The fireworks spread out like thousand flowers in the sky, lighting up with its beauty. It looked like the stars in the sky, yet disappeared within a few seconds.

Minato stared at the fireworks, letting out a sigh.

Actually, he was still shocked by the fact.

The boy, Mitsuo Kubo admitted that he was the one behind the serial murder case.

They managed to get to him in the TV World, inside his personal dungeon. He said he was the one who killed all the victims. Yet, he wasn't a persona user. They had to go through a tough fight with his shadow.

Minato always assumed the culprit was persona user, and he believed it. If Mitsuo Kubo possessed the ability to summon a persona, there's no doubt he was the culprit. However, the fact overturned everything.

Mitsuo Kubo wasn't persona user. He didn't have the ability to enter TV World. In this case, there must be someone else behind all this. Mitsuo Kubo was simply used to distract them.

And the worst was, the other team members seemed to believe Mitsuo Kubo was the killer. Well...what he said really pissed everyone off, and nothing seemed to happen in the past two weeks, that's the fact.

However...he felt deja vu.

It was similar to the feeling when they thought Dark Hour was ended. However, they were betrayed right after that.

It made Minato thought about Ikutsuki. Adachi was a lot similar to Ikutsuki. He had a very strong feeling that Adachi had something to do with the serial murder case. Even he wasn't the culprit, he could have another role to play with.

Okay...right now, he would let it be. For now, should he enjoy this moment? He let out a bitter smile. He wanted to, but...perhaps he couldn't. He still had a lot to take care of, yet he had no idea where he could find the lead.

"What are you sighing at?"

Yu stood beside him, asking. His grey eyes seemed to see through everything.

"...I sigh at the beauty of the fireworks."

"Is that all?"

"...Too bad Hamuko isn't here to enjoy it with me."

"Oh? It doesn't to be that matter to me."

"... …"

Minato twitched his brows. He looked at Yu, the boy simply gave him an innocent smile.

"Is it about Mitsuo Kubo?" Yu said. "You're still doubting whether he is the real culprit, right?"

Well, straight to the point. He looked at Yu, nodded.

"...Without the power of summoning persona, one can't enter into TV World. From the battle with Mitsuo Kubo, we clearly know that he isn't a persona user. His shadow self even disappeared before our eyes." Minato once again looked up to the sky. "If so, how could he throw people into the TV World?"

Yu crossed his arms, pondering.

"...I know what you're trying to say. However, that's just an assumption. We don't know is that correct or not." Yu looked down to his hand. "Like me...I don't have the power of summoning persona at first, but I can enter into TV World. Maybe there's an exception?"

Minato frowned lightly.

Was that really the matter?

He shrugged and sighed again. "...Whatever. Sorry but I don't mean to ruin your mood. You just need to live and enjoy the life you're having now."

"Minato…"

"But I can't. I still haven't figured the reason I am here. There's no leading how I can return to the seal."

Yu obviously stunned. He lowered his head, hesitating for a while before speaking.

"...Is there a way to hold the seal so you and Hamuko-san can stay here?"

It was shocking came from Yu. Minato widened his eyes, and Yu looked away from him.

Minato could feel warm was building inside him. He smiled. It felt nice to have someone that would care for him.

"I appreciate that, but unfortunately, there's no such a way to hold the seal." From the hill, Minato could see the whole Yasoinaba. It was such a beautiful scene. "If we don't return to the seal, things happened two years ago may repeat. We have to prevent that at all cost. Don't worry about me and Hamuko. "We'll be fine. Even we may not see each other again, the memories will always be there."

Yu stared at him, nodded. He looked at his friends and family, knowing one day he would leave them and go back to the city as well. However, the bonds they made wouldn't disappear.

"Then Minato, you should lift your burden and enjoy it, for now," Yu said, with a wide smile.

"...Alright."

Minato shrugged, joining the team as Yu dragged him.

Minato couldn't believe he was here in Tatsumi Port Island.

Once again, he came back to this fateful place. He panted for air, clenching his fist tightly and glared at the bear.

"Teddie!"

A certain bear hid behind Yu, trembling in fear. He never saw the cool guy Minato went mad, and the target was no other than himself.

"Uhmm...Teddie, I think you should explain this to us." Yu stood between Minato and Teddie, trying to calm the blue-haired boy. "Why are you and Minato here?"

"I-I can't help, sensei! The lonely bear inside of me went stir crazy!"

"Grr...if only I can detect people in the real world …" Rise sighed, rubbing her nose bridge.

"H-How did you guys get here?"

"Eh, I took the train. I knew where you were going thanks to Yosuke's 'Trip Guide' and Minato's instruction."

"Damn, do I ever have a choice!?" Minato growled. "You dragged me here right after I was about to go home!"

"I'm sorry, but aren't you feel lonely as I am? I was just trying to help!"

"You're the one who feels lonely."

Yu let out a sigh. Teddie used him as a barrier to starting a quarrel with Minato. He put a hand on Teddie's head and squeezed. As expected, Teddie let out a squeak.

"...Be quiet, Teddie." He pulled the bear out and looked at the mad blue-haired boy. "Since you're here, do you want to come with us?"

Since Tatsumi Port Island as Minato's hometown, Yu had invited him to come along. He even asked Yosuke to arrange some holiday for him, but Minato rejected the offer.

He said it wasn't convenient to walk around as he was dead in other people's knowledge.

"...I guess I have no choice." This time, Minato couldn't refuse. He cursed under his breath.

Around the same time, Ms. Kashiwagi walked out from the hotel. She crossed her arms, looked unhappy.

"Now now, you kids aren't bickering about your room allocation, are you?"

"Oh crap…!"

"What's the matter? Oh, my…" Ms. Kashiwagi found out about Teddie. "What's this giant teddy bear?"

"Ermm...it's a bear-shape backpack, I guess…?" Yu wasn't sure if this could convince the woman or not. Even he felt this was such a joke.

By the way, why did Minato hide behind him?

"I see you like cute things…" Ms. Kashiwagi chuckled. "Alright, hurry on and inside with it. By the way, these rooms are amazing. Every room has waterbed! But don't flip the wrong switch when you're turning on the lights, or your bed will start spinning."

Yu could hear a sigh escaped out of Minato's mouth.

When everyone moved into the hotel, Minato patted his shoulder.

"...Anyway Yu, it is your turn to tell Nanako-chan and Dojima-san about my arrival here. Make up an excuse. I'm too damn tired." Then, he glared at Teddie. "...I'll make sure you pay for this, Teddie."

"Eeeekkkkk!"

Rubbing his hair, Yu started to have a feeling that he wanted to punch Teddie in the face. Regardless, he still carried the bear into his room.

Later, in the room…

"Whoooooaaaaaaa!"

"Which switch did you flip, you stupid bear!?"

"Waaaahhhhh!"

Yosuke, Kanji, and Teddie struggled to get from the spinning waterbed, but their effort went in vain. Minato and Yu sat on the couch opposite them, laughing out loud.

"T-This one?"

Unable to see which switch to flip, the waterbed spun faster than before.

"I'm gonna dieeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

"S-Stop this!"

"I-I can't take this anymore…" Holding his stomach, Minato turned his head away from the scene.

After some strive, they managed to stop the waterbed. The three guys almost passed out. They groaned in pain, and not forgot to give Teddie a punch.

"You're not going to touch any of this switch, never again!"

"Y-Yes sir!"

"Hey Minato...since you lived in Iwatodai, did you ever come here?" Yosuke asked, still lying on the bed. Some star spun on top of his head. While he asked, the poor guy Kanji already rushed his way to the toilet.

"...I did come here once, for a mission."

"Mission?"

"A mission to eliminate the giant shadow."

"I want to hear the story!"

"Nah, no way." Minato gave them a deadpan look. "It only brings up the bitter memories. No way."

It made him thought about the slap from Yukari. By that time, he didn't see anything. When he came to his sense, all he saw was the palm of the girl, and then he felt the pain on his cheek.

"Oww...come on!"

Twitching his brows, Minato crossed his arms and sighed.

"...Will you feel happy to be slapped in the face?"

Upon hearing that, Yosuke's smile died out. It seemed to be a story behind it. Guessed it would be best to shut up.

"Speaking of which, there are people who know you, right? There's no way for you to wondering out at the street like this." Yu asked, saving Yosuke from embarrassment

"...You're right." Pondering for while, Minato took out his phone and sent a message. Then, he lifted his head to Teddie. "Teddie, do you have spare glasses? Normal glasses is fine."

"I do remember I have some spare glasses...Oh yes, here it is!" Teddie searched in his Teddie suit and took out a god-know-where-it-store glasses.

"This is nice." Minato smiled and showed the glasses to Yu. "I think this should do."

Minato knew he was looking striking on the street. To avoid being recognized by people he knew, he tied his hair up, revealing his right eyes and putting a glasses on. Before going out, he made sure he looked different than his usual self, and the result was satisfying. Yu and the others barely recognized him.

The Investigation Team followed the schedule and headed to Gekkoukan High to start their so-called school trip. Somehow, he sympathized them. His Kyoto trip was way too better than this.

First, he came to Iwatodai dorm, the dorm he lived two years ago. This was the headquarter of SEES. The door was locked. According to the people nearby, it seemed to be shut down since last year. It saddened him for a while, but he guessed this was the best for them.

No one could live in past. No matter how tough it would be, they still had to move on. Dead person had no future, but they do. Unlike Minato, the other SEES members would have to face their future, their tomorrow.

Shaking the gloomy thought aside, he left this place. If staying here longer than it should, he might not be able to take it. Then, he went to the bookshop ran by an old couple. They were still healthy and happy as always...although they showed a hint of sadness when looking at him. They said he reminded them a dear young boy. His felt the pain as if someone clutched and squeezed it.

Feeling difficult to breathe, he quickly left the bookshop. This was good for him and the old couple. He was dead. He shouldn't disturb their life again. It would be better to not meet them.

He felt a hole in his heart. He walked around the town without knowing where to go. He simply went to watch a movie, and then ate his favorite ramen. Oh god, he missed that flavor so much. It felt so good to be able to eat Hagakure ramen again.

After finished his lunch, he finally thought of a place he wanted to visit. Without wasting time, he immediately headed there.

… …

He put down the flower bought on the way to the grave. Looking at the name carved on the grave, he smiled bitterly.

"It's been a while, Shinjiro-senpai."

He didn't know what to say to Shinjiro, he just wanted to pay him a visit. As a dead person, it sure sounded weird, but he guessed Shinjiro would just shrug it off. In this world, Shinjiro was dead. He couldn't save him. Fortunately, Shinjiro was able to survive in Hamuko's world. He could imagine the happy face of Akihiko-senpai and Mitsuru-senpai. It's too bad he couldn't see it with his eyes.

Recalling the life he had, Minato smiled. Shinjiro never regreted his decision, and so him. He would find out the cause of everything and return to the seal, along with Hamuko.

"...This would probably the last time I come here. Farewell, senpai."

Just as he about to leave, he heard some voices.

"Why there's a bunch of flowers here?"

"Is it from Shinjiro-san's friends?"

"...I doubt it."

Behind the tree, Minato rubbed his hair in frustration. Why did he hide? He looked different now. He should be able to walk away by ignoring them.

But…

He knew he couldn't do it.

Those were Akihiko, Ken, and Aigis. There's no way he could walk away like nothing. Even now, he felt something was clutching his heart that made him felt difficult to breathe.

After a while, he saw his friends walked to the corner to another grave. He didn't know whose grave was that, but he had a feeling that that grave was his. His name should be on that grave.

From his position, he could see Aigis was kneeling in front of the grave, lifting a sad smile. Part of his heart was breaking because of that smile. It was him that she had that smile. It was him that they all had the same sad look. He left them with sad and bitter memories.

For a moment, he hated himself. Why did he put those precious in deep sadness? He turned his gaze away from his friends. He didn't dare to look at them anymore. Feeling guilty, he chose to escape from the truth.

He waited patiently until the trio left. Making sure they're leaving, he came out and walked to the grave, which the one Aigis kneeled.

Just as expected, it had his name written: Minato Arisato.

It felt so awkward to see his own grave. He wanted to laugh, but he couldn't. Sadness turned into blood and dripped from his heart. He felt the bitterness in his mouth. Tears started to gather in his eyes. Damn, he wanted to cry now.

"Minato-san!?"

Aigis's voice startled him and managed to stop him from crying out. He widened his eyes, staring at the android before him.

"Minato-san...you're Minato-san?"

She hadn't changed at all...he smiled, but quickly dismissed it.

"...My name is Makoto Yuki, not Minato."

No matter how he couldn't admit it. He couldn't bear to hurt her again.

Upon hearing that, the light in her eyes died out. She smiled bitterly and apologized to him.

"...I'm sorry. Y-You looked a lot like Minato-san…"

She looked like almost cried out. Sighing, he looked at the grave and then looking back to Aigis.

"...Minato is the one under this grave, right? I don't mind you see me like him." He said. "Do you have anything you want to tell me?"

Aigis blinked for a while. Flustering, she lowered her head and covered the look on her face.

"...I'm sorry."

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry Minato-san...I swore to stay by your side to protect you, but I...I broke the promise. I don't even know the responsibility you're carrying. I was...we were so upset by your death and started ignoring each other. But...that's wrong." Biting her lip, Aigis lifted her head with some tears on the face. "You have done so much for us. You protected all of us. We should embrace your will and continue living. That's what we should do to repay you. Thank you Minato-san. From now on, I will protect the world you protected."

Her smile was so bright. It lighted up his heart.

"...I want to say sorry, too." He slowly spoke, ignoring her shock. "I'm sorry for leaving all of you in such a pain. I know the difficulty to overcome the sadness of losing someone precious. Even so, you all understand me. It is lonely to be left behind, however, instead of your tears, I want to your smile. You deserve the future. I'm sure you will continue living to the end, see the world for me." At the end, he smiled - a soft yet a sad smile. "Thank you."

"Minato-san…"

"...I'm sure this is what he wants to tell you, too."

Wiping the tears from her face, Aigis let out a soft chuckle.

"...You really look a lot like him, Makoto-san." It seemed his words lifted some of her sadness. Minato could see that from her smile. "Thank you...I feel a lot better now. Although you're not him...but you sound just like him."

His felt the pain again. Seeing Aigis went off, Minato let out a shaky sigh.

He never felt so bad for lying to his friends. He didn't know when did he read the message from Yu, or how did he head to Paulownia Mall. When he reached Club Escapade, he only saw Kanji and Teddie were laying on the ground, with Kanji passed out.

"...What are you guys doing here?" He pointed at Yu. "And what is that?"

Currently, Yosuke was riding on top of Yu and acting stupid. When Yosuke saw Minato, he was shocked and fell down.

"N-N-N-N-N-N-NO! You didn't see anything, alright!?" OMG, this was so embarrassing!

"Oh, Goooood to see you hereeee...hehee...let's play the game together!"

Yukiko and Rise were clearly drunk. Minato wondered what was that they drank. They couldn't have drunk alcohol, right?

He sat down beside Yu, frowning when Yu explained the situation. King's Game? This was lame.

"Ahahaha, me next! Me! I'm the King! Actually, the Queen!"

"Hey, you don't even pick the chopstick!"

The game was obviously going out of control. Yukiko broke the rule and picked Naoto as her target, to spill out his secret. The shorter boy raised a smile and clearly was looking for this opportunity.

"One stipulation, though: if I do this, the rest of you must reveal "something" as well." He adjusted his hat, straightened his posture. "Not particularly embarrassing experiences come to mind...Would discussing my life be fair game? It's a rare situation like this gives me call to speak of such things. "

"Damn...way to kill the mood…" Minato turned his gaze to Yosuke, who was sighing at the moment. Their gazes met, and both let out a bitter smile.

"The Shirogane family has been detectives for generations now. We lend our powers to the police from time to time. In days gone by, when they were no crime scene investigators, consulting detectives were considered more valuable. Thus, my grandfather still has a strong connection with the police and look after me, despite my youth and inexperience."

He paused for a while, and the continued.

"But investigators nowadays are well versed in science and medicine, so I must further my studies. Ahm...if you are looking for my any embarrassing experience, I fear you may be looking to the wrong person."

Well, he might not have any embarrassing experience, but he was embarrassing them. Minato covered his mouth unconsciously, feeling funny and stupid to have the desire to dig anything out from Naoto.

"That's sooooo embarrassing! Isn't Naoto-kun embarrassing?"

"Well then, it's your turn now." Naoto crossed his arms, eyes locking on Yu and Minato "A straight answer, please. What is your true involvement with the murder case?"

"Rescuing people, of course~" Out of the blue, Yukiko suddenly yelled. "We go rescuing people who've been kidnapped by jumping into the TV!"

Oh well, it was too late to stop her. Although Chie tried to cover her mouth, Yukiko just pushed her away and continued leaking the information.

Ermm...anyway, it sounded unreal to normal people as Naoto frowned and having a confused look. It would be good if he thought those were simply nonsense from a drunk.

"Are you making fun of me?"

Staring at Naoto's disappointed face, Minato wondered the motive he brought the topic up here. The case was closed. There's no reason for doing this.

"...I see now that you have no intention of telling me the truth."

"Is that really matter to you? If you don't believe us, don't ever ask." Minato said coldly, intentionally.

He could see Naoto's face turned sour. He let out a sigh, standing up from the seat.

"Sorry. By the way...I'm curious. How did you become so inebriated? That isn't alcohol."

"Sheesh! Somebody just put them on the bed!"

On the way back, Yu approached Minato.

"Are you okay?"

"...I'm fine. Just feeling bad for lying to my friends." Smiling bitterly, he explained the things happened at the grave.

"I see...but you're doing the right things." He patted his shoulder. "Tell me if anything bothers you. I may not help you, but at least I can share your burden."

Minato smiled, nodded.

"...Sure. Thank you."

Although he wasn't telling Aigis with his real identity, he hoped his words would help. He was Makoto Yuki, but he was Minato Arisato. Those words came from Minato, from deep of his heart.

"Oh man! This is really something!"

Chewing the ramen, Chie squeaked.

"This place serves the best ramen in town."

"Yeah, that's right. I use to hang out here often." Minato said timidly to Yu, who was sitting opposite him.

"Um...Rise-chan, do you remember what happened last night? I don't remember much about it…" Yukiko said on confusion.

Hearing that, everyone sweatdropped.

"Oh I think the two of us fell asleep quick. I heard it got pretty wild, though."

It was considered good that both Rise and Yukiko didn't remember the incident last night. If they did, they would probably dig a hole and hide inside.

"Huh? Where is my bowl!?" Gasping, Yukiko quickly looked for her bowl of ramen. She looked around, and found the bear beside her was stunning. "What? You didn't eat it...did you?"

"Ermm...you didn't finish it, so…"

"I was going to finish it!"

"Wait Teddie, how many bowls have you eaten!?" Feeling weird, Yosuke counted the empty bowls. "One, two...t-ten bowls!? You idiot!"

"Yuki-chan's makes it eleven, hehe…"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's close to the meeting time." Finishing her bowl of ramen, Naoto stood from the seat and prepared to leave. "See you later."

"N-Naoto-kun…"

"We're going, too. Hey, Ted!"

"How about you, Minato?" Yu asked.

"I'm going back with train. It may be late, don't wait for me."

"Alright. What's wrong, Yosuke?"

"He...ain't moving!"

"Urrrpppp...my tummy is heavy."

"Leave it behind." Still angry with the bear, Yukiko turned around and left the shop, without waiting for the others.

"Y-Yukiko, wait for me!" Chie chased after her.

The others stared at the bear, shaking their heads. Yosuke left some money to Teddie, telling him to go back by train when he could move later.

"Y-Yosuke! Sensei!"

Seeing that, Minato burst out a laugh. He walked closer to the bear, raising an evil smile.

"Hey Teddie, you do remember what I said, right?"

"H-Huh?"

Minato took the money left by Yosuke into his pocket.

"I'll make you pay for you have done to me, so I guess...this is farewell. Enjoy your trip here."

"W-Wait, Minato-chan! I did give you the glasses, right? That should pay it!"

"What?" Minato glared at him, huffing. "Do you think a glasses enough for that? Well then, see you again...if you're able to get back to Inaba."

"Wait...I don't have the money for the return ticket!"

Minato shrugged. It was none of his matter.

Ignoring Teddie, he walked out from the ramen shop and went to buy a souvenir for Hamuko.

"Minato-chan~~~~~"

Here is the chapter 10. Hello everyone.

I'm really sorry for the late update. I was busying celebrate Chinese New Year here, although I barely go anywhere for vacation…

By the way, can you imagine Minato's new look in this chapter? I kind of drew one myself, but he looks rather funny under my pencil…So, I will leave it to your imagination.

Alright, I will see you in chapter 11. See you again.