October 14th
Are the Phantom Thieves Just? Approval Rating 68% to 60%.
Day by day, the Phansite received more and more negative comments about the Phantom Thieves. What was once a near 100% rating plummeted severely within just a few days. Because of this, Mishima texted Ren first thing in the morning.
Mishima: This is ridiculous! Why are people doubting the Phantom Thieves over what happened to President Okumura? They'd never do such a thing! Isn't that right?
Ren: Absolutely, it couldn't have been them.
Mishima: Yeah, I trust them! Anyway, it seems like everyone's forgotten all about what they've done up until this point. That won't stop me, though. I'll continue cheering them on. Make sure you tell them that! Well, talk to you later! I have a few things I have to look up, I've got some smaller requests for the Phantom Thieves to help their rep!
"At least we still have one supporter." Ren felt a little better knowing that. The entire world was against them at the moment, so having one person in their corner was nice.
"Mishima is a bit narrow-sighted, but he's a good person deep down. We can't betray him too." Morgana said. It was a reminder that there were still some people that supported the Phantom Thieves, even though things weren't looking good for them at the moment.
Ren's phone then buzzed a second time. He was pretty popular early in the morning it seemed. It was Haru texting the group chat.
Haru: I'm sorry for worrying all of you. I won't be able to respond for a little while longer.
Makoto: That's perfectly fine. You don't need to mind us.
Yusuke: More importantly, are you doing any better?
Haru: I'm OK. I'm starting to grow more concerned with the people at the company, to be honest. They're having trouble with clients and the press. They're even handling the preparations for my father's funeral. I just feel so guilty I'm unable to help out at all.
Hifumi: You don't need to feel bad or apologize for how you're feeling. We're here for you, Haru.
Kasumi: We know this is a hard time for you, and so should everyone else.
Haru: I know. I'll get in touch once things settle down.
Ren: Don't push yourself. We'll be waiting.
Haru: Thank you.
"Bless that girl. Worrying about others even at a time like this…" Morgana felt bad. They already showed their support for Haru yesterday, but he still wanted to do more for her.
"It's not an easy time for any of us right now." Ren said while standing up. "But it's like Makoto said, we just have to lie low and focus on school first. Midterms are just around the corner, and tanking on those would make us look bad." That really wasn't going to be an easy task, since school was undoubtedly the last thing he wanted to think about…but it wasn't his choice. Better safe than sorry.
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Ren would be kept busy at the very least, during this forced downtime, Maruki just so happened to extend an invitation to Ren. Ren was very helpful to Maruki's research and the paper he was writing over the last few months, so as thanks, he invited Ren out to a restaurant. Honestly, this was needed for Ren, as he got to take his mind off things for a little bit.
"All right! Now, this is all on me today!" Maruki said with a wide smile. This was the least he could do for Ren after all the help he had been given. "No holding back – eat as much as you want!"
There really was quite a feast in front of Ren. Would he even be able to down all of this food? Well, he had to try, since Maruki already went ahead and ordered so much. "Heh…thanks for the food."
Just before Ren could actually start eating, Maruki immediately sat up. "Oh, right! Sorry! Would you mind if I asked you about something before we eat? It's about my paper…" He trailed off, his eyes glancing behind Ren to a familiar figure. Shibusawa…?"
The man responded to his name being called, turning only to see Maruki. "Huh? Maruki…!?"
"I knew it! Shibusawa, in the flesh! What brings you here?" Maruki was ecstatic to see an old friend.
"I should be asking that. It's rare to see you in a restaurant like this." Shibusawa said with a faint chuckle. "Oh, and who might this be?" His attention turned to Ren.
"That's…complicated." Maruki wasn't sure how to explain it. But ultimately he was able to explain a bit and catch up with his old friend in the process. Shibusawa sat down to join the conversation. "…And so, I'm actually almost finished with my paper."
"Paper…?" The way Shibusawa said it, it sounded as though it wasn't the first time he's heard of this. "The one you were working on…you're still…?"
"Yup." Maruki nodded. "I'm still at it, even after what happened. You remember what I told you? That I'd finish this paper no matter how long it took me."
Shibusawa stared at Maruki for a moment, before letting out a chuckle. It was almost impressive how determined Maruki was to see this through. "You gotta be the most stubborn man in the world."
"I'm not sure if I should take that as a compliment…" Maruki said, sweating a bit.
The conversation continued on, with Shibusawa offering to pay for the meal in Maruku's stead. After learning that Shibusawa was engaged, he had to ask something of Maruki. "Listen, I don't mean to pry…but I feel like I have to ask…are you…?" Maruki didn't answer; his gaze just lowered. "Actually, forget I said anything…"
"…You were going to ask about Rumi, right?" Maruki asked. "Don't worry, it's fine."
"…Who's Rumi…?" Ren couldn't help but be curious. "A girlfriend of yours?"
"Former girlfriend, to be more precise." Maruki said a bit dryly. "Well, I was just too spineless at the time, and we broke up in the end." He was putting it lightly. Ren could tell by the silence surrounding Shibusawa. Maruki quickly waved his hands. "I-It's not like it's a tragedy or anything, though! She's totally happy now! It's just that…I don't feel reayd to enter another relationship of that sort now…"
"I see…" Ren didn't realize this would turn into a bit of a serious topic.
"This was supposed to be a celebration, but it appears I've thoroughly killed the mood…" Maruki let out a sigh.
"No, no, it's my fault for bringing it up in the first place." Shibusawa said quickly. "Why don't we wrap things up here? I have to say, it's really good to see you doing well – and with your paper almost finished, too! And Amamiya-kun, keep an eye on this one for me, okay?"
"You're talking like I'm some sullen kid…" Maruki frowned. "But I do need to express my gratitude properly. Thank you so much for helping someone like me make their dream come true, Amamiya-kun."
"Heh…you're welcome." Ren rubbed the back of his neck.
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October 17th.
Are the Phantom Thieves Just? 60% to 47%.
The days were tense and the Phantom Thieves popularity continued to dwindle. But now was hardly the time to worry about that. This was the start of midterms, arguably the most important thing any student should be focusing on right now. That should have been obvious, but Shujin was still filled with whispers of recent events. Ren could hear a few students talking about it even now, just as midterms were about to begin.
"The Phantom Thieves have gone off the deep end, don't you think?"
"I thought they were gonna change that CEO's heart, but they ended up killing him instead…"
"Haven't people been saying they killed the Principal, too?"
"I knew they were bad, but I didn't think they'd turn out to be murderers."
"Oh man, does that mean anyone who gets targeted next is screwed!?"
"This is getting ridiculous…" Ren thought to himself.
Mr. Inui walked into the classroom. "Quiet down. I'll now be handing out your exam booklets." He told the class. The time for idle chatter was over, it was time for exams.
.
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Hifumi returned home after midterms. It was better safe than sorry, even if that unfortunately meant coming home to her irate mother. "Um…Mother? Is something wrong?"
"Yes, something's wrong." Mitsuyo let out a frustrated huff. "These Phantom Thieves just exist to inconvenience us at every turn!"
"Um…" Hifumi rubbed her arm. "Whatever do you mean?"
"I had everything set up for your return to Shogi. The first match was going to be soon and you were going to make a glorious comeback, a full return to form!" Mitsuyo was ranting and Hifumi just let her. "But now, the Phantom Thieves have effectively taken up every news outlet. Everyone's talking about them and it's drowning out everything else!"
"I see…" So the news was preventing Hifumi from having the breakout story her mother wanted. "That is unfortunate." Not to her at least. "So…what does this mean for my next match?"
"I can't promote you when nobody is paying attention." Mitsuyo pinched the bridge of her nose. How irritating. "As much as I hate to do this, I have no choice but to postpone your return until this news calms down…"
"I'll use this time wisely. Don't look to upset, Mother." Despite everything, Hifumi gave her mother a smile. "I'm sure things will calm down soon."
"I hope you're right." Mitsuyo sat down and rubbed her temples. "Everything was just about to start going our way. I'll be damned if those murderers steal the spotlight from us…that politician Shido was right, those menaces to society need to be dealt with soon."
"…" Hifumi frowned a little bit. It was like her mother wasn't even aware of what she was saying.
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October 20th.
Are the Phantom Thieves Just? 47% to 34%.
The week was the same thing, day in and day out. Students kept talking about the Phantom Thieves, questioning everything about them and their motives. There were a few students that still supported the Thieves even after all this, but their reasons were a bit hollow, claiming that criminals shouldn't be left to their own devices. Everything was a mess. At the very least, it was the final day of exams, allowing people to breathe a little bit. During lunchtime, Ren overheard more students talking.
"The police are here again?"
"Yeah, seems like it's for real this time. Seems like one of our students is a Phantom Thief."
"Seriously!? I read the same thing online…apparently Public Security is already on the move…"
"…" Ren didn't say anything. His phone buzzed and he slipped it out of his pocket to see who texted him.
Futaba: It's me. There's something I wanted to talk with everyone about. I'll be waiting at the hideout, er…our place.
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Maruki sat in his office, typing away on his laptop. No doubt he was putting some finishing touches on his paper. His term at Shujin was ending in a few weeks, so he wanted to get as much done as possible while he still could. There was a knock at the door and he answered from afar. "It's open, come on in."
The one standing at the door was Haru. She had a bit of a meek stance, but she tried to stand up straight. While it was nice having people she could rely on…she did figure it was best to talk to a professional about her feelings. Plus, it was strongly recommended all students go visit Maruki at least once. So she could knock out two birds with one stone. "Um…hello." How awkward. She didn't know the first thing to say.
Maruki recognized her. He was also fully aware of what was going on, so he could somewhat assume why Haru came to him. He turned in his chair and stood up, giving Haru a welcoming smile. "Ah, you're third-year Okumura-san, correct? So good to see you, please, take a seat."
.
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School was out for Kosei. Yusuke and Hifumi were on their way to the hideout as Futaba wanted everyone to gather together. "Midterms are finally over…I could hardly focus." Hifumi said, keeping her gaze forward. "How were yours?"
"I can't say I had trouble, but my mind was certainly elsewhere the whole time. But I think I performed admirably." Yusuke said. "I've heard a number of rumors all week."
"Myself as well." Hifumi frowned. "It's worse at Shujin, I can imagine. They were the first spot that the Phantom Thieves targeted…I hope Ann and the others aren't having too difficult a time there."
"Supposedly, the police have started to frequent Shujin." Yusuke reported. "That is what I have been hearing from a few students in passing. I worry how things are going to proceed from this point onward at that school. Although I trust Ren and the others to remain calm."
"The police….?" Hifumi furrowed her brows. It was only natural the police would start getting involved at this point, but… "Hold on a moment…this is the first time the police have gotten involved…and…" That working theory of hers was looking more and more plausible the more time passed. But there was something else that crossed her mind as well. "Ironically…if we were to go into Mementos, I think we would be allowed deeper access."
"Even though the Phantom Thieves have been branded murderers?" Yusuke gave Hifumi a quizzical look.
"Indeed. More people have an opinion of them, one way or another." Hifumi replied. "As unfortunate as it is right now…that is at least one thing."
"Ah, excuse me, Togo-san!" A voice called out to Hifumi, causing her to stop and turn around. It was a male from Kosei, and he was with his group of friends.
"Yes…?" Can I help you with something?" Hifumi asked quietly.
"It's just that...there have been people saying you don't visit the church as often these days." The student replied, causing Hifumi to lift a brow. "Plus, I was wondering…I remember hearing a while back that you supported the Phantom Thieves. Is that still true?"
Hifumi did say that a while back, on TV no less. Her mother 'dealt with' that reckless remark, as she put it. "I believe in the Phantom Thieves." Hifumi stated firmly.
"Really?" Another student piped up. She was a third year. "There are some people saying that your dad got sick because of the Phantom Thieves. Do you think that's true?"
"What…?" Hifumi blinked. This was the first she was hearing of such rumors. Were things spiraling that badly that unrelated incidents were getting grouped together?
"And you, Kitagawa." Focus shifted to Yusuke. "Even though Madarame was targeted, do you think the Phantom Thieves just missed the mark and just tried to kill him instead?"
"Don't be absurd." Yusuke crossed his arms, eyes shifting to a slight glare. It figures that the only time the students of Kosei wanted to speak to Yusuke and Hifumi, it was to ask them about things they prefer not to talk about. Kosei wasn't as toxic of an environment as Shujin, but the current happenings did no such favors. "The Phantom Thieves would do no such thing."
"How can you both sit here and say that, despite everything going on?" The third year asked. "They've gone off the deep end, that conference the other day said it all…! Granted, with what Okumura did with his company, I can't say it was undeserved…"
Hifumi couldn't stand people talking about the Phantom Thieves like this to her, even bringing up her father for no reason, and going so far as to talk about Haru's dad. "That's enough." Her tone was low, slipping into her Shogi Mode out of annoyance. The shift in tone surprised the group of students, who knew Hifumi as the soft, quietly spoken girl. "I will not sit here and listen to your words. My friend lost her father and you sit here and call it deserved? How would you feel if someone said that about your parents? You wouldn't like that very much, would you? I would also appreciate it if you kept my father's situation out of your mouth."
"I didn't mean to…" The student tried to backpedal.
"Please do not lie to me." Hifumi cut them off. She wasn't in the mood to entertain them anymore.
"Consider someone else's feelings before you go and say such rash things without thought." Yusuke turned around, starting to walk off with Hifumi.
"…" No one had anything to say. The students could only watch on as Hifumi and Yusuke left.
.
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Everyone gathered in the hideout and got situated. "Congrats on surviving midterms." Futaba told everyone.
Ryuji just groaned. "I think I'm screwed for real this time. I couldn't concentrate at all…"
"Between midterms, training, and this, it's been a really busy week." Kasumi admitted.
" – Gathering everyone's opinions and immediately acting upon them…in order to make that natural course of action a reality, I will – "
"Him again…?" Hifumi let out a quiet sigh.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Ann asked Futaba. She was the one who called everyone over after all.
"The Medjed that I banned wasn't the real one." Futaba said, although that didn't really answer anyone's question.
"Huh? Aren't you the real one, though?" Ryuji asked.
Ah, this was going to be difficult to explain. "The guy who called himself Medjed after me, isn't the one from the other day!" Futaba quickly said. That didn't help. She could already feel the confused stares coming her way. "Okay, so…the code written by that guy is different from any of the past Medjed. A code is like your fingerprints. No matter how you try to disguise it, your own quirks will appear. The one from the other day was all cut and pasted with no consistency. No skill at all."
"But aren't multiple people across the world apart of Medjed? Couldn't it have done by someone who joined recently?" Makoto asked. But to that, Futaba shook her head.
"How do I put this…that code was so not done by anyone interested in cracking. At all." Futaba said. "At the very least, there's no way it was an official Medjed member."
"So someone used the Medjed name to provoke the Phantom Thieves? For what purpose?" Yusuke didn't understand.
"Could they have been doing it for fun?" Ann asked aloud. "It was around the time our group started getting popular, so it could've been for the hype…?"
Makoto had a sudden realization. "Wait. What if it's the other way around…?"
"The other way around…?" Ren asked.
"Perhaps they used the Medjed name to make the Phantom Thieves known…" Makoto surmised.
"What?! That makes no sense!" Ryuji said.
"Actually…that's very plausible." Hifumi was on Makoto's side. "When you want to make someone popular, you have them interact with a person or group that is extremely popular. No matter the outcome, people are bound to become more aware of the lesser party's presence."
"I actually thought the same thing as Makoto, and Hifumi is totally on the mark." Futaba said. "You know how I just said code is like fingerprints? I found those same fingerprints somewhere completely different: The Phantom Aficionado Website. There were traces of it illegally being tampered with from the outside."
"They can do that?" Kasumi asked. "Didn't Mishima-senpai make that website?"
"He probably didn't even notice." Morgana said. "He was really into the excitement at the time, keeping us up to date on the polls and everything. He likely thought it was normal for such an influx of people to be voting…"
"And before summer vacation, the access counter was made to be much higher than the actual number." Futaba reported. "Same with the rankings. Particularly the time when President Okumura was ranked first."
"I can't claim to know I understand all of this…" Haru was not good when it came to technology. Futaba was good at explaining, so she was able to follow it at least. "But…with all of the information we have now…it sounds like Father was targeted…and by the same person who provoked the group?"
"I'm starting to see the bigger picture…" Makoto brushed her hair back. "The incident with Medjed was used to push our group's popularity. After that, our decision to target Okumura was influenced by the rankings and the public…and when Haru was in danger, we simply couldn't ignore it either. Now, we're being blamed for the death of President Okumura…"
"So, the culprit was planning to put the blame on us from the start!?" Ann was in disbelief. This whole time, they were dancing in the palm of someone's hand?
"And if we factor in Black Mask…" Morgana said. "There's a chance that for the past two months…we've been playing right into their hand for the past two months or so…"
Ryuji was starting to panic a bit. "W-We gotta be overthinkin' things! We're talking about the rankings AND Medjed…! Everyone made a big deal about it! If this was all set up…then what kinda guy did we make an enemy out of…?" Everyone was silent. Ryuji at least did make a good point…there was someone out there who wanted them gone, and had the power to do it.
"…..If I may…" Hifumi spoke up. "I've been thinking about our situation for quite some time. It's clear that our enemy is not someone normal, far from it. I may not have sufficient proof, but…at the very least, I think that our enemy at least has ties to or is involved with the police."
"Are you sure?" Haru looked at Hifumi.
"That's a big assumption…" Yusuke said.
"Allow to explain myself. I would like to start with the current events." Hifumi sat down before elaborating on her reasoning. "Haru, the first thing your father did when receiving the calling card was calling the police, right?"
"That's right." Haru nodded. "He read it and contacted the police."
"Mhm." Hifumi continued on. "We also know that he was involved with the mental shutdowns as well…so he knows who is capable of performing such an act. Also, my mother said something interesting…she thinks the Phantom Thieves 'decided' to kill President Okumura."
"Decided…" Makoto mumbled that word. "Are you saying…?"
"Yes. If we put Black Mask into the picture, then it is clear that someone wanted President Okumura dead at this specific time…" Hifumi continued. "I think that it has to be someone with a position of power…I cannot imagine who or why, though." This is where her theory fell apart; she was missing just one key piece. "Even the police are beginning to get involved now at this moment, right? No matter how I look at this, I cannot help but feel as though someone is trying tie up numerous loose ends, while trying to dispose of us in the process. They even went so far as to throw a fake calling card in the Shujin Principal's office, right? I cannot imagine just anyone being able to get away with it. The timing of it all…all I know is that all of this cannot be orchestrated…or at least executed by a single person…if only we knew who they were, or who Black Mask was…"
"I can't believe she's come up with that kind of hypothesis…" Kasumi was amazed at Hifumi's thought process.
"Someone with a lot of influence…" Makoto could see where Hifumi was coming from. "No matter how I look at it, it appears as though we've been dealt an unfavorable hand."
"But that doesn't mean we've lost yet." Morgana said.
"Indeed." Hifumi said with a firm nod. She put a lot of thought into this. "We will strike back with a reverse pin when the time arises. I know that much."
"Our enemy is meticulous, but we'll get back at them. We'll find clues no matter what." Makoto was determined to see this through.
"I won't forgive them." Haru said with a bit of anger. It made sense that someone targeted her father. "No matter who they are…"
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The Phantom Thieves had a vague idea of what to do. They had a goal, but currently no means to reach it. As much as they wanted to worry about it, they had to continue lying low for the time being. So they broke off for the evening, everyone going their separate ways. Hifumi and Haru lingered at Leblanc, planning to do so until the last train arrived. Sojiro asked Haru to keep an eye out on the store, since Ren went out to do who knows what.
"Would you like some coffee?" Haru asked Hifumi. She was behind the counter.
"I'm alright." Hifumi replied with a slight smile. She was sitting at the corner, her eyes drifting between Haru and the TV. "But are you alright…?" Sometimes she disliked her power. She wanted Haru to give her an honest answer, but not out of obligation because she was a lie detector. "I know you've been worried about your company on top of everything else…"
It was nice that Hifumi was so concerned. If it wasn't for Hifumi stepping in on that rainy summer day, Haru may not have even met her friends at all. She already had this conversation with Ren earlier, but she did not mind sharing with Hifumi at all. "To be honest, I have been really worried about the state of my father's company. The aftermath has been…very difficult."
"What is the matter?" Hifumi asked.
"Well…due to how unexpected the accident was, my father didn't have a will. He never wrote anything like that…so all of his stocks transferred to me. That means I'm suddenly the biggest shareholder in a company of over one thousand employees…" Effectively, Haru was now the owner of Okumura Foods simply due to her relation with her father.
"Oh…that sounds difficult." Hifumi couldn't imagine how Haru was feeling right now about that, least of all how to even help.
"I may be the president's daughter, but I was never involved in company matters. I don't know the first thing about shareholding either." Haru admitted. It was all still a lot to think about. "I've been meeting with all of the various officers and lawyers my father employed. They've been giving me advice on the things I'm unsure about, such as assets and stocks…"
Hifumi noticed Haru's expression lower a bit. "But…?"
"Well, I'm sure I've said this before, but it's clear that some people only seek to get on my good side. I know I can trust all of you…but when it comes to the company, I don't know who I can trust." Haru sighed. "They try to sound so comforting with the way they say 'don't worry, leave it to me' but…it only feels like they're trying to be nice so they can get their hands on my bank account. It's always felt that way, even when I was younger. People smiling at me and acting nice, simply because they knew who my father was…when I talk to them, it makes me realize…I never thought I could be so distrustful of other people…"
"Oh…Haru…" Hifumi felt really bad. It was nice knowing that despite everything, Haru did trust her and the others. But there were some things Hifumi just couldn't help with. The state of an extremely successful cooperation was one of them.
"I wish I had your power." Haru sighed. "That way I could really tell what everyone was thinking."
It…didn't exactly work like that, but Hifumi understood what Haru was so envious of. "Sometimes it's a bit of a curse. It's natural not to trust someone when you know they're lying to you. But even so…it's important to make your own decisions too. I can't imagine how it feels being surrounded by people you can't trust, for something so important...but if you need an ear, I don't mind listening."
"Hehe…" Haru could offer a soft smile to that. "You're always helping me out. I appreciate that a lot, Hifumi. I hope I'm not too bothersome when I lean on you."
"You helped me out too…" Hifumi admits with a small grin of her own. "If it were not for you, I don't think I ever would have gained the courage to stand up to my mother. I thought it was the least I could do."
"We're going to keep owing each other if we go back and forth like this…" Haru laughs a little bit.
"I don't think we need to owe each other anything…we are friends, right? And this is what friends do." Hifumi said casually. It had taken her some time to learn how true this was, but it was a lesson she wasn't letting go.
"Yes…we are friends." Haru says, nodding slightly. "I'm glad you're the one that stood up for me back then…thank you."
Hifumi found herself blushing now. Haru's expression and sincere tone was too much for her. She glanced away, feeling meek, but she was smiling all the same. "You're welcome…"
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Sae was called to the SIU Director's office. It had been a while since he asked to see her directly, and he had some surprising news for her at that. "Me…?" Sae was noticeably shocked. "I was told you recommended this reassignment yourself, sir…why would you choose someone as inexperienced as myself?"
"When the case of Shujin's Principal was ruled a suicide, you thought to reopen it." The SIU Director explained. "And you proved its connection to the Phantom Thieves. This is based primarily on that achievement."
"I'm honored, sir…" Sae replied cordially.
"The Phantom Thieves are a national crisis." The SIU Director said. "Expectations are exceedingly high for us public prosecutors, as we are the executors of justice. Personnel and planning will be up to you in this case. You will also have the police under your command. I'd like you to oversee this case."
"…!" Sae was getting that much authority? With that kind of power in her hands…she could…win…
"You've yet to give an answer. Will you accept the task of eradicating the Phantom Thieves?" The SIU Director asked formally this time. This was it was an official request.
"I will give it everything I have." Sae responded resolutely.
This made the SIU Director smile. It was an offer he knew she couldn't refuse. "Good. We'll have a higher position for you as well in the event that you succeed. I don't wish to apply extra pressure on you, but I presume your chances of success are high. Naturally, failure to accomplish this task is unacceptable. Do you understand?"
"Of course!" Sae said with a determined tone. "I will live up to you expectations, no matter what it takes!" And she meant that. She always wanted to do whatever she had to if it meant taking down the Phantom Thieves. Now she had the chance to do just that.
"Very good." The SIU Director turned his chair. "That will be all then." Everything was going according to plan. Sae took the bait. Now that she was the one officially in charge of the Phantom Thieves case…it didn't matter how things turned out. The SIU Director and anyone else involved in acting against the Phantom Thieves were close washing their hands of the matter entirely.