This story is a work of fiction.
Any relation to persons, living or dead, as well as events, are purely coincidental.
The author owns none of the characters, or events, that take place here.
The world is not as it should be.
It's filled with distortion, and "ruin" will soon descend.
However...there are those who would challenge fate, in desire for change.
Since time immemorial, they were known as,
"Tricksters."
Persona 5: Hoshi to Bokura to
Confidant I: Le Pape – Part I
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"...your work as a Phantom Thief must have been quite taxing, especially when you were doubling as a high school student, Akira-kun."
The frizzy-haired teen slightly tilted his head at Sae's words, especially as she took a moment to compose herself. No doubt she was still trying to discern whether to take his words at face value. He was, after all, spouting supernatural mumbo-jumbo. It would be natural for her to try and dismiss his claims, though the change in subject was rather bizarre. Perhaps she thought he was still tired and under the effects of the drug?
After a moment, he realized that wasn't the case. No, her face told him she had been accepting his story. At least, so far. Her change in topic was voluntary.
"I imagine plotting such detailed heists can be rather tiresome. Additionally, even if you had help, you still would have required external sources. Others who perhaps sympathized with you, or shared a similar interest or common goal." Sae opened her red eyes and crossed her legs and arms, staring at him with sheer intensity. For a moment, he felt as if he would cower under it, if he had not been so accustomed to it. "We have evidence that you have had such help."
Ah. So that was where she was going with this.
"Intricate model guns, far too advanced and realistic to be cheap dime-store models. Medicines and drugs that can't be found in any pharmacy. Not to mention other factors, such as someone helping you at school or the fact that each Calling Card had a profound message of some sort, capable of striking support from many on top of putting your targets in such disarray. Such messages are clear signs of charisma and psychological warfare, things common for anyone trying or participating in politics. And that's not even accounting for the possible aid you receive from individuals in the media and at school. Someone had to be covering your bases."
Her fingernail drummed against the table while they had a staring match, both parties daring the other to blink. It was tense and nerve-wracking, but Akira had been through worse.
"It's logical for you to have confidants, outside of your normal life." Sae said, voice sharp like a knife. "You have such partners, yes?"
Akira gave a wry smile. "Don't we all have a confidant, in some way?"
"...let me rephrase the question. Do you remember Sojiro Sakura?"
"Of course I do. You were the one who recommended him to me, Sae-san.
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"...damn."
Akira could only say this much as he stared at object in his hand.
Morgana poked his head out from the bag, looking at the wallet with a hint of curiosity. "What's the matter?" he asked. "Something wrong, Joker?"
"I thought it would be a good idea if we could get some equipment for our heists in the Palace." the Phantom Thief answered lamely. "Using our Personas too much leads us to get exhausted. It would be better if we had some weapons. Makoto and Ryuji already have the model guns, but it wouldn't hurt to have some extra protection. Maybe some medical equipment handy, too."
"Ah, I see." Morgana bobbed his head, a twinkle in his eye. "I'm glad to see your taking your new profession quite seriously. So, what's the problem?"
Akira stared at his item a while longer before he closed it and sighed, lowering his head.
TakeYourTime
"You're broke?"
Sae looked up from her laptop, taking this brief chance to speak with Akira who had recently returned home late after spending time at a nearby restaurant. Particularly, Big Bang Burger. She raised an eyebrow, suspicious of his motives as she turned to face him fully. "And you're telling me this, because...?"
"I'm trying to find a part-time job." Akira told her, much to her surprise. It was not uncommon for high schoolers to want to apply for part-time jobs, but it was still quite impressive to hear. It seemed like he was taking his probation and schooling seriously enough, though the financial stuff was a bit worrying. Was he falling in with the bad crowd? "I'd like your consent first, since you're my legal guardian."
Ah. That makes sense. Sae thought, nodding her head. His move was logical. Of course, that said...
"You do realize how hard that would be, right Kurusu-kun?" she asked him critically. "Don't forget. You are on probation. It would be quite easy for someone to learn you have a criminal record, and that makes your chances much harder."
Akira sighed, scratching his head. "I'm aware..."
"Are you?" Sae asked harshly. Akira's sheepish look was her answer. She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.
As she thought about it, him getting a part-time job, while possibly detrimental to his studies, did have the upside of her not having to worry about his financial situation. Makoto had never needed to worry about monetary things, especially since she was focused on getting into a good university and her studies. In a way, this would be good for not just her, but for Akira. At the very least, she wouldn't have to worry about him asking for something as idiotic as an allowance.
Then came the glaringly obvious problem.
His damnable record.
It would not be hard for anyone to look it up once he gave them his resume. It definitely limited his options. Off the top of her head, Sae could only recall three possible part-time jobs from the ads she found on the news site she often frequented whenever she wasn't working on a case. A Beef Bowl Shop, a Convenience Store and a Flower Shop, all of which were located in Shibuya. It wasn't far from Shujin, and it wouldn't be a problem for him to return home either. But the problem always returned to his record.
Another factor were the students at his school. They were aware of his records, thanks to the teachers being woefully inadequate at their job and keeping his criminal past under lock and key. Odds were high that at least one of those jobs would involve a student at Shujin either also an employee at one of those work places or frequented one of the stores. Even if the owners were to allow Akira to work there, the environment would probably be less than ideal for him.
So what job would suit him best? It would have to be someplace where students wouldn't usually frequent. It would also have to be a place where he could easily reach in at least under half an hour and return home just before the set curfew.
Eventually, one idea came to her and a small smile touched her lips, one that earned a look of curiosity from her young prisoner.
"I think I have an idea..."
TakeYourTime
"What a nice change of pace." Morgana remarked, purring in delight. "A little bit rustic, but it isn't congested like everywhere else in the city."
Akira nodded in agreement, looking around Yongen-Jaya alley with a bit of amazement and wonder. The streets were narrow, just barely big enough for a car to get through, and the alley by itself wasn't very big. If anything, it was packed by the many small stores and apartments that lined it. Compared to the congested and overflowing streets of Shibuya crossing, which had many people coming and going all at once, the teen only found a small handful of people coming and going. Most of which were elderly persons.
"It's nice and quiet here." Akira hummed thoughtfully. "Hardly anyone."
After soaking in the scenery, the phantom thief took his time to get a better layout of the alley. There was a small convenience store, which had small little knickknacks such as pharmacy goods and snacks, a doctor's office, a batting cage, bathhouse, laundry mat and a thrift store, which had little odds and ends.
Using what little money he had, Akira bought a few items he thought would be useful for crafting tools the next time he and his friends would investigate the Palace.
Afterwards, he searched and immediately found his target after a minute. Currently, the frizzy-haired teen stood outside the door of a small cafe, which had a vibrant pink-and-white striped arch above the door with a wooden plaque above. To his slight amusement, it read: "Le Blanc."
"This looks like the place." Morgana said. He took a look at the sign and then furrowed his brows. "Wait a second...coffee and curry? What?! H-how does that work? Is...is that really a thing?"
The not-cat creature turned to look at him for answers. He gave a shrug before he grabbed hold of the handle and pushed it open, stepping inside. If the outside was rustic, the inside was like being in an antique. To the left were booths lined with tables and seats. A woman with blue hair and a leather jacket was found drinking a cup of coffee while a large television set was found at the counter, where a middle-aged man could be found behind a counter, reading a newspaper in hand with pen.
"Hm..." the old man hummed, twirling the pen in his hand. "A shellfish that hooks pearls into its mouth."
"Still stuck on that thing, Boss?" the woman asked as she drank from her cup. The man gave her a wry stare before shaking his head and turned back to his paper. She then looked at the TV, which was doing a news report and shook her head. "Another accident this week. I swear, if a car comes tumbling through Yongen, I'll start thinking about moving from Tokyo."
"...excuse me?" Akira called, keeping his voice as quiet and respectable as possible. This earned him the attention of both adults as they turned to look at him. "I'm looking for Sakura-san?"
The old man raised a brow, setting his paper down and removing himself from his stool. "Right here." he said gruffly as he walked over to Akira. "Did you need something, kid?"
Akira looked at the man. His face was aged with a sharp, curled beard at his chin and a pair of sharp eyes behind a pair of glasses. A pink button shirt lay underneath the dark apron he wore, along with white khaki slacks and black leather shoes.
He was undoubtedly Sojiro Sakura.
"Ohayo." Akira greeted respectfully as he bowed his head, surprising the barista. "My name is Akira Kurusu. Sae-san said you could help me with a part-time job?"
Sojiro blinked. "Kurusu?" he inquired, feeling as if he had heard the name before until he recognized the second name. "Oh! You're the kid Niijima-san mentioned. She did say you were swinging by."
"Oh? Help at this old place?" the woman at the booth said, smiling as she looked at the two. "Well, I'll be." She then rose up to her feet, grabbing her purse and setting down a few couple hundred yen. "Thanks for the coffee, Boss. I'll swing buy again tomorrow."
"Alright." Sojiro nodded, nodding his head as she left. Akira stepped aside, bowing his head respectfully to her as she left. She giggled at his well-mannered behavior before she left the store, leaving the two alone. Sojiro then turned back to Akira and folded his arms. "When Niijima-san gave me that phone call the other day, I wasn't sure what to expect. To be honest, I stopped looking for help years ago."
He shrugged. "Oh well. Better late than never. So, kid. How do you know Niijima-san, anyway? Friends with her kid sister?"
"Sort of. She's my guardian for the year."
"Guardian?" the barista asked curiously.
"Her father and mine had a history together. I had some...problems back home, and it kind of got me booted here."
For a minute, Sojiro was silent. His eyes were narrowed sharply, as of looking for something. Eventually, recognition flashed. "Ah, so you're the one..." he murmured to himself, much to Akira's confusion. "Wait here a second." Sojiro then moved behind the counter, shuffling about as he grabbed a few items from his workspace. Once he did, he beckoned Akira over. "You know how to make coffee?"
"Just the basics." he answered honestly. "I've never tried instant coffee, though."
Sojiro snorted. "Well, at least you have some taste." Akira stepped behind the counter, noticing the items. It was a small handful of beans and a mug, along with a coffee maker and white paper fold. "Let me see what you know. If you's adequate, you're hired. If not, well..."
Akira nodded and set his bag down, leaving Morgana to look on with great interest as he removed his jacket, rolling up his sleeves.
TakeYourTime
After a minute or so of brewing, Akira had finished his cup of coffee. Throughout the whole ordeal, Sojiro had been watching him like a hawk, practically looking for something – anything – that he could criticize. The boy did not pretend to be a know-it-all when it came to making coffee. He considered himself to be a novice. He had only made coffee a few times, and that was mostly just for his father when he was heading for work. Once he was finished, he stepped aside to let Sojiro inspect his work.
The old man walked over, taking the cup. He gave it a quick whiff and a small motion of the wrist, watching as the liquid swirled in the container before he took a sip. Akira watched, nervously, as the old man's throat bulged for a moment, gulping down the hot liquid before he removed the cup from his lips, furrowing his brow.
"...the flavor is off." he said bluntly with a look of distaste, causing Akira to flinch. "The texture is lacking. In all honesty, it's quite bland."
The teen sighed. Well, so much for that...
"But I can't say it's the worst coffee I've had." Akira looked back up to see Sojiro with a hint of a smile on his aging mug. "You're an amateur, but there is room to grow." With surprising gusto, Sojiro downed the rest of the coffee in mere seconds before he set it back down on the counter with a content and satisfied sigh. "Alright. I'll hire you. I can't pay you much, just around 1,000 yen or so. What time are you usually free?"
"I get off school around 4:45 or so. And that's if my friends aren't dragging me along for a misadventure or I'm studying."
"And on weekends?"
"I'm free unless something comes up."
Sojiro nodded, satisfied. "Okay, then. I open up shop early in the morning, but I at least expect you here around 6:15 or so." he said, laying down the rules. "I'll give you some leeway on Mondays and Saturdays, but you should at least show up at least twice a week. I may not have the most customers, but every now and then, I tend to get a rush." Akira nodded in understanding. "Oh, one more thing. I'll need your contact information."
"Okay."
After the quick exchange, Sojiro allowed the boy to leave. As he did, Sojiro looked at his retreating back, which disappeared as the door closed behind him, bell ringing in response. "Never would have thought he would be the one Niijima-san told me about." Sojiro remarked in bemusement, stroking his beard in thought. "He's not too bad. Then again, he's living under the same roof as as the student council president at his school and one of the best prosecutors in the country."
A sigh escaped him as he shook his head. A strange twist of fate, having the boy he was expected to look after coming to him for a part-time job. Around a few weeks ago, a customer had told him how their friend's son had gotten himself into a heap of trouble, landing him into probation. Imagine his surprise when the guy offered to pay him to look after the brat. Frankly, Sojiro was apprehensive of the idea. He had one kid to look after, and he was not about to let someone he didn't know anywhere near his daughter.
Thankfully, it never happened. As it turned out, someone else was saddled with the problem child. Of course, he never would have expected it to be one of his frequent customers. Namely, Sae Niijima of all people.
How ironic.
'Still, the kid wasn't half-bad with his coffee.' Sojiro thought with mirth. 'It could use improvements, though. Eh, I'll see how he does next week.'
His cell buzzed. He removed it from his pocket and smiled, answering the call. "Hey, Futaba. Do you need something?"
TO BE CONTINUED...
Confidants:
Sojiro Sakura – the HIEROPHANT: [The cafe owner of Le Blanc. He is very critical about Akira's coffee-making skills, but he honestly means well. He was initially meant look after Akira until Sae decided to become his caretaker.]
A/N: No, your eyes do not deceive you. This, my friends, is a double update. This chapter is meant to be a breather and a way to break off from the tension of last chapter, especially since we're coming up close to the end of the Kamoshida Arc.
The next chapter will be a breather as well. Afterwards, it's back into the Metaverse.
Also, before I end this chapter, I would like to point out something a few of you guys seem to be calling me out on. Allow me to state this, with confidence and confirmation so you all understand.
Akira...is NOT going to be paired up with Makoto!
Shocking, yes, I know. In fact, I will not lie. Next to Tae and Hifumi, AkiraxMakoto is my OTP. However, they are not to be paired in this story. So who is Akira going to be paired up with? That, my friends, will be answered in the following chapters to come!
Also, I'd like your honest opinion: should I change Akira's name to Ren Amamiya, as that will apparently be his name for the upcoming P5 anime and Persona 5: Dancing Star Night?
Happy New Year, everyone! And as always, please leave a review! The more I get, the quicker I will be to update!