Chapter IX: Akihabara Explorations
Public Prosecutors Office/Tokyo District Special Investigation Department/Roppongi (六本木)/Minato, Tokyo (港区, 東京)/February 13, 2019 (2019年2月13日) (Reality: February 13, 2021)/12:46 PM (JST)
"Sis, I'm here," Makoto walked into Sae's office and took a seat.
"Yes, welcome, Makoto," Sae responded calmly, sitting behind her desk with hands clasped together in front of her. For a few moments, the Niijima sisters quietly faced each other, waiting for the other to speak.
Clearing her throat, Makoto surveyed her sister's workspace. "So, you have a very posh-looking office, sis."
"If you call having piles of paperwork on your desk is your definition of 'posh'," Sae sardonically responded with a chuckle.
Furrowing her brow, Makoto folded her arms. "You know why you called me here, sis. Spill it. What happened between you and Akechi?" She watched Sae sigh indiscriminately and finally cave in to her demands.
"Yes, of course."
"Did you and Akechi have a confrontation recently?"
"Yes."
"The last time I saw him, he screamed your name out vehemently. Based on my friend's account, he saw you through him. Sis, what did you do that set him off?"
Scowling under her breath, Sae answered. "He showed up in my office unannounced. I thought my eyes deceived me. 'There was no way this was Akechi. He'd never return' crossed my mind, but sure enough, it was him in the flesh. As we heatedly argued, I called him a hellspawn."
"I see," Makoto keenly eyed the bruised hand. "Your hand. I know you're not clumsy, sis. That wasn't done by accident. What gave you those bruises?"
"I lost my nerve and punched the wall. I did this while lashing out at Akechi."
Makoto nodded accordingly. "I see. What did he say to you after you lashed out at him?"
"He called me a bitch and dared me to catch him," Sae recalled every disparaging and incoherent remark said by the unhinged Akechi. "He even said if I couldn't find him for the past couple of years, then how will I succeed in catching now?"
"One more thing, what have you done to try to catch him?"
"I've put out a search warrant for him."
"And no luck so far?"
A frustrated Sae responded, trying to maintain her composure. "No, none have been able to find him, but you and your friends have made contact with him?"
"Yes, and while he's helped us stop a few otherworldly entities."
Sae smirked. "So, you're back to being a Phantom Thief, huh? I wish you'd put that gig behind you for good."
"Well, as fate would have it, things happened and now we're back in action."
"You've asked me questions. Now, let me ask mine. Are you and your friends ok?"
Makoto nodded. "Yes, we are, but one of our friends was hurt by him recently during a routine training."
"What? And is that friend of yours ok?"
"He's fine now. We treated him, but Akechi looked like he regretted taking out his frustrations on our friend Jack. He even apologized to Jack before he left. That was the last we saw of Akechi."
"Thank god," Sae sighed with relief. "Listen to me, Makoto. Akechi in his current mental capacity is dangerous. I advise against further interactions with him for the foreseeable future."
"I was going to say that as much as I'd agree with that notion, but we still need him for our current situation."
"That's out of the question, Makoto. Listen, I'm doing this for your and your friends' own good."
"And I'm not a child anymore, Sae. Look, I'm a grown woman with a career ahead of me. I can make my own decisions."
"Yes, I know and I'm proud of you. Dad would be proud."
Sae smiled with sadness. "Yes, I know."
"Alright, Makoto. Then, why don't we do this? You and your friends can monitor Akechi."
"You want us to monitor Akechi?"
"Yes, and if he crosses the line, you tell me and only take action against him when necessary. I'm sure an old friend of ours would be happy to lend a hand dealing with Goro Akechi." With that, Sae pressed a button on her desktop, pulling up a screen. After a few rings, a line was put through as a voice Makoto recognized spoke.
"Hello? Miss Niijima Sae, what did you call me for?"
"Zenkichi?!" Makoto called out as the screen showed the face of a man with long, dark hair, a chin goatee, and glasses.
"Makoto, is that you? Fancy seeing you again. Wow, I know you heard me say it once before, but you look great in uniform."
Makoto genuinely smiled and responded kindly. "Thank you, Inspector Zenkichi."
"So, what can I deal you for?"
"Actually, we do have a troublesome situation here. We've been meaning to catch a fugitive on the run, but he's been very difficult to catch."
"You're all having trouble catching one person? He or she must be super deceptive to throw you off."
"It's Goro Akechi. I'm sure you've heard of him?"
"Masayoshi Shido's son? The one who went missing after Shido made his confession?"
Sae replied. "Correct. Our old friend has returned from the depths of hell and found me in my office. An incident almost broke out between us and he escaped. I've placed a search warrant on him, but no one has been successful apprehending him."
"Except, my friends and I have encountered him."
"Has he hurt any of you, Makoto?"
"No, but he did hurt one of our closest friends during training. Luckily, we were able to treat our friend, but Akechi was very sorry."
"Is he really sorry though, Makoto? Look, I don't know him too well beyond what Sae has told me when he betrayed you and how he used to work with her. He sounds like a bright kid, but he has a few screws loose."
"Yes, I know. We've fought him before. He's able to utilize Metaverse powers as we can."
"Has he been able to use this for a while?"
"Yes, he's been in and out of the Metaverse longer than most of us have. He was quite cunning and even blackmailed us to work with him on a Phantom Thief mission, or else he'd expose our identities to the masses."
"What makes you think he won't try double-crossing you now?"
"Because he no longer has any reason to anymore. After burning bridges with my sister, he has no one else to turn to. Without us, he's a lost soul. I doubt he wants to mend differences with Shido. We're all he has left, but after that incident with our friend Jack, I'm not fully ready to welcome him back into our fold."
Zenkichi furrows his brow. "Don't get too involved with him, Makoto. For you and your friends' sakes. I don't want any of you to get hurt because of his actions."
"Incidentally, I suggested to Makoto that she and her friends monitor Akechi closely. If he crosses another line, they can either take him down and contact me. Or… and this is entirely up to you, but would you be willing to help us deal with Akechi should the need arise?"
Quietly sitting in his work chair, Zenkichi folded his arms and mulled over Sae's proposal.
"How well is he able to utilize his powers now?"
"Just as well as us. He's one of the strongest hands we have, but he is undoubtedly the most unpredictable member we have. As strong as I am now, I don't think I can take him alone. However, we now have friends whose strength surpasses normal human capabilities. Any of them could take Akechi down if necessary."
"Sounds like you and your friends found some powerful new allies."
"Yeah, one of them is a guy named Louis. He's… well…" Makoto rolled her eyes to the side.
"Huh? Is he your boyfriend or something?"
"What?! Zenkichi, don't be silly! He's just a friend!"
"Suuure, that's what any young woman who's met a cool guy would say!"
Covering her face, Makoto nodded dismissively. "Oh, stop!"
Sae cleared her throat. "Anyway, may we continue?"
"Sorry about that. So, you've got new strong allies to help you monitor Akechi, right?"
"Yeah, we do."
"Well, you guys might not need me if that's the case. However, based on Sae's account, this guy has been rather hard to catch. But, I was able to access Metaverse abilities when I fought alongside you guys. Goro Akechi sounds like someone I wouldn't mind putting away in prison for good."
"Only come if you feel you need to, Zenkichi. Right now I've agreed with sis to monitor Akechi closely. I'm going to ask Ren and the others to help me."
"Do what you think is best, Makoto. Be careful, ok?"
"Thanks, Zenkichi."
"Tell Ren and the others I said hi. Akane hopes to see you all again soon."
"I'd like to see Akane-chan, too," Makoto smiled as soon as Zenkichi mentioned his daughter. She remembered the sister-like bond she established with Akane. "And yes, I'll let everyone know."
"Now, as for me getting involved in this… well, just know this, I'll pop in when you least expect it."
"Let me know if you decide to help us," Sae said.
"Of course, take care, you two." With that, Zenkichi's face disappeared from the screen. As Sae turned her seat around and faced Makoto, she clasped her hands together.
"That's right. You and your friends know Zenkichi and his daughter well."
"Yes, we have. I'll be thrilled to see Akane-chan if she decides to visit."
"Just remember what we talked about today, Makoto. Stay vigilant around Akechi."
"Monitor and report any peculiar behavior. I got it, sis."
"And speaking as your sister, please be careful."
Nodding, Makoto got up from her chair and saluted. "We'll take care of this, sis."
Akihabara (秋葉原)/Chiyoda, Tokyo (千代田区, 東京)/February 16, 2019 (2019年2月16日) (Reality: February 16, 2021)/2:15 PM (JST)
Six days have passed, the Thieves, Remnants, and Gamblers met at Akihabara Station and headed out into the shopping haven for otaku culture. For some, namely the foreigners like Skyler, Mia, and Louis, haven't explored much of this side of Tokyo. Some members of the group brought friends and love interests to tag along. Ryuji brought Miyako. Yakumo brought Emily. Mia invited Shiho and Nicola. Nicola brought Shinya, Reiko, and Li-Ming. Jack & Eva and Karen & Aurora came together in pairings. Lastly, Sumire and Eugene arrived with Akechi tagging along.
Upon seeing Akechi, several of the Vein Remnants were cautious. Still fresh on their minds was Akechi's unhinged attack on Jack. Out of all of the Remnants, Eva was the most cautious, not taking her scornful gaze off Akechi. Realizing the Remnants haven't forgotten, Akechi quickly read the room and kept his distance, especially evading Eva as much as humanly possible.
Even Makoto, who learned about Sae's intense interaction with Akechi, was on alert and warned the other Thieves to monitor his activities.
Rather than go together to several places, the group split into smaller subgroups to visit places based on particular interests. For instance, Ren, Ann, Mia, and Shiho took Nicola, Shinya, Reiko, and Li-Ming to an arcade. Ren and Shinya even renewed their friendly gaming competition. While Ann, Nicola, Reiko, and Li-Ming cheered Ren and Shinya on, Mia and Shiho conversed in private and got to know each other.
Others explored various otaku-themed venues and electronic shops. Futaba and Yusuke took the Spiritual Gamblers to check out the latest trends based on otaku interests. This was also just an excuse for Futaba to look out and pick up a few figurines. She ended up picking up three figures: a new Kamen Rider Zi-O figure, an angry-faced Retsuko (Aggretsuko), and an Asuka Langley Soryu swimsuit model.
Skyler, Hifumi, Yakumo, and Emily went to the vicinity where a couple of waitresses dressed like maids flashed advertisements for a maid café. The four took pictures of the maids. They even took selfies with the maids.
Ryuji and Miyako took selfie pictures outside the Gundam Café.
Karen and Aurora visited the Owl Cafe Akiba Fukurou. With the limited seat capacity, the couple reserved places for themselves to explore and meet the family of 40 owls.
Jack and Eva explored the retro side of Akihabara near the Manseibashi Station. With its name derived from the Manseibashi bridge, the couple explored the older, historical side of the Akihabara and enjoyed the retro aesthetics of Tokyo's glory days.
Louis, Makoto, and Haru simply went sightseeing. They got away from the others and visited Akihabara's local Shinto shrine, the Kanda Myojin Shrine.
Sumire, Eugene, and Rin went to the shopping area called Chuo Dori that is full of a never-ending array of shops.
Sailor Moon Café (セーラームーンカフェ)/Akihabara (秋葉原)/Chiyoda, Tokyo (千代田区, 東京)/5:00 PM (JST)
After spending a good few hours exploring Akihabara's known spots, the groups converged to meet at the Sailor Moon Café. The themed café was decorated with cute decorum and memorabilia based on the popular magical girl manga and anime. The group members sat at a long table and scanned the food items on the list. Needless to say, the food and drink items were Sailor Moon-themed.
"Wow, why didn't anyone tell me this place existed?" Rin asked while surveying and feeling out the café's relaxing vibes.
"Eugene and I just found out about this place. So, I thought why not come here since we're in Akihabara!" Sumire added.
"Sailor Moon, wow that sure takes me back. I barely caught a glimpse of it when I was a kid," Eugene remarked on his childhood days.
"This place has a calm and soothing vibe," Jack said, eyeing the Sailor Moon-related decorum.
"Yes, it does. Did you enjoy visiting the older-looking aesthetics, Jack? It was like stepping into a period out of current time," Eva reminded them of their explorations near Manseibashi Station.
"Yeah, I did. It was even better just being with you, Eva."
Eva serenely smiled. "Thanks, Jack."
"Let's see, there's the Luna and Artemis Burgers," Ren read one item aloud.
"They don't look that big to me," Ryuji scoffed.
"So? Let's have them, Ryuji," Miyako persuaded her boyfriend.
"Who wants Tuxedo Mask black curry?" Yusuke asked everyone.
"Oh, hey, Ren! I wonder how Sojiro would like this curry?" Futaba snickered, pointing to the black-covered curry item.
"He'd say, 'That crap'll never beat my authentic class Leblanc curry!'" Ren responded, doing his best Sojiro impression.
Ann laughed. "Yeah, that's something he'd say."
"The Sailor Moon and Chibi Moon smoothies look especially cute and delicious!" Mia looked over the drink items.
"Let's go ahead and order some, Mia," Shiho suggested.
"By the way, you two in some ways remind me of Usagi and Mamoru," Haru addressed Ren and Ann.
"Now that you mention it, Joker does wear a mask like Tuxedo Mask and both of you also wear black," Hifumi pointed out. "And Ann used to have pigtails almost like Usagi's hairstyle."
"Well, minus the buns," Skyler added. "And Mako-kins shares the same name as Sailor Jupiter's civilian identity: Kino Makoto."
As her cheeks turned pink, Makoto scoffed. "Yeah, so?"
"Yeah, and Ann used to get bad grades in her subjects as Usagi did!" Ryuji snickered as he irked Ann.
"Hey, shut up! You got shit grades, too!" Ann snapped. "Besides, I did well in the English-speaking courses."
Everyone laughed as Ryuji and Ann angrily snorted toward each other.
"Ok, I think you two need to settle down," Makoto silenced them with a glare.
"And speaking of cats," Mia said, opening her backpack as Morgana poked his head out. "Morgana here is our talking magical cat."
"First off, I'm not magical and second I'm not a cat! How many times do I have to-!" Morgana protested. Just then, Mia pulled out a crescent moon sticker and put it on Morgana's head.
"There! What do you all think of Morgana now?" Mia giggled.
"Awww, he looks so cute!" Yumeko, Mary, and Itsuki squealed happily in unison.
"He's now a kitty with a crescent-shaped bald spot!" Sumire giggled.
"Hahaha! Dude, I so gotta take a pic of this! This one's a keeper!" Ryuji tried to take a picture, but Morgana tucked his head inside Mia's backpack. "Hey!"
"No photos unless I'm sitting with Lady Ann!"
"Or, me, right?" Mia winked to Morgana, who couldn't help but blush from her playful wink.
Miyako giggled over this. "That's so cute!"
"Y'know, we should look around this place a bit," Ann said, taking Ren around the themed café.
"Did you know what you wanted?" Skyler asked the two.
"Yeah! Put us down for the Luna and Artemis burgers!" Ann called out.
As Skyler put his and Hifumi's orders down, he ordered Ren and Ann the aforementioned burger platters.
Ren and Ann stood in front of a poster with Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask on it. The couple asked someone to take a photo of them with the poster. As Ren and Ann walked away, Moon and Mask on the poster, for whatever reason, smiled on their own and keenly watched the couple walk off hand to hand.
Shinya, Nicola, Reiko, and Li-Ming also explored the café. They passed by a life-sized Sailor Chibi Moon cardboard cutout.
"Hey, Nicola. Let's take a pic next to Chibiusa!" Li-Ming held his arm tight and stood next to him to her. Shinya and Reiko then took pictures of their two friends. Afterward, they asked Rin to take a group photo of them with the Chibi Moon cutout.
"Are you going to post those pics on your page? I hope I don't look too much like a dork," Reiko asked Shinya.
"Nah, you only came out looking just a little dorkier than usual," Shinya playfully teased her.
"Shinya!" She pouted.
"I'm only kidding! Geez, Reiko!"
Louis took photos of Makoto and Haru standing next to Sailor Venus and Sailor Jupiter cardboard cutouts.
Futaba watched a television screen showing various scenes from the Sailor Moon and Sailor Moon Crystal series, including Sailor Mars in action and Sailor Mercury unleashing her trademark water attacks.
"That reminds me. I need to get one of those Sailor Moon proplica like the Moon Stick, but they're so gosh darn expensive! Eh, I guess I'll settle on a figure," Futaba remarked.
"Perhaps, I could help buy one for you?" Yusuke offered.
"That's ok, Inari, but I'll wait for cheaper re-releases. Oh, the joy of being a collector."
As they waited for their smoothies, Mia and Shiho looked at a Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune poster. Unbeknownst to their friends' knowledge, Mia and Shiho's fingers touched and they locked hands together.
"Hey, Mia?"
"Yeah?"
Shiho blushed. "Your hand is touching…"
"Are you ok with me holding…?"
Shaking her head, Shiho smiled. "No, I don't mind at all."
As Sumire and Eugene walked by a table, they saw Akechi sitting alone and drinking a smoothie.
"Hey, why won't you sit with us, Akechi?" Eugene asked him.
"Yes, we're all enjoying each other's company!" Sumire brightly smiled, which helped slightly lift Akechi's spirits.
"Haha, thanks, but I'll come over whenever Ren wants to talk," Akechi said, scanning over the group. "Besides, after what I did to Jack, I'm not sure his friends want me near them."
"But, Jack said he doesn't blame you. You'll have to make amends with his friends though, especially with Eva," Sumire said.
Remembering Eva's hostility toward him, Akechi felt a cold chill down his spine. "Perhaps. Maybe one day, but now's not that day." He nervously sipped his straw and internally mulled to himself. Besides, I wouldn't want to incur her wrath anymore.
Without Akechi noticing, Makoto and Haru meticulously eyed Akechi. Following up on her sister and Zenkichi's advice, the former stayed true to her word and monitored him for any peculiar behavior.
"Feh, where's the restroom?" Midari wondered as she searched for the women's room. Then, without even looking where she was going, she bumped into someone. "Ow! Hey, watch where you're…!" She balked at who she bumped into. "It's you!"
Heading over to check on Midari, Yumeko, Mary, Ryōta, and Itsuki were also surprised by who she bumped into.
"No way, you're here!" Mary exclaimed as she pointed to the individual.
"The idol from our old school is here?!" Ryōta cried out.
Yumeko smirked. "Well, well, it's been a while, Yumemite Yumemi."
Yumemite Yumemi was as she appeared on television and the Internet: a fair-skinned young woman with long brown, slightly pinkish when light beams over it, hair styled into twin ponytails bound with white hair bands. She wore a frilly pink short-sleeved shirt, a light rose short skirt, and white high-heel platform boots. She had white bracelets and pink fingernails. Her blue eyes had white pupils shaped like stars.
"Oh! Hey, long time no see!" The idol woman greeted her old academy mates. A perky smile adorned her face and the stars in her eyes sparkled as much as the pretty glitter on the posters and decorum inside the café.
"Ugh, what the hell are you doing here?" Midari growled in Yumemi's face.
"Well, 'cause I wanted to and I like themed café! What a coincidence to see you all here!" Yumemi cheerfully said, ignoring Midari's pissed demeanor.
"A coincidence, huh? Do I hear Yumeko, Mary, and Ryōta, too?" A girl's voice chimed in. This girl finished watching a video of Sailor Saturn on her iPhone.
"That voice…" Yumeko recognized the girl. "Ah! You're Yomozuki Runa!"
Yomozuki Runa got up from a booth. As she stood, she was a very short-statured girl but has grown a few inches. Along with a light complexion, she had long platinum blonde hair. She came dressed in a white rabbit hoodie over her choice civilian clothing: a short-sleeved green shirt and a white mini-skirt. She wore blue tennis shoes. Her fingernails are light pink. She took out a red lollipop she kept in her mouth and blew a pink bubblegum bubble, which popped back inside her mouth. Wearing a playful smile, her purple eyes scanned the Spiritual Gamblers and their friends.
"Yeppers! Hi! It has been a while, hasn't it?!" Runa greeted them with a big grin.
"The two of you here at the same time?!" Itsuki exclaimed.
"Make that three apparently," a young man's voice interjected, garnering the Spiritual Gambler's attention away.
"Oh, I know that voice! Manyuda Kaede!" Yumeko revealed.
"I'm flattered you remembered my name. Well done, Yumeko."
Manyuda Kaede got up from his booth and confronted the Spiritual Gamblers. He was a tall pale-skinned young man. He still kept his white hair well-kept and neat. He now wore a new stylish pair of black thin-framed glasses. He wore a long-sleeved buttoned dress shirt, black pants, and black dress shoes. He carried a black blazer over his right shoulder. Most of the young women present were drawn to his good looks.
"Talk about a mad coincidence that you three are here with us!" Ryōta looked at three.
"Not exactly three I'm thrilled to see," Midari scoffed.
"Awww, don't be like that! I mean, it has been a while, hasn't it?" Runa said, her smile widening.
"Hey, Yumeko! Our food's out now!" Hifumi called out to the Spiritual Gambler and her friends. She noticed the three new faces. "Oh, are these friends of yours?"
"I see you've brought some friends we haven't met!" Yumemi giggled as she walked up and shook Hifumi's hands. "Hi, I'm Yumemite Yumemi! I'm sure you've heard of me?"
"I'm Togo Hifumi, and no I don't think so?"
"I'm a well-known idol?"
"Sorry."
Yumemi hung her head in defeat. "Seriously?"
Skyler approached Hifumi and glanced at the three individuals. "Oh, hi. Are you Yumeko's friends?"
"Friends, he says? Well, I suppose we're acquaintances," Kaede said, adjusting his glasses.
"And your hair's still white like before," Yumeko pointed out Kaede's hair color.
"And you just noticed?! I'll have you know I've dyed my hair several times already!"
Yumeko laughed. "Oh really? Guess you can't go back to being black, right?"
Kaede scowled. "Insufferable woman."
Just then, the Spiritual Gamblers, Skyler, and Hifumi felt similar spiritual essences surrounding the three. They noticed Guardian Spirits materialize next to these three.
"Hey, you three have Guardian Spirits, too?!" Ryōta cried out.
"Well, this makes things interesting," Mary frowned.
"Oh cool! So, you three went to see Yuriko and the ancient spirits, too?" Yumeko asked the trio.
"We sure did," Yumemi smiled. "And we heard you have Guardian Spirits, too."
A pair of furred spirit hounds, resembling komainu statues, appeared next to Yumemi. The one on the left has gleaming pink fur. The other on the right has cyan fur. The dual spirits wore taiko (Japanese drums) around their necks.
"Those spirits belonged to Ginchiyo and Muneshige Tachibana!" Itsuki exclaimed.
"The Paired Raiken!" Midari identified the spirit hounds.
Runa's Guardian Spirit is a white moon rabbit. Its white fur had some golden radiance gleaming off its body. Blue cloth with two orange orbs on each side floated over its back.
"You have Okatsu's Guardian Spirit, Gyokuto!" Mary identified the white rabbit.
Kaede's Guardian Spirit is a black and red centipede. As it raised the front of its body, it revealed a demonic red visage and yellow glowing eyes. A pair of sharp horns protruded from its head. Its venomous facial pinchers twitched. A large golden circular symbol with elaborate designs appeared floating over the centipede.
"And that's Bisha's Centipede! Which also used to be Date Shigezane's Guardian Spirit!" Ryōta pointed to Kaede's spirit.
"Wow, this is super cool! I see our spirits are what drew us here together!" Yumeko gleefully clapped her hands once.
"Yes, but that's not all. I've brought along a few of our other schoolmates!" Yumemi announced. With that, six other individuals, Yumeko, Mary, Ryōta, Itsuki, and Midari know, approached them.
Elated to see their familiar faces, Yumeko's eyes lit up joyously. "My goodness! This is wonderful! You're all here!"
On the far left, a tall young woman came with a short-statured girl. At first glance, they appeared to be sisters based on the shape of their eyes and their similar dark blue hair.
The tall young woman, garbed in a light blue long-sleeved dress shirt with flower embodiments, a white long dress skirt, and cerulean dress shoes, had long back length hair that tied into a bun coupled with a very long hair strand on her forehead that reached her waist and black vacant eyes. She wore red eyeshadow around the corner of her eyes and similar colored lip gloss. She wore no gloves, showing off her red painted fingernails.
The shorter woman, dressed in an elaborate-designed light purple long-sleeved dress shirt with a white coat over it, a cyan long dress skirt, and light purple dress shoes, had her hair styled into a pair of odango buns. Her eyes were much like her sister's and even wore the same red eyeshadow.
"I especially remember you, two! Inbami Miyo and Yobami Miri!" Mary exclaimed in shock.
"Yeah, Mary and I dueled you two before!" Ryōta recalled playing Miyo and Miri.
"Yes, and you two won to get the antidote I needed to treat me," Yumeko remembered.
"Mizuchi, come forth," Miyo commanded as a long-bodied, blue-scaled oriental dragon materialized beside her. The dragon had red fins aligned across its back, a red-tipped tail, and red antlers adorning its head. "My codename is Melusine."
"I summon you, Aya-komori," Miri invoked her Guardian Spirit. A small black bat appeared on her left shoulder. It showed off its red wings. "My codename is Koumori."
A pale-skinned woman with long, black unsettled hair that hadn't been combed correctly. Her hair covered most of her head. She wore a long-sleeved plum-colored dress shirt, a shin-length peach dress skirt, pink dress shoes, and a surgical mask that covered her mouth. She stood in a notably hunched position.
"It's that weird girl! Oh, what's her name?" Yumeko tried to remember the masked woman's name.
The masked woman muffled. "Warakubami Sumika." Then, she removed her mask, revealing her true and beautiful visage, which Yumeko recognized right away. Her dark, unsettled hair was merely a wig for her maroon-colored hair to flow out like a waterfall. Under her right eye is a beauty mark, which immediately gave her identity away to Yumeko, Mary, Ryōta, Midari, and Itsuki.
"Hey, I remember you!" Ryōta pointed out.
"Who doesn't remember her? She's a celebrity, remember?" Mary scoffed, unfazed by Sumika's true face.
"Or, you can also call me Natari Kawaru if you wish." Then, she showed off a purple-bodied spider with a round brown abdomen and green eyes. "And this is my spirit partner Itokuri. My codename is Arachne."
Accompanied by a large Saint-Bernard was a dark brown-haired girl wearing a bright red hoodie, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes. She styled her hair into two low pigtails. She had hazel eyes. However, her most distinguishing features are her thick eyebrows.
"Komabami Nozomi?!" Ryōta spat out.
"Yep, but you can call me by my codename, Shika," Nozomi addressed. "Shin-roku, come on out." As she beckoned her Guardian Spirit to come forth, a gray sagely deer with white tufts of fur hanging under its snout and golden flowers nestled on its antlers appeared.
As Yumeko and her group scanned the others, a large young man is seen in a long-sleeved black shirt with a golden yellow skull and crossbones emblem centered on the front, a light gray coat, black jeans, and dark brown boots. He had his usually spiky pink hair combed and slicked back for the formal occasion. He has some notable thin black facial stubs on his cheeks and chin. He wore silver earrings and a thorn necklace.
"Hey, you!" Yumeko approached him.
"Yeah? Don't you even remember my name?"
"There's a lot of names to remember. But, I think your name is…" Yumeko stopped to think.
The young man sighed in an annoyed tone. "I'm Obami Ibara. How the hell can you forget me?" He then opened up his coat. "Hey, I know you can see my Guardian Spirit. Well, can you?"
"Yeah, I see it!" Yumeko chirped as she and her friends saw three blue sharks floating around Ibara as if they were swimming.
"You've got three sharks hanging around you!" Itsuki exclaimed.
"Yeah, aren't they cool? They're called Isonade. And my codename in case you're wondering is Wani," Ibara proudly said.
"And what about your Guardian Spirit?" Mary turned to the second member that accompanied Ibara.
"Why don't I show you?" The young man replied. He was a few feet shorter than Ibara, with neck-length dark blue hair. His hair had long bangs and a notable little curl poking out the right side of his head. He is seen wearing a long-sleeved green shirt, blue jeans, and black tennis shoes. His dark eyes met Mary's stern gaze as he smiled.
"Obami Rin!" Mary identified him.
"Hi, it's been a while!" Rin greeted Mary. He scanned over Yumeko, Ryōta, Midari, and Itsuki. "And it's so nice to see all of you! Who would've thought we'd have a Hyakkaou class reunion here of all places!"
Yumeko waved to Rin. "Hi! So, tell us about your Guardian Spirit!"
"Why don't you see for yourself?" Rin showed off a green-feathered spirit hawk wearing a red headcloth which ended with two knots. "This is Daiba-washi. My codename is Taka." He bowed politely and made his way over to where Ibara went.
"Right, Taka as in hawk. I totally get it. Ok, so all of them have Guardian Spirits now?" Mary was flabbergasted.
"Is it any surprise? They all probably were informed by Kirari and her associates to meet with Yuriko at Meiji Shrine," Ryōta pointed out.
"Yeah, that's how I ended up with my Guardian Spirit," Itsuki nodded.
"And that's all of us!" Yumemi happily announced. "Even my inspiring idol, Natari Kawaru, was nice enough to join us!"
"Ah, then you've gotten better as an idol star, Yumemi?" Yumeko queried.
"More or less, but she still has some ways to learn before she's on my level. But, I am proud to say she's better than where she was when we dueled in that singing competition. As part of her growth, Yumemi has learned to accept humility gracefully," Sumika answered.
"Heheh, yes what can I say? I had to eat humble pie if I wanted to pursue my dream," Yumemi said.
"Who knew our school reunion would be in a Sailor Moon café of all places, but hey, whatever works," Itsuki said.
"Tell me about it. Man, all we're missing are the Momobami sisters," Midari added, reminding Yumeko and Mary of their previous interactions with the aforementioned sisters.
"I wonder what Ririka is up to these days," Mary recalled humiliating Ririka and having the twin sister assist her.
"Me, too, but I want to know where Kirari is," Yumeko pondered about the former Hyakkaou class president's whereabouts.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you. Yes, I seem to recall each of you from the pictures Yumeko showed me and my friends," Hifumi addressed the former Hyakkaou students. "Please, if you'd like, you're all more than welcome to join us."
"Really? We'd like to!" Nozomi happily replied as her St. Bernard barked.
"We'd love to meet these other friends of yours, Yumeko," Yumemi said.
"Well, bro?" Rin turned over to Ibara.
"Sure, why not?" Ibara shrugged.
"Hey, your name is Rin, too! What a world, huh? I'm Murasame Rin," The Revenant girl overheard as she approached the Daiba-washi spirit wielder.
"Whoa, indeed. I've never met another Rin before," the Guardian Spirit wielder chuckled modestly.
"Ok, what's your angle here? Are you here to fight us?" Mary cautiously eyed Runa, Yumemi, Kaede, Miyo, Miri, Sumika, Nozomi, and the Obami brothers.
"We're not afraid to throw down if that's what you're looking for," Midari gritted.
"What? Fight you? Why the heck would we do that?" Runa blinked in confusion, pulling out her lollipop.
"Yeah, we're just hanging out here! We promise!" Nozomi said.
"But, we'd be enticed to duel you with our Guardian Spirits if you so wish," Miyo frowned.
"Enough, Miyo. Not here," Miri quietly beckoned her off.
"Don't be so absurd as to think we want to fight any of you now. Some of us would rather avoid provocations," Sumika parted her hair to the side.
"We're not here to fight! I'm here because I invited these eight to an event I'm putting on," Yumemi explained her reasoning. "I… I kinda need some volunteers who'd like to help put a big show on for me."
"What's this about a show?" Ann overheard the conversation. She stepped forward, striking a Sailor Moon-esque pose, legs spread out, her right arm raised overhead, and two fingers sticking in front of her face. "If you're looking for volunteers, I, Amamiya-Takamaki Ann, would be willing to help out an idol in need!"
Upon hearing this, Yumemi gleamed with joy. "Really?! You would?!"
"My friends and I would love to!" Ann enthusiastically nodded.
"What? Us?" Ren turned to her with a stupefied expression.
"This'll be fun. Let's make sure the others are on this!" Ann turned to Skyler, Hifumi, and the Spiritual Gamblers. "You guys are gonna help out, right?"
"Uh…" Before Skyler could finish, Yumeko shoved him to the side. Her eyes became starry and shiny like Yumemi's.
"Hell yeah! We're so in!" Yumeko favored this idea. "Sounds like it'll be fun! Right, guys?"
Mary scoffed. "Give me a break."
Itsuki chuckled nervously. "...well, I'm not so sure this is a good idea."
Midari folded her arms. "Count me out."
Kaede concurred with Midari. "Sounds like we can agree on something."
Sumika smirked. "Well, I approve of Yumemi's idea. Besides which, I'll be performing."
"C'mon, where's your creative spirit, guys?!" Ann tried to liven up the mood.
"Skyler, we're in on this, yes?" Hifumi asked him.
"If you say so," Skyler shrugged. "I doubt most of the others will agree."
"And you'll help, too, Ren?" Ann eyed Ren, who tried sneaking off. "You and Shinya had your fun at the arcade. Now, it's my turn!"
"I swear, none of you will regret this!" Yumemi gleefully cried out.
"So, where is it taking place?" Hifumi asked the idol.
"There's an idol stage concert being hosted by me outside AKB48 Café and Shop! FYI, it starts at 9:00. So, I suggest we get there early to prepare!"
"What time is it now, Ren?" Ann asked him.
"6:15 now."
"We'll need to finish eating and get over there no later than 7:30 then."
Sumika approached Ann and held her hands. "Thank you so much."
"Wait, aren't you Natari Kawaru?!" Ann recognized her. "Wow, who would've imagined I'm shaking her hand?!"
Skyler sighed. "I'm telling y'all. Not everyone's going to be on this."
Hifumi gently held Skyler's hand. "It'll be ok, Skyler. Let's just have a good time. That's what matters."
"Yeah, you're right. Let's give this a chance."
"Great! I'll let my agent know!" Yumemi excitedly said, taking out her phone to call her agent.
"So, who's going to be the one to ask the others?" Ren turned to Ann, Skyler, and Hifumi.
"Don't worry I'll tell them," Ann offered as she walked by a Sailor Pluto poster and went back to their table.
"This could either be fun or an embarrassment," muttered Skyler.
Through the duration of their stay, the other Thieves, Vein Remnants, and their friends were immersed in deep conversations based on various topics.
As Makoto conversed with Haru and Louis, she noticed two familiar faces sitting behind them. It was her fellow officers, Tori and Hiroshi. Currently out of uniform, Tori is seen in her casual attire: a short-sleeved dark blue Uverworld shirt with a sleeveless blue jean vest, dark gray pants, and black boots.
Hiroshi is seen in his casual wear out of his uniform: a short-sleeved light gray shirt with a navy blue coat, blue jeans coupled with a black & silver-studded belt, and black shoes.
"Officer Niijima!" Tori and Hiroshi were taken aback seeing Makoto seated in front of them.
Turning her head, Makoto blinked in shock and yelled out. "Tori?! Hiroshi?!" She then shook her head and sighed. "Guys, not only are we off-duty but just call me Makoto."
"Sorry," Tori apologized to her.
"Oh? Do you know these two, Mako-chan?" Haru asked, facing Tori and Hiroshi.
"Yeah, we work in the same precinct. Haru and Louis, this is Tori and Hiroshi," Makoto introduced her fellow officers to her girlfriend and friend.
"Good day. It's good to meet you," Louis said. "Or, should I say good evening now?"
Hiroshi replied with a knowing grin. "Well, it is past 6:00 pm."
"Man, fancy of us to see you and your friends here, Makoto," Tori smiled.
"So, are you two on a date?" Haru curiously asked Tori and Hiroshi, who both forcefully coughed inside their mouths and averted each other's gazes.
"Date? What do you even mean?" Hiroshi acted with willful ignorance.
"Yeah, we just happened to be in the same area. I just wanted to find some games and manga," Tori replied innocently.
Nodding, Haru patted their shoulders. "It's ok. You don't have to lie. I can see through your act."
"Man, she's good," Hiroshi blinked.
"No, it's obvious you two are lying. It's ok if you two are dating. Who am I to judge two officers having a relationship?" Makoto replied.
"So, why did you two come to this café? Are you Sailor Moon fans, too?" Louis asked the two officers.
In response, Tori and Hiroshi smiled and nodded in unison.
"She's the bigger fan than I am, but she got me back on it," Hiroshi pointed to Tori.
"Nah, it's cool. Sailor Moon has plenty of male fans. A lot of these magical girl anime shows do. Even Precure does, too," Louis explained.
Overhearing their conversation, Futaba chimed in. "Louis ain't wrong. Even a kid's show specifically aimed at the younger girl demographic has a big male otaku fanbase."
"Well, I wouldn't call myself an otaku, but Tori is," Hiroshi chuckled.
"There's nothing specifically wrong with men liking magical girl anime. Other men prefer their overly gory shows and others like their action shounen," Futaba added. "Everyone has their preferred tastes. Just like how I, a girl, enjoy my Tokusatsu." Looking the other way, she sneakily grinned. "Hey, look over toward the table just 15 feet away from us. You see that pretty girl with the long dark hair sitting with that foreigner-looking guy?"
Yusuke furrowed his brow. "Futaba, it's rude to stare and point at complete strangers."
The group quietly faced the other way toward the direction Futaba faced. They saw a couple sitting and too deep in their conversation to even notice Futaba gossiping about them. The girl with the long dark hair is seen wearing a violet t-shirt, blue jeans, and blue & white slip-on sneakers. Her boyfriend is seen wearing a gray AC/DC shirt in black lettering, black jeans, and white & black tennis shoes.
"What about that girl, Futaba?" Makoto frowned.
"Doesn't she almost look like Hino Rei from Sailor Moon? She's like a spitting image of her!" Futaba remarked.
"That one is Sailor Mars, right?" Louis asked.
"Yep! And wouldn't it be something if this girl was some kind of shrine maiden like our new friend Yuriko?" Futaba muttered.
"Ok, that's quite enough, Futaba. Can you leave them be?" Yusuke asked, turning Futaba's chair around.
As she heard Futaba's seat turn around, the dark-haired girl curiously looked over her shoulder.
"What is it, Cammy?"
"I thought I heard someone behind me, Lance," she replied, narrowing her gaze as Futaba had her back completely turned while sipping on her smoothie.
"Whatever it is, don't let it get to you, Cammy. Let's just enjoy the rest of the day," Lance smiled to his girlfriend, who nodded.
As Cammy turned away, Futaba deeply sighed, prompting Makoto to fiercely glance at her. Cowering from Makoto's intense aura, Futaba put a finger over her lips.
"Alright, you've had enough fun today, Futaba," Yusuke sighed.
"Tell me about it," Makoto shook her head.
"I don't know. I thought it was fun," Louis chuckled.
"You better be glad they didn't know it was you, Futaba," Haru said.
"Since we are on the topic of Sailor Moon, they being an all-female group remind me of another group of fictitious warrior maidens," Yusuke stated.
"Which ones?" Tori asked him.
"The Valkyries from Norse Mythology," the artist answered.
"Aren't they the maidens that escort the souls of the dead into the afterlife?" Hiroshi queried.
"Valhalla to be precise. They're the grim reapers of Norse Mythology."
"That's insightful stuff, Inari. That's pretty cool."
"So, the Sailor Senshi are like Valkyries, but they wear sailor schoolgirl uniforms and aren't messengers of death. That's one perspective I never thought of," Yakumo mulled.
"You're right! They're also heroes in their stories," Emily asserted.
"Well, this is leading to some intriguing discussions," Haru smiled. "Magical girls, Valkyries, warrior maidens, and even lady Phantom Thieves. Do you know what we all have in common? We all fight for love and justice!" She got up from her chair and pointed to the ceiling.
"Wow, Haru-chan, you're getting into the spirit," Louis chuckled.
Makoto lowered her head. "Haru-chan, you're embarrassing me."
Tori sighed and muttered to herself. "Man, if only I were a magical girl or a Valkyrie, then maybe my life would see some excitement."
"Be careful what you wish for," Hiroshi jovially said, laughing aloud. As he got up from his chair, he passed by another couple seated together.
Seated with her boyfriend, a young woman eyed Makoto, Haru, Louis, and the others' table. "What the heck kind of conversation are they having over there, Marty?"
"Never mind them, Andrea. Let's just focus on our discussion."
"Kind of strange they'd say that girl over there looks like a character from Sailor Moon and I heard one of them blurting out Sailor Senshi, Valkyries, and Phantom Thieves," Andrea whispered.
Hearing this, Marty rubbed his chin. "Phantom Thieves? What do they know about the Phantom Thieves?" He and Andrea meticulously eyed Makoto and her friends' table.
When Ann told the others about the stage show participation, everyone else had predictably mixed reactions. Half liked the idea but others weren't on board.
"No way," Makoto declined. "Besides, can you just imagine me dancing?"
"I could," Louis added in a positive light. "Don't knock it until you try it, Mako-chan."
"C'mon, we should do it. Besides, I'm looking at it as a way to get my face out there and promote Okumura products," Haru said, taking Makoto's hand. "Would you do it for me?"
Realizing she was outnumbered by those in favor, Makoto resigned to her friends' wishes.
"Perfect, and so there's no further objections?" Ann asked.
"We don't have to do this, do we?" Shinya asked.
"Nah, from the sounds of it, that idol girl wants just a few volunteers."
"Don't worry. Even if we don't participate, we'll cheer you on," Reiko added.
"That's right! We'll cheer our heads off if we must!" Li-Ming cried out.
"That doesn't sound too pleasant, Li-Ming. I'd like to keep my head intact," Nicola chuckled.
"You'll do it for me, Ryuji?" Miyako persuaded him.
"If my buddies are gonna make asses out of themselves, then I'll do the same," Ryuji accepted the stage show challenge.
"We're in, too, Inari. No 'ifs' or 'buts'," Futaba flat out told him.
"Um, I wasn't going to argue…" Yusuke looked away.
"I would gladly join in, but it looks like you already have enough volunteers. Well, I'll be cheering for you and the others, senpai!" Sumire addressed Ren and the Thieves.
"This is great! Let's put on a great show!" Ann rallied her friends for tonight's event.
AKB48 Café (AKB48カフェ)/Akihabara (秋葉原)/Chiyoda, Tokyo (千代田区, 東京)/8:30 PM (JST)
It was thirty minutes from showtime. An idol show was set up near AKB48 Café. Many of Yumemi and Sumika's fans showed up in support of their favorite idols.
Yumemi peeked through the curtain and smiled. "We're drawing a nice and lively crowd. There should be more pouring in!" She looked behind her as the Thieves, Remnants, and Gamblers sat waiting. "Ok, you better get dressed. I hope you're ok with the clothes we picked for you. We're sorry if it's not to your liking."
"It's not a problem! After all this all happened under short notice," Ann said.
Sumika added. "Miss Yumeko, can you and your friends help be the backstage crew and curtain jerkers?"
"Leave it to us!" Yumeko voluntarily responded.
"Can I leave?" Midari tried to walk away, but Mary grabbed her ear.
"Going somewhere? If I'm going to suffer this, you'll share my pain," Mary muttered. "And this would be a great way for us to get along as the others want."
"Ugh, fine just don't piss me off."
As Skyler and Hifumi followed the other Revenants, the latter started to feel lightheaded. Hifumi nearly collapsed and leaned on some metal crates. Skyler quickly rushed to his girlfriend's side.
"Hifumi? Are you feeling ok?"
Hifumi looked at him as her eyes briefly turned gold like Io's. "We've just sensed Yami Matter activity close by."
"Where?"
"Not far from this area. We have to warn the others."
Meanwhile, standing in the crowds, Sumire, Eugene, Akechi, Jack, Eva, Karen, Aurora, Shinya, Nicola, Reiko, Li-Ming, Shiho, Miyako, Emily, Itsuki, Runa, Kaede, Miyo, Miri, Sumika, Nozomi, and the Obami brothers waited for the stage performance.
"Ugh, when's it going to start?" Shinya groaned impatiently.
"9:00 from what we know," Nicola answered. "Don't worry, it'll come, Shinya."
"Yeah, you can afford to wait, Shinya. We had to watch you and Ren play games nearly the whole time," Reiko chided him.
"But, it was a lot of fun, wasn't it, Reiko?" Li-Ming said.
"I'm just surprised Yakumo even agreed to do this," Emily frankly said.
"Don't worry! The show is gonna start soon!" Runa assured the small group opposite her and Kaede.
"Well, I'll be here to cheer for Ann and Mia," Shiho prepared to give support to her two friends.
"Ryuji! Give us a show!" Miyako shouted for her boyfriend to hear.
"Woo-hoo! Give us a good show, senpai!" Sumire cheered loudly.
Also standing within the crowd in different spots as Tori & Hiroshi, Lance & Cammy, and Marty & Andrea.
"I know we're off-duty, but shouldn't we at least try crowd control?" Hiroshi asked her.
"No, because we're off-duty. Besides, let's just enjoy a freakin' show for once! Woo-hoo, yeah!" Tori pumped her fist up and cheered.
As Lance turned over to Cammy, he noticed her holding her forehead.
"What is it, Cammy?"
"I'm sensing terrible vibes nearby. It's getting close," Cammy quietly muttered.
Looking over her watch, Andrea sighed. "Wasn't the show supposed to start now?"
Marty folded his arms. "Give it a little more time. They probably need to make last-minute preparations."
As Itsuki turned to buy a drink, she bumped into someone in front.
"Oh, excuse me!" Itsuki openly apologized. She saw a man dressed in a canary yellow hoodie, black jeans, and tennis shoes. He appeared to be in his early-30s. She noticed he had a restless-looking face mostly seen on insomniacs. He also has sickly pale features. She watched him walk by and went to get a drink from a vending machine. "Wow, talk about creepy."
The insomniac man approached a gang of three similarly dressed individuals, but each wearing differing hoodie colors to distinguish themselves. One wore a white hoodie. Another had a black one. The third wore a green one.
After getting her drink, Itsuki went back to meet with Shinya and the others. She caught a glimpse of the same man she bumped into and noticed him with the three other hoodie-wearing individuals.
"Looks like they're part of some gang…" Itsuki muttered until her Guardian Spirit, Suzaku, appeared to her visible eye. "What's wrong, Suzaku? You're getting bad vibes about these guys?"
"Hey, the show's about to start!" Shinya called for Itsuki.
"Oh, hold on!" She responded, taking one last look at the gang, and slipped through the rowdy crowd.
"Hey, you went to get a drink?" Shiho asked Itsuki.
"Yeah…"
"Is something wrong?" Emily asked.
"No… well, kinda. I bumped into some guy who was rude and then I got some bad vibes from him. They're guys in multi-colored hoodies in the back of the crowd."
Hearing this, Shiho and Emily exchanged concerned looks.
"Where are these individuals?" Karen asked from Itsuki.
Meanwhile, Skyler sat Hifumi down in the backstage area as she warned the Thieves, Remnants, and Gamblers what she felt.
"There's another Yami Matter event happening?" Ren asked Hifumi, who rubbed her forehead.
"Io told me it'll happen any moment and the people here are in danger. The threat is near the crowds."
"Oh shit, that's where Miyako and the others are!" Ryuji freaked out.
"As a law enforcer, we can't let any bystanders get hurt! An evacuation has to happen!" Makoto solemnly vowed.
"But, how are we supposed to know where to find the ones behind this Yami Matter scheme?" wondered Yusuke.
"Guys, Shiho, Emily, Karen, and Itsuki are trying to tell us something!" Ann called out as she poked her head through the curtains.
Mia also peered through the curtains. "They're signaling to us for something!"
"They must've sounded suspicious," Skyler said. "I think we might've found our culprits, Hifumi."
As Shiho, Emily, Karen, and Itsuki were getting their friends' attention, Shinya and the others noticed this.
"Hey, what's going on?" Shinya asked them.
"We're in danger," Itsuki warned.
"From what?" Nicola queried worryingly.
Just then, the group saw the yellow hoodie-garbed gang leader standing behind a crowd of ignorant masses.
"Sticking your noses where they shouldn't? Well, I can't let you live to tell," the yellow-hooded individual threatened as his eyes glowed dark yellow. His cohorts each had possessed the same glowing eyes.
The group then saw the shadow of a serpent materialize over the yellow hoodie-garbed man.
"No one in this crowd is getting out of the second Akihabara massacre alive," the man evilly smirked as the serpent's shadow enveloped him and transformed him.
The second Yami Matter Event has begun.
Chapter Soundtrack
Persona 5 OST - Tension - Makoto and Sae's briefing over the Akechi incidents.
Persona 5 Strikers OST - Strikers - Zenkichi reassures he'll stay in contact with Makoto and Sae. Makoto's spirit is lifted when Akane is mentioned.
Twister (Final Remix) - The World Ends With You: Final Remix - Arriving and exploring Akihabara.
Röyksopp - This Space - The Sailor Moon café.
Kakegurui OST - A Flower Without a Match - Meet Yumemi and more Kakegurui cast.
Persona 5 OST - Suspicion - Hifumi senses a Yami Matter event and Itsuki bumps into the yellow hooded man.
Persona 5 OST - Blood of a Villain - The yellow hooded man confronts the auxiliary cast and promises a second Akihabara massacre.
A/N: Did anyone expect the next Yami Matter event to happen this soon? Well, the Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, and their friends sure didn't!
The opening scene follows up directly in response to Akechi's recent incident. Since Sophia and Ichinose have appeared in this story, Zenkichi was bound to appear. Will he get involved in this Akechi business? You'll have to wait and see! But if I'm a betting person, Wolf could pop up somewhere in Book II. But, I'm at no liberty to give potential spoilers!
This chapter introduces a few more Nioh spirits whose Guardian Spirits have found new wielders: more Kakegurui characters. The idol star, Yumemi, gains Muneshige Tachibana's Guardian Spirit: the Paired Raiken. Kaede gains Date Shigezane's Guardian Spirit: Bisha's Centipede. Runa gains Okatsu's Guardian Spirit: Gyokuto. Miyo and Miri respectively gain Mizuchi and Aya-komori. Sumika/Wataru gains Itokuri. Nozomi gains Shin-roku. The Obami brothers inherit Isonade and Daiba-washi.
The Akihabara scenes were a nice change of pace from Meiji Shrine. It allowed me to open up and write slice-of-life scenes with our cast. I also did my best to use real-life locations for an authentic experience. The Sailor Moon Café was picked because it does exist and there were several of them in Tokyo; they're special-themed cafés that are periodically run for a month for promotion and move to different locations. Also, Sailor Moon was picked because Ren, Ann, and Morgana remind me of Mamoru, Usagi, and Luna; though, Ren's snarkier and he along with Morgana are much more effective in battle.
This chapter also reintroduces a few familiar OCs: Tori, Hiroshi, Lance, Cammy, Marty, and Andrea. If you don't recall, let me remind you they first show up in The Arrivals chapter. Incidentally, Tori and Hiroshi have had a few cameos since then, including attending the Broly movie. Gee, they can't possibly play roles going forward, right?
The second Yami Matter event has started, but it'll be much smaller-scaled than the previous one. Next chapter, our heroes must prevent a second Akihabara massacre.
As always, leave a comment and review. See you in the next chapter!