"So this is the bullet train!" Ryoji looked around after taking his seat. "I've never been in one before."

"Really?" Junpei was sitting next to Ryoji.

"Yeah." Ryoji nodded. "And after we arrive at the station, we take the tour bus next. I've never been on tour buses, too."

Aigis took a seat next to Minato. "Ryoji, you have never done many things."

Minato nodded. He noticed that. Junpei leaned forward and whispered about the 'first name and no honorific'. Minato was sure Aigis didn't want to respect Ryoji but she preferred calling people by their first names.

Ryoji didn't mind and was actually smiling, so her bluntness was well received. "I can't believe we'd be at Kyoto in a few hours. There're many things I want to do."

Junpei sighed. "Yeah, Kyoto. So cliche for a school trip."

"Huh? Don't you like it?" Ryoji asked. "I think it's a beautiful place to have some good memories of while we're still young."

Aigis was on the outer seat so Minato had a good view out the window. Yukari was sitting with Fuuka somewhere. Kenji was probably with students from the sport clubs. Mitsuru should be with Akihiko right now. Ken and Koromaru were at the dorm.

They tried to come up with ideas to pass the time on this train ride, something that would stop Aigis from trying to kill Ryoji and Ryoji trying to hit on Aigis.

"How about strip poker?" Junpei asked. "Lose a round, remove one item of clothing."

"No," Minato said.

"Truth or dare?" Ryoji asked. "I've heard it's perfect for party."

"Heh, right." Junpei grinned. "That's for the evening, in a room."

Aigis suddenly pointed at Ryoji. "Kiss, marry, kill."

"... Oh." Ryoji started grinning. "Trying to catch me off guard? Kiss Aigis, marry Minato, and kill Junpei. Of course."

Junpei gasped. "Wow, cruel."

Minato raised his eyebrows. He would choose the same by replacing his own name with Ryoji's, but no need to make Junpei feel any worse.

"I would kiss you and marry Minato," Aigis said. That made Junpei feel slightly better.

Next, they took the bus, and soon they arrived at the Inn they would be staying for a few days in Kyoto. When they entered, they first noticed a gift shop, then the many tables. Red pillars. Red umbrellas. Red carpet.

"So, that's the style here in Kyoto, huh?" Ryoji looked at Aigis. "Let's go hang out somewhere together later."

"I thought…" Aigis tilted her head. "Are you referring to the threesome Kyoto date we have discussed?"

Yukari and Fuuka gave them a weird look.

"I didn't discuss any of that," Minato said. But knowing them, he could only play along.

Aigis glared at Ryoji. "I will tolerate your presence tomorrow because I have to stay by his side. However, the fact that you have to share a room with him tonight worries me deeply."

"Uhh Aigis, I'm in that room too," Junpei said. "I'll keep an eye on Minato for you, 'kay?"

"Much appreciated." Aigis nodded.

"Ryoji-kun," Fuuka spoke up. "Where did you go for the school trip at your old school?"

"Hmm..." Ryoji thought for a moment. "I don't really remember."

"Are you serious?" Yukari asked. "That's the highlight of the year!"

"I guess I wasn't paying attention…" Ryoji said.

Junpei slid open the screen door and they stepped barefoot on the tatami mat flooring. Ryoji was already in awe. Minato lay the futon beds and everyone else unpacked their bags.

Ryoji stepped out onto the small balcony. He could see the courtyard down below, decorated with big rocks and trees and a fake hot spring, traditional Japanese style. He took a deep breath of the crisp night air, smirked, and shouted as loud as he could.

"I'm here WITH MINATO, YES!"

Ryoji waited a few seconds, and then it happened.

"You are DANGEROUS!"

That made Ryoji laughed.

Sightseeing around Kyoto, visiting historical sites, mostly temples and shrines. There were many people since it's autumn and Kyoto in autumn was a popular tourist attraction.

Aigis followed Minato's every step, and Ryoji was not too far behind them. Good thing the fangirls had learned to leave this trio alone. Ryoji went to Junpei from time to time and they enjoyed flirting girls just for the heck of it. It's friendly flirting, innocent fun. Minato knew Junpei wouldn't cheat, at least.

And when they returned to the inn, Mitsuru and Yukari went somewhere, he didn't know.

At the riverbank, Yukari glared at the surprised Mitsuru.

"I hope it hurts." Yukari lowered her hand. "You're not going numb, are you? Going blind? Losing touch? Because I wouldn't want to talk to you if you're not listening."

Mitsuru was silent. She had already finished her own talk that ended with being slapped in the face.

"No common goal to fight for? We can still train together! No enemies to defeat? There are Tartarus and Strega! No reason to be friends? I don't agree! No reason for living? Seriously...?" Yukari paused and took a deep breath. "We don't know that for sure yet."

Mitsuru looked at the sunset and wished that it was true, that her life was still with meaning.

"Sorry for hitting you. I imagined hitting my former self at the beach. Thought I would need it back then." Yukari decided to begin with a question and see if she could answer. "Reason for living… how do you define that? Why do you say that it's gone?"

"As I've said, my father…" Mitsuru trailed off. The reason her Persona awakened was to protect her father, she had said that already. They all knew how it turned out in the end.

"That's not your fault, you know?" Yukari said. "You want to protect him and you take it as a personal goal. I get it, but let me say this. Attaching your meaning of life to a person just never works, because whatever happens in that person's life, it's not your responsibility. It never is."

Mitsuru widened her eyes.

"What happens, happens. Akihiko-senpai told me this after Shinjiro-senpai… you know," Yukari said. "He told us that you can never really predict and stop what will happen. You may feel bad about it, but it is not in you control, and so it's not your fault. Please don't blame yourself."

"Perhaps it is true for Akihiko," Mitsuru grabbed her left forearm. "But I am in control. I am the leader of SEES, and I am his daughter. Now I am the head of Kirijo Group. We've been betrayed by our group's adviser whom I trusted, and I failed to-"

"There, that again!" Yukari pointed at her. "Bad things happen to anyone. It can't determine your worth even if it happen to be who you wanna protect. Your father's a grown man. He chose his own life and he knew what he's getting into."

Mitsuru kept looking at the river.

"... I have no place to talk for your father, sorry." Yukari looked at the river too. "This place always reminds me of my parents. I used to live around here. It was after the incident, my mother and I had to move around a lot due to the rumors and her new lifestyle."

Mitsuru glanced at her. Yukari took that as a clue to continue.

"I admit, I joined SEES because I wanted to prove those people wrong… I want proof that my father was innocent. He had always been a hard working person. I know he's a good person so he can't be wrong, right? I believed that for so long… And you see, at Yakushima, turned out he's guilty."

"Your father did what he thought was right," Mitsuru said.

Yukari nodded. "Yeah, but back at Yakushima, I was totally lost. All those years chasing for the truth, but turned out it's not the truth I wanted. I was disappointed. I was devastated. All my time and effort believing in his innocent for years just… wasted."

Mitsuru could relate to that.

"Then Minato came up. I know you told him to come." Yukari smiled. "And he taught me that, maybe, I was putting my trust in the wrong place. I knew my dad is a good person, but I can't deny that he was partly responsible. This innocent or guilty thing is pointless. It's not what matters."

"So what was it?" Mitsuru asked. "What made you feel better...?"

"Knowing that my dad loved me, I know that for sure, and I also love my dad, so I will keep finding the truth because it's not the end yet. And Minato told me that I was strong to believe in someone for so long, even if it was a bit misplaced. Instead of believing in his innocence or that doctored recording, I now choose to believe in him as a person."

"I see..."

"And the original recording Fuuka had given me confirmed it. My dad never gave up. He believed Shadows were dangerous, and they needed to be stopped, even if it meant losing his life… He did the right thing in the end." Yukari looked toward the sky. "His life ended but I won't let it stop me. My dad wouldn't want that, so I'll keep believing and I'll keep fighting, keep doing what I think is right... You can call that my meaning in life, in a way."

"Fighting for your belief… That is your reason to live?"

"Well, that sounds too good," Yukari said. "I just want to live while being true to myself and not running away from the truth… And Mitsuru-senpai, your father took responsibilities for the Kirijo name. It's honorable… but you don't need to take the same path because he's your father. I mean you can, of course, but not for that reason." Yukari paused. "About the rumors and why I joined SEES, back then, I felt like proving my dad to be innocent was my responsibility somehow. I took it upon myself. I hope it doesn't have to be the same for you, Mitsuru-senpai. Just because you want to help him doesn't mean you have to beat yourself over it when you can't protect him anymore."

Mitsuru looked at her.

"Your reason to live… Please think, Mitsuru-senpai, is there anything you always believe in? What do you want to do now?"

"... I want to eliminate the Dark Hour," Mitsuru said. "My father and I have always wanted that."

"Me too," Yukari said. "My dad and I."

They stood there for a long time and watched the sunset together.

"... Yes, you're right," Mitsuru spoke up. "It's not over yet. Nothing has been decided." Mitsuru turned to Yukari. "We must put an end to this. Are you with me?"

Yukari smiled. "Yep, let's go train when we get back to Iwatodai. I'm sure everyone misses you in battle!"

Mitsuru smiled as well. "There is no need to worry, Father… I am not alone. Please watch over me."

They would be leaving tomorrow afternoon. Today, it was a walking tour. Mitsuru was with Yukari and they were enjoying themselves. That's enough for Minato to know.

When it's time to go back to the inn, Fuuka invited Aigis to walk around the inn with her. Aigis nodded and left.

Ryoji led Minato to the bank of a nearby river. They sat down on the ground. The sun was setting so the atmosphere was red-orange. It was beautiful like Yukari and Mitsuru said.

"Delicious, and it's not sold in Iwatodai." Ryoji was eating a green tea crepe. "It makes me kinda happy."

"I agree," Minato said.

"Which statement? That it's delicious? Did you take a bite when I'm not looking?" Ryoji grinned.

"I mean, there is delicious food around the world." Minato had been to many places these past ten years. "You have to find them and eat them. It's like a hunt. That, is fun."

"Traveling, huh?" Ryoji ate the last bit of crepe. "Seeing more. Learning more. What we are doing here at Kyoto."

"What makes you happy?" Minato asked.

"This crepe. It's delicious." Ryoji laughed. "And that… like you said, we are traveling, discovering new things in life." He widened his eyes. "Like the river here, it reflects light in a different way than it shines off of the ocean."

"The river is flowing, that's why."

"Right… The water comes from the mountain and they are heading for the ocean. It's on a journey, too."

They kept watching the sunset until the red faded and the sky became dark blue. The air was chilly. It's the middle of November, after all. It's way past curfew. They should sneak back to the inn.

"Ryoji," Minato spoke up.

"Yes?"

"You have never done many things."

"Umm, why do you repeat what Agis said?"

"It's just that I notice." Minato looked away. For some reason, this was awkward. "When we are back at Iwatodai, I wouldn't mind… showing you around."

Ryoji sent him a grin and nodded, so innocent. No wonder why he was so popular.

"So, outdoor hot spring?" Junpei asked.

"I sense death," Minato said.

"I sense Death," Fuuka said.

"I sense Death even from other alternate universes," Ryoji said.

"Let's not go into the hot spring," Aigis said.

"Boring," Junpei and Ryoji muttered.

Hot spring didn't seem like a nice idea today, or any time at all. There's something about it… With so many people having a bad feeling, they decided not to risk it.

SEES plus Ryoji managed to sneak into Minato's room for the night party. Yukari and Akihiko convinced Mitsuru to joined them somehow. There were eight people in the room. Junpei walked to the middle of the circle and faked holding a microphone with his fist.

"Since so many people are chickened out and denied the fun of open hot spring, this party game will have to do! The game for tonight is…" Junpei trailed off for dramatic effect. "Dun dun dun dunn! The Truth Game!"

Yukari sighed. "This again? It's basically truth or dare without the dare."

"That's the fun, Yuka-tan. Has and always will be highlight of the school year, my game."

"Keep dreaming, Stupei."

Fuuka and Junpei had a deck of card each. They picked only the number cards and combined two stacks together. Everyone trusted Aigis to shuffle all the number cards. In the end, each person had a stack of eight cards in front of them.

"Everyone, flips one over!" Junpei said. "Highest card gets to ask anyone a question. No yes-or-no questions, open-ended only!"

…

"Ten!" Akihiko grinned. "Anyone else got Ten? No, good! Here I go…" He looked over the group. "Mitsuru, tell us one thing we don't know about you."

"That's quite tame," Ryoji said. It was an easy question. Akihiko was obviously going easy on her.

Mitsuru was quiet for a while. "I have never been to Hagakure or Wild Duck Burgers."

"Oh." Akihiko smiled. "I can take you there, you know. Ask away."

...

"So, Yuka-tan…" Junpei smirked. "Your sexual orientation?"

"Huh," Yukari said. "Pretty sure I'm straight most of the time."

"Most of the time," Junpei said.

"Well, I can appreciate a nice looking woman." Yukari glanced at Mitsuru and looked away. "You know."

…

"I got a ten." Fuuka played with her fingers. "I don't know what to ask, so… Ryoji-kun, tell us one thing we don't know about you."

"There's not much that you don't know," Ryoji said. He chuckled. "Heh, that's an answer on its own."

"Umm, what do you mean?" Fuuka asked.

"I have amnesia."

"H-huh?" Junpei looked at him. "What? Really?"

"I have never told anyone before." Ryoji touched his chest. "Not even my parents… I don't remember them too, actually."

"But you said your parents worked overseas, right?" Yukari asked. "Was that a lie? Where are they?"

Ryoji frowned. "I believe that's not part of the question."

…

Aigis turned to look at Akihiko. "The career experience is coming soon. Akihiko-san, what is your plan for the future?"

Akihiko groaned. "To be honest, I hate that question. I've heard it too much."

Mitsuru sent him a glare.

"Too much." Akihiko sighed. "My plan would be that I will not have one and see where my legs take me. I didn't want to go to the same place every day and see the same people and do the same job. I want freedom, nature, and interesting challenges."

"Wow…" Fuuka said. "You're so brave."

"And a one track mind." Mitsuru looked at Akihiko. "Your tendency to avoid planning for the future can be problematic. You can't always rely on improvisation."

"This isn't a game, Akihiko." He mimicked her voice. Good thing his seat was far across the circle, a safe distance.

…

Minato smirked. Time to expose his friend. "Junpei, what is your main kink?"

If Junpei was drinking, he would choke and spray water all over the floor. "W-what kind of question is that?"

"You heard me. Now answer. It's your own game, isn't it?"

Junpei felt so, so betrayed. Maybe Minato wanted him to taste his own poison and rethink the game rules. It worked. He scratched his head. Way to put him on the spot. "Well, I guess, umm bondage uhhh forget it..."

"Figures," Minato said. "I'm sure we all still remember that day. Junpei were kneeling on the dorm rooftop. She used chains. Chidori had tied you up-"

"Say more and our friendship is over." Junpei pulled the cap down to cover his face.

"Wow Junpei." Ryoji was grinning. "Never knew you're into that… I like chains too."

…

Ryoji knew exactly who and what to ask. "Aigis… What do you think of me?"

"Ryoji Mochizuki, you are dangerous. I want you away from Minato," Aigis said. "I understand that what I am saying is rude, but you are no good."

"What if I do my best to try and become good?" Ryoji asked. "I want to be your friend."

"You shouldn't befriend me," Aigis said and changed the subject. "From my observation, you have been a good company for the people in Iwatodai dorm. I would consider you to be good, in normal circumstance. I have a bad feeling regarding you, but you are a decent person..."

"Huh?" Ryoji tilted his head. "I don't really get it, but thanks."

…

"Finally!" Yukari grinned. "Fuuka, who's the hottest person in this room?"

"Ehh?" Fuuka hid her face with her hands. "Minato-kun, I guess?"

"That's it?" Yukari frowned. "The question isn't good enough, huh. Next year, I won't go easy on you. Remember that."

…

"I believe it is my turn." Mitsuru looked at Minato. "Arisato, of all the people in this room…"

That can't be good.

"... Who would you marry to and why? I expect a proper answer."

Is over.

"Yeah, you haven't answered!" Ryoji sent him a wink. "But you already know my answer."

Minato couldn't believe his luck. Of all things, it was this question, by this person. He knew Mitsuru took nothing below perfection, so he had to give it his all.

"It's... Ryoji… because..." That's the hard part.

Two in harmony surpasses one in perfection. That's the Kirijo motto, right?

"Because I… feel comfortable around him, and I feel like he has my back. He's kind. I can be honest with him when we talk, and he sees the world the same way I do. Marrying is not the same as dating, right? It's long term, and I just know that I would never regret it if it's him."

Mitsuru nodded. She was satisfied with the answer.

"Aww, Minato, you're so sweet." Ryoji smiled.

Minato facepalmed and sighed. "I will never say that again…"

"I shall be your best man at the wedding," Aigis said.

"Please forget what just happened..."

"That's karma for asking me that question," Junpei said. "That's the Truth Game for you!"

…

"So, everyone ended up asking at least once," Ryoji said. "That's quite a coincidence, don't you think? Eight ten cards, and they are in each deck all in different orders?"

"When you put it that way… That's almost impossible!" Junpei said. "Wait… You shuffled the cards. Did you do something, Aigis?"

All eyes were on her.

"I may have arranged it so each person has a chance."

"Damn," Junpei said. "You surprise us sometimes, Ai-chan."

"Arf arf!"

"Oh, hello." Ken was watching TV in the lounge when SEES came back to the dorm. "Welcome back. How was Kyoto?"

After some chats, most of them went upstairs to unpack their bags and finally sleep in their own bed.

Minato walked to Ken and handed him a box. "Namayatsuhashi with sweet red beans inside."

Aigis opened her own bag and brought out a small paper box. "Green tea bags. It should go well with Namayatsuhashi."

Ken sat there, looking at the two souvenirs in his arms. He kinda expected something, but he didn't expect it to be exactly what he wanted. "... Thanks. Thank you so much."

No problem, Minato thought. But you can ask with words next time instead of body language and reverse psychology. Koromaru barked. Minato knelt down and petted the dog sitting next to Ken's legs. "Ken, how is living with Koromaru?"

"It's calming," Ken said. "The dorm had never been so quiet before. The place became really empty. Koromaru was with me a lot and we just… walked, along the street, the shrine, the mall. We're just there, walking together. I even started talking to him. I hope I'm not going crazy."

Koromaru barked and wagged his tail.

"He said he enjoyed these four days with you and that talking with us is pleasant even with the language barrier," Aigis said.

Minato and Ken went to their rooms, leaving Aigis with Koromaru in the lounge.

Aigis searched her bag once more and brought out a pack of beef jerky dog treat. "Koromaru, I did not forget. This is my gift for you."

"Arf arf!" Koromaru jumped onto Aigis lap and licked her cheek. The android blinked. She started petting him, from head to back along the spine.

"I am here and I am well," Aigis scratched behind the dog's ears. "Please do not worry."