Now we get started with the third arc of the story. Things are going to get interesting at this point, as the mysterious organization moves to try and maintain its hold over Tokyo. Disclaimer: I don't own the Persona series, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, or Juni Taisen.
Heist 12: Shujin Under Fire
June 13. Ushimaru seemed a little irate in class that morning. "So I was handing over a paper bill to the cashier at the convenience store and she told me the don't except foreign currency. This in spite of the fact that I clearly handed her a Japanese bank note. It's like young people don't know who Hirobumi Ito is. But it did give me a good idea for today's topic. As I'm sure many of you are aware, all paper money in our country is handled by the Bank of Japan. Amamiya, can you tell me who issues the coins?" "The government," Ren answered immediately.
Ushimaru smiled and nodded. "Yes, that's it exactly. Of course, it used to be that the government handled both, but the ability to make as much money as they wanted nearly caused an economic collapse. Thus a separate, independent organization, the Bank of Japan, was formed to handle all paper money, while the government was allowed to continue handling the small change, since coins don't have as big an impact on the economy." "That reminds me," Morgana mused, "I wonder if we'll get any real leads on that job scam."
After class, Ren was called to the student council office, where Makoto was waiting for him. "I'm told you're part of Phan-Site," Makoto explained, "I'm sure by now you've heard of the request to deal with the job scam that been going around." "So it's more than rumor," Ren noted, "Do you have any idea who might be behind it?" Makoto shook her head. "Unfortunately, while students are willing to anonymously admit they are being targeted, I can't get any information beyond that. I was hoping to get in touch with the Phantom Thieves to ask them directly."
Ren got a call on his phone. "One second, it's the site team." Makoto nodded. Ren answered the call, which was from Ryuji. "Try to keep it down, I'm in the student council office." 'Dude, what for?' "She just wanted to meet with the Phantom Thieves if possible. It's about the rumored job scam." 'Gotcha,' Ryuji replied. After a few seconds of silence, he started talking again. 'Okay, the others are alright with it. Let's arrange for the student council president to meet the Phantom Thieves tomorrow.' Ren nodded. He wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it to Makoto. "Come to this address tomorrow," he explained, "You'll be able to meet the Phantom Thieves." Makoto nodded.
June 14. Makoto didn't know what she was expecting when she approached the address, but the very student she was just talking to, as well as Ryuji, Sumire, Ann, and Yusuke, plus a cat, was not it. "Is this some sort of prank?" "No prank," Ryuji said, "You're looking at the Phantom Thieves unmasked." "You asked for our help," Morgana clarified, "So we're choosing to trust you." Makoto blinked. "Did that cat just talk?" "It's just like you said Sumire," Ren said. Sumire nodded. "I saw you the other day. You're temper flared up a little and it looked like you were exuding energy, but none of the students noticed."
Makoto sighed. "I see… So you're all Stand users as well. In that case, I think I can trust you." She sat down. "I'm sure by now you've heard of the phishing scam that's been hitting juveniles around Tokyo. As of yet I don't have any real leads, save for a possible connection to a yakuza family. Said family has been on the police's radar, but they haven't really done anything truly criminal for years. So it's hard to say for sure if they're involved or not. All I know is whoever is responsible is operating in Shibuya." Ren nodded. "I see. We'll start checking out the school, ask around. Maybe try to find something online." Makoto smiled as she got up to leave. "Thanks. I'm really trying to help out my fellow students."
Meanwhile, Akira was talking with an individual on the monitor. "You've certainly progressed farther than I expected. Are you sure the evidence can be linked to that yakuza boss?" 'I've made sure of it, chief. Once I instigate the raid on that little club, we can elevate our status within the police department. Then we'll make our move on the Phantom Thieves.' "If they're not already onto you," Akira noted. 'No chance of that. The mistake Toshiro and Mitsuhide made was targeting honest people that were beloved by the community. But there's no way the Phantoms will help a dangerous criminal.'
Back at the hideout, Yusuke turned to the others. "Anyway, back to what we were discussing before. I was planning on my next major piece. The motif is meant to reflect the inner heart of humanity, but I'm not sure where to start with that. Everyone's heart is different after all. Sensei suggested I go out and learn about the world around me. That's certainly a good idea, but I know little of the outside world beyond the shack I call my home. So I was hoping you would all assist me in this matter." "Sure, we can help," Ann offered. "I guess it couldn't hurt," Ryuji said, "But let's keep our priorities straight. I'll check the online forums, see if there's anyone who stands out." That evening, Ren started reading Tidying the Heart.
June 15. Ren got a chance to finish Tidying the Heart when he got a seat on the train. On the way to school, Ren overheard that the principal was getting frantic over the rise blackmailed students. In class, Hiruta was looking depressed. "There's always so much rain in June, especially acid rain. Such rain can be dangerous, as it can melt metal. Ah, that brings to mind an interesting biological fact. Mister Amamiya, can you tell me what would happen if you were to keep washing your hair with water contaminated with metal?" "It would change color," Ren replied.
"Yes, that's correct," Hiruta said, "For example, if the metal is copper your hair will turn green, and if it's rust your hair will turn red. Interestingly enough, acid can't melt gold or silver, so if you want gold hair you'll have to use bronze coins. But I wouldn't recommend doing this deliberately. After all, if acid rain can be dangerous to metal buildings, just think what it could do to flesh and organs. In fact, London once got acid rain that was as strong as stomach acid. It wound up killing four-thousand people. Hopefully Tokyo won't suffer such a rain." "I try to avoid rain as a matter of principle to begin with," Morgana noted, "There's some truth to the urban legend that cats hate water."
Ryuji had managed to get a hit on a student named Iida, who was in Ren and Ann's class. Ann turned on the acting skills and managed to get Iida to slip the name Nishiyama. "I know that name," Mishima said, "He's in Ryuji class, and is good friends with Iida. I think he's in the library right now." Ren nodded and went to the library to talk with Nishiyama. Once he learned what was going on, Nishiyama was willing to talk. "Yeah, me and Iida met this real shady guy on Central Street. He talked about an easy part-time job that only took ten minutes and involved transporting a small enveloped to a coin locker at the train station. I didn't go for it, but Iida did. Next thing I know he's flush with cash, but he starts it spending it fast."
Ren scratched his chin. "What are you thinking, Ren?," Morgana asked. "A quick-easy job that takes only ten minutes and involves transporting small envelopes?," Ren reiterated, "I think we may be dealing with a drug smuggling operation." Morgana nodded. "I think you're right. It fits all the criteria, not to mention you can arrested just for possession. And these guys are doing this in broad daylight. Let's talk to Iida about this." Once confronted with the knowledge that he was roped into being a drug smuggler, Iida sang like a canary.
Ren decided to contact the group via chat. 'Rem Amamiya: It seems our current target is getting high school students involved in drug smuggling.' 'Yusuke Kitagawa: That would explain why they are performing their actions in broad daylight. More students will be out during the day, and the police will on guard at night.' 'Ryuji Sakamoto: They operate on Central Street, right? Let's find one and see if anything stands out.' 'RA: Let me handle that part. I'm the least conspicuous of our group.' 'Sumire Yoshizawa: Be careful, Ren. These are hardcore criminal types.' 'RA: I'll be fine. I'll start tomorrow. There's no way they'll be operating in the rain.'
The evening Ren called Kawakami to the hideout again. "Thanks," she said, "I've been needing to get more shifts in. I tried talking to my boss but he says he prioritizes 'younger' maids." "What does one's age have to with cleaning?," Yusuke asked. "Right?," Kawakami replied, "And I look good for my age, after all. Maybe I'm just trying too hard. Any time I try to act cutesy it comes off as weird. And I should know… I practice in front of the mirror… Speaking of which, I should get started." "Are those people still trying to extort more money?," Sumire asked. "Nah, they backed off on raising the price," Kawakami said, "But they still want payments on time. It's getting annoying. I just wish someone could do something about them."
June 16. The group split up to check out Shibuya. There were a couple of yakuza goons hanging around, but they were just offering high school students good deals on market items, at cheaper prices no less. "This looks more like money laundering," Morgana noted, "I doubt we'll find what we need here." Luckily, the local homeless population was very talkative, speaking about certain individuals who were speaking in code phrases around Central Street. As it happened, one such man approached Ren. Makoto watched as Ren spoke with the guy, trying to get details while giving him a critical look. Once the man left, apparently disappointed, Makoto approached.
"So you were watching us?," Ren asked. "I wanted to make sure there was no trouble," Makoto clarified, "But that guy… Sis has been with the team investigating that yakuza group. And that guy just now was kicked out for selling drugs to minors. Apparently the local crime boss models his business dealings after the Passion gang in Naples, Italy, so he doesn't tolerate drug usage. I managed to look it up online." "So someone else is behind the drug smuggling," Morgana noted, "And he's using disgraced yakuza members to frame the crime boss." "But why though…?," Ren wondered, "I'll need to talk to the others about this." He spent the rest of the evening helping Sojiro at the cafe.
June 17. The gang decided to get together at a karaoke bar. Ann frowned at the bad singing next door. "Man they're really awful." "Indeed," Yusuke said, "Then again, I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket with a lid on it, so I'm in no position to judge." "What about that new death metal star, Ibuki Mioda?," Ryuji asked, "I hear she's the Former Ultimate Musician of Hope's Peak Academy, so skilled she could carry a tune in a bucket full of holes with no handle or bottom." That got the group laughing. "In all seriousness," Sumire said, "Why would someone try to frame a crime boss?" "The only reason I can think of," Yusuke replied, "Is that they are trying to get involved with the police. We may be dealing with another organization member."
"You do hear about dirty cops planting drugs just to bust someone for something they never did," Ryuji noted, "Of course, if this crime boss is so careful about how his business is run, I'd be willing to bet he knows who's targeting him." "But how can we find him?," Ann asked. "I think I know someone who can help in that regard," Ren said, "Remember the journalist who met us at Madarame's place?" "Ah, I believe I know the one you're talking about," Yusuke said, "She has often stopped by to interview Sensei." "Probably how she heard about Mitsuhide's actions," Sumire noted. Ren got out the business card. "Her name's Ichiko Ohya, and she works for Maiasa Newspaper."
Yusuke's eyes widened. "That's a major publication. She's bond to have some good intel." "And she'd be eager to give information to the Phantom Thieves," Morgana noted, "In exchange for a few interviews, of course." Ren smirked. "I think we can arrange that. I'll send her an email. Hopefully she'll get back to us soon." Ann answered the service phone. "Hey, they say our time's almost up. Do we wanna extend it?" "Nah," Ryuji said, "We came here for happy hour, and it's almost up. We have a plan now, so I say we pay our tab and bail." The group agreed, and finished their drinks before heading for the front desk.
That evening, Kawakami was talking with the group. "So here's the thing. Back at my old teaching job, I was pushed into tutoring this so-called problem child named Takase. However, as I got to know him, I realized he wasn't really a problem child. His parents had died and some relatives took him in, but made him take numerous part-time jobs to cover living expenses." Ryuji's eyes widened. "Dude… That ain't right…" Kawakami nodded. "I was starting to help him get his grades better, but then rumors circulated that I was favoring him, so the principal told me to stop or he'd take me off the tutoring."
She sighed in regret. "I was so scared of losing my job that I agreed. Next thing I hear, he had died in a car accident. His relatives said he'd been depressed because of what I told him and threatened to sue the school board. I wouldn't have charged with anything, but the school could have closed down. In hindsight, it might have been better to call them on their bluff, since I wound up changing schools anyway. That's why I was so surprised when Miss Chouno was alright with me 'tutoring' Ren. I didn't think anyone at Shujin would be okay with that."
"You mean the other faculty knows about this?," Morgana asked. Kawakami nodded. "Oh yeah, they did a thorough background check. Kobayakawa even made it clear that he would insure the same thing wouldn't happen, and that I was free to tutor whoever I wanted. Of course, I didn't bother out of fear of the past." She chuckled. "I never thought I'd wind up sharing this knowledge with my students. It's like I'm getting more comfortable in this setting. Tell ya what, I'll see what I can do to get you kids some more free time." She stared. "Damn… I'm getting overworked… I should find a way to get some rest… Anyway, thanks for the request."
June 18. Ren got contacted by Mishima. 'Yuuki Mishima: I managed to find some information. Seems a Kosei student was talking about how his brother abused him. I did some digging and found out this brother is the leader of the burglary ring I found the other day. The guy we're looking for is Kazuya Makigami. I also got some information about some of the Zodiac assassins. The names that came up as being involved are Misaki Yuuki, Tsugiyoshi Sumino, Ryouka Niwa, Michio Tsukui, Eiji Kashii, and Yoshimi Souma.' 'Ren Amamiya: So the Monkey, Rat, Chicken, Dog, Ox, and Horse are now confirmed. I'll have to let the others know.'
Later the gang entered Legion of Monsters to give Yusuke some idea of what it was like. They weren't planning anything major just yet, though they did manage to grab Embittered Blacksmith, War-hungry Horseman, and circular sprite with tiny limbs called Noisy Mountain Spirit. Yusuke got a look around the place. "Interesting. The beauty of the heart gave rise to Sayuri because of Mother's love for me. Yet Stands are also connected to the heart in a way, and from this it's clear that Akira has a very ugly heart indeed… I think I can make this duality the centerpiece of my next art project, but I'll need to understand more of both sides before I can begin."
He turned to Ren. "I must say, this place is certainly fueling my artistic inspiration." Just then, Ren got an email from Ohya. "Looks like she took the bait," he said, "She wants to meet at the Crossroads Bar in Shinjuku." "That's outside our commuter pass," Ann noted, "We'll have to pay a fare. We'll also need to change into more causal clothes so we don't stick out too much." Ren nodded. "Let's head home for ten minutes to change, then meet at the Shibuya terminal. From there we'll take the train to Shinjuku. Let's hope Ohya has the information we're looking for." The group soon was ready to head out.
Getting to the Crossroads Bar without getting talked to every other minute was a real drag. However, one young woman working as a fortune teller caught Ren's eye, as she seemed to glow with energy as she poured over her tarot cards. Finally, the group reached the bar, where a rather large woman who might have been a transvestite was working behind the bar. "Welcome," she said, "So, any of you old enough to drink?" "They're with me Lala-chan," Ohya explained. She was sitting at the bar having a glass, and Ren suspected it wasn't her first one.
The group explained the situation. "Ah-ha, I thought something was odd," Ohya said, "See, I happen to be a Stand user myself. And I heard a rumor that the incidents with Ishishiro and Kinmyujiamu were Stand related. As I was looking for anything similar in Shibuya, I suddenly found the area going dark, and right overhead was a giant bank, flying like some kind of UFO." "That sounds like an overlay, alright," Ryuji noted. "As for the crime boss you're looking for," Ohya said, "Guy's name is Junya Kaneshiro. He's an amiable sort, so long as you don't do anything that he hates. People selling drugs, rich fat cats putting down hard workers… Things like that." "Almost sounds like a kindred spirit," Morgana said, "We should have a talk with him. As the Phantom Thieves, of course." The group nodded in agreement, offering her a chance to interview Mishima in exchange for the info.
Yep, another canon villain being a lot less douchey in my story. Get used to this. Hope everyone's staying safe out there. Read and review.
