Akira and Makoto had their battle faces on when they boarded the train to Shibuya. It was per Akira's suggestion that they act as if they were in a palace, and Makoto, still holding high respect to their leader, nodded and glared at people who met with her eyes. Rumors of the delinquent influencing the student council president started to spread after they both got out of school.

"Akira-" Makoto started as they got off the train.

"Call me Joker," Akira said

"Right, code names..." she said. "I don't have a code name."

"I forgot about that," he said. "What should I call you?"

"I don't know, this is all too sudden," Makoto stopped to think. "Wouldn't Yusuke realize something's up if he were to accidentally hear your code name?"

"That's true…" he paused then looked at Makoto with his phantom smirk. "Alright, call me 'Master'."

"Why?" Makoto fought the urge to punch his face out of reflex.

"You'll be 'Priestess'," he said. "It'll be our codenames for this mission."

"Oh, I see," Makoto stared at him. "Why 'Master', though?"

"Some people call me that," he said with confidence, enough for Makoto to believe him.

"I suppose it's fine, you're teaching me after all," Makoto smiled. "Let's go, Master."

Something clicked inside Akira that day.

They were both at the underground walkway, not far from the stairs towards the central street of Shibuya, eyeing a tall individual. They blended themselves in the crowd to not get his notice.

"He's just standing there," Makoto said. "What's he doing?"

"People watching," Akira said. "It's for his craft."

"Amazing, he's so focused," Makoto saw a couple cower away from the probing eyes of their person of interest. "And so intense."

"That's Yusuke for you."

"By the way, why are we tailing Yusuke in particular?"

"That's because he's an easy target for a beginner," Akira walked near the walls as the crowd started to disperse, Makoto following behind. "He tends to get lost in his head. And even if he were to notice us, it wouldn't lead to anything troublesome."

"I see," Makoto nodded. "A low-risk, high-reward plan."

Their enthusiasm didn't last long as ten minutes passed and Yusuke was still standing there.

"Does this mean I passed? Makoto asked.

"No. Remember, patience," Akira answered. "A shadow only acts if the person moves. Your task for this lesson is to be Yusuke's shadow."

"If you say so, Master…"

Another ten minutes passed and people were starting to stare at them.

"This isn't good, Priestess," Akira said. "We wouldn't accomplish anything if Yusuke doesn't leave his spot."

"What do you propose we do?" Makoto was convinced that Yusuke was a statue at this point.

"Let's see…" Akira began to think. "Rank up!"

"Rank what up?"

"I mean social- no it's confidant now, I think."

"You're not making any sense," Makoto sighed.

"What I'm trying to say is," Akira paused. "I'm going to hang out with Yusuke, and you'll be following us."

"What?!" that sobered Makoto up. "I don't think I'm ready to do this alone."

"Relax, I'll still be there. You'll just have to do the tailing alone."

"I know, but-" her complaints were left unvoiced as Akira grabbed her by the shoulders.

"You can do this, Priestess," his eyes shone through his glasses. "I believe in you."

"Master…" any anxiety Makoto had was washed away by those earnest eyes. "Alright, I'll do it."

"Good luck," he let go of her. "Two birds with one stone…" he whispered to himself.

"Did you say something?"

"Nothing," he grinned. "Let's do this, Priestess."

Yusuke Kitagawa was a painter who sought to recreate the beautiful things in life on his canvas. But he was at a loss at this moment. He couldn't gather the confidence to pride himself as an artist because his desires were tainted by shallow and materialistic thoughts. He blamed his former teacher, but more so himself for being tempted by such worldly desires.

His stomach growled as his thoughts hungered for answers, and then he fell on his knees. Was this the end for Yusuke Kitagawa? He laughed at the thought, but he couldn't deny that he was at his limits.

Why were art tools so expensive? Why couldn't his body survive without food for a day? He was about to pass out before a ray of light woke him from his helplessness.

"Yusuke! What's wrong?"

It was his friend, his Theo, Akira Kurusu.

"Akira, my friend," he coughed out. "I think I'm at my limit," his stomach growled once more with anger.

"Yusuke, have you eaten anything today?"

"No," he struggled to stand up. "I used all the money I had left to buy a new set of brushes."

"Dude…" Akira held his arm as he began to fall down again. "Let's go to the diner, my treat."

"Akira!" Yusuke cried out.

"Are you alright now?" Akira asked after they finished their meal.

"Definitely," Yusuke said with a renewed appreciation for life. "I owe you a great deal, Akira."

"Don't mention it," Akira said as he peered past him.

"What are you looking at?" he was about to turn his head before Akira slammed the table.

"Yusuke, do you need some help? If you're having money troubles, you could always talk to me."

"But you already take care of the team's needs, I assume that puts a considerable burden on your finances."

"It does, but I could always treat you to a meal or two."

"I see," Yusuke smiled, his friend's generosity moving his heart. "Then if I were to find myself in a dire situation such as earlier, you'll be the first one I'll call."

Akira laughed. "You should prioritize food for the time being, though," Akira leaned in. "Remember, Kaneshiro."

"Yes," Yusuke's eyes were filled with vigor. "I learned a valuable lesson today."

"That's good to know," Akira took a sip on his fruit tea. "By the way, how's the painting going?"

"To be honest, I'm at a lost," Yusuke stared at his empty plate. "Our trip to the lake last time proved to be too much for me."

"You were thinking of painting the concept of romantic love, right?" Akira tapped his fingers on the table. "Maybe you should ask Ann to model for you again," he said. "She is of the Lovers Arcana…"

"True, Ann might provide some insight when it comes to that subject," Yusuke touched his chin. "Maybe I should ask Makoto as well."

Akira almost choked when he took another sip from his drink. "I doubt she'll be able to help you."

The sudden buzz on his phone surprised the both of them.

"Is someone calling you?"

"No, just a text," Akira pocketed his phone. "And I was just pointing out a casual observation," he said a bit loudly.

"I agree with you," Yusuke said. "Makoto does seem sheltered and inexperienced."

"You're not really one to talk, Yusuke."

"But," Yusuke paused, inspiration hitting him on the head. "As a model, she is of the same caliber as Ann. Maybe I should ask the both of them," he smiled artly. "A foreign and a local beauty in one picture… it could be my masterpiece!"

"Dude…" Akira said. "Though I guess, I do want to see that."

"More importantly, they complement each other very well."

"Really? How so?"

"What Ann lacks in the hips area, Makoto provides," Yusuke's eyes were shining with imagination. "And what Makoto lacks-"

Akira's phone buzzed again.

"Sorry Yusuke, as much as I agree with you," he took out his phone. "I think it's best we save this conversation for another time. I have a feeling we're going to be put on the wrong end of someone's repressed rage if we continue."

His phone buzzed again.

"Yes, you have anger issues, and you're being rude."

"I do?!" Yusuke asked in surprise.

"No, not you. I'm talking about my phone, it keeps interrupting our conversation."

"You talk to your phone?" Yusuke said. "As always, Akira, your eccentricities continues to fascinate me."

"And as always, Yusuke, you're not really one to talk."

They laughed and left the Diner in a good mood.

"Well, remember, if you're ever in anguish," Akira said, preparing to leave. "You know who to call."

"Anguish!" Yusuke yelled. "That's it!"

"Huh?"

"Akira, would you mind accompanying me to Kanda?"

"I don't, but-"

"Let's go then."

And the two left to go to Kanda.

Makoto was outside a church in Kanda, at a lost and somewhat confused. She was looking at Akira and Yusuke doing weird poses inside the church. They both had their arms upwards towards the sky and one foot raised, Makoto wondered whether they're trying to imitate Jesus. She cringed when a priest approached them.

"Well, this had been an experience," she sighed. Today was a bit too eventful for her liking. She crouched down, held her knees, and sighed once more. "Tired…"

"Um, excuse me," she heard a soft and gentle voice. She looked up, it was a girl from another school. Kosei High, she recalled the blue uniform. "Are you alright? Would you like to go inside?"

"Yes, I'm okay," Makoto quickly stood up "Sorry, I was just waiting for someone," in a haste for an excuse, she lied.

"Oh, okay," the girl paused, and Makoto felt she recognized her somewhere. "If you're waiting for someone, you could sit inside the church. I'm sure the priest wouldn't mind."

"Thank you for the offer, but I think my friend might not see me if I were to go inside."

"Oh, does your friend not have a phone?"

"It's… well, uh," Makoto was melting under the summer heat.

"Makoto?" someone called her. When she turned around, she saw Yusuke and Akira standing behind her.

"Yusuke, fancy meeting you here!" she yelped and she saw Akira holding back a laugh.

"Likewise," Yusuke said. "And Togo? I didn't know you two knew each other."

"Kitagawa, what a surprise to see you here," Togo said. "And no, this is the first time we met," she looked at Makoto who just removed her headband out of discomfort.

"That's not your hair?!" Akira's outburst surprised the other three. "I mean, it looked like your hair."

"I couldn't possibly braid my hair like that, short as it is," Makoto wiped the sweat off her forehead.

"Huh… wow, what'd you know," Akira dumbfoundedly stared at Makoto's headband.

"Oh, are they the ones you were waiting for?" Togo asked. "Ah, but you were surprised to see Kitagawa, so I'm guessing it's the other one… um…"

"Akira Kurusu," he smiled, and Togo was distracted by his charm for a second. "I'm a friend of Yusuke," he tapped Yusuke's shoulder. "Nice to meet you."

"I'm Hifumi Togo, nice to meet you too," she bowed. "Um, I know this is intrusive of me, but you shouldn't make your friend wait outside in this heat."

"You're right," Akira looked at Makoto's melting figure. "Sorry about that, Makoto."

"Y-You're forgiven," she said and turned to Hifumi. "I'm Makoto Niijima, a friend of Yusuke as well," she bowed, reciprocating Hifumi's courtesy. "Um, thank you for your concern."

"Oh, you're welcome," they smiled at each other, and Akira saw a connection form between them at that little exchange.

"By the way, are you perhaps that Shogi player, Hifumi Togo?" Makoto asked with genuine curiosity.

"Yes," Hifumi nodded, a bit embarrassed.

"Wow, I don't know much about Shogi myself except for the rules, but I've seen some of your plays, and I always admired you."

"Thank you," Hifumi tucked a strand of hair behind her right ear, a visible blush on her face.

"May I inquire about your strategies?"

"Are you interested in Shogi?" Hifumi asked, to which Makoto nodded. "Then we can talk inside the church, it's cool in there," she was about to lead the way before meeting eyes with Akira. "I'm sorry, you were waiting for each other weren't you?"

"T-That's right," Makoto just recalled as well.

"Don't mind me," Akira said. "It's not that important, we can discuss it tomorrow, Makoto."

"Thank you, Akira," she beamed at him.

"It was a pleasure meeting you two here," Hifumi bowed at the two boys. "I'll be seeing you at school, Kitagawa," she turned to Makoto. "Shall we?"

"Yes," Makoto said, following her inside the church.

"They sure got along fast," Akira said. "Guess that's what happens when you meet a kindred spirit."

He was met with silence as Yusuke was deep in thought.

"Yusuke, you alright?" he asked. "You've been quiet for a while."

"Two Japanese beauties..." he heard him say. "Shogi. Strategy. Kindred spirits…"

"Earth to Yusuke."

"I must…" Yusuke fell on his knees. "Ask… Model… Masterpiece!"

"Yusuke," Akira grabbed his shoulder hard and crouched near his ear. "This is a holy place, contain your desires."

"Ah!" Yusuke stood in shock. "So my desires took hold of me…" he looked up at the sky, raising his hands once again. "I see it now, this is the anguish of a sinner before god!"

"Let's go home, man," Akira dragged Yusuke's enlightened figure by the collar of his shirt.

Notes:

Edited some words. A bit late, next one will probably be a bit late too.