Persona 5 Strikers – From Light and Dark
By Tayla Drago
Episode #18 - A town with a Famous Novelist
7 – July/31st/Monday
Still the same day to take off from Yongen-Jaya area and on the highway road trip for a work job to save the day again and some summer vacation fun to Sapporo, because the Phantom Thieves got a job to do! Same with Loki, Lava, Picaro, and Kaguya helping them out 'with Sojiro hopes for the best for everyone'. As for Zen to be the traitor to work even to his own student Akechi to solve this case with the other weird dream of the other children besides the Kaguya twins, was he really...? To work with the police and Miyako of all people...With Makoto driving, Ann sitting in the front seat, Futaba, Haru, and Morgana sitting on one side, Ryuji and Yusuke do the same thing on the other. Akechi and Keiko were cuddling on the other seat next to each other on a square type of table. Not bad so far.
Ryuji: ...Yo, where are we now?
Makoto: It looks like we're coming up on Tochigi prefecture. We've come a pretty long way.
Getting near to somewhere before getting to Sapporo was a place known as Tochigi, this caught Yusuke's attention. What else would it be?
Yusuke: Tochigi, hm? Tochigi is famous for the Nikko Toshogu shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieuyasu.
Akechi: A great fighter during the Japan Era times to fight off against his enemies.
Keiko: They also made a fun action RPG game of the character in a series called, "Sengoku Basara".
Good game series there and Anime too.
Haru: I've heard the monkey sculptures there are adorable. I wonder if we'll get to see them.
Ann: Ooh, I want strawberries! Let's go strawberry-picking!
Futaba: Apparently, gyoza's pretty big there, too. Utsunomiya's supposed to be THE place for it.
So many things to do, well for some to go see and do.
Ryuji: You say gyoza?! Aw, hell yeah! We're gonna get some, right?
Keiko: Their dried gourd is famous too. I want strawberries too, and some ramen from time to time.
Lots of food to try out, walk around, have fun, and drive to the places they needed to go.
Morgana: Of all the things to get excited about...Still, strawberries are very tasty.
Makoto: Well, it's understandable. We could all use some time to unwind every now and then. And besides, we've already discussed it. We could just go straight to Hokkaido...But we decided it would be more worthwhile to check out a variety of places rather than just one.
Haru: And there might be Jails in other cities besides Shibuya and Sapporo.
Leave it to Sophia to detect it for the others to alert them soon.
Yusuke: Not only that, but the supposed Monarch of Sapporo won't even be in town till the 8th. We have the time. There's no reason we shouldn't make use of it.
Keiko: Yusuke's right. Let's take out time. (I better keep Lava posted for Loki, Picaro, and Kaguya to have them updated.)
Akechi: Of course, we should pace ourselves for anything.
Whatever works to have fun and be on their guard.
Morgana: Hmm...I guess you have a point, Madame Keiko.
Ryuji: Wait, say we find a Jail before then-'zat mean we're sorta huntin for Monarchs along the way? Aw, we're talkin' the Phantom Thieves to a whole new level! This is startin' to feel real badass!
Akechi: Besides camping here, we need motels for showers, laundry, and other beds too.
Keiko: While also doing our jobs.
One thing at a time, but it'll all work out somehow.
Ann: Well, if there is a Jail, I'm sure Sophia will let us know.
Sophia: [Leave that to me. I should be able to handle it...I think.]
Futaba: You'd think the AI would be a little more sure of herself...
She'll do her best on what's right as Sophia's program to learn and help out others.
Ryuji: Yeah, seriously, who of what are you?
Akechi: Here comes the same old line again...
Sophia: [I'm humanity's companion.]
Humming with joy again.
Ryuji: There she goes singin' again!
Keiko: You sure are, Sophia.
Ann: Ahaha. Don't think too hard about it. I'm sure we'll learn more if she sticks around. Isn't that right, Sophia?
Sophia: [That's right, Ann.]
Good to know, they were all in this together.
Haru: That reminds me, Mako-chan. You've been driving this whole time. Are you doing okay? I have my license too, so I could always drive if you want.
Two older members able to drive, Makoto had to sit with Haru to drive until she could do it fully. Makoto however can drive.
Makoto: Well, you just got yours, Haru, so I'll try to handle as much of the driving as I can.
Ann: Does anyone else have their license? I don't...
No one has one but Makoto and Haru, not even Akechi either to be a detective.
Yusuke: Apologies, I don't.
Akechi: Same with me.
Ryuji: Me neither...I wanna get mine soon, though. Do you have one, Keiko?
Same with her, only to drive Morgana in his car form.
Keiko: Sorry, but nope. I'm unlicensed too, Ryuji. I know...It'll be a while for Akechi and me.
Ryuji: Well, I guess we did just reach driving age.
Soon Haru will drive more like Makoto is now.
Haru: Sorry, Mako-chan. Don't push yourself too hard, okay?
Akechi: Anytime you need a break, just do so. Don't overwork yourself.
You have to take a break sometimes...
Makoto: I won't. Although, we might be taking more breaks. I wouldn't want to put any of us at risk.
Futaba: That's fine by me. We want our Makoto to stay nice 'n' well-rested.
Still more driving to do, for the time being.
Sophia: [So you're going to keep driving, Makoto?]
Makoto: I think so, for the time being.
Sophia: [That sounds difficult. Is there anything I can do to help?]
Unable to control driving, but to ask for directions, Sophia has Makoto's personal GPS.
Makoto: Well, since you've asked, do you think you could find us a place to stop and rest? I could probably use a break. We can have lunch there, too.
Sophia: [Okay, I'd be happy to. There's a riverbank up ahead that should be perfect.]
Ryuji: Lunch by a river, huh? Man, this is feelin' like a real road trip!
It sure was, Ryuji. And what a view to stop near a river area, it looks very nice to have a cookout and/or picnic too. For the nine Phantom Thieves and Sophia see this to be one good parking spot for all of this break time to count a lot.
Keiko: So pretty...
Akechi: You never get a view like this one to make this one count.
The old saying goes – simply breathtaking. With Akechi and Keiko to be holding each other for couples to do in a place like this one.
Ryuji: Yooo, this spot IS perfect.
Futaba: Is...Is this even real? I've only ever seen this kind of place online.
Ann: Seriously. And this is the perfect weather for cooking outdoors, too!
A perfect place, weather, and a nice spot to take a break in.
Makoto: Shall we get started, then? Boss gave us some ingredients, didn't he?
Haru: *giggle* Oh, this is going to be nice, cooking lunch with everyone.
Leave it to Futaba, Ann, Keiko, Akechi, and surprisingly Yusuke to make something good to eat. Same with Ryuji on certain foods to eat by hand.
Morgana: All right! We'll leave the main course to you, Madame Keiko.
It's time to get cooking and make a fine coffee for Keiko all the way from Leblanc Cafe.
Keiko: Got it, Morgana! (All of this training to make things has finally arrived.) From coffee beans to make Mr. Sakura's good coffee, and along with some pork, onion, and rice to make Leblanc curry.
Akechi: We'll get more of the ingredients while we go out to cook some more.
What team work to cut, stir, boil, place, and cook. While the water and coffee beans boil up to make the liquid coffee itself. It was great to make a room like this to cook and make coffee.
Morgana: Ooh, something smells great! I think we have a winner!
Keiko: It looks pretty good...
The curry and coffee were all set for everyone to have.
Futaba: I know that smell...That's Sojiro's curry! No doubt! Ughhhh, my stomach! I need!
Yusuke: The rice has been prepared! We're ready whenever!
Now setting up the chairs and table-time to eat and drink! It was good to have coffee and curry to come out great.
Akechi: My future wife's got the best cooking skills. Mmm...
Ann: Mmm, it's soooo good! I could eat this forever!
Yeah, let's rethink that with the Slime Shadow in the dream world of the Metaverse to happen again. Gross...
Yusuke: Indeed. And to be surrounded by nature in all its splendor makes it taste that much better. Is there more?
Futaba: Heh. Sorry, Inari. The great phantom thief Futaba just swiped the very last plate.
Yusuke: L...Last...?! Fate is cruel...
Oh, boy...
Makoto: Oh, come on, don't act so depressed. It's not like it's the end of the world.
A nice way for Makoto to help out her Yusuke with some food to have a little.
Keiko: There's no need to be sad, Yusuke. I'll make it again.
Yusuke: You will?! Please do, Ms. Keiko. And how kind of you to share a little, Ms. Makoto. You're the best.
And what a meal to eat and drink coffee, for everyone to enjoy it in a well earned balance of a diet.
Ryuji: Ahhhh, that was killer. I can't even move...
Ann: Ryuji...
Ryuji: What? I've been eating fine.
Ann: *sigh* I know you have.
What a good way to look out for each other when it comes to love.
Haru: I'm full too. How about I pour us some tea and we can all just relax?
Ann: I'm down! Ooh, why don't we roast marshmallows later on, too?
Keiko: Yeah! I love roasted marshmallows!
And Ann was the one to worry about her boyfriend's eating habits sometimes.
Ryuji: Geez, you're seriously still thinkin' about food?
Ann: What of it? There's always room for sweets.
Akechi: Just as long as we have our fair share.
It's fine for the sweets to eat.
Makoto: All right, we'll finish our break with some tea and sweets then get going.
Morgana: And use the bathroom too.
And so they do have roasted marshmallows, tea, and use the bathroom to get back on the road again.
Keiko: (Everyone enjoyed their lunch...)
Still driving to their destination to get close to Sapporo real soon. For Makoto to drive, while the others Ann, Keiko, Morgana, Akechi, Ryuji, Yusuke, Haru, Futaba, and Sophia to be talking throughout the whole road trip.
Morgana: I feel like we've been on the road for a while. Where are we now?
Yusuke: We'll be entering Sendai soon.
Futaba: We made a lotta stops, but no sign of any Jails, huh?
Nope, nothing in Jail yet for Sophia to pick up on.
Ann: Well, I'm definitely feeling a little more relaxed now...I wouldn't want those things popping up everywhere. Also, it's getting kinda dark. How 'bout we call it a day?
Makoto: Yes, we should decide where we want to stay for tonight.
They were almost close to Sendai anyways.
Ryuji: Shouldn't we eat first? What's good in Sendai?
Haru: As far as local delicacies go, there's always beef tongue. There's plenty of specialty shops around.
Akechi: Actual tongue...?
No, it's just a name.
Keiko: It's part of a meat type, Akechi. You silly...
Akechi: Heh, my bad.
Yusuke: Nonsense. Delicious as that sounds, we must go to Mt. Aoba Park and see the remains of Sendai Castle. They house a statue of the late Lord Date Masamune. I'd really like to see the "One-Eyed Dragon" for myself.
Keiko: Another character from the Sengoku Basara series.
And they will once they take a bath first.
Futaba: Ehh, I wanna take a bath first. I'm not sleeping in the camper all sweaty and sticky.
Morgana: Geez...We're all over the place on this one.
One thing to do at a time first.
Haru: Um, w-well...What should we do?
Keiko: Hey, we'll figure something out.
They will with Sophia help them out.
Sophia: [This is where I come in. Searching-Overnight parking lots, beef of tongue, Date Masamune, and nearby bathhouses. Leave it to me. I'll find the most efficient route to everything you've suggested.]
Akechi: I like how you work as our GPS. Yes, very good skills you have, Sophia. You do like helping out humans.
Ann: Wow, you can do all that, Sophia?
Sophia: [It's nothing special. I'm just doing a wide search and lining up our destinations. We should first head to the parking lot at Mt. Aoba Park. Then we can walk to the statue of Masamune...Huh? ...]
I think she's detecting something big.
Ryuji: Hm? What's up?
Sophia: [This smell...There might be a Jail here.]
Akechi: There is?
What luck to finally find their next one.
Ryuji: Whoa, for real? You can really just off that, huh?
Keiko: If it's true then, we got another job to do.
Morgana: Are you sure, Sophia?
She was 100% about it.
Sophia: [I think so. I can't pinpoint it yet, and that may be because of the distance, but this feels the same as Shibuya.]
Keiko: Sendai it is. Let's check it out. (I better inform Lava about it. I'm sure Loki, Picaro, and Kaguya will get there before us.)
Makoto: All right, then. We're heading to Sendai. We shouldn't be too much longer.
Driving there to get to do the other things in just a few minutes, and soon to see who has a Jail of another Shadow and Desires to be taken in Sapporo.
7 – July/31st/Monday (Sendai)
Arriving there to park at a good spot to also camp to the area they needed to be in. For Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Sophia to do the other things as planned and to find the Jail to be somewhere. For others to be staying as well for a summer fun time, they see why this place is very popular.
Makoto: Well, Sophia? Can you smell the Jail?
Sophia: [...Yes, I'm sure of it. There's a Jail somewhere in this city.]
Akechi: Then I guess we've made it.
They just needed to find out where and who has this type of Jail in Sapporo.
Haru: So there really are more Jails besides the one in Shibuya?
So with Sophia tracking one to be somewhere in Sapporo, the other two Personas must be there in the Metaverse of this type of Jail right now. Just thought I give you all a heads up.
Keiko: It would seem like it. (I hope Loki, Picaro, and Kaguya get there back in the Metaverse.)
Morgana: If there's a Jail, then something rotten's going on around town.
Something like how Alice did things in Shibuya? Then it might be a big yes here since Sophia picked up on another one.
Makoto: You're right. We'll need to look into that first.
Futaba: And how are we supposed to do that? Sendai's a pretty big city, after all...
How to find it all over Sendai, Sapporo?
Haru: We could check some of the popular sightseeing spots? We might hear something if there's people around.
Keiko: Some sightseeing should lead us to something big then. Good thinking, Haru.
Yusuke: Yes, great thinking there. And what's more, we're right here in Mt. Aoba Park, home to the statue of Lord Masamune.
Someone was excited to see it.
Ryuji: Dude, you can check out the statue tomorrow. I'm stravin'!
Akechi: Oops, now he has done it...
Now Ryuji has done it...Never miss out on the artwork for Yusuke to see.
Yusuke: Excuse me. There's no guarantee the statue will still be here come sunrise. A trip is a once-in-lifetime experience...Once you've set a plan, you should act on it without delay.
Futaba: There he goes. I'll never understand his logic of his...
Keiko: Yusuke will always be Yusuke.
For everyone to be used to how he does things.
Haru: By the way, Mako-chan, did you find out if it's okay for us to sleep in the car tonight?
Makoto: Yes, I actually just got confirmation. At least we won't have to worry about finding sleep. And it looks like there's lots of sightseers here, so we should have plenty of chances to ask around.
Good place to sleep and such and others to be doing the same thing, and one special place for Keiko and Akechi to try out sometimes when it's only those two.
Akechi: Keiko, I know of a good area where we can snuggle a lot later on when it's only the two of us...
Keiko: That's good to know, Akechi-Cun. Thanks.
A small motel to be nearby too just in case.
Ann: Should we check out the statue? It's only a short walk from here, right?
Sophia: [It's close. Very close.]
Yusuke: Then, let's depart! Lord Masamune awaits!
From the pretty summer nights here to having some motels, outdoor shopping places, others to eat at, the shrine of the Lord Date Masamune statue, and so on. Even some convention centers too, for some festivals to start off later on. But first-the statute must be seen in person. Arriving there to see the statue of Masamune to be riding on his horse was nice to see for the other Phantom Thieves to like it a lot 'with some photo shots on their cell phones even for Sophia to see all of it'.
Futaba: Ohh, so this is it! This is that Masamune statue Inari was going on and on about. He looks so cool! I bet he's be cutting down Shadows left and right if he were in a Jail with us!
It would be cool if it did happen.
Keiko: You should have this character in the Sengoku Basara series.
Yusuke: Such remarkable craftsmanship. It's truly the "One-Eyed Dragon" in all his glory!
Akechi: I can see why it is.
Keiko: It's so cool. How majestic to see, I'm touched.
From the game and Anime series of the characters, he was really cool from back then.
Yusuke: Indeed. I should have expected as much from such an icon. We must come back during the day and...Hm?
Soon to see something covering up the whole statue side, it looks like posters of some type of famous thing. Weird...While all over this one? Akechi noticed something to keep a poster on him as a clue.
Ryuji: The hell? What's all this about?
Akechi: ...
Haru: "Prince of Nightmares, Volume 1, 20th Reissue Celebration!"...?
Makoto: "Reissue Celebration"? So they're promising a book? I doubt they got permission to do this. Maybe it's some kind of prank?
Akechi: I would write them up for causing this type of littering if I knew who it was.
It was wrong to do something like this, so Yusuke and the others do not like this too.
Yusuke: What a reprehensible miscreant, putting up such tasteless flyers for their own gain...
Makoto: It's fine, Yusuke, but I agree with you. Let's take them down.
Keiko: Good idea. Everyone, take one and tear them down.
Doing so to remove all of the posters, it was gone now.
Makoto: That's better.
Ryuji: Well? You happy, Yusuke?
Yusuke: Yes, now that I've seen the great Masamune. My apologies for taking so much of everyone's time. Let's move on.
One project done so far, time for the next one.
Futaba: All right, that's one item off the list. Next up, beef tongue city!
Akechi: If it's different than it looks and tastes great, then I'm in.
Morgana: Mewhehe...Let's see if these local flavors are enough to impress a sophisticated palate like mine.
It's time to go eat next.
Sophia: [Oh, sorry. It might be hard to get in if we bring a cat along.]
Restaurant's rules, and Morgana to be in his cat form sadly.
Morgana: What?!
In case the other almost forgot about that part.
Futaba: Oops...
Keiko: Hey, come on. We'll make it happen. I'll save Morgana some to eat. Now, let's go eat.
And eating for the special food around the area they do so.
Sendai
Sekigan, a Gyutan restaurant
What a nice looking restaurant it was to eat the good meals inside. Keiko, Akechi, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, and Haru. While Sophia was studying upon the foods since an AI doesn't really eat a lot. And for Morgana to wait for a bit to get his fair share when they leave. But hey, Keiko did promise her friend a good meal to save him one to enjoy and plenty of it.
Ryuji: Hoooly shit! Is this for real?! This meat! It's so thick! So soft! Damn, that's good!
Never eat with tons of food in your mouth, gross.
Futaba: Ryuji, cut it out! you're spitting all over me!
Akechi: Please don't talk with your mouth full, Ryuji.
For Ann to correct her boyfriend, Yusuke was in heaven right now. So emotional right now
Yusuke: Ahh...
Ann: Ahahaha...I think Yusuke's crying over here.
Makoto: Yusuke, please? I don't even want to know what his regular diet is like if this is enough to make him cry...I told you to eat well, remember?
Yusuke: Sorry, but this is a once in a lifetime moment, Ms. Makoto. I'm eating well.
Makoto: I see...Either way, food is delicious.
It sure was because Morgana really was hungry and hiding in Keiko's bag.
Morgana: Hey, let me have some too!
Ryuji: I swear, you are the noisiest cat on the planet. Ask Keiko to split some with you.
Keiko: I promise I will later, Morgana. I'll bring some back.
And she always keeps her promises.
Ryuji: Good, she will. Me, I can't. Eating.
Morgana: Thank you, Madame Keiko. And Ryuji, enough! Don't be such a pig! I'm hungry too, you know!
Shh...the two boys needed to stay quiet.
Ryuji: Not so loud, you idiot!
Somehow, a woman who was sitting next to them hears Morgana talking...in his cat form to hear a meow sound only.
Lab coat Woman: Is that a cat I hear?
This wasn't good at all!
Ryuji: Oh shit...
Akechi: Now we're in trouble...
Getting up from her seat to look at the others and talking to them, something catches Akechi's attention by seeing the woman's face. A familiar one and sad too.
Keiko: We need to do something...Huh? Akechi?
Akechi: That woman looks like my Mother...!
Really? This strange to Akechi? It must be weird luck or something, I don't know! It does a little, but somehow she's a bit different than just looks, it's the attitude for Akechi that could tell it wasn't his late mother.
Keiko: (Akechi-Cun's mother? Her?!)
Lab coat Woman: Am I hearing things? I could've sworn I heard a cat...
This woman was known as Kuon Ichinose, and she wasn't Akechi's mother to come back from the dead as a walking and talking zombie. So that part was cleared out. The next problem was this, how will they lie their way out of this one?
Ann: Oh, uh, nope! Not a real cat, at least...We were just practicing our cat sounds! Right, Ryuji?!
Giving him the sign, Ryuji tries to act like he was.
Ryuji: Uhhh...meow? (Man, I live it when Ann gets serious!)
Keiko: Ah... (What was that, Ryuji?) Yep! It's a work in progress. He said meow, like he was a real thing almost.
Yeah, it was a badly poor one to act the part. Even Kuon knows it right away.
Kuon: Oh, come on...You're not fooling anyone. Sounds to me like he's in the bag of the woman with glasses. Aw, that's sweet. Are you going to share? You and your cat should partake in the finest beef tongue this restaurant has to offer!
Ryuji: Wha...Hey, not so loud!
If she was going to keep their secret, then keep quiet about it.
Kuon: Oops, sorry, sorry. You're right. If you get thrown out, then no more beef tongue.
Akechi: It's weird...she looks like my mother, but...
Keiko: She's a bit different from her appearances?
Akechi: Yes, although I can't put my finger on it. She has a lot more than her behavior and looks. (A lot more to sense out.)
Both Akechi and Keiko seem to have this feeling.
Keiko: Really? We'll keep it in mind then just in case.
Anyways, Kuon was an...odd one here.
Kuon: By the way, is this your first time having Sendai beef tongue? I should tell you, the oxtail soup's to die for...Did you know oxtail soup is packed with collagen? A lot of people seem to think it's good for your skin...They say it's not as effective when ingested, but there's a fair number of reports that suggest otherwise. Human cognition can be quite misleading. You may think you feel a change when none has occurred. This is the placebo effect and...
A lot to talk about for Kuon to be doing, huh?
Ryuji: Yo, Keiko...She's just goin' on and on...
Keiko: Yes she does.
Ann: Does she even notice us talking right now?
Futaba: This overwhelming onslaught of pointless info...We got ourselves a nerd, ladies and gentlemen.
If they're going to tell Kuon something, then they need to say it right and be nice.
Ryuji: Uh...Sorry about, y'know, the bag thing...
Akechi: We see you're more than a traveler yourself, miss.
Kuon: Huh? What? Oh, you mean the cat? Don't worry I won't tell the staff or anything. And yes, young man. You're smart to know I do more than have a summer break like everyone else in this area. By the way, are you all students?
Lucky guess there, she was good.
Keiko: Some of us are still in high school, the other two are in college right now.
Makoto and Haru are.
Akechi: How can you tell?
Kuon: Well, I'm not a detective like you are, young man. but if I had to guess, I'd say you're n high school, right? So you'll be taking your college exams soon. Have you decided where you'll apply?
Keiko: Nothing yet...
A lot to think about for everyone else.
Kuon: Oh, forgive me, I haven't even introduced myself. I may look cute and such for others, but I'm just myself...I'm Kuon Ichinose. I work as a researcher at Toho University.
Akechi: Toho University? It must be famous to go to something like that one.
A popular one in Japan that is.
Kuon: The one and only. Hey, you guys should come check out the campus. It's way up in the mountains, but it's a lot of fun. Lots of bears this season, too.
Futaba: B-Bear?
Imaging one to be a normal bear to make some sounds and sit around scratching itself. Looking kind of bored. Ha!
Keiko: Why are we thinking about a funny cartoon bear?
Ryuji: Oh, uh...You know, we kinda got something goin' on already, so we don't exactly got the time...
And this woman didn't mind at all.
Kuon: I see, I see. Yes, well it's important that you do what you want while you're still young. Allow me to impart a little treat till next we meet.
She just gives Ryuji some candy and...really, that's it. Also, was Yusuke just eating while listening in still? Weird...
Ryuji: Uh, sure...
Keiko: Thank you for the little treat.
It's the thought which counts the most.
Kuon: Well, then. I've had my fill of beef tongue, so it's probably best if I get going. Farewell, young ones.
Leaving to pay for the meal, Akechi senses something about the past again of the five kids and what Kuon looks like from a while back. Really? Must be more to it, so who's to say yet. And yet the others find Kuon a bit of an odd ball to be working hard.
Akechi: (Very strange, and yet...she might be another witness. I better investigate more.)
Ann: ...So, uh, she was weirdly energetic, huh?
Makoto: Well, thankfully, we avoided getting in trouble. We should be grateful she didn't tell us.
Be more careful next time.
Morgana: Sorry, that was my fault...
Ryuji: Nah, I got carried away, too...
Haru: Sorry, Mona-chan. We'll buy you some sasa-kamaboko later.
And they do, to never let Morgana go hungry.
Keiko: We'll make sure it's well cooked too.
Morgana: You mean the fish cake on the skewers with that nice layer of char on top?! Ooh, I can't wait!
Then it's good. From behind the Phantom Thieves, people were talking to a certain writer to be in the area, for he was really good at it. The girls were crazy for him so much.
Passionate Woman: Oh, his latest work was just perfect. I was up all night reading it. Two nights in a row, if you can believe that!
Excited Woman: Speaking of which, I read in a magazine interview that he's going to be at the station today...There's no way I'm missing that!
Keiko: ...?
Strange, huh? But still, it was very important.
Makoto: All right, let's finish eating. And quietly this time.
Ryuji: Yes, ma'am...
Finishing up eating to then leave the restaurant to give Morgana some food on the way out.
Keiko: (The beef tongue was amazing...)
The bonding was growing deeper and deeper here. Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Sophia enjoy their meals... 'Besides Morgana had promised to love it and Sophia to learn about other foods', there was one more thing to be done for the night and then resting up for camping tonight to go find. The girls ate fine, with some of Ryuji's end to eat a lot more. Yusuke was fine enjoying his meals and Akechi ate well on his end.
Ryuji: Whew, I'm stuffed...
Futaba: How you can eat five bowls of rice is beyond me...Is your stomach a black hole or something?
Akechi: I think I'd be sick if I tried. I can never eat a lot like Ryuji does.
It was best not to be like how Ryuji eats things.
Ann: *sign* They do refills there.
Ryuji: Look, if they're offering free refills, then you can bet I'm orderin' 'em.
Yusuke: Indeed. You can eat the first bowl and focus exclusively on the glistening of the meat, then the aroma on the next, and so on.
Great, Yusuke almost went overboard on his eating habits a little...
Makoto: Or you were just eating that you couldn't offer to.
Ryuji: Pretty sure that's just you, dude. Makoto's gotta good point.
Only because she's making sure her boyfriend was eating right.
Haru: Well, I will say the food here certainly is delicious!
Akechi: And I take it back for a different look and taste of beef tongue.
Ann: Yeah, good job, Sophia!
She was happy to help them out once again.
Sophia: [It was as they say, "a piece of cake."]
Ryuji: Guess we should leave where we eat up to Sophia now, huh?
Keiko: When it comes to finding good and good places, then Sophia's on the job.
Or a program to do it. Soon Ryuji sees and hears something going on right now.
Ryuji: Hm? What's goin' on over there?
Seeing on the other side of the Sapporo area...They see a popular person to be in the area today, for lots of fans of his and girls were loving his work and in person. A famous book author name Ango Natsume. Hot looking, hard worker, and such...but there was more than looks alone. And yeah, he's so not my type whether this guy was real.
Excited Woman: Natsume-san, your latest issue was just amazing, as always!
Not just women, but some of the men who wanted to be like this guy too.
Fervent Man: Natsume-san, over here! Can you please sign my copy?!
Ango: Heheh. Thank you for all your support. Whoa, hold on now, only one autograph per person, please.
So many fans were all gathered like this.
Ango: Oh, my apologies, but could the men please go to the back of the line? Ladies first, you see.
Oh boy, he was also a ladies man who liked the guys supporting his work still.
Ryuji: Who the hell's that?
Keiko: Another lady's man?
Akechi: He sure likes it a lot more than I do.
It's way different from how Akechi works. For him to be himself to do his job, not a lot of girl fans. But other people for Ango to enjoy, a bit of a show off here.
Makoto: He looks pretty popular. I heard that woman say "latest book." Does that mean he's a writer?
Seems like it. Soon, Ango spotted the Phantom Thief group to catch his interest from the girls only, two certain ones the most. Haru and Keiko.
Ango: Oh? Hello there, ladies. Are you two looking for an autograph as well? Or perhaps a handshake? One at a time?
Haru: Huh? Um...
Keiko: Sorry, but no thank you, sir. Haru and I are both good. (Great, another one...) We both have boyfriends.
Like he cares there.
Ango: Oh, how terribly rude of me to keep such lovely fans waiting...
Soon he pulls out a book he made to give to Keiko the most. Not good for Haru to be caught in the middle while Ann and Makoto were right behind them.
Keiko: A book?
Ango: Please, accept this as a token of my apology, yes? Don't worry, I've already signed it.
Haru: Um. Okay...
Keiko: No, really. Thank you though, we're good. (This guy doesn't take no for an answer!)
Another lady's man did not take a hint.
Ann: Listen, uh...We were just passing by...
Ango: Ah, is that so? It seems I got a little ahead of myself.
Seeing the name and author himself of his name on the book. For the title to sound familiar to Makoto to read it.
Makoto: "Prince of Nightmares" by Ango Natsume...
Keiko: So you're Ango Natsume.
Getting back up from lying on one knee and holding his book.
Ango: Yours truly. Ango Natsume. It's a pleasure.
Haru: "Prince of Nightmares." That's the name from those flyers on the Masamune statue.
So that's where the name was from.
Keiko: Yeah, they were all over the statue, Haru.
Ango: My flyers of Masamune's statue? Ah, I think I know that happened...That's most likely the work of some of my more zealous fans. I appreciate them promoting my work, but...It appears they went overboard somewhat. Honestly, they can be a real handful sometimes. Allow me to apologize on their behalf. In exchange allow me to offer you a kiss...I love your long hair and glasses on you. Your prince wishes to kiss the most beautiful princess I've ever seen tonight.
Getting too close to Keiko and making Haru worry, Ryuji steps in to help the girls out.
Ryuji: Yo, back off, dude. Can't you see you're makin' these two feel uncomfortable?
Haru: Please stop this...
Akechi steps in to stand by Keiko's side and Haru stays close to her friend Ryuji from Ango's perverted ways.
Keiko: Akechi-Cun!
Akechi: That's enough. Get away from Haru and my Princess.
Ango: Excuse me?
Akechi: Seriously, back off.
Ouch, Akechi means business to look serious and badass to not warn Ango more than once.
Ango: And who are you supposed to be? I believe I was addressing these lovely young ladies here and the one with the glasses. I'd thank you not to interrupt, play boy get up.
Akechi: I'm more than a playboy, I'm Goro Akechi-the ace detective prince.
Yep, other people out of town have heard of Akechi too.
Ryuji: Sorry, but they're with us. Also, Keiko and Haru are already taken. You got a problem there, you can always talk with me.
Ango: Hmph...Do you seriously think you two men can get away with speaking to me like that?
With Akechi having his gloves out to mean business to aid Keiko and his friends.
Akechi: Oh, yeah? Try me. Bring it on. No one touches my Keiko...!
Ango: Hah. My, this one's got some backbone, doesn't he?! Detective or not, you don't scare me.
His bodyguard stops Ango to get back to his programming work.
Man in Black: Mr. Natsume, we need to get moving soon.
This made Ango back down against Akechi to be scared from the inside, but not on the outside.
Ango: Hmph...Well, then. It seems I must be going. I've a magazine interview to get to.
Before leaving, he bows to his other fans to enjoy more of his work. I don't blame Akechi for not liking Ango at all. Jealousy can be ugly.
Akechi: (Dammit...! He's such a show off to try moving in on my Keiko!)
Ango: To all those who have ready my book, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Leaving with his bodyguard for the girls still loves this guy. Really?
Delusional Fan: Natsumeeee! I love you!
Passionate Fan: Oh, he's just so dreamy...I'll have to buy ten more copies tomorrow to show him just how much I care.
Too many books to have than just one, ladies.
Keiko: Ten copies...? Akechi-Cun?
Akechi: Princess, I'm sorry. This Ango person was trying to get you and my friends...Some men like him are only show offs rather than not caring for others to be in love with someone else. It just makes me sick.
Hugging each other...
Keiko: It's fine, I still love you. We'll be getting married soon too.
And the ring on Keiko's finger says it all.
Akechi: Yes, you're right.
Anyways, about the show off Ango Natsume...
Yusuke: ...Who was that man?
Ryuji: I dunno if he's some local big shot or whatever, but he sure was pissin' me off. Hittin' n our friends and girlfriends, not on my watch!
And then Sophia had something to say.
Keiko: Sophia?
Sophia: [He was a strange one, for sure. But the people around him seemed really happy. Why was that?]
Ryuji: Prolly 'cause they're a buncha weirdos!
A little too much there for Ango to be having than Akechi to not live that type of life.
Yusuke: I must agree. He wasn't at all deserving of such praise, even in the form of flattery.
Keiko: I didn't like him acting like that at all.
Makoto: We're glad you're well, Keiko-Chan. And are you all right, Haru?
Haru: Mhm...I was just a little surprised, is all. Keiko-Chan and I already have our own true loves.
Keiko: We sure do, Haru. Your Sugimura and my Akechi-Cun right here.
Yep, the one they save for Haru to be dating with Sugimaru for the time being.
Ann: How'd a jerk like him get so popular? It doesn't make any sense!
Morgana: ...There might be something else going on here. He could even be changing people's hearts...
If that's the case, then Ango might be the next Monarch to have a Jail in the Metaverse part of Sapporo.
Makoto: You mean...he's the Monarch of the Sendai Jail?
Morgana: It's just one possibility.
Keiko: I sense something, so there might be a chance like Morgana said.
Ryuji: No, I think you guys might be onto something. If he's the Monarch, then everything else totally makes sense!
Akechi: And these posters of his book, I believe it's his doing more than his fans.
A lot to have fans of Ango's and himself to do tons of posters posting all over.
Keiko: We'll need to look into this right away. So let's gather some intel first before we figure out the rest.
Investigate before finding a way in Ango Shadow's Jail, good idea!
Futaba: Perf, I got my laptop back at the RV. Should be able to dig something up from there.
Akechi: Then I say we get to work. We can walk around since we'll be sleeping here. So let's see more about Ango we can all gather. Keiko, Morgana, and I will check out the historical spot. Sophia, keeps us posted. Futaba, you find out anything on Ango a bit more on your end. Makoto, Haru, and Yusuke go near the shopping malls; and Ryuji and Ann, you two talking to the people in the other camping spots.
All set, they split into teams, and it was time to get to work.
Keiko: If we can get what we need on Ango to get inside his Jail, then we'll be ready. Now team, let's get to work!
Akechi: Keiko, you're the best.
Akechi and Keiko are meant to be. Same with Ann and Ryuji, Morgana and Lava, Makoto and Yusuke, Futaba and Yuuki, and Haru and Sugimaru. For the other two male characters were doing just fine to be mentioned only since they're not in this game, but hey...it's fine to bring their names up again. Asking people next about Ango Natsume and his work to get to real business next time. That guy was a big show off and a pervert! Gross. Ha! :D More to come later on.