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.
Now, one such group of Tricksters has emerged, in order to rise up against this ruin.
They are known simply as…
"The Phantom Thieves of Hearts."
Persona 5: Hoshi to Bokura to
21st Heist: Afterwards
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School had changed, if only slightly. People were still giving Akira the occasional stink-eye, but their attention was diverted to the events of what happened the other day. The calling card they had left behind was the talk of the whole school, with everyone animatedly talking about it. Even the teachers seemed troubled by it, especially Kobayakawa. Since he was keeping quiet about the abuse, chances are, the fact that somebody was calling Kamoshida out and threatening to expose him was enough to terrify the poor guy. In the afternoon when he saw the fat man, Kobayakawa was sweating up a storm.
However, Akira had noticed another change. Something Ryuji also noticed as the two met up in the hallway. "You see Kamoshida at all today?" Akira shook his head. The former runner scrunched his brow in confusion. "PE got cut today too. Something about the teacher feeling off or something. And last I checked, the only PE teacher we got is Kamoshida."
"It must mean the change of heart is settling in." Morgana chimed from the bag, but was careful not to let anyone catch him. "Either that, the man is sick."
"Hopefully its the former." Ryuji grimaced. "Our necks are on the line here. By the way, you hungry? The shop down by the front entrance should still have some yakisoba bread. It's pretty damn good."
Akira shrugged. He wasn't much of a big fan on junk food, but he wasn't going to say no. Besides, he was feeling a little famished. The two left the hallway, but stopped when Ryuji nearly found himself colliding with a wall of green. "Whoa! What the?!"
"Oh, I'm sorry!" a girl behind said green wall, nothing but bags of fertilizer from the look of it, apologized as she poked her head out. It was the same girl Akira and Ryuji had run into the other day, recognizable by the puffy hair alone. "I can hardly see with all this, so…!"
"I'm more amazed she can lift all that..." the not-cat whispered in awe. "And she looks so scrawny!"
Akira had to agree. That was impressive. However, it was also dangerous if she couldn't see past the bags. "Do you need help with that?" he asked.
The girl blinked in surprise, but then nodded gratefully. "Y-yes! That would be wonderful, thank you!" Ryuji grumbled to himself, but he helped Akira and took his fair share of the load as well. The girl then directed them to the rooftop, much to their confusion.
It was certainly difficult, and it certainly showed the girl's impressive strength if they struggled. A shame they weren't in the Metaverse, otherwise they would have been able to lift these no problem.
When they arrived at the rooftop, Akira and Ryuji set the fertilizer bags down near the door. "I'm sorry to ask you to do this." the girl apologized. "I would have done this sooner, but I've been rather busy as of late."
"It's fine." Akira told her. "If you don't mind me asking, what's all the fertilizer for?"
"For my garden, of course." The girl gestured to the side. They hadn't noticed it when they came in, but there were several desks that had numerous potted plants, easily numbering over two dozen. "I'm part of the school's Agriculture Club, so I help maintain the garden."
"Agriculture Club?" Ryuji asked. "That's mostly third-years, though. Does that mean you're our senpai?"
The girl giggled. "I suppose it would. My name is Haru."
"Er, Ryuji. This is Akira." The frizzy-haired teen nodded and bowed his head respectfully towards his upperclassmen.
Haru smiled back at him. "It's nice to meet you both. And thanks again for all of your hard work."
"Eh, it was no problem." the blonde delinquent shrugged before he checked his phone. His eyes then widened in panic. "Aw, crap. Break's almost over! We got that warhawk Ushimaru today!" He quickly apologized to Akira, then bolted like a bat straight out of hell.
An impressive feat for someone who had a limp.
Thankfully for Akira, though, he had Kawakami today. That being said, he was certain the woman would be as tired as she usually was. It made him wonder what kind of lifestyle the poor woman had if she looked dogged. He bowed his head again to Haru and made his way to the door.
"Um, Kurusu-kun?" Haru stopped him. He looked over his shoulder, finding Haru looking at him with some concern. "I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but...are the transfer student everyone keeps talking about?"
'So, even the upperclassmen know, huh? Figures...' Akira grimaced, but kept silent. Instead, all he did was offer a nod. He didn't see much reason to hide it, considering she likely wouldn't have believed him if he lied.
To his surprise, however, Haru looked quite apologetic. "I apologize for the other students, as well as my own classmates. For what it's worth, though, I think you're a very nice person." Akira stared at her wide-eyed. That was not what he had expected to hear. "Rumors are a terrible thing, aren't they?"
"...yeah. They are." was all he could muster to say.
Haru then smiled as she turned back to her garden, grabbing one of the bags of fertilizer. "Thank you again for your help, Kurusu-kun." she said sincerely. "I have to fertilize the flowers first before I head back. You can go on ahead."
Akira nodded. He bid her farewell and left the rooftop. Morgana poked his head out from the bag, smiling widely. "She was quite nice." he remarked. "Much better than the rest of the kids here. And very much nicer than Sae!"
He rolled his eyes, but he nonetheless agreed. Sae could be...cold at times, but he knew she meant well. Especially since she was working with double the work load, what with him more or less being shoved into her care in spite of the fact that she agreed to look after him. He still didn't know the full details behind that, but he wasn't about to pry.
As for the reason why Morgana mentioned Sae, it had not taken long for the woman to discover the cat's presence. When she did, she was quite livid and was about to bite Akira's head off before Makoto stepped in and helped cool her sister off. The story was that Morgana was a stray cat that she and Akira had chosen to look after. Sae was still a bit peeved, but another look at Morgana was enough for her to be convinced, so long as the cat didn't do anything that would warrant it being kicked out.
That being said, first impressions were important. And if Makoto was Queen, then Sae Niijima was the Empress.
Still...Morgana had a point. Haru was the first person outside of everyone at Shujin that was nice to him. It was...strange. And perhaps a little nice. Comforting, if the "pulse" from Orpheus was of any indication.
TakeYourTime
After school ended, Akira had decided to follow up on part time jobs. It had been a few days since the Palace fell, and he was still in need of some cash. And he was not about to go asking Sae, out of fear she might kick him out. Thankfully for him, she directed him to a small little cafe in an alleyway in Yongen-jaya. Cafe Leblanc, run by an old man named Sojiro Sakura.
The man was a little distant, but he was professional. Not to mention he made a mean cup of coffee, if the words of his customers meant anything. The people who came by were mostly people in the alley, and a few passing business men. One of the more frequent customers was the blue-haired woman in the gothic clothes.
"Akira, was it?" Sojiro asked out of the blue as he was preparing another cup of coffee. "If you don't mind me asking, why'd you decide to take up a job here at this place? Last I checked, this place isn't exactly well-known. Not to mention there's hardly any reason why people go coming to Leblanc."
"And there he goes, selling this place short!" a customer with a thin beard and broad smile chuckled. "Honestly, I wish Boss would just start a chain of coffee shops. The coffee this man makes is insane, and you haven't lived until you've tried his curry!"
Akira smiled thinly. "I'll take your word for it." he said before turning back to Sojiro. "I guess it's mostly because I needed cash."
"What? Not getting any allowance?"
"I'd rather not have to rely on Niijima-san for stuff, and my parents...well, they're both occupied with their own thing." he said. His father had sent him a few letters and once tried to call him, but he was pretty busy this time of year so he rarely heard from him. As for his mother...well, she had made her decision, and he wouldn't fault her for it. "Besides, I like coffee."
Sojiro hummed, scratching his chin. "Well, good answer as any, I guess." he muttered. "But remember, I won't have you making half-ass cups of joe, y'hear?" He nodded. If there was anything he understood about Sojiro, it was that the man took his coffee making lessons very seriously.
"His coffee is the stuff of legend." the customer said, boosting with praise for the old man. "I still remember the first time I tried it. Ah, how I wish I could go back to those days. It's a shame you haven't had time to find a good wife, though, Boss. I bet you'd make that special lady one happy woman."
At this, Sojiro scoffed and waved a hand. "At my age? You're kidding."
"I remember you once telling me you were quite the ladies man, though! Plus, I hear these days, most women prefer older men."
"Most." Akira cut in. "Not all."
"What the kid said." Sojiro added. "And besides, the odds of me finding a good wife are pretty much next to nothing."
"I see." the customer said before he looked around. "Is that little girl still hiding away in her room?"
Sojiro grimaced. "Yeah..."
"The poor girl must have it rough. I've heard from the neighbors. If she's really that bad, Boss, you should try taking her to a doctor. Or maybe send her to Doctor Takemi."
"Believe me, I've tried, but she just won't listen." the old man sighed. "I figured, maybe, she should do it at her own pace."
"Whatever you say, Boss." the customer shrugged before he turned to Akira, who had done his best not to pry into the conversation. "So, young man! Akira-kun, right? What's your impression of Boss?"
Akira looked up and pursed his lips. He only knew the man for maybe a handful of hours in the time he spent working here, so he didn't have a clear impression of him yet. "I don't know. I only met the guy a few days ago." he said. "But he does make good coffee."
Sojiro smiled at that. "And if I have it my way, you'll be making something decent." he said as he put a hand to his hip. "But enough chit-chat. I don't pay you to talk and listen. Come over here for a second, and show me what you've learned so far, kid."
TakeYourTime
When Akira returned to the Niijima household, he found Sae working at the table. A usual sight these days, though Makoto was nowhere to be found. "Welcome back." Sae greeted him amicably. "You weren't up to mischief, I hope?"
"No. Just working at Leblanc." he answered. Conversations between the two of them were usually short and clipped, if mostly out of tension and the awkwardness between them. He returned to his room and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Morgana then slipped out from the bag, hopping on top of his desk. Sighing, Akira fell onto his bed. "What a day..."
"You two really can't hold a conversation, can you?" Morgana said, frowning slightly. "Well, not that I blame you or anything. She seems quite terrifying, especially when she's angry."
On that, they could agree. As Akira attempted to try and take a nap, his cell phone buzzed. He removed it from his pants pocket and saw that it was part of a group chat from Ryuji. He only took a second to decide before he opened it.
RS: You noticed how everyone's gotten really tense at school?
AK: How do you mean?
MN: I believe he's referring to the calling card. Kobayakawa had been trying to calm down Kamoshida down all day when he saw it.
MN: On the subject of Kamoshida, he's taken a temporary leave of suspension.
RS: Seriously?! Then that means he's going through that change of heart business?!
AK: Seems like.
AT: I've been hearing how someone's been threatening Kamoshida. They have to know about everything, right?
MN: They're likely amazed someone had the audacity to call him out.
RS: They'll be even more amazed when the bastard confesses.
RS: By the way, Ann. How's Shiho? Any changes?
AT: No. She's still out cold. But I'm hoping that she might be able to rest easier once Kamoshida confesses what he's done.
MN: Now that I think about it… It could just be my imagination, but hasn't Mishima-kun been shadowing us a lot lately?
AK: you think?
RS: Why would he be following us?
AT: Do you think he knows about what we did?!
RS: Unless he's got that Nav thing, I doubt it. Then again, maybe he just suspects us because we were asking about Kamoshida?
AK: Could be. We'll have to wait and see for now.
The chat ended and Akira set his phone down. As he was about to head off to sleep, his phone went off again. This time, it was a message from Ryuji.
RS: Hey, man. You got a sec?
AK: What's wrong?
RS: Well, after this whole Kamoshida thing blows over...I was thinking maybe I can try and get back into running.
AK: Didn't the Track Team disband?
RS: I didn't mean getting back into it like that! It's just, haven't you noticed something different about yourself when you get your Persona?
AK: I have.
RS: For me, it's like...I feel lighter. Maybe a bit stronger. Not as strong as Haru-senpai, sure, but still strong. And my leg hurts less than it usually does. That's why I'm thinking of trying to get back into shape.
RS: I probably won't get my leg back in working order enough for me to run like how I did before, but…
RS: So, what do you say? Some training when this whole thing's over?
Akira read the message, then smiled. If that's all Ryuji was asking for him, then sure. Besides, he had to admit, training in the real world did sound like a good idea. Like Ryuji, he noticed how he felt much lighter on his feet. And he didn't feel as oppressed as he once did when he first came to Shujin Academy.
AK: Sure.
RS: Sweet! I'll be sure to remember the protein drinks and powder!
"Powder?" Morgana frowned. "Powder for what?"
TakeYourTime
Since Akira had some free time to himself after school, since Sojiro called him earlier to tell him that he didn't need to work on account of him going on a resupply run, he decided to check out the library. In hindsight, though, that wasn't probably the best idea, since the quiet environment made it all the more easier for him to hear the hushed whispers and glares. Somehow, the silence and chilly atmosphere of the library made them all the more uncomfortable, but it wasn't like Akira hadn't dealt with this sort of thing before.
The librarian in charge was also a little cold when she learned that he was the transfer student, even informing him that he could only rent one book at a time and must return it before the due date passed, despite the fact that not too seconds earlier did he see a female student borrow at least six different books while apologizing for returning a few previous books well past the due date.
He sighed to himself, but he nonetheless took the opportunity to peruse Shujin's selection. He eventually found one title that interested him.
"Arsene Lupin: Gentleman Thief." Akira read the title of the book, a pleased smile on his face. As he went over to check it out, he noticed a girl staring at him curiously. There wasn't any malice behind it, nor was she whispering any harsh things. He raised an eyebrow, but otherwise shrugged his shoulders.
As he expected, the librarian was giving him the stink eye as he checked the book out and also reminded him that he would have to pay for the book if it was not returned on the due date.
Akira left the library behind him, slipping the book into his bag. He was about to leave for home when someone called out to him from behind. "Kurusu-cchi? Could I borrow you for a second?"
The frizzy-haired teen blinked. Kurusu-cchi? That was a new one. He hadn't been called that once in his life. He turned around and found the girl who was staring at him earlier. She was obviously a third-year, hair somewhat unkempt and falling down to her shoulders with thin-rimmed glasses sitting on her nose. There was a hint of intellect in those almond-colored eyes of hers.
"Can I help you?" Akira asked politely.
The woman nodded. "Yes. I'm sorry for calling you out like this. I'm Aikawa, from the Journalism Club." she introduced herself. "Our club's a little on the small side, but we've been doing her best to earn our keep. Right now, we're doing a survey here at Shujin for our second-years. Would you mind answering a few questions?"
She seemed to mean well, but Akira couldn't help but feel a little suspicious. She didn't seem to have any ulterior motives. Her face was utterly neutral, and spoke in a clipped tone akin to a reporter. He weighed his options carefully, then nodded. "Alright."
"Thank you." Aikawa said gratefully as she took out a recorder. "First of all, what do you think about Shujin Academy? I understand that you transferred here from Sumaru City, isn't that right?"
"That's right. It seems pleasant so far."
"If you don't mind me asking, what was the school you previously attended?"
"Seven Sisters."
Aikawa's eyes widened slightly. "Isn't that one of the best schools in Japan?"
"It is." Akira nodded. "I finished my first-year and was going to start my second-year there until I had to move here to Tokyo."
"Because of your probation, correct? No, nevermind. Let's resume our topic. How would you compare Shujin to Seven Sisters?"
Well, for starters, no one at Seven Sisters treated me like I was some kind of walking contagion. Akira thought sarcastically, wanting to roll his eyes. He kept his answer neutral. "I can't really say. I guess in terms of academics, it's maybe on the same level as Seven Sisters."
"I see." Aikawa nodded. "I'm sure Kobayakawa-sensei will be thrilled to hear that. But moving on, let's discuss the future. What do you intend to do once you graduate, assuming you stay in Tokyo to complete your third year here?"
That was unlikely. Once the year passed, Akira would return to Tokyo and most likely resume his schooling there, though he doubted Seven Sisters would accept him back. He would likely be enrolled at another school. That said, the thought that he wouldn't see his new friends again for a while made him a little depressed, especially since they were the few that actually believed in him.
"I haven't given it much thought." Akira answered honestly. "My plans for right now are just to make it through my probation with no problems."
"I see. Thank you for your honesty, Kurusu-cchi." Aikawa said before she shut her recorder off. "This will be good data for the survey." Akira shrugged. He was glad he could help, but he doubted that she would use his answers. Likely, she just wanted to be thorough, and he hadn't exactly been very helpful. Before he could leave though, Aikawa stopped him again. "Would you mind if I asked you a more personal question?"
He grimaced. I should have known…
He turned back around and kept a neutral face. "What do you want to ask?"
"It won't take long, I promise." Aikawa assured him. "Do you remember the name of the person who sued you?"
Wait, what? Akira blinked. He hadn't been expecting that question at all. "I-I'm sorry?"
"You probably don't understand it yet, but you being here is quite a novelty story in of itself, Kurusu-cchi." Aikawa stated with brutal honesty. "Kobayakawa-san accepted you so Shujin would gather more prestige. "Famous High School Successfully Rehabilitates Dangerous Juvenile Criminal." The story practically writes itself. Naturally, the Journalism Club wanted to look into your story. I happened to notice something very odd while looking into your case. Nowhere, in any coverage of the incident, was the name of the victim ever mentioned. While this isn't entirely unusual, as the names are often withheld, it is very strange that no one, not one source, has managed to uncover the identity of the victim."
Akira's eyes widened slightly. No one knew the man that sued him? Then again, I remember him asking the police to keep his name out of the papers… he thought, pursing his lips in thought. But, for no one to actually get his name? That's a little weird.
"...I don't know his name." Akira answered after some thinking. "He never said who he was. And I didn't ask."
Aikawa looked a little disappointed by his response. "That's a shame. In that case, is it okay if I ask another question? Did you really attack the victim, unprovoked?"
"Would it matter if I said I didn't?" Akira replied, surprising her as he gave a bitter smile. "No offense, Aikawa-senpai, but everyone's already decided that I'm scum of the earth. Who are they going to believe? Some kid, or the justice system?" He realized a moment later what he had just said and internally cursed. He sighed and turned away, not bothering to look back at her. "Sorry, senpai, but I'll be leaving. I have to get home early today."
He walked away and didn't look back. Inside the bag, Morgana shifted and slowly pushed his head out from the bag, careful not to be seen. "Hey, what was she saying about an incident?" he asked curiously. Among the thieves, he was the only one besides Ann who didn't know the truth behind his circumstances.
Akira sighed again. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately. "I'll tell you later..."
TakeYourTime
April had passed, and eventually May came. School had proceeded like usual, with students still going about their daily lives. That said, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air as well as confusion. Kamoshida had not yet returned from his self-imposed suspension, and the students were beginning to question why.
Akira wondered how they would react when the truth of his crimes came to light. At the same time, he wondered about how the aftermath would be handled. If the man straight-up confessed about his wrongdoings, how well would Kobayakawa be able to cover it up? If his confession was public, he doubted the principal could try and cover it up. There would always be that one weak link that would break when enough pressure was applied. Someone would spill the beans.
Another important question was what would be done about the victims. Akira knew that there were many who had been deeply scarred by Kamoshida's actions. Would the confession alone be enough to give them the peace they needed? Would it really be enough to heal the wounds?
He honestly didn't know the answer.
Pondering about the questions for later, Akira instead focused on his present state of affairs. It was now lunch time and was off to either look for Ryuji, Ann or Makoto or find a quiet place to eat where he wouldn't be bothered.
By luck, he happened to come across Ryuji, though he wasn't alone. He was talking with someone else. A student around their age with dark brown hair and tanned skin, perhaps in a sport club judging by his well-toned physique. He was wearing a jersey with the jacket zipped open and the pants pulled up to his knees. Judging by the look on Ryuji's face, their talk looked important. Not wanting to intervene, Akira pulled himself out of sight.
"So, how's everyone doing?" he heard Ryuji asked. "I heard that the Track Team might be coming back together."
"Well, there's still some tension." the other person answered. "Ever since Kamoshida caused all that shit, things aren't how they used to be, man. Takeichi's high-strung. He's been working his ass off to make sure everything works out, but you can tell it's getting to him."
"Did they decide who's going to be the new coach?"
"You remember that chubby guy that followed Kamoshida around as an aid before he became the Social Science teacher?"
Ryuji spluttered. "A-are you freaking kidding me?! Yamauchi?!" The other student nodded grimly. The delinquent blonde's face twisted angrily. "He doesn't know a damned thing about track, much less physical education!"
"Way I heard it, Kamoshida's been pulling some strings to make it work. Seems like he's just reviving it so he can have it under his thumb. Best guess, having an incompetent coach and a shitty club to make the Volleyball Club look better by comparison."
Ryuji kicked the floor. "Fuck!" After a minute of angry ranting, he calmed down. He let out a frustrated groan as he ran a hand through his blonde locks. "I'm sorry, Nakaoka. If I didn't lash out like that..."
"Hey, don't blame yourself." Nakaoka shook his head. "Way I see it, that asshole was looking for a scapegoat. You just happened to fit the bill." The former track member then cracked a smile. "Don't worry so much, Sakamoto. Even if Yamauchi thinks he can control the track, we're gonna prove him wrong."
"Nakaoka..."
The tanned teen patted Ryuji on the shoulder, then walked away. Once he was sure it was safe, Akira stepped out. Noticing him approaching, Ryuji's otherwise angry face softened. "I...take it you caught all that?"
"Sorry for spying."
"Nah, don't be." Ryuji waved it off.
Morgana poked his head out, face curious. "Who was that guy? It seemed like you two were close." he noted. "Was he another of Kamoshida's victims?"
"Yeah. His name's Nakaoka. The two of us were on track together. Besides me, he was one of the best runners we had. I was actually gonna give up my spot as starter for him when we were up for the Nationals up until King Asshole happened." Ryuji explained. "When I got angry at Kamoshida and got the team disbanded, most of the guys were pissed at me. Not that I blamed 'em. It was my fault. But Nakaoka was one of the few guys who believed in me. He's been keeping me posted about the rest of the guys."
"And?"
Ryuji scowled. "Apparently, one of Kamoshida's little lackeys, a fatass named Yamauchi, is gonna be the new coach for the track team when they're brought back. Looks like Kamoshida decided they might be useful if only to make them crappy and have Volleyball look better in comparison. Yamauchi doesn't know anything about physical education. Guy probably never did a single workout in his life."
Akira cocked his head. "Is he as fat as Kobayakawa?"
"I'd say so." Ryuji chuckled. "Anyway, things are looking pretty dicey. But hey, with Kamoshida's change of heart, who knows? Maybe Yamauchi will be kicked to the curb, too!" It was an optimistic thought, but it was clear how much Ryuji still cared about track. Running had been his life. His dream. It had a chance to come back from the brink.
It made Akira wonder if he would ever rejoin, if given the opportunity. But would that be possible? he wondered. Ryuji did say that most of the members weren't too happy with him, even after all this time.
"Oh, there you guys are." Akira and Ryuji turned their heads, seeing Makoto and Ann approaching. "We were looking for you two."
"Hm? What's up?"
"There's going to be an assembly tomorrow." Makoto informed them. "Principal Kobayakawa is going to be giving a speech early in the morning."
Ann shook her head. "Way I heard it, it's supposed to be about what happened to Shiho."
"Tch. Figures." Ryuji clicked his tongue. "It'll probably be to bolster the school's rep. By the way, any news about Kamoshida?"
"None." Makoto said. "But I did hear Kawakami-sensei whisper about something interesting. Apparently, the other day, Kamoshida turned in his letter of resignation." This drew shocked and ecstatic looks from everyone. "He's also rescinded your guys' suspensions too."
"Seriously?" Ryuji whispered, star-struck. "Then, he really did have a change of heart?!"
"Hmph! Was there any doubt?" Morgana huffed arrogantly before a troubled look appeared on his face. "But, is that really going to be enough for everyone to get some peace of mind?"
A troubled silence was the answer that came afterwards.
TakeYourTime
The second of May arrived with much apprehension.
As Makoto had stated the other day, there was an assembly early in the morning. Akira was a little groggy still, so he wasn't entirely awake. Everyone around him was chattering among themselves and questioning about what was happening. Some had correctly guessed that the assembly was most likely done in response to Shiho Suzui's attempted suicide. Speaking of, the poor girl had not yet stirred from her coma, making them worry. Her existence was another reminder that Kamoshida absolutely needed to pay for his crimes.
If his way of atoning was just to rescind some suspensions and turn in a letter of resignation, then perhaps a bit of an extra push was needed.
"Gah, this is freaking boring..." Ryuji complained beside him. "Wish they'd just hurry up and get it over with."
"Have to agree with you, there." Morgana said in agreement. "This place is making me feel so cramped."
After a few more minutes of chatter, the principal stumbled into view, his bulging form struggling to stay fit in his clothes. Akira wondered how embarrassing it would be if his buttons suddenly popped and exposed his fat to the world. When he pictured the scene, Akira felt a little green in the face and promptly purged the image from his mind, hoping to whatever deity was in the world that those buttons stayed intact.
"A-hem!" Principal Kobayakawa cleared his microphone. "We will now begin this morning's assembly. "As many of you know already, last month, a tragic incident took place. One of our second-year students, Shiho Suzui, attempted to commit suicide. The reasons behind these actions are still currently under investigation-"
Ann scoffed upon hearing those words and glared holes into the man's body, as if hoping Carmen would somehow manifest and burn Kobayakawa into a lump of charcoal.
"-but we would like to say that, under no circumstances, should anyone ever consider the thought of taking their own life. I would also like to say that Suzui-chan has survived her ordeal, but it will take a long time before she recovers." Kobayakawa paused briefly before he continued. "Everyone in this room has a bright and important future ahead of them. Therefore, I would like each and every one of you to think carefully about your future and..."
His words were cut off when the sound of the gym doors were pulled open, squeaking loudly and announcing a new arrival. To the thieves' surprise, it was none other than Suguru Kamoshida. His face was pale, eyes bloodshot with dark bags underneath his eyes, and his body sagging like a heavy weight had just been strapped to his body.
Kobayakawa stared at Kamoshida's arrival in surprise. "Kamoshida-kun?"
The PE teacher looked at the gathered students for a moment before his eyes settled on Ann, who's eyes burned with intense hatred. He visibly recoiled, but then accepted her hatred for what it was worth before he dragged himself up on stage.
"Kobayakawa-san, if I may?"
His voice was hoarse. He sounded so tired and exhausted, looking ready to collapse any second. Kobayakawa wasn't entirely sure what to make of the situation, but he nodded and stepped aside, letting Kamoshida take the stage. The man nodded in gratitude and stood before his students, hands wrapped around the edges of the podium.
"I...would like to say something to all of you." he began slowly. Akira noticed that he was forcing himself to look at the gathered group instead of looking away in shame. His eyes were also watery, looking ready to burst out crying in seconds. "A few days ago, I recently handed in my letter of resignation. As of today, I...would like to formally announce that I am leaving Shujin Academy." Shocked gasps erupted across the gym. Everyone was thrown off by this statement. The thieves, however, listened with rapt attention. "As for why I am leaving, I...will reveal the truth to all of you."
Kamoshida took a deep, shaky breath. Then he exhaled.
"Last year, as you all know, the track team was disbanded on account of one of its members, Ryuji Sakamoto, attacking me." Kamoshida started. Some students looked at Ryuji, who frowned upon being singled out. "In self-defense, I retaliated. In the struggle, I broke his leg and ended his career. In reality, what happened that day was… Well, as much as it shames me to say it, what I did on that day was no accident. In reality, I purposely shattered Sakamoto's knee and made sure that he would never pursue his dream of becoming a Track athlete ever again."
Startled gasps. Disbelief. Shock. So many emotions were running through the minds and faces of everyone around Akira. Ryuji in particular looked both dumbstruck by what he was hearing, and at the same time, livid to hear the truth spill out of his mouth, even if Kamoshida was saying all of this with great shame and despair.
"I had purposely spread information about Sakamoto's parental situation and pushed the Track Team to perform in unfeasible conditions. I saw it as an eyesore. I wanted it gone, so Shujin's Volleyball team would have the chance to steal the spotlight." the fallen king admitted. "I...also did so because I selfishly believed that Sakamoto, who had incredible talent, would outshine my own. I know that there are many people who have begun to forget that I was once an accomplished Volleyball player. Given a few years, and...I would no longer be remembered, because Ryuji Sakamoto would be the talk of Tokyo. A new gold medalist at the Olympics."
From the far side of the room, Nakaoka's hands curled into fists, trembling with anger. "That's it?" he whispered in outrage. "You ruined not only our careers, but crushed Sakamoto's dream, all because you didn't want to be forgotten?!"
"Sakamoto, and the members of the Track Team, are not the only ones I've harmed. I have also harmed many other students at this school. I both verbally, and physically, abused students of this school, both inside and outside the Volleyball team. E-even worse, I..." Tears openly spilled down Kamoshida's face as he lowered his head, no longer able to look at the faces of the students. "I...sexually assaulted the female members of the Volleyball team."
His knees buckled. He fell down, with only his hands firmly gripping the podium and keeping him in clear view of the students.
"I am the reason why Shiho Suzui tried to kill herself!"
By this point, Kamoshida was openly sobbing. On the stage, members of the faculty were staring in a mixture of disgust and shock. Some were fully aware of Kamoshida's actions, while others had been kept in the dark. The same could be said about the students. The more recent first years did not know about Kamoshida's actions up until now and could only feel imagine the horrors that his victims must have felt. There was not one person who was now openly wishing that Kamoshida would drop dead at this moment.
"I-I thought of Shujin...to be like my castle..." Kamoshida powered through his sobs, doing nothing to stop the waterworks. "I...I was a-able to expel students, simply be-because I did not like them. I-I have rescinded the expulsions of t-two students from this school." In an attempt to stand, Kamoshida lost strength. The podium tipped to its side and clattered to the ground, the microphone squealing in protest. Kamoshida fell on all fours, head pressed up against the floor. "I-I am...truly sorry!"
"K-Kamoshida-kun! Please, get off the stage!" Kobayakawa cried in panic. Whether it was out of fear of Kamoshida exposing him or because of the uproar he was causing was unknown. "Compose yourself, man!"
"I...I swear, on my life, t-that I will a-atone for my despiscable actions!" Kamoshida lifted his head up and pleaded. "S-someone! Please! Call the police!"
Twenty minutes later, the police arrived at Shujin Academy, finding Kamoshida on the ground as little more than a sobbing, pitiful mess. As the handcuffs were slapped over his wrists and he was hauled away, some heard him thank the police profusely in the midst of his constant apologies. In an attempt to re-establish order, classes were canceled for the day and the teachers called to disperse the shocked crowd.
In the middle of all of this chaos and confusion, one student watched Akira Kurusu, Makoto Niijima, Ryuji Sakamoto and Ann Takamaki leave together, looking surprised by the surprising turn of events but overall pleased by the results.
"No way..."
He didn't know why, but for some reason, Mishima found himself smiling.
"The Phantom Thieves of Hearts… They're for real!"
TO BE CONTINUED…?
A/N: So, it's around 1 AM as I'm about to post this chapter. I am in Oregon, in a motel with my sister visting her best friend to see her four-month-old baby. Fun fact, the little tyke likes to eat my fingers.
Around eight or nine, me and my sister will be leaving for home. Thank god. Bad news the drive is eight hours. My ass will be severely numb.
But enough about that. For this chapter, I wanted to give some attention to other characters. We've been formally introduced to Haru, some foreshadowing to Futaba who is known to some of the people in the neighborhood, as well as some other stuff.
The chick who was interviewing Akira was actually the reporter chick that you can talk to in the second-floor hallway. I was sad that she wasn't made into a fully fleshed-out character, so I decided to give her a role. She will not be replacing Ohya, nor will she be a Confidant, however.
Regarding Nakaoka being significantly nicer to Ryuji, it was done mostly because, upon replaying the game countless times, you start to notice that Ryuji was purposely made the butt-monkey of the group, even in serious situations. I refuse to believe that he could be idiotic, especially since Dancing in Starlight tells us through Makoto's Social that Shujin takes its academics VERY seriously.
So, yeah. Unlike in the game, Ryuji has a few friends still from the Track Team. You can expect him to show up often as I do Ryuji's Confidant storyline.
Also, in regards to me including Kasumi from Persona 5 Royal, I'm afraid that will be have to be for a separate story altogether, especially since we're already so far into the story. That said, I am considering Takuto Maruki if only to give the victims of Kamoshida's victims some peace of mind and the help they desperately need.
One more thing. This is to the people who are saying my stories are either dead or I need to update. For fuck's sake, calm your tits. I'll get to them when I get to them. And NEVER tell me a story is dead when I have not come out and say "hey guys, this story is dead." Seriously, that just really pisses me off.
Alright, that's it for now. Friendly reminder that this story has a TV Tropes page, so check it out and feel free to edit and add to it. Special thanks to TV Tropes user hubakon1368 and WorstOtakuEver for updating it!
See You~