I do not own Persona

It's owned by Atlus

I only own Hiro and his family

Enjoy!

Persona 5: Strength of the Wolf Pt.4

Date: 4/11/20XX - Day: Monday - Time of day: Lunchtime - Location: Shujin Academy, First floor

Hiro followed behind Kamoshida. After walking a bit Kamoshida stopped and turned around to face Hiro. The man was quite tall so he looked down at Hiro. Hiro was tall himself for his age. 5'11, the same height as his Dad but Kamoshida was still taller than he was as he simply just towered over him.

"If your gonna ask me to rejoin the volleyball team..." Hiro began. "You can forget it. I told you after we won nationals last year I was quitting. We won and now I'm finished with volleyball."

Kamoshida scoffed. "It's quite a shame, really." he crossed his arms. "You had a lot of potentials to be a professional."

"That's nice of you to say..." Hiro said. "But I also have my reasons for wanting to quit." Hiro turned to leave. "If you excuse me, I need to get to class."

"Hold on, that thing I wanted to talk to you about was..." Kamoshida said placing a hand on Hiro's shoulder and getting close so he could whisper. "You can't go talking about how practice goes for the team, cause you know that nobody will believe you and you'll risk getting expelled and your hopes getting into college. You understand?"

"Yeah..." Hiro exhaled in irritation. "I understand." he began walking which lead to Kamoshida taking his hand off Hiro's shoulder.

"See you around, Nakamura!" Kamoshida said with a smile and wave. "Enjoy your day!" he was waving off Hiro as he kept walking. As soon as Hiro was around the corner Kamoshida put his hand down and his face turned into an angry glare. "Quitter," he muttered under his breath.

-O-

Ren walked upstairs to Shujin's faculty office. As he walked in Ms. Kawakami saw him. When she made eye contact with him she looked down at her desk. Ren assumed she was probably upset with him for being late.

"Unbelievable..." the woman sighed. "Being over half a day late on your first day...? Can you explain yourself?"

Yep. Like Ren assumed she was quite peeved. At least she wasn't incredibly mad. The real thing Ren was worried about was Sakura-san. He knew he was probably going to give him an earful when he got back. Ren thought of the only thing he could think of. The teacher might think he's just insane if he says it but oh well.

"I was in a castle," Ren stated seriously. He was more curious about her reaction.

"You can't be serious..." Kawakami turned around her chair as gave Ren a cold look, not believing him about the castle. "Will you pull yourself together? You were given fair warning yesterday. More importantly... I heard you were caught along with that Sakamoto-kun."

"'That' Sakamoto...?" Ren repeated. "He's pretty vulgar but there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with him. At least, I don't think so."

Kawakami sighed shaking her head. "Just don't get involved with him, OK? He's nothing but trouble. He wasn't like that when he was devoting his time to track and field though..."

'Huh?' Ren thought. 'Was Ryuji in track and field at some point? Maybe that's the reason why he's so hostile to Kamoshida?'

"By the way..." Kawakami spoke. "I also heard you weren't just caught with Sakamoto-kun but also with Nakamura-kun."

"Do you know him?" Ren asked wondered if she knew Hiro or not.

"Of course I do," Kawakami confirmed. "I was his teacher for his homeroom class when he was a Second-year. Strange though, it isn't like him to be late. He's a pretty diligent student and he was on the Volleyball team during his First and Second-year's."

'So, Senpai was on the Volleyball team,' Ren deduced in thought. 'I wonder what made him want to quit? It might've been Kamoshida's doing?'

"Anyway, breaks almost over," Kawakami said. "Classes will end at 5th period today because of the subway accident. I'll have you introduce yourself when class resumes. Follow me."

-O-

Ms. Kawakami guided Ren to her classroom, class 2-D. Ren could hear people talking about him and staring at him too. He decided to just keep facing forward and following Ms. Kawakami. When they got to the classroom, the bell rang for class to begin. As the students walked into the classroom they took their seats and Kawakami told Ren to stand next to the podium so he could introduce himself to the class. Among all the students he noticed Ann walking into the class. It was nice to have someone in the class he just me. She made eye contact with him, Ren wanted to wave but decided against when she immediately faced away from him toward the window. Ren realized that he probably made her mad with him for turning up late to school even though she saw him this morning.

"Being super late on his first day? Is he insane..."

"He looks normal though..."

"But he might slug us if we look him in the eye..."

"Settle down," Kawakami said to get everyone's attention bringing the chit-chatter to a halt. "Well, I'd like to introduce a transfer student: Ren Amamiya. Today, we..." Kawakami started to think of the best way to try to give a reason why Ren wasn't here at School. "Had him attend from the afternoon on since he wasn't feeling well. Amamiya-kun, please say something to the class."

"I'm Ren Amamiya," Ren announced to everyone. "It's nice to meet you."

"He seems quiet... but I bet when he loses it..."

"I mean, he was arrested for assault, right..."

"Uh, so..." Kawakami started as she was trying to bring the attention back to her. "Your seat will be... hmm..." Kawakami surveyed the room until she spotted an open seat behind Ann Takamaki. "Over there. The one that's open. Sorry, but can the people nearby share your textbooks with him for today?"

"This sucks..." a female student quietly muttered. A boy with blue-tinted hair with a mark under his eye, a band-aid, and another mark below the band-aid grimaced. Ren noticed the boy held this boy had this scared and guilty look. Ren put his hands in his pockets made his way over to his appointed seat.

"Lies..." he heard Ann say as he walked past her. Ren made eye contact with her and she with him. She probably figured out the school was lying just to save themselves since a new student arrived hours late on his first day.

"Um, hi..." Ren gave a small smile and wave a little but Ann groaned and turned away from him. Ren sat in his desk, as he did a pair of girls in the row next to his began to talk.

"Did you catch that? do those two know each other? Does that mean he hit on her before transferring here?"

"That means she's cheating on him with Kamoshida. Then again, this is Takamaki-san we're talking about..."

"For real. That side of the room is totally awful."

'Wow,' thought Ren. 'Are these people serious? I get that they're freaked out about me with my criminal record, but what do they have against Takamaki-san? She's really nice and what do they mean cheating with Kamoshida?'

"Oh, right!" Kawakami said like she just remembered something important. "The volleyball rally's in two days. Everyone's just changed classes, so make sure you use that time to get to know each other. Well then, let's get class started. Who's on duty today?"

"Everyone, please rise..." said the blue-tinted haired boy as everyone stood up along with him. After, Ms. Kawakami began her class lecture. Ren was paying attention but still, though, he kinda hated the fact that those girls were using him to make more rumors about Takamaki. Ren slightly leaned close enough to whisper to Ann.

"Sorry," Ren apologized. Ann figured he was talking to her as she half-turned her head and gave him a smile. She thought the way she brushed him off earlier was a little harsh. When Ren spoke to her this morning, he was pretty nice. He definitely didn't seem like someone with a record.

"Don't worry about it," she said giving a small nod along with a smile.

-O-

Day: Monday - Date: 4/11 - Time of Day: After School - Location: Shujin Academy, First floor

The final bell rang for school to let out. Hiro walked out of his classroom, his bag slung over his shoulder with a hand in his pocket. Now, Hiro was always one to pay attention to all his classes but with what he saw today, how could he?

'I can't get that castle and that other 'Kamoshida' out of my head,' Hiro pondered as he walked down the hall. 'No matter how hard I try, I can't quit thinking about it. Maybe talking to Amamiya and Sakamoto will help. I'm sure they're thinking about all as well. I'm sure Hamuko will be okay walking home by herself. She's done it before and she has her cell phone on her to call Dad or me if something happens. Okay so..."

"Hiro!" Hiro froze in place hearing his childhood friend's voice.

'Oh, crap!' Hiro thought as he swallowed a lump in his throat. 'It's Makoto! She is really going to make me regret being late. She can't be that mad, can't she?' Hiro turned toward Makoto, his eyes widened seeing the very unhappy expression on her face. She almost looked like she was trying to glare a hole in his head with the piercing look she was giving him. 'Okay, I take that back. She's PO'd.'

"Listen, Mako I..." Hiro started as Makoto only walked past him.

"Follow me," Makoto said as she stopped walking, she turned her head showing off her glare again. "Now." She had a tight hold of her school bag's strap.

"Yes, Ma'am," Hiro said quickly and followed her. He could feel the eyes of some of the students as they walked past. They made it to the stairs and started walking on them. They were both quiet until Hiro spoke first. "Okay, listen, I can explain."

"Okay, then explain why today you showed up to school hour's late," Makoto said not even turning to face him. "You told me during our exchange of messages that you were on your way here. Also, did you even get the message's I sent you after."

"Say what!?" Hiro pronounced. "How many did you send?"

"About eighteen messages," Makoto said nonchalantly.

"Seriously...?" Hiro just realized he hasn't looked at his cell phone all until this time since his phone was pretty much broken at that castle. He took it out and sure enough, he noticed exactly eighteen messages. All said they were from 'Makoto N.'. They got to the top of the stairs to the second floor and finally, Makoto turned around to face him.

"Okay, all I can say is that I'm sorry," Hiro pleaded. "And it won't happen again. Please don't be too mad." he sighed putting his head down.

"I'm not mad," Makoto stated shaking her head.

"Wait, huh?" Hiro said quickly bringing his head back up. "You mean you're not mad?"

"No," she shook her head again. "Well, I was sort of. But I am actually more relieved than mad. Three students from Shujin go missing and don't make it to school at the end of lunchtime. I was worried something might've happened to you all."

"Really?" Hiro questioned scratching the back of his head.

"Hiro, I'm Student Council President," reminded Makoto. "It's my job to make sure all the students are safe and accounted for. I was told you were caught along with Sakamoto-kun. That was peculiar to me since the two of you have barely interacted with one another."

"We just kinda ran into to each other this morning by chance," Hiro explained. "Honestly, he may be pretty rough around the edges but he's not a bad guy."

"But what really caught my attention was that you two were also with the transfer student," Makoto mentioned.

"You mean Amamiya?" wondered Hiro.

"You've met him?" she asked.

"Yeah, we met that day I took Hamuko here to come to see you," Hiro said. "He's seem's pretty nice from what I can tell."

"I see," Makoto said slowly. "Interesting." she placed her hand on her chin in thought.

"What do you mean?" Hiro wondered what she meant.

"It's nothing," Makoto shook her head. "Just don't be late to school again and..." Makoto placed a hand on Hiro's shoulder. "Just be careful."

Hiro thought about making a joke at her but decided against. He figured Makoto was showing genuine concern considering they pretty much grew up together. He gave her a nod with his head.

"Okay, I'll be careful," Hiro said with a smile.

"Good," Makoto smiled back. "I have to go to the Council Room. I'll talk to you later, yes?"

"Sure," Hiro nodded as Makoto left. He let out a sigh as he placed his hands in his pockets. At least she wasn't completely upset with him. She was more worried than angry, that's what Hiro was more relieved about.

'Alright, I need to talk to Amamiya and Sakamoto about that castle,' thought Hiro. 'They gotta be thinking about it too.'

With luck, Hiro saw Ren walk out of his classroom. After Ren walked out he noticed the school turn into the castle from earlier today and grasped his head in pain, feeling light-headedness. Ms. Kawakami stepped out of her classroom to check on him.

"Hm? What's wrong?" Ms. Kawakami asked making her way up to Ren.

"Is this... a castle?" Ren managed to ask as he fought his headache.

"Are you sure you're OK?" Kawakami asked. "Also, it seems like people are already talking about you, but I'm not the one who told them." she sighed irritably. "I can't even catch a break... why do I have to deal with this?"

Ren let go of his head and stared at Kawakami. He kinda felt bad for putting her through a bit of trouble by not showing up on time even though it wasn't by choice.

"You should head straight home without stopping anywhere," Kawakami suggested. "Sakura-san sounded pretty angry."

"OK," Ren nodded. "I'll be sure to head home."

"Oh, about Sakamoto-kun. Don't get involved-" Ryuji walked up to both Ren and Ms. Kawakami. "Speak of the devil..." She folded her arms. "What do you want? I heard the police caught you cutting classes today?"

"Ugh..." groaned Ryuji. "It was nothin'." He claimed as he rubbed the bottom of his nose.

"And you haven't dyed your hair back to black either..." The woman noted. Hiro was listening to their conversation unnoticed by them.

"Man, Ms. Kawakami sounds so tired..." Hiro thought. "Don't know why it's a problem for Sakamoto dying his hair black. It was a good look for him."

"Sorry 'bout that," Ryuji replied with a hint of sarcasm and then walked up to Ren. "I'll be waitin' on the rooftop." with that, Ryuji walked away from them toward the stairs to get to the roof.

Kawakami sighed for probably the one-hundredth time that day. "See?" she said to Ren. "That's why I don't want you getting involved. Understood?" Ms. Kawakami walked away from with a shake of her head. As soon as she left, Hiro stepped up to Ren.

"Amamiya, hey," Hiro greeted him.

"Hi, Senpai," Ren said.

"Glad I found you," Hiro smiled. "So, how was school on the first day for you?"

"Eh, it was okay," Ren shrugged. "Despite all the rumors I've been hearing."

"Oh?" Hiro said. "I'm sorry to hear that. Must be irritating."

"I'm getting by," Ren shrugged again. "Oh? I need to go to the rooftop."

"Yeah, sure," Hiro smiled. "You mind if I tag along? I need to talk to you and Sakamoto about earlier."

"I'm sure he'd be okay with it if I brought you since you were there with us," Ren stated.

"I know where the roof is," Hiro said. "Well, duh, I know where it is. It is the roof. Follow me." Hiro gestured for Ren to follow. They walked for a bit until they saw Kamoshida and Principal Kobayakawa. They stopped to listen to their conversation.

"Why did you allow a student like him to transfer here?" Kamoshida conveyed. "He's already started associating with Sakamoto. Even Nakamura is now hanging around them. A student with a criminal record, the culprit of an assault case, and a student who used to be on MY volleyball team. At this rate, it'd be pointless how much I contribute to the school."

"Now, don't be like that..." Kobayakawa declared. "This school counts on you, Kamoshida-kun. You are our star. Still, a steady build-up is necessary behind such brilliance as well."

"Your troubles never seem to end, do they, Principal Kobayokawa?" Kamoshida said with a frown but then smiled. "All right, I understand. I'll continue to do my best to answer your expectations of me. Oh, one more thing, sir? It's about Nakamura. With him being a former player on my team there's a chance he could talk about the Volleyball practice..."

"No need to worry," Kobayakawa said. "If push comes to shove, I'll be sure to inform him the consequences if he were ever to perform such an act."

"Thank you, Principal Kobayakawa," Kamoshida grinned proudly as and the principal went their separate ways.

"So, they have a plan for me in case I say anything, huh?" Hiro mumbled to himself while folding his arms.

"Wow..." Ren mouthed.

"What is it?" Hiro asked.

"I just think it's funny that the Principal acts like he's got a man-crush on Kamoshida," Ren expressed twirling a lock of his hair.

Hiro snickered a bit at that. "Yeah, he likes to kiss his ass too much," remarked Hiro. "Here, let's head to the roof. Don't wanna keep Sakamoto waiting too long." He started walking with Ren following him. Hiro turned his head and saw Yuuki Mishima just standing in the hall by himself. "Hold on a sec, Amamiya..." Hiro said as he walked up to Mishima. "Mishima?" The boy seemed to be spacing out. "Hey, Mishima?" Hiro snapped his fingers to get the younger boy's attention.

"Huh?" Mishima came back to reality and noticed Hiro. "Oh, Nakamura-senpai!" Mishima's body straightened up. "I'm sorry. I was spacing out, wasn't I?"

"Hey, it's okay," Hiro smiled as he simply shrugged. "It happens. Have you met, Amamiya?"

"Hmm?" Mishima turned to Ren as his eyes went wide as his face went blue with shame. "Uh..."

"We've met," Ren confirmed. "He's in my class."

"Really?" Hiro said. "Huh? Would you imagine that?"

"Senpai...?" Mishima spoke up. "Is it really true you quit the Volleyball Team?"

"I did," nodded Hiro. "Decided I'd focus my final year trying to get into college."

"I see..." Mishima said. "Is there anything else you both want from me?"

"Nah," Hiro said. "We're just heading to the roof right now."

"But, nobody's allowed up there..." Mishima commented.

"True," Hiro said. "No one's allowed up there but the Gardening Club from what I hear,"

"We're meeting Sakamoto-san there," Ren admitted.

"Oh, okay..." Mishima said. "Just head up the stairs and you'll get there."

"That's right," Hiro smiled kindly. "See you later, Mishima. Take care of yourself."

"Sure, senpai. Thanks." Mishima nodded. Hiro and Ren started making their way to the roof.

-O-

Both teens finally made it to the roof. Ren seemed to take in the sights of the roof. It was nothing special and he did notice the garden there in the corner of it. They found Ryuji in a chair leaning it back a little bit. They walked up to him as he soon as he saw them.

"There you are," he said to Ren. "Sorry for callin' you up here like this. I see you brought senpai here too."

"Yeah, bumped into him earlier," Ren nodded.

"I assumed you wanted to talk about what we went through in that castle?" Hiro said.

"Yeah," Ryuji nodded. "Oh, yeah? About Kawakami?" he said to Ren. "Bet she told you stuff like 'Don't get involved with Sakamoto.', huh?"

"Oh, my word!" Ren said with a fake gasp. "How did you know? You must be a psychic!" Ren then went back to his usual composed self. "Well, all she said was that your trouble."

Ryuji sighed. "Figured as much. Then again, we're in the same boat. I heard you got a criminal record. Everyone's talking about it. No wonder you were so gutsy."

'Amamiya has a criminal record...?' thought Hiro. 'That's the first time I've heard that? Though, it would make sense why Kamoshida would tell him to not cause any problems and why Makoto acted a little strange when I said he was a good guy. I stand by what I said but Amamiya certainly doesn't seem like someone with a criminal record. Wonder how he got it?'

Hiro coughed into his fist to get everyone's attention. "Anyway, can we talk about that castle?" Hiro asked. "I can't stop thinking about it."

"Right?" Ryuji said. "What was all that that happened? You know, how we almost got killed at a castle... It wasn't a dream, right? You guys remember it too, yeah?"

"It couldn't be a dream..." Hiro said folding his arms. "It felt too real."

"Yeah," Ren agreed as he leaned against a desk.

"Well, just 'cause we all remember it doesn't mean much though," said Ryuji. "I mean, even if it was a dream, you saved me from Kamoshida. So yeah... uh, thanks, Amamiya."

"You saved me too," Hiro smiled. "Thank you, Amamiya."

"You're welcome, guys," Ren said. "It was nothing. Anyone would've done the same."

"Maybe," Hiro shrugged. "But you're being too modest."

"But man, that Kamoshida we saw there..." Ryuji said. "You prolly don't know about it, but there are some rumors about him." Hiro put his head down and stared at the ground.

"Would they believe me if I told them...?" Hiro thought. "I was told to keep it all the secret but... I don't know?"

"Kamoshida is that guy we met earlier, right?" Ren asked.

"Yeah, the ripped mophead," Ryuji said bitterly. "That asshole who was all full of himself at the castle. No one says anything against him 'cause he's some medalist who took the volleyball team to nationals. The way Kamoshida was king of that castle felt crazy real 'cause of that... I wonder if we can go back to that castle again..."

"Maybe...?" Hiro seemed to ponder the thought of going to the castle as well even though they were almost killed in there.

"Ugh, forget it!" Ryuji groaned standing up. "Must've all been a dream! It has to be!"

"It sure was a very realistic dream," Ren noted.

"'Realistic', yeah," Ryuji said. "But it couldn't have all been real."

"It is hard not to think about it," Hiro stated. "But we should stop thinking about it for now. Trying to figure out something you don't understand will give you a headache."

"Probably..." Ryuji sighed. "Anyway, sorry to drag you guys up here like this. That's all I had to say." he looked at Ren. "Ya know, we might be pretty similar. I have a feeling we'll get along just fine as 'Troublemakers'."

"Who are you calling a troublemaker?" Hiro asked raising an eyebrow.

"I mean, you're pretty much in the same boat, right senpai?" Ryuji said. "I hear some members of the volleyball team and students are avoidin' you since you quit the team, huh?

Hiro sighed crossing his arms. "Like the plague."

"By the way, is that rumor for real?" Ryuji wondered. "The one where it says you and Kamoshida were close to beating the shit out of each other?"

"We were not close to beating each other up, even though it did get a little heated..." Hiro informed. "You know how rumors are. Especially at this school."

"Yeah, for real," Ryuji agreed. "Though, that was pretty badass when you punched that other Kamoshida in the back of the head," Ryuji said smirking. "Gotta give you some points for that."

"Oh, thanks," Hiro smiled as he clutched his scarf. "It was nothing special. Felt good though."

"Hahaha! Anyway, I'll come talk if I see you guys around," Ryuji said. "Don't ignore me, all right?"

"You got it," Ren nodded.

"Seeya," Ryuji said and then took his leave and left the roof.

"We should start heading home too, huh?" Hiro said. "You wanna walk to the station together?"

"Sure," Ren said with a smile.

"Okay, let's get out of here," Hiro said. The two teens left the school to head to the train station.

-O-

Hiro and Ren walked to the station together. They made it to the train station and waited alongside other patrons for the train to arrive.

"So, Amamiya?" Hiro said, trying to make conversation. "Where do you live? What's your stop?"

"Yongen," Ren stated. "Yongen-Jaya."

"Yongen, huh?" Hiro said folding his arms. "That's right after my stop. I never asked it but must be tough moving to a new place, huh?"

Ren put his head down. A glowering look on his face. Moving to a new place is pretty tough with trying to adjust and all that. Ren has always wanted to go to the big city but he didn't think getting a criminal record was the only way he could achieve that.

"Yeah," He muttered softly. Hiro noticed Ren's expression. He assumed he probably asked him the wrong thing. Feeling he might've offended him, Hiro tugged his scarf nervously.

"Sorry," Hiro said. "I didn't mean to ask that."

"Oh no," Ren shook his head. "You didn't need to be sorry at all, senpai."

"Thanks," Hiro smiled. The train came by as Hiro and Ren boarded it. "Well, I do hope the rumors going on about you haven't been getting on your nerves."

"I've been managing so far..." Ren shrugged. "Though, most people are avoiding me and giving me weird looks but nothing to write home or cry about."

"Still, must be a tad annoying, huh?" Hiro said. "Glad to see you're not bothered by rumors." Ren only gave him a nod. The train was going to a stop which was where Hiro's stop was. "Here's my stop," Hiro stepped off the train. "Good talking to you, Amamiya. See ya tomorrow, yeah? Let's try to head to school and not end up anywhere else tomorrow morning too."

"Haha, yeah," Ren smiled. "Bye, Senpai."

"Later," Hiro stepped off the train and headed back to his home for the day.

-O-

Hiro walked up to his front door and opened it. As he got in, he took off his shoes at the front door. What was peculiar to him was that by the door it wasn't just Hamuko's shoes but also a pair of black high heels.

"Hamuko, you here!" Hiro called. "I'm home!"

"Yeah!" his sister answered back. Hiro was relieved she made it back home safely even though she always did. "I'm in the living room watching TV."

"Your older brother is home?" a familiar woman's voice asked Hamuko.

"Mmhm," Hamuko answered. "That's him."

'Huh? Who's that?' Hiro wondered. 'Is someone else in the house with Hamuko? Did she bring someone over?'

Hiro walked through his home and walked into the living room. There he found Hamuko sitting on their couch watching TV, but there with her was an unfamiliar middle-aged woman that looked to be in her mid 40's, she had dark-brown hair in a bob style, brown eyes, and light skin. She was wearing a tan apron, underneath she was wearing a white button-up shirt with her sleeves to her elbows, black bell-bottom jeans, and wearing a pair of slippers.

"Hello there," the woman smiled kindly. "Your Nakamura-san's oldest? Yasuhiro, yes?"

"Please call me Hiro," Hiro said to her. "What's your name, Ma'am?"

"Forgive me," the lady nodded. "My name is Kaede Ichihara. Your new housekeeper."

"A housekeeper?" Hiro asked.

"Yes," Kaede said. "Your father hired me. My job's while at your home are cleaning, laundry, helping you with homework if needed, and cooking. Speaking of which, in about an hour, dinner will be ready."

"You made dinner too?" Hiro wondered scratching his head.

"Yes," Kaede nodded with a smile. "I hope you like Katsudon."

"Yeah, that's fine," Hiro said. "I'm guessing my Dad isn't here?"

"No," Kaede shook her head. "Nakamura-san won't be home for a few days due to his work. He wanted to talk to you over the phone. He said you weren't at school for pretty much the whole day."

Hiro's face went blue. He figured his Dad would have a few words for him about him, Ren, and Ryuji being late to school.

"Did he want me to call him?" Hiro asked.

"He did," Kaede nodded in confirmation. "He wants you to call him as soon as you got home."

"Okay," Hiro said. "I'll do that." Hiro swung his school bag over his shoulder and pulled out his phone and started walking to the stairs.

"Hamuko, dinner will be ready soon," Kaede said the youngest of the Nakamura children.

"Okay," Hamuko said nodding as Hiro started walking up the stairs to his room.

Hiro walked into his bedroom and opening his door. He had a shelf stacked with old sports trophies since he played a lot of sports growing up, a couple of movie posters on the wall next to his bed, a closet with his clothes hanging from hangers, a small shelf stacked with books and a desk he uses for studying as well as using his computer. Besides his computer is a picture he took with his family. It was a picture from back when Hiro's mother, Junko was alive. She was a beautiful woman, with brown eyes and silvery-white hair which was who Hiro inherited it from. The picture was taken at the park, his mother, Junko was smiling and holding two-year-old Hamuko, Akitoshi was smiling with an arm placed around Junko and he had his hand on Hiro's shoulder with 10-year-old Hiro grinning in the picture and holding up a peace sign.

Hiro placed his school bag on a rack, letting it hang there. He walked up to his desk and picked up the photo and smiled at it. He stared at it for a bit until he sighed softly and placed it back on his computer desk. He removed his school blazer and white dress shirt leaving him in his light grey, v-neck shirt. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and called his Dad's number. The phone rang a few times until his father answered.

"Hello, Dad?" Hiro spoke first.

"Hiro..." Akitoshi said. "Would you care to explain to me why you were late to school today?"

"Oh, so you heard, huh?" Hiro said. He could hear the slight disappointment in his father's voice.

"Of course I heard," Akitoshi sighed. "Shujin called the station. When I heard my son and a couple of other students were late I thought 'That doesn't sound anything like Hiro'?"

"Yeah, okay, Dad," Hiro said. "I promise I won't be late to school. It won't happen again."

"I hope not," Akitoshi said. "And to think your sister and I all saw you leave this morning."

"I know," Hiro said. "I promise though, I will not be late to school ever again."

"Good," Akitoshi said. "That's what I like to hear. Okay, I gotta get back to it. I'm gonna be gone for a while at the police station. I'm working a case so it'll be a while until I'm back home."

"Okay," nodded Hiro. "Oh, hold on. About Ichihara-san?"

"Ah, I assume you mean Kaede?" Akitoshi said. "I'm sorry I didn't I didn't say anything about her to you."

"It's fine, Dad," Hiro said. "I was a little surprised. Why did you hire a housekeeper?"

"Well, with you trying to focus on your entrance exam for college, I thought it'd be a good idea to hire her," Akitoshi said.

"Is Hamuko okay with this?" Hiro asked.

"Yeah, she's fine with it," Akitoshi said. "She was with me when I interviewed Kaede about the job so they know each other and she's familiar with her. It's also so I can have someone to pick up Hamuko from school and someone to cook dinner at home and clean up around the house so you won't have to do it all the time. She won't be there every day, just on Monday's, Friday's, and Sunday's. She has another job at another house on other days. Sorry for the surprise."

"It's alright, Dad," Hiro said. "It's fine. I guess it will give me a little more free time for studying and whatnot."

"Okay," Akitoshi answered. "I have to go. Say goodnight to Hamuko for me when you head to bed."

"Sure thing," Hiro responded. "Talk to you soon. Night."

"Okay, goodnight," Akitoshi said before hanging up his phone. Hiro sighed once again as he placed his cell phone on his desk. He heard his door creak a little and figured someone was behind it.

"Hamuko, I know it's you," Hiro claimed. "Come in." Sure enough, Hamuko opened the door. She had bashful look on her face, holding her hands in front of her. Her eyes looking at the floor.

"What's up, kiddo?" Hiro asked. "Need something?"

"No," Hamuko answered shaking her head. "Was Dad mad at you?"

"Hmm?" Hiro said. "Nah, he didn't sound like it though. He seemed a bit more surprised than mad.

"Okay," Hamuko nodded. "I'm glad Dad wasn't too mad at you. He sometimes treats our home like it's the police station sometimes."

"Maybe?" Hiro shrugged. "You know how Dad is, he's only trying to look out for us. And protect us and everyone else in Tokyo."

"Yeah," Hamuko giggled. "Dad's cool."

"That he is," Hiro smiled. "The coolest Dad around."

"Hamuko and Hiro!" Kaede called from downstairs. "The dinner's ready. Come and eat before it gets cold."

"Dinner, huh?" Hiro said. "Sounds good. From the day I had, I'm starving. I bet what she makes is better than what I slosh together." said Hiro with a chuckle.

"Your food isn't that bad, big brother," Hamuko laughed. "Come one let's go eat." The two siblings walked out of Hiro's room and down the stairs. "So, why were you late? Did you get into a fight before going to school?"

"Haha, not exactly," Hiro said tugging his scarf. "It's a long story. You could say I had a half-normal school day."

-O-

Date: 4/11/20XX - Day: Monday - Time of Day: Evening - Weather: Cloudy - Location: Leblanc

Ren walked into Leblanc with his hands in his pockets. He assumed that Sakura-san wouldn't just let him pass by without saying something about him being late to school today. The older man turned to face Ren.

"Hey, I got an interesting call from your school today," Sojiro said to Ren the minute he saw him. "It's only your first day and you're already showing up hours late?"

Ren figured it would be pretty stupid of him to mention anything about the castle to Sakura. He'd probably just give him a funny look like he was crazy. So the best thing for him to say was sorry.

"It was an accident," Ren said nodding. "All I can say is that I'm sorry." Ren rubbed the back of his neck.

Sojiro only sighed in irritation while pushing his glasses up. "Look, just behave yourself. Your life's forfeit if anything happens. You understand the meaning of probation, right?"

"I do," Ren nodded once more.

Sojiro sighed again. "OK then," he said and at that time his cell phone rang in his pocket as he answered it. "Hey, what's up? Yeah, I just closed up shop. I'll be there in half an hour." he said with a smile until he noticed Ren still standing in the same place. "Hey, what're you standing around for? Go hurry on up to bed." Sojiro placed his phone back on his ear. "No, I just hired a part-timer. Don't forget to lock the door and turn all the lights off, OK?" Ren only gave the older man a nod and started walking upstairs. Sojiro placed his ear back to the phone. "Yup, I'm leaving now," Sojiro reassured. "I told you, he's a part-timer."

Ren went upstairs to the attic and decided to turn in for the night and head to bed. Ren never felt so tired in his life, he figured the exhaustion he was feeling must have been from all that happened today. With the school turning into a giant castle and his awakening to that power.

'Persona...' Ren thought about the word he uttered to bring out that power, 'Persona'. He was still confused about how he was able to even do that. He wondered if he could talk to Igor and those twin wardens again? Maybe they would have some answers to what that all was about. Ren decided not to think on it anymore and get some sleep, getting into his covers and beginning his slumber.

-O-

[Velvet Room]

Ren's eyes snapped open and found himself back in the jail cell in the Velvet Room. He sat and felt his head and also noticed he was wearing the same prison garb as before.

"About time you've come to," said the commanding voice of Caroline. "On your feet, inmate!" she ordered while banging the cell door with her stun baton.

"Our Master wishes to speak with you," Justine informed in her more polite tone. "It's for your sake that you take his word to heart." Ren walked closer to the cell door and grabbed hold of the bars so he could listen to what Igor has to say.

"First off, let us celebrate our reunion," Igor said in his calm and deep voice. "Oh...? You have awakened to your powers. And special ones at that. Your rehabilitation can finally begin."

"Now can you tell me what you mean by 'rehabilitation'?" Ren asked. Trying to see if he can get an answer of Igor so he can understand it all

"There's is no need to understand it all for the time being," Igor explained. "You will be training the power of Persona, which you have awakened to."

"Yeah, about that...?" Ren inquired. "I don't really understand it. But what is 'Persona'? Because that's what I was hoping to ask you."

"Personas are, in other words, a 'mask'-an armor of the heart when confronting worldly matters. I have high expectations for you."

Ren blinked with a look of confusion. "What do you mean by that?"

"There is no need to worry," Igor stated. "You will learn when the time comes. By the by... have you come to appreciate the Metaverse Navigator?"

"Metaverse Navigator?" Ren repeated.

"Using it will allow you to come and go between Palaces," Igor described.

"Palaces?" Ren repeated once more. He was hearing a lot of new information from Igor even though it was taking a little bit to process it all.

"I bestowed it to you as a means to train you as a thief," Igor said.

"The Metaverse Navigator is a gift from our master!" Caroline added. "You better take care in using it, Inmate!"

"Devote yourself to your training so that you may become a fine thief," Justine said.

"It must be disheartening to make use of the Metaverse Navigator alone," Igor mentioned. "Should there be others who would prove beneficial to you, I will grant it to them as well. This is all for you to grow as a most excellent thief..." The loud bell rang signaling that Ren's time in the Velvet Room was up.

"Hmph, it's time..." Caroline scoffed. "Go back and enjoy whatever rest you might have."

Originally, this chapter was going to be a long one. We're talking over 14,000 words. But I cut it in half since I'm trying to pace the story a little better. Nothing really exciting happened, so this is more of a relaxing chapter from all the craziness back at Kamoshida's castle.

Reviews...

zack25king: Glad you're enjoying it. Something I want to try doing for the fights in this story is making the fights more free-flowing instead of just making the fights similar to how they look in the game. I'm especially going do it like that for when the characters have their awakenings and boss fights. Free-flowing.

As for pairings, I honestly might pair Ren and Ann together. I'll also most likely do the same for Ren and give him a second girlfriend. He is the protagonist. You gotta give him special perks XD

Clarent excalibur: Yeah, I may be leaning more towards Makoto for Hiro's pairing. Even though, they are only friends at this point. But who knows what I have in mind for them later.

Never thought about Hiro being apart of Operation maidwatch. If he is going to apart of it, that's exactly what he'd be thinking.

ShadowUzumaki55: I'll be keeping Hiro's second girlfriend a secret for now, but people are free to make their assumptions on who it's going to be.

ReallyLazyReader: That's another thing I'm trying to do. I'm trying to approve on the writing and make it a bit better than the previous story. I also felt the other story was kind of all over the place when it came to pacing. I hope the pacing is a little better here.

GreenD109: It's a surprise, isn't it? It's because I wrote chapters out before I started posting this, so I could know what direction I want to take with this story.

I thought about this and decided that Yasuhiro's Japanese voice actor is Kensho Ono. He voices Giorno Giovanna from Golden Wind.

Naruto RWBY: Hey, if Hiro's going to work with Ren and Ryuji, then he's definitely going to try and stop him, he'll totally want to the take him down after what he does to a certain character.

Alright, that's all I got for this one. Hope you come back to read the next one.

I'll see you guys next time!

Later!