And we're back! I'll just shut up for now.

Chapter 15

Operation Chick Farmer / Meeting Iselin

April 18, 2021; Tuesday

Shigure's Restaurant

(After school)

2: 42 PM

"Here's your orders. Two beef bowls, one medium beef ramen and one monster rice special. Enjoy!"

The waiter walked off after putting the food on the table, Daichi's being the most difficult (He ordered the monster rice special). The four hungry teens dug into their food while they talked about the current situation.

"Bringers of Death? Sounds like a cheesy name to me." Johei said as he ate his ramen.

"But they shouldn't be underestimated." Kazuhiko said.

"They caused suicide the exact same way the previous victims did."

Unknown to anybody that wasn't a Persona user, the person had chains on them which eventually faded away as life left their bodies.

"There were chains attached that nobody else could see but us. I think that's enough evidence that this has something to do with the Mirror Dimension." Mikan said as she set her chopsticks down.

"…" Daichi continued to say nothing as he tried to finish his meal.

"Should we tell him that nobody has finished that before?" Johei asked as Daichi still kept eating.

Hugin and Munin were perched on either side of Daichi cheering him on.

"You can do it Master Daichi!"

"Believe in yourself!"

"Use the force!"

"Center your chi!"

"Do a barrel roll!"

"You need to stop teaching them references." Tyr said to Loki who looked innocently away.

"Who, me?"

The humans ignored the crows as they continued their conversation.

"Have any of you checked that site, though? I checked it up but it didn't show up anywhere on the search engine." Johei said as he showed them his phone.

"Maybe it's part of the deep web? Normally some sketchy business wouldn't be on the normal internet." Mikan suggested.

Johei shook his head.

"Not there either. I thought the same thing as well but when I searched there, no dice."

The entire group felt as if the mood had dropped and there wasn't anywhere else to go to. Suddenly, Daichi came up with an idea.

"Guys, maybe we don't have the link to the website, but what about the Mirror Dimension app?"

Kazuhiko quickly took out his phone and opened the application to find a number of profiles on it. Four of the profiles were x-ed out, which included Suzuki, her parents and the to-be-announced victim. He saw that many of the profiles were slightly different from the rest, ranging from self conscious to brink of suicide.

"So, we can use this in place of the website. Maybe we can be one step ahead of whoever's doing this."

The teens put their phones away while they finished their food. As expected, Daichi didn't finish the monster special.

"I-I… even with every ounce of strength I had… that monster still stands…" Daichi said looking at his bowl which was still more than half full.

The waiter came by to collect the bowls and gave them their check.

"Well, only one person ever finished that thing. Ask your friend over here for some pointers." He gestured to Mikan.

Mikan blushed slightly.

After paying for the food, Kazuhiko walked back to the hotel wondering what the waiter meant by Mikan.

7:43 PM

(Evening)

Johei's Apartment

Daichi sat at what passed as a dinner table in Johei's kitchen while Johei warmed up some leftovers from Shigure's.

"Good thing you ordered the monster special when we were there. This'll be enough for dinner, and I won't have to find the right ingredients to make dinner." Johei said as he glared at Loki.

Loki, being the guilty party, just looked back innocently.

"My, I wonder how that happened."

Johei turned to get two bowls and two pairs of chopsticks and set them down on the table. He turned back to the microwave and distributed the food evenly between them. Hugin and Munin however began speaking to the microwave.

"Are you under this man's evil tyranny as well?" Hugin cawed.

"We are planning on a rebellion against him. So far, we have the water heater and the sinks on our side." Munin said.

Johei frowned.

"Wait, how did you even know that they sided with you?"

"I asked the water heater to hum once for a yes an twice for a no."

"The sinks dripped water to side with us."

"Huh, figures."

Daichi sighed and ate his food while his Personas continued with their recruitment of kitchen appliances. Johei did his homework at the table while he ate his food.

"Damnit, I still can't figure out this equation." He said.

The question he was doing was the same type of question he struggled with on the test.

"You just have to use substitution right here. It's easy." Daichi said while pointing out the answer as if it was obvious.

Johei sat there dumbfounded.

"Wait, time out. You can do this?" He asked incredulously.

Daichi nodded.

"Of course I can, how did you think that I got into the second year class? They made me do an entrance exam."

A few minutes later…

"So, this is how you do it, right?" Johei asked.

"Can you please tell me why I'm tutoring you?" Daichi asked.

"Yes!" Hugin cawed.

"We demand payment for our master's knowledge!"

Loki sighed.

"Well, considering you guys are living in our apartment, this is the price you're paying for the bed and board."

Daichi nodded as he understood the terms of agreement and continued to help Johei with his homework.

Mikan's House

Same Time

"Should we be worried about him?" Skadi asked.

"About who?" Mikan asked while she folded her laundry.

"Daichi and Johei. Daichi's crows could blow up Johei's apartment, not like that would be a problem with me. But Daichi could also be spending time with Loki…"

Mikan stopped folding a shirt to look back at Skadi.

"What's wrong with Daichi hanging with Loki?" She asked.

"Well…" Skadi said as she crossed her arms.

"Don't you think he could rub off on him? One pervert in the group is enough, right?"

Mikan shook her head and went back to her task.

"Don't worry. Daichi doesn't seem to be like that. If anything, he's more like Kazuhiko. Besides, living with Johei is only temporary. I'm sure he'll be the same when he moves out."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive"

"And if he does?"

"Why are you so worried about that?"

"I'm afraid he'll hit on you."

"…"

"… well?"

"Why did you have to put that image into my head?"

Matsuhito Hotel; Kazuhiko's Room

Same Time

"Maybe… but it contradicts with this… Can I do that?… No, it's not possible…" Kazuhiko said as he twirled his pencil.

"Kazuhiko, what is the purpose of this Sudoku puzzle?" Tyr asked while looking over Kazuhiko's shoulder.

Kazuhiko sat the pencil down and leaned back into his chair with frustration.

"I can never conquer this beast… It taunts me in my sleep with it's number puzzles…"

Tyr understood immediately and changed the subject.

"So, should we go and find out what this group is? We have a lead with the Mirror Dimension app."

Kazuhiko shook his head.

"No, not yet. All the profiles I checked showed no signs of anyone being in danger of committing suicide just yet. Once that happens, we'll go and explore the Mirror Dimension to find out what's going on." He promised and Tyr seemed satisfied.

Pretty soon, his phone rang and he picked it up.

"Hello?" He spoke into his phone.

It was Johei.

"'Sup dude? Anyways, I just came to call saying that I'm all caught up with my homework for the week. You want to hang out tomorrow?"

Kazuhiko looked confused which caused Tyr to raise an eyebrow (did he even have any?).

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"Johei said that he's done with all his homework for the week." Kazuhiko answered and went back to the phone.

"Um, sorry if this offends you but HOW THE HELL ARE YOU DONE?!"

Kazuhiko probably guessed that Johei recoiled at his sudden outburst which was proven correct at his next reply.

"Dude! You just made me head-butt Daichi! Anyways, I'll explain it to you tomorrow. On another note, you single?"

Kazuhiko never knew that this would ever happen to one of his friends or himself, so he decided to answer him a subtly as he could.

"Uh, Johei, we've been good friends from quite some time now. Whatever you decide, you know that I would completely support you-"

"What are you saying?"

"Well, was Loki right about you turning yaoi?"

Kazuhiko heard Loki on the other side laughing like a hyena while Hugin and Munin were asking what "yaoi" meant.

"No! Look, just meet me and Daichi at the mall tomorrow, alright?"

"Okay, see you later." Kazuhiko hung up the phone.

He turned to Tyr who looked back at him.

"So, what does yaoi mean?"

Kazuhiko decided not to answer him and went to sleep.

April 19, 2021; Wednesday

3:00 PM

(After school)

Nuzoko Mall Center

Kazuhiko arrived at the predetermined spot about ten minutes earlier and waited for Johei and Daichi to arrive. Sighing, he checked his phone, yet again, for any texts about changing the meeting place or the time.

"Nothing, why are they always late?" Kazuhiko asked.

"I'm not quite sure. Is this a habit amongst young people these days?" Tyr asked.

Kazuhiko shrugged.

"Beats me. We're just so busy sometimes that we lose track of time. Oh, there they are."

Johei and Daichi walked up to Kazuhiko with their Personas right behind them.

"So, care to tell me what we're doing here?" Kazuhiko asked Johei, who was beaming.

"Well, you know how transfer students are right? All mysterious and charming?"

Kazuhiko took a few steps back from his friend.

"Johei, I completely support you on your emotions, but I'm straight as a pole."

"For the last time, I'm not gay!"

Looks were cast at Johei with pure annoyance, but everybody went back on their business.

"A-anyways, you two are transfer students and haven't been around long enough for some people to know you yet. Which is why I've got a great idea to pick up some chicks!"

Kazuhiko and Daichi looked at Johei and then towards each other.

"Did he tell you about this?"

"No, he didn't."

"Guys, come on!"

Johei tried to get them on the same page.

"Look, that transfer student charm is still lingering; we gotta abuse this power while we still can!"

"We?"

"Didn't you live here Johei?"

"That's not the point! Besides, I don't need transfer student charm to get some babes for myself."

"You were hitting on Suzuki-chan who died a 2 weeks ago."

"Coincidence? I think not."

This continued for some time until Johei got them back to the main focus yet again.

"Look guys, this is the chance for male bonding."

Kazuhiko's eyes suddenly lit up.

If I spend time with Johei and Daichi in this bonding, I can make their Personas even tougher as well as any Personas from the Magician and Hanged Man arcana!

"Who knows, maybe we can even get some hot girls with big ches-"

"I'm in!" Kazuhiko quickly shouted.

Daichi cast a disapproving glance to his friends.

"And you were one of the people I respected the most."

Johei slung his arm around Kazuhiko with renowned faith in him.

"I knew you weren't completely clueless! Come on, boys! We're gonna hit the jackpot!"

A few minutes later…

"So, what's the plan?" Daichi asked.

"Simple my young pupil!" Johei answered him.

"Don't call me that."

"Our goal is to get a girl's number by engaging in a conversation with them. You just got to turn on that charm and they'll go wild for you!" Johei said while explaining everything one a slide show.

"How did you even have that on you?" Kazuhiko asked.

"That is definitely faked, your photo-shop skills are horrible." Daichi said.

Johei sighed as he put away his equipment (Even I don't know how he got that, and I'm the author!)

"Look guys, girls like confidence, humor and looks in a guy. With that, you're all set!"

Kazuhiko sipped on his coffee (they stopped at a cafe) while mulling over Johei's plan.

"Well, that's kind of simply putting it. Doing it for real will cause a sensation similar to stage fright."

Johei waved off Kazuhiko's comment.

"Luckily for me, I have had my fair share of experiences!"

"Like trial and error?"

"I heard that!"

Pretty soon, the guys finished their drinks and waited at the bench for potential girlfriends to be. A very attractive young woman with long black hair walked by and caught Johei's gaze.

"You see, that's the fish we're going for. Time to initiate Operation Chick Farmer!"

Loki made a disturbed face, quite literally.

"Operation Chick farmer? What kind of name is that? It sounds really lame."

"Well, you got anything better?"

"Maybe Operation Babe hunt?"

Kazuhiko nodded his head.

"I'm going to have to agree with Loki on this."

"Me as well, for once." Daichi added.

Johei shook his head and got up.

"No, I made the plans, I get to decide the name. Initiate Operation Chick Farmer!"

"You still sound like a pimp."

"Shut up!"

Johei strutted to the girl with confidence in his eyes and caught her attention.

"Hey there, beautiful! Mind enlightening me with your name?"

The girl stopped and turned around. Her face looking very familiar.

"You just don't know when to quit, do you?"

She was the girl who tased Johei in the balls.

"Wha-! Oh, I'm so sorry! Complete accident! Didn't mean to bother you bye-"

Enraged, the girl pulled out her taser and shocked Johei in the testicles once again and walked off with an annoyed look on her face. Johei just fell on the ground holding his to-be children while Kazuhiko and Daichi rushed over to help him up.

"I think she just fried my eggs." Johei said in a quiet voice.

The two helped him onto the bench and waited for him to recover.

"Alright" Johei said after he could feel his groin.

"That was just a warm-up round. No more messing around, though. Daichi, it's your turn."

Daichi recoiled when he was chosen next.

"And get tased in the balls? No thanks!"

Johei sighed.

"Look, nobody even knows you. That lady only knows me because Loki here pulled up her skirt."

Loki kept chuckling.

"And I savored every moment of it!"

"You'll be fine. Just walk up to a girl and start talking to her."

Daichi looked worried but walked up to a girl nonetheless.

"Oh, he's going for a pinkette? Nice, I wonder if she's naturally that?" Johei said.

Kazuhiko shushed him.

"Shut up, I want to hear their conversation."

Daichi started to have a friendly chat with the girl and they seemed to be on good terms.

"Oh my gosh! You're really funny!"

"Thanks! Oh, I forgot, I gotta go. But before I leave, could I have your number?"

"Oh" The pinkette shuffled a bit.

"About that… I'm actually a guy. Sorry."

Daichi went back to the two with a defeated look on his face.

"It was a trap…"

Johei understood completely and, being a supportive friend, was there to help him.

"Wait, that's a dude?! Ahahahaha! That was freaking perfect!"

Daichi sighed as he took his seat at the bench and got Johei into a headlock.

"Ugh! Okay! Okay! Uncle! I give!" Johei said.

Daichi finally let go and allowed Johei to breath.

"Alright dude, your turn!"

Kazuhiko sighed as he scanned the mall for girls.

"Not a lot of lookers… or anybody that isn't with any company… hm?"

His eyes focused on a girl with long, sandy brown hair and glasses. She looked like she was lost and didn't know where to go.

"Dude… golden opportunity right there. Go for it!"

Kazuhiko psyched himself up and walked in the direction of the girl. She was carrying some books before she bumped into somebody and dropped them.

"Hey, watch it!" She yelled at the person who didn't stop.

Sighing, she picked up her books. One of the books was handed to her and she grabbed it.

"Thanks for that. I swear, some people just don't know how to treat a lady!"

Kazuhiko smiled.

"I know right? But, there still are some nice people around here."

The girl smiled back at him.

"Oh, are you from around here?"

"Well, I've been here long enough to know where some of the shops are at."

The girl smiled again.

"Great, I'm looking for this place where I can buy some notebooks."

"Oh, I know a place that has a great deal. 75 yen for one and buy two get one free."

"Really? Great, I can save some money for some cigs."

"What?"

"Nothing" The girl replied.

Kazuhiko pointed out the store and she left.

"Oh, what's your name?"

The girl turned around and yelled to him.

"Iselin! I'm going to be a second year at Kyuto High! Maybe we'll see each other there!"

The girl disappeared in the crowds as Kazuhiko mulled over the name.

"Iselin? Seems like a foreign name… Where have I heard that name before?"

"Dude, did you get her number?"

Kazuhiko jumped when he found out that Johei and Daichi were right behind him.

"Jesus Christ! Could you not be so close to me when you call me?!"

Johei chuckled as he continued his pressing.

"Well? Did you?"

Kazuhiko shook his head as Johei sighed.

"Oh, bummer. She was quite a looker too. Oh well."

Daichi sighed as well.

"Looks like we have no luck with women, do we?"

Kazuhiko tried getting their hopes up.

"Well, she did say that she's going to our school. Maybe we'll meet her there."

The three decided to call off their plans and went home for the day.

Kazuhiko was walking down the road back to the hotel while Tyr kept mumbling to himself.

"Hm? Something going on?"

Tyr shook his head.

"Not really, but I feel that she might have something to do with us. Not in a bad way, but that she should be in our group for some reason…"

Kazuhiko nodded his head.

"Yeah, for some reason, I feel like I've heard that name before. Oh well, I guess we'll see tomorrow."

And done! That was really hard for me to do on the weekend. So much homework I nearly fainted. As always, please review this and favorite it to keep these chapters rolling! Remember, I do tis for fun, but I still take requests from you guys! Speaking of which, the next chapter will feature Daichi Amasawa in an interview, so post those questions!

Daichi's first days at Kyuto

In class

"Daichi! What should we include here?"

"An adverb"

"Correct!"

In the Halls

"My god! He's so hot!"

"Hey, Johei-san!"

"Oh, hey! (Wow, being asked out by a first year!)

"Can you introduce me to Daichi-san?"

On Tests

Johei: Ugh bad grade again. At least I got better than Daichi. He never had any formal training.

Daichi: I made top ten.

Johei: Son of a-!