Ren found himself awakening in the Velvet Room once more. This was the trend after the Phantom Thieves defeated a Palace ruler. Walking to the front of his cell, he held onto the bars while Caroline spoke to him. "Our master wishes to speak to you! Heed his words!"
"You've defeated the repulsive feed of Gluttony this time." Igor said with a slight chuckle. "Well done. I am glad to see you have devoted yourself to your rehabilitation."
"You are not worthy of such kind words, Inmate." Justine said. "I suggest you treasure them."
"Do you recall the whispers of that strange man?" Igor asked.
"…Strange man…? I don't…the other Metaverse user?" Ren asked. They only knew that this person existed, nothing more.
"You forgot already!?" Caroline lambasted Joker. "This fool is beyond redemption!"
"This is about the case where those people shut down, correct?" Justine asked.
"I speak of another with powers similar to yours." Igor explained. "If you are to complete your rehabilitation, you may encounter him eventually."
"Wait…do you know who this is….?" Ren asked. Igor gave him far more information than Ren could have even begun to surmise.
Ignoring the question, Igor just chuckled quietly. "Yet another thing for me to look forward to…"
"It's time, Inmate." Caroline said.
"Return to your world." Justine added. The bell began to toll as Ren's visit to the Velvet Room came to an end.
.
.
.
June 27th.
Ren's phone went off. When he answered it, he was surprised by the one who called him. "Hello. It's me, Makoto. …Were you sleeping?"
"No, it's fine." Ren said.
"Thank goodness…" Makoto let out a small sigh. "There's something I feel I should let you know. It's about Kaneshiro…he contacted me."
"Kaneshiro!?" Morgana exclaimed. Ren turned his phone a bit so Makoto could better hear him.
"He said he's calling off our debt. It seems he's discarded the photographs as well." Makoto explained. "And, um…My sister and her team have taken him into custody."
"What!?" Morgana gasped.
"Huh…that was fast…" Ren said.
"It seems they did not want to him to…you know, disappear." Makoto cleared her throat.
"His group was a mafia…" Morgana said. "I wouldn't put silencing him past them."
"Does this mean we changed his heart?" Makoto asked.
"…Not sure." Morgana admitted. The signs were all there, but it was still too early to claim that they were entirely successful.
"I see. What about those psychotic breakdowns Kaneshiro mentioned?" Makoto asked.
"Dunno." Morgana said. "He was probably talking about the cases that were on the news lately. It's probably about that other Metaverse user he told us about…"
"I see. In the meantime, I suppose we can only wait until Kaneshiro's change of heart is clear to us. Thank you." With that, Makoto hung up the phone.
"I think we did it." Ren said while standing up to stretch. "But we've got time to wait…and time to go to school." At least he wasn't feeling as dead as he was the previous day, so that was a plus. Back to the normal, boring school life for the time being…
.
.
"I suppose it's back to the normal life for the time being…" Hifumi thought to herself while getting ready for school. The last few days had been filled with so much excitement, she already missed it. It was so different from the usual routine she'd been stuck in for years. "I hope the change of heart was successful…I'd really like to see my peers break free from that man's grip…"
While Hifumi was getting ready, Mitsuyo stood at the door with her arms crossed. "Don't forget you have a match later this week."
"I know, Mother." Hifumi said. "I'll keep winning as well. I hope that no one is devastated by losing like before…" Now that she understood why her recent opponents look so defeated, it did make her feel guilty. But she played a hand in breaking that cycle…
"The only reason they're so distraught is because they know they'll never reach your level of skill and talent." Mitsuyo responded with a firm nod. "No one is quite as amazing as you, Hifumi."
"Oh, I…" Hifumi was a bit taken aback. But she couldn't fully accept that compliment due to feeling some hint of a lie inside of there. Which further put her off that her mother was lying about something but she had no way of knowing what. That alone made her uneasy… "Thank you, Mother…"
"You've a great thing going, Hifumi. So I hope those 'friends' of yours don't become a negative influence on you. I still don't care much for that Ann girl either." Mitsuyo just had to drive that home.
Well…this was better than nothing at least. Even if her mother had a strong dislike of the people she was hanging around with, at least Hifumi was allowed to hang around with her new friends. One step at a time… "Don't worry, Mother. It'll be fine, I promise."
"Mm…" Mitsuyo gave a slight nod, before checking her phone. That's when she read a text message that made her eyes widen. "What…!?"
"…Is something wrong?" Hifumi asked.
"N-No…it's nothing." Mitsuyo shook her head, brushing the issue aside. "Not anything you need to concern yourself with. Just go get ready for school already."
"Oh…okay?" Hifumi wasn't really sure how to feel about all that.
Mitsuyo walked off, glaring at the message on her phone. It was from Kaneshiro and it simply read: "The deal's off."
"The deal's off…? But why-!?" Growling, she decided to directly call Kaneshiro, but she was met with a message that claimed the number she was trying to contact was no longer in service. "What…? No…! This can't be happening…"
.
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June 29th.
After school, Ren and Ryuji were hanging out, eating some ramen together. Ryuji managed to successfully convince the reforming track team to listen to him…at the cost of getting punched a few times. But his efforts did work out in the end, so now he could finally relax about the team… "I think they might even go far in the meet…" Ryuji had a fond smile. He was glad that he was able to make up for his mistakes in the past.
"We can't lose either, you know." Ren remarked.
"Hell yeah!" Ryuji laughed a bit, then stared down at his ramen bowl. "Oh crap! The ramen's gonna get soggy, let's eat!" Before Ren had a chance to verbally respond, the two of them were slurping down their ramen faster than anyone could blink. But those noodles and the broth really hit the spot. "Ahhh…now that's the good stuff."
"I needed this." Ren said while patting his stomach. His diet wasn't…the best. Just the curry that Sojiro made for him, not to say that it was bad, but he was a maturing teenager who needed more than just that.
"To tell the truth, I was scared of facin' those guys straight up." Ryuji admitted, looking off elsewhere. It wasn't like him to admit something like this, but since it was Ren, he felt like he was able to do that. "I couldn't stand how much they hated me. It only just made me think of how stupid I was. More importantly, it reminded me how I lost my place with them." His gaze then turned to Ren. "Hey…this ain't like me, but I managed to change 'cause you were there helpin' me. I got you all wrapped up in this shit, but you stayed with me to the bitter end…you didn't abandon me…so, thanks man."
"Hah…you're welcome. But it's all because of you, too." Ren said. "You're the one who wanted to see this through to the end, so of course I'd support you. Although the most I did was stand around…you're the one who put in the effort to see the change happen."
"Hahaha…" Ryuji wasn't so sure what to say to that. When Ren put it like that, it made Ryuji sound like he was some kinda hero. At least that's how he felt. "Man, this all started out as trainin' for the Phantom Thieves. How it'd all end up like this? It's funny. Either way, it's my turn now. If anything comes up, you tell me. I'll help you with whatever you need."
"Glad to know you've got my back." Ren held his fist out for a fist bump.
"Any time, man. I mean it." Ryuji gave Ren a fist bump, along with a smile. This cemented their strong bond. Shortly after the fist bump, Ryuji felt something within him. "Wha…?" His eyes closed and he could see Captain Kidd inside him, a blue light swirling round him.
"Uh…" Ren blinked. He could see the light around Ryuji but it didn't look like anyone else could. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I…" Ryuji paused. He was attempting to figure out what was going on inside him. Captain Kidd's body was enveloped by a bright flash of light, transforming into something else entirely. The infamous Capitan Kidd evolved into Seiten Taisei. "Whoa…I can't explain it, but I feel much different…stronger now…!"
"Stronger? All we did was fist bump." Ren had no idea what Ryuji was going on about.
"Nah man, it's like…" Ryuji paused. "Actually, I think it's better show than to tell. Next time we're in action, you'll see what I mean! Just think of me as our secret weapon!"
"Uh…okay." Ren just nodded. Ryuji had a burst of confidence from seemingly nowhere, but he didn't have any reason to doubt him. "I'll take your word on that."
.
.
With the excitement of Kaneshiro's mafia opera dying down, Ann could finally make some time to visit Shiho. She felt guilty that she had been unable to visit her friend in the hospital over the last few days. Shiho was resting in her hospital bed, smiling a bit when she saw Ann come in. "Hey, Ann…"
"Shiho…how are you?" Ann pulled up a chair, sitting right next to Shiho's bed.
"I'm…alright." Shiho said. She was…as alright as she could be in her condition. Her legs looked a bit rough, but she was hiding them under the blanket for a reason. "Physical therapy is still going…I'm making some improvements little by little."
"That's good." Ann managed a slight smile of her own. But in the back of her mind, she knew how hard Shiho struggled. She watched her physical therapy once and it pained her to watch. Shiho was working so hard to recover from an incident she was a victim in… "I'm sorry I haven't been able to come by recently. The last few days have been…a lot." Ann always did debate if she should tell Shiho about her being a Phantom Thief or not…after all, Shiho was the reason Ann, Ren, Ryuji, and Morgana started in the first place.
"Have you been okay?" Shiho looked towards Ann. "I've heard about what happened at Shujin…or rather, the city?" She pulled up her phone to show what she meant. There was news all about the phishing operation that affected younger students. "I didn't know those rumors about the part time job were true."
"Mhm." Ann nodded. "They were and I'm glad we avoided them. Did you hear that the Phantom Thieves sent a calling card, too?"
"Oh, yeah." Shiho gave a slight nod. "People were talking about it all online and posting pictures everywhere. Those Phantom Thieves…I know people have mixed opinions about them, but I…"
"You…?" Ann tilted her head to the side a bit. She never did get to hear how Shiho felt about the Phantom Thieves…she never asked either, because a part of her was always nervous that it wouldn't be good.
"I wish there was a way I could thank them." Shiho said, placing her hands in her laps. "While there is a part of me that wished they stopped Kamoshida sooner…I'm glad they acted so he wouldn't create any more victims."
"Shiho…" Ann wasn't sure how to feel. She too wished that things happened sooner so Shiho wouldn't be here…but it was also because of how they felt about what happened to Shiho that the Phantom Thieves formed together in the first place.
"I think it's a good thing they exist." Shiho continued. "Nobody deserves to be a victim in an abusive dynamic…but those victims can't fight back, even if they want to. The volleyball team situation…it happens everywhere. So I'm glad that the Phantom Thieves are out there, giving a helping hand to people who may need it. Even if it doesn't fix the problem entirely, it can at least give people the courage they need to go that last step."
That was exactly what Ann was hoping for when they became the Phantom Thieves. To give courage to the people who needed it. So she could rest easy there and managed to give Shiho a slight smile. "I'm sure the Phantom Thieves would be happy to hear that."
"You think so, Ann?" Shiho looked to Ann with a bit of hope. "I hope so…"
This was the moment Ann felt her phone buzz. "Oh, hold on…" She pulled out her phone, seeing that it was Hifumi who texted her.
The text read as followed: 'I have some free time after school tomorrow. Would you like to join me in Kichijoji to play some darts?'
"Who is it?" Shiho was a bit curious.
"It's Hifumi. I told you about her before, remember?" Ann said, answering Hifumi's message with a 'Sure thing'!
"Oh, right. I do." Shiho said. "How is she doing? You said she was pretty shy…?"
"Mhm." Ann nodded. "She's a really nice person…a bit quirky at times, but not in a bad way. She's fun when you get to know her. I think she's just a little nervous hanging around others since her mother doesn't allow her much social activity."
"You always were good at making friends fast." Shiho teased.
"You're a special case. You told me my painting stunk." Ann replied with a teasing laugh of her own.
"Was I wrong…?" Shiho asked.
"No. But it's funny to think how that comment led to us being friends." Ann thought back on the memory fondly. "And I became friends with Hifumi by telling her overbearing and scary mom she was invited to hang out…"
"You managed to successfully lie to someone?" Shiho quirked a brow. Ann's infamous acting was so bad, of course Shiho knew about it.
When Shiho put it like that, it just reminded Ann that she was not a very convincing liar sometimes. So she let out a nervous giggle and played with one of her twin tails. "I…had a little help. But Hifumi is really nice…I think you two would get along."
Shiho smiled to that. "I'd like to meet her one day."
.
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Jun e 30th.
Hifumi and Ann met up as promised to play darts. They were playing a 301. It was Hifumi's second turn and Ann watched as she struggled to aim. "…." Green eyes narrowed a bit as she tossed a dart, managing to get 27 points. She was aiming for the bullseye as anyone would, but was off. "Ah…" This left their remaining total at 80, leaving a slight load on Ann for the final round.
"Don't worry; you'll get it next time." Ann said with an encouraging nod. "But hey, if I can ask…why the sudden urge to play darts today? Aren't you busy later?"
"Yes." Hifumi nodded. "I have a match later today, but I had some time to spare. Besides, Yusuke mentioned how you all play darts here every so often…and I didn't want to come alone." She admitted a bit bashfully. "I also thought it would help with my aim."
"Your aim?" Ann tilted her head.
"Mhm…the one bullet I have aside…" Hifumi began, referencing her sniper rifle in the Metaverse. "I found that aiming was much harder than I anticipated in the heat of battle. Despite how prepared I felt, I ultimately hesitated. It was a heavy feeling that still weighs on me…"
"I get it." Ann placed a hand on Hifumi's shoulder. "You're still getting used to that, so we don't fault you for it. But if you think this'll help, then I'll gladly lend you a hand!"
"Thanks, Ann." Hifumi gave a soft smile…and in the next instant, her expression suddenly turned far more serious. Shogi mode just activated out of the blue. "However! Do not grow lax simply because I seek improvement! This is for you as well, my friend!"
"Eh?" Ann blinked a few times. "M-Me?"
"Yes!" Hifumi pointed to the dart board. "You need to practice your aim as well!"
"Huh!?" Ann's eyes widened. "Why me!?"
"You cannot wield such weapon and fire it so haphazardly!" Hifumi placed her hands on her hips, vividly recalling how Ann used her gun in the Palace: spray and pray. Hifumi was very intent on pushing that ideology out of her.
"But…!" Ann attempted to object. But it's not like she could, because even she knew that Hifumi wasn't wrong. It just wasn't really an issue. "…Why fix what's not broken?"
As one would expect, Hifumi wasn't going for it. She placed a dart in Ann's hand and once again gestured to the dart board. "Become one with the dart; turn into an arrow that pierces the dark heart of society with a single movement!" Translation: hit the bullseye.
Sweat drop. Ann couldn't help but let out a small laugh at Hifumi's attitude, even if it was…a lot. She was at least enjoying herself. "Okay, here goes…" Ann was about to take aim when…
"Oh, now this is a surprise." A voice stopped her throw.
"Hm?" Ann and Hifumi turned around, only to be greeted by a surprising face.
"I didn't expect to see you here, Togo-san. How nice it is to see you again." Akechi gave a slight wave. "Oh, and you're…from the TV station as well?" He turned to Ann, recalling their brief encounters at the station.
"Akechi…!?" Ann and Hifumi said in unison, but shocked to see the Detective Prince here.
"I hope I'm not disturbing anything." Akechi said while taking a few darts and stepped to where Ann was, throwing them with his right hand. He only needed those two, for he cleared the final round for them. "I have a little time before I have to take care of something. I was going to pass the time by myself, but since you're here, I was wondering if you'd like to indulge in another game, Togo-san? Darts, maybe? You were already playing after all."
Hifumi furrowed her brows. So far, Goro Akechi was the first and only person she'd ever lost to in, well…anything. Shogi especially. A chance to settle the score? This was…an odd feeling. Not one she'd ever felt before either. It was a strange fire igniting within her core…did he challenge her for that reason? "Of course, Akechi-san. I'd love to rematch you."
"Uh…" Ann looked back and forth between Akechi and Hifumi. Clearly she was missing a little bit of history here.
"Hm…" Akechi stared Hifumi in the eyes. Her gaze was different than before…yet it was also the same somehow. But the difference was enough to spark in his interest. "I'm glad to hear it. I can see that something about you has changed as well. Perhaps this game will be more entertaining than the last one."