Persona 5: The Phantom Files

by sithlorde1988

Will cover the events of both Persona 5 Royal AND Persona 5 Scramble/Strikers. What happens when in addition to Ren being sentenced to go live in the care of Sojiro Sakura for a year after being sued for assault, his younger brother is also ordered to go and oversee him? How will this extra character change things? Read to find out! More info in chapter 1! Read and review! Enjoy!

51. Back to School! Trapped Heiress part 1

A/N: sithlorde1988 here with another chapter of Persona 5- The Phantom Files! As unlikely as it is, here we are at the start of arc 5 after the last chapter brought an end to arc 4, after a whopping 50 chapters into the story as a whole! So yeah, we're about to start off a new arc of the story. However, this arc, unlike arc 4, isn't exactly one I'm eager to get to, since this arc is basically the 'calm before the storm' sort of arc for this story in that it's going to start to really set up the more dramatic and tense parts of the Royal half of the story.

However, after this arc and probably at least part of arc 6, the story will gradually start to lighten up a tad (or as much as a Persona story can really lighten up anyways) so yeah that's a thing. That said, let's get the disclaimer out of the way while I'm thinking of it.

Disclaimer: sithlorde1988 does not own the Persona series as a whole in any way, shape, or form (aside from the OC Kusa/Draconis, who he made and thus does to some extent own, along with any other recurring OCs that appear in the story unless otherwise noted, including the reworked version of Akira Kurusu that appeared during arc 4) and all credit for owning the Persona series belongs to Sega, Atlus and to a point Koei Tecmo, so credit to them!

That said, on with chapter 51, and with it, the start of arc 5!

Chapter 51: End of Vacation! Back to Shujin! Trapped Heiress part 1

(In the attic of Leblanc with Ren and Morgana)

"Well, that was certainly an eventful day we just had, wouldn't you agree Ren?" Morgana asked Ren, who nodded as he spoke up.

"Indeed. Thinking about it, we don't have a lot of available options to hang out with tonight. I suppose since I've been avoiding it, I should hang out with Ohya." Ren said as Morgana nodded, and Ren fast-travelled to Crossroads after checking that he had a Devil arcana Persona on hand, which he had to detour to the Velvet Room to get. After he did that, he fast-travelled to Crossroads. After that, Ren walked up to Ohya, who turned around as she heard him approach, smiling at Ren as she spoke up.

"Oh, hey! So you came, Phantom Thieves believer. I wonder what's next, now that the Medjed case is over. But how the heck would you know, right? Riiiiiight? Have you heard any good gossip? My deadline's coming up, and I'm all out of material. Sit down. I'll treat ya." Ohya said as Morgana spoke up to confirm Ren's plans to hang out with Ohya, getting a confirming nod from Ren who turned to face Ohya as he spoke up.

"As you wish, Ohya-san." Ren said as Ohya blinked in surprise before speaking up.

"For real? From the look of it, you must have good info, huh? Give me details about the Kamoshida incident." Ohya said to Ren, who nodded and sat down before explaining as much of the Kamoshida incident as he could, while omitting any parts that could point to him or any of his friends being Phantom Thieves. When he'd finished, Ohya nodded as she spoke up, her expression conveying how pleased she was with the info.

"I see, I see. A bulletin board, huh? Was that really the only way the Phantom Thieves could think of to draw Kamoshida's attention? Eh, I guess it doesn't matter. That said, so the calling card they used for Kamoshida was different than the others. Now that's a scoop. That kind of information usually doesn't see the light of day. By any chance, do you have any photos or video of it?" Ohya asked Ren, who blinked before he spoke up to answer the question.

"I myself don't, but I think Mishima might have something like that?" Ren said uncertainly. Ohya did a closed-eye smile as she spoke up.

"Nice! You have some great connections. Hee hee. But seriously, the 'Phantom Thieves of Hearts'? They sound like kids on a playground, not valiant fighters for society, if you ask me. I mean, they act all high and mighty, but I'm not sure they're really worth very much in the end." Ohya said as Ren frowned before speaking up.

"You don't think so? But what about their justice?" Ren asked, unable to avoid being slightly offended at Ohya's remark about the Phantom Thieves not really being worth very much. To Ren's surprise, Ohya actually laughed at his question before she spoke up.

"Hah, that's hilarious! You think they're actually virtuous? In my line of work, there's no clearer sign of deception than goodwill. You know, like the shady actions of a charitable organization, or the actual criteria of a peace prize. Same goes for the Phantom Thieves. You just have to learn to take some things with a grain of salt." Ohya said as Lala decided to speak up at that point.

"C'mon, don't be such a downer in front of Amamiya-kun." Lala rebuked Ohya who huffed as she spoke up.

"Why? It's the truth." Ohya said cynically as Lala spoke up once more.

"There you go again, Ohya. You used to be so positive." Lala said as Ren blinked in surprise at this before Ohya huffed and spoke up.

"Oh, shut it! I don't care about the past!" Ohya said, one eyebrow raised in annoyance, which drew Ren's attention to the fact that Ohya had unusually small eyebrows. Ren shrugged it off, guessing that she probably plucked them or something. Ohya then kept speaking.

"But never mind that, Lala-chan. Gimme some sushi." Ohya said as Lala shook her head and spoke up.

"No can do. We're all out. But then I'm sure you knew that. Hey, why don't you go back to covering politics?" Lala suggested as Ohya huffed and spoke up.

"As you say, no can do. I've been permanently reassigned to the culture and entertainment department." Ohya said as Lala sighed and spoke up.

"Ugh, what a crappy company you work for. I mean, it's already been over a year since the incident." Lala said, making Ren blink before he gave Lala a confused look, prompting her to explain it to Ren.

"Oh, by the incident, I mean-" Lala said, only for Ohya to speak up and cut her off mid-sentence.

"Don't say another word. That has nothing to do with my source." Ohya rebuked Lala, who winced but nodded.

"Oh, you're right. I'm sorry." Lala said as Ohya spoke up.

"Urgh, dammit! I'm sobering up. Gimme a refill, Lala-chan!" Ohya said as Lala spoke up.

"Ugh, fine, fine. Geez, you're such a child sometimes." Lala said before turning to get Ohya her requested refill, as Ohya turned to Ren and spoke up.

"Hey, you wanna drink? You can have some of mine if you want." Ohya said as Lala turned around and spoke up.

"What was that!? AHEM." Lala said, scowling disapprovingly at Ohya for offering Ren a drink, making Ohya blink in surprise at Lala as she spoke up.

"Whoa, dang, Lala-chan. That's some scowl you've got." Ohya said in surprise before turning to Ren as she spoke up.

"Anyway, why are you coming to a bar if you can't even drink alcohol?" Ohya asked Ren, who looked at Ohya as he spoke up.

"If we're being honest? It's for the article. The last one you did was rather helpful." Ren said. Ohya, for her part, giggled as she spoke up.

"Haha, that's right! You're a true believer in the Phantom Thieves. Well, at least now I know you're gonna be pretty useful. I'm not all that interested in the Phantom Thieves myself, but keep the info coming, all right?" Ohya asked Ren, who nodded as he felt his bond with Ohya start to deepen somewhat. At that point, the 'Devil' card appeared in his mind's eye, the 'I' becoming a 'II' to signify that his Devil Confidant link with Ohya had reached Rank 2, even though no new skills were gained from the rank up. Afterwards, Ohya kept speaking, an annoyed look on her face.

"Hey! What's taking so long, Lala-chan!? I said, where's my drink!? Do they call you Escargo 'cause you move as slow as a snail?" Ohya said irately, making Ren wince at her tone, even as Lala just waved a hand dismissively as she spoke up.

"We're all out of booze, I'm afraid. A certain sloshed reporter drank it all." Lala said as Ohya gave Lala a closed eye smile while she spoke up.

"Can't you just go buy more? I'll wait for you, Lala-chan, Forever." Ohya said, making Ren blink as he didn't think Ohya swung both ways, but he shrugged it off, figuring that was her choice to make if she was bisexual or not, and really he couldn't judge her on that since Ann was the same way and he's still supportive of her just the same. Ohya then laughed, making Ren sweatdrop as he realized Ohya was joking with what she said next.

"Just kidding! Ahaha!" Ohya said while laughing. Ren winced but then shrugged, figuring he did his part this time by piquing Ohya's interest with stories of the Phanton Thieves' origins. At that point, he felt his Charm increase, even though it was already maxed out. At that point, Ohya spoke up as Ren stood to leave.

"You headin' home, kid? Well then, see ya later. Oh, and don't forget to bring me more juicy info, 'kay?" Ohya said to Ren, who nodded as he headed back to Leblanc, where he and Morgana got comfortable as they laid down for the evening, only for Ren's phone to ring as he went to lay down, which he answered, and to his surprise it was Ryuji.

"Hello?" Ren said as he answered the phone.

"Oh hey, Ren? I know this is out of the blue, but if it's possible, like, could we all meet up at Leblanc tomorrow?" Ryuji asked Ren, who spoke up in surprise.

"Well, I suppose we could. Granted, I'd have to get Futaba and Kusa over here beforehand, since they're both crashed out over at Boss' house last I checked. That said, why the sudden request, if you don't mind my asking?" Ren said conversationally. Ryuji seemed to hesitate before he spoke up again.

"I mean August is almost over already, as is summer vacation." Ryuji said as Morgana grinned before speaking up in an amused-sounding tone that Ryuji could hear.

"That worried tone he has makes me wonder, could he still have summer vacation homework to do?" Morgana asked as Ren shrugged, knowing it was very possible with Ryuji. Ryuji blinked in surprise as he spoke up.

"Was that Morgana!? Whoa, how did he know!?" Ryuji asked in surprise as Morgana winced before speaking up with a disappointed frown on his face.

"No way. I actually called it?" Morgana said as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"To be fair Morgana, even Kusa could've called that one, though we both know he'd have probably roasted Ryuji while doing so." Ren said knowingly. Ryuji then kept speaking.

"Anyway, I've already hit up Makoto and the others, aside from Kusa and Futaba, since I have a feeling they'd rather not be disturbed right now. And even I know better than to piss off Kusa if it's not warranted, even if Makoto is still learning that. I'll be countin' on you to get me through this tomorrow!" Ryuji said as Morgana winced and spoke up, his tone clearly disapproving while he spoke.

"You gotta be kidding. How has Ryuji not gotten that done by now? I can see him putting it off a bit, but to wait until the last couple days to not finish it!? That's both impressive and disappointing. At least you and Kusa finished your homework within the first few weeks of vacation. Granted, in Kusa's case, he had a lot of free time on his hands while he was recuperating from being jumped, so naturally it tracks that he would use said free time to get his homework caught up. That said, might as well get some sleep while we can." Morgana said as Ren nodded and got laid down for the evening...

(A bit later, in a dream, unknown location)

A distorted puddle of red and black could be seen bubbling as a vicious looking creature rose from the puddle, bearing a distinct resemblance to a certain not-cat. At that point, said not-cat shot up with a gasp as he looked around, his reaction making it clear that the previous scene was a nightmare of his.

"Whoa, what the!? That black thing was, was it me? No. No, that can't be true. I'm supposed to be human, aren't I? At least, I should be human." Morgana said worriedly to himself as he kept speaking.

"If we get rid of the distortion in the depths of Mementos, I'm sure I'll figure things out. And I'm sure it'll all be fine!" Morgana said to himself as Ren's eyes blearily cracked open to look up at the not-cat in confusion, making Morgana wince as he spoke up.

"Oh, sorry Ren. Did I wake you up?" Morgana asked Ren, who smiled and spoke up.

"You did, but don't worry about it. More importantly, what's wrong? You look like something's bothering you." Ren said to Morgana. Morgana, for his part, blinked at Ren's genuine concern for him as he spoke up in surprise.

"Oh, um, it's nothing. To be honest, my sunburns were hurting, and that woke me up! I was absorbing all the sunlight because I'm black! Don't you get it?" Morgana asked Ren, who chuckled as he spoke up.

"Pretty sure the only part of you that could be sunburnt is those paws of yours, but I digress. Are you okay?" Ren asked, deciding not to make the pun he'd thought of about Morgana being burnt black. Morgana winced as he spoke up, not expecting such sincere and genuine concern from Ren.

"Oh, um, I'm not sure what to do when you give me an honestly concerned response like that, Ren. I appreciate it, though. I think I'm more used to things like that from Kusa, though, to be honest. By the way, it's not like I'm bothered by this or anything, Ren, but hypothetically speaking, okay? What would you do if I turned out to be some weird non-human thing?" Morgana asked as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"You say that like you expect it to bother me or something. The truth is, I'd just shrug it off and accept it. And I know Kusa would do the same. I don't think you get it yet, but even if we've been at odds from time to time, since you've come to stay with the two of us, you've slowly become something of a fixture in our lives. And, as much as I never thought I'd say this, you really have been like something of a mentor to us both, even if it's moreso been to Kusa.

Still, even if that was the case, I'd still respect and appreciate you, since you're still you, no matter what you turn out to be. And I know for a fact Kusa would say the same, while also pointing out that no matter what you look like, or what you turn out to be, you've become like family to him, and if I'm being honest, to me as well." Ren said. Morgana winced as he spoke up, frowning at Ren while he spoke.

"Even so, I'd be bothered by it! But, thanks. If what I saw from earlier is true, is it okay for me to stay with the Phantom Thieves?" Morgana asked before frowning as he spoke up, looking worried as he spoke up.

"And even if I'm with the team, I'm useless at the moment as I am." Morgana said as Ren spoke up with a frown.

"You're not useless, Morgana. If this is about what Ryuji said to you before, ignore it. Ryuji's an idiot who doesn't know what he's talking about. Granted, he did have a point when he said that Futaba's been proving surprisingly useful to us so far. However, I disagree with him saying she was more useful than you. She might be good at navigating, but you're our main mode of transportation inside the Metaverse and Mementos. You're indispensable to the team in that respect, Morgana." Ren said as Morgana smiled before speaking up.

"I see. Oh, don't worry about it. It's nothing." Morgana said, smiling at Ren's sincere words, internally being moved by Ren saying that he and Kusa consider him like family. Morgana then spoke up after a bit.

"Well, I've gotten pretty used to my life as a cat too. And to be frank, this storage room isn't bad either. Then again, I can't wait to turn back to being a human so I can move out." Morgana said as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"You wouldn't have to move out if you turned back into being a human, you know. Granted, we'd have to get another bed put in, since I doubt me or Kusa would still want to share a bed with you if you did turn back to being a human. It's one thing to share with you as you are now, but quite another to share with you as a human." Ren said with a slightly embarrassed wince. Morgana chuckled as he spoke up.

"True. Maybe I'll live a life of luxury in a suite on the highest floor of a building somewhere. And I know I don't have to, but I'd want to, since I feel like you wouldn't want me underfoot freeloading all the time at that point." Morgana said before frowning as he kept speaking.

"But rather than becoming some weird thing, maybe staying as a cat isn't so bad either, maybe." Morgana said before he turned to Ren and kept speaking.

"You and I, and Kusa who's not here right now, made a deal, yeah? That means I can stay here as long as I want, isn't that right?" Morgana said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, that's correct. You're not trying to back out of it now, are you?" Ren asked, his tone a mix of confused, slightly hurt, and surprised. Morgana nodded as he spoke up.

"Thought so. And no, I'm not trying to back out of it. I was just curious. Still, don't forget what you just said, okay?" Morgana asked Ren, who nodded as he gently lifted Morgana up to sit him on his stomach so he could look him in the eyes as he spoke up.

"Absolutely not. I would never forget saying what I just said, Morgana. I'm sorry you feel that I would do that, but I'd never do that to you, if only because Kusa would never let me hear the end of it if I did. But then, I think we both know he has more of a soft spot for you than he wants to admit to. It's not to the level of fondness he has for Futaba, naturally, but I think he's quite fond of you just the same, as am I." Ren said as he gently gave Morgana some reassuring pats on the head, enjoying the contented purrs the not-cat was giving off as he smiled, feeling his bond with Morgana get deeper.

At that point, the 'Magician' card appeared in his mind's eye, the 'VI' becoming a 'VII' to signify that his Magician Confidant link with Morgana had reached rank 7. As a result of the rank-up, Morgana gained the ability to use 'Harisen Recovery', much like Ryuji and Ann both had gained previously. Afterwards, Morgana spoke up around purrs as he smiled at Ren.

"Thank you. It's nice to know you do care. That said, c'mon, let's hurry up and get to sleep. Night, Ren." Morgana said as he curled up on Ren's chest before speaking up once more.

"It'll be fine, right?" Morgana asked Ren who shrugged while draping an arm around Morgana as the two got comfortable for the night...

(The next day, in the lower level of Leblanc with Ren, Kusa, Ryuji, Yusuke, Sojiro, Morgana, Futaba, Ann, and Makoto)

"Whew, I'm done, finally." Ann said as Ryuji spoke up, moaning a bit as he spoke up.

"Ugh, as for me? If we're being honest, I'm done FOR." Ryuji said as Kusa laughed and spoke up.

"Well, maybe next time you'll ask for help sooner, Ryuji. I'll give you a pass this time, since we did have extenuating circumstances that would make it difficult for you to ask for help before now, but from now on don't put things off until the last minute. You don't see me or Ren doing that. And that might be why Ren was in the top 10 of your year scorewise, while I was runner-up in mine.

Though if Taba over there had been in my year too, I might well have been bumped down to third in the year score-wise." Kusa said, giving Futaba a fond smile as he looked over to where Futaba was idly giving comforting pets to a purring Morgana, which both confused and surprised Kusa that Futaba had allowed the not-cat to hop up into her lap in the first place, but he was just as glad to see the two getting along. Futaba, for her part, chuckled as she spoke up.

"Good point, Kusa. Heh, talk about a cliched way to end your summer vacation." Futaba said as Makoto spoke up with a huff.

"I can't believe you hadn't even touched your homework until last night, Ryuji." Makoto said as Kusa spoke up.

"No offense to Ryuji, but I totally can. Or need I point out he was the one of us who literally chose to spend his study time gaming during the exams? Though I suppose his methods aren't lacking in effectiveness since he did pass his exams, even if he wasn't as high up on the scoring chart as the rest of us, so I suppose in the end his method is a workable one, if a sub-optimal method in fairness." Kusa pointed out sagely. Ann nodded, chuckling as she spoke up.

"That's true, Kusa. Well, everyone's free to spend their time as they choose. I guess SOME PEOPLE just can't help themselves." Ann said as Ryuji huffed and leaned back in his seat contritely as he spoke up.

"Ugh, I'm sorry, all right? I can't help that I was more worried about making sure we took care of our work before I worried about homework. And I'm sure Kusa, for one, isn't complaining, given how well it worked out for Futaba." Ryuji said as Kusa spoke up.

"You're not wrong, Ryuji. At the same time though, I'll thank you not to just use me and Taba as examples like that out of nowhere. And speaking of all that, sorry for snapping at you so harshly before, Makoto. I could've been a bit less angry and emphatic in my rebuking of you, but in my defense, I tend to be a bit more prone to irrational anger when it comes to sticking up for those I care about and/or consider myself close to.

And if it's not obvious by now, Ren, Taba and Morgana-sensei, along with Boss, are some of the people in this room I feel the closest to, if that makes sense. However, I do not apologize for being protective of them, since that was the right thing to do, even if I could have done it a bit more professionally." Kusa said to Makoto, surprising most everyone with his sincere apology. Makoto just nodded her acceptance of Kusa's apology as Sojiro spoke up in Ryuji's defense, to Kusa's amusement.

"Come on, I think he's learned his lesson. More importantly, why don't you folks take a break?" Sojiro said, as Kusa smirked and spoke up.

"Thank you, Boss. Maybe we will. And for the record, Makoto and Ryuji? This sort of thing is why I always have said that Boss is truly a good man. He's not only forgiving, but he doesn't hold grudges. I'll admit I could stand to take a few cues from him with regard to the latter of those two things, but even so, let it be known that Boss is a good man." Kusa said sagely. Makoto nodded as she spoke up.

"Yes, fair enough. I apologize for my erroneous accusations of Boss being abusive of Futaba. That said, if you have time when we're done here Kusa, I do actually have to speak to you with something regarding school." Makoto said to Kusa, who nodded as he spoke up.

"I think I can make some time for you after we're done here, Makoto. If nothing else, I owe that to you after how savagely I snapped at you recently." Kusa said agreeably, as Futaba smiled at Kusa trying to make nice with Makoto. Ryuji grinned at Sojiro as he spoke up.

"Boss! You're a lifesaver!" Ryuji said gratefully as Sojiro chuckled and nodded.

"So you say. Hey Ren, can you and Kusa mind the shop for a bit? I'm gonna go pick up some groceries." Sojiro said, getting nods from Ren and Kusa as he left to do just that. Afterwards, the newscaster spoke up from on TV.

"The sports club has aggressively applied kinesthesiology to their team's practices. By incorporating their lab's findings on human effiency into the training regimen, they've developed a..." The newscaster said as Ann cut him off by speaking up, the newscaster reminding her of something she'd recalled.

"Hm? Oh, that reminds me. Isn't there a female athlete from our school who's made the news?" Ann asked as Makoto spoke up, neither seeing the subtle grin on Kusa's face as he had a pretty good idea of who Ann meant, but was waiting to mention it so he could use it to roast Ren a bit for fun.

"An athlete? Do you mean the one in gymnastics?" Makoto asked Ann, who nodded as she spoke up.

"Yeah, her! The one everyone's saying is super-cute!" Ann said as Ryuji blinked in recollection as he spoke up.

"Oh yeah. Her name was Yoshizawa, right? Wasn't she gonna be in the summer meet? Or izzat already over?" Ryuji asked as Kusa grinned and spoke up.

"I think she was selected to be in that, yes. However, I'm sure one of us here might know the specifics of that given how close he is to her. Isn't that right, Ren? Or did the subject of her athletics not come up when you and her went out those two times while I was in the hospital?" Kusa asked Ren teasingly, a grin on his face that Ryuji matched as Ren spoke up.

"Shut the eff up, Kusa. And yes, as a matter of fact, it did come up. It ended while you were staying with Boss and Futaba, actually. However, suffice it to say it didn't go that well. I had to comfort her afterwards, which was why I had to bail on Yusuke and Ryuji the day of that food festival you and Futaba saw on TV. And you have no room to tease me about going out with Yoshizawa, when you're the one already practically sharing a bed with Futaba, even if all you two might do is cuddle. You're still closer to intimacy than I am." Ren said smugly as Kusa and Futaba both sputtered in surprise at Ren's words before the former huffed and spoke up.

"Touche. However, even if Futaba and I have cuddled on the hide-a-bed a good bit, that's all we've done aside from her kissing me casually once. We both agreed that we're going to take our time getting closer to one another, see how comfortable we are with one another as we move towards making any big steps. Granted, we're also still more or less friends, though I feel like we both know we might see each other as a bit more than that." Kusa said sagely. Makoto spoke up at that point with a wince.

"Ah, about that meet..." Makoto said, trailing off uncertainly as Yusuke blinked and spoke up.

"Makoto?" Yusuke asked Makoto uneasily. At that point, Kusa blinked, as he noticed that somewhere along the way, Morgana had hopped out of Futaba's lap and scooted in to sit in-between Ren and Ryuji, to Kusa's surprise. Makoto winced as she spoke up.

"Well, I just happened to hear a couple teachers discussing it when I was heading to school the other day. Yoshizawa-san's results in the meet? They weren't exactly stellar." Makoto said as the others frowned before Ann spoke up.

"I see, I think?" Ann said as Makoto spoke up uneasily.

"There seemed to have been a great many people expecting her success there. It's got to be tough for her, having so much pressure on her." Makoto said as Ren huffed and spoke up.

"That's an understatement, Makoto. She was almost in tears that time I had to comfort her. Apparently, those results brought back a few painful memories for her. Luckily, I was able to cheer her up by reminding her that she shouldn't put too much stock in what the masses think of her, and more into doing the best she can do, and being able to be proud of herself for getting selected for the team at all.

I thought she was actually going to cry at one point, but luckily she didn't. Still, I do not agree with the pressure that's being put on her. I was seriously close to asking her who was pressuring her so I could go have some sternly-phrased words with people about not putting pressure on those who don't deserve it." Ren said bluntly as Kusa chuckled while speaking up.

"That tracks. You're about as protective of Yoshizawa as I am of Taba. So of course you'd want to see her happy." Kusa said sagely. Ryuji nodded while speaking up.

"Yeah, I can understand that, being a former athlete myself, even if it was just as a runner. Ain't there one more meet left this year in gymnastics, though? Shit must be rough now, but if she can nail that one, who cares what anybody at school says?" Ryuji asked as Ren spoke up.

"She shouldn't care about that in the first place. But I agree, Ryuji. If she can do her best at that meet, she should be able to go forward with her head held high, knowing she gave it her very best shot, no matter the outcome." Ren said sagely as Kusa nodded.

"Exactly. If I can bounce back from being jumped, and Ryuji can bounce back from his leg injury, Yoshizawa can bounce back from an off meet. She's resilient enough for it." Kusa said wisely as Ann spoke up.

"Oh. That also reminds me..." Ann said as the others looked at her in confusion before she kept speaking.

"So, I just so happened to bump into Mishima-kun before summer vacation started." Ann said as Ryuji spoke up expectantly.

"And?" Ryuji asked. Ann shrugged as she shook her head while speaking.

"He seemed really mad. I asked him what was wrong, and he showed me some posts on an underground site about our school. It pretty much said the school's planning to abandon any honors student who isn't actively making Shujin look better." Ann said as Ren and Kusa's jaws dropped as they spoke up in unison.

"WHAT!? FOR REAL!?" Ren and Kusa asked at the same time, getting chuckles from the others as Ryuji spoke up.

"Whoa, wait a second here." Ryuji said as Ann kept speaking.

"There was no name, and it sounded like just another rumor at first. But I have to wonder, could this be about Yoshizawa-san?" Ann asked as Ren spoke up.

"I could see it being about her. And if that's true, screw Shujin for putting that kind of pressure on her. She's been nothing but great to that school, and they'd throw her under the bus just to save their own reputation!? I do not agree with that. Apologies to Makoto, since I know she's a fan of Shujin, but even she has to realize that's not okay." Ren said huffily as Kusa nodded his agreement and spoke up.

"Agreed. As it is, it's bad enough they'd do that to her after the fucked-up situation Ren and I had to rescue her from the day of the clean-up. I swear, I was about ready to kick that guy's ass too. However, Ren stopped me by pointing out that the bigger picture was making sure Yoshizawa was okay, and he was right to do so. Doesn't mean I won't reserve the right to sock that douche if he ever tries that again, though. Luckily, Ren's done a pretty good job of keeping her happy." Kusa said approvingly. Makoto nodded as she spoke up.

"I agree with you, Kusa-kun. Putting pressure on a student like that is not at all okay. And to what you asked Ann, who knows?" Makoto said as the group looked at her while she kept speaking.

"Still, ever since the case with Kamoshida went down, the school's been frantically trying to improve its' public image, right? At the very least, the abandonment of honors students would fall in line with the school's real mission." Makoto said as Kusa frowned before he spoke up.

"No offense Makoto, but since you yourself are an honors student, aren't you worried they could do that to you as well once they got done kicking Yoshizawa to the curb, so to speak? After all, Ann said that post she read said they planned to abandon, and I quote, 'Any honors student who isn't actively making Shujin look better'. And while you're doing great things in your position as student council president, are enough of them actively making Shujin look better, that they wouldn't turn the crosshairs on you next?" Kusa pointed out. Makoto blinked in surprise as she spoke up.

"That is actually quite possible, Kusa-kun. I didn't consider that. Back on topic, I can't deny the possibility they would do this to Yoshizawa-san, unfortunately." Makoto said as Futaba frowned and spoke up.

"They dump all their hopes onto their athletes, and if they don't cut the mustard, they're out like the rest of the trash, huh?" Futaba said as Kusa spoke up.

"Good way to put that, Taba. And you're not wrong. I vaguely recall Kobayakawa mentioning at mine and Ren's orientation that they were the only school that would take in Ren after his record got him kicked out of his previous school, which is bull. So I could easily see them being more concerned with their image than with what's right." Kusa said. Yusuke nodded as he spoke up.

"Exactly, Kusa. You raise a good point. That said, regardless of whether it's true or not, such behavior is extremely self-serving." Yusuke said as Ryuji huffed and spoke up.

"Tch, is that right? Just like we've thought this whole time, am I right? There's still tons of shit wrong with society." Ryuji said as Morgana spoke up from between Ren and Ryuji.

"Yeah, that's true. We don't know what'll happen to Yoshizawa's spot on the team, but I know Ren won't let her suffer alone if something does happen, at least. But at the very least, we can keep up our efforts to prevent the worst-case scenario." Morgana said as Kusa frowned and nodded.

"Yeah, her getting thrown under the bus for the sake of Shujin covering its' own ass, much like what happened to Ren before." Kusa said sagely. Ren nodded his agreement as a somber silence overtook the group as they kept studying before dispersing for the evening, Kusa walking Futaba home after pulling Makoto to the side to talk to her...

(That evening, with Ren, Morgana and Kusa in Leblanc)

"Next up, our spotlight's on a topic everyone's talking about: the Phantom Thieves incidents!" The newscaster said as Ren turned to face the TV as the newscaster kept speaking.

"The Phantom Thieves shocked the world by silencing a globally notorious hacktivist group. Their popularity goes beyond our own borders, with foreign media following them closely as well. Many are heralding them as 'dark heroes' and 'gentleman thieves for a new age'." The newscaster said as Morgana spoke up from inside of Ren's bag.

"Whoa, Ren. This is getting pretty crazy. So the whole world really knows about us!" Morgana said as Kusa nodded and spoke up as he walked in.

"Yep, seems like it, Morgana. Though I don't know that I agree with what we do being called 'incidents'. But it is what it is." Kusa said sagely as Ren nodded. At that point, Sojiro huffed and spoke up.

"Man, it's hot! Enough already, damn it! This heat can stop any time!" Sojiro said. He then kept speaking.

"All anyone talks about anymore is the Phantom Thieves. Who they are, whether they're good or bad, and so on. It's really starting to give me a headache, to be honest." Sojiro said as Ren and Kusa winced at his remark before their phones went off to signify a group chat with Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, and Futaba, with Ryuji sending the first response, as he so often did.

"So the more famous we get, the more Mementos opens up, yeah?" Ryuji sent as Kusa sent a response.

"That's the theory, at least. Though I still think it ties into us changing people's hearts moreso than us getting famous, if I'm being honest. If I'm right, there should be another area confirmed when we go back since we managed to not only change Taba's heart, but bring her onto the team." Kusa sent. Ryuji sent a response.

"Right, I getcha. I can't get that outta my head, to be honest." Ryuji sent as Futaba sent a response that made Kusa chuckle while reading it.

"And that's why you couldn't focus on your homework until today, right?" Futaba sent as Kusa sent a response.

"That's only part of it, if I had to guess. I'm sure part of it was also because we were busy changing your heart, Taba. So he gets at least a bit of slack for procrastinating, this time." Kusa sent. Ryuji then sent a response.

"Yeah, exactly! Kusa gets it! And you're not wrong either, Futaba." Ryuji sent as Makoto sent a response at that point.

"Sounds like an excuse to me." Makoto sent as Ann sent a response.

"Still, I've been wondering about that too. I wonder why it works like that? Does Morgana know anything?" Ann sent as Kusa blinked, before turning an inquiring glance to the not-cat in question, who frowned as he spoke up to answer Ann's question.

"I don't know, to be honest. I don't even remember how I first learned about Mementos, to be honest." Morgana said as Kusa nodded and spoke up.

"True, you're still missing a bunch of your memories, aren't you Morgana? Even so, I'm sure you'll get them back eventually." Kusa said reassuringly to Morgana. Ren then sent a response.

"He says he doesn't remember. Of course Kusa, for his part, wasted no time comforting him, because he can." Ren sent as Kusa and Makoto sent responses close together, Makoto's coming through first.

"I see, well that's unfortunate. Then there's no way for us to find out." Makoto sent as Kusa's response came through.

"OI! Excuse me for wanting to make Morgana feel better, Ren. And to what you said Makoto, I think only time will really answer our question of how Mementos works." Kusa sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"I concur, Kusa. It will likely become clear if we continue on as the Phantom Thieves. The most important thing now is the identity of that criminal using the Metaverse." Yusuke sent as Futaba sent a response that had Kusa blinking as he read it.

"That might be the person who killed my mom! I'm gonna find them, no matter what it takes." Futaba sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Seriously!? If that's true, that's even more reason to want to find this scumbag and deal with them. And if my theory about their identity is right? All the better, since it means I was wise to not trust them this entire time. Not that I hold it against Ren for wanting to have a friendship with the guy, or against Makoto for making nice with him for her sister's sake." Kusa sent as Makoto sent a response.

"How mature of you, Kusa-kun. That said, you know, we used to be lacking in quite a few areas before, such as hacking, internet savvy, and navigation to a point. But now that we have Futaba helping us, a great number of possibilities are now available." Makoto sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"Yes, we gained a fantastic addition to our team in the most unexpected manner." Yusuke sent as Futaba sent a response that had Kusa frowning as he read it.

"Aw, you're making me blush!" Futaba sent as Ann sent a response.

"We'll be counting on you, Futaba!" Ann sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Yusuke's making you blush, Taba? That's a first. No offense, Yusuke. But I guess it's all just as well, if it makes Taba happy." Kusa sent before frowning as he read the reply Ryuji sent.

"This feels way better than having some dumb cat guide us!" Ryuji sent as Kusa glared at the screen and sent a response.

"What did you just call Morgana, Ryuji!?" Kusa sent in a tone that had Ren, Yusuke, Makoto, Ann, Morgana, and Futaba all wincing as they read his response, Ren putting his phone away as Morgana winced and spoke up.

"Ugh, dammit Ryuji!" Morgana said as Kusa huffed and headed upstairs with Ren. After getting upstairs, Kusa flopped down on the sofa and huffed while he spoke up.

"Is Ryuji really that effing stupid as to insult Morgana like that where we can all see!? That moron! And to think we just helped his ungrateful ass study. Hmph! Some way of showing gratitude he has!" Kusa said huffily as Ren spoke up.

"Cheer up, Kusa. We both know he's wrong. Morgana is neither dumb nor a cat, strictly speaking. And even if he was, IF being the keyword there, I'm sure he knows we still respect and appreciate him just the same. But let's change the subject to something not as frustrating, yeah? Like, what did Makoto want to talk to you about?" Ren asked Kusa, who blinked before smiling as he recalled the chat he and Makoto had had.

"Oh, right. That. That's a bit of a long, but interesting, story. You wanna hear about it?" Kusa asked Ren, who nodded as he spoke up.

"If I didn't, would I have asked about it?" Ren pointed out as Kusa chuckled and spoke up.

"Touche, Ren. Good point. Well, as I said, it's a bit of a long story. But it goes like this..." Kusa said as he flashed back on his and Makoto's chat earlier that afternoon...

(Flashback, a few hours previous with Kusa and Makoto, Kusa's POV)

"So, what did you want to talk about, Makoto? I did say I'd make time for you, but I couldn't exactly free up too large of a chunk of time, just in case Taba needs me. But I will at least hear you out." I said to Makoto, knowing I owed it to her to at least hear her out before making an opinion one way or the other on what she had to say, considering how much I've been biting her head off, so to speak, of recent. Makoto smiled at me as she spoke up.

"Ah, yes, I'm glad you asked. You see, I meant to ask about this before, but well, other stuff came up and I knew it could wait. Anyways, the thing is, our initial choice for male first-year student council member, while they accepted the post initially, after a bit, they stopped coming to meetings, and after a while, they finally called me up to resign from their post, citing that they didn't feel prepared to handle that sort of responsibility, which while frustrating to hear, is also understandable.

Either way, it leaves us with an opening on the student council. As for how that pertains to you? Well, given how mature, open-minded and wise you've been proving to be recently, I thought you'd be a good choice to fill the open spot of male first-year student council member. So my question to you is this: Would you be interested in joining the student council? I know this is a bit sudden, but I can't think of many, if any, better choices, to ask.

So will you do it? You'd be doing me a big favor if you did, since it saves me, and the entire student council, having to scramble for other males to ask. And because the spot is specifically for males, we can't ask Yoshizawa, who would've been our other choice, to fill the spot." Makoto said to me, making me blink at her in surprise before I spoke up.

"Okay, so let me make sure I understand you correctly. You had your male first-year council member quit on you, and because you were impressed with me, you decided I'd make a good replacement? Do I have that about right?" I asked Makoto, who nodded. I then kept speaking after a moment.

"I see. Well, Makoto, to be honest with you? I wasn't considering joining anything at first. But, well, I do owe you a bit after how rude I've been to you lately. So if you need a new council member, I don't see why I can't fill the spot for you. However, keep in mind I'll have to restructure my schedule a tad so I can fit the meetings in, since if I'm going to do this, I mean to do it properly. You should hopefully realize it by now, but I'm the type of guy that makes sure that if they do something, they do it right, not just half-ass it.

Granted, this is going to slightly cut into my hang-out time with Taba, but that was probably gonna happen regardless once school started back up. So to your question? Yes, I'll do it. But only because it's YOU asking. Had it been any of the others, I might have been quite a bit more hesitant, but as it's you, someone I consider a friend, who's asking, I'll do it." I said, making Makoto smile in relief as she spoke up.

"Thank you, Kusa! You have no idea how much of a relief that is to hear!" Makoto said to me as I spoke up.

"Don't thank me, yet. I still reserve the right to ream anyone I hear talking smack about Ren, any of our friends, or Yoshizawa. I won't put up with that, as you should well know by now. Is that fair?" I said to Makoto, who thought about it and nodded.

"As long as you can try to keep the amount of punches thrown to a minimum, I can agree to that. After all, we prefer our council members to think first and punch second, where possible." Makoto said sagely to me and I nodded understandingly before I spoke up.

"That's fair. I'll try to reign that impulse in." I said to Makoto, who nodded and spoke up.

"Very well. In that case, welcome to the student council, Kusa." Makoto said to me, extending a hand out which I smiled and took as I shook the outstretched hand, speaking up as I did so.

"Thank you, Makoto. Or should I call you President Niijima when we're acting in our capacity as council members?" I said, realizing a detail that needed clarification. Makoto chuckled as she spoke up.

"Only if there's others around. When it's just us, you can still call me Makoto, as you've been doing." Makoto said as I nodded and spoke up.

"I see. Fair enough. I'll try to remember that. Well, here's hoping this works out well for both of us. Was that all?" I asked Makoto, who nodded. I then spoke up once more.

"Very well. In that case, I'll bid you good day, since Ren's probably waiting for me to walk Taba home and then get back to Leblanc." I said as Makoto nodded, and we went our separate ways for the day on that note...

(End flashback, back in the present with Ren, Morgana and Kusa, neutral POV)

"And there you have it. That's the story of how Makoto more or less recruited me to join the Student Council. And to be honest, I wasn't expecting that to be what she wanted to speak to me about. I half-expected it to be some reminder not to do anything to endanger Shujin's reputation, or some horse shit like that. But it is what it is." Kusa said to Ren, who blinked before he spoke up.

"Somehow, I can see you being on the Student Council. But I agree with you, she's asking quite a bit, hoping for you to not punch anyone who talks crap about one of us. I can't say I'd be able to show that same restraint." Ren said as Kusa laughed.

"And that's probably why you weren't invited to join Student Council. But that's for the best, since you have such little time for socializing as it is with all your Confidants." Kusa said as Ren nodded.

"Good point. Speaking of which, I might need to leave Morgana with you again tonight so I can go hang with another Confidant." Ren said as Kusa nodded and spoke up.

"As long as Morgana has no objections to it, I'm fine with that." Kusa said as Morgana smiled and spoke up.

"I can get behind spending some time with Kusa." Morgana said as Ren nodded, fast-traveling to Central Street to do some shop-checking, stopping off in Station Square to check his Summer Mammoth Lottery ticket to see if he'd won, and to his surprise, he did in fact win, to the tune he turned a 5,000 yen investment into a 30,000 yen win, much to his delight as he collected his winnings of 30,000 yen. At that point, Ren pictured what Morgana's likely reaction would be, which was giving a closed-eye smile and speaking up.

"Oh, you got it! Nice going! I can give you advice on what to use it for!" He could imagine Morgana saying, making him chuckle as he kept moving.

After a bit, he saw the twins outside of the Velvet Room and remembered he'd read the book to find the spot they wanted and spoke to them. Once the twins described the location they were referring to, Ren knew that they probably meant the aquarium in Shinagawa, where he'd previously taken Kasumi for an enjoyable hangout recently. Caroline blinked at Ren as she spoke up.

"What'll you do? So, what'll it be?" Caroline asked Ren, who spoke up.

"By chance, do you mean the aquarium?" Ren asked Caroline and Justine. Caroline chuckled as she spoke up.

"Oh, an aquarium, huh? Guess we'll see how well it's recreated Mother Ocean." Caroline said as Justine spoke up.

"Guide me, Inmate! Let us see just what humanity is capable of. Now, lead us there." Justine said as Ren guided the twins to the aquarium...

(At the Shinagawa Aquarium, with Ren, Caroline, and Justine)

"True. These glass walls certainly make it appear as if we are walking along the floor of the ocean." Justine said as Caroline spoke up.

"It's my first time in this place, but it feels familiar to me somehow, in a way I can't quite put my finger on, to be honest." Caroline said as Ren spoke up.

"It's probably all the blue, if I had to guess. Because only an idiot would say this is like my cell at all." Ren said. Justine shook her head as she spoke up.

"Such a superficial detail would not preoccupy us." Justine said as Caroline huffed and spoke up.

"Know your place! Don't act like your some sort of expert, Inmate!" Caroline said as Justine spoke up.

"Let's continue inspecting the premises. There are a number of other exhibits we've yet to see." Justine said as the trio looked around a bit, before Caroline spoke up.

"So many different kinds of fish to see." Caroline said as Justine chuckled and spoke up.

"Yes, the semi-transparent, floating invertebrates were quite fascinating. I believe they were named 'jellyfish.' But those 'sea cucumber' lifeforms wer ealso very intriguing, as well." Justine said as Caroline frowned and spoke up.

"Really? They only creeped me out. The exhibit with the enormous fish was much cooler. The 'killer whale', if I remember correctly." Caroline said as Justine frowned and spoke up, glaring at Justine slightly as she spoke.

"What nonsense is this? The jellyfish are far more appealing." Justine said as Caroline spoke up.

"No, the killer whale is clearly superior." Caroline said. Both Caroline and Justine then turned to Ren as Justine spoke up.

"Fine then, we'll go to a third party to settle this! Inmate." Justine said as Caroline spoke up.

"Settle this!" Caroline demanded as Ren frowned and spoke up.

"Both the jellyfish and killer whale are cool. But if I recall correctly, the killer whale's name is a bit of a mis-nomer, in that I don't recall hearing about them killing many peopoe, despite the name. The jellyfish, on the other hand, have shown up in many forms of media, whether they be in reggae music at times, or in cartoons like SpongeBob Squarepants, where they get mentioned quite frequently. So I have to side with Justine on this one and say that jellyfish are better." Ren said honestly. *1*

Caroline frowned while Justine smiled at Ren and spoke up.

"I'm relieved that you understand." Justine said happily as Caroline frowned and spoke up.

"You've got guts! Dammit! Well, maybe you'll see just how cool the killer whale is if I toss you in his tank!" Caroline snapped at Ren, who sweatdropped, knowing that would just get the three of them banned if Caroline followed through on her threat, or at least get him and Caroline banned, if not Justine as well. Caroline huffed and turned to Justine as she kept speaking.

"Hmph! Anyways, I believe we've completed our inspection of the premises, correct Justine? We've seen how oceanic life forms from all over the world have been gathered here by humans." Caroline said as Justine nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed. However, that raises a question, though, if I'm being honest. Why do humans go through the trouble of collecting other creatures and putting them on public display?" Justine asked as Ren thought about it before he spoke up.

"To be honest? I'm not sure. But if I had to guess, it's so they have a chance to admire nature in a simulated version of it's natural habitat." Ren said. Justine sighed as she spoke up.

"So they construct this chamber of concrete and glass, only to confine themselves in it alongside the creatures? The arrogance of humans is astounding." Justine said as Caroline spoke up.

"If they admire nature so much, they should just move to a rainforest. I still don't get you humans." Caroline said as Ren shrugged and spoke up.

"You might be right, but I don't think there's a rainforest big enough to fit all of humanity in it comfortably. Besides, there are some who wouldn't be able to acclimate to such a change of climate and environment." Ren pointed out sagely as Justine spoke up.

"Be that as it may, Inmate, whatever the case may be, this assignment is now complete. Here is your reward." Justine said, handing Ren the 'Masukukaja' and 'Masukunda' skill cards before Caroline spoke up.

"All right, it's time to head back." Caroline said as she heard the tone of the intercom and blinked while speaking up.

"Hm?" Caroline said as the intercom came to life at that point and spoke up.

"A free penguin show will begin shortly at the exhibition stage. Please come and enjoy the performance!" The intercom said as Caroline turned an inquisitive glance on Ren as she spoke up.

"Eh!? Inmate, what is a penguin?" Caroline asked Ren, who smiled and spoke up.

"They're a species of cute, flightless bird that people often enjoy watching. I took a girl I know to see them recently and she quite enjoyed it." Ren said with a smile as he remembered how brightly Kasumi had smiled that day when he went with her to see the penguins. Caroline blinked at this response as she spoke up.

"Hmmm, a cute, flightless bird, you say?" Caroline said as Justine spoke up.

"We have no particular interest in such a display, to be honest." Justine said before Caroline spoke up in an eager sounding tone.

"But if we have to, since you look like you're dying to witness this, Inmate, for the sake of your rehabilitation? We'll tag along!" Caroline said, giving Ren an amused look. Ren then escorted the twins back to the Velvet Room after watching the penguin show with them, before heading back to Leblanc, to get comfortable for the evening, smirking at the sight of Morgana curled up on Kusa as the two were dozing off, not expecting Morgana to sit up on hearing Ren come up and pad over to Ren's bed as he spoke up.

"I never expected what happened to Futaba's mother would be connected to those incidents in the city. We can't leave this be!" Morgana said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"You're right, of course. If nothing else, we promised Futaba when she joined that we would help her find the criminal who took her mother from her. And I know Kusa, for one, means to ensure we keep our word to her on that point." Ren said. Morgana nodded.

"Exactly! Also, though this scoundrel has the same power as us, they're triggering people's mental shutdowns willy-nilly. That said, if they truly exist, who can stop them? I'll tell you who! Only us. This is getting interesting!" Morgana said with a wide-eyed expression of intrigue and determination. Ren chuckled as he spoke up.

"You seemed fired up." Ren said to Morgana, who nodded as he spoke up.

"Yes, well, we've got a new addition to the team, so it's time I flex my veteran skills!" Morgana said as Ren rubbed the back of his head, noticing how excited Morgana seemed. At that point, the two laid down for the night...

(The next morning, with Kusa, Ren and Morgana)

"Hey, if you're both up, we need to talk. Get downstairs." Sojiro called up to Ren and Kusa, both of whom blinked but nodded as they quickly made their bed/sofa and went downstairs to see what Sojiro wanted, Morgana riding shotgun in Ren's bag. To Kusa's surprise, Futaba's voice could be heard at that point.

"Come downstaaairs!" Futaba called, making Kusa blink but grin as he spoke up.

"Hm? Taba's here too? Now I'm really intrigued to hear what Sojiro wants to talk about." Kusa said in an intrigued tone. Ren chuckled and nodded as Morgana spoke up, looking at Ren.

"What's up? What is it?" Morgana said as Ren explained to Morgana on the way downstairs while Kusa headed down ahead of them. Once Ren got downstairs, Sojiro chuckled and spoke up.

"Hey, Ren. Get ready! We're going out for lunch, just the four of us, by which I mean you, Kusa, myself and Futaba." Sojiro said as Kusa spoke up.

"Out for lunch? Is there some special occasion I'm not aware of that this is for?" Kusa asked in a mix of confusion and surprise, making Futaba chuckle as she nodded, smiling at how adorably clueless Kusa was acting right then. Ren, for his part, spoke up.

"I don't mind, but you want me and Kusa to come?" Ren asked. Kusa huffed and spoke up.

"And why wouldn't he want us to come, Ren? He's probably grateful to us for helping bring Taba out of her shell to some extent, if anything. Don't question it." Kusa said, making Futaba smile happily as she nodded her agreement of Kusa's point while Sojiro spoke up.

"Exactly, Kusa! Besides, neither of you have plans, right? Just come on. It'll be my treat. Not only can Futaba go out now, but your summer break's almost over. We gotta go and do something." Sojiro said as Kusa chuckled and spoke up, knowing Futaba would find what he said next funny.

"All right! Free food!" Kusa joked, smirking at the expected giggle from Futaba, who just spoke up.

"Why must you always be such a dork, Kusa?" Futaba asked Kusa, who smirked and spoke up.

"I might be a dork to you, Taba, but I'm YOUR dork, right?" Kusa asked with a teasing wink, making Futaba flush slightly in surprise, but nod as she spoke up.

"Y-Yes, of course you're my dork, Kusa. Why wouldn't you be?" Futaba asked in slight surprise, even as she felt her heart skip half a beat at the grin Kusa was giving her. Futaba then shook herself to focus as she spoke up.

"Anyways, back on topic, I asked especially for sushi. You better be thankful. This place is supposed to be super delicious, too." Futaba said as Kusa hid a wince, not being a big seafood guy, but figuring if all else failed, he could just do what he did before and order the rice bowl, since it was pretty good. At the mention of sushi, Morgana spoke up from inside Ren's bag, making Kusa huff at how predictably Morgana's interest was raised while the not-cat spoke up.

"Sushi!? Take me with you! I didn't get to eat the take-out sushi last time, remember?" Morgana said as Kusa turned to glare at Morgana half-heartedly before he spoke up so only Morgana could hear.

"And whose fault is that!? Need I remind you that was a punishment because you doubted Boss? So quit whining about that, and maybe if you're good, we'll bring you back some sushi, since I don't think there's room on this trip for a not-cat, unfortunately. Otherwise, I'd be all for you taggng along, Morgana." Kusa said. Sojiro then chuckled as he spoke up.

"Man, that thing never stops meowing, does it?" Sojiro said as Kusa chuckled and spoke up.

"Not if it's something he wants, no. But sometimes, if he's in the right mood, he won't say a word, usually when he's ignoring Ren or Ryuji because they were picking on him. But those times are thankfully farther and fewer between these days, at least in Ren's case." Kusa said. Ren spoke up.

"Ha, ha. You're a riot, Kusa." Ren said dryly to Kusa before turning to Sojiro as he spoke up.

"And yeah Boss, Morgana can be quite vocal when he chooses to be. Take just now, for instance. He heard the word sushi, and all but begged me to bring him along. We don't have room for Morgana on the trip, do we?" Ren asked, making Kusa give Ren an approving nod at referring to Morgana by name. Sojiro sputtered at the question as he spoke up.

"What, you mean at the restaurant?" Sojiro asked as Morgana gave Sojiro an attentive look as Sojiro kept speaking.

"I do feel sorry for it though, to be honest. Well, I guess I don't mind bringing some sushi home." Sojiro said as Morgana smiled and spoke up.

"He knows me so well! Let's see, I want some medium-fat tuna, fatty tuna, salmon roe, anago, and, and really just a lot of different sushi in general." Morgana said as Kusa laughed and spoke up so only Morgana could hear.

"Jeez Morgana, calm down! How rich of a man do you think Boss is? I'm surprised he can even afford to take us four. You might get some fatty tuna, and maybe medium-fat tuna, but don't get your hopes up too high. And that's assuming Taba doesn't accidentally eat the leftovers. I hear she has quite the voracious appetite on her when the mood strikes her. Good thing she's got metabolism like a cartoon character, so she can eat as much as she likes and not have it affect her figure at all." Kusa said in an amused tone, as Futaba huffed, hearing most of what Kusa said, but smiled as she playfully swatted him on the arm. *2*

"I do not have metabolism like a cartoon character, Kusa! I just happen to be quite blessed in the metabolism category, in that I can keep the calories off just by living life." Futaba said in a mock-offended tone, making Sojiro laugh at the sight of her and Kusa playfully teasing one another. Morgana just huffed as he spoke up.

"So you say, Kusa. Say, Ren, are you gonna be able to remember all this? You might want to take notes." Morgana said as Kusa and Ren just laughed as they headed to the sushi place with Futaba and Sojiro, leaving a slightly disappointed Morgana behind to watch the shop...

(A while later, at the sushi place, with Ren, Futaba, Sojiro, and Kusa)

"So, how is it? Good?" Sojiro asked Futaba, who nodded as she eagerly devoured her sushi while speaking up.

"Mm-hm! Delicious!" Futaba said, though all Ren and Sojiro could hear was 'Delihious!', while Kusa chuckled, having experience interpreting Futaba speaking with food in her mouth, however little experience it might be. Sojiro chuckled and nodded as he spoke up.

"Hey, don't wolf it down like that. No one's gonna take your food." Sojiro said as Kusa smirked and spoke up.

"At least no one here would. I think Ren would agree with me that Morgana, were he here, might have tried to snatch some sushi for himself. I vaguely recall he did that to Ren when he and I went with the others for sushi not that long ago. Of course, I was only half-paying attention that day, since I was focused on my rice bowl, and I may or may not have been distracted by worrying for Taba, since that was when she was still shut away in her room." Kusa said, as Ren nodded to Kusa's point and spoke up.

"Exactly. And then you yelled at Ryuji when he basically told Morgana to shut up and stay in the bag. At least your reaction then was hilarious, unlike when you about tore both Ryuji and Makoto's heads off a short time later." Ren pointed out as Kusa huffed and spoke up.

"Yes, well, in my defense, they had it coming for piling on Boss here like they did, not to mention they got Morgana to join in on it. Honestly, Makoto's lucky I forgave her for that, since it was really her that started the whole thing by basically insinuating that Boss abuses Taba, which she now admits she was wrong to do, so I forgave her this time." Kusa said sagely. Possibly because of the mention of Makoto calling Sojiro an abuser, or because of Kusa suggesting that Morgana and Ryuji joined in on it, Futaba started choking at that point, making Sojiro frown as he spoke up.

"What did I tell you? Drink some tea." Sojiro said as Kusa grinned slyly before he spoke up.

"Yeah, unless you need me to give you the Heimlich maneuver, Taba." Kusa said with a smile as Futaba chugged some tea and spoke up.

"Restrooms!" Futaba said though only Kusa understood her, where both Sojiro and Ren heard 'Hresfroomf!' Sojiro blinked and spoke up.

"Huh?" Sojiro said as Kusa spoke up with a smirk.

"I do believe she asked where the restrooms were, Boss. Unless my understanding of 'food-in-mouth-ese' is faulty somehow, which I very much doubt." Kusa said with an amused grin as Sojiro blinked and spoke up.

"Oh? Restrooms? They're that way." Sojiro said, pointing towards the restrooms so Futaba could see. Futaba then quickly darted off towards the restrooms, looking ready to hurl. A short time later, Sojiro spoke up.

"Sheesh, what a busy girl she is. Luckily Kusa can usually keep up with her when the two of them hang out, or I'd be worried about letting him spend time with her." Sojiro said as Kusa laughed and spoke up.

"Oh, if I couldn't keep up with Taba, I'D be the one who was worried, Boss. She might be busy, but before Ren and I moved here, I was kind of a busy guy myself, what with running the school karate team, having to juggle hanging out with a bunch of people, spending time with Ren where my schedule permitted, plus keeping up with school." Kusa said sagely. Sojiro nodded, sipping his tea before he spoke up once more.

"Ahh. Back in the day, Futaba, her mother, and I used to go out and eat often, and it was fun." Sojiro said as Kusa chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh, sounds like someone wouldn't have minded being a family man then, if it was for Taba and her mother, eh Boss?" Kusa joked as Sojiro nodded before smirking as he spoke up.

"You're darn right I wouldn't have minded. Ah, this brings back memories, I tell you what. I had completely forgotten about it too, probably because of what happened to Wakaba." Sojiro said as Kusa nodded understandingly along with Ren. A short time later, Futaba rejoined the guys, panting a bit as she spoke up.

"Ugh, that was close, almost too close! I thought I was gonna die!" Futaba said as Kusa spoke up.

"Die? From sushi? While you were choking on it, I could've easily gotten it out with a Heimlich if needed. But I think you'd have been fine. But even so, carefully does it, Taba." Kusa said with a smirk as Futaba huffed and spoke up.

"You're funny, Kusa. But I suppose you're not wrong either. Welp, time to resume." Futaba said as Sojiro blinked in surprise while speaking up.

"Hm? You're still going to eat?" Sojiro asked Futaba, who thought about it then shook her head.

"Nah, I'm all full. I'm throwing in the towel!" Futaba said as Kusa laughed and spoke up.

"Heh! I see what you mean now about her mind going from one thing to the next quickly, Boss. But I suppose that's part of the allure of Futaba, that she's so unashamedly unique." Kusa said fondly with a smirk. Sojiro chuckled.

"Yeah, you're not wrong, Kusa. And Futaba, which is it?" Sojiro asked Futaba after agreeing with Kusa. Sojiro then turned to Ren and Kusa as he spoke up.

"I'm going to go use the restroom and then pay the bill." Sojiro said as Ren nodded and Kusa spoke up.

"Got it, Boss. Ren and I will keep Taba company in the meantime then." Kusa said. Futaba huffed as she looked at Kusa and spoke up while Sojiro asked for the check.

"You say that like I need to be kept company, Kusa. But since it's you, I'm not that mad." Futaba said with a smirk as Kusa spoke up.

"I moreso meant that we'd stay with you if you wanted us to, Taba. I apologize for causing you to misinterpret my meaning." Kusa said honestly. Sojiro got an employee's attention as he spoke up.

"Check, please." Sojiro said as the employee nodded and spoke up.

"Coming right up!" The employee said. After Sojiro walked off, Futaba spoke up to Kusa and Ren.

"To be honest, when I got into middle school, my mom and Sojiro took me out to eat sushi to celebrate. That sushi was so good, too. Though today's was pretty good, as well. I hope the four of us can come again sometime." Futaba said to Ren and Kusa, who nodded as the latter spoke up.

"It's probably the feeling of satisfaction and/or triumph you felt that day that made the sushi seem extra delicious, much like how you're feeling triumphant after managing to come so far in breaking free of your shell." Kusa said sagely to Futaba. Ren then spoke up.

"I agree, Futaba. This was rather nice. Though isn't this place more on the expensive side?" Ren said as Kusa shrugged, not having been the one to pay the bill the last time he and Ren got sushi. If he recalled correctly, Makoto wound up footing the bill on that occasion. Futaba smiled and spoke up.

"When should we do this again, do you think?" Futaba asked as Kusa spoke up.

"Not sure, Taba. I suppose that depends on how all our schedules line up. I know once school starts, mine might be a bit tighter since Makoto talked me into joining the student council as a favor to her, and who knows how much of Ren's will be taken up by hanging out with people, and probably penciling in time with Yoshizawa where he can." Kusa said as Ren huffed and spoke up.

"Ha, ha. Shut up, Kusa. And I don't think you have room to rib me about falling for a redhead, since you're not much better off, given our present company." Ren said, nodding towards Futaba as he spoke. Futaba nodded and spoke up.

"True. I do get the sense that Kusa has feelings for me. I'm not sure if I feel the same or not, but he already told me we can take our time figuring that out. That said, I wish Mom could've had today's sushi too, to be honest." Futaba said as Kusa frowned before smiling as he spoke up.

"But she did, Taba. She was with us in spirit, I would imagine. Plus I distinctly recall her telling us that day she'd be watching over you, always. So she's with you in your heart." Kusa said reassuringly to Futaba as she sighed while nodding to Kusa, who exchanged a nod with Ren as the two switched seats so Kusa could give Futaba a one-armed hug of comfort, letting her smile as she spoke up again.

"I want to find out what happened to Mom that day, and I mean what really happened. I won't forgive the guy who triggered her mental shutdown. So, you better help me out." Futaba said as Kusa spoke up.

"Have no fear, Taba. If we find that person, we'll get revenge on him together. Besides, if Black Mask is who I think he is, I'm sure quite a few of us will be lining up to help take him down. So don't worry that pretty head of yours over that, Taba. We got you, or at least I've got you." Kusa said comfortingly. Ren just nodded for his part, as at that moment all three winced at what Sojiro said next.

"WHAT!? A hundred twenty thousand yen!? You're joking, right!?" Sojiro asked as Ren and Kusa both winced sympathetically as Futaba spoke up.

"Welp, looks like we won't be getting sushi to go." Futaba said as Ren nodded understandingly while Kusa spoke up.

"Oh well, not that big of a loss. Sucks for Morgana, but we can always go another time and bring him along. After all, you'd be surprised how lucrative what we do can be at times, Taba." Kusa said sagely as the group went back to Leblanc, Futaba and Kusa smiling as they shared the backseat on the ride back while Ren sat up front...

(That evening at Leblanc, with Ren and Morgana)

"Welcome home! I've been waiting for you!" Morgana said excitedly as Ren walked inside, without Kusa. Morgana didn't notice Kusa's absence at first, however, as he was preoccupied with the lack of sushi.

"Huh? Wait, where's my sushi? Where's my fatty tuna? Where's my anago?" Morgana asked as Ren spoke up.

"We couldn't afford to-go sushi. As it turns out, what we had cost over 100 thousand yen. Sorry, Morgana." Ren said regretfully as Morgana sighed but spoke up.

"It's fine, Ren. At least you were honest with me." Morgana said as Ren's phone went off to signify a group chat with Kusa and Futaba, the latter sending the first response.

"The sushi was so delicious. We even ate the cat's share." Futaba sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Be nice, Taba. And he's not a cat, remember? He just looks like one because he lost his memories in an accident, from what he told us. That said, what share? Sojiro couldn't afford any for Morgana, if I recall right?" Kusa sent as Futaba stuck her tongue out at Kusa and spoke up from where the two were sitting together in her room.

"I was teasing him, Kusa! And I know he's not a cat. I was being facetious, because I can." Futaba said before squeaking in surprise as Kusa playfully tackle-hugged her and gently set her in his lap as he spoke up.

"I know that. I sent that for appearance's sake, and because I know how sensitive Morgana gets about being called a cat." Kusa sent as they went back to the group chat and Futaba sent a response.

"My bad. But seriously, if only Sojiro had more money." Futaba sent as Morgana pouted and spoke up.

"So that's why you didn't bring any home. And bless Kusa for gently correcting Taba when she called me a cat." Morgana said. Futaba then sent another message.

"There's actually one place I wanna go more than sushi. Any idea what it is?" Futaba sent as Kusa sent a response.

"I'm guessing it's not Metaverse-related, which is obvious. I dunno, prolly Leblanc so you can chase your sushi with curry?" Kusa sent jokingly as Ren sent a response.

"Must you tease her like that, Kusa? And also, sorry but I have no clue where that could be, Futaba." Ren sent. Futaba sent a response.

"Good guess, Kusa. But no, I'm not in a curry mood, shockingly. That said, I'm not surprised you have no clue, Ren. This is what people call 'out of the blue.' I want to go to Akihabara. I want to buy a game, but I'm scared to do it alone. Do you think you can help, Ren? I'd ask Kusa, but Sojiro already said he has to go back to Leblanc, since school apparently resumes for the two of you tomorrow. Stupid school ruining my fun." Futaba sent huffily as Kusa sent a response.

"Believe me, Taba, I'm irritated by it, too. But I know I can't be selfish. I have to focus on school, if only so I can succeed. After all, one of us has to be able to get a good job to augment our income, especially if we ever decide to get serious about one another. I hear living together isn't cheap." Kusa sent teasingly as both Ren and Futaba both facefaulted in surprise at what Kusa had sent, the latter playfully but lightly slapping Kusa on the arm as she spoke up, face red.

"K-Kusa! Don't just send something like that out of the blue! Not only did you catch me and Ren both off guard with your remark, you startled me a bit. I know you have a crush on me, but living together!? What happened to taking things slow?" Futaba said as Kusa chuckled and spoke up.

"Relax, Taba. I meant that moreso in the farther-off future, or more simply put, the long-term, rather than the short-term. I apologize for startling you, though. I couldn't resist teasing you a bit, though, when you mentioned what Sojiro had said. If I gave Ren a shock, well serves him right for giving us grief. But for real, he better take care of you if you two do go to Akihabara together, or never mind Sojiro, I'll kick Ren's ass." Kusa said as Futaba smiled and looked into Kusa's eyes as she spoke up.

"I forgive you, Kusa. I think I was more stunned that you were even thinking of that, than anything." Futaba said as the two focused back on the group chat as Ren sent a response.

"Of course I'll escort you to Akihabara, Futaba. Kusa's lame joking aside, considering you good as see Boss as a father, and Kusa and I both have come to respect him as something of a secondary father figure, that as good as makes you a sister to me. I'd say to Kusa, but I think it's rather obvious he doesn't just see you as a sister." Ren sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Oh, shut it Ren! I'll give you that one since I did just scare you both, but even so, I think Futaba gets the idea that I like her already. Let's not beat a dead horse here." Kusa sent. Futaba sent a response.

"Thanks, Ren! You're a nice guy. If Yoshizawa doesn't realize how lucky she is to have you in her corner, she's a fool." Futaba sent. Kusa sent a response.

"Oh, she realizes that. She's just too busy staking claim on Ren to really acknowledge it. After all, was that two or three times so far you two have kissed, Ren?" Kusa sent as Ren huffed and sent a response.

"Shut up, Kusa! And it was twice! She kissed me once, then I kissed her. Not that you have room to talk considering you're practically sharing a bed with Futaba." Ren sent as Futaba sent a response.

"As much fun as watching you two roast each other can be, it's getting late. So let's just meet there, OK Ren? I'll have Kusa stay in my room until I get back here, at which point I'll send him back to Leblanc." Futaba sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Just to be safe, why don't we have Ren bring Morgana along as well, so that way he can be there to help in case Ren ends up in over his head? That, and I think he'd like to get to go on at least one trip with you two, not counting our group trip to the beach." Kusa sent as Ren sent a response.

"Good idea, Kusa. I was gonna invite Morgana along anyways." Ren said as Futaba sent a response.

"If you must. That said, I know how to ride the train after that trip to the beach, so I can get there fine. Well then, I'll be waiting." Futaba sent as Kusa sent one last response.

"I mean it Ren, take care of her! If she comes back upset or damaged, I'm taking it out of your hide." Kusa sent warningly. Ren then put his phone away as Morgana spoke up.

"Wait, we're meeting in Akihabara? Is Futaba really going to be okay?" Morgana asked Ren, who shrugged and spoke up.

"Not sure, but we have to trust in her on this occasion since she's insisting on doing this alone." Ren said. Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Fair enough. We'd better get over there." Morgana said as Ren nodded while his phone went off to signify that his map was marked with the location of 'Akihabara' and of 'Electric Town' specifically, which Ren figured was the store he was meeting Futaba at. Ren and Morgana then headed to Akihabara to meet up with Futaba...

(A short time later, at 'Electric Town' in Akihabara, with Ren and Morgana)

"Is this where we're supposed to be meeting?" Morgana asked Ren who nodded and spoke up.

"As far as I know, this is the place." Ren said as Morgana spoke up with a frown.

"Is she not here yet? Try checking around." Morgana said as Ren nodded and looked around, eventually finding a frightened-looking Futaba with a cop, looking as if she'd been crying while the cop spoke up.

"Are you all by yourself? Where did you come from?" The officer asked Futaba, who winced as she spoke up.

"I, ahh, umm, don't remember?" Futaba said, apparently having her old anxiety around strangers flare up in the officer's presence as Ren blinked and Morgana spoke up.

"Hey, over there, it's Futaba!" Morgana said as the officer spoke up in what he thought was a kind tone.

"Did you run away from home? What's wrong, little girl?" The officer asked as Futaba stuttered and tried to form a coherent sentence.

"Uhhh, I, ah, dunno?" Futaba said as Ren and Morgana winced, the latter speaking up.

"That looks bad! What're you gonna do!?" Morgana asked as Ren spoke up so only Morgana would hear.

"What else!? We help her, of course! Kusa would probably have my head if I did anything else." Ren said as he and Morgana walked over to Futaba while Morgana spoke up.

"Yeah, hurry up!" Morgana said as the policeman frowned and spoke up.

"Hm. Well, can you come down to the station with me for now?" The policeman said as Ren came running up, making the policeman frown as he spoke up.

"Huh? Who are you?" The officer asked as Futaba blinked at Ren in surprise.

"A-Ah! Hey! Ren!?" Futaba said as she rushed to hide behind Ren while the officer spoke up.

"Do you know this girl?" The officer asked Ren, who nodded as he spoke up.

"Yeah. She's as good as a sister to me, so of course I know her." Ren said to the officer who frowned as he spoke up.

"You're not lying, are you?" The officer asked as Ren shook his head, before the officer nodded and spoke up.

"Very well." The officer said as he walked off, after which Morgana spoke up, looking at Futaba.

"Futaba, are you okay?" Morgana asked Futaba, who nodded as she composed herself enough to speak up.

"Y-Yeah. S-Sorry about that. I thought I conquered my fears back at the beach, but perhaps not." Futaba said as Morgana spoke up in a worried voice.

"What happened?" Morgana asked Futaba, who spoke up after wincing in recollection.

"There wasn't anyone I knew with me, so I panicked. Felt like my heart was gonna pop out of my chest. I got so scared all by myself, I couldn't help it. Then I just sorta curled up into a ball on the ground. Then all these people started staring at me in surprise, and the police came, started talking to me, and then next thing I knew, it was all over and you were here." Futaba said as Morgana spoke up.

"Look, Futaba. If you're ever in trouble, just call Ren here. Or failing that, call Kusa. Either one of them would be there in an instant if you needed it." Morgana told Futaba, who nodded as he spoke up.

"R-Right. Okay." Futaba said as she stood closer to Ren and spoke up, Morgana blinking at what she said next.

"Hm, to be honest Ren? I feel kinda calm when we're this close. You're okay being like this, right?" Futaba asked Ren, who shrugged and spoke up.

"I don't mind, but I can't really move much either." Ren said honestly as Futaba shook her head and spoke up.

"You don't have to, Ren. Urgh, I couldn't even go buy a game by myself. I'm a failure at life." Futaba said as Ren frowned slightly at Futaba while he spoke up.

"You most certainly are NOT a failure, Futaba! You got here on your own, and that's impressive in and of itself! Sure, you had a bit of a panic attack when you got here, but it happens to everyone. Don't worry about it." Ren said reassuringly as Morgana spoke up.

"Futaba, wow." Morgana said, before his eyes went wide at what Futaba said next.

"But I'm okay outside as long as it's with Ren and/or Kusa. Odd. Are they some sort of key items?" Futaba asked before turning to Ren with a pleading look.

"Please, Ren! Be my key item!" Futaba asked Ren, ignoring the wide-eyed not cat as she turned pleading eyes on to Ren. Futaba kept speaking.

"I'll try to get better at navigation if you do!" Futaba said as Ren finally spoke up.

"Key item!? What's that supposed to mean? Is this supposed to be a deal? Also, wouldn't it be more accurate for you to be calling Kusa your key item, not me? I mean, I don't mind being there for you as a brother figure of sorts, and as a friend and teammate, but I hope key item isn't meant to be some sort of intimate term. Because I dunno if I can agree to that, if for no other reason than wanting to avoid the horrifying prospect that is having both Kusa AND Yoshizawa pissed at me. Also, if that was meant literally? I'm not an item, you dork." Ren said as Futaba giggled and spoke up.

"It's just a figure of speech. I want you to help me get better at going outside. And in return, I'll work even harder as your navigator. How's that for a good deal?" Futaba said to Ren, who blinked as he spoke up.

"Uh, I guess that's not too bad of a deal. Fine, I'll help you. But you're the one who gets to deal with Kusa if he somehow misunderstands this and ends up getting jealous." Ren said as Futaba nodded, neither seeing Morgana frowning from on Ren's shoulder, only having heard part of the conversation and as a result only hearing Futaba ask Ren to be her 'key item' and Ren agreeing, confusing the not-cat, who took that as Futaba basically asking Ren out and him agreeing. Meanwhile, Ren noted he'd struck an unlikely deal with Futaba...

(Fast-forward to the interrogation room, with Sae and Joker)

"We were impressed with the intel-gathering skills of the Phantom Thieves as well. We also know that this would've been impossible unless you had a skilled hacker at your side. Tell me, who was doing this!?" Sae asked Joker, who merely shrugged, not wanting to give up his friends, even if the way this deal happened nearly soured two of said friendships...

(Back in the present, with Ren, Futaba, and Morgana in Electric Town)

As Ren had expected, once he acknowledged his deal with Futaba, the expected voice could be heard in his head.

"I am thou...Thou art I. Thou hast acquired a new vow. It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy bonds of captivity. With the birth of the Hermit Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power..." Ren heard as a new card appeared in his mind's eye, this one reading the word 'Hermit' with an 'I" under the word 'Hermit', signifying that his newly-forged Hermit Confidant link with Futaba had reached Rank 1.

As a result of the new rank-up, Futaba gained the ability to use 'Moral Support', enabling her to have the opportunity to be able to cast Kaja-type buff skills or party-healing magic during battle. Afterwards, Futaba spoke up happily.

"All right! Now that that's over with, let's goooo!" Futaba said to Ren as Morgana spoke up from inside Ren's bag.

"Hm? Where?" Morgana asked as Futaba spoke up excitedly.

"Need. Buy. Game." Futaba said as Ren nodded. Morgana spoke up in confusion, having been stuck deep in Ren's bag and thus not being able to hear or see most of the last bit of the exchange between Ren and Futaba as a result.

"Um, but weren't you bawling your eyes out just a second ago?" Morgana asked as Futaba nodded and spoke up, smiling as she looked at Ren while speaking to Morgana.

"Yeah, but I have my key item now! Victory conditions met! C'mon, let's roll!" Futaba said as Ren sweatdropped but went with it, eventually escorting Futaba back to Leblanc after buying a game with her...

(Back at Leblanc, with Sojiro, Futaba, Morgana, and Ren)

"Welcome home! Where were you two?" Sojiro asked as Ren and Futaba returned to Leblanc. Futaba spoke up.

"Akihabara. I went to buy a new game." Futaba said. Sojiro blinked in surprise as he spoke up.

"What!? That's incredible, Futaba." Sojiro said as Futaba spoke up shyly.

"I-I guess it is rather incredible." Futaba said shyly. Sojiro smiled as he crossed his arms and spoke up.

"I just hope you can keep that up. Maybe you'll even be able to go to high school someday." Sojiro said as Futaba nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, maybe I will. Hopefully." Futaba said. Sojiro nodded and spoke up.

"I'm sure you will. Well, that's enough of that. I bet you're exhausted after dealing with all those people, huh? Let's get you to bed, and relieve Kusa so he can get back here, since apparently you left him there to basically room-sit for you?" Sojiro said as Futaba's eyes went wide before she spoke up in shock.

"Oh shoot, that's right! I did leave Kusa to room-sit my room for me!" Futaba said in horrified recollection. Sojiro turned to Ren as he spoke up.

"Hey, we're gonna head back. We'll send Kusa back over this way so you two can get settled in, since you've got school starting back up tomorrow." Sojiro said to Ren, who nodded as Sojiro and Futaba walked home together. A short time later, Kusa came back and nodded to Ren as his and Ren's phones went off to signal a group chat with Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, and Futaba, with Ryuji sending the first response.

"Whoa, this approval rating's insane. It's over 60% now!" Ryuji sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Aw, you're making me blush!" Futaba sent as Kusa and Ryuji sent responses close together, Ryuji's coming through first.

"I'm not talking about you!" Ryuji said as Kusa's response came through.

"First of all, how do you take Ryuji's comments about our approval rating on the Phan-site and interpret them as a compliment, Taba!? I'm genuinely curious to hear the thought process behind that. That said, don't be rude Ryuji!" Kusa sent as Makoto sent a response.

"It's because our approval is thanks to Futaba-chan silencing Medjed, Kusa. That's why she makes that connection. But I do agree Ryuji could've been less rude just now." Makoto sent. Futaba sent a response not long after.

"See, Kusa? How about that!?" Futaba sent as Kusa sent a response.

"I see. I stand corrected, Taba." Kusa sent. Ann sent a response at that point.

"It's kind of frightening how strong this momentum is, to be honest." Ann sent as Ren sent a response.

"Honestly, I'm a bit worried myself, but as long as it's not harmful, who cares?" Ren sent as Kusa sent a response.

"You're wise to be worried, Ren. After all, have I or have I not repeatedly stressed that it's unwise to be pre-occupied with such things as 'fame' or 'recognition' in our line of work!?" Kusa sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"C'mon, you too Ren!? What're you saying!? Everyone's got high expectations of the Phantom Thieves. Let's make sure they're answered!" Ryuji sent as Kusa and Makoto sent responses close together, Makoto's coming through first.

"On top of all that, this case has shed light on something important." Makoto sent as Kusa's response came through.

"Shut the eff up, Ryuji! Ren's just trying to be smart here! Don't give him crap for that! You're lucky I'm not reaming you right now for your 'dumb cat' comment you sent at the end of our last group chat! I saw that! And so did Morgana, you effing prick!" Kusa sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"You mean that criminal, Makoto? Well, to be honest, I suppose at this point we can refer to them as the one behind the mental shutdowns." Yusuke sent as Futaba sent a response.

"In other words, that's the one who killed my mom that day." Futaba sent as Makoto sent a response.

"We can't leave them be. Let's talk more in detail about this tomorrow at school." Makoto sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Shut up, Kusa! I'm allowed to say what I want! It's a free effing country, after all!" Ryuji sent as most of the group winced and put their phones away, not wanting to be part of the likely argument between Kusa and Ryuji. Morgana then winced as he spoke up.

"No sushi, and we got dragged around by Futaba all over the mall? What a terrible day." Morgana said as Kusa spoke up.

"At least you weren't told to stay behind and effing room-sit, Morgana! I didn't mind, but it got boring after a while just looking at the walls and not touching stuff. At least you got to go to the mall with Taba." Kusa said snarkily as Ren's phone went off to signify a private chat with Mishima which Ren read.

"The Phantom Thieves have become amazingly popular! Tons of people have started accessing the forum too. Anyway, I was thinking about I could make use of this spike in popularity we're having, and I've decided to add a new function to the website." Mishima sent as Ren sent a response.

"A new function, you say? Do tell." Ren sent. Mishima sent a response.

"Are you curious? It'll send people's wishes directly to you guys! Well, I hope you're excited. It'll be up and running tomorrow. Urgh! I can't believe I have to leave Japan now of all times. So annoying!" Mishima sent as Ren blinked and sent a response.

"Leave Japan!? What's up, Mishima?" Ren sent. Mishima sent a response that had Ren blinking as he read it.

"Don't you know? It's almost time for the school trip. In any case, look forward to the new function. I'm sure it'll be exciting!" Mishima sent as Ren put his phone away and Kusa spoke up.

"Who was that? Yoshizawa-san?" Kusa asked conversationally as Ren scoffed and spoke up.

"No. That was Mishima. Apparently the Phantom Thieves have hit a spike in popularity and he's going to add a new function to the Phan-Site that lets people send their wishes directly to us? Also, he said there's a school trip coming up apparently. Not sure what that's about, but it is what it is." Ren said as Kusa spoke up.

"I think, unless you wanted to do something, I'll try to private chat Taba for a bit and see how her trip to Akihabara went, if she's awake. I feel like she'd best be able to answer that, since I sense you're busy with other things tonight." Kusa said as Ren nodded.

"Yeah, I was gonna probably do some stuff around the cafe to be honest." Ren said as Kusa nodded, pulling out his phone to private chat Futaba while Ren went downstairs, eventually pulling out his copy of 'Expert Billiards' to read it, sitting at the counter as he read it.

"Hmm, this says 'Try imagining an invisible line!'. I see." Ren said as Morgana spoke up from next to him.

"Nice! Ah, so you look at it from a bird's eye view to predict the ball's pathway, eh? Interesting!" Morgana said as Ren nodded, eventually finishing his reading of 'Expert Billiards', looking at the cover at which point Morgana spoke up.

"Oh! So, you've finished reading 'Expert Billiards'. That book was filled with billiard know-hows of all kinds! And the trick-shot section got me pumped! Especially the behind-the-back and jump shots, in particular." Morgana said as Ren nodded, finding out that learning about billiards unlocked his 'Technical' rank, which apparently governs how much damage Technical attacks can inflict, and even to a point how likely a Technical attack is to knock an enemy down. Apparently trick shots can be learned with proper gear and/or reading the right books. However, certain trick shots require certain ranks of 'Proficiency' to succeed. Morgana smiled as he spoke up.

"I'm excited! Let's give it a try next time we go for billiards!" Morgana said to Ren, who nodded agreeably. Morgana then kept speaking.

"Well, I guess we should go to sleep. Staying up too late isn't healthy, you know." Morgana said as Ren nodded, heading upstairs with Morgana to get comfortable for the night...

(A short time later, in the Velvet Room with Ren, Caroline, Justine, and Igor)

As Ren sat up, finding himself in his cell in the Velvet Room, he walked over to the door of his cell, at which point Caroline spoke up.

"Listen up, Inmate! Our master wants to have a word with you." Caroline said as Igor chuckled and spoke up.

"It seems you've formed a contract with another new ally. However, this is the owner of quite a different type of power. It will help guide you all to further heights as thieves." Igor said as Ren spoke up.

"I see. So what do we do now then? Continue as we've been doing?" Ren asked. Igor chuckled at Ren's response as he spoke up.

"Worry not. You are steadily approaching the realization of your goal. This is not necessarily to prove so, but I shall increase the number of Personas you can hold at once. From here on, your tale will make great progress, and eventually start to reach it's climax. Hone your powers even further, and prepare for the time that will soon come. That said, I expect great things from you." Igor said as Ren nodded, feeling a sense of his bond deepening. At that point, the 'Fool' card appeared in his mind's eye, the 'VII' becoming a 'VIII' to signify that his Fool Confidant link with Igor had reached Rank 8.

As a result of the rank up, Ren was given access to the power of the 'Ultra Stock', making it so his Persona limit was upped from 10 to 12, making Ren able to carry more Personas at once. Afterwards, Igor spoke up once more.

"Well, Inmate, until we meet again." Igor said as Justine spoke up.

"It is time, Inmate. Return to your world." Justine said as Ren walked over to his cot and laid down, immediately dozing off...

(The next morning, with Ren, Kusa, Morgana, Sojiro and Futaba in the lower level of Leblanc)

Sojiro smirked as he saw Ren and Kusa come downstairs for school, bags slung over their shoulders, Morgana currently riding shotgun in the former's bag. Sojiro then spoke up.

"Mornin'." Sojiro said as Ren walked over and let Futaba get a look at his and Kusa's uniform, making her blink as she spoke up.

"Ooh, a uniform!" Futaba said as Kusa spoke up.

"Yep, these're our Shujin academy summer uniforms. Though I tend to not button mine up since it's still summer, and it lets my skin breathe easier, and keeps my muscle shirt less sweaty." Kusa said, making Futaba blink as she realized Kusa was in fact wearing his uniform top open to show off his dark green muscle shirt which hugged his chest quite nicely, in Futaba's opinion. Ren then spoke up.

"Yeah, what Kusa said. School resumes today." Ren said. Futaba nodded as she spoke up.

"Make sure you study hard." Futaba said as Kusa smirked and spoke up.

"Between him being in the top 10 of his year, and me being second in my year on grades, I think we're studying plenty hard, but thank you for the sentiment, Taba." Kusa said happily as he walked over to give her a one-armed hug of comfort from behind, leaning in to sneak a peck onto Futaba's cheek as he did so. Sojiro chuckled as he spoke up.

"Futaba says she's going to shift to living a morning person's life." Sojiro said. Kusa spoke up from next to Futaba.

"Ah, is that so? Good luck with that shift, Futaba. I'll root for you to get acclimated to it quickly." Kusa said encouragingly. Futaba blushed slightly but nodded as she kept speaking.

"A healthy mission starts with a healthy lifestyle!" Futaba said as Sojiro blinked and spoke up.

"Mission?" Sojiro asked, but before Kusa could speak up to explain Futaba's comment away, Sojiro's attention was grabbed by the news.

"And onto breaking news. In regard to the so-called 'Phantom Thieves' events that have been a hot topic among the general public recently, the prime minister held a press conference at his official residence to address the problem." The newscaster said as the shot shifted to the prime minister's conference as he spoke up.

"The government acknowledges the current rumors of the group called the Phantom Thieves. We are currently confirming facts with the police and wish to deal with it in an appropriate-" The prime minister said as Sojiro spoke up in surprise.

"Even the prime minister's talking about the Phantom Thieves?" Sojiro asked as Futaba spoke up with a smile.

"They're allies of justice, after all." Futaba said as Sojiro scoffed and spoke up.

"They change hearts, huh? I wonder if it's true." Sojiro asked, not seeing Kusa wince slightly at his tone as Morgana spoke up.

"Hmph! Looks like we're finally being recognized all across the country." Morgana said as Ren spoke up so only Morgana could hear.

"Let's stay calm here. And remember what Kusa said. Fame and recognition are both overrated. Our mission is to provide courage to those who need it, not to get rich or famous." Ren said rebukingly to Morgana, as Kusa nodded approvingly on hearing Ren mention his remark. Morgana smirked as he spoke up.

"Even though you have ambitions, you remain cool, hm? I bet you stole that from me." Morgana said, not voicing his thoughts about what he viewed as Ren possibly stealing Futaba from Kusa. Morgana then kept speaking.

"Let's find clues on that case as soon as we can too, and resolve it ourselves. Not just for our sakes, but for Futaba's sake too." Morgana said as Kusa nodded approvingly. Sojiro looked over at Ren and Morgana as he spoke up.

"Hm, you two really get along, don't you?" Sojiro asked Ren, who nodded as Sojiro kept speaking.

"You and Kusa are gonna be late if you don't get going soon." Sojiro said as Kusa nodded and spoke up.

"You're right, of course. We do have to get going, even if I'd rather just spend the time with Taba. But I can't be selfish. School awaits, whether I like it or not." Kusa said before smiling as he got up, kissing Futaba on the cheek as he did so, and heading towards the front door, not seeing Futaba flush slightly when she felt his lips on her cheek. Futaba then looked at Ren as she spoke up.

"Good luck to you both on your student duties." Futaba said, her comment making Kusa wince as he remembered that he had to find Makoto today to get initiated into the Student Council as well. Ren and Kusa then headed off to school...

(On the train to school, with Ren, Morgana, and Kusa)

"The age group with the most belief in the Phantom Thieves seems to be, unsurprisingly, teenagers! We've even received messages about how the Phantom Thieves are all students talk about these days." The announcer said over the train intercom as Ren and Kusa heard a businessman speak up nearby to his boss.

"Do you know about them?" The businessman asked his boss, who nodded as he spoke up.

"Yep. They're the only thing my daughter speaks to me about. She's been glued to this random Phan-Site thing. I thought it was just an ordinary website at first." The businessman's boss said as the businessman spoke up.

"Lately they've added a polling feature to ask who you'd like to see have a change of heart. Given people's heightened expectations, it's been receiving a lot of votes." The businessman said as his boss chuckled and spoke up.

"Huh, imagine that. Maybe I should go vote for our company president. 'Change his heart so he'll raise our salaries!' Sounds pretty good, doesn't it?" The businessman's boss said as Kusa huffed and spoke up while he and Ren got off the train.

"What a buffoon! We don't just change people's hearts for such paltry reasons as getting them to give people raises! Jeez! And what was Mishima thinking enabling public voting on our targets!? That's such an easy method to manipulate, it's not funny. What an idiot." Kusa said huffily as Ren shrugged before he and Kusa started the rest of the walk to school, listening in to some students walking in front of them as they walked.

"I'm done for. I can't believe school is starting up again already. Not like I did anything during summer break. I just stayed in and played online games." The listless-looking student said as his peppy friend spoke up.

"The Phantom Thieves're great! Nothing you could've done this summer would've toppled the Phantom Thieves! Hacking Medjed back and all the other stuff? It was totally nuts!" The peppy student said as the listless-looking student spoke up.

"Everyone online was waiting for the deadline to hit. People sure do love the Phantom Thieves. Speaking of, have you checked out the Phan-Site recently? They added a bunch of new stuff, including the option to rank people to get a change of heart." The listless-looking student said as Kusa huffed in annoyance, but said nothing as he and Ren finished the walk to school...

(Later that morning, in class with Ren, Morgana and Ann)

Ann yawned as she spoke up to Ren, who was sitting behind her with Morgana.

"Second term's already started. I think this every year, but, to be honest? Isn't summer vacation too short?" Ann asked Ren, who nodded and spoke up.

"Totally. I think even Kusa would agree we could've done with another couple weeks of vacation, but that's just the part of him that's been spoiled by having all sorts of time to spend with Futaba talking. You should've seen how brazenly he stole two separate kisses on Futaba's cheek this morning. I'm impressed Boss ignored it to be honest." Ren said. Ann nodded her agreement as she spoke up.

"Right? It's like, it always ends right when you get used to a life without school. But, then again, I guess we had some fun things this year." Ann said with a closed-eye smile. At that point, Kawakami walked in and cleared her throat to silence the murmurs in the classroom as she spoke up.

"AHEM! All right, let's begin homeroom. Let's see. We've just gotten back from vacation, but starting next Monday is the school trip." Kawakami said as Ann blinked and spoke up.

"Oh yeah, that's right." Ann said as she remembered that detail from when Ren had told her about Mishima mentioning it a few minutes previous. Kawakami sighed as she spoke up.

"Ugh, you students are so lucky. You get an entire month off for summer and get to go to Hawaii too. Make sure that none of you cut loose TOO much, okay?" Kawakami said as a cacophany of cheers and excited talking broke out at the announcement of the trip being to Hawaii. Kawakami then spoke up once more.

"Okay, settle down! That concludes homeroom." Kawakami said as Ann spoke up at that point, looking at Ren as she spoke.

"School trip, huh? I guess that means we won't be able to act as Phantom Thie-" Ann said before being interrupted as two other girls from their class walked over and spoke to Ann.

"Takamaki-san. You can speak English, right?" The shrewd-looking girl asked Ann, who turned to the girl and spoke up.

"Basically? Yeah." Ann said as the piggy-backing girl spoke up.

"That's amazing!" The piggy-backing girl said as Ann did a closed-eye smile and spoke up.

"I lived over there, so it's nothing that special." Ann said as the shrewd girl spoke up.

"Hey, if there's something we're not sure of in English, can we ask you about it?" The shrewd girl asked Ann, who blinked in surprise as she spoke up.

"Huh!?" Ann said as she gaped in surprise, as at that moment, Ann and Ren's phones went off to signify a group chat with Ryuji and Kusa.

"All people're talking about in my class're the Phantom Thieves. Is it the same for you? Talk about being popular." Ryuji sent as Kusa sent a response.

"You're not the only one, Ryuji. Yoshizawa and I must've had at least a half-dozen people walk past our desk to ask us if we know the Phantom Thieves. Apparently someone got a picture of Yoshizawa coming out of an abandoned building with Ren and Morgana, and it'd led to idle speculation that those three could be Phantom Thieves, which is total horse shit, at least where it concerns Yoshizawa-san. We won't even talk about where it concerns Ren and Morgana, because we all know the truth of that quite well. That said, yes we're popular. Not that I have to like it. I believe I've already stated my stance on fame and recognition." Kusa sent dryly. Ryuji sent a response.

"Anyways, now that a new semester's started, let's have another operation meeting." Ryuji sent as Kusa's eyes widened and he sent a response.

"Meeting!? Oh crap! I gotta run! I'm supposed to be at the Student Council Room right now, so Makoto can introduce me to the rest of the council." Kusa sent, ignoring the trio of 'WHAT!?' responses he got from Ren, Ann, and Ryuji as he put his phone away before hurrying over to the Student Council Room...

(Shortly afterwards, in the Student Council room with Kusa and Makoto)

"Sorry I'm late, President Niijima. I lost track of time while fielding a ton of questions from my classmates. You would NOT believe the rumors that idle tongues are spreading about a certain trio of people we both know." Kusa said apologetically as he walked into the Student Council room, right as the meeting started, bowing apologetically as he explained his slight tardiness. Makoto smiled as she spoke up.

"Don't worry about it, Amamiya-kun the younger. I know full well which rumors you speak of. So I think this council can forgive you a tad bit of tardiness, this time. That being said. Everyone? Meet Kusa Amamiya, younger brother of the infamous transfer student Ren Amamiya, and our new male first-year council member after our previous one resigned his position due to feeling unworthy of it. Amamiya-kun the younger, meet your fellow council members.

For the first years, we have Orimoto-san and Miyato-san for the females, and in addition to yourself, we also have Kusanagi-kun for the males. In second year, the male members are Mishima-kun and Ishida-kun, and the females are Takenouchi-san and Kamiya-san. Finally, for third year, for the males we have Minamoto-kun and Kanbara-kun, and for the females we have myself as the president, and of course we have Okumura-san, who you might remember from the cleanup event a few months ago." Makoto said as she introduced the rest of the council members one by one, most of whom Kusa just gave a polite nod of recognition or an idle wave, but the couple he recognized, such as Mishima and the poofy-haired brunette from the cleanup who'd been in charge of his and Mishima's group, he nodded to and smiled as he spoke up.

"First of all, it is a pleasure and an honor to not only make all of your acquaintance, but to be invited to join this most esteemed group. I understand my appointment was a bit of a last-minute call on our president's part, but that does not matter to me. I give you all my word, here and now, that I will do my level best not to let any of you down, and to live up to the responsibility I have been entrusted with.

That said, thank you most kindly for thinking of me when filling this position, President Niijima. I am most honored and humbled to be able to accept your request to fill it. So again, thank you." Kusa said politely, bowing to Makoto once more. The poofy-haired brunette spoke up once more as she smiled at Kusa and spoke up.

"Ah, so you're Amamiya-kun the younger? I apologize for ignoring you the day of the cleanup. I honestly didn't realize you were in our group back then. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience or offense you might have felt at my actions. I shall strive not to do so in future. That said, my name is Haru Okumura, third year and female third-year council member. Pleasure to meet you, Amamiya-kun the younger." the now-named Okumura said while extending a hand towards Kusa, as Kusa smiled and shook her outstretched hand with a polite smile as he spoke up.

"Likewise, Okumura-san. And I assure you, I took no offense from your actions. Truth be told, I didn't even realize you'd ignored me. I had had some stuff happen that morning that had me in a bit of a rough spot. I can't really go into details without the other involved students' consent, but suffice it to say some rough stuff went down right before the clean-up that led to myself and another student having to step in to save a fellow student from a messed-up situation, but past that, I cannot give any further details. Please understand that I am protecting the privacy of both the other involved students by doing so, even if the suspect in the situation was an adult." Kusa said to Okumura by way of explanation, who nodded understandingly as she spoke up.

"That's quite all right, Amamiya-kun. I understand. Even us third-years have been made aware of your strong moral compass. And of your iron will. We all heard about you being hospitalized briefly this summer, and are appropriately pleased to see you've recovered from that." Okumura said as Kusa nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, that was truly some unfortunate circumstances. As Doctor Maruki can vouch, being there for part of it, that attack was completely and utterly unexpected. But I choose not to be angry about it, but instead to let it bolster my resolve to better myself so as not to fall victim to a similar trap a second time, if it can at all be avoided." Kusa said politely as the other council members, sans Makoto, all nodded politely, impressed by Kusa's words as he took his seat with the first-years as the meeting proceeded, mostly talking about formalities, until the subject of the school trip got brought up, at which point Kusa gave Makoto, the one speaking, his full attention.

"As many of you are no doubt aware, this Monday is the school trip for the second-years. First-years, unless exempted by staff, or otherwise cleared, are unfortunately ineligible to go on the trip. It's messed up, but that's just the way the rules are in this case." Makoto said as Kusa huffed and spoke up.

"For real!? The first-years have to stay at school while everyone else gets to go on a trip? How is that fair?" Kusa said in disbelief as his fellow first-years nodded their agreement of his statement, as Makoto spoke up.

"Apologies Amamiya-kun the younger, but rules are rules. And exceptions are likely not able to be given at this time, even for us council members. I hope you're not upset?" Makoto said to Kusa, who smiled as he spoke up

"Upset? Not at all, President Niijima. Just disappointed, if anything. I'm sure I can find ways to productively use my time while the second and third years go have fun in Hawaii." Kusa said as Makoto blinked as she remembered something.

"Oh, that reminds me! This trip is actually meant for just second year students. Us third years will have a different trip planned later on, and so might the first years, now that I think abut it." Makoto said as Kusa smiled before seeking permission to speak, which was granted as he spoke up.

"That makes a lot more sense, to be honest. Apologies for my outburst before President Niijima, but surely you understand how news like what you delivered could be quite a shock being heard out of nowhere." Kusa said as Makoto nodded and spoke up.

"I quite understand, Amamiya-kun. So don't worry about your outburst before. That said, since I don't think there's any more business to discuss, let's adjourn here for today, and once more welcome Amamiya-kun the younger to our ranks. Hopefully you'll prove to be a valuable asset to our ranks." Makoto said as Kusa bowed and spoke up.

"Your welcome is much appreciated, President Niijima. I assure you I will do all I can to be of use to this council." Kusa said sincerely as the meeting adjourned, after which Makoto spoke up to Kusa.

"Good job in your first meeting. I apologize for not warning you about Mishima and Okumura being on the council, but I kind of forgot about them for a moment. That said, did you get an invite from the others to meet at the hideout?" Makoto asked Kusa, who nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed I did. Shall we go catch up to them?" Kusa asked Makoto, who nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed." Makoto said as Kusa and Makoto went to meet up with the others...

(A short time later, at the accessway hideout with Ryuji, Yusuke, Futaba, Ann, Makoto, Kusa, Ren, and Morgana)

"There you guys are, especially Makoto and Kusa. Running late?" Futaba asked Makoto and Kusa, the former of which spoke up.

"No, we just got out of a student council meeting where we had to induct Kusa-kun here into the council. He is now our newest male first-year council member." Makoto said as the group gasped but smiled and everyone congratulated Kusa on the position, especially Futaba, who smirked as she hugged Kusa before leaning up to peck him on the cheek, smirking at his red face as she spoke up.

"That's payback for kissing me twice this morning in front of Sojiro." Futaba said facetiously. Kusa nodded as Ann spoke up in surprise.

"Futaba! Did you come here by yourself?" Ann asked Futaba, who shook her head as Yusuke spoke up.

"No, I went to get her, since I got out of school early." Yusuke said as Futaba spoke up huffily.

"Ugh, what a patronizing Inari." Futaba said huffily, making Kusa laugh at Futaba's remark. Ryuji grinned as he spoke up.

"Well then, let's get talkin'. Whadda we do now? Should we go after another big target?" Ryuji said as Yusuke spoke up.

"That's important too, but what about that villain in the cognitive world?" Yusuke asked as Makoto spoke up.

"It's almost certain that this person exists. What's more, they're inducing mental shutdowns in people. We certainly can't turn a blind eye." Makoto said as Kusa spoke up.

"No, we most certainly cannot! Especially considering that if Black Mask does in fact exist, they may very well be the reason Futaba doesn't have a mother right now, along with possibly undermining our efforts by using their powers for evil. So we cannot turn a blind eye to such a criminal." Kusa said sagely. Ryuji sighed as he spoke up.

"Yeah, but we don't got any clues about them to speak of. But! You know how we're totes popular right now? Everyone at school's talkin' about us, and not a day goes by when you don't hear about it on TV either! We totally made it big, don'tcha think?" Ryuji said as Ann did a closed eye smile and spoke up.

"Still, the rankings on the Phantom Aficionado Website have been crazy too." Ann said as Futaba spoke up.

"You mean this?" Futaba said as she pulled said website up on her laptop. Ryuji blinked as he looked at the poll and spoke up.

"Huh? What the hell!? First place is crazy. First place keeps changing by the second!" Ryuji said as Futaba nodded and spoke up.

"Mm-hm. People are voting around the clock, after all!" Futaba said as Ryuji spoke up with a grin.

"If we go after these guys, I'm sure we'll score some big cash at least once! What would you use money like that for, Ren?" Ryuji asked Ren, who spoke up warily.

"If you'd asked me this when I first moved here? I'd have said an extravagant spree. But since taking money-stretching lessons with Kusa, I would put it into savings, at least part of it anyways." Ren said honestly as Kusa nodded approving and spoke up.

"Well said, Ren. That said, am I the only one here not blinded by the allure of fame right now? Sure, it's nice that we're being talked about, but as I recall, that was true of Akechi-kun as well not two months ago, if that, and look at him now! Ostracized, shunned, and criticized, all because he spoke out against us. Don't get me wrong, couldn't happen to a more deserving guy, but it also illustrates my point rather nicely about how fame and recognition are not only fleeting, but very effing fickle.

We could be on top of the world now, and in the matter of a few days, we could find ourselves free-falling right to the bottom again. So we need to not get too caught up in this fame we've come into. Maybe this school trip most of you are going on will help you get your heads on straight? Unfortunately, first years aren't eligible to go, along with third years, so that means most likely that myself, Futaba, Morgana, Makoto, and most likely Yoshizawa-san all won't be going. Sorry, Ren." Kusa said. Ryuji huffed at Ren's response.

"I've never heard of a phantom thief that saves up money!" Ryuji said huffily as Kusa frowned and spoke up.

"Yeah? Well I've never heard of a phantom thief that talks about being a phantom thief all the time at the top of his fool voice where anyone can hear. Oh wait, yes I have. His name is Skull! Get that ego checked before it wrecks you, and the rest of us with you, Ryuji!" Kusa huffed. Makoto changed the subject by looking at Futaba as she spoke up.

"Are you fine with that, Futaba? Even though it's related to what happened to your mother?" Makoto asked, getting an impressed look from Kusa for actually asking Futaba her opinion on something. Futaba huffed as she spoke up.

"It's not okay! I'm definitely gonna punch that guy!" Futaba said as Kusa smiled and spoke up.

"Oh, Taba, you silly minx, you. If Black Mask is in fact who I think he is, you'll have to get in line to punch him, since Ryuji and I already have first dibs on punching him. And then you get next turn after us. Then the rest of us can pound whatever's left when we're done with him." Kusa said bluntly. Ryuji smiled and spoke up.

"Actually? The culprit forcing mental shutdowns is a viable option. If you think about it, there's no bigger target than that." Ryuji said as Kusa nodded approvingly.

"True, plus if we do target them, and they happen to be Black Mask, we can not only hit a big target, but deal with one of our biggest problems too. Two birds with one stone, or one Black Mask in this case." Kusa said approvingly. Ryuji nodded as he spoke up.

"Truth, Kusa! If we can change his heart and force a confession outta him, we'll be on top of the world, as Kusa put it before, for real. If so, should we reveal our identities then? I bet chicks are gonna be all over us!" Ryuji said as Kusa huffed and spoke up, eyes narrowing as he spoke.

"HELL NO! We should NOT reveal our identities then, or ever! That'd defeat the point of us being PHANTOM thieves! Since, y'know, last I checked phantoms were, by definition, those who lurk unseen, sort of like ninjas. So by revealing ourselves, we're not really acting like phantoms, if you think about it. Also, that'd be a shitty reason to out ourselves, Ryuji! And unlike you, most of us already have ladies we're into! I thought you had a girl you loved too, but apparently not if you're only worried about chicks being all over us!" Kusa said pointedly, crossing his arms with a huff. Ann nodded her agreement, giving Ryuji a shocked look as she spoke up.

"Whoa, whoa, you want us to show our faces!? Um, I guess that might be okay!" Ann said as Kusa sputtered.

"WHAT!? No it might not be okay, Ann!" Kusa said. Yusuke spoke up warily at that point.

"I see. If the true culprit confesses, the existence of the Metaverse will become known to all. There would be no need for us to remain in hiding in such a questionable manner at that point, would there?" Yusuke said and before Kusa could snap at Yusuke, Makoto beat him to it, to his surprise.

"HEY! I agree with Kusa-kun on this. We're not doing this to stand out, you know!" Makoto said pointedly. Morgana nodded approvingly to Kusa and Makoto as he spoke up.

"Kusa and Makoto are right. Being 'unknown' is the allure of being a phantom thief. Plus, it gives people something to talk about, a mystery to believe in, if you will." Morgana said as Ryuji pumped a fist excitedly as he spoke up.

"But considering the hype now, it's gonna be one hell of a huge deal if we pull it off!" Ryuji said as Morgana spoke up with a huff.

"Are there really no clues regarding those mental shutdown cases? If I remember right, wasn't the older Niijima sister investigating it?" Morgana asked as Makoto winced and spoke up.

"Yes, that's correct. I can pry and ask about it. But she'll just tell me to mind my own business and get angry with me." Makoto said as Futaba smirked and spoke up.

"If you can't ask her, wanna just extract the data?" Futaba asked Makoto, making Kusa smirk approvingly at Futaba, liking where she was headed with her idea. Makoto, for her part, blinked at Futaba in confusion as Futaba spoke up.

"Does she have a personal laptop or something?" Futaba asked Makoto, who blinked in realization as she spoke up.

"Don't tell me you're suggesting what I think you're suggesting!?" Makoto said as Futaba pulled out a flash drive, holding it out to Makoto as she spoke up.

"I can lend you a storage device with my special gimmick on it. Just stick this baby in and it'll bypass the internal hard drive! It'll even bypass the OS password!" Futaba said as Kusa let out a wolf-whistle of appreciation as he spoke up.

"Damn. Look at Taba breaking out the big guns over here. You go, Taba!" Kusa said, sounding impressed as he smiled at Futaba, who blushed but smiled as she spoke up.

"Stop it, Kusa. This isn't the time for praising me! That said, you'll have to plug it directly into her laptop though, Makoto. Can you do it?" Futaba said as Makoto frowned and spoke up.

"Sis does bring her laptop home sometimes, that I've seen. But, I'm not comfortable going that far if it can be helped." Makoto said as Kusa nodded understandingly and spoke up.

"Fair enough, can't fault you for that, Makoto. And if I did, I'd be a hypocrite for doing so, considering how many times I lit into you and/or Ryuji recently for that exact reason with regards to Taba." Kusa said as Ryuij spoke up in amazement.

"Ooh, is Futaba gonna do something amazin' again?" Ryuji asked in amazement. Yusuke turned to Makoto and spoke up.

"Are you scared of seeing how your sister truly feels?" Yusuke asked Makoto, to Kusa's surprise. Makoto huffed and spoke up.

"No! O-Of course not. Ugh, fine! I'll do it." Makoto said as Kusa blinked and spoke up.

"For real? Wow, that was almost a faster turn-around than when Taba talked Ren into escorting her into Akihabara last night." Kusa said in an impressed tone as Makoto took the flash drive and the group split up for the day on that note...

(At the same time, in Kobayakawa's office)

"WHAT? I was in a tabloid magazine? But I gave a gag order in regard to Mister Kamoshida's case, I know I did!" Kobayakawa said as he panicked hearing the voice on the other end.

"P-Please wait! Please give me some time! I will find evidence on the Phantom Thieves for sure!" Kobayakawa said as he listened to the voice on the other end before speaking up.

"I couldn't have made it this far, had it not been for your assistance, sir, and I thank you for it. So, please, give me more time. Please, sir. Please let me have one more chance!" Kobayakawa said as the person on the other end hung up, leaving Kobayakawa to slump over dejectedly as he was hung up on.

"A-Ah, crap. No, this can't be happening. NOOOOOO!" Kobayakawa said, bemoaning his bad luck...

(That evening, at Leblanc, with Ren, Kusa and Morgana)

As Ren and Kusa walked in, Sojiro spoke up with a frown.

"Huh, summer's over already, eh? Went by all too fast, if you ask me. Still another six months ahead of you, Ren. Keep yourself in check, got it? You're halfway there. You and Kusa both." Sojiro said, making Kusa blink, having actually forgotten they were there for Ren's probation for a time. At that point, Ren and Kusa's phones went off to signify a group chat with Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, and Futaba, with Ann sending the first response.

"These rankings are insane!" Ann sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"Yes, if you look away for even a single moment, the order changes completely." Yusuke sent as Ann spoke up.

"It's hard to decide who to actually go after!" Ann sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"They're flooding in!" Ryuji sent as Futaba sent a response.

"We can choose anyone we want!" Futaba sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"We should wait for now though. It will surely cool off soon. More importantly, how are things on your end, Makoto?" Yusuke sent as Makoto sent a response.

"Sis isn't home yet. She may not come back at all tonight." Makoto sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Man, just think how great it'd be to narrow down our targets!" Ryuji sent as Makoto sent a response.

"That's true, but at the same time, aren't most of you guys taking this too lightly? All the pressure here rests on me." Makoto sent as Ren sent a response at that point.

"That's not true, Makoto. Some of the pressure also rests on myself, Morgana, and Kusa, as the leadership of the group, to make sure none of us loses our heads." Ren sent. Kusa sent a response at that point.

"Truth, Ren! There's also pressure of sorts on Taba for her device to work as advertised. Would be a big problem for us if her device were to not work, yeah? Not that it will, since I believe in Taba, but have to cover all eventualities where possible. Apologies to you for using you as an example like that, Taba." Kusa sent as Makoto sent a response.

"Just to be clear, we'll all be in major trouble if I fail, yes?" Makoto sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Don't worry. We all know you can handle this, Makoto. And no need to apologize, Kusa. I understand what you were trying to say." Futaba sent as Makoto sent a response.

"Very well. I suppose I'll do it." Makoto sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Don't feel obligated to do it, Makoto. You can choose to say no, after all. And for real, we should keep an eye on that poll to see if Akechi-kun ends up in the rankings at any point. And to be honest, we never did check to see if he has a Palace." Kusa sent as Ren blinked and put his phone away as Morgana spoke up.

"Let's leave this to Makoto. I'm sure she'll be able to pull it off." Morgana said to Ren and Kusa, who nodded. The two then proceeded to have a seat at a booth seat to ponder their next move...

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: And there we go, chapter 51 is done and dusted! Not quite as long as chapter 50, but still a good length chapter nonetheless! Don't expect another chapter the length of chapter 50 for the rest of the story unless I either have the inspiration strike me for one, or I find it necessary for the sake of closing an arc out, which is unlikely!

That said, thanks to everyone who's favorited and followed this story so far, and to all my reviewers for reviewing! Your support and feedback is both greatly valued and deeply appreciated! Feel free to keep leaving reviews or PMing me, as I welcome the support just the same either way. And until next chapter, sithlorde1988 out!

NOTES

*1* - For real, I feel like this part was begging to be made into a SpongeBob reference, which rather than do so, I simply acknowledged the commonality of jellyfish usage in that show, whether it be as a food ingredient or as a form of sport (e.g. Jellyfishing), so yeah, simple as that!

*2* - Similar to *1*, this is a cartoon reference of sorts, but a more specific one, since Kusa was indirectly implying with his remark that Futaba has metabolism to rival that of Shaggy from the Scooby-Doo cartoons, and we all know how iconic of a character he's become, what with the memes about him and the appearances in games, and so on.

Either way, if Morgana were a dog, he could be the Scooby-Doo to Futaba's Shaggy, IMO. To be honest though, not really sure about who would be Velma, Fred and Daphne from the Persona cast, though I'm inclined to say Ryuji would be Fred honestly. As for the other two, probably Makoto as Velma and possibly Sumire or Ann as Daphne, even though Daphne's a red-head in the cartoons. But that's purely a guess on my part.

CONFIDANT RANKS AS OF THE END OF CHAPTER 51

FOOL (Igor/Prison Master) - Rank 8

MAGICIAN (Morgana/Mona) - Rank 7

PRIESTESS (Makoto/Queen) - Rank 4

EMPEROR (Yusuke/Fox) - Rank 5

HIEROPHANT (Sojiro/Boss/Coffee Daddy) - Rank 5

LOVERS (Ann/Panther) - Rank 7

CHARIOT (Ryuji/Skull) - Rank 7

JUSTICE (Akechi) - Rank 5

HERMIT (Futaba/Oracle) - Rank 1

FORTUNE (Chihaya/Fortune-Teller) - Rank 1

STRENGTH (Justine and Caroline/Twin Wardens) - Rank 7

HANGED-MAN (Iwai/Weapons Dealer) - Rank 2

DEATH (Takemi/Back-Alley Doctor) - Rank 7

TEMPERANCE (Kawakami/Becky) - Rank 4

DEVIL (Ohya) - Rank 2

STAR (Hifumi) - Rank 4

MOON (Mishima) - Rank 5

SUN (Yoshida/Man Of The People) - Rank 8

JUDGEMENT (Sae/Prosecutor) - Rank 4

FAITH (Kasumi/Yoshizawa) - Rank 5 'MAX'

COUNCILLOR (Maruki/Doc) - Rank 5

WORLD (Kusa/Draconis) - Rank 4

YET TO BE UNLOCKED: TOWER, EMPRESS