43ra: Yes there is another upload this month, high. But April will be THE last month with two uploads, after that it is back to once a month uploads with May onward.

UltimateCCC: I have seen a few.

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Yeah, we had to come up with THE most cringy asshole we could.

MashiroNguyen: I didn't know her VA passed away. RIP. But don't worry. We have stuff planned.

kombatant88: Well... it's what she is! Hahaha!

delubyo420:...

...
Yes but that was NOT what I was asking.

Xerzo LotCN: Lucifer and other such Persona, for now at least, are, as I call it, Joker's 'fuck this shit I'm out' button

LyonsRoar20: Aww, thanks man. That's awesome. Hit me up via PM.

chimchar14: Yeah. Damn cheaters.

waytodawn0: Safe floors... privacy is the only issue there.

Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:

UltimateCCC: Oh yeah, she's a gremlin. For JokerXJustineXCaroline stories? I dunno, maybe.

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Don't worry, he'll be taken down.

MashiroNguyen: Glad you enjoyed the chapter; um... the harem is on lock, but there's a chance she might come into play.

Sir Shark of The Acrylic: Glad you've been enjoying this story.

kombatant88: Of course she is. Whoever thinks she isn't is thinking of a different Futaba.

Neo Infinity: Sorry to hear that; never heard of 'My Hollywood Story'.

delubyo420: We've got plans for Ms Kawakami, don't worry.

chimchar14: Yeah, there's a lot going on there.

waytodawn0: Absolutely, the Reaper is frigging scary.

Mewtwo-TheLoneShadow: Duh, 'I am Thou, Thou art I.' Of course, they'd have some personalities.

SacredKoopa: Thanks very much, and we've got a lot more coming up soon.

Dragon and Sword Master: Yeah, it's all connected. And yeah, the rattling chains.

GreatLight432: Thanks, I think I threw that one in there for a joke since it was appropriate.

StevieBond: Yeah, she's 'busted'. She's got some good memories to look back on.

Nexus240: Oh, my sweet summer child. Just you wait.

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

Co-written by GhostKaiser23


AUTHOR'S NOTE

Now for a calming chapter after last times crazyness.

Hope you all enjoy!

Also, reminder. Next month will be the last one with two uploads and then we will be back to one upload a month in May.


Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 32
Old Bonds, Grown Bonds, New Bonds... Lost Bonds?


The Phantom Thieves all fell to the floor in exhaustion and panic as they arrived back at the top of Mementos, having barley escaped their last battle.

"Oh... oh my..." Queen panted "I... we could have been killed!"

"What was with that fucking thing?" Skull muttered

"I. I don't know. I couldn't. I'm sorry. I couldn't get the weaknesses fast enough." Oracle apologised.

"Not... not your fault." Joker answered.

"Is that what cheating is? Making someone immortal?" Dove asked.

"It is his perception of himself. Like how Kamoshida saw himself as a king." Mona explained between labored breaths "He sees his cheats as making him invincible, untouchable. We need to find his weakness. The thing that beats his cheat."

"And once we do, we can hurt him. Beat him." Joker nodded, clearly drained "I almost didn't have enough for that." he whispered

"Are you going to be okay?" Panther asked.

"I'll be alright... Just drained." He answered as he pulled out some food and passed it to everyone, some homemade curry

"Hmm~, smells delicious." Fox drooled as he took it.

"Holy crap, when did you get the time to make this?" Skull asked, wolfing down the curry.

"I just made extra last time I had dinner." Joker explained, moving his mask up as he began to eat "We're gonna need to come back to deal with that guy."

"Seems like it." Queen nodded. She sat with her legs sandwiched together and folded under her as she ate "Hmm~, this is good."

"Almost as good as Soujiro's!" Oracle smiled as she sat down in a slight crouch

"Lucky us, huh Dove?" Panther snickered as she sat on one of the ticket machines "We have a boyfriend who can cook really well."

"Yeah. Especially for you. Otherwise you would eat nothing but sweets 24/7/4/12." Dove explained as she sat next to Panther

...

"What?" Skull blinked as he sat crosslegged on the ground

"Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, four weeks a month and twelve months a year." Dove broke down

"Ah!" he nodded

"Meanie!" Panther huffed, taking a bite of her curry "Mmmm~"

"So, we should probably update something." Queen stated

"What do you mean?" Oracle asked as she took another bite of curry.

"There. Our 'stat card' things." Queen stated, showing the cards that the group had made back in Futaba's Palace "They are kinda out of date. Hard to come up with strategies with these."

...

"You are asking for us to be found out with paper." Oracle blinked and grinned "Let me!" she said as she summoned Nechronomicon and was surrounded by computer screens. The UFO extended a tentacle and took the cards from Queen, Oracle getting to work in transferring the info to the digital version

"What do you think she's going to find?" Fox asked.

"Hopefully not our sizes." Dove whispered to Panther.

"What was that?" Skull grinned

"Nothing!" The girls answered.

"Okay, I've got something." Oracle spoke through Necronomicon. "Panther's BWH is-"

"Oracle! Be quiet right now or I am changing my answer!" Panther yelled with a blush

"Okay, okay." Oracle frowned, blushing and panicking "I was just having a joke."

"Answer?" Dove blinked

"Okay. So let's go over what everyone can do." Queen nodded

"Okay, I've got them." Oracle showed off the party's 'status'

[Panther]
[Weapons: Mirage Whip and No Mercy]
[Persona: Carmen/Hecate]
[Element: Fire]
[Abilities: Fire Boost, Diarama, Agidyne, Ambient Aid, Agilao, Fire Break, Dekaja, Tentarafoo]

"Whoa, you did get stronger." Dove commented.

"Yep, and those weapons that Ren got for me helped out." Panther answered

"Really powerful magic and a soft healer." Queen nodded "Alongside some good start stuff."

"Yeah, though some of the heavy hitter stuff is scarce." Panther answered.

"Here's Fox's." Oracle continued.

[Fox]
[Weapons: Shikomi Kiseru and Annihilator]
[Persona: Goemon]
[Element: Ice]
[Abilities: Heat Wave, Mabufula, Masukukujaka, Counter-Strike, Rising Slash, Bufula, Counter, Mind Slice]

"Not much changes there." Queen commented. "Varying defenses and levels of attacking."

"I thought that having an 'all-party speed boost' was a good thing. My other attacks are fine." Fox explained.

"Okay, Skull's next... These doodles are funny." Oracle laughed.

"Thank you." he responded.

[Skull]
[Weapons: Boss Bush Hammer and Masterkey]
[Persona: Captain Kidd/Seiten Taisen...
and a picture of a hand doing the 'rock on' gesture]

[Element: Electric...with doodles of thunderbolts about it]
[Abilities: Mazionga, Shock Boost, Zionga, Adverse Resolve, Elec Boost, Deathbound, Mazio, Headbutt...
with a doodle of two people headbutting each other.]

"Did you have to keep the doodles with it, though?" Skull deadpanned.

"Of course." Oracle answered.

"Once a thug, still a thug." Queen commented.

"Hey!" Skull frowned.

"Okay, Mona. Your turn now." Oracle continued.

[Mona]
[Weapons: Cosmic Cutlass and Shooting Star]
[Persona: Zoro/Mercurius]
[Element: Wind]
[Skills: Evade Elec, Wind Boost, Magarula, Mediarama, Samarecarm, Magarula, Miracle Punch, Wind Break]

"Whoa, you're the team healer and kind of awesome, Mona!" Oracle complimented.

"Jeez, no wonder we got healed big time during those last fights." Skull commented.

"Thank you, thank you." Mona bowed proudly.

"Now for Dove."

[Dove]
[Weapons: Hirohiro Claw and Cluster Bomber]
[Persona: Circe]
[Element: Bless]
[Skills: Makouga, Kougaon, Evade Physical, Dodge Curse, Assault Dive, Rising Slash, Mediarama, Marakukaja]

"Wow, that's quite something, Dove." Queen commented.

"Shucks, thanks." Dove responded.

"Evade and dodge? Jeez, how the heck is that possible to hit ya?" Skull asked.

"I guess Circe just doesn't like being hurt." She answered.

"Dodge curse, Huh? Avoiding your weakness?" Joker smiled "Makes sense."

"Okay, so we better build one for Queen and see what she can do." Mona commented

"Um. Sure. Can you... scan me? Or something?" Queen asked nervously.

"Sure. I just need the tentacles." Oracle joked perversely.

"NO!" Queen snapped angrily, covering herself

"... Alright, alright. I'll use the scanner." As a green light scanned Queen.

[Queen]
[Weapons: Iron Fist and Wildborn]
[Persona: Johanna]
[Element: Nuclear]
[Skills: Dekunda, Flash Bomb, Mafreila, Nuke Boost, Nuke Break, Freila, Defense Master, Mediarama]

"Wow, that looks really decent," Dove commented.

"My turn! My turn!" Futaba brought up her own stats.

[Oracle]
[Armour: Hope Shirt]
[Persona: Necronomicon]
[Role: Support]
[Skills: Analysis, Subrecover HP, Subrecover SP]

...

"WHY-Hy-hy-hi~?" Futaba cried as she saw how 'weak' she was.

"Huh?" Ren asked

"I don't get any attacks!" Oracle 'whined'.

"Oracle. You heal us, rearrange our battle positions and scan the map. Without you, we'd be on our asses trying to map out an unmappable place." Dove answered

"And getting lost ever few floors." Ren nodded

"So... I'm not weak?" Futaba asked as she emerged out of Necrnomicron, the Persona fading away

"Of course not. You're an important person to all of us." Ren knelt down and talked to her. He ruffled her hair a bit, kissing her forehead "You're strong in your own way."

Futaba's face turned bright red because of that, and fell to the floor with a dopey grin on her face.

"Futaba!" Mona double took.

"Oh no!" Yusuke yelled in worry

"Ee-hee-hee-hee~." She mumbled as she lay there.

"Is she okay?" Ren asked, going over to her.

"I think she's just overstimulated." Ann explained. "We should head back, I think."

"It -has- been a long day." Makoto nodded

"Alright, let's get out of here." Ren answered, helping Futaba up. "Can someone give me a hand, please? It might be awkward if-"

"We've got her." Ann and Shiho spoke, helping Futaba up.

"Thanks." He nodded and activated the app, turning them all back to their original world

With a shimmer, they returned and without anyone knowing they had disappeared or reappeared. Too many people had moved and left, ignoring them.

"Come on Futaba, let's go back." Ann smiled as she and Shiho supported Futaba "And maybe go shopping? For some stuff for Ren?" She whispered

"Yes! Yeah, that-that sounds... Um... C-Can you stay with me." Futaba snapped out of it, but still was nervous about being in crowds.

"Sure." Ann nodded "See you later Ren, girl time!" She waved "You can come to it you want, Makoto!"

"Um... Yeah. Sure." Makoto answered. "You don't mind?"

"Of course not." Ann answered, having her join them.

"... D-Did we get ditched?" Ryuji asked.

"I believe so." Yusuke responded.

"Possibly." Ren nodded

"Mreow." Morgana leapt into Ren's bag. "So... where can we learn more about this cheater guy?"

"I heard about him at the arcade... anyone want to play some games?" Ren offered.

"Thank you, but no. I have to do some research into this... 'JoJo reference'. Perhaps its art style can be a source of inspiration." Yusuke responded.

"Okay, first off. Good manga. Second, it's a DEEP rabbit hole dude." Ryuji warned him.

"But I must understand! I must understand art that could inspire such references and adoration!" Yusuke called dramatically, grabbing Ryuji's hand "Ryuji! You must teach me!" He called, dragging the blonde away

"GRAAAAAAHHHHHH! REN! SAVE ME!" Ryuji yelled

Blink.
Blink.
Blink.

"... REN!" Ryuji called out as Ren had disappeared and he was being dragged off to find Jojo manga.


*With Ren*

"Well. Today was fun." Ren mumbled as he arrived back at the café he called home

"Yeah, it was." Mona answered, sensing his sarcasm. "Do you have anything else to do?"

"Yeah, I'm aiming for more info on that guy... maybe find someone who can teach us how to take him down." Ren answered.

"Unfortunately, you know you can't go out after going to Mementos." Morgana responded.

"Which is why I'm going to call 'Vicky'." Ren rebutted before he entered the café, seeing Sojiro working hard.

"Oh, you're back. How's your day off been?" Sojiro asked, as he saw him.

"Great." Ren nodded ... "Want some help?"

"Really? That'd be great." He smiled, passing him an apron. "Wash your hands, please."

"Will do." He smiled.

Ren hurried and soon joined his caretaker behind the counter as curry cooked and coffee was served

"Can I have another coffee, please?" A customer asked, raising their hand.

"Coming right up, sir." Ren answered as he worked alongside his father figure

'Heh, 'sir'.' Sojiro thought with a smile as he saw Ren working hard. 'Guess those part-time jobs have been working well.' He had to admit. He was... Proud.

"Here you go, Sir." Ren spoke, passing over the fresh cup of coffee to the customer.

"You've got a good barista here, Sojiro." The customer commented.

"I know." Sojiro responded, seeing Ren take the empty cup away "He is impressive for his age. And be is learning."

Ren smiled as he heard that. He owed a lot to him. "Thanks boss!"

Time ticked on, the cafe seemed to be a little busier than normal, but soon Ann, Shiho, Makoto and Futaba walked in.

"Hey girls." Ren nodded

"Futaba? Y-you went with-?" Sojiro gasped as he saw his daughter walk in with some bags.

"Yeah. We had some girl time." Futaba answered. "Sorry that I'm late."

"Wow! Careful boss!" Ren called as he grabbed Sojiro, who nearly fainted

"Y-You went out." He muttered as Ren caught him.

"Yes." She nodded

"I... I think I need a minute." Sojiro spoke, going to an empty seat.

"Let me get you a drink." Ren nodded

"Yeah, I think I need one." Sojiro answered, sitting down. "Black coffee preferably."

"Right." He nodded, hurrying off

"Did you... Did you at least have fun?" Sojiro asked the girls

"Yep." Futaba nodded, hugging her shopping bag

"Yeah, we had a great time." Ann answered.

"We had a lot of shopping time." Shiho added.

Makoto blushed as she looked down, her eyes flicking to Ren


*flashback*

The girls were currently in Shibuya, looking around at the stores and helping Futaba with her anxieties.

"Here we go Futaba." Ann said, holding up a shirt.

"Wh-what? That shirt's a little... small? Right?" Futaba blushed as she saw it.

"Well, you want to impress Ren? Right? We need you to try different styles to do that!" Ann urged

...

"I'm sorry, what?!" Makoto gasped suddenly, looking up from the sunglasses

"Ann?" Shiho blinked

"Oh right... I haven't told you two yet." Ann muttered as she blinked before she clapped, laughing nervously "Okay... Shiho... my fellow girlfriend... I forgot to tell you something important. Haha!"

"Ann..." Shiho facepalmed softly and sighed

"Don't be mean. I kinda put Ann on the spot." Futaba took some blame.

"Basically... Kinda opening the relationship more? If that's okay?" Ann asked, blushing

"But... Why are you doing this?" Shiho asked "Or do I need to remind you about your jealousy issues?"

"I don't have jealousy issues!" Ann denied, crossing her arms

Shiho raised her eyebrow and looked at her best friend and shared girlfriend with a 'you do' look to her face.

...

"Just a little one?"

Shiho sighed and touched her forehead. "I wish you told me about this earlier."

"I know, I know. But it... kind of just happened." Ann sighed. "And I forgot to tell you about this before now..."

"I am sorry... what is going on?" Makoto asked in shock and confusion

"I... Have allowed... No, wait." Ann tried to find the right words.

"Ann's letting me have a chance of being a shared girlfriend!" Futaba quickly spoke, but only to the girls there. "And... Is willing to have other girls join in to. If-If they follow the rules!"

Tick.
Tick.
Tick.

"WHAT?!" Makoto screamed.

"Shh!" The three hushed her.

"Keep it down, Makoto!" Ann warned her. "Do you want the entire store to hear us?"

"Is something the matter?" A store clerk asked, hearing the commotion.

"Sorry, sorry. Just a personal matter." Shiho apologised, quickly covering for them.

"Well, please keep it down." He frowned

"Yes, of course." The girls answered, while Futaba hid behind Ann.

"Okay, Ann. What the hell?" Makoto asked with a cautious whisper. "Where did this come from?"

"Look, this sort of, 'came out of left field'. But it's a new thing." Ann sighed.

"Define 'new'." Makoto asked, crossing her arms.

"Alright. Futaba caught me and Ren... making out. And she wanted in." Ann omitted that it was sex, but near enough the same thing. "While we where in Mementos. I mean Shiho and I are already sharing Ren with... wait! Why am I explaining this to you of all people?"

"Because-!" Makoto tried to answer. "I'm the oldest... and I need to know where the line is."

"Yeah, but you're not dating him!" Ann pointed out with a smirk

"A-I... Hmm." Makoto grumbled and mumbled as Ann had brought up a good point.

"Makoto?" Shiho blinked

"It-it's nothing." Makoto mumbled.

"... Do you like Ren too?" Futaba asked, seeing her reactions to the question.

"W-What?" she blinked in shock

"I mean, you're making a kind of a scene about it." Futaba admitted

"I'm not making a scene!" she huffed

"Yeah, you are." the girls nodded

"We are here to help Futaba." Ann stated simply "Ren only sees her as a little sister. So it's only right for us to help and find a way for him to see her as a woman! Even ignoring the promise I made, it is only fair!"

"I-Yeah." Shiho nodded as she thought of what Ann said "She is right. Although I am going to need to speak to both of you about this and Tae before we agree about anything."

"Right, right." Ann nodded

"Okay." Futaba blushed and nodded

"So, Makoto, if you want to say something..." she stated, rolling her hand

"Okay. Yes, I like Ren. And all this stuff... I can't believe how 'open' you are like this. I thought that-" Makoto admitted.

"Uh-huh. We're not like other 'couples'." Ann responded with a confident smirk, glad she had one upped the upper classman "We can talk about it more later. Let's get back to shopping."


*End flashback*

"Yeah... it... it was all girl-talk." Makoto 'lied' to Sojiro.

"Well... Alright then." He responded calmly.

Clink

Ren had just put down another cup of coffee in front of his guardian. "My treat." He smirked.

"Thank you." He stated as he took the coffee, taking a sip "... This is really good." Sojiro commented in shock.

"Thanks boss." he grinned "You're a great teacher."

"Heh... That I am. Futaba, are you going to be okay going back home?" He asked.

"I'll be fine." She answered as she hugged him "Don't stay out too late."

Sojiro chuckled. She was 'lecturing' him? It was a warm feeling in his chest that his daughter figure was like this. Not that she saw him as a dad or anything, he was sure of that.

"We better head home, thank you for having us, Mr Sakura." Shiho bowed respectfully.

"Thank you." Makoto bowed

"Of course." Sojiro answered. "Will you be coming back tomorrow? Considering that you're friends with this guy." He jokingly pointed to Ren.

"Maybe."

"Bye, Mr Sakura/Bye Sojiro." The girls answered as they left

"What a day." Sojiro rubbed his head. "Futaba's really coming out of her shell."

"Yeah." He smiled. Ren saw how Sojiro was accepting him. And he could feel his connection with his Social Link growing. He was smiling happily at the feeling, the connection between himself... and a man more like his father than the sperm doner involved with his birth.

"Something on your mind, Ren?" Sojiro asked.

"Yeah, I'm just thinking about the curry from earlier." He answered.

"Ah, my pride and joy!" He beamed. "What did you think?"

"I'm addicted to it." Ren chuckled.

Sojiro laughed at that response. "You've got good taste. Come take a seat, there's something I need to tell you." He spoke a little somberly.

"Of course." He nodded, taking a seat.

"The genius behind that curry recipe... Was Futaba's mother. Wakaba." Sojiro explained sadly. "The last connection Futaba has to her mother."

"I didn't know." Ren admitted, sort of taken back by this. So much had happened back in the first timeline... he didn't know if he remembered. Futaba's mother...

And then he remembered the Cognitive Sphinx.

"Well, I met her back when I was doing work for the government. She was real trouble, let me tell you. Logic prevailed over emotion for her. She had such intricate knowledge of the human mind. I thought my pick-up lines were the best in town... none of them worked." He chuckled to himself.

"So... that's why you're a bachelor?" Ren joked.

"Shut your mouth." He pouted. "Getting married was never a dream of mine. Men are idiots, wasting time chasing after things we can't get. Wakaba rejected me time after time... then I managed to surprise her. That was when I gave her my homemade curry. The next day she came over and asked about the ingredients and the cooking process." He reminisced and smiled. "A few days later, she handed me a significantly enhanced version of my recipe. She took my curry as the basis and made it miles better."

Ren smiled as he heard that. Knowing that Futaba had a good childhood, before what happened.

"Curry was Wakaba's specialty, Futaba learned to love it as well." Sojiro continued.

"The recipe is like Futaba." Ren said suddenly, shocking and confusing Sojiro

"What are you talking about?" He asked

"Futaba is the result of you and Wakana's hard work." Ren explained "Of you two working together to make something amazing. Your amazing curry and your wonderful daughter."

"... Huh. I didn't think of it like that." Sojiro realised. "I guess that makes sense."

...

"Wait, my daughter?!"

"Well, yeah. That's how I see it." Ren answered. "And she obviously feels the same."

Sojiro looked at Ren and nodded. "I should tell her. Ren, do you think you can keep the tradition going? Making this curry?"

"Of course." Ren nodded, feeling his bond with Sojiro growing deeper.

Hierophant: Rank 6

"You already make a good one." Sojiro nodded "It just needs some fine tuning."

"I just did my best to match your flavours. Glad to know I'm good at guessing." Ren smiled "And I have to admit... I kinda want to make my own curry to. One as good as yours and Wakana's. Not to take it's place... but to be it's partner."

Sojiro smiled and nodded. "That actually sounds like a good idea." Sojiro answered. "Though, you're not going to get handed to you or be easy."

Ren smiled as he raised his hand, his fingers in the gun position "Well here's a warning Boss... I'm gonna surpass your curry, and maybe take the shop to." he gave a cheeky cheeky grin at the end, shifting his hand as if he had fired his gun

"Ha!" Sojiro laughed "You do have some balls on you kid. I wonder if you could back those words up, one day."

"I'd like to know that to." a familiar voice smirked from the doorway

"Tae?!" Ren gasped

"Hey, you still open?" the gothic doctor yawned, wearing her casual attire "I just finished my work and I'm kinda hungry."

"We're still open." Ren answered, getting up from his seat. "House curry?"

"Sounds great." She yawned. "Maybe a double espresso?"

"At this time of night?" Ren remarked.

"Well, I might fall asleep at the table." she commented "And what a shame if that happened, huh? You'd have to let me stay here for the night."

"It'll cost you extra." Sojiro remarked while he made her coffee.

"I can afford it." She answered "I promise."

"... Kay." Ren laughed and sorting out her food

"If she stays, keep your hands to yourself." Sojiro warned Ren.

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

"She's a lady. And you are a hormonally charged young man." He responded. "With a girlfriend."

"Girlfriends." Ren corrected, without thinking "I mean... er..."

"... D-Did you just say-?" Sojiro asked.

"It's late, Sojiro. He's probably tired and not thinking straight." Tae covered for him as she gave a wink

"You had better not be ignoring my advice and stringing those girls along." Sojiro said seriously

"I'm not! Honest!" Ren raised his hands in defense. And not lying.

"Well, if it is out of the bag, you could say I have a ticket in this race to." Tae shrugged "And honestly, he isn't lying. We know about everything."

"...I. You...? Oh my god." Sojiro grabbed his face and groaned.

...

"Maybe he just inherited your way with women, Sojiro?" Tae said with a slight teasing deadpan

Sojiro looked at Tae with a raised brow and stared intensely at her "He's not biologically related to me." He said

That made Ren smile. He didn't deny he was starting to see him as a son? ... He felt like he was flying. Things just seemed to be getting better and better!

He just hoped he could keep it that way.


*Time skip*

It was the following day, Ren was stretching out his muscles after some early morning training. He had to work the curry off after all. He was running off, jogging happily

It was going to be a good day. He could feel it.

He was running towards the school, proud and happy. Here, was the next palace. The place the Principal thought himself untouchable. They'd return soon, in two days. But for now, they where progressing

"Oh, hi there!" A familiar voice called out.

"Haru!" Ren blinked as he saw her. "You're here on your holidays?"

"I'm looking after my vegetable garden." She answered. "Are you just passing by?"

"Yeah. The school is very large, so perfect place to lap. But I can help you out if I want." He smiled

"Really? Thank you." Haru smiled as she entered the school with Ren.

"How do we get in?" He asked

"I have a key. The teachers know and trust me." Haru explained as she approached the door.

"That's good." Ren nodded. The two walked up to the roof where Haru's garden was waiting "Huh, it is coming along nicely." He grinned softly

"Thank you, I've been busy with them." She smiled as she grabbed some fresh dirt and began to fertilise the soil. "Soil's wonderful; isn't it? Within gentle care, even the tiniest seed can awaken, spread its roots and grow towards the sun."

"That's a beautiful way to see it." He smiled

"Thanks." She responded. "You know, I only started this because one of my teachers asked me to. I was hesitant at first, but then I began to like it. I started to adding and mixing my own fertilizers, adjusting the ratios...This is my own little secret."

"Well you are doing great." He commented

"Thank you. I just wish that my fiance would see it this way as well." She muttered, before catching herself. "S-Sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."

"Your fiance?" He asked

"I... I shouldn't have said anything." Haru mumbled. "He's... the son of a friend of my father's. An older person. But not my father's age."

"I see." Ren frowned

"I just... I'm worried that I won't be good enough." Haru frowned as she looked at him. "Sugimura doesn't like when I talk about my garden."

...

"Why not?!" Ren frowned "Your his fiance, right? He should be happy to hear about your hobbies and passion."

"He is more concerned about my family's business. And how we can expand." She explained. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring my personal life into this."

"But..." Ren frowned "Haru. It's a relationship. He should care about your hobbies. He should be happy to see you happy."

"I know... sometimes, I wish I was a Phantom Thief. Just to feel... free? Sorry. I guess you haven't heard of them." Haru apologised as she began to ramble on.

"A Phantom Thief?" He blinked "You want... To be a Phantom Thief?"

"I-I mean. They 'change the hearts of bad people'; right? And... I-I thought. Maybe... It would change his. N-Not that I would!" Haru shakily responded.

'Noir...' Ren thought with a slight smile

"I-I guess we should... continue planting." Haru mumbled as she looked at her plants.

"Sure." He smiled. Ren looked at Haru as they continued, the two remaining silent as they planted. Ren could feel some level of connection with Haru; maybe just a little push more?

"I... My family runs Okumura Foods. They run 'Big Bang Burger' chain." Haru spoke up, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Really? I go there occasionally." He smiled, showing a special badge from the fast food chain

"Y-You have the Captain Badge?" Haru gasped in shock. "You are the one the store has been talking about?"

"... They've been talking about me?" He blinked

"Almost no-one has managed the 'Big Bang Challenge'. There have been people who've gotten to '1st and 2nd Mate'. But hardly anyone gets the 'Captain' Medal." Haru explained.

"Well..." Ren laughed

"I can't believe it." Haru whispered in shock, looking at him.

"Believe it, N-Haru." Ren caught himself after almost slipping up. "I can't wait to see what vegetables you'll grow." He smiled gently.

"Th-thank you, Ren." She blushed a little as she looked away from him as she felt her chest tighten a little.

"Is something wrong?" Ren asked.

"N-No. It's fine." She answered. "Thank you for your concern." Her eyes flickered at him, in her eyes she saw sparkles around him. Like a prince charming of sorts

"If you need anything, Haru. I'm here for you." As he put his hand gently on her shoulder, trying not to get dirt there.

CHU!

Haru gasped, feeling like an arrow was shot through her heart. She saw Ren's hair flowing in the wind in a dramatic and wondrous way, his eyes shimmering behind his glasses and his smile was dazzling. She felt like she had been pierced through the heart by the arrow of Cupid, her cheeks becoming aflame in a bright shade of rosy red

"Th-th-th-th-thank you. E-Excuse me!" Haru blushed as she felt her head steaming because of that gentle gesture. She felt like she was going to pass out for a moment.

'Did I go too far?' Ren thought to himself as he didn't realise what she was feeling

"R-Ren. Thank you. You... You're a good person." She answered nervously. "C-Can we talk later?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Thank you. D-Do you want to exchange numbers?" She asked nervously.

"Sure." he smiled

The two pulled out their phones and took each other's numbers. Ren could feel their connection growing closer.

Empress: Rank 3


*time skip*

Ren had returned back home to get changed. All the running and exercise had taken a bit out of him. He was on the train, relaxing, when he got a text.

Vrrr!

"Huh? Hifumi?" He wondered as he opened the text. It was a simple text, basically asking for a game of Shogi. "Be right there." He replied. "Same place?" With the simple response he just changed his location, heading towards the church. He rode the train to the direction of the church, Hifumi was going to be there. He did wonder if she was alright with all things considered.

He could have sword there was something to do with her mother but wat was it? Or was it her going pro?

'Urgh. My brain's terrible... why can't I remember anything about it?' He berated himself.

Why did so many 'normal' days just... bleed together?

The train made its stop, Ren quickly got off as he didn't want to get caught in the rush and headed towards the church. Inside, he saw her sitting on her own... and a fan standing there nervously.

"Huh?"

"Thank you for shaking my hand, this... this is amazing." The fan spoke nervously, giving a bow before he left... having a 'fan-gasm'.

Hifumi blushed and mumbled to herself, clearly embarrassed

"Hi, Hifumi. Everything okay?" Ren asked as he saw her.

"Oh, Ren. You're here." She looked up at him. "How're you?"

"Good." He responded.

"I... I'm alright. That fan, he wanted to take a selfie with him for his social media... It was both awkward for me and him." She explained.

"Nothing too creepy I hope. There can be fans who're like that." Ren commented.

"No, nothing like that... though he seemed eager for me to win the next tournament." Hifumi responded.

"I'm sure you'll do fine." He nodded

"Thank you. You know, it's good that the priest allows me to play here...It helps me and he is a shogi friend." She added.

"Really?" Ren asked.

"Yes, he even wanted to become a professional player." Hifumi explained. "He doesn't even laugh at my embarrassing habit when we play together."

"I think it's cute." He smiled

Hifumi gushed a little at that, feeling embarrassed, but happy. "Th-thank you. I did the photo shoot that I told you about."

"Oh, yeah. I read that when I was on break." Ren nodded. "The 'Venus of Shogi'. Quite the headline."

"It really is... I didn't come up with it; it was the editorial staff. Ever since I won the Female Shogi League, I've been getting a lot of attention. I just figured I'd contribute to the Shogi world; it seemed to make my mother happy. Whenever I win, she rejoices as if it was her own victory. So I want to live up to the expectations she has for me."

'Oh...that's not good.' Ren thought. 'Projecting on her like that.'

"She's been a bit overzealous lately. She set up the interview and photo shoot. It's as if she wants to be the manager of a celebrity." She frowned.

"Don't you enjoy it?" Ren asked carefully.

"... No, to be honest," Hifumi responded. "But it's alright." She mumbled, before coming back to Earth. "Oh! I was meant to teach you how to play than talk about my mother. Let me show you this technique. It's a tactic using the reserved pawns you've taken from your opponent more effectively."

"Please teach me." Ren nodded, good to know Hifumi was still smiling.

"Nevertheless, I feel better for talking to you. Apart from the priest, you're the only other person I've talked to about my mother. I feel... at ease." She spoke with a relaxed tone.

Star: Rank 3

"Now, I'll instruct you as we play." Hifumi informed.

As they played, Ren could feel his Knowledge growing.


*Time Skip*

"... Why nice people like Hifumi to through shit like this?" Ren sighed

"I don't know. But you of all people know some people can be cruel." Morgana spoke as he saw how worried Ren was. "You went to see her; right?"

"Yeah... Yeah I did." He sighed

"Good. Honestly, you're a good person. And you've grown since before." Morgana added, leaping to his bag. "I'm coming with you."

"Thanks." Ren nodded "... I think I need to get my fortune read."

"We are heading to the palace again soon." Morgana nodded

"I know. It's going to be tough." Ren nodded as he picked up Morgana in his bag.

"... You took a shower; right?" Morgana asked.

"Yes, bro!" Ren laughed "Of course."

Morgana chuckled as he shuffled down into the bag and curled up as Ren headed outside; of course, he had to tell where he was going to Sojiro. But that was fine. Ren took the train to Shibuya, going to try and find the fortune teller girl, Chihaya.

He hoped she was okay. Her problem was... It was cult related, wasn't it?

Ren remembered something about... bad fortunes always happening. Was that it? Gah, why couldn't he piece it together? "Here we are." He whispered as he walked through the streets and he saw Chihaya there at her booth. Why didn't he make his diary more detailed? He felt like a terrible friend.

"Oh, Ren. I see that you've returned." Chihaya spoke as she saw him.

"Hi, Chihaya." He responded with a polite wave. "How've you been?"

Chihaya looked down a bit, chewing her lip

"Oh... Has it been bad?" Ren asked as he took note.

"It's been... bad fortunes for people." She answered.

"More?" He asked, sitting in front of her

"Yes, I keep foreseeing bad fortunes for people." She answered sadly.

"I'm so sorry." Ren sighed sadly "But... you can help people change, you know. Push them towards better future."

"Can you show me?" Chihaya asked, pulling out a spare chair. "You seem to defy my expectations."

"Well... sure. I can try." he shrugged and nodded, getting behind her

The two sat together for a moment, waiting for the next customer; when a man arrived "U-Um. Excuse me. Are you the Shibuya Fortune Teller?"

"Yes, please take a seat." Chihaya offered the free seat. The man sat down as he was asked. "First time having your fortune read?"

"Yes. A colleague of mine said you can help fix my problems; is that right?"

"Of course! Fate is... absolute." She nodded, trying to muster her courage.

"Okay... the thing is, I'm engaged to be married. Next spring, I'll be tying the knot with a friend whom I've known all the way since preschool." The man explained.

"That's wonderful, congratulations!" Chihaya responded genuinely. "What's worrying you? The date of the wedding? The location of the honeymoon?"

"No, nothing like that." The man answered. "The problem is, I'm not entirely sure we'll be able to *be* married. The truth is...the president of our major business partners has offered me her daughter's hand." He explained sadly.

"I see. Being weighed down by societal obligations." Chihaya understood.

"Yes... D-Do you think it'll be bad if I decline the president's offer?" The man chuckled nervously.

"Please relax. The divine power will bring us your answer!" Chihaya responded as she cut the cards and laid them out on the table. "Hmm..."

Vwoom!

There was a flash within her mind... something had called out to her. Ren could almost see it himself. Something guiding her. "My... it seems you'll face financial ruin if you decline." She frowned.

"N-No. Does that mean I'll have to break off my engagement? That's my only option?" The man asked in despair.

"Um... Ren, This might be a good time to demonstrate your powers." Chihaya asked. "This man is bound by the fetters of societal obligation, what should he do?"

Ren nodded and looked at the cards. He never fully understood Tarot. But the social links he had with his friends and the Persona were based on them. "You should follow your heart." He answered truthfully, looking at Chihaya.

"A wonderful suggestion. Though... I suppose anyone could come up with that." Chihaya mumbled. "Then... what about his childhood friend?"

"Hmm..." Ren pondered that, thinking hard about the answer. Once again, he looked at the cards... and then spoke. "Marriage kills individuality."

"Wouldn't saying that make him want to end things sooner?" Chihaya asked. "Please think hard about it."

'Jeez, it's like no matter what it's a bad answer.' He thought to himself. "Thieves may steal her heart away."

"'Thieves'? They're not a child."

"W-Wait, you think that someone's going to be after her?!" The man asked in a panic, before calming down. "Huh... I guess guys would line up to date an amazing girl. I'm not going to let that happen! The only one who can make her happy is me!" He spoke confidently. "I was such a fool for hesitating. I'm... I'm going to marry her! Thank you! Thank you so much!" He got up and ran away after paying.

Chihaya looked as the man left in high spirits, seeing him run off. She looked at the cards once again... and saw that his fortunes had been reversed. "You did it again. His fortunes state he will now be quite successful."

"Do you get what I am trying to tell you?" Ren asked "Your fortune's are set in stone. They are 100% going to happen... if they stay on their current course. But fate isn't a sure thing, it can be changed. Like rain hitting a window, each drop takes its own path. Even if it lands on the same spot. Telling people, helping them. It can push them forwards, convince them to do something different. They can change their own fates, their fortunes, if you help them. And show them how."

"I see." She nodded slowly in understanding. "So... I must make sure that they can take those chances." She smiled at him. "Thank you, Ren."

Fortune: Rank 3

"Anytime, Chihaya." he smiled proudlyv

"You know, I always thought Fate was something set in stone... that we couldn't go against the tide. But, I'm glad you've shown me another path, Ren. Oh, would you look at the time? I-I have to go." Chihaya responded.

"You do?" Ren blinked, before he yawned

"Meow!" Mona warned him to head back home. It was late enough already.

"Yeah, yeah, I guess you're right." Ren nodded with a smile "I'll see you later, okay?"

"Yeah. Okay." she nodded with a slight smile

"Bye, Chihaya." Ren waved and left

Chihaya was blushing madly, her hands covering her cheeks. Why was he so sweet?


*the next day, elsewhere*

It was the next day, July 29th. A Saturday. And unfortunatly, this Saturday was not going well for one woman particularly.

Currently, Ms Kawakami was being weighed down by the thoughts of Principal Kobayakawa and his paranoid rantings. She was in the school to collect a few things, her terror filling her heart

'Oh god. What's going to happen?' She thought nervously.

Everything... What was wrong with this school?!

That douchebag knew about Kamoshida and let the entire thing go on so the school had a good sports reputation and looks brilliant for having an Olympic Gold Medalist as the gym coach!
He was threatening to expell Makoto because she couldn't find the Phantom Thieves?!
And now he was threatening to make her loose her lively hood, to go jail and who knows what else because she was calling him out?!

"Damn it, Kobayakawa. What is going to happen?" She mumbled in fear. She wanted to speak out further... But... But...

"Kawakami!" Principal Kobayakawa snapped her out of her daze.

"Gah!" She yelled

"You're dozing off again? Even out of class?" He glared at her.

"No." She frowned

"Then stop standing like a statue!" He snarled. "I don't want you around here more than you need to, since school is out!"

"Y-Yes, sir." She frowned, feeling disheartened and small. This was almost every day with him. She should stand up to him, she should... But how? And what good would it do at this point?

She pulled out her phone and looked at it, depressed. She remembered the other day.

...

She knew the truth, for a fact.

They where the Phantom Thieves. Ren and his friends.

She couldn't sell out her students. They had been good to her. But ever since that day she had this weird app on her phone.

She had never used it, she didn't trust strange apps that she didn't download. Every time she tried to delete it, it would reappear back right there.

What WAS it?

She mumbled weakly, her thumb accidentally tapping the app

A faint indistinguishable pulse of red, black and purple energy as the world began to shift and change around her.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" she screamed...


*Elsewhere*

tink

"HOME RUN!" Morgana cheered as he, Ren and Ryuji where at the batting cages near Le Blanc

"Hell yeah dude, that was like your third in a row!" Ryuji laughed

"Thanks, I've got a good arm." Ren smiled, twirling the bat in his hands.

"You did better than Ryuji." Morgana snickered

"Of course you'd say that, Morgana." Ryuji grumbled. "At least I can hold a bat."

"Whatcha saying, Ryuji?! How about I claw at you!" Morgana hissed

"Guys, calm down. It's our day off." Ren commented "We are heading in tomorrow so we need to be all rested."

"Okay, okay." Ryuji sighed and leaned back. "How long do we have left here?"

"Not long left, we should probably head out honestly." Ren admitted

"Alright." Ryuji got to his feet and stretched. "Hnn... Good games though."

"Yeah, good games." Ren nodded as they shook hands. The two left the place happily, Ren grabbing a small prize, as they went their own ways "Today's been a good day." Ren commented.

"Yeah, I know. It's been while since we've had days like this." Mona agreed.

"Yeah... too bad I forgot an important skill." Ren frowned as he got on the subway "Time to start my gun training again."

"Oh. Yeah, I guess that makes sense." Mona responded. "What're you going to do?"

"Shinjuku." he stated simply

"I see." Mona went into the bag.

"Maybe I'll grab a few games for Futaba while I'm there." He laughed

"Ooh, that sounds nice." Mona smiled, before he felt a shiver up his spine.

"You good?" Ren asked

"S-Something's happened. I don't know what, but someone's gone into the Metaverse." Morgana shuddered.

...

"Wait, you had that ability?!" Ren yelled in worry

"No, I don't think so. Maybe it's because of our second time around?" Morgana responded. "Maybe my own abilities have grown?"

"That's be awesome." Ren admitted as he for off the bus

"I know... but something's wrong." Mona admitted.

"What do you mean? It's probably Yusuke or Makoto training." Ren answered.

"No...it's not them." Morgana answered. "Someone new."

"... Maybe it's Crow?" Ren thought aloud

"Maybe." Morgana answered. "But what would he have to gain?"

"Maybe he's on another hit?" He shrugged with a frown, entering the arcade.

"As much as I hate the thought... possibly." Morgana answered, before going quiet since a cat in an arcade was a bad idea.

Ren looked around at the games in the arcade and hoped that his teacher was going to be there.

Pew, pew, pew!
Bang, bang, bang!

At an arcade machine, there was a young boy with black hair, wearing a blue hoodie and white sleeves, black three quarter length shorts and blue sneakers. He was currently duel-wielding a pair of game guns and pointed them at a screen while people were watching him rack up points.

"There he is." Ren laughed and walked towards him

The crowd was kind of packed, Ren had to push through to get a closer look and hopefully talk to him. They were all talking about his skill with the guns, 'The King' they called him. A grade-schooler who could play against two opponents at the same time.

"Well, that's that." 'The King' spoke as he had just beaten two people at once.

"What a monster!" A spectator gasped as the game was over and 'The King' flexed his fingers and the crowd dispersed.

"Excuse me." Ren spoke up.

"Huh? What do you want?" He asked.

"Can you teach me some tricks?" Ren responded.

"Nah. Sounds like too much work. Don't take it personally, I turn everyone down. Later." 'The King' responded derisively and took a step to walk away.

"There's an invincible player." Ren stated simply, making The King stop in his tracks.

"'Invincible', huh? The guy who uses cheats, right?" The King tured and sounded annoyed. "It makes me mad that he does that. But I can't beat him, so I don't care. Leave it alone and forget him."

"I won't let bad guys like that win." Ren answered with a push of his glasses.

"Huh? You... You sound like the Phantom Thieves." The King responded with fascination. "So you wanna take him down? 'Beat the Cheat'?" He shook his head. "You seem like a nice guy, let it go." He looked at his shoes for a moment. "The Phantom Thieves are cool, right? Are you a fan too? Have you met them?"

"They came to my school." Ren smiled, seeing that the kid was a fan too.

"You mean Shujin? That was pretty awesome!" The King perked up and smiled before frowning. "But err... teaching you how to play 'Gun About' isn't going to be easy. And I won't get anything out of it."

"Let's make a deal." Ren spoke up, he felt like he could persuade him.

"Geez... You're really persistent. I'm only a grade-schooler. How about this? I wanna get to know the Phantom Thieves." He responded, making Ren blink quickly. "It's probably impossible; but if you do that? Then I'll teach you."

"Deal." Ren smiled.

"Wh-what? Seriously?" The King responded in shock. "Alright... If you can do that. I thought you were gonna back down. They hide their identities though. Are you sure I can get to know them?"

"What's your name?" Ren asked.

"Huh? You'll tell them my name?" The King asked. "... I'm Shinya Oda. Tell them that and post it somewhere only they'd access. That'll be good as an autograph and proof they know my name."

"No problem. I'll get on it." Ren answered. "I'm Ren Amamiya." as he was talking he pulled out his phone and texted Futaba. A simple request, and a promise of a few new games.

Bweep!

-Already done, I've hacked the Gun About homepage. Don't forget your promise.- She responded back.

'She is a star.' Ren thought with a grin "Hey, King! Check your phone!" he called "I think the Phantom Thieves have left a message for you on Gun About!"

"Huh? What're you talking-? Holy smokes!" Shinya questioned and saw that the homepage of Gun About was hacked by the Phantom Thieves! "Y-You *are* connected to the Phantom Thieves!"

On the homepage there was a message:

'Shinya, thanks for your continued support.
Your friends, The Phantom Thieves'

"Told you, Shinya." Ren commented.

"H-How'd you-? Your phone?" He asked.

"A secret exchange of sorts." Ren answered.

"Okay. I'll teach you how to shoot." Shinya answered. "This is so awesome!"

"I've got these games." Ren inserted several coins into the machine and took a toy gun out.

"Thanks." Shinya answered as they began to play. "Once you stop them from moving, you gotta hit them in their weak spot right away. You'll be able to inflict a lot of damage on that cheater that way. Let's go."

Ren nodded and began to focus... this was much harder than he remembered.

Luckily he was very skilled with his guns, and did remember a bunch of the skills Shinya taught him. He was just rusty. So, to Shinya, it just seemed like he was a fast learner.

"Whoa, you're a fast learner." Shinya responded, flitting his eyes between his screen and Ren's. "Don't stop moving!"

'Just the Spartan Trainer I remember.' Ren thought with a smile... 'Spartan. That would have been a good code name.' he thought, holding back a grin

"Over there! Crap, damn!" Shinya swore with his limited knowledge as the game concluded. "Sorry. I get worked up whenever I get too invested in a game."

"It's fine." he smiled

"Well. It looks like you've got the hang of it. You'll be able to beat the cheater now. You've got a lot of potential for the game. If you tell me more about the Phantom Thieves, I'll teach you some more tricks." Shinya praised

"Sounds good, Shinya." Ren extended his hand to seal the deal.

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 Tower Persona,
I have obtained the wings of blessing that
shall lead to freedom and new power.

Tower: Rank 1

"I'll see you later." Ren nodded, heading out

"Okay." Shinya grinned "You better bring more info about the PT next time!"

"Heh. Seems like a good kid." Morgana commented with a grin, before letting out a loud yawn "Bleh."

"Yeah, he is." Ren laughed as he left the arcade and walked towards the computer store "Now... what to get Futaba?"


*time skip*

"Wow! Thanks Ren!" Futaba gasped, eyes filled with stars, as she looked at all the tech he had bought her

"Of course." Ren smiled as he sat down with her. "You fixed the Gun About homepage; right?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it. I did that after you texted." She answered as she looked at the games and then hugged him.

"Huh?" he blinked... before he noticed she was dressed differently

She wore grey and black thigh shick stockings with some slightly heeled ankle high boots. She also had a black leotard with small shoulder straps and short shorts, her stockings having guarters which went under her shorts. She had some matching black gloves which neared her elbows. She wore a red corset which held her waist and smoothed her figure lines cleanly. She had a small black choker and finally a tiny cute hat atop her head

...

"What are you wearing?" Ren asked "I didn't think I'd see you wearing... something like that."

"Why, you like?" she smirked as she backed up and posed a bit

"It's... surprising." Ren admitted.

"Aww~ thank you~!" she giggled and grinned, her arms crossing behind her back as she pushed her chest out towards him. Sure she almost had nothing there because of her shut-in nature and her lack of healthy living for years on end, making her basically flat, but it was the motion that counted. Especially as she fluttered her eyelashes at him

"So... um..." Ren blinked as he looked at her doing this. "Are you and Ann talking okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, we're fine." she nodded with a pout. He was purposefully not looking at her, damn! Was this not good enough?!

"That's good... and I hope things don't get too awkward between us after what you... yeah." Ren coughed

"Trust me, it won't be awkward at all." she commented as she reached up, putting her hand on his chest making Ren gulp

...

"Okay, then I'll be heading off! See you!" he laughed nervously "Get plenty of sleep Futaba, busy day tomorrow!" he rushed out the door before Futaba could say any more, making her pout

"Damn it!" she huffed softly, her eyes narrowing... and then her head falling, her hair shadowing her eyes "Damn it... why can't he see me as a woman? I... I want to be and... the jerk." she sniffed a bit as she sat on her bed, pulling out her phone and texting Ann and Shiho

Outside the Sakurai household, Ren was blushing and banging his head against the wall "Stop! It! Stop! It! That! Is! Futaba! She! Is! As! Good! As! Your! Sister! You! Can't! Think! Of! Her! Like! That! Damn! It!"

"Ren! Stop! You'll give yourself brain damage!" Morgana warned

"I... you're right." Ren hissed as he stopped his head bashing "I... god, has this open relationship thing fucked me up? First Queen and now Futaba? This is... what is wrong with me?"

"Hey, you aren't related really. Even via adoption." Morgana shrugged "And she is a girl. Rather pretty. And you're both teenagers. This is normal, right?"

"I guess... but... I shouldn't." Ren panted "... I need t clear my head."


*time skip*

Ren was by a familiar soapbox at Shibuya Station, holding up a sign as is friend gave a speech

The friend was an older man with slicked-back black hair, wearing a blue suit and trousers, a red tie, a white shirt and gloves and black shoes. He was giving a passionate speech about the future of Japan and how it can change more for the better, allowing the teenagers to give their votes without the fear of it being a worthless prospect. This was Toranosuke Yoshida, someone Ren had spent quite a bit of time helping out. "...Thank you for your time." Toranosuke finished his speech, where a good crowd of people were around him.

Ren followed him, proud to stand by this man's side.

As Toranosuke finished, he and Ren went to the side of the soapbox and the parked tram car and he patted his forehead with a handkerchief. "That was intense. But...I'm glad that this all finished."

"You did great, sir." Ren nodded

"Thank you, Ren." Toranosuke answered honestly. "I've heard some news. Without you, I wouldn't have been able to fix myself up."

"I'm sure you'd be fine." He nodded

"If you say so. But today is the last day I'll ask for your help. Thank you, Phantom Thief." Toranosuke smiled, shocking Ren.

"W-What?!"

Toranosuke chuckled. "After all you've done for me, it took me a little while. But the way my life has improved along with my confidence; it wasn't a coincidence. You're a Phantom Thief that stole the heart of those who wronged me."

"I... Sir." Ren blinked, looking down

Toranosuke put his hand on Ren's shoulder with a smile. "Thank you, Ren. You've given this old man a second chance. And given me the courage to move forward."

"Hey, it's fine." Ren smiled

"I'll strive down the royal road of politics and I'll see you change the world in your own way. Thank you, my friend." He answered.

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 Sun, granting thee Infinite Power!

The Sun: Rank 10!

Ren was filled with pride as he extended his hand, the two clasping hands.

"Thank you, Mr Yoshida." Ren smiled. "For everything. If you need me... Call me."

"Of course." Mr Yoshida nodded as the two broke their respective handshake and left.

"I can't believe it. He figured it out." Morgana whispered to Ren.

"Yeah...I guess I wasn't as 'stealthy' as I could've been." Ren commented.

"Yeah." Morgana mumbled "He and Tae have done that."

"It could be worse." Ren admitted. "It could be because I was sloppy."

"Ren, you were a bit sloppy when you went to fight Kaneshiro." Mona answered.

"... You've got me there." He sighed "I'm still sorry about that."

"We know. And you've put all that energy into more constructive means." Morgana answered before yawning. "We should head home."

"Right." He smiled. Tomorrow was gonna be a big day...


*Elsewhere*

"Hello? Anyone?" Kawakami asked in fear as she walked through the deep darkness of the school Palace, Shadows looking at her


CONFIDANT RECAP:

Fool: Rank 10

Magician: Rank 10

Lovers: Rank 10

Chariot: Rank 10

Sun: Rank 10

Lust: Rank 9

Strength: Rank 8

Death: Rank 6

Temperance: Rank 6

Hierophant: Rank 6

Hanged-Man: Rank 6

World: Rank 5

Emperor: Rank 5

Devil: Rank 4

High Priestess: Rank 4

Moon: Rank 3

Empress: Rank 3

Star: Rank 3

Fortune: Rank 3

Hermit: Rank 2

Tower: Rank 1