"I don't care, I want guards established around the clock!" Mitsuyo Togo yelled into her phone. By now, the evening crew would start to move in, and Mitsuyo would start to head back to her home. But she simply could not take this risk. At first she thought this "Phantom Team" was the execution squad of the Puppet Master, but she did some research into them and found out it wasn't the case. Apparently, they already went after a man named Kobayakawa, and the man was alive. In prison, but alive. But she couldn't go to prison, and if she somehow did, she'd need someone to bail her out. Someone like a well-known and popular detective. She started to dial another number.

"Emiko, it's me."

"Yea boss? What's up?"

"I want you to arrange a meeting with Yu Narukami I want you to tell him…"

Before the business woman could speak, she felt a sudden headache strike her. There was a terrible pounding in her skull that vanished as quickly as it came. There was a slight pause as Mitsuyo considered her next words. The card caused her to start… reflecting… on her life… and what she did during it. She felt a small tear cascade down her face. She thought about all the people who begged her for mercy, of all the grieving families at the funerals she had to attend. Of Ami Ito, and how she forgave Mitsuyo in her final moments. Another tear went down her flawless skin. Perhaps… enough was enough.

"Tell him he's off the hook. Dojima doesn't have to close the case on me."

Mitsuyo heard Emiko spit out her drink.

"FUCKING WHAT?!"

"You heard me. Yu's off the hook."

"... Ok, what drugs are you on? Because if they're making you do this, then I want some."

"No drugs. Let him know Emiko. I've got a lot to do. Goodbye."

Mitsuyo hung up on Emiko, and began to call someone else.

"Yea boss?"

"Suki… I need you to call Rise-san. Let her know her appointment tomorrow has been canceled. We're going to do something else."

"R-really? Are you sure boss? We're going to lose a ton of yen if we do that."

"I know. Instead, we're going to hold a press conference. There's… an announcement I need to make."

"Alright boss. I don't know what you're planning, but I'll get it done."

"Thank you Suki. And… I'm sorry for what I made you do."

Suki said nothing in reply as she hung up on her boss. Yes… there was much to do. So much to make up for.

The crushing of the massive snow never came. Instead, the Phantom Team was hit by a surge of heat. They looked around, and saw that they were in the real world, right outside Togo News Station, posing like they were in BroBro's Bizarre Adventure. Once they realized that, they all simultaneously went back to normal postures, like a group of children trying to act normal when a parent walked in. Yu slowly slinked back into the alley, and the others quickly followed, all of them eager to try and get out of public view. That's when Yu felt something cut his wrist. Flinging it upwards, Yu saw that the thing that pricked him was the diamond… on a ring. Hifumi let out a gasp.

"That's… that's mother's ring! What happened to the mask?!"

"Oh, that's right, we didn't tell you; when we exit to the real world with the Treasure, it takes the form of whatever started them down the path that led to their ambitions. They still possess the original, but the duplicate is authentic in every way." Yu explained, showing her the new item.

"I see. So she started to create her empire the moment she said 'I do'." Hifumi replied, grabbing the ring. She turned, ready to throw it, but Yu grabbed her wrist before she could chuck it into the crowds.

"She's different Hifumi. The fact that we have her ring is proof we succeeded."

Hifumi lowered her arm, still looking at the object in question.

"So what do we do with this?"

"I know a guy that might buy it. Or at least the diamond. We can use that money to celebrate."

"We should at least wait until her confession. No need to hold a celebration without a real cause." Akechi suggested.

"Guess that means we'll hold out until at least tomorrow. By then, one way or another, our fight with Mitsuyo will be over. Head home everyone, get what rest you can." Yu stated with finality.

Kaneshiro was busy chomping away at donuts when Narukami walked into the store. The detective raised a curious eyebrow as the teenager approached, eating his last donut whole. Yu reached into his pocket as the detective ate rather loudly and obnoxiously, and before he pulled out what he had, he looked around for anyone who could be watching. Luckily, it was late at night, so no one was around. Kaneshiro gulped loudly as Yu revealed the mystery item; the wedding ring. The corrupt cop smiled widely.

"My my my kid. Didn't know you liked taking it up the ass. Not that I'm complaining, means less competition for me. The answer's 'no' by the way"

"This isn't a proposal. Do you know how much this ring is worth, or at a rough estimate?"

Kaneshiro looked it over, gave a noncommittal shrug, and turned back to Yu, trying to look bored.

"Not really. But I know someone who does. I'll take it for about… 10K yen."

Yu frowned. He had enough knowledge to know the ring's worth was more than tripled that amount.

"Look at the diamond. That's enough for at least 100K." Yu pointed out. Upon realizing he got called out, Kaneshiro frowned for only the briefest of moments before his smirk returned.

"Alright, alright, you got me there. But why should I take the risk? Whoever bought this must have paid a pretty penny, and they're bound to come looking for it."

"Would you believe me if I told you I found it on the floor?"

Kaneshiro turned serious, scanning Yu's face for any hint of deception. He could tell the teenager wasn't completely honest, but also realized what Yu was trying to tell him; that no one would come for the ring. The fat law enforcer leaned back in his chair.

"I'll give you fifty K." He said curtly.

"Fifty-five." Yu tried to argue, but Kaneshiro narrowed his eyes.

"Fifty. That's the deal, take it or leave it."

"… Fine."

Yu tossed him the ring, and Kaneshiro tossed him the cash. With nothing else to do, Yu proceeded to head straight towards the door, making sure to count the money. Before he managed to get out, however, Kaneshiro called out to him.

"Oh, and kid?"

"What?"

"I've gotten myself a lead on our criminal problem. Come with me, we're going to a… very special arena."

Yu shot him a suspicious glare, but Kaneshiro ignored it as he got up and walked towards the teenager, leaving behind his badge and equipment.

"Come on, I'm sure a kid of your age will be… entertained where we're going."

Yu and Kaneshiro found themselves in the underbelly of the city. The streets here were filthy, and the homeless could be found everywhere. The place they were at specifically was tucked away in an alley, the steel door guarded by a giant of a man. He looked at the pair but did nothing else. Kaneshiro acknowledged the door man with a nod.

"I'm here to tell the boss I grilled the goods."

The man at the door smiled, and gave a rhythmic knock on the door. As it opened, he replied.

"Just the way she likes them. Who's this?"

"My assistant. Don't worry, if he rats, I'll put a bullet in him, and then myself."

And with that, the two were let into the building. Yu saw the staircase go down, and as he descended into the bowels of the place, he heard yelling down below. He turned back to the cop, who didn't seem phased by the noises at all.

"What is this place Kaneshiro?"

"This place is called the Pit. It's where people go to see half-naked women beat the shit out of each other." Kaneshiro answered matter-of-factly.

Yu's eyes turned to saucers when he heard that. Before he could ask Kaneshiro if he was serious, they reached the bottom of the stairs, and Yu saw that Kaneshiro did not exaggerate in the slightest. There, right in front of him, was an arena. And fighting in the arena were two women; one of who dressed in a bikini, and the other in a skimpy maid outfit. The maid jumped up, and trapped the face of the bikini girl between her thighs and under her crotch. The crowd went wild at the erotic display. And Yu was… intrigued as well.

Want me to get a better look?

Sure, why not?

Izanagi was released, and he made straight for the women. Kaneshiro tapped him on the shoulder.

"Pretty nice view huh?" He asked with a satisfied smirk.

"I suppose…"

Kaneshiro let out a hearty laugh before gesturing to the side with his head.

"That's nothing. One chick, Kawakami I think her name was, was once the top fighter for this place."

That piqued Yu's interest.

"Really? What was she doing here?"

"Don't really know why, but I do know she knew how to rock the maid outfit. Now come on. You can gawk at the hot ladies later. Right now, we have stuff to do."

Yu followed the cop into a private room where an elderly couple were waiting. The two of them smiled when Kaneshiro entered, both looking like they were seeing an old friend.

"Kaneshiro! It's been too long you sly dog!"

"Don't I know it. Yu Salami, meet Toshio and Hiromi Takase. This is my assistant, Yu Salami."

"Salami?" The man, Toshio asked in total confusion.

"Yea. He's not from around here. Anyway, I've been hearing some… troubling reports that the old boss' daughter is back."

"You heard right. Word on the street is that she hasn't gotten the warmest of welcomes. Only a handful of people went to her, while everyone else is with Iwai or someone else. I suspect it won't be long until she starts to get desperate."

"I see. Anything else?"

"Only that there's a storm coming Kaneshiro. And given how it turned out last time you got caught in it, I advise you seek some shelter."

"I'll take it to heart."

Kaneshiro stretched his back and let out a yawn.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be going. Thanks for seeing me."

"Sure thing. But be careful Kaneshiro. When you did what you did, we came out on top, but you ended up costing a lot of people. Watch your back."

"Will do."

The two of them left the room, and Yu saw that the maid was now battling a woman in a slutty cop outfit. There seemed to be something familiar about the one in the maid uniform, but Yu could wait until he was done with Kaneshiro to satisfy his curiosity.

"So Kaneshiro… why did you need to bring me again? It looked like you could've done all of this on your own time."

"Oh that's easy. I need you to find out what they didn't tell me." Kanishero answered.

"What? It sounded like they answered all of your questions."

"Oh I know, but they left out certain… details."

"How could you possibly know that? They said that they benefited from what they did."

"Yea, but I'm still both a cop and a known liar. They're not telling me everything, trust me."

"And you need me to figure out what they're not telling you?"

"Bingo."

"And just how do you expect me to find out?"

"Well kid, you managed to find genuine precious gems from somewhere, and found a one hundred thousand yen diamond on the ground. I'd say that just learning a few secrets should be easy."

Yu fought the urge to roll his eyes, even though it would make perfect sense from Kaneshiro's eyes.

"I'll be waiting outside." Kaneshiro informed Yu, heading towards the exit.

Alright Izanagi, you know the drill.

Awwww, and the fight was just getting good.

The god of Japan flew swiftly through the walls, where Toshio Takasi was busy dialing on his cell phone. Yu found a place to sit, and closed his eyes, focusing his mind to look solely through the eyes of his inner self. Before long, it was like he never left.

"Hey boss it's me. Your ex just came by, asking about you. Apparently someone tipped him off about you being back in the game. No, I didn't tell him about the Takeba Group. I know, and don't worry, I'll keep you informed about any developments."

Yu recalled his Persona just as the battle in the arena ended. The words "BESSY! WINNER!" flashed on the screens, and a ton of people began to cheer. That's when they showed a close-up of her face. It wasn't someone that he knew, but she was certainly a woman of immense beauty. Perhaps if he came here just one year earlier, he'd come back for some… entertainment. But as it was now, he simply had too little free time, and a woman of his own to take care of. Sprinting to the exit, he found Kaneshiro waiting for him on the street.

"Well, that was awfully fast."

"They're apparently working for your former girlfriend. They didn't say much, but they did say they didn't tell you about the Takeba Group."

Kaneshiro's face went into a scowl at the mention of the Takeba Group.

"Shit. Alright kid, thanks for the info. I trust you can find your own way back." Kaneshiro said, turning to leave

"Hold up. What's this about the Takeba Group?" Yu asked, grabbing Kaneshiro's arm.

"You serious Narukami? You ain't got any idea what the Takeba Group is?"

Yu stared at the cop, not even opening his mouth. Kaneshiro let out a groan.

"Kid, you've gotta be living under a rock not to hear about them. The Takeba Group is the most powerful corporation in Asia, and the third most powerful corporation in the world. If they're somehow getting mixed up with the criminal underworld… it's gonna be bad kid." Kaneshiro answered, deadly serious for the first time since Yu met him.

"How bad?"

"Worst case scenario: A gang war with Takeba Group equipment. If that happens, thousands of innocent people could die."

"And best case scenario?"

"They're just stealing Takeba money. If that's the case, the Group will deal with the gangs themselves. The guys may have enough yen to wipe their asses with, but that doesn't mean they like sharing. Head home kid. I'll call you when I need you."

With his job done, Yu went back to the apartment, determined to get there before nine. But also made sure to shoot a text to his favorite detective.

Yu: Hey Akechi, I've been meaning to ask, what exactly was the blackmail material that Kobayakawa had on Kawakami?

Akechi: That's a rather interesting case Yu. See, don't tell anyone this of course, but your homeroom teacher once led a double life as a wrestler in an underground club.

Yu: Really? That's… interesting. Any idea where?

Akechi: I'm not going to tell you that. But I will tell you the circumstances that led to her getting there. When she first moved here, she was a rather naive country girl, and quickly found herself taken advantage of. Before long, she acquired a sizable debt, and had to pay it off. She had to choose between either prostitution or that fight club.

Yu: And she chose fighting?

Akechi: Yup. Turns out her father was an ex-soldier, and she paid back her debt in no time. I've been told that she was rather popular there.

Jeeze. What's up with me and getting to know warrior women?

Yu: Wow. So what did Kobayakawa make her do?

Akechi: It was rather tame, believe it or not. He forced her to work at several different charities and attend different events. Of course she'd have to make sure everyone knew she was from Shujin, but it also took a massive toll on her health because of how frequent such events were.

Yu: Wow. So after Kobayakawa was locked away, she went back to just teaching?

Akechi: Correct.

Yu: I see. Any idea where to find her previous workplace? I need to know for… research purposes.

Yu of course knew where to find it, but he was curious if Akechi would tell him.

Akechi: … Good night Yu.

Hifumi arrived at the hospital. She had come to see not just her father, but also her mother. Shortly after she started her trip home she received a text from her mother, asking her to come to her father's room. It said that Mitsuyo had something to tell both her and her father though the exact word she used was… confess. And so, here she was. Knocking on the door to the room that housed her almost dead father, she heard a voice tell her to enter.

She found her mother sitting by her father's side. Her eyes were puffy and red, and Hifumi saw the stains of tears on her face. Her father, by comparison, was looking far better than he had in years, as if removing Mitsuyo's distorted desires also magically cured whatever ailed Kaito. In fact, Hifumi was sure he'd be able to leave and maybe even walk within the week. The two turned to their daughter.

"Hifumi… you came." Mitsuyo gasped, and her voice was hoarse, like it was tired out from all of the crying.

"I did mother. I'm curious what these confessions are." Hifumi replied, trying to hide the excitement from her voice.

"Yes. The truth is… I haven't been the best mother to you, nor have I been the best wife to your father."

And from there Mitsuyo told Hifumi everything the girl already knew. The murder of Ami Ito, what she used Kaito's money for, all the people she wronged, and what her plans for Hifumi were. Hifumi was sure that if she hadn't already exhausted all of her tears beforehand, she would have weeped a thousand times over.

"Is that everything?" Hifumi asked.

"Yes. I know I must have said it over a hundred times, but I'm so sorry. I know that's not enough to warrant forgiveness, so tomorrow, I intend to make a public confession before turning myself into the police. Here."

Mitsuyo reached to her left and and after some effort, slid her wedding ring off her finger, and placed it in the lap of Kaito.

"I don't deserve this."

Kaito looked right into his wife's soul as he took the ring. For the first time for as long as she could remember, Hifumi heard her father issue a command.

"Get. Out."

Mitsuyo numbly obeyed, borderline running out of the hospital room. Before she could make it though, Hifumi stopped her.

"Wait. Aunt Ami. Did she have any final words?" The teenager asked.

Mitsuyo paused, her eyes darting as she recalled the event that happened so long ago.

"She told me she didn't know what she did to deserve what happened to her, but she was sorry nonetheless. In her final moments, I explained everything. She smiled and told me… she forgave me."

With those words, she closed the door, and Kaito let out a massive sigh.

"Well. It would seem congratulations are in order. I don't know how you did it, and frankly, I don't want to know, but you made her confess to her crimes And soon, the world will know all of them. You know that with your mother in jail, and me bedridden, you will be the one people turn to when they want answers."

"I know. I am prepared."

"No you're not. And you shouldn't be. You're far too young for such things."

"Well, young or no, I'll have to be ready, because you can't protect me anymore."

Kaito said nothing, but simply nodded.

"I wish I was stronger Hifumi. That there was more I could teach you."

"It's ok father. I'm strong enough, and so is what you've already taught me. It's gotten me this far."

"Yes. I suppose it is."

The two hugged, with Kaito giving his daughter a kiss on the forehead before bidding her goodnight and goodbye.

When Yu arrived back at the apartment, he found Makoto waiting for him.

"About time. I've got some meds that should help with… your…"

Makoto's next words died in her mouth as she looked upon the fully healed face of Yu Narukami.

"What the… but how… what did you… huh?" She sputtered, unable to form complete sentences. Yu tried, and failed, to suppress his smirk at seeing her brain melt as it tried to figure out just how he was able to heal so quickly.

"Ummm… can you explain… how you managed to remove any and all traces that you were in a fight?"

"I visited a doctor. Got some meds." Yu hastily explained.

"Ok, but…"

Makoto just stood there, her mouth gaping open as she tried to find the right words.

"Ok, you know what? Fine. I was going to suggest you get some meds of my own to start healing quicker. Whatever you did, I'm glad it worked so fast. The last thing we need is Sis to hear that you got into a fight at school."

"Yea. I'll get kicked out for sure."

"Oh, I'm not worried about you, you'll be fine. It's Sakamoto-kun I'd be worried about."

"Really?"

"Yes. Ever since dad died, Sis has protected me with the ferocity of a starving mama bear, and that protection is extended to anyone she considers family, like Akechi. And for this year, you're family."

"Really? Thanks." Yu replied with genuine warmth.

"It's true. Anyway, there are only a handful of times I've seen Sis lose control; the first was when I've gotten picked on."

"Hold up. You've been picked on?"

"Believe it or not, yes. It was during freshman year of Shujin, before Akechi and I even met. Three senpai saw me as the nerdy book girl and thought I'd be easy pickings. And for a few weeks, I was. They'd give me atomic wedgies, swirlies in toilets they just used and didn't flush, titty twisters, everything."

"And you let them get away with it?" Yu asked in disbelief.

"I was a first year, I was afraid of fighting back and getting into trouble so early in the year. Didn't want to build a reputation as a trouble-maker. And one time they picked on me outside of school, and Ryuji of all people came to help me, even though he was still in junior high. After that, they stuck to just school. One day, they gave me a wedgie so bad it tore my panties. Sis came to pick me up, since back then she didn't have as much work, and as we walked to the entrance of the apartment complex, a breeze came by. You can imagine what happened next."

"I imagine Sae-san wasn't all that happy about seeing her sister going commando."

"Yup. When she dragged me back into the car and demanded an explanation, I broke down and told her everything. When I was done, she asked for the names, and I gave them."

"What happened then?"

"She left me at the apartment, told me to make my own dinner, and that she'd be back tomorrow morning. When we got to Shujin, the three girls were waiting for me. I expected them to begin their routine, but they instead began to apologize, and it didn't take a genius to find out why. Their noses were broken, there were bruises all across their bodies, and their faces were swollen from being beaten. And they refused to say who did that to them. Shortly after, they all transferred to different schools."

"Wow." Was all Yu could say as the image formed in his head.

"Yea. And if Sis was willing to go that far on girls who picked on me, imagine what she'd do to poor Sakamoto-kun when, or rather if, she found out he fought you."

Yu let out a loud gulp. He'd experienced Sae's fury first-hand, and he certainly didn't wish that on someone he fought because of a misunderstanding.

"Yea. Not a pretty image." Makoto said in response.

"What… what do you think Sae-san would do to us if we fought each other?"

"Depends on who started it and why. Chances are she'd probably spank the one she thought deserved it the most."

"Spank? She wouldn't give 'private lessons'?"

"Those are to teach you to respect and fear her. Spankings are meant to discipline you. And it's very effective."

"Speaking from experience?" Yu teased.

"I once made the mistake of copying Akechi-kun's essay for a piece of homework. Ushimaru-sensei found out, informed Sis, and when I got home, she proceeded to assault my behind without mercy." Makoto let out a whince, as if speaking about the incident brought back the pain it gave.

"Jeez. She really knows how to go full Niijimom."

Makoto let out an explosive laugh at his choice of words.

"NIIJIMOM! HAHAHA!"

"What? It's true." Yu replied with a small smile.

"Yea, hehe, I suppose it is. But it's because she does care. She might not show it all the time, but it's true."

There was a short pause as Makoto put her medicine away.

"In any event, I'm glad you're alright. I'll get started on dinner."

Yu gave a nod and returned to his room, eager and anxious for what will happen tomorrow.