Luckenhaft: Interesting ideas. Unfortunately... well, we are kinda ahead already.

delubyo420: No idea.

Guest chapter 28 Jan 17: Oh HELL no! Have you seen how far in we are? And arguably we aren't even half way through! Any other Persona stories we are doing are one-shots or collections of one-shots.

anon92: Dante IS cannon to the SMT universe.

TheBraveGallade: Agreed. And I don't get why. It is part of her appeal!

Nexus240: For the millionth time, we are not fucking doing Royal! I swear, EVER fucking chapter!

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: It's some real "Smokin' Sexy Style!"

Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:

UltimateCCC: Oh, hell yeah. It's gonna be good.

Guest, chapter 28, Jan 17: Honestly? Haven't even considered it. Considering how long each Persona game is, we'd be in our 50's if we wanted to do a P4 Fic. But glad you've been enjoying the story.

DJPlaysGames: Yeah, one of us has played the series points at Grey.

TheBraveGallade: Yeah, it's a shame. She's more than just a 'shy confidant'.

Cooperjordan: That was Grey's idea. Smiles

StevieBond: Of course!

Lightsbane1905: Futaba pops up Never! All your data belong to me! maniacal laughter

the metaphysical god of heroes: That's our little gremlin.

Zeromaru Chaos Mode: She's a teenager with full access to the internet. Of course she's gonna have fap material.

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Of course, she needed that remake for her Awakening.

delubyo420: Thanks very much. Happy belated New Year to you too.

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

Co-written by GhostKaiser23


AUTHOR'S NOTE

Annnnd now for something a BIT calmer!

OR IS IT!

dun! dun! DUUUN!

Haha! Enough stupidity, game time!


Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 29
A Break Before Battle


Ren sighed and yawned as he got up from his enjoyable dream from last night, having saved the pictures of Dove and Panther. He walked down into Leblanc, wearing more casual cloths. He had to admit, he was really excited since it was the start of summer break.

"Ah, good morning." Sojiro spoke. "You're up early, I thought you would've slept in."

"Why? It's summer." he grinned

"Good answer." Sojiro answered, pointing at him with a smile.

"Thanks chief." Ren nodded, getting his bag on "I'll see you later."

"Catching up with your friends?" Sojiro asked

"Yeah, I am." He nodded and almost went off with a bounce in his step.

The group had a plan to meet up at the beach today

"Don't forget sunscreen!" Sojiro called out as the door closed behind Ren.

"Hey!" Futaba waved, waiting outside

"Hey, Futaba. You okay?" He asked.

"Yeah, I am. And those pics~." She smiled, giggling as she responded.

"Again?" He frowned

"What can I say? You've got nice girlfriends. And that picture of Mona was adorable." Futaba answered

"You need to behave." He commented while poking her forehead, making her give her mad grin

"Okay~. I promise." She answered. "Where's Mona?"

"Hi!" Mona called, business popping out of Ren's bag

"Kitty!" Futaba smiled, scratching his head gently.

"Mmmmr~" he purred happily, his ears folding down

"Do you have your swimsuit and a change of clothes?" Ren asked.

"Don't worry. I'm covered." Futaba smiled before she suddenly got a bit embarrassed

"Don't worry, we'll be all together." Ren reassured her as he remembered, around this time in his first go around she was still... scared of everything outside her room

"Thank you, Ren." Futaba whispered as they walked together.

"Hi, guys." Ryuji waved as they were waiting for them. They where waiting at the train station, waiting, of course

"Were you waiting long?" Ren asked

"Nah, we're good." Ryuji smirked.

"We had only just arrived." Yusuke agreed.

"Ready for a day in the sun." Ann winked

"We need it after everything that happened, before going back to the Palace." Shiho added

"Where's Makoto?" Ren asked

"She's just getting drinks." Ryuji answered.

"Cool." Ren nodded, intertwining his hands with his girlfriend's as Futaba gripped his shirt

"... Dude, that looks unfair." Ryuji deadpanned.

"What? Can't we hold our boyfriend?" Ann responded.

"God, that's so weird to hear." Ryuji groaned a little.

"Hey, guys." Makoto came over, carrying bottled drinks for the group in a bag.

"Thank you, Makoto." Yusuke nodded

"So, are we ready to go?" Makoto asked

"Definitely, we've got Ren and Futaba here." Shiho answered.

"To the beach!" Mona mewed from Ren's bag.

"Oh yeah! Bikini babes!" Ryuji cheered

THUNK!

Makoto bonked Ryuji on the back of his head.

"Ow!" He groaned.

Yusuke sighed. "We must depart soon, the train will be here."

"Let's go." Futaba mumbled


*Time skip*

The group had traveled down the train line and now at the beach, the group of friends had set up their spot where they had a couple of umbrellas set up and their towels laid down. Luckily they had came to early in the summer, so early in the day, so there was not an insane amount of people there

"Hmm! Finally." Shiho stretched her arms as they prepared for their long day.

"Who wants to build a sandcastle?" Ryuji asked.

"What are you, five?" Ann responded.

"I shall assist you, Ryuji." Yusuke answered. "It might be good inspiration."

Ren had to laugh, seeing everyone in their swimsuit was really different

Ren was wearing a pair of dark black swim three-quarter trunks.

Ryuji was wearing a pair of red and white flame motif swim-trunks.

Yusuke was wearing a pair of light blue swim trunks that seemed to be a size too big for him. Alongside a dark grey hoodie

Futaba was still in the changing rooms

Makoto wore a two piece white bikini. A rather conservative white two piece bikini with a small attached skirt.

Ann wore a small string two piece flow coloured bikini, a tiny bra and almost thong like bottoms that barley covered anything.

Shiho was wearing a light blue frilled tank-top and a pair of bikini bottoms that seemed a little like Ann's bikini.

"Those two." Makoto muttered

"What's wrong, Makoto?" Ren asked

"Their... outfits." Makoto explained. "It's just, they're a bit -too- revealing."

Ren blinked, looking at the girls "Whoa." He whispered as he saw them and had a faint smile on his lips.

"Ren." She frowned

"Sorry, Makoto." Ren apologised. "... Where's Futaba?" He asked worried for her.

"Still changing." she responded simply

"Okay." Ren sighed in relief, a little worried for her, but glad she was okay.

"Who wants to go for a swim?" Ann offered as she ran up to her boyfriend

"Sure. But want to make sure Futaba is okay first." He acknowledged

"Yeah, of course." Ann nodded. "Want me and Shiho to come with you?"

"Sure." He smiled

The three of them walked over to the changing rooms where Futaba entered.

Knock
Knock

"Futaba? Are you alright?" Shiho asked

"Yes!" She squeaked

"Do you need any help?" Ann asked.

"No, no! I'm alright!" Futaba responded. Suddenly the door opened, Futaba emerging. Futaba was wearing a yellow frilled bikini top and frilly bottoms with red polka dots.

"Wow, that's cute." Shiho commented.

"Thanks." She blushed... As she stood there with a towel tied around her head, a giant ball

"Um. Futaba? Why do you have a towel around your head?" Shiho asked.

"So no-one can see me." She answered making the group blink

"Um, Futaba...That's not exactly..." Shiho rubbed her head.

Bonk!

...

And she had walked into a wall

The three sighed as they saw this stumble. "Futaba." Ren reached out and held her hand gently. "We've got you. It's alright." He walked up, carefully removing her the towel

"But...people will see." Futaba responded, the dark of the towel removed and her vision was acclimating to the light. "And... I'll see them. I'm not ready!"

"You'll never be ready if you keep hiding." Ann answered.

Futaba mumbled as she held hands with Ren and Ann. "O-Okay."

"There'll always be one of us to be with you, Futaba." Shiho added. "We're not gonna leave you on your own. And Mona is with us."

"Yeah." Makoto nodded "We are your friends, Futaba."

"O-Okay. But I require ice creams!" Futaba bargained.

"Don't worry about it." Ren chuckled as they walked all together. "You can have as much you want."

...

"YES!" Futaba cheered.

"Sounds like they've come to an agreement." Yusuke commented.

"Definitely." Ryuji smiled as he was building a moat for the castle.

"Booyah!" He smirked

"Wow, looks like it's coming along." Makoto spoke as she saw the beginnings of the sandcastle.

"It is. And it'll be amazing to look at." Yusuke added. "A true, spectacular work of art! Magnificent and glorious!"

"... Dude. It's gonna be like three castles and a moat." Ryuji deadpanned

"And it shall be a work of art!"

"Those two." Ren shook his head, before he felt Shiho tug his arm "Shiho?" He asked, looking at her.

"Can we talk?" She asked

"Yeah, of course." Ren answered. "Excuse me, sorry." He apologised to the girls.

"No problem, we'll head for a swim." Makoto answered as she stretched a bit

Both Ann and Makoto headed to the sea while Shiho and Ren were together. The two walked off to the side, Ren unsure if he should be holding her hand or something right now

"Ren... Can I ask you something?" Shiho whispered something.

"Of course." He nodded

"Ann's told me about your first time. When we were together." Shiho whispered, trying to keep the conversation between themselves.

"I see. Well, that shouldn't be bad; right? Us being together, there shouldn't be secrets." Ren answered with a smile

"Thanks, Ren." Shiho tucked her hair behind her ear.

"I'm... Sorry about the random pictures." She blushed

"Hey, it's alright. I enjoyed them." Ren admitted, his glasses fogging a little.

...

He noticed how awkward she looked and took his glasses off, slipping them onto his girlfriend once more "There you go." He smiled

Shiho chuckled softly, smiling as she felt comfortable and safe once more "... It's so weird that these do this to me." She mumbled

"I think you look nice with them on." Ren answered. "If they make you feel more comfortable."

"... Why did you start wearing them, Ren?" She asked "Was it... Just style?"

...

"It was easier to look people in the eye, with something protecting mine." He admitted "It was like a mask. Even if it didn't, it felt like it hid me away. Hid my pain away. A shield that protected me. I didn't need them, I don't need glasses. And wearing fake ones for fashion, no one blinks an eye." Thinking back... He almost never took his glasses off around his friends in the past journey. Outside small occasions like during the sleepover during the Hawaii trip, or shortly after the... Interrogation...
Never casually, of his own free will.
Except when he took off his mask... as Joker

...

"I see." She nodded in thought "... Do you... Need that with us?"

"No." He answered honestly without a moment's hesitation

Shiho smiled back, blinking gently and held his hand.

He looked down, looking up at her with a smile "So..."

"Oh, right." She blushed "... My volleyball practice is going better." She smiled softly "I've earned my place in the starting line up."

"That's great. I knew you had it in you." Ren responded.

"Thanks... I think." She commented, confusing Ren

"You think?" he asked

"I..." she muttered, looking up "Honestly... I don't know what I want from the future. Where I want to go with Volleyball."

"Hmm. Well, I think you'll do great as a teacher." Ren thought aloud. "You'd be a lot better than that asshole."

"A teacher?" she blinked

"Yeah, you'd be an amazing gym coach." he smiled

"I. I don't... Hmm." She mumbled, thinking about her in a gym teacher's job.

"Don't what?"

"I don't know. What if I'm no good at it?" She asked

"Well, no-one's good at something the first time around. Hell, when I was starting out, I made mistakes." He answered. He rubbed her back softly, looking at her in the eye. He looked into her reassurance, lovingly and supportingly

...

"I... part of me thought." she whispered "Thought that I... I might be a house wife."

"What was that?" He asked as he couldn't hear her.

"Nothing!" she squeaked with a blush "... actually. Er... housewife."

"A housewife?" Ren blinked as he heard that.

"Yeah. I just... I see myself as a housewife." she blushed, imagining the potential future. She saw herself in a comfy long-sleeved shirt and jeans, wearing an apron as she was making dinner. She saw Ann entering the room, wearing a beautiful long and tight red dress

"Well, don't you look nice?" The imaginary Ann commented to the imaginary Shiho.

"Thanks Ann." She smiled softly "How was work, Ms Super Model?"

"Urgh, it was a pain. But I'm home now." She responded, looping her arms around Shiho.

"Now come here, Mrs Am-"

"Knock knock!" A male voice joked as Ren entered the apartment

"Ah~, here he is. Mr 'Working Late Again'." Ann responded as they saw not a comically large or buff Ren, but a Ren walking in after working at LeBlanc and still wearing the apron.

"Sorry. Had to help close up." He grinned "The kids still up?"

"Yeah, they're still up." Shiho nodded. "They've been waiting for you."

The older Ren walked over with a smile, kissing the both of them

"Awe~, thanks, Ren." Shiho smirked as she felt his lips on hers. Despite it being a fantasy.

"Shiho?" Ren called, snapping her out of her thoughts

"Huh? Oh, sorry. I was just... Just caught up." She apologised. "Thinking about us."

"Oh." He smiled

...

"I mean-" she stuttered "I'm conflicted. I wanted to try my best and I always thought this Volleyball thing... I wouldn't be good enough to try and make a carrier out of it. So I basically accepted the idea of being a housewife. And waiting at home, looking after the kids, until you and Ann-I-I mean whoever I marry gets home!"

"Shiho, it's okay." Ren encouraged, knowing what she was saying. The idea that your highschool sweetheart... Or in this case sweethearts plural... Would be the one/ones you end up marrying, for most people, is a bit silly. And she didn't want him to think she was creepy, planning out their entire lives before they've even been together for too long.

"Thank you." Shiho whispered, hugging him back as she was reassured.

"And whatever you choose..." He commented softly, patting her head "You'll be amazing."

Shiho's smile widened as she hugged him and felt her heart glow a little as she grew closer to Ren.

Lust: Rank 9

"Thank you Ren."

"Hey, anytime. Do you want to head back?" Ren offered.

"Yeah." She nodded, playfully pushing the glasses back onto his face. "Try and catch me!" And ran on the sand.

"Hey! Get back here!" He yelled


*elsewhere*

Back at the spot, Ryuji, Yusuke and Morgana were working on the castle...with help from Futaba who was making a three-tiered moat. What exactly is a 'three-tiered moat'? They didn't know, but it was awesome!

"Wow. Cool." Ren grinned

"Ah, thanks, Ren." Futaba spoke out. "It's our 'mega castle version four'."

"Futaba has had some most innovating ideas for this castle." Yusuke added.

"What happened to the first three?" Shiho asked

"We grew it outwards." Ryuji answered, showing that there were about four other castles in their 'kingdom'.

"Hey!" Ann called as she ans Makoto approached the group

"Hi girls." Shiho waved. "How was your swim?"

"Great!" Ann grinned, water dripping down her body

"Hoo. That was bracing." Makoto agreed, still dripping with water and little goose-pimples on her body. Her well defined muscles being accented by her shivers

"Yeah, but it was fun." Ann responded as Ren passed them both towels. It was a truley beautiful sight

"Wow, looks like you four have been busy." Makoto saw the sand-fort.

"Hells yeah!" Ryuji grinned

"What do you think? We made it look like Ren's mask." Morgana commented.

"What do you-? ... Oh, I see it!" Makoto asked, before seeing it.

"Huh?" He blinked. As they walked back, the group saw Joker's mask, even though it was a little rough around the edges, but they could see the design of the mask in the sand.

"Wow, that's impressive." Ren commented, smiling at his friend's work.

"Thank you, it just came to us." Yusuke answered.

"Who wants sandwiches?" Futaba asked as she brought out some bento boxes before ducking her head down as some guys approached them

"Hey, there ladies." Some of the new guys spoke.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding." Ren sighed as he sat down. He knew they could handle themselves... And was ready for the show

"Why don't you come with us and we'll show you how -real- guys enjoy the beach?" One of them asked.

"Okay, let's cut to the chase." Makoto sighed.

"Listen here, if we wanted to be with 'real men', we'd be with our boyfriend. Oh, wait. We are!" Ann pointed her finger at them

"Boyfriend?" A second laughed, looking at the guys "Which one? The whimpy blue hair looser who looks like he'd snap like a cracker?!"

"That was uncalled for." Yusuke glared.

"Or the blondie? He looks like a reject athlete." A third answered.

"You sonova-!" Ryuji growled

"A real wannabe punk." The first snickered "I bet he thinks he is a real tough guy."

"And the scrawny guy with glasses? He looks like he'd got off on it." The third added.

THUMP!

"Oof!" The third guy grunted... with a foot in his crotch.

From Shiho, of all people!

"Jesus!" One of the guys called out.

The group looked at Shiho in shock as she had pulled that out from nowhere.

"That 'scrawny guy', as you put it, is more of a real man than you thick-headed musclebrains will ever be!" Shiho answered as her volleyball trained muscles tensed

"Yeah." Ann smirked as she took a stance next to her, tossing her hair dramatically in a way so it lightly smacked the second guy in the face "He is kind, sweet and an amazing man! There for us in our darkest moments, but also the sunlight in our best moments!"

As the third one was about to speak... a harsh kick from Futaba hit his shin "GAH!" he snapped

"So do yourselves a favour, and go! Before you get your hearts stolen by the Phantom Thieves for being total creeps!" Futaba snapped

"The Phantom Thieves? The fuck are those?" the fourth man scoffed

"And for a tough guy, he sure isn't defending you." the second man smirked

"Because he doesn't need to." Makoto glared "We aren't damsel who need protecting. He knows we can look after ourselves. And if we need help, he knows to back us up."

"Yeah? Well, you-! You can just!" The first pointed at them, but he couldn't come up with a comeback.

Crack~!

Makoto cracked her knuckles

"L-Let's go. You're busy. Sorry!" The wincing man, covering his crotch from the kick, apologised and hobbled off, grabbing his friends.

"Yeah! You better run!" Futaba called

Seconds passed as the group were coming down from the high of facing down those people.

"That was awesome!" Ryuji commented proudly as he saw how badass they were.

"Very impressive." Yusuke nodded

"Truly Phantom Thieves." Morgana agreed.

"Oh... God, I can't believe I did that!" Shiho realised what she just did.

Clap.
Clap.
Clap.

Ren just slow clapped for them, smiling as he didn't know what else to say. "Amazing." He praised

"Um... So... Err... Sandwiches?" Ann asked with a blush.

"Sweet!" Ryuji grinned

"Hey... Makoto?" Futaba commented

"Yeah, Futaba?" Makoto asked, lowering her fists.

"You seemed to be... A bit possessive over Ren with that." She said with an evil grin

"Um. Well... A-ha-ha..." Makoto chuckled nervously "It's nothing." She mumbled

"Really~?" Futaba remarked while smirking before Ren pulled her back. "Hey!" She whined

"Sandwiches?" Ren asked as he was curious, wondering what the two had been talking about... but he could tell she was teasing Makoto

"Yes, that sounds great." Makoto responded as they all sat down for their lunch.

'Hmm.' The girls thought with suspicion


*time skip*

Ren, Futaba and Morgan were back at Leblanc after a long day of sun and sand. "Today was great, Ren." Futaba spoke as she had a tan on her skin.

"Yeah." He laughed softly

"Hmm~! I think I'm gonna head off. We need to prepare for the palace soon." Morgana yawned and stretched.

"Yeah." Ren commented "I'll be back in a bit, I agreed to help Yusuke with something."

"Oh, okay." Futaba responded.

"I'll look after her, Ren." Morgana spoke out, brushing against Futaba's leg in reassurance.

"Thanks, buddy." Ren stroked his head.

"Mrow~!" He purred

"Got your phone?" Futaba asked

"Got it." Ren smiled as he left. 'I hope Yusuke is still at the train station, that's his normal haunt.' He thought as he hurried off With his phone in hand, Ren made it to the station, where he saw a relaxing Yusuke with his drawings.

"Ah, Ren."

"Hey, dude."

"It has been too long. Say... Only a few hours?" Yusuke joked.

"Yeah." Ren chuckled

"I wish to go back to Mementos. Try and park something within my mind." Yusuke asked.

"You sure?" Ren nodded, pulling out his phone and getting the app ready

Yusuke was quiet and pondered among the noise of the train station. "Actually, let us take advantage of the remaining sun. There is a place I want to go." And stood up. "I saw this lake in the park, if you would accompany me."

"Yeah, no problem." Ren answered, putting his phone away. "Let's go buddy."

Ren and Yusuke walked off, taking the train to head to the park.


*time skip*

Ren and Yusuke arrived at their destination, Yusuke taking in the ambience to become inspired to paint something better.

"This place is great." Ren smiled

"It is. The sombre silence, the quiet tranquillity. It shall help inspire things deep within." Yusuke answered as they walked to the front of the church, being as quiet as possible not to disturb anyone else who was there. "Last time I was told... that I lacked 'depth'. I was 'unoriginal'. I am a lost sheep to the gods of art."

"A bit harsh on yourself, you're still learning, Yusuke." Ren responded.

"But that is why I have come here. To be inspired. I will attempt to paint the anguish and suffering of Christ to find out what I have been missing." Yusuke continued.

"... Okay." Ren nodded.

"Ren, I want you to act as the figure so I can envision it." Yusuke asked.

"No problem." Ren nodded, stepping to one side so they weren't in the way of anyone. "How's this?" He asked, outstretching his arms and let his arms and hands go limp while he stood in a 'crucifix' pose.

"Hmm... No. While the pose is correct, there is no anguish...you are calm and composed." Yusuke frowned. "Even the smallest wrinkle changes the outcome. I will not compromise on this. Is there... anything you can think of to feel 'anguish'?"

"'Anguish'?" Ren whispered... and thought back to the previous timeline. And how much that pain and betrayal felt to him. Ren rose his arms higher, stretching them outwards, trying to stretch himself out to his limits. All the while thinking about his old pain.

Yusuke observed this and was stunned, the sight of Ren straining himself to feel this 'anguish'. It looked personal to Ren himself. And so, Yusuke himself tried to imitate Ren, but bringing his own pain by outstretching himself. "Hnn!"

"Huh? Yusuke?" Ren snapped himself out of his funk, looking at his friend.

"Th-this. Is. The passion of Christ. Hnn. I-I can see why this happened." Yusuke grunted

"Excuse me." The priest asked, shocking the two of them. "What are you children doing?"

"Oh! I'm sorry." Yusuke apologised. "I am attempting to paint anguish, so I decided to use the crucifixion of Christ as a point of reference."

The priest nodded in understanding. "While it is true that the crucifixion is a symbol of deep suffering; it also bears a positive message, one of resurrection, of forgiveness."

'Suffering then forgiveness. Heh...' Ren saw the irony and smiled.

"I'm not sure I understand. Those ideas contradict my idea of anguish." Yusuke pondered.

"Consider this, young man. The anguish you feel today will someday bring forth new hope." The priest answered. "And though I appreciate your attempt to remain quiet and out of the way of the congregation, it may look like that you are doing something too exciting and disrespectful."

"Believe me, Sir. That was not my intention." Yusuke respectively and responsibly apologised. With that, the priest nodded and walked off, leaving the two on their own.

"You doing okay, Yusuke?" Ren asked.

"Yes, this has certainly been an experience. These depictions were meant to be of 'forgiveness' and not 'pain'. 'Hope from anguish'. I must learn more about the hearts of men. Do you think I will find it?"

"I'm sure you will." Ren nodded, reassuring him.

"Indeed. If I don't believe in my own capabilities; how will I attempt to grow?" Yusuke responded. "Thank you, Ren. Let me know if you need anything. I will do my best to repay this debt."

Ren patted Yusuke's shoulder and helped get his things. "Don't worry, dude." As he felt his connection grow deeper with his friend.

Emperor: Rank 5

"Ren?" A familiar female voice asked

"Huh? Oh, Hifumi." Ren blinked as he saw her. "How're you doing?"

"Ren, you know this young lady?" Yusuke asked.

"Yes, I do. Yusuke, this is Hifumi. Hifumi, this is Yusuke." Ren nodded.

"We know each other." She smiled "By reputation. We go to the same school after all."

"Oh, really?" Ren blinked. "I didn't know."

"We don't flow in the same circles." Yusuke answered. "It's not something we would've talked about."

"I guess." He nodded

"Do you want another round of Shogi, Ren? Seeing as we're both here." Hifumi asked as she was carrying her board.

"You play, Ren?" Yusuke blinked.

"I've played a few rounds. I'm nothing to sneeze at." Ren explained with a proud smile

"He's actually been a good partner to play against." Hifumi answered with a sparkle in her eyes

...

"I must watch your match!" Yusuke gasped in wonder, seeing that sparkle "It shall be inspiration!"

Ren quickly looked at his watch and nodded. "Sure, I've got time."

"Okay." The black haired beauty smiled as she set up the board

"Do you mind if I watch?" Yusuke asked

"Of course not." Hifumi answered.

'Oh boy.' Ren thought with a smile as he prepares for the game

"Shall we do the best two of three?" Hifumi asked.

"That confident you'll beat me within three games again?" Ren responded as he saw his pieces on the board being lines up.

"You are getting better." She admitted

Ren nodded gently. "Ladies first." He offered, letting her go first this time.

The game began, with Yusuke sketching them

A minute passed.

The sounds of pieces clacking gently on the board as Yusuke's pencil sketched them out.

Five minutes passed.

Fewer pieces were there, Ren and Hifumi were getting serious.

Yusuke was staring and sketching intensely, seeing this game played out between two brilliant minds. One a genius in her own right in this field versus the leader of the Phantom Thieves.

And... The passion the two showed!

Click.
Clack.
Click.

"My Queen will take this piece." Hifumi smiled, falling into her excited persona as she took Ren's pieces.

"And you win again." He smiled

"My Kingdom has survived this onslaught, my worthy opponent." Hifumi responded, praising Ren.

"You to." He joked

"WONDERFUL!" Yusuke suddenly cheered

"Oh, shoot! I forgot you were there! Sorry." Hifumi jumped a little, realising that Yusuke was still there.

"Yeah." Ren laughed

"That raw passion! The intensity of the game! The drive for victory in how you played! It has inspired me!" Yusuke continued. He held up, showing his work of art. "What do you think?" He asked, showing it to them.

On the 'canvas' was Ren and Hifumi looking intensely at their board below, it was a combination of passion and strength.

"Whoa, that's amazing." Hifumi whispered as she saw the sketches of her and Ren, it looked almost like a photograph. And also gave odd a romantic feel to the battle.

"It... It's one of your best sketches, Yusuke." Ren admitted.

"Thank you." He smiled, nodding proudly "It will be instrumental for my next work."

"Thank you for the game, Ren." Hifumi responded.

"Of course." He smiled

"Will I see you later?" Hifumi asked.

"Yeah, of course." Ren nodded.

"I'll see you back at school." Yusuke added.

"By Ren." Hifumi smiled, brushing her hair behind her ear

"Bye." Ren answered as he and Yusuke left together. 'Holy crap... that was cute.' He thought as he held his head gently.


*time skip*

Ren was back at LeBlanc, after taking the train back. It was honestly good to see Hifumi, he didn't know that Yusuke and Hifumi knew each other from their respective school. And that picture was amazing, if it came off a bit... Romantic in composition

"Jeez, Yusuke." He thought to himself, muttering gently and saw his glasses fog up. "Why did it look like it was straight out of a romance manga?"

"What was that, Ren?" Morgana asked as he stretched on his bed from his nap.

"Nothing, Morgana. Just talking to myself." Ren answered as he looked at the time. He scratched behind the kitties ear, making him pur

"Hmm~, that's nice." Morgana purred, rubbing his head into Ren's hand.

VRR.

"Huh? A text?" Ren wondered, opening his phone. "Mishima?" And read it

"Mishima?"

Hey, Ren.
Sorry for the late text.
I was wondering if you wanted to meet up.
It just seems like we hang out only at school.

"He wants to meet up?" Ren whispered, before looking at the clock. "Hmm... I could spend a little time."

"You're headed out again?" Morgana asked.

"Yeah, I think so. I've got enough energy." Ren answered.

"Don't stay out too late. We've got stuff to do." Morgana yawned.

"I know, I know." Ren got back to his feet and stretched. 'I'm gonna need a cup of coffee or something.' He thought as he responded to Mishima's text.

No problem. Where do you want to meet up?

A moment later, Mishima responded.

Thank you! I'm in Shibuya.
I'll see you in a minute.

Ren nodded, glad he was close by.


*Time Skip*

"Hey, Ren!" Mishima waved as he saw him. Out of uniform, Mishima was wearing a white turtleneck shirt and a pair of black trousers.

"Hey, Mishima; getting late, right?" Ren joked.

"Yeah, sorry. Thanks for coming." He answered.

"No problem." Ren answered, going to a vending machine and selected a cold coffee. "So, what's the deal?"

"Well, I wanted to mention this during the text but I got excited." Mishima answered "I, though I should say 'we', are gonna meet some Phangirls."

THUNK.

"... What?" Ren asked as the drink dropped at the bottom.

"I thought, all thieves need to have some special ladies right?" Mishima answered.

"... Yeah... great idea..." Ren nervously smiled in response, almost straining his words. 'He wants me to be his wingman?'

"Basically, I met some girls on the Phan-Site. And we thought it'd be cool to meet up in person. They think we're just part of the Phandom." Mishima answered.

"... Okay...?" Ren looked at him.

"I made up this story about how we stumbled onto the site one day. Let's stick to that." Mishima added. "Please don't spill the beans?" He asked, almost begging.

Ren frowned as he heard that. But... Mishima was a nice guy. He made the site to help spread the word about the Phantom Thieves and he just wanted to meet up with fellow fans. 'God, I hope this doesn't blow up in our faces.' He thought to himself. "We're... part of the Phandom."

"Ah! Thanks, Ren!" Mishima smiled. "Honestly, the forum's gotten popular; you should be excited about this. Meeting fans of the Phantom Thieves."

"I suppose so." Ren answered.

"Yeah, and it's just the beginning." Mishima smiled before his nerves caught him. "... To be honest, I've never met someone from online in person. I wonder if I'll be able to do it right. I've done lots of research about how to act and footing the bill."

'Bit much, dude.' Ren thought.

"And... And if later-" Mishima blushed.

"Mishima, too fast!" Ren almost snapped at him.

Ring
Ring

"Oh, sorry. It's way past the meet-up time." Mishima frowned and picked his phone up. "Hi, this is Mishima. We talked over the phan-site... You're still at home?"

Ren sighed heavily. This was too rough. 'Oh god...' And pinched the bridge of his nose and under his glasses.

"Oh... Okay. Goodbye." Mishima frowned as he finished the conversation. "S-So... they're sick and staying at home. It seemed like they were into the idea on the forum." And felt disheartened by it... he got played.

Ren shook his head and looked at Mishima. "This isn't your fault. There are people like that in the world."

"Thanks, Ren." Mishima smiled gently, before perking up. "By the way, I've gotten some good info for you guys."

Moon: Rank 3

After giving the info to Ren about some people mentioned on the site, Mishima turned the conversation back. "I wonder if they'd meet up if they -knew- I knew the Phantom Thieves?"

"Don't dwell on it." Ren immediately shot that down. "Are you hungry or anything?"

"Nah, I'm okay. I'll head home. Sorry to drag you out this late." Mishima apologised. "Bye."

"Seeya." Ren waved and when he was alone he yawned. 'God... Was Mishima always that desperate to meet fans or girls?' He put a hand to his head, grumbling softly 'What am I going to do with you, Mishima?' Ren thought as he headed back home. 'I just hope you don't make a Palace.'


CONFIDANT RECAP:

Fool: Rank 10

Magician: Rank 10

Lovers: Rank 10

Chariot: Rank 10

Lust: Rank 9

Strength: Rank 8

Death: Rank 6

Temperance: Rank 6

World: Rank 5

Hierophant: Rank 5

Emperor: Rank 5

Sun: Rank 4

Devil: Rank 4

High Priestess: Rank 3

Moon: Rank 3

Hanged-Man: Rank 2

Fortune: Rank 2

Star: Rank 2

Empress: Rank 1

Hermit: Rank 1