June 15th.

The rainy season continued. Ren was making his way to school when he overhead two anxious students talking. As the circumstances would have it, they were talking about the blackmail, presumably concerning what Makoto wanted the Phantom Thieves to look into. "Don't you think all that blackmail stuff is insane…? I didn't think it had anything to do with me, but it turns out people involved are in my class…"

"Yeah, I heard about that. It turns out they ask you to take part in a high paying job…but if you accept, you get involved in some really shady stuff…"

"The teachers and student council should be doing something about this…"

"Student Council…? I heard the president knew about that incident with Kamoshida, but didn't say anything. I don't know if we can rely on her…"

"…" Ren didn't say anything and kept walking. It was raining and he didn't want to stay outside any longer than he should have. "I guess she has her own problems too…" That still didn't give her the right to blackmail them like this. Regardless, they were determined to see this through to help out those in danger. Their first step was hunting down a student named Iida who was supposedly wrapped up in something shady.

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During lunch, Makoto was called to the Principal's office. He had just received word of what was happening and needless to say, he was unhappy. "Niijima-kun, what is going on here!? Apparently the damage by this so-called mafia has even reached our student body…!"

That was a hard question for Makoto to even answer. She was actively dealing with it, but she did promise the Phantom Thieves that she would not rat them out if they were able to take care of it. "Well…"

"I thought this absurdity was nothing but a joke!" The Principle placed his hands on his head. He couldn't believe that this was actually happening. This was going to make him look terrible if this news officially got out! "Not only are there victims, but there are rumors that some are even involved in such crimes. I've even received inquiries from their guardians. Why is this happening!?"

"I…I do not have the answer to that." Makoto replied.

"This is the greatest disgrace at this school…if it were to get out…" The Principal shook his head, staring at Makoto. "I thought I told you to resolve this issue. If this gets out, you and I will both lose our positions at this school." Once again, he was twisting her arm. She was the perfect person to force these tasks onto, while all he needed to do was oversee that it was done. But if she could not do this job then he was in trouble.

"I-I'm doing the best I can…" Makoto sighed.

"And I can trust you!? You're the only reliable one around here. Don't let me down." While that sounded like praise, it was more so him piling on even more pressure. "This is a matter the council has to resolve. I've even heard that the other students are starting to become dissatisfied with you."

"I…I understand. Please, give me a little more time…" Makoto gave a slight nod. She needed this situation to be resolved and fast…

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While the others did work in Shujin and Shibuya, Yusuke handled his own school. Kosei High also had students wrapped up in the blackmail mafia scheme as well. So he was going to ask around and see what he could find. Luckily he had a few leads he could pursue. "Pardon me…" Yusuke happened to pass by a student who he heard was a bit…shifty these days. Their behavior changed a few weeks ago, but no one could pinpoint the reason as to why. If Yusuke was lucky, this would provide the lead that he was seeking.

"Agh…!" The anxious first year turned around, surprised that Yusuke of all people had come to him. "K-Kitagawa…!? Um…did you need something from me…?"

"I had a question for you, actually." Yusuke said. "I heard something about a…part-time job? I was wondering if you could tell me anything about it?"

The student's eyes widened and he glanced around. "I-I'm…are you really sure you need the money that badly? There are a bunch of easier jobs…!"

"Well…" While Yusuke was looking for information, he couldn't help but drop the nugget of truth concerning his financial situation. "I spent the last of my money on art supplies…."

"I-I see…but, well…it's nothing really…" The student rubbed his arm. It was clear that wasn't exactly eager to share any information about any of this. Understandably so, which made Yusuke's job a bit difficult. Nobody would outright talk about this sort of thing…

Hifumi happened to come across the conversation…well, it wasn't by coincidence. She did hear rumors of blackmail and even if it wasn't her business…she wanted to help somehow. "Excuse me, what's this about a part-time job?" She sort of inserted herself into the conversation, much to the surprise of the other two.

"Eh…!?" The student's eyes widened. Another one? This was not what he was hoping the situation would turn into. "Togo-san…" The shogi idol no less… "I-It's not something you need to concern yourself with! After all, it's dangerous…"

"Dangerous…?" Hifumi tilted her head. "How so…?"

He put his foot in his mouth. "It's…it's really not something to worry about…"

Hifumi had to try a different tactic. She and Yusuke were both running out of ways to ask…so if he wasn't willing to help them get the job, perhaps there was another way. "You're right, I don't need the job. I'm a bit busy with shogi. But I would still like to learn about it, so I can learn who or what to avoid…and I can tell others as well, to lessen the amount of victims that there are."

"…" Yusuke was a bit surprised that this was the angle Hifumi was taking it. He hadn't thought of it himself.

"Ah…" The male student was having a bit of a hard time. Hifumi was determined, cute…and there was a slight head tilt to top it all off. She was unknowingly using her charm and no teenage boy could refuse that request. So he let out a defeated sigh and conceded to Hifumi. "It's…it's in Shibuya. There were some guys who approached me in broad daylight and asked if I wanted to do a part-time job. They said it would be easy…"

"And what was it?" Hifumi questioned.

"They handed me a small envelope and I made the delivery…then they paid me…" The student continued. "But as soon as they did, they began threatening me…"

"It sounds to me like there was something illegal in that envelope…" Yusuke surmised. It wouldn't make sense to threaten someone over a delivery otherwise.

"Don't worry; I'm sure everything will end up alright." Hifumi said with a slight smile. "The Phantom Thieves won't let this injustice continue."

"You…you really think they will…? I'm still not sure about them…" The student rubbed the back of his head.

"I've already stated that I believe in them." Hifumi said with a firm nod. "And…though I may not be a Phantom Thief myself, it is no reason for me stand idly by as people suffer. If they can change the hearts of criminals, the least I can do is ensure there are fewer victims. That's what you want to do too, right, Kitagawa-san?"

"Yes…that is right." Yusuke gave a curt nod.

"Ah…" The male student could tell they weren't trying to blackmail him or anything. "That's…all I know. I can't say anything else…but it's illegal…" With that he left, but he didn't feel as hopeless as he did before. So that was a positive.

"I must thank you for your assistance, Togo-san." Yusuke wasn't getting much on his own. Hifumi really did help with him with his investigation.

"Do you really need the money that much? I really wouldn't advise looking into such shady dealings…" Hifumi was chiding him now. "You should really be more careful with your money."

Well, that wasn't a false statement. Yusuke barely had any money to work with…it was a bit embarrassing that this is why she came in to help him, but well…it still worked out. "I will try to be more careful in the future…" At least she wasn't going to question him any further on it. "Thank you again for your aid. I must be going now."

"Ah, yes…me too." Hifumi spent a bit longer than she thought with this side venture. But since it was on her mind, she decided to go ahead and let Ann know about this to be safe. She couldn't have her friend getting in any danger!

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Meanwhile, back at Shujin, Ren and Ann were doing their own digging while Ryuji took care of investigations in Shibuya. After Ann managed to use her very stellar acting skills to get information from Iida, Ren took care of the rest. He met Iida at the doorway that led to the roof, where the anxious student tried to defend himself. "Yeah, I got a job, so what!? What are you getting at…?"

"You're a drug smuggler." Ren stated. With the information obtained from Mishima, Iida's friend, and Yusuke, it was easy to come to this conclusion.

Iida was shocked that Ren found out. "Wh…how do you…I only told one person about that! I can't believe of all people, you were the one to find out…" The delinquent transfer student…this was awful. But there was no point in hiding it when he already knew. "They told me they had an easy part time job for me, All I had to do was put envelopes into coin lockers. I ended up smuggling drugs, but I didn't know what was in those envelopes! Still, this is what came out of it…"

"Are you being threatened?" Ren asked.

"So you know about that…" Iida sighed. "They started threatening me right after they deposited the money into my bank account. They had pictures of me carrying the goods, threatening to expose them unless I paid them off." He then paused. "Y'know, why are you even asking me about this stuff? Are you planning to blackmail me too."

Ren shook his head. "No way, I'd never do that."

"I see…well, even if you did, I don't have any money to give you anyway." Iida shrugged. "If you're really interested in this job, go over to Central Street. That's what they told me. Can I go now? I've told you everything I know." Ren nodded and Iida made his exit.

Morgana popped out of the bag to speak to Ren. "A mafia organization that targets high schoolers and threatens them. That really is a problem…" He completely understood why Makoto was so intent on pulling this issue from the root. Even though she barely gave them any clues to work with, the group was slowly gaining information to help with their mission. Ren's phone then vibrated, Ryuji contacting everyone.

Ryuji: How'd it go? Did Ann's acting help? I doubt it, but…

Ann: It was helpful, I think…! More importantly, did you find anything, Ren?

Ren: It's drugs.

Yusuke: As I thought. They ask you to deliver drugs…

Ryuji: That's serious. I just searched for 'Shibuya Drugs' and got a ton of hits, too.

Yusuke: This must be what I heard about. They seem to be going about this during the daytime. What bold methodology.

Ann: I would've imagined they do it at night…I wonder why they chose the day.

Ren: They go for high schoolers.

Yusuke: I see. Yes, more students will be out during the day, while police are cautious at night.

Ann: Ryuji, do you see anyone there?

Ryuji: Nah, too many people and the goddamn rain ain't helping at all.

Yusuke: The sun will set soon. What should we do?

Ren: Let's pick this up tomorrow.

Ann: I agree!

Ryuji: Alright, I'll see you guys then. We can come up with a plan there.

Ren put his phone down and was about to walk down the stairs. That's when Haru was coming up, but she wasn't paying attention. As a result she bumped into him. "Oh…! My apologies…! I wasn't watching where I was going…"

"It's alright." Ren said with a nod. He vaguely recalled seeing her up at the rooftop before for one reason or another. "Be careful up there, it's raining pretty hard."

Haru managed a slight smile from Ren's concern. It felt like it had been a while since anyone had shown her any kindness, even if it was just being courteous. "Thank you. I will be safe."

"…" As Haru went to the roof to tend to her garden, Morgana looked back at the girl curiously. It was just a passing thought, but… "So, what are we going to do?" He changed the subject to Ren. "We've got intel…but we have more legwork tomorrow."

"I'm going to ask Akechi if he knows anything." Ren said.

"Really? Well…he might just have information. But be careful not to say too much. We really shouldn't underestimate that detective' intuition." Morgana was giving his warning. Spending time with Akechi was a bit of a gamble.

"Don't worry, he won't suspect a thing." Ren said with a firm nod.

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Ann was on her way out of the building when her phone buzzed again. She was so focused on the mission she almost didn't notice the text from Hifumi. Before she could respond to that, she got another text from Yusuke from the group. "Huh?"

Yusuke: I forgot to mention something earlier. I was only able to obtain information thanks to Hifumi's assistance.

Ryuji: Wait, you mean she's been getting involved?

Yusuke: Not to the extent that we are, but I thought it would be important to mention as we go about this.

Ann: …..

Ryuji: Ann, you gotta talk to that girl soon, man.

Ren: Yeah, it would be bad if she got swept away in all this.

Ann: I know, I know! She told me Sunday in a text earlier…

Ren: We'll try to finish this up before she gets wrapped up in this situation.

Ann sighed heavily as the chat ended again. It wasn't like she was even putting this off intentionally; the circumstances were just difficult to work with. That and it absolutely had to be a face to face conversation. Nothing else would work. "Ugh…" What a stressful week this was turning into…

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Late in the evening, once the rain died down a little, Ren met with Akechi in the same Darts lounge, where the Detective Prince was playing billiards on his own. He noticed Ren come by and smiled a bit. "Oh, there you are. I found myself with some free time, so I was hoping to find someone to play against."

"You always seem so busy." Ren said while grabbing a stick.

"Well, I wouldn't say I'm unoccupied, but I'm not busy all the time either. If anything, it's my policy to spend time in meaningful ways. Now then, shall we play a game?" Akechi took position, taking aim at the white ball in front of him. With a moderate push, the white ball struck the others, sending them all out in different directions. "Oh, a break ace, my apologies."

"Not bad." Ren said.

"It was just a coincidence. This game won't count of course." Akechi said with a friendly smile. "Now then, shall we begin?"

"Sure. I happen to have a question I wanted to ask you, too…" Ren said. He was up first, so he went ahead to take aim and made his first shot.

"Oh? What about?" Akechi was curious.

Ren took his shot, watching as the white ball collided against the others. Not a bad first shot, but it could have been better. Still, he moved to the side as Akechi went to take his turn. "I've been hearing rumors about a mafia threatening high schoolers…it turns out that some of these victims may even extend to my school. Do you know anything about that?"

Ah, so that's what Ren wanted to know. Akechi first took his shot, making Ren's look like an amateur at best. "That is a troublesome case, I will admit." Akechi responded. "I've been working with the police in that investigation as well…I've noticed victim-like behavior from students of my school as well. I can say with the utmost certainty that they are being threatened, and because of that, we are unable to get any information. So it's been a dead end."

That was the same thing Makoto told him. It really was difficult then. "I see…I was hoping to learn a bit more about the situation. I know there's not a lot I can do, but I hate seeing people suffer needlessly like this." Ren made his move, keeping pace with Akechi despite being shown up in his first attempt.

"I understand how you feel. Adults abusing a system to take care of those who can't fight back, I know it well." Akechi said while taking his turn. "The police are even unaware of the boss's identity." The game continued as the two of them spoke. "But I'm not surprised that you seek a way to help the people in trouble. I can still sense that strong sense of justice within you. But you must take care…the mafia is dangerous. Such a situation is best left to the police."

"And not the Phantom Thieves?" Ren questioned. Yes he was stepping on thin ice here and could feel Morgana's burning gaze from inside his bag.

Akechi just laughed. "I knew you'd say that. I doubt this is a matter the Phantom Thieves can deal with. If the police cannot handle this situation, the chances of them managing to do so are very slim."

"I see…" Ren expected that insight from the one who wanted them arrested. But it was still something he felt he needed to hear regardless.

The game continued. It was getting close. "Not bad. Everything depends on your next shot, though. How will you proceed?"

"I'll shoot carefully." Ren thought to himself and took a careful shot. That may have been a mistake, for the amount of force he used wasn't enough for the ball to even go into the hole. "….." His slow approach did him no favors. So in the end, Akechi managed to take the victory.

"I win." Akechi said firmly. "That was a close one, though. It would have been embarrassing to lose against my junior, no?" He joked.

"…." No, something about this was off. Ren narrowed his eyes a bit while staring at Akechi, recalling when they first met, and the game Akechi played by himself earlier. "You used your right hand. Aren't you left-handed?"

Akechi blinked in surprise. This was the first time anyone actually managed to notice or call him out on it. "I'm surprised you noticed. That's right, this one is my dominate…I switched hands during the game. It was nothing against you, though. I thought going all out against a junior was a bit much. I'm rather dexterous with both hands, I can even use chop sticks with my right hand."

"I see a lot of things." Ren replied. "No holding back next time, got it?"

"Aha…" There was a faint chuckle from the Detective Prince. No one challenged him like this but it was refreshing. "A fine idea. My job would be far more exciting if I had someone who I considered a rival. If you ever manage to win against me using my right hand, then I will face you with everything I have. You have my word."

Ren and Akechi parted ways for the night after that. Morgana popped up from the back, a bit disappointed they weren't able to get anything new. "So the police really are having a tough time with this, too…" The cat sighed. While they did hear this being the case, it had a bit more weight when they got confirmation from someone who worked with the police often.

"We may not have been able to get anything useful, but we now know for sure that this situation won't change unless we do something." Ren stated. "That's why we have to put everything we have into tomorrow. We have to find something and fast…" The clock was against them after all. They couldn't afford to hit any roadblocks at this point. Their investigation was still only just beginning.