Chapter 16: Mementos/Suspicions

November 11th

Sae was not on the disposition of letting the high-schooler in front of her get on her mind like that. She had to counter attack if she wanted to have the people responsible of mental shutdowns behind the cells. This next testimony was her chance:

-"It was around this time that Les Blues Rebelles started to really get popularity. Lies flooded the internet- things like "The Phantom Thieves saved me too." and "I got a calling card"..."-the prosecutor explained.

-"For heaven's sake, those ridiculous lies made the collection of information ten times longer…"-she complained.-"But, let's talk about Furukawa…"

-"She was a nurse who with a couple of months got the power to stand up as new councillor of the Health Service Bureau in the Ministry of Health and Welfare."-Sae explained.-"As suspicious as this election was...No incidents were tied to Furukawa and she went clean and fair to be elected of this position."

-"Yet, something happened. Haruka Furukawa was indeed a mentally ill criminal and no one ever suspected except you. Tell me, how the Phantom Thieves found out of her crimes?"- Sae said.

-"..."-Kazumi was quiet. Anything about the woman that ruined her life was difficult to process even now.

-"What is it? Speechless?"- Sae asked taunting her yet with a serious tone.-"This woman was different from Kamoshida and Madarame. You had a personal vendetta against her, didn't you?"

-"I'll continue the story."-Kazumi said in a serious tone looking at Sae who found annoyance in the way the girl wasn't even shaking to that.

June 5th

In the news, a newsman was giving at advancement of Madarame's investigation. The Prosecutor Nijima and the SUI director were watching it attentive:

-"First Kamoshida at Shujin Academy and now Madarame…"- Sae said to her boss.-"I've found points of commonality between the two."

-"Both of them received a so called 'Calling Card' before their respective change of heart."- she added.

-"I see. But isn't tying their cases to the mental shutdowns jumping to conclusions?"-the director said.-"Furthermore, the police will frown upon you for stopping into this…"

-"Now it's not the time to care for such things like jurisdiction and honor…!"- Sae replied.-"We need to dig deeper and find a correlation between the cases from the past two, three years."

-"Very well. I will leave it to you...However, it must not interfere with your regular duties…"-the old man said after he sighed.

-"Very well, sir…"-Sae left the office after that.

-"That damn woman sticking her nose into this…"-the director murmured for himself and looked at a party member giving a conference on the TV.-"Not only the Phantom Thieves but if that it's exposed….Tch."

On the evening, Kazumi arrived to LeBlanc. Sojiro welcomed her by offering a warning for her to be cautious about the strange incidents occurring by the line of Shibuya.

When she went upstairs, she received a message from Yusuke in the group chat where he expressed his thanks to everyone for making him get back on his senses:

-"Well, there's a lot of ups and downs but we still get our first job done!"-Morgana said to her.-"And Yusuke joined us too so let's keep reforming society like this!"

-"Yes."-Kazumi put her bag on a side and wrote to Mishima.-"I will tell Mishima about that bully we found last time."

As she texted the boy, she found another message on her chat app:

-"Oh, a message from Yoshida-san."-Kazumi said as she saw he had a public speech that night.-"I wonder what's his opinion about our first success…"

Then, she decided to go and help him. Yoshida's speech was about people wasting their free will in doing baseless and unconsidered decisions. However, during that speech, a man in the audience said:

-"That kind of speech is not going to work! You have to get the voters more excited!"

-"Like I was trying to say-"-Although Yoshida tried to ignore him, he recognized the man that spoke.-"Councilman Matsushita!"

-"It's been so long since we spoke. I wanted to stop by to see how were you doing."-Matsushita said with a slight smile.

After the speech, Yoshida started a conversation with Matsushita with Kazumi at his side: -"Who is this young lady?"-Matsushita asked.

-"I am volunteering with Yoshida-san. I'm Kazumi Asaka. Nice to meet you."-Kazumi said as she did a little reverence.

-"A high schooler volunteering with you? My, how times have changed."-Matsushita said.-"Do you know about the Kuramoto Children?"

-"Yes. Yoshida-san told me a bit about them."-Kazumi replied.

-"That was about 20 years ago. I'm surprised you are interested on that."-he said.-"Yoshida and I joined to the politics at the same time. But I understood that I wasn't elected by my own merits when I wasn't reelected."

-"But you still had a great comeback, you're truly an inspiration."- Toranosuke mentioned.

-"As are you, old friend. You are the one who works the hardest in this campaign trail."-Matsushida said.-"I even heard some rumors about a woman in a far town who came to be a council in the Ministry of Health."

-"Hey, that's enough. Don't try to make me see impressive in front of the girl."-Yoshida said with a smile.

-"Yoshida-san is actually a great teacher."- Kazumi said with a smile.

-"I can't deny that but you are best just doing what he says and not what he does, if you want to get on the National Diet of course."- Matsushita said.

-"And what do you mean by that?"-Yoshida asked as he crossed his arms.

-"I'm guessing she doesn't know?"-Matsushita asked him.-"Listen, you can't win an election with good and honest arguments. If you don't win votes, you will be forever known as No-Good Tora!"

-"Without honest arguments, a politician can achieve no justice!"-Yoshida replied back.

-"Heh. It's been a time since I heard one of your grandiose speeches."-Matsushita said.-"Asaka-kun, was it? So, what about Yoshida here drew you in to help him?"

-"I'm sure it was his message."- Kazumi said. -"Yoshida-san wants to reform this country with the youths in consideration. I also want this world to stop being under the control of corrupted adults."

-"Asaka-kun…"-Yoshida said impressed by her words.

-"Well, that's quite impressive. You may just have the potential of becoming a Diet Member."-Matsushita said with an impressed look.

-"You also addressed that so directly for a young person. I am sure he's teaching you well."-he added.

-"I intend to teach her everything I know."- Yoshida said with determination.-"That's what we agreed on."

-"Yes."-Kazumi nodded. She felt their bond grew deeper and the Sun arcana got its third star.

-"I see. Well, how's going with old man Kuramoto?"-Matsushita asked Yoshida.

-"We aren't in speaking terms yet."-Yoshida said dejected.

-"Fair. Well, I will keep in contact with you, there's something I need to ask you."-Matsushita said as he turned around.-"By the way, I know you still distrust me about the lost party funds...but I assure you I did not point my finger to you. That's all."

-"Asaka-kun, see you around."-he said after he left. Kazumi bowed back.

-"Why did he have to mention that…?"- Yoshida said a bit concerned.-"My apologies, that's it for today, Asaka-kun."

-"No, it's fine."- Kazumi said.-"I wanted to ask you something but that will have to wait for the next time."

June 6th

While waiting for the train in Shibuya, Kazumi heard all kinds of people murmuring about the Phantom Thieves. They were the news of the day and a great incentive for her to what they were doing:

-"Mornin'!"-she heard the voice of Ryuji calling her and turned around with a surprised face.

-"Good...Morning?"-she said as she noticed that unlike her, Ryuji was using his usual uniform.

-"What's wrong?"-Ryuji asked.-"Oh, you're checkin' me out too like some girls earlier? Don't worry, we still can be friends."

-"What's with your uniform?"-Kazumi said.

-"What do you mean? Wait a second…"-he noticed that Kazumi's chest was bigger than when she used a jacket...which meant she wasn't using the winter uniform.-"Oh crap. I forgot we change to summer uniforms today!"

-"So you realized…"-Kazumi said.

-"This sucks. That's why everyone was lookin' at me funny!"-the boy cursed.

-"Well, seems you will have to go ahead without me."-Ryuji said.-"I have to change…"

-"Sure."- Kazumi made fun of him before they parted ways.-"So much for being checked by the girls, huh?"

At school, it was the same. People were still on the hype wave of the Phantom Thieves and

Madarame confessing his crimes. In Kazumi's classroom, some students even drew Madarame's crying face on the back blackboard. Although, it was funny and all, she thought that people didn't really make his crimes a big deal as the media showed. How could people be so insensitive to all those talents that were trashed by Madarame?

During lunchtime, the Council President was called by Principal Kobayakawa:

-"How's your investigation about that matter we spoke earlier?"- he asked.

-"I have gotten no clues at all."-Makoto replied.

-"Nothing at all. How many students will be there that can provoke a teacher?"-the principal asked.

-"I already narrowed down, I just have to gather conclusive evidence…"-Makoto said and then, he crossed his arms.-"I have a question, if you allow me."

-"What is it?"

-"You knew, didn't you? Principal Kobayakawa."- Makoto said with a disapproval look.-"About Mr. Kamoshida sexually harassing female students and the physical abuse towards the volleyball and other clubs' members."

-"..."-Kobayakawa turned his sight away from the boy.

-"Sir! How did you allow such a thing?"-Makoto said personally offended.

-"What will come from you asking that?"- Kobayakawa said.

-"I want to make sure this investigation is for a just cause."-Makoto said.

-"I believe you must be flustered after you, as the council president, saw a peer commit suicide."-Kobayakawa turned the direction of the conversation.

-"...Yes."-Makoto answered looking down.

-"We must provide a school environment where students can feel at ease."-the principal said.-"That is our priority at the moment."

-"So that is the reason behind this investigation about the so called Phantom Thieves of Hearts?"-he asked.-"We do not know if they even exist. Why are you-?"

-"You heard about the incident about this Madarame fellow, I suppose?"-Kobayakawa mentioned.

-"...He was sent a calling card just like in Mr. Kamoshida's case."-Makoto said.

-"This month, the students are participating in something relevant and big for the school."-Kobayakawa mentioned as he showed him a paper.-"I wish to believe this whole issue was unrelated to our students so we can take this achievement with pride and let behind the scandal from last month."

-"A visit to the Health Service Bureau conference in St. Luke's Hospital…?"- Makoto said as he saw the paper.

-"It's a scholar event. The administration is willing to hear what the youths think about the health system of the country."-Kobayakawa said.-"I have no idea what's the Minister thinking about this; but if our students get to win the essay contest, it will show our overall quality in education."

-"That's where I stand, I request that you use your energy into investigation on the matter instead of asking me questions."

-"...Understood."-Makoto said after he let out a sigh.

Meanwhile in classroom 2-D, Kazumi was with Ann and Ryuji hearing the other students talk about yesterday's conference. In that, Ann asked:

-"How's it going, Ryuji? Have you found a new target?"

-"It's only been a day. No way I can find it that fast."-Ryuji said.

-"True. By the way, I decided for the TV station. What about you two?"-Anna asked them.

-"Huh? What are you talking about?"-Ryuji asked.

-"How convenient! I decided that one too!"-Kazumi said.-"How knows if we will see some TV stars around~"

-"Oh crap. You're talking about the social studies trip, aren't you?"-Ryuji said.-"Man, I just wanna ditch it…"

-"That's a big no. If you ditch the school activities, people are going to get suspicious"- Morgana said while he was under Kazumi's desk.

-"Wouldn't it be more suspicious if I just turned into a good student, tho?"-Ryuji said.

-"Quit bickering and go."-Morgana scolded him.

-"Why don't you come to the TV station with us?"- Ann asked Ryuji.-"I heard we will watch a show being recorded. Maybe there will be some actresses there!"

That was enough incentive for the troublemaker:

-"Yeah sure. I have nothing better to do than wait for info show up online."- he said.

-"Plus, Morgana is right. Going will draw away the suspicions of the teachers away from me."- Ryuji said.-"Well, bell's about to ring. I better head back."

-"TV, huh?"-Ryuji started to touch his hair nervous.-"Maybe I should get a haircut…"

-"That guy is such an idiot...I hope nothing happens…"-Morgana said.

-"Come on, Morgana. It's not like he will start flirting on a journalist with information about the Phantom Thieves…"-Kazumi said.

-"...We better keep an eye on him."-Ann said cutting her off as that's certainly something Ryuji could do.

During the classes of the afternoon, the rebels were texting on a group chat where Kazumi suggested to go to Mementos since they didn't have any targets yet.

After school, while Kazumi was looking at the drawing, she received a message from Mishima:

#"Ok! The warning message was sent!"

"Thank you. We will take care of it as soon as possible."-she replied.

#"There's one more thing, though."

#"A student in Kousei High that they call the queen."

#"She's been ordering around a male student that goes by the name of 'M' like in S&M."

"...That doesn't sound like a healthy relationship."

#"It isn't!"

#"Anyways, the girl's name is Hikari Shimizu."

#"I wonder if it because her surname starts with S that she gets to be like that…"

"Don't tell me you're into this stuff…"

#"M-Me!? Of course not! I already went through a lot of abuse…"

"Yet you stayed in the volleyball team for as long as I got here…"

#"That's enough about me. I sent the warning so it's all on you guy's hands."

Kazumi put her phone on her pocket and Morgana murmured:

-"Hey, what S and M stand for? Those are shirt sizes right?"

-"It's better if you stay pure, sweet kitty."-Kazumi said in denial on explaining Morgana about those weird sadomasochistic relationships she accidentally heard about once.

Kazumi proceeded to text to her friends to go to Mementos today. They gathered in the accessway and went right into that labyrinth:

-"Today we have two targets. We better get going."-Ace said to the other rebels before crossing past the train pass checkers.

-"Wait, Ace! I'm feeling something weird happened on this place."- Mona stopped her.

-"It feels the same to-"- before Skull could finish, their phones started to vibrate. Skull took his and saw the map of Mementos on it.-"The app is reactin' to somethin'."

Suddenly, a new area appeared below the one they had explored before:

-"The new area has been confirmed in the depths. Updating guidance information."-the AI of the MetaNav said.

-"A new area! Talk about lucky!"-Ace said excited.

-"Is this because we made Madarame's palace disappear, right?"- Panther asked.

-"Most likely!"-Mona said.-"I think…"

-"You seem rather uncertain."-Fox pointed out. -"How long does this…Mementos runs anyways?"

-"It's huge. Extremely…"-Mona said.

-"Why are you always so vague for the important stuff?"- Skull said with a disappointed expression.

-"Ok. That's enough."- Ace said to them. -"Mona is doing his best. We already have clear that we have to keep changing people's minds to further deep down in this place."

The thieves proceeded to go further down and look for their objectives with the MetaNav, until they arrived to the 5th area of Aiyatsbus:

-"Our first objective is a coward who bribed our previous target. Yoshimori Sakoda."- Ace said.-"He was blackmailing Takanashi with embarrassing videos of himself."

-"So he was blackmailing someone else into bullying innocents, what a douchebag."-Panther said.

-"Ace, I see a distortion there."-Fox said as he pointed it out. He decided to be Ace's copilot this time.

-"That must be it."- Ace said as she accelerated and jumped on the distortion.

They stepped down and went towards Shadow Sakoda. He was claiming not being at blame for trying to survive in a world where those with might have the right to do whatever they wanted. Skull challenged him to see if he was really that powerful to begin with and Shadow Sakoda transformed into a Black Jack Frost:

-"Allow me to make you understand what survival of the fittest really means! I'll devour you!"- he said with a menacing little smile.

-"I didn't know Jack Frost can come in black…"- Ace murmured for herself.-"It's cute…"

-"Ace, focus…"-Mona had to remind her and went ahead to attack with his long sword.

-"Dumb cat!"-the shadow said as he avoided his attack and pushed him with his hands. The shadow then proceeded to use bufu on Skull without making much damage.

-"Alright. It seems like this one might be immune to ice."- Ace said as she analyzed that.-"Fox, try to take him down with other attacks. Panther, don't drop your guard!"

-"Orobas! Sukukaja!"-she used this skill to increase Panther's agility.

-"Thank you!"- the girl said as she proceeded to use a fire attack on him.

-"Is that all you got?"- the Black Frost said as he resisted the attack just to be surprised by a critical attack from Fox's blade that left him on the floor.

-"Let's go!"- he said as they did an all-out attack on him but it survived.

-"You…!"-the Black Frost proceeded to use Mabufu on them, luckily, Panther was able to avoid it.

-"Skull, power up Mona!"- Ace said and she attacked the shadow with her bullets.

-"Alright! Tarukaja!"-Skull said as he supported the little member.

-"You're not that useless, I guess."- Mona said with a smirk.-"Ace, allow me to show my grandiosity!"

-"Huh? Well, fine by me."- Ace said as she baton passed him.

-"Meow!"- Mona jumped and transformed into his bus form.

-"Ho?"-the shadow was stunned when he saw the bus coming right to him and started to run.-"HEE-HOOOO!"

-"I'm gonna stump you with my meowtastic engine!"- Mona said while he was catching up to him with the dubious look of their companions.

-"MEOW!"- Mona finally smashed the shadow against the wall and it transformed back to his true self.

-"N-No way…"-Shadow Sakoda said.-"I am strong….I am strong...Why did I lose?"

-"I wonder…"-Ace said.-"Didn't you say this was a world where dog eats dog?"

-"Ah-! Wait, please…"-he said scared as Skull approached.

-"Prepare to be eaten."-Skull said with a smirk on his face.-"Just kiddin'. Just run along and you better apologize to the ones you blackmailed."

The Shadow left disappeared instantly and Ace took the treasure: a dark Snow Crystal. She didn't really questioned the importance of it and put it on her pocket.

-"So, what now?"- Fox asked.

-"We still have one more request and luckily for us, it's seems to be right on the door to the new area."- Ace said.

-"Let's hurry! The faster we go in, the faster we get me to recover my memories!"-Morgana said as he was still transformed into a car. The others got in and Ace put her hand on Monabus' front.

-"Well done. But what was that about?"- she asked.

-"You got ideas for follow up attacks with the others! I decided to get an idea for my own!"-the cat bus said as he hopped.

-"Never change, Mona…"- Ace said after laughing a bit.

As they approached to the end of Aiyatsbus, Ace gave comments about the next target:

-"The next request is from Yusuke-kun's school."-she said.-"A girl named Hikari Shimizu is mistreating and humiliating a friend of hers. It seems like it went to worse."

-"To worse…? You mean she's like a dominatrix? We gotta whip that heart of hers, huh?"- Panther said as she tighten her whip.

-"Woah! Calm down!"- Skull said actually frightened by that move.

They went downstairs to the last area and saw the shadow of the girl:

-"Here she is…"-Mona said.

-"Those eyes...she really looks like a sadist."-Skull said somehow nervous.

-"In a certain way, she seems to be denying her own existence. I will never want to be part of that."- Fox said.

-"Shimizu, right? I got complains, so you know what's next."- Ace said as she stepped in front of the shadow.

-"What? Are you pigs those who wrote that card online?"- she said sarcastic and started to laugh like an empowered woman.-"Why did I do to deserve it?"

-"It's cause you made a guy your slave. There are thousands of things wrong with that."- Skull said.

-"That's what he wants! He worships me like a goddess, you know?"- the Shadow said confident.-"I beat him and insult him all around but he takes it as a sign of my love. He looks happy when I do it! What's wrong with that?"

-"I can't start to tell you what the heck is wrong with your mind."- Panther also stepped along with Ace.

-"What? I'm pretty and I get good grades! I'm worthy and in my right to do it!"-Shadow

Shimizu exclaimed offended.-"I will show you...I will have all of you under my shoes as well!".

Then, the shadow proceeded to transform into a purple-skinned woman demon holding swords in both hands, long black hair and a big golden crown like horns:

-"I'll never give up on M-moto-kun! He belongs to me! I'm the only one who makes him happy!"-the Shadow exclaimed as she used her swords to summon dark balls and threw it at them. Everyone was hit by it except Fox...however…

-"Hey! Are you looking for trouble with me!?"- Mona seemed to have been affected by a rage side effect.

-"Oh no…"-Ace said and gave Fox an item, a cold pad.-"Use this in Mona, please."

-"Eligor!"-Ace summoned a demon with the form of a red knight on his horse.-"Rakunda!"-she dropped the defense of the target.

-"Skull!"- she exclaimed and he used Kidd's rampage attack but this was reflected by a mysterious energy wall.

-"W-What the hell?"-Skull said weak as his own attack gave him great damage.

-"That doesn't look good…"-Panther said as she saw that.-"Carmen!"

-"Agilao!"-she exclaimed as the red woman throw a big fire ball against her enemy which left her burnt and surrounded by fire.

-"Here, Mona."-Fox healed Mona's rage and he went back to normal.

-"What was I doing?"- he asked to himself.

-"Don't question! Just move your ass you stupid cat!"- Skull exclaimed him to hurry as it was a good chance to finish it.

-"Geez. How rude are some…"- Mona said as he summoned Zorro.-"Garula!"-the wind increased the fire damage and Yaksini went back to be Shadow Shimizu after the fire ceased.

-"I...I can't handle it…"-the shadow said worried.-"He's going to hate me, isn't he? I-I don't want that!"

-"No one knows that but himself. You'll have to ask him."- Fox said.

-"Why did you mistreated him like that?"- Panther asked while Ace was healing Skull's wounds with Suzaku.

-"He went along with it and...I misunderstood…"- she said.-"I thought that was what he wanted…"

-"But, I just wanted us to be more than friends…"- she was about to cry.

-"More than friends? You mean like a boyfriend?"- Panther said a bit surprised.

-"I have a big crush on him but then I got possessive and…"- the girl tried to explain herself.

-"It's fine. Just be careful that next time he does really understand your true feelings."- Panther said with a smile and Shadow Shimizu smiled back while disappearing and leaving her treasure behind.

-"Let me see…"-Ace took the treasure, it was a whip sword.-"I didn't expect less…"

-"Here, Panther."- Ace gave it to her friend.-"You did the job after all."

-"Thanks. I wonder how tough is with the rest of the Shadows…"- Panther said with a smile.-"I kinda want to try it now…"

-"Yeah, yeah, l-let's move forward, can we?"- Skull interrupted.

Morgana touched the door that was blocking their path before and it opened towards the next camera: Path of Chemdah. The Thieves went as far as they got into the rest area and went back the real world.

Kazumi went back to LeBlanc after she and her companions parted ways:

-"Welcome back."-Sojiro said as he was about to start closing the store.-"Hey, look at you. That summer uniform might bring you a couple of guys over…"

-"Come on, that's not happening anytime soon."- Kazumi replied with a funny gesture.

-"I wonder…"-Sojiro said with a smirk.-"It's like if you weren't a delinquent at all."

She then received a text message from the group chat:

×"Hey, have you heard anything about the Council President? I'm worried he still might be over us."-Ann wrote.

-"That asshole might be kissing asses somewhere else."- Ryuji replied.

"I actually saw him recently. He was spying on me while I was going to my part-time job."

×"Why didn't you say anything? He might have been spying on us as well."

"It was weird...He only asked me about what happened with Ryuji-kun and the Volleyball team and I just replied him to look for that information by himself."

*"What's this about a student council president?"- Yusuke asked.

×"The one in our school is keeping the tabs on us. Specially, Kazumi."- Anna explained.

*"Why would he target Kazumi-san?"- Yusuke asked.

-"Because she gets uncomfortable around boys."- Ryuji answered.

-"If you're in her private space, you're gonna give her a panic attack."

"Ryuji-kun :("

*"That's not something I expected from you."

"I'm sorry…"

*"It is all well. That means you are an endangered species."

×"She's not an animal."

"Well, we will have time to worry about him later. It's not like he isn't busy with other stuff."

×"That is true…"

*"In any case, I suggest to watch out for Ryuji's misconduct and high voice."

-"I won't do anything!"

×"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him."

"I will too."

-"Come on, girls…"-Ryuji texted somehow disappointed.

Kazumi put her phone back and helped Sojiro to close so she could read a book in LeBlanc, it was something about a hacker organization called Medjed she bought a few days ago.

*Kazumi's knowledge increases by 2 *

At midnight, she found herself in the jail Velvet Room:

-"Get on your feet, Inmate."- Caroline said as she woke up.

-"Ok, ok…"- she said.-"Is there something you need…?"

-"We were checking on you. Whether you have met with your trial or not."-Justine said.

-"That trial you said it was going to be different from the one he had?"- Kazumi asked.-"Not really… We haven't found a new target yet."

-"Good. Take your sweet time."- Caroline said. -"You are going to need it."

-"How do you know the trial is different or the same? Does that mean he also targeted the same people as us…?"- Kazumi asked.

-"..."- both twins were quiet.

-"That is not relevant right now…"- Justine said. -"Everything that happens here is not supposed to. Yet, your connection with him is too strong that caused a distortion."

-"We are trying to get him out of that distortion with your help."- Caroline said.-"We owe it to him as the ones who take care of his rehabilitation."

-"I see…Yet, why is your master not aware of our bond? That...shining card."- Kazumi said.

-"Geez! You're so talkative!"- Caroline exclaimed.-"We are hiding from him! He isn't supposed to know about our existence nor his existence!"

-"We have our reasons…"- Justine said.-"You won't back down from your promise because of that would you?"

-"No, I'll keep it."- Kazumi said.-"It was thanks to him that I got that power to protect my friends. I can't just walk off without greeting him when he wakes up."

-"Uh?"- Kazumi felt a warm feeling on her chest all of the sudden.

-"The shiny Arcana has given you a new power."- Justine said.

-"It is the Baton Pass boost."- Caroline said.-"Along with another chance to use the Almighty Eye."

-"Boost?"-Kazumi asked.

-"You and your friends will get stronger once you pass the baton...this will allow you to break over shadows that absorb or repel attacks."-Justine said.

-"That sounds really powerful…"- Kazumi said.

-"Be aware, it can only be used once."- the girl replied.

-"I had a feeling you will say that…"-Kazumi replied.

After that, Kazumi went to sleep again.

June 7th

When Kazumi arrived at school, she saw some students murmuring around the announcement board:

-"A request to the student body...What is this?"-a girl said.

-"I heard Principal Kobayakawa put this here first thing in the morning."- a boy said.-"It says if we have issues, we should go with the council president."

-"But why him?"- another boy said.

-"Well, Nijima is actually the favorite student of the Principal. I'm sure he relied this task on him."- the girl said.

-"Speaking about the Devil…"- one of the boys said as Makoto approached and they ran away.

-"I can't believe this…"- Makoto said as he watched the announcement.-"He should've at least consulted me about this."

-"Uhm?"- Makoto noticed Kazumi standing there still.

-"G-Good morning! I...I'm going to my classroom now."- she said nervous as she intended to leave the place.

-"..."- Makoto just saw her off.

At Lunchtime, Ann heard some girls near the courtyard about the Principal's post:

-"I bet he's trying to figure out what happened to Mr. Kamoshida, because of Suzui-san."- one of the girls said.-"Rumor says he already knew about the sexual harassment and kept quiet about it."

-"That's what he's using Nijima-senpai for?"-the other one said.

-"Huh!?"- Ann was surprised to hear that.

-"I bet he knew as well. That's really disturbing. He just goes all noble about it."- one of the girls said.

-"Nijima-senpai knew…?"- Ann thought and left the courtyard indignant. She lost the appetite when she heard that.

At the same time, Makoto was asking Kobayakawa about the announcement he posted:

-"It was for your sake, boy."- Kobayakawa replied.-"Has anything about that issue we talked about earlier come up?"

-"Not at all."- Makoto replied.-"However, we have received news that a student have been blackmailed by an organization. This might be a serious issue."

-"Is this some mistake…? I can't believe the students of my school will get into something like that."- Kobayakawa said in shock.

-"I'd request for a countermeasure."-Makoto said.

-"Now is no time to worry about that. Our main concern is about the case of the Phantom Thieves…"- Kobayakawa said.

-"...Sir!?"- Makoto said in shock.-"But that student, he requested help to us."

-"I guess then you will have to do something on your own."- Kobayakawa said.-"Speaking of which, I need you to start posting this announcement of the Contest of the Health Service Bureau."

-"Are you serious now?"- Makoto said after he sighed. The Principal was putting a lot of work on his shoulders.

-"I am sure that criminal organization and the Phantom Thieves are connected. For now, we have to distract the public with other activities to relief the stress of the students."- Kobayakawa said.

-"That sounds really absurd, principal."- Makoto said as he took the pamphlets for the contest.

-"So what if the rumors are true? I'm sure your sister will do an optimum job to secure the student body at the same time as keeping them relieved."- Kobayakawa said.

-"Fine...I'll start putting this up…"-Makoto said obediently. He was always uneasy when his sister was the focus of the conversation.

After school, Kazumi went to the library to return a book and noticed the announcement of the contest:

-"A visit to the Health Service Bureau…"-Kazumi read.

-"Are you interested in those things?"- Morgana asked her.

-"..."- Kazumi thought about the situation of her little brother.-"I wonder what kind of stuff wants the Minister hear about from high school students?"

-"Most likely about the quality of the hospitals to treat those who have suffered a mental shutdown or a psychotic breakdown."- Makoto replied at her side.

-"UWAAHH!"- Kazumi screamed as she fell down on the floor scared.

-"Are you...alright?"- Makoto asked somehow concerned for her reaction.

-"Don't appear just like that!"- Kazumi exclaimed at him and stood up by herself being at three steps from him.

-"What's your problem? I was solving your question."-Makoto asked.

-"I-I am not used to guys around me."- Kazumi admitted.-"It makes me nervous all of the sudden…"

-"People has seen you with Sakamoto since you transferred here."-he said.-"Allow me to doubt it…"

-"He isn't as pushy as you are."- Kazumi replied. -"You should learn to take a hint of what other people feel."

-"We'll see about that."- he said as he frowned his eyebrows and when he turned around, one of the pamphlets fell out.

-"You dropped this."-Kazumi said as she collected it. -"Don't you need help?"

-"I can handle this myself."-Makoto turned around and took the pamphlet.

-"Good luck then."- Kazumi turned around and felt bad.-"What if I take care of the sports building and you take care of the classroom building?"

-"Why does it matter to you helping me?"- Makoto replied as he turned around her somehow confused.

-"Just let me do it!"- Kazumi said.-"If you think I'll do something suspicious, you can check them all later!"

-"That sounds like a hassle."-Makoto said as he scratched the back of his head.-"If you want to help, you will have to be on my range."

-"Fair enough."- Kazumi said and she approached shyly and extended one of her arms to him.-"Give me half of them."

-"You're unbelievable, Asaka."-Makoto sighed as he handed her some of them.

-"Let's go, president."- Kazumi said as she went ahead of him.

-"That's my line"- Makoto said as he went towards her at a reasonable distance.

Hours later, Kazumi arrived to LeBlanc and went straight to her room since there was clients still. Mona came out to eat some tuna while she was changing her clothes:

-"Hey, Kazumi. Why did you help that guy earlier?"- Mona asked.

-"Why not? He seemed like he needed a hand."- she replied as she changed her skirt.

-"Yes, but he obviously is into us."- the cat meowed.

-"I know that but…"-Kazumi remembered the tired expression he had when he looked at the principal's announcement.-"I always...see him studying at the library or doing president stuff alone…"

-"And it really irritates me how he puts up a cool front about it!"- she said mad as she turned around without a shirt.

-"M-Mew!"- Mona got surprised for watching at her half-naked.

-"Hey! Don't look at me!"- Kazumi covered herself embarrassed when she realized.

-"That's your fault!"-Mona exclaimed as he tried to calm down.

-"Anyways, helping him might give him a different opinion, so he can stop investigating on us."- Kazumi hoped.

-"By the way, your room is starting to get covered in dust."- Mona said.-"Remember what

Kawakami said? That should contact her if you wanted to do some cleaning?"

-"...You are right."- Kazumi said as she finished changing.-"So many things to do that I might not clean this room in forever."

After Sojiro closed up the store, she called Becky with the yellow phone. The woman arrived with big bags under her eyes. She approached rapidly to the girl's room:

-"My Lady, I am more than happy that you called for me."- she said happily as she took the broom while Kazumi was letting Morgana out of the cafe.-"But then it doesn't pain you to see a poor maid like me covered in dust?"

-"It does a bit…"- Kazumi replied nervous. -"Whatever you can do today is fine…"

-"Thank you, my lady. You are so nice."- Becky replied still smiling.-"I'll get this over quickly!"

After an hour, Becky was already done with the place:

-"This should do! I will suggest putting some more color around here though…"- Becky suggested.

-"I was thinking about that too…"- Kazumi said when she noticed that Becky just collapsed on her bed.-"Are you ok!?"

-"Aghhh...I'm exhausted."- Becky said when she laid back.-"I am not allowed to work overtime on weekdays so I have to rush to my part-time as soon as classes end."

-"On my days off, I have to prepare pop quizzes and homework assignments…"-she continued.-"And today I had to clean bathtubs and walk dogs before coming here. I never get a minute to rest…"

-"Speaking of pets, I noticed you had a black cat with you...I feed stray ones around home…"- Kawakami mentioned.

-"Ehehe…"- Kazumi laughed at that last part.-"You don't keep them I assume?"

-"What are you implying?"- Kawakami said with a frown on her face.

-"Nothing."- Kazumi replied nervous to not get in troubles for making fun of Kawakami's loner woman life.

-"Geez. You seem very lively for someone who doesn't have a normal student life."- Kawakami said. -"Don't have any funny ideas alright? I might be your maid but I am still your teacher so no photos of this around, got it?"

-"I wasn't trying to take a photo of you."- Kazumi said. -"We have a deal."

-"But...I do admit I am interested in wearing a maid outfit myself."- she continued.

-"You are one of a kind, aren't you?"- Kawakami laughed at that.-"...I need a nap…"

-"Sorry but I will rest for five minutes…"- she said.-"Maybe ten…"

-"My room is clean so take your time…"- Kazumi said sweating nervous and took a magazine about places to visit in Tokyo.

After 10 minutes, Kawakami woke up refreshed:

-"And as soon as you notice, time's up!"- Becky said with a large smile.-"Hey, Asaka. Do you know about any part-time jobs that pay well?"

-"You might have been payed a lot if you can afford a maid service after all…"- she mentioned.

-"Do you need money?"- Kazumi asked.

-"Well...truth is that...I have a little sister."- Becky said looking down.-"She's sick so I need money to pay her medical expenses…"

-"Sick huh…?"- Kazumi frowned sadly. -"Is she seeing a reliable doctor?"

-"Huh? Yes...She is…"- Kawakami said surprised. -"That's right. Asaka…"-before she could say anything else, her phone rang.

-"Excuse me for a second."- the maid said as she answered the phone.-"Yes. I already sent the payment for this we-"

-"Huh!? How come is not enough? It's the same amount from last time!"- she exclaimed surprised on the line which kind of concerned Kazumi.

-"No. It's fine. G-Goodbye."- Kawakami hanged up and faced her student. -"It was a debt collector, seems like he got the wrong number."

-"Asaka, do you have by any chance 100, 000 yen I can borrow?"- she asked somehow depressed.

-"That much…!?"- Kazumi said surprised.

-"Ah, never mind."- Kawakami went back to her senses.-"Owing money to one of my students would be the worst…"

-"That being said, be mindful how you spend it."- she said.-"You shouldn't be wasting it on services like this…"

-"Becky, I requested you to clean my room."- Kazumi stood up.-"We have a deal, remember?"

-"...and I appreciate that you requested me but I don't like getting involved with my students too much."- Kawakami said.

-"I understand that."- Kazumi said.-"I hope you can help your sister, Becky."

-"Yes…"- Kawakami looked down when she remembered that.-"If you call me here once more, it will be your responsibility, don't forget it."

-"Sure!"- Kazumi felt the trust Kawakami put on her on their little secret. This action made the Temperance arcana get a second star.

-"Thank you for using our service!"- Becky said as she left.

After that, Morgana returned home and they went to sleep.

June 8th

The last period was over, Kazumi was about to get to Shibuya until her friends stopped her:

-"Ann, Ryuji-kun, something wrong?"- she asked.

-"Nothing at all, Kazumi."- Ann said with a convincing smile.-"Mind if we talk for a moment? Let's go to the dinner."

-"Eh? Fine by me...I was heading to Shibuya anyways."- she said confused.

On the train, her friends looked a bit exasperated. She wondered if they were mad at her for something. When they arrived to the dinner and they ordered drinks with a waitress, Ann was the first one to speak:

-"So, Kazumi. Have you heard the rumors recently?"- Ann said.

-"Not really. Everyone only talks about the Phantom Thieves at school…"- she said confused.

-"Well, guess who has raised a new rumor."- Ryuji said with annoyance on his voice.

-"Me…?"- Kazumi asked confused.-"No way, I haven't done anything suspicious."

-"So, you didn't hang out with Nijima-senpai yesterday after school?"-Ann asked.

-"Hanging out is really exaggerated…"- Kazumi replied nervous.-"I just forced him to accept my help with a simple task."

-"Why would you help a high-up bastard like him?"- Ryuji asked.

-"Why not? Wait a second…"- Kazumi understood why was their question. -"Don't tell me people created a rumor about us…"

-"Exactly what you're imagining."- Ann said.

-"No way! Not happening! Not in this life nor the other!"- Kazumi exclaimed totally shocked as she was looking down in the table.-"The President irritates me to no end!"

-"I hope he doesn't take it seriously. For the sake of both."- Ryuji said with an angry look.

-"Says the guy who was paralyzed in a single move…"- Ann reproached him.

-"I wasn't prepared for that!"- Ryuji exclaimed.

-"Anyways, we just wanted to warn you of not getting too friendly with him."- Ann said as she frowned her eyebrows.-"We don't know whether he is just a scumbag that was hiding behind Kamoshida and the Principal."

-"Ann, you look very angry…"- Kazumi noticed. -"Did something happen with him?"

-"Nothing at all. I don't trust him, that's all."- Ann said.

-"I understand. I will be wary of him from now on."- Kazumi said worried about Ann.

-"You can count on me to shoo him if you need it!"- Ryuji said to her with a smile.

-"As always, reliable at best."- Kazumi said as she smiled back.-"Are we done here yet? I have a business to attend to."

-"Sure. Sorry for stopping you like this."- Ann said.

-"It's fine. Thanks for worrying about me."- Kazumi said as she left with Morgana on her bag.

-"Kazumi...She really is a good girl…"-Ann said as she saw her get out.-"But...she seems to be hiding something."

-"You noticed too?"- Ryuji asked.

-"Of course I did."- Ann said.-"I am surprised you did."

-"Ann, I have spend more time with her than you."- Ryuji said with pride.-"I know her better."

-"Really? So, you did know her parents were divorced?"- Ann put him on proof.

-"Seriously? She didn't tell...Well, it's not like I ever asked."- Ryuji said surprised.-"I suppose you suspect the same thing I do?"

-"If it is details of her record, then yes."- Ann replied.-"There is also how much she knows about the Metaverse…"

-"We are on the same page."- Ryuji said as he crossed his arms.-"She told me that she confronted a woman she had a problem with and the woman accused her of carrying drugs around. The woman falsified her testimony to make it seem like Kazumi was a drug addict and an aggressive person."

-"What!? That's totally horrible."- Ann said angry.-"Wait a moment...Doesn't something as corrupt as that sound like…?"

-"What? What does it sound like?"- Ryuji asked.

-"You idiot."- Ann said in disbelief and murmured at him.-"That woman who did this to Kazumi, what if we change the heart of that person?"

-"Oh….Ohhhh!"- Ryuji got the idea now.-"That sounds like a good idea. We totally have to ask her more about that woman and suggest it next time!"

-"Right? We should accord this with Yusuke and Morgana as well."-Ann said with a smile that they got a good plan on hands.

Meanwhile in the alley of Shibuya street, Kazumi stood in front of the door towards the Velvet Room:

-"You showed up, client!"- Will jumped down from the cell.

-"I can get in by myself...Will."-she said nervous that he were to push her again.

-"Geez."- he complained and he went after her inside the Velvet room.

-"Welcome to the Velvet Room. Is there any service you need today?"- Igor said to her.

-"I want to use the group guillotine."- Kazumi said.

-"Boys, let us begin."- Igor said as an order for the twins to bring the guillotines. Kazumi fused Eligor, Andras and Berith in order to get Flauros, a two-feet walking leopard with his face on his chest and cannons on his back.

-"I am Flauros. I shall become a fiery mask of thine, with my powers to see the past and future..."-the demon said as he transformed into her new mask.

-"Alright. I have finally gotten the Persona you asked me for."-Kazumi said to the twins.

-"Not bad."- Will said with a smirk.

-"Then, allow me to present you a new ritual."- Victor said and a mysterious being with a mask and a red suit appeared at the left side of the room.

-"This is a prosecutor officer. Give him the order and he will lockdown one of your Personas."- Victor said.-"Lockdown will allow your personas to gain new abilities by themselves in order to cover up for their weaknesses."

-"That sounds...great."-Kazumi said trying to be modest.

-"Client, I presume you are still not used to this place?"- Victor asked.-"The Metaverse is not a place full of joys and smiles, you shall get that these demons inside you are to make use of."

-"I know but, I am afraid to get used to it."- Kazumi replied while looking down.

-"Dropping off your cool, huh?"- Will said as he seat on the table in front of her.-"This place is here to serve your change. If you are reluctant to change, you will never avoid the ruin."

-"You're right…"- Kazumi said lost in thoughts.-"I have to improve or how else I will be able to help them…?"

-"Them?"- Victor asked.

-"It's nothing."- Kazumi said as she thought she was about to spill the beans about the other Velvet Room.

-"You are certainly a mysterious client."- Victor said with suspicion.-"The rehabilitation should be done by yourself and to help yourself."

-"If you depend on the others to live your life, you aren't as different as the one who stepped in this room the first time."- Will said.

-"I'll try…"-Kazumi said as she stood up.-"Talking to you two is really reassuring, is this the purpose of that list of request?"

-"The list…?"- Victor asked surprised.-"Who knows…"

-"The list is trying to get us to connect to the client?"- Will asked.-"That can't be…"

-"Us shouldn't be involved so close with the client. It's just a deal…"- he was really confused.

-"That's the truth for us...but yet why?"- Victor said.-"I guess our only answer is to keep on with this list."

-"...Understood."- Kazumi was a bit confused with their discussion.-"What is the next request?"- her strong resolution for going to the end of the mystery with the twins made appear the third and fourth stars on the Strength Arcana.

-"Well….the next point is to create an Ame-no-Uzume with the skill to Dodge Psy."- Victor read from the list.

-"Got it."- Kazumi said.-"I'll make myself stronger to get it."

After that, Kazumi went ahead to work part-time on the flower shop.

*Kazumi's kindness increases by 2*

At night, Kazumi decided to help out Sojiro. He tested her abilities to brew coffee and explained to her a couple of things about blending different beans:

-"That's all about the coffee…"-Sojiro concluded. -"Now, it's time that I start instructing you about the curry. There's something special about the flavour."

-"Really? I'm excited to hear about your secret recipe!"- Kazumi said excited as she started to take notes.

-"Well, so much to call it mine. It was invented by an acquaintance of mine, a scientist, who found out the perfect recipe to go along with coffee."- Sojiro said a bit embarrassed by her appraisal and noticed her face was in shock. -"What is it?"

-"You have friends, Sojiro-san?"- Kazumi asked.

-"I do. It is the reason that you are here and not thrown out in the streets."-he said with a frown.

-"Good point…"- she murmured.

-"About the curry, the important part is the qualification of the taste. There's no formula for the flavour but it's pretty damn good."- he said with a big smile of his face.-"Anyways, there's no compromise when it's about food service. We just gotta wow our customers."

-"Understood."- Kazumi said.-"Are we going to start to make it now?"

-"Of course. I bet you want to flirt with the guys starting by their stomach, huh?"- Sojiro said with a playful smirk.

-"What's with you lately? One of your first advices was that I shouldn't get to involved with guys…"- Kazumi said as she made a pout.

-"It was yes, but, I never expected you to take it to chest."- Sojiro said.-"Listen, I am starting to think you are really nice girl...and if you were robbed of a normal life, you should start to get it back."

-"Besides, it's at your age that girls should learn how to deal with dates and stuff…"- he added and suddenly, the door opened.

-"Welcome!"- Kazumi said and saw surprised, along with Sojiro, that it was the same old man that visited them last time.

-"You…"-Sojiro was on the defensive.-"Haven't I tell you that I don't have any money!? Look at this place, there's no customers around!"

-"Oh. No need to hide it, Sakura-san."- the man said.-"I know you saved plenty from your time working for the government."

-"And you are taking care of that 'employee' there to for charity, isn't that right?"- the man said looking at Kazumi.-"I wish you'll show me the same kindness you show to others."

-"A government worker…?"- Kazumi thought.

-"If you are not planning on buying anything, can you leave now?"- Sojiro said to the man.-"

I'm expecting a phone call and I precisely don't have time to talk with you now."

-"I don't mind talking to the girl here while you are busy with your call."- the man insisted.-"I can wait as well, or would that be too much for you?"

-"What is with this guy…?"- Kazumi thought frustrated feeling the tense environment on the cafe.-"I better help Sojiro-san to get rid of him."

Followed to that thought, Kazumi reached her phone under the counter and called at Sojiro's phone. He took his phone and looked at her dissimulately:

-"Oh. It's the call from social services I was waiting for…"- Sojiro said.-"They call often to make sure she's not getting into trouble. Want me to introduce them to you?"

-"Gr...That's right. I have a business to attend somewhere else."- the man was actually mad that he couldn't get what he came to look for and left the cafe.-"I will see you later."

They stayed in silence hoping he was already gone and when it was secure:

-"Seriously, does he have anything better to do?"- Sojiro complained.

-"It's the second time he comes here…"-Kazumi said worried.-"Who is that man?"

-"I guess there's no point in not explaining it to you now. He might come when I'm not around."- Sojiro sighed.-"He's an old acquaintance of mine who is short on money. Don't let him fool you though- That's only an act."

-"I'm surprised you pulled a stunt like that. You save me, Kazumi. Thanks."- he said with a relieved smile.

-"No need to worry."- Kazumi said.-"I know you'll do the same."- to this interaction, Kazumi gelt her bond with Sojiro was growing and the Hierophant arcana got a 4th star.

-"Still, why do you poke your nose into other people's manners? That's not safe at all."-Sojiro scolded her.

-"I guess that's the kind of person I am."- Kazumi said nervous.-"Anyways, the curry! Let's do it!"

-"Of course, of course. Let's get in to the kitchen."- Sojiro said as he got the ingredients out of the freezer.

-"I could report him to the police if he wasn't related to her…"- Sojiro murmured for himself. Not so low as Kazumi heard him perfectly but preferred to save her questions for later.

From Sojiro's teachings, Kazumi learnt a bit more about how to serve with gentleness.

*Kazumi's kindness increases by 3*

*Kazumi's kindness is now Empathic*

June 9th

It was the day of the social studies trip. Ann, Kazumi and Ryuji were visiting the TV station but, contrary to their expectations, it was the most boring experience of them all. The station guide was just talking about obvious stuff that TV chains do in order to maintain the ratings, to the point, not even Morgana was able to stay still on Kazumi's bag:

-"Hey, how long will this keep going?"- he meowed lowly.

-"I don't know but I'm sure not gonna last…"-Ryuji said before letting out a yawn.

-"Woah!"- Kazumi was suddenly pushed away by a robust man in a white suit.

-"What is all this noise!? Make it stop."-said the broadcaster to the guide referring to the students that were talking non-stop.

-"Hey, you assh-!"-before Ryuji could confront the man for pushing Kazumi, the guide replied:

-"My apologies. I'll take care of it on this instant."- she said and directed the attention of the students to her.-"Now, who is ready for some hands-on experience?"

-"Who does that man think he is?"- Ryuji said pissed off.

-"He must be someone very important here. Rude."- Kazumi said a bit mad.-"I'm fine now so don't get in trouble."

-"Right what she said…"-Kawakami suddenly bumped into the conversation.-"You better not cause any trouble, understood?"

-"Yes, yes…"-Ryuji said scolded.

-"Excuse me."- a man approached Ann.-"Do you want to be on TV?"

-"Huh, me?"- Ann said confused by his sudden offer.

-"You have such a slammin' bod. What do you say?"- he was obviously flirting with her.

-"I am in a school trip."- Ann tried to excuse herself.

-"Oh no problem. Let me give you my info and you can message anytime, whether it's day or night."

-"Tsk. It's damn obvious what he wants."- Ryuji murmured.

-"Well, about the hands-on experience, we need someone to work with the assistant camera."- the man said as he looked at Ryuji for his insolent comment.-"The blonde will do. He seems to have spare energy to unroll the cables."

-"The girl by your side, you go and get ice for the lunch buffet."- the man said to them.-"Go to the kitchen room for it."

-"Damn, this sucks!"- Ryuji said as he wasn't happy with the task they gave to him.

-"I will see you later."- Kazumi went to do her own task.

After Kazumi went for the ice, she lost her way back to the room they were before:

-"Oh no...I totally lost track of this place…"-she said as she realized that she wasn't even in the same floor.

-"Excuse me! Do you know where…?"-she asked a woman passing by but she simply ignored her.-"Uh?"

-"Hey…!"-she tried to ask a cameraman passing by but it didn't work either.

-"What's with this people!? It doesn't hurt to help someone lost!"-Morgana exclaimed.

-"What do I do? The ice is gonna melt…"- Kazumi said worried.

-"Pardon me."- someone stood in front of her, a high school boy with brown eyes and medium long hair, a brown jacket, gloves and carrying a silver luggage.-"I couldn't help by notice you have a uniform from Shujin Academy."

-"Yes…"-Kazumi said confused.

-"Are you lost perhaps?"- he asked her.

-"That's right. I don't remember where was my class before and no one stops for a minute to help me out…"- she admitted.

-"Then, let me lend you a hand."- the guy said with a mesmerizing smile.-"If you don't get there, the ice is going to melt right?"

-"Yes. Thank you."- Kazumi said as she did a reverence before following the boy around.

She looked at him while they were walking towards an elevator:

-"This guy...seems pretty gentle…"-she thought.-"And he doesn't have bad looks either. Is he an actor perhaps?"

-"Something wrong?"-he asked her.

-"Not at all."- Kazumi said nervous as they reached the floor.

-"Well, this is the floor. The studio you look for must be at your left"- the guy said as they got down.-"You better hurry up."

-"Thank you very much."- Kazumi said as she did a reverence once again and left. The guy looked at her for a moment before he walked away.

-"Where have I seen that face before…?"-the guy murmured for himself.

After Kazumi was scolded for taking too long for bringing ice, she left the studio in the break along with Ryuji:

-"What a pain in the ass. If we are guests, why do we have to be doin' manual labor!?"- Ryuji complained.-"This is bullshit! Not even going to the bathroom made me feel better!"

-"It was horrible, but, I guess I can't complain too much."- Kazumi said after she remembered the good-looking guy she met before.

-"What are you giggling like that for…?"- Ryuji asked confused.

-"At least someone is enjoying it."- Ann got along with them.-"I feel like this sucked for me too."

-"We gotta do more of this tomorrow too…?"- Ryuji complained.

-"Quit your complaining, Ryuji."- Morgana scolded him.

-"Gah...I know, I have to act like 'a good boy' right?"- he said.-"Bein' phantom thieves ain't easy…"

-"Ryuji-kun, this is a TV station!"- Kazumi scolded him.

-"Don't worry...it's not like those idiots of adults can focus on anything but themselves."-he said.

-"By the way, we can go straight home after this."- Ann said.-"We don't spend a lot of time on this area so wanna go shopping after this?"

-"I know a place! I saw a huge pancake - looking place in our way here!"- Morgana mentioned.-"What was that? It looked delicious!"

-"Oh, you're talking about Dome Town?" Ryuji said.-"The round part is a baseball stadium and at the outside they have an amusement park."

-"For real? I have never get into one of those!"- Kazumi said excited.

-"It's in the middle of a business area but they have pretty wild rides too."- Ann mentioned. -"You totally have to go, Kazumi."

-"Yes! I can't wait."- she said with a smile.

-"Alright. Let's go. I'll show you how courageous I am!"- Morgana meowed.

-"Going on a scary ride doesn't really show your courage."- Ann said to him.

-"Plus, you can't get in if you're a cat."- Ryuji said.-"You could always sneak on Kazumi's bag but you will end up puking."

-"Really!?"- Morgana was now doubting to go.

-"But, yeah, let's go to Dome Town! I'm really feelin' it right now!"- Ryuji said motivated.

-"Me too! My stomach is ready for roller coasters!"- Ann said.

-"I-I think I'll pass…"- Morgana said and then hide immediately when he saw the shadow of someone coming towards them.

-"Excuse me. I couldn't help by notice you are Shujin students."-the person who came to them was the same high schooler Kazumi met earlier.

-"Yeah, whaddya want?"- Ryuji asked him. The eyes of the boy directed immediately towards Kazumi.

-"You are the lost girl from earlier. Glad to see you made it."- he said with a smile.

-"Yes. Thanks for your help."- Kazumi said.

-"Ok…"- Ann said confused about the encounter.-"Anything you need from us?"

-"Oh no. I was just passing by and I thought about greeting you all politely. After all, we will be filming together."- the guy said.

-"Where are my manners? My name is Goro Akechi."- he said.

-"Sorry for not introducing me earlier, I am Kazumi Asaka."- Kazumi introduced herself.

-"I see. A pretty name for a pretty lady."- he said with a sweet voice tone.

-"Eh...Well, thank you."- Kazumi blushed to his compliment.

-"Ehem."- Ryuji pretended to cough to get Akechi back on the conversation.-"So, are you a celebrity or what?"

-"Only to the extent of appearing on TV a couple of times."- he explained and checked the hour on his phone.

-"Wait...Akechi is…"- Ann was thinking about where she heard that name before.

-"My apologies. I was truly passing by."- he said as he saw it was his time to go.-"I must attend to a meeting about tomorrow's show."

-"Were you going to eat cake now?"- he asked.-"I skipped lunch so I am quite hungry myself…"

-"Cake? What are you talking about?"- Ryuji said for all of them who don't remember mentioning anything about food.

-"Oh. Am I mistaken? I thought I heard something about delicious pancakes ."- he excused himself.-"Welp. Nevermind. See you tomorrow, Asaka and company."

-"Good day…"- Kazumi said to him.

-"Hum…"- Morgana got out of the bag after the conversation. There was something about this guy, Akechi, that was off a moment ago.

-"That guy's gotta be a new entertainer or something. Fame must be way over his head for flirting deliberately like that…"- Ryuji said annoyed.-"He's never gonna get popular with that kinda hair tho."

-"You don't get it…"- Ann said.-"But, I guess I know now why Kazumi was happy earlier."

-"Eh? W-What are you implying!?"- Kazumi said embarrassed.

-"Don't say anything. We will see him tomorrow anyways."- Ann said with a smile.-"Let's go to Dome Town!"

-"Wait…"- Kazumi said as she went after her.

-"First Mishima, then Yusuke, then the Council President and that Doctor...and now that guy

Akechi…"- Ryuji murmured for himself.-"Why does she have to attract so many guys?"

-"Ryuji-kun, hurry up and we'll go without you!"- she advised him and he ran towards them before they closed the elevator.

Take Your Time.

Author's note: Talking about guys, I hope you all participate in the poll for Persona 5: Mirror Paradox located in my writer profile! Deadline is May 3rd.

As I got Persona 5 Royal and I'm playing it right now, I'll avoid spreading spoilers in this fic!