5/16
Makoto stands waiting for her train to Aoyama-Itchome Station. With exams out of the way, Makoto has had the Phantom Thieves on her mind all weekend. She double checked all her notes but decided that without taking a more direct approach they had almost no chance of finding definitive evidence of their possible activities. Usually Makoto is at school at this point in the morning but today she is waiting. Waiting for the delinquent of Shujin, Akira Kurusu.
Right on time as always, he's arrived, stepping off his train and joining the small crowd of Shujin students waiting for the final train to school. Makoto pulls out her phone and sends Haru a message.
Makoto: He's here. I'm going to go speak with him now. See if I can get him to reveal anything.
Makoto pockets her phone again and begins walking towards him. The closer she gets the more she notices how he doesn't really have the demeanor of a violent criminal as his record says he is. His nonchalant stance doesn't give an impression of someone willing to pick a fight. Makoto steps up next to him and stands for a moment before saying anything. Wondering if he'll be the one to speak first.
"Seems as though you're attending school seriously, Kurusu-kun," Makoto says.
"My probation requires me to, although I would still do so anyway," Akira replies.
"I've notice you and Takamaki-san getting close. You arrive at school together and from what I hear you only speak with each other in the mornings."
"Is there a point to that statement, Niijima-senpai?"
"I suppose not," Makoto says as the two students continue to look forward rather than at each other. "It's just that you transferred here recently. I suppose you two really click."
"Well we are in the same class," Akira says.
"I see. But you two seem to be a lot closer than simply classmates," Makoto says. Typical police investigative trick. Give them the suspicion that they're being followed and if your gamble pays off, they will lead you straight to the evidence in an attempt to hide it.
Akira stands silently for a few moments before replying.
"Well she was one of Kamoshida's victims. I suppose you knew that already though."
Now it was Makoto's turn to wait a moment before replying. So, you hit back, hmm?
"Was it more than that, though? Either way I'm sure a closer inspection will clear everything up… Goodbye," Makoto says as the train arrives, and she moves to step onto it.
XXXX
"What was that about?" Morgana hisses as the upper classman steps onto the train.
"I'm not sure," Akira whispers back, "but I think she's investigating us."
"Is the school having us followed?"
"That's my guess," Akira says.
XXXX
The Phantom Thieves meet on the roof of Shujin Academy. Akira is the last to arrive to find Ann and Ryuji sitting quietly awaiting him.
"S'up dude," Ryuji says.
"Hey," Akira replies. "Ann have you thought more about modeling for Madarame's pupil?"
Ann nods her head. "I think as long as you two are there with me, it'll be ok."
"That's awesome!" Ryuji exclaims. "We can head over right away, then right?"
"Maybe, there's something I need to tell yo—" Akira says as the door to the rooftop opens. Makoto Niijima steps out onto the roof.
"This place is off limits, you know," she says.
"Well we'll get out of here once we're done chattin'," Ryuji says. "Anyways if this place is off limits then what is Miss Council President doing here?"
"Hmm," Makoto says looking between the three of them, "The troublemaker, the girl of rumor, and the infamous transfer student… it's an interesting combination."
"Real great way to start a conversation," Ann says.
"Oh yes, Takamaki-san. I meant to tell you sooner that I won't be making any charges for you hitting me. I've decided to do you that favor since it must have been an emotional moment for you… Isn't that correct?"
Ann sits seething. Akira remains quiet as the two girls have their stare down.
"Yes…" Ann says through gritted teeth.
"Speaking of which, it seems you all got to know Mr. Kamoshida pretty well.
"Sorry, who?" Akira replies. Ann and Ryuji chuckle at Makoto's shocked face.
"It would unwise to not treat something such as this with the incorrect amount of care, Kurusu-kun," Makoto says.
"Well anyone who attends this school would have interacted with him whether they liked it or not," Ann says.
"I suppose…" Makoto says turning to Akira. "I had heard that Mr. Kamoshida used a volleyball team member to spread details of your past record. Wouldn't you hate him? Mr. Kamoshida, I mean. I know I'd be quite upset if something like that were to happen to me."
Akira merely smiles at Makoto. She's baiting me.
"What's this all about?" Ryuji asks with annoyance in his voice. "My friend here is an upstanding guy."
"I didn't mean to offend," Makoto says. "Many students have been shaken up by what happened with Mr. Kamoshida. Rumors persist about that odd, calling card-esque posting too."
"Didn't expect someone like you to care about that tactless stuff, Niijima-senpai. You seem to be the kind of person who would consider themselves above rumors," Ann remarks.
Makoto smiles. "I suppose everyone has something that they try to hide."
"Hey, are we done here?" Ryuji says. "We can't leave if you keep talkin' to us."
"At least try to understand my position!" Makoto spits back. "Being forced to deal with this horseplay…"
"Horseplay?" Ann says.
"Oh, and by the way, this place will be closed off due to Suzui-san's incident. I do hope I won't find you three up here again," Makoto says. Makoto turns and leaves the three students on the roof.
"What a bitch!" Ann says under her breath once the door has closed.
"That's what I was going to warn you about," Akira says.
"She's onto us," Morgana adds jumping down from the AC unit. "And she seems sharp. We should be cautious of her."
"She really pisses me off!" Ryuji says.
"Me too!" Ann adds.
"Just be careful. If she hasn't figured us out yet she might be able to if we let our guard down," Akira says.
"She's so high and mighty that she's doing us a favor!" Ann says. "Doing me a favor by not reporting me for hitting her?! Please!"
"C'mon," Akira says. "We shouldn't stay here."
XXXX
The three Shujin students take the train towards the station that is closest to Madarame's shack.
"Can't believe the Phantom Thieves are taking the train…" Ryuji grumbles. "This ain't any different from how I get home from school."
"Keep your voice down!" Morgana hisses. "The whole point of being Phantom Thieves is the Phantom part! We aren't supposed to be famous outside of the work we do."
"Right," Ann agrees, "besides we can bring pets on the train and it's the fastest way to travel."
"Who're you calling a pet?!" Morgana says.
"Shh! Dude be quiet we didn't pay the pet fare," Ryuji says.
"I'm guiding you guys to your destination! You should be calling me 'Master!'" Morgana says. All Shujin students remain silent but stare at Morgana.
"Ooh, Kitty!" a small child says approaching the students.
"Shoot!" Ann whispers.
"Is that your pet, Mister? I heard it meowing!" the child says.
"It's a stuffed animal," Akira replies. "It meows when you pet it."
"Yeah," Ryuji says trying to hide his laughter, "press on its head."
"Alright, Master," Akira says under his breath. Akira presses on Morgana's head as through mashing a button on a videogame.
"Mew… Meowowowowowowowowow!" Morgana shrieks.
"Wow that's funny! Thanks Mister!" the child says before walking away. After the child leaves the three students bust out in a fit of laughter.
"I think I threw up in my mouth," Morgana says retreating inside the bag for the remainder of the trip.
XXXX
After exiting the train and walking the rest of the way, the three students arrive at a run-down looking shack in the middle of a residential area. The address matches the one Ann was given.
"Is… that it?" Ryuji asks.
"It's the right address," Ann says. "And look the doorplate says 'Madarame.'"
"Walls look as though they'll collapse if you try ringing the bell," Akira says.
Ann walks towards the door followed by Ryuji and Akira. At the door, Ann presses the buzzer and waits a moment for someone to answer.
"Who is it?" a voice says on the other end.
"Uh, it's Takamaki. I'm here for Kitagawa-kun," Ann says.
"Takamaki-san! I'll be right out," Yusuke responds.
"Seems like he's excited to see you," Akira says in a teasing voice. Ann blushes slightly but says nothing. A moment later the door slides open and Yusuke stands on the other side. His smile drops as he sees Akira and Ryuji behind her.
"I see you two are here, as well," Yusuke says.
"Hey!" Ryuji says with an over enthusiastic smile. "We wanted to come and watch Ann's modeling and talk to you about something."
"You want to speak with me?" Yusuke says in a surprised tone.
"Is it true Madarame's plagiarizin' stuff?" Ryuji says. "He's abusin' people too, yeah?"
"Are you serious?" Yusuke says with disgust in his tone. Akira rubs his eyes.
"We read about it online," Ryuji continues.
"This..." Yusuke says with a small laugh. "Is preposterous. Not only is the plagiarism impossible, but abuse?! Sensei cannot even be capable of such a thing. He loves children! If he didn't, why would allow so many into his home? Why would allow them to become pupils and trained in art for nothing?!"
Yusuke has a slight grimace as he continues.
"I am the one residing here, and I can tell you it's not true."
"You sure you ain't lying about it?!" Ryuji says as he takes a step towards Yusuke. Akira reaches out and grabs Ryuji's arm to halt him from going any more forward.
"Utter rubbish!" Yusuke exclaims standing his ground. "Look at me! I had no family when Sensei took me in and raised me into what you see now! If all you have come to do is spread baseless allegations against Sensei, then you will be asked to leave."
Ryuji and Yusuke stand silently staring at one another. Ann, looking nervous, finally speaks up.
"Kitagawa-kun, do you—"
"Yusuke?" a voice says from inside the shack. Madarame steps out a moment later. "What's the matter? I heard you yelling."
"These ruffians are slandering you with baseless rumors!" Yusuke says gesturing to Ryuji and Akira.
"Forgive them, Yusuke," Madarame says rubbing his head. "I'm sure they heard some bad rumors and came to check in worry for their friend's safety."
"I… I understand, Sensei," Yusuke says.
"Even I doubt that a cranky old man like me could be liked by everyone," Madarame says with a hearty laugh. "Now, I apologize for butting in, but we do have neighbors, so I'd appreciate if you kept it down. Excuse me," Madarame says before stepping back inside the shack and sliding the door closed.
"I apologize," Yusuke says with a bow, "that was discourteous of me. I know! I think you'll be able to believe in Sensei if you saw some paintings," Yusuke says pulling out his phone. "This is his maiden work, as well as the most well-known. It's titled 'Sayuri.'"
"It's beautiful," Ann says looking at the small picture on the phone. It depicts a woman in a red shirt looking lovingly at something obscured by mist near the bottom of the painting.
"This painting inspired me to become an artist," Yusuke says. "When I first saw you, Takamaki-san, I felt the same powerful emotion as when I saw this painting."
"M-M-Me?" Ann stutters while blushing heavily. Akira feels a burning sensation in the pit of his stomach that causes him to involuntarily take a step closer to Ann.
"I wish to pursue beauty like this," Yusuke says gesturing to Ann's body. "And I believe drawing you will be part of that pursuit. I implore you: seriously consider my offer. I'm sorry that you took the time to come all this way, but I must assist Sensei today. Please contact me before coming over so I may inform you if I will be available in the future. Please excuse me," Yusuke adds before stepping inside the shack himself and closing the door. The three Shujin students stand in a moment of silence attempting to take in what has happened.
"C'mon," Ryuji says walking away from the shack and across the street. He leans up against a bike rack and looks between Akira and Ann. "You two OK? You seem… weird."
"I'm fine," Akira replies pushing his glasses a bit further up his nose.
"It's nothing," Ann says.
"Well I hate to admit it, but those two seemed like pretty nice guys," Ryuji says with a sigh.
"I agree," Ann says. "Are we sure this is the correct Madarame? Hey, was Mishima ever able to figure out who made the posting?"
"He said he couldn't really trace it," Akira replies. "He said something called the IP was from an internet café, so anyone could've done it."
"Man, right when we thought we found a new target, too…" Ryuji says.
"Aren't you guys forgetting something?" Morgana says popping out of Akira's bag. "Check the MetaNav! If the old man has got a Palace, it'll be there."
Akira shrugs and pulls out his phone and opens the app. "What's his first name?"
"Ichiryusai," Ann replies reading the name on the doorplate.
"Ichiryusai Madarame," Akira repeats into the MetaNav.
"RESULT FOUND."
"No shit…" Ryuji mutters.
"This means that Madarame has a Palace too, right?" Ann asks.
"Yes," Morgana replies. "Now we just need the keywords for it and the physical place."
"Well we've got Madarame, shack, and…" Akira says thinking.
"Plagiarism," Ryuji says.
"Right but it needs to be the distortion Madarame sees the place as," Morgana says.
"You mean like Kamoshida thought the school was his castle?" Ann asks.
"Precisely," Morgana replies. "Start saying some things. Even random guesses are fine."
"Castle?" Ann says.
"NO CANDIDATES FOUND."
"How about 'Prison?'" Ryuji says.
"NO CANDIDATES FOUND."
"Ugh what a pain!" Ryuji groans. "'Jail!' 'Warehouse!' And 'guidance counselin' office!' Might as well add 'farm' in there too!"
"NO CANDIDATES FOUND."
"EFF this!"
"Should we come back another time?" Morgana asks.
"You haven't suggested anything, Akira," Ann says looking at him. Akira scratches the back of his head and hums a sound of thinking. "A building that's related to artists," Ann continues, "If we think from there, what would it be...?"
"Art school?" Akira says.
"NO CANDIDATES FOUND."
"Supply store?" Ann says.
"NO CANDIDATES FOUND."
"Stupid 'effin app," Ryuji says.
"Museum?" Akira says.
"BEGINNING NAVIGATION."
"Beginning navigation? Whoa, really?" Ryuji gasps as the feeling of being pulled into the Metaverse envelops the group.
A/N: Hey all! Yeah it's been a while since my last update but between moving and some writers block about how to blend the Madarame-Kaneshiro arcs together kept me away from it. But I think I've found that creative bug again where I want to write and see what comes next and what y'all think of it. Thanks for sticking with me as this story and side hobby of mine continues!