Slackboy101: laughs We have ideas.

GreatLight432: Glad you are enjoying it. And glad we are meeting your acceptations.

Neo Infinity: Honestly if you play the base game, on your first play through, it is VERY tough to max out EVERY social link and every every social stat without a guide. It also depends on the difficulty you play it on. Ranking up your team mates is also very good. Same with Mishima for exp boosts.

chimchar14: Because Nick Cage is awesome. Even if that movie wasn't the best.

Metal face: Fuck off. And I will say this every single time you say this. You post this MULTIPLE TIMES to EVERY SINGLE chapter. You keep doing this? I will keep saying this as long as you keep spamming this bullshit. You are obsessed. Fuck off.

Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:

Firem78910: Oh, we'll ignore him. And that's all good, dude.

Shadow Joestar: Yep, all things are looking up.

nickthecit: Things will happen naturally.

StevieBond: Things will pick up soon, trust us.

Xerzo LotCN: We're doing our best to portray these characters as best as we can.

UltimateCCC: Sigh When we were writing this, P5S didn't come out for us yet, we can't up-end months of work. AS for Ren's Star... I think he's got at least one 5 and the rest are 4.

chimchar14: laughs That's what I was going for with Hell Rider! But yeah, Joker's going to do much more this time around.

BigMasetheDon: Yep, we're going deeper in this madness.

Neo Infinity: Okay, all the Confidants are important; remember to go to all the vending machines you can to buy SP drinks (those save your butt during the early game) This guide helped me out a lot in the base P5 game.
gamefaqs. gamespot ps4/835628-persona-5/faqs/74549

GreatLight432: Glad you've been enjoying the series.

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

Co-written by GhostKaiser23


AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hey everyone, here we are with the newest chapter. Hope you all enjoy it, guys and gals!


Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 17: The Phantom Thieves TV Trip


The people in Shinjuku were confused. "Mr Madarame? What's going on? What's happening? Is he crying?"

The group looked up to the screen, seeing the weeping man on the screen...and what he had to realise and go through. Surrounded by cameras and microphones. Camera flashes to catch it all.

"I. I have committed crimes that are unbecoming of an artist. Plainly put... I, um...plagiarized work." Madarame began to confess, making the people on the streets look on in shock "I-I tainted this... this country's art world. And... And even 'Sayuri'!" And he began to break down into tears, choking on his confession. "H-How could I... I possibly apologize to-to everyone for... for what I've done! AAAAHHHH!"

"That guy was crying way to much." A random citizen commented as the news turned over

"That was from the urgent apology conference by Madarame that took place just a moment ago. After reporting to the association, Madarame has agreed to the police's request to turn himself in." The newscaster began.

"Wasn't he on TV the other day?" A woman asked

"On top of charges of abuse to his pupils, Madarame is under suspicion of claiming their works as his own. Even allowing one of his former pupils to die so he can claim it. His most famous piece 'Sayuri' is this said work. This large-scale criminal act has caused a great shock to the art world, and..." The caster began to speak

Yusuke almost fell to his knees as he heard that, hearing that his mother's work was being exposed as her own... despite her name not being mentioned. The others turned to him and wanted to know if he was alright. Wordlessly, Yusuke nodded and continued to watch.

"After the conference, Madarame has was taken to the police hospital for interrogation due to his age. However, initial psych evaluations state that he is mentally sound and likely responsible for his actions."
People continued to berate Madarame, voicing 'Why did he confess?' and 'Don't let that geezer off easy.'
"Also, a group calling themselves 'The Phantom Thieves' posted a dubious note at Madarame's exhibit. The police will investigate their relation to this case, but for now, did not identify themselves as suspects."

The word began to spread. 'The Phantom Thieves'. People began to talk; some people even talking about how they only steal criminal's hearts and that's how they are able to make them confess. Talking about their calling card and being online.

The group smiled to themselves as they were able to do this. People were talking about them!

"Phantom Thieves, huh?" A young man with light brown hair and red eyes spoke to himself, looking up at the screen; before he walked off to elsewhere.

And Makoto. She saw this and knew she had to find them. Walking off to her own path. Her head lowered, walking away in thought

"It. It worked. He confessed." Yusuke whispered as he realised all his fellow artists and his mother were avenged. Madarame wouldn't hurt anyone else anymore "We... We did it!"

The group cheered to themselves as they saw the news and felt great. Another villain who was brought down by the Phantom Thieves! Ryuji pulled Yusuke from the ground, pulling him into a happy hug. Shiho and Ann where cheering happily, hugging each other and jumping up and down in joy. Ren gave a 'yes' fist-pump with a smile. 'Two down. Five to go.' He thought to himself confidently as he looked down at his phone and smiled 'Just you wait Futaba...'


*elsewhere*

We find ourselves in a deep, dark bedroom

Inside it was only lit by the screens of a computer, the walls were piled up with manga, newspapers, books and various other things, figurines of Phoenix Ranger Featherman, a popular Sentai team, masks and stuck on stars along the wall. In front of the computer was a red haired girl wearing a large green hoodie, hunched over as she looked at the news. 'They... did it.' She thought.

Her arms dropped down, hanging limply at her side 'C-Could they... do it? Do it to me?' She thought, her glasses reflecting the light of the screen before she gripped her head in pain. "Ah-ha!" She screamed

"N-No! S-Stop!"

kIlLeR! mUrDeReR! yOu PuShEd HeR!

Voices. Voices in her head, haunting her.

"Please... please... stop!" she cried


*with Ren, time skip*

Ren was back home in LeBlanc, back from a hard day's work and wanted to do one more thing. He picked up the phone in LeBlanc and rang up someone. Sure it was another 5,000 yen but he had enough and within minutes of the call, Ms Kawakami, or should we say 'Becky' arrived and headed upstairs to join Ren. "Thank you for choosing me, again." She smiled as they sat down on Ren's sofa.

"Of course." He nodded

"Master... I want to provide more services for you." She asked, leaning a little forwards to him.

"That'd be great." Ren responded, feeling stiff from today.

"I'm really good at giving massages. Meow! I'll massage you a~nywhere you like." She purred gently and affectionately. "... Well? How was that?" She asked normally.

Ren pretended to do a double took as if he just realised this was a means to get more money into her pocket. After all it would be weird if he wasn't shocked.

"The thing is, I talked to my boss about picking up more shifts. But he said that he prioritizes 'younger' women!" She groaned.

'That dick.' Ren thought to himself in annoyance. "No surprise there." He agreed with her tone of voice.

"What's that supposed to mean? I'm such a dummy, i just don't understa~nd." She playfully remarked, before going back to her natural tone. "Just kidding. I swear this job is made to make people dumber. And I look damn good for my age, if I do say so myself. The girls in the neighborhood always tell me I'm pretty. And the latchkey kid who lives next door always asks me to tie up her hair." She gently smiled, realising the good things. "Thanks to that, I'm an expert with these pigtails now. See?" She gestured her hair. "... Wait. Don't tell me I'm the only one that thinks this way? Master... would you please give me your honest opinion? I look pretty good as a maid, don't I?"

"Of course you do." Ren answered honestly. After all she was beautiful and he had a few special... 'dreams' about her

"Really?!" She gasped as she heard that. "Well. I'm going to take your word for it!" She smiled, before stepping up as she felt the weight of her words came down. "You go out of your way to request me... and all I do is sit here and vent to you. What the heck am I saying, you're my student. This double life as a teacher and a maid is so exhausting. I think I let my guard down around you because you know both sides of me. The more I come here the more I feel relaxed. As a maid, I'm supposed to help, not be the one who's helped. Sorry that I'm such a terrible maid."

Ren could feel the sincere kindness coming from Kawakami and he could feel their bond getting closer.

Temperance: Rank 4

"I... Have to confess something. The reason why I'm doing this. The reason for the money." Kawakami began to explain. "I don't have a sick sister. And the fees and charges are lies too."

Ren had a feeling this wasn't the right reason. "I already knew that."

"I can't get requested unless I make up those types of stories." She explained. "You understand now; right? Nothing good will come from involving yourself with a terrible person like me. It's a good lesson learned." She closed her eyes and sighed. "Let's put an end to this." And she began to walk off, leaving Ren in his room. "Thank you for using our service."

"I am not leaving you." he called simply

As she heard that, Ms Kawakami stood up. Shock filled her at his confidence and honesty, how quickly he had said that. She was... what could she say?

"Ms Kawakami?" he asked

"O-h." she nodded "I should get going, it is late. Good night." Was all she finished with, leaving with her heart a bit lighter.

"Damn... I can't believe it." Morgana frowned as he listened in.

"Huh?" Ren blinked

"I feel sorry for her. Working so hard that she needs to put in triple shifts. Or at least I'm guessing triple shifts." Morgana explained.

"We're going to help her, Morgana." Ren answered, stroking his head "it won't be easy... But we have to try."


*time skip*

Ren was walking out of his part-time job, a few more thousand yen in his pocket. He was at the flower shop in the mall, doing his best "Thank you, come again." Ren bowed gently towards them.

"You're doing real well, Ren." his boss nodded

"Thank you, Miss. I try my best." He responded politely.

"Ren?"

"Huh? Oh, Ann." Ren looked up and saw her.

"You work here?" She asked, seeing her boyfriend in the flower shop.

"Yeah, it's a good job." He nodded.

Ann hummed and nodded, smiling

"Can I recommend some flowers for you?" He asked with a 'customer selling smile', being on his best behavior.

"I don't suppose your have any roses, huh?" she flirted, fluttering her hand in front of her face

"Lovely roses for a lovely lady? Of course." He nodded

"You are so cheesy." she giggled

"Which ones?" He chuckled back as he went to some roses that were in water.

"Which do you think fits me the best?" she asked honestly

Ren hummed to himself, taking out a white, red and pink rose out of their water and compared them one at a time to Ann.

"Pure white, sensual red or cute pink?" he asked aloud... and then gave her a bouquet made out of a mix of all three "All three sum you up perfectly, my darling. My treat." he winked

"A-Are you sure?" She blushed as she took it.

"Of course." He nodded.

"Thanks." She responded and covered her blushing cheeks with them.

The owner saw this and chuckled a little, knowing that Ren was going to have to pay for those.

"So... you really do spend a lot of time at the mall." Ren chuckled

"It's... kinda like a second home to me." Ann responded

"Really?"

"Well, you know. I spend a lot of time here. So yeah." She admitted "... Wanna do something?" she asked

"Yeah, of course. I've got to finish my shift first." Ren responded with a kind smile.

"Sweet!" she grinned and nodded

"So... See you in ten minutes?" Ren responded, looking at the clock.

"Sure." she nodded, kissing his cheek

"Awe~, young love." The owner of the store commented jokingly as she saw the pair.

"W-What?" Ren coughed

"Well, considering how sweet you were with that young lady. I just assumed that she was your girlfriend." The owner responded

"W-Well she is. But that's still a big statement." he mumbled with a blush


*later*

"So. You finally off?" Ann asked, seeing him back from his job.

"Yeah, I am." He nodded as he took off his uniform jacket, hanging it over his shoulder casually

"You look good in a flower-store jacket." Ann joked lightly, smelling the flowers in her hand.

"Well, if you want me to wear it after hours-" Ren jokingly remarked as he went to hold her hand.

"Hehe." she giggled at him

"How're you doing?" He asked gently.

"I'm doing fine." She answered. "Can we talk?"

"Sure; how about the cafe?" Ren responded

"The cafe? Okay." She nodded and followed him, going with him to the cafe upstairs and out on the main-street; they entered the cafe.

"Table for two, please." Ren asked and were shown to an empty booth.

"Thank you." Ann followed up.

"Must be nice to sit down after a long shift." Ren commented.

"How'd you know?" Ann asked

"Just a hunch. How're you doing?" He asked

"I'm alright. Just... all these things going on. With our successes and my modelling, it's kind of weighing on me." Ann explained.

Ren nodded, grasping her hand softly "It's going to be alright, Ann. I promise."

"Thank you." She answered.

"Here are your drinks." The waitress spoke up.

"Thank you." The both turned and acknowledged the waitress as she left.

"I... I was talking to Shiho about the photoshoots. And how Mika was pulling her tricks." Ann began to confess.

"Yeah? How'd she react?" Ren inquired as he took her hand in his own

"She was concerned. Thinking I was obsessing over it and her." Ann explained.

"Are you?" he teased/questioned

"Well, I'm not that obsessed with her." She mumbled, looking down at their hands making Ren look at her in concern "Is it wrong that I feel jealous?" She asked, admitting her emotions right now. "I mean, Mika seems to be getting everything handed to her." Ann shook her head, her free hand rubbing her left eye "No, not handed to her, not literally at least. She is working hard. But... she's doing so in a way that makes people hand everything to her."

"I understand." He responded recalling from before and nodded.

"You know... It's refreshing." Ann commented

"Really? Why?" Ren asked

"Telling you this. Voicing my troubles, letting it all out. I feel a lot better knowing that you'll listen." Ann explained.

"Like the first time?" he smiled

"Yeah. Yeah, like the first time." She nodded in agreement, thinking back to their first 'date'.
If you called venting to him about Kamoshida a date
"I'm still amazed you guessed my favourite milkshake like that."

Ren blinked gently and tried to think of a why and how he knew that. "Guess I was just lucky." He admitted

"Yeah. We just 'click'." she smiled

"Then what does that make us and Shiho?" Ren wondered

"A threesome?" She responded

...

Ren had to laugh lightly at that

"What?" Ann blinked... before her eyes widened, her hands covering her mouth "Oh my god! I didn't even think about... oh god!" Ann panicked, soon beginning to giggle

The two laughed at their stupidity and Ann's slip of the tongue for a few minutes, the two calming down slowly.

"Thank you, Ren. This really helps." Ann finished as she brushed her eyes a bit, getting rid of the laughter induced tears

"Any time." He answered with a kind smile, happy to see the joy in her green eyes

Lovers: Rank 7

"I'm going to try my hardest." Ann said confidently

"I know you will. And you're gonna knock'em dead." Ren answered

"I'm going to keep getting better. Keep growing stronger. A better model." she nodded

"That's a great dream, Ann. I know you're going to do it."

"How can you be so confident in what I can do?" She asked, taking a drink from his cup with a cheeky wink.

"Hey!" he whined, before laughing "Well if you have to ask... Easily. I know you Ann. And I know you can achieve whatever you set your mind to."

Ann smiled as she took a sip before putting the cup down. "Thank you, Ren."

"For what?" he smiled lightly

"For being here. For Shiho, Yusuke and Ryuji... Me. It just. It makes things easier." She answered, kissing his cheek gently "You've been such a big help for me... if it wasn't for you... I don't know what I'd do."

'A lot of things.' Ren thought to himself. "It's what I try and do." He smiled. He reached up and held her hand, resting it against his cheek "To help all of you guys, as much as I can. You're my friends, precious to me."

Ann smiled and rested her hand on Ren's face. "You're a romantic."

"I try." he smiled "Do you want something else from here?" He asked

"I think the drinks are enough." She answered.


*Time Skip*

"I'm home!" Ren chuckled as he entered the cafe

"Ah, good to see you. What've you been up to?" Sojiro asked

"Getting rent." Ren smiled back. "Need a hand in the cafe?"

"Huh, that'd be nice. Though you've been helping out quite a bit." Sojiro responded

"Hey; what can I say?" Ren answered "I wanna help you, boss."

Sojiro blinked as he heard that. "Alright, put on an apron and I'll teach you."

Ren just nodded, put his bag with Morgana upstairs and quickly put the apron on. "Stay quiet, okay?" He whispered to Morgana.

"Don't worry." The cat responded.

"Now then, since you're going to be helping out, you'll need to know the basics. You know what I'm talking about right?" Sojiro asked

"Making coffee." Ren nodded

"Good. I'm glad you know this much at least." Sojiro responded

Sojiro blinked as he heard that. "Alright, put on an apron and we'll get ready."

Ren just nodded, put his bag with Morgana upstairs and quickly put the apron on. "Stay quiet, okay?" He whispered to Morgana.

"Don't worry." The cat responded. "You spend time with Sojiro."

Downstairs, Sojiro waited as he saw Ren get ready. "So, how's it going? You getting any better at remembering how to handle different bean types?" Ren simply nodded, recalling some of his memories involving this. "Good. Now there are three factors to determine the flavour for a cup of coffee: grind, heat and time. For the siphons here, we're going for 'medium-fine'."

"'Medium-Fine', understood." Ren repeated.

"Good. At least you're listening. It doesn't net much profit given the effort it takes, but money is money." Sojiro responded. "I'm not gonna forgive you if you serve our customers crap coffee though, remember that."

RING!
RING!

Sojiro looked down at his pocket and pulled out his phone. "Who could this be? Hello?" He answered it calmly, before his face was stunned. "How'd you get this number? Now? Where?" He snapped before he grumbled in annoyance. "...Fine." He sighed heavily and looked at Ren. "Sorry, something just came up. We can continue the lessons some other time."

Ren kind of remembered something happening here. He knew it had something to do with Fuutaba. "You don't want my help anymore?"

"Of course I do. Like I said, we'll continue later. Just clean up some dishes and remember to shut off the gas before you close up shop." Sojiro answered, before he chuckled. "It's nice having someone to help out around here. It turns out you're a hard worker. Keep it up."

"I try my best." Ren answered as he felt his bond with Sojiro grow deeper.

Heirophant: Rank 4

"I better head out. Don't eat all the food while I'm gone." Sojiro added as he removed his apron.

"I won't." Ren chuckled gently, though he was disheartened that he couldn't do more right now. Or even make a decent cup of coffee yet. "Hey Sojiro. You think I could meet that Futaba girl sometime? She's your daughter, right? Shiho said she was nice."

Sojiro paused for a moment. 'Shiho?' He thought in shock. "How do you know about Fuutaba? How does she know about her?"

"Shiho told me, she said she knew her from a while ago." Ren answered calmly "Back when you had Shiho stay in your house after the... Incident?"

...

"Right. I forgot." Sojiro muttered "She and Futaba crossed paths for a moment when both of them went to the bathroom and then there was screaming. Shiho then spent the next hour or so talking to Futaba through the door. It's been a few months."

Ren nodded in understanding. "Is it okay if I talk to her as well?" He asked

"Maybe. One day." Sojiro sighed "I have to get going."

"Of course. I'll see you later." Ren understood and saw him leave.

Sojiro nodded, closing the door behind him

Ren sighed heavily and sat down at a stool and rubbed under his glasses "At least he doesn't hate me anymore." he said in slight heart break, he looked around at the room, thinking about Futaba's cameras she had installed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Morgana, I'm going to get you some cat-bits."

"Yeah!" Morgana cheered

Bzz
Bzz

"Hello?" He asked as he opened his phone and sure enough, a message from 'Alibaba'

He smiled and read the message.

-Why do you care about Futaba?- It read simply.

"Are you really gonna be vague?" he called out with a laugh "Come on, we've been through this before Futaba."

Three dots comeback, waiting for her to respond.

-Alright. Why do you care about me?- She asked, dropping the alias -And Sojiro.-

"Because last time... You two became some of the most precious people to me." Ren smiled sadly "He was... Almost like my father. And you? I felt like you where like my little sister."

Three dots again. Futaba was stunned, he thought.

-You see me as a little sister?- She asked

"Of course I do." He answered honestly. "Please. Let me help you." He held his phone, looking up "I know that you don't know me... And that hurts. It hurts so much. And it hurts to see Sojiro so... Distant. It nearly broke me to hear how he spoke to me when I first arrived. You saw what we can do. You saw that I was not lying. Futaba... Please."

Three dots

-I'll think about it.-

Ren sighed heavily but also with the faintest bit of hope. "Thank you. And thank you for trusting me." He gripped his phone lightly and grinned "I promise, Futaba." He whispered


*time skip*

The school class had traveled all in a bus, having been told about their trip to the TV studio. Some grumbled, some were happy that this was the only thing on the agenda. Ren however, he remembered something important happening here. Something that grabbed his attention. But it was so long ago, he felt like it was fading away; he tried to think, but maybe it would come back to him.

"Dude, you alright?" Ryuji asked

"Yeah, I'm fine." He responded as they walked into a large TV set, where one of the mid-afternoon talk shows would be broadcast.

"Now, everyone. Please remember, your actions here reflect Shujin. So be on your best behavior." Kamakawi asked, almost hoping that they would listen to her and the other teachers.

"It's like she doesn't trust us." Ryuji commented.

"Sixty teenage students, excited to 'get out of school' for the day, seeing all this camera equipment and it's also sunny outside. Anyone would be anxious about this." Ren responded

"Yeah, guess you've got a point." Ryuji sighed and rubbed the back of his head, the two having their quiet chat.

A little time passed on the guide, a PR woman who worked for the station, began to give a 'lecture' on TV etiquette and advertisements "... And that's why we recruit sponsors to help make TV shows." The woman smiled, as she hoped she grabbed their attention.

"Huh, neat." Ren whispered.

"I'm sure you know about commercial breaks? Well those are actually sponsor-related product placements. To sum things up, ratings are vitally important for a station's production funding, and..." the woman continued to explain

"Yeah, I guess it is. I never guessed." Ryuji agreed.

The PR woman continued, going over some program ticks. "For example, soap-operas reruns are shown during the day whereas alluring newswomen are broadcast at night. Thus, the scheduling department is where we decide what time we broadcast which program. I suppose you could say, it's where the scheduling is determined."

"I did wonder why there was that cute weather lady after six." Ryuji muttered, making Ren chuckle.

"Could this get any more obvious?" Ann groaned.

"Yeah, I kind of understand where you're coming from." Shiho agreed.

"It is a little long." Ren nodded as the woman continued on.

"How much longer does this go?" Morgana mewed as he was getting restless. "Hrgh!"

A man pushed past Ren and knocked Morgana in his bag, he looked to be a famous newscater. "What's going on? I can't stand all this noise!"

"Hey, assh-" Ryuji glared, before Ren stopped him and the PR woman bowed her head.

"M-My apologies. I'll have them leave right away!" She apologised quickly, she raised her head and looked to the group. "Now then, let's go for a more 'hands-on' experience."

"Who does that jerk think he is?" Ryuji snarled, making Ren sigh.

"Hey there. Wanna be on TV?" A man in a blue hoodie asked both Ann and Shiho. He looked like he worked for the station.

"I-I beg your pardon?" Shiho asked

"You've got slammin' bods, after all." He chuckled, eyeing them up.

"We're on a school trip." Ann frowned, not taking any of this guy's shit.

"Gimme a call if you're interested. I'd greatly welcome a message from either of you, day or night." The man passed a pair of business cards to them.

"Oh, gag me." Ryuji groaned. "It's obvious what he's after. Do these rotten adults care anything except looks? I'll yank their stupid hearts out, dammit!"

"Ryuji, quiet down!" Morgana whispered. "You're supposed to be good students today!"

Ms Kawakami walked over and looked at Ryuji. "I understand you're bored, but please don't cause any trouble today."

"But I wasn't-he-I-Fine!" Ryuji grunted and scoffed

"S-So err... Let's have you see what it's like to be an AC. That's 'Assistant Camera'." The blue hoodied man quickly changed his tune. "When we're moving cameras we need people who'll help getting the cables untangled. Blondie, you've got energy to spare; why don't you help?"

"Err, me?" Ryuji double-took.

"And glasses boy, you can help out too if you're feeling lonely." He added

"Damn it." Ren frowned, as he 'volunteered' himself.

Time passed on, Ren and Ryuji fought valiantly against the cables of the TV studio, struggling for what seemed like eternity... though it was only a few hours. And they felt sore all over because of their kneeling and carrying. But it didn't last forever, both the boys had left and were now in a corridor, with Ryuji wanting to vent his anger. "Gah! I'm so pissed off! Aren't we guests? This is like free manual labor or something! It's bullshit! And going to the bathroom didn't even help!"

"I know it sucks. But Shiho and Ann have to do this sort of stuff too." Ren sighed heavily.

"You don't know the half of it." Ann and Shiho walked into the corridor as well.

"That was so... terrible." Shiho groaned. "And we've got more of this to do, tomorrow."

As Ryuji groaned and rested his head against the wall to cool down, Morgana popped out of Ren's bag. "Hey, no flaking out, Ryuji. It's not forever."

"Yeah... Being a 'good student' and all. It just sucks. Being Phantom Thieves ain't easy." Ryuji responded

"Hey, don't frown, we get to go home after all this is done." Ann responded

"We don't spend too much time here, so we can check the shops beforehand, maybe relax a little." Ann suggested.

"Ah, that sounds great. Maybe an arcade or a game-store or something." Ryuji sighed with a smile.

"Ooh! I know a place!" Morgana perked up with a suggestion. "I wanna go to that huge pancake looking place we passed on the way here!" He licked his lips. "It looked delicious! What was that?"

"Oh? You mean Dome Town?" Ryuji responded. "The round part is a baseball stadium, then along the outside is an amusement park!"

"Right in the middle of a business area, but they've got some hardcore rides there too." Ann agreed.

"I prefer the less 'scary' ones." Shiho admitted.

"Alright, let's go! I'll show you how courageous I am!" Morgana smiled with determination.

"Going on scary rides doesn't equal courage." Ann commented.

"And cat's can't go on anyway." Ryuji added. "We might be able to sneak you in, if you were in the bag... but you'd puke if we did that."

"Really?" Morgana responded

"Let's head to Dome Town." Ren smiled. "It'll give us a needed wind-down."

"My stomach's ready for roller coasters." Ann smiled

"... I'll pass on the puke rides, if that's okay." Morgana shrank down into the bag.

Soon, a young man walked by. Wearing a grey-green coat, black trousers and shoes, black gloves and wearing a black and white tie; carrying a silver briefcase, brown hair and dark red eyes. "Excuse me, I couldn't help notice those uniforms. Are you from Shujin?" He asked politely.

"Huh?" Ryuji, Ann and Shiho asked, turning around, while Ren remained frozen as he saw him.

"Yeah, whaddya want?" Ryuji asked

"I happened to be passing by, so I thought it'd be polite to greet you. We'll be filming together, after all." The young man answered. "Ah, where are my manners? My name is Goro-"

FLASH!

Within seconds of seeing him and hearing him, Ren remembered. The flash of scenes of his previous life going past him in an instant. The man here... Ren knew who he was. "Akechi."

"Oh. You seem familiar with my name. Are you a fan?" Akechi asked with a dazzling but humble smile.

"Filming? Are you a celebrity?" Shiho asked

"Only to the extent of appearing on TV a couple of times." He responded, before looking at his phone. "My apologises. I truly was passing by. I must be going. There's a briefing for tomorrow morning I have to attend." Before rubbing his stomach. "So you're going to have cake now? I missed lunch today. So I'm quite hungry myself."

The group looked at each other in confusion. "Huh? Cake?" Shiho questioned

"What're you talking about?" Ryuji followed up

"Oh, am I mistaken? I thought I heard something about delicious pancakes." Akechi apologised. "No matter. See you tomorrow." And politely left.

"That guy's gotta be like a start-up entertainer or something." Ryuji waved it off, while they didn't notice Ren leaning on the wall and breathed heavily.

"Ren, are you okay?" Ann asked as she went to him.

"I. I'm fine." He panted, shaking from a primal emotion deep inside.

"You're shaking like a leaf." Ann frowned.

"L-Low blood sugar." Ren lied. "I-I just need five minutes."

"Let's head to Dome Town. We can get something there." Shiho answered as they all left for the amusement park.

"Can we skip the vomit machines and get cake instead?" Morgana asked


*Time Skip*

The group had arrived at Dome Town, and were still there late into the afternoon. Ren and Morgana sat down at a cafe while Ryuji and An went on a ride. "How're you feeling?" Shiho asked.

"Better. Much better, thanks." Ren answered as they shared some cake, with Morgana having some of his own.

"I guess it was a lot today." She continued, holding his hand. "You looked like you had seen a ghost."

"Did I? Sorry. I didn't mean to worry anyone." Ren apologised again.

"You can't help something like low blood sugar." She understood.

"Urgh... Hurp! Damn, that ride was heavy. I feel like I'm gonna puke." Ryuji groaned as he and Ann came back.

"Lightweight." Ann patted his shoulder gently.

"That's why I voted against it." Mogana responded poking his head out of the bag.

"Don't use your cathood as an excuse." Ryuji groaned, holding his stomach. "... Especially at times like this."

"Guess the cake helped." Ann smiled as she saw Ren finishing some cake.

"Yeah, it did. We should head home." Ren agreed.

"Jeez; is it really that late? Those rides take it out of ya." Ryuji commented

"And we've got another full day tomorrow. They're filming us at the TV station." Morgana reminded

"Oh yeah, roller coasters are not good for memory." Ryuji remarked as he leaned on a chair. "Hoo... I'm alright."

"It looked wild up there, Ryuji." Ren reassured his friend, who chuckled.


*Time Skip*

It was the next day. Ann, Shiho, Ren and Ryuji were all sitting together in the TV station audience in the middle of a live broadcast; well Ann and Shiho were on the left side of the aisle while Ren and Ryuji were on the right. It was the only way for it to be fair.

"Mr Akechi is coming on." The Veteran AD spoke up, much to the cheers and squeals of adoring fans in the audience.

"Wait, the guy from yesterday?" Ryuji double-took and looking better than when he got off the rollercoaster.

Ren was silent as he saw there, remembering who was coming and his memories of what had transpired before. He didn't know if he would freeze now or what might happen.

Akechi walked out with a smile on his face as he arrived on set, with the veteran AD counted down their cut from commercial.

"And now, onto the "Hottest Meet-and-Greet" segment of our show." A cute announcer spoke up. "After his last appearance was so well received, we decided to bring back this fine gentleman today. The High-School Detective, Goro Akechi."

'Naoto. Narukami.' Was all Ren thought, thinking about his predecessors.

The crowd cheered once again as Akechi gave a gracious hello and welcome. "Hello there."

"Thank you for taking the time to join us today, Akechi. Your popularity is stunning." The Host spoke up.

"Even I found it to be quite a surprise. It is a bit embarrassing though." Akechi remarked

"Moving along, we've been told there's a case you're working on. Care to share, Detective?" The cute announcer asked

"Ah, yes. It's involving the scandal around the master artist Madarame." Akechi began

"There it is! All of this phantom thief excitement has caught -your- attention too, Akechi!" The host 'interrupted'. "Allow me to be blunt for a second. What do *you* think about these 'Justice-Oriented' Phantom Thieves?"

'Jackass.' Ryuji thought to himself.

"If they truly are heroes of justice, I sincerely hope they exist." Akechi smiled.

FLASH!

Ren had another memory. Of a large humanoid figure in a white and red costume wielding a large golden bow; but he shook his head subtly and got back to the present.

"Ooh, so you don't deny the possibility that they're real?" The host asked

"I may not seem like it, but I sometimes wish that Santa Claus actually existed." He chuckled. "Though if he did, I'd have to arrest him for breaking and entering." That remark got a laugh out of the audience.

Ryuji just rolled his eyes at that remark, catching that Ren was still frozen in place. Almost like a statue.

"But hypothetically speaking, if these Phantom Thieves are real... I believe they should be tried in a court of law." Akechi answered a little more seriously.

Shiho, Ryuji and Ann were shocked by that. Hearing that the detective would call them out like that. Declaring them criminals.

"That's quite the statement. Are they committing crimes?" The host asked. "Some people say that they're actually helping their victims abandon their evil ways."

"What the artist Madarame did truly was an unforgivable crime." Akechi rebutted. "These Phantom Thieves are taking the law into their own hands by judging him. That's far from justice. More importantly, you should never forcefully change someone's heart."

"You have a point. They're calling themselves 'The Phantom Thieves' after all. Amazing as always Akechi! I could listen for days! You have the most radiant charisma." The host responded, getting a reaction from the crowd.

"I have to say, if they don't exist, I would be embarrassed." He chuckled gently. "If that were the case, I'd summarise it as a report for a school project."

"Now, let's ask some students the same age as Akechi what they think about the Phantom Thieves!" The cute announcer asked. "First, please press your button if you think they exist."

"Of course they do." Ryuji whispered, angry that they even deny their existence.

"Hmm. About 30% or so. What're your thoughts, Akechi?" The host asked

"I'm surprised. That's higher than what I was expecting." He admitted. "I'd like to hear some more detailed opinions on their actions."

The cute announcer got up and walked down the aisle... and ended at Ren. "Alright, let's try asking this student here." She asked as all eyes were trained on Ren, who had only came back down to Earth from the button push. "Hypothetically speaking; what are your thoughts if the Phantom Thieves, if they were real?"

"They're justice itself." Ren answered confidently and plainly, making Ryuji smile while Ann and Shiho were worried for him.

"You say that with such firmness." Akechi responded

"This completely goes against the opinion you had about them being tried by law, Akechi." The host commented.

"Indeed, it's rather intriguing to hear such a strong acknowledgement." Akechi answered. "in that case. There's one last question I'd like to ask." He continued, looking at Ren. "If someone next to you, for example your friend next to you. If his heart was suddenly changed...Wouldn't you think it was the work of the Phantom Thieves?"

Ryuji looked at Ren, the hostess and then at Akechi, confused and worried what he might say.

"They only target criminals." Ren explained calmly.

"I see. But how can you be so sure?" Akechi debated. "Whether the Thieves' actions are good or not, I feel that there's a more important issue at hand."

"What do you mean?" The host inquired.

"The matter of how they change people's hearts." Akechi answered. "If they honestly possess that ability... it could be used for more than just extracting confessions. It could be that what seem to be ordinary crimes are actually being perpetrated by these methods."

"You're absolutely right." The host responded

'That's it.' Ren thought. Last time he was caught by surprise, he wasn't prepared... "But think about those they targeted."

...

"Pardon?" Akechi asked

"The Phantom Thieves, so far, have only targeted people who are absolutely disgusting." Ren spoke "People that where hidden from the law. Who everyone thought where perfectly lawful, 100% innocent. Those who's word would be taken over any victims. As clear with Madarama, who was free to go along with his acts of theft for a decade. Surely, as long as they are not targeting innocents or harming anyone, they should be considered a low priority and a tool?"

The crowed was whispering now. Drawn into this debate

"While that is a pleasant idea, who watches them? Who enforces them? Who stops them from going too far?" Akechi argued back "And what about people's free will? Their destiny and fate?"

"Are you saying someone who has abused students physically, emotionally and... in other ways... should not be punished?" Ren shot back

"Now I am not saying that the people the Phantom Thieves have stopped are innocents and their crimes should be brushed aside." he responded "But who's to say they would not have slipped up, or a reporter would have gotten wind and revealed the corruption, or an act of chance revealed their crimes?"

"And what if it didn't?" Ren returned fire

"Then, let me ask you this." Akechi smiled "How would you feel if suddenly, one day, your... best friend or girlfriend was different? Their personalities flipped and changed, swapped completely? They weren't themselves anymore, and it was not their choice? How do you think they would feel if the same thing happened to you? I do believe that, when we get down to it, that is the core of the argument today. Free will."

The room turned silent once more, everyone looking around. It was awkward, uncomfortable. No one knew what to say, the air heavy.

Suddenly Akechi laughed and smiled, shaking his head softly "Please understand, this is purely hypothetical." Akechi reassured everyone "It's only if people who possess this kind of power actually exist. Either way, this can't be ignored. The existence of these Phantom Thieves is a threat to everyone and our everyday lives. To be honest, I'm already working with the police on this matter."

As the audience clapped, the show concluded and everyone was allowed to leave, with the group getting back together and headed to a quiet area... where Ren was practicing some breathing exercises. "Dude... How'd you do that?" Ryuji asked in awe. "How'd you stay so calm?"

"Practice." Ren admitted to himself.

"It kinda seemed like what he was saying might be right." Ann frowned, realising that they might be actual criminals. "That stuff with the police. Do you think it's for real?"

"Akechi can say whatever he wants. The justice of it all is something we can decide for ourselves." Morgana reassured.

"Guys, I gotta go. I need to take a leak. Be right back." Ryuji asked, running off to the bathroom.

"We're gonna head off too. See you tomorrow, Ren?" Shiho asked as she and Ann began to walk off.

"Yeah, of course." he grinned and kissed them both on their cheeks.

"Bye." The two waved, hand in hand as they left.

Ren was on his own as he waited for his friend... and feeling everything that Akechi was spouting and how much it almost got to him.

"Oh, it's you." Akechi spoke as he approached Ren. "I'm glad that I caught you." He smiled.

"Oh, right. No problem." Ren spoke up, trying not to be conspicuous.

"I wanted to thank you in person. To paraphrase Hegle, advancement cannot occur without both thesis and antithesis. What I mean is, our discussion was quite meaningful. Few people are willing to speak their minds as you did earlier. Adults are only interested in using the young, while they simply do as adults say."

'Something I know all too well.' Ren thought to himself. "Is that right?"

"It is." Akechi answered. "I feel like our discussions can be quite fruitful. Would you mind talking with me again?"

Ren struggled to get the words to come out of his mouth...to be in the same presence as Akechi right now was making him angry. But he had to pretend to be 'Ren Amamiya, the student' not 'Joker, The Phantom Thief'. "Fine by me." He smiled.

"Thank you. I'm glad to hear that. The students from Shujin are quite interesting." Akechi chuckled. "I look forward to seeing you again." And left with a polite nod.

Morgana popped out of Ren's bag as he heard Akechi leave. "Talk about a problematic guy to get involved with."

"You don't know the half of it, Morgana." Ren sighed and stroked his head gently.

I am Thou. Thou art I.
Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion
that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Justice Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
shall lead to freedom and new power.

Justice: Rank 1

Ren had felt it, that connection. That power that flowed through him of that Arcana and Persona. He knew what Akechi did... but he also knew that this was needed for true freedom.

"Whoo. Sorry for takin' so long. Wait, was that Akechi? I can't stand that 'high and mighty' attitude. Breathing the same are as the guy makes me sick." Ryuji commented

'I know what you mean, buddy.' Ren thought to himself. "Want to get out of here?"

"Definitely." Ryuji nodded and left, both of them heading back to their respective homes and much needed rest.

Ding.
Ding.

"Ah, welcome home." Sojiro commented, wearing his apron. "How was the trip?"

"... Eventful." He answered. "No cake this time."

"Fair enough, there won't be any room in the fridge otherwise." He chuckled.

Ren looked at the long string of text from his friends. All talking about Akechi. He wished he could vent to them... but no. Not right now. It would drag them into this whole debacle with his past life.

"Huh. So Akechi has a lot of sway on the media. It'd be dangerous to get close to him, but it could be useful in some occasions." Morgana commented.

"I'm headed upstairs, Sojiro." Ren responded as he walked up.

"Okay, have a good night. Don't forget to lock up." He responded

Ren nodded as he saw Sojiro leave...

"GGGAAAAAHHH!" Ren roared as he span around and punched the wall

"Whoa! What's wrong?!" Morgana blinked in shock

"Akechi... he won't get away this time." he muttered/growled "This time he is going down... I am going to save him and he will face justice."


*time skip*

It was school, once again, with the four meeting and Morgana meeting around the group of vending machines

BURP!

"'Scuse me." Ryuji burped as he downed a can of soda.

"Oh, that's gross!" Ann flinched

"It's a normal bodily function; I don't know why you're worked up about it." Ryuji answered. "Don't tell me you don't do it too."

"We're more 'refined'." Shiho answered before the group had a small laugh

"I can't believe we did it again." Ryuji laughed

"Ryuji, keep it down." Ann commented, thinking Ryuji was a bit loud.

"Why?! We are awesome!" he cheered

"That may be; but what if someone's listening?" Shiho responded

"C'mon. We're the Phantom Thieves. We need to ride this high!" Ryuji smirked

Wack!

"Damn it Ryuji." Ann commented and slapped Ryuji around the head

Tap.
Tap.
Tap.

"Thank you, Sakamoto." A voice caught them all off guard.

"Huh?" the group blinked

Behind them was Makoto, walking towards them with a confident look to her. "Confessing that you're the Phantom Thieves. You've made my job a lot easier."

...

"What are you talking about, Nijima?" Ann glared

"This. Coupled together with your histories with Mist-Kamoshida. It makes sense you would go after him." Makoto answered as she held the device in her hand and corrected herself. She had almost referred to Kamoshida as 'Mr Kamoshida'

"A lot of people in this school hated him!" Ryuji defended while pointing at her

"Maybe we should speak about this somewhere private?" Ren suggested

"Fine. The student lounge should be quiet enough." Makoto answered

"How about the roof?" Ren countered

"Very well." Makoto answered. "But any funny business-"

"There won't be." Ren responded as he lead the way

'When did he become this confident?' Makoto thought as she was flanked by Ryuji and Ren... though Ann and Shiho stood back, they were glaring daggers at Ryuji for opening his big mouth and Makoto for spying on them... But mostly it was Ryuji.


*a few minutes later*

"Alright, we're here. Now explain yourselves." Matoko asked, clicking on the recording device subtly.

However...

"When you aren't recording us." Ren smirked. This... Was going to be fun. A battle of wills, a chess battle, against Queen. He had to admit he felt a bit bad with his unfair advantage, he knew her tells. However she was still Queen, even without the moniker, so he'd still have to out think her
Let's see who would win this battle of wits

'Damn.' Makoto thought as she glared at him. "Call it insurance. I don't want to be 'taken out' like you did Kamoshida."

"..."

And Ren was laughing a bit now

"Did you see what happened to Kamoshida? We both know you being 'taken out' won't happen. As I said, Makoto, no recordings." Ren shook his head, throwing all

Makoto frowned and clicked off the recording. "Fine."

"Cool." Ren nodded "So... What do you want?"

"I want your help." Makoto answered simply. "There is a criminal who has to be brought to justice and I need your help in doing so."

"Oh yeah, why should we?!" Ryuji snapped

"And why do you care? You never have before." Ann glared while gripping Shiho's hand

"What's that supposed to mean?" Makoto asked

"You're the student council president. You should've known about Kamoshida and the crap he was pulling." Ann answered as her eyes burned with flames

"I didn't know. Not until that day. He looked and acted like a good teacher." Makoto responded sadly, hurt by that comment.

"Don't play that card. You've always been a 'teacher's pet'. Always doing what they want and disregarding what happens to us as long as you look good." Shiho frowned.

Makoto glared at Shiho, knowing what she said stung... because that's who she was.

"Guys." Ren sighed

The group quietened themselves as Makoto stood there and took the 'abuse'.

"Makoto. The Phantom Thieves... they help people. They do what they do to help make things better. To stop those who abuse their power and station from using that power." Ren explained, being as calm and collected as possible. "Please understand that when the Phantom Thieves did what they did, they're thinking about a bigger picture."

...

"I'll make this simple." she frowned "You take down this guy behind extorting our students and I'll leave you alone. But if you don't, by my deadline, I'll be spreading this Video."

...

"You're BLACKMAILING us?! You bitch!" Ryuji snapped

"Call me whatever you want, but I'm doing this for the sake of others." Makoto responded seriously

"Wait. An extortionist? Do you have the name?" Ren inquired.

"No. But I I guess you can get the information." Makoto answered

"Are you serious? You can't just-!" Ann snapped

Makoto gestured the recording device. She had played them.

"Fine. We will do it." Ren said casually

"Thank you. I knew I could count on you all." She responded

"But... you are no better than this guy." Ren added, disappointed in her, before he walked past Makoto with coldness in his eyes

Makoto froze at his tone, a chill shooting to her heart. She didn't know why it got her like this, but that tone of voice of his and the look in his eyes... it was like she was stabbed in her soul 'Th-That's not... not true.' She thought as she clutched her hand over her heart. Why did his words... hurt her so?

"Bitch." Ann hissed "Let's go, Shiho."

"Okay." She nodded and followed

"Later Nijima. How does the principal's cock taste?" Ryuji spat and followed his team

SLAM!

Makoto was alone on the roof... and she fell to her knees, sobbing
Why did they hate her so much?

...

Why did she have to listen to that stupid asshole of a principal?!


CONFIDANT RECAP:

Fool: Rank 10

Magician: Rank 10

Chariot: Rank 7

Lovers: Rank 7

Lust: Rank 6

Strength: Rank 5

World: Rank 5

Death: Rank 4

Sun: Rank 4

Hierophant: Rank 4

Temperance: Rank 4

Emperor: Rank 2

Moon: Rank 2

Hanged-Man: Rank 1