Heart of Justice

by ShadeJak

Teen detective Kyoko Kirigiri had strived to get into her father's school since she was a child, but one fateful night changed everything and she found herself forced to move and stuck on probation under false charges. But fate had other ideas, for her to take on the role of a trickster and topple corruption. Inspired by EpicLinkSam's P4/DR crossover fic "Nothing But The Truth"

33. Finding A Lead

Heart of Justice Chapter 33

6/15

"Niijima! What is this all about?!" Principal Kobayakawa protested immediately as Makoto had entered his office in response to his summons for her. "The damage done by this so-called "mafia" is reaching our student body, now!"

Makoto recoiled, unsure how to respond to the principal's outburst. Of course he'd not take this news well at all but it still made her anxious what he'd do about it.

"I'd thought such an absurdity was nothing but a joke!" the principal grumbled, bringing his hands to his forehead and rubbing his temples in disgust. "Not only are there victims, but some are now being involved in such crimes?! I've even been receiving inquiries from their guardians about their behavior! Why is this happening?!"

"I'm sorry, but I don't have the answer to that," Makoto replied, looking down at the floor.

Kobayakawa took a deep breath, as if preparing to yell at her, but instead quietly steepled his fingers, giving the girl before him a dangerous glare. "This would be the greatest disgrace in this academy's history. Our prestigious reputation, which we only barely managed to keep intact after the Kamoshida scandal, would face irrepairable damage, Niijima... if... it were to be discovered..."

Makoto felt herself wilting under the principal's harsh gaze as he continued.

"This is a vital issue for the student council, did I not ask you to resolve it?!" he demanded.

"I-I'm doing the best I can!" Makoto protested indignantly. She knew she had the Phantom Thieves' cooperation, at least for now, to handle the matter, but it was not exactly something she could just outright tell the man.

"You are, are you?!" Kobayakawa snapped. "And how am I supposed to trust you on that at this point? Do something about it at once! ...Or do I have to rethink how reliable you really are around here regarding your position in the student council?"

Makoto felt her resolve eroding even more from the principal's words, but he gave her no mercy nor sympathy in his gaze.

"That's right, from what I've been hearing, even other students are starting to be rather dissatisfied with you, Niijima," he said sternly. "If you don't want us both to pay for this and lose our roles in this school, I advise you not let me down! Do you understand?"

"Y-yes, sir... I do, sir," said Makoto, trying not to feel two inches tall, now. "Please... just give me more time..."

As Makoto closed the door behind her, she leaned against it a moment to gather her thoughts, pausing briefly as she could have sworn she heard the Principal begin arguing with someone on the phone. Shaking her head as she still felt herself reeling from his patronizing lecture, Makoto silently returned to class.

---

Kyoko watched in silence as the boy she'd cornered retreated down the stairs that led to the roof and back into the hallways. The investigation after school had, for the most part, gone smoothly, having at least gotten a few leads on what the "job" entailed with the classmate whose name had been on Niijima's list. Brushing back her hair, the young detective gripped her bag and made her way downstairs as well.

"Kirigiri," Kyoko paused, turning to see Makoto leaning against the wall, clearly by her assertion, having been waiting for her. "I heard you and Iida-kun went up this way. I remember his name on the list I gave you. Did you manage to get anything from him?"

"I did, yes," Kyoko said, noticing Makoto had relaxed a little. "The job involves smuggling drugs. The students are approached by men in Shibuya during the daytime. Before and after school as we know. They're offered a "simple delivery job" where they're handed a small envelope and told to bring it to a specified coin locker," she explained. "As soon as they're paid, they're blackmailed with photos of them in possession of the envelope and ordered to pay them a large amount of money, forcing them into participate in criminal activities to work off the debt."

"Then that confirms everything," Makoto said, folding her arms and sighing. "Anything else?"

Kyoko brushed back her long hair. "He told me, as a girl, I should absolutely stay away from it at all costs no matter what due to the... things... he's heard they make female students they blackmail do in order to work the debt off. I doubt I have to give you any idea what I hypothesize those things to be..."

"No, you really don't need to," Makoto said, looking down at the floor, Kyoko noticed a look of utter disgust on the other girl's face likely just by thinking about it. "...This is worse then I imagined... did he confirm why they won't go to the police?"

"He did, but I have other theories on that, as well," Kyoko explained. "...Aside from having his men threaten his victims as they'd risk arrest simply for illegal possession charges, I have every reason to believe their leader also has used some of his profits to put a number of Shibuya's police on his payroll, bribing them to look the other way, or perhaps even report anyone who comes to them to him. It'd help explain further why he's managed to get away with it as long as he has, and why those trapped in debt to him don't trust anyone..."

"So, what are you all planning to do about it?" Makoto asked, hugging her arms to herself a little tighter, her crimson eyes returning Kyoko's gaze with one of her own.

"I've told the others already about what I learned," Kyoko said. "We're going to investigate Central Street tomorrow."

"In that case," Makoto said, standing up straight. "...I want to come with you. I've picked up a lead of my own I overheard some third-years talking about regarding all of this. I came looking for you in hopes you could confirm everything with what you got on your end and it looks like you have. Let me come along, and I'll share it with you."

Kyoko folded her arms, regarding the other girl skeptically. "I won't put you at risk, Niijima. I've already determined these people are a level above Kamoshida or Madarame. It's very likely he has eyes all over Central Street and likely other spots around it to watch over his solicitors and those they scam."

"And for that reason we cannot simply ask random people or stand around in random places hoping one approaches us without getting their attention," Makoto said. "...Which brings me to what I overheard that may get us past a lot of those issues and narrow down where to look significantly. Let me come, and I'll share it with you."

"...We don't have much of a choice, Kyoko. We are on a time limit, after all!" Morgana whispered from Kyoko's schoolbag.

The young detective sighed. The cat had a point, as did Makoto. "...Very well. Do so at your own risk, though."

"I'm the daughter of a police officer, Kirigiri," Makoto said matter-of-factly. "You think my dad wouldn't make sure his daughters knew a thing or two about how to take care of themselves?"

"What's the lead?" Kyoko asked, a hint of sharpness in her tone.

"The lead, yes," Makoto said. "As I left classes I heard two third-years talking nearby. One of them apparently has an older brother who's a host on Central Street who warned him to watch his back if he goes to the Protein Lovers' Club. Apparently he saw some men there who looked like "pushers" who were "swindling some students" when he was on break from his shift yesterday..."

"Protein Lovers' Club..." Kyoko mused. "I know where that is. It's in an alley behind the Big Bang Burger on Central Street. There's nothing else down there, so it would make an ideal blind spot to be approached. Between employees at the restaurant or the gym's patrons, they'd have plenty of opportunities."

"Perfect," Makoto said, taking out her phone, typing, and turned it towards Kyoko. "Here's my number. Send me yours."

Once that had been resolved, with some hesitation on Kyoko's part, Makoto gave Kyoko a small smile. "...Now we can meet up, I have an idea on how we can lure out one of your target's men without bringing too much attention to us. I'll go over it once we meet up tomorrow. In the meantime, do enjoy the rest of your day, Kirigiri. I appreciate you giving me some good news."

Kyoko watched as Makoto left, glancing at her phone and the message she'd sent to Makoto that had connected their numbers. The girl's gaze furrowed slightly, unsure what exactly the student president had in mind and wondering if she was being a little reckless on the matter. Regardless, there was nothing more she could do, and with the rain still pouring mercilessly outside thanks to Japan's rainy season living up to its name once more, the best option was likely to return home for now.

---

"Figured it'd be you," Sojiro said as Kyoko stepped in the door, folding up her umbrella but still noticeably damp. "Guess it was too much to ask what I said last night, huh? Only thing that looks like it'll be dry any time soon is my cash register."

"Was that a joke?" Kyoko asked, glancing back at him in curiosity.

"Heh, a pretty lousy one, huh?" Sojiro asked with an amused smirk. "Business is slow to nothing on nights like this. Guess I can't blame my customers too much, though. Who'd wanna go out in this rain? Can't really do anything about it, though, it is still that time of year, after all."

Kyoko nodded in agreement. After experiencing the downpour herself she didn't feel much of a desire to go back outside, but did not want to put the rest of her night to waste, either, even with what she'd be doing tomorrow.

"Hm, slow business," Kyoko mused to herself, her hand at her chin in thought a moment as she glanced over at the yellow telephone on the bar table as an idea came to mind and dialed a number from her phone. She was certain she had plenty left from her last Metaverse trip and visit to Shibuya to do this.

---

Kawakami continued to sweep away at the floor of Kyoko's attic room with the large broom in her hands. "I have to say, how did it get this messy suddenly?" she wondered aloud. "You have a party or something up here, Kirigiri?"

Kyoko gave a faint smile from her spot on the couch. "Something like that," she said, recalling fondly the Phantom Thieves' hot pot sleepover.

"Well, you needn't worry about it! Doing this gives me a sense of accomplishment, even if I'm alllll covered in dust!" Kawakami said with a big but visibly forced smile to go with the maid costume her second job entailed.

"You needn't put on the performance around me, Ms. Kawakami. I won't tell anyone," Kyoko said, admittedly more simply because she was put off by it and her teacher behaving in such a fashion and in that costume was making things feel extremely awkward for the young detective.

Kawakami let out a relieved sigh. "...I certainly appreciate that, Kirigiri, but the least I can do for you is earn my pay. I'll just finish this up for you, then!"

Kyoko sat quietly as she watched Kawakami work for a few moments, Morgana sitting next to her.

"Does she seem... a bit off to you?" Morgana asked, earning a look from Kyoko.

"I mean... she looks really exhausted, she's shaking like she could pass out any second!" the cat stated.

She noticed Kawakami stagger a little, and took initiative, catching her teacher as she nearly toppled. "Are you alright?"

"Oh, me? Don't worry, I'm just a liiiiittle clumsy, I guess! Part of the appeal, right?" Kawakami asked, putting on the act again and obviously trying to avoid the issue.

Kyoko sighed as she helped walk her to the bed. "Fine. As your "Master", I order you to take a break."

"I..." Kawakami looked at the teen in surprise as she slowly sat down, unsure of what to do or say.

Kyoko folded her arms as she gazed down at her. "At the least, you're clearly exhausted. Take as long as you need."

"...I don't know what to say, Kirigiri," Kawakami stammered. "But... I guess if "Master" says to, then I will!"

Things felt even more awkward as Kyoko watched Kawakami slump over, clumsily sprawled out on the bed as if she'd literally just spent all the energy she had left in that task alone. The girl closed her eyes, sighing as she watched.

A moment of silence passed, Kyoko felt concerned, now. "Miss Kawakami?" she asked.

"...You're wondering why, right?" Kawakami muttered, her voice strained with fatigue. "I'm not allowed overtime on weekdays, so I rush straight to my part-time job now after class ends. It's why you probably recall Ms. Chouno saying I miss so many faculty meetings."

"You don't get any days off?" Kyoko asked.

"You clearly don't know the phrase "teachers don't get time off", do you, Kirigiri?" Kawakami asked. "That time goes to preparing for quizzes and homework assignments, just as during your "breaks" we're preparing lesson plans. Not to mention I had to clean a bathtub and... walk a dog... in the rain, today, before you called. I just don't have the time."

"She really does have it rough," Morgana mused to himself.

Kawakami chuckled a little, hearing the cat meowing. "You know, I feed a lot of strays around my place... I guess I shouldn't be surprised they keep returning, I'm encouraging them, I suppose," she mused. "Still, I'm surprised you'd request me, again. Yukizome actually had a cancellation right before you called. She'd have even this place looking like a penthouse when she's done. You'd have really lucked out."

"She wasn't the one I made a deal with," Kyoko replied, returning to the sofa and sitting down, crossing her legs and folding her arms as she regarded her exhausted teacher who barely looked awake, now.

"Still... she's everything I'm not at this job," Kawakami muttered.

"...Then I suppose it's also that I'm curious as to why you're doing this other job when it's clearly affecting your health," Kyoko answered.

"I told you, Kirigiri, I had some inconveniences in my life happen," Kawakami replied, a hint of annoyance in her tone despite her fatigue. "Don't worry about it, it's nothing to concern yourself over, and honestly, I'd rather not get too involved in my students' lives if I can help it. I did mention I don't even tutor."

"It seemed Ms. Chouno was rather impressed thinking you were partaking in that," Kyoko replied.

Kawakami shook her head. "...Just give me five minutes," she said quietly, and was out like a light immediately after. Realizing she wouldn't get any further on the matter and choosing not to wake her to do so, Kyoko leaned back on the sofa, resting against it as she gave Kawakami some time to rest, hopefully this gesture might make a difference.

Kyoko looked at her phone, deciding if Kawakami didn't wake up on her own, she could afford to give her some extra time.

Extra became two hours before Kawakami stirred and sat herself up. "Wellll, before you know it, time's up!" she said, her forced smile back in place as she looked at her phone, her smile fading. "Still... I can't believe you actually let me rest that long. You could have easily had me do more around here, you know."

"You seemed to need it," Kyoko said, closing the magazine from downstairs she was reading while Morgana lay curled up asleep next to her.

"...Thank you. I... really appreciate it, honestly," Kawakami said. "Do you... actually know of any well-paying, part-time jobs? You must be making a lot on the side if you were able to hire me, or is your grandfather sending you an allowance?"

"He isn't, no," Kyoko replied. "I... happened upon some loose cash on my way home from school."

"Hm, well I can think of a lot of other things you could have spent 5000 yen on, to be honest," Kawakami replied, folding her arms. "Still, if you know of any, I'd like to know about them."

"I take it these inconveniences you told me about requires a lot of money?" Kyoko asked, growing concerned as she thought of the scamming happening in Shibuya, though Kawakami was hardly someone who'd fit their victim pool as they seemed to exclusively target minors. Still, it didn't hurt to ask. "Have you... been on Central Street at some point?"

Kawakami shook her head. "No, nothing like that. I have been hearing rumors at school, though, that some Shujin students may be falling victim to these scammers that I've heard about on the news, but nothing concrete. Still... I hope you're being careful with that going on, Kirigiri."

"I am," Kyoko said with a nod. "If that's not the case, I did give you two hours to rest, so I'd appreciate if you at least humor me."

Kawakami frowned, looking down at the floor. "It's... for my little sister," she said. "She's fallen very ill a while back, so I'm making the extra money to cover her medical expenses. It's not something I'm sure you'd fully get, but..."

Before Kawakami could continue, or Kyoko could say anything, the teacher's phone rang. As Kyoko watched the other woman look at the screen, she could see a look of worry on her face.

"...Hello? Kawakami asked, holding it up close as she answered. "...Yes, I already made the transfer."

Kyoko noticed Kawakami's expression grow from nervous to panicking as she listened to whoever she was talking to.

"W-what?! How is that not enough?! It's the same amount I gave you last week!" she protested angrily, startling Morgana awake. "...A-a hundred thousand?! How could you ask that from me?!"

Her expression fell, however, growing downcast as she listened again. "N-no... sorry... yes, I understand. Goodbye..."

Kawakami looked over, noticing Kyoko staring at her. "...Wrong number," she said, sighing as she put her phone in her skirt pocket. "You wouldn't happen to have a hundred-thousand yen around, would you?"

Before the teen could reply, Kawakami quickly brought her hands up. "I'm kidding, of course!" she said hurriedly. "You can't think I was serious, could you? Borrowing money from one of my students would be the absolute worst."

"What's this all about?" Kyoko asked. Despite what Kawakami had told her the money was for, something seemed off thanks to the unexpected phone call.

"They... more complications arose, alright?" Kawakami asked. "Look, as much as I appreciate the money and you requesting me, don't delude yourself into spending so much thinking you're obligated to help me. This... this is my problem. You have enough on your plate being a high-schooler, especially if Hope's Peak is really your goal."

"I'll be frank with you, Ms. Kawakami," Kyoko said, looking back at her. "...I'm here, in this situation because for once, I couldn't look away from something."

"...And look where that got you," Kawakami replied flatly. Kyoko's silent response, however, made it evident it seemed whatever happened, despite the consequences she'd faced, Kyoko still felt convinced she'd done the right thing. The teacher shook her head, managing a small but genuine smile. "...Still, all that said, if you can promise me you'll behave yourself and stay out of trouble... if I really can't talk you out of using this service to help me, I... suppose I'm not in a position to refuse it... so... thank you, Kirigiri."

Kyoko gave a silent nod, and she heard the sound of a chain link shatter within the recesses of her mind as she could see Kawakami had put her trust in her. It was clear to the young detective there was more to what was happening in Kawakami's life then what she'd told her, and perhaps it was her inquisitive nature as a detective, but Kyoko intended to find out either way, however long it took.

"...Anyway, I have three more requests to go, so I'll see you at school tomorrow, alright?" she said. "That thing about giving you some free time at school? I'll see what I can work out... thank you, again, Kirigiri..."

After Kawakami had left, Kyoko had returned upstairs and switched on her phone.

-Meet at the hideout after class is out. We have a new plan for our investigation, she messaged.

[What's going on?] Ryuji asked back.

-Niijima intercepted me before I left. She had a new lead for me she gave in exchange for letting her come along. Kyoko replied.

[We're taking Miss Prez along now? What the hell?!] Ryuji responded.

[I trust it must have been quite valuable for you to still allow this?] Yusuke asked.

-It was, yes. She overheard some third-years talking about how the solicitors have been using the alley where the gym is located a lot lately so this narrows our search down even more. She has an idea for how we can try and lure one of our target's men out. Kyoko replied.

[I dunno, she wasn't exactly the most subtle person when she was tailing you.] Ann said.

-If we end up having to do anything like that, you can leave it to me. Just be ready. Share your findings as well when we meet up.

Putting her phone away, Kyoko noticed the rain had finally begun to ease up for the time being, figuring she'd have a chance to get a bath before going to bed with what tomorrow would be bringing.

---

6/16

"...Can't believe you guys got a random study hall and I didn't! So not fair!" Ryuji grumbled at Ann before turning and noticing Kyoko arriving at the accessway, but giving an annoyed look at Makoto as she'd arrived with her. "...Her again?"

"As I promised you, Sakamoto, you don't have anything to worry about if you pull this off," Makoto said. "And with my info, I trust Kirigiri has told you we now have a means of narrowing down this investigation? At this point it should be about the right time."

"Yeah, yeah, we got it, Miss Prez," Ryuji grumbled.

"I gotta say, there really are a ton of students out during the day," Ann said, looking about wide-eyed. "I guess I never really paid it any mind till now, but it makes sense they'd make the alley by Big Bang Burger and the gym a spot. A lot of high schoolers probably go to both places."

"Not to mention the alley goes far back enough to accomodate both buildings' size so it's a blind spot," Kyoko replied. "An ideal place to hide or initiate contact with students who are alone or in very small groups, and with the crowds, they can easily hide people stationed around to alert them if any police are nearby."

"So, before we begin, what have the rest of you been able to find?" Makoto asked.

"Well, I did some searchin' on the internet when Kyoko told me it was... smugglin' jobs," Ryuji said. "I got a ton of hits for Shibuya. Nothin' too detailed, though. I was out there yesterday but I didn't see anyone shady. Prolly 'cause of the downpour we had."

"Iida wouldn't say much, either, till Kyoko cornered him about that. They really are scared of telling anyone!" Ann said. "If they have police being paid off, too... I don't blame them."

"Even if they had no idea what they were being asked, illegal possession alone would cause them a lot of problems," Makoto said, shaking her head. "Kitagawa, did you find out anything?"

"I did investigate my school, actually," Yusuke said, folding his arms. "With my... financial concerns, I was able to be fairly convincing as someone desperate for quick money if they could confirm rumors of a job in Central Street I'd heard of that offered such a thing. It seems some students in Kosei have fallen victim to these people as well. I asked one student, Hagakure, whom I heard had been rather anxious about making money very recently after what he'd thought to be sudden "lucky break"..."

"...And?" Makoto asked.

"He simply said "Don't do it!" as if on reflex. I asked what he meant by that and, well..."

"Did he explain?" Ann asked.

"No, actually. He simply took out that crystal ball he carries around, insisted a yokai was behind me and ran off," Yusuke replied. "...I don't think he wished to continue the conversation."

"This confirms it's not just Shujin students," Kyoko said, folding her arms. "Now, Niijima, what is our plan to lure one of these men out?"

Makoto gave a small smirk. "It's quite simple actually. You and I, Kirigiri, are going to act as decoys. We'll enter the alley together, and I'm sure you know exactly what to look for in people like that, correct?" she asked.

"I do, yes," Kyoko said.

"...As for the rest of you, keep a distance and split up. Stay near the alley but keep by the stores nearby, so you won't stand out but aren't approached since there'll be more people," Makoto said.

"So, Miss Prez, what's with the tryin' to play detective now after sendin' us around?" Ryuji remarked dryly.

"Just... can we do this, already? The longer we stand around, we may miss our chance," Makoto said.

"I'm inclined to agree. Let's take care of this immediately," Kyoko said.

"I'll stake out the arcade, then," Ryuji said.

"I'll go browse by the Aohige store near the theater," Ann offered.

"Then in that case, I'll browse at the general store. Let us know if you need us."

"I'll call you all and leave my phone on group when I reach the alley," Kyoko said. "Be sure to listen, you'll know when I want you to come running should things get serious. They're likely to back off if there's too many people around."

"Then we have everything planned?" Makoto asked. "...Then let's go. Kirigiri and I will go ahead so no one sees us all together. Wait about three minutes before you go to the spots you're planning to be at."

Their plan in motion, Kyoko and Makoto made their way down to Central Street.

---

Makoto sighed as she and Kyoko entered the alley once Kyoko had turned her phone on. "It's so crowded. I'd be amazed honestly if anyone saw us," she said.

"Shibuya is certainly taking advantage of it being clear outside for a change," Kyoko remarked. "...So, this is the gym! Are you up for checking it out?" the young detective suddenly asked in a more pleasant tone, putting her hands behind her back and giving Makoto an eager smile.

Makoto raised an eyebrow at Kyoko's sudden and rather uncharacteristic change of demeanor when she noticed Kyoko's gaze moving past her. She immediately felt a chill run down her body as it was abundantly clear what Kyoko was looking at. She stammered out a giggle.

"Oh! Heheh, of course... it's why I wanted to-o see it after all!" she said enthusiastically as she heard footsteps approaching.

"Hey, there! You young ladies got some time on your hands?" a smooth-sounding male voice crooned behind her, causing Makoto to turn around, Kyoko now looking directly at its source: a young man in a blue and white paisley-patterned silk shirt and black slacks. He flashed a big smile as he drew closer, putting his hands up defensively. "...Apologies, I wasn't tryin' to scare ya! I just couldn't help but notice you two come down this way. Were you hopin' to start comin' here?" he asked.

"Yes, actually!" Kyoko said, regarding the man with an innocent blink of her eyes. "Umm, if I could ask, what brought you over? Are you staff?"

Makoto glanced back at Kyoko. It was a little unnerving seeing her slip into such an act so easily. "I don't know about this guy," she said, playing along and looking back at him.

"Heh, I'm not staff here, no. I was actually helping hire people part-time for a great delivery job our business is offering," the man said. "...It's real easy and you'll make plenty off it. Perfect for high-schoolers like you, I'm sure you'd like something more then just your allowances! Heck, if the gym's got your attention you'd make more then you'd ever need to be regulars here!"

"So, you say it's a delivery job, correct?" Makoto asked. "...Do you mean delivery of questionable materials?"

The man's smile faltered. "Heh, you're a funny girl," he said, before turning his attention to Kyoko. "So, how 'bout it?"

"You didn't answer her question," Kyoko said. "Does that mean she's right? Are you trying to ask us to do something illegal?"

"...You'd tell us, right?" Makoto asked.

Now, the man's smile faded, annoyance present on his face. "The hell's up with all the damn questions?!" he snapped, giving Makoto a very dangerous glare.

Kyoko's act quickly faded to a glare of her own. "You touch her, I'll scream," she warned. "There are police not far from here, if they hear me..."

"Jeeeeez, I was kiddin'! Why would some dumb kids work me up?" the man asked defensively. "Anyways, if you ain't interested, I can't hang, so seeya..."

"Wait!" Makoto said as the man turned to leave. "If you don't want to deal with us, we could just go see your boss ourselves and ask him about this!"

The man chuckled. "I don't believe for an instant you'd say that if you knew who he is, kid," he said. "...I'm outta here, you girls ain't worth my time..."

"Well, I'd say he's definitely connected to this Han-Gure ring," Makoto said as she watched him leave the alley.

"Seems their leader has them all very afraid of him as well," Kyoko said, switching off her phone. "...Honestly, I suspected he wouldn't give that information so readily."

"You're right. He dodged every attempt I made to get him to say something," Makoto said. "...Regardless, it confirms where and when they strike."

Kyoko heard several chimes from her phone still in her hand, and saw the others had been messaging her.

"I should probably get going," Makoto said, turning to head out of the alley, before pausing and looking back, a look of genuine gratitude on her face. "...By the way, thank you... for doing this with me and... for having my back, there."

"This has definitely gotten tougher," Morgana said, climbing out from Kyoko's bag as she looked at her phone while Makoto left. "Whoever this guy is, I can see why police who he's not paying off would have trouble catching him. Those guys are probably more scared of him then they are of them. Speaking of, that was amazing, the way you didn't back down at all against that hooligan!"

"Do I need to say it, Morgana? You know what I did before all of this," she said, giving the cat a faint smile as she checked over the messages and stepped out of the alley.

Kyoko! Saw Miss Prez leavin' just now, you alright?" Ryuji asked, running over with the others.

"We heard you two talking to someone, you guys didn't get hurt did you?" Ann asked, concerned.

"I'm okay. Niijima's heading home, now." Kyoko replied as she put her phone away.

"Any luck on finding out who their boss is?" Yusuke asked.

"Unfortunately, no," Morgana said, his ears drooping in disappointment.

"So, what, should we try again and see if there's more of 'em?" Ryuji asked as he looked about the crowded streets.

"No. We'll only raise suspicion if we do that after what Niijima and I dealt with," said Kyoko. "It'd be best if we return home, for now."

"Hey, why don't we discuss it at the karaoke bar after school tomorrow?" Ann offered, "We'll be able to talk in private plus it'll be cheap after school."

"Karaoke bar?" Kyoko asked.

"Yeah! We'll meet at the hideout first and I'll show you!" Ann replied with a smirk.

"Ah, at what they call "hustle hour". Very well." Yusuke said.

"It's muscle hour!" Ryuji answered, correcting him. "...No, wait that's for the gym," he added abruptly.

"It's Happy Hour, you two!" Ann corrected them.

"Then it's settled, we'll meet up tomorrow and discuss what we'll do from there," Kyoko said. "As it is right now, our options are getting fewer and fewer with the time limit we have."

"I agree, let's all head home and we'll meet back up then," Morgana said.

A rumble came from above as yet another storm threatened to break loose from the increasingly cloudy sky, prompting the group to exchange a concerned glance.

"Tell me you have your umbrella," the cat remarked, looking at Kyoko worriedly.

---

The young detective heard her phone ring as she entered Leblanc looking rather drenched to the point of dripping a bit thanks to the latest example of Japan's rainy June. Looking at her phone and seeing Makoto's name, she answered.

"Yes?"

"Hello? It's me, Makoto Niijima," Makoto's voice responded. "I'm sorry I left so abruptly, I just wanted to say... thanks again, for earlier. I trust you're back home by now? That storm came out of nowhere."

Kyoko remained silent, though a little surprised by the other girl's concern.

"I am, yes," she replied.

"Good. Doesn't look like the rain's planning to let up any time soon, though," Makoto remarked. "...Anyway, I-I just wanted to thank you again. I need to get going, so... bye..."

Kyoko gave her phone a silent, lingering glance once Makoto had hung up. While Makoto had been somewhat reckless today getting herself involved, it had come more evident she wasn't as bad as Kyoko had initially, albeit with reason, thought her to be, having gone through the trouble of calling her again to apologize and still honoring their arrangement. She'd also been thorough on giving her and the others some information to narrow the investigation down, even if it had not ended up getting them closer to this gang's leader's name.

"You look like that storm got you off-guard," Sojiro said with a chuckle as he assessed Kyoko's noticeably wet state. "You may wanna go change before you risk getting sick," he offered.

Kyoko gave a silent nod and headed upstairs to do just that. While the weather had resulted in the subways getting packed and getting her back a bit later then she'd have liked, the evening was still young. As she changed clothes, however, Kyoko's phone chimed. Picking it up, she noticed the Beef Bowl diner had messaged, asking if she could help out that night with a rainy weather special they were having. After having spent money helping with the sleepover dinner and hiring Kawakami and having not visited the Metaverse for anything to pawn off to Iwai recently, the young detective was admittedly noticing her funds were running lower.

It was still pouring, and it did mean going back out to Central Street, though it being the evening with increased police presence and the weather it was unlikely the gang members would be out soliciting anymore. Morgana glanced at the message, and at Kyoko in curiosity of what she planned to do. Giving him a look, Kyoko made up her mind as she finished changing and got her umbrella.

---

6/17

Kyoko quietly sat back, arms folded on the admittedly comfortable sofa of the karaoke bar as Ryuji vented his frustration at the group still being cold on finding their target's name.

"...I mean for real?! The days're tickin' and we got nothin'!" he protested.

"It is frustrating," Kyoko remarked dryly.

"Sup with you anyway?" Ryuji asked, looking over at her.

"Kyoko went and worked a shift at the Beef Bowl Shop to make some money," Morgana explained.

"Damn, was it packed or somethin'?" Ryuji asked. "Kinda wish I'd gone there, now that I think about it."

"...Be glad you didn't," Kyoko said, recalling the destroyed restroom courtesy of the large patron with the chain around his neck having returned which got the Shop closed down early.

"Hey, they still paid you that bonus, though!" Morgana offered, trying to improve Kyoko's mood on the matter.

"Anyway," Kyoko stated, attempting to change the subject. "...You are correct, Ryuji. This mob boss's trail is still cold. His men won't talk and as he likely carries everything out through them, it's also likely his victims wouldn't know who he is, either."

"Can't we just ask Miss Prez to... I dunno... change it up? There's tons of shitty adults in this city, there's gotta be one whose name'll be easier to find and prove our justice to her over," Ryuji said. "I know she said everyone wins here but I bet it's all about makin' herself look good."

"But this crime gang is stealing money from kids and forcing them to work for them!" Ann protested.

"In a number of ways," Kyoko added. "...Making the boys they trap participate in their smuggling and scams, and then there's what Iida said they supposedly make the girls they scam do for them to pay them off... all on a blackmail debt I highly doubt ever actually gets paid off..."

Ann's expression instantly grew tense, her hands clenching into fists from Kyoko's words. "That settles it, then! We can't accept this and let it keep going! It doesn't matter who the target came from!"

"You're right," Yusuke said. "If we want to inspire hope, and give courage to the weak, then I believe this to be a perfect target to accomplish our goal."

The boy suddenly paused, giving the stage and its latest performers a withering look. "...They truly are dreadful... it really is disrupting my train of thought."

"Feel like my ears're gonna bleed out," Ryuji muttered, glancing over at Kyoko, who'd maintained her neutral expression. "How do ya do it, Kyoko? Filter that out, I mean?"

"Who said I could?" Kyoko asked dryly, closing her eyes as the one on stage hit a disasterously bad note.

"Anyways, I guess you guys're right. We can't ignore this, and if anything it's sure to shut Akechi up, but..."

"It's exactly why we should do it," Yusuke said, covering his ear that was facing the stage as he spoke.

"Still, it all comes down to intel in the end," Morgana said sadly. "If we don't start finding tips on that front, we'll never get any further on this..."

"There has to be someone that has what we need," said Yusuke, grimacing a little at the performance on stage again. "Someone who might know the latest gossip, more then we would..."

"You mean like a reporter or a media worker?" Kyoko asked.

"Oh! What if..." Ann began, her eyes wide with an idea having struck her. "Maybe that journalist? The one who was staking out Madarame's shack when she was trying to investigate him? Didn't she give you her card, Kyoko?"

Kyoko blinked at Ann's question, and dug into her schoolbag, finding a card she remembered the journalist giving her. "Ichiko Ohya... Journalist of Maiasa Newspaper," she said, reading off the name.

"Oh...!"

It was now Yusuke's turn to react.

"I remember that name!" he said. "She wrote an article following Madarame's confession of how she'd been investigating the plagiarism for a while. She interviewed both Nakanohara and Yonaga after Madarame confessed. Maiasa Newspaper is a major publication, so it certainly did a lot helping clear their names."

"If that's the case, working for a paper like that it's possible she may have heard something that'd help us," Kyoko said, looking at the card and the business email provided. "...A longshot, perhaps, but it's our only option we have right now."

A phone rang, though it was coming from the one on the wall. Getting up, Ann answered it.

"Hey, they're saying our time's about up, shall I have it extended?" she asked.

"Nah, we should prolly just go," Ryuji said. "I can't take another second of that noise on the stage."

"Kyoko, you think you can get in touch with her?" Ann asked.

Kyoko fiddled with her phone, but to no avail. "I... don't know how to work emails on this phone," she said sheepishly, sighing in annoyance.

"Oh, looks like you don't even have an account for this!" Ann said, looking at her phone. "Here, gimme a sec."

The blonde took her phone, fiddling with it a bit and typing away on it. "Alright! I sent the email. Nothing too major, but I think she'll get the idea! If you get an answer back, just tap this icon and it'll open the app and show you the emails. Tap it again when you get one back from her!"

"Thank you," Kyoko said, still a little embarrassed by her inexperience with a smartphone due to the restrictions her grandfather had her on when she'd lived with him. "We should get going. I'll let you all know once I hear back from her."

A plan now in motion but no other option but to wait until Ohya replied, the group gathered their things and prepared to head home for the evening.

---

Tension had returned once again to the Niijima home that evening as Makoto was suddenly called into the living room by her sister.

"I received a call from your school, today, Makoto," Sae said upon her arrival before Makoto could even ask, though not turning her gaze away from her laptop as she typed up what Makoto assumed to be her latest report for work. "...They were asking if you've made any lifestyle changes, recently."

"What do you mean?" Makoto asked, confused by the question.

"I gave them a suitable enough answer," Sae replied, pausing from her work to rub her forehead, visibly stressed. "...Still, is there some kind of issue going on at school?"

"No, it's... nothing," Makoto said, attempting to keep calm as she wondered what the principal may have claimed after the passive-aggressive discussion he'd subjected her to a few days ago. "...I'm sorry to worry you..."

Her sister, however, did not seem convinced as she sharply closed her laptop and stood up, approaching her. "I noticed you've also been coming home late these past few days..."

"Is there cause for concern?" Makoto asked.

Sae folded her arms, giving her younger sister a stern look. "...I doubt you'd do such a thing, but try to avoid wandering around Shibuya late at night, understand?" her expression softened, however, to one of worry. "...I've heard stories of girls... throwing their lives away out there... thanks to getting wrapped up in shady deals and blackmailed into sex work..."

Makoto brushed back her hair anxiously. "Yes, I've been hearing about that. There's... rumors of it being mentioned at school..."

"These are not just rumors, Makoto," said Sae, her serious gaze returning to her face. "These cases are very much real. I know of some of them... girls younger then you found in... certain establishments... because of these people..."

Sae fell quiet, shaking her head trying to push out the unpleasant memories of how she'd come to know such cases. "I'd rather not elaborate. Just... concentrate on your studies, for now. Don't allow yourself to become a victim as well, do you understand?"

"I do, yes," Makoto replied, trying to keep herself together at her sister's words that had only confirmed all that she and Kirigiri had learned of while she returned to her room, closing the door behind her.

Makoto felt herself fall back against it, sliding down into a sitting position, barely able to speak.

"Th-they're unforgivable...!" she whimpered. If she couldn't dig up anything new soon, she only hoped Kirigiri and the others had found a lead that'd bring them closer to putting an end to this...

---

6/18

Kyoko's phone wasted no time alerting her of chat log activity the moment classes had ended and the others had begun to leave.

[Have you heard anything back from that journalist, yet, Kyoko?] Yusuke asked.

Kyoko sighed. The question was exactly as she'd expected but she admittedly couldn't blame him.

-No, not yet. she replied.

[Shit! She needs to hurry up and get back to us already! We don't have long!] Ryuji said.

[Still, I do have some information regarding the burglaries we heard of on the Phan-Site] Yusuke answered.

[The one who posted about it is a student at my school. I was able to track him down and prod him for some details.] he added.

[Oh, right, that's been going on, too!] Ann replied.

[Did it have anything to do with this Han-Gure gang behind the blackmailing?] she asked.

[Right, maybe they're stealing money to pay off the debts these guys put them in?] Ryuji asked.

[From what I can tell, no. There is no connection between them and our target. I was, however, able to ascertain the brother involved in these burglaries' name.] Yusuke replied.

[His name is Kazuya Makigami.]

[Dude it's effing crazy someone involved in that shit goes to your school!] Ryuji answered.

[Still, nice going Yusuke!] he added.

-Yes. Well done. Kyoko replied, giving a small smile as she sent her response.

[That's super awesome! So we just need to let Mishima know before we enter Mementos, right?] Ann asked.

"Yup!" Morgana said, reading Kyoko's text from within her school bag. "And once he makes the post, we can track down his Shadow."

Ann looked back from her own phone at Kyoko and Morgana, giving a nod having heard him.

[Sounds good! I'm ready whenever you are!] Ann messaged back.

Kyoko brought her hand to her chin in thought as she read it over before responding back.

-We'll give Ohya another day to respond, first. That way if she wants to meet immediately I can be ready to do so, she replied.

[No prob, he's not like these blackmailers, he's just a regular dude, right?] Ryuji asked.

[We'll show him what being a Phantom Thief's all about. And when we take out this mob boss, everyone else'll see, too!] he added.

[I suppose that makes it unanimous, then.] Yusuke replied.

-Indeed. We can discuss it at the hideout once we're ready to go in, Kyoko answered.

[Sweet! Let us know when Ohya gets back to you!] Ann said.

The conversation concluded, Kyoko then noticed Yusuke send her a private message seconds later.

[One other thing, Kyoko, would it be alright if we meet up in the underground walkway? You remember what I asked before? I believe now I've been given an opportunity.]

Kyoko thought back to their conversation at Leblanc the other day.

-Is it about Yonaga?

[Indeed. "Atua has permitted me to take time from his divine tasks after school today!"] he replied.

[Her words not mine. I believe she is willing to meet up, and allow me to mend things. Please hurry. I think I'd feel more confident with you there with me.]

A small, faint smile came to Kyoko's face, and she typed her response.

-Very well. I'll meet you there.

---

Kyoko did not need long to spot Yusuke, standing out in the crowded underground walkway of Shibuya, his gaze following some of the people as they walked by as she approached.

"Yusuke?" she asked. For a moment, he paid her no mind, but suddenly spoke.

"...I never get tired of simply standing here, watching people go about. This spot is a perfect venue for it," he mused.

"Where's Yonaga?" Kyoko asked, looking around.

"She'll be here, soon. She had to submit a piece before coming. I told her I would meet her here," he replied.

"I hope this wasn't where you were planning to talk things out," Kyoko replied, noting the noise of the bustling crowds.

"Not at all," Yusuke replied, before suddenly blinking in realization. "...Though I am unsure what would be..."

"Ah, Kitagawa!" a chipper, female voice declared suddenly, getting Yusuke and Kyoko's attention, as they turned in the direction of the voice and saw Angie Yonaga approaching, still in her Kosei uniform. "You waited. Atua is pleased!" she said, clasping her hands and nodding in reverence. "However, he does not approve of this meeting place! Were he to speak to me, I may not hear him in this noise! Do you have anywhere else in mind?"

Kyoko gave Yusuke a look affirming her earlier statement.

"Kyoko, perhaps I could trouble you to bring us to Leblanc? I feel the atmosphere may be well-suited," Yusuke said.

Angie cocked her head at the girl, recognition coming over her. "Oh! You know Kitagawa? Kitagawa, you know this girl?" she clasped her hands again. "She has faith in Atua as well! Her purchases of his blessings have no doubt served her wonderfully!"

Kyoko exhaled sharply, a faint, amused smile creeping slightly on her face but choosing not to correct some aspects of what the other girl said. "...Yes, I suppose they have," she said, recalling their invaluable use in helping them defeat Madarame.

"Unfortunately, I have my focus on projecting his divinations on to my canvas at the moment, and furthermore what's happened in Shibuya I've put my wares on indefinite hiatus. I cannot go against his will, so understand," Angie replied.

"Regarding the café, I suppose I could bring you over. Mr. Sakura shouldn't mind too much provided it stays civil," Kyoko said.

"He was hopeful I could go through with this," Yusuke mused. "Lead the way, Kyoko."

The young detective gave a nod, leading Yusuke and the eccentric blonde with her to the subways that would take them to Yongen-Jaya.

---

Yusuke and Angie sat across from one-another in one of the booths while Kyoko leaned against the bar table. After explaining the situation to Sojiro, he was more then willing to step out and let them talk as his usual customers would not be showing for a while, giving Yusuke an assuring smile recalling their past conversation before he'd returned to the student dorms.

Still, there was tension Kyoko and Morgana(whom Kyoko had to inform Angie was not intended for ritual sacrifice) were not at all oblivious to.

"..." Yusuke's words did not leave his lips, instead he quietly looked down at the table.

"Hm?" Angie cocked her head in curiosity before giving Yusuke a look of concern. "...Kitagawa, Atua has permitted our destinies intertwine today. Do you intend to disrespect his generosity with your silence?"

"...Yonaga-san..." Yusuke stood and approached her side of the booth, and promptly bowed.

"...In regards to turning a blind eye to our former sensei exploiting you... for my refusal to defend you when he ruined your name... I can only say how deeply sorry I am!" he declared, his eyes on the floor from his deep bow and his voice trembling. "...Now that he has finally paid for his crimes, crimes which I, too, was a victim of that only should have prompted a willingness to defy him sooner but instead made me little better then an accomplice by not doing so, I I can only hope you'd be willing to grant me your forgiveness!"

"Kitagawa..." Angie's large blue eyes widened in shock. She'd expected it, yet for Yusuke to put so much into this, she was still stunned for a moment. Even Kyoko and Morgana were staring now, a little surprised by the boy's approach as well.

A beat of silence followed before Angie clasped her hands, closing her eyes. A second after, she opened them. "I have consulted Atua, he gives his approval that I forgive you, Yusuke Kitagawa!" she said with a smile.

"He does?!" Yusuke asked, standing back up in shock, before realizing what he'd said upon noticing Kyoko's stare. "I... mean... then you forgive me for my mistakes?"

"Of course I have!" Angie replied. It was then the others noticed Angie was now holding a catheter and a small jar in her hands. "...However, to prove your sincerity to Atua, you must pay him tribute with a pint of your blood!"

"I... don't think this is a good idea, Yusuke," Kyoko said, looking over at him with concern. The boy was already rather pale and thin due to the meager conditions he'd grown up in.

"There's nothing to fear!" Angie said with a grin. "I've proficiently trained in first aid procedures and bring these along for this very reason!"

"That's... not what I mean," Kyoko said, facepalming. Even Morgana looked worried, now.

"This... would make everything right with you?" Yusuke asked, anxious. His expression, however, hardened immediately after. "Then so be it!" he declared, loudly and dramatically as he stood tall and offered his arm out. "Yonaga-san, accept my penance!"

A half-hour later, Yusuke was seated, or more accurately, deeply slumped over in the booth as he drank the latest glass of water Kyoko had brought him after she'd gone out and bought him some snacks from the nearby food store. Angie, however, seemed satisfied as she finished her prayer and put the sealed jar back in her schoolbag.

"Nyahahaha! Rejoice, Kitagawa! Your willingness to fulfil tribute has gifted you with blessings for your next four lifetimes!" she said, clasping her hands again in reverence to her god. "Don't waste them."

"I... won't," Yusuke said finishing his water and feeling his energy starting to come back. "Do you... wish to be friends again, as we once were?"

Angie tapped her chin in thought, but then gave Yusuke a smile. "I would! However, with my name restored and regaining my place in Kosei's art program, Atua has filled me with his divine presence once more and blessed me with limitless inspiration!"

"Meaning...?" Kyoko asked, folding her arms.

"Yusuke," Angie said, using Yusuke's first name, now, and by Kyoko's assertion, confirming she had accepted his friendship fully once more. "...From this day forward, we are rivals once more as well!" she declared, pointing a finger at the boy as she stood up, gathering her things. "The others may not have noticed yet, but I have seen your brush's passion begin to wane..."

Yusuke's eyes widened in shock at her words. "Y-you... noticed?" Yusuke sat up, his hands at his lap. Even though he'd mended things with Angie, he still felt that feeling of uncertainty in his art regardless.

"Yet it seems even now, after you have given your penance, and your past mistakes forgiven, but a shadow is hanging over you, still!" Angie said, now tapping her chin again. "...By Atua's divine decree, you are clearly being tested! A journey to reclaim the spark that guides your brush has already begun!" she declared proudly.

"I... I see," Yusuke said, frowning as he recalled his last discussion with Kyoko.

Angie paused a moment as she stood there, her arms behind her back holding her bag as she looked at the window of the café, her smile softening as her gaze turned towards the unaltered "Sayuri" that hung on the wall. "...The "Sayuri"?" she cocked her head as she approached it. "How did you acquire this? Did Madarame give it to you before he confessed?"

Yusuke couldn't help but smirk a little. "Something like that. This is the true version, though. It was never stolen, that was merely... another lie he told," he explained. "The woman in that painting, is its true artist... my mother."

Angie leaned in closer, and nodded, grinned widely. "I see a resemblance! There'd be no mistaking that babe as you, Yusuke!" she declared, before frowning and clenching her fist. "Atua will curse Madarame for countless lifetimes for stealing and defiling such an intimate work so shamelessly!"

Satisfied, Angie made her way to the door, turning and giving Yusuke a genuine smile. "...Your mother it seems, has passed on her own blessings to you, Yusuke! Overcome this test, and do not allow a "slump" to be the end of you!" she said, opening the door and departing.

"...Well, she's definitely quite a character," Morgana said, shaking his head. "I wonder if a lot of artists are so quirky?"

"I don't know what would make you think that, Morgana," Yusuke said as he stood up. "At any rate, I appreciate you helping me do this, Kyoko. I still feel as though I need direction on what to bring to my next canvas, but perhaps having resolved things with Angie will have lightened the burden in time. I should probably return to the dorms, and perhaps something will come to me," he said, getting one more glass of water and drinking it down before heading to the door. "I thank you again, Kyoko. I'll let you know when inspiration returns to me."

Kyoko gave the boy a small smile. "I'll at least walk you back to the station."

Yusuke gave a soft chuckle. "I think the fatigue from my tribute has passed, but regardless, I appreciate it."

---

When Kyoko had returned from the station and Sojiro had resumed running the café, the sun had finished setting and the teen had just made her way upstairs when her phone chimed. Looking at the screen, she noticed Ichiko Ohya had finally responded.

"Quick! Let's see what she said!" Morgana ordered as he looked at the screen as well. Sitting down on the couch, Kyoko recalled what Ann had said and pulled up the email, reading it.

"Sure thing! Meet me at the Crossroads Bar in Shinjuku right away, and we'll talk," Kyoko read.

"She wants you to go there now?!" Morgana asked.

Kyoko brought her hand to her chin as she thought it over. "Shinjuku's night life is..." she sighed. "...Very much a red light district."

"You've been there? I mean, you being raised as a detective I guess some cases have brought you there," Morgana said.

"No, actually. I just know the stories from others from the DSC. I was much too young to have any business in such a place when anything did lead there and even recently my grandfather would simply go himself in my place."

"Well, it looks like this'll be a new experience, then!" Morgana said. "Still, if it's your first time going out there, we should probably let everyone know what we're doing."

Kyoko typed up a message for the chat long and stood back up. "I can't go somewhere like that in the evening still wearing this, either," she said, going over to her things to change clothes. Once she'd changed out of her Shujin uniform and into a simple black skirt, boots, and a white shirt, Kyoko undid her braid and put her hair into a ponytail in its place, giving herself a more mature look before returning to her phone which had been chiming with messages.

[Shinjuku at night, eh?] Ryuji asked.

[That sounds rather dangerous.] Yusuke messaged.

[Soooo, where should we meet up?] Ann asked.

[Hang on, it'd be easier to move around there with less of us.] Ryuji said.

Kyoko sighed and typed away.

-He's right. There will likely be police there, given the nature of the place. If all of us go, we'll only get their attention. she replied.

[I see, so what were you thinking?] Ryuji asked.

[I'm afraid I don't have money for the train there.] Yusuke replied.

[I spent it on steak after we met up with Angie.] he added.

[I read that red meat is essential after giving blood.]

[Giving blood?!] Ryuji asked.

[Yusuke what have you been up to?!] Ann asked.

-A personal matter. Let's continue. Kyoko messaged, hoping to change the subject.

[Yusuke can't go, so that leaves Ann or me.] Ryuji said.

[Really though, it oughta be me, Kyoko.] he added.

[You and Ann, two girls with YOUR looks walking around the red light district at night?]

[Yeah, you're right. We'd get approached non-stop and that'd just put lots of attention on us.] Ann said.

-What looks like a couple would draw far less unwanted attention. Kyoko said.

-Very well. Ryuji, meet me at the Shibuya station.

[Gotcha! Seeya there!]

---

Kyoko's brow furrowed the moment she saw Ryuji.

"What, what's wrong?" he asked.

"Why didn't you change out of your uniform?" Morgana protested, noting Ryuji was still wearing his uniform pants. "You know what kind of place we're going!"

Kyoko folded her arms, frowning in annoyance and making it evident she was thinking the same thing, prompting an annoyed sigh from the boy.

"I didn't... have time to change, alright?" he asked. "Had a buncha errands to handle for my mom so I just kinda met up with her then came right here. Still it's not like people are gonna assume that with this t-shirt an' trainers with 'em and all!"

The girl sighed. "If there's any chance this reporter has the name of our target we unfortunately can't afford to make her wait anymore."

"Don't worry about me!" Ryuji said. "I know the area well enough, they got a great movie theater, there!"

"Have you been there at night, Ryuji?" Morgana asked.

"Okay, no, but still, no one's gonna notice," Ryuji said. "I looked up that bar you mentioned in your message. It's open to minors you just can't drink there. C'mon, I'll show you the way, just know it'll cost ya since your school pass won't cover it."

"I'm covered," Kyoko said, hoping she wasn't making a mistake. "Let's go."

---

Kyoko looked about, folding her arms as she studied the numerous lit-up advertisements and billboards that seemed to provide the district's illumination, and it certainly did an efficient job at it, too.

"Whoa! This place is bright as heck at night!" Ryuji marveled. "Guess that's Shinjuku for ya!"

"Well, we better stop looking around so much or we'll look like tourists!" Morgana said.

"Indeed, we don't want to stand out," Kyoko said, her gaze turning to Ryuji.

"I wasn't!" Ryuji insisted. "I was just... tryin' to remember where that place was! I know I seen the sign a couple times when I come here in the day, it just ain't open, then."

The boy took a moment, his leg trembling slightly as he thought it over. "Oh! Right! It's straight ahead, then it'll be to your right!"

"Very well. Let me lead, and let me know when to turn," Kyoko said.

"Stay close and don't look at anyone, especially policemen or you'll get their attention," Morgana warned. "Don't talk to anyone either. Probably better Kyoko handles that."

"Yeah, yeah, I getcha," Ryuji said.

No sooner had they gotten a few steps when someone called out to them.

"Hey, Miss!" a suited man said. "Looking for a fast and fun job? Come and apply here!"

Kyoko folded her arms, scowling at the man. "I'm not interested."

"You sure? You'd get payed really well with those good loo-wait, are you a high schooler?" the man asked, looking her over skeptically.

"What of it?" she asked coldly.

"Eh, get lost, kid. Don't go makin' me look bad!" the man said, turning away.

"-Tch!- Wasn't that creep the one who started it, though?!" Ryuji grumbled, looking at the man in disgust as they continued down the street. "Okay, turn right over here."

Nodding, Kyoko made a right turn at the fork, only to hear another voice call her attention.

"Hey, you have a moment?"

Kyoko glanced over at the policeman approaching. "Can I help you?" she asked.

"Are you a student?" the officer asked.

"My first year in college," Kyoko replied with a nod, hoping her attire choices and hairstyle would be convincing enough.

"I see, well still, a young lady like you really shouldn't be out here this late," the officer said. "This your boyfriend? You two oughta think of somewhere else for a date."

"Ehh, why's that?" Ryuji asked anxiously.

"You know what's going on in Shibuya, right? It's starting to spread out here, too. Kids... younger then you two, even... they're getting wrapped up in all kinds of..." the officer blinked as his attention turned entirely on Ryuji, now, or more precisely, his legwear. "...Aren't those the same pattern as that high school where that scandal with the teacher happened?"

"N...no?" Ryuji stammered, earning a facepalm from Kyoko.

"Ryu-kun, you promised we'd get dinner and see Cretaceous Land tonight!" she protested, approaching and putting her arms around him before looking at the policeman. "...I apologize for the confusion, officer. My boyfriend frequents thrift stores to save on money while he's in college. They're probably just a very similar design."

"Damn..." Ryuji whispered, taken a bit by Kyoko's ability to put on an act. "...Uhh, right! Sorry, I'm usually way too busy with my studies to watch the news, anyway!" he said with a big grin.

"I see... well, look, if you two are gonna be here, just watch yourselves and stay away from the alleys, got it?" the officer asked before walking back to his post.

Kyoko gave a deep, annoyed sigh as she promptly let go. "Seems people are noticing thanks to our school still being famous," she said, frowning.

"Hey, it worked, didn't it?" Ryuji asked. "Pretty slick act you put on there, too! Wonder if I'll be that lucky with a girl for real one day!"

"Let's just hurry to that bar before anyone else causes us problems," Kyoko replied, already walking ahead and not dignifying Ryuji's musings with an answer.

"We're almost there. Right ahead, actually," said Ryuji, following.

"Um... e-excuse me?" a female voice this time. Kyoko paused again and looked to her right, where a young woman, maybe college-aged, was seated at a small makeshift booth that consisted of a fold-out chair and table under an overhang roof. She wore a purple headband over her long, honey-blond hair, and a purple shirt under a pink minidress over black stockings and loafers. Kyoko noticed, however, the young woman was looking at Ryuji.

"Yeah, what's up?" Ryuji asked.

"I... sense impending woman troubles... or perhaps it's... something else," she said. "In any case, I'm sensing great trouble will come your way, soon! If you could, please let me examine your future further!"

"Wait, me?" Ryuji asked.

"Yes! You! I suggest you get your fortune told! What I say will surely come to pass!" the young woman stated urgently.

"Is this your sales pitch?" Kyoko asked, folding her arms and regarding the woman before her.

"I'm serious!" she replied, surprisingly not intimidated by Kyoko's suspicious glare.

"Riiight, look no offense but I don't really believe in that stuff," Ryuji said. "Plus, we're kinda in a hurry anyway."

The woman looked down, sighing. "I see... my apologies," she said, by Kyoko's observation, though, she seemed genuinely distraught rather then merely disappointed. "...May your fortunes be as well as hers," she said, looking over at Kyoko.

"Whaddya mean?" Ryuji asked.

"...A question you need answering. You'll have the answer you're after very soon." the young woman said, looking at Kyoko.

The young woman glanced over in the direction Kyoko and Ryuji had been heading before shaking her head. "...J-just, remember what I said... if you change your mind, I'll be here in this spot."

Kyoko gave no response and continued onward, not wishing to keep her one potential lead she had on identifying the Shibuya crime ring's leader waiting any longer.

A moment later, Kyoko saw the sign. Pink, lit up, and leading into a small area with stairs leading up and a door right ahead that indicated the entrance to her destination.

"This must be it," Ryuji said, looking at the sign. "I know it's open to minors, but, think we'll be alright hangin' out in here?"

"Beer, whiskey, wine, looks like night time is bar time," Morgana remarked.

"I guess I prolly shouldn't risk it goin' in with part'a my uniform on after last time," Ryuji said. "Sucks I came all the way out here at night and can't even go in!"

"Will you be alright out here on your own?" Kyoko asked as she prepared to go inside.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine! I'll find somethin' 'round here to kill my time with while I wait."

Kyoko's brow furrowed as she glanced at him in silent suspicion.

"Hey, don't worry! I ain't gonna go lookin' at anythin' shady. There's still plenty'a legit stuff around to do. Just message me once you're done, an' I'll come find ya, alright?" Ryuji asked.

"Hopefully this won't be a waste of our time," Kyoko remarked as she opened the door and stepped inside.

"Welcome, welcome!" a deep, raspy voice greeted Kyoko as soon as she'd entered. It belonged to a heavyset bartender in makeup with a purple bob cut hairstyle and a black kimono with purple trim and gold floral patterns wrapped elegantly around their robust form. "...Wait, how old are ya, kid?"

"It's alright, Lala-chan! She's with me!" a young woman seated at the bar Kyoko immediately recognized as the reporter she'd met at Madarame's shack stated cheerfully. Perhaps... too cheerfully, Kyoko mused noting the half-empty glass next to the woman. Still, she was relieved the woman remembered her.

"Still, clearly a bit young, so no giving her any drinks, got it?" the bartender asked.

"C'monnnnn, Lala-chan! You remember my old photographer was the same age and I still brought her here once when we talked business, right?" Ohya asked with a hearty chuckle that Kyoko noticed faded rather quickly. "...Um, I'm gonna borrow some seats in the back, alright? This is gonna be a tad confidential don't want any other patrons hearin' anything, 'kay?" she said just as abruptly. "Take the ones over there, kiddo. I'll treat you to some water!"

With a silent nod, Kyoko made her way to the booth Ohya had gestured to, taking in the overall atmosphere of the bar. The bartender seemed friendly and responsible enough, but the place's dim, pink and red lighting, bright red tables and couches, complete with large red pillows, made it feel more like the place was normally frequented either by overworked men with no one to go home to or anyone looking to make use of one of the love hotels she saw on the way over. It did make her wonder why Ohya would choose a place like this to meet.

"Sorry for the wait!" Ohya said, coming over with a full glass of what Kyoko figured to be alcohol for herself and a glass of water for her. Even seated across from her, the young detective could already smell it, and not from the glass, either.

"Uuugh! What's she been drinking?" Morgana mused from his spot next to Kyoko.

Kyoko kept a neutral expression, speaking to witnesses who had been intoxicating themselves wasn't new to her. Self control was essential in such times.

"Y'know, I'm kiiiiinda surprised!" Ohya said, a slight slurring in her voice as she giggled a bit. "...I honestly thought you were joking yet here you are! I haven't s-seen ya since we met outside ol' Madarame's place!"

"You covered that case well," Kyoko replied, sipping her water.

"Heheh! I did, didn't I?" Ohya said with a proud grin. "Thanks to that big scoop, those two ex-pupils of his can... be puttin' their lives back on track! ...Lucky them!" she said, giving a slight chuckle.

"Anyways, I respect your bravery, comin' out here an' all, so I'll listen to what ya have to say! Sooo, whaddya wanna know?" the reporter asked as she took a sip of her own drink.

"I want to know who's in charge of the blackmailing gang in Shibuya," Kyoko said, leaning back in her seat and folding her arms.

"Huh? Why that?" Ohya asked, surprised by Kyoko's question.

"I need to know who their boss is," Kyoko said. "Do you know his name or not?"

Ohya's expression fell to a look of concern despite her tipsy state that Kyoko suspected was all that kept her from asking too much. "...Yes, I do, actually. I could tell you, but that's quite a juicy thing you're asking for, so let me ask you... do you of these "Phantom Thieves of Hearts"? That case the public's become focused on lately?" she asked.

"The Phantom Thieves?" Kyoko asked, keeping her neutral expression in place.

"Yes, I was actually pursuing the issue of people randomly entering into a shutdown state," she explained, looking down at her glass quietly for a moment. "...But I'm lacking intel."

The woman quickly put on a wide smile. "...That's why I'm currently looking for new material to write about! The Madarame scandal was big and I had a serious lucky break back there, but now, well... back to business as usual! So tellya what, gimme something on the Phantom Thieves, and I'll give you the name."

"What makes you think I'd know anything about them?" Kyoko asked, sipping her water.

"You're a Shujin kid, correct? I remember the uniform last I saw you," Ohya said. "It all started with that volleyball coach who taught there, correct? I figured then maybe you'd have some insider knowledge on the Phantom Thieves because of it."

Kyoko closed her eyes, taking another sip of her water. "Didn't the news already cover the scandal? The "calling card" was posted in our school anonymously, just as it was at the Madarame exhibit according to reports, so I can't say I'd know much more then that."

Ohya gave a shrug. "Then perhaps if I could get some exclusive coverage from a student who suffered Kamoshida's abuse," she explained. "...I'm sure these Phantom Thieves making him confess to his crimes would have garnered them plenty of fans around your school who would follow their activities more closely..."

Kyoko brought her hand to her chin, thinking it over. Not Ryuji, as despite him being one of Kamoshida's most personal victims due to the track team his enthusiasm may have ended with him saying too much. Ann was out of the question as well, as the things Kamoshida had done to her, and moreso her best friend, were likely still a sensitive matter and she wouldn't have wanted more attention on herself or Suzui. That left one person...

Her mind made up, Kyoko brought her hand to her glass again, holding it up and taking a sip. "I know of one, yes," she said.

"Oh, is that so? And what can he possibly tell me?" she asked.

"I think he can tell you a lot, actually," Kyoko replied. "You can trust me on this, I believe he'd be willing to talk to you."

Ohya chuckled as she downed her drink. "Well, hand over his number and I'll let him know you sent me his way!" she stated, sliding her glass away. "You know, now that I think about it, those mental shutdowns and these Phantom Thieves both seem supernatural... I wonder if what that prettyboy detective on TV is right about them being possibly connected?"

Kyoko kept herself calm and poker-faced at the remark, until the young woman gave a small laugh and shook her head. "...Sorry, I sometimes talk to myself," she said, crossing her legs and resting her elbow on her knee as she leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm. "Anyways, a deal's a deal, I can't consider this up-front payment, but... the man's name is Junya Kaneshiro. I'm certain he's the one you're looking for, his name came up in a case in Shibuya two years back and I think there's a connection."

"You're confident this is him?" Kyoko asked.

"Considering what happened back then? My gut says yes," said Ohya. "...Check him out further if you're really so curious but I won't be held responsible for what happens next, understand?"

"I'll be careful."

"See to it you do, kiddo," Ohya said. "So, why doncha get in touch with that student you mentioned, already?"

Taking out her phone, Kyoko typed a message to Mishima and sent it. Thankfully he didn't take long to respond.

[Whoa, really? A girl wants to talk to me about the Phantom Thieves?]

Kyoko sighed and responded, deciding against getting the boy's hopes up.

-A reporter. She'd like to interview you. she replied.

[Oh, a reporter? Is she hot at least?] Mishima asked.

The young detective took in a deep breath, glancing at Ohya who was now helping herself to more of her drink and letting out a small hiccup.

-You'd be surprised. she responded, wishing her texts could include the vocal tone she'd have used.

[Wow, so an interview with a hot reporter on Phantom Thief intel? Tell her you found the right guy!] his message replied.

-She's here with me, right now. Is it alright she gets your number? Kyoko asked.

[Sure! Just show it to her! This is awesome, I can't wait! I'm not gonna sleep at all tonight!] Mishima responded.

[You know, I think starting the Phansite's really turning things around for me!]

"...Honestly, I feel kind of bad for him, now," Morgana muttered, his ears drooping as he looked at her phone's screen. "Still, at least he's willing."

Kyoko fiddled with her phone to find her contacts, finding Mishima's name and opening it up, turning the phone to face Ohya.

"Mmm-hmm," Ohya took out her phone and copied it into her own phone, sending a message, receiving one back. "You're a lifesaver, kiddo! Lemme have yours too, in case I have any other questions, 'kay?"

Kyoko brought up her own number, and showed it, and soon, a message was sent to her as well.

"Thanks! Just remember what I said about being careful!" Ohya said, flashing a big smile. "Hey, Lala-chan! Another round for me! I got a LOT to celebrate!"

Deciding she wasn't going to stick around to see her new acquaintance imbibe further into intoxication, Kyoko quietly stood up, taking her handbag and giving Ohya and the bartender a polite bow before heading back outside.

"Right on!" Morgana cheered, poking his head out of Kyoko's bag as they returned to lit streets of Shinjuku. "We got a name, so hopefully this is our guy!"

"We should test it out before we get Ryuji or the others too excited," Kyoko said, taking out her phone and switching on the Meta-Nav app. "...Junya Kaneshiro."

"Candidate found!" the app's voice said, the menu opening for a place and distortion.

"He's got a Palace!" Morgana said proudly. "Considering what that reporter told us, I think this confirms he's our guy. We'll worry about the rest once we meet up with the others tomorrow!"

Kyoko closed the app and pulled up Ryuji's name in the chat.

-We're done. Ryuji, where are you?

A second passed, and Ryuji responded.

[In front of movie theater. Hurry. Now.]

Kyoko raised an eyebrow at the odd message.

"What's he gotten himself into?" Morgana muttered.

Kyoko glanced back in the direction she'd remembered catching sight of the movie theater and hurried over, glancing at the young woman doing fortunes on the way before continuing. As she reached the open area where the movie theater was, she saw Ryuji standing in front of it, in a heated conversation with two very garishly-dressed solicitors.

"I-I'm tellin' ya, I ain't into that style, man!" he protested.

"Don't be modest, we saw you pacing back and forth peering into Crossroads for a good while! Looking for a job there, I see?" one of the solicitors crooned.

"There's a shop right over there we can doll you up so good you won't even need an application!" the other chuckled. "That outfit, though? Lala-chan's a sweetheart but she'll laugh you out the door the moment you ask!"

"Luckily, we know just the dress to go with your looks!" the first solicitor said.

"D-DRESS?! Whoa, I'm tellin' ya! This is a total misunderstandin'!" Ryuji insisted backing away anxiously.

Letting out her latest exasperated sigh for the evening with a slight roll of her eyes, Kyoko elected she had neither the time nor patience for this and silently walked over, grabbed Ryuji firmly by the wrist, and pulled him away, leading him back to the station before the solicitors could object.

"Wh-whoa, Kyoko!" Ryuji stammered. She got some grip! he thought as she pulled him all the way back to the station making it evident she had no interest in staying here any longer.

"Have fun, Ryuji?" Morgana teased once they reached the station. "Hope we didn't intrude on your calling."

"Fun?! Calling?! I almost entered a world I want no part in!" Ryuji snapped indignantly, taking a breath and turning his attention to Kyoko and looking eager to put it behind him. "So... uh... You got our guy?"

"We did, yes," Kyoko replied as they continued to the platform. "His name's Junya Kaneshiro. We tested the name and we got a match."

"For real?! Aw HELL yeah!" Ryuji cheered, thrusting his fist in the air, prompting a few stares. "Eh, sorry. Just, man that's so awesome! We finally got his name!"

"Yes, I'll let the others know when I get home. We'll meet up near Central Street tomorrow afternoon," Kyoko explained. "Seeing as how Central Street is where his blackmailing scam is primarily conducted, and therefore would be extremely crucial to his operation and by extension, him, it stands to reason his Palace would most likely be located somewhere in the area as well..."

"Pretty sharp, Kyoko! I'd say that's very likely where we'll find it!" Morgana said with a chuckle.

"Makes sense to me!" Ryuji said with a grin. "I'm so hyped we've finally made progress!"

"As am I," Kyoko said with a small, but genuine smile as they boarded the train back to Shibuya together and eventually went their separate ways home.

---

6/19

"Good, we're all here!" Morgana declared, emerging partway from Kyoko's bag as they arrived. Ann and Yusuke waiting by a fenced-in tree while Ryuji was sitting at a nearby bench.

"Central Street is right down that way, and I'm certain his Palace can't be far from it," Kyoko said.

"True, I entered Kaneshiro's name and it did indeed confirm a hit," Yusuke said.

"Great work, you guys!" Ann said with a smile. "We'll be on this scumbag's doorstep in no time, now!"

"We just need a location and a distortion," Kyoko replied as she turned on the app. "...Where his Palace is, and what it is."

"Maybe somethin' he's got total control over, like a garden or a private mansion?" Ryuji offered.

"No match found." the app responded.

The young detective brought her hand to her chin in thought. "He's targeting students, subjecting them to blackmail scams so he can take money from them through debts he forces them into that they can't pay off," she mused, going of what she knew.

"Basically making all their money his once he has them," Yusuke said.

Kyoko blinked in realization. "A bank!"

"Match found!" the app said, the word 'Bank' appearing under the menu slot for 'Distortion'.

Reality around them flickered with a red hue for an instant, confirming it outright.

"Of course!" Ann said excitedly. "All the money he gets from his blackmailing is basically his income!"

"So that leaves where Kaneshiro sees as his bank?" Morgana asked.

"Maybe somewhere he keeps all his cash? Prolly his hideout, wherever that is," Ryuji offered.

"...Or a real bank?" Ann suggested. "You know, like those movies where mobs have their own banks?"

"Nah, if it were a real bank, his cognition of it wouldn't be distorted," Morgana said.

"Perhaps we're thinking too inside the box," Yusuke said. "Palaces emanate a passionate madness, and it feels as though we're missing that part..."

"Hm... I believe I've got the answer," Kyoko said, looking at the app. "You recall what I said earlier, that led to the conclusion of it being a bank? What if it also applies to the location as well?" she asked, looking at Ann. "You said "all the money he gets from his blackmailing is basically his income", and Yusuke, you mentioned how he'd see all the money his victims have as his own once he's trapped them..."

"Soooo, what's the answer, then?" Ann asked.

"His "bank" is where his victims from all around the area likely bring whatever money they have to work off their debt to his men, who in turn bring it to him, essentially "depositing" it. Not to mention given the nature of his scam, they're not being paid so much as being "loaned" money regarding the drug smuggling job," Kyoko explained. "I believe Kaneshiro's Palace... is all of Shibuya..."

"Match found!" the app declared.

"We've got a hit!" Morgana said, staring wide-eyed at the screen of Kyoko's phone.

"For real?! You think he's scammed that many people, here?!" Ryuji protested.

"From the look of it, I'd say so," said Yusuke, glancing at the filled menu on the app.

"It's definitely where his victims are, and like Kyoko said, it's also where he "loans" and "collects" all his money from them," Morgana said.

"He really is a rotten piece'a shit!" Ryuji snapped. "We can't let him keep this up!"

"...Then let's begin," Kyoko said, looking around at her fellow teammates as she pressed the button on her phone.

"Beginning navigation..."

---

A/N: Okay, you all probably noticed the part where Kyoko's investigating Shujin students happened entirely offscreen. There's an explanation for that. Back on Wednesday I'd spent the whole day writing up that scene, all the way from its beginning to her running into Makoto again. It was a good scene and I was very pleased with it to the point I was typing away engrossed in it. That's when fate decided to be cruel and a random, half-second-long power outage that blinked out my desktop was all that was needed to delete that entire portion and thus, all my hard work. With how long it took to do, I was left with having no desire to try and rewrite that entire massive chunk of a scene all over again, so I elected to skip ahead. I'm sorry if that disappointed anyone but I hope what you got in return, extra events that would have had to wait a whole other chapter most likely, were a fair trade. Also, I figured on having a prelude before the Emperor Confidant officially starts that I hope did not disappoint either. Until next time!

0 - The Fool: Rank 5

I - The Magician: Rank 3

V - The Hierophant: Rank 4

VI - The Lovers: Rank 5

VII - The Chariot: Rank 5

VIII - Justice: Rank 1

XI - The Strength: Rank 3

XII - The Hanged Man: Rank 2

XIII - Death: Rank 4

XIV - Temperance: Rank 2

XVIII - The Moon: Rank 3

XIX - The Sun: Rank 3

1 - The Councillor: Rank 4

? - Faith: Rank 2

Kyoko's Personas: Eligor, Shiisaa, Kusi Mitama, Suzaku, Jack Frost, Ame-No-Uzume, Orobas, Flauros