Shall we get going?"
"Of course Joker!" Morgana gave a smile which I returned with a nod as we began making our way to the fishing Pond.
March 2, 2017-Fishing Pond(6:45PM)
We arrived at the Fishing Pond earlier than the arrival time but there was nothing wrong with being a bit early, we looked around the area but didn't spot anyone "You think he will come?"
"He will."
"You sure seem confident."
"Heh, I can read people like I can read a book, unless he was somehow intercepted along the way, he'll be here." As soon as I finished speaking the two of us could hear tires getting closer "Sounds like bike tires."
"Must be him then." Morgana vanished into the shadows while I waited for our guest, soon a light could be seen as a bike rolled onto the scene with Mishima as the driver. I stepped back into the darkness some so Mishima didn't see me as he left his bike Once he walked to the middle of the walkway, I made myself known.
"Glad to see you came Mishima." He jumped as I stepped out of the shadows and in front of him, sweat could be seen on his face as he was shaking some "Everything all right?"
"Y-Yeah...Just nervous...I-I've never been all the way out here near nighttime." I gave a laugh as I walked towards him.
"Nothing to worry about other than maybe some fishermen who might sneak in to fish, but I doubt that will be a problem with the pond being closed for the week because of some new renovations."
"R-Right..."
"Now...Do you have what I asked for?"
"Y-Yeah...Here is a list of everyone I know that has been abused one way or another by Mr Kamoshida." Mishima handed me just one piece of paper, though it was completely full.
"I figured more would be present."
"H-He likes to stick with one group...H-He has total control of them...Us...And uses us to his pleasure..."
"I see..." I kept looking over the paper and was surprised to not see the names of the girls from earlier, I took out the card to make sure and indeed, they were not present. "What about these girls."
I handed Mishima the card and he looked over the names "...I-I've never seen him talk to these people before...I-In fact...I don't recognize the names..."
"I see...Interesting." I placed the card back into my pocket and folded the paper up before placing it into my pocket as well.
"J-Joker..."
"Hm? Yes?"
"I-I wanted to ask...I-I'm just wondering because he was asking earlier..."
"He?"
"T-The transfer student...A-Akira Kurusu...W-Was asking me about Kamoshida...and not soon after, you do the same thing...A-Are...I-I mean...W-Whats your relationship to him!?"
"..."I looked at Mishima without a response...Should I tell him? It would be beneficial to have an ally within the school...However no one knows of my true identity so it poses a risk...Well I am all about taking risks….
…
... "What's our relationship?"
"*gulp* Y-Yes..."
"..." I turned to the side as I looked up at the sky before I grinned "Mishima-kun...Didn't you say you were going to trust me?""
Mishima's eyes went wide eyed as I repeated the question that I had asked him earlier when I wasn't Joker. "K-Kurusu-kun..."
I gave a laugh as I turned towards him "You're the first person to ever find out...No need for formalities."
Mishima was speechless as he just looked on before shaking his head "W-Wait a minute then! Y-Your n-not a criminal then! W-Well your a thief but...D-Did you come to school to get rid of Kamoshida?"
Lying would be my best bet right now...I can't reveal everything, already this is a huge risk... "It's more simple than that, I needed an excuse to come to Tokyo, and your school was the best fit...After all, rumors easily spread throughout schools,especially a renowned one such as yours...However I've had my eye on Kamoshida for awhile now, so that was also another reason."
"S-So your record..."
"It's made up...I created a fake ID, hacked the school records and made everything up...I mean...Do you really think Akira is my real name?" Mishima again went wide eyed before he swallowed, well it seems the lie worked.
"I-I see...That makes sense...Um...T-Then why tell me?"
"You seem trustworthy enough, besides, other than Mona I have no allies so having an inside man helps."
"Mona..."
"Yes my partner."
"I-I know it's just...Weird remembering you don't work alone...B-But thanks! I-I won't let you down!" I smiled as I pulled a blank card and wrote my number down and handed it to him.
"I'll keep in contact through this phone, text me if you find anything out."
"R-Right!" I smirked as I turned around and walked a bit forward.
"Well, see you in class tomorrow." I gave a wave before I pulled out one of my flash bombs, I threw it on the ground and it exploded, causing Mishima to shield his eyes as I vanished into the night.
"...E-Everything...Everything is going to be alright now! B-Because my hero Joker...No...My friend Akira...Is here!"
Mishima looked at the spot I was just standing at before smiling and turning around as he pedaled away, leaving the fishing Pond empty once again. Morgana came out from his spot and stood beside me as the darkness continued to overtake the earth "You're taking a big risk...But I'm sure you know that."
"Heh, well I'm all about taking risks...However something doesn't add up."
"What?" I grabbed the card with the girls name and showed it to Morgana while also holding the paper Mishima gave me up.
"This paper has every student Kamoshida takes advantage of everyday, from beating the guys to molesting the girls...Yet these girls names are not on this paper."
"I see...Who are they?"
"That I'm not sure, they were listed on the paper for tomorrow's rally and were set to meet in private with Kamoshida...I don't recognize the names either...We should look and see if the names match to any in the address book."
"And If they don't?"
"...Then they're faked...Most likely so no one would question Kamoshida having Shiho over in his office."
"That makes sense...Speaking of her, we have to meet with her on the rooftop tomorrow...Of course, I smell a rat for some reason."
"It's unnerving, she was totally confident in the whole thing...She wasn't worried at all about a teacher finding it...But why?"
"A trap maybe...?"
"Someone would have to suspect that we go to the school...Plus have control over Shiho to...Kamoshida..."
"But that wouldn't make any sense, he was all pissed off at the girls this morning and dismissed us as nonsense...However...He did seem rather irritated at the meeting about the girls doing so...I wonder if it was a two way setup, capture you...And also have more girls to have fun with."
"I wouldn't put it past him...Not in the slightest...He has even more reason to be after us since we foiled that second part..."
"This is assuming though Joker, that he's behind it...This girl could just have that much confidence in you." I guess but...It seems too setup...However I won't know until tomorrow...
"I guess...Lets head back, we have a long day tomorrow..."
"Right..."
March 3, 2017-Shujin Academy-Rooftop(6:45AM)
I had arrived at the specified time in the note, however forty-five minutes had already passed, and I still had nothing...Shiho had yet to appear, and Morgana still hadn't seen her arrive at school...It was a little unsettling...
I gave a sigh as I looked down at all the kids coming in, classes would be starting in about fifteen minutes yet...I had no intention of going until I heard from Shiho...However the fact that she hadn't arrived yet made me worry.
Also unsettling was that the girls from the pc had no address, in fact they weren't even in the address book, confirming that Kamoshida had in fact made them up and the Principle didn't care...I still need to look into his email, more clues about him and Kamoshida could be in them.
The PE Rally was also today, meaning that I was supposed to be present...It started at One, so if nothing happens then I'll just be late today...Not like anyone would care. As these thoughts swirled around my mind Morgana interrupted "Joker, Lady Ann just arrived."
A light blush came onto my face as I remembered the events from last night, but I quickly shook them off I replied back. "How is she?"
"Hm...Not good, she has a worried expression and keeps looking at her phone...She almost looks like she's about to cry..." Well that's not good...
"I wonder if it's connected to Shiho...?"
"It's certainly possible...But we have no way of knowing." Damn it, things are starting to look bad, Shiho hasn't shown up yet, Ann's actions make me think that she hasn't heard from Shiho, Kamoshida was going to meet with her in private...Then the words from last night came into my head...
T-Telling me that if I don't come to his house for the rest of the week then he will take Shiho off the team th-That bastard!
My body froze as a thought started to creep into my head, one that made me heart almost jump out of my chest. "Mona! Has Kamoshida come in yet?"
"...Now that you mention it...I haven't seen him since we arrived..." My hands started shaking as I gritted my teeth, I ran over to the side of the school where Kamoshida's office was as I jumped onto the fence.
"I'm going into Kamoshida's office now!"
"What!? Why?"
"Because Shiho's in trouble dammit!" Before Morgana got another word out, I jumped from the gate as I quickly fell down past all the windows before I was right above Kamoshida's. I reached my hand as I came to a sudden stop as I gripped the seal of the window. I pulled myself up as curtains were obstructing my view.
I almost barked as I used one of my hands to pull out a lockpick, and soon began working on the handle, it was a little hard with one hand but soon I heard a click as I stuffed the pick back into my pocket as I pushed open the window and jumped inside.
March 3, 2017-Shujin Academy-Kamoshida's office(6:58AM)
As soon as I entered the room, I felt uneasy, though the light was off...Something seemed...off...The feeling in the room was one of despair, and it was radiating throughout my body.
I gulped as I activated my thief sense and froze when I saw what was on the ground. Laying on the ground was a beaten up and unconsciousness girl, her face was on the ground but I could tell from the black hair that it was most likely Shiho.
I quickly ran over and flipped the lights on before I bent down and rolled her over as a nauseous feeling settled into my stomach, the girl was Shiho as I thought. Her face was badly bruised and her arms were covered in welts. I felt my fist ball up as I looked around the rest of the room, it was empty which pissed me off even more.
"Where the hell is that bastard?" I gritted my teeth as I reached down and picked Shiho up bridal style, trying my best not to touch any of her welts. Her chest was still moving so she was alive and breathing...But she can't be in good shape right now...Damn what the hell do I do? I can't just leave her with the school nurse, but at the same time I have nowhere else to go...
...
I didn't want to do this, my SP has recovered some over the night, but not enough...If I used this, then I would be incredibly low and it will take about a week to fully recover...What choice do I have though!?
I looked down at Shiho as my eyes turned red as the world around me went dark, as I whispered out the words "Diarahan"
The world went fully dark for a second before a green glow began to emit,Shiho's body was slowly healed as her warts and bruises began to vanish along with the small cuts on her. Soon she was back to looking relatively healthy.
I started to breath a bit heavy due to the lack of SP, I had enough left for one last move before I would be out and exhausted, but I had to push through. I looked down at Shiho's body and gave a sigh of relief,she should be good to stay in the nurse's office.
...However walking there in my joker outfit would be out of the question...Sorry Shiho but everybody is going have to see you being carried by a delinquent.
March 3, 2017-Shujin Academy-Hallway(7:09AM)
Though class had started, many kids were still running up and down the halls or doing tasks for the teachers.
To say they were stunned when I walked by would be an understatement.
Many were giving me very mixed glares as I strolled down the hallway with my bag over my shoulder and Shiho in my arms, the looks ranged from confusion to fear to some even angry...All aimed at me, like I had been the one who had assaulted her.
I even passed by a few classrooms with the doors opens, which caused the ones who saw me to start whispering and gossiping to the others, which will never end well...
Finally after what seemed like forever, I made my way to the nurses office. While the old lady was shocked when I came in, I came up with a lie that I had found Shiho like this on the roof, and while I had to explain what I was doing on said roof, the nurse didn't seem to care all that much.
She said that Shiho just needed some rest and was most likely just suffering from exhaustion, not realizing that moments earlier she had been much worse. The nurse was kind enough to write me a letter to give to Kawakami and I gave her a thank you as I headed down the hallway to my class.
I had turned off my earpiece when I jumped so I had no idea what Morgana was up to, I just hope he either stays watching the entrance or has made his way to my desk.
When I entered the classroom, the entire class gave me looks of suspicion, except for two people, that being Mishima, who gave me a smile and Ann who was to busy looking at her phone, though I have a good hunch why. "You're late..."
I looked at Kawakami who gave me a deadpanned look as if she wasn't surprised, I just gave a small nod and walked over to her "Here..."
"Hm?" Kawakami took the note and read over it, which caused her to go wide eyed for a moment before she looked at me with a surprised expression "I...See...Well it can be excused then, can't get mad at you for being late if it's because of something like that...Just take your seat."
I nodded as I walked past the rows of people with my hands in my pockets, many of them looking at me whispering, most likely thinking I was with a probation officer or something. However when I passed by Ann, I resisted the urge to think about last night and just quietly whispered "Suzui's alright."
Ann looked up at me almost immediately as I gave a small smile and kept walking before I fell down in my seat, I immediately looked and noticed that Morgana was still absent...I hope he's alright...
Class went on for a few minutes without anything noteworthy before a piece of paper landed on my desk, I looked at it before looking at Mishima only to see he was busy writing down notes. I then looked at the blond in front of me who had her hand up almost in a throwing motion...I see...
I opened the note and read it in my head.
What do you mean?
I gave a inward sigh as I tore off a tiny piece from my notes and wrote my reply before throwing it back at her.
I found her and got her to the nurse's office
A few moments later a reply came back.
Is she alright?
This back and forth continued on.
Yes, she was just unconsciousness
Where was she at?
...If I tell you, promise not to get mad
What do you mean?
Just promise
Fine
I found her in Kamoshida's Office
Silence followed for a few moments before a snap could be heard as I saw Ann had clenched her pencil and broken it in half as her arm shook and though a few people looked at her, most of them ignored her. I gulped as I wrote another note and threw it at her...
You alright?
What do you think?
That you're pissed beyond belief
That's putting it mildly
Sorry...
What are you sorry for?
Not saving her
It's not your fault...It's mine, I'm a terrible friend...
No you're a fantastic friend, Kamoshida's just a piece of shit
You think?
Sorry for stating the obvious
...It's fine...And thanks...Hey meet me during lunch
Will do
That was the last note as the bell rang signaling the class change, and a five minute break. Ann immediately got up from her seat and rushed out of the room, most likely going to see Shiho as I sat there by myself. I was about to leave and contact Morgana but Mishima approached my desk "H-Hey K-Kurusu-kun..."
"..."
"K-Kurusu-kun?"
"Didn't I say no more formalities Mishima?" I looked up at him and gave a grin which seemed to surprise him for a second before he smiled and nodded.
"Yeah sorry...I-I just wanted to say thanks for last night...I-It was a ho-"
"Don't mention it, it's just what I do." I turned fully around in my desk as I looked up at Mishima with a piece of my hair falling over my glasses "However I found an unpleasant sight this morning."
"W-What?" I looked around the room and after making sure no one was watching us, I ushered him closer. When Mishima got close enough I whispered into his ear.
"I found Shiho beaten and bruised in Kamoshida's office this morning." Mishima's eyes went wide as he backed up and looked at me
"A-Are you serious?" I nodded in approval which caused him to look down and clench his fist "Bastard..."
"Thats putting it mildly, I told Ann though I kept much of the information to myself...I also healed her injuries so hopefully she's doing better."
"Yo-You can hear injuries?" I looked up at Mishima who was giving me a look of surprise and confusion.
"Well...I am a man of many talents."
"T-That...I don't doubt...But wow...You can do everything Jok-" I stood up and clapped my hand around Mishima's mouth which earned quite a few looks, though I tried to brush them off as I pulled Mishima closer.
"In school and public, I'm Akira...Remember that."
"A-Ah...Y-Yes sir!" Mishima did a small nod as I let go of him and fell backwards some "S-Sorry about that..."
"No I'm sorry...You just have to be more careful."
"R-Right." The bell rung soon after as Mishima wished me well as he ran back to his seat, Ann came back soon after still looking depressed but seemed to be a little better. When she looked at me she gave me a small smile and a mouthed thank you, which I just responded with a head nod. Mr Ushimaru came in signaling the start of History class.
I blew some air from my mouth in annoyance as I looked outside at the sun, it was mostly covered behind the clouds, giving an ominous feeling off...Heh, it's almost poetic...Too bad I was never good at poetry.
I looked at Ann in front of me who was looking down writing the notes, she seemed a little better in her body language but I could tell she still wasn't as good as she could be. I looked down at my paper as I moved and tore off a piece and wrote a small note before throwing it to Ann...Hey it worked the first time, maybe it will again.
She looked at the note as she unfolded it.
How is She?
I could hear a faint sigh as I saw Ann tear off a piece of her own paper once again as she wrote her reply, resuming out note conversation from earlier.
She's still passed out...
I'm sorry to hear
It's fine...I'm just glad she's OK
Yeah, glad I found her when I did
Again thank you...The nurse says she just needs some rest, so I'll go check up on her at the end of the day.
Alright...Do you still want me to get with you during lunch?
Yeah...I want to talk to you still
Alright
As soon as I threw the last note to Ann, a voice rang out from the front of the class..Directed towards me as the entire class's eyes landed on me because of said voice "Kurusu! Are you passing notes in my class?"
Mr Ushimaru, the social studies teacher and resident dickward, had his eyes trained on me with his chalk in his hand. "..."
"Answer me dammit!"
"...Well you did say to take notes...I'm just passing them along." A vein appeared in his head as he clutched his chalk before throwing it my way.
"Don't be a smartass!" The chalk came towards me as I simply leaned backwards letting it hit the window besides me as some of the students were wide eyed while others had already gone back to their notes "Hmph, just pay attention and stop talking to your girlfriend in class."
A few snickers came out but I just rolled my eyes, it's not like we were in middle school still...Although I hope Ann doesn't get mad thanks to that comment...I looked towards her but she had just went back to taking notes, making me give a small smile as I did the same.
Class was less exgravatant afterwards and before one could blink, the lunch bell rang as student began packing up their stuff, while others had already done so. Ann got up and looked at me, almost impatiently as I gave a nod and grabbed my stuff as I started to walk with her. Mishima was about to come over but stopped when he saw me give him a look that read 'later'
Ann and I both walked silently through the halls as everyone were running around and talking amongst each other, a few people looked at us and started talking but for the most part it was silent. Finally we climbed the stairs to the roof as the two of us stood silent for a few moments.
Said silence was broken when Ann sat down on the ledge and pulled her lunch from her bag as I followed suit "So...What did you want to talk about?"
"..."
"..."
"...Why were you Kamoshida's office?"
"Huh?"
"You said you found Shiho in Kamoshida's office...But why you in their to begin with?" Hm...A logical question...I can't tell her it's because I was investigating him...I also can't tell her that it's because I'm Joker unless...
I shook my head as last night entered my head as I looked down at my food "Kamoshida has been...A pain in my ass to say the least...I was going to his office to take back a possession of mine he had confiscated when I found Suzui laying inside...It was not what I expected to find to put it mildly..."
Ann's hands again gripped at my mention but she didn't break her chopsticks like she did the pencil, in fact she took a deep breath as she more or less played with her food "...I see...did you get back whatever you went in their for?"
"...No...Suzui took priority when I found her...She was more important than what I had gone to grab.
"...I see...Well thank you...Truly...I was so worried after she stopped texting me last night."
"last night?"
"Yeah...The last thing she told me was that she was going to pick up some groceries...I was so worried for her that I asked if I could come along but...She never replied."
"Why were you worried for her?"
"..."
"Takamaki?"
"...Yesterday, Kamoshida called me to his office...He told me that if I didn't go to his house with him then he would remove Shiho from the starting line up...After I refused he got pissed at me and gave me detention so I was at the school rather late...The entire time he kept sending me pictures of the inside of his house, saying he was giving me a tour...Trying to convince me to come over..."
"I see..." That would explain why she was out so late...
"However as soon as my detention ended...He sent me a text that said if I didn't go and stay for the entire week...That he would remove her from the team completely..." Ann's hands again got tight as tear drops formed in her eyes "I...Wanted to go just so she wouldn't lose her spot on the team...S-She loves Volleyball...I remember when we were kids and she would play and be able to compete with the older kids...She was a hero to me in a way...Being able to do whatever you set your mind to..."
I already know the answer to my next question, however I should ask as it's the most logical course "I see...I hope you didn't go over..."
When the words left my mouth, Ann's downward appearance instanely morphed into a smile as she looked up, her cheeks were a little pink as her face had a determined look on it "I was going to but...He saved me."
"...He?"
Ann's face got a little redder as a sweat drop came down my face, I get the feeling I know where this is going. "The Phantom Thief Who Steals Hearts...The one who exposes the true criminals and isn't afraid of the shitty society we live in...The Phantom Thief Of Hearts himself...Joker."
Ann's face was about as red as it was last night which made me turn away some as the memory of the kiss was making my face heat up some "I...See...I have heard about him on the news..."
Ann nodded as she stood up looking up at the sky "He told me the honest truth...Kamoshida cares about winning and his reputation...Taking Shiho off would jeopardize both of those...He was never going to take her off...He was just trying to bait me into going to his house..."
Ann kept looking at the sky with a bright smile before it suddenly left her face as her eyes traveled downwards.
"However...I didn't fully take Joker's advice..."
"...?"
"He told me to stand up for myself and Shiho...And to be strong for the both of us...He must have knew Kamoshida was planning something...He was telling me to go find and protect Shiho and what did I do?...I left, just content with the words he told me, I didn't act on them...I was just satisfied more than anything...I-I should of went to her house...I should have...I should have..."
Tears started to come down Ann's face as I set my food down and got up as I placed a hand on Ann's shoulder "Takamaki..."
"...*Sniff*"
I've never been good with words but...Maybe I can come up with something..."Going over to Suzui's may not have changed much...Kamoshida was hell bent on punishing the both of you...He was going to get his way somehow...What if he caught the both of you and wanted to make a example...I shudder to think what he would have to achieve that..."
"B-But I-I still should have...Been there...For her..."
"...Joker did indeed say to stand up and be strong for you and Suzui...But I think that works both ways...You and Suzui have to be strong for each other...Stand up for each other...But also trust each other...The both of you can't be together all the time...However you can trust each other all the time...When one falls, instead of crying and bitching about it, be strong and pull them up...Because if you both fall...Who's going to pick you up then?"
Ann looked at me with her red eyes as tears continued to run down her face, I was hesitant but I moved my hand as I wiped them off as I gave a smile.
"What I'm saying is that life is very unpredictable and the best thing to do in these situations is to pull Suzui up and be strong for her, so she can do the same when it happens to you." Ann kept looking at me as more tears came out of her eyes.
"I...I..." Ann started to cry as she buried her head into my shoulder "T-Thank you...K-Kurusu..."
I smiled as I placed a arm around her and held her close, allowing her to cry...To let it all out...All the pain...All the sadness...All the anger...Everything...Everything that son of a bitch has caused her.
She finally came to sniffles as she pulled herself off of my jacket,leaving a wet stain "All better?"
"Y-Yeah...T-Thank you...A-Again...Heh...Didn't think the troublemaker would be so inspirational." She gave a small laugh as I kept my smile.
"What are you saying? I'm bad to the bone." Ann stopped laughing for a moment as she gave me a sly look.
"Is that supposed to be a joke?" Ann immediately bursted back to laughing after that, causing me to join in with her...In those few seconds, everything that was going on seem to be placed on the back burner...As for now...I was content with this...We all need a few moments like this so we can keep on living. "Hehe...Thanks...I really needed all of that...It helps..."
"Anytime." I gave her a smile which she returned, before anymore words could be spoken, the bell rang signaling that class would be starting again soon "Huh...Guess lunch time wasn't really much of a lunch..."
"Hehe, well I'm content with how it turned out."
"Yeah same..." We both laughed as we packed up and headed back to class, talking and laughing along the way...Who knew two people could bond over emotional support?
March 3, 2017-Shujin Academy-Classroom(12:30PM)
We arrived back in the classroom and though we got a few looks, everything soon returned to normal as the next teacher came in and class started and everything was relatively quiet, Morgana was still absent as well...I wanted to turn on my earpiece but even if I did I wouldn't be able to talk...Dammit...
Sighing I leaned back and looked at the book in front of me...After looking over the size and how many books I had, a idea popped into my head. I looked around the rest of the room and everybody else was studying on their own, many with books raised or pen on paper...Excellent.
I grabbed the sides of the book and raised it as I set it up on it's bottom, I then opened the second book and placed it on the right side before doing the same with a third book on the left side...There...The books were up and I could hunker down and contact Morgana...Though I'll have to whisper quietly, I just hope the books will block my voice.
I hunkered down and reached my hand up and turned on my earpiece, soon afterwards a static noise could be heard before some words "J...Jo...Joker, do you copy? I heard a buzz that indicated your earpiece was on, is this you?"
I snuck a look around the classroom and after making sure no one was looking I quietly replied "Yeah...Though I'm in class right now."
"Thank goodness, I was worried after you went silent after you entered Kamoshida's office...I went and checked but it was empty which made me even more worried."
"Well it wasn't a pleasant sight, Shiho was knocked out cold and was badly beaten and bruised...I used some of my SP to heal her and she's currently resting in the nurse's office."
"What? Joker you don't have much left, if you run out then you're be down for a week or more!"
"I know I know...What else was I supposed to do?" I gave a sigh as I looked around again and though a few students gave me looks that they suspected me of slacking off, no one said anything and the teacher was too busy to notice or care. "Go check on her will you? Ann went earlier and she said she was still passed out...I'm just worried Kamoshida might show up and do something."
"...Alright...Just be more careful from now on." I just grunted in response as I began taking notes from the book I had laid right in front of me, I was terrible at science but I might as well try...After all I may be a thief but I still had grades to worry about.
I wrote for about ten more minutes when Morgana suddenly came over my earpiece out of breath and seemed to be worried "Mona, are you alright?"
"I-It's Shiho! S-She's not in her bed! No one's in here!"
"What!? Where is sh-" Before I could finish my sentence, a yell came out from the hallway which made my body freeze.
"Oh my God she's going to jump!" The entire class immediately looked towards the hallway as some stood up, I jumped up as well as I used my sense and saw a small gathering of people at the window "It's Shiho Suzui! She's going to jump from the roof!"
Everyone in the room now got up and started to run out, I looked at Ann who looked frozen for a moment before she pushed herself up and ran past me at full sprint "Shiho No!"
I saw the tears in her eyes as she ran by, and I immediately followed her. When I reached the hallway, I looked out the window and was terrified at what I saw, Shiho was standing on the ledge of the roof with her fists balled, she looked down not revealing her expression...No... dammit!
I began to run past everybody as I used my sense to keep track on her, she was trembling and looked like she was hesitant to jump, I ran as fast as I could, I knew where on the roof she was.
But I wasn't fast enough.
I saw her body begin to move forward as my eyes went wide before I realized her body was already halfway forward, I clenched my fists as I slammed my foot in the ground before I jumped past everyone and onto the window seal, and before anyone could do anything...
I jumped as well.
More screams came out as I soared through the air, some even tried to grab me but I was able to avoid their graps, I wasn't going to let her die because of Kamoshida! She seemed to fall faster than me thanks to the fact she was going down while I tried to move my body over to catch her...But I was running out of time, Already I was halfway down and seconds away from the ground while Shiho was closing in...My options were running low...
I reached my arms out to catch her but I thought I was going to miss...That was before a sudden wind pushed my violently forward, and when I looked back for a split moment, I saw Morgana standing on the roof with his green eyes, after using Garu.
I flashed a quick smile before I used my now closer distance to reach out and wrap my arms around Shiho, causing her to yelp in surprise, she turned to look me in the face and I could see the fear in her eyes...She didn't want to die, and I wasn't going to let her!
Just mere seconds from the ground, my eyes turned red as I pulled Shiho close and muttered to myself "Null Physical"
A second later we both hit the ground, Shiho landing on top of me, while I landed on the hard cement below, immediately pain shot through my body, though I had used Null Physical, since I was low on Sp and focused most of it on Shiho, I was barely protected. My back was suddenly killing me and all the strength I had been using to hold onto Shiho began to fade...Though that was most likely due to my SP being gone.
We laid on the ground for a few moments before Shiho pushed herself up and looked me in the eyes, tears running down her face "Why...Why...Did you do that...?"
I gave a small smile as my mouth ached, wanting to refuse my order "Because...No one deserves to die like that..."
I felt blood run down the corner of my mouth as I realized one of my bottom teeth had rammed into my upper gum thanks to the fall "B-But...You don't even know me..."
"Heh...I-I did it...For Takamaki...If you died...She would mentally be dead...And might never recover." I moved my hand up and wiped my blood running down from my mouth as I heard the footsteps of people rushing outside.
"Shiho!" I heard Ann's voice as she ran over and bent down as she pulled Shiho into a hug, but Shiho didn't respond, she kept looking down at me. After Ann realized this, she looked down as well as a gasp came from her "K-Kurusu! W-What!? Why!?"
"Heh...Shiho is your best friend, I couldn't let her die..."
"B-But...You shouldn't have done that...I-I mean..."
"...Hehe...It's alright...I think it's because I feel pity...Two bright youth being abused and used by a bastard like Kamoshida..." Ann and Shiho both went wide eyed, either from suprise or because someone admitted Kamoshida's crimes without trying to bullshit it...
"K-Kurusu...I-" Before Ann could continue a teacher rushed over and bent down besides me
"Someone call an ambulance!"
"I already have!" Kawakami ran over soon after and bent down beside me as she gave me a sad and...Almost nostalgic expression...But not in a good way...
"Suzui, Takakami! Are you two alright!?" Another teacher ran over and grabbed them as she helped them to their feet and away from me, most likely so others could get to me.
"Here, put him under this pillow and cover the spots that are bleeding!" The nurse was right behind as my head was propped up on a pillow as they started taking random parts of my body and began wrapping them, it was at this point that I realized just how hurt I was...Damn...Guess I should have focused a little bit more on me...No...Shiho seems to be perfectly fine, and that's good...
'T-Thats Kurusu-kun right?'
'Y-Yeah! B-But I thought Suzui-chan jumped?'
'She did but Kurusu jumped out and caught her and took the fall himself!'
'Really?'
'Yeah I saw him!'
'I never expected the troublemaker to be the one who do something like that.'
"Alright, everyone please return to your classes and clear the way for the ambulance!" I could hear the chatter of the students as my vision began to fade...I guess having no more SP was really taking its toll now...A siren could be heard in the background as more teachers ran towards me while some others pushed the students back, all the while Shiho looked at me with tears in her eyes while Ann comforted her...
Those were the last things I saw and heard before everything went black...
Author Response
TheGamingMonkey2002: Actually got a chance to PM you but I'll just repeat what I said, as in thank you so much for enjoying the story so far! It seems Kawakami is becoming a fav pretty quick
Guest: I hope chapter two was too your liking!
JudgementArcana: Glad to hear! I tried to fix the grammer mistakes in this chapter, I'll have to go back over the old chapter sometime and see what I missed, but I'm glad this is a fun read and I hope the second chapter was even better!
Lonely Support: First off I would be lying if I said that you're Akira/Kawakami story didn't inspire me to keep writing this, it's a fantastic story! Second off, I saw FF cut it off but I'm assuming you were going to say Detective Conan alongside Lupin III.
It's as you said, I love the concept of Persona's being used in the real world, so I decided to take this concept and run with it and see how far it can take me! The Brain Jack thing was the first thing that came to mind actually as it would make total sense, though to stop it from being a OP skill, I nerfed Akira by making SP still a thing...Plus as you pointed out,he's still not perfect as life still throws him curve balls.
The Ohya idea is one I've had for a while but I'm still deciding how to go about it, like how they would come to meet up and everything, because even if Akira knows who she is, she doesn't know who he is. Also the Morgana one was to make the relationship more personal between the two, as I felt Morgana at times felt like he didn't like Akira that much...Though I suppose it was setting up for a arc later in the game. As for the other confidants, I'm still trying to decide how to use them.
The Kawakami paring is indeed popular lol, and I have it on my radar! As for how they meet, I was thinking of doing what the game did, but I think I actually like your idea more...I might mix and mash and play around with it, Lord knows I rewrote parts of this chapter five times over. But anyway, glad you enjoyed!