Persona 5: The Phantom Files

by sithlorde1988

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

47. More Waiting! Traumatized Oracle part 11

A/N: sithlorde1988 here, with another chapter of Persona 5- The Phantom Files! First of all, let me wish anyone and everyone reading this a belated HAPPY NEW YEAR! Granted, we're about a week into said year (at least as of the time I'm typing this start-of-chapter A/N, we are anyways. It is presently 11:46AM on Monday, January 9th, 2023 at the time I'm typing this start-of-chapter A/N), but better late than never, am I right? Besides, depending on when this actually gets posted, it could be even further into the year. That said, I think it's time to do the disclaimer while I'm thinking of it.

Disclaimer: sithlorde1988 does NOT own the Persona series as a whole in any way, shape, or form, aside from the OC Kusa/Draconis, who he basically made and thus does own, along with any other recurring OCs in the story, which also are made by and belong to sithlorde1988 unless otherwise stated. As for the credit for owning the Persona series, that belongs to Sega, Atlus, and to a point Koei Tecmo, so credit to all of them!

Anyways, now that that's done, one real quick thing to bring up before the chapter. As you might notice by the chapter number, we're getting pretty close to hitting chapter 50 already, and we're still only in Arc 4, even if it is the back half of said arc. So by that logic, given we have another 6 arcs still to go after this for the Royal half of this story (as a reminder, this story will go through both Persona 5 Royal AND Persona 5 Scramble/Strikers), it's a fairly safe bet, at least in my opinion, that this story will probably hit triple digit chapter count.

Additionally, given that as of the last uploaded chapter (which as of the time I'm typing this out, I just uploaded chapter 36, or the finale of the Rebellious Queen arc), this story has broken the 700k mark on word count, I think it's not out of the realm of impossibility that this story ends up going over 1 million words in word count. Frankly, at the pace I'm adding word count, it could even break 2.5 million words by the end of the story. Pretty crazy to think about, yeah? I thought it was pretty crazy, and I'm the one writing this story! That said, I hope my readers continue to enjoy this story as it progresses!

But if somehow you're reading this and you happen to be a fan of games/books/cartoons outside of Persona, feel free to look at the other stories on my profile! Odds are decent you might find at least one story to catch your interest there, provided you're a fan of Super Mario, Frozen, Total Drama, Digimon, Pokemon, Bakugan, and whichever other franchises/fandoms I've written stories for. So feel free to give those a look. That little aside dealt with, let's get on with chapter 47 before I get derailed again!

Chapter 47: More Waiting Game! Bonds, Filler, and more Phantom Shenaniganry! Traumatized Oracle part 11

(At Leblanc, with Ren, Morgana, Kusa and Yusuke)

As Ren and Morgana headed downstairs, Kusa and Yusuke were sat at a booth together having breakfast, since Sojiro had brought the former to Leblanc with him to feed him a bit and let him stretch his legs per the doctor's recommendation. Eventually Ren and Morgana walked over and spoke up to Yusuke and Kusa.

"Morning, you two. Wasn't expecting to see you two having breakfast together." Ren said honestly as Kusa spoke up.

"It wasn't planned, but it happened to fall into place rather neatly, so Yusuke and I decided to go with it. Nice to see Morgana's keeping you on schedule, if nothing else." Kusa said with a nod as Yusuke spoke up.

"Indeed. And if you have plans today, don't worry about it. Kusa here agreed to hang out with me, so I've got things figured out if you have other things to do." Yusuke said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Well, that's good to be honest. I was planning to go work a shift at the flower shop since I need the cash, and it could be a good way to better myself. But you two have fun." Ren said honestly as Yusuke and Kusa nodded, going back to their meal as Ren fast-traveled to the flower shop. Ren then went to work. After a bit, Morgana spoke up.

"Mwehehe! That apron's really starting to look good on you, Ren!" Morgana said as Ren huffed and kept working. After a while, Hanasaki spoke to Ren.

"Oh, yeah. Nice work today, Ren-kun. It's almost time for your shift to end, right? Oh, but listen. Be careful on your way home. Things have been dangerous in this area lately." Hanasaki said as Ren spoke up, looking at Hanasaki in concern while he spoke.

"Why the long face, Hanasaki-san? Did something happen?" Ren asked Hanasaki. Hanasaki nodded and spoke up.

"Oh, yes. Haven't you heard, Ren-kun? The thing is, there have been quite a few assaults. Just the day before yesterday, a man was hospitalized after getting attacked by someone, which is worrisome considering the fact that that first-year from Shujin was also hospitalized not that long ago as well after being attacked. Fortunately, according to the news, the first-year has made a more or less full recovery and is currently finishing the recovery process at home. The fact that we're still hearing about assaults is worrisome, though." Hanasaki said to Ren, who winced as he spoke up.

"Indeed. That whole business was rather unfortunate, especially considering the victim in that instance was actually my younger brother, as it happens. Suffice it to say, he got off rather lucky that he escaped with only a busted nose and a sprained knee, the former of which is already healed and the latter is close to healing. So I'd say he got off quite lucky. That said, does anyone know who did the attacking?" Ren asked Hanasaki who blinked at Ren's response before she spoke up.

"Wow, I had no idea you were related to that first-year. That said, hmm, it's only a rumor, but I heard it was a famous thug from around here named Taizo Naguri. But, and this sucks to say, the police can't handle the situation without any proof. Honestly, I've been worried too. So much so, I only take the main roads home, even if it takes a bit longer. Better safe than sorry, right? That said, maybe the Phantom Thieves could do something about him since the police have their hands tied and all. Oh, right! Almost forgot! Here's your pay for today, Ren-kun." Hanasaki said before handing Ren 3,200 yen. Hanasaki then spoke up once more.

"Be careful on your way home, okay?" Hanasaki said to Ren, who nodded as he changed out of his uniform and left the shop, at which point Morgana spoke up.

"How are you feeling, Ren? Nice job, by the way. You worked pretty hard today. That said, I wouldn't be surprised to find that your work with the flowers helps with boosting your Kindness." Morgana said as Ren's Kindness increased from working at the flower shop. Morgana then kept speaking.

"Hey! What do you think?" Morgana asked Ren, who nodded and spoke up.

"This isn't something that can be ignored. Once we get one more target and ID the other un-ID'd target, it's Mementos time." Ren said resolutely. Morgana nodded and gave Ren a closed-eye grin as he spoke up.

"Right! Well put! His name was Taizo Naguri, right? Let's go to Mementos and take his distorted desires!" Morgana said as Ren's phone went off to signify that the target for the assault request had been identified as Taizo Naguri. At that point, Morgana spoke up once more.

"Wanna head back? All right, we should head home." Morgana said as Ren nodded, the two heading back to Leblanc...

(That evening, at Leblanc with Ren and Morgana)

"Well Ren, that fortune teller's prediction was accurate, but 100,000 yen is pretty steep, if you ask me." Morgana said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"True, but it might be unavoidable, especially if that fortune teller ends up a potential Confidant Link for me. So we might have to take the L, as it were, and pay the money to potentially get her unlocked as a Confidant." Ren said decisively. He then checked his private chats, blinking in surprise as he saw a private chat from Yoshida. Ren frowned and opened up the private chat.

"Could I have some of your time today? You can consider this a formal request. I have something scheduled after the speech, and I'd like you to come." Yoshida sent as Morgana spoke up.

"Isn't he only usually available on Sundays? Hmm, maybe we can use this to get extra bonding in with him? It's your call, Ren." Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"True. I saw that we could go see the fortune-teller, but I feel like she's more apt to be available again later, whereas how often is Yoshida available on a Thursday? Let's get him done now so we don't have to worry about it later." Ren decided before sending a response to Yoshida.

"I was honestly surprised to see your chat, Yoshida-kun. But I don't have much else going on tonight, so I'd be delighted to join you for whatever you have scheduled." Ren sent as Yoshida sent a response.

"Truly? That's wonderful to hear, Amamiya-kun! I'll be meeting someone at the sushi restaurant. Hope you can make it." Yoshida sent as Ren headed to the sushi restaurant to meet up with Yoshida, who had Benzo with him, to Ren's surprise. After Ren sat down and got settled in, Benzo spoke up.

"And that's where things sit, Yoshida-kun. However, the government's overall approval rating is dangerously low." Benzo said as Yoshida nodded his understanding and spoke up.

"Yes, I realize that. That said, I'll be sure to proceed with caution. Considering that the grandson of my former teacher is showing me such kindness." Yoshida said as Benzo nodded before he spoke up.

"Yes, well, I'd like to discuss a persona matter. Allow me to be frank." Benzo said as he took a sip from his drink before speaking up.

"I will be running for my grandfather's seat in the upcoming election." Benzo said as Yoshida gave Benzo a closed-eye smile before he spoke up.

"Ah, I see. Well, Benzo-kun, congratulations." Yoshida said sincerely to Benzo, who nodded as he spoke up once more.

"Thank you. That said, I held a low-level position in the party's executive office, but I'm new to candidacy. So, if it's not too much to ask Yoshida-kun, I was hoping you could educate me on how to run an election campaign." Benzo said to Yoshida who blinked in surprise before he spoke up.

"I could do that, Benzo-kun. However, the truth is, well, I was planning on running myself, if you can believe that. And I don't believe that I'm qualified to teach you." Yoshida said to Benzo, who shook his head as he spoke up.

"Not qualified!? Nonsense! I've heard that you've been working harder than anyone these past twenty years." Benzo said as Yoshida spoke up in a humble-sounding tone.

"Well, I did have a lot of free time after I lost the election. Study is all an amateur can do." Yoshida said as Benzo scoffed before he spoke up.

"Pah! Amateur? You're a veteran, if anything. Besides, you have experience teaching him, right?" Benzo said, nodding towards Ren, who gave a slight start on hearing his name but kept listening while Benzo kept speaking.

"Your reputation has greatly improved around the executive office recently. And my grandfather has expressed his intent on making peace with you now." Benzo said as Yoshida sighed before speaking up.

"I'd be happy to bury the hatchet with Mister Kuramoto, really I would. But, I don't feel as if I'm worthy to join his group again." Yoshida said as Benzo frowned before speaking up, looking at Yoshida in a mix of surprise and disbelief as he spoke.

"I thought you would find these conditions favorable, Yoshida-kun. So much so, in fact, that I ask that you keep what I'm about to tell you a secret." Benzo said to Yoshida who turned to Ren and spoke up.

"My apologies, but could you give us a moment, Amamiya-kun?" Yoshida asked Ren as Benzo shook his head and spoke up.

"No, that's fine. I'd like for your favorite pupil to hear this too." Benzo said to Yoshida, who blinked in surprise before speaking up.

"Hm!?" Yoshida said, giving Benzo a curious/confused look before frowning as realization set in a moment later and he spoke up.

"Wait a moment, Benzo-kun. Is your plan to involve him so that I can't decline?" Yoshida asked Benzo, who shook his head before speaking up.

"Not at all. I simply trust his discretion. Anyways, the Kuramoto group is planning to move forward with a political realignment." Benzo said as Yoshida blinked and spoke up.

"What!? Are you saying that you're going to secede from the Liberal Co-Prosperity Party, Benzo-kun?" Yoshida asked Benzo, who nodded while he spoke up.

"Exactly. With the government in a weakened state, now's our chance. As such, I want to emphasize our unity." Benzo said to Yoshida, who spoke up as he nodded in understanding.

"I see. And so you've come to me, a former member of the Kuramoto Children, for advice. But my views differ from those of the Kuramoto group. And I don't intend on changing them." Yoshida said to Benzo, who nodded before speaking up.

"I understand that, Yoshida-kun. However, you won't be able to put those beliefs into action, if you don't get elected." Benzo said before looking at Ren as he kept speaking.

"Actually, Amamiya-kun, could you talk some sense into him? You'll benefit as well." Benzo said to Ren, who frowned as he pondered his options. Ren then spoke up.

"I don't see how I could possibly benefit from your idea, so I'm going to have to apologetically say that I think Mister Yoshida should decline, since it doesn't seem like he would stand to gain very much from taking your offer." Ren said. Yoshida nodded approvingly as he spoke up.

"Oh? You think so too, hm, Amamiya-kun? Haha, you're not intimidated, even by the grandson of a big-time Diet member. That said, I'm sorry Benzo-kun. I appreciate your offer, but I must respectfully decline." Yoshida said to Benzo, who frowned and spoke up, his words making Ren frown while Benzo spoke.

"So you're okay with being No-Good Tora forever?" Benzo said as Ren frowned and spoke up.

"He's not No-Good Tora anymore, though! He might have been that person at one time in his life, but he's made great strides in the years since to correct his wrongs and try to turn over a new leaf, not for his own benefit, but for the benefit of others." Ren said with a frown as Yoshida turned to him in surprise.

"Amamiya-kun..." Yoshida said in shock as Benzo huffed and spoke up.

"Looks like you chose the wrong politician to follow." Benzo said to Ren, who huffed before he spoke up.

"That's not for you to decide, Benzo. And regardless, I still believe in Mister Yoshida. He's got a good head on his shoulders and he's adamant and sincere in his determination to do what's right, not for himself, but for others." Ren said firmly as Yoshida spoke up at that point.

"Try to understand that he has his own beliefs." Yoshida said to Benzo, who paused before nodding and speaking up, giving Yoshida an apologetic look while he spoke.

"You are, of course, correct. My apologies. I made a slip of the tongue. And in front of your secretary, no less. That said, I don't need an answer right away. If you want to show deference to my grandfather, Yoshida-kun, then please let me know. I already took care of the bill, so enjoy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have places to be." Benzo said as he left. After he left, Yoshida sighed as he spoke up, looking at Ren while he spoke.

"Ugh, what's the point in getting elected if it means sacrificing your beliefs? I bet when push came to shove, Kuramoto intended to lure you in. He probably didn't expect me to remain so calm after he showed his trump card. I feel surprisingly at ease whenever you're with me, like that time with Matsushita. I apologize. I'm truly indebted to you for all you've done for me, but I must ask that you continue to help me." Yoshida said to Ren, who nodded as he felt his bond with Yoshida grow ever deeper.

As a result, the 'Sun' card appeared in his mind's eye, the 'VI' becoming a 'VII' to signify that his Sun Confidant link with Yoshida had reached rank 7, though no new skills were gained for the rank-up. Afterwards, Yoshida kept speaking.

"You know, from the way he was acting, I'd swear Kuramoto-kun was hiding something, but I could be wrong. Ah, my apologies. We're done eating, so what say we go home?" Yoshida said to Ren, who nodded as he felt his Charm go up from managing to hold off Kuramoto with just his words. At that point, Yoshida spoke up once more while the two prepared to go their separate ways for the night.

"Well then, I'll see you again. Good work today, Amamiya-kun." Yoshida said as Ren nodded, before heading back to Leblanc to get comfortable for the evening...

(The next day, in the attic of Leblanc, with Ren and Morgana)

Ren pondered his options, before deciding to travel to the underground walkway to see Yusuke as he saw that Yusuke was available. As he headed there, he idly wondered how Kusa's recovery was going...

(Around that same time, at the Sakura household, with Kusa)

"At least I don't have much longer to be laid up like this, so that's something." Kusa said to himself as he laid on the hide-a-bed and watched TV. As he did so, his mind idly wondered to the ever-present question of how Futaba was holding up, so after the current program had finished, Kusa decided to stand up and stretch his legs just a bit by walking down the hall to peek his head into Futaba's room to check on her, smiling as he saw her sleeping contentedly, liking the cute sort of half-smile on her face as she slept. Kusa then headed back to the hide-a-bed at that point, one thought going through his mind as he did so.

"I realize you're just sleeping, but you've been sleeping for several days now. Hopefully we didn't accidentally render you partially catatonic when we changed your heart, Taba. That would totally suck. On the other hand, I could get used to seeing that content smile on your face as you sleep. It looks oddly adorable on you somehow. Either way, try to come back to us as soon as you can, Taba. Sojiro and I both miss that spunky wit of yours.

And the rest of us aren't the same without that feisty yet spunky attitude of yours. But you're a fighter, so I know you can come back to us, and to me. I look forward to seeing those eyes of yours open up soon, Taba. Hopefully by then, I'll be cleared to not be laid up on the effing hide-a-bed, so I can be by your side when you wake up." Kusa thought to himself, smiling wryly as he laid back down on the hide-a-bed and continued watching TV, patiently awaiting the day when he could fully move around again...

(Back with Ren and Morgana, in the Underground Walkway)

As Ren got to the Underground Walkway, Yusuke spoke up as he saw Ren approach him.

"All we have to do now is wait. Truly, what a nerve-wracking time. Meanwhile, I am here to observe the public in an attempt to refresh my mind. Do you need something?" Yusuke asked Ren, who nodded as he spoke up.

"Yes. I realize I've not been making good on our deal as much as I should have, so I'm taking advantage of it now." Ren said as Yusuke nodded and spoke up.

"So, you wish to take advantage of our deal. I understand." Yusuke said as Morgana spoke up.

"And what are you going to have Yusuke do today?" Morgana asked Ren, who glared at the not-cat as he spoke up.

"I was going to have Yusuke take this Blank Card, and this 'Samarecarm' card, and use them to duplicate the 'Samarecarm' card, if he doesn't mind." Ren said as Yusuke nodded, smiling as he spoke up.

"Very well. As ever, my brush is yours to command. That said, hand me the cards." Yusuke said as Ren handed over the 'Blank Card' and the 'Samarecarm' skill card. Yusuke then nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed. I will spend the rest of today working on it. Come back tomorrow or later to retrieve it. That said, was that all you needed from me?" Yusuke asked Ren who shook his head.

"No. I also realize we've not hung out as much as some of the others, so I figured we could spend some time together and try to rectify that. Sure, we've hung out for art stuff, but not to really bond, if that makes sense." Ren said as Yusuke nodded and spoke up.

"Hah, I see. You must truly have a wealth of free time if that is your decision." Yusuke said. He then sighed as he kept speaking.

"Though, to be honest, I think I have found the way to pull myself out of my slump. Would you mind joining me again?" Yusuke asked Ren. Morgana then spoke up.

"So, what's your call, Ren? Will you spend time with Yusuke?" Morgana asked Ren, who nodded before turning to Yusuke while he spoke up.

"I'd be glad to join you again, Yusuke." Ren said sincerely to Yusuke, who nodded before he spoke up.

"Truly? Excellent! I believe I will find what I'm looking for at the church. Let us head over there." Yusuke said as Ren nodded and headed to the church in Kanda with Yusuke...

(At the church in Kanda, with Ren and Yusuke)

"Hm, our prior theme, love. Quite the complex theme, that. It also proved to be quite useful for me indeed. After our enlightening session, I once again attempted to paint. However, nothing I put on the canvas was to my satisfaction, unfortunately for me. Perhaps before the gods of art, I am naught but a lost sheep among a flock of similarly lost sheep? Wait, that's right! Ah yes, lost sheep! I have come here with you for precisely that reason.

Indeed! Our theme today shall be anguish! I shall paint the anguish Christ felt as he bore the sins of mankind! Hm, I have seen various sculptures and paintings on the matter, and even consulted some written media, but I have found that merely replicating them will not do. Would any believers be willing to model and help me capture the true essence of anguish?" Yusuke asked, before blinking as he realized he and Ren were the only ones in the room, making him sigh as he spoke up.

"Alas, it seems not. But no matter. Very well. Ren, you will have to be my model today." Yusuke said to Ren, who thought about it before nodding as he spoke up, unaware of Morgana smirking and grabbing Ren's phone to record what he said next while he spoke.

"Very well, Yusuke. As you wish. That said, and I can't believe I'm about to ask this, but do you want me to strip?" Ren asked Yusuke, unaware of Morgana quietly laughing to himself in Ren's bag at Ren's question, and at the fact that the not-cat in question had in fact recorded Ren asking that. Yusuke's eyes widened slightly at Ren's question before he thought about it and responded while nodding to Ren's question, to the surprise of both Ren and Morgana, while he spoke. *1*

"Whoa, are you serious? Wait! Yes, that must be it! That is what I need! Only a subject naked as the day they were born can convey the true anguish of birth! Now then, I never thought I'd say this to you, but Ren, strip!" Yusuke said, making Morgana's eyes widen slightly at Yusuke actually asking Ren to strip. Ren's eyes went wide as Yusuke kept speaking.

"Take it all-Actually? Perhaps not. Being found stark-naked in a church would be even bigger news than the Phantom Thieves." Yusuke said as Ren flushed before speaking up.

"That's true. Not to mention, I can think of several different people who wouldn't let me live it down if I was found like that. Then again, maybe I wouldn't mind one of them finding me like that, just to see her reaction." Ren said with a wry smirk as Yusuke nodded and spoke up, his words making Ren facefault at what Yusuke said.

"Indeed. I agree that Futaba would probably find some sort of amusement in you being found naked in a church, even if Kusa might end up wanting to throttle the both of us for being fool enough to do so." Yusuke said as Ren winced and spoke up.

"Moreso me, but you're not wrong. And for the record, I wasn't talking about Futaba. I was talking about my crush, who I actually don't think you've met yet. But then again, Kusa would probably chew me out quite savagely for, and I quote, 'letting Yoshizawa-san see you like that before she's ready for it', so probably not worth it." Ren said as Yusuke nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed. Now then, let us begin. Show me a pose that will put the anguish of Christ on full display." Yusuke said to Ren, who sweatdropped but nodded as he spread his arms to his sides, and acted as if he were holding the arms of a chair as he put his feet together in his best impression of Christ on the cross. Yusuke blinked at this as he spoke up.

"Hm, I see. Interesting. So this would be your impression of Christ's crucifixion. No, perhaps not. Ugh, it seems this is not working. I would like to capture anguish, yet you remain calm and composed." Yusuke said as Morgana smirked and spoke up from Ren's bag.

"You wish to capture anguish? Perhaps try to capture Ren's reaction to the hypothetical chance that Yoshizawa were to reject him if he were to ask her out." Morgana suggested, making Ren glare at the not-cat before he spoke up, slightly offended at the not-cat's choice of examples of despair.

"Shut up, Morgana! And for the record? She would never reject me!" Ren said in annoyance as Yusuke spoke up, nodding his agreement with Ren's statement while he spoke.

"Indeed. And besides that, that wouldn't do either. Even the slightest wrinkle can change one's impression of things. However, that being the case, I will not compromise, even for this sketch!" Yusuke said, making Ren sweatdrop once more as Yusuke kept speaking.

"Now, raise your hands higher! More, give me more anguish! Bring it to its upper limits! Like this!" Yusuke said as he took on a painful, yet awkward, rendition of what appeared to be a crane stance, making Morgana and Ren both wince as Yusuke grunted and spoke up.

"Urgh! Hrm, this position. I see. So this is the Passion of the Christ!" Yusuke said as Ren winced before speaking up.

"First of all, as someone who's seen that movie, this is nothing like the Passion of the Christ. That said, how does a crane stance convey anguish?" Ren asked Yusuke as he matched Yusuke's stance reluctantly, making Morgana double over laughing in Ren's bag at how absurd Ren and Yusuke looked. Yusuke spoke up at that point.

"That's easy. Forsaken by his disciples, abhorred as a criminal by the public pierced with nails and hung on the cross, left to die. I understand now. So this, this is the true anguish of the Passion! It feels as though something is boling up within me!" Yusuke said as Ren winced but kept his stance for the time being, making Morgana laugh harder at the fact that Ren was still in his ridiculous stance, glad he was discreetly taking video footage of the whole thing. At that point, a priest walked over to the two and frowned as he spoke up, somehow not seeing the not-cat in Ren's bag while he spoke.

"Wh-What are you children doing!?" The priest asked Ren and Yusuke, who both dropped their stances as Yusuke winced and spoke up, while the not-cat in Ren's bag discreetly stopped his recording at that point while Yusuke spoke.

"Ah, well, we were practicing our anguished poses! This is an art study, you see." Yusuke explained as the priest blinked and spoke up in disbelief.

"Art? You consider THAT art?" The priest asked skeptically. Yusuke nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed. I was attempting to paint anguish, so I decided to use the crucifixion of Christ as a point of reference, since the crucifixion is oft depicted as quite the anguished event." Yusuke said. The priest nodded his understanding as he spoke up.

"Ah, I see. So you're interested in the anguish of the crucifixion? Hmm. Well, while it is true that Jesus' crucifixion on the cross is a symbol of deep suffering, it also bears a much more positive message. Namely, one of resurrection, and of forgiveness." The priest said as Yusuke blinked at this and spoke up in surprise.

"Huh. Resurrection? Forgiveness? I'm not sure I understand those things. You see, those ideas are contradictory to my conception of anguish." Yusuke said as the priest nodded understandingly to Yusuke's words as he kept speaking.

"It may be difficult to grasp what I'm saying right now, young man, but try to consider that the anguish one may feel today will someday bring forth new hope." The priest said, noticing the contemplative expression on Ren's face but not acknowledging it as he kept speaking to Yusuke.

"Ah, and by the way, you two? I suggest you contain your excitement while here. You may trouble the congregation." The priest said as he walked off, leaving Yusuke to frown as he looked at Ren before speaking up, a mixed perplexed/confused look on his face while he spoke.

"I see. So those shocking depictions were actually meant to represent forgiveness, not pain. How shocking. Hm, hope from anguish? I'm not sure I understand that. I must learn more about the hearts of men, it would seem. Ren? Be honest with me. Do you think I will be able to capture the truth someday?" Yusuke asked Ren, who frowned before he spoke up.

"It doesn't look like it, but that doesn't mean you should give up. If you try hard enough, you'll be able to get it eventually." Ren said honestly. Yusuke smirked as he spoke up, a closed-eye smirk on his face while he spoke.

"Hmph, if you say so. That doubt only serves to push me onward towards my goal. Was that provocation intentional? This is exceedingly strange though. Spending time with you has helped me discover new aspects of myself, which is both enlightening and surprising. You are, perhaps, something of a mirror of sorts. I am in your debt. If there is anything I can do in return, please let me know, as I wish to repay your kindness." Yusuke said to Ren, who nodded as he felt his bond with Yusuke deepen.

At that point, the 'Emperor' card appeared in his mind's eye, the 'IV' becoming a 'V' to signify that his Emperor Confidant link with Yusuke had reached rank 5. And as a result of the rank-up, Yusuke found himself awakening to the power of 'Card Creation', which allows Yusuke to copy any Skill Card he has copied once before. Afterwards, Yusuke kept speaking, looking at Ren as he spoke up.

"Hm. Let us return home for today, Ren. Until next time, I bid you farewell." Yusuke said as he assumed his stance from before, making Morgana burst out laughing once more as Yusuke kept speaking.

"Farewell." Yusuke said as Ren sweatdropped before deciding to go along with it, making Morgana laugh even harder as Yusuke smirked and spoke up.

"Wonderful. Well, see you around! Goodbye, Ren." Yusuke said as Ren headed back to Leblanc, where his phone rang once he got to the doorstep, and he answered it.

"Hello?" Ren said as he answered the phone, recognizing Yusuke's voice on the other end.

"It's Yusuke. Apologies for this call, but I was wondering. Could I talk to you about something? The crucifixion supposedly symbolizes resurrection, forgiveness, and hope. Yet somehow, they managed to elude me. I tried my best. but I could not grasp those connections. It would seem that, once again, I made the same mistake of picking up on only the superficial meaning. The more I think about it, the further I seem to be from understanding the abyss of the heart." Yusuke said as Ren spoke up.

"Don't give up, Yusuke! There's still hope. Even if you don't understand it now, someday you will. Just keep the faith." Ren said to Yusuke, who nodded and spoke up.

"Ah, indeed. So my anguish is what leads me to my hope. I see. It's exactly what I learned earlier today. Thank you, Ren. Perhaps what I need is a change of perspective. I still have a tough road ahead, but talking to you gave me some relief. I'm truly fortunate to have you by my side. I'll see you later." Yusuke said as Ren hung up the phone and headed into Leblanc, where Sojiro spoke up.

"Man, it's hot! Another scorcher? Ugh, can't we catch a break?" Sojiro asked as Ren shook his head and spoke up.

"Afraid not, Boss. Summers are meant to be hot. But I can empathize with you not liking the heat, at least." Ren said honestly. At that point his phone went off, making him look at it to see he had a private chat from Ryuji, which he opened up.

"Yamauchi said he's gonna go drinking at that monja restaurant! You'll go with me to help investigate undercover, right!?" Ryuji sent as Ren closed the chat for now, pondering his options. After pondering things, Ren decided to go confront Chihaya about the Holy Stone, fast-traveling to Shinjuku for just that purpose. Once he got to Shinjuku, he found his way to Chihaya's stall, making Chihaya look up as she heard Ren approach and spoke up.

"Oh! You're Amamiya-kun the elder, from the other day, right? You and your brother came here to speak about my predictions?" Chihaya asked Ren, who nodded, making Chihaya smile as she spoke up.

"I remember you. You had a very abnormal destiny, as I recall. Please, take a seat." Chihaya said to Ren, who reluctantly had a seat. At that point, Chihaya giggled before she spoke up, giving Ren a cutesy sort of closed-eye smile, which Ren reminded himself had nothing on Kasumi's, while she spoke.

"You want to purchase a Holy Stone, huh? For just one hundred thousand yen, you can change your fate!" Chihaya said as Morgana huffed and spoke up.

"Sheesh! For that much, it'd better not only change your fate, but also give you incredible luck. If you do end up buying one, we should go home and test it out. Well, what do you want to do?" Morgana asked Ren, who thought about it before looking at Chihaya as he spoke up.

"I still say that's a pretty pricey ask for a Holy Stone, but I suppose you only live once. That said, why not? I'll buy one." Ren said, inwardly hoping he wasn't making a mistake in spending that much yen on a Holy Stone. Ren then paid the 100,000 yen as Chihaya smiled and spoke up.

"Thank you very much! Here you go." Chihaya said to Ren as she gave him a 'Holy Stone' accessory. Ren winced at the hefty price tag as Chihaya spoke up.

"I realize it might be pricey, but it truly is the smart thing to do, considering this is the only way to avoid misfortune. It's already charged with a happiness aura, so you'll feel the effects right away. Don't forget to recharge it with moonlight every three days. Please stop by again and let me know how your fate changed. Well then, goodbye, Amamiya-kun the elder. Hopefully things go well for you and your brother." Chihaya said as Ren nodded, before deciding to return to Leblanc...

(Back at Leblanc, with Ren, Kusa and Morgana)

Sojiro looked up as the door of Leblanc opened up and Ren walked in with Morgana in his bag, making Sojiro nod as he spoke up.

"Ah, you're back! Oh, you're home. Good timing, since I brought Kusa over here to have dinner so he wouldn't have to eat alone, since Futaba's still fast asleep. Also, I was just about to close up shop, but I forgot to turn the stove off. Luckily, I have Kusa in the back taking care of that. Heh, I guess you start forgetting things more, the older you get. Granted, I'm sure Kusa disagrees with that." Sojiro said as Kusa called out from the kitchen.

"Dang straight I disagree with that! Even if you are getting forgetful, you're not that old, Boss! You're barely in your 50's, if even that! You're still relatively young compared to most senior citizens." Kusa pointed out from the kitchen, making Ren chuckle at Kusa's predictable reactions. Sojiro then left to go home, but not before telling Kusa to go hang out with Ren for a bit while he cleans up the back, making Kusa nod as he headed out towards Ren, right as Morgana spoke up.

"Hey, hey! Last time we went to that fortune teller, the chief won the lottery, didn't he? I wonder what kind of luck we'll have this tine around. It should be awesome, right? I mean, we paid a hundered thousand yen for this Holy-OW! What the heck!?" Morgana said, making Kusa's eyes widen as he heard Morgana cry out in pain, making him frown as Morgana glared at Ren and spoke up.

"Hey, can't you keep this thing a little cleaner? I can't be comfortable with all this gravel at the bottom of the bag. Wait, bottom of the bag!? Ren? I have a bad feeling about this!" Morgana said as Kusa spoke up.

"Wait, gravel? Ren, what's Morgana-sensei talking about?" Kusa asked uneasily as Sojiro came back out and spoke up.

"Hey! Do you mind looking over the shop while I-" Sojiro said as Morgana shot up out of Ren's bag, wide-eyed as he spoke up.

"For real!? Ren, Th-The stone shattered!" Morgana said as Kusa frowned.

"What stone, Morgana? What did you and Ren do?" Kusa asked as Sojiro spoke up, frowning at the almost aggressive tone in Kusa's voice as he spoke up.

"What's gotten into you?" Sojiro asked as Morgana spoke up, his words making Kusa blink in disbelief.

"Whoa! This tastes really really salty! HEY! This 'Holy Stone' is just salt!" Morgana said as Kusa blinked before he groaned and spoke up.

"WHAT!? Ren, please don't tell me you did what I think you did! Did you seriously go out and drop 100,000 yen on that Holy Stone!? Didn't we both agree that thing was likely an effing scam!?" Kusa said, frowning at Ren, a disappointed look on his face as Sojiro spoke up.

"Hm? Um, Kusa? Ren? What's going on?" Sojiro asked as Kusa huffed and spoke up.

"I'll tell you what's going on, Boss! I do believe Ren here just let himself get scammed out of 100,000 yen just to buy some rock salt! Ugh! And here I thought you were getting better with your finances, Ren! Was I mistaken to think that?" Kusa said in frustration as Sojiro blinked.

"Wait, what!? 100,000 yen!? I didn't even think Ren had that kind of money?" Sojiro said as Kusa nodded and spoke up.

"He's been working a lot of jobs to save it up, only to apparently blow it all on a very moronic investment that I could've told him wasn't worth it." Kusa said dryly. Ren spoke up, smirking as he spoke.

"Well, it would seem that I'm not the only one here who's just a bit salty over this whole situation." Ren joked, making both Kusa and Morgana facefault at the terrible pun from Ren, while Sojiro huffed and spoke up.

"Seriously? You're salty? Oh, that reminds me, I was just about to head out and grab some salt for the shop. Kusa, you can wait here if you want. When I get back, we can walk back to the house and get you set up on the hide-a-bed." Sojiro said as Kusa nodded.

"Cool, sounds like a plan to me, Boss. Gives me plenty of time to try and understand how Ren could make such a monumentally bone-headed decision!" Kusa said, making Ren wince at the extremely disappointed look in Kusa's eyes as Kusa frowned at him. Sojiro nodded as he spoke up.

"Fair enough. I'll be back in a bit." Sojiro said as he left, at which point, Morgana spoke up.

"Hm, actually, I think Kusa might be right. This is technically rock salt. I've seen the chief grinding some up before." Morgana said as Kusa nodded.

"Ah, yes, that would be that day you rode home in my bag and watched me and Boss do work in the kitchen, if I'm not mistaken." Kusa said approvingly. Morgana nodded, and kept speaking, his words making Ren and Kusa wince.

"Hm? Wait, in that case, could it be that maybe the Holy Stone is supposed to help you get better at cooking?" Morgana said as Ren spoke up with a wince.

"I doubt that. I think we got tricked out of 100,000 yen." Ren said as Kusa winced and spoke up with a disappointed, almost anguished look on his face.

"No shit you got tricked, Ren! This is why you let ME handle our finances! I wouldn't have taken that deal! Besides, if that so-called 'Holy Stone' shattered that easily, it was likely a phony to begin with. So you basically spent 100,000 yen for nothing. And before you say it was Morgana's fault, I doubt he's that huge that his weight would crush the stone. If anything, it was poorly-made and of crappy design so as to trick people out of their money. Ugh, if I'd have been there, I'd have stopped you, so it's just as much on me for not being here to stop you as it is on you for being a sucker." Kusa said with a frown as Morgana blinked and spoke up in a mix of anger and horror.

"WHAT!? You're saying she scammed us out of a hundred thousand yen!? We could've bought loads of fatty tuna with that money!" Morgana said as Ren and Kusa sweatdropped while the not-cat kept speaking.

"No way! So that Holy Stone was really just a Phony Stone in the end!" Morgana said as Ren nodded sheepishly as Kusa just sighed and spoke up.

"Ren, it's fine. These things happen. But for real? Next time you're about to do something that idiotic, message me first so I can tell you if it's a good idea or not! I could've saved you being scammed had you messaged me first." Kusa said sadly as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry, Kusa. Sorry, Morgana. Looks like I gotta take the L on this one, big time." Ren said as Kusa smiled and patted Ren on the shoulder.

"It's fine, bro. These things happen. Just don't let it happen again. Or next time I won't be so forgiving." Kusa said as Ren nodded before Morgana spoke up.

"In any case, that fortune teller's name was Chihaya, right? She clearly has some kind of mystical power, this much is probably true, but this is just unacceptable. Hey, Ren! We need to go complain to her!" Morgana said to Ren, who nodded as he spoke up.

"I can't believe that the Holy Stone I just spent most of my money on was a fake. My wallet and my pride are both seriously smarting right now from that." Ren said with a big wince, making Kusa chuckle as he spoke up.

"Not to worry, Ren. These things happen. The important thing is you learned from it, and hopefully won't make that mistake again, RIGHT?" Kusa said as Ren nodded. He then kept speaking.

"I think, next chance I get, Morgana and I should go talk to her and try to figure out her true intentions. I'd invite you along, but I think you're too busy trying to finish healing your leg and waiting for Futaba to wake up." Ren said to Kusa, who nodded and spoke up.

"Correct on both counts. Granted, I will admit she is rather cute when she's sleeping, but that doesn't mean I don't want her to wake up. Because I totally do." Kusa said honestly as Ren nodded. The two then talked for a while longer, during which time some blue sparkling notes went up over Kusa's head as the brothers talked. Eventually, Sojiro returned, and he and Kusa went home while Ren locked up and went upstairs to get comfortable, only for his phone to go off with a private chat as he got laid down, making Morgana blearily look up to speak up, having been asleep when it went off.

"Ugh, who could that be at this hour?" Morgana asked as Ren shrugged, checking his phone to see he had a private chat from Ryuji.

"Yo, I'm thinking of heading over to our hideout tomorrow. I'm really in the mood to blow off some steam. How about we meet up and play some games together!? Oh, but don't worry about me if you got stuff to do. I can keep myself busy. Mkay, seeya tomorrow!" Ryuji sent as Ren put his phone away and Morgana spoke up with a wince.

"Ryuji's coming over tomorrow, huh? It's gonna be noisy all day, no doubt about that." Morgana said as Ren and Morgana laid down for the night...

(The next day, in the attic of Leblanc with Ren and Morgana)

As Ren sat at the counter and ate his breakfast with Kusa, his phone went off, making him check it to see he had a private chat from Yusuke.

"To think, my slump would end up continuing to this point. At this rate, I will be forced to turn to my last resort. There is a place I would like to go for my art. However, it is impossible for me to go there by myself. I beg of you! Please accompany me!" Yusuke sent as Ren put his phone away, making a note to respond later as Sojiro spoke up.

"Hm? What's that? You get some interestin' news or something? Or perhaps, is that lady friend of yours you're so fond of?" Sojiro said with a smirk. Ren flushed as he spoke up.

"N-no, it's definitely not Yoshizawa, I can tell you that much." Ren said sheepishly as Sojiro laughed.

"Fair enough. Now, not to rain on your parade, but I need you to finish eating before I can open up shop." Sojiro said as Ren nodded and Morgana spoke up.

"Oh! Is it an invitation?" Morgana asked, and when Ren nodded, Morgana kept speaking.

"I guess we should check on it when we're done with our meal." Morgana said as Ren nodded and finished eating...

(Later that morning, in the attic of Leblanc, with Ren and Morgana)

"Hey, Ren! One of your friends is here to visit!" Sojiro called up the stairs to Ren as Morgana spoke up.

"Hm, sounds like Ryuji's here. Come on, let's go downstairs." Morgana said as Ren nodded. After thinking about it, Ren decided to put in a shift at the Triple Seven, if only so he could start working on building back up some money after the 'Holy Stone fiasco', as Kusa and Morgana had taken to calling it, had wiped out his savings just about. Once he got started on his shift, he heard the door open up, looking up in time to see Makoto walk in.

"Ah, if it isn't Makoto. What brings you here?" Ren asked conversationally, making Makoto blink as she recognized Ren and spoke up.

"Oh! Ren-kun? Wow, I didn't know you work here." Makoto said as Ren nodded.

"Yeah, I've had a job here for a few months now. I hadn't been coming in as much recently, but due to some circumstances that recently came up, I've had to start taking more shifts here to make up for the massive hit my savings took. But, I have only myself to blame for that." Ren said as Makoto nodded and spoke up.

"True. Still, it's admirable that you're making your own money. I feel like I'm seeing you in a new light, Ren-kun." Makoto said as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"Oh, yeah? Careful what light you see me in, Makoto. After all, I think both Ryuji and Yoshizawa-san would be just a bit ticked if you were to suddenly declare feelings for me. Not to mention the fact I'd have to regretfully turn you down, since to be honest, you've become something of an older sister-esque figure for pretty much all of us, aside from Ryuji, who I am quite positive sees you as something much more precious than just an older sister." Ren said with a wry smirk, enjoying the subtle traces of red on Makoto's face as she spoke up.

"Sh-Shut up, Ren! But thank you. That means a lot to me that you, and really most of our group, think that highly of me already. Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to bother you. I'll see you once I'm ready to pay." Makoto said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, got it. Good luck finding everything you're looking for." Ren said. Makoto nodded and walked off, returning a short time later with her purchases in hand, preparing to get rung up. At that point, she spoke up.

"Yes! You know, Ren, studying actually makes me pretty thirsty. I recommend sugar water for such situations. Okay, see you later, Ren-kun. Keep up the good work!" Makoto said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"I will. You do the same!" Ren said as Makoto nodded, taking her rung-up purchases and leaving at that point. A short time later, Morgana spoke up.

"Good work, Ren! That was nice running into Makoto, but regardless, it was a learning experience to help you better be able to show consideration to others as you deal with the customers." Morgana said to Ren, who nodded as his Charm got a decent increase from his work at the Triple Seven. Morgana then spoke up again.

"Wanna head back? Your shift's almost over, isn't it? Let's go ahead and get your pay, and then head back to Leblanc." Morgana said to Ren, who nodded and pocketed his 3,500 yen pay and changed out of his uniform before heading back to Leblanc...

(That evening at Leblanc, with Ren and Morgana)

After returning to Leblanc, Ren sized up his options, before deciding to speak up to Morgana.

"Hmm, what say we go speak to that fortune teller about that money she cheated us out of?" Ren asked Morgana, who nodded approvingly as the duo fast-traveled to Shinjuku. Once there, the duo found Chihaya's booth, but stopped short as they saw she was with a client, at which point Morgana spoke up.

"Let's ask Chihaya about that 'Holy Stone'. Hm? Hold on, she's with a client, isn't she? That said, it sounds like they're talking about the Holy Stone. Do you want to eavesdrop on them?" Morgana asked Ren, who thought about it before nodding as he spoke up.

"Yeah, I do believe we should do so, discreetly though." Ren said as Morgana nodded. The two then walked a little ways away as Chihaya spoke to her client.

"Um, how are you healing?" Chihaya asked her client, who spoke up, trying to hide the troubled expression on her face as she spoke.

"I-I'm fine. It's my fault anyway. Yuya told me so, and he's rarely if ever wrong. He says he doesn't want to hit me, but I just make him so mad, he has no choice." Chihaya's client said as Chihaya frowned and spoke up, looking the black-haired woman in front of her over as she spoke. Ren idly noted that the woman was very simply dressed, wearing a black and white shirt with a yellow star on the back, blue jeans, and black sandals. The woman shook her head and spoke up once more.

"B-But I'm the only person that cares about him! If I leave, how will he survive? Please, is there any other way?" The woman asked Chihaya, who blinked and spoke up.

"I don't know. But let us ask the tarot, and maybe it will know. O divine power, shed light upon her fate for us." Chihaya said as she flipped a card over and spoke up.

"Is this? Yes, I've seen everything. Hm, it's odd, but I can sense a dark presence within your boyfriend. His heart seems to be possessed by a demon. This demon may hide itself away at times, but when it strikes, it will bring with it great misery." Chihaya said as the woman gasped and spoke up.

"Are you serious? Wh-What kind of misery!?" The woman asked Chihaya, who frowned and spoke up, her words making not only the woman's eyes go wide, but also Ren and Morgana's, who were listening in nearby, while Chihaya spoke.

"You will be hospitalized for severe injuries suffered in a domestic abuse incident, and he will be arrested." Chihaya said as the woman gasped and spoke up.

"WHAT!? Hospitalized? A-Arrested!? I knew I shouldn't have let Yuya throw my Holy Stone away! He said I shouldn't be wasting my money on some dumb rock, and that I should be giving it to him instead. This is my punishment for letting him do that, right? Please, let me buy another one from you!" The woman said as Chihaya gasped and spoke up.

"Wh-What? You want another?" Chihaya asked the woman, who nodded and spoke up.

"My next stone will need to be even bigger. I'm a little low on cash at the moment, however if I recall rightly, you said I can pay in up to thirty-six installments, correct?" The woman said as Chihaya winced and spoke up.

"Um, truthfully, I feel breaking up with him would be the best-" Chihaya said as the woman spoke up.

"I can't abandon Yuya!" The woman said as Morgana spoke up with wide eyes.

"FOR REAL!? She really thinks her boyfriend will stop being abusive as long as she has a Holy Stone? There's no way that could be true at all, right?" Morgana asked Ren who shook his head and spoke up so only Morgana could hear.

"Of course not. That thing was a fake, remember? Nothing but rock salt." Ren pointed out. Morgana winced and nodded.

"Oh yeah, that's right. It would make our jobs way easier if you could really change someone's heart with a Holy Stone. It's clear that Chihaya has some fortune-telling skills, but that stone isn't going to do anything at all. Ooh, I know! Hey, Ren! Why don't we change that 'Yuya' guy's heart ourselves? I mean, he's hurting this woman here, right? This is the perfect chance for the Phantom Thieves to save her!" Morgana said, as Ren nodded only to wince moments later as he heard Chihaya's voice speak up.

"Hm? Meowing?" Chihaya said in confusion before noticing Ren standing a little ways off and frowning as she spoke up.

"H-Hey! Were you eavesdropping on us? That's an invasion of privacy, you know!" Chihaya said as Ren spoke up with a frown.

"Sorry. But that aside, you know it's not good to scam people, right?" Ren said as he walked into view, making Chihaya huff as she spoke up.

"I don't appreciate your accusation! The thing is, some fates in this word are simply inescapable. The demon within your boyfriend's heart? That thing cannot be exorcised by normal human methodologies. Fate is, in a word, absolute. A-Although, I guess you might be able to control the demon's temper if you bought another Holy Stone from me." Chihaya said before blinking as the woman turned to Ren and spoke up.

"U-Um, I'm not entirely sure who you are, sir, but do you know of any other way I can approach this problem?" The woman asked.

"Perhaps. Would you happen to know your boyfriend's name, by chance?" Ren asked the woman, who blinked and spoke up.

"Huh? His full name is Yuya Uchimura. Um, why do you want to know? What are you planning on doing?" The woman asked as Chihaya growled lowly and spoke up.

"Y-Yes! What do you expect to change with that meager information?" Chihaya asked as Ren spoke up.

"With any luck? I'll change this woman's fate. You see, I know of people who have the powers to handle this 'demon' you spoke of. So once I give his name to them, they should be able to take care of it and change her boyfriend's heart." Ren said as Chihaya scoffed and spoke up in disbelief.

"WHAT!? You honestly believe you can do something!?" Chihaya said skeptically to Ren as the woman spoke up, her words shocking both Ren and Chihaya, not to mention the not-cat hiding in Ren's bag.

"This might be surprising, sir, but to be honest? I trust you." The woman said as Chihaya turned a wide-eyed look onto the woman while she spoke up.

"WHAT!? Goodness gracious! Excuse me!?" Chihaya yelped in surprise as the woman spoke up.

"It feels like he's telling the truth. Besides, Yuya has all my money. He's going to pay me back someday, or so he says. But for now, I would rather put my trust in this one boy than in thirty-six payments for a Holy Stone." The woman said as Chihaya gaped and spoke up.

"What!?" Chihaya said as the woman left. After that, Chihaya frowned at Ren and spoke up angrily.

"You! What do you thin you're doing!? If you keep making false accusations like that, the divine power will rain punishment down upon you! You do realize that, right? Yet, you look so pleased with yourself, for who knows why. Hm, I've seen everything. A vision of you groveling on the ground, begging for forgiveness. Fine! Fate cannot be changed, and since you don't seem to believe that, I will make a believer of you and I will prove that fact to you!

If that woman stays with her abusive boyfriend, she will meet a horrible injury within a year's time. Now, if you honestly believe you can change her destiny, go ahead and try! But once you realize the error in your thinking, feel free to come back and let a true expert handle things. I will save her, and I will do it with a Holy Stone!" Chihaya said as Ren sweatdropped, not buying that for one moment. Chihaya then groaned and spoke up.

"Well then, are we done here? I'm way too busy for this!" Chihaya said as Ren's phone went off to signal the receipt of a new request, titled 'Ending the Boyfriend's Abuse'. After that, Ren turned around and headed back to Leblanc...

(The next day, in the attic of Leblanc with Ren and Morgana)

"Well then, I know we've not watched it in some time, but the home shopping program is airing today. You wanna check out the TV? That said, we can't just let that abuse case go unaddressed. The target should be in Mementos. Let's hurry up and deal with 'em." Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"Patience. We have one more target to ID, then we'll do a Mementos run." Ren said to Morgana, who nodded his understanding. After a bit, Ren decided against the home shopping program, and instead went to do some Persona management in the Velvet Room, after which Ren managed to net 30k yen in profit from selling the treasure he got from a battle, after which he decided to go hit up the walkway once more to check out the aojiru for the week. Ren checked out the aojiru stand, buying a 'Vitality Aojiru' for 5,000 yen, which according to the tag was for raising Proficiency, as Morgana spoke up.

"Man! You really need to get pumped up and tell yourself it's for your health, Ren." Morgana said as Ren nodded and chugged the aojiru down as Morgana spoke up.

"Way to go! Nice chugging, Ren! That's how the men chug!" Morgana said, making Ren almost choke on his aojiru as he tried to nod mid-chug. After he finished, Morgana spoke up.

"Nice! Way to go! I was watching you try so hard, Ren. Great job!" Morgana said as Ren's Proficiency got a slight boost from the aojiru. At that point, Ren checked his chats, seeing he had 2 new chats, one from Takemi and the other from Ann. Shrugging, he opened the chat from Ann.

"What are your plans for today? I'm having a hard time calming down, so I came to Shibuya. Was just curious what you're up to. I'll still be in the station for a bit, so let me know if anything comes up." Ann sent as Ren thought about it, and decided spending time with Ann wasn't the worst idea. Besides, she was about due for a rank-up in any case. Granted, he'd noticed while skimming the map that Kasumi was in Kichijoji again, but he knew he'd just seen her not that long ago, and didn't want to be too greedy. So he ignored the temptation to spend time with his crush and instead looked at Ann's private chat as Morgana spoke up, an intrigued look on his face while he spoke.

"Oh? It seems like Lady Ann is in Shibuya. Wanna go see her for a bit?" Morgana asked Ren, who nodded and spoke up.

"Yep. It's about time we move her Confidant link up another level, I think." Ren said decisively as Morgana nodded approvingly. He then sent a response to Ann.

"I see. Well, there's not really anything going on at the moment, but at the same time it has been a bit since we hung out, so I figure why not? No time like the present yeah? That said, I'm headed your way so we can decide if we want to hang out or not." Ren sent as Ann sent a response.

"Oh yeah? I'm in the underground mall." Ann sent as Ren headed to the underground mall. Once there, he walked over to Ann, who spoke up as she saw Ren.

"Hey, Ren! Guess we'll just have to wait for now! But I have to say, the suspense is seriously killing me here." Ann said as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"You're not the only one who feels that way, Ann. Or need I point out the fact that both Boss and Kusa have been keeping near-constant vigil over Futaba while they wait for her to wake up." Ren pointed out with a chuckle as Ann spoke up.

"Fair enough. But to be honest? I really wanna eat something sweet right now, whether it's bad for me or not. You're in the same boat as me, right? Right, Ren?" Ann asked as Ren pondered his response, knowing he could get closer to her and that their bond would get stronger if he spent time with Ann. Morgana then spoke up, a hopeful look in his eyes as he looked at Ren while speaking.

"So, what do you think? Will you spend some time with Lady Ann?" Morgana asked Ren, who rolled his eyes.

"You can cut the simping anytime, Morgana. And yes, I'm going to spend time with her. That's why we came this way, after all." Ren said pointedly to Morgana. He then turned to Ann and spoke up.

"That said, I'd be delighted to get something sweet with you. Granted, we'll have to try not to break the bank too too much since I've had to cut my spending back after getting scammed out of 100,000 yen recently. But that was my own fault for falling for a scam." Ren said as Ann gave Ren a closed-eye smile.

"That sucks about your money, but at least you're willing to hang with me. All right! In that case, let's go get crepes! With tons of extra toppings!" Ann said as Ren winced and spoke up, nodding as he spoke.

"I guess so. Try to keep it under 5 or 10k though, please." Ren said as Ann nodded. A short time later, Ann huffed as she spoke up.

"Dang it, looks like they're not doing their famous double chocolate crepes today. That sucks. I have the worst luck sometimes." Ann said as Ren smirked and spoke up with a grin.

"I feel you on that, Ann. My luck's fairly decent at the moment, though I could argue that it took a bit of a downward turn with that loss of funds. But the point is I can relate to not having the best of luck at times." Ren said before he smirked and kept speaking.

"Double chocolate, you say? Maybe I should bring Kusa here sometime when they have those, since he's a bit of a closet chocolate lover, though he'll deny that up and down if asked about it." Ren said with a smirk as Ann giggled and spoke up.

"That sounds like Kusa, all right! But at least he's got good taste in sweets!" Ann said happily as her phone went off, making her blink as she checked it.

"Oh? It's an email. Looks like it's from the agency. I wonder what they could want from me? Huh, say what? Mika!? At some place called the Skytree!? Where's that!?" Ann said to Ren as she turned to him and spoke up.

"Um, they want me to head over for a shoot now, apparently. Feels pretty familiar, doesn't it? Basically, this men's magazine is running a Mika special to try and capitalize on her recent popularity. But apparently, she asked for me specifically to star alongside her for the shoot for whatever reason. I wonder why she'd ask for me specifically?" Ann asked as Ren spoke up, looking at Ann uncertainly as he spoke up.

"I could say it's a trap, but let's be real. We both know that's a line that Kusa would say. That said, I'd say it's because she admires you. I think she did say as much the last time we saw her, didn't she?" Ren said. Ann blinked and spoke up.

"H-Huh!? C-Cut it out! So you think what she said earlier was the truth!? Hold on though, didn't she end up tricking me before? Why would you trick someone you admire?" Ann asked Ren, who shrugged, not sure of that himself. Ann then gave Ren a closed-eye smile that was rather pretty as she spoke up.

"Well I guess I won't know what she wants unless I head over! But, have you been to Skytree before? How do you get there, anyways?" Ann asked Ren, who shrugged and spoke up.

"Honestly? I dunno. I've not been to this 'Skytree' you speak of before, since I've only been in Yongen for a few months." Ren said as Ann spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Oh right, you and Kusa only just moved here this past spring, didn't you? I always forget you've not been here for long, since it feels like I've known you two for years. That said, we can figure it out together. Oh, and Ren? C-Can you come with me? Actually, I've already decided for you, brother. You're going. Come on!" Ann said as Ren's map was marked with the location of 'Asakusa' for fast-travel purposes. Ren and Ann then headed to the Skytree...

(A short time later, at the Skytree with Ann and Ren)

"Ahh. All right, we made it! Wait, where's Mika?" Ann asked as Mika, as if summoned, chose that moment to walk over, making Ren blink as he couldn't be sure, but he had a feeling Mika looked different than she did the last time he and Ann had ran into her. Mika then spoke to Ann, ignoring Ren for the time being.

"Oh, so you came for my special." Mika said as Ann nodded and spoke up with a smile before gaping while she spoke.

"You asked for me, right? Wow, Mika. Gotta be honest, I barely recognize you. Did you lose weight? Or maybe change your makeup?" Ann asked as Mika spoke up.

"Does that matter? Anyways, the theme for today's shoot is 'The Elegance of Woman'. So, I conditioned my body to be more elegant." Mika said as Ann gasped and spoke up.

"Wh-What do you mean?" Ann asked as Mika spoke up in amusement, clearly finding Ann's surprise humorous.

"Controlling what you eat, how you move, things like that. That's all. It may sound easy, but it's pretty tough. You have to write down everything you eat, making sure to check the nutritional and caloric content. I even hired a personal trainer to take special note of my diet and oversee my exercise regimen." Mika said as Ann looked at her in a mix of awe, surprise and amazement before she spoke up.

"Wow! Whoa, Mika, that's amazing! Does that mean you don't get to eat double chocolate crepes?" Ann asked as Mika blanched at the question, an unimpressed look on her face. Mika then frowned and spoke up in a huffy tone.

"Of course I don't! I'd get fat with just one bite of that stuff! Not to mention the other stuff I do! I take herbal medication, wear warming socks, do pilates and yoga, things like that. Day after day, without stop. How many squats do you think I do in a week!? Ugh, a natural beauty like you could never understand how much work I put into my modeling!" Mika said as Ann flushed slightly in embarrassment, ignoring the amused grin on Ren's face as she spoke up.

"You know, it's kinda embarrassing getting complimented like that, Mika. But thank you. That means a lot to hear that from you." Ann said as Mika chuckled and spoke up.

"Oops, sorry, did I say natural beauty? What I meant was natural airhead." Mika said as Ann frowned at that and spoke up.

"What did you say!? Who are you calling an airhead!?" Ann said to Mika who put on a fake-crying face as she spoke up.

"Eeek! Ann-senpai, stop iiit! You're scaring meee!" Mika said, making Ren scowl at the show Mika was putting on. If not for the fact that both he and Kusa were raised to never raise a hand to a lady or woman, he'd have been seriously tempted to give her something to really cry about. That, and he didn't agree with Mika calling Ann an airhead. But before he could speak up for Ann, the cameraman that was closest chose then to speak up.

"Mika-chan! Are you okay?" The cameraman said as the magazine staff that was nearby spoke up.

"Man, cat fights are scary, aren't they?" The magazine staff asked as Ann huffed and spoke up, frowning at Mika while she spoke.

"Grrrr! Rude!" Ann said as Ren went to wait nearby while Ann and Mika were called over for the photo shoot as the cameraman spoke up.

"This way, Mika-chan. Yeah, that's perfect. That's exactly the expression I'm looking for." The cameraman said as Mika giggled and adopted a more elegant, coy pose. The cameraman smiled and spoke up.

"Wonderful, wonderful!" The cameraman said as Ann frowned and spoke up.

"I see now, so that's what this is? This is a test of sorts? Well, I'm not gonna lose, so bring it on!" Ann said as she winked and did her own coy pose while giggling.

"Teehee!" Ann said and looked at the camera as she posed. The cameraman sweatdropped as he spoke up.

"Um, Ann-chan, I don't mind you getting involved, but could you try being a little, I dunno, sexier?" The cameraman asked as Mika spoke up, taking on a more eye-catching pose as she spoke, doing a closed-eye smile for effect.

"You mean like this?" Mika asked as the cameraman nodded and kept snapping photos.

"Oooh, that's beautiful!" The cameraman said as Ann blnked and huffed before speaking up with a mixed betrayed/confused look on her face.

"W-Wait! M-Mika!? Why are you doing this? I thought you looked up to me!" Ann said to Mika, who chuckled as she spoke up with a smirk, her face suddenly much drier and more uninterested while she spoke.

"You should have known that was a lie, Ann. But then I guess you're just as naive as you look. Anyway, stupid amateurs like you really piss me off. You better not drag me down, okay?" Mika said to Ann as she took on a more demure, almost seductive pose as the cameraman smiled and kept snapping pics.

"Oh, you're amazing, Miko-chan!" The cameraman said as Ann frowned at Mika and spoke up.

"Grrr! Is that so?" Ann said as the shoot ended shortly afterwards, at which point she walked back over to a horrified Ren, who'd seen the entire exchange between Ann and Mika, and right as Ann walked over to him Mika spoke up to the cameraman.

"Oooh, you know the president of that fancy car company? Introduce me, pleeease?" Mika asked as she listened to the cameraman and magazine staff speak and spoke up.

"Mm-hm, mm-hm! The owner even invited me to dinner! Y'know, working with all of you just makes me so, I dunno, happy!" Mika said. Ann frowned at Mika effortlessly courting the crowd and sighed as she got a sad look on her face as she spoke up.

"Um, this was fun and all, but I think I'm heading home. Coming with, Ren?" Ann asked Ren, who nodded as he brought Ann back to Shibuya...

(Back in Shibuya, with Ren, Morgana and Ann)

Ann gave Ren an unreadable look before she spoke up.

"Hmm, why did Mika ask for me specifically?" Ann asked Ren, who spoke up.

"Honestly? I think she felt threatened by your natural beauty and vibrant personality and wanted to try to crush you under her heel, so to speak, so you wouldn't pose a threat to her. But that's just a guess on my part. And honestly, Mika might be really pretty, but that's only on the outside. I recall there's a saying that goes 'beauty is only skin-deep' or something to that effect, but clearly whoever coined that phrase was probably looking right at Mika when they said it.

After all, to be honest, while she's pretty and all on the outside, on the inside, she's so ugly that Morgana could outshine her, and not only is he a he, he's not even a model! Whereas you? You're beautiful on the outside, and you're even cute on the inside. Not as much as Yoshizawa-san to be fair, but you are still pretty, both outside and inside." Ren said, in an attempt to cheer up Ann. Ann nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, that's true. I see, that makes sense. Then she was just trying to be mean and make an example of me, probably. Ugh, if that's the case, I probably deserve everything she did to me today." Ann said, trailing off with a forlorn look on her face as Ren smiled and spoke up.

"Cheer up, Ann. She might have the attention of the cameras, but does she have the attention of the masses and a group of loyal friends who have her back no matter what, and the ability to rock a skin-tight bodysuit? Last I checked, she did not! And all of those things are you, Ann." Ren said honestly. Ann spoke up at that, blinking in surprise at Ren's sincere compliment of her while she spoke.

"I'm...I'm...I'M SO PISSED OFF! Mika had to work super hard every day to get where she is now. She worked out, watched her diet, made friends with everyone, even turned the eyes of the cameras! She couldn't rely on connections like I did. Moreover, she didn't become a model just for the heck of it. Her resolve, her knowledge, her fashion sense, even her charisma, they're all on a totally different level from me! Mika is amazing. Mika is bold and sassy. Mika is strong! But me? I'm nothing! Just thinking about that makes me so angry, Ren. I feel like I could explode! This whole time, I've just been pretending to model.

It was like the clothes were wearing me, and not the other way around. I mean, that's what I always thought being a model meant! However, that's not true. I thought that, but I was totally wrong. A real model draws out the beauty of the clothes they wear, makes them their own, even casts a stunning magic on them. A real model can make any outfit their own. Also, a real model is flexible, beautiful, graceful and strong. Well, I've had enough pretending! I want to be a real model, and not just act like one!" Ann said as Ren smirked and spoke up, unable to resist making a reference at that moment.

"Is that so? Well, go get 'em, tiger!" Ren said coyly as he smirked encouragingly at Ann, who nodded and pumped a determined fist as she spoke up.

"Right! I'll give it my all! I'm gonna take the world by storm, and with any luck, turn Shiho's head in the process! Just you watch, Ren!" Ann said to Ren, who nodded as he sensed a heightened motivation from Ann. At that point, the 'Lovers' card appeared in his mind's eye, the 'VI' becoming a 'VII' to signify that his Lovers Confidant link with Ann had reached Level 7, even though there was no new skills from the rank-up. Afterwards, Ann spoke up once more.

"Urghhh, I'm so mad! This is the perfect time for sweets! But no, I won't eat them! I mean I will eventually, but not today! You eat some for me, Ren!" Ann said to Ren as he sweatdropped and spoke up.

"Uhh, sure? I dunno that I can really afford sweets but if I can, I will." Ren said to Ann, who nodded as she spoke up.

"Bye! Later!" Ann said as Ren headed back to Leblanc, at which point the phone rang once he hit the doorstep. Ren smirked and answered it.

"Hello?" Ren said, knowing who was on the other end as Ann spoke up.

"Ren? It's me! I've been pissed since I left! I can't help it! Well, I'll say it again! I'm taking the modeling world by storm, and I don't care what I have to do to get there! Obviously that means dieting, cutting back on food, and no matter how tough it is, I'll do any workout!" Ann said as Ren spoke up.

"You got this, Ann! Just, uh, don't let those ambitions distort you, lest we end up having to change your heart next." Ren said warily. Ann chuckled and spoke up.

"Yup, I got it! I'm so sick of feeling how I did today! You know, this is a first for me, actually. Feeling this pissed off, I mean. Usually, even if I have a crappy day, I just get over it by having snacks, watching TV, and sleeping it off. But this time, it's different. It's like I want to change. Tomorrow, I want to be better than I am today. Okay, gotta start my stretching sessions! I'll talk to you later. Bye-bye!" Ann said as Ren hung up the phone and headed inside, where he exchanged the usual greetings with Sojiro as Morgana spoke up.

"Well then, the home shopping program is airing today. Should we check it out?" Morgana asked Ren, who rolled his eyes.

"Fine, we'll give it a quick look, but I make no promises that we'll buy anything." Ren said as Morgana nodded. Ren then checked the shopping program, and nearly immediately placed an order for the 'Drink Set' once he saw it, since SP items aren't that easy to come by, plus getting 20 of them and 20 other healing items for under 3,000 yen seemed like a pretty solid deal to Ren. After that, Ren looked at his options, and sighed as he spoke up.

"Well, Morgana, we have some people we can hang with, but if we're going to have that last target ID'd for a Mementos run, we have to go look at that bar in Shinjuku and deal with Ohya again. Let's get it over with, yeah?" Ren said as Morgana nodded and the two went to Shinjuku. Once there, Ren reluctantly headed to the Crossroads and headed in, at which point Lala looked over at Ren and spoke up in surprise.

"Oh, honey! You're here again, boy? Don't blame me if you get eaten alive, okay?" Lala said as Ren nodded.

"Got it. Thanks for the warning." Ren said as Morgana spoke up once more.

"Hey, hey! We have a target we haven't identified yet, right? Maybe you can gather some more info while working?" Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"Yeah, that could work. Except I don't work here, as you might recall?" Ren said so only Morgana could hear, making the not-cat wince and speak up.

"Oof, right, forgot about that." Morgana said as Ren walked up to Ohya and made to speak up, only for Ohya to look at Lala and speak up.

"Hey, where's my glass, Lala-chan? Didn't I order a refill? How much did I drink today? What time is it? Ah, who cares. Crap! Wait, I care." Ohya said as Morgana winced and spoke up.

"She's so drunk that she hasn't even noticed you're here." Morgana said to Ren, who nodded as the not-cat kept speaking.

"Then again, if we have her write articles it'll have an effect on the Metaverse. We might be able to use her if we do it right. Should we try forming a deal with Ohya?" Morgana said to Ren, who huffed but spoke up so only Morgana could hear.

"As much as I'd rather not, we're probably gonna have to form a deal with her sooner or later, so we might as well bite the bullet and get it over with." Ren said reluctantly, nodding to Morgana's question. Morgana then spoke up once more.

"Now then, keep in mind that she's drunk. Now, do a good job negotiating, okay?" Morgana asked Ren, who nodded as he spoke up so only Morgana could hear.

"Yes, Morgana, I get it." Ren said as he prepared to strike a deal with Ohya, hoping he wasn't making a mistake in doing so, and idly wondering what Kusa was doing...

(Around that same time, at the Sakura household with Kusa)

"Hm, wonder what's on the news?" Kusa said to himself as he flipped on the news, his eyes going wide as he recognized his own picture on the TV screen.

"Now that the three suspects from the previous assault case behind a Shibuya diner have been arraigned and taken into custody, this reporter can now identify them as Somasi 'Slim' Ridgeley, Kyori Mizrahi and Akira Kurusu. But more importantly, we can now reveal the identity of their victim. And this one is a real shocker, since for a first-year, this young man was causing a real stir for a time on the martial arts circuit until he mysteriously disappeared off the proverbial radar about 4 months ago.

Well, now this reporter can confirm it's because he had to move to Yongen with his older brother for reasons unknown. Anyways, the victim is none other than karate prodigy Kusa 'Kung-Fu Dragon' Amamiya, whose older brother is Ren Amamiya. How someone like the Kung-Fu Dragon could let himself be jumped confuses and shocks this reporter, but there's a first time for everything, I guess.

I'm sure all of his fans are gathering to wish him a speedy recovery and the best of luck in his new hometown. And now, over to a check of the weather." The newscaster said as Kusa winced at hearing his name and nickname spoken aloud on the news, hoping that his fans didn't find him here, since he wasn't about to bring all that attention to Sojiro and Futaba's house. Kusa then smiled as he thought about Futaba, hoping she was going to wake up sooner, rather than later, unaware that she was going through her own struggles in her head...

(Meanwhile, in Futaba's dreams with Futaba and Wakaba, Futaba's POV)

"And that, Futaba, is why sometimes love can be overrated. But if you can make it work, it's really quite rewarding for you. But I can understand that you've not wanted to try it to this point, considering what you've been through. But you can't keep yourself shut-off from the rest of the world forever, you know. Eventually, you have to start getting back out there and being part of the world again. Otherwise, your life's just gonna pass you by and you won't have anything to show for it. Is that what you want?" My mother asked me, making me wince as I spoke up while shaking my head in the negative.

"N-No, not at all! I just want to be able to find peace and be able to move on and live a fairly normal life, with Sojiro and Kusa! I can tell they both have my back unconditionally, which I love and appreciate them both for dearly. Granted, I'm still not sure exactly how I feel about Kusa, but I'd like to think I'm working on figuring it out." I said honestly as my mom chuckled and spoke up.

"Don't lie to yourself like that, dear. Much less to me. I've seen the way you almost smile wistfully when you check him out. And I even saw your face that day he stepped up for you against that warped version of me in that pyramid. I think you know that he not only cares a great deal about you, but also that he would love nothing more than to be able to be there for you and care for you for however long you'll let him.

But more importantly? Given how you were ogling his abs that day you watched him working on decorating for his brother's surprise party, I think we both know you're rather smitten with that young man, if not head over heels for him. You just have to admit that to yourself, now. If you can do that, that is." My mother said wryly to me, making me blush crimson as I sputtered a furious denial, despite the fact that I found myself shyly smiling at the idea of Kusa liking me that way, much less that I could have any sort of shot at having happiness with him.

"Wh-what!? Me, love Kusa? Absurd! Besides, even if, and this is a huge if! If I was in love with him, what's to say he feels the same way and would want someone like me in his life, when he could probably find someone far better than me for him to be with." I said honestly, not trying to look into my mother's eyes and see what I was sure was an amused smile on her face as she spoke up, though the tone of her voice as she spoke made me wince..

"Don't be ridiculous, Futaba! If what you said just now was true, would he go to all the trouble of defending you like he did against my distorted counterpart? Not to mention, I think you also saw how red his face turned that day you kissed him out of curiosity. And I know you enjoyed it more than you were letting on at that time. I get you were going through a lot then, and to a point you still are now.

But even so, don't you think you owe it to that young man to let him in and allow him to be by your side as you go through the process of adjusting to your new, more outgoing lifestyle?" My mother pointed out to me, making me blink at the question but nod as I realized she had a point. I then spoke up shyly, not really wanting to speak up, but doing so anyways, surprising myself with what came out of my mouth next.

"S-so, you think if I were to confess to him, he might return my feelings, and even want to be with someone as damaged, flawed and delicate as me?" I asked uncertainly as my mother laughed and spoke up with a nod, amused by my self-deprecating comments and my continued denial of my feeilngs for Kusa as she spoke.

"Oh sweetie, not only would he return your feelings, I think he'd be ecstatic to hear you feel the same. I got the sense by looking at him that he's been holding his own feelings back for some time, out of respect for you, and been waiting for you to sort yourself out before he considered even thinking of acting on his feelings for you. But you'd have to ask him to find out the truth of this, since I could also be entirely reading too much into the looks he was giving you.

Also, I'd be willing to put good money that if you were to come to right now, and take a walk into the living room, he's probably laid up on that hide-a-bed, waiting for you to wake up, because he's that worried for you." My mom said knowingly as I blushed but spoke up.

"M-Maybe you're right. But how will I know if I'm ready to go out into the world again? I have been a shut-in for the past roughly two years, after all." I said as my mom chuckled, giving me an amused smile as she spoke up, clearly finding my situation amusing and hilarious.

"Oh, Futaba. That might be true, but I think if you trust in your friends, and even in Sojiro and Kusa, you might be surprised how much strength you can draw from them. You just need to start believing in yourself more, and in your friends. Also, I know you're happy having me around again, but I wasn't meant to linger this long. Soon, the time will come when we'll have to say good-bye once more, and you'll have to be prepared for when that time comes.

After all, even you must realize that you can't stay in your dreams forever. Your body can only sleep for so long before you lose the ability to wake up, after all.' My mom said to me and I nodded, knowing she was right, but not wanting to say good-bye to her yet...

(Back in Shinjuku, at Crossroads, with Ren, Lala, Morgana and Ohya, neutral POV)

Ohya frowned as she knocked back the drink Lala had brought her before speaking up.

"Hey, Lala-chan, level with me here. Are you sure this isn't just water?" Ohya asked, before she kept speaking, Ren trying not to wince as he heard her slurring already.

"If you're tryin' to rip me off, I'm gonna reveal all your secrets in a feature article!" Ohya huffed before realizing there was someone next to her, making her turn to snap at the person, only to smile widely when she realized it was Ren, speaking up happily, making Ren, as well as Morgana who was in Ren's bag, surprised that Ohya was happy to see Ren while she spoke up.

"Oh! It's you!" Ohya said as Lala spoke to Ren at that point.

"Well, you've come this far, might as well now. Please, have a seat." Lala said as Ren nodded and took a seat at the counter. Ohya then looked at Ren and got a closed-eye smile on her face as she spoke up.

"So, Amamiya-kun, what's up? Got anything new on the Phantom Thieves? Or maybe, perhaps you're just falling in love with me, hm?" Ohya said to Ren, who winced at her comment but spoke up anyways.

"I have Phantom Thieves news. And to your other remark, you're not bad on the eyes, but you're also just a bit too old for me, and I already have my eyes on someone else." Ren said bluntly but honestly. Ohya looked at Ren in surprise as she spoke up.

"Wait, for real!? You came all this way just to tell me? Thank god, kid. You're a life-saver. You see, my publisher just assigned me to be the beat reporter for the Phantom Thieves. Man, you know, this wiill reaaally help me out." Ohya said to Ren as Lala frowned and spoke up, her words surprising Ren.

"Are you seriously going to use this child as a source of information?" Lala asked Ohya, who chuckled and spoke up, her words making both Ren and Morgana wince as she spoke.

"Oh, don't be such a killjoy, Lala-chan. These kids nowadays know about things we adults don't have access to. Besides, what's most important is that I now have a reliable third-party source for my stories." Ohya said expressively as Lala shrugged and spoke up.

"Whatever you say." Lala said as Ohya turned back to Ren as she kept speaking.

"So, what do you want from me this time? Information about someone? Cold hard cash?" Ohya asked as Ren spoke up with a shrug.

"Nothing really. I figured maybe if I give you news on the Phantom Thieves, you could write scoops about them. Basically, a simple give-and-take arrangement." Ren said. Ohya blinked at this and spoke up.

"Huh!?" Ohya said in surprise before laughing as she kept speaking.

"Lucky me! My very own golden goose just appeared. Now I can take it easy. Heck, maybe I'll take a little vacation, with all my free time I'll have. As if. What do you want? Last time, it was info on Kaneshiro, right? Well, he got arrested soon after, so don't think I can't put two and two together. Something's fishy, and I'm going to figure out what." Ohya said as Ren shrugged and spoke up.

"Eh, what can I say? I'm always one to support a good cause, and well, what better cause is there than trying to bring courage to those who need it while helping out those who need it? I support the Phantom Thieves, to be honest." Ren said. Ohya blinked in surprise at this as she spoke up.

"Support the Phantom Thieves? Is that right? Ah, but I see what's going on here. A hardcore Phantom Thieves fanboy, huh? Interesting." Ohya said as Lala frowned and spoke up, not liking the tone of Ohya's voice.

"Hey! I'm not gonna let you use this kid, just so you can take a vacation from your job!" Lala said, surprising Ren with how much she was coming to his defense even though she barely knew him, earning Lala a measure of Ren's respect on the spot for the fact she was willing to stand up for him. Ohya blinked at Lala's remark before laughing as she spoke up.

"A vacation? Oh, haha, I was just kidding. I'm conducting a private investigation during my off hours. No one at work knows about it." Ohya said as Lala blinked and spoke up.

"Don't tell me you're investigating what I think you're investigating!?" Lala said to Ohya in surprise. Ohya shrugged and turned to Ren as she spoke up, getting an idea before she spoke.

"Hey, how 'bout we do this, kid? You supply me with info on the Phantom Thieves, and I'll write articles based on what you tell me about them. You know, the Phantom Thieves who you love oh-so much? Deal?" Ohya suggested, not seeing Ren wince at her basically comparing him to Mishima by suggesting he was a Phantom Thieves fanboy. Ren then spoke up after steeling himself for what he was about to say.

"You know what? Yeah, why not? Deal. Sounds great to me." Ren said after a moment to consider his options and deciding that he had no reason not to strike that deal with Ohya. Ohya, for her part, gave Ren a closed-eye smile that made him want to cringe while she spoke up.

"Oh? All right then. It's a deal. I can create a lot positive PR for the Phantom Thieves, so be sure to give me some good scoops." Ohya said to Ren, who nodded even as he winced on realizing he'd just struck a deal with Ohya, but realizing it was going to have to happen sooner or later...

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

"Your reputation skyrocketed after a certain point. It's unnatural how much your actions were publicized. Did you have an inside man in the media? Someone who could manipulate information for you? Well? What do you have to say to that?" Sae asked Joker, who shrugged, not sure what to say to that...

(Back in the present, with Ren, Lala, Morgana and Ohya)

As Ren nodded and accepted Ohya's deal, he heard the expected voice go off inside his head.

"I am thou, thou art I...Thou hast acquired a new vow. It shall becomes the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity. With the birth of the Devil Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power..." Ren heard as a new card appeared in his mind's eye, this one having the word 'Devil' on it, and an 'I' appearing under the word 'Devil', signifying that his newly-formed Devil Confidant link with Ohya had reached rank 1.

As a result of this newly-forged Confidant reaching Rank 1, Ohya introduced Ren to the ways of the 'Rumor-Filled Scoop', making it so that the Security Level of a Palace now decreases whenever a new Safe Room is discovered in a Palace. Afterwards, Ohya spoke up, making Ren wince at what she said.

"Don't tell anyone about this, okay? I don't want people to know that my source is a high schooler." Ohya said as she turned to Lala and spoke up in a decidedly much more chipper voice than before, Ren's eyes widening slightly as he listened to Ohya speak to Lala.

"Okay, Lala-chaaan! Time to celebrate our agreement! Bring out my bottle! And two glasses please! One for me, and one for the kid here!" Ohya said as Lala gave Ohya a disapproving glare as Ohya spoke up petulantly, her words making Ren's eyes go comically wide as he heard what she said next.

"Oh, c'mon! Please, Lala-chan? Ugh, whoa, her silence is golden. Fine, fine, FINE! I won't make the high-schooler drink!" Ohya said before groaning as she spoke up once more.

"Ugh, I gotta use the bathroom. Be right back!" Ohya said as she left the room. Once she left, Lala turned to Ren and spoke up.

"Ugh, she's gonna be in there for a while. You should go home." Lala said as Ren nodded, smirking as he realized he'd managed to pique Ohya's interest, leaving him to feel as if his Charm had increased, which it did in fact increase. Afterwards, Lala showed Ren out of Crossroads and spoke up.

"You take care now, honey. Alright, you be careful on your way home. Don't stick around Shinjuku too long after dark, honey. We get a lot of shady types coming out of the woodwork." Lala said to Ren as Ohya's voice could be heard from outside.

"Hey, Lala-chaaan!? Where'd you gooo? Hey! Lala-chan! C'mon, where are you!?" Ohya yelled from inside of Crossroads, making Lala wince as she spoke up.

"Ugh, honestly! That lady's going to be the death of me, I swear. Oh right, you'd better head home. If she catches you, you're in for an all-nighter. And I don't think you want to catch trouble for breaking curfew." Lala said to Ren, who nodded.

"Yeah, you're probably right, Lala. I think I will do that. Thanks, not only for that advice, but also for sticking up for me in there earlier. I appreciate it." Ren said honestly. Lala smiled as she spoke up, chuckling at Ren's words while she spoke.

"Oh, that's adorable. Feels like gratitude's hard to come by, these days. Hee hee, you know something, kid? You're gonna be a real heartbreaker in a few years. Heh, don't look so surprised. Oh, I'm just teasing you. Now go on home before some degenerate in a gutter spits on you or something." Lala said as Ren sweatdropped before Lala spoke up once more, smirking at Ren while she spoke.

"Well, I'd better get back inside. Come again! You'll always be welcome here. But head straight home tonight, okay?" Lala said to Ren, who nodded as he headed home and got comfortable and made to lay down with Morgana, who had dozed off on the way back and decided to lay at Ren's feat instead of on the sofa, only for Ren's phone to go off and wake him up as he and Ren were about to doze off for the night, making the not-cat blearily speak up.

"Ugh! Huh, what? Who could that be at this hour?" Morgana asked Ren, who shrugged as he checked it, actually being surprised to find it was from Makoto.

"I want to go look for a book. There's something I'm curious about, and I need the book to look into it. I'm going to Book Town in Jinbocho. Can you make some time since it's summer vacation? I'd like you to help me look for it." Makoto sent as Morgana read the chat over Ren's shoulder and blinked as he spoke up.

"Hm? Ah, Makoto's inviting you out, huh? So, what's it going to be? Do you want to go to 'Book Town' with her?" Morgana asked Ren, who shrugged.

"I'll respond to her in the morning once I see what's going on for the day." Ren said as Morgana nodded.

"Fair enough. Just make sure to respond later, okay?" Morgana said as Ren nodded and set his phone down before going to sleep for the night...

(The next morning, with Ren and Morgana)

Ren checked his options, and saw that only Takemi and Ann were available to hang out with, and the latter wasn't able to increase her rank with Ren, so Ren recalled Makoto's invitation and decided to go with her to Jinbocho. He opened her private chat and sent a response.

"Hey, first of all, apologies for not answering last night, was crazy tired when you messaged so I ended up falling asleep after reading your chat. I just checked and my day's rather open as it happens. With that having been said, I'd be more than willing to go with you to Jinbocho to find this book you're looking for." Ren sent as Makoto sent a response, pleased to see Ren's response.

"Thanks. I'm actually thinking about looking into cognitive psience. I'll give you the details later. Anyways, let's meet up." Makoto sent as Morgana spoke up.

"Cognitive psience? Ah, Futaba's mother's research, huh? We shouldn't make Makoto wait. Let's head out. Speaking of Futaba, hopefully she and Kusa are doing well in their respective recoveries." Morgana said as Ren nodded, the two heading to meet Makoto in Jinbocho...

(A short time later, in Jinbocho with Makoto, Ren and Morgana)

"Excuse me! I'm interested in cognitive psience, the field Futaba's mother was researching. Odd, I know, but that's the way it is sometimes. I doubt we will find any public information but maybe an older academic journal may mention it. Also, I meant to mention this in my chat, but is Kusa still at Boss' house? I actually needed to speak with him about a school-related matter when he has time." Makoto said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Yep. He's pretty much been posted up over there since we got back from Futaba's Palace. If that doesn't make it patently obvious he's smitten with Futaba, I don't know what will. That said, he should be home soon since it's already been close to a week and a half since we finished Futaba's Palace, and Boss quoted days when he said how long she'd be out for. That said, chances might be slim, but we won't know unless we try, yeah? Let's get cracking." Ren said. Makoto nodded as she spoke up.

"Fair enough. And thank you, Ren-kun. I do hope we find something, even if it's just some basics on what cognitive psience is. I want to learn more about cognitive psience while we wait for Futaba to regain her strength. If only we could understand it more in-depth. Maybe we could solve the mystery of the Metaverse. It would make traversing it easier for us, too." Makoto said as right at that moment, Hifumi walked over and spoke up, surprised to see Ren and Makoto together.

"Ren-kun? Oh, but you're not alone. Um, hello. Um, nice to meet you, Ren's friend, but also, goodbye." Hifumi said as she made to leave, only for Makoto to speak up.

"Excuse me, please wait! Was there something you wanted to say to him?" Makoto asked Hifumi, who blinked at the question before shaking her head while she spoke up.

"Oh no, nothing in particular, really. I was just surprised to see him here. I didn't mean to intrude between you two, and what was clearly a moment between you two." Hifumi said as Makoto chuckled nervously and spoke up.

"Oh, no need to be so considerate. He's just carrying my books for me." Makoto said as Ren gave a start at this, surprised at Makoto claiming he was carrying her books as she turned to him and spoke up.

"Actually, Ren-kun? Is she a friend of yours?" Makoto asked Ren, who spoke up with a nod.

"Yes. Hifumi here is my shogi teacher, or probably more accurately my shogi master. I'd say shogi sensei, but we both know that calling people 'sensei' is Kusa, and to a point Yusuke's, bit and not mine." Ren said. Hifumi got a shy look on her face as she spoke up.

"Oh, right. Well, Master's a bit of an overstatement, I'd say. I mean, we just play shogi together, and I teach you moves where I can." Hifumi said as Makoto blinked in realization as she spoke up.

"Oh, that's why that sounds familiar! Ren-kun, is she the professional shogi player you had mentioned before? The master strategist you spoke of?" Makoto asked Ren, who nodded, making Makoto give Hifumi a closed-eye smile as she spoke up.

"I see. I admit I only know the rules, but I'm intrigued to learn how a professional shogi player thinks. Is that book in your hands a book on shogi tactics?" Makoto asked Hifumi, who nodded as she spoke up, pleased that Makoto was interested in shogi as she spoke up.

"Oh, yes. I come here to purchase old shogi strategy books from time to time, usually on my own, but I have brought Amamiya-kun here before once or twice to show him this place." Hifumi said as Makoto nodded, giving Hifumi a closed-eye smile as she spoke up.

"I see. Pardon me for asking, but you have me curious. Could you teach me some strategies? I believe this knowledge would benefit me greatly in the future." Makoto asked Hifumi, who blinked in surprise, not expecting Makoto to express an interest in being trained by her in shogi, but smiling while she spoke up.

"Oh? Sure, if you'd like. Well, if it is about shogi, then for starters, to attack, you will need to be creative with your approach, and sacrifice pieces with no remorse at all." Hifumi said as Makoto blinked in surprise and spoke up.

"Ah, I see. So, plan on enticing your opponent to focus on your sacrificial pieces so you can advance a counterattack?" Makoto said as Hifumi nodded, pleased at how perceptive Makoto could be.

"Yes. Very well put. You seem to have a talent for this. Another strategy I enjoy is to use bait pieces to draw your opponent to your side of the board." Hifumi said as Makoto blinked, but nodded her understanding as she spoke up.

"Ah. Hmm, I see. That way you can surround them and thin their numbers while opening up your own options?" Makoto said as Ren smirked and spoke up.

"Wow, this is rather useful stuff to know. But that said, seems as though you two are hitting it off, huh?" Ren asked, making Makoto and Hifumi both blink as sparkling music notes went up over both girls' heads as Makoto spoke up.

"Oh, I'm sorry. What she was saying was so interesting, I lost track of time for a bit. I'll catch up with you later. Could you look for the book we had discussed earlier?" Makoto said to Ren, who nodded as he went off to look for the book. Ren returned a while later, shaking his head in the negative as Makoto spoke up.

"Ah, so nothing promising, huh? That's unfortunate but not surprising. Well, at least we had fun. Shall we return home? I think we should go home for today." Makoto said as Ren nodded and headed back to Leblanc...

(That evening, at Leblanc with Ren and Morgana)

Once Ren and Morgana got back to Leblanc, Ren's phone went off to signify a group chat with Ryuji, Ann, Kusa, Yusuke, and Makoto, with Ann sending the first response.

"Only one more week until the deadline, you guys." Ann sent as Ryuji sent a response at that point.

"Hey, you see the forum?" Ryuji asked as Ann sent a response.

"Yeah. People have been telling us to hurry up and protect the civilians. As if we haven't already done that." Ann sent as Makoto sent a response.

"They're just saying whatever they want with no regard for the consequences." Makoto sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"God, I seriously can't believe they're going on about all that." Ryuji sent as Ann sent a response, followed closely by Kusa.

"By the way, how's Futaba doing at this point, Kusa? Any changes?" Ann sent as Kusa's response came through.

"Mostly the same as always, though the last time I peeked my head in to check on her she had a rather content, almost happy, smile on her face, so maybe she's at least finding peace within herself, which I take as a good sign. And I say this because if she's finding peace, she might be coming to terms with her demons, which hopefully indicates she's close to waking up. But I realize we're down to the wire, so I won't be offended if you guys want to start looking at potential alternatives, just so we have a contingency if she doesn't wake up in time." Kusa sent as Yusuke chose then to send a response.

"Not likely, Kusa. At this point, we are desperate for her assistance." Yusuke sent as Makoto sent a response.

"True. Plus, she definitely mentioned Medjed back in the Palace. I'd like to believe she's planning something regarding them." Makoto sent as Ren's eyes widened in recollection and he sent a response.

"Oh, that's right! Boss said Futaba left me a message. Apparently she told him to tell me, and I quote, 'Don't worry about me. I'll take care of it.' I take that to mean she and possibly Kusa are cooking something up where it comes to Medjed." Ren sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Nope, no such luck, Ren. Other than the once when we got back from her Palace, and the one other time for a couple minutes that night, Futaba hasn't been awake much since we finished her Palace. I'm both worried about it, and hopeful that she's just trying to gather her strength so that she can be better able to assist us when she wakes up." Kusa sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Aw crap, even Makoto's gone over to the 'wait and see' dark side!?" Ryuji sent, making Ren chuckle as he put his phone away, not wanting to see the likely text-fest that would ensue between Kusa, Makoto and Ryuji. At that point, Morgana winced as he spoke up.

"We don't have much time left. I know it's frustrating, but there's not much we can do." Morgana said as Ren nodded, right as Sojiro spoke up.

"Yo! That reminds me, Ren. Another box came for you." Sojiro said as Ren nodded and opened up the box as Morgana spoke up.

"Hey! A box! What did you get, Ren?" Morgana asked Ren, who spoke up as he showed the stuff to Morgana.

"I think this is that 'Drink Set' we ordered off TV yesterday. Wow, that's what I call fast shipping." Ren said as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Oh! Must be what you ordered off the TV." Morgana said as Ren nodded, before speaking up.

"Well, since there's not a lot going on tonight, I suppose I should go back to Crossroads and see about getting a job there, so we can get that other target ID'd, yeah?" Ren said to Morgana, who nodded his agreement as the two fast-traveled to Crossroads, where Lala spoke up.

"Oh, honey! You sure come here a lot, don't you? I don't really mind it, but keep yourself in check, okay?" Lala said to Ren, who nodded. Ren then walked over to Lala, who spoke up as she saw Ren looking at her.

"That's rough. You know, if you keep coming to a place like this, you won't turn out to be a good adult." Lala said, as Ren smirked and spoke up.

"Perhaps, but you come here a lot, and you seem like a reasonably stand-up adult, Lala." Ren said honestly. Lala chuckled.

"Yes, well, I own the place, so of course I come here a lot. That said, I appreciate the flattery. Or, could you be interested in working nights here?" Lala asked Ren, who nodded as he spoke up.

"Sure. I'd be interested in working here part-time. I'm kinda working to rebuild my finances at the moment after I made a bit of a bonehead move with a big chunk of my savings recently, but that's besides the point. The main gist is I'm willing to work where I can." Ren said honestly. Lala smiled as she nodded approvingly at Ren's honest response.

"Hey! You may not realize it, but you've got potential, young man. I can teach you the basics of how things are run here. Don't worry, you won't do anything illegal." Lala said as Morgana spoke up.

"Hm. This could be a good opportunity for you, Ren. If nothing else, helping the diverse customers here may improve your Kindness!" Morgana said as Lala spoke up once more.

"I mean, you don't have to work here, of course, but the offer's definitely there if you're interested. What do you say? Did you want to do some work for me today?" Lala asked Ren, who smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, to be honest, that's why I'm here. I was hoping to start tonight, anyways. Figure the sooner I get used to things around here, the better, right?" Ren said honestly. Lala smiled as she nodded approvingly to Ren's answer.

"Good answer. And thank you! All right, go on and change." Lala said as Ohya blinked at Ren getting a job and spoke up.

"Oh? Well, aren't you a hard worker? I guess it's about time for me to be heading out anyway." Ohya said as she left, after which Ren got into his uniform and Lala spoke up.

"Okay then! Let me explain what you'll be doing here, darling. It's your first time, so things might be a little scary, but just try to relax. it's easy work. I'll need you to help; with some chores around the bar. Washing dishes, cleaning tables, the like. I have to entertain the customers, so I can't do those things myself. That's why you're here now! And there you have it. Explanation finito. Do you have any questions?" Lala asked Ren, who thought about it and nodded.

"Yeah. Anything I should be especially careful of while I'm working here?" Ren asked Lala, who thought about it and spoke up.

"Well, I mean, let's see here. There's just one of me, so sometimes I can't pay attention to all my customers. Would you be on the lookout for those times? I'm sure they'll want to talk to you, too. They're all great people, so don't worry. I'm sure it'll be a good experience for you. Any other questions?" Lala asked Ren who spoke up.

"Yes. I know there's alcohol here, but is part of my job going to involve having to serve it to the customers, by chance? Just asking, since I'm not sure what the rules are on underage people like myself touching the alcohol, even to serve it to the customers. Or are you going to handle that?" Ren asked Lala who waved her hand dismissively as she spoke up.

"I don't think so! You're underage, right? So please, don't touch any of the alcohol. No drinking it, of course, but that also means no serving it either. I'll do that, don't worry. Any other questions?" Lala asked Ren, who winced before he spoke up.

"Yeah, one more question. I've heard this place is considered a drag bar. So, does that mean I have to cross-dress as part of the uniform, or is that part optional?" Ren asked shyly, not able to believe he'd just asked that question, ignoring the cackling not-cat in his bag as he focused on a smirking Lala who spoke up in an amused tone.

"Oh, honey. Ah, not necessarily. Although, are you interested? I can be your producer if that's the case." Lala said, before laughing as she saw the wide-eyed look of mortification on Ren's face and speaking up.

"I'm pleased you asked, but seriously, don't worry. I'm just kidding. I don't want to break any adult entertainment laws, you know? What you're wearing now is fine." Lala said as Ren visibly breathed a sigh of relief as Lala chuckled and spoke up once more.

"Any more questions? No? Good. It's all you. Well, I guess I'll have you start immediately, then. It's almost time for the customers to arrive, so good luck." Lala said as Ren nodded, starting his shift as Morgana spoke up from inside of Ren's bag.

"Heh, your face earlier was priceless, Ren! Imagine if you did have to cross-dress for the job." Morgana said as Ren frowned and spoke up so only Morgana could hear.

"Rather not, thanks. Never mind the fact that's not something I'm comfortable with, I don't think Kusa, Ryuji OR Yusuke would ever let me hear the end of it, and that's not even getting into the girls' reactions to it. And I do believe I'd quite prefer that Kasumi not think of me as a cross-dresser, thank you." Ren said brusquely to Morgana as he kept doing the dishes. Morgana laughed at Ren as he spoke up.

"If you say so. Mwehehe, I would have loved to see you all dolled up." Morgana said, as Ren smirked and spoke up.

"Oh yeah? You mean like you were kind of dolled up that time we passed you off as a toy for that little kid on the train?" Ren said with an amused smirk as Morgana frowned and shut up so he could finish his shift. A short time later, Lala walked over and spoke up.

"Nice work, honey! Thanks for your help! A minor like you should probably be getting home 'round now." Lala said as she handed Ren 7,200 yen. After he got his pay, Lala spoke up.

"See you! All right, you should be getting home. You're still underage, and Shinjuku is dangerous at night. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, kid. We get a lot more customers coming in every Sunday. I'm guessing that they're trying to cope with the fact that they have to go back to work again, or something. Anyways, just hinting that I"m going to need extra hands on Sundays. Any help would be greatly appreciated." Lala said as Ren nodded and Lala walked off, at which point Morgana spoke up.

"Hmm, I was hoping that we'd get some more information about our target here, but I guess not. Oh well, guess it's not that easy. Let's stop by here a few more times and see if we can learn anything. Also, it's easier to see a customer's face since this place is so cramped. Hmm, I think you look more dependable now." Morgana said as Ren nodded while his Kindness got boosted from working at Crossroads. Morgana then yawned as he spoke up.

"Wanna head back? We should go home. I'm getting sleepy, and want to lay down." Morgana said as Ren nodded and went back to Leblanc with Morgana to get comfortable for the evening after changing out of his uniform...

(The next day, in the attic of Leblanc with Ren and Morgana)

Ren checked his options with Morgana, frowning at how little he had to choose from. After a bit, he decided to relax on his bed and plan his next move out with the not-cat...

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: And boom! Another chapter, done and dusted! Not my longest chapter by any means, true. But I fit quite a few rank-ups in here, and even a new Confidant link and progress towards a second new link, as well as did stuff to set the stage for another Mementos run if time permits before the fourth deadline hits, which as of the end of this chapter is only a scant few in-game days away, 5 in-game days to be exact. And given the fact I got through roughly five in-game days in this chapter, it's not impossible that the deadline will be reached at the end of next chapter, but explored in-depth in the chapter after.

But either way, once we get to the fourth deadline, all that will remain from that point is a certain bit involving Futaba and the beach, and a certain week leading up to said beach shenanigans, and then a bit afterwards where she officially joins the group, and then arc 4 will be in the books! So at the pace I'm going, I'll predict probably another 3-4 chapters, most likely three, remain of Arc 4, before Arc 5 begins.

And if Arc 4 was the arc I was most excited to get to, Arc 5 is probably the one I'm LEAST excited to get to, if only because of the large amount of sub-plots that will be going on at the same time in said arc, along with the amount of twists and the like being dropped. But we've got a bit before we get to that point, thankfully. But in the meantime, thanks to everyone who's followed and favorited this story, as it makes it quite plain to see that there are a fair few people who are enjoying the story so far!

Granted, I only really have one consistent reviewer of the story, along with the occasional other reviewers, so the amount of follows and favorites I have isn't necessarily indicative of how much people like or dislike the story. Anyways, that said, if you like the story, feel free to let me know in the review section while also feeling free to express your thoughts/opinions/feedback on the story as well.

I can't exactly continuously fine-tine this story to be good for the readers if I don't know what the readers want, after all. I'm not a mind reader. Or, you can alternatively PM me with that stuff, and that's fine too. I appreciate the support, feedback and reader input either way! And until next chapter, sithlorde1988 out!

NOTES

*1*- First and foremost, most of this rank-up with Ren and Yusuke was kind of absurd and yet hilarious, in my opinion. I mean come on, who has a scene with two guys hanging out, and then one of the guys looks at the other and says 'Do you want me to strip?', and in the middle of a church no less! While I can see this potentially being a good comedic gag to some extent, I feel like that's asking for trouble, for both Ren and Yusuke.

That aside, I could easily see Morgana discreetly recording Ren asking Yusuke if he wanted him to strip, for a few different reasons, not least of which being potential blackmail material. That, and you have to expect that both Kasumi and Kusa's faces when and/or if they hear that recording are going to be quite hilarious, to say nothing of how livid both Ren and Yusuke might end up being with a certain not-cat. But that's just my opinion.

CONFIDANT RANKS AS OF THE END OF CHAPTER 47

FOOL (Igor/Prison Master) - Rank 6

MAGICIAN (Morgana/Mona) - Rank 6

PRIESTESS (Makoto/Queen) - Rank 4

EMPEROR (Yusuke/Fox) - Rank 5

HIEROPHANT (Sojiro/Boss/Coffee Daddy) - Rank 4

LOVERS (Ann/Panther) - Rank 7

CHARIOT (Ryuji/Skull) - Rank 6

JUSTICE (Akechi) - Rank 5

STRENGTH (Caroline and Justine/Twin Wardens) - Rank 6

HANGED-MAN (Iwai/Weapons Dealer) - Rank 1

DEATH (Takemi/Back-Alley Doctor) - Rank 6

TEMPERANCE (Kawakami) - Rank 3

DEVIL (Ohya) - Rank 1

STAR (Hifumi) - Rank 4

MOON (Mishima) - Rank 5

SUN (Yoshida/Man Of The People) - Rank 7

JUDGEMENT (Sae/Prosecutor) - Rank 2

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

COUNCILLOR (Maruki) - Rank 5

WORLD (Kusa/Draconis) - Rank 4

YET TO BE UNLOCKED: FORTUNE, HERMIT, TOWER, EMPRESS