Senran Persona: Ninjas of Hearts

by UknownHero

Collab with JGResidentEvil. Fate can be an interesting thing within life. It can bring unexpected changes that no one can truly see. For two girls, those that were destined to be rivals between good and evil, changed under the masks of rebellion to forge their own true paths. Now get up and stand your ground because these sexy ninjas are gonna steal your heart!

78. Machiavellism of Despair

Hey, UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona! And welcome to the start of the Futaba arc. I just want to clarify that the Sumi cameo won't lead into her being part of this story. It's just to show that she (and Maruki too) exist but don't go to Shujin.

Again, Senran Persona: Ninjas of Hearts has a TV Tropes page. Don't be afraid to add a funny page.

To WX-Lazer: You know, JGResidentEvil had the exact same idea. Actually, a few of your reviews coincide with their ideas. I didn't approve, I don't think it's necessary, but it's food for thought. To Cirque Valentine: We'll...do a reference to PQ2 in the future. It's in our notes.

Anyways, that's it for the reviews, time to bathe in the abyss.

Load Game...Start!

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Chapter 78: Machiavellism of Despair

---

(7/19, Early Morning)

(Hebijo Academy, Training Ground)

It was another day in Hebijo Academy. The sun was blocked by the constant cloudy sky, the trees just as dead as ever and the horrible screams of morning exercise occasionally filled the air.

"I got it...I got it..." Mirai mumbled, balancing three M4 Assault Rifles on her nose while balancing on a log herself. "Yomi-oneechan? Am I at my PB yet?" She soon asked.

"Two more minutes!" Yomi answered as she put the last of the logs on. "And...launch!" She then declared, pulling the catapult before leaping into the air.

At that moment...

WOOSH!

"We're back." Hikage casually informed as she landed on the ground, Poochie landing in-between her breasts only a moment later.

"Arf arf!" Poochie barked out.

"Hikage- AH!" Mirai began, only to...

THUD!

"Aw..." Mirai groaned, her guns clattering to the ground. Thankfully, she didn't load them this time and thus send yet another student to the infirmary. "I really should put the safety on more often." She then mumbled.

"You need to work on your balance." Hikage instructed as she helped the girl up.

"I held it for at least twelve minutes!" The eyepatch-wearing girl stated as she wiped the dirt off her face.

"The average is twelve hours." Hikage however pointed out before looking up at the sky and...

SLICE SLICE SLICE SLICE!

"Incoming." Hikage casually warned as she stepped to the side.

"Hm?" Mirai hummed out.

BONK BONK BONK BONK!

"O-Ow..." Mirai groaned from the pile of chopped wood before sitting up as the blonde elegantly landed. "You did that on purpose!" She soon accused.

"I think you need better reaction times." Yomi giggled. "At least we have enough firewood now." She then added.

"Your aerial attacks are getting slightly better, but you're still putting too much force in your strikes, Yomi-san." Hikage soon informed.

"You're here." Yomi however got out as she blinked. "I thought you would be away longer." She then added.

"I was told to come back early." Hikage sighed out in disappointment before noticing something. "...Where's Suzune-sensei?" She soon asked as she looked around.

"I don't know. Said she had some business to take care of." Yomi replied, unsure of the details. "Getting to leave whenever she wants like that..." She then mumbled out in disapproval.

"One, she's a teacher. And two, I'm pretty sure she asked permission first." Hikage however pointed out. "So, how were things while I was away?" She soon asked, getting straight to the point.

"Surprisingly well." Mirai admitted. "Haven't seen Imu in a while. It was...kinda boring to be honest." She informed and admitted.

"Imu stopped bothering you guys?" Hikage soon asked.

"Well, a while in this context is about...a day and this morning." Yomi clarified. "I heard from a few students that she's been acting weird. And not angry weird, just...worried and sad weird." She then revealed.

"Hm?" Hikage hummed out with a raised eyebrow. "Did you look into it?" She then questioned.

"Nope. As long as she stays away from us, I don't care." Yomi replied before looking down. "...How much was that?" She suddenly questioned in a venomous tone

"You mean my new dress?" Hikage asked as she showed her red sundress dress. "...A friend gifted it to me." She then revealed.

"...It was a gift, so I shall allow it." Yomi responded with a nod of approval.

"Good, you're learning." Hikage quipped with a smirk. And no way in hell would she ever reveal that she ran out of money only two days in. That would've earned her a lecture and bean sprout soup for two weeks.

The loli however was focused on something else. "D-Did your bust get bigger!?" Mirai exclaimed in shock and envy.

"Big Bang Burger Challenge does that." Hikage reminded while shrugging her shoulders. "But it was worth the Captain Badge." She then added.

"Again, a gigantic waste of food and money." Yomi sighed as she shook her head. "But...congratulations. At least you won't be doing it again." She then praised and stated.

"Why didn't it work for me!?" Mirai complained. "All I got was runny poop for a week!" She then cried.

"TMI." Hikage bluntly responded.

"Arooo..." Poochie groaned as she covered her eyes, a futile attempt to shield herself from the images.

"It's okay Poochie, I'll make sure you won't have that nightmare of being crucified." Hikage suddenly reassured while petting the puppy's head.

"...Huh?" Yomi got out in confusion. "How...did you know that...?" She soon asked.

"Poochie had a nightmare on the ride back to Hebijo with Imu crucifying her. With knives." Hikage explained as the puppy whimpered and growled.

"No, not that! I mean how did you know that?" Yomi called out in a somewhat freaked out manner.

"You...You understand her?" Mirai meanwhile got out with a raised eyebrow. "Since when did you become a dog whisperer?" She soon asked.

"We have a very close connection." Hikage simply replied.

"That doesn't explain anything." Mirai deadpanned. The greenette only shrugged in response, basically telling them that was all they were getting from her. "So, how was Tokyo?"

"Enlightening." Hikage replied. "Does Homura-san call you more often?" She soon asked.

"She sends text messages and photos. They're really nice." Mirai answered as she showed the greenette a picture their leader took. It was of an advert with her roommate on it, while the girl herself was blushing madly next to it.

"Yosh. That solves one problem. Now for the other one." Hikage got out as she pumped her fist.

"There's another problem?" Yomi questioned before groaning. "What is it this time?" She soon asked.

Hikage quickly looked around to see if anyone was nearby before leaning in. "Me and Haruka-san talked and...we are thinking of leaving Hebijo." She revealed.

"WHAT!?" Mirai exclaimed before cursing under her breath. "Why?" She then whispered.

"After everything we went through since Homura-san left and Imu's arrival, things have been miserable." Hikage reminded, causing the others to wince. "We need to be free from this place, find our own meaning of life and Haruka-san and I...I think we've found it. This place and the people here will only guide us to our early deaths. I'm not willing to die for someone else's cause and bullshit. We deserve better." She then explained. "So I'll be blunt, are you in?" She suddenly asked.

"Huh? I-In what?" Mirai got out in confusion.

"In on leaving Hebijo behind." Hikage clarified.

"..." Yomi and Mirai went silent as they looked towards the ground. "That's...That's a big decision..." The eyepatch-wearing girl muttered.

"I know and it's a major bomb dropped on you two." Hikage sighed out. "It's a huge risk as well but once we're ready-"

"Stop." Yomi spoke up.

"Yomi-san?" Hikage got out as she turned to the bean sprout-obsessed girl.

Yomi cleared her throat and stood a little taller. "Y-You're not seeing the bigger picture right now." She then declared.

"Bigger picture?" Hikage repeated.

"Like what makes you think they won't come after people we know?" Yomi soon questioned as she narrowed her eyes.

"Hm?"

"What makes you think they'll give up eventually? That they won't throw as many shinobi as they can against us since we're at the top of the school as Elites?" Yomi continued as she began to feel a fire in her heart ignite.

"Yomi-san, you're overthinking it." Hikage scoffed.

"Am I?" Yomi countered. "Do you know how low people will stoop just to protect what they need? Because I do, and it is not as pretty as you think." She then pointed out.

"..."

"Hikage-san...As much as I don't like Hebijo and want to leave...I don't want to put other's lives at risk." Yomi admitted. "They might go after the kids in the slums, and I can't help them if I'm a fugitive..." She then added.

"Then you fight hard to protect them." Hikage stated.

"It isn't that simple, Hikage-chan!" Yomi snapped. "You're asking me to risk everything I care about just on the off-chance of earning this so-called freedom!" She then stated. "We would become renegades, kill-on-sight! There will be no one to help us! We would need to live in caves and sleep with one eye open every night until we die! I need something more than just to fight like hell when the time comes!" She then shouted.

"Yomi-san..." Hikage mumbled as she winced.

"I can't run away...I just can't...for the sake of the slums..." Yomi sobbed. "You may have your reasons, Hikage-chan, but I don't." She soon confessed.

"I...I agree." Mirai spoke up with a nod. "I...I need some time too." She soon confessed.

Hikage started to feel...odd. Like, a combination of confused and sad but not entirely both at the same time. "Why...?" She soon asked.

"Hikage...I came to Hebijo so I could fight bullies like Imu. And if I'm not strong enough to fend her off...I'm not ready to leave." Mirai reminded and explained.

"Where is she by the way?" Hikage soon asked.

"Probably being a sadist to other students." Mirai replied. "I don't care, as long as she isn't bothering us." She soon stated, not noticing said girl in maid clothing cleaning the training grounds behind her. With a toothbrush.

"...Should we...?" Yomi began in a quiet tone.

"We'll only perpetuate the cycle of vengeance." Hikage advised. "...One that I am half tempted to do, but for the Squad I won't." She then muttered.

"Huh?" Mirai got out in confusion. "What are you talking about? Are you ignoring me!?" She soon asked and accused.

"It's nothing." Yomi replied. "I'm sorry but...I think Mirai-chan and I need something more than a promise of being free...whatever that means to you." She then stated. "Besides, the Yoke Technique, of course..." She mumbled her reminder.

"That always seems to be in our way, huh." Hikage sighed in shame. "Homura should've told us who got her's off...and who's protecting her now..." She soon got out. "Maybe you could ask her when it's your turn Yomi-san." She then suggested.

"...I'll try." Yomi sighed.

"And if she doesn't, start begging." Hikage then advised.

"..." Yomi glared at the girl without saying anything.

"Sorry, but we're all desperate at this point and beating it out of her is not in the cards." Hikage pointed out.

"I understand. But this plan, everything after that...you and Haruka-san are on your own." Yomi stated. "We...We just can't."

"So...you're leaving us out to dry." Hikage soon asked in an accusing manner.

"No, we would never." Yomi responded with a shake of her head. "But please think before you act. You can't take back what you've done once you do." She then advised. "...I need to take care of my bean sprouts. I'll see you around." She soon informed before leaving.

"Yeah, I need...I have some other stuff to do..." Mirai mumbled as she went to her room, probably to write fanfiction or whatever the hell she does on her laptop.

"...So this is why Akira-san warned me..." Hikage mumbled as she petted Poochie. "Fear and temptation for power is being used..." She soon realized.

"Grrrr..." Poochie growled out.

"...But Yomi-san is right. They need a reason to live outside of the shinobi way." Hikage relented.

"Arf arf!"

"Akira-san isn't a miracle worker though Poochie. What they need is the right trigger. The right motivation." Hikage responded and stated. "I better talk to Haruka-san about this." She then decided.

"Talk to Haruka about what?" Imu soon questioned in a serious tone as she entered the room.

"Bite me Imu." Hikage however bluntly ordered. "Aren't you supposed to clean the training grounds?" She then reminded.

"Shut it. I'm using my minute break on you." Imu countered with a glare. "You're the one who started it anyways." She then stated.

"No. I did not." Hikage however responded. "And whatever petty vengeance you have against me pales in comparison to what you've done now." She then declared.

"Stop blaming all your problems on me." Imu grumbled as she rolled her eyes. "Besides, I can't even try to hurt you anymore. Suzune-sensei's orders." She then revealed.

"So she finally does something about you directly." Hikage remarked. "Only a few weeks late." She then added.

"Oh, it's not like you did anything to help." Imu accused. "I don't even remember an apology for making my high school life a living hell." She soon remarked.

Hikage narrowed her eyes at that. She swore she said...something, but it was the haze of hate and red every time she looked at her. "You don't deserve one." She soon declared.

"And that's why I despise you. Never taking at least a little blame." Imu stated.

"Likewise." Hikage responded.

"Grrrr..." Poochie growled out.

"And get that stupid mutt out from your udders. You're gonna suffocate him." Imu soon advised.

"..." Hikage and Poochie blinked in unison, not sure what to say.

"...What?" Imu got out in confusion.

"..." Hikage and Poochie simply glared at her before leaving.

"Dammit, I'm not the bad guy here..." Imu grumbled.

It was right then a girl with violet hair and a black ribbon on her head stuck her head out, looking as if she hadn't left her room in over six months, wondering what was happening outside to disturb her as she held her bear plushie. "Oneechan...?" She mumbled out.

Imu blinked. "You're...stepping outside..." She got out before sniffing the air...and nearly gagging. "And...stink too. You need a bath." She then added and informed.

SLAM!

And like that, the door was closed shut. "...Ugh..." Imu groaned as she slapped her forehead. "I wish Miyabi was here..." She then confessed in frustration before getting back to cleaning.

---

(Hotel Kusatori)

"Ah, that was a nice bath..." Murakumo breathed as she exited the bathroom in just a towel and sat against the bedside. "Okay, I visited Yumi and met one of her new friends, and now I have the rest of the week to myself." She muttered as she dried her hair.

It was only after ten minutes of staying in the exact same position that it hit her.

"...I have no idea what to do." Murakumo realised in an awkward manner as she tried to think of things to do. "...I should probably buy more masks...maybe also get some supplies for my manga..." She soon decided as she went to get dressed.

---

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

"When I'm feelin' down, I wanna lose that frown, I stick my head out the window and I look around~" Homura sang to herself, dancing around the kitchen before cracking some eggs into the frying pan.

SHHHH!

"Hey Sis! Breakfast's almost ready!" Homura called out.

"Just a sec!" Asuka called back before Homura heard a flush and the sounds of the sink. A minute later, her roommate left the bathroom with a calm smile. "Oh, what are you cooking? It smells great!" She then asked.

"Eggs. With salt." Homura answered a little sheepishly while adding salt. Himalayain rock salt, courtesy of their Leader being scammed. "We need to go shopping soon." She then pointed out.

"Oh, that's okay, I'm still in the green right now so I'll be happy to go out after school." Asuka replied as she went to the table. "Hey, you know, the lady at the front desk told me that someone's moving in next to us tonight or tomorrow." She then informed.

"Really? Huh." Homura got out. "Do you know who they are?" She soon asked as she kept cooking.

"Er...Oh! The lady said that the reservation was from...a Suzune-san?" Asuka answered, though was unsure about the name.

FWOOSH!

Suddenly, the eggs caught on fire.

"WAH! Homu-nee!?" Asuka exclaimed in shock and confusion.

"Welp, I'm dead." Homura thought with a slightly pale face just as they heard someone knocking on their door. "I'll get it." She got out in a stiff tone as she went to the door while her roommate grabbed the fire extinguisher and took care of the minor kitchen fire.

The brunette meanwhile sighed in relief as she placed the extinguisher down. "Why did Homu-nee react so weirdly to that name?" Asuka thought in confusion as she approached the door as well.

At that moment, Homura opened the door and saw a white-haired woman with golden eyes standing there, dressed in a white t-shirt with a green hoodie, blue jeans and black sneakers while looking rather bored.

"My name is Miyabi Kurayami and I've been sent here to be your best friend for an indeterminate amount of time." Miyabi introduced herself in a dull tone.

To that statement, the roommates looked at one another before looking back at the white haired girl. "...Who are you again?" Homura bluntly asked as she narrowed her eyes.

"Just come with me." Miyabi sighed out.

"...Okay?" Homura got out with a suspicious look on her face. "Asuka, you mind cooking breakfast? This won't take long." She soon requested.

The brunette in response nodded to that. "Yeah. Sure." Asuka hesitantly replied as she saw her roommate hide a kunai up her sleeve before walking outside.

After shutting the door behind her, Homura faced the white-haired woman with a glare and crossed arms. "Okay, seriously, who the hell are you and why are you here saying you're gonna be my best friend?" She soon asked in a serious tone.

Miyabi however narrowed her eyes. "Hey, you should learn to respect your senpai." She soon stated.

Homura however raised an eyebrow to this. "...You don't go to Shujin." She pointed out.

The white haired girl merely kept the same expression on her face. "Hebijo." Miyabi deadpanned.

This immediately caused the tan skinned girl's eyes to widen. "Wait, what?" Homura got out in surprise before leaning in. "You're a shinobi!?" She soon asked in a whisper.

Miyabi's expression in response remained neutral. "...You seriously don't know me? I'm the principal's daughter." She revealed in a serious tone.

Homura in turn blinked to that. "He had a daughter?" She had to ask.

Miyabi's right eye twitched. "I was in a coma for three years! That would've at least gotten on your radar!" She soon declared.

"Huh? Oh right, that. Yeah, I kinda didn't care..." Homura replied honestly. "Actually, I'm continuing to not care. Please go away." She then requested.

Miyabi soon groaned in annoyance. "Okay, look. It's been, what? A couple of months since you started and all you've learned about all this breakdown stuff is nothing. So I've been sent here to help you. We're both the best Hebijo has to offer, so if we work together we'll learn what's going on and we can both go home." She stated. "So how about tomorrow we go and search for some key locations I have in mind." She then ordered before smirking in a confident manner. "Heh, maybe we'll get to kill those Phantom Thieves I've been hearing about. They're going to be a serious problem to our mission if we don't take care of them." She then added.

"Oh, uh, sorry but I have plans. A...study session. I kinda have to keep up my cover after all." Homura lied.

Miyabi however raised an eyebrow to that. "Study session? Wait a minute...Are you...A-Are you dating your roommate?" She soon asked in disbelief.

Homura once more blinked in disbelief. "What!? No! Where the hell did you get that idea!?" She exclaimed in confusion.

"Well, you are living together..." Miyabi pointed out.

"Suzune-sensei made me get a roommate to help pay rent." Homura explained. "Didn't you read the mission statement?" She then asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Skimmed it. I thought it was mostly unimportant." Miyabi admitted. "She's just some dumb civilian anyways, why should I care about her? She's just part of your cover after all." She then added.

Homura's eye twitched as she resisted getting out her weapons. "Yeah...she is..." She got out in a strained tone.

"Well, I'm going to go back to my apartment to unpack. If you need me, I'll be over at 270, so don't hesitate to visit." Miyabi informed before walking away.

"Y-Yeah...I will..." Homura replied, trying to hide her nervousness as she watched the white haired girl go into her apartment. "...You gotta fucking be kidding me." She grumbled to herself as she pulled out her phone.

[FireGirl20: Good news everyone!]

[Shut7heFUp: Oh shit.]

[All4Painting: As if we don't have enough problems with Medjed...]

[TheWildJ0ker: Alright, what weapons do you guys want?]

[FireGirl20: What's with these reactions?]

[Road2Queen: Don't beat around the bush and tell us what's happening this time.]

[FireGirl20: Fine. The good news is that I met someone from my old school.]

[Sweetkat06: Um, that's actually bad.]

[FireGirl20: It gets better. She's gonna help me kill the Phantom Thieves.]

"WHAT!?" Homura heard her roommate exclaim from the apartment.

"HEY! KEEP IT DOWN! THESE WALLS ARE THIN!" Homura then heard the white haired girl yell back.

"S-SORRY!" Homura then heard her roommate apologize, causing her to sigh as she went back to the phone conversation.

[SushiRoll23: Do you mean the white haired woman at the door earlier?]

[FireGirl20: Lives next door now. Turns out the principal at my old school has a daughter. Miyabi Kurayami.]

[Negative8Degrees:...Phantom Thieves meeting?]

[TheWildJ0ker: After school. Alleyway.]

"Roger that, Joker." Homura mumbled as she turned off her phone before slamming her forehead into the nearest wall.

What a great way to start the day.

---

(7/19, Lunchtime)

(Shujin Academy, Classroom)

"They really made you go to Kanamara Matsuri."

"All the way to Kawasaki."

The Leader's eye twitched as he overheard a classmate's conversation. "Ugh...I regret that I know what that is..." Akira mumbled with a groan before taking a bite of his sandwich.

"Huh?" Asuka got out in confusion.

"It's nothing to worry about, Asuka." Akira replied. "Now back to our conversation." He then added.

"I don't know why you're so interested in our Shinobi Guardian Animals." Homura whispered in a deadpan tone. "It just comes with you and it's different per person, like a Persona. You can't exactly change it- Oh...right." She then began to explain before realizing.

"Hm? What's up Homu-nee?" Asuka got out in confusion.

"Akira can switch Personas so he wouldn't know about being stuck with only one." Homura sighed as she slapped her forehead.

"It's kinda my main thing..." Akira chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Hey! Grades are out!" They suddenly heard a student call out to the classroom.

This caused a few students to rush out while others just shrugged and went back to their conversations.

"Well, I know where Ryuji will be avoiding." Morgana remarked.

"Ooh! Let's go guys!" Asuka replied with a smile of excitement and a fist pump.

---

(Classroom Building 1F)

The four soon found a crowd of students surrounding a board with various expressions of their faces, like that of hope or despair.

"How'd you do?"

"Damn...I'm dead..."

"I wish I could get in the top ten...People look at smart students differently."

"Yeah, from hate to barely caring." Akira grumbled.

"Let's start from the bottom again." Asuka suggested as they approached the board to find their names.

"No one's below average just yet..." Homura muttered as she narrowed her eyes.

"Ah, Ryuji-kun! There he is! He passed the average!" Asuka cheered as she found his name on the board.

"And look. Lady Ann isn't too far ahead of him this time." Morgana remarked, finding the ash blonde's name only one or two spots ahead. "They actually did better this time around." He then added.

"I guess those study sessions finally paid off." Homura guessed as the Leader took a photo of the board. "Now, where is our score..." She then muttered.

As they continued looking up the list, they grew more and more excited until...

"Holy- I got fifth this time!?" Homura muttered. "Didn't even cheat this time!" She then thought.

"Congratulations Homura-san." Makoto praised with a smile as she walked over to the group.

"Thank you senpai." Homura replied in a polite manner as she looked at the board. "First like always." She then stated.

"This is the second time you saw my score, Homura-san." Makoto however pointed out. "Maybe the first time." She then added.

"And?" Homura countered with a grin. "Come on, you worked hard for it so be proud of it." She then encouraged while placing a hand over her shoulder.

"Homura-san." Makoto sighed out before smiling. "I guess you're right." She soon admitted in agreement.

"Looks like one of the Queens is top like always while the other is rising up quickly."

"Ah, Niijima-senpai's not that bad now that I think about it."

"I heard she made the idiot principal wet himself in fear."

"Wait seriously!? Ha! That's hilarious!"

"I guess one of the Queens is showing her dominance."

"Dude that just sounded kinky as hell."

This meanwhile caused the two Leaders to raise their eyebrows. "Queens?" Akira and Asuka repeated, confused and curious to hear that.

"We think it's some kind of phase." Homura whispered out with a sigh.

"At least it's better than being hated due to stupid rumors." Akira admitted with a shrug. "Just don't let it get to your head." He then advised.

"Like I would ever." Homura remarked while rolling her eyes.

"Just saying." Akira stated. "With great power, comes great responsibility." He then stated.

"Ugh..." Wolverine let out a long-suffering groan.

"Shut it, Wolverine." Homura grumbled as searched for her roommate's name.

"Third! That's amazing, Joker!" Morgana praised.

"Thanks." Akira replied with a grin while adjusting his glasses.

"Impressive." Makoto admitted with a nod of approval. "You could be an honor student next year with a bit more work." She then suggested.

"Yeah, and probably in a better school with less crappy staff too." Akira replied, causing the girl to giggle.

"The delinquent really got that high, huh."

"Probably stole the answers..."

"No way. They would've caught him."

"He really doesn't want to go to juvie."

Akira could only sigh at that. That is some real double standard right there...

"What!? I got third too!?" Asuka suddenly exclaimed, spotting her place just right above Akira. "Moh..." She then got out with a pout.

"That's still a very good score, Asuka-san." Makoto however stated. "Don't worry, you'll get first place again next time." She then encouraged.

"I guess..." Asuka replied, although was still upset. "I need to study more..." She then mumbled out.

"I wonder how Yumi-senpai and Yusuke did on their exams..." Homura thought in a curious manner. "Eh, they probably aced theirs with flying colors. I shouldn't be too worried." She then decided in her head just as Asuka spotted a generic-looking boy grimacing at his score.

"Oh! Mishima-kun!" Asuka called out as she and Akira approached him. "We need to talk to you!"

"Shirokage-san?" The site admin got out. "Akira. What do you need?" He then asked.

"Um...some place a little more private, thanks." Akira responded as they guided Mishima away from the crowd, leaving Homura and Makoto behind.

"Hey, you found him." Ryuji got out as he ran up to the group.

"And you got a decent score for once." Akira quipped with a smirk as he showed the dyed blond the photo he took.

"What!?" Ryuji exclaimed. "Holy shit, I thought I screwed it up!" He then admitted.

"Congrats, Ryuji-kun." Asuka giggled before turning to the site admin. "But we're here for Mishima-kun." She then informed.

"Uh...why?" Mishima had to ask. "Do you need something from me?" He then assumed.

"Yup. I'm gonna be straight with you here, do you know who Medjed is?" Ryuji soon asked.

"You weren't kidding about being direct." Mishima responded. "Well, I suppose the news about Medjed and the Phantom Thieves has caused quite the commotion..." He soon began. "They started out as hackers of justice, but now they only look out for their own self-interests." He then continued.

"How so?" Asuka had to ask.

"They've stolen tons of money from businesses, even ones that were ethically run with no controversy. They've caused them to go under while spouting out that they didn't deserve to exist." Mishima soon informed. "Not to mention all the random people they've doxxed over the years." He then added.

"Damn..." Ryuji growled.

"...That's all I know. They were the group I texted Akira about yesterday." Mishima replied and revealed.

"I see..." Akira muttered as he frowned.

"Nobody's sure who actually belongs to Medjed, so the Phantom Thieves have to pull out all the stops." Mishima got out in an excited manner. "Well, it looks like things'll be exciting this summer. It'll be the Phantom Thieves' world debut, no?" He then pointed out.

"Dude..." Ryuji got out as his eyes widened while the Leaders blinked. They...didn't realise that if they stopped Medjed, they'd become world famous.

"Don't worry, I'll be rooting for the Phantom Thieves." Mishima assured. "I'll get the forum mobilized as well. Now if we're done talking here, I really must be going. I'll see you guys later." He then added before leaving.

"So that was fruitless..." Ryuji sighed.

"We only confirmed that they're a terrible group." Asuka got out as she shook her head.

"I wonder if anyone got any info themselves..." Ryuji muttered as everyone pulled out their phones.

[SushiRoll23: Mishima-kun didn't have anything. Anyone else?]

[Road2Queen: I tried asking my sister, but it seemed as though she didn't know very much about them. She doesn't specialize in cybercrime, after all.]

[Sweetkat06: I tried looking into them too, but I couldn't come up with anything. There are really just no leads.]

[All4Painting: Hm, our opponent is truly elusive.]

[FireGirl20: Our opponent could be some sweaty American 13 year old masturbating at his keyboard.]

[Sweekat06: Ugh, I wouldn't be surprised if it was.]

[Negative8Degrees: Yes, while less crass, I agree. I doubt asking locals will provide any info...]

[TheWildJ0ker: I assume you and your info network's turning up blank too.]

[Negative8Degrees: No, all I've gotten is publicly available.]

[TheWildJ0ker: In any case, we're all on standby for now until something happens.]

[Road2Queen: Roger that, Joker.]

"Damn..." Ryuji cursed under his breath.

"Medjed, hm...? It seems like we won't be able to deal with them by ourselves..." Morgana then stated.

"We know. It's just that we don't know anyone who can help." Akira groaned as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

RING RING RING!

"And...back to classes." Akira sighed out. "Let's just hope one of the teachers drops some sort of hint that might inspire an idea." He then muttered.

"I doubt that." Ryuji deadpanned as they all headed back to class.

---

(7/19, Afternoon)

(Classroom)

Kawakami let out a sigh as she rubbed her head, as she had done many times before at the start of class. Since this morning, she had felt like shit no matter how matter cups of coffee she downed. She hasn't even eaten yet because she had to skip breakfast and then Kobayakawa not only interrupted her lunch, he had the nerve to eat her sandwich right in front of her and tell her to watch her weight.

And then there was this bullshit she had to announce.

She was pretty sure this was how psychopaths were born.

"I know summer vacation is due to begin next week, but I have an unfortunate announcement."

"Did another teacher confess to sexual harassment?" One of the students exclaimed.

"No." Kawakami deadpanned as she shook her head. "We will be holding an emergency assembly on Monday the 25th. Please come to school that day." She soon informed and instructed.

The class...didn't take that well.

"Ugh...I wish another teacher confessed to sexual harassment..."

"Dude! NO!"

"Is that even legal?"

"Settle down!" Kawakami called out. "We've had many strange incidents: the psychotic breakdowns, students being dragged into crime rings...Hence, Principal Kobayakawa has instructed all teachers to caution the student body. This is inconvenient for us too, you know? Having to find things to warn you about so suddenly..." She then mumbled out, feeling her head throb.

"Principal Shitlicker really wants everyone to despise him, doesn't he..." Homura grumbled. "Cutting into our break time..." She then added.

"Did he really just inform the staff during lunch? Not this morning?" Akira soon realised.

"I get the feeling he realised that just then..." Ann groaned.

"Incompetent in small yet many ways..." Asuka sighed. She wondered how this school had not collapsed in on itself during the years this idiot was in charge.

BZZT! BZZT!

"Oh thank god..." Ann breathed out as the Thieves pulled out their phones.

[Shut7heFUp: How're gonna find anything on Medjed?]

[Sweetkat06: I'm not sure. No matter how hard I look online, all I find are just unreliable rumors.]

[All4Painting: They have carried out corporate terrorism all over the world, yet they still manage to elude arrest somehow.]

[All4Painting: Kaneshiro was a lot of trouble, but this is turning out to be a much greater ordeal.]

[Negative8Degrees: I guess the jump from local to international was bigger than anticipated.]

[Shut7heFUp: Did we bite off more than we can chew?]

[TheWildJ0ker: Maybe. They're just too big...]

[Road2Queen: Yeah...We don't even know whether it's a single individual or a large conglomerate of people. And even if we do manage to get a lead, what do we do from there?]

[SushiRoll23: But...we can't just leave them alone...]

[FireGirl20: Yeah, especially not after their statement. We have to respond with something!]

[Shut7heFUp: Damn, this stuff's really not going so good...]

[SushiRoll23: So...meeting?]

[TheWildJ0ker: The meeting's not happening today unfortunately.]

[Negative8Degrees: What? Why?]

[Road2Queen: I need Akira to help me with something. A friend of mine might be getting herself involved in something bad. It can't be ignored.]

[TheWildJ0ker: Yeah, I need to out-charm a cheeseball.]

[All4Painting: When did this happen?]

[Road2Queen: Just now. Eiko-chan likes to text during class too,]

[TheWildJ0ker: Either way, the meeting is being pushed back until tomorrow after school.]

[All4Painting: But what about this Miyabi? She is a direct threat, unlike Medjed.]

[Negative8Degrees: We still have time, it will take a while for her to get a clue on the Phantom Thieves.]

[Negative8Degrees: If we act out-of-character now, we'll only start to draw suspicion to ourselves.]

[Negative8Degrees: We need a plan and acting without one will end in our demise. Let us remain calm until the meeting.]

[FireGirl20: So go about our usual day. Got it.]

[Sweetkat06: We really have to make more friends outside of our group...]

[Shut7heFUp: 💢]

[FireGirl20: What the!?]

[FireGirl20: The actual hell is that!?]

[TheWildJ0ker: It's an emoji.]

[TheWildJ0ker: Huh. First time I've seen one used on IM.]

[TheWildJ0ker: Eh, we barely used them anyways.]

[Sweetkat06: 👏👏👏]

[FireGirl20: (confused face emoji)]

Akira let out a breath as he put away his phone before focusing back on class.

This was going to take a miracle.

Although, he didn't expect that miracle to come from a small shut-in girl...and their most dangerous enemy yet.

---

(7/19, After School)

(Shujin Academy, Courtyard)

Homura's patrol had taken her to the outside area of the school as she stretched her limbs. "Despite the city, this area's still pretty open for some form of fresh air." She thought to herself as she then saw a familiar face.

Suzuka was sitting at a bench as she read her motorcycle magazine. "Man, these guys are just badass. Being a motorcyclist just sounds awesome." She muttered to herself as continued reading.

"Ah, good afternoon Suzu, what are you reading?" Homura greeted and asked in a curious manner.

"Oh, hey, Homura. I'm just reading a magazine about motorcycles." Suzuka replied and revealed.

"Oh, a fan of motorcycles?" Homura responded as she sat down next to her committee member.

"Yeah. I always like watching action movies with fast vehicles and dirt bike races." Suzuka replied and nodded as she showed her some of her favorite bikes. "Sometimes I like to see myself in that situation, just high speed changes and doing all these crazy stunts. I can even picture myself in a secret organization doing those same stunts with a partner right by my side." She then explained.

"Well that's pretty cool." Homura replied. "So, what motorcycle do you think would suit me?" She then asked in a curious manner as she also looked at the magazine.

"I think something like the Kawasaki Ninja H2." Suzuka replied as she pointed to a black motorcycle with green lines. "Just change the color of lines and I think it'll suit you perfectly." She then added.

"Ooh, I like it. Just replace the green with the crimson and it would work for me." Homura replied in approval.

"Nice choice. Now for me, I'd say this one." Suzuka got out as she pointed to the Suzuki GS1200SS. "Something about this bike really speaks to me in a way." She then explained.

"Also a badass choice." Homura responded with a smirk. "Though I guess you'd have to get a motorcycle license first." She then added.

"Yeah, much like you need a driver's license for a car." Suzuka admitted. "And much like a car, you'll have to learn how to drive it and everything. Which is what I'm planning to do once I graduate. To get myself a motorcycle license and learn how to ride these bad boys." She added in confidence.

"Nice. Makoto-senpai actually has her motorcycle license already." Homura replied and revealed.

"Oh really? Maybe I can ask her to give me some pointers on how to ride on." Suzuka soon suggested. "I knew that she already has a driver's license, I guess I wasn't expecting her to get a motorcycle license as well." She then admitted and explained.

"Hehe, there's more to Makoto-senpai than everyone realizes." Homura vaguely revealed with a smirk. "Recently she made Kobayakawa wet himself in fear." She then revealed as a giggle escaped her lips.

"No way, really?! Our perfect student council president made the principal wet himself?" Suzuka gasped in disbelief with widened eyes. "Why wasn't I there to see it? I could've saved it on my phone and savored his reactions!" She then asked, a little annoyed at not being able to do that.

Homura in response snorted in laughter. "Well, Makoto-senpai decided she was no longer gonna take any of his BS and take charge of her own life. So no more blackmail from Principal No-Neck regarding her future." She explained and declared.

"Wow, I really wasn't expecting that from Niijima. I guess she really isn't as bad as I thought she was." Suzuka admitted. "But I'm definitely glad to hear that she's no longer taking orders from that fat bastard. Serves him right for making this school a living hell for a lot of us." She then declared with a smile.

"Oh yeah," Homura replied with a nod of agreement. "We're doing way more than he ever did." She then added.

"That we are and I'm glad to be apart of it." Suzuka agrees "I'll be honest with you, I was a little skeptical at the committee, mostly because Niijima was approving it. But after a couple of months, this school has really gotten better and I'm glad I stuck around for this long." She then confessed.

"Thanks, I'm glad you're still on the committee too." Homura replied.

"Yeah. Same here" Suzuka responded in agreement as her phone's screen saver is on that showed her and a boy with her.

"Hm." Homura hummed out as she glanced at the other girls' phone screen. "Who's that Suzu?" She then asked.

"Who is what?" Suzuka asked until she realized what the tan skinned girl was talking about. "Ahh! Uh...No one! That's no one! You didn't see anything!" She stammered as she tried to hide her phone.

Homura however raised an eyebrow in response. "Wait Suzu..." She began. "Is that...a pic of your boyfriend or something?" She then asked.

"What?! No! N-No no no!" Suzuka stuttered "He's not my boyfriend or anything like that! Besides, he's way too young to be my boyfriend!" She then added as she looked away while blushing.

"Ah come on Suzu, who's the guy?" Homura soon asked.

Suzuka sighed as she could no longer hide it from the tan skinned girl any longer. "Well, if you really want to know, he's my little brother. He attends a middle school not too far from where we live." She then revealed.

To that, Homura blinked a couple of times. "Oh." She got out.

"Yeah. Now before you say anything, I am not a bro-con." Suzuka soon stated. "I just really love my brother very much and is in no way sexual." She then added.

"...Ok, ew. Where did you get that idea?" Homura got out in disgust.

"Because whenever I tell them that's my brother, I end up being called a bro-con." Suzuka sighed in annoyance. "I always try to tell them that I just love him very much, but they just either think that still counts as a bro-con or they just don't listen." She soon revealed as she slumped back on the bench and her breasts bounced.

"Then those people are idiots." Homura bluntly declared. "I mean I think of my roommate as a sister to me and yet people think of their perverted thoughts." She then confessed while rolling her eyes.

"So I've heard and you know just how aggravating it is to tell them" Suzuka replied as she pinched her temples. "It's gotten so annoying that I just gave up on correcting them and let their imaginations run wild." She then declared.

"I don't blame you." Homura admitted in agreement.

"But I guess it doesn't really matter in the long run. Not since what happened to him." Suzuka got out as she sighed sadly.

"What do you mean? Did something happen to your brother?" Homura asked with a raised concern.

"Unfortunately, yeah. A couple years ago, he was always just a bright and happy kid. His smile was always nice to see and can brighten anyone's day." Suzuka began. "After our partners were divorced, I had to watch over my brother since our mom was always working so hard. It even got to the point where she couldn't do anything because she was just so tired and I had to do a lot of the housework just to make things easier for her." She soon revealed.

"Wow. That sounds like a lot of work just to help your mom." Homura replied.

"It was, but it was really worth it to help her relieve a lot of the work for her." Suzuka responded. "Even my brother started helping out when he started walking and it was just adorable at how hard he was trying to help." She then added with a smile.

"Well, at least you're getting along with him." Homura replied with a smile. "I was an only child before coming to Tokyo and with my roommate, she's just been like this little sister figure to me where I feel like I have to protect her." She soon confessed.

"I know what you mean. I always feel like I have to protect him because I was basically a second mom to him." Suzuka agreed with a smile. "But that was before he started attending elementary school where it happened..." She then remembered the moment where her brother had changed for the worse.

"Hm?" Homura hummed out with a raised eyebrow.

"Remember when I told you about how I saw Kamoshida breaking Sakamoto's leg?" Suzuka reminded her.

"Yeah, of course I do." Homura responded with a nod.

"Well, it reminded me of my brother being harassed by a group of bullies..." Suzuka soon revealed as she lowered her head into her hands.

Homura's eyes in turn widened as a result. "I...I see..." She hesitantly responded before sighing. "Jeez, why is it that there are assholes that love bullying others..." She then questioned in annoyance.

"Because it makes them feel superior when they can bring down those smaller than them." Suzuka answered in the same manner. "But it wasn't just them that had it out for my brother..." She then revealed.

"Eh?" Homura got out in confusion.

Suzuka was about to say it, but hesitated to continue. "I just can't...I don't want to remember that moment again..." She muttered as she had tears in her eyes.

"Urk! "Homura winced as she noticed the subject was a touchy one. "You...don't have to talk about it if you don't want to go to Suzu." She soon offered in a hesitant manner.

"Thank you...Homura..." Suzuka sniffled as she wiped her tears.

As a result of witnessing this, Homura felt as though her bond with her committee member was improving as a result.

RANK UP! STAR RANK 2!

"It really hasn't been the same since he changed." Suzuka soon confessed. "But I'm really hoping that he does return to the little brother I know and love." She then added

"I see..." Homura got out, feeling bad for her committee member.

"I just really want to see his smile again..." Suzuka sniffled as she recalls all the times with her brother.

"I'm sure you will Suzu." Homura reassured her. "Here, how about we have something to drink before going on patrol?" She soon offered.

"Yeah, I'd like that." Suzuka replied as she wiped away her tears and smiled.

Smiling to that, Homura went to the nearby vending machine, getting two soda as they then began drinking them before heading out for their patrol for the afternoon.

---

(Harajuku, Haruka's Apartment)

Akira let out a breath as he arrived at the blonde's apartment. The double date went fine, and they learned some...interesting things about Eiko's boyfriend. And it went by faster than he planned, so it was high time to know thy enemy.

"Haruka-chan!" Akira called out as he banged his fist on the door. "I need you right now!" He then added.

"I'm coming!" Haruka's muffled voice got out, causing the boy to sigh in relief as the door soon opened to reveal the blonde. "A-Akira-kun?" She soon asked in confusion.

"Hi, can I come in?" Akira greeted and requested.

"Umm...sure..." Haruka replied as the boy walked inside without waiting for her to move. "You seem worried." She then stated in a more serious tone.

"Yeah...I kinda am..." Akira admitted before taking a deep breath to calm down. "Haruka-chan, do you know a Miyabi Kurayami?" He soon asked, getting straight to the point on the matter at hand.

"I do know a few Miyabis, but not a Miyabi Kurayami." Haruka responded with a raised eyebrow.

Akira looked confused before slapping his forehead. Right. Their family names probably weren't real. "Um...oh! She's the daughter of Hebijo's principal." Akira then informed in a serious tone.

The blonde's eyes immediately widened to that as she took hold of his shoulders. "They sent her here to Tokyo!?" Haruka exclaimed in shock as she brought the boy further into her apartment.

The Leader in turn nodded as a result, though was also concerned for the fact that the blonde was now nervous. "Yeah. She's Homura's new neighbor. Do you know anything about her?" Akira replied and asked.

Haruka however shook her head in response. "No. She's been in a coma for as long as I've been at Hebijo." She soon revealed. "But from what rumors I heard, she's the most dangerous shinobi in the academy that graduated before that. She's killed a yōma before if I recall correctly." She then added.

"Dammit, I thought maybe you've seen her fight." Akira grumbled under his breath. "But she was in a coma, right. She shouldn't be too strong..." He then got out.

"That's the thing. She's on a mission." Haruka pointed out. "Hebijo would not allow a weak shinobi to go out on missions. The fact that she's already up is worrying." She then stated. "Akira-kun, how did she get involved with you?" She soon questioned.

"N-Not directly." Akira awkwardly responded.

"Then why is she a threat to you?" Haruka soon asked.

"She's...a threat to Homura too." Akira answered. "And a threat to my friends is a threat to...me which makes me a threat to them." He soon declared before finishing off weak. "...You know, that sounded a lot more menacing in my head." He then admitted.

"If this wasn't a serious situation, I would've laughed." Haruka however soon stated in a serious tone.

"Wait...isn't there a chance she'll visit you sooner or later?" Akira soon realised.

"What?" Haruka got out before it hit her as well.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

"...Hide." Haruka immediately ordered.

"Where?" Akira however whispered.

"Umm..." Haruka got out as she tried to think, however...

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

The blonde mentally cursed before reaching under her couch. "Hide in here!" Haruka quickly got out as she threw something at the boy.

"Huh?" Akira got out as he caught the thing with a confused look on his face. "Where did you get this?"

"No time for explanations, just put it on and lie here!" Haruka soon ordered.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

"I'm in the shower, give me one moment!" Haruka called out as she quickly stripped her clothes off before hiding it under the couch. She then headed to the bathroom, taking the bow off and soaked herself in cold water before she then wrapped herself in a towel. After checking herself in the mirror, she left the bathroom and opened the door.

"Hey." The white haired woman greeted. "You're Haruka, right?"

"Yes?" Haruka responded before eyeing the woman suspiciously. "And you are?"

"Miyabi. From you-know-where." Miyabi introduced herself.

"Ah. The principal's daughter. Well...come in and make yourself at home." Haruka replied as she let the girl inside.

"...This is a nicer place than where I'm at." Miyabi confessed as she looked around.

"Thank you. Although, the air conditioning is not that great." Haruka sighed.

The white haired girl nodded as she then noticed something. "...Is that a dakimakura...?" Miyabi soon noticed the large pillow lying on the couch. It seemed to depict some sort of large, red reptilian biped.

"Yes." Haruka bluntly answered.

"With...?" Miyabi urged.

"That is Wrex-san." Haruka quickly explained. "...It was a gift from a neighbor. Although I suspect it was just an excuse to give it away. It's really lumpy. I wouldn't recommend sitting on it." She then explained.

"...You're quite lonely here aren't you?" Miyabi deadpanned in a blunt manner.

"You have no idea." Haruka awkwardly giggled. "I need to get dressed. Please wait a moment. I have drinks in the fridge if you're thirsty." She then instructed and offered.

"I'll just get some water from the sink, thanks." Miyabi politely declined as she went to get a glass before sitting next to the dakimakura. "Hm...I swear, I thought I saw one of me in a ferret costume once..." She then sighed out in annoyance. "Or was it a beaver...?" She then muttered.

Meanwhile, Akira desperately tried to stay perfectly still within the dakimakura while clutching onto his bag, hoping Morgana wasn't dying inside. He was only inches away from the enemy, causing his heart to beat in his ears. "I should really get one of these myself. It's really soft." He idly thought.

A few minutes later, Haruka came back dressed in different clothing before sitting down perpendicular to the white haired girl. "So, what brings you here to my humble abode?" She soon asked.

"A few things." Miyabi simply stated.

"Well, if it's simply to hang out, you are simply wasting my precious time. Are you aware of my mission?" Haruka soon pointed out before questioning.

"To copy the medicine of one Dr. Tae Takemi for Hebijo's use." Miyabi automatically answered.

"As well as to study under her." Haruka added. "Dr. Takemi is quite brilliant. I'm even a student of her's and get paid for it." She then admitted and revealed.

"Smart and efficient." Miyabi chuckled in amusement. "She's paying you to steal her drugs." She then stated.

"It's only part of the job." Haruka off-handedly replied while forcing down the urge to correct her. "You didn't answer my question though. Are you here to simply check up on me?" She then stated and questioned.

"Well...I wasn't required to see you, but Suzune-sensei suggested it before I left." Miyabi admitted.

"Can I ask why?" Haruka pressed.

The white haired girl in response sighed as she looked at the blonde before crossing her arms over her chest. "...Look, I'm not exactly in my best fighting shape right now." Miyabi admitted in frustration and shame. "I need something to boost my power. Just getting here was harder than I expected." She then confessed.

"She's feeling weak?" Akira thought as he listened in on this.

Haruka raised an eyebrow to that. "You want steroids?" She soon offered.

"N-No." Miyabi mumbled. "You i-inject steroids right?" She then asked.

"Yes." Haruka bluntly answered.

"Yeah, no, I'd rather have a pill or drink it." Miyabi admitted as she rubbed her arm.

"...You wouldn't happen to have trypanophobia, would you?" Haruka soon deducted.

"What?" Miyabi got out with a raised eyebrow.

"Fear of needles." Haruka clarified.

The white haired girl immediately flinched in response. "Why didn't you say that?" Miyabi groaned.

"It's the professional medical term for it." Haruka answered.

"You don't need to be too formal with me! I'm your senior, remember!?" Miyabi soon exclaimed before calming down and glaring at her. "And well...I've been in the hospital for a long time and it just...makes me feel uncomfortable...Look, do you have something for me or not!?"

"I think what you're looking for are supplements to help muscle growth." Haruka stated. "You didn't need to come to me. It's easily available in shops and online."

"...You can order stuff online...?" Miyabi however asked, sounding genuinely surprised to learn that.

Akira meanwhile sweatdropped upon hearing that. "How out of touch is she?" He soon thought in disbelief.

"Damn three year coma..." Miyabi soon grumbled out in annoyance. "Well, do you have any right now? I...I'm kinda broke..." She then confessed.

"Your father didn't give any money?" Haruka questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't even have a credit card. He was never one to baby me." Miyabi responded as she shook her head.

"Suzune-sensei's going to be funding you, correct?" Haruka soon questioned.

"If this mission was long-term." Miyabi added. "It's not, by the way. I'll probably be leaving at the end of the month." She then informed.

"You're that confident?" Haruka soon questioned.

"I know, it's too much time, but that's why I'm asking you." Miyabi responded. "Please...I can't fail..." She then got out in a desperate tone.

"...Let me see if I have any." Haruka responded before heading for the bathroom.

"..." Akira meanwhile narrowed his eyes as he listened in while Miyabi stared at the dakimakura again.

"...God this thing is so creepy." Miyabi remarked. "But...I kinda wanna take it. I'll see if Haruka is willing to give it to me." She then decided before groaning. "And...I'm talking to myself again. What a nice display of sanity, Miyabi. Thank you, I'll be here all week." She then added.

"Let's see...safinamide tablets...abciximab...wakix...sildenafil...vardenafil...tadalafil...avanafil..." Haruka mumbled to herself before spotting it. "Ah, there we go. Beta-Alanine." She soon got out before frowning.

As a doctor, she would never sabotage a patient's recovery...

However, if Miyabi got any stronger, she'll be much more difficult to deal with and increase the chances of the boy she loved and his friends dying.

And so, she put down the supplement and grabbed another bottle of pills before returning back to the living room.

"Here you go." Haruka got out as she gave the woman the bottle of pills.

Miyabu read the label and frowned. Sucrocapsulon.

"I'm not dumb. These are sugar pills." Miyabi bluntly stated before narrowing her eyes. "...Made out of actual sugar." She then added.

"O-Oh, I got them mixed up." Haruka apologized.

"Why do you have sugar pills?" Miyabi soon questioned as she looked at the girl suspiciously.

"For my tea when I'm at home." Haruka immediately answered while taking the bottle.

"...Why not sugar cubes?" Miyabi asked with a raised eyebrow while Akira thought the same thing.

"I want to watch my weight but keep my tea sweet." Haruka answered, hoping she would buy it and not suspect she was pulling stuff out of her ass. "Let me go get the real ones." She then requested.

"Fine." Miyabi responded with a nod as she relaxed herself while the busty blonde headed back.

Haruka went through her various bottles of medicine and drugs again before finding the muscle supplements . .before dumping its contents out into a different bottle and switching it with her custom-made set of sleeping pills meant to tranquilize elephants.

"One of these should be enough to take her out for a few hours at least..." Haruka estimated before frowning. "...Am I willing to put a former coma patient back to sleep...?" She soon thought, taking the time to think about moral implications and- ah, fuck it, she barely thought about for a pintosecond. "...I think I know the answer." She then added before walking back out.

"Finally." Miyabi breathed out in relief.

"Here." Haruka soon offered as she gave her the new bottle. "It's not much, but it should suit your needs for now-" She then began, however...

GULP!

The blonde blinked, now just noticing that the pill bottle was not only snatched out of her hands, but was now empty. "...I don't feel anything yet." Miyabi got out before coughing and quickly downing some water.

"It won't happen instantly. It's not a magic potion." Haruka sighed out as she took the now empty bottle back from the girl. "...She's gonna be out for a while now." She thought to herself. "You'll need to visit the gym while you're here. And maybe the hospital soon." She then instructed.

"I know." Miyabi sighed out. "Damn...I'm using shortcuts like this...I've gotten quite desperate..." She then grumbled in frustration.

"If you're doing something like this, you shouldn't be on a mission." Haruka advised.

"I know but...being cooped up at school was driving me crazy." Miyabi confessed in a frustrated manner. "I needed to get out there, be useful and prove I'm still the shinobi I was three years ago. Without that..." She continued before grumbling under her breath.

"Hm?" Haruka hummed with a raised eyebrow.

The white haired girl soon shook her head. "...Nothing." Miyabi sighed. "Thank you for your time and help, Haruka. I need to head out and find some clues on the Phantom Thieves." She then stated as she got up from the couch, patting the dakimakura.

"You are welcome." Haruka politely replied. "Now, I request you to leave me alone as well. My work is important and must not be interrupted unless by the most desperate of circumstances." She then requested without changing her tone.

"I understand. Have a good day now." Miyabi responded with a nod before heading out the door.

SLAM!

Akira soon came out of his hiding spot as he looked at the blonde. "You ok?" He soon asked.

Haruka in response nodded. "I'm ok." She sighed out as she went over to him. "You're not too hot from being in there, are you?" She then asked while hugging him.

"No." Akira replied. "...Do you mind if I keep this?" He suddenly requested.

Haruka however raised an eyebrow to that. "Why?" She soon asked in a curious manner.

"It's a really good pillow." Akira simplified.

Haruka could only blink at that. "Will you be taking the cover too?" She then asked.

"I mean...I could put something else..." Akira mumbled. He heard Akihabara had some really good ones.

However, he quickly became worried as Haruka's expression transformed into that of horror. "Akira-kun." She suddenly started.

"Huh?" Akira got out in confusion.

"Run." Haruka suddenly ordered.

"What?" Akira whispered before the door began to open again, causing him to grab the dakimakura.

"Hey Haruka, I need one last-" Miyabi started before just spotting something going over the couch. "Who's there!?" She demanded before getting hit in the face with the pillow, stunning her for a second and allowing the boy to run. "Guh!" She grunted out.

"Go! Through there!" Haruka called out in a whisper as she pointed at the window. "Don't let her see your face!" She then ordered.

"What the hell is-" Miyabi demanded, however...

"RWOR!" Morgana suddenly shouted out as he landed on the white haired girl's face, covering her eyes.

Miyabi's eyes immediately widened in confusion and shock as the cat covered her face. "WHAT THE!? GET OFF ME! RABID CAT!" She then screamed in panic as she tried grab the cat.

Akira felt the world slow down around him as his mind gave him two conflicting choices.

Fight

Run

His brain wanted to run and live. His heart shouted to attack and hope not to die.

"RAHHHH!" Miyabi roared as she ripped the cat.

Akira didn't hesitate and ran for the window, climbing through it and shutting it behind him, just as the white haired girl spiked Morgana into the floor.

And just as Miyabi was getting her bearings straight, Haruka socked her in the face.

Miyabi cursed as all she could see was the cat running away before focusing on the blonde, who had already summoned a puppet. "You're really willing to do this..." She soon got out in an annoyed manner.

"I won't let you hurt him!" Haruka declared as her Death Puppet flexed its arms.

"So they're male..." Miyabi noted, causing the blonde to silently curse. "Anything else you want to reveal to me? Or should that info come at the cost of your limbs?" She then questioned.

"..." Haruka only glared at the white haired woman in response.

"Silent treatment, huh?" Miyabi remarked, silently switching to her Shinobi Tenshin. "So be it. Even three years out of practice I'm still leagues ahead of you. So come at me, and do not show weakness!" She then declared.

Haruka frowned before swiftly readying her vials to defend herself before the two vanished.

Morgana landed next to the Leader as he panted over the railing. "You okay, Akira?" He asked in concern.

"Are you okay, Morgana?" Akira however countered as he rubbed the not cat's neck. "I thought..." He then started.

"This form is way more resilient than you think. Plus, I landed on my feet." Morgana assured.

"Oh thank god." Akira breathed out in relief. "The trip to the vet would be hell." He then added.

The not cat however rolled his eyes to that before looking towards the blonde's and narrowed them. "So that was Miyabi." Morgana soon got out before groaning. "God, I thought I was going to die..." He then said before noticing the Leader was wrapping his shirt around his head. "What are you doing?" He questioned in confusion.

"Concealing my face and going back in there." Akira simply replied, quickly catching his glasses before they fell off.

"What!?" Morgana exclaimed. "You can't do that! You won't stand a chance against her." He then reminded.

"But Haruka-chan-" Akira started.

"Haruka wanted you to run. You'll be throwing that chance away if you go back in." Morgana scolded. "I'm sorry Akira, but we need to leave and inform the others." He then stated.

"...Dammit..." Akira cursed before climbing down the fire escape. He didn't want Haruka to fight Miyabi alone, but Morgana was right. It was best to escape with his life and the knowledge that Miyabi hadn't seen his face. "You just made an enemy, Miyabi." He soon got out.

He just hoped Haruka texted him soon.

A few minutes later, the two reappeared in the apartment. While the white haired girl was fully clothed, the blonde herself was butt naked. "Pathetic. That was the first real fight since I woke up and that's what you had to offer?" She taunted as she hefted her katana over her shoulder.

"You...You're..." Haruka panted out while struggling to get to her feet. Why weren't the drugs working right now!?

"Oh, you thought you could beat me?" Miyabi taunted. "Oh please, you're barely worth the clothes on your back." She then declared.

"Why you!" Haruka groaned out before crying out in pain as the white haired girl pressed her sheathed katana against her left hand, nearly snapping a few bones.

"No talking until I say so." Miyabi growled. "Now you better answer my questions truthfully. I don't like traitors already, but I hate liars even more." She then ordered.

"Who said I was a traitor?" Haruka however countered while narrowing her eyes.

"The fact there was someone with you here. You didn't have to hide them. You could've just told them to leave but instead you kept them here to listen." Miyabi responded. "And then there's the sugar pills. Placebos. You've been sending fake medicine to Hebijo. I'd say that's a treasonous action. At the very least you're kind enough not to send poison." She then stated.

"It's...not what you think..." Haruka struggled out. "H-He's just a civilian..." She then mumbled.

"I don't buy that for a fucking second since you made him stay." Miyabi however accused. "You were giving him info on me. A mistake on my part to reveal my weakness, sure, but that only proves to me you're a dirty...little...traitor!" She then declared in disgust.

"..." Haruka however remained silent as she glared at the other girl.

"Keep talking or I'll cut your tongue out." Miyabi soon threatened, already unsheathing her katana once again. "Do not play games with me, Haruka. It could cost you more than your life." She then ordered.

"Please...don't hurt him..." Haruka however whispered. "Kill me if you must, but don't you dare hurt the one I love." She then all but begged in a whisper.

Miyabi in turn raised an eyebrow while seeing the reaction, confused by it. "Wait...d-did you get a boyfriend!?" She soon exclaimed her accusation in disbelief. "You know there is no need for romance as a shinobi!" She then reminded.

"In your dreams." Haruka grunted. "At the very least I have a chance to get a boyfriend unlike you, brute." She then remarked.

"I'M NOT A HUNK DAMMIT!" Miyabi however suddenly declared.

"...What?" Haruka got out in confusion.

KICK!

The blonde tried to stay silent as Miyabi gave her a quick kick to the stomach. "I didn't say anything." She growled in denial while stepping on the blonde's head, forcing her to the floor.

Haruka hacked up some saliva and glared. "O-Of course..." She struggled out.

The white haired girl then coughed into her fist as she looked at the girl. "Now...I actually liked our fight, and we can't lose an Elite like this, so let's cut a deal." Miyabi offered as she rubbed her heel in the blonde's cheek. "I won't kill you, and all I ask in return is good medicine that's even better than the crap Hebijo supplies so I can get back to my full strength." She then revealed.

"That's...awfully nice of you." Haruka got out before wincing as the white haired girl added more weight on her head.

"I'm not a monster. Plus, I have to ensure your loyalty to Hebijo. I figured you might be a bit irritated thanks to some students, but I assure you that Hebijo is a wonderful school that will reward your loyalty." Miyabi stated and added before sighing at recalling her friend's spiteful actions, figuring that was a reason for the blonde's actions. "Because if you aren't..." She soon began.

"You'll kill me with the Yoke Technique?" Haruka guessed as she narrowed her eyes.

"Too quick. Too painless." Miyabi casually stated before leaning down, overshadowing the defeated girl. "I can do far, far worse to you. Do you understand?"

"You mean like Imu trying to force Hikage to kill a puppy?" Haruka then asked.

STOMP!

"Don't ask questions out of turn." Miyabi growled. "And we're Evil Shinobi. We aren't meant to show any mercy unless it furthers our goals." She however pointed out. "Like now for example." She then added.

"So you've killed puppies before?" Haruka accused.

STOMP!

"...Yes." Miyabi bluntly answered. "Don't guilt trip me. It's either kill or be killed, and a mere mutt will not stop me. I won't rest until everything against me dies. Yōma, Good Shinobi, anyone. If they stand in my way I will cut them down like grass. Now, do you understand your situation?" She then declared, ready to snap the blonde's neck if she didn't like the next few words out of her mouth.

"H-Hai." Haruka soon struggled out, some blood running down her face.

"Good." Miyabi breathed out as she reverted back into her civilian clothes. "Nice talking to you. I expect that medicine will be ready by tomorrow. Don't keep me waiting." She ordered. "Also, I'll make sure not to let Homura know you're here as well for the sake of your mission. Don't want her to know she's in charge of someone with no future." She then added.

As soon as the white haired girl left, Haruka let out a growl of defiance as she balled her hands into fists. "This means war..." She soon thought before heading to the bathroom to actually take a shower.

Outside of the apartment however, Miyabi collapsed to her knees. "I...She was stronger than I prepared for..." She panted out. She was sure she only won that fight through pure luck. "Dammit...why am I so weak...?" She then growled as she tried to get feeling back into her legs before recalling the look in the blonde's eyes. "What the hell happened though? She's more defiant then most Hebijo Elites..." She soon thought in confusion...and curiosity?

Hebijo usually broke those to make them loyal, but Haruka, there was no signs of that, even though she was a third year.

Did coming to Tokyo do something?

Did the Phantom Thieves get to her?

...Or was it something else entirely...?

"...Dammit, I have some serious catching up to do. Might request a loyalty test for the others..." Miyabi mumbled before pausing. "With less cute puppies." She then added.

Then again, she also did lie about saying she killed puppies too. Fully grown dogs, sure, but the puppies were usually raised as ninken for themselves.

Even she had to admit Poochie was cute...

"I wonder if father would get me one for completing this mission..." Miyabi wondered before finally finding the strength to stand up. However, she knew she had to go home and rest. Her body was in worse condition than she realised.

Plus, it would give her time to figure out what to do with that little voyeur she let escape. She felt ashamed to know that she made such an ametuer mistake.

It was a mistake she would not make again.

---

(Aoyama-Itchome, Shujin Academy School Gate)

"Man, it was kind of a boring day today..." Homura yawned, walking out of the school to head home after finishing her patrol and parting ways with her committee member. "Hm, I expected Miyabi to meet me here but I guess she's somewhere else..." She then assumed, although she began to worry a little.

As the tan skinned girl thought about this, she was soon interrupted when she spotted someone in a green jacket standing just outside of the school.

"Hm?" Homura hummed out with a raised eyebrow, not recognizing the man.

The man noticed that someone was behind him and turned around to see the tan skinned girl. "Excuse me, young lady. Mind if I ask you a question?" He requested as he walked over to her.

Homura in turn blinked as she watched the man take out a pack of cigarettes. "And you are?" She questioned in an untrusting tone.

"Oh, pardon me. Where are my manners?" The man responded as he chuckled to himself. "My name is Gorou Matayoshi. I'm a Detective." He introduced himself as he lit a cigarette and placed it in his mouth to smoke it.

"A detective?" Homura repeated as she narrowed her eyes. "And what does a detective doing here around Shujin Academy?" She soon questioned.

"Well, I'm looking for someone who attends this school." Matayoshi answered . "I'm here to check up on him to make sure he's not causing any trouble for everyone here." He then revealed.

"Really now." Homura responded, still uneasy to the authority figure's words.

"Yes. Now if you don't mind me asking, can you please tell me where he is?" Matayoshi nodded and asked as she crossed his arms.

"And who exactly are you-?" Homura began to ask, however...

"Ah, Matayoshi-san." A familiar voice got out, causing the two to turn to see the blond committee member.

"Oh, Chitose-san." Homura greeted as she watched the boy approach them with an umbrella over his head.

"Ah, there you are, Imai-san." Matayoshi greeted back "I see that you're doing well."

"Yes, I have. Been keeping out of trouble since you helped me and Ryuji back then." Chitose replied as he nodded. "And I see that you've met my buchou, Homura." He then added.

"Ah, so you two know each other. A pleasure sir." Homura responded as she relaxed herself.

"The pleasure is mine." Matayoshi replied as he tipped his cap to her. "I apologize for the sudden appearance, I hope I wasn't too intimidating to you, young lady." He then added.

"Oh, it's no problem whatsoever." Homura responded while waving it off.

"So what brings you to Shujin, Matayoshi-san? Is it another of your check ups on me and Ryuji?" Chitose then asked the older man.

"Check ups?" Homura mentally repeated to herself in confusion with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, that's exactly what it is." Matayoshi replied as he nodded. "Since I don't have many cases at this time of day, I've decided to check up on you boys to see how you're doing." He explained as he then looked over to Shujin. "Since this was closer, I've decided to make my first stop here before heading over to Ikebukuro." He then concluded.

"." Homura pointed out.

"You might be right, little lady." Matayoshi laughed at this.

"Well, I've been on good behavior since then and things have been looking up." Chitose explained. "There haven't been any problems with me and I've been helping out with Homura in keeping our school safe." He then revealed.

"Oh, is that so?" Matayoshi turned to the tan skinned girl.

"Well it is part of my duties as the head of the Shujin Disciplinary Committee...despite the principal secretly trying to make sure it fails all things considered." Homura replied and sighed out the second bit. "...The man really cares more for his reputation than the students themselves..." She then explained in disappointment.

"So I've heard. I've gotten a lot of compliments for what's been going on at this school and most of them were directed at your principal." Matayoshi replied with a frown as he crossed his arms again. "Unfortunately, I can't really do much without any sort of evidence that proves his involvement in these complaints. I hope you kids can forgive me for not being able to help when you need it." He then revealed.

Homura in response sighed to that, already feeling the man's honesty and understood what he meant. "It is alright sir." She replied. "Maybe you can investigate him in secret until you find some." She then suggested.

"I'll see if I can, but I'll need to be discreet about it or the higher ups will have my head for getting too obsessed over a case again." Matayoshi responded as he nodded. "I'll see what I can find about your principal and let you know about my findings." He then revealed as he leaned in closer to them. "But this conversation is between the three of us, no one should know about what we've just spoke about." He then instructed in a whisper.

"Yes sir." Homura replied.

"Our lips are sealed." Chitose responded as he nodded while zipping his lips and threw away the imaginary key.

"Good. Then I'll be off then." Matayoshi nodded with a smile. "I'll be heading over to Ikebukuro to see how Mishima is doing." He then informed as he turned to the tan skinned girl. "But before I do..." He started as he then gestured her to come closer.

"Hm?" Homura got out as walked over to the detective.

"Keep an eye on him for me, will you?" Matayoshi whispered his request. "He may be a fool, but he's a good kid. I can see you've been a good influence on him." He then explained as he smiled at her.

Homura in response also smiled and nodded. "Can do." She replied.

"Thank you. I'll be counting on you." Matayoshi pats her shoulder before pulling away from her. "Well, I best be off. You kids take care and keep out of trouble, ya hear? I don't want to catch you on the wrong side of the law." He then informed and instructed as he tilted his hat.

"Of course sir." Homura responded.

"We'll be good." Chitose responded as well.

"Good. Have a good day." Matayoshi replied to the two of them as he then took his leave.

As the two committee members were left alone, they then decided to head to the vending machine to get some drinks.

"So Chitose-san, what would you like?" Homura asked.

"I'll take an iced coffee please." Chitose soon requested.

Nodding to that, Homura pressed the button on the machine, getting the can out and handing it to him before getting herself a green tea.

"Thanks." Chitose took the can before opening it to take a sip.

"That detective, he seems different then Akechi." Homura pointed out, opening her can as soon as she began drinking.

"Well, Matayoshi has been a detective a lot longer than him." Chitose explained. "So he knows how to be a detective far more than Akechi. And believe me, the old guy takes his job seriously." He then added as he took another sip from his drink.

"Noted." Homura replied with a nod. "Still, Ikebukuro. Quite a ways from here." She then pointed out.

"Yeah, it sure is. But I really don't mind the trip." Chitose replied and nodded. "It's where I can meet up with my friends and hang out with them." He takes another sip of his drink. "Of course, that's all before we go to work at our base." He then added.

"Huh, I'll have to visit there sometime." Homura admitted. "Think you can be my guide if I have the time?" She then requested.

"Sure, I can show you around." Chitose responded while nodding. "I'll be sure to let the others know that you're coming over to visit. I don't want to be caught by surprise." He then added as he chuckled.

"Hm?" Homura hummed out in a curious manner.

"Let's just say that we don't often get visitors outside of our workforce." Chitose vaguely explained. "I just want them to know that you're not a shady person, just a friend from school coming over to visit." He then explained.

"Of course. I would be a stranger to them." Homura replied while shrugging her shoulders.

"Cool. Glad to hear that." Chitose replied with a nod. "By the way, what did Matayoshi-san whisper to you earlier?" He then asked.

"Well that's a secret." Homura amusingly responded as she playfully winked at the boy.

That caused him to blush a little at her winking at him. "Okay, if you say so." Chitose rubbed the back of his head nervously.

Homura simply giggled at that as she felt her bond with her committee member improving even more as a result of meeting someone with a connection to him.

RANK UP! HERMIT RANK 3!

"So since we're together, you want to patrol around the school before heading home?" Chitose suggested to her.

"Sure." Homura replied as the two finished their drinks and threw them into the recycling bin.

"Then let's go." Chitose declared as they started their patrol.

Homura simply nodded to that as the two headed out back towards the school. "One more patrol wouldn't hurt." She soon thought, doing their duties for the rest of the afternoon before heading home.

---

(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc)

"Not a day goes by without me thinking 'bout the way the world stopped mid-motion...When you walked into my life and we connected like we'd shared the same mad potion...~" Asuka sang to herself as went through the process of making coffee.

DING! DING! DING!

"Welcome!" Asuka happily greeted.

"Asuka." Akira however breathed out, breathing heavily and sweating.

"Oh, hey Akira-kun." Asuka meanwhile greeted as she noticed him looking exhausted. "Did you run all the way back here?" She soon asked.

"Yeah. Needed a little workout." Akira lied as he began heading up into his room. "Let me go get changed. I wanna work today." He then got out.

"Okay then..." Asuka replied, her eyebrow raised in confusion as she watched her fellow Leader head up the stairs. She narrowed her eyes before returning to making coffee and sushi.

Soon enough, Akira came back down the stairs in his work clothes and went into the kitchen like nothing happened, only to notice that Sojiro was back.

"Hey Boss." Akira soon greeted.

"Ah, you're back early." Sojiro remarked. "Why are you working?" He soon asked.

"Just need to take my mind off some stuff." Akira muttered.

"...Well, okay. We need a Blue Mountain on the double." Sojiro responded and ordered.

"Hai." Akira replied as he got to work.

Seeing that it was quite slow and that nobody in their right mind would buy coffee or curry in this heat, after an hour of receiving no customers, Sojiro decided it might be a good time to train his employees.

"Alright, let's see if you're ready for curry, Asuka-chan." Sojiro decided. "I hope you've been paying attention. Akira, you'll be joining as well to see how far you've come." He then informed.

"Huh?" Akira got out in confusion. "I thought I wasn't ready yet. I've barely even touched the stove." He then added.

"Well, I won't be here all the time and we'll lose a sale if they order curry, so you're learning as well." Sojiro stated. "I'll teach you the more complex curries when we're alone. Now clean this place up before we get started."

"Yes sir!" Asuka happily replied with a salute.

"Okay, Boss." Akira got out as he washed his hands.

"So...what's your experience with curry?" Sojiro soon asked as the two got the pots and pans ready.

"Uhh...the closest thing I've gotten to making curry is watching my mom use one of those premade packets and watching you." Akira revealed.

"My mama would make some for family parties." Asuka revealed while rubbing the back of her head.

"So you're basically beginners." Sojiro muttered. "Well, let's start you two off with a chicken curry. Really easy to make and hard to mess up unless the meat is undercooked." He then instructed.

"Hai." Asuka replied with a nod of determination.

"Alright, all the ingredients should be in the fridge and cabinets." Sojiro soon informed.

"Which ones?" Asuka soon asked.

"Chicken, garlic, chili peppers, carrots, onions, potatoes, ginger, ketchup, soy sauce...oh, and the curry roux." Sojiro listed from memory.

"Got it." Akira responded as he grabbed the ingredients.

"Ah, almost forgot." Sojiro got out as he tossed the Vice Leader something.

The brunette caught it smoothly before looking at what she caught. "Huh, you want us to add apples?" Asuka asked in a curious manner and a tilt of her head.

"It's part of the classic Japanese curry. Now slice them up." Sojiro ordered. "Akira, get the honey and salt from the cabinet too." He then instructed.

"Yes, chef." Akira muttered as he did as such.

Soon enough, they put all the ingredients into the pot and were cooking the curry. It was going a lot better than the cafe owner was expecting.

"Good. Now grate the apple slices over the pot." Sojiro stated as the Leader did as ordered. "Remember, it's better if you don't taste it enough. You can always add more. If you taste too much, you can't take it out after all." He then informed.

"Basics of cooking, Boss." Asuka muttered as she prepared the plate with rice.

After thirty minutes of preparation and cooking, Akira slid the plate in front of the cafe owner. It looked good, and they had added a poached egg along with the curry.

After taking a whiff Sojiro took a bite and closed his eyes.

"You put too much spice...or not enough..." Sojiro mumbled to himself. "Either way, instead of bringing out the flavors, they just blend together into something mediocre. However, not a bad first attempt, you two. Just be sure to taste your curry more while you make it." He then informed and advised.

The two in turn sighed in relief, glad it wasn't completely terrible.

Suddenly, Sojiro's phone buzzed, making him pull it out and answer it. "Again? Damn..." He muttered before sighing. "Sorry, but I need to go. Clean up and close up shop." He then informed and instructed.

"Hai." Akira and Asuka responded before the cafe owner left.

"Hm...I wonder if I can combine curry with sushi..." Asuka soon muttered to herself, feeling a spark of inspiration coming to her while cleaning the floor.

"Hm, curry sushi. I'd love to try it if you want a guinea pig." Akira offered as he cleaned the pot.

"Guinea pig?" Asuka repeated in confusion.

"It's what Dr. Takemi calls me." Akira pointed out.

"...I'll take you up on that offer." Asuka soon replied, albeit a bit uneasy before gaining a more serious expression. "But now...Akira-kun, be honest. There's something on your mind." She then stated in a serious manner.

The Leader flinched. While it was small enough to easily miss, it couldn't escape the eyes of a shinobi. "Asuka, I'm fine. Really." Akira however reassured.

"Akira-kun, I know something is troubling you. Tell me, please." Asuka suddenly accused and requested in concern.

To that, the Leader adjusted his glasses and sighed. "...Miyabi attacked one of my Confidants earlier." Akira soon revealed.

"What!?" Asuka gasped in shock. "Are they...did she-" She then began.

"She's a fighter. She won't die that easily." Akira assured. "Plus, she had no clue on the Phantom Thieves. We're good for now, at least." He then added.

"Should I call the others?" Asuka soon asked.

"No. Too risky. We need to meet up physically under a Shinobi Kekkai." Akira replied.

"...Oh my God..." Asuka soon sighed out. "Why is this happening to us...? I...I just want to help people..." She then muttered.

"Maybe it comes with the power." Akira assumed. "I mean, you came here to stop things like the Phantom Thieves and Black Mask, not join 'em." He then reminded.

"...Is it really worth changing the world for the better if it endangers the ones you love?" Asuka wondered out loud before shaking her head.

"We'll just have to wait and see." Akira got out with a shrug. "Do you mind keeping this from the others? I don't want them to worry about it. I mean, it is my fault it ended up like this." He soon requested and explained his reason.

"Sure, but you're wrong about it being your fault. It was Miyabi-chan's." Asuka however stated and corrected. "Don't shoulder your burdens by yourself, Akira-kun. It's important to remember when you're the leader." She soon advised.

"...I'll believe you if my friend lives." Akira sighed as they cleaned the rest of the dishes, feeling his bond with the Vice Leader strengthen further.

SHATTER!

Rank 7

Unlocked Endure!

Chance to withstand an otherwise fatal attack with 1 HP remaining.

Eventually, Asuka headed out with some extra money in her pocket while Akira went back to his room to worry about his friends.

---

(7/19, Evening)

(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc Attic)

"Come...on...!" Akira grunted as he tried to pull himself up one more time, however his body just gave up and caused him to drop back to the floor.

"145!" Morgana announced. "You were really pushing yourself tonight." He then noted.

"Given the fact we're facing death on multiple fronts, I want a fighting chance." Akira got out as he took a swig of his water bottle. "And now I need to buy more training for everyone. Hopefully Homura gives a discount given the situation..." He then added.

BZZT! BZZT!

"And hopefully, we have more info on Medjed." Morgana added as the Leader grabbed his phone.

[All4Painting: So I looked into Medjed.]

[FireGirl20: Good to see you spent your time wisely, Yusuke.]

[Sweetkat06: Did you find anything?]

[All4Painting: As you know, Medjed is a god that appears in the Egyptian Book of the Dead.]

[Shut7heFUp: Huh?]

[All4Painting: Its name apparently means "the smiter." It seems nobody is actually sure that Medjed is a real name.]

[Road2Queen: Kitagawa-san...]

[All4Painting: On top of that, almost everything else about him is unknown. Even his form is unattainable. An unseen god that flies through the sky and shoots from his eyes...He truly is an elusive being.]

[Shut7heFUp: Dude.]

[All4Painting: Everything about his existence is shrouded in mystery.]

[SushiRoll23: What are you talking about?]

[All4Painting: Fundamentally speaking, ancient Egyptian art always depicted gods drawn in a side profile.]

[All4Painting: However, Medjed is facing straight ahead in all depictions of him.]

[All4Painting: Taking all of this into account, he seems to be quite the alien being.]

[All4Painting: I hope that information was at least somewhat useful.]

(...)

[FireGirl20: WRONG MEDJED]

[FireGirl20: AGAIN]

[FireGirl20: DUMBASS]

[All4Painting: Oh.]

(...)

[All4Painting: Should I go back to researching?]

[Negative8Degrees: No. You did fine, Yusuke-san.]

[All4Painting: I found a picture of Medjed online.]

[Negative8Degrees: That's enough. Thank you, Yusuke-san.]

"Yusuke is sure is...something." Morgana got out in a flat tone.

"Dammit...Haruka-chan still hasn't called yet..." Akira soon muttered in concern.

"You really care for her huh?" Morgana got out.

"Well, she might be dead right now so I don't know, Morgana, should I not care she essentially sacrificed her life for me on a goddamn whim?" Akira pointed out. "Dammit, call already or do I have to walk all the way back to your apartment tonight." He then growled.

BZZT! BZZT!

"Oh thank god." Akira breathed out. "Now don't be Miyabi using her phone..." He soon whispered as he answered the text.

[Haruka: Akira, please reply soon.]

[TheWildJ0ker: Is that you? Um...what happened on the night of June 21st when I saw you.]

[Haruka: You turned into a woman due to a failed energizer potion. I still wonder where all that fat for your boobs came from.]

(...)

[Haruka: I may need to study that concoction since it possibly breaks a few laws of physics...]

[TheWildJ0ker: Oh thank god you're alive. Are you hurt? Do you need me to take you to Takemi's?]

[Haruka: I'm fine. I lost the fight, but I don't need medical attention.]

[Haruka: And sorry I took so long to call you. I spent the last few hours patching myself up and laying in my bed.]

[TheWildJ0ker: At least you're alive...]

[Haruka: That may not be the case soon. Miyabi knows of my betrayal of Hebijo for the sake of the Crimson Squad and is using it against me. I can no longer help you without giving you away.]

[TheWildJ0ker: It's alright. We'll figure something out.]

[Haruka: I know you will.]

(...)

[Haruka: By the way, does this look bad?]

Akira and Morgana simultaneously winced at the picture that was sent. It was stitched up but it was still quite big.

[TheWildJ0ker: Still as beautiful as ever.]

[TheWildJ0ker: Just be sure you take proper care of it so it doesn't leave a scar.]

[Haruka: Thank you, but don't avoid being honest with me. I already know it's quite nasty.]

[Haruka: Miyabi did a number on me.]

[TheWildJ0ker: So, how did she fight?]

[Haruka: She used a katana and used some sort of dark energy. I can't quite tell but it hurt. She caught me off guard and broke my defense quite easily. Once she got an opening there was little to stop her.]

[TheWildJ0ker: Weaknesses?]

(...)

[Haruka: She reacted quite strongly when I brought up more masculine traits and mentioned she would never get a boyfriend.]

[Haruka: Although, those did cause my newest wound.]

[TheWildJ0ker: Jeez. Sorry I had to leave you behind...]

[Haruka: I wanted to be left behind, Akira-kun. You wouldn't stand a chance against her in a fight.]

[Haruka: Do not engage her head-on, please. I don't want you to die.]

[TheWildJ0ker: I promise.]

[TheWildJ0ker: Get some rest, okay?]

[Haruka: I will.]

[TheWildJ0ker: Oh, and make sure your friends know what Miyabi did too. She'll possibly be suspecting them as well.]

[TheWildJ0ker: Good night.]

"Crimson Squad huh?" Morgana read out.

"Guess that's what Homura's friends are calling themselves as." Akira deducted. "...I know too many shinobi..." He then mumbled.

"Is that a complaint?" Morgana however asked.

"If I have to worry about them dying in a job with a high lethality rate, yeah." Akira chuckled humorlessly. "Ugh...first Medjed and now this..." He then groaned as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "I think I'll call Kawakami tonight." He soon decided.

"Why? Want her to make more lockpicks?" Morgana guessed.

"No. Coffee." Akira replied. "I want to finish some books I've been putting off." He then explained.

"I recommend the Medjed Menace then. It might prove useful." Morgana suggested.

"Way ahead of you." Akira replied before heading downstairs. "We faced the impossible three times already and came out on top. Come on, Joker, we'll figure something out." He then whispered to himself.

"I hope we do." Morgana sighed as he laid on the bed. "I can't die without knowing who I am..." He then added.

"You're Morgana! Isn't that fine enough!?" Akira called out from the cafe.

"I want to know what being Morgana means!" The not cat responded. "Is Morgana even my real name? Where did I even get the name Morgana..." He then mumbled.

"Motherfucker!" Akira suddenly swore, scaring the not cat.

"Akira!?" Morgana called out as he rushed downstairs. "What's wrong?" He then asked.

"Kawakami is in the hospital!" Akira informed as he switched into his casual clothes. "Going out now. Need to make sure she's alright and won't die from exhaustion. I'll be home by ten." He soon stated.

"What!?" Morgana exclaimed.

"What flowers should I get, by the way?" Akira asked as he adjusted his shirt.

"Uhh...Daffodils?" Morgana answered in an unsure manner.

"Thank you." Akira replied before heading out of Leblanc.

---

(7/20, Early Morning)

(Ginza Line)

"...And that was my day yesterday." Akira finished. "Kawakami was fine, by the way. She should be in school today even though I begged her to take a break." He then informed.

"That was...a long explanation." Morgana got out as he blinked.

"Moh...Those Takase guys sound so mean..." Asuka grumbled with a pout. "Demanding so much money even in the hospital..." She then added.

"I smell a future target." Homura remarked, ready to beat their Shadows into submission.

"That is in the works right now." Akira sighed. "Damn, high school students should not be dealing with stuff like this." He then grumbled.

"Oh, like the adults would do any better..." Asuka countered. "Actually, I think Miyabi-chan is making things worse..." She then admitted.

"Goddammit..." Homura grumbled. "Not even a day here, and she almost killed one of your friends. Perfect." She soon growled.

"We need to stop Miyabi-chan..." Asuka mumbled out.

"Why are you using chan for her, Lady Asuka?" Morgana asked in confusion.

"...Habit..." Asuka sheepishly admitted with a blush.

At that moment however...

"Ah, Akira." Akechi got out as he approached the group from behind. "And you two...um...Shirokage-san and Shinkukage-san, correct?" He then assumed.

"...Oh right, you exist outside of TV." Homura muttered. "Hello, Akechi." She then greeted half-heartedly.

"Hi, Goro-kun." Asuka greeted, causing the detective to step back.

"O-Oh, sorry if I looked shocked. I rarely have been called by my given name." Akechi soon explained as he regained composure.

"Wait, I don't think we ever told you our names, Akechi." Homura soon realised as she narrowed her eyes.

"Ah, my apologies. I just happened to stumble on your names online." Akechi explained. "Modelling and disciplinary committees. You two certainly have made your mark this year." He then stated in an impressed manner.

"Thanks." Homura replied in a flat tone. "Now why is the famous Detective Prince taking the train? I thought you'd have a limo or a chauffeur or at the very least a sports car." She soon questioned.

"I don't have a driver's license." Akechi answered. "Cars are just dreadful to use in Tokyo anyways. Besides, police work and TV appearances don't make as much money as you think." He then added.

"I'm betting." Akira spoke up as the detective wiped the sweat off his brow.

"Whew. It's really summer now. I get sweaty just walking around a bit." Akechi breathed out. "I didn't think Medjed would pounce on the Phantom Thieves like that. Interesting things keep happening this year. The influence of Phantom Thieves knows no bounds...I underestimated it, honestly." He then remarked.

"Well, you should've thought of that before trying to convince everyone they're the bad guys." Homura pointed out.

"I have the feeling you don't like me, Shinkukage-san." Akechi remarked, keeping his ever-winning smile.

"Great detective work, Dick." Homura deadpanned.

"Although, that's becoming more and more common these days..." The detective then admitted. "It's worrying. To blindly follow a seemingly good cause...you never know what darkness it may hide." He then added.

"Hey, there is something called altruism." Akira reminded.

"Of course." Akechi chuckled. "I wonder what the public thinks of this though. Are they entertained? Or perhaps inconvenienced?" He soon questioned in a curious manner.

"What do you mean by being inconvenienced?" Asuka asked.

"Well, more and more news outlets are covering the Phantom Thieves by the day. And given my line of work, you get sick of hearing their name after a while." Akechi answered with a shrug. "Besides, the Phantom Thieves may not understand the full consequences of their actions. Take Medjed's challenge as an example. I may understand if their intentions are good, however they may end up hurting more people than they avenge or save in the long run." He then added before turning to the Leader of the Phantom Thieves. "Well, Akira, what do you think?" He then questioned the glasses-wearing boy.

Akira gave it some thought before answering. "Entertained." He simply answered.

Akechi let out a huff to that. "A luxury for the uninvolved. I know they mean no ill intent but I doubt many are watching the Phantom Thieves to be inspired to take on injustice themselves." He soon pointed out.

"True...but there's always a chance, you know?" Asuka pointed out with an optimistic smile.

"So this is what the public thinks..." Akechi muttered under his breath before checking his phone. "...Whoops, I don't have time for a conversation. My attendance has been poor due to interviews lately. Thank you for your valuable opinion. I'll see you three around hopefully."

"Yeah, you too." Homura replied as the detective walked away. "...Jackass." She then quietly added.

"He just doesn't get it, Homu-nee." Asuka sighed. "Goro-kun isn't a bad guy." She then added.

"Still, I keep getting a bad vibe from him..." Homura soon admitted.

"Hm? A bad vibe Lady Homura?" Morgana repeated.

"Other than the fact that he might be BM." Akira added.

"...He's a bowel movement?" Asuka got out in innocent confusion, causing the others to snort in amusement.

"Yeah. On both fronts." Homura answered bluntly. "I don't know what his game is, but I don't plan on losing." She soon stated as she clenched her fists.

"Hear, hear." Asuka responded before hearing something. "Ah, the train's here!" She then called out as the Phantom Thieves founders climbed aboard.

"I wonder how Haruka-chan's friends will learn that Miyabi attacked her?" Akira thought to himself.

---

(Hebijo Academy, Elites Room)

BOOM!

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE ATTACKED YOU HARUKA-SAMA!?" Mirai explosively roared in anger and fury after learning what happened.

"...Exactly as I said?" Haruka responded. "Well, to be honest, that is the standard response to betrayal." She then confessed.

"But she...She had no...!" Mirai tried to say something before settling for stomping around. "Grrr...!" She soon growled out.

"Mirai-chan, calm down." Haruka soon ordered, causing the first year to wince at the seriousness of her voice. "It was my mistake for letting this situation happen. If only I was stronger..." She then sighed out.

"I told you." Yomi spoke up as she frowned. "You really didn't think it through! You only focused on the goal, not how to get there or the consequences, and now people we care about are going to get hurt!"

"Yomi-san, that's not-" Hikage started.

"No...she is right." Haruka interrupted. "It...It's my fault this happened. But I am not giving up just yet. I'm still going to fight, even if it costs me my life."

"You're going to get someone killed." Yomi however declared. "At least give it more thought." She then added.

"I have Yomi. Because, I want to become a doctor now, as well as a shinobi." Haruka revealed.

"No you're not." Yomi growled. "You're just being selfish." She then stated.

"I am not!" Haruka snapped. "I just need time and...and...dammit, I need all your help! I...I can't do this alone..." She then begged in a desperate manner.

"Haruka-sama..." Mirai breathed out, shocked to hear that.

"I'm holding onto a dream I'm not sure I can keep and...and it feels like it's all on the verge of falling apart..." Haruka confessed, her voice edging between breaking down and crying. "I can't do this...Me and Hikage can't do this without you two..." She then added.

The two uneasy girls' eyes meanwhile widened after hearing this. "Are...are you crying?" Yomi got out in shock.

"Please...I...I just can't..." Haruka soon pleaded.

"Hikage-san?" Yomi soon got out as she turned to the snake-like girl.

"...We...We really can't do this..." Hikage admitted, looking down at the floor. "It's okay if you don't want to join on this suicide mission. We won't hold it against you." She then got out in depression and frustration.

The two stood there in silence, only listening to Haruka's sobs through the phone and seeing the strained and frustrated expression on Hikage's face.

"...Give me more than just fighting like hell, and then I'm in." Yomi suddenly stated.

"Excuse me?" Haruka got out, surprised by the other blonde's turnaround.

"I want the slums safe, that's all I want out of being a shinobi." Yomi explained. "You have to make sure Hebijo doesn't go after it before I join. I...I don't want to abandon my friends." She then declared and confessed.

"Yomi-san...thank you." Hikage muttered before turning to the smallest of their group. "And you Mirai-san?" She soon asked.

Mirai frowned before sighing. "I still want to get stronger..." She reminded before putting on a brave face. "So...y-you guys better train me into a top-rate shinobi before we leave!" She then demanded with a blush on her face.

"That's fine by me." Hikage replied with a nod.

"There's no way we would leave you behind Mirai-san." Yomi got out.

"Of course we would." Haruka responded. "...Oh! Maybe we could stay there and be its protectors." She then suggested.

Yomi immediately gained stars in her eyes to the idea. "That sounds like a wonderful idea!" She excitedly cheered. "Although, I'll have to get them to move from Osaka..." She then mumbled. Well, she was already planning that...

"Seriously? Osaka of all places?" Hikage got out.

"Kamagasaki, I'm assuming...?" Haruka guessed.

"Yes." Yomi responded with a nod. "And hopefully, they won't mind living in a theme park and even working as employees there." She mentally added.

"What's with that smile Yomi-san?" Hikage bluntly asked.

"Nothing. Just thinking about Booty-" Yomi offhandedly began to answer in a daze before snapping herself out.

"...Okay." Hikage replied with a smile. "Glad you two are in now." She then added.

"Be careful though. I don't know if I can trust that Miyabi won't report my betrayal to Hebijo. Maybe she's done so already." Haruka soon assumed. "But for now, we should just do as they tell us. No sabotage, no failures. We need to prove to Hebijo we're still loyal until the last minute." She then advised.

"Hai." The rest responded in unison.

"And that may mean locking Imu and Hikage in a room to work out their issues." Haruka then stated.

"..." Hikage however gave a blunt look in response to that.

"Look, we need allies here and if you two keep fighting, she's going to be the first one to suspect you're leaving." Haruka soon explained in a serious tone.

"But-" Hikage got out

"This has gone long enough. Either make up or kill each other already." Haruka soon got out, interrupting the greenette before pausing. "What is stopping you from killing her already?" She then asked in a curious tone.

"..." Hikage's expression didn't change in response to this. "You want me to get Miyabi-san on my ass for killing her best friend?" She then asked.

"You hesitated." Yomi however pointed out.

The greenette's head however started to go red in response. "...Ok seriously! They were all harmless pranks, dammit!" Hikage finally snapped, causing the other girls in the room to jump at the emotional response and purple aura surrounding her. "I didn't expect her to hold such a big grudge!" She then confessed

"And said pranks were...?" Yomi pressed on.

"Basic things like whoopee cushions and putting hot sauce in her underwear and watching her react after putting them on declaring that her biscuits were burning!" Hikage explained. "And it was only every other day for...a year..." She then slowly got out as the gears started to turn in her head.

"...No wonder her mental state isn't great..." Mirai growled. "Why hot sauce?" She then asked as she instinctively rubbed her rear while imagining it while wincing.

"I wanted to use glue but I didn't have any..." Hikage answered.

"And why did you prank her in the first place?" Yomi soon questioned.

"...I don't remember." Hikage admitted before frowning. "Um...It still doesn't excuse what she made me do to Poochie..." She then added.

"True..." Yomi stated before shaking her head. "But at least say sorry and buy her an ice-cream."

"...Fine." Hikage relented. "But if she refuses and tries anything to me or Poochie..." She then began in a more threatening tone

"We won't stop you." Mirai finished. "So...I guess this is it. We're...We're really doing this." She then stated in confirmation.

"Hai." Yomi responded with a nod.

"For the sake of the Crimson Squad?" Hikage whispered.

"For the sake of the Crimson Squad." Haruka responded, the group knowing that the girl had a devious smirk on her face.

---

(7/20, Morning)

(Shujin Academy, Classroom)

Another day, another lesson. Actually, it was quite important that the students paid attention since...well...well, Asuka, Homura and Akira was sure it was important, however-

BZZT! BZZT!

Their phones kept distracting them.

"Wow, your phone's been going nuts since you got off the train." Morgana remarked. "I mean, it could be Ryuji texting in his back pocket again but you should probably answer it."

"Can't. Teacher's focusing on us right now." Akira muttered.

"So wake up the members of my nation! It's your time to be! There's no chance unless you take one~"

Suddenly, a ringtone began to fill the air, sending everyone into silence.

"U-Umm...excuse me for a moment. I need to take this." The teacher apologized as they answered their phone.

"That's his ringtone?" Ann got out as she held back some laughter.

"Everyone has their taste in music." Asuka muttered.

"What is it? I'm- What do you mean she bought a hot tub and a massage chair!? That stupi-" The teacher suddenly exclaimed before coughing. "I-If you excuse me, I need to take care of...some stuff. I'll be back in a moment." They soon announced before leaving the classroom in a hurry.

BZZT! BZZT!

"Ugh! We have to stop texting in the middle of class..." Homura sighed before pulling out her phone. "What the? Alibaba9?" She muttered out in confusion.

"Huh? That name is not on my contacts..." Asuka whispered out as she checked the messages.

[Alibaba9: Nice to meet you. Joker, Yin, Yang.]

Homura suddenly started coughing while the Vice Leader nearly yelped in surprise.

Meanwhile, Akira was internally screaming as his Personas tried to calm him down, despite the stone cold look on his face.

[Alibaba9: I am the one they call Alibaba.]

[Alibaba9: I want to ask you all something.]

[Alibaba9: Joker, the leader of the Phantom Thieves. Yin and Yang, shinobi of Good and Evil respectively. Am I correct?]

[Alibaba9: Can you really steal hearts?]

"H-How...? Fuck..." Asuka whispered out, her whole body shivering.

"Holy shit..." Homura muttered in disbelief.

"That's not good." Akira mentally groaned.

"Who is this? How did they know you're a Phantom Thief? Why do they know about the shinobi?" Morgana meanwhile questioned.

[Alibaba9: There is someone whose heart I would like you to steal.]

[Alibaba9: But I'm not asking for charity. Let's make a deal.]

[Alibaba9: You wish to know about Medjed, correct?]

[Alibaba9: I can give you information on them if the change of heart is successful.]

"Is he making us do his dirty work or something...?" Homura mumbled under her breath.

[Alibaba9: If you so desire I will take care of them as well.]

[Alibaba9: Do you believe in my skills?]

[Alibaba9: I can track down their accounts, just as I have with yours.]

[Alibaba9: But this is all I can prove at the moment.]

[Alibaba9: I've prepared the necessary tool on my end.]

[Alibaba9: Look forward to it.]

The three tried to send a reply, but only came back with an error. It was like the account didn't exist as soon as the messages stopped.

So not only they had Miyabi on their backs, they had this new threat to take care of or else the Phantom Thieves were dead.

That was fun.

"We. Are so. Fucked." Asuka and Homura muttered in unison.

---

(7/20, After School)

(Asuka's Shinobi Kekkai)

"Alright, let's talk about the fact that we're all going to die." Homura spoke first in a blunt manner.

"Which one? Alibaba or Miyabi-chan?" Asuka soon asked.

"Let's start with Alibaba." Akira replied as he pulled out his phone. "Okay, first off, did anyone here send these messages as some sort of stupid prank?" He soon asked.

"What? No! Why would we do that!?" Ann exclaimed.

"Just checking for confirmation." Akira stated.

"I would never Akira-kun, I already have to maintain my duties to Kosei High as the Student Council President as well as my information network." Yumi then reminded. "...As well as keeping Yusuke-san from pulling any ridiculous stunts in the name of art and spending his money wisely." She then added.

"Of course." Akira replied with a nod.

"And considerin' this Ali- whatever guy mentioned stealin' hearts, he knows, doesn't he?" Ryuji stated.

"Seems so..." Makoto sighed out.

"How were we found out?" Yusuke questioned, his voice shaking slightly.

"...This isn't good, we were careless. How could I have not realized it sooner!?" Yumi got out in frustration as everyone looked at her in surprise. "This hacker...they must have traced our chat logs!" She soon deducted in a serious tone.

"I was about to say the same thing." Makoto replied in agreement. "However, how would he have known all these details with just that...?" She soon asked in a confused manner.

"Well, it wouldn't be too much out of the realm of possibility that Alibaba has access to our phone cameras, microphones and such." Akira then deducted.

"So outside of the Kekkai, this guy's been listening to us for who-knows how-long." Ann got out. "God, that's scary..." She then admitted in a nervous manner.

"This guy must be a good hacker though in any case to pull all of this." Homura admitted. "And we have no way to fight back." She then added in a more frustrated tone.

"Alibaba basically has us hostage." Asuka soon stated. "At any time, they could broadcast our identities to the world." She then added in a more nervous tone.

"Yumi, do you know someone in your info network that has any sort of hacking skills?" Akira asked.

The Kosei Student Council President in response shook her head. "No, all my informants are supposed to be nothing special. High school students, unassuming adults. They're only meant to observe and relay information to me." Yumi replied.

"I really don't get all this high tech stuff." Morgana spoke up.

To that, the tan skinned girl sighed. "To sum it up: We're. Boned." Homura bluntly revealed.

"Not necessarily. Alibaba said if we change the heart of their chosen target, we'll be in the clear." Akira pointed out. "So maybe it's just a convoluted, high-priority Mementos request." He soon stated.

"...I guess that is one way of putting it." Yumi soon admitted.

"Hm...if this person is a hacker, could they be Medjed then?" Yusuke soon suggested.

Makoto in response shook her head. "Not likely, considering they said they want to deal with them." She then reminded.

"Only if we take them at face value." Yumi added in a wary tone.

"True." Makoto once more replied in agreement.

"Hey...Wouldn't it be great if we got this guy on our side?" Ryuji suddenly suggested.

"But we know nothing about their identity at all. We can't trust them." Makoto pointed out.

"And like I said before, we're their hostages. We have no choice but to follow what they say." Asuka reminded. "If they wanted us caught, they would've done it already." She then stated.

"So we have to wait until he contacts us again." Akira soon stated. "Though, I'm still wondering what they meant by having prepared the necessary tool..." He then added.

"Do you think Alibaba is gonna send us guns or something?" Homura guessed. "Because that would not look good for your probation." She then stated.

"Well, no matter what, we're gonna have to stay together in case something happens." Yumi advised as the others nodded in agreement.

"Yeah. So somewhere we can wait and hide for long hours..." Ann muttered.

"Leblanc then?" Akira suggested as the Advisor nodded in agreement to that.

"That'll work. Besides, I don't think our apartment is safe anymore." Homura stated.

"...Speaking of such, let's move onto the other topic..." Asuka started as she gained a wary expression. "Mine and Homu-nee's new neighbor..." She then revealed.

"Miyabi Kurayami." Homura stated in a serious tone.

To that reminder, the entire group went silent in a serious and somewhat fearful manner.

"Come on man...we already have enough shinobi to deal with..." Ryuji groaned.

"And what's wrong with shinobi Ryuji?" Homura questioned as she narrowed her eyes while her roommate pouted in an offended manner.

This in turn caused the dyed blond to sweat in a nervous manner. "T-That came out wrong! I meant that we have so much shit on our plate that we don't need an effin' assassin after us!" Ryuji quickly corrected.

Akira in turn nodded to that. "He's right, we don't need this right now along with everything else we're dealing with." He explained in a serious tone.

This in response caused the tan skinned girl to sigh as she realized what they meant. "I can probably get Miyabi off our backs for a while, but we need to take care of her soon. Permanently." Homura stated.

"Which means...?" Makoto hesitantly asked, already knowing the answer.

"Killing her." Homura replied in a dead serious tone.

"...Do we really have a choice?" Ann questioned.

"...Y-You guys really don't need to. It can just be me, Homu-nee and Yumi-chan." Asuka then pointed out.

The light gray haired girl immediately gained a serious expression on her face. "An Elite of Hebijo Academy..." Yumi got out in a serious tone as she narrowed her eyes. "The daughter of the principal of an Evil Shinobi academy..." She then reminded in a slightly more angered tone.

"...I can't believe we're really talking about snuffing out a life..." Makoto whispered in concern. "What would my father think if he knew about this...?" She thought.

Homura in turn sighed. "I honestly don't want to," She admitted as her roommate nodded in agreement. "But Miyabi will come after us if we don't act soon. And turning her to our side isn't an option here." She then reminded.

"Yes, someone like her should be neutralized. This isn't about us going to jail, it's about our lives on the lines." Morgana stated in his own serious tone. "She could very much be closing in on our identities right now." He then assumed.

---

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

"ZZZZZZZZZZ~" Miyabi snored out, having crashed and burned as soon as she stepped inside her apartment yesterday. She didn't even make it to her crappy futon. "Dakimakuras...why does Imu have dakimakuras of me...ZZZZZZZZZZ~" She grumbled in frustration.

---

(Asuka's Shinobi Kekkai)

"...Dammit, it feels like Kamoshida all over again..." Ryuji cursed. "Knowin' shinobi is great and all, but by our choice we can just kill someone without being found out...And this time, it feels like the right choice." He then admitted.

"But...we'll still have that blood on our hands, even if we don't do the deed." Makoto meanwhile muttered.

"However, we are not dealing with a normal person. The law cannot do much to a shinobi." Yusuke pointed out

"It feels like we're playing with other's lives here..." Ann admitted. "Just like all our other targets..." She then realised, shivering a little.

It was soon obvious that everyone was hesitant on what to do next...

"...Joker, what do you want us to do?" Asuka soon asked in a serious tone.

Akira couldn't help but mentally curse. He knew what he would say in response would be put into action. In his hands was the life of someone he didn't know other than that she was a threat to them. It was such a binary choice that it frustrated him, even though he didn't show it.

What should he do?

Kill Miyabi.

Let Miyabi live.

After what seemed like an eternity of deliberation, the Leader made his choice.

"We'll just have to wait and see." Akira answered. "Miyabi isn't an immediate threat. Medjed and Alibaba are." He then added.

"Are you sure Joker? The more time Miyabi has, the bigger the target we have on our backs." Morgana warned.

"I'm sure. We are not becoming murderers, we just need more time for an opportunity to present itself to allow us to neutralise her without killing her." Akira responded in a serious tone.

"...Okay, whatever you say Akira-kun." Asuka replied with a nod. "Let's just head to Leblanc and wait for Alibaba to contact us again." She then suggested.

"We had a modeling session today..." Ann however awkwardly reminded. "Damn. Guess we can't go. Once the Kekkai drops, I'll call Kokito to cancel." She then got out.

"Erm...I don't know if we can do that though..." Asuka got out as she poked her fingers together. "He did say it was really important we come..." She then added.

"I'm sure he'll understand if you just say that you need to study or some other excuse we can come up with." Homura assured.

"Homu-nee..." Asuka sighed out.

"Don't do this Asuka. Phantom Thief business is more important than modelling right now." Akira requested.

"But we don't know when Alibaba will reply." Asuka then pointed out.

Homura in turn nodded to that. "Yeah, we know. But Miyabi could strike at any time. Our lives are in danger, Sis, and I don't want you out of my sight." She then informed.

"Which is why we have to keep up the cover of normal students. Miyabi-chan probably thinks I'm...just some kind of bimbo..." Asuka awkwardly admitted.

Homura's eye twitched at that. "...That's fine. As long as she doesn't know." She replied through gritted teeth. "Just. Come." She then ordered.

"But-" Asuka got out.

"Vice Leader. You are letting down the team right now." Akira spoke up, having had enough of the argument. "I'm not asking you to come, but if your heart isn't in this, you should stop coming to meetings." He then declared, leaving no room for a response.

This however just caused the Vice Leader to pout. "Fine..." Asuka got out as she turned to the ash blonde. "Sorry Ann-chan." She soon apologized in a slightly depressed manner.

"It's ok Asuka-chan, I'm skipping out too thanks to this." Ann reminded. "Come on, don't be so upset. There will always be other gigs." She then assured.

"What? Other gigs? They won't save it for us...?" Asuka got out in disbelief, tears edging out of her eyes. "Moh..." She mumbled.

"Come on Asuka-chan, we can go to the spa again after this, ok?" Ann soon offered.

"...I guess." Asuka sighed. "Come on, let's take down Medjed and deal with Miyabi-chan so we can enjoy life again." She then declared, a fire raging in her eyes.

"Until the next target." Akira added as the Kekkai was then dropped.

---

(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc)

DING DING DING!

Sojiro was inside the cafe when the group arrived, reading a newspaper and finishing off a cup of coffee.

"Oh...?" Sojiro got out as he set down his cup and paper. "What's with the big group?" he soon asked.

"Good evening. We were thinking about putting together plans for our summer." Ann greeted.

Sojiro nodded to that before seeing there was an extra person this time around. "Hm? Is that a new face I see?" He soon noticed.

"It's nice to meet you. My name is Makoto Niijima. I hope we're not being a bother." Makoto soon greeted and introduced herself.

"She's our student council president." Ryuji then revealed.

"Niijima...?" Sojiro repeated as he stroked his beard.

"Is something wrong?" Makoto asked in a curious manner.

"...Nah, it's nothing." Sojiro quickly wrote off. "A student council president, eh? I'm stunned."

"I'm...a student council president as well..." Yumi spoke up.

"Really?" Sojiro got out in a curious manner. "Huh, two student council presidents." He then added before focusing back on the Shujin Student Council President. "I hope he's not causing you too much trouble. I'm Sojiro Sakura, but everyone just calls me Boss." He replied as he then introduced himself and informed.

"Nice to meet you, Sakura-san." Makoto replied with a smile. "And no, Akira...he's been helping me a lot." She then revealed.

"He better." Sojiro stated before remembering something. "By the way, that was addressed to you." He soon informed as he pointed to the letter on the counter.

"A letter?" Akira got out in confusion as he picked it up.

"Is it from your parents?" Asuka soon asked.

"Probably not. They have my phone number." Akira answered somewhat bitterly.

"This old man'll get going and leave you kids be. All right, the store's all yours." Sojiro soon replied as he then left the cafe.

"We won't burn it down, Boss!" Asuka promised with a bow. "...So, what do we do now?" She then asked.

"The excuse you gave to your agency." Makoto answered as she set down her bag.

"Come on, can't we just hang out?" Ryuji groaned. "We've already studied enough. Wait until the exams, whenever that is. Let's do something fun." He then added.

"Okay." Homura agreed with a shrug, causing Ryuji to let out a breath of relief. "Well, my idea of fun is force-feeding you coffee until you study or choke. Whatever comes first."

"Ack!" Ryuji choked. "Ugh! Fine, stupid grumble grumble grumble..." He then grumbled as the Leader turned on the TV for background noise.

Eventually, the Thieves' latest study session was underway.

"That's how you solve that!?" Ryuji exclaimed. "Holy effin' shit, I was way off." He then admitted.

"You...never got past your ten times table, did you..." Yumi assumed.

"Dude, I barely got past my eight times table." Ryuji admitted.

"...Okay, let's go over middle school math again." Makoto sighed as she closed her book.

"We have late-breaking news on Medjed, whose notoriety rose since their declaration of war against the Phantom Thieves yesterday." The newsman suddenly informed, turning everyone's attention to the TV.

"Oh great, they're calling it a war..." Homura got out as she rolled her eyes.

"Just moments ago, a new message was released on their website. They have announced their victory over the Phantom Thieves. Medjed also warns any Japanese citizens who praised the Phantom Thieves to stop doing so. We will report any further actions by Medjed as they arrive."

"What!?" Asuka exclaimed.

"It's only been a day..." Yumi mumbled out.

"Someone check their stupid website!" Homura called out.

"Already on it!" Ryuji called out as he pulled out his phone. "Oh, come on! It's in English!" He then complained.

"Let me see..." Ann got out as the dyed blond passed his phone to her. "The Phantom Thieves remain silent at our question. This proves that we are just. People of Japan, wake up. You must not worship the Phantom Thieves." She soon translated.

"What!? That's bullshit!" Ryuji shouted out in anger.

"Keep listening." Yusuke however said as Ann continued.

"We will discipline any who worship them. The punishment is the confiscation of possessions. We are Medjed. We are unseen. We will eliminate evil." Ann concluded before shaking her head. " ...That's what it says." She then stated.

"What does that all mean!?" Ryuji questioned.

"They're saying that they'll target sympathizers of the Phantom Thieves." Makoto clarified with a frown.

"Confiscation of possessions, hm...?" Yusuke muttered out.

"Perhaps bank accounts or personal information...Either way, it won't be anything pleasant." Makoto assumed.

"They're willing to ruin innocent people's lives just because they like the Phantom Thieves?" Homura growled. "Yeah, eliminate evil my ass! Go after some real evil people!" She then remarked.

"Why the hell are we being singled out?" Ryuji grumbled as he steamed in his seat.

"Perhaps all they care about is labeling the Phantom Thieves as crooks." Makoto assumed. "That all this wouldn't have happened had the Phantom Thieves not existed." She then stated.

"Bullshit." Homura and Yumi swore at the same time.

"A lot worse things would happen without the Phantom Thieves..." Asuka grumbled.

"Talk about a troublesome organization that we've been targeted by..." Morgana sighed with a groan.

"Isn't there anything we can do?" Ann asked.

"Unless we know someone who can hack them back, no." Akira answered as he shook his head.

"It's certain we can't do anything about this on our own..." Yusuke added.

"Ah...maybe we can anonymously hire someone to help us...?" Yumi soon suggested before thinking about it. "No, wait...that won't work. It's not like we can just put out an ad. And even then, they'll be demanding a high fee. A couple million yen if they were generous..." She then stated.

"We need to respond." Homura soon stated.

"And what good will that do?" Akira pointed out. "We're too late to respond, and we could escalate the situation. We just...We'll hit them when we're ready and they're not."

"And we'll be ready when...?" Asuka soon questioned.

"...I don't know..." Akira sighed as he looked down at the table, where the mysterious letter lay.

"Hey, so what's this letter about?" Ryuji soon asked. "We don't need any more trouble." He then added.

"It's rare for you to get something like this." Morgana soon admitted.

"It's rare for anyone to get letters these days other than bills and adverts." Akira added as he picked the letter up. "It can't be anyone from my old hometown...and all my friends here have my number..." He then muttered before lifting it up to the light.

"Well, we won't know until you open it." Homura sighed out.

Shrugging, Akira opened the envelope...and pulled out a blank calling card.

"Shit." Ryuji quietly swore out.

"A calling card...?" Morgana got out in surprise.

"What the hell...?" Homura whispered out.

"It looks like one of ours." Yumi noted.

"Anything else in there?!" Ann asked, however the Leader shook his head as he shook the envelope. "Who's this from anyway?" She then added to the question.

"There's no stamp on it. Someone must've directly dropped it into the mailbox here..." Makoto deducted.

"...It's Alibaba. They know where Akira-kun lives..." Asuka got out in a worried tone.

"...Because all our phones can track where we are..." Yumi soon groaned in realisation.

"They have everything they need to ruin our lives..." Akira soon stated.

"That reminds me, he did mention something about preparing the necessary tool..." Morgana reminded. "Don't tell me, is this what he was talking about?" He then asked.

"...Wait, you don't think he just thinks we just need a calling card to change someone's heart...?" Homura got out in realization.

"Or maybe this is a warning. A taunt or something. It doesn't matter." Akira stated. "Whoever Alibaba is...they're serious about this." He then concluded.

"What the hell is goin' on...?" Ryuji got out.

"All we can do at the moment is to wait for Alibaba's orders." Makoto stated. "Let's brace ourselves and stand by...in case anything comes up." She soon advised.

"Oh dear..." Ann groaned as she rubbed her forehead.

Nodding to that, the rest of the group got up as they left the cafe.

---

(Backstreets)

Asuka soon sighed once more as she looked at the ash blonde as the three walked to the station. "We let Kokito-san down..." She mumbled out.

The ash blonde in turn began rubbing the brunette's head. "You really don't like disappointing anyone, huh Asuka-chan. The situation with Medjed, Alibaba and Miyabi is more important right now." She then pointed out.

"I know, but-" Asuka started.

"I'm sorry Sis, but you need to get your priorities straight." Homura sighed. "You can make up for it tomorrow."

"I..." Asuka began once again before groaning. "You're right...I'm sorry. But it was really important to Kokito-san. He sounded so eager..." She soon lamented.

The tan skinned girl meanwhile looked toward her roommate. "You really like modeling don't you?" Homura got out.

To that, Asuka nodded. "Yeah, I do enjoy it, Homu-nee..." She replied. "Is that...bad?" She soon asked in concern.

"It's fine but just remember that our lives are a little more important than your job." Homura reminded. "But as long as you're happy as well as keeping up with being a shinobi as well." She then replied in a whisper.

"You just said as well twice." Ann meanwhile pointed out with a giggle. "Man Homura, you really are like a big sister." She then added.

"You know what I mean Ann, I just want to make sure Sis is happy." Homura replied in a more concerned yet solemn tone.

Asuka in response smiled meekly at that. "Thanks Homu-nee." She replied in a tone that was almost that of an adorable younger sibling.

"Aw..." Ann cooed. "I wish we could enjoy these moments a little more." She then admitted.

"Yeah..." Homura responded with a nod. "Let's take down Medjed, Miyabi and Alibaba. There's no way they're getting away with this." She then declared.

"Hai!" Asuka replied in determination as the three made their way to the train station.

---

(Leblanc Attic)

"Goddamn, I feel like I've aged a decade and the week isn't even over yet." Akira groaned as laid on his bed while checking his messages before suddenly going quiet as he read through some.

"What is it?" Morgana had to ask.

"That was just Mishima..." Akira informed. "People are really making a big deal out of this..." He then added.

"He can look forward to whatever he wants, but we have no means of striking back against Medjed. We're gonna be in deep trouble if we don't do something..." Morgana replied and reminded.

"I know." Akira responded with a nod. "Three targets, three ways to die, no option of fighting back. Kinda don't like those odds to be honest." He then admitted.

"That's a thorough understatement." Morgana deadpanned.

BZZT! BZZT!

"Hm?" Akira hummed out as he took out his phone. "Mirai-chan?" He soon asked.

"Put it on speaker." Morgana ordered.

The Leader in turn nodded as he answered the call and turned on the speaker. "Akira speaking." Akira started.

"Hey." Mirai hesitantly responded. "Um...yeah, hi..." She then greeted.

"Mirai-chan, why do you sound like someone died?" Akira instantly questioned. "...Dammit, did Haruka-chan die!?" He soon growled in anger.

"No! No no no, she's fine...Akira, did Haruka-sama and Hikage tell you about their plan to leave Hebijo?" Mirai soon responded followed by the question.

"Getting straight to the point." Morgana muttered while narrowing his eyes.

"They did." Akira responded in a serious tone with a nod. "I'm guessing it was a major bomb dropped on you huh Mirai-chan?" He soon guessed.

"That's an understatement..." Mirai mumbled out. "Um...It's going to take some time since we're sure we're being watched so...try not to get too involved, okay?" She soon informed and requested.

"I promise I won't." Akira lied as naturally as he breathed. "One near death experience is enough for me, thanks." He then chuckled.

"Such a joker..." Mirai deadpanned with a sigh. "Um...if something happens..." He then assured.

"Don't. Tell me when you're free, okay? I'm here for you." Akira interrupted.

The eyepatch-wearing girl went quiet before letting out a giggle. "...Okay." She soon replied. "When I'm free." She then added.

"I'm honestly glad you're making the decision yourself." Akira admitted in a proud manner.

"It took some convincing." Mirai admitted. "I need to go. I'm training pretty early in the morning. Gotta get stronger so I can stand up to that bully Imu. Have a good night Akira-nii." She then responded.

"Yeah. Night Mirai-chan." Akira replied with a smile.

"...Just call me Mirai." Mirai suddenly requested. "I think we're close enough for that." She then explained.

"Okay. I'll talk to you later, Mirai." Akira responded with a nod and a smile.

"...Thank you." Mirai replied before hanging up.

"...What did she just call me/you by?" Akira and Morgana got out at the same time in confusion.

---

(Hebijo Academy, Elites Room)

Mirai's head immediately went red as she ended the message from her side.

"Did you just call Akira-san Akira-nii?" Hikage soon asked with a raised eyebrow.

"...I did..." Mirai mumbled as she covered her face with her hands.

"Ah, that's adorable Mirai-san!" Yomi cooed out in a delighted manner.

"Huh, I guess you see him as a big brother now. That or you're crushing on him too, like Haruka-san." Hikage simply replied, causing the first year to blush even more.

"N-No way! Just...he asked me to call him that. Yeah. Some stupid lolicon thing..." Mirai stammered out before pouting. "...NOT THAT I AM ONE!" She soon denied.

"Hehehe..." Hikage however giggled out.

"Oh, don't you laugh at me Hikage!" Mirai called out in a demanding manner before blinking at what she just said. "...Wow, didn't think I'd say that." She then admitted.

"I didn't think you had a sense of humor, Hikage-san." Yomi remarked.

"My humor transcends your understanding." Hikage replied in a flat tone.

"Hehehe...I guess." Yomi giggled out before sighing. "...I wish Homura-chan was here..." She soon admitted.

"I forgot. Is Homura still loyal to Hebijo or not?" Mirai soon asked.

"She doesn't have to be since she no longer has the Yoke Technique holding her back." Hikage reminded.

"Oh right." Yomi mumbled as she frowned. "...You know she's going to be involved as soon as we leave, you know?" She then stated.

"Yeah but maybe then she'll tell us how to..." Mirai pointed out. "No, we'd probably be dead then. Stupid-" She then added and started before...

"Maybe Akira-san could convince her if Yomi-san can't." Hikage soon suggested, interrupting the first year.

"Maybe." Yomi mumbled.

"Um, was Akira-san that nice to you both when you met him in Tokyo?" Yomi meanwhile asked in a curious manner.

"Pretty much." Hikage simply replied with a nod.

"He gave me some good advice when I was there." Mirai meanwhile admitted as she poked her fingers together. "...And he didn't ignore me..." She then added with a smile.

"...Is he rich?" Yomi soon growled.

"Don't start..." Hikage groaned.

"It's necessary information!" Yomi declared in a passionate manner.

"He lives in the attic of a cafe." Mirai answered.

The two older girls then looked towards the first year in confusion. "...When did you...?" Yomi began to ask.

"Haruka-sama told me." Mirai replied. "She sneaks into it when he's not around to clean the place. It gets dusty." She then revealed.

"...Okay then." Yomi replied, deciding to end this now before it drifted into something a little more disturbing.

"And yes, I'm sure he'll like bean sprouts Yomi-san." Hikage soon stated in a blunt manner.

"I...I'm gonna go pack. You know, so I can leave when my time comes." Yomi got out as she headed for her room.

"You go do that." Hikage replied as the two remaining Crimson Squad members were now alone. "...You know, I heard of a shop in Shibuya that serves cans of air." She suddenly revealed.

"Excuse me?" Mirai got out in confusion at the randomness of that.

"It costs around 4,500 yen." Hikage soon informed.

"What!?" Mirai exclaimed in shock. "I...I'm genuinely curious about this." She soon admitted.

"Yeah, they claim it's the latest health food." Hikage continued as the night went on at Hebijo.

Within one room, the violet haired girl had listened in as she held her bear plushie. "Hm...Akira-san..." She quietly repeated in a curious manner before looking at her phone. "Good luck...Phantom Thieves." She quietly cheered with the hint of a smile on her face.

---

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

"Well, this entire situation is a complete and utter disaster..." Homura deadpanned as they went down the hallway.

"Don't say that." Asuka whined.

"You're right. The disaster hasn't happened yet." Homura corrected herself. "It's a premonition of death and despair, I think." She then muttered.

"No one is going to die!" Asuka called out...right before tripping over something in front of their door. "WHOA!" She yelped out.

THUD!

"Ugh...what did I trip on...?" Asuka groaned as she picked herself up.

"Hey, did you order something, Sis?" Homura asked as she looked at the package.

Asuka in response shook her head. "No." She soon answered before picking it up and placing her ear against it and shaking it slightly. "It's not a trap either." She soon informed.

"Did Akira order something and send it to us again?" Homura assumed. "He should stop buying in bulk from that shopping channel. The duffle bag can't hold all that stuff."

"He would tell me about it though. That it would be coming." Asuka however pointed out. "Let's just open it." She soon decided, getting a nod from her roommate as she took the box into their apartment and opened it.

RIIIIP!

"Spray cans...?" Asuka got out in confusion as she looked over them. Red, white and black.

"...Oh you gotta be kidding me..." Homura realised before palming her face. "...At least I don't have to make a trip to the art store. Thank you, Alibaba..." She then muttered as the two brought them into the apartment.

"...Should we just destroy our phones?" Asuka suggested.

BZZT! BZZT!

"Eh?" The two got out as they took out their phones.

[Alibaba9: Don't bother.]

[Alibaba9: I'll have you tracked down in no time.]

[Alibaba9: Better not waste money. I know how poor you are, Homura Shinkukage.]

"OH COME ON!" Homura snapped, ready to spike her phone into the floor before stopping herself. "Stop listening to us!" She then demanded.

"Homu-nee, don't." Asuka however ordered as she took her hands. "Let's...just go to bed." She then requested.

"Y-Yeah..." Homura hesitantly responded before sighing. "You're right. I just...Dammit, I don't like feeling this powerless..." She then added and confessed.

"Me too, but there's nothing we can do." Asuka comforted her roommate. "All we can hope is that Alibaba's request just needs a quick trip to Mementos." She then added.

"But what if it's a full-blown Palace?" Homura however asked in concern.

"Then we take it down just like the rest." Asuka answered in a determined manner. "It isn't over just yet. Once we have a goal, we've already won. Don't give up just yet." She then assured before patting her roommate's back. "Come on, I'll warm up some milk to help you sleep." She soon offered.

"...You mind making it hot chocolate? I think we have marshmallows too." Homura soon asked.

"Of course." Asuka replied with a smile as she made her way to the kitchen. "I really hope Miyabi-chan doesn't ruin these moments..." She soon muttered.

---

(Shinjuku, New Moon Apartment Complex)

Yumi was cleaning her newest model sniper rifle with meticulous detail while sighting the scope. "If Miyabi pulls us into a Shinobi Kekkai, I think we can win if we use our Personas against her..." She mumbled, although she did frown when she remembered her first trip to the Metaverse. While the Thieves were still green behind the ears back then, she did fairly well until Akira casted Mudo on her. And if Miyabi didn't have a Curse or Bless weakness...

Yumi soon giggled as she looked at her ranged weapon. "And to think I used to barrett Ryobi-san for using this weapon. I wonder how the two are doing?" She soon muttered to herself in a curious manner before checking the time. "Shoot, got too into it." She soon sighed as she set down her rifle and went to the bathroom.

After cleaning herself up and putting on pajamas, she climbed into her futon and let out a breath. "How are we going to survive the summer like this..." Yumi muttered before turning to her side. "It also makes me wonder what this Miyabi is doing right now at this very moment..." She soon muttered as she drifted off to sleep.

---

(7/21, Midnight)

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

Meanwhile in the white haired girl's apartment next door, she snorted as she suddenly woke up. "W-Wha?" Miyabi groaned out as she rubbed her eyes. "Urgh...Did someone hit me in the back of my head with a truck...?" She mumbled before checking the time on the clock.

SHATTER!

"What!? Midnight!? I slept for an entire day and a half!?" Miyabi swore in annoyance before she tried to get up, only for her bones to crack. "Ack! Oh come on! Am I on the floor too?" She then got out in disbelief before making the mistake of moving her spine.

CRACK!

"OOOOOOOOW~!" Miyabi soon whined in pain. "Grrr...! Why does the universe hate me!?" She soon growled in frustration.

After several minutes of trying to move, she gave up and slept on the floor again.

Some people just couldn't catch a break.

---

Save Game...Quit!

---

Asuka/Yin's Social Stats:

Leadership- Dependable (Level 3)

Knowledge- Expert (Level 3)

Proficiency- Skilled (Level 3)

Diligence- Strong (Level 3)

Courage- Brave (Level 3)

Homura/Yang's Development Stats:

Maturity- Managed (Level 3)

Knowledge- Expert (Level 3)

Femininity- Tasteful (Level 3)

Elegance- Disciplined (Level 3)

Understanding- Generous (Level 3)

---

Okay...this isn't just the Futaba arc...it's the Miyabi/Futaba arc. I'm just gonna throw it out there; what Persona do you think Miyabi is gonna get?

UknownHero signing off, my friends!