Ren Amamiya Ace Attorney

by Galaxy.Satt-XY

Not only he will steal the hearts of the corrupted ones, but he will also punish them at court. He is Ren Amamiya, the leader of the Phantom Thieves, and the newest Ace Attorney. With his mentors, he's going to change everything.

14. Chapter 14

—

May, 13. Friday.

Aoyama-Itchome District. Shujin Academy.

Class 2-D.

Afternoon

—

Yo, you guys gonna go for it? — Ryuji asked.

Ren looked at his phone, thinking of an answer to Ryuji's message.

What, the counseling? — Ann asked.

Yep. You guys're goin'?

I'm planning to go. —Ren admitted.

I don't know… It kinda sounds like we're being forced to do. — Ryuji replied.

We're actually being forced to do it since it's obligatory. — Ren texted as he listened to Kawakami's explanation. — As I said, I'm planning to go, why?

I told Maruki I'd do it, but… I dunno if I'm really that into the idea, you know? — Ryuji explained.

I can relate, but we should do it. It can be a good thing for us. — Ren said.

Yeah. Probably better not to draw more attention to ourselves anyway. — Ann said.

Ann's right. For now, we should lay low and wait for things to calm down.

*sigh*You guys're right. — Ryuji texted.

I think I'm gonna try going today, then I'll tell you how it went. — Ann texted.

Okay…

I'll be waiting too — Ren replied.

-You're right. Make sure you visit him so you don't draw any attention to yourself, okay? — Morgana said.

-I know, you don't need to say that to me. — Ren whispered. He sighed tiredly. — Man those exams were rough… But not as rough as the Bar exams.

-Just out of curiosity, how rough was it? — Morgana asked.

-Enough to give me a huge headache and almost a panic attack. — Ren replied dryly.

-For real!?

-For real. *sigh* For now let's wait. — Ren glanced at the window without care, lost in his thoughts.

"I wonder what I will face next…"

—

May, 13. Friday.

Aoyama-Itchome District. Shujin Academy.

Class Building Second Floor.

After School.

—

Ren exited the classroom and heard his phone ring. He saw a message from Ann.

Well, I went in for counseling.

How'd it go? — Ren asked.

Hmm… Well, it honestly wasn't as rough as I was expecting. I think you should just go and give it a shot. Are you going soon too, right, Ren? — The blonde girl asked.

I am planning to go too. I was waiting for you to give your thoughts about it. — Ren replied.

"Besides, I have my doubts about him being reliable. He might be a doctor, but seeing the circumstances…"

Ren sighed again in frustration and shook his head trying to relax.

"I really need to relax. I'm starting to see strings attached everywhere."

Relax. Dr. Maruki's easier to talk to than you'd think. — Ann texted.

I expected that. — Ren texted. — I'll see you tomorrow.

Okay, see you tomorrow.

-Morgana. I'm going to the Nurse's Office.

-Okay. The nurse's office in the Practice Building, right? I'll just pass time in the area until you're done.

Ren nodded and he went to the Nurse's Office. As he arrived there, he saw Yoshizawa talking with Maruki cheerfully.

-Ah, hello. — Yoshizawa greeted.

-Hello, Yoshizawa-san. Doctor Maruki. — Ren greeted back.

-Are you here for a session as well? — The red-haired girl asked.

-That's right.

-Is that so? — Ren nodded his head in affirmation. — I see. Dr. Maruki is a wonderful counselor. I've actually been seeing him for a while before he ever came to Shujin.

-I see.

-Oh? I didn't know you two were acquainted. — Said Maruki.

-We met on our way to school. — Ren explained.

-Oh, I see. — Maruki scratched his head nervously. — But I'm only doing my job. Please don't go overselling me too hard though Yoshizawa-san—I'm really nothing special.

-But you're a great doctor. — Yoshizawa said cheerfully.

-Still.

Yoshizawa only smiled and turned to Ren.

-Well, I need to get going. Please excuse me. — Yoshizawa said bowing to both in respect.

-Okay. Bye Yoshizawa-san. — Maruki said.

-Bye. — Ren said bowing as well.

Yoshizawa left and Maruki turned to Ren.

-How about we get started?

-Let's.

Ren went into the Nurse's Office and noticed the place was surprisingly big.

"Well, it's the Nurse's Office of course, this place will be big." The black-haired teenager thought as he was trying to become comfortable in that place.

-Welcome! Thank you for coming.

-It's nothing. Besides, we made a deal, remember?

Maruki chuckled.

-Well… I'll try to make sure it's worth the trouble.

-I see. Well, I was planning to come anyway. I think I need to talk with someone about what happened.

-I see. Well, let's sit. I want you to tell me what's in your mind.

They sit on the respective chairs and Ren explains the situation to Maruki, resuming all the events except for the Metaverse and what happened in Kamoshida's Palace.

-I see… Mm, thank you. I think I've gotten a good grasp of the situation you're in Amamiya-Kun. Well, full disclosure… The school gave me a brief rundown of the circumstances surrounding your transfer here.

-I'm doing okay now. Besides, it's in the past. "For now at least."

Maruki held his chin and started to analyze Ren.

-Did you have to force yourself to accept everything that happened…? No, that doesn't seem to be it…

After a brief analysis, Maruki nodded his head and said:

-Now that you've told me more about yourself, I think I've realized something. It seems you've largely been able to reconcile your internal world with your external one. I should note— that's really, truly impressive. Even most adults can't reliably manage that.

-Internal world? External world? What do you mean? — Ren asked confused.

-How to put it—You know how everyone has an internal reality? Some conception of themselves they're striving for? Like, wanting to be a model student, or wanting to be loved and relied on… That kind of thing.

-Oh, I see. A reflection of the ideal and real, right? Like an image to follow and the real deal.

-Exactly. But as you know, the idealized reality and the one in actuality are often far apart. That gap is responsible for a lot of people's pain. Not everyone can ace their exams. And not everyone can be the heroes they wish they could be, although you're a case of exception.

-That's not true. I couldn't avoid making Suzui-san jump. And…

Ren sighed, but smiled, keeping his calm posture.

-But, I can accept I can't change that, and because of that I could see my mistake and start to counter Kamoshida's attacks. You could say when you learn you can't change some things, you can move forward and become stronger.

Maruki chuckled, impressed but nodded his head in affirmation.

-I'm impressed to see someone so mature as you, Amamiya-Kun. You've already been through so much. That kind of suffering is usually enough to twist people up into dark places. But you—you're standing up to it and confronting a tough, painful reality. To me, that's incredibly admirable.

-Thank you… — Ren said embarrassed, running his hand on the back of his head.

-Then again, maybe that's a little weird for you to hear from a guy you just met, huh?

-Not really. Usually people say I'm the weird one.

-Huh!?

Ren chuckled amused.

-I'm just teasing you, doctor. Actually, that sounds right to say.

Maruki laughed.

-I see. Even with the teasing, I can even see you don't deflect it, even with deflecting self-deprecation! You really are strong, Amamiya-kun. — The doctor said amused.

-Thank you.

Maruki checked the time and snapped to Ren.

-Sorry, this went on longer than I expected.

-There's no problem, I had fun talking with you.

-Thank goodness. — Maruki leaned forward and took a sip of his juice. — Somehow, the conversation just took on a life of its own, I guess…

Maruki went silent and put his juice on the table, then he leaned his back against the sofa.

-…Hey, I've actually got one last request. Do you mind?

-No, go ahead. What type of request is it? — Ren asked, genuinely curious.

-I'm actually doing certain research along with my duties as a counselor.

-Really? — Ren asked impressed.

-Really. It's not quite like counseling—more like a type of psychological treatment… Basically, it's a project to learn more about people's metaphorical hearts. What they think, how they feel. If I get far enough with it, I think it'll be able to help a lot of people!

-I see…

"A project to understand the people's hearts, the human psyche. Maybe I should help and keep an eye on it." Ren thought.

-So…?

-So what? — Ren asked.

-You'll help with my project?

-I'll need more details on how I could help. Is that okay with you?

-Oh, sorry! All you'd have to do is listen to my theories, and then tell me if they spark any ideas or realizations on your end. Please! Any time's good for me—I can work around your schedule.

-I understand. I accept your proposal, but I have a question.

-Go ahead.

-Why me? I mean, why ask an ordinary teenager like me? Not that I'm doubting you, doc…

-Well… to be honest, sometimes I hit a wall in my research. I've been working on it alone, but… — Maruki adjusted his glasses, and leaned forward again. — …some second opinions from a perspective like yours could really push it forward. Oh, and don't worry, I promise I'll repay you for it. I know! Maybe I could teach you some tips for mental training? I happen to know a lot about that subject. I'm sure I can cook up a special regimen for you. If you're dedicated enough, I'm sure you could draw out your full potential!

-I accept it!

-Okay! I guess that's our second deal.

Ren felt his power rose even more as his bond with Maruki deepened. Maruki pulled his phone from his pocket and opened the contacts app.

-…Oh right! Would it be okay if we traded contact information?

-Sure.

-Okay. I'll contact you when I've got time, or when I need some input from you.

Ren nodded and pulled his phone. After exchanging their contacts, Maruki took another sip from his juice.

-…That should do it! Now! I'd better do my part to repay you. Let's talk about mental training and presence. Let's see, first…

Ren listened to Maruki's explanation, making several notes of it.

"Thanks to Dr. Maruki's training, I feel my mind has become stronger. Let's see the presence…"

After listening to the entire explanation, Ren repeated it back to Maruki, who nodded in confirmation. After the lesson, Ren received a snack from Maruki.

-Oh, and here. Never a bad time for a snack, right? Thank you for your help today. I'll see you around at school

—

Yongen-Jaya District. Café Leblanc.

Evening.

—

-You really spent a long time talking to Maruki. Look how late it is…

-Yeah, but it's totally worth it. I learned a few things as well.

-Well, if you think the sessions are worthwhile, you should try going again sometime. But we should definitely get some sleep for now. Tomorrow's your last day of exams, right?

-I know. — Ren yawned. — Phew, I'm beaten. I really need some sleep, and as much as I want to study one more time…

-You should get some sleep, or you probably won't be able to do the exams tomorrow.

-Yes, I know. — Ren said, changing his clothes. Once in his pajamas, he went to his bed and after an hour he fell asleep.

—

May, 14. Saturday.

Early Morning.

—

-Mornin'. — Ryuji greeted and then he yawned.

-Morning. — Ren greeted back.

Both teenagers went to the station and Ren saw Ryuji was walking slightly drowsy.

-Are you okay? — The black-haired teenager asked as they arrived at their station.

-Yea… *yawn* I'm so sleepy. I ended up pullin' an all-nighter once I realized today's the last day of exams.

-You? Staying up studying? — Morgana asked incredulously.

-Nah, I gave up on the exam. I was playin' some games, and then before I knew it, it was morning.

-Why I'm not surprised… — Ren muttered in disappointment, shook his head in negation. — You're failing for sure, but I can relate with you.

-Y'know that's bull, right? You say that, but you prolly just spent the whole night studyin'.

-Nope. I went to bed early so I wouldn't doze off in the middle of the exams. At least I study a lot to not fail epically. My mentors will kill me if I fail. Also my guardian… — Ren said, toying with the lock of his hair.

-*yawn* Morning. — Ann greeted them as she arrived.

-Yo, look who else is yawnin'. — Ryuji said happily, seeing he was not the only one.

-Exams are almost over, so I thought I'd make one last effort across the finish line.

-I see… But it needless to say that'll not make much difference depending on your situation, you know? — Ren said.

-Yes, I know… — Ann said dejectedly.

-At least you studid, different from this stupid monkey I know. — Morgana said.

-Huh? Don't gimme that crap. Your brain's tiny compared to mine. — Ryuji replied.

-You know that's not relevant to measuring IQ, right? — Ren said, raising an eyebrow.

-Besides, size is meaningless if there's nothing inside, you know? — Morgana rebutted.

-What was that!? — Ryuji yelled angrily.

Ren sighed and held Morgana's head, shaking slightly.

-Okay Morgana, now you stop provoking him and you please don't yell at this time. The last thing I need now is a headache… — Ren said annoyed.

-But…

-Ugh, will you please shut up!? You're gonna make me forget everything I memori—

Ann stopped to talk and quickly turned around, looking at the crowd with narrow eyes. After finding nothing, her face twisted to a confused expression.

-Am I imagining things…?

-Something's wrong, Ann? — Ren asked, searching around. The train arrived at the station and the people slowly went inside the cars.

-What, you see a groper or something? — Ryuji asked doing the same. The blonde girl started to toy with her hair in nervousness.

-No, that's not it. It's… nothing.

Ren stood quiet and looked at Morgana, just giving a slight nod to his head. The human-to-be-cat understood the message and started to search around. He looked at the crowd one more time before going onto the train. The ride went normal without any inconvenience. After arriving at the Aoyama Station they noticed Ann was fidgeting her head, looking again at the crowd.

-Oh my God, that guy got off! — Ann exclaimed nervously and Ryuji stretched his arms carelessly. — Hey, at least act like you care! — Ann scowled irritated.

-Relax… — Ryuji said carefree and Ren only chuckled.

"Those two act like a couple…" The black-haired teenager thought and looked down, seeing a person looking directly at Ann. "It seems we have a stalker. I think at this rate Ryuji had noticed too…" Ren placed his hand inside his bag.

-Mona…

-I know.

Ren looked at Ryuji and he only consented with his head.

-Come on. — Ryuji said, grabbing Ann's arm and pulling her.

-Huh? Hey…

-Just come.

Ren went after them. A man was wandering around, finally exiting the station and looking around for someone. Once he found the person he was looking for he walked towards her. Ann was standing in the middle of the walkway, looking at the street nervously. The man extended his arm, ready to touch, until Ryuji and Ren came, standing in his way. He stopped surprised, but he promptly recomposed himself, seeing Ann coming in his direction. She looked surprised but started to analyze his face, and Ren was surprised to see him.

"He looks like he's around our age. Now the one million dollar question is why was he following Ann?" Ren thought, keeping his attention high.

-Hey, uh… are you sure it's him? Or are you just self-conscious? — Ryuji asked, trying to be sure. Ann angrily.

-I'm not that—

-Is there something you want? — The exquisite slender man asked, with a calm tone. Ann stared angrily at him with narrow eyes.

-That's my line! You were the one stalking me! — She yelled furiously, pointing at his face.

-Stalking you…? That's outrageous! — The young man retorted as he adjusted the bang of his hair with his left hand.

-I know you've been following me! Ever since the train. — Ann replied.

-We noticed you coming after her on the escalator. You better explain yourself. — Ren said calmly, giving an interrogation stare to the man.

"Let's see what excuse he has on his sleeve."

-That's because…

A honk interrupted the man, and they turned in the direction of the sound. A car parked in front of them. The rear window went down and they saw a middle-aged man looking straight at the mysterious man.

-My goodness… I had wondered why you left the car. So this is where your passion led you. All's well that ends well.

The middle-aged man laughed and the young man averted his gaze to the ground.

-I saw you from the car… and I couldn't help myself from chasing after you. I didn't even notice the calls from Sensei… But thank goodness, I caught up to you. — The exquisite young man replied.

-Okay… — Ann said uncomfortably.

-I was expecting an apology for all of that… — Ren commented toying with a lock of his hair.

-What? — Ryuji asked confused.

-You're the woman I've been searching for all this time! — The unforeseen young man said with passion, grabbing Ann's hand. — Please, won't you—

-W-Wait a minute, I—

"A declaration of love!? Right now!?" Ren thought perplexed. "Man, that was too quick!"

-…Be the model for my next art piece!?

-Hey dude… — Ryuji said, interrupting the man, grabbing the young man's arm and pulling his hand away from Ann. — Can't you at least ask her in a less awkward way… — The dyed blonde punk said uncomfortably about the young man's proximity with Ann.

"Wow, what a turn of events…" Ren thought toying with his hair again, with his expectations blown away. He could hear Arsène laughing from the scene.

-Hey, did you say model? — Ren and Ann asked at the same time.

-Yes. — The unforeseen young man replied in a strange pose. — All that I've drawn till now has been lacking, but I feel a passion from you unlike anyone else.

-This man is highly suspicious! — Morgana exclaimed.

-Morgana… — Ren muttered in a harsh tone. Ryuji looked at Ann and back at the young man in an awkward way.

-Ain't this a recruit for some shady business? — Ryuji asked Ann, staying on her side.

-Will you cooperate with me? What do you say?

-Err…

-Hey! Hold your horses! — Ryuji said, shoving the young man back and standing in his way. — Who're you anyways?

The young man cleaned his throat and fixed his shirt.

-Oh, where are my manners? I'm a second-year at Kosei High's fine arts division. My name is Yusuke Kitagawa. — The young man introduced himself and bumped Ryuji aside, grabbing Ann's hand again. — I'm Madarame-sensei's pupil, and I am being allowed residence at his place.

That caught Ren's attention, who quickly turned at the middle-aged man and looked back at Yusuke.

"Madarame… Why am I having a bad feeling about this…? Better go along and proceed carefully." Ren thought.

-Are you perhaps an artist…? — Ren asked.

-Yes, more precisely, I'm striving to become an artist. — Yusuke replied to Ren and snapped back his attention to Ann.

-Huh!? Do you mean THAT Madarame? The one who was on "Good Morning Japan" the other day? — Ann asked, visibly impressed.

-The very same.

-You know who that is? — Ryuji asked, pushing Yusuke back once again.

-Ryuji, have you never heard of Madarame? He's a famous artist in Tokyo and one of the most influential artists in Japan. His works are impressive. I saw an exposition of his once. — Ren replied, impressed as well.

-Yeah. He was introduced as a super-famous Japanese-style artist who's been recognized all over the world. — Ann explained, then she realized. — But he heard that name the other day in Mementos…

-Yusuke! — Madarame called.

-I'm sorry, Sensei. I'll be right there!

-That old guy's Madarame? — Ryuji asked, surprised, seeing the middle-aged man.

-Yes, it's him. — Ren replied. "Which makes me question what he has done to Nakanohara?" He thought, looking at the famous artist.

-Madarame-sensei's exhibition will begin at the department store near the station tomorrow. I'll be there to help out on the opening day. Please come by. — Yusuke invited her, giving her a ticket. — It'd be great if you could give me your answer in regard to being a model then…

-As if she'll accept it… — Ryuji muttered annoyed.

-And I bet you have no interest in the fine arts, but I'll give tickets too. — Yusuke said, giving a ticket to Ryuji as well.

-Thank you…? — Ryuji replied unsurely.

-And one for you. Unlike your friend, you seem to have some interest in the fine arts.

-You could say I have a strong influence on my family. — Ren replied. — Thank you.

-You're welcome. — Yusuke turns to Ann. — Well then, I hope to see you there tomorrow!

The artist-to-be went inside the car and the vehicle left on the street. Ren looked at the car going into the intense traffic of Tokyo, thinking about what happened.

-That guy's easy to read as a book… — Ryuji said, kicking the air in annoyance. — You're not plannin' on goin', are ya? — He asked Ann.

-…I think I will. — She replied, surprising Ryuji and Morgana. She took her phone and looked at the time. — Crap! Look at the time! I'll see you later.

Ann started to run to the school and Ryuji and Ren followed her.

-Hey, wait! — Ryuji yelled.

-How dare he go after Lady Ann…! — Morgana exclaimed furiously. — I've memorized that face of yours Yusuke! Ren, help me to sue him.

Ren was quiet following Ann.

-Ren? — Morgana called.

-I have a bad feeling about him. — Ren replied.

-Yusuke?

-Madarame. I'll go as well.

-Wait! What do you mean by that?

Ren stood quiet looking at Ann.

"Maybe I can extract some information from his supposed pupil in order to know what person Madarame really is." The black-haired teenager thought, revising the information.

—

Unknown Location.

Unknown Time.

—

-So, you're saying you became acquainted with Madarame's pupil by chance? — Sae asked, interrupting Ren.

-Yes. You could say it was lucky the fact he stalked my classmate. — Ren replied.

-That's a little too convenient. It makes me wonder if you're telling the truth.

-Even I have to admit that's a possibility, but you'll have to trust me on that matter. And if you have any doubts, Madarame can confirm my alibi on that day.

-So be it. What I want to know most is your method.

-I've already told you my method, and yet you don't believe me. — Ren sighed and flinched in pain. — Very well. If you insist on that… But let me say something: Madarame was guilty. He's a criminal and I brought justice that day in court. You know that well. You were there on that day facing me in court as well. You should've known I don't seek for vengeance, but for justice.

-I have to admit that's true. — Sae admitted. — It's also true that Madarame was an unforgivable criminal worthy of the scorn thrown at him. He was an adult who cultivated his own fame and fortune by sacrificing the livelihood of children. You've proven that in court. But he'd been covering his tracks for years. The real question comes now: How did you uncover the truth in such a short span of time?

-You know how I did it. It was registered in the records of the court. — Ren replied dryly. — Also I did in the Metaverse. I made sure he'd confess his crimes.

-The "Metaverse" business again?

Sae stood quiet, processing the information she gathered until now.

-Fine. Let's suppose that people's hearts can be changed by stealing their Treasure like you've said. If so, a different suspicion arises.

-Also an issue. — Ren noted.

-True. People have gone mad or lost consciousness, never to be recovered… like the subway accident in April. Depending on how you look at it, that could be taken as a phenomenon for a sudden change of heart too.

-Still, that creates the issue: How did I do it? As far as you look, the timestamp of the events doesn't match. That couldn't have been done by me. And that creates another problem as well if that's the case.

-If you could establish your cases in court, why'd you bother in stealing their heart in the first place? — Sae said. — You've already said that, but I want to hear that from you.

Ren nodded in affirmation.

-I don't know what would have happened if I had left it in the first place. Considering the situation all I could do is to investigate and go further into this. Also, it's a safety measure to ensure things don't go wrong as well. You could say, I'm paranoid, but I'm only cautious, seeing how things went…

Sae stood silent once again.

-…I see. — She checked the time on her wristwatch and flicked her tongue. — Fine. Let's go back to Madarame's case. Keep it concise, and stick it to the facts.

-Very well. After the exams…

—

May, 14. Saturday.

Aoyama District. Aoyama Station

After School.

—

-Mmmmmm! It's over! — Ann said cheerfully.

-It's over… — Ryuji said feeling blue. — How 'bout you?

-Me? I think I went well since I've studied after all… — Ren replied calmly.

-You traitor! — Ryuji accused and Ren only shook his head. Taking his phone, he started to check something on the web. — Anyways can we stop talkin' about the exams? Like it or not, they're gonna come back graded next week. Rather than focus on stuff that's over with…

-What're you looking at? — Ann asked.

-The usual site. — Ryuji answered by showing his screen. The browser was on the Phan-Site.

-Oh, the Phan-site. Any new info? — Ren asked.

-No… — Ryuji replied, as he looked at the posts. — It's no use. There ain't any useful info. The numbers of posts are gettin' less and less too…

-I am not letting this end as a one-hit-wonder, okay? — Morgana said determinedly.

-There's no point in getting antsy though. — Ann said.

-I do agree. Since the exam's over, we have plenty of time to go after a target. — Ren said. — But for now, let's calm down and look for a big target.

-You're right. I know! Why don't we go eat lunch somewhere? We still have some money left over from the other day. — Ann said cheerfully.

-I want sushi! Or domesticated-raised eel. — Ryuji said excitedly as well.

-Hey…! — Ren said afraid. "They forgot we're running low on money, and we'll need new equipment and…"

-We don't have THAT much left. — Ann said annoyed. — Oh, right. There are those tickets to Madarame's exhibit. Wait, that's tomorrow.

-Don't tell me… Was it love at the first sight with that Yusuke guy? — Morgana said astounded.

Ren rolled over his eyes in annoyance.

"And he claims he's smart…" He thought sardonically.

-It's nothing like that… — Ann refuted.

-O-of course not!

-When I was watching that special on TV, his artwork was pretty nice. Plus, we've got free tickets.

-Sounds like a plan to me. — Ren said, ignoring Morgana. — So, the art exhibit tomorrow?

-Yes. You're planning to investigate, right?

-Since this is related to our last target in Mementos. Plus, you could say I have a hunch about this.

-That some kind of attorney's sense? — Ann asked.

-You could say that. I kind of saw something off in his works, and I want to make sure of it.

-I see… — Ryuji and Morgana said.

-That aside, what should I do about the other two tickets? Wanna go appreciate some fine arts for once? — Ann asked Ryuji.

-Fine arts, huh…?

-Or you could sell the tickets? — Ren suggested. — Either way, I'd agree with Ann. This might be a good experience for you, Ryuji.

-Hm…

-I suggest we should all go together. — Morgana said. — Appreciating the fine arts builds character. Besides, a phantom thief who can't identify an original is lame.

-You've raised a good point, my friend. — Ren said, caressing Morgana's head. The supernatural cat purred in appreciation.

-Well, if everyone's goin'… — Ryuji said defeated.

-It's settled then! — Ann said.

-It should be fun. — Ren said.

"And I want to check his work…" He thought.

-Just the phrase "going to an art exhibit" sounds kinda mature. — Ann commented happily.

-So, where'll we meet tomorrow?

-Let's meet at the exhibit entrance. I'll see you guys tomorrow.

—

May, 15. Sunday.

Madarame's Exhibition.

Daytime.

—

Ren met Ryuji and Ann at the exhibit entrance and he looked around, visibly impressed with the crowd.

-So crowded… — Morgana commented.

-I'd agree, but I need to admit I wasn't expecting so many people. — Ren commented while looking at the art exhibition and to some of the artworks.

-It'll be a pain in the ass if someone sees you, so don't stick your head out too much, all right? — Ryuji said.

-Yes. We should be careful. Oh, it's Kitagawa-san. — Ren said.

Yusuke approached, keeping his gaze on Ann, admiring her beauty.

-You came. — He said happily.

-Um… Yeah. — She said, surprised to see him wearing an elegant outfit.

-You really came. — He said to Ryuji, annoyed and slightly surprised.

-What'd you expect when you gave us those tickets!? — Ryuji rebutted.

-Just make sure that you don't get in the way of the other visitors. And you came as well. — Yusuke said, glancing at Ren.

-I wanted to see your sensei's works, so I came.

-I see…

-I can see a self-portrait of him. I like the mix of aesthetics, having some influence from realism, expressionism, and abstract. That reminds me of some works of Andy Warhol.

Yusuke looked amused to Ren.

-I can see you at least have some art knowledge. — He commented surprised.

-You could say I have some relatives who love art. — Ren said sheepishly.

-I see…

Yusuke snapped his attention back to Ann.

-Come now. I'll show you around. I'd like to speak more about the picture I'd like to draw too.

-Okay… Well, see you guys later.

Ann went into the exhibition with Yusuke and Morgana looked at her and was mortified.

-Will Lady Ann be alright!? What if he drags her behind some painting and tries something funny? — The cat said. Ren pushed him back inside the bag.

-She can handle him. — Ren said annoyed. — Now be quiet or we'll get expelled from the exhibit.

-True. I told you not to come out! — Ryuji said annoyed as well. — Are we really gonna "appreciate" fine arts? Can't we just go home?

-No. We need to learn about Madarame. — Ren said in a firm tone.

-I guess we should do a quick pass through it once… — Ryuji said defeated. — Man, you look serious… Are you alright?

-Yes. Something's bothering me. Come, Ryuji. Let's look around.

-Okay. Which way are we supposed to start?

They wandered around looking at the exhibition. After looking at some of the artworks, they saw Madarame being interviewed by some TV reporters.

-It's that old man from the other day. — Ryuji said.

Ren only nodded and went with Ryuji to a certain point he could listen to the interview.

-We continue to be truly surprised by your imagination. You have such expansive styles, it's hard to believe that it all stems from one person… — The female interviewer commented. — Where in the world does all your inspiration come from?

-Well… It's rather difficult to put into words… — Madarame said, scratching his chin thoughtfully. — They naturally well up from within my heart like bubbles rising one after another in the spring.

-Naturally, you say?

-What's important is to distance oneself from worldly desires such as money and fame. My atelier is a modest shack, but it is more than enough to pursue true beauty. — Madarame replied with a modest smile.

-A shack…? — Ryuji said and Ren made a sign for him to stay quiet.

-I see… So the act of emptying one's mind gives rise to inner beauty. Still to think we could hear the word "shack" coming from the great artist Madarame.

-You would understand if you saw it.

Madarame laughed and Ren looked carefully at one of the arts.

-Wasn't the word "shack" something…

-Too underrated… — Ren said with suspicion.

Then a large crowd of people fanatic of Madarame's works came running through him and started to make offers. Ren and Ryuji had a hard time trying to get away without getting hurt in the process.

On the other side of the exhibit, Ann was looking at Madarame's work, being accompanied by Yusuke.

-I didn't know there were so many types of Japanese art. — She commented, truly impressed seeing the quality and the details of one of the works.

-Usually one concentrates on their own style. However, Sensei creates all this by himself. — Yusuke explained. — He's special.

-There you are, Yusuke.

-Sensei! — Yusuke turned surprised at Madarame who stood in front of him. He saw Ann behind Yusuke.

-Ah, the girl from yesterday. Are you enjoying the exhibit? — Madarame asked.

-I don't know how to put it in words… But it's really amazing.

Madarame smiled.

-You're sensing something from the artwork… That alone is enough to give us artists satisfaction. — Madarame said satisfied. He snapped his gaze to Yusuke. — I hope this becomes a wonderful piece, Yusuke. Well then, if you'll excuse me.

Madarame left the place and Ann went to Yusuke's side.

-You'd imagine artists would be difficult to approach… but he seems really friendly. — Ann said surprised, but happy for Madarame's comment.

-Indeed. — Yusuke said.

Ann turned around and walked towards one of the paints.

-Oh, this is it—the painting I wanted to see in person.

-…This one? — Yusuke asked, seeing the painting in question.

-Yes. — Ann analyzed the artwork. — I guess it's the painter's anger?

-Anger?

-I'm not sure, but I sense this… strong frustration from it. To think such a cheerful and gentlemanly person could make such a piece… — Yusuke stood quiet and Ann noticed his frustration. — Something wrong?

-Don't mind me. — Yusuke smiled at Ann, making the girl relax. — There are better pieces than… this one. Come now, this way! — He said walking in another direction.

-H-Hey! — Ann said following him.

—

Shibuya District.

Daytime.

—

At the station, Ryuji was browsing through his phone and Ren was quiet, lost in his thoughts.

-Hey.

-Yes? — Ren said, looking at Ryuji. — Are you alright?

-Yes… — Ryuji replied a bit down. — Man, that old lady totally elbowed me… But thanks to that, I remember now.

-About what? And what about Ann?

-She'll be fine. This's more important. Lemme get to it… Here! It's the post online I found it. Look at this.

Ren took Ryuji's phone and saw the post. Ann comes from the other side of the station visibly irritated.

-Hey! Why'd you leave without me? — She exclaimed.

-You got it all wrong; we got dragged into this huge crowd and—

-Long story short, we end up here after almost getting stomped. This's not important now. — Ren said interrupting Ryuji, who promptly got the message.

-Yes. Renren, show it to her. You gotta look at this too.

Ren showed the phone screen. The browser was in a post about Madarame.

-A post of Madarame!? What's it say? — Ann asked.

-Let's see… "A master of the Japanese arts is plagiarizing his pupil's work. Only his public face is shown on TV." — Ren said reading the post.

-Plagiarizing!? — Ann exclaimed, shocked.

-I didn't think much of it when I first saw it, but hearing "shack" and "Madarame" triggered it. — Ryuji said, taking back his phone.

-When did you see this article? — Ren asked.

-Some time ago.

Ren stood quiet and looked at both blondes.

-What else does it say? — He asked.

-Let's see… "His treatment of the pupils who live with him is awful. He teaches nothing and bosses them around. He treats them inhumanely as if disciplining a dog…"

-Abuse on top of plagiarism, huh? — Morgana asked.

-If this is real, it'll be a huge scandal! — Ryuji said excitedly.

Ann averted her gaze, staring at the floor.

-I wonder if Kitagawa-kun posted this. I mean he IS a pupil of his. — She wondered.

-Who knows? It's anonymous and all… — Ryuji said.

-So, it's possible it's the same Madarame then. — Ren thought for a brief moment and asked. — Did you notice anything during your walk with Kitagawa-san?

-Now you mentioned it, he seemed depressed during our tour, when I saw one of the works.

Ren stood quiet as he looked at Morgana.

-It's possible the Madarame we heard about in Mementos is referring to the same one. — Morgana confirmed.

-A man like that, doing such a thing? — Ann asked, feeling blue suddenly. Everyone stood quiet. — I wonder if we can ask that Shadow from earlier about this. Oh right! Actually, we just need to talk to him in reality.

-Too risky. That will call Madarame's attention. — Ren replied calmly.

-True. 'Sides, how are we gonna explain that? — Ryuji asked.

-Ren's right. Making such a move out in the open will call Madarame's attention. — Morgana said.

-Oh… yeah, right…

Ryuji looked at Ren who was silent.

-Ren? — Ryuji called.

-Yes?

-What do you think about Madarame? Doesn't seem suspicious?

Ren stood quiet for a long time, then he looked at Ann.

-Ann, what do you think about Madarame's works? — The black-haired teenager asked.

-Huh? Well… It seems all too different to each other. It was almost as if…

-If they weren't made by the same person. — Ren stated.

-Exactly! — Ann exclaimed surprised.

-So, you think… — Ryuji said and Ren stood quiet once again.

-Did I mention to you guys about my father's job before? — Ren asked out of the blue. They shook their heads. — He's a designer. Needless to say, he's a good one. He expected me to succeed him at work.

-Oh.

-I learned from him and from my grandparents about art. Do you know it's possible to identify the artist's works by their style?

-It is? — Ryuji asked surprised.

-That's one of the ways people identify the difference between an original from a copy, the drawing style tells a lot about the artist who made it. Also, the artist has a way to draw his works. That style is unique since that is that reflects the expression that the artist did, even he follows a certain art style, the way he draws, the pressure he applies on the canvas or the paper, the color, the sketch before the final result, all of these aspects tells if that person made that work or not. You could say it's his signature aside from the one he leaves on his work. — Ren explained.

-I didn't know that much! — Ann exclaimed. — Now you mentioned it, when I looked at the work I saw, it was so intense the feeling of frustration that work displayed, so full of anger, as if…

Ren smirked and nodded.

-So you're sayin' he didn't make those paintings!? — Ann asked shocked.

-I'm not entirely sure, but it fits with the posts denouncing plagiarism he has done. Also as far as I can tell, it was hardly done by him, but as an amateur in that matter, I need the confirmation of a specialist to confirm my suspicions.

-This all fits too well to just be a mere coincidence. — Ryuji said seriously and then smiled. — If this post is legit, ain't this the kinda target we've been waitin' for?

-Well yeah, but… Is it really true?

-Ann, you can't judge a book it's cover. Remember Kamoshida, he acted like a well-behaved person and an exemplary teacher in public. — Ren said.

-Yeah… You're right. — Ann sighed in defeat.

-Well, we have a suspicion. The issue now is how to confirm it.

-By the way, what did you do about the whole modeling thing? — Ryuji asked.

-Kitagawa-kun gave me his contact info and the address to his sensei's atelier. — Ann replied.

-He said he lives there, right? Perfect timing.

-Couldn't agree more. — Ren said. — We'll go with you. Let's see the "shack" of an atelier and I'll take a look at his works.

-Let's try goin' tomorrow! We're off to Madarame's house after school. — Ryuji said excitedly.

-Huh? Do you want me to model tomorrow!? — Ann asked shocked. — This is so sudden…

-W-Wait what? We're just gonna go talk to Kitagawa. — Ryuji replied surprised.

-Oh, that's what you meant…

-O-of course I do…

Ren couldn't help but snicker.

—

Yongen-Jaya District. Café Leblanc.

Evening.

—

-Phew, that was an intense day.

-You don't say. In any case, we need to find out if that rumor about Madarame it's true…

-I know. I may have my suspicions, but without proof it's nothing. I'll make a few calls to check the information.

-Okay. If it is, this might just be exactly what we need.

-I'll brew some coffee, want some?

-I thought…

-Yeah, you might become sick if you take a sip. Sorry, Mona but no coffee for you.

-Okay…

—

May, 16. Monday.

Afterschool.

—

-The phantom thieves goin' by train… This ain't any different from how I get home from school, y'know?

-The train is the fastest way to go—plus, we can bring pets here. — Ann said.

-And it is cheaper than going by taxi. — Ren commented.

-Since when did I become a pet… — Morgana said, sticking his head out of the bag. — And who're you calling a pet!?

-Since you started to live under my roof. Technically it's Sojiro's roof, but you understood. — Ren explained.

-Wow… Just wow…

-Dude, be quiet! We didn't pay the pet fare. — Ryuji said desperately.

-I'm the one guiding you to your destination! You should call me "Master". — Morgana retorted.

-Master my ass. — Ryuji rebutted.

-Okay Master, do you want some milk and perhaps some meat? — Ren asked sardonically.

-This might be… Hey, what was that!?

-Ooh, kitty! — A child said coming at them. The trio and the cat stood still, surprised by being caught by a mere kid.

"Dammit, Morgana…"

-Er, shoot… — Ann said busted.

-Is that your pet, Mister? I heard it meowing.

Ren noticed Morgana standing still and he had an idea.

-It's a stuffed animal actually. A realistic-looking one who emits sounds. — Ren said.

-Yeah, it's just a toy. It meows when you press on the head.

-You heard her, Ren. Press on its head. — Ryuji said with a wide grin.

-Hey, this is ridic—

Ren pressed Morgana's head and he meowed in response. The innocent child smiled happily.

-Wowweeee! Again! Again!

"Better not press forcefully. I don't want him to puke in my bag."

Ren gently pressed Morgana's head again and he started to purr. The child laughed happily.

-It's so cute! I wanna hear it again!

-Dude, the cat's drooling. — Ryuji said uncomfortably.

Ren did it again and the girl laughed. Then she looked at Ren.

-Can I do it?

-Er…

Without his consent, the girl did it. She pressed once, then she pressed again and again with even stronger force. Morgana meowed in pain as she kept pressing, to the point he puked inside.

-Wow! He can puke too!

-Yeah… — Ann said disgustedly. The announcer announced the next stop and Ann turned at the girl smiling. — Oh, this is our stop! Well, see you later, bye-bye!

-Mm-hm. Bye-bye!

The girl went back to her seat and Ren sighed.

-I'm screwed…

—

Shibuya District. Shibuya Station.

After School.

—

-I cleaned my bag. — Ren said coming from the public bathroom. — Hopefully, it won't smell bad.

-Okay, so, which line do we gotta transfer to? — Ryuji asked.

Ann checked the address and searched in the map app.

-Doesn't look like there are any stations close by to that address… If anything, this is the closest station.

-What!? Then we gotta walk the rest of the way!? — Ryuji exclaimed. — What kinda phantom thief takes the train, and then walks to their destination!?

-Stop your complaining. — Morgana said annoyed.

-Besides, say it louder Ryuji to everyone here to hear it.

Ryuji got embarrassed and started to gaze at the ground as he kicked the air.

-Sorry…

Ren sighed and nodded.

-It's okay. Besides, a phantom thief should go anywhere by any means necessary. — Ren asked. He checked the address. — So he lives in this neighborhood, huh?

-It's supposedly a shack, but this is the neighborhood he lives in… As expected of a famous artist. Looks like the fastest route is to get to the station square and then go to Central Street. Let's move!

—

Prosecutor's Office. SIU Director's Office.

At the same time.

—

-Suguru Kamoshida… Former Olympian… Teacher at Shujin Academy…

The SIU Director was reading the case file of Kamoshida, about the turn of events his life took.

-Even he was suspected of the crimes he committed… the reason for turning himself in is… a heavy conscience, huh…

Taking another look, he saw the case file of the trial Sae lost. He closed the file and shook his head.

-The human mind doesn't change that easily… let alone their natural temperament.

He stood from his chair and walked toward the window, starting to see the city below.

-Shujin Academy… Seems doubtful… — He stood quiet for a brief moment in thought and shook his head again. — Perhaps I'll have someone look into it, just in case…

—

Shibuya District. Madarame's Atelier.

After School.

—

The thieves arrived at the atelier, visibly surprised to see a huge house made of metal. Looking around, Ann checked the address once again.

-Is… that it? — Ryuji asked, surprised to see such a shack.

-We're at the right address…

-The doorplate says "Madarame"… Wow, I thought he was kidding when he said it was a shack… — Ren said.

-Uhhh… You ring the doorbell. — Ryuji said.

-Me? — Ann asked surprised and Ryuji nodded his head in affirmation. — The walls won't collapse when I do, will they?

-Hm… They won't… I guess? — Ren said toying with his hair.

-No one sneeze or we'll blow this house down, okay? — Morgana said jokingly. Ren snickered.

-Like the wolf in the three little pigs' story.

They went to the entrance and Ann rang the doorbell. A second later, they heard Yusuke on the other side.

-Who is it? — He asked. — Sensei is currently—

-Uh, it's Takamaki.

-I'll be right out.

-Man, people really do live here… — Ryuji said surprised. Yusuke opened the door, surprising them.

"Man, that was fast! What doesn't Ann do with her beauty?" Ren thought.

-Takamaki-san— oh. You two are here, as well? — Yusuke asked, annoyed at both Ryuji and Ren.

-Hey! Uh… Sorry, but… uh… we ain't here to talk the modeling thing. There's something we gotta ask you. Is it true Madarame's plagiarizin' stuff? He's abusin' people too, yeah? — Ryuji said showing the posts. Yusuke went outside and started to read the post indignantly.

-Are you serious? — Yusuke asked in a calm, but flat tone.

-Sorry for asking you that, but we've read about that online. There Are some anonymous posts about that online, and we want to be sure they're not true. — Ren explained, trying to calm him down.

The navy blue-haired man laughed.

-Preposterous! Not only is plagiarism impossible, but abuse? He welcomes pupils into his own home! This is no act of violence; is it charity! And I'm the one residing here and studying under him. I'm saying it's not true, so it's beyond doubt. — He said, raising his voice.

-But there are different types of abuse, Kitagawa-san. We're just worried about your well-being.

-'Sides, you might be lyin' about it! — Ryuji said.

-That… That utter rubbish… — Yusuke hesitated, then he pointed his finger against Ryuji. — I had no family when Sensei took me in and raised me into what you see now! If you continue to ridicule the man I owe my life to, you will rue this day!

-…You really think that? — Ann asked indignantly with Yusuke's posture.

-Yusuke?

They were surprised to see Madarame coming. He looked surprised to the teenagers and asked:

-What's the matter? I heard you yelling.

-These people are slandering you with baseless rumors! — Yusuke said frustrated.

Madarame sighed, but he shook his head in negation.

-…Forgive them, Yusuke.

-But…

-They must've heard some bad rumors and came in worry for their friend's safety. — Madarame said calmly as ever and Yusuke sighed.

-…Understood, Sensei.

Madarame chuckled.

-Well, even I doubt that a cranky old man like myself could be liked by everyone.

-That's not what we meant…

-I'm sorry, but I have to butt in on your conversation. However, I do have neighbors around. Won't you please keep it down? — They nodded their heads in affirmation, visibly disconcerted. — Now, if you'll excuse me.

Madarame went back inside and Yusuke bowed.

-That was discourteous of me… I'm sorry.

Ann and Ryuji looked at him without an idea of what to say.

-We're sorry too. Please accept our apologies for our behavior. — Ren said bowing as well.

-Apologies accepted. I know! I think you'll be able to believe in Sensei if you saw that painting.

-That painting…? — Ren asked. Yusuke nodded and showed a picture on his phone. — It's his maiden work as well his most representative piece—it's titled "Sayuri".

-"Sayuri"? — Ann asked, impressed with the work.

-This was the painting that inspired me to become an artist. — Yusuke explained.

-I see. It's wonderful to work indeed. — Ren said, looking at the picture.

-It's beautiful…

-I don't know all this fine-arts stuff, but even I can tell that this is impressive. — Ryuji said.

-Her expression… — Ren noted.

-When I first saw you, I felt the same powerful emotion as when I saw this painting…

-Me? — Ann asked surprised.

-I wish to pursue beauty like this. And I believe drawing you will be part of that pursuit. — Yusuke bowed in respect. — I implore you: seriously consider my offer.

-Eh…

-I'm sorry that you took the time to come all this way, but I must assist Sensei today. I hope we can discuss this further another time. If you'll excuse me, then.

Yusuke went back inside and the trio went a certain distance from the house.

-Those two… seem like nice guys, don't they?

-A little too extravagant to my taste, but they seem to be nice, at least for now. — Ren said as he navigated the Metaverse Navigator.

-Maybe the Madarame we heard about in Mementos is a different person. — Ann said.

-Man, right when we thought we found a new target, too…

-I have my doubts…

-Huh?

-The Meta-nav picked up our conversation. And we got a hit. — Ren said, showing the app.

-Huh!? — Both blondes exclaimed.

-The app was picking up our conversation!? This display… it means that Madarame has a Palace too, right!? — Ann said surprised. — But, why?

-Yes. I noticed the app had opened on its own last time and I decided to check it out. It seems we're lucky. Let's see the keywords…

-"Madarame", "plagiarism", …and then "shack", huh? — Morgana said, seeing the keywords. — These seem to be the keywords.

-For real though, what the hell's goin' on!? Does an old man like him really have a Palace? — Ryuji asked.

-Since we get a hit, the answer is yes. — Ren said seriously. — Although it is missing a keyword to start the navigation there.

-All that's left is "what" that Madarame mistakes this shack for to enter his Palace. — Morgana said.

-You mean… like how Kamoshida thought the school was his castle? — Ann said.

-That's right. Let's try saying some things. They can be random guesses.

-It's a bit sudden, though… — Ryuji said surprised. — Well…

-How about "castle"? — Ann said and Ren inserted the keyword in the search.

-Not can be found. — The Meta-Nav said.

-Nope. Too obvious to insert a previous keyword. — Ren said.

-Then, what about "prison"? — Ryuji suggested.

-No candidates found. — The Meta-Nav said.

-Ugh what a pain! — Ryuji complained, annoyed, picking the phone from his hands. — "Jail"! "Warehouse"! "guidance counselin' office"! Might as well add "farm".

-No candidates found. — The Meta-Nav said.

- Not a single hit…?

Ren took his phone back, irritated.

-At least ask. — Ren said.

-Sorry.

-Should we come back another time? — Morgana asked, disappointed.

-No, we're missing something. — Ren said calmly. — Think carefully, Madarame is a famous artist. We should look for something related to him.

-Hmm… A building that's related to artists… I see, if we think from there what would it be…?

Ren thought for a moment, then something popped inside his mind.

-We didn't try one keyword. Madarame is a famous artist… so it's only fair he mistook his shack with a "museum". — Ren said, inserting the word "museum".

-Beginning navigation! — The Meta-Nav announced.

-Whoa, really!? — Ryuji exclaimed as the Meta-Nav sent them into the Palace.

—

Metaverse. Madarame's Palace.

Afterschool.

—

-Hey, when did you activate the Nav!? You surprised me! — Morgana said, seeing he was in his other form.

-Sorry, but the Nav activated on its own. Now when I think of it, the Nav activated before when we inserted the keywords. — Ren explained.

-We didn't have much of a choice. It was what Joker said, it just happened to get it right. — Ryuji explained as well.

-What if I hadn't noticed, and then wandered off and got caught by an enemy!? — Morgana asked, irritated.

-Prolly woulda figured it out once you started walkin' on two legs. — Ryuji rebutted and Morgana grunted.

-So even you can slip into the Metaverse without realizing it, Morgana? — Ann asked.

-Yes. In a place with minimal cognitive distortion, the differences can be subtle.

-Now I wonder, how did you find Kamoshida's Palace… — Ren said. — I mean, if you couldn't detect…

-Forget that, look! — Ryuji said, looking at the construction. The thieves looked at the place, which became a huge golden museum. — That shack is seriously some kinda museum!? — Ryuji exclaimed, surprised.

-Yes, at least it's how Madarame sees his shack. Let's check it out. — Ren said.

-Let's! — Both blondes said.

Walking to the entrance, they saw an immense crowd waiting to go into the museum.

-It's so extravagant… to the point that it's gaudy. — Ann commented uncomfortably. — It's a museum, right?

-That's Madarame… — Ryuji said perplexed.

-It seems it is. You guys may remember Kamoshida's Palace, right?

-Joker's right, a Palace is a world formed by a mind twisted by desire, so that's how Madarame sees his shack.

-Madarame's artworks are on display at museums in reality too, though. His exhibit was popular, and people already respected him. Why would he fantasize about a museum? — Ann wondered.

-It's actually Madarame's work, or someone else's work he stole? — Ren wondered. — I mean, I have my suspicions, and only seeing his Palace here means nothing, since that's not proof.

-You guys got a point… It ain't related to plagiarism or abuse, either. — Ryuji said.

-We should know that means nothing. Let's look around to see if we find anything.

-You're right. Racking our brains here won't do us any good. — Morgana said.

-Right… That aside, ain't a museum a must for phantom thieves!? — Ryuji said excitedly.

-Definitely, Skull. But we need to be careful. It might have some traps as well. — Ren warned.

-Now that's our Joker. I feel the same. — Morgana said determinedly.

-But man, look at that insane crowd… — Ryuji said, impressed.

-True, as if we'll need to go into the front door in the first place. — Ren said with a smile.

-You guys heard him. Joker leads us the way.

Ren rushed to a truck and jumped on the truck, allowing him to jump on the wall. Once there they looked at the museum.

-This is really how he thinks of that run-down shack…? — Morgana asked himself. — It's overwhelmingly shiny.

-It's just now hitting me that this is that old guy's Palace… — Ann said.

-That's why we're here, right? C'mon, let's go and check it out. — Ryuji said.

-Let's. This way! — Ren said, jumping on the other side and going into the exuberant garden on the side. Running around, he saw some pillars he promptly climbed on. Jumping from pillar to pillar, jumped on a footbridge and went towards the building and climbing to the rooftop, once there Ren searched around, he found one of the windows of the skylight open.

-There's our way in. — Ren said.

-Ohh! The skylight's open! — Ryuji said excitedly. — That shoulda work!

-But it's a pretty far drop… Will we be able to get back out this way? — Ann asked unsurely.

Morgana snickered happily, as he took a rope and a rappel tool.

-Don't worry, I have rope and some rappelling equipment. I'm our tool specialist, after all.

-I wonder how you managed to keep these tools with you… — Ren said, helping Morgana to install the rope and the rappels pins. Morgana snickered again.

-You could say it's a matter of cognition.

After installing the rope, the thieves went in. Once inside they looked around. Ren was impressed to see several paintings of random people, making him uneasy.

-…It's quiet here. Almost eerily too. — Morgana noted.

-H-Hey… This…!? It's moving!? — Ann said pointing at the paintings.

-C'mon, we're in a Palace. That ain't anything to be freakin' out over. — Ryuji said carefree.

-Hm… the Palace reflects its ruler's heart… We may want to check these paintings out. — Morgana said.

-Actually, there's something bothering me… — Ren commented, taking a better look. — We need to examine these paintings.

Wandering around the thieves went to one of the paintings.

-Let's check this one. — Ren said.

-Lemme see… It's someone's name and age? What the hell!? — Ryuji exclaimed as he read the painting plaque.

-That can't be the title of the painting… right? — Ann asked unsurely. — Do you think it's the artist's name? — The femme fatale thief wondered.

Ren and Morgana stood quiet as they saw the paintings.

-Let's check the other paintings. There's something off about these paintings. — Ren said with a serious frown.

-Let's. I think there might be something important about them… — Morgana said seriously as well.

Wandering around, they checked the paintings and Ren stood quiet all the way. Some minutes later Ann looked around confused.

-I don't get it… This isn't doesn't make any sense… Madarame's famous for having a variety of art styles…

-But the portraits here look the same, right? — Ren said.

-Right. This is way different from what it was at the—

-Wait a sec! Ain't that guy we saw at Mementos? — Ryuji said, pointing to one of the portraits. — Y'know, the one who was shit-talkin' Madarame…

-Natsuhiko Nakanohara… — Morgana read the plaque. — His name's written on the plaque.

-Dude I don't get it… Why there's a painting of HIM in here!? — Ryuji asked.

-You're right… Doesn't art usually have like, the title of the piece or the artist's name? — Ann asked.

-It's the title.

-Joker…? — Morgana called surprised.

-It's Madarame's palace, right…

-Joker…?

-Yes, Mona?

-Are you alright?

-Yes, I am. I was analyzing the piece… I wonder…

-You wonder…?

-Let's keep wandering around. I have a suspicion about this.

Wandering around, Ann saw something that called her attention.

-What!? No way!?

She rushed towards the painting and looked surprised towards the painting.

-It's him…

-Hey, isn't this a painting of that guy? — Ryuji asked.

-It's says, "Yusuke Kitagawa". There's no mistaking it. — Morgana said, checking the plaque.

-Huh? Wait a second… What do you think these paintings are…? — Ann asked.

-These were Madarame's pupils. Now everything makes sense. — Ren said.

-His pupils…? — Ann asked.

-For real!? All of them? — Ryuji asked and Ren confirmed with a nod. — But it was only Yusuke when we went to his place before…

-This must include former pupils as well. Only one remains now… — Morgana said.

-Notice Yusuke's painting, it's not waving and distorted like the previous ones. Neither is it blurry like Nakanohara…

-You're right! Looking carefully… Now things are getting clearer now…

-Taking into account what Nakanohara's Shadow said earlier… But we need to get sure.

-You're right. Let's keep investigating. We need something to further confirm our deductions. — Morgana said.

Ren saw a staircase and went down. He saw a reception desk, and a brochure displayed in front of the desk.

-A pamphlet… — He commented.

-Did something catch your attention, Joker? — Morgana asked.

-Yes. Isn't it odd that those pamphlets are standing here? — Ren asked as he checked the pamphlet.

-This is gettin' way too detailed for a freakin' Palace… Why'd he bother in makin' something like this? — Ryuji asked.

-Because it's a museum, his museum. And that's the museum map. It's a guide for people to walk around here.

-Yeah! It might even show us the location of the Treasure! — Ann said happily.

-That is a possibility. At the very least, it should be a good reference for the scale of this place. — Morgana said.

-I hate to give the bad news, but this map only shows half of this place. — Ren said.

-Yeah… It says it's one out of two. — Ann said, reading the pamphlet.

-I see… — Morgana said.

-Then the two outta two's gotta be around somewhere, right? Just how big is this place…? — Ryuji said. — I mean, he's got a Palace… Seems pretty sketchy to me…

-We shouldn't worry about that for now. That's not our priority for now.

-Joker's right. Right now our objective is to confirm Madarame's cognition. We may have to reconsider our plan depending on what we find. — Morgana said.

-Mona's right. Let's proceed with the exploration for now. — Ren said.

"Better keep an eye for any suspicious places. I need to find the Will Seeds of this place." Ren thought. "Time to confirm my suspicions."

Exploring the place, they went to another room, where they found a giant golden statue.

-Look at this… — Morgana exclaimed.

Approaching carefully, Ann read the plaque.

-"The Infinity Spring"…? — She reads a bit confused. — "A conglomerate work of art that the great director Madarame created with his own funds. These individuals must offer their ideas to the director for the rest of their lives." — Ann's face twisted in anger as she read the description of the statue. — "Those who cannot do so have no worth living."

-As I thought… — Ren said with a serious frown.

-Hey… so that means… This is most likely plagiarism, right?

-Yes. Simply taking his students' works, claiming them as his own. — Ren replied.

-Dammit, what a phony geezer! — Ryuji exclaimed furiously.

-In other words, his pupils are his property. He doesn't even qualify as an artist if this is true. — Morgana exclaimed furiously. — He's stealing the ideas from talented students in exchange for securing their livelihood. This even says that they have no worth. Couldn't this be about the abuse?

-That enough is not proof, at least in the real world. Those portraits on display we saw might be his "pupils" through his cognition. — Ren said. — And as for the abuse, as I said, there are many types of abuse. Most of them couldn't even denunciate, since there's no proof.

-You're right. Madarame will keep them around as long as they're useful to him, but at the moment they're not… — Morgana said, averting his gaze.

-That's horrible! He's treating them like slaves or tools! — Ann said indignantly.

-Why Yusuke keepin' quiet about this? He's got no reason to cover this up!

-There's a contradiction in your statement, Skull. He does have a reason. — Ren said.

-Yes. He did say that he owes Madarame his life for being taken in… — Ann said.

-But still… — Ryuji muttered.

-Actually… When we were at the exhibit, I praised one of the pieces on display. But… Kitagawa-kun was acting strange. Maybe that piece was plagiarized too. — Ann said.

-Perhaps it was his work that was plagiarized too…

-So, ain't this enough to target Madarame!? — Ryuji asked indignantly as well to Ren.

-It is. But we need to secure the facts with Yusuke to be sure of it. — Ren replied.

-Joker's right. We should confirm these facts with Yusuke first. — Morgana said.

-Confirm what, though!? — Ryuji exclaimed indignantly.

-It means we should get solid evidence that such crimes actually took place. — Morgana replied.

-What a pain in the ass…

-We can't simply proceed blindly, Skull. — Ren said.

-Besides, there's too much we don't know about Madarame yet. — Morgana said.

-…Mm, you're right. I'll try to contact Kitagawa-kun. I might be able to get the truth out of him if I accept his modeling offer.

-Wait, you're gonna do that!? — Morgana exclaimed, surprised.

-Better than come to his house and interrogate him right away. — Ren said.

-Yeah… You all better come with me, okay? I'm scared to go alone…

-Okay, we will. — Ryuji said with a serious glance, then he smiled excitedly. — Famous renowned artist, huh? This might be tougher than Kamoshida. — He commented with a wide grin.

-We should prepare ourselves too before meeting Kitagawa-kun. We don't know what'll happen.

-You're right, leader. This is our first mission as real phantom thieves. We're gonna succeed no matter what!

-You guys heard Skull. For now, let's go back home. Time to go back to investigate in the real world.

—

Real World. Yongen-Jaya District.

Café Leblanc.

Evening.

—

-What a day… — Ren commented. He heard his phone ring, indicating a message. Checking his notifications, he saw a message from Ann.

Would you really forgive someone unconditionally if you owe your own life to them? — She texted.

Why are you asking that? — Ren texted.

Why're you bringing this up for? — Ryuji asked.

According to Kitagawa-kun, Madarame isn't a problem.

What do you mean by that? — Ren asked.

Something wrong? — Ryuji texted.

I'm not so sure anymore — Ann confessed. — I mean, I know Madarame is a bad person, but still… Maybe…

Maybe, what? — Ryuji asked.

Maybe I'm so hesitant because I haven't actually met any of his victims. — Ann said.

Yeah, I guess that part's totally different from what happened with Kamoshida.

That might be true, still, we need to be careful. — Ren said.

You're right. This might be an extreme line of thinking… But if an evil person isn't causing trouble now… Is there really a point in us stepping in?

"I need to agree with Ann. We are crossing a serious line here." Ren thought.

She has a point. — Ren replied.

I know… So we're gonna let Yusuke decide if Madarame's worth going after or not? If it were for me, I'd never forgive that bastard! — Ryuji texted.

Hm… Honestly, I don't know how to proceed at this point, but no matter what, I'll investigate this further. As I said before, I have a bad feeling about this. — Ren texted. — For now let's see how Kitagawa-kun feels. It's better than us stepping in without knowing what to do.

You're right. I guess we could talk some more after that. Ok, let's meet in Shibuya after school tomorrow. — Ann texted.

Let's.

Ren checked his messages and he saw one from Edgeworth.

I thought this might interest you. I saw that fansite for the Phantom Thieves everyone was commenting about, and I saw the name of a stalker. It seems he was a pupil of Madarame.

I know, he told us that in Mementos.

The curious part comes now. He was a talent in ascension until a period ago when he simply disappeared from the media's sight. Then on the day after, Madarame published a new work, showing one of his pupils, Yusuke Kitagawa, a new artist in ascension.

I met him. So, he accepted Kitagawa officially as his pupil after that… Interesting. Can you find me more info about it? — Ren asked.

Of course, I can. I'll keep informed about Madarame, Kitagawa-san, and about his ex-pupil. I'll check some posts as well.

Thank you, Chief Miles.

Ren put his phone on the table and changed into his pajamas. Before he went to sleep, he heard his phone ringtone. Looking at the screen, he saw a call from Ryuji.

-Hello. — Ren answered the call.

-Hey, it's me. Sorry for callin' you such an hour.

-No worries. Why're you calling me?

-Y'know, I was thinkin'… I can't forgive Madarame for what he did, but… what Ann said made me think… To Yusuke… are we just a buncha thugs?

-Probably, more like a nuisance, but yeah, something between these lines.

-*sigh* I knew it… It ain't like he thinks it is! Pisses me off just thinkin' about it! Good people have to put up with so much crap while… while shitty adults do whatever they want! Makes me sick, I-I'm not wrong, am I?

-Not much, there are nice people including adults in this world, but there are some evil people as well. I'll help you to take them down.

-Aww yeah! Don't tell Ann I called you, by the way. Seriously. Well, see you tomorrow.

-It was Ryuji, right? — Morgana asked.

-Yes. Excited to take Madarame down.

Morgana chuckled.

-It seems intelligence it's not his forte.

"Why does Mona always have the urge to insult and subdue Ryuji? It's because he's close to Ann? Maybe he's jealous of him?" Ren thought, caressing Morgana's head. "Nah. It can't be, or it can?"

-Neither does a certain cat I know. — Ren teased.

-Ren… — Morgana whimpered and Ren laughed.

-Relax, I'm only teasing you. But you need to stop insulting Ryuji. That's not nice of you.

-But he's a joke of a person.

-Trust me, I know what a joke of a person is, and Ryuji is definitely not one.

-What!? Do you know a person worse than Ryuji!?

"He was genuinely surprised. Well, he doesn't know Mr. Butz, but when he knows it." Ren thought in disappointment,

-I know a person and that person was my first client. And Ryuji is a nice guy, unlike my first client. He's worse than a moron.

-For you saying that… — Morgana said astounded.

-Yeah.

-Still, no one can beat Ryuji.

-I'll tell that to him.

-What!?

Ren laughed as he lay on his bed, going to sleep.

—

May, 17. Tuesday.

Aoyama-Itchome District. Shujin Academy.

Afternoon.

—

All right, I contacted Kitagawa-kun about modeling for him. Still waiting for his response. — Ann texted.

Thanks! — Ryuji replied.

I really have no idea what I'm supposed to do as an art model though…

Just be yourself. — Ren replied nonchalantly.

That's the problem. If I try to be myself doesn't work?

Well, if that doesn't work, at least cover yourself in painting. That should work, I guess?

Can you at least try to take this seriously? — Ann replied annoyed. Ren grinned.

Look, you don't gotta go all out for this. You're only doing it so you can get dirt on Madarame, remember? — Ryuji texted, trying to make Ann relax.

That is true. It sounded like Kitagawa-kun wanted this to be a private picture of his though…

At least if Madarame plagiarized this work, we'll know it was him. — Ren texted. — Keep us informed if he sends you a reply.

Okay, I'll let you guys know when he contacts me again. — Ann replied.

—

Courtyard.

After School.

—

-So, did you get a response from him? — Ren asked.

-Yes, I got a response from Kitagawa-kun. He said he wants me to come over after school today.

-Perfect! Probably dropped all his plans just to get you over there! — Ryuji said with a wide grin.

-We need to find out from Kitagawa-kun if what we saw from his Palace was true… — Ann said aloud

Ren and Morgana suddenly made a sign to both blondes to stay quiet as they looked in a certain direction.

-Hey, quiet down you two! — Ren whispered-yelled.

-It's that student council president. — Morgana said quickly hiding in Ren's bag. Looking in Makoto's direction, they saw her talking vigorously with Mishima, who was uncomfortable with her sudden interrogation.

-Yikes… She got a hold of Mishima today? — Ryuji asked. — It'd suck if she noticed us.

-We should split it out, and we meet later at the station. — Ren said. — Be discreet, or she'll be after us in no time.

—

Shibuya District. Shibuya Station.

After School.

—

-We finally landed on a big target! Let's get some dirt on Madarame! — Ryuji said excitedly. Ren chuckled.

-I know you're excited, but you need to calm down, you don't want people to find out we're the Phantom Thieves.

-You're right… — Ryuji said, calming down. — But man… Ann's late.

-You're right. Where's she…?

-Sorry! — Ann said, running towards Ren and Ryuji. — I was thinking about some things and didn't notice how much time had passed.

-It's okay. — Ren said.

-Thinkin' about what? — Ryuji asked.

-Don't you think Kitagawa-kun has to be protecting Madarame? — Ann said. — I mean they live together, so he'd have to be aware of Madarame's true nature.

-I thought about it. I don't know, there's something wrong about it… — Ren said.

-Yeah. The only reason I can think of him doing that is that Madarame has something on him… — Ann said.

-Yeah, that's weird. But what's why we're goin' to check it out, right? You ready to be a model?

-Yeah, I'm prepared.

-Whaddya mean prepared? Prepared for what? — Ryuji asked genuinely innocent, seeing no changes in Ann's appearance. — Something seems different about her to you? She looks the same to me. — He asked Ren.

-Hm… Did you cut your bangs, Ann? — Ren asked unsurely.

-Ooh, nice eye!

-Er, I didn't cut them.

-O-oh! H-huh… Well… let's get goin'. — Ryuji said nervously, avoiding looking at Ann and Ren snickered. — We gotta talk to Yusuke.

-You know, Kitagawa-kun seemed really happy when I agreed to be his model. — Ann commented as they walked towards the Station exit. — We should bring it up about Madarame once he finishes his drawing and gets a bit friendlier.

-I'd agree. Let's bring the topic casually, to avoid any issues. — Ren said and Ann and Ryuji nodded.

—

Madarame's Atelier.

After School.

—

-I thought it would just be you coming, Takamaki-san. — Yusuke commented, looking annoyed at Ren and Ryuji.

-Wouldn't you get nervous too, if it was just the two of us? — Ann asked nervously.

-We're here to keep an eye on you, so don't try anything pervert, 'kay? — Ryuji said.

-And I want to see you working on your painting if that doesn't bother you.

-Fine. And as for you, stop making such odd assumptions. I have absolutely no interest in her as someone of the opposite sex. — Yusuke said frustrated.

-Huh!? — Ann exclaimed.

-Is there a problem? — Yusuke asked innocently.

-…No, not really. — She replied somewhat surprised and astounded with Yusuke's answer.

-Well then, let's get started. If you please.

-Of course!

Ann sat on the stool and posed as Yusuke ordered. Taking a good look, he hummed happily and started to sketch on the canvas. Ren stared at the canvas, seeing Yusuke tracing with his brush on the canvas and painting Ann.

-Hey. Kitagawa-kun? — Ann called several minutes later. However, Yusuke stood silent, focused on his painting.

-You hear her? — Ryuji called and Ren made a sign for him to stay quiet. — Dude, what the eff…?

-It's no use. He's too focused on painting. — Ren replied. — This isn't going as we planned! Time to change our plans.

-What do we do? — Morgana asked.

-Let's wait. Once he's done we'll confront him. — Ren replied calmly.

-What an effin' pain in the ass… — Ryuji replied.

-Perhaps I should try going outside this room… — Morgana said. — That's it! This is too boring, so I'm going to scout around for a bit.

-Hey, wait…! Be careful out there.

-Relax. Heh, who do you think you're talking to?

"To someone too overconfident."

-Be careful. — Ren warned with a firm but severe tone.

Morgana nodded and carefully exited Ren's bag, starting to wander around. After walking for a while, he found a gaudy flashy door, locked with a giant padlock.

-It's weird how flashy that door is… And is that a lock…? A door with a hefty lock… What could be in there?

Meanwhile, Ren noticed Yusuke was tired, shaking his head in frustration. Two hours later, Yusuke shook his head tiredly.

-It's no good… — He said and the trio looked confused.

-What? — Ryuji asked, surprised.

-I'm sorry… Am I the problem…? — Ann asked.

-No, not at all… It's just… I'm having trouble staying focused today. I'm sorry, but we'll have to resume this another time… My deepest apologies. — Yusuke replied.

-It's okay. — Ren said.

-No, it's not. — Ryuji yelled.

-Ryuji!

-Oh hell no! How many hours do you think you made us wait!?

-Huh?

-Mr. Kitagawa, our deepest apologies, but we have come here with another reason.

-Another reason? What is it? — Yusuke asked seriously.

-It's about these rumors regarding your sensei. — Ryuji explained.

-This again…? — Yusuke asked annoyed.

-We're sorry to bring up this topic, but we couldn't help but worry about you. There's something Ann commented to us we have found odd. — Ren explained.

-Yes. On that day, that painting I saw at the exhibit… You're the one who actually painted it, right?

Yusuke blanked and averted his gaze from Ann, glancing at his recent work.

-That's…

-…I knew it.

-So, you also have been plagiarized by him. — Ren said.

-Your sensei seriously messed up. He just thinks of his pupils as tools. That's why he doesn't give a damn whether he steals their works or physically beats them. — Ryuji said.

-That's why it is useless to hide this from us. We already know it.

Yusuke chuckled nervously.

-You couldn't go against him, could you? I'm sure we can help you out though…

-Stop it. It's just as you all say. We're… our sensei's "artwork".

What…? — Ren asked, confused and surprised.

-Don't misunderstand me though. I offered my ideas to him myself. As such, it can't be called plagiarism. Sensei is simply suffering from artist's block right now.

-If that isn't plagiarism, I don't know what is …

-What did you say? — Yusuke asked.

-You should know plagiarism it's not limited only to stealing works. If you consent in "offering" your ideas, and he claims them as his, that makes you an accomplice of him.

Yusuke shirked at Ren's claim.

-Kitagawa-kun…

-Then why're you stickin' around!? All his other pupils ran away! Aren't you the only one left!?

-What's wrong with a pupil helping out his master!? — Yusuke asked indignantly. — There are no victims here! Stop pushing your self-centered righteousness on me!

-But that still counts as stealing. If your master is caught in this scheme, you're going to be labeled as his accomplice. You can be arrested, you know that? You're in danger, can't you see?

-Still…

-So, are you okay with this? Is that okay for you to even be arrested for his sake? — Ren asked.

Yusuke stood quiet and glanced at Ren.

-I'm supporting sensei as his pupil. Where's the wrong with that? — He asked unsurely.

-I understand your position, but you can't simply support such criminal activity.

-Enough. Don't ever come here again… If you do, I'll sue you for causing a disturbance.

"I wish I could threaten him, but at this point, it will be better if I stay low." Ren thought, glancing furiously at Yusuke.

-You…

-Hold it! We're not done talkin' here!

-Then you leave me with no choice! — Yusuke said, taking his phone. — I'm reporting you two to the police.

-What!? You can't! — Ryuji and Ann exclaimed.

-Yes, I can. I asked Takamaki-san to be my model today, but I don't recall ever calling you two here!

-What the eff, man! — Ryuji said, taking a step forward.

-Ryuji, stop it! — Ann said, pushing him away.

-Calm down, okay? Please, don't report them. — Ann begged.

-I won't report you… but only under one condition. — Yusuke said.

-What's that?

-I want you to continue to be my model, Takamaki-san.

-But you said it wasn't working out today… — Ann replied.

-That's because I was unconsciously being modest for your sake. However, I have nothing to worry about anymore. If you're willing to bare everything to me… I will put my heart and soul into creating the best nude painting ever! — Yusuke said with determination.

-W-WHAT!? — Both Ryuji and Ann yelled. — N-NUDE!?

-Ah, to think I'd be able to create a nude painting with the most ideal model! — Then Yusuke turned to Ren and Ryuji. — Of course, you two won't be allowed in, and I ask that you forget about our discussion today, as well. If I don't submit to sensei soon, there will be some… inconveniences. — Yusuke said bitterly.

-Wait a minute! Nude, meaning it'll be without any clothes right!?

"Quite obvious…" Ren and Ryuji thought.

-Why are things suddenly escalating like that!? — Ann asked indignantly.

"And she wonders why." Ren and Ryuji thought.

-Because those are my terms.

-But that's—

-Hey, ain't that bad!? What if Madarame—

-Sensei is out during the afternoon while the art exhibit is on, so I can use this place freely… I should buy more art supplies.

-Will you give me a second here!? — Ann yelled.

-Of course, I'm willing to wait. I'll make time according to your plans. But please come before the art exhibit ends.

-No! That's not what I meant! Why are you not listening?

-Because we won't be listening to you. — Ren said with a furious expression on his face.

-Sensei will be returning home soon. We're done for today. Takamaki-san, I'll be waiting for you to contact me. Now then, you all can go.

-W-Wait… — Ann said.

-Hold it! — Ryuji shouted again, but Ren dragged him to the exit.

-Let's go.

-But.

-We're not welcome here. — Ren replied.

-At least someone here has some sense. — Yusuke said with a smile.

-Hey, Ren. Don't give up so easily. — Ann said.

Ren sighed and gave Yusuke one of his business cards.

-In case you change your mind, here. Give me a call anytime.

-Tch. As if I'll need your services… — Yusuke replied nonchalantly.

Ren opened the door and he saw Morgana come at them.

-Huh? Is she done being a model? — The supernatural cat asked.

-…A cat? — Yusuke asked confused.

-You moron! — Ryuji yelled furiously, grabbing Morgana and putting him inside Ren's bag carelessly. Once they went out, Ann yelled furiously:

-He's totally out of his mind! I'm gonna have to pose nude if this keeps up!

-Relax. — Ren said.

-Whaddya means relax, dude!? He can sue us, remember, and you have a criminal record. How can you be so calm in a situation like this? — Ryuji asked.

-What!? How dare that Yusuke! — Morgana said furiously. — Ren, sue him!

-Relax. — Ren replied.

-The way he said it, it's not gonna be semi, but full-on nude. — Ryuji said.

-F-F-Full nudity!? Lady Ann's gonna… — Morgana said astounded.

-Drop it! — Ann said. — We have to do something, Ren!

-Relax you three. — Ren said.

-Relax!? How can you say—

-Be quiet! — Ren said in a firm tone. That was enough to make Ryuji, Ann, and Morgana stop talking. — I have recorded our conversation.

-What!?

Ren shushed and they took that as the cue to be quiet.

-Since we went in I recorded everything, including what he said.

-So we can sue him! — Morgana said determinedly.

-Hey, that's enough it'll cause a ruckus of immeasurable proportions to a point even me can handle it. We should keep this as our last resort. We can't simply go suing everyone who threatens us.

-But hey, if we don't sue him… — Ryuji said.

-I know. That's why we have to do that.

-Do what? — Ryuji asked.

-We need to convince Yusuke to do that. And more importantly, we need to explore Madarame's Palace and change his heart. Since our artist-to-be will not cooperate, we will do that on our own. I have a plan.

-That's our leader! — Morgana said happily.

-Yeah! — Ryuji said.

-But…

-You know, you won't have to worry about that if we make Madarame confess before the exhibit ends.

-I know, but Kitagawa-kun thinks he owes his life to him. Is there a need to make Madarame confess?

Ren sighed.

-I know, but we are running out of options and all of that is our own fault. We fell into this situation because of our careless attitude, and we simply can't get it out doing the same thing. It's a domino effect, and…

-And…? — Ann asked.

"It's the last thing I should do to call his attention…" Ren thought.

-We don't want that type of attention on us.

-Still…

-Then, Lady Ann… you're fine with baring it all!? — Morgana said.

-I am not! But…

-Madarame's no different from Kamoshida. That asshole's usin' Yusuke, who doesn't have parents. — Ryuji said. — You're tellin' me we should just ignore how he's bein' treated horribly like the other pupils?

-He's by himself. It's an abuse of his dependency since he depends on his well-being to survive. — Ren said. — Is that even fair to keep him in this system?

Ann grunted but nodded in affirmation.

-No… It is frustrating to leave this alone, even if Kitagawa-kun is fine with it himself… — She replied.

-You can't leave it be because you've endured a lot yourself, with Kamoshida.

-Yeah.

-So we have our next target. — Ren said.

-You're right. Madarame's the kind of target we've been waitin' for. Let's help Yusuke come to his senses too… before he ends up like us.

-Couldn't agree more with you. We have until the exhibit ends to make Madarame confess his crimes. — Ren said.

-Yeah, I don't want to pose nude, but… Kitagawa-kun said there'd be "inconveniences" unless he submitted a new piece. Maybe that's going to be announced soon as Madarame's next work…

-Does that mean the whole country's gonna see you nude!? — Ryuji exclaimed astounded.

-Probably if we don't do anything about it. — Ren said.

-Hell no! We have to do something! — Ann exclaimed.

-We must deal with Madarame, no matter what, before the exhibit ends! — Morgana said.

-Let's start after school tomorrow. It'll be a pain if Miss President finds us on the rooftop again, so where to meet up… — Ryuji said.

-A public place. Let's meet at Shibuya Station. The accessway it's quite empty and we could meet there without getting bothered. Plus it's near Madarame's place. — Ren said.

-Ohh, good idea! — Ryuji said.

-…Changing our hideout periodically, huh? That's a plan I don't mind backing. — Morgana said.

-We need to be careful there since it's a public place. — Ren said.

-Got it. — Ryuji, Ann, and Morgana said.

-Now then, let's—

-Hey, can I talk to you kids for a sec? — A woman asked, walking towards them. Ren noticed she was carrying a camera and a few pieces of equipment.

"Perhaps she's a journalist." Ren thought.

-Sure. — Ren said.

-From the looks of things, you don't seem like the ordinally, stalking fans.

-Uh…

-Care to elaborate. — Ren said.

-Oh, sorry. I should've been more clear. I'm actually looking for people that know Madarame's pupils. — The woman answered with a wide smile.

-Are you perhaps a journalist? — Ren asked.

-Yes, I am.

-What are you looking for? — Ren asked.

-Well, there's this painting, "Sayuri", that was supposedly stolen in the past. But there's this rumor that it was taken by one of his pupils in retaliation for being abused. Have you heard anything about it?

-I believe my friend here has an answer for that. — Ren said.

-Me!? I don't know nothing about it. — Ryuji said desperately.

-I see…

-Sorry for not being much help. I thought my friend might know something about it.

-It's okay. *sigh* there's no case unless there's a victim and if there's no proof of abuse… I can't write either. Looks like I'm back to square one. Sorry for taking your time. As you said, I'm a journalist. If you ever get any leads, mind contacting me here? — She said giving a business card.

-I will if I find anything. Here, I have my card. Contact me anytime.

-Ohh, a lawyer. This might be interesting. I'll give you a call. See you then.

The journalist left and Ren sighed tiredly.

-As I was saying, let's call it a day. We'll meet here tomorrow, is that okay for you guys? — They nodded in affirmation. — Well, we should go home. See you tomorrow.

—

Yongen-Jaya District. Café Leblanc.

Evening.

—

-Whatever, I still can't forgive him! — Morgana said while listening to the recording. — Demanding to paint Lady Ann nude, them claiming to report us to the police…

-He doesn't have much of a choice, Morgana…

"Dealing with his jealousy is annoying sometimes… Still, he has a point" Ren thought. His phone rang and he saw it was Mishima who was calling him.

-Hey, it's me. Got a minute?

-Always. Fire away.

-I have some interesting news.

-What is it?

-Someone who received a change of heart contacted me on the Phan-Site. Said he wants to meet with you to discuss another person who needs a change of heart.

-Another change of heart? Do you have the details? — Ren asked.

-You're better off talking to him in person if you want specifics. All I know is that his target is a terrible person and that it might complicate things if he posted the name online.

"Someone who can't have his name posted online… And someone who received a change of heart. It's quite obvious who it is, but I need to be sure of it."

-I see. Thank you for telling me.

-I'll have him wait for you at Shibuya Station after school. The guy's name is Nakanohara.

"I knew it! This facilitates things for us."

-That's Madarame's student. — Morgana said and Ren nodded his head in affirmation.

-I told him to approach you. Good luck.

-Thank you. Please keep me informed.

-Okay, Ace Attorney.

Mishima ended the call and Ren looked at Morgana.

-We have a change of plans. I should be prepared and record that as well. Better check if the recording is on the cloud… Yes, it is. Let's keep it for now.

-Okay.

Ren heard his phone ring again and he saw a message from Ryuji.

I have some news.

Us too, but you first. — Ren replied.

I found out something insane about Madarame. Sounds like a student of his offed himself when he couldn't speak up about Madarame stealing his work. — Ryuji said.

Is that true? We need a name, so I can check it.

That journalist was looking into Madarame too. It could be real. — Ann said.

Someone died though. No one's talking about it… I bet it was covered up. — Ryuji said.

I wonder if Kitagawa-kun has heard about it. — Ann said. — It'd be great if he could help us out.

Ain't that asking a bit much? After today, he prolly gonna be on edge about us.

I do agree, although a shock of reality it'll be necessary for him to come to his senses. — Ren texted.

Well anyway, Madarame's still a piece of crap! Let's meet up tomorrow. It'll be our first time at the new hideout.

Speaking of plans, is it okay if I come a bit late? I need to meet someone tomorrow after school. — Ren texted.

No prob. — Ryuji said.

It's in that passageway in Shibuya, right?

Yes.

Got it. See you guys tomorrow.

-If the rumor Ryuji just spoke of is true, there have to be other victims… — Morgana said.

-It has to be, and if we could talk with one of them we'll be lucky. — Ren said, finishing his notes and writing in his diary. — I'll brew some coffee before going to sleep. I think it'll be an intense day tomorrow.

—

May, 18. Wednesday.

Shibuya District. Shibuya Station.

After School.

—

-Sorry, I was talking with Chief Miles. — Ren said.

-It's okay, we've just arrived just now. We're about to head to the hideout too. — Ann said. —Who's that? — She asked. A man in a suit came and Ren recognized him.

-Excuse me…

-You must be Nakanohara. — Ren said.

-Huh? — Ryuji and Ann said.

-Don't worry. Mishima told us to meet him here in Shibuya today. — Morgana said, sticking out of the bag.

-For real? — Ryuji said.

-Yes. My name is Nakanohara. Natsuhiko Nakanohara, the one who was posted about on the Phantom Aficionado Website.

-He seems pretty nice. Doesn't seem like the stalker type. I think the change of heart must have worked. — Ann whispered to Ryuji, who nodded.

-The administrator of the website contacted me. They told me to look for someone in a Shujin uniform with a cat…

-That's me.

-So? Whaddya want? — Ryuji asked.

-You may have already heard, but there's someone I wish to trigger a change of heart in. An artist by the name of Madarame.

Ann and Ryuji muttered surprised and Ren nodded.

-I see. Why do you want to change his heart?

-I'm… one of Madarame's former pupils. He gave me lodging at his home, where I thought only about art. I genuinely wanted to be an artist.

-I see. So, he plagiarized you.

-Yes. There was another pupil as well. A very talented man, multiple years my senior. Obviously, Madarame keeps tabs on him. Everything he made was claimed as a Madarame original. He wasn't the only victim though… In response to Madarame's actions that senior pupil… committed suicide.

-Suicide… — Ann said shocked. — Why…

-He must have been unable to bear seeing his work praised under Madarame's name. That's why I disobeyed Madarame's orders and left. But he quickly pressured the other parts of the art world, and my life as a painter was destroyed. I tried to turn over a new leaf working at a ward office… but it was no use. My attachment to art warped my emotions. Soon I began getting attached to everything…

-I see…

-In the end, I turned into a stalker. — The man gave a hollow joke and averted his gaze. — …I'd like to ask again. Please, make Madarame have a change of heart. Not only for me. It's… to save the life of another man as well.

-Save the life of another man? Wait, you meant Kitagawa-san.

-So that's his name… Even now, there is still one young man remaining under Madarame's tutelage. I think he's about your age. Not only is he a talented artist, but he also owes Madarame for taking him in after his mother passed… He is the perfect target.

-So Yusuke's got no choice but to listen. — Ryuji said indignantly.

-Did you try to convince him?

-Yes. I actually spoke to him a few times, back when I was still living at Madarame's. I asked him if he found it painful to stay with Madarame… and do you know what he said? "If I could leave, I would…"

-Kitagawa-kun…

-I have no right to say this given to my prior cowardice, but I don't want to see another suicide! I'd like to find a way to save this young man. He has a bright future ahead of him… Please consider that when thinking about changing Madarame's heart.

-We will. Can you do us a favor? — Ren asked taking out some papers.

-Yes.

-Can you testify against Madarame? That will be important to us to take him down.

-Yes, I will.

-I will record your voice, so you don't need to worry about it. Please sign here.

Nakano did as Ren ordered and testified. After that, he bowed and left the station.

-All right, we got some real proof of the plagiarism. — Ryuji said seriously. — That should be enough to open a case, right?

-It is. However, that's only circumstantial evidence. I'll ask Chief Miles to find a way to examine Madarame's works. Now then, it seems our plans have changed. We need to change Madarame's heart!

-Yes. It sounds like we don't have the time to deliberate whether or not to change Madarame's heart. — Morgana said. — We've to save Yusuke.

-Hell yeah! Madarame's just a piece of shit who preys on the weak!

-Suicide… I'll never let something like that happen! Plus, we finally got to hear how Kitagawa-kun really feels!

-I know you all are furious, but we should keep our conversation at the hideout. We don't want to attract unwanted attention.

-You're right. Well, since we reached a unanimous decision, let's continue this at our new hideout. — Morgana said.

—

Shibuya District. Hideout (Accessway)

After School.

—

-My fellow thieves, welcome to our new hideout! — Morgana said. — Our target this time is Madarame!

-Considering last time, we'll pay dearly if we assume it's just going to be like the last one. — Ren said.

-And furthermore… Lady Ann's chastity is on the line!

-What!? — Ann said.

-Morgana! — Ren exclaimed surprised.

-Dude, what the eff!? There're few more important things on the line here!? — Ryuji exclaimed as well.

-I do agree with you, Ryuji.

-But… — Morgana said.

-Morgana…

-Fine… Sheesh… You guys…

-Dude, what was insensitive of you. — Ryuji said. — So, what'd we need to do?

-We'll need to do what we did with Kamoshida. First, we secure an infiltration route in the Palace. After that, we send our calling card. Once the Treasure materializes, we steal it. Before that, we'll try to solve this in court. If we were successful, we might take him down legally and in the Metaverse, as planned by me and Ren. — Morgana explained

-Our usual plan. — Ren said.

-Oooh, I got a question! Madarame doesn't know that we were doin' stuff in the Palace yet. Why are we gettin' treated like criminals in there? — Ryuji asked.

-You're learning, Ryuji. Well done. — Morgana said proudly. — It must be because he doesn't trust anyone. Any unknown person may as well be an enemy.

-I see.

-Or maybe he's just super salty from all those rumors that have been spreading about him. — Ann said.

-Perhaps it's both. You could say it's his view of the world so distorted, he sees himself as the right one. It's like eating or being eaten. — Ren said.

-Then his Palace bein' so crazy had nothing to do with us? — Ryuji asked.

-No. Maybe it's because every person's view varies, including their desires and actions, but the feeling of being found or caught is the reason why the Palace it's like that. — Ren replied.

-Either way, we should stay on our best behavior. It'll be harder for us to steal the Treasure if we needlessly increase the security level. — Morgana said.

-We should be careful with Kitagawa-kun this time too. I'm sure that whatever he sees will just get passed on to Madarame. — Ann said.

-You're right. The last thing we need is his attention. At least not now. — Ren said.

-Hey, 'bout Madarame Treasure… — Ryuji said.

-Yeah. What Does his treasure look like anyway? Another crown? — Ann asked.

-Clearly not. Remember, the Palace it's a reflection of a person's heart, so it's obvious his Treasure will reflect something related to him.

-You're probably right. — Morgana said. — But my sixth sense will know when I see it.

-Now, about our deadline… Do you know when the exhibit ends? — Ren asked Ann.

-June 5th. — Ann replied.

-We'll carry out the plan after we've sent out the calling card. So, our infiltrate route will need to be set in stone two days prior, on June 2nd. — Morgana said.

-We can't mess this up, NO MATTER WHAT, OKAY!?

-You guys heard Ann. Now, let's move.