Chapter 12: Confession and Celebration

5/1 Sunday, 2016

Katsumi's pov

Eleven days ago, we managed to steal Kamoshida's castle in the form of an olympic gold medal as the Treasure. After that, we lay in low and wait for May 2nd, which is tomorrow...whether we succeeds or not will be decided by then. Ms. Kawakami said that Kamoshida is at home, so our expulsion is put on a hold until he goes back to school.

I suppose to just sleeping and playing video games in my room...but Sayaka asked me to hang out today since she suddenly have schedule for practice last Sunday, canceling the plan. Mr. Yamazaki is spending time with mom in Harajuku while Ann probably just lie down in her room. We plan to hang out in Shibuya... but the only problem is...well...is supposed to be me and Sayaka.

"Why don't you just go to the hospital to see Shiho's condition, Takamaki." Sayaka said while glaring Ann. We all wearing our winter casual clothes.

"I'll do that tomorrow. Just pretend I'm not even here." Ann said while also glaring towards Sayaka.

"Or just pretend you already got a boyfriend and leave us alone!" Sayaka retorted as Ann becomes angry.

"You don't get to decide what I can and what I can't, Shiramine!" Ann asked angrily.

"I never said that! I'm just saying that you're better of with someone else 'cause Taiki is way out of your league." Sayaka said as they keep arguing around...whoo boy.

How this happened you asked...? I'll tell you...

(Flashback: 25 minutes earlier)

(The sound of my house's doorbell can be heard)

"One momento." I said as I open the door. It was Sayaka.

"So, darling! Ready for our date~?" She said with flirtatious tone.

"For the last goddamn time, you're asking to hang out, not to date." I said with stern tone.

"If you got any objections, then lets-"

"I'm coming too." We all turned around as we see Ann in her casual outfit.

"Sorry, Takamaki. It's only me and Katsumi. Why don't you be a good girl and look after the house."

"Sucks to be you, Kumiko. I never listened." Ann retorted. "And besides,..." She then looks at me. "I made a bet with him and I intend to honor it."

"What kind? You must be lying." Sayaka said.

"I'm not. He said that if either of us got saved from Kamoshida, they will lose bet. The loser have to do exactly as the winner told them to." She takes that seriously!? I was joking about it!

"Oh that, I'm just kidding. I was only to riled you-"

"To quote from someone: "A man should never back down from a deal or bet."." She said with serious look. Oh shit, she got me there. "In other words, no backsies."

I sighed as I hold my forehead. "Fine...you can come..."

"What!?" Sayaka exclaimed.

"Thanks, Katsumi." Ann said.

"But one condition..." I said with a serious look as the two girls look at me.. "You and Sayaka MUST get along for today, in other words, no fighting."

"But she-" They both said before I interrupted them.

"This isn't a request, it's an order...do I make myself clear?" I said as they can see a demon mask appears from behind, frightening them to submission. I don't where I learn how to do this though.

"Yes sir." They both said.

"Good. Let's go." I said as we left the house.

(Flashback end)

"One of this days, either of them will become the dead of me." I muttered as I put on my headphones to listen "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" by Set It Off featuring William Beckett to ignore them for awhile. Luckily we were at a bookstore.

"Hey, Katsumi! Take that headphone off!" Sayaka said as she noticed and I take off my headphone.

"You don't get to tell me what to do, witch-" I said as Sayaka kick me in frickin' balls!

"It's hurt like hell!" I said with high pitch voice.

"Hey! You don't have to do that!" Ann said.

"If you smart, stay out of this Takamaki!" Sayaka said.

"I maybe dumb, but at least I don't have a big ego, Kumiko!" Ann retorted.

"You're really pushing my buttons, you know!"

"That's my line, you egotistical bitch!"

"Slut!"

"Idol Harlot!"

Just like that, Sayaka and Ann butted heads, EXACTLY like Natsu and Gray from Fairy Tail...this is getting annoying...

"IF YOU TWO DON'T STOP RIGHT NOW, I'M GONNA LEAVE YOU BOTH!" I shouted as they stopped what they were doing and shut up.

"Good." I said as we go to the station and take the train to Akiba. It cost some money, but hey, you get to go to Akiba.

We hang out in a Maid Cafe for awhile and go to an arcade before we go to the bane of all men...shopping.

"I'm not shopping type kind a guy, you know guys." I muttered as I wait for the girls to change clothes...which is Sayaka's idea.

"Sorry for the wait, Darling~!" I turn around and see Sayaka in a white blouse, dark blue trousers, and

"Wow..." I said.

"I know. I look good." Sayaka said with an arrogant tone.

"Where's Ann?" I asked.

"She'll be here any second-"

"Sorry for the wait." We then looks towards Ann, who is wearing black blazer of a white shirt, blue capris pants, and red sneakers.

"I can see why you're a model Ann. You're reminding me of my mom." I complimented Ann as she beet red and turn away from me.

"Thanks..."

"But in all seriousness, you're pretty cute and beautiful." I added.

Ann's pov

"But in all seriousness, you're pretty cute and beautiful." Taiki said.

(THUMP)

Something hit my heart really hard the moment he said that. I don't understand...why is my heart beat faster when I with him?

"What about me, Darling?" Kumiko asked while she is pouting...For some reason, I don't like her tone of voice.

"You're good as Ann." Katsumi said.

"It's not good enough!...But I suppose that will do, for now." She said as we go back to the changing room to change clothes.

Then, we left the store with Katsumi carrying our bag. I was kinda shocked that Taiki is willing to pay for our clothes.

"What to do next?" I asked.

"Why don't we watch some movies here." He said.

"Or we can just go back to your house so we can enjoy your cooking." I said.

"Hold up, you got a taste of Katsumi's foods, Takamaki?" Shiramine said with genuine surprise.

"Yeah. It was delicious." I said.

"In that case, let's go." Taiki said as we went home.

Normal pov

Little do they know, they're conversation were eavesdropped by someone, it is a girl who is approximately 16 years old. She has short dark brown hair in a bob cut style, brown eyes, and wearing a casual outfit . She looks at the recently gone trio with hatred...though she focuses more on Katsumi.

"I've finally found you... Katsumi Matabei. You're days are numbered when I'm through with you." She said before leaving Shinjuku.

Katsumi's pov

Hmm...Why do I have strange feeling that I was being watched back in Shibuya...? Meh, I hope it just me being paranoid.

Right now, it's evening and I'm in my house, cooking dinner. "You sure don't need my help?" Yamazaki asked. While I was about to cook dinner, He and Mom got home and see me cook with Ann and Sayaka waiting in the table. When he asked that if I need any help, I said that I got this. For what I'm cooking is curry with rice. Sojiro and Mom might taught me some thing or too about cooking.

Once I put the curry to several plates with rice in them, I put the dish to the table.

"Katsumi. It's been awhile that you cook something for me." Mom said.

"Why thank you from someone who taught me how to cook." I replied.

"True." She said. "And I'm surprising that you don't have a girlfriend by now." As she said that, I can see Ann and Sayaka blush after she said that word "girlfriend". Though Sayaka took it well than Ann...hold up, Are they...Nah it's too early for that conclusion.

"Well...I sometimes scares people with my...hidden personality." I said as my face turns red.

"Can't blame you, guess you inherited my sadistic side." She said as I sit down and started eating my curry.

10 minutes later, I put my dish and Yamazaki washes it.

"Well, it's been fun. See you later, Katsumi!" Sayaka waved goodbye as she left the house. Mom decided to watch the tv while me and Ann head upstairs. Ann goes to her room and I go to mine...I entered my room and immediately lie down in my bed. Just then, my phone vibrates as I open the IM group. It was Ryuji.

Ryuji: "Tomorrow's the day, huh? I'm getting nervous."

Ann: "We did what we could, but I'm in the same boat as you.

Ren: "Don't worry, we won't get expelled. Right, Katsumi?"

"That's right, buddy. If we got expelled, than that's it." I texted a message into the chat group.

Sayaka: "And I will have a little "talk" with Kamoshida if you four got expelled."

Ann: "Why you always solve problems with violence?"

Sayaka: "At least I didn't wait for miracle to happen."

"On the contrary, Sayaka. You're crying when I first met you because you think of me as a miracle." I texted a message into the chat group.

Ann: *laughing emoji*

Ren: *laughing emoji*

Ryuji: *laughing emoji*

Sayaka: "Katsumi! You're not supposed to tell anyone that!"

"Oh yeah? What are you gonna do about it?"

Sayaka: "I'm going come back to your house and kick your ass."

Ann: "Good like getting in, attention slut."

Sayaka: " I should watch my language if I were you, bimbo."

Ann: " What did you say, cosplay bitch!?"

Sayaka: "Lazy model!"

Ann: "Muscle brained whore!"

Sayaka: "Mayor of Bitch City!"

"Oi, knock it off! *angry emoji*"

Ann: "Sorry..."

Sayaka: "Guess I went too far with the insults..."

Ren: "That was...something. How about school, should we attend?"

Ryuji: "Sure, why not? How are we supposed to know if that bastard actually repent if we aren't there?"

"Lets sleep early so we can't stress too much about tomorrow." I typed a text into the chat group.

Ann: "In that case, let's hope that he actually repent."

Sayaka: "We'll find out soon."

I put my phone beside me as I go to sleep.

5/2 Monday, 2016

Ren's pov

Today is the day, whether or not we were successful at changing Kamoshida's heart. I'm walking down to school as usual, and I heard there's going to be an assembly today in the morning.

"Today is the moment of truth." Morgana reminded me from my bag. "If Katsumi said that Kamoshida had change of heart was true, then mission accomplished. If not, its game over."

"Let's believe what he said." I said as I don't want to think about more. Then, Katsumi appears and put his hand on my shoulder.

"Yo! Ready for another life at Shujin?" He said with a grin.

"Where's Ann and Sayaka?" I asked.

"Sayaka's not a morning in weekdays as usual, as for Ann, she already gone ahead."

"Say, mind of I ask you something?" I asked.

"Shoot."

"How do you enter the Metaverse for the first time?" I asked.

"I'll might answer that, but I'll tell it with the others, okay?"

"Okay." I replied.

"Fist bump!" He said as he and me do a fist bump. I can feel my bond is stronger as something inside me has increased my powers.

"Hey, Katsumi! Ren!" We turn around and see Sayaka run towards us.

"As usual, I see?" He asked.

"Not really. I tried to get up early, but that damn alarm broke."

"And by "broke" you mean that it run off batteries." He said.

"And I throw it to the wall." She said.

"Figures." Katsumi said as we entered the classroom.

Then we were told to gather around in the school's audiotorium.

"What's with the sudden assembly?"

"Is this have anything to do with Suzui-san?"

It's not even one minute and I can heard people saying there and there...though they stop once the principal is on the stand.

"We will now begin the school-wide assembly." The Principal said. "As you know, a tragedy has occurred the other day that involves a student of our own. But rest assured, we had been informed that she has pull through." He must be talking about Shiho. "With that said, you all have a bright future ahead of you. So I implore to you all to rethink the importance of life and-" Then suddenly, we all saw Kamoshida in front of the door after we heard a sound of closing door.

"Mr. Kamoshida!? What are you doing here!?" The Principal asked with surprise.

"I've...been reborn." He said as he look tired. "There's something I want to tell to all of you." He said as walked and stand in the stage.

"I have...done many things that deemed unworthy of a teacher. Verbally assaulting the students, abusing my own team, and...sexually harassing the female students." He said. I can tell he is trying his trying his best to find the right words for it, and he did. "I'm the reason why Shiho Suzui...tried to commit suicide." He said as he breaks down and cried...so this the effects of stealing someone's heart.

"Disgusting."

"What a perv!"

"So the rumors is true!"

"Damn pedo!"

Yeah,...I heard several students talking as Kamoshida continued.

"I...think of this school as my own castle...there are students who I sentenced to expulsion, simply because I don't like them, and some teacher who I frame to be fired with the same reasons. I will, of course, rescind those. To think I made innocent youths through horrible acts, I'm an arrogant, shallow, shameful person-No I'm worse than that. I will take responsibilities for what I have done...and kill myself for it!"

"Did he said his going to kill himself as atonement?" I asked to Katsumi.

"Depends on the person really. Sometimes they do that,...but they ended up didn't do it." He said as the teachers told us to return to class.

"Mr. Kamoshida! Please! Calm yourself and leave the stage immediately !" The Principal said. Then-

"Don't you dare run away, you bastard!" Ann shouted. "Shiho's alive! Even if you make her do things that make her want to die, you have no right to run away from this!"

"She's right, pervert!" Katsumi shouted. "If you're sorry about what happened, then do the right thing!"

"You're right...You both are very right. In exchange for giving Suzui-san, I tried to force Takamaki-san to have relations. The reason Matabei-san is getting expelled...because he is the only one who can protect Takamaki-san from me."

"Matabei-senpai is innocent!?"

"Guess that explains what we had just seen few days ago."

"It may not look like it at first...but he actually like a real version of Prince Charming."

Several students's voice can be heard.

"As of today,...I resigned as an instructor...and turn myself in." He said. "Someone please! Call the police!"

Then, All students left...except for me, Ryuji, Katsumi, Ann, and Sayaka.

"His heart really is changed." Ann commented.

"Is this for the best?" Ryuji asked Katsumi.

"Whether It's for the best or not, you decided that yourself." He said.

"We don't always have the answers for you, so you just have to find it." Sayaka added.

"Wow...you actually said something nice for once." Ann commented with a mischievous smile.

"Shut it, bimbo! I'm always nice!" Sayaka retorted.

"So, shall we head-"

"Takamaki-san..." We turned around and see Mishima with two female students.

"I'm sorry about what happened. We know but we pretended that we didn't." Mishima said as the other two girls apologized to Ann about the rumors.

"The same can be said to me, water under the bridge." Ann said as they left us.

"Welp, Ann. The good news is that you won't be hearing those rumors for a long time." Katsumi said.

"Mine's doesn't really matter anymore. All I wanted is for Kamoshida to apologized to Shiho...that's enough for me." She said as we left to class.

Normal pov

As Ren, Ann, and Katsumi enters their classroom, they were watched by someone...it's the same girl who eavesdropped Katsumi's conversation last Sunday.

"Enjoy your few days while you still can,...because when the time is right, I'm going to have fun watching you suffer." She said as she left without no one noticed...but little does she knows, Yamazaki eavesdropped her.

"She's a dangerous one. I have feeling that she's aftering Katsumi." He said as he also left before thinking about the girl. 'So this your daughter,...eh, Yukimura?'

Katsumi's pov

Once school is over, I was asked again by Ann to accompany her to look after Shiho. Only this time...

"You don't have to come, Kumiko." Ann said.

"I insist. Shiho is also my friend too, you know." She said.

"Fair point." I said as we arrived to the hospital. We go to Shiho's room and you know what we see? She's is regain consciousness and she look at us with a smile on her face. With her is an older version of herself...guess that's her mom.

"Hey Ann, Katsumi, and Sayaka." Shiho said as Ann embraced her with an hug...I would do the same thing too if my one of my friend got hurt.

Me and Sayaka introduce ourselves to her mom and tell her that we met each other during new year.

Me and Sayaka decided to wait outside of the room so Ann can have a talk with Shiho.

While waiting, I put my headphone on and listen to "Just a Feeling" by Maroon 5 before listen to "Hall of Fame" by The Script.

Then, Ann comes out from the room as we walked towards her.

"So,...how does it go?" I asked.

"Well...Shiho knew that I was flirting for her sake and she's the one who told you to...you know..."

"I know." I said.

"And...Shiho's mom said that they'll transfer to another school before summer vacation."

"I see...she'll have to start from scratch if she wants to accomplish her dreams." I said.

"Yeah, it's going to be lonely with her." Sayaka said. "But on the bright side, Kamoshida's going to the slammers, and the school return back to normal."

"You know, Kumiko..." Ann said with a smirk. "I never thought you cared for me."

"I'm not doing this for you or anything! You're my rival, so I take the pleasure of taking you down personally! And that day won't happen if you're gone! Don't take the wrong ideas!"

"Let's go back to the school." I said as we head back to school.

(At the school)

"Suzui's gonna transfer, huh? That's prolly for the best." Ryuji said as he was sitting on a chair. Once we arrive at the hideout, we explained about Shiho, they were glad about it.

"Yeah." I said as I look towards the medal. "By the way, are you going to sell this medal?"

"We're about to." Ren said as he look towards the delinquent. "Ryuji."

"On it! Let's see how this shit worth..." Ryuji opened up his phone as he searching for how valuable those gold medal.

"No effin' way! This medal is worth 30.000 yen!?" Ryuji exclaimed as Ann, for some reason, have a devious look on her face.

"Remember that time in middle school, when I lent you some money?"

"No way in hell I borrow that much from you!" Ryuji exclaimed.

"With an interest maybe?"

"Hell no!"

"I'm not asking you to pay it back, I mean it's your fault that you didn't pay me back all those years. It's common sense!" Ann said.

"Hell hath no fury like a women's scorn." I quoted.

"Oh by the way, there rumors about Ryuji and Ren." Ann said.

"About what?" Ren asked.

"That you two put Kamoshida under some sort of brainwash or something like that and was blackmail him to confess." Sayaka said.

"What!?" Ren and Ryuji exclaimed.

"Understandable. You two sticks out like a sore thumb." Morgana added.

"How about Katsumi?" Ren asked.

"Recently, we seen several female students looking at him with lovesick expression." Sayaka explained with disgust.

"In other words, he is popular with the ladies." Akira said.

"And pretty soon, he'll got a fan club. It pisses me off." Ann said with also disgusted...what's wrong with them?

"At any rate, I say we should celebrate for our first successful mission." Morgana asked.

"Yeah! As a way that the Phantom Thieves has return!" I shouted to the heavens.

"That reminds me, Katsumi, are you going to tell us that how are you able to go to the Metaverse?"

"Thanks for the reminder." I said as I clear my throat. "In 2012, I found an app on my phone along with Sayaka. Then, I found myself in the Palace, beating the crap of my deadbeat stepdad, and...well, you know the rest."

"That's when the Phantom Thieves is born right?" Morgana asked.

"Yes. But...in 2014, I...did something stupid that made me and Sayaka lay low for the rest of the years."

"Oh...sorry for that." Akira asked.

"It's cool, you're just curious. It goes to show that I'm not ready to handle it yet." I said as I smiles again.

"Let's celebrate this the third day of Golden Week, which is this Thursday." I said.

"And we better sell this medal so we can use the money to celebrate." Morgana added.

"I know a place." Ren asked.

"We leave it up to you then." Sayaka said as we went home...

5/4 Wednesday, 2016

I'm currently helping out at Leblanc with Sayaka and Ren.

"I know this is a drag, but can you stay for today?"

"Sorry. I got something to do." Ren replied.

"I'm pretty sure with Sayaka, you can do just fine, Sojiro." Katsumi said.

"Of course-What do you mean with me!? Where are you going!?" She exclaimed.

"Where else? Go to gym." I said as me and Ren put our apron somewhere before leaving. Before that, someone entered the Leblanc.

"Welcome." Sojiro said. Standing in front of us is a gray haired woman that I know all too well...Meet Sae Niijima, Makoto's big sister.

"Am I...interrupting something?" Sae asked as she then noticed me and Sayaka. "Taiki and Sayaka...? I didn't know you work here."

"Didn't Makoto tell you?" Me and Sayaka said in unison.

"No. I'm so busy with jobs that I rarely come home." She said.

"What are you having?" Sayaka asked.

"House blend." Sae answered.

"Coming right up!" The blue haired idol said as the news were discussing the train accident

"Isn't that those accidents everyone were talking about?" Sojiro asked.

"Do you find it curious? People suddenly dead or gone berserk with no warning? Like this teacher named Kamoshida, who confessed everything."

"Maybe the guy is having second thoughts?" I said.

"Human minds don't change that easily, Katsumi." Sae said.

"I know." I said as Sae noticed Ren. "Are you a part timer too?"

"Not really, he's a friend from school." I answered as I open the door. "See ya!" I said as I left.

Once I arrived to the gym, I did the usuals. Running in a treadmill, lifting weight, and etc. It takes several hours before leaving. On my way, I see Ann.

"Yo, Ann!" I shouted as she look towards me.

"Hey, Katsumi. You went to the gym?"

"Yup." I answered.

"Okay..." She said as she fidgeting for awhile.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"No! It's fine!" Ann said. "It's just...well..."

"Well...what...?" I asked.

"It's about the mid term exams. I wondering if you could tutor me?" She asked while looking away.

"What?"

Ann's pov

I'm an idiot! A super idiot! Why did I asked him as if I'm asking him out on a date!?

"You okay over there? You're looking steamy there." He asked as I shakes my head.

"I-I'm f-fine! Thank you for asking."

"About the tutor part..." He said as I sighed before start talking.

"You see...I sucked at every subject except English. So...can you tutor me?" I asked.

"Okay."

"Wait, just like that? No catch or anything?" I asked.

"Yes." Katsumi said as I realized something.

"Hold on! You're not thinking about making me do lewd stuff, are you!?"

"Hey now! Where do you get that idea?! The gutter?! I'm no pervert like Kamoshida!" Taiki shouted before calming down. "At any rate, see ya!" He said as he went home.

Maybe...I should buy him something when I got the time.

5/5 Thursday, 2016

Katsumi's pov

Today is celebration day. We head to the Wilton Hotel, which recommended by Ann. Ren had sold the medal which he get 30.000 yen to Iwai-san, which is good. Though I use a bit of my money and Sayaka since is only covers up Ren, Ryuji, and Ann. It cost 8.000 yen for one person.

There, We start get some food like crazy. Ryuji pick up lots of meat he can find while Ann and Sayaka pick up lots of sweet...Someone will get diabetes for eating that much. But Ren and Morgana told stay in the table so that no one steals them.

"So good..." Ryuji said as he put some meat into his mouth.

"No wonder Lady Ann chose this place." Morgana commented as he took a bite from the salmon I gave him.

"Of course its good. This is a famous restaurant, after all." Ann said. "Oh yeah, I heard that the police is going to interview some people from our school."

"That's troublesome." Morgana commented.

"Meh,...just like act nothing happens if you happen to be interviewed." I said as I put some salmon into my mouth.

"But still,...our names will come up to them because of that new rumor." Ryuji said with a frown before smiling. "But we got 'em pumped up! I keep hearin' stuff like, "The Phantom Thieves really stole his heart!" I think most people don't believe it, but some of them seem grateful." Ryuji then pulls out his phone. "Look at this."

We then read what's on the screen. "The Phantom Aficionado Website...?" Me, Ann, and Sayaka read.

"Well done, Phantom Thieves..." Ann read.

"Now I can keep going too." I read.

"Thank you for giving us hope." Sayaka read.

"Pretty cool, huh? They're thanking us! US! Of all people!"

"It's feel strange when someone thanking me. I was focusing my own problems." Ann added.

"But let's not get blinded with fame, alright?" I said.

"I got you, man." Ryuji retorted. "So,...what do we do now?"

"Are you gonna talk all the time or are you gonna get some more food?" I asked as I finish my food...I used to eat big after a workout. And Ren is still eating his food.

"Huh...?" Ryuji asked as his eyes suddenly widen and stand up. "Shit! You're right! This place has a time limit!"

"We got just 50 minutes left!" Ann said as she stands up and so are me and Sayaka.

"Ah! I'm gonna finish all the meat dishes in time!" Ryuji said.

"I need more fish and meat, yo!" I said.

"I need to eat through all the entire dessert menu...!" Ann said.

"For once, I agree with you!" Sayaka added as they go on ahead.

"Look after our stuff! We'll snag something for you, don't worry!" Ryuji said as we left the two to pick up food. Then we come back with mountain of foods.

"This is a glorious feast!" I commented as I eat.

"Yeah,...the meat just melts in my mouth!" Ryuji said.

"Really you two? Just meat?" Morgana asked.

"Hey! Meat is love! Meat is happiness! And meat is life!" I replied.

"You said it, man!" Ryuji said as we do a fist bump.

"So happy...!" Ann and Sayaka added as they eat the desserts.

"Those two were thinking about the cake when they're not arguing!" Morgana commented.

"You two probably go easy with the sweets,...otherwise you're going to get diabetes." I said.

"And fat through calories." Ryuji added.

"Shuddup you two! Do you have any idea how much one of this costs!? I may not get a chance to do this again!" Ann retorted.

"Yeah!" Sayaka added.

"Mmm...the Wilton Hotel cake buffet...I only heard it in rumors...but never thought it was so amazing." Ann said.

"If you like,...I can make you a cake when I got the time." I said.

"You can?" She asked.

"I should tell you now Takamaki, his cake is amazing!" Sayaka said.

"Maybe I should take that offer." Ann said.

"Where's our share?" Morgana asked.

"Right over there." I said as I pointed the food mountain Ryuji brought.

"It's got beans and other foods I can snag." The blonde boy said.

"Maybe I should get it myself." Ren said as he stands up, looking unsatisfied.

"Yes, We should show them fine dining." Morgana said as he and Ren left to get the food.

Then they come back with meat, fish, rice, and some dessert.

"You got them organized? Not bad." I said.

Then we ate everything except the desserts that is. Dang it, these guys snag TOO many foods. It was tough, but we managed to finish this and this is coming from me.

"We...did...it." Ryuji said as we all except Ann and Sayaka pale.

"We're...the champions...!" I said. "It's been awhile...since I ate this much." Then we see a man and a woman.

"My, look at that table..." The woman said.

"They must not have normally to eat such exquisite foods like we do." The man with het said. I can tell they're filthy rich.

"I can only imagine what their parents must be like." She said what!?

"Come on..." I said as stand up and look towards them with a glare. "...I dare you say that again, you bastards!" I said as the demon mask appears again from behind as the they run away in fear.

"Bunch of pussies. Don't they have anything better to do than talking smack?" I muttered as I sit down.

"We should go to a *urp* bathroom...!" Ryuji said as he on a brink of puking. Ren and Morgana also want to puke.

"I'll accompany you then." I said as we went to the bathroom.

"Man, that was close." Ryuji said. "I was panicking when the sign said "out of order"." He then look at me. "If it weren't for you, Katsumi, we would be barf on the floor."

"Its not a problem." I said.

"How come your not barfing?" Morgana asked.

"I'm used to eat big after a workout." I answered as Ryuji press the elevator button.

"I'm surprised you knew, Ryuji." Morgana said.

"Shuddup, I'm not that dumb-" Just before he could finish, a group of men in suits appeared and shove Ryuji out of the way. But out all of them, is a bald headed man with glasses...he looks familiar...

"Oww!" Ryuji cried. "The eff!?"

"There's still no update on the case?" Baldy McGlasses asked to one of his men about...a case?

"N-Not yet..." One of them said. "But if I may ask, why involve yourself? It's not something you should concerned with-"

"When I told you do to pick up the pace, then do it you incompetent buffon! I didn't asked for your opinion either!" Baldy McGlasses said rudely.

"Hey! You're cuttin' in line!" Ryuji said.

"We're in a hurry." One of them said.

"Oh, I'm sorry. So you can butt in front of other people if you're on a hurry!?" Ryuji said angrily.

"What's this? It looks like the customer basis has changed. Now it turns into a daycare." Stay calm, Katsumii...he'll eat his words soon enough.

"The hell you said!?" Ryuji exclaimed.

"Sir, you don't have time for this..."

"I know." He said.

"So we're not worth your time, huh Baldy McGlasses?" I taunted him as he look at me pissed.

"What did you called me brat!?" He turned around with an angry expression.

"You heard me loud and clear! Just because you're in a hurry, that doesn't get you the right to cutting lines even if you have a higher position, Baldy!"

"You cocky brat! I'll-" One of them about to hit me when Baldy put his hand on him.

"He's only riled you up, don't let him get to you." He said as he looks at me. "You're feisty, boy. I give you that." He said as the elevator door opened. "You're lucky I don't have the time to deal with someone like you. But next time, I won't be so lenient with you." He threatened me as he and his men entered the elevator before closing.

"Dude...you got some balls of steel if you can insult that asshole." Ryuji said in awe.

"Fight fire with fire, my friend." I said as I looked at Ren...spacing out.

"Ren...you okay? You don't look well." I said as Ren snapped out.

"No,...I'm fine. Just thinking something."

"I see..." I said as Ryuji pressed the elevator button again as we wait several minutes to open.

"What is taking you four so long?" Ann asked with an angry tone.

"Calm down, we ran into some...distraction." I said.

"Oh...sorry. I was angry because some woman bumps into me. The worse part she blame it to me! And the employees here look at me with disapproval look."

"Guess even here, we're outcasts." Sayaka commented.

"Yeah,..." Ryuji then look at me. "Say, Katsumi. Anyone can have a Palace, right?"

"As long as they have a distorted desires, yeah." I answered.

"What's the occasion?" Ann asked.

"We ran into a man who looks down on us on our way here." Ren said. "Katsumi here got the nerve to insult him."

"What!?" Ann and Sayaka exclaimed.

"Yes. I called him Baldy McGlasses."

"You're amazing..." Both of them said.

"That aside, I think we should keep on being the Phantom Thieves." Ryuji said.

"Why?" Ren asked.

"Because we can give courage to people who suffered like us." Ryuji said.

"I'm with Ryuji. It's time that the Phantom Thieves to return!" Sayaka said.

"Has anyone has any objections?" Morgana asked as we shake our heads.

"Good."

"Hell yeah! We'll be stealing the heart of those rotten bastards and make ourselves known to the world!" Ryuji proclaimed.

"And as for the targets, let's decide it unanimously and he/she is a bigwig. It's that good?" I asked as they agreed.

"Okay. I'm the leader." I then pointed my finger towards Ren. "And you'll be my second in command again!"

"I'll do my best." Ren said as I look at the time on my phone.

"Looks like our time is up here." I said.

"For real!?" Ryuji said as he looks at the time in his phone too. "Yeah, you're right. Let's talk more tomorrow."

"In that case, let's go home, yall." I said as we went home...

(Back to the Interrogation room)

Katsumi stop narrating as Sae begins to speak.

"A Talking cat? Now you're just making that up...but you won't lie since you're drug so I'll let you continue. Basically you, Sayaka, and three others entered this "Metaverse" and steal his heart. Is that what you were saying?"

"Yup." Katsumi answered.

"Are these three are students of from your school?" Sae asked.

"Good luck getting that answer, 'cause I won't tell. I won't sell any of them out." He said with a stern voice.

"...Very well, if that's what you want, I won't pry it...yet." Sae said as she put a file to the table and open a page. In the page was a picture of an elderly man wearing an old kimono.

"You're next target is this man, Ichiryusai Madarame. He's a renowned artist, to the paint people call him "the Japanese version of Leonardo Da Vinci"." Sae explained.

"That phony old fart..." Katsumi muttered.

"Here comes the question: he's a very famous person, so his crime are well hidden. So, how on earth that you find all of them? You're not even one of his students nor his victims."

"We have our ways, one that doesn't require us as the victims or his students. It happens somewhere after midterms..." Katsumi said as he continued.

Next arc: Museum of Vanity arc

Next chapter: Chapter 13: Let's go to Mementos.

Chapter 12's out and that cocludes this arc.

There's a little foreshadowing here and there, especially that girl who seems to have some sort of a hatred against Taiki...for unknown reasons and Yamazaki having connections with the unknown girl.

Who is she? It will be revealed later!

Notice: OC Profiles have been updated!

Ren's OC confidants (to make it easier):

-Jester Arcana (Katsumi Matabei) rank: 2

-Strength Arcana (Hojo Yamazaki) rank: 1

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