Defender31415: Thanks, glad you liked it. I was planning on changing things around even if I followed canon plenty before. Circe and Pluto's roles are going to be revealed eventually. Also, I have a different plan regarding the Velvet Room but it's something for later.
Vangran: Actually, you make a good point. I haven't really looked at it like that before but it really doesn't make sense that Okumura's Shadow was the only one who didn't disappear after his treasure was taken. Futaba was a special case but it really is weird. I'm not sure what made you think Circe and Pluto were talking about Yu actually...
Leaving Mercurius to the end really was disappointing to me. I mean, Mona learned plenty around this time and it was a chance for him to grow and prove his strength. I couldn't think of a better time to use him.
A couple of days passed since President Okumura's change of heart but nothing seemed to come of it yet. Haru had reported that her father was simply rather quiet and keeping to himself, even she had never seen him like this before. This had come as a bit of a relief as due to previous experience, they knew the effect of their work was setting in.
Namine was walking down a street with Morgana, Ann, Haru, Takuto and Ryuji as they continued to talk.
''So your father aside, has there been any issue? Like with Sugimura's family for instance?'' Takuto wanted to know.
''Actually...'' Haru's expression gave an answer on its own. ''...Sugimura came clean after we changed his heart. There were other people who knew what he was like but they were too scared. Seeing what happened to Matsuoka-san, I don't blame them. Some people didn't want to believe it-his mother tried to blame me for spreading stories about him.''
''Are you kidding me?!'' Ann cried while the others looked similarly outraged. ''He's the one who screws up and it's your fault?''
Ryuji scowled ''That lousy little...!''
''It's okay, really.'' Haru cut in. ''It didn't fly at all-hardly anybody believed her. Sugimura stopped her and apologized to me too.''
''...well, that's good.'' The teen relented.
Namine nodded ''But if anyone gives you grief...''
''...you can get us to help, you know that, right?'' Ann finished for her.
Haru smiled ''Yes, thank you.''
Morgana blinked as they arrived at a new street ''Hey, this is our stop.''
Ann took a look at the area ''Oh, we should be getting off here too. My next shoot isn't too far away...you still coming, Ryuji?''
''Yeah-we agreed, remember?'' He returned, putting his hands in his pockets.
Haru gave the two a curious look ''I was wondering-is this a usual arrangment, you two?''
''Oh, it just started recently. Namine goes with me every now and then but Ryuji comes along when he has nothing better to do, I guess.'' Ann returned.
The teen in question gave her a look ''You don't gotta say it like that...I was jut trying to help.''
''And you have been.'' Namine assured brightly. ''So would it be safe to say Ryuji's discovering his gentlemanly side, Ann?''
Ann thought over ''Well...''
''Again, you're giving him too much credit. I can apply a bunch of words to Ryuji but gentleman definitely wouldn't be one.'' Morgana stated flatly.
Ryuji scowled ''Oi!''
''I don't know...'' Takuto seemed amused by the exchange ''...judging by what I've heard, I'd say that wouldn't be far off from the truth.''
''Well, I think it's sweet of you to help Ann-chan.'' Haru added with a smile.
The boy seemed a bit embarrassed ''C-come on, don't make a big deal out of it...''
Ann's lips twitched ''They're just telling it how it is though. I told you, I was glad you guys came and I appreciate your help. Let's go.''
Morgana's mouth fell at this, watching the two leave. Takuto chuckled ''Come on, Morgana, you should give credit where it's due.''
''I think you shouldn't hold your breath on this one, Sensei.'' Namine stated.
''You can't complain if it's true, Mona-chan.'' Haru added, noting his expression. She knew Morgana had changed recently but he was still too hard on Ryuji sometimes.
Takuto smiled as the feline harrumphed, deciding to leave the matter be for now. ''Shall we be on our way then?''
With Haru leaving eventually to pick up some things for her father, this left the three of them to arrive at Takuto's office. Morgana mentioned how Namine was getting back into the swing of her old hobby, to the man's pleasant surprise. Namine then proceeded to follow up on their previous talk here, explaining how she talked to her grandparents about her fears and they proceeded to allay them.
Takuto was very glad to hear it. He knew the girl loved her grandparents but it was only natural for her to feel some apprehension given her experiences. ''That's great news! It's nice to hear that you've cleared the air. They'll be coming to settle down here in a while, right?''
Namine nodded ''They don't think they can stay in our former home. I think they're used to living in the city since they did when they were younger. I actually told them about you-they want to meet you too.''
''I'm looking forward to it.'' He returned, placing drinks for her and Morgana. ''I have to admit-looking at Morgana just reminds me how even how ignorant I was about the Metaverse even with all the effort I put in to learn before. I would've assumed he was a Shadow at first but things clearly aren't that simple.''
''Of course not.'' The cat huffed, offended at the thought of being considered a Shadow. ''It wouldn't make any sense-besides, whoever heard of a Shadow who can use a Persona anyway?''
''There is that. But he's right, Mona, you're definitely special in more ways than one.'' Namine remarked, making him smile. ''I guess stuff like what we've seen especially recently would really get you thinking, huh?''
''You can that again.'' Takuto leaned back. ''The more I learned about the Cognitive World, the more amazed I became. I refuse to believe that it could only be used for evil like this terrible organization believes, the Phantom Thieves are living proof of how much good it can do. The circumstances that lead to this may not be the best, the same goes for the methods but there's no denying that you tried to make the best out of the situation. All because you cared enough to try-I think that's remarkable and it means a lot.''
Namine was glad he understood, despite their concerns about having an adult in their team, Takuto continued to prove that he was more than trustworthy.
Apparently, he had been thinking along similar lines, for he continued ''I know you were worried about including me but I want to put that to a stop. I definitely understand that you all have more than enough reasons to mistrust adults but like I said before, I won't waste the chance you gave me. Yet the fact that you were even willing to try, to help out others like you have been all this time is nothing short of amazing to me.''
''I just found that I couldn't walk away when I could help somehow.'' Namine stated with a shrug. ''I had my low points too. At first, I thought I could just lay low and try to avoid trouble but that's not me. Maybe I'm just that bad at giving up?''
Takuto thought that was oversimplifying it ''Modest as ever. From what I've seen and heard, you've more than proved your strength over time, beating the odds again and again. It sounds like no one else could've been the team's leader, for one thing.''
''Oh, that's for sure. We owe her a lot.'' Morgana agreed. He knew he and the others had come to rely on Namine-he didn't think they could've mad it this far without her.
The girl half-smiled ''That goes both ways, you know. Besides, I think we've all beaten the odds in our own ways. Isn't that why we could stand up and fight when it really counts?''
Both smiled at this, acknowleding that was unchallengingly true. After all, it was this tenacity and that allowed them to take off their masks and acquire their Personas.
''You definitely seem interested to keep learning, Takuto-sensei. I guess you haven't given up on your earlier goal, right?'' Namine added.
''Was I that obvious?'' He chuckled. ''Even with what was said about my plans being useless, I don't want to give up. I've learned plenty recently and knowing what I've come to know about Cognitive Psience really feels like it could help. I have no aspirations about getting my research back but I don't want to let things end like this either. I really want to keep using all I've learned to help people.''
''That's good. I think Yusuke called it right, we could use more people like you out there.'' The girl returned sincerely.
''Thank you. Although, I'm just talking it up now...I have no idea how I'm supposed to go about this but I still want to make it work somehow.'' Takuto admitted.
Namine seemed pleased ''Great, you definitely have the right idea. You'll have us to help for sure.''
''Yeah...'' He may known the team for a short while but they were already treating him like a good friend. "...that means a lot."
On their way back to Leblanc, Namine and Morgana ran into Yusuke...
''I guess he's people-watching again.''
Morgana's comment brought the artist's attention to the duo ''Ah, hello you two.''
''Hey, looks like you've been busy.'' Namine returned, noting his sketchbook.
Morgana looked over her shoulder to see the drawing he'd been working on ''Oh, that looks good!''
''Thank you. Before I'd even realized it, I was taken with the urge.'' Yusuke glanced at the drawing. ''I may have gotten carried away though. I thought it might prove to be an ideal piece but it seems...lackluster.''
''Really?'' The feline thought otherwise but Yusuke likely held to higher standards.
Namine appeared thoughtful ''...Did you have fun?'' The two looked at her as she added. ''How did you feel while you were working on it? Were you having fun?''
''I was...'' He admitted after a moment. ''...I found an image and I wanted to capture. It almost felt like the way I used to be before...''
''Isn't that good enough?'' She tilted her head a bit. ''I mean, you said you missed this feeling before-just the pure happiness from doing what you like. There was no reason to worry over your slump or anything, right? Even if you didn't find what you were hoping for yet, this is still progress.''
Yusuke seemed taken aback at this, chuckling a moment later. ''...You may be right about that. I was so preoccupied with the results that I never looked at it that way...''
''It can help to get a new perspective.'' Morgana piped up.
''Indeed.'' He returned and Namine's perspective was something he was certainly coming to rely on.
Yusuke was about to thank the girl when he heard a loud grunt to their right. A young woman was standing near a music store, watching as a delivery man settled a guitar on a podium. ''There, it's fixed. That's what Fujitaka wanted.''
''...I wonder about that...'' Namine muttered..
He gave her a curious look as she seemed to give the guitar a critical once over ''What do you mean?''
She paused, not realizing she'd verbalized her thought but decided to explain ''...I'm not fully sure since I'm just looking it over from here but I've seen guitar parts up close. Grandpa helped me fix one up before. If I'm right...this guy's getting scammed.''
The girl missed how both the young woman and the delivery man had noticed her, the latter frowning ''What's that mean? Mind your own business. You don't know what you're talking about.''
The young woman raised an eye ''You're awfully touchy...'' She gave him a shrewd look, her eyes narrowing. ''...hm, kid? Come here a sec.'' Namine blinked and walked over as the former came over with the guitar. ''It sounds like you could use a closer look-how's this?''
Morgana was surprised to see how accepting she was of Namine's idle observation but then he noticed the delivery man appearing worried...
Namine took a moment to examine the instrument. ''...I thought so. It looks good on the surface but this work's actually kind of flimsy. For one thing, the string doesn't look like it'll last long. Plus, this handle seems like it'll be hard to use.''
The young woman seemed impressed ''I had my doubts about the handle but I never even noticed the string-you've got a real good eye.''
''Hey, wait a...!'' The delivery man started to protested.
''I'd have to agree.'' A man came out of the store, frowning at him. ''This is definitely not what I asked for. My friend assured that I could rely on your company's works but this is unacceptable. I won't be taking that-you can tell your boss to expect a call from me soon.''
''But I can't just go back...what do I do...?'' He tried to say.
The young woman glared at him, shoving the guitar in his arms ''Figure it out.''
As he walked away, the man looked at Namine ''Thank you, young lady. That was a big help.''
''Oh, it was nothing. I've been around some instruments since I was little so I guess something just stood out to me.'' She glanced at the store through the window. ''That's a nice place you've got.''
''Isn't it? Come on in.'' The young woman smiled, leading them inside. ''Uncle Fujitaka just reopened the place last week. We dealt with that company before but they were nothing but trouble-I actually thought they might have changed for the better but that was clearly too optimistic.''
''Well, let's be glad it all worked out for the best.'' Fujitaka paused and looked at Namine. ''Ah, sorry-my name's Konno Fujitaka, that's my niece Asuka.''
The girl introduced herself and her friends in return, Asuka then spoke up ''So I guess judging by your experience-you're a fellow music lover, huh, kiddo?''
Namine nodded ''I've been learning all I can for years. I stopped for a while but I've been getting some practice when I can.''
Fujitaka and his niece appeared intrigued ''Then, would you mind playing for us?'' Namine blinked and he continued. ''It's easy to see you're experienced but I have to admit, I'm curious about your skills.''
''I guess that's okay...'' The girl stopped to think, wondering what she should do.
Yusuke got the ball rolling ''How about you try singing?''
''Well, if that works...'' She looked at Fujitaka, who nodded. ''...all right then!''
The following day, at school...
Namine was with Ann as they headed to the student council's office to see Makoto, with the former regaling the latter about the event.
''Heeh, so what did they say after the song?'' The model asked, though she had a good guess.
''Well...'' Her friend began to smile. ''...they were really nice-saying I did great and all...''
''I knew it!'' Ann smiled. ''And then?''
''They said I could come practice when I want and Asuka-san said I can work part-time there.'' The girl finished.
''Looks like there's more people who appreciate talent when they see it.'' Ann said brightly. ''Now...''
Namine raised an eye at the sudden pause ''Ann?'' Curious, she followed the girl's line of sight to find Kawakami leaving the nurse's office. Neither missed how weary she appeared or that Akie was watching her with clear concern. That was clearly for good reason, even from here, she looked worn-out.
''Hyakuya, Takamaki!''
The girls looked back to see Ushimaru walking over, frowning ''Have you seen Kawakami-sensei?''
''She just went downstairs.'' Ann replied. ''She looked exhausted, Sensei. Why'd she even come today?''
He sighed ''We tried to find out but she refuses to say a thing. It took me a while to convince her not to worry about lessons today and actually get some rest.''
''Oh...we were supposed to have a clas with her.'' Namine looked back in the direction Kawakami had taken. ''Here's to hoping she does get some rest...''
After school, Namine went over to Untouchable...
''Hurry up and learn this stuff, kid. You've gotta be able to start lookin' like a normal employee.'' Iwai stated. ''I'm s'pposed to be runnin' an honorable buisness here, y'know...though honestly the customers've been runnin' a little thin lately.''
The girl blinked ''They have?''
''It's because of some on the internet claimin' all my goods're knocks off.'' He said with a frown. ''And once you've got a bad rep like that, it's real tough to shake it.''
''Hmm...that's actually true even outside buisnesses.'' Namine muttered. She knew the feeling all too well.
But he heard her ''Speaking from experience?'' She nodded but didn't say more. ''Figures...guess you wouldn't be doin' any of this if you weren't, huh...Don't feel like you have to gimme any details though. I don't wanna know.''
Namine was a bit surprised, having expected otherwise. In a way, she was glad though-she wasn't really feeling up to explaining this again...
''Anyway, I should prolly fill you in on what's goin' on here since you'll be helpin' me out. I'd bet anythin' the guy behind the rumor is Tsuda.''
''The one you were talking about back in the diner?'' She clarified.
''Exactly. Truth is, he's a lieutanant in the Hashiba Clan. The same clan I was in...back when I was part of the yakuza.'' He gave her a speculative look, noting her eyes widening a little. ''What, nothing to say about that?''
''About you being former yakuza?'' The girl tilted her head. ''I mean, I wasn't expecting something like but I don't mind. I don't see what that has to do with us now-or why it should change things.''
Iwai's lips twitched ''Fair enough. That makes this all the more easier. Anyways, Tsuda was my sworn brother back in the clan. I got some...unsavory buisness goin' down with him now though. Problem is, I'm a known quantity in the underworld. One bad step and I'd have guys crawlin' all over me. That why you're here. You look normal but you've got guts, kid. Makes you perfect for snoopin' on Tsuda.'' Iwai paused. ''...Hope I ain't scarin' you off with all this talk.''
She shook her head ''We made a deal, didn't we?''
''Heh, guess I should've known...Anyways, you get the gist of what's goin' on now, yeah? You'll be workin' with that in mind. I expect a lot from you kid.'' The man remarked. ''Oh and I'll be adding to the special menu, to thank you for gettin' that info for me the other day.''
''H-hello...'' A new voice said.
Iwai started ''Huh...? I thought I told you to stop comin' here.'' Namine looked on curiously as the boy fidgeted a little and mumbled something about wanting to help. ''It's fine, I've got it handled.''
The boy bit his lip, looking like he wanted to say more but he seemed to think better of it as he turned and left, his expression downcast.
''Iwai-san, who...'' She started.
''That's Kaoru. My son. He's always askin' me if he can help out here, always worryin' about what I'm gettin' up to.'' Iwai sighed. ''But I prolly shouldn't be tellin' a kid like you about this...Anyways, you can head back for today. Nice work, kid.''
''Thanks...'' Namine picked her bag. ''...you know, I'm meeting my friends tomorrow to go to a carnival. It's actually close by-Kaoru-kun seemed kind of down, maybe it could help cheer him up?''
The man blinked, considering that ''There's an idea...so, where's this carnival happening?''
It was right after that when Namine got a text from Futaba. Apparently, the girl wanted to go to Harajuku-having not been there in a long time. On her way over, the girl encountered Akechi, who happened to be heading in the same direction...
Futaba smiled when she saw Namine arrive, surprised to see Akechi with her ''What're you doing here?''
''I heard about the situation so I thought I could help. If you recall, I did promise the other day.''
The girl blinked, recalling that he indeed had offered his aid when they had lunch in Leblanc together. It just reminded her that he really was nicer than he seemed to be on the first impression. ''O-oh, yeah...''
''So, you ready to go?'' Namine inquired.
The hacker perked up, reminding herself to focus. As always her presence was so reassuring, leading her to believe that she could do this. ''Yup!''
Futaba shrunk closer to the two teens as they continued to traverse the streets of Harajuku ''Man...I don't remember it being this crowded. I don't know if I can do this...''
Akechi's brow furrowed in concern. He'd heard about her social anxiety but this was worse than anything he'd imagined. It made him understand how much damage Sae could've caused if her plans involving the Sakuras had gone through. Just the thought of the poor girl being forced back to the relatives who caused this was appalling.
Namine patted her shoulder ''Hey, relax, you're doing better. You've been making strides lately.''
''You think so? But I messed up in school and in Akihabara...and look at me now...'' Futaba pointed out.
''So? Everyone can have their setbacks-what's important is that you keep trying.''
''R-right...I just wanna be a normal human, Namine...'' She mumbled, looking down.
''I've got your back. I'm your key item, remember?'' The girl winked, making the hacker smile. ''We're all going to help-you just have to remember not to give up.''
''Yeah-I'll give it a try!''
Akechi half-smiled ''That's the spirit. You know, Futaba-chan, it looks like the problem is that you were so nervous you never really looked around, that's why you're bumping into people.''
''Oh...'' Futaba blinked. ''...you really think that's why?''
''Sounds about right.'' Namine stated as he nodded. ''You did pretty good with me and Shiho at the mall, remember? Think of this as something similar.''
''Just walk around and keep a good eye out. Eventually, you'll see that there's nothing to fear.'' Akechi advised.
''W-was it really that simple?...Guys, I wanna try again! I'll definitely do better this time!'' Futaba declared.
''Atta girl, you got this!'' Namine cheered while the detective smiled as they followed her.
Futaba happily surveyed a store that held both comics and manga, though her attention was all on its Featherman merchandise. ''Oh, this is brilliant! They're going to get some new figures soon. Look...'' She pointed to a poster on the wall. ''...it'll be the ones I want!''
Namine raised an eye at the poster ''Hey, those look like...aren't they the ones in your room?''
''Yeah, but that jerk Inari ruined two of them. They were never the same since. Remember when he switched their heads around and messed with their poses?''
''Oh, right...'' She nodded, smiling as she added. ''...well, I guess we'll be coming back to make up for it, won't we?''
''Mmhm!'' Futaba beamed, having been about to ask her just that.
The girl noticed Akechi looking around with interest, seemingly lost in thought. ''Hey, you know about Featherman?''
''Hm? Of course. I actually watched a couple of iterations...though it's been years. Some of the merchandise reminded me of those times, it's actually entertaining...'' He glanced at one of the figures. ''...oh, I remember this one. I really wanted to get it. I was saving for it for weeks...''
Futaba seemed impressed ''Good taste, detective. I never even thought you'd know about Featherman, let alone actually watch it...you must've been a fan! You really keep surprising me...''
''Well, I consider that a good thing...'' Akechi gave her a dry look ''...that being said-do I even want to know what kind of person you took me to be?''
The hacker laughed sheepishly and he guessed that the answer was probably not.
Namine shook her head in amusement. ''Okay, come on you two-how about we go and have lunch?''
Afterwards, she went to see Chihaya, wondering how the fortune teller fared after their last talk...
She appeared to be in a great mood ''Namine-chan, there's so much I want to tell you. Recently, my reputation has really started shooting up. A lot of my clients leave happy now! I even managed to use my own powers to alter some fates that once seemed inevitable...''
Namine smiled, she truly seemed proud of the work she put in-as well she should. ''That's great.''
''I suppose all you really need to change fate is a strong will, like what you have. I wish I could do more though...''
''Are you on break right now, Mifune-kun?'' A man walked over.
She stiffened ''F-Fukurai-san?!''
The man looked at Namine ''So are you the apprentice I've heard so much about? I've been wondering...why are you interested in Mifune-kun?''
''It just started out as checking out a rumor and I decided to help afterwards. Chihaya-san's obviously good at her work.'' Namine returned honestly.
''Indeed.'' The man smiled. ''I have to commend your judgement in choosing Mifune-kun. Her fortunes are like a light, guiding lost lambs through the unending darkness ahead.''
Aforementioned fortune teller began to explain ''By the way, Hyakuya-san...this man here is Fukurai-san. He's um...the chairman of the ADP.''
The girl blinked ''ADP?''
This made Chihaya pause ''Oh, right-I never got around to telling you. It standss for...''
But Fukurai himself answered ''Assembly of the Divine Power. Our goal is to relieve the hearts and minds of today's weary souls via healing events and seminars.''
''Wow, that sounds nice...'' Namine trailed off.
''Thank you. We also sell Holy Stones, the well from which our divine power springs. They are a large part of our buisness.'' Fukurai informed.
''Fukurai-san, um...'' Chihaya began.
''That reminds me, Yokoda-kun was telling you've been acting a little...strange recently. More importantly, it seems you've started falling behind on your Holy Stones sales quotes. Is everything OK?''
''Y-Yes, I'll cover the decrease in revenue with my fortune telling fees.'' Chihaya fidgeted. ''Um, Fukurai-san...I, um, I'm not sure how effective these Holy Stones really are...''
''Excuse me?'' His eyes narrowed.
She hid a wince at his tone ''W-well...''
''Do you remember who showed you the way when you arrived from the countryside, lost and confused? Do you remember who saved you when you were stuck working in a seedy club with no place to turn to? It was me. Are you saying you no longer have trust in someone who's done so much for you?''
''Th-that's not it...'' She mumbled.
Namine looked on, wide-eyed. She had a feeling that things hadn't been easy for he blonde since she left her home but to think it was this bad...
Fukurai presssed on ''Then enough of this skepticism, remember who turned you into what you are today. Just focus on continuing your role as the Maiden of Relief. Read the futures of those unfortunate souls who come to us and lead them to salvation with the Holy Stones...'' He paused. ''...You don't want things to go back to how they were, do you Mifune-kun?''
''How were they?'' Namine wondered. Something about this man was really rubbing her the wrong way.
''Ah, she didn't tell you? She once broke down in front of me, saying how everyone called her a monster. If she doesn't carry her weight as the Maiden of Relief, you'll be exactly that...a monster.'' Chihaya flinched at this.
''Wait just a minute...'' Namine cut in, standing. ''...leave her alone. Chihaya-san is most definitely not a monster!''
The fortune-teller stared ''Namine-chan...''
''...Fine. If you want to spend your time fooling around with this child, go right ahead. But don't forget, Mifune-kun: The ADP is the only place you'll ever belong.'' He walked away.
Chihaya started to laugh a few moments later, though it was obviously forced. ''I-I've never actually worked at a night club! I did get tricked into walking into one though...Anyway, the Chairman is known for exaggerating details...'' She looked down. ''...You must think I'm weird, huh? All this talk about me a maiden or a monster.''
''That maiden stuff sounds like it was his idea. After that display, I'll take anything he says with a grain of salt.'' Namine said flatly. ''My opinion won't change. Either way, you're just Chihaya-san to me.''
''Huh...?'' Her eyes widened. ''Nobody's ever treated me so nicely before. By the way, it was pretty amazing how we stood up to the Chairman back there. I would never have been able to talk to him about the Holy Stones had I been alone. But your strength helped me speak up, I need to be strong like you more often...''
''No one can be strong all the time. I know I'm not either.'' The girl cut in. ''There's nothing wrong with needing help every now and then-no matter what anyone says. Look at what you've done lately-you put in all that effort because you care, only a really good person would do that. There's no way you're a monster.''
Chihaya seemed touched, a smile spreading across her face as she responded ''...Thanks a lot, Namine-chan. I really appreciate that.''
The next day...
Namine and Morgana were just leaving for school when she found Futaba outside Leblanc. The girl suddenly shrank and clung to her back, startling her.
Morgana blinked ''Futaba, what's...?''
Sojiro, who had been near the door, joined them upon noticing this ''What's the matter?''
''I don't know...'' Namine trailed off as Futaba pointed behind them, making them spot Sae, who was entering the street.
Futaba wasn't the only one wary of the prosecutor. There seemed to be at least a couple of passerby who were eyeing with clear distaste. Morgana quietly brought this to his friends' attention and Namine asked the question he had in mind ''...What's with them?''
''My guess is, they've seen her in action before.'' Sojiro stated. The girls looked at him curiously and he elaborated. ''I asked about her. She's good at her work but she's ruthless. I don't doubt they know people she might have helped put away in jail...and I'm not sure all of them deserved it.''
''Is that really how it is? It's kind of hard imagining her like that after what Makoto said...'' Morgana mused, Futaba nodded in agreement. Makoto was a fervent believer in justice and she made it clear Sae was the same way. It really made them wonder...
The prosecutor paused upon noticing them. Sojiro's expression made it clear that he had no intention of talking to her. ''If you're still set on what you said before than save it. I've got nothing to say to you and stay away from those two.''
Sae held up a hand ''I don't want any trouble, I came here since I heard about someone who had a change of heart in the area. I think I may have taken a wrong turn though...''
''So...you think it'll help your investigation?'' Namine asked after a moment.
''I'm hoping it would.'' She admitted. ''Akechi-kun seems to be under the impression that learning more about the Phantom Thieves is for the best but it's ridiculous. All around are people who believe in them so much...they're criminals, yet people seem not to care at all.''
Sojiro rolled his eyes ''Well, I can't say I don't understand. The Phantom Thieves seem to achieve more than the police. You sure you're not sore because they're making you look bad?''
Her eyes narrowed at the obvious dig ''...It's absurd. How do you know they really mean well? They could easily turn on their so called fans when it's convenient for them. They haven't even targeted the one person they were expected to, they might be preparing for a big move.''
''But that's just speculation, isn't it?'' Namine countered. ''Maybe there are other reasons they don't follow the public's expectations. You clearly don't have much to go on. It's like you're just satisfied to paint things black and white. The Phantom Thieves operate outside the law so they have to be bad, is that it?''
Sae scowled ''What's your point?''
''It just seems really close minded. Nothing is perfect, not even the law. Not everyone can simply believe...things aren't just black and white. People are never that simple. Gray areas exist too, there's been plenty of proof.'' Namine patted Futaba's shoulder. ''You want to go over to your place?''
The hacker nodded, letting the older girl lead her away. Sojiro idly noticed Sae huff and storm away, it looked like she didn't have much to say. He had to admit, while the talk came as a surprise, that made for a satisfying sight.
The more he thought about Namine's words, the more they sounded right to him. He didn't quite know what to make of the Phantom Thieves yet but he wouldn't deny that they seemed to be working for the good of others.
People branded them as dangerous and criminal when things would have been worse without them. He rememebered how Namine and her friends tried to do something about that corrupt teacher but the school got in their way. Even after his charge had to intervene in that suicide incident, they still slandered her for it. The school even completely ignored what happened to Shiho. It was sickening. The girl deserved much better than that. It was only because the Thieves appeared that Kamoshida was stopped. Talking to Yusuke showed him just how corrupt Madarame was, the artist had freely admitted that it was the Thieves who saved him in the end. He wouldn't have had the courage to act without them.
The barista also knew just how much damage Kaneshiro caused, how many suffered under him and how the police didn't do a thing about it. And thus, enter the thieves again. Hell, possibly even with Okumura-though he wasn't too sure about this one as he only heard Futaba mention people putting up a request about him. He would actually be glad if they would do something about him. The girls had told him how that lowlife of a president was planning to practically sell poor Haru into that terrible marriage for his own good. That wasn't even counting the situation around Okumura Foods. Sure, it didn't make their actions lawful but at least they were helping people. He'd also heard Futaba talk about the Phan-Site and just looking at the people thanking the thieves proved how much good they did. And the people who tormented his daughter still just got away with it and she was left to suffer for so long...
The law system was corrupt, that was what almost ruined Namine's life. Was it any wonder she had trouble believing in it?
Morgana exhaled ''That turned out to be heavy, huh?''
''Yeah...'' Namine trailed off. ''...you don't think I said too much, do you? It's just, hearing her talk like that...I guess I couldn't help it.''
''Don't worry, I get it.'' The cat assured. ''You just pointed out the truth. She knows what happened to you. I doubt anyone in your situation can just be expected to believe in the law. Akechi even said anyone could tell something was off about your case if they really look at it, right? We already know she's pretty thorough in her work. She must've done her research about the three of you-isn't that how she knew all she did back when we learned about Futaba?''
''I guess you're right...'' Namine exhaled. ''...well, there's no use worrying about this. Let's go.''
Well, let's stop here.
I struggled with this chapter for a while so I hope it was good. Yusuke's not over the slump yet but as mentioned above, he's making progress. There were some stuff I meant to happen after the change of heart. But it isn't time for them yet, you'll see what it'd be like for Okumura soon.
I got the idea to use Fujitaka and Asuka when I was working on this chapter. In the end, I decided to go for it. They're really going to help Namine get better and better with music.
I have plans for Sae and I'm working on them, she was originally going to apologize but the way the conversation turned put that to a stop. She's going to make up for her mistakes in a real good way though, not just yet. What Namine said really did get to her, even if she didn't show it. Morgana's right, Sae learned plenty about Namine and the Sakuras so she knows something's fishy about her case. It's something she's going to look into eventually.
Welp, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 7)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank Max)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 9)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 6)
Igor (Aeon Rank 6)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 6)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 7)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank Max)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 7)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 6)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 6)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 7)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 4)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 5)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 4)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 6)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 4)
Iwai Munehisa(Hanged Man Rank 3)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 3)
Nijima Sae (Judgement Rank 2)
Maruki Takuto (Councillor Rank 2)