The next morning, Akechi stayed in bed, wanting to avoid getting up and facing the new day. He knows that he has to prepare for tonight, but he really really doesn't want to see Joker again.

The sunlight was shining brightly on his face. He must have forgotten to close the blinds before he went to bed last night. Akechi groaned as he turned over and pulled the blanket over his head.

' Just a few more minutes.' He thought as he breathed in the scent of the clean sheets. He's thinking of Joker's teammates and wonders what kind of personality do they have. Akechi hopes that they are nothing similar compared to their leader. He doesn't need more people making annoying jokes or having to put up the lame flirting crap.

' Crap, even staying in bed is just making me think about this. I can't wait for today to be over and I get to return to my regular old life again.' Even though he was thinking like this, he couldn't help but feel refreshed. It has been a lot of fun for the past few days. He felt like a normal person, a plain teenager without a morbid revenge plan against his father. A person who wasn't causing psychotic breakdowns to the public and pretending he was solving the mysteries on why those people went insane.

It felt...if he was allowed to say it, liberating.

Now if only if he could let go of his anger.

It was strange that he continued to stay in Japan to be honest. If he moved and started a new life on a different island, he could have been successful. Only Japan puts a great importance about people's heritage. No one else cares. So why would he want to continue to stay in a place where he and his mother were discriminated against. Discriminated so harshly that his mom killed herself to get away from it all.

He stays up at nights thinking about it sometimes. Why does he refuse to live a simpler life? How desperate was he to prove society wrong? That someone like him can live and become successful.

Akechi growled as he pushes that thought away as he thinks about Joker's proposal.

If this mission is a success and Joker's teammates are...tolerable, then he might continue this partnership with them. But first things first, he needs to get up to prepare.

With a heavy grunt, Akechi lifted himself out of the safety of his bed.

After putting on an outfit similar to the one he wear yesterday, he headed into the marketplace, walking towards a specific destination in mind. He turned in his bounty at Siero's shop. She greeted him cheerfully as she took his bracelet and was looking at the pictures that he took from yesterday. After she confirmed the kills, her parrot chirped good work at him. It felt weird but strangely nice that a bird was giving him a compliment.

"Ah, I would also like to make a purchase if you don't mind."

Siero looks up at him and nodded, getting readying to write down his order.

"I would like to order one case of Titan Point. That will be all."

"Ooh~ I was wondering if you were going to get it last time, what made you change your mind?" Siero asked cheerfully as she looked underneath the table.

"I made an alliance with someone, I want to contribute as much as I can to make this mission turn out to be successful."

"I see~ I can hear a strong conviction coming from you. I wish you luck skyfarer." She said as she hands him the case.

"Thank you for your words, oh I haven't paid yet." Akechi said as he pulled out the money.

"No need for that! This is my 'I'm cheering for you' gift." Siero smiles as her bird gave a loud chirp and spread out its wings. He guess that was the bird's version of good luck.

"Ah...Thank you. I won't let you down." Akechi said as he took the gift and bowed to her.

"None of that! Just tell me all the details when you complete your mission! I'll be waiting~" She said as she waved him off.

Akechi was surprised at Siero's generosity. He had heard that she could be very nice to the customers that she likes, but he didn't expect that he would be included when they had only met twice so far. While he has never heard of any complaints towards Siero from her clients, he rather still keep his guard up and be careful with his words around her. Casually revealing too much information might make him regret it later down the line, especially if anyone were to find out that he was causing the psychotic breakdowns.

Casting aside his doubts about Siero and her intentions for a moment, Akechi took the time to properly look at the case that he just purchased. The thought of getting an item to help assist his (temporary) teammates didn't annoy him as he thought. He never had to buy items when he had to fight alongside Quatre before. Quatre was quick with his attacks and with his various debuffs that he was able to cast, he was able to solo any creature. Akechi would assist is killing the minor monsters that would try to sneak up on Quatre. While it was interesting to learn how various monsters attacked and how effective element attacks worked against them, it felt like he was holding Quatre back. He doesn't feel completely satisfied learning using Quatre's method, not that it's bad or anything! Akechi likes more of a hands-on method.

However with this alliance, he felt like he was on equal grounds with them. Well he only really fought with Joker, but he doesn't like feel like Joker was leagues apart from him in terms of strength. He think he will be able to contribute a lot to this team.

Akechi can feel excitement building in his chest as he let out a deep breathe.

'Time to grab lunch, maybe take the chance to try the coffee here too.' He thought as he stashed the newly acquired item into his bag.

Akechi sat at the outside patio of a small restaurant. The view that he got when he picked his table was absolutely wonderful. He was able to look at the clean, beautiful city There were many vendors trying to sell their stuff in the streets but Akechi was far enough not to hear the noise. He casted his gaze at the calm blue ocean. It really was a gorgeous site during the daytime. It reminds him of the skies where he wasn't able to see the end of it.

He let out a sigh as he closed his eyes and breathed in the scent of the place. It was such a pleasant smell that he couldn't get enough of. The faint scent of the ocean air.

"Welcome to Crepelicious! My name is Elizabeth and I'll be taking care of you today. Would you like anything to drink for starters?" A human with a soft brown wavy hair, in the light, looked more auburn. It was a pretty look. Her smile looked genuine as she looked at him patiently for his order. With the atmosphere, he felt his guard dropped a bit as he gave a smile back.

"Can I order a Blue Mountain coffee?"

"Sure! I'll be right back with your order, I'll give you a minute with the menu. Let me know if you have any questions." She grinned as she turned and walked back into the restaurant to place his order.

He usually prefer his coffee on the sweeter side, so eating a sweet breakfast with a sugary caffeine drink might not be the best idea. He sighed as he looked longingly at a very delicious picture of some pancakes with various berry as toppings finished with some whipped cream on top before struggling to turn to the next page.

'Next time.' Akechi promised as he found another dish that he was interested in.

The server came back with his coffee and asked if he was ready to order. Akechi might have, just might have, stuttered when placing his order. He hasn't eaten pancakes in a while so he unconsciously started to say the word pancake before quickly switching his words to omelette with mushrooms.

She smiled as she wrote his order and left him alone as his face was still slightly flushed at his mistake. Thankfully she didn't laugh or giggle or he would have resorted to hide his face after she left, maybe ran out of the place depending on how severe her reaction was.

He returned to gazing out into the view as he blew on his coffee to cool it before taking a small sip, savoring the taste. It was delicious, but it needs a bit of sugar. As he open a packet of sugar and pours in a small amount, he looks out into the city again as he picked up his spoon and slowly stirred his coffee. Auguste Isles was a beautiful place to visit, Akechi would love to come back eventually for a real vacation.

He watched as a child asked his parents for something from a random vendor. He tugged his father's shirt as he begged and the parents laughed before giving in and bought him the item. It turns out to be a small plush of the Primal Beast, Leviathan, guardian of the seas for this island. The scene was overall very cute, but at the same time, Akechi felt a deep feeling of envy and jealousy for that kid.

Something that was so normal to everyone, the ability to spend time with their family and make happy memories, Akechi only got a brief glimpse of it before his mother passed away. He doesn't blame her or anything for her choice. He was just upset that she didn't think about him when she chose to take her life.

Akechi always avoided walking outside in public during holidays and summer vacations. He doesn't want to see all of the happy families walking together, holding hands, laughing while he was all alone. He still couldn't stop thinking about his past whenever he saw a happy family. Why wasn't he able to get that too? Out of all the people, why did his mother have to choose to love Shido? Akechi wanted to scowl. Everything always lead back to him. He couldn't wait until everything is over and he can finally close the chapter of his past and finally look forward to his future.

While the family eventually walked into the crowd, away from his sight, Akechi chose to crack open his book that he brought along for the trip. He doesn't want to see another family enjoying themselves if he could help it.

The server came back with his food and place the plate down gently before asking if he needed anything else. He declined and she left him with his meal.

The meal tasted wonderful with his coffee. Akechi was so thankful that he got used to the taste of coffee for the past year and was able to enjoy the meal.

He smiled as he slowly cut the omelette into bite-size pieces and placed one into his mouth. The taste was just right, extra salt was not required to be added. The mushrooms added a great texture to the food and gave the omelette more depth in terms of flavor.

Now that he thought about it. Maybe he should've snapped a picture of the food and drink and put it up on his food blog. It was worth commenting and recommending the place. Since his fans were all back in Tokyo (he doubted he was well-known outside Japan), he didn't think about taking a picture for his blog. Well, this island is known as a hot destination for a vacation spot, so it wouldn't hurt to recommend it he suppose. Since he was planning on staying here for awhile, he might as for a refill of his coffee and take a picture of the drink at least.

Akechi took his phone out and snapped a picture of the cute interior of the restaurant. He placed his phone onto the table before proceeding to finish his meal. It didn't take long before his plate was empty.

He wiped his mouth delicately with a napkin as he placed his fork on the plate.

The server was very quick on taking his plate away and asking if he required anything else which he responded for a refill of his coffee.

Akechi returned to reading the book and opened to the most recent page he was on. He usually likes reading fantasy stories. The way authors' would get creative with their writing and worldbuilding always managed to amaze him.

The latest story he was reading was about what the Crimson Horizon would look like in modern times. The author's version of what the place looks like sounds intriguing. The world underneath was all connected by sea. People would be able to travel to each island by boat instead of airship and some islands were so huge that they have everything; volcanoes, forests, lakes, snow all put together! They had what was called four seasons, which was a period of time when the temperature of place changes according to how far the place was from the sun. Winter was when the island was furthest away from the sun, making the area cold and summer is the exact opposite.

The story itself wasn't too exciting compared to the worldbuilding, however the author's attention to minor details kept Akechi turning to the next page.

"Oh fancy seeing you here today. How's the drink?"

Akechi glanced up, wondering who—oh, never mind. If it wasn't considered impolite, he would've ignored the person and went back to reading. Instead, he let out a dazzling smile as he replied,"Good afternoon. The coffee here is actually quite good. I ordered a Mountain Blue. I'm now curious how Kona tastes like."

' Just pretend I don't know his identity as a Phantom Thief.'

"Mountain Blue eh?" The stranger let out a grin.

"...what?"

"If you picked Mountain Blue rather than Kona to try first, then you must have a sweet tooth." His grin grew wider as his glasses reflected the sun and hid his eyes.

"W-what?!" Akechi felt his face become red. Where did that come from? It was true, but why would he suddenly say that?

"Well Mountain Blue tastes sweet and usually creamy with little to no bitterness. People usually don't need to add in extra sugar or cream to it compared to instant coffee, but seeing as how you added more sugar, it's safe to assume that you have a sweet tooth." The stranger eyed the opened sugar packet that was sitting innocently next to his drink.

...it wasn't like he was ashamed of his sweet tooth per say, but he don't know how to feel that some stranger found out personal information about him right off the bat. There was no use in denying it since he seems to have a lot of knowledge regarding his coffee.

'It's not that big a deal.' He thought, trying to make light of the situation.

"What an interesting deduction." He said, choosing not to confirm or deny it.

"Ha ha, it's cute."

Akechi wonders if this guy gets a kick out of this, trying to make him turn a permanent shade of red. He took a sip of his coffee, he wasn't sure how to respond to this. If the guy isn't going to change the topic, Akechi will have to find an appropriate response that...doesn't revolve in punching the guy in the face. Oh, the struggle.

"So, what are you reading?" The guy laid his arms on top of the low white fence that was placed around the patio area.

' The real question is why are you still here?' he mentally yelled.

"Nothing much. Just a fantasy novel. The author has some captivating aspects to his storytelling." Akechi downplayed his current favorite fantasy author. He don't want this guy to learn more about him...especially since he's Joker.

"Mind telling me more about your book then?" He casually jumped over the fence as he took a seat next to Akechi. What.

'No. Go away.'

"Hm, I'm not sure if this story would be to your liking. The author likes putting a lot of details into his universe that it takes awhile to the plot to actually start." Which is true, but Akechi enjoys the book for that very reason.

"That's what makes or breaks a book I believe. If you can't start by making the setting believable and interesting, then how will you be able to draw in readers to the plot especially for a sci-fi or fantasy novel?"

"Exactly! I agree!" Akechi said enthusiastically as he leaned closer to the stranger before remembering that he shouldn't be acting very excited about a book he was suppose to be downplaying. "Ah," he coughed gently into his glove, "That's true."

His face flushed as he looked away. It was embarrassing how easily he managed to lose his composure. However the reason for that was because it seems like the public nowadays seem to enjoy books and movies that dive right into the plot and action. While it's not a bad thing, those stories in general doesn't have time to really explore the fictional universe. Akechi can't close his eyes and imagine being in that location because it's lacking too much in details so when he found someone who agrees with his viewpoint, he got excited.

"Is something wrong?" The person tilted his head in confusion when Akechi went silent all of a sudden. Akechi guessed that the guy doesn't understand how much he unconsciously revealed about himself just now. The public has never seen him passionate about anything but justice (and that's not even the real him). Maybe he's not as perspective as Akechi originally thought.

"Ah, I just remember that I have an errand to do. Goodbye." He said as he drank the last of his coffee and put his book back into his bag.

"But you never told me anything about your book." He complained but his tone was light and teasing.

"Perhaps next time when we meet I suppose I can talk more about it, but I have to go now." He stood up from his seat and gave a smile as he began to walk back into the restaurant to pay.

"I'll be looking forward to the next time we meet then. See you!"

Akechi hesitated before nodding.

He was pretty confident that this person was Joker, although he was surprised on how different he was acting compared to his other self (not that he could say much about himself). There was no annoying jokes coming from him at all (although he did call Akechi cute though…). He seemed genuine about his curiosity when he was asking about Akechi's interests. Akechi felt like this version of him...he could be on decent terms with. Now if only Joker acted like that too, it would be great. Maybe that's why he was named Joker. All the pent up jokes from throughout the day just accumulate inside of him that when he reveals his true self, he just releases everything that was stored up. Ugh great. Akechi can't wait to hear more from Joker tonight.

Well no matter, this is only a one time deal anyways.

Guess he'll go sightseeing until it's time to meet up with everyone. Who knows when he will have time to come back to this island. Perhaps he'll visit the beach. He heard they make some good unagi down by a specific coast or maybe he could try another uni dish at a different location. Now he just to find out where exactly those places were. Akechi was leaning more towards unagi since he could give his co-workers dried eel as gifts. He definitely needs to buy something more fancy for Sae since he works alongside her on cases. Maybe she would enjoy the premium grilled eel gift set. It might hurt his wallet, but she has been patient and treats him with respect ever since he started working at the agency.

Well, hopefully the walk will make him hungry again to try out the dish.

After walking and pigging out on the famous local cuisine, Akechi headed back to his motel to drop off the gifts he bought for his co-workers.

It was about time to meet up with Joker and the Phantom Thieves. He feels a bit nervous, but he's unsure of the specific reason. It might be perhaps he's meeting up with people his age or it could be that someone will see his Persona and knows that it came from Akechi Goro. He hopes that Joker didn't reveal his identity to his teammates.

He sighs as he left his room and walked through the town, heading to the forest. There was still half an hour before the sun starts setting and there were many people walking around and checking out the food stalls and souvenir shops as he took in the sight. It felt lively that he felt he could easily be swept away by the atmosphere.

He doesn't notice it when he was in Tokyo, being too busy and all, but seeing how everyone was walking around with someone by their side made him realize how lonely he felt. Akechi gritted his teeth and started walking faster towards his destination, trying to concentrate on something else. He was unaware when exactly he got into the forest until he was already deep inside it. Luckily with the light still out, he was able to make it through the forest without any trouble. Akechi might have spent more energy otherwise by casting overpowered spells just because he was feeling irritated if he were to see any monsters at the moment. He called on Robin Hood just a few meters away from the abandoned weapons site as his clothes change into his white royal outfit.

' Time to face the notorious group.'

He climbed over a few bushes and saw the building and there they were. Crow was surprised that he arrived later than them, he glanced down at his watch. He was 15 minutes before the meeting time.

He was hoping that he would arrive earlier than them and use it as another reason to dislike Joker and reject his offer of joining the Phantom Thieves. It sounds petty, but he was willing to use the most minor issue and blow it up so it sounds like it's an important dealbreaker to him.

Crow looked at the group, he examined every single one of them and their Persona outfit. There was Joker in his...shining glory.

A blonde guy in a grey skull mask wearing a black jacket with matching pants consisting of gray elbow and knee pads and a red ascot.

A dark haired male with a traditional Japanese kitsune mask wearing a black high-collared jumpsuit with a striped sash worn across his hips. What was attached to his sash was...interesting. It was a white fox tail. He must really be influenced by kitsunes for his unconscious to create that outfit.

And the final person in their group was a...monstrous black cat?! It has a really big head that Crow was amazed on how it managed to lift it up. Its head is even bigger than its body! How was it possible?...it's a legit question! It looks more like one of those mascots on television AND IT'S TALKING!? The mouth is moving! Crow narrowed in the creature and confirm that yes, sounds were coming out of its mouth.

It had bright blue eyes and was wearing a yellow bandana but never mind that. How did they managed to get a monster on their side?! Crow didn't know there were monsters that could talk. Is it a monster? What is it? Crow has questions. A lot of questions. However, none of them could be answered by him hiding away so he took a deep breath and finally chose to reveal himself to them.

"You're late." Joker smiled.

' What?!' He looked at his watch and he saw that he was still 5 minutes early. Apparently he was gawking at the monster cat for 10 minutes...

"Ha ha. It's actually 6:55 so I'm not late yet." He gave a cold smile.

"Wow, you look like you're ready to stab someone. Eager to get started eh?" The guy with the skull mask said enthusiastically.

"...yeah. Sure, I can't wait to finally defeat the Shadow and ease the minds of Auguste Isles."

"No need to be so stuffy." ' S-stuffy?!' "It's okay to admit if you just want to kick some Shadow's ass just cause." The guy grinned as he practiced swinging his bat.

"Ha..ha." What can he say to that? If he kept continuing repeating his 'stuffy' words, he might irritate his new (temporary) allies, which might affect their teamwork. He looked over to Joker, hoping he would change the topic and introduce everyone.

"Skull, don't tease the new guy too much. We did eventually made Queen to relax around us. Probably going to be the same with him." Somehow he feels annoyed by those words.

"Anyway, let's me introduce everyone. This is Skull, he's cool." Joker pointed with the blonde guy.

"Hell yea I am." Skull rubbed his nose in embarrassment (or was it pleased?) as he placed the bat on his shoulder.

"This is Fox, he's also cool."

"It's nice to meet you. Your outfit is very interesting I must say. It's a nice combination of what a prince would wear and a military outfit."

' Not as interesting as yours' He thought. "Thank you."

"Finally, this is Mona, he's cute."

"CUTE?! I'm cool too!" The creature yelled as he hit Joker.

"Ow ow, yes you're cool too, but mostly just cute." He defended himself from the attacks before deciding to grab onto Mona's paws (could he call them paws or were they consider hands?) and lift him up. He grinned at Mona as he was hissed at.

"I'll get you back for this!" It yelled as it tried to kick him.

Crow laughed at this adorable site, it reminded him on how owners' tease their cats and Mona reacted just the same as an irritated one.

"Last but not least, this is Crow, our new teammate!" As he let Mona down. Mona glared at him as he ran and stood by Fox's side.

His laughter stopped abruptly when he heard that. "Not teammate! This is just temporary!" Why must Joker keep saying that? He flushed, he had an outburst in front of these strangers. They didn't seem to mind though as they looked at Joker.

"So we going to get the show on the road or we gonna start talking about everyone's hobbies now?" Skull asked.

"I wouldn't mind." Joker smiled. " My hobby is —"

"So I heard that you have a strategy to take down the Shadow." Mona talked loudly over Joker. "Mind telling us what it is?"

"Oh. sure." He was kind of surprised on how casual the Phantom Thieves acted around their leader. They behave as though he was more of a friend than a leader. It was strange, seeing how his only other experience with leaders was with Shido. Crow is not sure how he feels about this new version of attitude people have towards their leaders.

He asked everyone if they had an innate element, what kind of buff, and debuff they are able to provide. When everyone was providing this information, he revised his plan to include their specialties.

Crow nodded when he thought that he has a solid idea on how he wants to attack Ca Ong, he began explaining his plan. They all leaned in, eager to get started. Joker finally noticed that they weren't paying attention to him and pouted before finally listening in on the plan.

He felt useful. People were looking at him, asking him questions about a plan that he created. Crow felt warmth in his chest as they agree that the plan sounds good and were trying to see what are the best positions to fight the Shadow now. He sees why people make crews and teams if this is the feeling that they would get. The feeling that everyone is important and they have a contribution that only they could provide to the team. It as an addicting feeling that it makes him tempted to continue this alliance.

"Is everyone prepared?" Joker asked. When everyone confirmed, he gave a nod as he turned away, facing the monstrous Shadow flying a few hundred meters away from them.

"Let's go."

Crow was amazed how effortlessly Joker took on the leader role, how different he was all of a sudden. He didn't think much of it until later on how so easily it felt to fall into place, walking with the group as Joker led the way as though he belonged with them for that moment.

"We did it!" Everyone cheered as they gave each other a high-five.

Akechi remained shocked. The fight ran more smoothly than he thought. Ca Ong didn't do any more special attacks that he and Joker hadn't encountered yet. He stood there dazed at how easy everything was as the Phantom Thieves were busy congratulating each other. He probably would've stood there in silence a little bit longer if someone didn't come behind him and suddenly slap his back. Hard.

"Hey new guy! Nice work on the battle plan!" Skull said as he pat his back a couple of times. He almost made Akechi fall forward with how much strength he put into his slaps, but he didn't seem to notice as he turned and walked towards Fox.

"Hey Fox! Did you get a good shot of me paralyzing the enemy? I hope you got a badass recording of everything. I wonder if Siero would be willing to make a copy for us. This is our best battle yet! Panther and Queen are going to be so jealous that they were left out of this." Skull said as he put his arms behind his head.

' So they have 2 more members that I haven't met yet…' Crow mentally note down as he turned his attention towards the Phantom Thieves' interaction with each other. Skull seems to be very physical with his interactions. No one seems to be shying away though, unlike Crow.

He couldn't prevent himself from flinching as a hand grasped onto his shoulder briefly before leaving.

"Good job out there. No one got any injuries from this fight. Your plan worked out perfectly."

Crow turned his head to look at Joker.

"...thanks." he said as he turned his head. Crow was not used to genuine compliments and wasn't sure what kind of expression his face would be making. He definitely doesn't want Joker to see it.

"You did a good job too. Everyone had an important part to play, that's why this fight went so smoothly." he admitted.

"Aw. Thanks~" An arm suddenly wrapped around his shoulders, pulling him into a loose hug to Joker. He couldn't help himself from tensing up.

He doesn't want to be a dipshit and ruin the moment by saying something while they were still celebrating just because he was a little uncomfortable.

'Endure it Akechi.' He thought as he grit his teeth together.

"Aw, is that a gun in your pocket or you're just happy being close to me?" He jokes as he squeezes Crow's shoulder. Their bodies were so close, one might even say they look like they were attached by the hip. But they weren't hugging front...to front.

' Fuck this asshole. This isn't worth the stupid jokes. ' Akechi jabbed harshly into the side of Joker. Joker immediately let go on Crow and grabbed his injured side as he gasped in pain.

Crow let a small smirk grow on his face before wiping all evidence of humor on his face.

"Oh goodness! Did the Shadow managed to get a hit in after all?" Crow put his hand over his mouth in 'shock' as he talked.

"Do you need a potion Joker? I don't know any healing spells." He shook his head sadly as he admitted the limitations of his knowledge. Crow leaned forward to 'look' at Joker's injury but he was actually concentrating on Joker's face. He didn't think he was a sadistic person, but Joker somehow rubs him the wrong way. While Joker likes to make stupid jokes, Crow enjoys sending that bastard into a world of pain. That's like an appropriate punishment right?

"Joker! I'll heal you! I still have a lot of Mana leftover from the fight!" The monster cat came running towards them.

"Ouch… no. It's fine." He grunted as he gave a pained smile.

"You sure Joker? We don't have any requests at the moment. I don't mind using my power." Mona said uncertainly as he held his hands up, ready to cast a spell.

' Requests?' he wonders as he put that information in the back of his mind.

"Yes, are you sure Joker?" Crow chirped cheerfully.

"Thanks for the concern guys, but it's nothing serious. The pain is pretty much gone now." He said as he straightened himself. He had something in his hand, before Crow could take a good look at what it was Mona said something to him.

Mona frowned before deciding to leave the situation alone. He turned to Crow and asked. "Hey Crow! Do you need any healing or anything?"

Crow blinked a few times in surprised. The battle was over, why would they still bother being nice to him when he doesn't have any physical injuries.

"Are...you not okay?" Mona scrutinized him more closely. "I'll take care of it!"

He held his hands out again, but now towards Crow.

He quickly snapped out of it and stated, "No! No, I'm fine!" As he shook his hands in the air.

"Thank you Mona." He let out a smile.

"You need to respond faster Crow, I got worried there for a second. Status effects especially mental ones are very dangerous even if they doesn't last long. You always got to be careful with them and get rid of them asap!" He lectures as he licked his hands...and proceeded to clean himself. What. He was getting scolded by a creature who was in the middle of cleaning himself? How...awkward.

'...well he does sort of look like a cat, a big headed monster cat, but nonetheless it's not totally out of the ordinary if he behaves like one too right?' Crow reasoned.

"I apologize. Thank you for your advice Mona." he said as he let a small bow towards the creature.

Mona puffed up at the compliment turning away from them.

"Fox, let me see the video too! I want to impress Ann-dono!" Mona ran off to Fox too.

"Keep dreaming cat!"

"I'm not a cat!"

"So what do you think? Isn't this fun? Doesn't it make you want to join the Phantom Thieves?" A voice came from his left.

"Hm." Crow put his hand to his chin, looking off to the side.

"Nope." He said cheerfully as he smiled at Joker.

"Dang, why did I fell for that again…?" Joker frowned in disappointment. He was hoping Crow would say yes after meeting most of the members and seeing how efficient their teamwork was. It would be interesting to see how Queen and Crow would plan their strategies on stealing the heart of their next target. Would they be able to work together or spend more time clashing with each other? It would have been fun to have him join, however, Joker doesn't see a way to convince him. He doesn't think annoying Crow would work again.

Joker sent him a sad face, eyes widening as he pouted at him. He doesn't know how effective this would be with his mask but he's got to try it anyways!

' What, what is he doing?' Crow thought as he shifted uncomfortably.

"Please?" Joker plead as he removed his mask, making his face fully visible, hoping that it's working.

"S-stop whatever you're doing. You're just making a weird expression."

"W-weird?!" Joker said aghast. Panther lied to him?! She said she swooned a bit when she saw it. Guess he has to practice on the mirror until he perfects the look then he thought determinedly.

"Told you Joker! That face doesn't work! Finally, someone who agrees with me." A hand casually grabbed his shoulder and pulled him close.

"Why was he pouting anyways? What is Joker trying to make you do?"

"He's trying to make me join the Phantom Thieves, I rejected his offer."

The hand suddenly disappeared from his side as Skull gave a confused "huh?"

Crow sighed a breath of relief. He doesn't know how to tell Skull to respect his fucking personal space.

He guess Joker didn't reveal his identity to his crewmates which he's thankful for.

"My personal views conflict with the Phantom Thieves. I want to believe in the system. But…" He felt embarrassed to say the continue his words. "...I suppose I wouldn't mind joining up once in a while to collect bounties."

"Aw, hell yeah!" Skull cheered.

Joker chuckles. At least it's not a total rejection. He could work with it. He put his right hand forward.

"I'm looking forward to our new relationship." He said with a wink.

"...yeah." 'must he use the word relationship?' He raised his hand to grip Joker's hand into a firm handshake.

"Welcome to the Phantom Thieves."

"I'm not a part of your team!" Crow shouted as his hand squeezes Joker's. It was getting somewhat painful, but Joker continued onwards.

"Not yet~ ow!" Joker didn't expect his foot to be stepped on.

Crow released his hand and raised it to his mouth, "oh dear, what's wrong Joker? You should tell Mona if you have any injuries. Perhaps I should call him over."

"Ack, no that's fi—"

Crow interrupted him before he could finish his sentence, "Mona! Joker still sustained some injuries! He needs some healing."

"Got it! Joker you liar!" The monster cat immediately ran back and casted a spell as he lectured Joker in the dangers of hiding his injuries.

Crow let out a soft laughter. Perhaps being in this alliance might be fun. He only agreed originally to gain more experience in fighting against monsters and Shadows. It was beneficial to have other people to watch his back just in case he messed up since he is still pretty new to this, but seeing how everyone casually behaves around one another makes him look forward to the next mission. It felt nice to be included and they seem to tolerate his presence at the very least so perhaps he could pretend for a moment that he was just a normal kid.

' I wonder how the rest of the other Phantom Thieves are like.' He let out a smile as he watched Mona continue to lecture Joker with Skull laughing in the background and Fox was...writing in a notepad? He even didn't notice where Fox was hiding it. How...intriguing.

Joker felt the presence of someone staring at him and met the firm gaze of Crow. He let out a smile as he stared at their 'new member'. This is only the beginning for the Phantom Thieves after all.

Outtake

"Hm, I'm not sure if this story would be to your liking. The author likes putting a lot of details into his universe that it takes awhile to the plot to actually start."

"I don't mind. It's like foreplay before you get to the good part. It's all going to be worth it in the end." He winks.

Akechi mentally gagged.

' Nope, I'm out of here.'

"Ha..ha…" He laughed weakly.

"Well...I need to go...somewhere." Akechi lifted himself out of the chair and ran into the restaurant to pay for the bill as the stranger watched him left, smirking.

Author's Notes:

Hmm looks like Joker and Crow's relationship right now is similar to Drang and Strum (the comedy part, trust level isn't that high yet).

I was debating on writing the fight with Ca Ong with the whole group but decided against it since it won't be much different from their first one.

I changed the last scene of the previous chapter. It makes more sense now since they were only in a temporary alliance compared to now.

Please let me know if there is any inconsistencies with my story.

SSR Joker is so OP. He's still on my main team. : D His voice might have influenced my decision.

Originally I was going to end this story here, but I had an idea on how to incorporate more Granblue stuff and characters into this story. Look forward to it everyone.