Chapter 37: The First Midterms
Author Note to blarg7865: Good request. I'm pretty certain other people are confused by now as well. The Social Links are:
Fiend (Lucifer) – Rank 5
Fool (SEES) – Rank 3
Magician (Junpei) – Rank 5
Priestess (Fuuka) – Rank 4
Empress (Mitsuru) – Rank 5
Emperor (Akihiko) – Rank 3
Hierophant (Shinjiro) – Rank 2
Lovers (Yukari) – Rank 3
Chariot (Dante) – Rank 4
Strength (Shin) – Rank 4
Hermit (Isako) – Rank 3
Fortune (?) – Rank 0
Justice (?) – Rank 0
The Hanged Man (?) – Rank 0
Death (?) – Rank 0
Temperance (?) – Rank 0
Devil (Ikutsuki) – Rank 2
Tower (Igor) – Rank 2
Star (Kazuya) – Rank 3
Moon (Nemissa) – Rank 4
Sun (Elizabeth) – Rank 3
Judgement (?) – Rank 0
Aeon (?) – Rank 0
As for your other question… Damn, not even halfway done, and I've been called for a follow-up, huh? I will not create any work called Persona 4 Remix. I do, however, have plans for Persona 4 Restyle, the direct sequel to this story, which revolves around Yu Narukami. No spoilers, and back to the story.
SEES ate a quiet breakfast, the air heavy as Mitsuru systematically eyed each and every member in attendance, checking to see if they were indeed as ready as they claimed to be. "As you know, the dorm will be under strict lockdown for midterms. I expect to see all of you studying without fail during this week. Any breach of security will merit the most severe Execution imaginable." Mitsuru said. Everyone held their poker face well enough, and the train ride to school was quiet until the very end, when two loud students moved near to them, apparently trying to see a part of the island.
"See?! There! The billboard that was there is gone! Look, you can still see the pole all crooked!" the first student said.
"Woah… so our PE teacher really did get hospitalized?!" the second student asked. Minato and Shinjiro both turned to Mitsuru, who was staring out of the other window.
"Before you ask, yes." Mitsuru said. "My father insisted we follow up on the sinkhole incident to make it believable… our workers underground had no idea the PE teacher was taking a nightly run."
"If anything, you're meticulous." Minato said. "Sacrifices must be made, right? His injury isn't in vain. You're doing the right thing."
"It's fine as long as nobody ends up dead. You know that." Shinjiro said.
"… It's reassuring to her that from you both." Mitsuru said, cracking a smile.
SEES arrived to school, and everyone save Shinjiro looked confident. "Just you watch… I'll one-up you all and take that prize!" Junpei declared.
"In your dreams! You're not named Stupei for nothing." Yukari said.
"Oh yeah? I'll laugh when I do better than you, Yuka-tan! Then you'll be… Stukari!" Junpei answered.
"I think Yupid would actually work better." Minato said. "Regardless, please, get your hopes up… It'll be all the funnier when I emerge victorious."
"Hah! I might have been a couch potato, but don't think I just watched TV all this time! A match is a match, regardless of the type!" Akihiko said.
"An excellent showing, all of you. Though I believe it's time to remind you why I am the President of this school." Mitsuru said.
"… All of you are idiots." Shinjiro said. They all went to their class, but Minato stopped in the hallway. He had someone to talk to before school started. Sure enough, Fuuka came by, and Minato stopped her.
"Hey, Fuuka." Minato said.
"O-oh! Minato…" Fuuka said.
"Just came by to wish you good luck. Though I doubt you'll need it." Minato said with a wink. "Do your best."
"Y-yes, you too." Fuuka said. Minato chuckled and walked into his class. Fuuka watched him walk into his class before she entered hers and took a seat. She had decided that morning that if she could be the best of her year, she could do anything she put her mind to. She wouldn't have to hold back anymore. She prepared for the tests. It was the first time she truly wanted something this much.
Midterms, Day 1 Results:
Minato Arisato: This test was an insult to my intelligence. Question six had an error, rendering it unsolvable. I put in a few possible changed variants and solutions that emphasized the formula we were supposed to use.
Junpei Iori: Damn, I didn't put enough time into math… and what the heck was with number six? Was that even solvable?
Yukari Takeba: This wasn't too bad, but I feel like there were a few trick questions… I ran out of time, though. Hope that doesn't bite me too badly.
Fuuka Yamagishi: I know this. I've done most of this before on my own. I… I know I did well.
Akihiko Sanada: Not too shabby, if I do say so myself. I don't think I've done this well in ages.
Shinjiro Aragaki: … I'll integrate my axe into that test if I see it again.
Mitsuru Kirijio: Hmph. I've done more complex mathematics when I was a freshman.
Midterms, Day 2 Results:
Minato Arisato: Oh, an essay! I think I can score some extra with Isako here… Speaking of Mangekyo, though, since I use Magatama… Can I get a Sharingan?
Junpei Iori: Well, I might not get all the symbols, but I know all the epic quotes! Time to sound like a medieval badass!
Yukari Takeba: I should've read more of the older works… This is going to sting.
Fuuka Yamagishi: I know these ones like the back of my hand! I have this!
Akihiko Sanada: Tch… my worst subject. Well, it is what it is. I'll just need to make up for it later.
Shinjiro Aragaki: I haven't read any of this shit…
Mitsuru Kirijio: I don't spend all day reading manga in the lounge. It's good I took the time to enjoy light reading as well.
Midterms, Day 3 Results:
Minato Arisato: Simple memorization. This test is nothing to me.
Junpei Iori: If our teach' didn't talk about the samurai half the time, I might actually have an idea about what some of this stuff is…
Yukari Takeba: Ugh, a memory test. What a pain… who the hell can remember all of this?
Fuuka Yamagishi: I spent hours learning this… I didn't waste my time.
Akihiko Sanada: The legends, heroes, villains, and weapons are simple enough to recall… the everyday items are more troublesome.
Shinjiro Aragaki: That old monk wasn't lying when he told me those stories… I actually know most of this.
Mitsuru Kirijio: Of course I know about the past… it's the best way to plan accordingly for the future.
Midterms, Day 4 Results:
Minato Arisato: Extended response in science? I wonder what happens if I surpass what we're supposed to know… though this test is rather 'basic', heh. Ikutsuki level pun achieved.
Junpei Iori: Dang, I know the names, not the symbols!
Yukari Takeba: That was actually easier than I thought.
Fuuka Yamagishi: There's almost nothing I don't know here… I've learned even more on my own.
Akihiko Sanada: Why isn't there a formula sheet? Remembering all of these equations… I'm almost certain a few of my calculations are off.
Shinjiro Aragaki: The fuck is this?
Mitsuru Kirijio: A stimulating test of intelligence. Truly prepared by one of the Kirijio Group's scientists.
Midterms, Day 5 Results:
Minato Arisato: Even if I didn't have any knowledge of English, I could've just asked my Fiends to translate everything for me.
Junpei Iori: Whaddya know? Action movies really helped me out here.
Yukari Takeba: Those soap operas really do work.
Fuuka Yamagishi: Hmm… I studied for this, but… I get a feeling.
Akihiko Sanada: I think I did pretty good… but why were all of the passages about gods and demons?
Shinjiro Aragaki: … You sure this is just a French test and not some demon summoning ritual?
Mitsuru Kirijio: I've never read Charon's story in French… it was quite the experience.
Midterms, Final Day Results:
Minato Arisato: Mr. Edogawa, your test may have been impossible. Unfortunately for you, my Fiends know all of these rituals, and pointed out quite a few errors in your descriptions.
Junpei Iori: The heck am I supposed to write? Burn a doll? What the hell is going on?
Yukari Takeba: How should I know the MULTIPLE cycles of reincarnation off the top of my head?!
Fuuka Yamagishi: I did my best… that's all that matters now.
Akihiko Sanada: Couch potato life has paid off. I've got this.
Shinjiro Aragaki: You'd be surprised what you can learn on the streets.
Mitsuru Kirijio: Hmph. An intriguing subject. I may have made a few errors….
Post Midterms
Junpei and Yukari went over to Minato's desk as school ended, each with a content look on their face. "Yay! We're done with exams! They were sooo bleh! All I wanna do now is relax! Don't you guys agree?" Yukari said.
"Yeah, freedom! This is what matters most about exams!... Well, besides the final scores, I guess." Junpei said. "Still, sure feels great that we don't need to deal with anymore of this crap for a while, huh?"
"That's right… we can finally stop wasting our time on trivial things." Minato said. "If Akihiko's ready for battle tonight, we're visiting Tartarus. I have no intention of letting him slouch for much longer."
"Right back on the grind, huh? You're crazy… but I'm game for some Shadow slaughterin'! It'll gimme a great way to blow off some stress!" Junpei said. Yukari sighed.
"You guys really are simple, huh?" she said. "Well, I'm game for a visit too. But I have archery club to go to first. I'll be off!"
Yukari hurriedly left, and Junpei stretched widely. "Man, I told Kenji I'd hit the arcade with him after exams, so I gotta go. Oh, unless you wanna come with?" he said.
"I'm not really in the mood for the arcade, but thanks for the offer." Minato said.
"Alright, man. Try and get some chill time." Junpei said. He walked out of the classroom.
"Then what's the plan, Boss? Visiting one of the seniors?" Jack asked.
"I could. Though I get the feeling Mitsuru will be busy with Shinjiro and Akihiko will be preoccupied with preparing for tonight." Minato said.
"Since we've already blown off Nemissa till tomorrow, perhaps we can check on Kazuya?" David suggested.
"Maybe, but I'd like to consider the other options first." Minato thought.
"Shall we test our luck with Isako or Fuuka?" Matador asked.
"Hmm… not a bad idea, although I'm certain Isako will be too busy grading now. Could always give Fuuka a try… or maybe even Elizabeth and Igor."
"Hmm… we hadn't even considered them. That is a good idea." David said.
"Then most of my options are at Paulownia Mall." Minato replied. He got up and walked out of the classroom. Oddly enough, he spied apparently looking around near the end of the hallway. "And one is right here. Lucky me."
Minato walked over and rested his chin on Fuuka's shoulder. "Feeling good after exams?" he asked. Fuuka was a bit startled, but caught herself.
"Minato! I was just, uh…"
"Looking for me?" he asked, fixing his posture. "What's up?"
"I j-just wanted to say it's nice that exams are over... and umm, I hope you di-did well." Fuuka said.
"No need to be nervous about it." Minato said. "I'm certain both of us exceled."
"R-right."
"We did great." Minato said. "So, how about we go out somewhere nice?"
Fuuka turned away quickly. "… A-after the scores are posted." she said. "But th-thank you for offering. I-I have to get home early today. Bye!" She hurried away.
"… Something's off with her." Minato thought. "But… I guess she just needs time." He shrugged, and left school. He arrived at Iwatodai station, and noticed Hazama, Zelenin, and a third man that looked like an American mixture of Junpei and Rambo, all dressed in standard brown army apparel, albeit clearly labeled with JSDF emblems. They were leaving the takoyaki stand, without takoyaki, oddly enough. "… Should I?"
"… I disagree with this, but… if it must be done." Matador said. Minato walked towards them.
"Captain Hazama, Lieutenant Zelenin, I see you're adjusting well to Iwatodai." Minato called. The trio turned on him, a bit too quickly for his liking.
"Minato Arisato." Hazama said. "Do you have business with us?"
"What's a little kid doing talking to us? And why do you know him?" the man asked.
"If you weren't such a slacker, you'd have read that he's under our observation." Zelenin said.
"Slacker? Pfft. I don't even remember the last time you saw a real fight." The man answered.
"Lieutenant Zelenin, Sergeant Jimenez… behave yourselves." Hazama said. The two officers glared at each other, but stopped. "I'll ask again. What business do you have with us?"
"I just felt I should give you a warm welcoming to Iwatodai." Minato said. "Though, I didn't think you'd have to deal with such troublesome subordinates."
"Troublesome?" Jimenez asked. "If you want trouble, I'll show you trouble."
"This is exactly why you're the lowest ranked. You jump at any chance to pick a fight." Zelenin said. "It's shameful that you were even allowed to become an officer in the first place."
"Jimenez was promoted for his combat performance and reliability." Hazama said.
"Really? Did you have to say it like that?" Jimenez asked.
"There's no better way to describe a glorified ape." Zelenin said.
"Regardless," Hazama snapped. "my subordinates are the best at what they do. Their skill and prowess on the field more than makes up for their abrasive personalities."
Minato chuckled. "I get where you're coming from… I serve as the field leader of SEES, and believe me, there's more than enough personality flying around the battlefield. But they get the job done, and that's what matters." he said.
"SEES? Oh, that's why this kid knows us." Jimenez said.
"Did you really just pick that up?!" Zelenin asked.
"Hey, now he's got my attention, alright? It's pretty obvious he's the one that can summon without a COMP, now that I look at him."
"Correct. It's abhorrent." Zelenin said.
"What did you say?" Jimenez started.
"I believe we already settled this debate." Hazama said, stopping them both. "And now is neither the time nor place for it to continue… if you wish, you can discuss it back at base."
"… Never mind." Minato said. "You have it far worse than me. I'll have to ask how you can manage those two."
"There are a number of things required." Hazama said.
"Is being ruthless one of them? I command SEES like an army unit during operations, and don't tolerate any second opinions." Minato said.
"That helps." Hazama said, grinning. "You seem to have a good grasp of what it takes to be an efficient leader."
"Like I said, I take my job seriously." Minato said. He turned to Zelenin. "Though what's this about me being under observation?"
"We have to monitor you and check for signs of you losing control of your body. Should that happen…" she said.
"We'll put you down." Jimenez said. "No questions asked."
"As long as you refrain from threatening the people of this city, you will remain unharmed." Hazama said.
"Well… that's reassuring." Minato said, scratching his head. "But, I see why that's necessary. A safety new is definitely necessary for the town that houses Tartarus."
"Good to see you understand the situation." Zelenin said. "Still, I believe it's time for lunch."
"About time. I'm starving!" Jimenez said.
"Food will come shortly." Hazama said. He walked up to Minato and stared at him. Minato almost backed away, but he somehow managed to hold his ground. "I think you won't be much of a problem." he said. "Until next time."
CRACK!
Thou art I… And I art thou…
Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Temperance Arcana…
Minato smirked and nodded to Hazama. The three JSDF investigators left wordlessly. "An interesting group." Minato thought as he decided to eat at Beef Bowl. "I'll have to ask Mitsuru more about them tonight... and sort out a few things before they get a chance to explode."
After his meal, he returned to the dorm. Everyone save Mitsuru was seated in the lounge watching TV. "Good, you're back." Akihiko said. "Take a seat. I have an announcement to make." Minato nodded and sat down as Akihiko turned off the TV. "My arm is officially fixed. I'm ready to rejoin the front lines starting today."
"That's not much of an announcement. Everybody already knew that." Shinjiro said.
"Hey, I wasn't finished." Akihiko said. "The other thing is… we've found a new Persona user."
"We did?! Sweet! Is it a girl?!" Junpei asked.
"Actually, it is… it's Fuuka Yamagishi from class 2-E." Akihiko said. Everyone else froze. "… I assume you all know her."
"… It seems people of power are drawn to each other." Minato said. Akihiko gave him a quizzical look. "You met her in the hospital, correct?"
"Yeah… how'd you know?" Akihiko asked.
"I saw her there after the little brawl with Shinji." Minato said. "But I knew her from before due to my duties on the Disciplinary Committee."
"… Wait a minute. That girl you had to help out with those bullies… that was her?" Yukari asked.
"… Looks like she already knows most of us, then." Shinjiro said. "But I don't know if she's cut out for fighting… she's weak."
"What? But I already had an Evoker made for her too…" Akihiko said.
"Don't tell me we're givin' up on her already!" Junpei said.
"I don't think she's weak." Minato said. "But I still agree she's not exactly the best fit for combat… we'd have to put in a lot of training."
"Hey, I'm more than willin' to help teach!" Junpei said.
"I think you just want to offer her private lessons or something weird like that." Yukari said.
"Wha- no way! I'm not gonna do that… besides…" Junpei said, giving Minato a sideways glance.
"… Anyways, we'll decide a course of action later." Akihiko said. "For tonight, let's go to Tartarus."
"I've been waiting to kick some ass." Shinjiro said.
"I'll go tell Mitsuru then." Minato said, getting up from his chair. He walked up the stairs to Mitsuru's room, and knocked on the door. "Mitsuru, its Minato. Can we talk?" he asked.
"Just a moment." she said. The door opened after a short wait. "I was taking some time to neaten my room. It had begun to fall into discord while neglected during midterms." From what Minato could see, her room was in perfect condition. It was spotless, extremely ordered, and was heavily scented. "I assume you'd like to see how Akihiko fares in Tartarus tonight?'
"That was one thing I wanted to ask… but there are a few other things I'm interested in." Minato said.
"… You want to discuss this in private." Mitsuru said. He nodded. "… Come in." Mitsuru stepped back and let Minato walk in. She locked the door behind him. "What do you want to talk about?"
"… I ran into the JSDF investigators again today." Minato said.
"… I see. I trust your meeting didn't end in violence?"
"It didn't… I may have gotten them to trust me more, actually. But I need some answers about their past. Mainly, the Schwarzwelt Investigation."
"I don't have that many details. What I can tell you is that the investigation has been covered up by the UN and is more commonly referred to as the Strange Journey Experiment." Mitsuru said. "The actual investigation was a journey into another dimension that was created at the South Pole. I don't know the specifics, but inside of that other dimension, they faced… things other than Shadows."
"Demons." Minato said.
"… Yes. That's the generally accepted term for everything they went up against, regardless of its apparent historical significance. The team destroyed whatever demon created the dimension, and thus it collapsed before it could expand to cover the world." Mitsuru said. "Why do you ask?"
"I think they possess a tool that allows them to call on demonic powers or even demons themselves… a COMP, I believe it's called." Minato said.
"That's correct. They have special combat suits known as Demonicas that not only functions as a COMP, but also has various other uses and benefits. The known ones include increased strength, speed, durability, reaction time, and an onboard computer linked to a tactical command hub." Mitsuru said. "The only downside of the suit is that its design stands out."
"I see… so a battle is out of the question, then." Minato said.
"Indeed… it would be more of a slaughter. They are hardened soldiers, all of whom are strengthened beyond human levels with access to demonic powers. It would be like trying to fight three different versions of the Reaper at the same time." Mitsuru said. "I think it's a good idea for you to remain on their good side."
"Looks like I made the right choice, then." Minato said. "Their suspicions about me and Shinji aren't wrong… we both have our fair share of demonic powers."
"… I realized that when you fought the Reaper." Mitsuru said. "I don't know what it is, but you can seemingly abandon human limitations on a whim… would you mind explaining?"
"It's easier if you see." Minato said. He awakened, and watched as Mitsuru covered her mouth as the tattoo started to cover his body. It glowed straight through his clothing. After she calmed down, he released it. "I can call on parts of my full power as is… but to use it all, I need that."
"... As long as you know what you're doing… I'll trust you." Mitsuru said. "But I also want you to look out for yourself, Minato… and I don't want you martyring yourself off so easily."
Minato chuckled. "I know that. And I'm glad you understand… though, Mitsuru, you trust me far too much for your own good… I approve." he said. Mitsuru smiled.
"As long as you remain yourself, I can be certain nothing has gone wrong." Mitsuru said. "Thank you… for your honesty, and your confidence."
"You can have those whenever you want." Minato said. "But there's one more thing I want to ask you about."
"Go ahead."
"In Tartarus, I've found a few, for lack of a better classification, old documents at every barricade." Minato said. "I've only skimmed them, but I've gotten some information out of them I think you can help me understand."
"… You found records in Tartarus?" Mitsuru asked.
"I don't know where they came from… but I have them." Minato said. "I think it has to do with the explosion ten years ago."
"… What have you found out?"
"Firstly, none of the documents are dated, so this may all just be my speculation, so don't expect grand findings… The first one details the implementation of a plan to reroute a large amount of energy produced by generators underneath Iwatodai to 'an island with only a school on it'. I'm certain it's referring to Tatsumi Port Island, since Gekkoukan has been around for about twenty or so years." Minato said.
"That's certainly possible… though are you certain the generators explicitly state their location as Iwatodai? There are numerous possible locations going off of just that description." Mitsuru said.
"The name 'Iwatodai' never explicitly appears. The generators are supposedly located 'under the old passages', which I assumed would be the decommissioned railroad tracks that run underground." Minato said. "Of course, that's assuming this document is less than twenty years old, when they were shut down."
"… I think it's safe to assume that they can't be too old if they were located within Tartarus." Mitsuru said. "Still, that barely narrows down the scope of our search."
"I know… I think that's all we can get out of the first. The second, however, yields a lot more information." Minato said. "It detailed opposition to the construction of a lab on said island… by the Kirijio Ergo Research Branch. Not much is said about what the lab is for, but it does talk about possible 'difficulties', as well as the generally 'dangerous' nature of the lab in question. This is where I hoped you'd be able to come in."
"The Ergo Research Branch? That was disbanded after my grandfather passed away… I regret to inform you that I haven't really looked into their work. I have only heard of them as an example of failed ventures, though I'm unaware of what they tried to do." Mitsuru said. "I'll contact my father and ask him about it when I get the chance."
"Then, do you know where the Ergo Research Branch worked?"
"I've heard that they worked in various areas… but yes, Iwatodai was one location. They came here multiple times, both before and after the Kirijio Group separated from the Nanjo Group." Mitsuru said. "Considering that, along with the fact that these documents were located in Tartarus, it's likely the first document was outlining the start of one of the Ergo Research Branch's 'ventures' here in Iwatodai."
"Well… that's probably all we can get for now." Minato said. "Tell me if your father gives you any new information. I think we can find out a bit of Tartarus' history from these."
"Yes, you're right. It's one of the goals of our exploration, after all." Mitsuru said. "Give me a moment to see if I can access any information myself about the Ergo Research Branch with my file access. I'll be ready to go to Tartarus soon."
"Already on the case, huh?" Minato chuckled. "You know, I really have to thank you… it's nice to have someone I can talk to with a logical head on their shoulders, you know? You took my whole demonic issue much better than Akihiko."
"… Of course. I'm actually surprised that you would tell him."
"It was to drop his suspicions of me early on." Minato said. "Still, it meant a lot that you didn't freak out completely. Oh, Shinji knows too, but that's because I used it while fighting him."
"… So you've entrusted us seniors with your secret? Hmph. We'll protect it to the utmost." Mitsuru said with a smirk.
"Even if Akihiko and Shinjiro fail at it, I'm not too worried. I trust you." Minato said. He turned and left Mitsuru's room.
Her smirk dropped immediately into a look of depression once her door closed. She immediately locked it and slumped into her desk, burying her head in her hands. She sat there, taking deep breaths and calming herself.
"… What is wrong with me?" she finally whispered to herself. "To think he would share so much personal information with me… and then his own research he's been doing on Tartarus, even asking for my help… And I… And I stood there and lied to his face. I even managed to look happy… He trusts me? I don't even trust myself sometimes!" Mitsuru rose from her slump and stared at the roof, arms hanging loosely to the side, lacking any of her usual composure. "… All will be revealed in time, he said… can I say the same?"
The night passed quickly afterwards, and SEES went to Tartarus. In the lobby, Minato looked over his team. "There's five of us now… that might make fighting difficult for us as a single group." Minato said. "Tartarus might be big, but the hallways aren't that wide… I propose we break into two teams that operate on the same floor."
"Then I'll be in charge of the first group." Akihiko said.
"What?! C'mon, it's my time to shine!" Junpei complained.
"Unforunately, Junpei, Akihiko has much more combat experience than you, and I know for a fact he has a sound head for battle tactics. You'd need an advisor with you if you lead a team, which we can't afford right now." Minato said.
"… Why do ya' always gotta make so much damn sense, man?" Junpei asked. "I get it. I need to show I know more tactics and whatnot first."
"It's good to see you actually get these things now, Junpei." Yukari said.
"So what are the teams?" Shinjiro asked.
"I was thinking you and Akihiko can be one team, and us sophomores on the other." Minato said. "Sound good?"
"Sounds like a plan." Shinjiro said. "Are we runnin' through Arqa again?"
"You know it. It's time for you to show us what you've got, Akihiko." Minaato said.
"Just you wait! I'll show you what I can do!" Akihiko said.
Fifteen minutes later, Shinjiro was helping a wounded Akihiko towards Minato's group. "You dumbass. Did you really think uppercutting a Shadow that looks like a friggin' bodybuilder would work?"
"Shut up! I killed it, didn't I?" Akihiko said.
"Only because I had to distract them so you could use Polydeuces."
"Dang-senpai… color me unimpressed." Junpei said, scratching his neck.
"I've got him… Media." Minato said, firing his Evoker. High Pixie appeared behind him and a healing wave washed over the group. "… I think you should swap with Junpei, Akihiko." Minato said. "It's like you said… if you're not leading, you can focus on getting back stronger."
Akihiko was standing on his own two feet, and hit his metal gloves into each other. He grit his teeth. "If I'm getting back on the level, I'll do it the right way. I can't have my underclassman thinking I'm really a slouch now, can I?" he said.
"Alright then, senpai!" Junpei said, walking over to Shinjiro. "Get ready to see what SEES' second in command can do!"
"I've seen you fight enough. Let's go kick some ass." Shinjiro said, walking away. Akihiko joined Yukari and Minato.
"Alright! Time to focus!" he said. The group headed out.
Needless to say, Akihiko picked up more than his fair share of fighting under Minato's leadership. He proved he was able to jump and knock a flying Shadow ten feet in the air to the ground, crush a Maya with his bare hands, and shatter Laughing Tables with a single strike. Polydeuces' lightning gave much better coverage than Junpei's fire, which made the fighting even easier. After a good forty minutes of training, Akihiko felt like he had gotten back into the rhythm of fighting Shadows. They called it a night, and everyone returned to the dorm.