Yu and Shiho left Big Echo with smiles on their faces and, in Yu's case, coughing up quite a bit.

"Man, that last song really did a number on my vocal cords. I feel like my chest is going to explode." The teenager rasped.

"I can tell. For the record, it took years of singing in the shower to get where I am."

"Yea, you were magnificent. I'm amazed you're a volleyball player, because after tonight, I'd swear you were an Idol."

"You know, when I was a little girl, I originally wanted to be. In fact, that was the reason I started singing in the shower to begin with. But my aunt, who was a former Idol, told me about all the challenges and… prices that came with it, and I decided that it wasn't for me."

"And volleyball? How'd you get into that?" Yu asked, letting out a cough.

"Honestly? Mom was pressuring me to join some kind of extracurricular, because it would look on my resume, college applications, and so on, but it was also to show the world her daughter could excel at school and then some. So to get her off my back, I chose Volleyball. Took awhile, but I came to enjoy it. Almost as much as I enjoyed this date." She purred with a smirk.

"I aim to please. When do you want to have another?"

"I'll leave that for you to decide. See you tomorrow Yu."

"See you. And Shiho? I enjoyed this too."

The girl gave a genuine smile and walked away to the train station. Out of the corner of his eye, Yu noticed something strange; there appeared to be a man in an overcoat with square sunglasses with a fedora and shaved haircut. Ignoring the figure that caught his attention for no apparent reason, Yu proceeded to get out his phone and let Sae know that he was coming home.

Yu: On my way back.

Sae: Perfect. I trust you didn't do anything morally questionable?

Yu: We robbed a bank, killed a few cabinet members, dealt drugs, and abducted some kids to sell as sex-slaves. Pretty standard, I think.

It took a good few minutes before Sae replied, and Yu was getting legitimately worried that she couldn't tell it was a joke.

Sae: Then it would appear congratulations are in order.

Yu: Yea, it was nice. Don't know when we should have another one.

Sae: Depends on her schedule. But we'll have to talk about it later. Right now, it's late. Makoto's probably asleep, so try not to wake her.

Yu: I won't.

With that, the teenager pocketed his phone, but out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the same man in the suit and glasses was also on the train. And he seemed to be looking straight at him. Weird.

Izanagi, keep an eye on that guy. I've got a bad feeling about him.

Once the train stopped and Yu got off, he decided to take the long way home, taking so many nooks and crannies that he almost got lost himself, but was always able to get back on track. Suddenly, Yu saw the same man from before right in front of him.

Izanagi, he's following us.

No. The guy I'm with is in a limo. With Togo.

Yu began to walk past the guy. But when he did, the goon reached out to grab the teenager, but Yu was ready. Side-stepping the man, Yu bolted the second his pursuer made his mistake, running faster than he did when he was running for his life back in Shujin Nation. The man turned to give chase, which only prompted the boy to run even faster. Yu knocked over trash cans, jumped over fences, anything and everything to get away, and he was steadily putting distance between himself and his pursuer. Finally, he hid inside an alleyway behind a dumpster, and waited. Recalling Izanagi and sending the Persona out, the god of Japan could find no trace of their stalker. Walking out of an alley, and back on the path home, a limo came up to the stoplight that, coincidentally, was the same light Yu was stopped at as well. The limo pulled over, and a window rolled down and a voice called to him. A voice that belonged to Mitsuyo Togo.

"Hello Yu Narukami. I apologize for the rather… unfriendly introduction, but I just had to meet you." She said in a tone that made it clear she wasn't sorry at all.

You're in public Narukami. Don't indulge her.

The signal was given to cross, so that's what he did, and the limo followed.

"See, the reason why I wanted to meet you so is because of your… after school activities. Activities I'm sure the police will also be interested in."

This forced Yu to stop in his tracks and grimace.

Looks like we don't have a choice anymore Izanagi.

Be. Careful. We know how far she's willing to go to accomplish her goals.

The door opened, and Yu stepped inside. The limo itself wasn't all that massive, but it was big enough for Yu, Mitsuyo, and both of her goons. When the boy closed the door, the car began driving to distances unknown. The mistress of the vehicle gave a rotten smile as she addressed her prey.

"So glad to finally talk face-to-face. I trust you know why you're here? I'll give you a hint; it's not something many can do."

Yu felt his chest tighten. If she somehow knew about the Metaverse, or worse, that he and his team were trying to steal her heart, then this could get really bad, really fast. He swallowed, an act that seemed to take everything he had to happen.

"Well? Do you?"

"No, Togo-san, I-"

"Sama."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Oh, you'll beg alright. From this moment on, you are to address me as Togo-sama. And the reason for that, is because you are my bitch now."

The woman reached inside her bag and pulled out a tablet which displayed a video.

"This is why you're here."

She hit play, and Yu saw that it was a recording of him in Mitsuyo's office, breaking into her computer and stealing data from her. Once the recording ended, Yu's current captor leaned forward.

"I know you didn't access anything on that drive. I had a failsafe installed, and I know you triggered it, so don't even try to bluff into blackmailing me. Now, I could've given this to the police, but since I'm feeling generous, I'll give you a chance to make sure that doesn't happen."

Yu had to stop himself from releasing a sigh of relief. Sure, he was still going to be strong armed into doing something that would no doubt involve breaking the law, but at least it wasn't the worst-case scenario. Doing his best to hide his relief, Yu growled.

"What do you want?"

"Careful. I can always add terms and conditions. For now, I want you for your connections. See, your daddy dearest has been a real pain in my ass, and he's come far too close to getting me. You are going to convince him to back off."

"And how am I supposed to do that?"

"Get creative boy. I'm sure you can think of something before Rise gets here."

"Wait, what?" Yu asked, eyes widening in surprise.

"Oh didn't I say? I'm having that famous piece of jailbait, Rise Kujikawa on my station in a week. You have that long to make sure your daddy knows to stay away from me, or else that dear prosecutor guardian of yours might find something scandalous in the mail."

"So if I get my father off your back, I'm off the hook?"

"Not quite. See, you could've made a very bloody mark in my empire, and even tried to drag my daughter into your schemes. I'll see that you get what you deserve. Besides, I have many uses for vigorous, young men." Togo replied, running a finger down Yu's chest. If it weren't for the henchmen, Yu would've allowed himself the small, defiant act of slapping her finger away. Finally, the limo stopped.

"Your stop Narukami. And remember, one week, convince your father to stop investigating me, or else." Mitsuyo reminded.

"Understood."

"Understood, what?"

Yu simply glared at her, and she matched him with a snarl.

"Well?"

"Understood, Mitsuyo-sama."

"Good boy. See? You're already becoming well trained!" She complimented gleefully.

Yu stepped out of the car, disgust and contempt coursing through his veins.

"Oh, and don't worry about trying to contact me. My sources will know when you've done your job. See you around, pet." The woman replied.

The limo pulled away, and Yu felt Izanagi rumbling in his bones. The boy shook his head, now fully processing everything that just happened, and growled. He was a fly caught in a web, and he needed to get out before the spider came to eat him. Pulling out his phone, he sent a single text to his group.

Yu: Guys, we have a problem.

Akechi: What? Did the date not go well?

Yu: No, I got cornered by Mitsuyo.

Shiho: Really? That's not good.

Yu: There's more.

Morgana: Of course there is. How bad?

Yu: Apparently, dad's been trying to work on a case against Mitsuyo. She wants me to stop him, and I have a week to get it done.

Akechi: A week? Oh, that's not a lot of time. That's not a lot of time at all.

Yu: I know. We're going to have to charge through the Palace as soon as we can. We'll head in tomorrow, with or without Hifumi.

Shiho: I can't make it tomorrow.

Yu: How come?

Shiho: Tomorrow I have a volleyball game.

Yu: Shit. Then it'll have to be Wednesday, maybe Thursday. Any longer, and I'll have to work at Leblanc.

Akechi: Plus Sae-san on Sunday.

Morgana: What about Hifumi? What do we do about her?

Yu: I'll try to send her a text. Hopefully she'll understand.

Shiho: Hopefully. I had hoped our break would last longer.

Morgana: Me too. But the work of us Tricksters are never finished.

Yu: If there's nothing else, have a good night everyone.

After everyone had said their goodbyes, Yu walked into his room and got changed, letting out a low, heavy sigh. He just couldn't seem to catch a break. First, that night happened, then he almost got killed, then he got blackmailed by Kobayakawa, and now he was being roped into slavery by Mitsuyo to do her bidding. And he would bet Izanagi that she wouldn't stop with just getting dad off her tail. Probably some more… physical favors, if that touch was anything to go by. And then there was the mess with Hifumi.

I knew I shouldn't have let it be Morgana to do the break-in.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed.

"Huh. Speak of the devil."

Hifumi: Narukami, are you up?

Yu: I am. Have you made your decision?

Hifumi: I haven't, no. It's just… something's happened.

Yu: Yea, tell me about it.

Hifumi: My father's in the hospital.

Narukami was taken aback by the news.

Yu: Wait, what? How'd that happen?

Hifumi: I told him what I learned at that Palace place. The news had an impact on his health, and I had to call an ambulance. But he is still alive, and… I'm worried what taking mother's heart will do to him.

Yu: I understand. I'd hesitate too if my father's life was on the line.

Hifumi: Can… can we talk in person tomorrow? I air my grievances better face-to-face.

Yu: Sure. Just tell me where and when.

Hifumi: At my school's rooftop. As soon as school gets out.

Yu: Got it.

Hifumi: Alright. Good night.

Yu put on the last of his pajamas, yawned, and pretty much fell onto bed. There was so much to do tomorrow, and so little time to do it.

Yu had difficulty focusing during class today, and no matter how many slabs of chalk Ushimaru chucked at the boy's forehead, the events of last night just would not leave his mind. Tomorrow was likely going to be their one and only chance to complete the infiltration. Maybe the day after, but they never knew what the future would bring. So many thoughts and scenarios whirled in his head that he didn't notice a certain girl approach him.

"Hey Yu, whatcha up to?" She asked, making him borderline leap into the air from fright.

God damnit Ann.

"O-oh, hey Ann." Yu chuckled nervously.

"Do you know what Shiho has today?" Ann asked, a coy grin on her face.

"A volleyball game?"

Ann's smile vanished.

"Oh, you knew? Then I take it you're gonna be headed there shortly." She said, looking at his full backpack.

"Oh, umm… yea…"

"You are going to support her right? I mean, you're her boyfriend now." Ann replied, suspicion beginning to seep into her voice.

"Of course."

"Well then, let's go! It's gonna start soon." Ann replied, grabbing his hand.

"Um, actually, I have to go someplace else." Yu retorted, breaking off contact.

"Really? Like where?" Ann asked, legitimately curious.

"Work." Yu sputtered out. Ann narrowed her eyes.

"That's funny. Shiho told me you only work on Fridays and Saturdays." The blonde spoke, hostility steadily rising in her tone.

"Oh, um, well…"

Ann grabbed Yu's collar and clenched her fist.

"Are you cheating on her? After your first date?"

"Of course not!"

Jeez, first sign of me being fishy, and you jump to the worst possible scenario.

"Then why lie about work?"

"He means work for his guardian." Akechi answered from behind.

"Gah! You scared me." Ann stated, putting a hand over her heart.

Welcome to the club.

"I apologize for the secrecy Takamaki-san, but Narukami-san here also works for his current guardian, Sae Niijima. She's having him gather information on a case she's building."

"Niijima? As in Makoto-senpai?"

"Yes, Sae-san is Makoto-san's older sister. No one but me and Narukami-san know about it, so don't bother asking Makoto-san."

"O-oh. Guess I might've jumped the gun a bit, hehe. My bad!" Ann apologized with a forced smile.

"Can I go now?" Yu asked, tired of all the drama.

"Yea sure." Ann replied.

Both Yu and Akechi went their separate ways, but Ann remained where she was, her foot tapping furiously at the floor. She didn't buy their story, not one bit. But she had put Narukami on guard, which meant she couldn't act on her instincts. Besides, she had to support Shiho during the game. But she did have someone she could call on. Whipping out her phone, she shot that person a text.

"Hey Ryuji, I need you to do me a favor."

As Yu walked towards Kosei High, he couldn't help but notice that the day was the complete opposite of his mood. The birds were singing, the warmth of spring was in full swing, while a cool breeze was keeping the heat from becoming unbearable, and all the while, the trees began to finish sprouting their leaves. It was tranquil, orderly, and uncaring of the world's problems. As opposed to Yu, whose soul was in disorder because of yesterday's events, his mind spiraling with wild abandon as it thought about all the ways this could end badly for him, and his throat still sore from all the singing he did with Shiho.

The last thought brought a smile to his face, and a little peace to his mind. But when he found himself at the gates of Hifumi's school, both of those vanished. Marching his way up to the roof, he saw the young woman sitting on a block of concrete as she waited, staring blankly into the horizon. He cleared his throat, revealing his presence to her. The shogi player turned to him and gestured to a seat across from her, which he took. Hifumi let out a forlorn sigh as she began the conversation.

"You know, one of the first things my father ever taught me was that violence didn't solve anything. He told me that if I tried to get my way by hurting people, I'd eventually encounter someone stronger than me, and I would be beaten beyond healing. Because of that, he made me promise that I'd do everything in my power to stay away from physical confrontation. I promise I've upheld to this day."

She looked at the game board tucked snuggly away in her backpack.

"But I always enjoyed seeing him do battle, and I always wished it was me who won the glory whenever he was victorious. So I became a shogi player, as a means of honoring my promise, and obtaining the greatness I craved. Father was more than happy to be my mentor and coach, but mother, on the other hand, disapproved. She always encouraged me to instead stay at school and study, rather than 'waste time on a stupid game'. In fact, every time I attempted to make friends or join a club, she'd always discourage it. At first, I thought it was because, like father, she was afraid that the outside world would hurt me, but now I see it's because a shogi girl isn't very profitable or marketable. Now that I know the truth, there were so many signs. So many events and times that I deluded myself into thinking it was for my own good."

Yu noticed Hifumi's grip on her clothes tighten, and her eyes narrowed to a piercing glare, as if she was looking straight at the woman she was talking about; an inferno of fury building behind her emerald orbs. But as quickly as it came, the fire flickered and faded. She turned to make eye contact with Yu for the first time.

"But… I wish to honor my promise to father. And given his critical condition, I've come to a decision regarding your offer. I'm sorry, but you'll have to do it on your own. I won't stop you if you decide to continue your operation, but I'll have no hand in it."

"I understand."

Well, on the bright side, she isn't stopping me or the Team. Still, she'd be a big help if she joined.

"But, there's something you should know." Yu replied as he stood up.

"Roughly a week ago, my Team and I started looking for evidence in real life that your mother wasn't who the world thought she was. She was able to find out about our attempts, and used that knowledge to corner and blackmail me. Because of that, we're going to steal her heart. If you change your mind, then meet us outside your mother's TV studio on Wednesday after school." The teenager informed.

"But, you won't force me to help you?"

"No. We asked you if you wanted to join, and you rejected the request. We're not going to force you to do something you don't want to do."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. And… I hope your dad pulls through. Losing a parent isn't something I'd wish on my worst enemy."

Hifumi smiled at Yu's kind words as he walked off of the roof.

I am thou. Thou art I.

Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of freedom that will lead thee to the truth.

With the birth of the Star Arcana

Thou hast obtained the blessing that will lead thee to new power.

Unknown to either of them, Yu had been followed and watched by a certain someone. Once he saw Yu meeting with Hifumi, he left the building, sending only one text:

"Ann, I did what you asked. He was meeting with another girl."

"Come on Shiho!" Ann cheered as her best friend was set up for another spike, which she delivered with maximum force, making to a boom so loud it could be mistaken for an explosion of thunder. The referee blew the whistle, signaling that it was the end of the game. As Shiho and the rest of her team went to rest, Ann tossed an ice-cold water bottle to the exhausted player.

"You were kicking all kinds of ass today! I'm pretty sure that's a new record for fastest volleyball game." Ann complimented as Shiho took a swig of the refreshing liquid.

"Hehe, thanks." Shiho said, ready to take another swig but stopped when she noticed a mischievous glint in Ann's eyes. A glint that always told Shiho that her closest friend was up to no good.

"Ann…"

"Yes Shiho?"

"What are you up to?"

"Huh?"

"I see that look in your eye. You're up to something."

"Well, I wanted to ask you after the game, but since you figured it out…"

Ann wrapped her arm around Shiho and smiled a wicked smile.

"Soooooo, how'd the date go, huh?" She asked, eager to get all the juicy details.

"It went… fine…" Shiho replied, unsure which words would set Ann off and cause her to scream some untrue statement for all to hear.

"Just 'fine'? That bad huh?" Ann asked, a little disappointed in her friend's answer.

"No, no, it was fun, it's just… some of Yu's personal stuff happened after words, and it really rained on our parade."

"Awww, that sucks. What'd you guys do?"

"Karaoke, mostly. Yu's really bad at it though. Was coughing up a storm by the time we were done, and his voice cracks were hilarious."

"Heh, well I'm glad you had a good time."

"Me too. Here's hoping his home life doesn't ruin it."

"Eh, I doubt it. My intuition tells me that he's a good guy, and it hasn't been wrong yet. He'll take care of you."

"Yea, I know."

"You wanna get a bite to eat?"

"If by 'bite', you mean 'mountains of cake' then no thank you. Some of us don't have the luxury of sugar going straight to the curves that boys like."

"Awww, come on! At least let me treat you for your win! Please?" Ann pleaded, giving Shiho her best puppy eyes.

"Alright fine. The usual place?" Shiho asked, giving in.

"YES! Yea, the usual place." Ann chirped.

"Alright, let me get changed, then we can head out."

Shiho nodded, and the second she was gone, Ann's phone buzzed, as if it was trying to hide and now knew that it was safe to make noise. Ann opened it up and read the text from Ryuji. She grinded her teeth at the message. Her intuition when it came to people hadn't led her astray before, but there was a first time for everything. The device beeped again, like it had sensed her rising anger and wanted to fuel the flame.

Ryuji: There's more. Her name's Hifumi Togo.

Ann: How do you know?

Ryuji: I've been hanging with her. Not like dating, but I like to think we're close.

Ann: How close, exactly?

Ryuji: Very. She's going through a really tough time right now with her mom.

Ann: Really? Does Yu know you have the hots for her?

Ryuji: What?! I never said I have the hots for her!

Ann: Not directly, but I know you too well Ryuji ;)

Ryuji: Back on topic, Yu should know I've been seeing her, since he encouraged me to do it.

This news made Ann's eyes widen. Not only was Yu seeing another girl, but he was seeing one that Ryuji had laid eyes on first. Dick. Move. As she prepared to shoot a text back, she saw Shiho emerge from the locker room. Putting her conversation on hold, she beamed as her friend approached.

"Ready?" She asked.

"Ready." Shiho replied, sporting a smile of her own.

Ryuji: So, um, what are we going to do about it?

Ann pulled out her phone for one last time.

Ann: I have to go for now, but we'll talk about it later.

With that, she put her phone on silent. She wasn't done with this, but she was going to push it out of her head long enough to enjoy spending time with her friend.

Ryuji read the last text and let out a huge sigh, feeling like he was caught between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, his best friend could potentially be cheating on Shiho with what could only be the only girl that seemed to actually care about him who wasn't Shiho and Ann. But on the other, it could just be a huge misunderstanding, and jumping to conclusions could end his relationship with both people. He let out another heavy sigh, and made a decision. Walking up the roof, he saw that Hifumi was still there, as Yu left a while ago, and she looked… conflicted. The teenager took a deep breath and strolled over to the shogi player.

"Yo." He said, and internally cringed at how meek he sounded.

"Oh. Hey Ryuji. What are you doing here?" She asked, actually getting up to look at him.

"Oh, I just thought that your mom wouldn't let ya go to church anymore, so I figured I'd try my luck here."

"How'd you know that I go here?"

Ryuji did his best not to hide his surprise at the question, and desperately searched for an explanation that didn't make him look like an obsessive stalker. That's when an idea popped into his head.

"Oh, I have a friend in the modeling business; Ann Takamaki. She told me where to find you."

"Oh. Yes, I've heard of her. So, what are you doing here?"

"Checking up on ya. How are things with you and your mom?"

"Well… not pleasant." Hifumi hesitantly answered, unsure of how she'd explain to Ryuji.

"That sucks. I take it asking nicely didn't work out?"

"No, it didn't. And that's not all. My father… father's been admitted to the hospital."

Ryuji's jaw dropped.

"For real? Man, that's awful, I hope he pulls through."

"So do I."

Ryuji took a few steps closer.

"Hey, I know how hard it is. Dad was hospitalized, once upon a time. We had to sell our home to pay the bills, and now we live in a shitty motel. Having a shoulder to lean on helps, trust me."

Hifumi silently nodded, and she decided to take a leap of faith.

"Ryuji… what if I told you I had a way to take down mother? I can't divulge the details, but I think I've found a way to put her behind bars. But, if I do it, it could be the final nail in father's coffin. What… what do you think I should do?"

The question caught the track runner off guard. He put his thumb to his chin, deep in thought, before he gave his answer.

"Honestly? I think you're asking the wrong question. The better one would be what do you want to do?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like, you shouldn't define your life by what your parents want. You're your own person, you should decide how ya live."

Hifumi looked at him like he was crazy, but he kept going.

"Letting someone else decide how ya live is what got ya in this mess to begin with, right? So shouldn't you decide for yourself? I mean, what do you want to do?"

Hifumi said nothing, instead pondering his words.

"Decide for myself…"

Suddenly, Ryuji's phone went off, and he groaned when he saw the caller.

"Ack, my old man wants me to pick up some groceries, I gotta run. But…"

Ryuji pulled out a piece of paper and wrote his phone number on it.

"If you ever need someone to lean on or vent to, give me a call." He explained as the girl took the piece of paper. With that, he took his leave, and Hifumi pondered his words.

"What do I want?" She asked herself, looking at the horizon.

As Yu finished getting dressed in his PJs, his cell phone chimed a special ringtone, one reserved just for the person most important in his life. Picking it up and smiling, he answered.

"Hi dad."

"Hey Yu, how's it going?"

"It's going fine."

"You always say that when things aren't going fine. What's up?"

"I…"

I've been blackmailed by a psychotic bitch to get you off her back.

"I got roped into a hand-to-hand training session with Sae. She hits hard."

"Really? Do I need to intervene? Give her a few 'sessions' myself?" Dojima asked, fury starting to seep into his words.

"No no, you don't. I'm just upset I lost."

"Oh. Wait. You lost? Really?"

"Yea. But on the bright side I managed to get close to her, so it was worth it."

"I see. I'm glad you and her are getting along."

"I am too. What's been going on back home?"

"Ah… not much. Nanko told me that you spoke to Minato?"

"Yea. He seemed… subdued."

"Minato is… blunt and honest. If he ever tells you something, you can bet your life it's the truth, no matter how ridiculous it sounds."

"Really?"

"Yup. When he first got here, and met me, he told me, to my face and in front of Nanako, that I, and I quote, 'Reek of ass'. I smelled my armpits and… well, he was right. Certainly explained why Nanako was keeping her distance that day."

Yu was left with an open mouth, trying to fight a small smirk that was forming.

"Really?"

"Really. Thankfully, he's been a bit more quiet and reserved since then, though if that's because he learned his lesson or because of the murders, I can't say."

"Murders?"

"Yea. There's been two murders so far, and a few kidnappings."

"Well, if you're on the case, it probably won't be long before their caught."

"That's the thing. There's so little evidence it's near impossible to even figure out how they died. But I've got a lead. It's a total longshot, but if I can pull it off, I'm pretty sure I can catch the culprit before you're back."

"You can do it. I know you can."

"Thanks Yu."

Suddenly, Yu thought back to his experience with Mitsuyo.

"Hey dad… have you heard about a woman called Mitsuyo Togo?"

There was a pause, one of silent fury, like a person overhearing other people saying nasty things about them.

"Yu… where did you hear that name?"

"I went on a field trip to her news station, and overheard one of them say 'Dojima's onto us', and I'm just curious."

"Well stay away from her. She's nothing but bad news, trust me. I'd rather you come home alive, thank you very much. Promise me you'll stay out of it this time."

"I promise dad."

"Good. Hey I gotta put Nanako to bed. Stay safe Yu. I love you."

"Love you too."

The tone went dead, and Yu slumped onto his bed. He really hoped they didn't have much more of the Palace to do.