Ann and Hifumi made their way to the Sky Tower, where Hifumi's shoot was supposed to be. Their day was already a little long after going through Futaba's Palace, but Ann had the great idea of recharging with something sweet along the way: two crepes. Now, as they rode the elevator up, Hifumi fidgeted about nervously. "Oh, my mother is going to be so unhappy with this, I can feel it…I hope she's in a good mood."
"I'm sure it'll be fine." Ann said with a reassuring smile. "I mean…she can't be so upset all the time, right?" She was sure hoping so. "Besides, there's nothing wrong with a friend supporting another one! I've got plenty of advice to give."
Hifumi managed a slight smile in response. "I'm sure your modeling experience will help me. I've never really done something like this before so I want to get it right."
"You can leave it to me!" Ann replied confidently. "You've gotta really be into it! Most people will probably not notice, but there are some who can tell…" As she spoke, it did remind her of her encounter with Mika. Mika really did see through her that day and it irked her. Modeling was sort of just a hobby for Ann…but she could still help Hifumi a little bit.
"If I can manage a smile of some kind, I think I'll be okay. Truthfully, I've been feeling a little worried lately." Hifumi stared elsewhere, anywhere but Ann really. "Do you remember how I told you yesterday my father was sick? He's actually been getting a little worse…Mother won't tell me, but I think she's having a harder time getting the medicine…"
"Oh no…" Ann wasn't sure what to say. "I'm sure it'll be okay."
"Mhm…I hope so…" Hifumi replied quietly. That's when they finally reached the top and stepped out, where they were greeted with the view of the city from up so high. "Wow…it's so nice up here."
"Yeah…" Ann agreed.
When the two stepped off the elevator, they were greeted by Mitsuyo. "Oh, Hifumi. You're early, that's go…" Her eyes then cut towards Ann, who gave a nervous smile. "What is she doing here?"
"Nice to see you too." Ann really did not mean for that to come off as sassy as it did.
"W-Well, we were together…plus she is a model, after all. So she offered to help me with the shoot." Hifumi explained.
"I know a thing or two about modeling!" Ann said with a smile. She really had to force it since she felt Mitsuyo glaring into her soul. "And I wanted to do whatever I could to help Hifumi really shine in this. That won't be a problem, will it? You won't even know I'm here! I'm just going to help her with some makeup tips, a few poses, and I'll be on the sidelines after!"
"Surely that's not asking too much, is it?" Hifumi added on. It was a too pronged assault from them.
Even Mitsuyo was silent. But ultimately that slightly annoyed look turned into a small smile. "I see, you were simply thinking ahead. I must say, it was not a bad idea, Hifumi. But I will tell you one thing, Takamaki."
"Y-Yes…?" Ann stiffened up. Did this really work?
"But if you thought you could sneak ahead in your career by piggybacking off my daughter, you were wrong." Mitsuyo's tone dropped a little bit, sending a chill down Ann's spine. "For I already thought about this…from someone far more committed than you as well."
"H-Huh?" Ann blinked.
"Oh, look who's here…" Mika confidently walked forward, hand on her hip while she smiled at Ann. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"Mika…!?" Ann and Hifumi exclaimed in unison.
Mika briefly ignored Ann to turn to Hifumi. "Oh, so you're Hifumi-chan! I remember seeing you with Ann the other day. I'll gladly work with you today."
"Er…you're the liar…" Hifumi scrunched her nose at Mika. She wasn't letting that go. "Why are you here…?"
"I was asked to come." Mika clasped her hands together, giving a friendly smile. But that smile just annoyed Ann.
"I asked for a few more to come, but it seems Mika was the only one who showed up." Mitsuyo shrugged. She wasn't going to say no to this.
"It was a chance to collaborate with a rising star, after all! I've got all the best tips in the industry for moments like this, after all." Mika said.
"Hey, that's not true." Ann shot back. "I know what I'm talking about too!"
"Oh, do you?" Mika tilted her head. "Last time you said you were barely interested in modeling, am I wrong?"
"W-Well…" Ann looked away. That wasn't incorrect.
"See, Mitsuyo-san? She was going to drag your daughter down with her halfhearted interests." Mika said with a sly grin. She didn't know Ann was going to show up, but this was a prime opportunity to show her up. Mika turned to Hifumi. "You want to make this shoot go as smoothly as possible, don't you?"
"Well, yes…" Hifumi said. Even if she wasn't crazy about doing this, it wasn't like she wanted it to turn out bad.
"I know you're friends with Ann over here, but let's be honest. Do you really think someone who isn't truly into modeling can give you the advice you need?" Mika continued, glancing briefly at Ann to see how deep those words cut. Based on what she saw, deep enough.
"But, that's not…" Hifumi was attempting to tell Mika why she was wrong, but she wasn't going to get a word in edgewise.
"This is an important step for your career, is it not? While it's sweet your friend wants to help, think about it from a professional standpoint." Mika continued. "Would you take advice from the one who does this for fun? Or the one who is doing this with all her heart and soul? Don't you play Shogi with all your heart and soul? Surely you understand…you can't let yourself be run over by amateurs like Ann."
"Er…I do…I get it…" This sucked. It wasn't like Hifumi wanted to say these things, but she couldn't disagree with what Mika was saying.
"What'd you say…!?" Ann wasn't going to sit here and take this.
"Ahh, Takamaki-san…so scary…!" Mika raised her voice just enough to where she'd cause a scene. A few people glanced their way, which made Ann back down a bit since it already put her in the back foot.
"Don't you see?" Mitsuyo said towards the clearly upset Ann, smiling. "While it was very sweet of you to try and help my daughter, I got someone more committed to do that for me. You were right when you said it would be like you're not here, because you're not needed."
"Mother…!" Hifumi exclaimed. But she couldn't say much more as Mika took Hifumi by the wrist gently, to guide her off to where the cameras were. "Ah…?"
"Come on, Hifumi! We have some time before the shoot actually starts. Let me show you what you can do to look even cuter than you do now!" Mika said with a smile. Her words did get Hifumi to blush a little bit. Mika turned back, giving Ann a wink that declared her victory in this encounter, before she and Hifumi were off.
"….." Ann didn't have anything to say. But she was visibly frustrated.
"I didn't think you'd show up at all today, but I'm glad you did." Mitsuyo was enjoying Ann's frustration. "I hope this serves as a lesson for you to not to try and involve yourself in my daughter's affairs. Now if you'd be so kind to remove yourself. Hifumi is going to be busy until the end of the week with this, you see."
The end of the week? That felt like a last minute change…but Ann also knew how these things went. "Yeah yeah…" Ann just left, letting out an irritated huff. Not only did she let Mika get the best of her, but that scene was totally embarrassing for her in more ways than one. Despite how she felt, it only strengthened her growing resolve. "I'm not going to let you get me next time, Mika."
.
.
June 28th.
There wasn't so much the group could do about Futaba's Palace until Hifumi was released from her responsibilities. They weren't going to go without her, unless they were absolutely pressed for time. So in the meantime, Ann just met with Ren in the diner in Shibuya. The events of the other day still lingered in her head and she had to talk about them. "I talked with Shiho yesterday about what happened with Mika at the photoshoot…and what happened the other day, too."
"Wait, what happened the other day?" Ren asked. He wasn't in the loop.
"Oh, right." Ann sighed. "Funnily enough, I wasn't able to help Hifumi with her whole photoshoot. Turns out Mika was there as well…"
"Wow." Ren blinked. "That wasn't intentional or anything, right?"
"Nope." Ann shook her head. "Just one big coincidence. Couldn't do anything about it. And you know what she did? She laughed! She couldn't stop talking about how tough Mika sounded. To be honest, it was a little refreshing…so I can't be too mad about it."
"Even though she took your place twice?" Ren asked.
"Yeah." Ann admitted. "I guess you just need someone to laugh at you to make you feel better…"
"As long as it's a friend, anyway." Ren added.
"They say that laughter is the best medicine, right?" Ann cracked a smile at her own words. But the truth of that was, she knew how real those words were. "I saw another one of her physical therapy sessions. Every time I see how hard she works, it's a little overwhelming. She can barely move, but she tries so hard…"
"You're trying hard too, you know." Ren replied. "I'm sure that knowing she has your support is the reason she's working so hard."
"I know, but…" Ann started to wipe at her eyes. Without even realizing it, she was about to cry. "The whole time she was complaining about things she never normally would, her legs were swollen, and she was in tears by the end. She finished…she asked me to come to keep her motivated. I just wanted to make sure stop in the middle of it…" She really couldn't stop her tears, despite wiping them away. They just kept coming, which was annoying her.
"Ann…" Ren wasn't really sure what to say. It sounded like this was hard on Ann and he couldn't blame her for feeling this way.
"It makes me wonder if I've really gotten stronger at all." Ann slumped back in her seat. "Shiho…Hifumi…I want to strengthen my heart so I can really help them both. The last two days have been a sort of a wakeup call…but I don't know what I can do. How can I help Shiho?"
Ren had to think about it for a moment. Ann was putting a lot on herself to help two people at once, but he knew exactly what that was like. "Show them your strength. I think they're both leaning on you, and it might feel like a lot…but if you show how strong you can be, they'll be able to pull through as well."
"My strength…" Ann pondered on that for a moment. She wiped her eyes a few more times. "I get it…yeah. You know, Ren…you help me see things clearly sometimes. Agh…now my nose is all runny."
"Er…" Ren was about to say it was no problem, but Ann had to follow up with that remark.
"What!? Pretty girls get runny noses too!" Ann said defensively. Ren wasn't going to argue with this.
.
.
Later on in that same evening, Ren decided to be a bit risky, spending some time with Akechi outside of a café. "I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but I must say this cake was delicious." Akechi said with a firm nod.
"Yeah, it wasn't that bad. I'm still shocked you only really eat sweets as a publicity stunt. I feel lied to." Ren replied.
"People tend to enjoy something more when someone with some fame does. That's just how it goes." Akechi responded. Their conversation didn't get to last long as a few girls passed them by, recognizing Akechi from TV. Realizing their gazes were directed towards him, Akechi instinctively turned his head to the side, buying a little bit of time by hiding his face.
"Ah…is that Goro Akechi…the Detective Prince?"
"It totally looks like it…! Should I ask for an autograph!?"
"…It looks like I've been spotted." Akechi sighed. How unfortunate. He was enjoying his time with someone, but his reputation was going to ruin that.
"That must be difficult for you. I can shoo them away?" Ren suggested.
"I think it's best if I got going, actually…" Akechi replied.
The commotion caused by the two girls drew the attention of other onlookers. "Hey, is there a celebrity over there?!"
"I think so…!"
"Agh…I should leave. I'll only cause trouble if I remain." Akechi said.
"Nah, hold on…" Ren stood up, walking over to Akechi. "I got an idea."
"W-What are you…!?" Akechi's eyes went wide as Ren approached. It all happened so fast, he didn't even have the chance to react. Ren ruffled Akechi's hair until it was messy and unkempt, and also stuck his glasses on him, since he truly didn't really need them. By the time Ren stepped back, Akechi looked like a completely different person. "….."
"No Akechi here. This is just my friend. They get confused for him a lot at first glance." Ren told the onlookers.
"…Oh, I guess there is no one there."
"What a shame, I was hoping it was really him…" The growing crowd quickly dispersed in disappointment. Once the coast was clear, Ren took his glasses back and Akechi fixed his hair.
"…I can't believe you did that. You really know how to surprise me." Akechi wasn't even mad. He thought it was amusing. "I really should learn to watch what I say around you."
"You looked great." Ren chuckled. "I should've taken a picture.
"Is that so? Well, who else could make a peasant out of the detective prince?" Akechi replied with a chuckle of his own. Ren was truly something else. It was odd, but it felt nice to have someone go through that much effort just to continue hanging out with him.
"Don't worry, I'll keep this between us." Ren said while leaning back. "Oh right…wanted to ask you something. I know you said on TV that you think Medjed and the Phantom Thieves are both not great…but I wanted to know who you wanted to win between them."
"Hm?" Akechi straightened up. "Now that's an interesting question, considering you are aware of my stance on both sides. I think it would be best if neither side 'won' this little battle."
"I know…" Ren began. "But I still want to hear what you think. If you had to pick one side."
"Hm…" Akechi paused for a moment. "Well, if Medjed is serious about their 'cleanse' then I would rather the Phantom Thieves submit and reveal themselves. I do not think Medjed is an opponent the Phantom Thieves can defeat. I will remain steadfast on that opinion."
"I thought you might say that…but I just wanted to make sure. As you can guess, I think the Phantom Thieves might surprise us. The people on the Phansite think so too." Ren nodded.
"Oh yes…that website forum for the Phantom Thieves and all…" Akechi said, yet he was smiling. "Our opinions continue to clash…but I am growing a bit fond of this. It's not often I encounter someone who keeps their opinions opposite to mine. It's still very refreshing."
"Yeah…it's nice." Ren gave a slight smile. He could sense Akechi's gratitude towards him for this time they spent together. Even if they were rivals, they could still enjoy moments like these as well…
.
.
August 1st.
What a long, exhausting week this was. Hifumi was pretty tired and felt bad her responsibilities were slowing the team down with Medjed's cleanse only 20 days away. But it was all over now, so she could get back into the action soon. Hifumi was taking her time relaxing in Kanda in the church as usual, practicing some defensive shogi moves. "I should tell them I'll be ready to go tomorrow…"
That's when a fan of hers approached, unable to hide how giddy he was to meet her. "E-Excuse me, Togo-san…!"
"Huh…?" Hifumi looked up and spotted an unfamiliar face. A fan. "O-Oh, hello." While she was a little outgoing with Ann and the others of the Phantom Thieves, she still had difficulty speaking with fans and strangers with the same enthusiasm. "Did you need something?"
"I-I just wanted to say how great you looked on that magazine cover!" The male said. "C-Can I shake your hand…?"
"Oh, um…sure." Hifumi gave a slight nod, extending her hand to shake the excited fan's own. It was about this time that Ren walked into the church and he was kinda watching this whole thing.
"Thank you for shaking my hand. I'm never gonna wash it again!" The fan said excitedly.
Hifumi blinked in utter surprise. He what?! "Um…please wash it."
"I can't believe you're really here, in a church…I read online that you pray to God every day for victory! Is that true?"
"Er…no, I don't…" Hifumi began.
"Should I step in…?" Ren wasn't sure. This fan was a bit overbearing, at least from his point of view.
"Can I take a selfie with you and post it online?" The fan asked.
"I've been rejecting such requests, I'm sorry." Hifumi replied.
"Is it true you're trying to become a professional shogi player?!" Question after question, this fan just kept going, barely allowing Hifumi the chance to relax.
"Well, nothing's been…" Hifumi couldn't even get a word in edgewise.
"I'll be rooting for you! You really have my support, I believe in you!"
"Thank you…." Hifumi said. With that, the excited fan left. "…I really hope he washes that hand."
"Sounds like you've been kept busy." Ren took a seat next to Hifumi.
"Oh, hello, Ren…" Hifumi let out a quiet sigh. "Men like that approach me all the time. It's a little exhausting to tell the truth. I don't like causing a scene either. It has only grown more overbearing with the release of that magazine…"
"The Venus of Shogi?" Ren asked. He saw it.
"Oh. You've seen it." Hifumi deflated a little. "It was…"
"I think it suits you." Ren said.
Hifumi seemed a little off guard by that. But not in a bad way, she was just surprised. "You're simply flattering me. While I was off posing, you guys were waiting for me to hurry up so we can save Futaba."
"It's okay, we've got time." Ren eased Hifumi's worries. "We're a team, so we all have to be ready to go in."
"I know, but I still feel bad about it." Hifumi sighed. "My mother was very difficult to work with this week. It is like she's attempting to manage a celebrity, but I don't want that kind of fame."
"I'm guessing you've tried talking to her about it?" Ren said.
"Mhm. Multiple times, but she always shuts me down." Hifumi let out a sigh. "It grows tiresome. But I'm glad I have you all to speak to. Before all of you, I only really had the priest here. He's my shogi friend…and he doesn't laugh at my embarrassing habits…"
"They're not that bad. At least you can scream those names out in the Metaverse and we won't laugh at you." Ren said this but he was fighting back a teasing smile.
"…Please don't. I get carried away there too." Hifumi was still embarrassed either way. "Oh…! Speaking of…I actually came up with something I wanted to try. It's a bit of a defensive technique. I'm not sure how well it'll work out, but I'm tired of not contributing much in battle."
"You pull your fair share, don't worry." Ren reassured her. "But if you've got something you want to attempt at, I'll help you. That's what friends are for."
"Thanks…it means a lot. Don't worry, I'll give you an idea for a tactic I had you can make use of as well. This should provide better efficiency than throwing down smoke bombs all the time." Hifumi presented a soft smile. Her demeanor, while still soft, was much friendlier with those she was used to. "So…this is my idea…"
.
.
Once Ren returned home after helping Hifumi with her tactics, and learning a new one of his own, he lied down on his bed. "Today was a day…but Hifumi will be ready to go tomorrow." He told Morgana.
"I hope so." Morgana sat at the foot of Ren's bed. "I've been thinking about Hifumi a bit…er, how she performance in battle. I was just wondering about her mask…it doesn't work like all of yours."
Ren lifted his head up, staring at Morgana curiously. "You mean how it only comes off halfway when she summons her Persona? Or how she's tired after a while?"
"Yeah." Morgana nodded. "As you already know, your mask is a representation of your inner self. Ripping if off is calling forth your true self. She did awaken, but it doesn't seem like she's still acting on her 'true' self…"
"Can you awaken without being true to yourself?" Ren questioned.
"There was something true that caused her to awaken. But I think it's a subconscious block. I'm not sure how to explain it." Morgana sighed. This was a confusing situation. "But it's the best thing I could surmise after all this time."
"So she's holding herself back subconsciously…? Huh…" Ren laid back down. "I know she's trying her best. We'll just have to make sure we're there for her when the time does come. But tomorrow…we go and help Futaba."