Music: Hifumi's Palace theme
As the familiar sensation of entering the Metaverse passed, the Phantom Team suddenly felt a biting cold and wind that howled like a hungry wolf. They looked around, trying to make sense of what they were feeling, and their eyes widened at the sight. They were currently standing on the edge of a mountain, and directly in front of them was a feudal-style Japanese castle built on a seperate mountainside. There was a narrow bridge that stretched the gaping chasm, far too thin for the Mona-mobile. Walking single-file, everyone clung to the rope rails whenever a minor breeze rattled the structure, but in spite of the non-stop creaking wood, the freezing gale, and the narrow space they had to walk on, they were able to make it across without much difficulty. They stood in front of massive twin iron doors wedged between the rocks.
"Alright, now what? We go barging in?" Shiho asked.
"We can't go through the front entrance, that'll alert everyone that we're here." Morgana pointed out.
"Let's look around. There's got to be another entrance here somewhere." Yu said. While his team split up, he decided to step back in order to look at the castle in full.
In front of him were the iron doors, behind those were stairs that led to the fortress itself. There was a colossal tower that the farthest from the doors, while the rest of the complex was made up of a huge barracks, an armory, the castle itself, and a building that was the size of a warehouse. But furthest from the gates, there was one massive tower looming above them all. He looked around for some way to scale the gates, and saw a cave entrance.
"Guys! Over here!" Yu called to his teammates, who all came running.
"Are we sure we want to go down there? We don't know where it could go." Morgana pointed out.
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I'll follow Seeker's lead." Shiho responded.
Yu began to walk down, and as they started to lose light, he summoned Pyro Jack, a Persona that was a Jack-O-Lantern with a lantern in one of its mittens. As Yu began walking, he soon heard a very loud crunch . Yu focused Pyro Jack's light and saw what he stepped on; a skeleton bone. After they got over the initial shock, the Team continued, careful not to step on any more human remains.
It didn't long before they saw sunlight coming at the end of the tunnel. They rushed in, but as soon as they got close, they tripped and fell, and the sunlight showed what they fell on. The entire floor was covered in hundreds of skeletons, some in samurai armor, some in fine robes, and some in peasant clothes. As the four started to move, they found it difficult to step anywhere without any bones poking them.
"My God… there's so many." Akechi said in horror.
"Do… do you think these are her victims?" Morgana asked.
"Let's not jump the gun. These are probably her enemies. She might only see them as dead. If we're lucky, then they're probably still alive." Yu pointed out.
"And if they are dead in the real world?" Shiho asked.
"Then we make her pay. We need to focus on getting into the fortress." Yu replied, looking straight ahead and seeing a wooden crane ready to pull up a platform.
"Come on, let's get out of here." Yu ordered, forcing his way through the knee-high piles of dead, using his sword to clear the way for the others. After they were on the platform, he pulled a nearby lever, raising the platform above the untold number of bodies.
When it reached the top, the Tricksters saw the exit to the cave, which was right next to the warehouse-like building Yu saw earlier. Pulling out his katana, the Wild Card tore through the paper-thin material and walked through, revealing that the building wasn't really a warehouse, but more like a museum. Dotted all around the walls were various paintings that looked suspiciously like pictures one would find on the front page of newspapers. Yu decided to examine the titles of one of them.
"Pedophile in the Cabinet! Minister of Fair Trade Commission found having sexual relations with seven year old boy!"
"I remember this. Mitsuyo was having one of her people investigate the Minister, and that person caught him sleeping with a child. The Minister claimed innocence, of course, but the evidence was conclusive."
"Hey, there's a scroll here." Shiho pointed out, grabbing it off of a small stone podium under the painting.
"Alright, let's see what we got here." She started, reading it out loud.
"Behold, a man who's laziness led to his downfall. Minister Akihiro was a man of immense power, so powerful that some considered him a threat to our Shogun. Our Shogun believed him unworthy of his power, and thus, desired it for herself. Using her her loyal agents, she managed to successfully drug him, and once the fool was placated, she then had a boy strip naked and then took a picture. After that, the man was accused of sexual deviance, and confined to prison, no matter how many times he pleaded innocent. Now, his power belongs to the Shogun. All hail the Shogun."
"So, he was telling the truth after all." Akechi muttered in disgust.
"Did you work on it?" Yu asked.
"No, the higher ups thought it would be a waste of my talents on a case. And Sae also refused to prosecute him, saying that her intuition told her something was off."
"Do you think… all of these people are people she framed?" Morgana asked, looking through the museum.
Yu couldn't help but clench is fist in fury, and could also feel Izanagi start to stir with rage for the same reason; this was personal. He promised himself right then and there that he'd steal Mitsuyo's heart, if only for this one person, and he would only try harder for every person in this room that was framed. He then felt a gentle tap on his shoulder and saw Shiho looking at him with concern.
"You alright Seeker? You look ready to kill someone."
"This… is personal for me Pariah."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No. Not here. Let's keep moving." Yu said abruptly, turning his attention to the rest of the building's interior. Hundreds of paintings littered the walls below, each with their own title and scroll on a small podium. As they began their descent, Yu found another painting, this time with a picture of a man being shoved into a police car, and the title being "Sex trafficking ring busted! Police officer confesses all!" and Shiho picked up the scroll.
"Behold a fool who didn't know his place. Police officer Toshinori was once a loyal subject of our Shogun, and he led a happy life. But his ambition soon outstripped his loyalty. Attempting to blackmail our Shogun, he soon brought down the wrath of our leader. Buying out prostitutes, she then planted evidence to make it look like the officer was a human trafficker. After he was expelled from the empire, he attempted to bring it down by conspiring with its enemies. Thankfully, our Shogun silenced him before his plans bore fruit, and as a result, an even more loyal subject was put in his place, and fear was struck in her enemies', and subjects', hearts as he was stripped of life that only our Shogun deserves. Take heed of this fool's story, and remember that what our Shogun wants, our Shogun will get, especially if it belongs to you. All hail the Shogun."
The three turned to Akechi, who shook his head and grabbed his forehead.
"Officer Toshinori. Right from the start, certain parts of the evidence lined up far too well. When he was brought in, Toshinori said that he'd only speak to me, so I tried, hard, to get to see him, but he died in custody before I could. I later tried to investigate the incident, but red tape and upper management swiftly put an end to my efforts."
"Not even Kobayakawa had the law in his pocket. This woman is on another level." Shiho pointed out, nervousness starting to seep in her words. Yu thought back to that night, to what that man said when he was threatened with the law.
"The police are my bitches."
"Let's keep going." He said, not noticing that he dug his claws so deep into his hands that he drew blood.
They continued moving down the levels of the museum, passing countless more paintings, each one no doubt another tale of an innocent person falling to ruin because they crossed Togo. By the time they reached the bottom, there was only one painting; it was of Mitsuyo's wedding. It was titled "The start of the empire." Just like before, Shiho picked up the scroll, but this time, the podium was made of gold rather than marble. Shiho took it and read it aloud.
"Behold, the event that started our empire. Kaito Togo was a man who came from a wealthy family, and held all the values of a great person; loyalty, tenacity, and honesty, so is it any wonder he married our Shogun? But it wasn't always this way. Once, Mitsuyo called herself the best friend of a wench named Ami Ito, whom was supposed to marry Kaito. Our shogun saw the happiness their union would bring, and wanted it for herself. All that wealth, prestige, and happiness Ami would have did not belong to her, it belonged to our Shogun. To prevent Kaito from making a terrible mistake, our Shogun gave her a drink far stronger than she could handle, found a desperate man in the building, and made sure Kaito saw her being unfaithful. After the wedding was called off, and Kaito made available, our Shogun went to work filling the void Ami had torn in him, and eventually took the place she was supposed to have from the start; by his side. From this union, heir was born but sadly, that was all Kaito did right, and the novelty of having a noble person for a husband quickly wore off. As for his wealth, our Shogun put it to better use than either he, or Ami, ever could, and built the glorious empire you see today. ALL HAIL THE SHOGUN! LONG MAY SHE REIGN!"
The Team looked at each other, and Shiho was so furious she tore the scroll in half.
"That piece of paper can sugarcoat it all it wants, but the fact is plain as day; Mitsuyo Togo is a cruel, envious woman that steals what other people have simply because she doesn't have it." Yu spat.
"I think the contents of this warehouse prove that Mitsuyo needs to have her heart stolen." Akechi pointed out.
"I agree. Forcing her daughter into a life she doesn't want seems to be the least of her crimes." Morgana said, cracking her knuckles.
"You don't have to tell me twice." Shiho growled, glaring at the wedding picture.
"Then we're all in agreement?" Yu asked, and got a nod from everyone in response.
"Then let's keep moving. We're bound to come across a Safe Room soon." Yu ordered, taking them through the front door.
"We should be careful. We haven't seen any Shadows so far. They might be waiting to ambush us." Morgana pointed out as they exited the building. In front of them were pathways to the different buildings.
"Which way's the Treasure?" Yu asked.
"There! It's in that tower, no doubt." Morgana said, pointing straight ahead. The Team bolted to it, knowing that the courtyard would be the perfect ambush point. Once they were inside, they expected to see a horde of Shadows, but all that stood before them was one man dressed in general clothes, and in front of him was a shogi board. The four approached him and he gave a warm smile.
"Greetings young ones. I am Kaito Togo, Mitsuyo Togo's husband and greatest general. Welcome to Togo Castle." He greeted with a small bow.
"Umm… hi?" Yu greeted cautiously, approaching the seemingly harmless man.
"How may I help you?"
"We'd… like to get to the Treasure?" Yu responded, unsure if the cognitive person would know what he was talking about.
"I take it you mean you want access to the most secure and private room in this tower?"
"Yes."
"Ah. To do that, you must best me in a game of Shogi."
Yu looked down at the board and saw that his side was completely empty, while Kaito's side was complete.
"Where are my pieces?"
"Scattered. If you wish to play against me, you must prove that you are worthy of my full might. The pieces are secured with each lesser general, one in each area of the fortress. You must earn these pieces, either by wit or by force." He informed before adding.
"Best of luck to you! Please be safe!" With a gentle smile and a small wave. Yu turned back to his friends and noticed that there was a nearby pair of doors that shimmered. After he entered the Safe Room, he turned to his friends to discuss their next move.
"Alright, for now, I say we head back. When can we resume infiltration?" Morgana asked.
"I have Volleyball practice on Saturday." Shiho answered.
"I have work tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday." Yu informed.
"I have to help out Yu on Sunday."
"Alright, so we won't be able to infiltrate until Monday. Be sure you stock up on supplies leader!" Morgana reminded.
"Yea I know. Let's head back, I don't want to be late for curfew." Yu answered as he teleported them back to the entrance.
By the time he made it back, it was 9:10 in the afternoon. It wasn't too bad, he thought, after all, he could just warm up some leftovers, eat, then head to bed. He opened the door and walked in with a little joy over the fact he and his Team got into the Palace, and could begin changing society for the better, among other things. Only to have that joy replaced with fear when he saw who was waiting for him.
"Hello Narukami. I trust you have a good explanation as to why you're back after 9." Sae borderline warned as she typed away at her computer.
"I got a job." Yu answered quickly.
"And you didn't inform me because?" Sae asked, not satisfied.
"It was so sudden. A lot of other employers said that they wouldn't hire me, so when I got an offer and they told me to come over right away, I couldn't afford to wait."
"You could've at least sent a text that told me you'd be home late." Sae countered.
"Well, you're rarely here, so-"
Sae closed her computer and gave Yu her signature glare, making the teen want to eat his words.
"Rarely doesn't mean never, Narukami." She hissed.
"S-sorry."
"When do you have to work?"
"Friday and Saturday after school."
"And did you forget that you have to work on Sunday as well? You don't think you're over extending yourself?" She asked.
I once had to work three part time jobs and take care of a baby all by myself. Just saying.
"No Sae-san. But I want to make myself useful."
"Or you want to get rid of your curfew."
Shit.
"What are you planning Narukami? Tell me honestly, and I won't kick you out." Sae said, her glare drilling holes into his very being. Sweat began to pour down his skin, and he gave a lie, and silently prayed to God she'd buy it.
"There's… a girl I like."
That answer caught Sae off guard. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped.
"Oh… oooooooooh !" the prosecutor exclaimed as a blush formed on her cheeks.
"That… explains a lot. Does this girl have a name?" Sae asked
"Um… I haven't asked her out." Yu admitted, prompting Sae to stomp over to him and corner him against the wall.
"Are you stalking her?" She asked, bearing down on him like a hawk.
"No." He squeaked like a mouse.
"Good. Why haven't you asked her out yet?" Sae asked, walking back to her desk with a slight swing to her hips.
"I'm not all that confident in myself. I'm not sure how she'll react."
"Narukami, you shouldn't be afraid to ask her out. Girls like confidence. Besides, what kind of girl wouldn't want you? You're good looking, well-built, mature-"
"And have a criminal record." Yu reminded, making Sae pause, albeit for a few seconds.
"Right. But that didn't stop you from making friends. Don't see why it should stop you from getting a girlfriend." She pointed out, putting her computer in a bag.
"That's… a good point. Didn't know you of all people would give good romantic advice."
"I've dabbled in romance before. But no one's ever lived up to my standards." She replied, placing a hand on her hip and smirking.
"I pity the poor soul that tries to woo you."
"Careful Narukami. I can still kick you out for coming back past 9."
"Go ahead. I'm sure being homeless will really impress the girl I'm after."
The two shared a brief chuckle at the sarcasm.
"Alright Narukami, you can stay. But in the future, I expect to be notified of the possibility that you might be late." Sae stated as she started to walk to her room.
"Hey hold on." Yu started.
"Yes?"
"Since I have a job, is it alright if I have my curfew removed?"
Sae stared at him long and hard, not quite going into her signature glare before she finally let up.
"Fine. But if you start getting into trouble-"
"I won't cause trouble for anyone Sae-san. And if I do, then it'll be unintentional. Promise."
"I'll hold you to it Narukami. I'm going to bed now. There are some leftovers in the fridge, be sure to get plenty of rest. You'll want to impress your employer tomorrow." Sae suggested, starting to close the door.
"Thank you Sae-san." Yu said, but before Sae finished closing the door, she added:
"Oh, and Narukami? When you and that girl become an item, I want you to introduce me. I want to make sure she won't be a bad influence on you."
"Sure thing." Yu replied halfheartedly as he stepped in his room to prepare for the next day.