November 2nd.

Are the Phantom Thieves Innocent? 17% to 16%.

The Phantom Thieves were able to secure their infiltration route in Sae's Palace. Once school was over, they were going to plan the calling card. Ren was going to make his way to Leblanc, but first, he decided to drop in on Maruki. To be more precise, Maruki called Ren into the Nurse's office because he wanted to talk. About what exactly? His ex-girlfriend Rumi.

Maruki sat in his usual seat, hands linked together as he thought about the incident. "it's kinda pathetic, isn't it?" Maruki gave a dry laugh. "Rumi was the best thing that happened to me, but when that robber came in…I froze. I couldn't do anything but watch."

"…" Ren didn't say anything. What could he say to that? He was listening to Maruki speak, his brows furrowing ever so slightly in response.

"We were lucky Rumi's injuries weren't more severe. Her physical ones, at least." Maruki continued. He shook his head slightly, gaze tilting towards the floor. "But the shock of the incident was too much. She had a mental breakdown. We talked about that, didn't we? How wounds of the heart aren't as straightforward as physical ones?"

"Yeah." Ren nodded. "Those wounds take a while to heal…and sometimes they don't." His first thought was Futaba. Her emotional wounds were so severe it took a change of heart to help repair them. Even then, some of it still lingered.

"She never really recovered from what happened. Not after all this time." Maruki said. "I…kind of lost myself in that pain for a while, too. She didn't deserve that. None of them did. None of them did anything wrong!" His voice rose, growing very passionate about the situation. When he saw Ren's surprised expression, he realized he let himself get carried away… "Sorry. It's just…when I saw her in that hospital bed, I made a vow. I swore that I'd do all I could to fight back against the unfairness of reality. If someone suffered like that, I'd help."

"I see…" Ren replied.

"And like I said before, Rumi's in a better place mentally now. But that pain I felt back then…that's how this project was born. My path is clear now, and I think this'll probably be the last time I come to you about the paper." Maruki was smiling now. "

"Hah…kinda sad, honestly." Ren said.

"I know how you feel." Maruki let out a laugh. "I'll let you know when I finish the paper. When I do, I'll have to thank you one last time. You helped me see my dream through – I owe you so much. There's also one more thing I want to tell you, but I'll save it until I finish my paper…I just hope you can forgive me for it."

"Huh…?" Ren blinked, those words taking him by surprise.

Realizing how that sounded, Maruki waved his hands. "I didn't mean for that to sound so ominous! My bad!" They were able to wave it off. But Maruki did feel lingering guilt in his words and thoughts.

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The group gathered in the Hideout. With their infiltration route secure, they only needed to send the calling card. "Alright!" Ryuji exclaimed. "Now we just gotta send the calling card! Let's do it already!"

"I agree. The sooner the better." Hifumi nodded, placing her hands in her lap. The threat of the investigation looming over them made her uneasy. The sooner they made Sae come to her senses, the better.

"No…" Akechi shook his head. "In my opinion, we should wait until right before the time limit."

Makoto didn't understand why this was Akechi's plan of attack. "May I ask the reasoning behind that idea?"

"Sae-san is a realist." Akechi explained. "Even if she believes the Phantom Theives exist, do you think she knows how they steal hearts? Furthermore, there is a chance she expects that she herself will be the target."

"So because her heart is ready for any possibility, the calling card might not enough effect?" Haru asked.

"I understand." Hifumi nodded. "Even in a tense situation, there are some people who refuse to yield or break…the only way to make them feel the pressure of their situation is to wait them out. It is the perfect meaning of patience is a virtue."

"You understand well, Togo-san." Akechi smiled at Hifumi. "Of course, this is only a theory of mine. But if we are able to wait her out and drive her into a corner, I believe that will be enough to make the calling card work. If we do so with no time to spare, I assume even Sae-san would have to be somewhat agitated at the very least."

"And then the Treasure would appear…" Makoto crossed her arms and closed her eyes. "I have to say, I'm a little upset you know my sister better than I do, Akechi-kun."

Akechi let out a light hearted laugh. "Well, that's only because of my work as a detective. So, if our deadline is the 20th…we should send the calling card on the 18th."

"That's 16 days from now…" Hifumi said.

"Well, I can't exactly complain about having more time." Morgana said. "We can use it to prepare however we need to."

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The meeting was called to end early. There was nothing more to discuss since they weren't going to send the calling card today. As such, everyone more or less broke off for the day, but Hifumi stayed behind at Ren's behest. They were outside of Leblanc. "Is something the matter?" Hifumi tilted her head.

"Well, I got a message from Dr. Takemi earlier. She told me to send her to you as soon as you were free." Ren said while scratching his head. "It's about your father's condition…she thought it would be best for you to hear it from her."

"O-Oh, okay. Her clinic is just around the corner, isn't it…?" Hifumi asked.

"Yeah." Ren nodded and looked at his phone. "I'll be at the batting cages with Kasumi. Since we have all this time, it's best to start preparing…"

"Okay." Hifumi said. It wasn't too far to Takemi's clinic, right around the corner and she couldn't miss the sign. So she stepped inside, glancing around before noticing the doctor behind the counter. "Oh, em…excuse me, Dr. Takemi?"

Takemi was idly reading some papers. It was slow today, but she didn't mind. Since she decided to remain the town doctor of Yongen, she expected this. "Hm?" Takemi looked up at the vaguely familiar face. "Oh, you must be Ms. Hifumi Togo. I assume you were sent by my little Guinea Pi – er, friend." She meant Ren.

Ah, Hifumi remembered now. Takemi had a weird nickname for Ren, which only made Hifumi internally question what kind of relationship those two had…but she also didn't want to know. So she just nodded a bit. "Yes, that's me. He told me you wanted to see me…?"

"That's right. Come with me." Takemi stood up from her seat, walking from around the counter to open the door that led to the examination room. Hifumi followed behind, taking a seat on the bed while Takemi took a seat at her chair, crossing one leg over the other.

"So, um…" Hifumi wasn't exactly sure how to phrase what she wanted to ask…so she just blurted it out. "Can you help my father…?"

Takemi held her clipboard, taking a moment before responding. "With the list of symptoms I have, and what the hospital told me…it's clear he has been very ill for a while, isn't that right?"

"Yes." Hifumi nodded.

"I'm going to be honest with you. I've been looking into it, and I do think I can manage to make something that can improve his condition." Takemi raised a finger, because she saw Hifumi's expression light up. "However…I don't think there's anything that can be done to save him at this point. At best, his life can be extended for a few months."

That wasn't exactly what Hifumi wanted to hear. She was at least glad Takemi was being honest with her. "I-Is that so..?" But…was there really no way to fully cure her father? That thought lingered in her head for a while and Takemi could see it on her face.

"That's what it looks like so far." Takemi replied. "Even then, there's no guarantee the medicine will work. But don't worry." Even when delivering the less than happy news, Takemi's eyes had a sort of determination within them. "I will do my best to help your father." She was able to save Miwa-chan with Ren's help, so naturally she wanted to return the favor. She wanted to save the father of Ren's friend, and she would do everything in her power to do so.

Takemi's honesty and determination was refreshing and welcoming to Hifumi. She was able to smile. "Thank you, Dr. Takemi…"

"There are a few more questions I need to ask." Takemi leaned forward. "I do have to ask your mother a few questions too. I can't leave a decision like this solely to you." As unfortunate as it was, Mitsuyo did have a say in this too.

Ah…right. Her mother. Hifumi rubbed the back of her neck. The most difficult hurdle, because she was far too stubborn about this for some reason. "Um. I will…talk to her when I can. But I assure you she'll agree with me, so you can go ahead and work on that…!" Wow, Hifumi just told a lie. But it was for a good cause. There was a little regret that she couldn't trust her mother to make the right decision, but this was a chance she couldn't miss.

Takemi lifted a brow before ultimately shrugging. "Alright then. I'll talk to your father's doctors and see what we can do."

Hifumi let out a quiet sigh of relief. A mix of good and bad news…her heart couldn't handle all of this…

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Ren met Kasumi at the batting cages. It was a bit of an odd place for a meetup, but since they had time, there were no issues. "So…why'd you want to meet here?" Ren asked.

"When I was in the Palace on my own, I felt that tiredness again." Kasumi said, a little disappointed in herself. "I thought I had gotten past that, but my body felt heavy for a moment. And also…I recently remembered something when I was younger. My father took me and my sister to batting cages when we were younger. So I thought if I could get myself back into a better headspace, I wouldn't slow you or the others down. I also want to keep improving myself." Balancing Phantom Thief work with gymnastics was tough, but she was seeing results. Results she didn't want to let go of yet.

"I see…well, I'm here to support you. Knock it out of the park." Ren said, going to take a seat while Kasumi grabbed a bat.

"I feel energized now! Watch, Ren-senpai! I'm gonna win out there!" Kasumi said while stepping up to the plate, readying herself. "Up to bat, Kasumi Yoshizawa! Now, come on!" The first ball was thrown and it flew past her before she even had a chance to react. She was not ready for that fastball at all. "…W-Were they always this fast?"

"Come on, you got this." Ren said encouragingly from the side.

"Right! I'll get the next one!" Kasumi nodded, preparing herself once again. The next ball she swung at, but she was a little too quick on the draw and whiffed. At least she was able to react this time. "Okay! No more warm ups! Nothing but homeruns from here on out!" And…that wasn't true. Kasumi didn't strike out, but she didn't get the results she desired either. She hit the incoming baseballs, but she didn't get a single homerun. Only doubles and singles. It was better than missing every single ball though. "Wow…I'm a little rusty, huh?"

"I thought you did pretty good." Ren said with a slight smile.

"I could do better…" Kasumi then quickly shook her head. That tone she had was precisely what led to her slump and she needed to work past that. "No, next time I will do better!"

"That's the spirit." That positive spin was welcome to hear. Ren stood up after saying that, while Kasumi exited the cage. "Oh, and by the way. I didn't get to thank you for your help in the Palace yesterday either. So thanks for that."

Kasumi waved her hands. "Oh, it was no big deal. Those Shadows were really playing dirty and I couldn't stand by! But my real question is: do we really have to wait until the 18th? That's so far away."

"We don't have a choice. Makoto's sister is a tough one to crack…" Ren said while scratching his chin.

"Yeah…" Kasumi rubbed her arm. She wouldn't be able to forget what she saw in the computer on that Palace. How Sae was able to smile so cheerfully with her father and sister before he died. "But I really hope this works out. I want Makoto-senpai's sister to go back to how she used to be…" If Sumire were here…

Ren didn't exactly catch that. But still, he offered a smile all the same. "Don't worry. We'll make it through this, no matter what."

Kasumi was able to shake off those bad thoughts, facing Ren with a smile of her own. "Of course, I know that. I'll be doing everything I can to help as well. You can count on me, Senpai!"

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Later in that evening, Ren dropped by Shibuya square to hear what would be Yoshida's last speech. With the election for the Diet coming up next month, this was more or less the last time he could make a political speech in the city. Everything was looking up for the older man as well. The charges he faced as No-Good-Tora were proven false. Everything that held him down was finally lifting off of his shoulders after 20 long years…Yoshida could hardly believe it. "Apparently, people admire me for having quietly accepted a false charge for 20 long years. I didn't intend for any of this to happen though…"

"Don't let your guard down. You're going to be popular now." Ren said.

Yoshida managed a slight smile. "Yes, I'll be sure not to make a slip of the tongue. I've struggled for 20 long years, but I can finally put that behind me after the election." He then checked his watch, realizing what time it was. "Oh, look at the time. I should get started. Today will be the last day I request help from you…a member of the Phantom Thieves."

"Wh..!?" Ren's eyes widened. How did he find out!? Yoshida didn't even have any problems to take care of like Takemi, Kawakami, or the others.

"I don't intend to meddle." Yoshida said with a nod. The Phantom Thieves were an extremely hot topic right now, but the expression on his face wasn't that of a man who planned to rat Ren out. "Everything I've told you is based on assumption, but if you're still willing to listen…I believe in you. If anyone knows about being charged for something they didn't do, it's me. But I know you, and I know you are not the type of person to commit any type of crime. You've suffered your fair share of injustice, you helped a man like me, and I know that you help others all the same."

"…" Ren was stunned by Yoshida's words.

"I think you should focus on your 'work', because the time is now." Yoshida said firmly. "I can't think of anything else to teach you. I taught you all I know about the art of public speaking, in return for you supporting a guy like me. Thanks to you, I was able to overcome my crisis these last few months. I will strive for the royal road of politics, thinking of you as you walk down your own path. But if you ever find yourself in harm's way in your journey, I will help you. We'll be comrades who help change this world for the better."

"Heh….yeah." Ren gave a nod.

"All right. It's time to begin." Yoshida smiled and took his usual place.

The crowd was eagerly waiting for Yoshida to speak. His speeches became extremely popular over the last few months after all. "Yoshida's speech is about to start!" A man said.

"I cut my date short to watch this, you know!" A woman exclaimed.

The various comments died down as Yoshida began to speak. "Does anyone out there have something they aspire to do? I met a certain young man. Through a method that differs from mine, he was trying to reform the world. As you know, that is a very large mountain to cross. Unfortunately, I am unable to travel the same path as him." He paused, gaze averting downward for a moment, a gentle smile appearing on his lips. "However, I will not say goodbye. Because we will surely meet at the peak. He is desperately doing what he aspires to do. So I encourage you all. Please, find what it is what YOU aspire to do. And I will support you, because that is what I aspire to do."

There were various comments wishing for Yoshida to continue. Ren planned to watch a bit longer before heading home. His phone got a ring and he quietly stepped off to the side to answer it. "Hello…?"

"Inmate!" It was Caroline's voice. Oh boy, he knew what that meant…

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Ren's night would not end so peacefully. No, the twin wardens suddenly demanded that Ren take them to the church. It wasn't ideal, but telling them no wasn't ideal either. Besides, he had no idea what short of trouble they could possibly cause in a church of all places? Well…they started arguing in the confessional. Ren started to sweat as he could hear them from outside.

"I know you went out and ate menchi katsu all by yourself the other day. Did you really think you could escape my notice?" Justine said, her gaze peering into her twin's soul.

"Erk…!" Caroline began to sweat. "I…was just curious about line! Like, what could humans want so badly that they would stand in place for so long-?!"

Justine wasn't having it. "Megidolao-" She was seriously about to use high magic to destroy the confessional they were both in, just to prove a point.

"Fine, fine, fine!" Caroline hastily replied. "I'm sorry! I won't do it again! Confession time is over, we're done here!" She grabbed Justine by the hand and quickly pulled them out of the booth, where Ren was seen sweating profusely.

"Well…that was almost bad." Ren said with a sigh.

"Ren…?" That was Hifumi's voice. She tilted her head, noticing Ren and the twins. "Oh, who are these two girls? They're cute…are these the two you babysit? My name is Hifumi Togo…" This was her first time seeing the twins, but her head did tilt ever so slightly to the side. "Um…those police uniforms are cute. But…" She wanted to say that Halloween was over…but she didn't want to be rude.

"Babysit!? Hardly!" Caroline snapped. That tone from the little girl made Hifumi nearly jumped back.

"We are Wardens, and he is the Inmate we watch over." Justine explained.

"Um…." Hifumi blinked. Their words were strange, but they were telling the truth. This meant that Hifumi was giving Ren an extremely judgmental stare. "Is there something you want to explain, Ren?"

Ren blinked. This wasn't a meeting he was expecting. "Uh…so remember how I keep mentioning that long nosed man-?"

"He is our Master and you will refer to him as such!" Caroline snapped. "Know your place, Inmate!"

"Eugh…" Ren scratched the back of his neck. This wasn't going well. Hifumi's gaze only turned more judgmental. "S-So, what are you doing here? Shogi practice?"

"I was just leaving…" Hifumi kept her brow raised, skeptically.

"What is that?" Caroline pointed to Hifumi's shogi board.

"Oh this? It's shogi, my favorite game." She offered Caroline a slight smile. "Would you like to play? I can teach you." Normally she was hesitant to teach people…but even with their strange attitudes, she thought the twins were cute. "I can teach you both…?"

"Uh…you sure?" Ren didn't know if this was a good idea. "Try to take it a little easy on them…"

"Silence, Inmate. We would ask you not to take it easy on us, so I do not expect your ally to either. I would like to test our mettle in this game." Justine said with a nod. "Come, Caroline. We will play together."

"But I…ugh, fine." Caroline shrugged. Hifumi talked them through the basics of the game and the twins were quick learners. "So you win by routing the enemy…I enjoy this type of game!"

"Indeed. It has many practical uses…I see why the Inmate relies on your tactical prowess…" Justine mumbled.

"Huh?" Hifumi blinked. "You talk about me to them?"

"They're very curious." Ren said while tugging his collar. It wasn't a lie.

The mock shogi game did continue. But Hifumi saw an opening that she couldn't pass up. The soft look in her eyes shifted to something much fiercer. "I see. You two have left your defenses wide open…and now the dragon will come and raze your kingdom. How do you intend to respond."

The aura emanating from Hifumi was intense. It reminded Caroline and Justine of that abrasive maid from the other day…but scarier. Hifumi looked like she was about to go for the kill. "…This is a predicament…" Justine said calmly, trying to ponder their lack of options.

"This woman is like a demon…?!" Caroline said with a sweat drop.

Hifumi raised a piece up high. "Ultimate Excalibur Attack!" She yelled out, before gently placing her finishing blow on the board. "Check. I win."

"…." The twins were dumbstruck. Hifumi was so nice and in an instant she turned into…that.

"I demand a rematch!" Caroline shouted…loudly. The church still had a few people in it, so they were getting some looks.

"Uh, I think that's enough for now, actually." Ren rubbed the back of his neck. They were all out a little longer than they needed to be. "It's late. I should take you guys back now."

"Oh, the time did fly…I need to get home and speak to Mother, if she's still there." Hifumi smiled to the twins and Ren. "Goodnight." She told them before exiting the church. It was at that moment that she realized she never caught the Twins names. "Oh…I forgot to ask their names. I can ask Ren later." Shrugging, she went to return home. That was a nice way to pass the time, but truthfully, she was a little nervous about the situation with her father. "Mother…please listen to me for once…"

Only 16 days until their operation to steal Sae Niijima's Treasure. That should be plenty of time to handle her Mother's Palace if it truly came to that. Hifumi was steeling herself for that possibility. No matter what, Hifumi wanted – no, needed to do her part to make sure her family could retain some semblance of happiness. If her mother continued to fight her on this, Hifumi would push that spirit of rebellion as far as she could and take matters into her own hands…