vkg313: I did forget to update those two in the recap at the end. Thank you.
SacredKoopa: Thanks a lot for the support. This story is updated every month on the 28th, as a heads up. And for the next few months, on the 9th to the 15th as well.
Jessica: Fuck off.
Thiccfurryboi69: Fuck off.
UltimateCCC: He get's lot of my scratches and tuna.
UnsanMusho: It's implied she knew for a while before hand. And there IS a reason for us doing so with her.
delubyo420: He obviously maxed out the automatic ones/ the ones he HAD to max out like Sae. Because you literally can NOT finish the game without those being maxed out.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Well, that's what Shiho was for. Hai! Grey ja naito!
Zeromaru Chaos Mode: God DAMN it Zero, I am telling Taichi about this!
The Keeper of Worlds: Welcome back.
gwb620: Well he IS humanities hope.
Rapidtiger124: Which can something we can do NOTHING about. For a very simple reason. This is a STORY, a written medium. No songs. No music.
Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:
randyr2015: Of course we are.
SacredKoopa: Thanks for your kind words, we're not giving up on this story.
Thiccfurryboi69: slaps your face We're not including Royale in this story!
UltimateCCC: He's getting some pampered meow-ments, it's just offscreen.
Yukine-ren: Mate, you don't even know.
adamse0530: First: jealousy. Second: Curiosity. Third: Horniness.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Oh, you have no idea mate. It's all going up (or down) hill from here.
The Keeper of Worlds: laughs Good to have you back.
zack25king: Don't worry, we've got plans coming in the future.
Klyju: Yeah, and he's playing bingo to see which girls each Persona Protag gets with.
Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.
Co-written by GhostKaiser23
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Hello guys!
Here we go!
First monthly double upload!
Hope you all like it. And we have a bit of a long one!
Here we bloody go!
HAHAHA!
Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 26:
The Wild Card Adds To The Deck
It was the following day, Ren had a lot on his mind because of Ms Kawakami, Futaba and Ann. And right now, Ren was sitting in school with Ann in front of him. Was Futaba just saying nonsense because she was asleep?
'Urgh... I can't keep all this straight.' He thought to himself.
"You okay?" Ann smiled softly
"Huh? Oh, sorry. Yeah, I think so. I'm just... A lot's happened since yesterday." He answered
"Yeah. A lot has happened." She blushed and smiled, putting her hand on his. He looked into her eyes and gave a small smile out of respect and sincerity. "Love you." She whispered, before laughing a bit "Sorry. This is just... Never been like this before."
"Yes, I know what you mean." He nodded. "It's the same for me."
"Yeah." She chuckled
"Have you talked to Shiho?" Ren asked.
"No, not yet. I don't want to gossip." She answere. "Don't want to kiss and tell and all." She flinched softly
"She's part of this." He reminded with a smile "And he is your best friend. I don't mind if you tell her."
"Hmm. Okay. I'll tell her when we're alone." She answered.
"That's fine." He nodded, patting her shoulder softly
"Can I ask you something?" Ann asked
"Yeah, sure." Ren responded
"Are you doing anything after school?" She wondered.
"I was gonna check on Yusuke and Ryuji." He answered "Why?"
"Oh, I was curious if you were busy." She answered.
"Since I thought we could... You know... Again." She blushed
Ren blushed back as well. Their first time was kind of clumsy... but to see Ann wanting to do it again? He gulped silently as he heard that and had to really think about how he would do this. Between school, his part-time jobs, his friends and his love life, he had to make this work.
"Another time. I promise." He stated with confidence, brushing a hand through one of her pigtails for a moment
Ann shuddered gently at that and smiled. "Thanks, Ren. I'm gonna hold you to that."
BING!
BONG!
"Ah, lunch." Ren chuckled.
"I wonder what Yusuke is doing?" Ann joked, making Ren smile.
*Time Skip*
It was shortly after school, Ren was walking through the train station, where Yusuke was people sketching again. "Yusuke!" He called out.
"Ah, Ren!" The artist called happily
"How're you doing?" Ren asked as Yusuke got up from his position.
"I'm fine, thank you. I've been busy with my art recently." He explained. "I've submitted the piece that I worked on to a local gallery. I was hoping you would come with me."
"Yeah, that sounds good," Ren answered. "It's that... 'Desire' piece; right?"
"Exactly. Follow me." Yusuke leads the way, after picking up his stuff.
A quick train ride later, Ren and Yusuke were now in a gallery where Yusuke's piece was presented on the wall. The piece looked like an abstract swirl and tidal waves of black and greys with red petals around the edges while the centre swirl looked like a vortex that drew people in, almost like a pool of gold.
"Whoa, that's amazing," Ren commented as he saw it.
"Thank you, Ren. In addition to just presenting art, there's also an evaluation portion." Yusuke explained. "I'm sure that my piece will stand out among this sea of art... But yet, nobody has come to see it. Perhaps they are so afraid of the truth that they dare not look closer?"
Ren didn't quite get what Yusuke meant, 'afraid of the truth?'; he didn't know fully if he was talking flowery or if it was a morality thing.
Well, their answers would soon come. A pair of people, a middle-aged woman and a middle-aged man, walked up and looked upon Yusuke's painting. "What is this supposed to be?" The woman asked. "There's a dark, almost sinister aura emanating from it."
"Hmm... It's called 'Desire'." The man looked at the title. "I see no 'desire' here. Ah, I understand now. This is the 'Students' Section'; the artist most likely painted this on a whim."
"'A whim'?" Yusuke muttered under his breath.
"Indeed. There's no elegance nor emotion in this piece." The woman frowned. "Come dear, there are much more detailed paintings over there." And both walked off.
Yusuke felt crushed; his first harsh critique. Ren looked at him in concern as he also heard those people "... There's no need to worry. I'm not bothered in the slightest. Unrefined commoners who wouldn't know good art if it showed them itself."
"You might get another chance, Yusuke." Ren pointed as another person walked up and looked at the piece.
An older gentleman walked up and looked at the 'Desire' painting and examined it past his rectangle framed glasses.
"Ah, a knowledgeable patron." He smiled, feeling a bit more hopeful. "Sir, I would like to know; what are your opinions on this piece?"
The man turned to Yusuke and nodded. "Very well, young man. I can see that the technique is excellent, I can see why it was put on display. However... the composition as a whole is mediocre at best."
"'Mediocre'? How dare you..." Yusuke clenched his fist in frustration.
"Oh, are you the artist?" The man asked genuinely.
"I am." Yusuke answered.
"Well, as you asked my opinion. The title is listed as 'Desire' but the concept is overused... Some might even say 'stale'. If you want to make an abstract piece, you'll have to inject some individuality into it." The man answered.
"What?" Yusuke asked
"Try and remove your bias for it. Without the artist's perspective. If you look at it without that bias; the painting itself is empty, a void." The man explained. "The brushstrokes are excellent for your age, but that's all that's going for it. I suggest a more critical eye for your future if you wish to pursue a career as an artist." And the man left on that note, giving Yusuke some much-needed advice.
"My work is... empty?" Yusuke asked, repeating the words to himself and his anger ebbed. "The creator must listen to the advice of the beholder should they want to grow."
"That's a good way to look at it, Yusuke." Ren reassured him.
Yusuke turned to look at his work and fell to his knees in despair. "I have been forsaken by the Gods of Art. I thought my work would help convey the message of desire, but I was blinded by it. I thought I had captured the essence of desire... but it has captured me."
"... Stand up," Ren spoke up.
"How can I continue? Without art... What is my purpose in life?" Yusuke asked
"Stand up, Yusuke." Ren answered again.
"Huh? Oh... You meant literally and figuratively." Yusuke responded, getting back to his feet with Ren's help. "Failure and art go hand in hand. I cannot give up now."
"Yeah, I may not know much about art... but I know you can't give up on your dreams." Ren smirked softly
"Still. It hurt having someone with a keen eye give a critique on my work. But... it will help me break out of my slump." Yusuke answered.
"That's the spirit." Ren patted his arm.
"I'll start painting. And continue to paint more and more." He answered
"Just don't-" Ren began but was quickly interupted
"I won't forget to eat." Yusuke chuckled, while Ren's heart began to glow as the two friends got closer.
Emperor: Rank 4
"Speaking of, want to grab a bite? My treat." Ren offered. "I fancy a Big Bang Burger."
"That does sound delightful." Yusuke nodded
The two friends headed off to Big Bang Burger, while the man walked back as he had overheard the pair of them. "'A slump', hmm?" He wondered
*Time Skip*
Ren was on his way back home, he had a quick check on his phone before he boarded the train as he wanted to catch up with Ryuji. 'Hopefully, we're not going to Big Bang Burger.' He thought before burping a little.
Ping.
Hey dude.
Yeah, sounds awesome.
We'll meet at the ramen place.
'Oh thank god.'
See you in fifteen.
I'm just finishing up practice.
Ren chuckled and gave his own reply.
No problem, Ryuji. See you there.
Bwoop.
Ren sighed gently as he knew what would be coming. After what he and Ryuji heard a while ago from the 'new gym teacher', they had been working hard on it. Planning on freeing the Track Team before a new Kamoshida took hold
"I better give Sojiro a call, I don't want worry him." He told himself, calling LeBlanc.
"Hello, Cafe LeBlanc." Sojiro's voice spoke.
"Hi, Sojiro. It's me. I'm going to hang out with my friends for a little bit." Ren responded
"Ah, and you're just checking in. Okay, when do you think you'll be back?" He asked.
"Later, I think. I'll give you a call." Ren answered.
"Alright, just be careful and don't get into trouble." Sojiro warned.
"I won't. Bye." Ren reassured him as he hung up. "Okay, time to get to Ryuji." And boarded the train, going to the restaurant where they first tailed that teacher. Which was one of Ryuji's favourite places
"Hey!" Ryuji waved as he saw his friend.
"Hey, Ryuji. You doing okay?" Ren asked
"Not bad. Been a while since y'know." He answered. "Have you eaten already?"
"Yeah. Yusuke and I had a Big Bang Burger." He nodded
"Oh." Ryuji blinked and thought. "... Saved any fries?" He joked, making Ren laugh. "Okay, it's just me then."
"You got your wallet?" Ren asked.
"Duh." Ryuji rolled his eyes and patted his pocket. "... Err..."
"My treat." Ren reassured, the two walking inside.
"You don't have to, dude." He muttered
"I've got..." Ren looked around and then whispered an indistinct number into Ryuji's ear, making his jaw drop to the floor.
"THAT MUCH!?"
"Shh!" Ren hushed him as they walked inside. "Calm down buddy."
"Sorry! Sorry. Phoo! I'm gonna get the most expensive-" Ryuji commented as they entered the restaurant and ordered their meal... though Ren asked for some water. It was a while later, Ryuji was patting his stomach as he and Ren enjoyed their 'meals' together. "Man, that was great. I'll pay you back, Ren. I promise."
"Don't worry about it. What's a couple of Yen between friends?" Ren smiled
"Oh, before I forget, I got a text from Takeishi." Ryuji thought. "They said they're gonna ditch Yamauchi and practice on their own and even get the old Teach before Kamoshida. They're finally walking down their own path."
"Are you satisfied now?" Ren asked.
"Yeah, I guess... they err... they asked me to come back and join'em." Ryuji admitted.
"What did you say?" Ren inquired.
Ryuji sighed. "I turned'em down. I felt kinda bad, but it's not where I belong with them anymore. When you first came to Shujin... people were talking shit about you, but you took it in stride. You're a total badass. I think that's why people got close to you, you didn't care what they said. You made your own place where you belong."
"Heh... You're right." Ren smiled at that, seeing the truth out of it.
"God, you're so frigging cool," Ryuji admitted before he sighed. "I gotta admit, I kept making excuses for not fitting in. Kamoshida, the track team... I even blamed my dad. I was such a loser." Then his tone changed. "But I figured out if I'm happy being me, being myself; I can fit anywhere. It's not the same place as before, but it's damn good. I'm glad I found it."
"I agree, Ryuji." Ren extended a fistbump.
Tap.
Ryuji reciprocated with a toothy smile. "Don't worry, there's a place for you here too, dude."
Ren smiled as he felt his connection to Ryuji deepen, his heart glowing out of respect for his friend's choice.
Chariot: Rank 9
"So... quick question." Ryuji asked.
"Sure; what is it?" Ren responded.
"Is Morgana gonna be okay if knew where you've been?" Ryuji chuckled.
"What do you mean?" Ren asked
"First Big Bang Burger and now this place? He might get jealous." Ryuji explained.
"And he's on a diet..." Ren leaned on the table and shook his head with a smirk. "I'll get him something."
"Fatty Tuna?"
"You know it." Ren nodded before he looked at his watch. He still had plenty of hours left in the day.
*Time Skip*
Ren had now gotten a takeaway bag with some fatty tuna in for Mona, hopefully Sojiro and Futaba wouldn't take it from him.
"Hello." He nodded
"Ah, welcome back." Sojiro spoke as he was tidying the countertop. "Enjoy your day out?"
"Yeah, I did." He answered.
"What's that you've got?" Sojiro asked.
"Oh, something for Morgana." He rose the bag.
"And nothing for me?" Sojiro raised an eyebrow.
"I didnt think you'd want anything?" He shrugged
"Your cat's going to get fat if you keep spoiling him." Sojiro responded.
"Morgana keeps fit, this is just a little present." Ren answered. Sojiro sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Sojiro, can you teach me more about coffee again? I don't want to get rusty."
"Hmm. Alright, but in exchange, you have to clean the countertop tomorrow." Sojiro answered.
"Deal." Ren nodded, putting the tuna away and put an apron on. He quickly put his apron on, tightening it proudly. "What's on the menu tonight?" He joked
Sojiro saw this and smiled internally, seeing how Ren wore it with pride. It was honestly nice to see this 'delinquent' putting so much work into this cafe. "Alright, we're going to try using Columbian Beans."
"Sounds great. What's first?"
"First, don't let the water boil too much, this is a medium-fine city roast." Sojiro spoke as he and Ren got to work, first blending the beans, boiling the water to just the right temperature and sifting the liquid through the brewing station.
For Ren, this was nostalgic, it felt like his troubles were going away while making this. And for Sojiro... he was glad to have someone to teach this too.. Sure Ren knew what he was doing, but there was always more to learn. And he had other stuff on his mind so he HAD forgotten a lot of the finer details. And now for the taste test.
"Hmm. Not too bad; though I guess anyone can do this with just brewing a cup of coffee." the older man commented critically
"It's my first time doing this, so I'm not too good with it." Ren chuckled.
"Well, making a blend by mixing random beans isn't going to cut it either." Sojiro answered. "The acidity and the flavour profile need to have that certain 'ratio'. Pretty deep, huh?"
"Tell me more." Ren smiled, actually wanting to get it right.
"Well. Someone's enthusiastic. If you're that interested, you're free to try out any combinations you want to." Sojiro answered.
"Thanks, Sojiro." Ren answered.
"Next is curry." Sojiro continued. "Much like coffee, the flavour can't be quantified... but it's pretty damn good."
"I can attest to that." Ren nodded
"Well, you know. Self-satisfaction keeps me going." Sojiro answered, before the door's bell rung as a person walked in. It was a black-cap wearing middle-aged man in grey clothing with his arms crossed. And from Sojiro's expression... it wasn't good.
"You? Haven't I already told you I don't have the money?" Sojiro ignored Ren, staring at the smug-looking man. "Look at this place; you see many customers in here?"
Ren saw Sojiro's expression... and remembered something. Something about Futaba. And it made him peeved.
"Oh, Sakura. No need to hide it. You must have plenty saved from your time working in the government." The man jovially responded. "And this young man here." He pointed to Ren. "Obviously you're not running a charity. I wish you'd show me the same kindness you show others." From the tone of his voice, it was like hew as twisting a knife in Sojiro's side.
"If you're not going to buy anything; can you please leave?" Sojiro sighed, seeing this was going nowhere fast. "I'm expecting a phone call, so I don't have time to chat with you."
"Oh, I don't mind that. I can just chat with your employee here in the meantime. Can we keep talking until your call come in? Or would that be too inconvenient for you?" The man remarked, having a smirk on his face.
'Damn it... This is like with Ms Kawakami.' Ren thought to himself, not wanting to get angry or get Sojiro in trouble. 'Wait...' He thought as he quickly speed-dialled Sojiro on his cellphone.
"Oh, this is that social services call I've been waiting for." Sojiro played along, quickly adapting to the situation and internally thanked Ren for getting him out of it. "They're coming to come round to make sure this guy doesn't get into trouble. Want me to introduce you?"
The man shuffled a half-step back. "... Oh, that's right. I've got business to take care of myself. I'll come back later." The man answered, quickly leaving with a nervous tone.
'That'll show him.' Ren thought.
"Does he have nothing better to do?" Sojiro sighed heavily. "I should explain what's going on, now that you've seen it. He's... an acquaintance of mine, he's having a bit of a cash flow problem. Don't let that smile fool you; it's an act."
"I gathered." Ren answered.
"I have to say, I'm surprised how quick you were to pull that trick off." Sojiro smiled. "You saved me back there."
"Anytime." Ren nodded.
Hierophant: Rank 5
"But I have to ask, don't go poking your nose in other people's troubles. It's easier to ignore them." Sojiro stressed
"Well, I've never been that kind of person." Ren responded.
"No... I guess not. I wish I could report him... if he wasn't related to her." Sojiro sighed heavily.
FLASH!
That was why Ren got mad when he saw him. That man... he was Futaba's Uncle!
It had been so long be had forgotten that... That... MONSTERS face!
SMASH!
"Hey!" Sojiro yelled as Ren clenched his first too tight, breaking a coffee cup
Ren's hand was bleeding, the shards had cut his hand a little and had broken down to the countertop and floor. He didn't even register the pain until Sojiro snapped him out of it "Huh?" He blinked
"You're bleeding!" Sojiro grabbed a towel and bandaged it, before dragging Ren to the tap to get some cold water to help. "What the hell was that? You just broke the up."
"I... I don't know." He admitted. "Just that guys eyes... he was terrible to Futaba, wasn't he? I can tell. Got pissed off."
Sojiro looked at Ren in shock, he was so sharp to note how that man was related to Futaba. He sighed heavily as he turned off the tap and helped bind Ren's hand. "I told you not to get involved... but seeing as you could tell. Yes, that man is Futaba's uncle. She stayed with him for a while when Futaba's mother... passed."
"You don't need to tell me more than you want to." Ren assured as he did his best to keep his cool "Just a simple yes or no... Did he hurt her in any way? Physical, mental, monitary, emotional, risk her safety, it does not matter. Did he?"
...
"Yes." Sojiro stated after a moment, frowing at Ren
"I knew it." He hissed "Monsters can't hide their darkness if you pay attention to their eyes. If you look close, you can see their true selves. Don't worry, I won't get involved... But I'll keep him away from Futaba. And I'm here if you need me to do anything to help. Just ask away. My old town... That's not my home. Boss, you and Futaba are my family."
Sojiro looked at Ren, seeing his determined face and how he stood, despite having his hand slightly cut; this was the stance of a good person who would crawl on broken glass to protect someone. And this person considered them family?
"Thank you, Ren." Sojiro answered as he patted his shoulder "For everything."
"No problem." Ren answered. "... I think my hand's gonna be okay."
"Good." he sighed softly "Go give Morgana his dinner, I'll finish up down here."
"Thanks, Sojiro." Ren smiled, going to the fridge and took the fatty tuna upstairs. This was all so... Perfect
*time skip, the next day*
Ren was getting ready to head out. After yesterday, he was hoping for a quiet day this time. "Thanks for dinner last night, Joker." Morgana commented as he stretched.
"Hey, anything for my little brother. Ready to go?" Ren asked, opening his bag.
"Hup!" Morgana made a nine-point leap and landing in Ren's bag
"Eh, I'll give it an 8." he shrugged
"No~!" Morgana feigned being hurt and flumped in the bag.
Ren chuckled as he rolled his shoulder with the bag on it. "Let's go."
"Right." he yawned
As Ren left LeBlanc, he saw Sojiro getting ready to open the cafe. "I'm going." He called out.
"See you later, Ren." Sojiro spoke back
"Bye!" Futaba waved
Ren waved back, going to the station and headed off to school and felt the shudder of the train underneath him "Hey, do you have any books to read?" Morgana whispered.
"Yeah, I've got one." He nodded. He pulled a book from his bag, relaxing into his seat
'Medjed Menace'
That was the book Ren was reading on the train, actually finishing it off.
'Medjed. Futaba's old name...w e're gonna have to do something about them soon.' He thought. 'It'll take her two minutes. Sort that out before they call us out.'
"Shibuya Station, next stop. Next stop Shibuya Station." The speakers spoke up.
"Our stop, Mona." Ren whispered to him.
"You finish the book?" the cat yawned
"Yep and it reminded me of something we need to do." Ren answered. "But I'll sort it out later."
"I hope so, but don't leave it too late." Morgana responded. "And don't forget to return it to the library."
"That was my first instinct, Mona." Ren answered as he departed the train and headed for Shujin. He entered the school, smiling calmly
Joker walked inside, heading up the stairs to his classroom before he was stopped by someone. "Ren, wait!" a certain Council President called
"Oh, Makoto. What's up?" He asked
"I'm glad I caught you, I need your help during lunch." Makoto asked
"Is this about the girl in... You know." Ren responded
"Exactly. I can count on you; right?" She asked
"No problem. I can handle it." he nodded
"Thank you." She sighed
"I'm just headed to the library to drop this off. I'll see you at lunch." Ren reassured her
"Later." Makoto nodded, heading to class herself.
Time ticked on during the day, Ren was in class while keeping an eye on the time. Eventually he was heading to the Council Room once again
'Alright, let's do this.' He thought as he knocked on the door.
"Come in." Makoto's voice responded as he opened the door and saw that there were Makoto and the girl they saw the other day. "Ah, Amamiya. Thank you for coming."
"What's going on, Makoto?" The girl asked as he sat down next to her after shutting the door.
"Eiko Takao, you've been hanging around the red-light district; haven't you?" Makoto bluntly asked. "Both myself and Amamiya saw you there. Based on where you were headed; you went to a store called the 'After School Salon'. How is it, working there?"
Eiko looked at the two of them and scoffed a little. "It's just a normal cafe. They make me wear a costume and stuff, but that's it. And I'm not doing anything weird, it's all totally legal."
"Hm. So you're sure there's nothing strange going on?" Makoto continued, crossing her arms.
"Yup, the worst I get is some old guys gawking at me." Eiko answered
"I see. Beyond that; why are you working there?" Makoto asked. "How's your financial situation?"
'Whoa, going for the throat, Makoto.' Ren thought to himself with a sweat drop 'Was she always this awkward with this stuff?'
"Um... Fine. I can ask my parents for cash whenever so... no biggie." Eiko defended
"Oh, I see." Makoto pulled back a little.
"I work at the Salon so I can buy my own things. They'd get mad if their money was going 'nowhere'." Eiko explained. "I get pampered, like, mega pampered, so it's good spending money for me."
"'Mega pampered'?" Makoto sighed.
"It's nice having people treat you like you're special; y'know?" Eiko responded. "I'm sure a super honour student like you gets that all the time though; right?" Before she leaned in. "Are you gonna tell on me? You brought a witness here... Wait. Does that mean you two were in Shinjuku together?"
Makoto froze for a moment, trying to get the right words, but Ren spoke up. "You have the wrong idea." he said simply
"Right, it was nothing more than an errand I asked him to accompany me on." Makoto responded. "At any rate, don't mind him. As for you Eiko, I'm not going to tell anyone."
"Oh, so we're 'protecting each others' secrets'?" Eiko smirked as she heard that. "Does that mean your boyfriend is the rumoured criminal and called out Kamoshida? You're a badass, Prez!"
'Wow, that's brave of her.' Ren thought to himself, seeing Eiko trying to pull the blackmail card.
"I-I told you that's not what it is." Makoto defended. "I was worried you were caught up in some shady business, so I asked him here for support."
"Hmm...whatever." Eiko remarked, before noticing Makoto's pencil case. "Hey, is that a 'Buchimaru' Pencil Case? I had a tonne of stuff like this when I was a kid! Why's it so beat up?"
"It was given to me when I was still in elementary school." Makoto admitted. "I'd like to buy a new one, but they've stopped making Buchimaru merchandise."
'Note to self, find 'Buchimaru' stuff.' Ren thought.
"OMG! This is so hilarious! The stuffy Student Council President has an adorable pencil case? My image of you has done a complete 360 today!" Eiko smiled.
"... That's a full circle, Eiko." Makoto commented.
"You don't look like someone who'd be into that kinda stuff; I thought you were a robot, guess I should've gotten to know you better." Eiko admitted. "Can we trade phone numbers? We can talk more about Buchimaru... and your boyfriend."
"Oh, err. Okay. But he's not my boyfriend." Makoto responded, making Ren feel... not relieved, but safe.
"And saved! Thanks! Oh, I better get to class. Bye!" Eiko responded before heading out.
...
"She thought I was a robot." Makoto slumped in her chair.
"Beep boop." Ren smirked as he took a seat next to her
"Don't tease me!" Makoto pouted. "... I thought I could change how people see me. I guess it's not going as well as I thought."
"Don't worry, you'll get there. I know it." Ren patted her shoulder.
"Thank you, Ren." She answered, feeling relief from his support.
Priestess: Rank 3
"Anytime." he nodded. Ren looked at the time on his phone and saw he still had time. "I better head off to lunch. I'll see you later?"
"Yeah." She nodded
As Ren walked out, Makoto held her head as she thought about what Eiko said. 'Her boyfriend'? What could she say about that? Did they look like a couple?!
'Oh god, what's he going to think? What is Eiko thinking?' She thought in worry and embarrassment. She wasn't use to this sort of thing!
All her time at school was mostly to make sure that people followed the rules and were safe. She didn't even think about romance. But now that Eiko put that in her head... and how close Ren was bringing them, it just made her think.
*time skip*
It was now after class, Ren was stretching gently as he had done well in his classes. He stretched a bit, walking out of the classroom 'Right, I've got some time, I should probably meet with-' He thought to himself.
"Hey dude!" Ryuji called
"Oh, Ryuji." Ren saw his friend and smiled. "How were classes?"
"Brutal." Ryuji answered. "Hey, can I ask you something?"
"Yeah, sure. What is it?" He asked.
"I wanna pay you back for yesterday. So, why don't we go to the ramen store?"
"Again?" He asked with a small laugh
"Hey, what can I say? I've got a hankering for noodles." Ryuji smirked.
"Okay. No worries bro." Ren assured "So, let's go."
"Sweet!" Ryuji clapped his hands... and quickly checked for his wallet and chuckled nervously. "It's there."
Ren just laughed at his friend's silliness as they headed out.
*later*
The two took the train down to the noodle restaurant close to the gym, Ryuji's old haunt as they ordered their meals.
"Hmm~, this smells great." Ryuji commented as the bowls came to their seats. "Oh, by the way, before I forget. Yamauchi's off the track team, he got taken down quick."
"That's great to hear." Ren nodded.
"Yeah, Takeishi's mum is the PTA prez; he told her everything. The bastard didn't stand a chance. Everyone's parents came hard on him." Ryuji regaled Ren. "Wish I could've seen the luck on that guy's face. The school can't ignore the PTA. AS a result, the track team's back, the old coach is filling in for now. I think they'll go far in the meet."
"I'm looking forward to it." Ren admitted, eating some noodles before they got cold.
"Hell yeah!" Ryuji smirked and tucked in.
The two inhaled their bowls of noodles almost in a flash, leaving only a small amount of sauce at the bottom of the bowl.
"Ah~, that was awesome." Ryuji sighed with a smile, before he sighed heavily and confessed to Ren. "Y'know. I was scared of facing those guys straight up; I couldn't stand how much they hated me. It just made me think of how stupid I was. Most of all, it made me remember how I lost my place with them."
"You've grown. You've changed, Ryuji."
"Yeah, but... Only 'you were there helping me. I can't thank you enough. I got you wrapped up in all this shit, but you stayed with me to the bitter end. You didn't abandon me. So... thanks, man."
"It's all because of you." Ren answered, patting his stomach, glad he had a good training regime and diet to stay slim.
"Funny isn't it? How we started out trainin' for the Phantom Thieves. And you've changed my life in so short a time... it's crazy." Ryuji admitted.
"Yeah. It is." Ren nodded, realising what he did.
"Hey, if anything comes up; you tell me. I'll help you with whatever you need." Ryuji admitted... and something inside him changed.
I am thou, thou art I.
Thou hast turned a vow into a blood oath.
Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion and break the yoke of thy heart.
Thou hast awakened to the ultimate secret of the Chariot, granting thee infinite power...
Lavenza's words echoed in Ren's ears as he felt happy with his friend and one of his girlfriends.
Deep within Ryuji's heart was a glowing blue light, Captain Kidd was smiling with his skull head as he began to transform, riding high on his pirate ship as he transformed into his newest form.
In a flash of blue light, the Captain was gone and now, standing on a black cloud with yellow sclera and red iris eye, was a humanoid figure. Curved toed blue shoes with black shins, red baggy harem-pants; wearing a turquoise, light blue, red and gold leather armour over his torso and bracers, a black-furred monkey-man. His shoulders were rectangular with the same colouring as his chest armour, with two golden protrusions, a red scarf around his neck, grey chains in an 'X' going across his chest and a large and long yellow flowing cape with a popped-collar, green ski-goggles with a red helmet with a golden circlet design and a ridiculous sized pointed yellow mohawk. And in his hand was a long staff, the middle was a simple black, at each end it was red with golden nails knocked into it with white numbers that read '8000K'.
A flash of knowledge filled Ryuji's head, letting him know what just happened. And all he could do was smile. "Bitchin'." He smiled, giving a fistbump to Ren.
"Yeah." Ren grinned
Chariot: Rank 10!
*Time Skip*
Ren was back on the train headed back to LeBlanc, he had time to think. He felt like he should go somewhere else.
"Ren? What's up?" Morgana asked.
"I just... I feel like I should be somewhere." He answered. "I have more friends out there."
"Yeah, that's fair. Maybe you should head out today." Morgana responded. "What about that Shogo player?"
"Hifumi." The Qild Card questioned
"Yeah, her. What do you think?"
"Yeah, that actually sounds like a good idea. I wonder if she's at the church?" He thought aloud.
*time skip*
Ren was back at the church, where Hifumi was practising with herself trying out new tactics. He frowned, seeing how... lonely she was. Despite being pushed as an 'idol shoji player'. He took a breath and walked over. "Hifumi?" He asked her, breaking her out of her lonliness.
"Huh? Oh, hello." she blinked
"Back again?" He asked.
"Yes, I was just... Playing against myself with new strategies." She answered.
"Want a training partner, Hifumi? I am happy to help." he smiled softly. Last time he went easy on her,playing like a newbie. Sure he was no where near her level and was out of practice, but he wasn't terrible.
"Really? Thank you, I'd greatly appreciate it." She responded, resetting the board.
"You can ease up with the formal talk. It's just us here." Ren chuckled.
"Oh, okay. Thanks."
"So are you ready, mighty Shogan?" Ren teased/joked
SHINE!
A glimmer in Hifumi's eyes sparkled as she was ready. "Of course."
And so, the match began. Ren not holding back as much, but Hifumi still making better moves than him. The match carried on for several minutes, one move being countered by another. Until...
"Here. Vanguard of my Togo Kingdom, go forth to the front lines! Trample upon them all!" Hifumi called out, laying her next piece. "You think you can protect yourself with that paltry defence? Ha, ha, ha! It's useless! Awaken, dragon! Let your shadowy hellfire consume them all! Dark Inferno Rook!"
'Oh my god, she's still going 'Chunibiyo'.' Ren thought with a nervous sweatdrop.
"Can you hear them? The wailing of dying soldiers echoing throughout the battlefield. With an incompetent king, a soldier cannot show his true bravery. Time for you to suffer!" Hifumi continued.
'Well, at least she's having fun.' Ren thought again as the game continued.
"At last, everything is in place. My right-hand trembles as I release my full power!" Hifumi placed a piece down and proclaimed. "I summon forth the forbidden move that shall bring your end... Ultimate Excalibur Attack!" She reached out her hand and pointed it at Ren.
...
Click.
"Check." She simply stated with a calm voice... and realised what she had done. "... I've done it again. My embarrassing match habit. During matches, I get... very aggressive. Like I'm actually the queen of a kingdom."
"I actually like the attitude change." Ren answered.
"Huh? I-I find it a bit... well. My father had me do image training exercises when I was younger to learn the rules. Gradually, I came to see the Shogi board as my own kingdom. I had fun making up stories and strategies for my, um, subjects. However... I've heard that people make fun of me on the internet. I can't blame them, I think I'm weird too."
"Don't worry about them." Ren sighed, knowing it was just anonymous people throwing shade.
"Your positivity is a welcome relief, Ren. I may be able to learn more from our matches than I thought." She smiled.
Star: Rank 2
"Oh, I want to ask, do you read weekly magazines?" Hifumi asked. "Um... I'm doing a photoshoot for one."
"When's it coming out?" Ren asked
Hifumi was taken aback by this. "Wh-why do you ask? It's not like they've set a date yet. I just. I thought you'd be surprised, so I just told you beforehand."
"Hmm. Guess that makes sense." Ren nodded.
"I thought, maybe, I could bring more attention to Shogi, it'd make the sport more popular. At least... that's what I'm telling myself. I have got an interview set for tomorrow, so... I think I might be able to play one more game?"
"You're on. I think I'm getting the hang of this." Ren flexed his fingers. "But before we start, the magazine isn't going to make you dress in a way that's... uncomfortable for you, is it? Like... bikini shots or anything? Because you are attractive Hifumi and I know some idiot would try and push that angel. I don't mean to pry but if it makes you uncomfortable... tell them. Try and push the shoot in a way that fits you better, like showing how calm or cool Shoji can be."
"Wh-what? No, no. It's nothing like that! It's just me in my normal clothes!" She admitted, blushing quite a bit.
"Okay, that's good." he sighed, smiling "Don't let those people push you around. Okay? Let your true self roar and be who you are, not what they want you to be."
"My... true self?" she muttered
"Right." he nodded with a grin "So, next game?"
"R-Right! Yes! Next game." Hifumi nodded and began to reset the board and the two continued to play.
*Time Skip*
Ren had managed to catch the train back to Yongen-Jaya, those matches with Hifumi took quite a while... He nearly won one of those, so he was doing better!
He cracked his neck gently, looking down all that time had made his neck a little stiff. "Maybe I should see Tae about this?" He muttered to himself.
"Okay, I'll see you at home." Morgana smirked "Have fun with your doctor girlfriend!"
"I-!" Ren blinked and then sighed. "Yeah, see you at home." He waved at the cat who went back to LeBlanc as he went to Tae's clinic.
"Stupid cat." He grumbled in a playfully joking way. As Ren was about to enter, he saw someone in the glass... a strange person he hadn't met before. Or... had he? It was a nagging feeling in the back of his head that he didn't know this man's face. "Hello?" He asked/whispered, confused by the situation
"I'm warning you, Takemi. You had better stop poaching my patients!" The man all but yelled at the good doctor as Ren looked behind the man, seeing Tae standing there with her arms crossed
"They came to me, Doctor. They made their choice and you should respect that!" Tae responded calmly. "If you could help your patients properly, they wouldn't be coming to me." Tae added
"You ungrateful-!" The man glared. "I took the initiative on your half-assed medicine! YOU didn't have it readied!"
Tae scowled at the man. "If you think that, 'Doctor'." She remarked with a derisive tone. "Then why did you take my research notes?"
The man glared angrily like he was ready to hit her. "You'll be hearing from my lawyers! When I'm done with you, you'll be lucky to even GET medicine! Let alone practice!" He stormed out, pushing past Ren.
As he did Ren felt the world... Freeze. As he felt it freeze...he saw something from within the man.
From where stood a man in a sharp suit and tie... was a mad doctor in its place. An almost insectoid looking creature. A long proboscis for a mouth, insectoid eyes with hands stitched with doctor's implements and four wings as he was hunched over.
"Stupid bitch! All of this is MY work! I'll see you DEAD when I get through with you!" The man hissed/buzzed as he stormed out. And like that the world was back to normal.
Ren gasped, air returning to his lungs. What... What the hell happened?!
"Ren? What're you doing here?" Tae asked as she saw him and went to his side.
"I... I wanted to visit." He stuttered 'What the hell was that?' he thought
"Stay still." She ordered him, giving him a check over. "You looked like you were going to pass out."
"Okay." He nodded, looking at her in worry "Are... You okay?"
"I'm just... closing shop for tonight. That was my former... 'co-worker'. The man who took my research." She answered.
"Oh... Him." he growled protectivly
"Yes. Him yelling at me was... 'nostalgic' to say the worst." She answered, taking a slow breath. "And it was... He's still as infuriating as ever."
Ren turned to her and held her hand gently "Look. You are better than him, don't let him get to you. You are my girlfriend, and and I love you. Everything will be fine... Doctor Takami."
"Doctor Takami? What happened to Tae?" She smirked softly
"You're on the clock." He chuckled "Don't want to be unprofessional now, do we?"
"Hmm. True." She answered, before checking her clock. "But give it three minutes."
"Three minutes." He nodded "So... Am I all good?"
"Yeah, I think so. I don't know what would've caused my guinea pig to almost faint like that. What've you been doing these past few days?" she hummed
"Maybe I've just been a bit tired?" He shrugged "I have had a lot of energy recently, been hard to sleep."
"Well, let's see what I can do about that." She answered. "Please, let's go into the other room."
"Another experiment, Doctor?" He asked, following her into the back room
"Something like that." She answered
Tick
Tick
'Fifty seconds.' She thought with a smile. She locked the door behind them, grinning
Tick
Tick
Ren took his normal seat, relaxing "So... what medicine are we testing today?" he asked as Tae walked past him, to her normal seat Ren rubbed the back of his neck as he sat down in his normal chair. "Maybe something that increases stamina?" not noticing the evil grin Tae gained
"Sounds perfect." The older woman grinned
Tick
Tick
She looked in her stock and found one of the experimental medicines that she had crafted. She knew it was safe, she tried it herself... and she passed it to Ren.
It was a soft blue coloured liquid with the consistency of a slightly thick sauce
"Try this. It'll put a pep in your step." She gave the vial to Ren.
"Okay, thanks." He answered. taking it. It was a little bitter, but they say that 'bitter medicine was better'. "Hmm. Okay."
Tick
Tick
'Fourteen seconds.' She thought with a smile. Her eyes flicked to the clock as she crossed her legs, taking her coat off
"Wow." Ren blinked as he felt a rush through his body
"How does it feel?" She asked.
"It feels like I can go a mile without stopping, to be perfectly honest." Ren remarked before he realised the tightness in his pants "The hell?" He asked, trying to cover his 'shame' while also trying to alleviate it by undoing his zip enough.
Beep
Beep
"Oh, look at that. I'm off the clock." Tae commented as she stood tall, letting her cost hit the floor before she 'noticed' his bulge "Oh my!" She gasped "Here I am, off the clock and alone with my boyfriend. And it appears he has a hard on! Oh no, what am I to do?" She asked with a very sarcastic tone
'You sly...' He thought as he looked at her, feeling the medicine work... and was really tempted to rush up and embrace her. Which he did. He rushed up and slammed his lips to hers, grabbing her hips
Tae moaned as she felt Ren's passion within the kiss, almost rubbing her hips against his groin, wanting it to slip out. "Hmm~, let me teach you." Tae purred, the older woman gripping his belt "How to really pleasure a woman."
"Ah! Okay." He panted, feeling the tug of his belt, the medicine giving him a rush of adrenaline. His pants where soon at his ankles, as Tae pushed him so he sat on the bed
"Hmm~, not bad." She mused. "Tell me, guinea pig... Ren; have you experienced 'oral' before?"
"Yeah." He nodded "... Kinda. Ann and I had out first time the other day."
"Is that right?" She smiled. "Good, then you'll know what to expect." As she licking his member. "Only now, it would be better. Hmm, I'll have to teach her. I'm sure it was good, but she is technically an amature."
"Y-Yes! It was. But, it was very good!" Ren admitted, gripping the bed as he felt her tongue caress his member. "Oh! Holy... Yes!" He grunted, amazed at how... GOOD it felt!
Tae chuckled gently before taking his dick into her mouth, beginning to suck and 'play' with her 'toy-boy'. Her fingers lightly teased his balls, one hand working low while her other hand kept his member straight and steady. She had the crown between her pink lips, her tongue teasing the tip as her eyes showed a burning desire
Ren arched back, his head almost hitting the wall as he jerked slightly and was ready to cum right there. "Oh... So..." He muttered, almost drooling. That time with Ann was magical but this felt... So much better! Somehow! How?!
Tae chuckled, slowly descending. Taking more of his member into her mouth as she began to suck
"A-Ah! Tae! It-you're amazing!" Ren panted as he felt his member getting warmer from her mouth, the temptation and seduction of this older woman "I... Don't know how much longer I can take it!"
Tae began to increase her motions, sucking on his penis and teasing his balls to make him cum. 'Show me. That virile youth.' She thought, trying to project her thoughts to him.
Ren exclaimed as he bucked his hips, shooting his cum into Tae's mouth. "Tae~!"
She took him all into her mouth, her lips leaving a mark against his pelvis
"Oh~, my god!" Ren panted as he felt her warm mouth encapsulate his dick... this was no mere woman.
Tae moaned around his member, feeling him fill her throat and her mouth with his seed. She slowly pulled off his dick, slurping up his seed as she cleaned his dick with her tongue. How long has it been since she had a boyfriend? She didn't remember but it made her soaked
"Tae~." Ren looked down at her, the invigorating medicine still working as he felt his dick throb as she removed her mouth from his member.
She gulped down his young seed and looked up with a lick of her lips. "Hmm~" she moaned "Not the best but you keep yourself healthy." she winked
"That. That was-" Ren panted, looking at her with a throbbing dick.
"I think we can go a little further." She smirked as Ren realised she had a hand under her dress, obviously doing something with herself.
"Wh-what're you doing?" He asked, his throat was dry as he was seeing this. Was this woman planning something?
Tae pulled her hand out from under her skirt, revealing her first and middle fingers where soaked with her juices
Ren gulped as he saw this, almost tempted to taste it... but was he allowed?
"Mmm~" Tae moaned as she started lick her fingers clean, sucking on her red painted fingernails as she looked him in the eyes "I taste good... Want to try?" She purred
"Yeah." Ren nodded, entranced. She was like a succubus. She held his heart and his desire in the palm of her hands and was manipulating both perfectly with love
"Perfect. Now get on your back." Tae grinned as she reached under her skirt once more, this time with high hands. However they didn't stay under her dress' skirt long as she soon brought her hands down, revealing her thumbs looped around the band's of her black thong as she dragged her underwear down her legs
Ren saw this in shock and joy, this was... possibly, going to be the second time he would have sex. He had to admit, he was a bit guilty that he hadn't been with Shiho yet and that Tae was 'jumping the que'... But be was determined to learn from this time with Tae, learn to be a better lover, so that when Shiho was ready for her first time it would be magical
"Now, let me show you how to treat your girlfriends." She instructed as she straddled his waist. She held his member carefully, moaning in pleasure as she was filled
"Oh... damn!" Ren moaned
"Fuck!" she hissed, not taking all of him. It had been a while since she got a good fucking, and he was bigger than expected! She began to raise her hips, dropping down quickly. Her thighs worked carefully, swiftly and powerfully. She rode him confidently, impaling herself again and again but she didn't take all of him. She kept stopping half way down, before rising once again
"Tae... you feel so good!" Ren groaned happily, holding her hips
"Hmm~! Yeah!" she gasped and moaned, moving faster and faster "Just... like that! You can do it! Hmm~! Yeah!"
"You okay?" Ren asked
"Yeah. Just a bit..." she muttered "Hard to take you all." she admitted
"Let me." he urged softly
"Huh?" she blinked
"Get on all fours." he urged gently
"Fine." she mumbled as she pulled herself off him. Bending over and getting on all fours she grumbled, curious how this was going.
Ren got on his knees, kissing Tae's ass a few times before getting tall. Resting on his knees he held her hips gently, pushing into her vagina. Holding her waist he was able to use all of his strength, pushing his entire lenth within her flower.
Tae Takemi let out a scream that she was sure the neighbors and their clientele could hear. Yongen-jaya wasn't exactly spread out. There wasn't the slightest doubt in her mind that other people heard her let out that peal of utter shock, slight pain, and almost demented pleasure.
Ren had gripped her by the arms and, seemingly without even the slightest effort, had thrown himself backward into a standing position, even as he kept a grip on her. His cock didn't go anywhere, save deeper into Takemi as gravity did its work in what felt like an instant. One moment, she was still bent over the bed, squirming as Ren Amamiya began to push into her. The next, she was in the air, her legs instinctively raised so that her knees nearly reached her chest, her feet - still clad in the strapped open toed heels she had been making a habit of wearing to the clinic - about level with her ass.
It took her a few seconds to realize that she had never quite stopped making noise after her initial scream. She had only settled down somewhat into something more like a whine. Ren let out a rumbling growl that made Takemi's breath catch in her throat as, after the initial, gravity-driven penetration, everything came to a stop for a moment. She could feel him more than she had ever been physically aware of anything in her entire life. His cock wasn't quite uncomfortably big, but it was more than she was used to, significantly more, and so she thought she could feel his pulse through her cunny. It was a kind of intimacy that she hadn't been expecting, but in the midst of the complicated swirl of feelings inside her heart, she was still aware of that animalistic growl, and of the way that Ren's hands were tight enough on her arms that she worried they would leave a mark.
He looped her arms under her, gripping her below her knees, as he began to bounce her up and down his member. It felt awkward, but he was determined to make her feel better. He moved his hips hard and fast, kissing her neck as he worked
"Oh! God! Fuck! Yes!" Tae moaned, feeling her lovers member fill her up... and then suddenly she let out a strange gutteral noise. Takemi couldn't help it, the noise that escaped her. She slapped her hands over her mouth, but not before she almost certainly gave anyone within three blocks of the clinic a good idea of what was happening in here. She couldn't help it, couldn't contain it by force of will and instead had to use her palms, pressed over her lips as the scream only intensified as Ren did it again. He pulled her up, then let gravity throw her right back down, spearing Tae Takemi on his cock. Tears gathered in her eyes at the raw, insane pleasure.
"I... I love you!" Ren grunted as he fucked away
"Gah! Ah! Ah!" she moaned deeply, feeling her pssu quivver. Feeling herself growing closer and closer.
"Cumming!" the two groaned, Ren pulling out at the last second. His member throbbed and sprayed out his load, landing on the bed in front of them, while Tae's body quivvered and her juices dripped out of her
"Ooooh~!" Ren groaned as he fell back, falling against the wall, and holding Tae close. The two where panting and huffing lightly, the two close. Their body heat mixing as they held one another
"That was... good." Tae admitted, panting
"Yeah." Ren smiled weakly while kissing her neck
"Hmm~" she purred, nuzzling against him "... Ready for round 2?" she smirked as she kissed his neck slowly, her fingers running down his back sensually
CONFIDANT RECAP:
Fool: Rank 10
Magician: Rank 10
Lovers: Rank 10
Chariot: Rank 10
Strength: Rank 8
Lust: Rank 8
Death: Rank 6
Temperance: Rank 6
World: Rank 5
Hierophant: Rank 5
Sun: Rank 4
Devil: Rank 4
Emperor: Rank 4
High Priestess: Rank 3
Moon: Rank 2
Hanged-Man: Rank 2
Fortune: Rank 2
Star: Rank 2
Empress: Rank 1
Hermit: Rank 1
