November 3rd.

Are the Phantom Thieves Innocent? 15% to 14%.

Hifumi stared at her phone, looking at the Phan-site poll. She couldn't help the help the frown that tugged at her lips. Day by day, less and less people believed that the Phantom Thieves were the allies of justice in the dark they were trying to be. The situation was less than ideal, but the Phantom Thieves were working hard to show the world the truth. Shaking her head, she took a deep breath and stared at the door in front of her. She was in the hospital, preparing to visit her father. With 15 days left until they acted on sending the calling card, she had some things she wanted to figure out. Hifumi knocked on the door, waiting for a response. "…"

"Come on it." Mitsurugi said from behind the door.

Hifumi opened the door. When she saw her father, she could immediately see his expression and how pale he looked. It took all she had for her eyes not to widen. Her father's condition was getting worse by the day…but she remembered what she was told and instead greeted him with a smile. "Hello, Father. How are you feeling?"

"Better now that I can see you smile." Mitsurugi said with a tired smile of his own.

Hifumi kept her smile, taking a seat near her father's bedside. "That's good. I won't get rid of it, then."

"You're in high spirits." Mitsurugi gave a light laugh. "There was a nice doctor that came in not too long ago. A friend of yours, I take it?"

"You could say that." Hifumi nodded. Really, it Takemi was Ren's friend, but she was also very nice. "Did she…tell you…?"

"Of course she did. She and the doctors let me know everything." Mitsurugi replied. "I'm touched to know that you'd go so far to look for help for me."

"Of course I would, Father. I don't…wish to see you go so soon. I…I don't think I'm ready for that." Hifumi's hands tightened around the edge of her skirt. She wanted to keep the mood pleasant, but ultimately failed when it came to how much time was left with her father's life. There was still a chance he wouldn't see the beginning of the new year.

Mitsurugi gave Hifumi a slight smile. As nice as it was "Those of the Togo Kingdom don't perish so easily, you know. I haven't given up yet, and clearly you and your mother haven't either. That's enough to keep me going."

Mitsurugi always had a way of making Hifumi feel better. The shogi player was able to stave off impending tears and instead managed a weak smile. "Yes, that's right…even though we're never on the same page these days; I know we both at least want you well…" And even then, they were still on different pages.

Sensing that this topic wasn't what Hifumi wanted, Mitsurugi changed to something else. "So…how are things with your friends? With Takamaki-chan?"

"Oh!" Hifumi poked her fingers together a bit sheepishly. "Well….things are going well. They're all very nice as you know, and they keep me from feeling lonely. I'm very grateful to them and Ann...going to the Shujin school festival with them was nice too. I've never gone to such a thing before, but you knew that…" She realized she was rambling, "Er…sorry…"

"Why are you apologizing?" Mitsurugi quirked a brow, his smile widening. "It's rare to hear you talk so much. I like it."

Hifumi felt a little embarrassed… "I-I see." She cleared her throat and smiled sheepishly. "I actually had a question for you, Father." Her expression was a bit more apprehensive now. "Um…I just wanted to ask…what do you think of the Phantom Thieves now?"

"Hm?" That question was a bit out of the blue. It surprised Mitsurugi, but he could see that expectant look on his daughter's face. It was the kind of thing only a parent could see. "What do you mean?"

"Well…" Hifumi tried to figure out the best way to phrase what she wanted to say. "it's just…Mother seems to think they're like a plague, and just like most of the population, they're murderers. I just…wanted to know what you thought of them…"

Mitsurugi took some time to think about this. He did keep up with the news, plus it was hard not to hear about everything going on. It was all people talked about these days. Even the doctors and nurses in the hospital constantly talked about it. "I think I've said this before and my opinion hasn't changed. I think the Phantom Thieves are doing good. Everyone hits a rough patch some time in their lives, but I have faith they'll be able to overcome whatever foe stands in their way."

Hifumi felt herself let out a sigh of relief. She couldn't describe how happy she felt to learn that her father was on their side. "I'm sure they'll be happy to hear someone else is on their side." She tilted her head slightly as well. Hifumi decided that she would stay with her father a little longer. Visiting hours weren't over yet, and she wanted to spend as much time with him as she could.

.

.

It was late in Leblanc. The store was practically closed at this point. Even so, that didn't stop two people from walking into the shop. A man and a woman wearing suits. Sojiro turned when they walked in. "Oh, sorry. The shop's actually closed right now."

"Sojiro Sakura, I assume?" The woman asked.

"Our apologies for coming in so late." The man next to her asked. "We're investigators from the domestic affairs department. We've received a report that one of your customers was assaulted by the probationer here."

Ren and Futaba's eyes widened as these people walked in. Just the other day, the man that was Futaba's Uncle came into Leblanc, demanding money from Sojiro. Sojiro refused and threatened to take him to court if he was serious about it. The man's debt would make it an easy case for Sojiro, and he was going to attack Futaba in anger. Ren stepped in the way, the man fell…and he used that as a grounds to sue. Ren and Futaba went to Mementos alone to quell the issue and change his heart before he could report this, but it seems they were too late…

"Moreover, this report stated that you are abusing your child, Futaba-san." The woman said sternly, staring at Sojiro.

"No…we didn't make it…" Futaba said with a grimace. "Uncle sent his report to the police before we could make him have a change of heart…"

"Damn…" Ren said silently.

Despite the situation, there was a little hope. "However, the anonymity of the report has led us to question the validity of its content." The man said. "May we have a word?"

Sojiro was silent for a moment before nodding. "Fine by me, I have nothing to hide. Take a seat."

Sojiro and the two investigators sat down at a table, while Ren and Futaba stood near Sojiro. "So you're telling me the report was falsified?" The woman asked.

"It's true that Futaba was living as a shut-in, but she overcame that weakness under her own power." Sojiro said, very clearly omitting how the Ren and the Phantom Thieves were responsible. Those were details these people were better off not knowing. "And…I would never abuse her. She's like a daughter to me."

"And what about the assault claim?" The man asked, his gaze drifting towards Ren. "His criminal record points to a history of such violence."

"Tch…" Ren couldn't say anything to that. It was hard to argue against, even if the record was forced into existence. It wasn't easy to erase that claim no matter what.

"You're wrong" Futaba suddenly exclaimed.

"The kid never laid a finger on that guy." Sojiro said firmly. "He just stood in the way to try and protect Futaba."

"To be honest, Ren-kun, we looked into your current reputation at school…" The man said. "And it seems like there are no issues whatsoever. Now then, it's our job to make sure children like you are safe. How is it…living with Sakura-san? Please, you can speak honestly."

Ren could feel all eyes on him. When he first arrived in Yongen, Sojiro was just putting up with him. It made sense, Ren was under probation and nearly a liability. Despite that…Sojiro still took him in, gave him a place to sleep, some food…and all he had to do was help out in the shop. That wasn't even a bad thing. Ren learned to make coffee and curry, Sojiro opened up and trusted him… "He's a bit of a nag." Ren said, but there was a slight grin creeping onto his lips all the same. "But it's been great."

Sojiro felt his lips turn upwards into a smile. "Well, there you have it."

"And what do you think, Futaba-san?" The woman turned to Futaba.

"I…I'm okay." Futaba said slowly. "I couldn't go out for a while, but everyone helped me get better. I'm not afraid anymore. Th-that's why I'm really happy living with my d-dad…!"

That was the first time Futaba called Sojiro that. His eyes widened and he felt his heart skip a beat. "F-Futaba…"

"I see. It's quite obvious there was no truth to the report we received." The man said with a firm nod. "I don't think we'll need to schedule any follow ups for Ren-kun either."

The man's partner looked at him cautiously. "Are you sure?"

"They wouldn't have been able to answer us so genuinely if they were trying to trick us." The man said with a nod. "Besides, meeting them only served to reaffirm my suspicions. It's the children who are the real victims here. The truth of these things will be clearer to you once you've become a little more experienced." He turned back to Sojiro. "Anyway, thank you for your cooperation. We'll see ourselves out." And they did just that.

As the two left, Futaba pumped her fists excitedly. "Sojiro, we did it!" There was no response. Futaba tilted her head curiously. "Sojiro…?"

"You have a great daughter." Ren said.

Sojiro let out a slight laugh, wiping his eyes. Since his back was turned, the other two wouldn't get to see the tears that were close to falling from his eyes. "It's not just her, idiot. There's another pretty important person living here too."

"Yeah, yeah! He's taking about you, Ren!" Futaba grinned up at Ren.

Sojiro couldn't hide a sniffle. "It's all because you guys had to go and say all that cheesy stuff…"

Futaba stepped forward, arms behind her back. "It wasn't cheesy! It was the truth! Anyway, I hunger! Gimme some curry!"

Somethings never changed. Sojiro laughed a bit and turned around. "So much for the sentimental moment. Alright, sit down you two. This is where you belong. Bring the cat down here too, he's a part of all this too."

"Mwhehe…!" Futaba snickered, turning around towards Ren. "C'mon, Ren! Mona! It's time to eat!"

"…About what you said before, when you called me your dad…" Sojiro's voice was a little low. :Do you, um…think you can say that again?"

"What was that?" Futaba turned around, clueless. "I didn't hear you because my stomach was too grumbly! What'd you say?"

"Oh, nothing." Sojiro shook his head. "Anyway, come on. It's time to eat."

.

.

November 4th.

Hifumi and Akechi met up in Shibuya, at Hifumi's request. They were sitting together at a café, far enough away from ear shot. "Thank you for meeting with me, Akechi-san…" Hifumi said with a curt smile. "It's easier to contact you instead of being lucky and guessing when you go to Kichijoji."

"It's easier for the both of us." Akechi said with a pleasant smile. "What is it you wanted to talk about, Togo-san?"

"Well…" Hifumi paused for a moment. "I've been on the fence about something for a while now. Do you recall the conversation we had about my mother?"

"I do." Akechi nodded.

"Since you're a part of the team now…and it's brief…I thought it best to inform you that before the Phantom Thieves come to an end, as per our deal…I was considering dealing with my mother's Shadow. She has a Palace, you see."

Akechi quirked a brow, leaning forward. "Is that so?"

"Yes. If the end of the Phantom Thieves is truly ending before the month is over, I don't want to leave her twisted desires alone if I can help it." Hifumi said with a nod. "I'm telling you, because I don't want you to think we are doing things behind your back."

"That's very nice of you." Akechi leaned back, stroking his chin curiously. "So you're asking if I will aid you in your efforts to change your mother's heart?"

"Tha's right." Hifumi said with a nod. "Think of it as practice for stealing Niijima-san's Treasure. I would like your help." That wasn't the whole truth either. Frankly, she was extremely skeptical about Akechi's story still. Ever since their encounter with Black Mask in Okumura's Palace, she was afraid of the possibility of Black Mask infiltrating her mother's Palace and…she couldn't bear it if what happened to Haru's father happened to her own. So she wanted to keep an eye on the most likely candidate.

"I see." Akechi had to think about it for a moment. "It isn't part of our deal, but I wouldn't feel right leaving a teammate and ally in such a condition. So I will help you."

Hifumi let out a sigh of relief. She felt better already, yet this still didn't fix that strange sensation she had only when talking to Akechi. "Thank you, Akechi-san. I feel that I'll need all the help I can get if I wish to make her see reason."

"I can understand where you're coming from." Akechi said, his expression falling slightly. "When you have the chance to bring your parent down to size, how can you not want to seize it? You only have one chance after all."

"Huh…" Hifumi blinked slowly. That wasn't…wrong, but the way Akechi phrased it sounded more extreme than what she was originally going for. "Um…?"

"Forgive me, I got a little carried away." Akechi shook his head. "But I am on board with this operation, and I can only assume that the others are prepared at a moment's notice as well."

"That's right. This operation is on my call after all." Hifumi said with a nod. "I'll let everyone know when the best time is. But it will be before the 18th."

"I'll take your word for it, Togo-san." Akechi said. "And after, perhaps we can have another rematch?"

"I'm getting closer to beating you." Hifumi said with a small smile. "I'll win for certain."

"As if you could win against me, you no talent idol…" Akechi thought to himself, but his outward appearance was a smile. "I won't make it easy on you."

.

.

After the previous day's events, Sojiro decided it was time to visit Wakaba. He brought Ren and Futaba along, not really giving them much of a choice. They were in the church, and Sojiro stared forward at the wall. "I always think about Wakaba on the anniversary of her death, but it's been a while since I've visited. I've been so busy with the shop and all…" He shook his head. "No, that's not it. It was the guilt keeping me from coming here. I thought Wakaba would be angry with me. But now that I managed to get Futaba over here, I can finally meet her with my head held high. I sure kept her waiting, but it felt good to tell her about how much Futaba improved too. Oh, and I told her about you, too."

"Nothing bad I hope?" Ren said with a joking tone. "But thanks."

"You idiot, I should be the one thanking you." Sojiro said while rubbing the back of his head. "Huh…you know what? This is the first time the four of us are all together."

"Sojiro? What are you smirking for?" Futaba asked while approaching the two of them.

"Uh…" Sojiro had to think of something and quick. "This is what my real smile looks like."

"I approve." Futaba simply nodded, turned around, and walked off elsewhere.

"Phew…" Sojiro let out a silent sigh of relief. "Oh, I have some good news too. The family court gave me a call. Futaba's uncle decided to retract his report. It's like he had one of those change of hearts…I suppose that was you guys, huh?"

"…Guilty as charged." Ren admitted while rubbing the back of his neck. Sojiro just had a smile on his face that said 'thanks'.

Sojiro's gaze then turned to Futaba. "I wonder if the day'll come that she goes out to be someone's bride. I'm sure she'll make a fine lady either way. After all, she is Wakaba's daughter…man, do all fathers go through this anxiety?"

"Probably." Ren shrugged.

Sojiro turned to Ren once again. "You know, I really just wanted to have you help out at the store. But you showed me so much more…that I have a family to protect. And you, too. If anything ever happens to you, I'll be there for you, as family. I promise."

That made Ren smile. "Thanks…really." He was pretty lucky that Sojiro was the one who decided to take him in. He wasn't sure anyone else would treat him like this.

"Oh, Ren! Come here!" Futaba grabbed Ren and pulled him off out of earshot of Sojiro. "Listen to this! I got a text from Kana-chan the other day! She said she got a job at a convenience store! It sounds like she's enjoying living life as a normal teenager. Plus, she's got study guides with the money she made! She's gonna take the high school entrance exam!" Futaba was so excited, her words were coming out a mile a minute. Even Kana-chan's trying to step out into the world."

"You can't lose to her." Ren said with a smile.

"Yup, she's my rival!" Futaba said excitedly. "And I owe it all to you. And the others of course."

"Hm?" Ren tilted his head.

"Duh, don't you get it?" Futaba snickered. "It's thanks to you that I learned I'm fine just as I am…and that I learned to trust my mom again. I'm happy standing here with you and Sojiro…I was as good as dead too, but you resurrected me. Not only that, but I learned something…if I only act for my own sake, I can't put my full effort into it anymore. I know I joined the Phantom Thieves for revenge for my mom…but it's more than that now. I want to help everyone. I need to. I know Haru is hurting just as much, if not more than I was when my mom was killed…when I saw her face, I knew that my want for revenge was bigger than just me. When I remember that, when I remember my friends, I feel like I'm tapping into some unknown power!" Speaking of power, there were blue wisps of energy swirling around Futaba. "Huh…?"

Ren recognized this. He'd seen it a few times before. "Hey…"

Deep within Futaba, there was a change in response to the resolution within her heart. Necronomicon was changing shape. What was once a UFO turned into a black sphere with multicolored lines all over the surface. Eyes and a grinning mouth were clearly visible along it as well. Necronomicon transformed into Prometheus. "Whoa….! I feel like my heart just leveled up! A new me rises from the ashes…!"

"…Congrats on your resolve." Ren nodded.

"Yeah…! So this time, I'm gonna risk my life for you and all the others. And I'm serious this time." Futaba balled her hands into determined fists. "We won't lose. I'll make sure of it."

Ren matched Futaba's determination. "You're right. We won't."

.

.

Hifumi returned home and was immediately greeted by Mitsuyo. "Welcome home, Hifumi."

"Hello, Mother." Hifumi flashed her mother a brief smile. "Did you need something?"

"Indeed. Despite all of the excitement going around, I've managed to secure a shogi game for you next week." Mitsuyo said with a smile, though she was pretty pleased with herself. "And it's a game you're going to win. Your comeback is finally happening and it will sweep the news of those ridiculous thieves under the rug."

"Is that…so?" Hifumi rubbed her arm. She was to return to the rigged shogi matches? Matches that came at someone else's expense? She didn't have the heart to partake in those anymore. "Mother…I…I don't want to."

"…" Mitsuyo quirked a brow. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"I said…I don't want to play a game of Shogi where the outcome is decided." Hifumi's expression was more firm. She knew what the cost of those matches were, and she was tired of it.

Mitsuyo's expression soured for a moment. No doubt it was because of that Ann girl and the rest of Hifumi's friends. And what was Mika doing!? Ugh. It was so hard to find good help these days. "I see. If I want something done right, I must do it myself."

"…?" Hifumi had no idea what that was supposed to me. She tilted her head, a brow raising as her mother began to look through her phone. "Mother, what do you…"

"Hifumi, I have something I'd like to show you." Mitsuyo only took a few moments before turning her phone around. The image on display was the one Kaneshiro took of Ren, Yusuke, Makoto, Ryuji, Ann, and Hifumi in the club surrounded by alcohol and cigarettes. "Would you care to explain what this is?"

Hifumi's eyes widened, the color draining from her face as she saw that image. She thought Kaneshiro deleted that image! "W-Where did you…get that…?" She knew the answer, but she was just in shock that her mother had such incriminating evidence. How long did she have that?!

"An associate of mine sent this to me a few months ago." Mitsuyo admitted. "Imagine my surprise when I see my daughter, with a bunch of Shujin students, doing who knows what in a club!? That's how I knew they would be poor influences on you…yet a stroke of fortune struck and my associate was put into prison. But that doesn't change the fact that this image exists."

Hifumi swallowed the lump in her throat. She didn't know where this was going and she was a little afraid. "W-What are you going to do with that image, Mother?"

"That depends on you." Mitsuyo said. "These are your friends? I can certainly edit you out of this picture and only leave the Shujin students present. The police are still hovering over that school aren't they? I can only imagine what sending this photo would do…"

Horrible. Hifumi was horrified. Her mother was willing to go this far? Blackmailing her for her friend's safety? If the police got a hold of that photo right now, it was over. If the circumstances were different, Hifumi would have no choice but to concede to her mother's will. But no…she had an option. She knew what she needed to do. "Okay, okay…you win, Mother."

"Good girl." Mitsuyo smiled. "I'll keep that photo as insurance, and you better not tell your friend's about it either…not that they can do anything about it. This will be the start of me prying their influence away from you as well. Things are about to change, Hifumi. I need you to be ready and at the top of your game. As long as you listen to me, everything will be fine. Do you understand?"

"…Yes, Mother." Hifumi just nodded. With that, Mitsuyo walked off, content with how the conversation with. But Hifumi? She knew what needed to be done. Her mother's twisted desires went too far and lasted for too long. The first thing she did? Text the group chat about what transpired. There was an urgent meeting that needed to take place tomorrow. "…I know exactly what I need to do. The only thing that's going to change is your heart. I will finish what I started, I swear…"