A/N: This one is shorter, and I've also reached a decision. I am going past the rest of the P4DAN stuff. It was important to establish Kanamin and the Kanamin Kitchen as they will make another appearance down the road, but for now, I want to just end with further setting up the plot. If you all want to see more stuff from this time, I can always put it in the ARL: Substories side fic. I already talked about that in the last chapter notes so look there if you haven't seen it already. Here's Chapter 20, a bit shorter, but after this, a fun little arc begins that connects to the events of P4DAN. You'll soon see why I tied this event to what comes next.

Chapter 20

09/12

"Ugh… is it over…?"

"Masato-kun! Did you sense it too?"

It does seem like the ordeal is over. The shadows are now idle, and both Naoto and Masato are free from the ribbons' ensnaring grasp.

"Yeah. It felt like I had to be someone that everyone wants me to be. It's like I was being gaslighted into believing that being tied to the ribbon is good and being someone I'm not is ideal."

"I felt similar things as well." Naoto concurred, already standing on both feet. Masato on the other hand helped himself up.

"You're no one else but you, Masato-kun!

"While I was dancing, I felt like I couldn't let my guard down at all… that the Shadows would take me if I did." Souji feared the worst as he spoke with a dread filled tone. "That song and the Shadows' dance probably have a similar power. So what I did was concentrate on getting my message across as I danced."

"You said something like that earlier, too…" Rise was perplexed by his intent. "What did you want to tell them?"

"I just did what you said, Rise. Dancing is about 'expressing yourself and your feelings to the people watching you', right? So I danced to show the Shadows who I am, not what they wanted to see."

"Ha… and as a result, I remembered who I am." Naoto comments.

"And I remember who I don't want to be." Masato piles on.

"One shouldn't abandon one's self just because they've been connected to others… I feel that those Shadows were released from the ribbon's binding because they sensed that as well. Um, Rise-chan… didn't you get that sense from watching him dance?"

"O-Of course I did! I could tell his dancing was different from usual! I just couldn't put it into words 'cause of all that Persona stuff that happened!" She didn't sound all that convincing. In fact, she sounded more pouty about it.

"Riiight." Masato takes a chance to drop a remark, but the sudden blue glow around the shadows caught his and everyone else's attention. They're disappearing into light and are no longer in sight once they fully go. It's quite the spectacle.

"Wow… it's beautiful." Rise mutters in awe as they all exit out of sight and out of mind. "The Shadows' presence is fading… What's going on? It's like they're returning somewhere."

"Returning…? To where?" Naoto finds that phrasing odd. Masato tried to take a crack at it after she posed the question.

"To the TV World? Perhaps to calm down and live in peace?"

"Who knows… but that's the feeling I get. With that weird ribbony thing gone, it seems they all disappeared from this world. Maybe they realized something wasn't right, like you two did."

"Yeah, let's hope so." Souji nods with optimism.

"Still… What could those Shadows have been? They didn't seem quite like the Shadows we know."

It wasn't long before something strange happened once again. The lights dimming out of nowhere caught all their attention. It seems something else was about to happen whether they wanted it or not.

"You don't like this stage? After all the trouble I went through to prepare it…?"

"You again? I've had enough of this…! Is your idea of 'eternal bonds' tying up the Shadows with that thing? You've got one twisted mind!" Rise wasted no time letting her feelings be clear.

"That's right! If this is the 'connection' you speak of, then it's much too one-sided!"

The detached, unseeable voice only laughs at their vain anger.

"Wh-What's so funny!?"

"It's okay… if that's what you think, then I certainly won't force you to stay here. But don't get so cocky just because you sent those back… Our bonds are eternal. There are countless others to forge them with."

"You…! Are you going to bring someone else in here?" Naoto has already deduced their plans, as the voice responds immediately after this presumption.

"Hahaha… Sorry, but you've already stepped off the stage. The next performances will be beginning soon… featuring Tamami and the others."

"T-Tamami…? You don't mean-!" Rise was now on edge as everything clicked for the entire.

"Oh no…" Masato starts looking around to see if any members of Kanamin Kitchen were in sight, but alas… nothing but the empty stage could be seen. "What did you do with Kanamin Kitchen?"

"Hmhmhm… Why do you care? You're no longer a part of this." The Shadowy voice sounded quite cocky themself.

"I'll try scanning the area! Come, Kouzeon!" Rise continued to show nothing but diligence, fearing time may not be on her side. Her Persona emerges as she quickly takes the visor and starts checking things out. "I sense… One, two, no, four spots with a lot of Shadows are bunched up." Rise abruptly gasps. "I sense someone! Is it… Tomoe!?"

"Ahahaha… no playing around in the venue. It's off-limits to unauthorized personnel…"

"Everyone, look out!" Masato calls out as something is pulling him. "Shit!" He didn't see the ones behind him.

"No!" Souji grunts as a heavy force grabs a hold of him as well. One by one, they're tossed out of the unknown dance floor, with no way of getting back to save those who were now confirmed to be inside this place.

"Hahaha… Goodbye, Rise Kujikawa…"

Nothing but white is all they see for a moment before loud thuds can be heard with groans of minor pain; first, Masato falls as he was dragged out before the others, then Naoto falls across parallel to him, then Souji above him and finally, Rise lands on top of him, hip first at that.

"Gah! Ugh…" That's gotta sting.

Souji was quickly reorienting himself. "Is this…?

"Oww… Geez! Is this how you treat an idol!?"

"R-Rise…! Can you please… ow."

"M-Masato-kun-!? I'm so sorry…!" She fumbles around trying to get off his body. He's absolutely feeling this in the morning. So many guys would lose their marbles if they heard Rise was on top of him… despite it being for a completely different reason.

"I… I'm staying like this for a bit." He refused to get up.

"It looks like we're back in the studio." Naoto shakes the dizziness off.

"Thank god…"

"So as soon as we reject the 'bond' that voice spoke of, we are promptly asked to leave…"

"At least we're all back safe." Souji calmly sighs after.

"Uh huh, I was honestly bracing myself for the worst…" Rise gasps as an important detail is recalled. "But wait, that reading I got a second ago! It was definitely Tomoe's… I'm certain that's who I picked up on."

Souji had to confirm something with Rise right away after hearing that name.

"What about the other girls? Kanamin Kitchen is Kanami-San and four other members, right?"

"I don't know… That place was a lot bigger than I thought. The only reading I picked up on at the moment was Tomoe's."

"Given what he heard from Kanami-san, it's safe to assume the rest of Kanamin Kitchen disappeared around the same time. If you detected Tomoe-san's reading over there, then the others are likely to have been taken as well.

"Yeah. Naoto's right." Souji nods, agreeing so far.

"The rumored video clip that plays at midnight, victims have fallen unconscious, and now a missing group of idols… this does seem to demand an investigation."

"First things first, though-What was that world we were in? The name 'Midnight Stage' bothers me." Rise shakes her head, disoriented by all that has happened.

"There were Shadows there too. It kind of seemed like the TV world." Souji notes.

"And then there's that voice. Is to belong to the root of the trouble…" Naoto was ready to spend all night thinking about this.

"You don't really think it's that, um… deceased idol behind all this, do you?"

"Unlikely…" Groaned Masato as he tried to stand himself up. "There's no way a Shadow can survive once its owner passes. Much less for that many years… perhaps the culprit used that death to garner the interests of its victims. We don't have to focus on that anyway. We have more pressing issues." But now that they know midnight is the time to strike… that means they have to wait until tomorrow to do this again. That may be time they don't have.

"Mhm. Either way. I can't leave them in that awful place." Rise's tone shifts to a more pleasing dialect. "Please, Senpai, Masato-kun, Naoto-kun! Could you help me out? I want to save them!

"Of course! Count me in." Souji did not need a second to consider this.

"I'm a bit shocked. Did you think we'd shrug it off as none of our concern?" Naoto sounds a touch disappointed in Rise for thinking they even needed to be requested for help.

"You bet I'll be here to help you. We'll bring them back, no matter what." The Impostor was also on board. "We're the only ones who can bring them home."

"...Yeah! Thanks, you guys."

"Now that that's decided, we need a plan. Yosuke and the others will be here in the morning. I'm sure they'll help us out too." Souji already knows everyone would gladly offer their support right from the word go.

"We'll need to go over the case once they join us. For now, though… I think we should leave. We need our rest, after all."

"Right. Things are gonna get busy, so we should rest while we can."

"I'll contact S.O Headquarters to have them look into this. I don't think Sho is involved, but maybe they can spot something in Shadow activity to maybe give us a clue." Masato suggests, his phone now pulled out of his pocket.

"Good idea. You probably should let them know not to worry since I'm certain our beacons went off." Souji approves.

"Yeah. I'll call them while I'm going home."

"Well, I'll go ahead and email everyone about the situation. Oh-We shouldn't drag Kanami into this, huh…? I feel bad, but I won't tell her anything."

"Shadows are involved. It's best to keep her out of this." Masato nods, fully aware of how dangerous Shadows can be given July's events.

"Okay. So I'll just contact our gang! Are you three ready to go home?"

And all three quickly agree. It's been a long day. And a longer night. But the next day was approaching much sooner than they all would have liked. Best to hurry home and rest while they are still able to.

09/13

The morning came faster than any could have hoped for. All of them didn't get much time to sleep as all needed to be here in the middle morning hours. All four were gathered by the entrance of Takura Productions, awaiting the Inaba Residents to arrive. Were they not taking the train? They should have been here by now…

As they ponder further, they can see a group approaching… it's them! The automatic sliding doors with their clear panes make it pristinely clear that it really is the remaining Investigation team members!

"Woohoo! I smell Sensei! Your friendly neighborhood bear is back in town."

"That makes no sense you're not in the costume, man…" Kanji scoffs at Teddie's commonly unusual remarks.

"Oh man, it's so nice and cool inside the office! This heat is disgusting…." The heat wave isn't doing anyone any favors. It's no surprise Yosuke would find it so bothersome. Who would welcome such a hot and humid day, after all?

"I'm glad you're all here." Normally, one might expect the saying "it's been too long", but they were all here last week to record the advertisement that aired last night.

"You meet any more celebrities yet? They all gotta be running around since it's almost concert time!"

"Yosuke-san…" Masato shook his head. Was that really what needed to be discussed first? Then again, everyone seems so at ease despite the situation. Perhaps it's a strength of theirs. That or the Shadow Operatives are more serious than them.

"C'mon, Yosuke-senpai, you were just here last week to film the commercial!" Rise was used to his interests, but he should probably ease up on that subject for his sake.

"Yeah, but I was too nervous to think about any of that stuff! Ah, the time has finally come! I'm back in the Big City and to stay until we save those girls and party on the biggest stage!" Yosuke sounds way more sold on this than he did last month.

"Okay then, let's bring that down a notch. We can't cause a scene here at the entrance." Masato suggests modesty, which is for the best.

"Mhm. We don't wanna stress anyone else if we can help it. It's already hectic enough as is." Rise nods, agreeing with the sentiment.

"Oh sorry, my bad… oh, yeah! I do have a message for you, Souji. Dojima-san and Nanako-chan are gonna be running a little late. Sounded like he's been busy with work."

"Ah, that's too bad…" Souji was disappointed to hear that they won't make it for now. But it might be for the best. They have work they need to do without a cop breathing down their necks.

"C'mon, cheer up, partner! Just have a little patience and Nanako-chan'll be here in no time."

"Man, that was one hell of a long trip. I've been sittin' down so long my butt's sore." Kanji crudely comments.

"We really should've taken the express train, but Yosuke had to insist we ride a bus instead." Chie jabs at Yosuke's "stinginess".

"Hey… You guys are the ones who said you were low on cash. There's no way I could have paid for all your tickets!" And on Junes' wages… Souji definitely can believe that.

Yukiko observes those who have been here all morning, and seeing their expressions and body language looking a bit fatigued. She speaks to her boyfriend with a concerned expression.

"I have to say, you four aren't looking very well. Are you okay? Have you not slept well?" All four exchange glances at each other in regards to Yukiko's concern. All had trouble sleeping for their own personal reasons Yukiko's concerns were most certainly valid.

"A lot certainly happened last night, after all…" Naoto spoke with a somewhat dismissive disposition.

"Yeah. I already informed HQ about the Shadow activity. I hope to hear from them soon." Masato spent an hour getting all the info he could over the phone to Fukui, only to be told to wait until the morning for results. And still, nothing…

"Do you two mean that 'Midnight stage' stuff? I got most of the story from Rise's email. Though it was so out of nowhere that I had to ask a ton of follow-up questions." Yosuke butts in with some slight concern.

"I read it too. Those girls are being held captive, right, Rise-chan?" Yukiko also had concern in her voice.

"Yeah… I'm sorry. You guys came all the way out here and I have to ruin it with bad news." Rise's softened frustration with herself was very much apparent, as if she was blaming herself.

"Hey, no need to apologize, Rise-chan!" Chie reassures Rise. "Never fear! All the dance practice I've gotten in lately has been a good workout for me! And I've never missed a day of regular training!" Chie strikes a Kung-fu pose to further prove she's more than ready to step up to the plate.

"Count me in too! Look, look! Behold the results of my training with Rise-chan!" Teddie follows suit with his one attempt to show he's more than ready to bear all the burdens of saving these missing girls. But… who taught him that move? Rise didn't look like she knew what he was doing.

"That has nothing to do with fighting Shadows." Yosuke dismissed Teddie right on the spot.

"Eh, ya never know. I mean, it's gonna be our dancin' that beats'em this time around, right?" Kanji inadvertently corrects Yosuke.

"Oh right, yeah… Man, why dancing of all things?"

"We're not sure how that really works." Souji's tone definitely validated that uncertainty.

"All we know is that our power won't defeat these Shadows the way we normally do our business." Naoto elaborates. "We've discovered that we can free them by affecting them with our dance."

The girls all add in how this is an exciting way of going about things. Rise, surprisingly tries to rein them all in on the stakes of this case. Thank goodness everyone is ready to have another case to solve on such short notice.

"Thanks, everyone. It's time the Investigation Team got back in action." Souji speaks with a reassurance that gives him all the motivation he needs to see this through.

"Haha, I can't remember how many times that's happened by now." Chie whimsically recalls the past incidents like they were many years ago.

"Well, call it fate or whatever, but if you ask me, that's just how we are." Yosuke's wide grin makes it clear that all will be well. They will find these girls. They have the confidence and drive to do so.

"If we can save people, I'm all for it. And, we have Masato-kun here this time! It's his first major case with us!" Yukiko takes notice, not wanting him to feel like an outsider.

"Yeah! We all can solve this together!" Rise jumps in, glad to have him here.

"I'll do my best. I have to prove Lady Mitsuru's faith in me is not misplaced."

"Ooh, ooh! If we save these innocent idols, one of them will surely fall madly in love with me, despite it being forbidden in the Idol Industry…!" Was Teddie… taking a shot at Rise?

"Like that'd happen. Man, I really can't take you anywhere…" Yosuke berates Teddie like he's nothing more than a loud pet.

As they bicker, someone appears to be walking down from the main hall.

"Ah, you're all here. I hope your long trip was a smooth one." It was Inoue! What good timing.

"Oh, hey, Inoue-san." Rise greets with a short wave of her hand.

"I hope I wasn't interrupting anything. I could hear you all from down the hall."

Yosuke whispers to the rest of the group.

"Isn't this our chance…? Wanna try and get some information out of him?" Before Yosuke could try and step forward, Masato stops him.

"Let me do this."

"Oh, uh, sure."

"Let me do all the talking. Just follow my lead if I bring you guys up." Masato doesn't even give anyone a chance to speak up, his tone taking a more serious and assertive approach as he steps up, his facial expression changing to look more friendly. It was as if another mask was being worn on the spot.

"Huh? Wow, you're all in costume. Haha, the show's still a ways off, but you seem so fired up already."

"Ah, we were planning on going for a full-group dress rehearsal. But my friends didn't know about all the spare dressing rooms, haha."

"Oh, Haha, I see. Yes, there are plenty of changing rooms available." He speaks to everyone behind Masato before focusing on Kanji. "Goodness, Kanji-kun, your hair certainly stands out. It really packs a punch!"

Oh no, this wasn't what Masato wanted. He can only hope Kanji doesn't give anything away.

"Huh? You think so? I guess I'm used to it. I mean, I had it like this for the longest time… Oh, but this Festival's the last time I'm gonna wear this punk getup, though. I made up my mind to stop actin' like a badass and be more like who I really am."

"Ah, I see. That sounds like a respectable idea. I must say… those costumes look splendid on all of you. I guess that sort of natural high schooler look can't be faked. People respond well to that sort of thing. I'm glad we went to the trouble to have them custom-tailored. They all look perfect!" Everyone did bring out their uniforms from how they were used to dressing last year. Souji was in Kosei now and not Yasogami, but this gave him a nostalgic joy.

Masato saw this opportunity to pry for information the proper way.

"Inoue-san, it's good that you're here. I was hoping to ask you a question."

"Oh? I'll try and answer if I can."

"Well, it's actually more of a small request than a question. Remember how you introduced us to Kanamin Kitchen yesterday?" Inoue's expression had a subtle change as the name was brought up. "Well, both Yosuke-san and Teddie are big fans. They were hoping to get some autographs from the girls whenever there's a chance."

This might have damaged Yosuke's reputation further, especially with his recently restored relationship with Chie, but it seems the Tomboy was aware this was just for the sake of information… otherwise Masato is going to owe Yosuke a heavy apology.

"Ah, I see. Unfortunately, they're all pretty busy right now."

"That's what I figured. Kanami-san mentioned she would be busy this morning as well."

"Oh, you met her?"

"Hm, oh yes. She was catching up with Rise during a short break between rehearsals."

"Ah, I understand-Oh, actually you may be able to meet her. She's in the middle of a poster photo shoot in the studio here. Why don't you go see her later? Rise-chan can show you the way. She'll probably sign an autograph for them."

"An autograph? Seriously!?" Yosuke sounded a bit too excited for that.

"That would be most appreciated, Inoue-san. Thanks for that. I hope the rest of the girls hang in there. And you as well. Crunch time seems to be very hectic, even here."

"I appreciate the concern, Masato-kun. You and your friends should get some rest as well. That was a long trip, after all. I have a meeting to attend to, so I'll leave you all to it."

"Thanks again, Inoue-san. I greatly appreciate it." Masato offers a polite bow as the manager follows suit before turning back to deal with business.

"See you later, Inoue-san!" Rise waves him bye as he exits stage left. Naoto exhales a sigh of relief while the rest wave him off. Rise turns to face the newest member with a big smile. "I'm impressed, Masato-kun! Your acting was pretty on point for a guy with no professional experience! Even Inoue was fooled!"

"Yeah! You even got Yosuke to play along and he's a bad actor!" Chie clapped lightly, unaware Yosuke was genuinely interested in that autograph.

"Ha, well… Lady Mitsuru didn't sign me up for Espionage just for kicks. For extracting information, you need to put on any act to get what you need to know." He sheepishly smiles with a hand on the back of his head. "He's a professional scout. I was afraid he'd catch on, but he probably underestimated me."

"Ooh, could you infiltrate a fancy party like those spy movies Yosuke sometimes watches?" Teddie remarks with a giddy shift in body.

"Ooooh, with a fancy hi-tech watch!? And a fast jet powered car?" Yukiko was driving into the world of fantasy way too hard.

"Haha, well… I'm not sure where to find any of those things…" Masato tried to politely blow it off.

"Good work, Masato-kun. Let's go and-" Rise was cut off as Masato's phone started ringing.

"Let me take this. Go ahead and continue on with what you're doing." He fishes out his phone, seeing that it was Fukui who was calling him up. Stepping to face the windows, he answers it as quickly as he is able. "Yoshida speaking."

"Ah, good. We finished looking into the Shadow activity. I think it's better if you come see it for yourself."

"You sure? I can go, but I'm about to plan my next move with everyone here."

"I think it's something you're gonna wanna see. Without Kirijo-san, you can't afford to make mistakes, Yoshida-san."

"Hm, very well. I'm on my way."

He quickly hangs up, and turns to see everyone still there, but Naoto looked embarrassed as she scurried into the hallway. What's going on…?

"Hey, so I'm gonna have to head back to see something about the Shadow Activity. The researcher there has some stuff he wants me to look at personally."

"I see. Well, do what you have to do, Masato. It might help us when we go in tonight." Souji nods calmly.

"But, we don't get to practice often together. Wouldn't it be best to wait?" Yukiko suggests.

"It's okay. If this is going to help those girls, then I'll do it. Plus we have all day and night to practice." Masato opts to ease her concern. "I'll be back before you know it. I'll call if anything urgent comes up. You guys do the same just in case."

"You got it. See you soon, Masato." Souji keeps a steady composure, confident he can drum up something worth noting.

"Yeah, I won't be gone for long."

"See you soon, Masato-kun!" Rise waves him off as he heads out to the front, the heat immediately oppressing him.

"Good god, this heat…!" He groans as he pushes forward. Everyone had things to do. Rise and the team had to practice together for both the festival and the current conflict, but Masato had to learn what's going on here. Almost an hour passed as the Imposter finally reached the Kirijo Group building… air conditioning never felt so good. He quickly goes into the elevator and pushes a combination of buttons to be taken to the secret floors where the Shadow Operatives do business, train, or go over activities such as this. When he arrives at the monitor room, he finds Fukui already looking at some data.

"Fukui-san, I'm here."

"Ah, Yoshida-san. Good to see you. I assume you wish to cut to the chase?"

"I'd prefer that, yeah. As you know, there are some idols missing. And we have complete confirmation now."

"Ah, yes. That does complicate things, now does it? Well, come closer so I may show you what I've uncovered." As he says that, Masato steps forth to see the map of the Tokyo area. "See here? We have all these spots of Shadow activity at midnight. We follow the color pattern of a doppler radar; so like that radar, we use these colors to determine the severity of the Shadow activity using the rain color scheme as a point of reference. Green is minor activity and yellow is moderate, red is heavy shadow activity. The deeper the colors, the more intense."

"Yes, I'm aware."

"Of course. So, this is just before midnight from a few nights ago. See all those specks of green?"

"Yeah. They look randomly placed…"

"Yes, now watch what happens during midnight." He clicks to move the time forward to many seconds after midnight and something is different.

"The activity… is yellow now."

"Yes. Such scattered concentrations of Shadow activity are highly irregular. But now, look what happens after the minute expires." Another click.

"...They're gone!"

"Yes. And this is why there have been no alerts of concern. These spikes are quick and end abruptly. So the computer paid it no mind. Now here is something else that is unusual. Yesterday afternoon, at the coordinates where Takura Productions is positioned, shadow activity started to bubble up. And as the evening came…"

"That activity is red! And now it's–!"

"Just like the midnight situation, it came and went. And this is likely the time they went missing. And during the midnight hour, there was another spike. But this was when you were taken in. Your beacon along with the three friends with you all disappeared from here, so I received the alert. But before I could report it… you returned. It's such a strange situation, but after what you have shared, something or someone is likely behind all this."

"And do you think it's related to the other incident?"

"No, sir. Given what we have on Sho Minazuki so far… this is very unlikely. Especially since no one else has reported his 'declaration' of his return yet." It's true. Sho did state that when he was going to be ready for them... He will let them know.

"If it's not him… then who?"

"That will be for you and your friends to determine. Kirijo-san and the others are all scattered out for missions. But… There is one more person in Tokyo. Takeba-san."

"Oh, right. But…"

"Ah, yes. She won't appear unless it is urgent, after all. So, you do have her, but I doubt she'll come on up for a goose chase."

"That's fine. I think these guys are more than enough for–"

"Wait!" Loud beeping started ringing. It wasn't alarming, but it still sounded like a small warning. "Shadow activity is appearing in that same area."

"I see it. Still green, but… did it just get darker?"

"Yes… I think it did. It's welling up… but it's not Midnight!"

"Well, Fukui… you did say it happened in the evening last night. That's when the girls were targeted. Rise is no longer a target if that voice is to be believed…"

"But that begs the question… who is left that it could target…?"

"...No…." Masato quickly pieces together who is the voice's next target. "Kanami Mashita! Shit, she's still here!"

"Then you need to inform your friends. The activity hasn't hit its peak, but there's not much time. They could save her!"

"I know!" The atmosphere flipped to a tentious mood. Masato pulls out his phone and dials up Souji, to no the sound of no one answering. "C'mon, pick up! Don't tell me he-!" He hits the end call button as the voicemail activates. "Then I'll try Yukiko-san!" He puts in her number and it too… goes to voicemail but with no ringing. Was it off? "Dammit! Fukui, I'm going to go! If they don't have their phones on them, then I'll need to speak to them in person!" He doesn't even wait to hear Fukui's response, turning and running back to the door.

"Be careful! I'll call when it picks up further!" Masato had to hurry. Who knows how much time they have until that voice makes a move to kidnap Kanami. The Heat won't stop him!

Meanwhile, at the Takura Productions studio, Rise was escorting everyone towards Kanami's location as Masato just barely exited the train, cutting through weaves of people to hurry to the studio. He's sweating, but there's no time to care. Fukui is on the line informing him that the activity's close to hitting red status. He has no time!

Knowing what room they were practicing in, he opens the door, calling out everyone.

"Guys, are you-!?" He cuts himself off, seeing no one is inside.

This isn't looking good. Where could they be? He can't just simply open every door until they're spotted, but he mustn't stand there and do nothing.

"Yoshida-san! It's red! You don't have much time!"

"Shit! I'm going! I'll let you know if I find them later." He abruptly hangs up; he needs to find them with no more distractions.

Rushing down the hall, he spots Inoue on the phone… he has no time to be super polite like before.

"Inoue-san, where is Kanami's photo-shoot at? I need to find everyone."

"Masato-kun, you alright? You look so exhausted."

"No time! I need to know, sir."

"Oh, right. Go down this way and take a left, it'll be the 2nd door on the right."

"Thanks, Inoue-san!" He nods before darting off, not wasting a single second.

"Hm… what's got him in such a tizzy…? Ah, excuse me, sir. It was a new person in need of directions." Inoue focuses on finishing his call, completely unaware of the situation.

As soon as Masato reaches for the door and opens it, he sees it… the portal has already been opened, as Teddie, Kanji, and Yukiko are the last to enter it. The others are nowhere in sight, and Kanami looks like she was shoved out of the way. And as quickly as saw it along with them… now he doesn't. The portal closed, leaving the staff dumbfounded, but Kanami was both scared and unsure on how to process this. Masato steps further inside, frustrated… so close, yet he couldn't stop this.

"Damnit…!" He grit his teeth, barking to himself. He didn't even have enough time to follow them in. He missed the boat and now he's stuck here.

Inoue enters, seemingly having finished his phone call as he spots Kanami looking distressed and speaks to her about what could be causing her to feel so upset. When she struggles to explain it, it seems he doesn't believe her. And all the normal staff around them also don't believe what they saw. And now it seems Ochimizu, the cruel manager, was now taken in. Perhaps that's why they charged in. Instead of Kanamin, Ochimizu was taken. He requests she take the rest of the day off, but… why won't he believe her? Her expression makes that thought clear.

"But Inoue-san… We gotta look for Ms. Ochimizu and the others…!"

"...Kanami-chan." His tone makes it clear. She shouldn't be further stressing herself on this. And to leave it to him.

"Hrgh, okay…. I understand." She gives in with some quiet frustration.

"I'll check in with you later, so make sure you get some rest." Inoue leaves with those words in mind. With Rise, her friends, and Ochimizu now missing… that's a whole tool box thrown in, much more than a mere wrench in their plans. Once he's gone, Kanami spots Masato and approaches him with hasty steps with a forced bounce. Likely a habit from all her performances.

"Oh, aren't you, um… Rise-senpai's friend?" She cocks her head, finger on her chin.

"Yes. I'm Masato Yoshida. You probably forgot."

"Oh, yeah. Masato-san. So, um… did you see….?" She wasn't sure if she could trust him on believing what her eyes witnessed.

"...Yes, I did. Well, part of it."

"You saw it!? Then do you believe me!?" She was closer than before, desperate for someone to agree with her and help find all those who went missing.

"K-Kanami-san…!" She was pushing him against the wall at this point, as a certain pair of things was also pressing up against him. "Calm down. Everyone can see you–!"

"Oh, sorry!" She steps back, completely unaware of how close she really was. For a girl with forced sex appeal, she sure is dense. "I'm just concerned for Ms. Ochimizu, Souji-san, and Rise-senpai."

"No, I understand. That's why I rushed over here. I tried to warn you all about it, but it seems I was too late."

"Too late?" Now she's more confused.

"I can't tell you everything. But, can we continue this discussion privately?"

"Okay then. Can you follow me to my changing room? Once I get changed out of this outfit you can tell me more!"

"Alright, then please lead the way."

Despite being left behind, the least he can now do is watch over Kanami. It's what the team would suggest if they could speak to him now. His mind raced to decide what he could do next. Maybe he can follow them in at midnight? Or just double down and stay here to watch over the younger idol. Either way, he had to step aside once she went into her room so he could report to Fukui. Hopefully some answers or a resolution to this problem can come forth ASAP. He has no doubt that the Investigation Team can save the other Idols and Ochimizu. So for now, he'll do what he's capable of, and be ready for any other contingency that may come forth.

A/C: There we go, the events are all taken care of and set up for the Substories side piece if I do it and there's some request for it. I wanted to keep it going, but I think I need to look again at the events of the game one more time and given my life situation, I have to keep moving on.

Today's musical reference is "Californication" by Red Hot Chili Peppers. Considering how Tokyo's entertainment is inspired by the West... it fits pretty well.

So something you all might be wondering, has there been a bit too much of a focus on Rise and Masato? If you think, so; then I have good news for you. Next chapter is going to focus on Souji. Yeah, Rise will be there as she has something to deal with as well; but ultimately, Souji and Yukiko have much more to gain for the first half of the Fall arc. We're finally going back to school, and the people there have some opinions about Souji being in the LMB Festival. Well them and another person who is still unaware of what's been happening. See you all next time!