Disclaimer: I do not own Persona 5!

A couple more new characters will be appearing today, including some from the other series from the Persona franchise. This chapter will also be extra long, because it's the conclusion of Ann's arc and the beginning of Yusuke's arc. (Ann's arc is actually one of the easier, slightly less serious cases. As we continue down with the story, the gravity of each of the situations the characters have to handle will become much heavier.)

With that, enjoy the story!

"Whoa, whoa. That nail polish ain't going on the photoshoot today, apparently," Makoto remarked with a snort when Mika told them all about what the group had done to Aiko's nail polish.

Chuckling darkly, Mika replied as she high-fived Haru. "That ought to be a lesson for her to learn."

The group was back at the cafeteria, where Mika was telling them about what happened back in the modelling room. Some of them had a great laugh about it, but the others seem to have perplexed looks on their faces.

At that point, Mika stood up. Alright, guys. I have to go now. I still have to go and meet up with some other friends, m'kay? Buh-bye!

As Mika left the table, Futaba suddenly asked in her soft voice, "... Hey, would this be what Ann-Senpai wants, though? To see us all stoop so low too?"

Ryuji sighed sadly. "That is exactly what I was thinking about too..."

However, Yusuke suddenly stood up and bellowed, "It's not like we could do anything else?! Do you guys actually think we really want to do this?!"

"... I appreciate your concerns, but there's no need to go through such trouble," a female voice said as the clacking of boots echoed closer, causing them to turn towards the sound.

"... Ann?"

It was at that point which they saw the look on her face when they realised that they had taken it too far.

The girl with twin-tails folded her arms. "Look, Aiko may have done some really horrible things, but that doesn't mean she has to be tormented like this! Do you know how important that photoshoot was that day, especially to the transfer students?"

Ryuji shook his head as he removed his glasses and pinched his nose bridge. "I told you guys this would go badly..."

However, Haru stood up and looked at Ann. "She needs to learn, Ann. Plus, we're doing this for your sake too. She needs to know that she shouldn't even be doing things like these."

"... I don't want you guys to do something like this to anyone ever again. Stooping so low... that's just being the same as her. That isn't worth it. Plus..."

She turned her back on them and hissed, "It's not like there's anything I can do about it, is there?!"

There was silence, before Akira suddenly stood up and yelled back, causing Ann to swerve back towards him in shock. "Yes, there is! It's just because you wouldn't stand up for yourself, that's why we need another way for Aiko Nakamura to learn not to do such things to you, or anyone else!"

Goro stood up and added with a smile, "Come on, sweetheart. You need to have more confidence in yourself. You need to be able to face those who belittle you head on, not just grit your teeth and bear with it if you feel uncomfortable with it. Have you forgotten what I had told you that day? Just be yourself, because no one man can't please everyone."

"I... I..." Ann was at a loss for words.

Suddenly, Haru sighed with a smile. "I guess I should have just trusted you more, Ann. Sorry for being such a horrible best friend."

"Th-That's not true, Haru! It's just... I didn't want you guys to do the same things to her too because it's not worth it..." Ann's voice faltered slightly, causing Futaba to giggle.

"'Not worth it'? It really wouldn't be worth it if you weren't happy, Ann-Senpai!"

"Exactly," Yusuke nodded in agreement as he tossed a box of pocky to her.

"You guys..."

However, Ryuji leapt out of his seat like a March hare and began dashing off. "AAH! We're going to be late for our shooting! Let'sgoLet'sgoLet'sgo!"

Akira glanced at his watch before bouncing out and running behind. "Crap, I didn't realise we only have five minutes! HAHAHAHAHA! Come on, let's run!"

As the entire group ran towards the set and laughed at the same time, thoughts raced across her mind as she tried to clear it up. Why hadn't she noticed it before? She had so many people around her supporting her! There are already people who like her the way she was, so why did she have to feel bad whenever anyone tries to taunt her?

Though she still had to ponder about the situation for her to reach her final answer, Ann couldn't help but suddenly feel a ray of sunshine warm her up once more.

"Oi, Yusuke-chan~!"

POKE!

A sharp pain suddenly surged into the back of Yusuke's head, causing him to shriek in pain and swerve around. "OW! What the fuck, Akechi?!"

"Oh? Did my mask smack into the back of your head? Sorry about that, hun!" Goro laughed as he removed his Crow mask. "But anyways, it's real nice to see you wearing something so extravagant out of your course."

He shook his head. "Stabbed me in the damn back... you really suit the title of the betrayer in this game."

Goro pouted. "Mou, Yusuke-chan! By the way, when will you tell them about you being a... Da-"

Yusuke clamped a mouth over Goro's mouth as he slammed the mask back onto his face. "Shut the fuck up about that! Oh my god, will you stop being such an asshole?!"

"Come on, Yusuke-chan, you know you can't hide from them for long~"

Peeved, Yusuke glared down at the brunette as he growled, "Listen up, Goro Akechi. I don't know what the hell you're planning to do, but I've been tolerating you for a long time. I didn't call you out only because we were with the others, but if you dare to say anything to them, I swear, I'm gonna-"

"What? You're going to fuck me right in the ass?" Goro grinned, much to the horror of the delinquent. "That's where your vulgarities are going to bring you, you know. And about that invitation, no thank you."

Yusuke stared back at the flamboyant man in astonishment. "... Dafuq."

However, Goro began pondering. "So I guess you don't want me to talk behind your back and become a 'Back-Stabber', huh..."

"Wait, what are you going to-"

"Then I guess I'll just have to stab you in the front!"

POKE POKE POKE POKE!

"OI! NOT MY NOSE, DAMN IT!"

Ryuji, who was changing into his costume, stepped in and sighed, "Hey, no fighting, you two-"

"Excuse me! This is where Persona 5 is being filmed, am I correct?"

Akira, who had just stepped out of the room, looked at the entrance and gasped, "Wh... Oh my god! Theodore from Persona 3? Margaret from Persona 4? Igor from the Persona series?! What?!"

"Hello!" Theodore smiled back while Margaret continued to tend to Igor, helping the old man walk into the room. "Easy does it, father..."

A smile grew on the Director's face as he stood up and walked towards the group. "Hello there, it's nice to meet you guys again! Is Lavenza with you?"

Margaret chuckled lightly, "Oh, my daughter? Yes, yes. She's here. She's just a little shy. Come on, Lavenza. Introduce yourself!"

A small shuffle was heard, and a young girl emerged from behind her. Putting her hands together, Lavenza bowed, "I'm Lavenza, also playing as Caroline and Justine, the Velvet Room assistants. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Whoa-ho-ho, you're gonna be playing three roles at the same time?" Makoto asked in shock as she came back from packing some of her clothes at the back. "That's freaking crazy! Are you able to cope?"

Lavenza nodded and continued in the soft, monotonous voice, "There's no need to look down on me. I may be thirteen, but I was trained to act. I will be fine."

Theodore laughed heartily as he patted Lavenza's head. "Come on, my dear niece! You can be better than that!"

"Oh! Speaking of which," the Director said as he looked around, "Where's Elizabeth?"

Igor chuckled as he replied, "That workaholic daughter of mine? She's still at work, of course."

BZZT! BZZT! BZZT!

"Oh, sorry 'bout that," Yusuke apologised as he fished out his phone and stepped away. "Hello...?"

As they continued chatting, however, Ryuji stared intensely at his friend as he tried to hear the conversation.

"What the hell... I told you not to call me at this hour, damn it! ... Hello?! I'm not free to hand the money to you right now, you fucking bastard! Don't you get it?! ... W-W-Hang on! Don't you dare do that! ... Okay, okay, I'm sorry for being vulgar to you! Happy?! ... Ugh! Fine! I'll meet you in a moment."

Growling underneath, Yusuke slammed his phone shut and walked back towards the Director. "Hey, I'm sorry, Sir, but I gotta head to the washroom for a moment. Would that be okay?"

The Director nodded. "Sure, we'll be filming the Velvet room scenes first anyways."

As Yusuke walked out, Ryuji stared at him with a concerned frown on his face. He couldn't just let his friend go like that! Something must be happening to him!

Excusing himself, Ryuji headed towards the washroom as well.

SLAM!

Akira groaned in pain as he rubbed his butt and stood up. "Ow...! I swear my ass just got like... three new cracks!"

After they had finished the filming of some of the Velvet Room scenes, the group were now practising the action moves that they had to do when filming the Palace scenes. Madarame ended up going for the course first, so the schedule was back to original plan where they started off with Kamoshida's Palace. However, the crew decided that they had to learn how to do all of the parkour in the game, so all of the Phantom Thieves were present.

Margaret, who was watching them practise along with the rest of the Velvet Room cast, chuckled as she asked, "Kurusu-san, are you quoting Yosuke-kun back when the Persona 4 group acted in Persona Q?"

"What else am I supposed to say? It really hurts..." Akira whimpered as he sobbed comically.

"Don't worry, Akira-san. You're not the only one who's horrible at this type of stuff..." Ryuji sighed in agony as he rubbed the back of his head. Akira could have sworn he saw a bump grow on his head.

Makoto started cackling in amusement. "Geez, you guys suck!"

Ann groaned as she flopped over the fake half-wall. "Says the martial arts expert!"

"I guess it's a good thing I don't need to do this..." Futaba muttered.

"Come on, Makoto-chan, there's no need to mock everyone else who can't do it..." Haru lectured her classmate as she shook her head in disappointment.

Yusuke tossed his faux katana aside as he let out a loud sigh. "At least it'll all be over in half an hour... why can't time pass faster?!"

Kamoshida, who was overseeing their parkour practice, brought a hand to his face. "Okay guys, you all can take a five-minute break... Make sure you all keep yourselves hydrated, okay?"

Sighing in relief, they all headed towards where their bags laid and grabbed their water bottles. However, just as Yusuke took a gulp of water, he saw Ryuji staring at him.

"… What's wrong? Have you never seen someone drink water?"

He watched as Ryuji took a deep breath and ask, "Yusuke, is something bothering you?"

"The only thing which is bothering me right now is you, Sakamoto."

He sighed. "I'm being serious here, Yusuke. What was with that phone call earlier?"

The blue-haired man groaned as he shoved his water bottle back into his backpack. "It was just some rotten con artist who tried to scam me, okay? You don't need to bother about what's going on with me, Sakamoto. Don't you already have enough on your plate?"

"W-Well, projects recently are crazy, but-"

"Then focus on that shit instead, will ya? Come on, Sakamoto. That kindness of yours is just going to make your life worse. People may scam you, or beat you up for putting your nose into other people's business! Take my word for it."

Ryuji huffed sadly as he shook his head, then he popped the cap off his own water bottle and took a sip of water.

"Woohoo! And we're done for today!" Makoto cheered loudly as the group stepped out of the set room. "What are you guys planning on doing after this?"

Ryuji replied with a chuckle, "I'm pretty sure you guys know that I'm going to help my father out at his stall as usual."

Yusuke turned to Ryuji in shock. "What? You're not gonna chill after everything we've done today? Holy crap, I don't know if you're filial, or just stupid..."

Futaba pouted a little. "Yusuke-Senpai, that's a little mean, don't you think?"

Haru sighed. "It's probably the former, Yusuke..."

"There you are."

Hearing the familiar voice, the group of them turned to face Aiko Namakura, who was glaring at them in a horrifying way, yet somehow still smiling. Strutting towards them, she seethed, "So you are the ones who tried to ruin the modelling exchange, huh?"

"Oh, right. We've all heard about it - your nail polish got ruined, didn't it? We've all heard about it from Mika..." Makoto giggled darkly.

However, she stared back and replied sarcastically, "Miss, this ain't your argument. Please stand back for a moment."

"You-!"

Ann suddenly stepped in and placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Makoto, stop. Don't get angry at her."

Makoto groaned. "Come on, Ann! You're too tolerant and soft about this! No wonder she was able to step all over you back then!"

"And… I don't think I'm planning on letting that happen anymore."

Glancing back at her best friend, Haru gave the blue-eyed girl a reassuring smile as she mouthed, "Go for it, Ann."

Smiling back wryly at her, Ann stepped forward, causing Aiko to give a huff and taunt, "So you finally decide to step out and own up? I knew it... Of course it had to be you of all people."

"... Aiko."

"But why? We knew each other for so long, so why did you do it?" Aiko pretended to ponder before she snapped her fingers. "Oh, I see how it is! It's because of that incident with poor Hitomi, that's why you hate our school, is that it? How could you do such a thing, Ann-chan?"

Akira sighed internally as Aiko pretended to cry. "I thought you were better than that, Ann-chan! I didn't know you were so... despicable!"

However, there was a sudden shout from the other side of the hallway. "Despicable? I think YOU are the despicable one, Aiko Nakamura!"

Looking forward, Ann gasped. "S-Suzui-san?!"

The rest of the group watched in astonishment as Shiho started walking down the hallway and gave Aiko a glare of fury. Standing beside Ann, Shiho stood her ground, and said,

"Convincing everyone that Ann is a thief... I know Ann enough to know that she isn't like that! Because of you, Ann had suffered so much during the term you guys are here! Why did you hate her so much? Did she do anything to offend you?!"

Her arrogant smile vanished instantly, expression switching into one of hatred. "She doesn't belong here."

Ann was at a loss for words. "Wh-what?"

Suddenly, she bursted in frustration, "I said you don't belong here, bitch! It's because of people like you, that's why our country's culture is being decimated!"

Yusuke snapped, "'People like her'?! Get your facts right, Nakamura! Ann here's still half-Japanese! Plus, what the hell's with discriminating against others just because of their race?! I don't care that you are a girl. I can assure you that won't get away with bullying her like this!"

Despite his yell, Aiko chuckled darkly and mockingly. "Oh, but she isn't fully Japanese, is she?"

"... So what?"

Ann's quiet voice suddenly stood out, causing all of them to turn towards her in anticipation. Ann, whose head was previously lowered, raised it up again such that she was looking directly at Aiko, a look of determination now glowing on her face.

"I may be half-Caucasian, but what does that mean? Technically speaking, no one really belongs in a certain category if that's your definition, does it?"

Ryuji nodded. "That's pretty true - our ancestors came from everywhere around the world. Who knows how many countries do we really belong to?"

Makoto chuckled a little. "Usually, I hate Science, but I agree with you on this one."

Meanwhile, Ann continued with her stand, "I must admit: I do look different from everyone else. So what? It's not like I can please everyone, can I? There are already people who like me just the way I am, so why I need to care about those who don't? I was so stupid back then. I totally forgot about the people by my side, supporting me everytime I feel down! But that doesn't matter anymore - I've finally come to a realisation that there's no way I can please everyone, including you, Aiko!"

Her nemesis gritted her teeth. "So you've finally changed, huh? Not bad, but I don't care. Your appearance is enough to eradicate out culture. Is that not what we've been trying to avoid?"

"This is a modern society, Aiko Nakamura. We need to learn how to adapt and accept other cultures into our world. You're just acting inflexible, you know?" Shiho explained before she grinned in a slightly mocking way and asked, "Or could it be that you're just jealous of Ann, that she gets to wear all those trendy clothing while you only get to model kimonos?"

The entire group stared at Shiho in astonishment, jaws dropped and eyes nearly popping out of their sockets. Meanwhile, Akira started laughing madly as he added, "Do you need some ice to that burn? Or perhaps polish to get rid of those scratches? Oh, I forgot - your polish was long ruined, wasn't it?"

Steam poured out of Aiko's ears as she seethed, "You know what, fine. If you want to continue like this, I can't care anymore. I don't need to spend my valuable time on pieces of useless trash like all of you."

Turning back, they watched as Aiko quickly disappeared down the corridor before bursting into fits of laughter.

"Oh my god! Great job, Ann! You did it!" Shiho cheered happily.

Futaba was smiling, but she still looked a little worried. "But... did we go a little too far? I mean, she looked really mad!"

"Well, now she knows how Ann felt when she did all those things to her! Get ridiculed!" Yusuke cackled madly as he flashed his thumb down.

Goro sighed in relief. "I'm glad you remembered what I told you, Ann-darling. Just be yourself, okay?"

She nodded. "Yeah. You know what? I thought about it for a long time. I had enough of trying to change just to please everyone else. I have you guys by my side!"

"But still…" Ryuji sighed and turned to his friend. "Akira, what was with those puns…?"

Akira simply gave a huge smile and shrugged his shoulders. "For fun, I guess! But that beat down you gave Aiko was awesome, Ann!"

Suddenly, Ann felt herself being pulled into a hug by Haru, who breathed out, "I'm so proud of you, Ann-chan! You finally stood up for yourself! You're all grown up!"

"Haru! You're not my mom!"

Makoto started giggling madly. "She kinda is the mom in our group, if you think about it!"

Shiho smiled and turned to head towards the exit. "Well, I got to go back first, m'kay? Great job today, Ann! I'll see you tomorrow in school!"

"W-Wait! Shiho!"

The way Ann had called Shiho stopped her dead in her tracks. In surprise, Shiho stepped back to face her once more. Walking briskly towards the ponytail girl, Ann stopped right in front of her and placed both hands on her shoulders.

"L… Listen, Shiho, I'm really sorry about yelling at you and Ryuji that day. There's really no excuse for me to do that, yet you still came over to defend me. Thank you so much for always being there for me, and I'm sorry about not realising that you were always by my side all along!"

However, Shiho's eyes were still blanked out. Ann gulped in concern and regret as a small frown began to grow on her face. Could it be that…

"Ann… did you just… call me by my first name?"

"Um, what?"

Suddenly, Shiho screamed in what seemed like joy and wrapped Ann into a huge bear hug, causing Ann to freak out. "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! You're really starting to call me by my first name! That's a huge achievement for me, Ann!"

Still in shock, Ann stared at her in a dazed manner as Shiho removed her arms around her and grinned back. "But for now, I got to go back! My parents are waiting for me to go home for dinner, after all! See you tomorrow in class! I hope we'll have fun filming for Persona 5 later!"

Watching Shiho's vanishing figure and following the entire cast out of the school, laughing and cracking jokes with each other, Ann felt a smile begin to grow on her lips. She had just gained another friend who will always be there to support her whenever she needed it, just like the rest of them.