Iron Mario: He did most of that the first time around.

DJPlaysGames: ... There are no memories. Joker traveled back in time, same with Morgana. The other's won't 'remember' anything since they never technically happened for them.

warrior of six blades: Yeah that reaction is based off my first run through of Persona 5. I was trying to work out the things weakness without a guide and killed it with the gun shot that would have normally downed it. So it was the ONLY Personas I did not have by the end of my first playthrough.

InsaneMakaioshin: As... I said to your PM before Chapter 13 was posted... that! Was! A! TYPO! IN! CHAPTER! 11!

B0009000: Well, he doesn't need them.

Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:

Cooperjordan: Thank you for your kind words.

Ben the Lesser: Thanks, we try our best.

B0009000: She gave them back...Eventually.

StevieBond: Well, yeah. We had to make things exciting.

Mewtwo-TheLoneShadow: Thank you, she's our adorable little gremlin.

MementoMori115: Well considering 'splurt' is the sound when a body explodes with a geyser of blood, it's appropriate.

Xerzo LotCN: Yeah, we fixed that in our story. Ren's gonna rake in the cash.

vuphiho200408: Don't worry, Lavenza's keeping her eye on them.

PhoenixDragon90: Yeah, Max Stats and harem route... without getting your ass kicked in the end. That'd be nice.

DJPlaysGames: Okay: Only Joker, Mona, Igor and Lavenza remember in the first timeline. Everyone else doesn't remember. As for the 'Max Confidants' and such? You'll have to wait and see.

Iron Mario: Well, he's got a bit of the 'completionist bug' because there were some treasure Persona that got out of his grip. Those things just love flitting about.

To Everyone: I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday season, and we wish you a Happy New Year. We hope that you'll continue reading our stories in the future.

Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.

Co-written by GhostKaiser23


AUTHOR'S NOTE

And... BOOM!

Here we are with the newest chapter!

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

I hope you enjoy it!

And enjoy the other stories I have updated today!

It is now 2021 here in the UK. I hope you all enjoy!


Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 14: Time For A Check Up!


"Well... I'll be." Sojiro blinked with hidden pride

Ren was cooking curry, with the smell of coffee lingering in the air. Meanwhile Ann and Shiho where sipping coffee, a few books scattered across a table

"Just... Clean up." Sojiro blinked as he put his hat on "And if you do 'anything', in your room. I don't want to have to deep clean... That."

Ding!

With that, the store was closed. Sojiro was gone. The three where alone... With Morgana

"Does he honestly talk like that?" Shiho blushed brightly as she caught what he meant.

"You're the first girls I've brought over." Ren answered "And you are both my girlfriends."

"We're honoured." Ann commented

"How's the curry?" Ren asked

"Delicious." Shiho responded as he set down their coffee

"That's good." he smiled at them, now feeling awkward. He had two girlfriends... And they were in his 'house'... And they were basically alone

'Oh god, I hope Fuutaba doesn't call tonight.' He thought as he looked around, remembering the bugs

"What's wrong?" Shiho asked

"Bugs. Might be about." He answered.

"Do we need some citronella?" Ann wondered

...

Ren chuckled to himself, calming down "No, it's fine." He responded, slipping down next to them. "I'll be fine." He was just being silly, after all. This was Ann and Shiho, why was he being so nervous? He knew them, right? ... Right? They were his teammates.
His friends

"You're smiling." Shiho commented, seeing his face.

"Am I?" He chuckled gently as they ate his curry.

"Hmm! Spicy!" Ann gasped, feeling the nice tingle on her lips "I'd really like a sweet one but it's so good~!"

"Thanks, I've had some practice making a good curry." He answered

"You and your sweet tooth, Ann." Shiho chuckled

Ann just nodded as they all enjoyed their meal together. Time ticked on and the three enjoyed each other's' company.

"Hey, Ann. How is the modelling going?" Ren asked...

SLAM!

"Ugh!" She groaned, her blonde hair forming an almost halo look around her head

"Oof. That bad?" Shiho flinched nervously as she heard and saw that.

"Is it that girl?" Ren asked

"Yes. She's made a fool out of me... and turned herself into 'Ms Perfect'." Ann groaned "She keeps doing this, and not just to me."

"The other models as well?" Shiho asked

"Yeah, she's monopolising the whole set. I know this business is tough but... a bit of friendliness never killed anyone." Ann groaned "She basically keeps tricking directors into sending other models home and all that. It's just... So much. I want to prove her wrong!"

"Hmm... Maybe we can hack her phone? Show the directors what she's been doing?" Shiho asked

"No. I want to prove her wrong!" she said seriously, shaking her head "I want to beat her as a model!"

"You will. I know it." Ren answered confidently.

"How about you practice?" Shiho offered "A small private show?"

"'A private show'?" Ann repeated as she heard that. "What do you mean?"

"Well... Show us your stuff. Like you where modelling for us." Shiho rubbed her neck a bit

"O-Okay. But not down here. The door." Ann blushed, pointing to the entrance.

"We can do it upstairs. Plenty of privacy." Ren pointed.

Ann nodded, the group getting up from their study session

"Should we tell Morgana?" Shiho asked as Ren locked the door after turning the 'Open' sign to 'Closed'.

"We definitely should." He nodded. The two headed upstairs as Mona was asleep downstairs in a booth, his belly full of lovely tuna.

"Okay." Ann nodded as they arrived in Ren's bedroom

"Wow, this place could be good for our meet ups." Shiho commented as she saw the large attic space.

"Is that where you make those lockpicks?" Ann asked

"Yeah." Ren blushed

"Wow, no wonder you got so many." Ann responded.

"Ann?" Shiho said, getting her attention again. She used a simple shift of her tone, knowing how her best friend got distracted

"Yes, right. Sorry." Ann apologised and began to imagine herself in a photo-shooting.

Ren and Shiho sat on the coach, watching as Ann got 'in the grove' before their very eyes

She began to strike her poses, showing off her artistic side that she used for her modelling. She did a pose the two knew all too well, where she leaned forwards and showed over her breasts while one hand rested in her hip and the other on her forward leaning leg

'Oh wow.' Ren thought as he saw this, not thinking this was a 'strip show', but it was very alluring.

She then stood up, her arms above her head. Crossed in a way as her head was thrown back lightly, her hips cocked to the side

'Oh, wow! She's so graceful.' Shiho thought as she saw her 'So amazing! No wonder so many guys want her!'

Ann then struck her third pose, spinning around. Her back to them, looking over her shoulder with her hands on her hips

Clap!
Clap!
Clap!

Ren and Shiho applauded as they saw this, not having any biases, but were just being blown away by it.

"Thanks." Ann blushed "People tend to like those poses."

...

"Wait. You mean you always do the same poses?" Shiho blinked

"Well, yeah. They're kinda my-" Ann began to explain, only to be interrupted

"Stop." Ren sighed sounding serious. "That's a problem."

"Huh?" Ann blinked in confusion

"You're solely focusing on three simple poses. The first time you see them, they're... new, exciting. But if you don't change them up, you'll get stale and so set in a way you can't do anything else." Ren explained. "It's... Shiho, do you have plans in volleyball? Positions and stuff like that?"

"Yeah, we always make new formations and positions." She answered. "So we don't become too predictable."

"I see..." Ann blinked "But... What do I do?"

"We'll help you. That's what." Ren smiled, putting his hand on her shoulder.

"How?" she asked

"We'll pose with you. We'll see what we can bounce off each other and see what feels good." Shiho answered as she stood next to her best friend... Girlfriend?

"Okay!" Ann nodded

"Good, cause we've got time on our hands." Shiho answered as she used her phone to start up some music "Okay, let's start." And she began to dance with Ren.

"Whoa, okay!" He blinked in shock, being brought up.

"Are you sure you're not just after a dance?" Ann asked.

"Trust me." Shiho answered, acting on instinct and began to pose.

The music began to play, a popular J-Pop song that made Shiho tap her feet and began to strike. She lifted her left arm in the air, the other hand on her hip as she spread her legs, lowering her hand and leapt into a spin.

Ann nodded, following her friend's lead and began to dance along. She swayed her hips as she made a heart with her fingers and raised them to the sky, giving a wink and smiled.

Ren saw this and took out his phone, taking photos of the two as he saw something from Ann's performance. Something... magical

Ann bent backwards as she was doing another pose, not that she was realising it was one. She was showing her curves to the side as her chest seemed to be pushed out, one of her legs was upright, like a ballet dancer with her arms giving her balance. The two girls then span around each other, now standing back to back

The blonde raised her arms, her hips gyrating in a slow sensual circle as she shimmed back to back with Shiho

Click
Click

"Whoa, this... that was amazing." Ann smiled as she rested against her friend as the song ended.

Ren looked down at the phone and his eyes widened. "Ann. Shiho. Come take a look at these."

"Huh?" Ann blinked

"Sure." Shiho smiled at Ren, glad her boyfriend understood her plan

"Here." Ren showed the beginning of the pictures and Ann's eyes widened as she saw herself.

"I-Is that me?" Ann asked in shock, amazed at herself

"Yeah, it is." Shiho remarked

Ren flicked through several images, showing Ann how good she looked

"I. I look amazing." Ann whispered as she saw them.

"I think you were limiting yourself. Constraining to the photographer's instructions. This is your natural state." Ren commented

"You keep using those same three poses because you know people like them." Shiho nodded "You limited yourself to what they wanted instead of being Ann. And being Ann will win so many more hearts than just being another pretty face in a swimsuit."

Ann took the phone and saw how happy she was in them, seeing her freedom in them... and it steeled her resolve "Yeah, you're right!" she nodded seriously and confidently "If I want to take this seriously, if I want to strengthen my heart, I need to let myself be me! I need to let my heart shine!"

"That's the spirit." The two answered together as they hugged her together

Ren looked at his two girlfriends and saw that Shiho was coming down from the excitement... was something wrong?

"Shiho? Are you okay?" Ann asked

"Y-yeah. Just... The train earlier." She admitted

"Yeah, I was wondering about that." Ann nodded

"I... I kinda hate myself right now." Shiho admitted

"What do you mean?" Ann asked in worry

"All those people?" Ren asked softly as he reached for his glasses

"D-Don't." Shiho shook her head and pulled back, sighing

"All those-Shiho?" Ann blinked ans frowned

"You... all know the stories about what happens to women on trains, right?" she asked. Shiho backed up and held her arm slightly "I always feel so uncomfortable on them now. I... I hate feeling like this! So... So... weak! So pathetic!"

"You're not." Ren said, interrupting Ann before she could say a word "You where hurt and I... I'm sorry that happened to you, that I couldn't do anything to help."

"But you don't let it control you!" Ann said suddenly, catching their attention "You did GREAT! You've pushed past the horrors! It's just..." Ann took a deep breath and clasped Shiho's hands "Everything is too much for people at times, right?"

"Yeah." Ren nodded in agreement

"You've just got a... slightly lower tolerance right now." Ann shrugged "But you are doing better now, right?"

"I-"

"Are you still having nightmares of him touching you?"

"Not-Not every night."

"Do still feel it? That feeling he is watching you and could pop out from behind any corner?" Ann continued

"Not... often."

"You've already grown a lot." Ren smiled "And you are just going to keep recovering. That's what we are here for."

Shiho looked at her friends and nodded, giving them both a huge hug.

The three hugged rightly for a few moments before they pulled apart slightly. Shiho's eyes glistening with tears, she kissed Ren softly and honestly, that was what they needed right now. She broke the kiss after a moment, letting Ann kiss their shared boyfriend

Lovers: Rank 6

Lust: Rank 6

'Oh god, what a night.' He thought as Ann and Shiho shared a look, and a blush

"Sh-Should we?" Shiho asked

"I mean... we are sharing a boyfriend." Ann muttered "We are already indirectly doing it."

"I guess." Shiho nodded

"But... wouldn't it change our relationship massively?" Ann worried

"I wouldn't mind it. It's just experimenting; if you like it, you do. If you don't, you don't." Ren voiced up.

"Meep!" the two gasped, having forgotten Ren was there

"Were you two in your own world? I just wanted to throw in my two Yen." Ren apologised "It was kinda obvious you two where thinking about kissing."

"... Would you be jealous?" Ann asked

'It's a trap!' Ren immediately thought as he heard that. One the one hand if he said 'Yes', slaps to the face. On the other hand, if he said 'No' he'd be insulting the relationship.
The dreaded two girlfriend dilemma!
"Ahem. I wouldn't be jealous. Because I know that both of you would want this relationship to work out." Ren cleared his throat.

Ann was silent, but held Shiho's face "So... should we?" she asked her best friend

Shiho blushed as she looked at her, then looking at Ren... and then back to her. She gave a single nod and slowly pursed her lips, ready to try it.

The two took a deep breath, their eyes slowly fluttering closed before they leaned forwards to kiss one another. As their lips connected, there was a wave of embarrassment, the feeling of a girl's soft lips against the other. All the while, Ren was looking on at them, thinking 'Don't wolf-whistle, don't wolf-whistle.' and kept the perverted thoughts low.

The two held each other as they just pressed their lips together, slowly kissing as they got use to this new sensation.

'Th-this is.' Shiho thought as they kept their lips closed while embracing before Ann pulled back slowly.

'Th-That was.' Ann thought as she pulled back less than an inch

The two girls looked into each other's eyes as Ren sat on his bed... and trying to quell the thumping of his heart. Two girlfriends? Both of them kissing? With him in the middle? And suddenly said girlfriends began to kiss again 'Hmm!' Ren thought to himself, silencing his lustful thoughts... But he had to be honest, he was a little jealous of what he was witnessing.

'Hmm~.' Both Ann and Shiho kissed again, their hands going over the other's backs. They where slightly more into it, their arms wrapped around each others waists as their lips continued to rub against each others. They soon broke the kiss, a bit breathless. Both equally shocked. Both of them looked in each other's eyes and blushed, feeling their throats a little dry before they pulled back.

"That was... Nice?" Ann muttered, coughing gently. She didn't want to go 'too far' in describing that

"Y-yes. 'Nice'." Shiho rubbed her arm gently as she looked down at the floor.

"... Another drink?" Ren asked, wanting to get some water for them.

"Please!" The two answered

Ren nodded and went downstairs to get them drinks. That left the two best friends alone in his bedroom, both of their minds racing over how their first... and second... kiss with a woman went and how they felt about it

'Oh, god. She was too good. It was like kissing a cloud!' Ann thought in a panic.

'Ann's lips were so soft! Like two marshmallows!' Shiho did the same panicked thinking 'And she tasted so... Sweet! It was almost addicting!'

'I want more!' The two thought in unison looking at the other, before flinching away thinking the other was ashamed.

'She's so beautiful... How did I never notice?' Ann thought

'A-Am I worthy to be with Ann?' Shiho thought.

'How are we going to hide it at school?' The two thought again.

"I've got the drinks." Ren came back up, carrying three glasses filled with water and a full pitcher making the two jump again "Sorry! Did I interrupt again?" Ren asked, putting the drinks down on the side

"N-No. No." Ann stuttered, shaking her head

"No, you didn't. We were just. Thinking." Shiho added.

"Well this is going to be new and special. For all of us." Ren smiled


*time skip*

...

"What are we doing here?" Ryuji asked in fear as he looked up, the group outside a certain clinic

"Because we've been pushing ourselves too hard and we need a check-up." Ren answered confidently.

"But we're healthy." Ann responded

"We're physically fit as well." Yusuke added

"Really? After Mementos, I saw you guys rubbing your muscles." Ren remarked "Also it is good to see how the Metaverse effects us."

"What about me?" Morgana asked nervously.

"I don't know any vets around here." Ren answered as he rubbed Morgana's head "But considering, I think you're fine."

"Phew." He sighed in relief.

"Come on, I've already booked the appointments." Ren pointed and lead his friends inside.

The group soon entered the reception area where Dr Takemi was working... and she double-took in shock, seeing Ren and more people with him. She thought he was joking, it wasn't the case. "So... My Guinea-Pig..." she blinked in shock "Who are your friends?"

"This is: Ryuji, Yusuke, Ann and Shiho." Ren introduced them. "We're here for a check-up."

"Guinea-Pig?" the group asked, Ryuji happily looking at the attractive doctor while Ann and Shiho glared lightly

"I see you haven't told them. He lets me do wonderful 'experiments' with him." Tae responded with a teasing tone.

"'Experiments'?!" The group, minus Ren shouted, with Ren looking embarrassed. And each one has a different idea of what that meant with Ann and Shiho frowning in protective girlfriend anger

"Dude. What the hell do you do around here?" Ryuji asked

"It's not as bad as you think." Ren deadpanned. 'It's worse.' He thought to himself, recalling the last time.

"So... who's first?" Tae asked

The group didn't raise their hands... until Ren nudged Ryuji forwards and he 'volunteered'. "What the?"

"Perfect, follow me please." Dr Takemi asked him and lead him to the examination room.

Ryuji gulped before he grinned, planning to lay on the charms as he walked into the room 'Okay, okay. I can do this.' He thought as he entered the examination room.

"Now. Please take a seat." Tae asked as she saw Ryuji and his grin.

"Sure." He nodded and did so, sitting in front of her.

"Now tell me, do you have any previous injuries?" She asked

"Er... yeah." he muttered and looked down to his leg

Tae noted that and nodded. "How long?" She asked as she carefully examined it. "And what happened?"

"Kamoshida broke my leg. And last year." Ryuji answered.

"I see."

"You know about Kamoshida?" He blinked

"Of course, he was thorough with his crimes when confessing them on the news." She answered, getting a nerve hammer, tapping Ryuji's legs, seeing the results of both of them with Ryuji flinching at the touch

"Uh-huh." Tae nodded, making notes on Ryuji's healed leg and how its reaction was a fraction delayed compared to the healthy leg. "Tell me, have you been doing any intense workouts? Anything to cause strain?"

"Yeah. Me and my buddy have been training." Ryuji nodded "We've be doing a bunch of training to strengthen our legs."

Tae nodded, taking down what he said. "And how often?" She continued

"Like... twice, three times a week." He answered.

"And your diet?"

"Pretty good. I had a Big Bang Burger the other day, and... went to the ramen shop in Tokyo. There were those bottles of soda and chips during lunch... You're not taking this down are you?" Ryuji answered

"Of course." She answered. "Do you get aches or pains anywhere else than your legs?"


*Outside*

Ren had never felt so afraid. That teasing from Tae and with his relationship with Shiho and Ann.

...

Yeah he was hiding in a corner, surrounded by a Fort of chairs, with a pair of angry girlfriends ranting at him

"What did she mean 'experiments'?!" Ann snapped, breaking the silence

"I can explain." He squeaked, trying not to be attacked.

"You better, Ren Amamiya!" Shiho answered, the shyer girl just... snapping bravely

"And they better be truthful!" The two answered

"Okay. This is satisfying." Morgana said with a smile as he watched

"This is fascinating." Yusuke commented

'Come on man. You can do this.' Ren thought, focusing

Suddenly it was as if they where in the Metaverse as Ren sprung to his feet, sending the chairs flying. The group could almost hear the music of their shadow battles playing as Ren removed his glasses as if he was removing his Joker Mask

Both Ann and Shiho gasped, feeling his confident aura and watching as his hair and jacket fluttered in the wind he had kicked up

"Tae Takemi is my doctor!" he stated confidently, pointing his finger at the girls like it was a gun "She is working on jew drugs to help people!"

BANG!

"Ah~!" the two girls gasped dramatically as his hand kicked back a bit, as if firing his 'gun'

"And I am a willing test subject for said chemicals and drugs and concoctions she creates!" Joker continued as he sprung forth

The wind picked up as he moved, the girls blinking in shock as he was suddenly behind them

"I would never betray your trust in such a way." he commented, slipping his glasses back in dramatically as he looked over his shoulders "If there was something more I would have told you long before now."

The two almost swooned at his tone of voice, especially as he let out his Joker laugh and pulled them close

"I am not doing anything with Tae. It is a friendship and a doctor/patient relationship, even if she is attractive, and I am helping her perfect drugs which can save lives. That is all." Joker finished, grinning his classic grin as he pulled his girlfriends close

...

Clap!
Clap!
Clap!

Yusuke began to clap a bit, like he was watching a play

"Wow." Morgana whispered in shock.

"Incredible." Yusuke mumbled as he clapped

"S-Sorry. We shouldn't have." Shiho whispered apologetically.

"Yeah. We over reacted." Ann agreed

The door opened up and Ryuji walked out. "Well... That was awkward." Ryuji admitted.

"Next please." Tae asked as she stepped out. "... Am I missing something?"

"I'll go next." Ann commented

"Good." Tae nodded and let her enter. "... I expect those chairs back in their right position when I get back."

"Sorry, doctor." Ren rubbed his neck and laughed a bit

Tae sighed and let Ann enter her office. "Please take a seat... Ms...?"

"Takamaki. Ann Takamaki." Ann introduced herself as she sat down, her voice having a heat to it

"Noted. Now, have you experienced any injuries lately?" Tae asked professionally.

"Not really." she admitted

Tae wrote that down on a new piece of paper, separate from Ryuji's. "Do you engage in any physical activities?"

"Just general stuff to stay in shape." she shrugged

"What's your diet like?" Tae asked

"... Ah. I. Like sweets. But I'm pretty healthy in what I eat." Ann admitted, giving her weakness for sugary confections.

"What did you have in the last twenty four hours?" Tae asked with a raised eyebrow

"Er..." Ann blinked, tapping her chin "A bag of chocos, a few crepes, a bag of chips..."

Tae was sitting in horror while writing as Ann listed off hordes of food. Food that by shear amount would make you think it would be from someone twice, maybe three times her size. And that was not including the unhealthiness of said food

"... Oh! And a curry! Ren made Shiho and I this delicious~ curry last night!" Ann finished with a smile

"I-I see." Tae coughed

"He is such a good boyfriend." Ann grinned

"... Boyfriend? You two are dating." Tae inquired, with a raised eyebrow

"Yes." Ann answered as she looked into Tae's eyes, almost challengingly

"Oh? Are you a virgin?" Tae responded

Ann stiffened up as she heard that and felt embarrassed. But she didn't have any reason to lie. "Y-Yes." She blushed as she admitted that. "We've only just started dating and-"

"I see, little girl." Tae said, pulling out a few boxes and handing them to her

"Um. What're these-?" Ann asked nervously. "Are these birth control pills?"

"Yep." she nodded professionally

Ann looked at the boxes and nodded, realising that she was of that age that needed to take care of herself. "Thank you, Dr Takemi."

"By the way. If I wanted him, I could charm him." Tae teased


*with the others *

"So what happened with the doctor?" Yusuke asked.

"Just, some tests. Talking. I told her about my knee. Normal exam stuff." Ryuji answered.

"See, she isn't scary." Ren assured

"I guess... she looks like a punk-rock chick though." Ryuji admitted.

"That's true. But it's her style." Ren answered "And I think she pulls it off well."

"What do you think, Yusuke?" Ryuji asked, leaning back a little.

"She certainly has a flair all her own. I wonder if I will be able to paint her passion into my artwork?" He responded, giving his own thoughts.

SLAM!

"Your turn Yusuke." Ann hissed, storming into the small office

Ren, Ryuji and Shiho flinched as she stormed in, carrying something in her hands. "V-Very well." Yusuke nodded, getting up and walking inside.

"Um. Is everything-?" Shiho awkwardly asked, seeing Ann pissed off.

"She's a bitch." she huffed before dramatically pulling Ren into a kiss "Hmm?"

"Huh?!" Ryuji's jaw dropped "What the hell?!"

Inside the office, Yusuke was sitting down. "Now, Mr...?"

"Kitagawa. Yusuke Kitagawa." Yusuke answered.

"Mr Kitagawa. Tell me; have you been to the doctor's before?" She asked

"Not for a while." he admitted

"Hmm." Tae frowned as she looked at him "Can you lift your shirt up for a moment?" Yusuke looked a little ashamed for a moment... but then nodded, lifting up his shirt. As he did so, Tae's eyes widened in shock as she saw the rail-thin, almost skeleton-like teenager before her. "What on Earth?" She gasped in shock. "How're you still conscious?" She instantly started writing, before grabbing a blank piece of paper and a pen "Here. Write down what you have eaten in the past week. Mark it under the day of the week you ate it."

"Very well." Yusuke nodded and looked at the small week calendar.

Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
Scribble.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap
Scribble.
Scribble.

"Here you are." He passed it over.

As Tae looked at the paper, she was stunned into silence. "Half. Only this little. In three days?" She struggled to hold back her frustration "It is all I can afford and all my... Old master could afford."

Tae gripped the paper and crumpled it by accident. "Unacceptable." Was all she could say.


*with the others*

Ryuji was holding his head in his hands. Shaking it gently as he just saw Ann and Ren kiss. He was even more shocked to hear that Shiho was doing the three-way tango with them both. Sure it was kinda obvious considering how they acted in Momentos but... Come on!
"Why do you get all the luck?!" Ryuji whined

"Um... I don't know." Ren answered with a slight shrug

The door soon opened as Yusuke walked out, having put his shirt back on. "Shiho, it's your turn." He said calmly, holding a diary in his hand.

"Okay." Shiho nodded as she stood up, walking into the room

"This is so unfair man!" Ryuji yelled before his face fell into his hands against

"Oh shut up." Ann blushed, sitting in Ren's lap and glaring at Tae's office


*with Shiho and Tae*

"Name please." Tae asked, having composed herself from Yusuke's session.

"Shiho Suzui." Shiho answered.

"Ms Suzui." Tae nodded, writing it down. "Tell me, have you had any accidents recently?"

"... You heard about what happened at my school?" she asked

"Of course I have. Kamoshida." She nodded. "I heard the news, I have already written that down, but I also want to know if during the time from then and now, you have caused or been in any accidents."

"Well... I sprained my ankle last week during practice. And I tend to trip a lot at them as well. Plus the... Left overs from him beating me like everyone else." Shiho listed off "And then... What... He tried to do to me."

"Please don't force yourself. Take your time." Dr Takemi asked kindly, trying to be courteous as possible.

Shiho nodded and continued to list off the accidents. She told Tae everything she was comfortable with sharing

Tae didn't discriminate, nor did she remark. She only took the important notes. "Now tell me. Your diet and eating habits." She asked

"Of course, Dr Takemi." Shiho nodded


*with the others*

"Are you serious? That's what the diary is for?!" Ryuji asked in a panic.

"Yes. It's to keep track of my nutritional intake." Yusuke answered.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Ren asked knowingly

"I didn't want you to-" He began to explain, or at least give a half-assed excuse.

"You could've crashed with any of us." Ryuji answered.

"We would've helped you out a lot, Yusuke." Morgana added.

"Exactly. No-one deserves nothing to eat." Ann finished off.

"We'd have happily helped you." Ren nodded

"Thank you, but Mas-Madarame always taught me to live a minimalist life. It's going to be difficult for me." He answered "And now paying for my own food it has been a bit..."

"It's been a hard life." Ren frowned, knowing the drain on his wallet in his previous life and how much people would rip him off.

That was when the door opened, Shiho and Tae walking out "So. That's everything." Tae commented as she looked through her notes

"Really? What about Ren?" Ryuji asked, pointing at his friend.

"Oh~, I've 'examined' my Guinea-Pig fairly often." Tae said as she smirked at Ann with a clear as day statement

"OH COME ON!" Ryuji whined

"Okay." Ann blushed as she grabbed his hand tightly and frowning at the doctor

"So... Do you want to hear the results in private? Or all here?" Tae asked professionally once again

The group looked at each other and each gave a single not towards Joker, knowing he would give the right answer. "All here." He asked

"Yeah, we got nothing ta hide from each other!" Ryuji nodded deeply

Stab

Ren flinched lightly as he felt a slash to his heart at those words, guilt shooting through him

"Very well." she nodded "Let us go alphabetically. Mr Kitagawa, you are massively malnourished." she turned to him seriously "As well as lacking physical exercise. I shall come up with a nutrition scheme for you and I am sure Mr Sakamoto would be of great assistance in helping you train with his past."

"I see." Yusuke said seriously

"No worries man, I'm here for ya!" Ryuji grinned

"Next, Mr Sakamoto." Tae commented "You are perfectly fine. Your muscles have lost mass slightly from not keeping up with your exercises. But beyond that, you are perfectly fine."

"W-What?!" Ryuji gaped "B-But my leg-"

"Is all healed. Any pain you are feeling is all in your head. Also known as phantom pain, lingering trauma of the event." Tae interrupted "Unfortunately I can not help there. Your bones are probably not as strong as they use to be and probably will never be again, so you can't reach your old speeds, but you can get close if you keep exercising and watching your diet. Especially with that leg. Again, it has lost some mass and from lack of training it is not what it use to be. While I highly advise against competitive running again, you can build your way back up to a very good level. As long as you don't push yourself."

"I-what?" he blinked

"Ms Suzui, you are in dire need of relaxation." Tae commented "You are too stressed and working yourself too hard. Neither is good for your recovery."

"Oh." Shiho muttered

"It is fine." Tae smiled before turning to Ann "Now... Ms Takamaki."

"Yes?" Ann asked

"You need to cut out all those sweets. You'll get fat." Tae said as she closed her folder "That's it."

...

"That's... It?" Ann asked as Ryuji was snickering in the corner

"That's it." Tae responded with a straight face

Ann narrowed her eyes and growled a bit, Shiho quickly standing up and leading her away

"Thank you Doctor Tokemi, this has been a big help." Shiho nodded as she dragged Ann away

"Yeah, later doc!" Ryuji waved and left

"How will I get my nutrition scheme from you?" Yusuke asked

"I'm sure my assistant would deliver it for me." Tae smirked at Ann as the blonde stayed in the doorway, the punk Doctor ruffling Ren's hair

"Grrr!"

"Thank you. I understand." Yusuke bowed and left

"You know you're going to get me killed, right?" Ren chuckled

"Please, I'm a good doctor." Tae huffed "If that happened I'd bring you back to life."

"Are you serious?" Ryuji asked as he heard that.

...

"Darn it Ryuji." Ren groaned

Tae chuckled. And looking at the doorway with a smirk, she kissed Ren's cheek "I will see you for your next 'examination' my Guinea-Pig." she smirked before walking out of the waiting room

The group's jaws dropped as they saw that, while Ren was frozen in shock with a blush on his cheeks and his glasses were fogged up.

...

"Let go of me Shiho! I need to teach her a lesson!" Ann screamed pulling against her friends grip

"Nope! You can't!" Shiho struggled as she held her back, while Yusuke and Ryuji were still stunned. "Guys? Help please?"


*later*

It took twenty minutes to calm the blazing Panther down, the group now back at LeBlanc

"You feel better?" Ren asked, passing a glass of water to each of them.

"Yeah." Ann muttered

"It was a bit of a shock." Ryuji admitted

"You think?" Ann frowned. "Is she normally like that?"

"No, normally she is much calmer and more simple." Ren shrugged "I am guessing it's because of so many different kinds of patients today."

"That's probably why." Yusuke nodded, drinking a small coffee.

...

"Huh?" Yusuke blinked as the others all dropped ¥1000 in front of him

"Wh-what's this for?" Yusuke asked

"Living. Eating. Drinking. Surviving." They answered one after another.

"We're not letting you die because of what Madarame's taught you." Shiho answered

"If you need help... Ask us." Ren smiled

Yusuke looked at the money and then nodded, putting it in his pocket. "Thank you. I will... I'll use this well."

"That's good." Ryuji sighed

Ren nodded as he sat back... And began to smirk his Joker smirk

"Ren? What's with that grin?" Morgana asked as he saw it.

"I think it's time we deliver our message." Ren answered "We have a clear bill of health. We have all the gear we need. We are all ready. Let's do this."

"Sweet! Meaning we can finally put it to that bastard." Ryuji smirked.

"Yusuke." Ren passed over the copy of the original Phantom Thieves card. "Do you think you can update the logo?"

"Of course, Leader." Yusuke smiled softly

"Dude, really?" Ryuji frowned.

"It's not like I hate the design, Ryuji. It's more to 'update the look', the first letter was rough around the edges; now we can make a bigger splash." Ren smirked "Because it is time to make a real splash."

Ryuji was quiet... and the rebel inside of him smirked. "Alright. I'm down with that." Ryuji answered

"What do you have in mind?" Ann asked

"Hmm... I believe I have something." Yusuke thought, doing a quick doodle on a paper napkin. "How is this?"

...

"Perfect." Ren smiled manically.


*Time Skip*

We are at the museum, at Madarame's exhibit

"That's it, over there. I want the Feng Shui balanced between my paintings." Madarame asked, overlooking the project.

"Mr Madarame, Sir. There's a letter for you!" An assistant called out, running to him.

"A letter for me? I'll read it later, can't you see that I-?" Madarame asked

"Sir, it's from the Phantom Thieves! The same ones who supposedly stole the heart of Mr Kamoshida!" The assistant informed.

Madarame snatched the letter from his hand and began to read it.

On the front of the letter was a stylish top-hat with a simple domino mask with a single eye spewing white flames while the background were black and red rings that made it look like a target.

Sir Ichiryusai Madarame,
A great sinner of Vanity whose talent has been exhausted.
You are an artist who uses his authority to shamelessly steal the ideas of his pupils.
We have decided to make you confess your crimes with your own mouth.
We will take your distorted desires without fail.
From, The Phantom Thieves

Madarame's eyes widened as he read the letter while the assistant dictated it. He crumpled the letter in his hands and turned to him. "Whose doing is this?"

"We don't know, the same letter has been posted everywhere!"

"What about the security cameras? Were there no culprits?!" Madarame snapped

"None! All that was there was a cat in the recordings." the assistant assured

"Remove these at once!" He barked at his assistant and his heart thrummed inside of him. "What now?!"

"It's about these letters. Maybe they're a prank? To ruin your exhibit." He asked

"You think that this slander is true?!"

"Of course not, sir!" The assistant responded

Madarame's perception and inner thoughts came to light. His palace was on high alert... and he wasn't going to let this happen. 'It's those damned brats' doing, isn't it? It means nothing! They'll only be able to do as they please until this exhibit is over and by then they'll be locked away!' He looked at his assistant. "What're you doing standing around? Go!" And the assistant ran off.

Hidden away in the crowd, Yusuke and the group saw his reaction. "It's done."

"Yep and the treasure should be ready." Morgana answered. "We've got only one shot at this."

"Hehe." Joker laughed, removing his glasses. He threw his glasses into the air as the world shifted...

Now in the Metaverse, Joker caught his mask and slid it into place

"It's... Show Time!" he called, clicking his fingers, as the Phantom Thieves raced into the Palace

"And we prepped ahead of time." Skull smirked as he carried the ropes and links to get it into position.

"Let's steal his Treasure." Fox added, Joker leading the way.


CONFIDANT RECAP:

Fool: Rank 10

Magician: Rank 10

Lovers: Rank 6

Lust: Rank 6

Chariot: Rank 5

World: Rank 4

Death: Rank 4

Strength: Rank 3

Hierophant: Rank 3

Temperance: Rank 2

Sun: Rank 2

Moon: Rank 1

Hanged-Man: Rank 1