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!

55. Ann's Confession! Trapped Heiress part 5

A/N: sithlorde1988 here, with another chapter of Persona 5- The Phantom Files! Not really much to say this time around, to be honest. As such, let's hop right into the disclaimer, shall we?

Disclaimer: sithlorde1988 does not own the Persona series in any way, shape, or form (aside from any OCs that have appeared thus far, namely Kusa/Draconis and all other recurring OCs, which unless otherwise stated all are made by and thus owned by him) and all ownership credit for the Persona series belongs to Atlus, Sega and to a point Koei Tecmo! So all credit to them!

That being said, I suppose let's get on with chapter 55!

Chapter 55: Confidant Rank-ups! Ann's Confession? Fan Shopping in Akihibara! Trapped Heiress part 5

(At Leblanc, in the attic with Ren and Morgana)

"Well, not much going on today, is there?" Morgana asked Ren, who nodded before smiling as he had an idea occur to him.

"That's true. Be that as it may, however, this could be a good chance to gather the crew for some billiards, so I can try out that shot I read about. Feels like a good use of my time, yeah?" Ren said as Morgana nodded before the two went to the Penguin Sniper and paid 800 yen to call the others over for some billiards. Once the group, including Futaba and Kusa, had shown up, Ryuji grinned as he spoke up.

"Heheh, nice, the gang's all here! I can't wait to play a few rounds! Let's get this started!" Ryuji said as Ren nodded, lining up a shot, as Futaba looked on in intrigue, carefully holding a cue in both hands, as if wanting to play herself, much to Kusa's amusement, though he'd be lying if he wasn't curious to see how good Futaba was at billiards. As the two watched Ren line up his shot, Makoto did a closed eye smile and spoke up.

"Hm, interesting technique, Ren-kun. Stabilize your form, then take aim at your target. There's a lot to learn here." Makoto said as Kusa spoke up.

"True. Then again, shouldn't be that hard for the likes of us, with our tactical expertise. Granted, there's a distinct element of luck and to some extent precision involved too, so it should be a pretty even playing field for the group. Even for Taba here. Not gonna lie, kinda curious to see her take a few shots if the chance presents itself. I feel like she'd be pretty good, despite her lean and petite frame suggesting otherwise." Kusa said, giving an amused grin to a slightly pouting Futaba, who huffed before she spoke up.

"I hate that you're right. At least you meant that as a compliment, so I really can't be annoyed at you that much." Futaba said as Kusa grinned and spoke up in amusement.

"No, you really can't. Sure you could be annoyed at me for storming off like I did before, but you don't choose to be, fortunately for me. And to be honest, I half-expected more flack from the majority of the group after I came back, but such was fortunately not the case. Anyways, I believe we were here to watch Ren shoot some billiards for now, not listen to commentary from you and I." Kusa said in amusement as Ren did a break shot and pocketed many of the balls. Ren then took a look at the table, making note of how the balls were positioned, realizing he'd need to make a difficult shot to clear the balls. As Ren lined up for said shot, Morgana's eyes went glinty as he spoke up with a grin.

"Oh, whoa! Are you going for that shot, Ren!?" Morgana said as Ren, rather than reply, took and landed the shot to pocket the ball he was aiming at, making it look easy as Morgana spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Nice, good going! That behind-the-back shot looked amazing!" Morgana said as Ann spoke up.

"Wow, nailed it! You're like a pro!" Ann said with a closed-eye smile as Kusa chuckled and spoke up.

"Good, because if half of what I've heard going around is even remotely correct, Ren's gonna need to be good if he's going to truly become a pro at billiards. If nothing else, I heard rumors on the school grapevine that Akechi plays billiards on the sly periodically, so maybe Ren can get good enough to beat him in a game or two? We'll see." Kusa said, a faintly amused smirk on his face while he finished speaking, even as Futaba huffed and spoke up.

"Don't be giving Ren such a high bar to clear as to beat that ace douche! Granted, I think Ren could do it, but I feel like it'd be more impactful if he could do it in a way that manages to also impress his crush while doing so. That way he's killing two birds with one stone, or one game in this case." Futaba said as Kusa chuckled before he spoke up.

"That's true. But I don't really think you have room to mention him impressing his crush when you were too busy being a shut-in until recently to even probably entertain the idea of a crush yourself. Not that I mind that about you, since I don't. Just pointing out that as the saying goes, 'You should handle your own life before commenting on those of others.' Or at least I think that's how it goes? Either way, I think you'll get there eventually, Taba." Kusa said with a smile, ignoring the knowing smirks on Ryuji and Ren's faces and the mildly amused looks on both Ann and Makoto's faces, while Morgana just chuckled and spoke up.

"Why don't you take your own advice, Kusa? After all, I think we all know by now that you and Futaba are crazy for each other, and now that we've more or less gotten her out of her shell, you can't use that as an excuse to not act on your feelings." Morgana said sagely as Kusa frowned at the not-cat and spoke up.

"You hush, Morgana! At least I acknowledge that I have feelings for Futaba, and have even confessed those to her. It's just a simple matter of waiting for the opportune moment to make any move. But I think I can say with some confidence it will be sooner at this point, rather than later. But the moment's not quite right just yet. However, if what he told me about his time in Hawaii is true, I think Ren is much closer to basically asking Yoshizawa to be his than I am to asking the same of Taba. After all, the two laid together and tanned. If that doesn't denote some strong-ass chemistry, I dunno what else does." Kusa pointed out sagely as Ryuji chuckled and fist-bumped Kusa, both ignoring a red-faced Ren as Ryuji spoke up.

"Truth, Kusa! Ren needs to just act already! He has even less excuse to stall than you do, especially considering he's already basically kissed her twice, and exchanged many cheek kisses with her." Ryuji said as Ren huffed and spoke up in embarrassment.

"I know that! It's just, much like what Kusa said, I haven't felt like the moment is quite right to try to stake claim to her. But if the rumors about there being a school dance coming up are true, that might be the prime opportunity for some relationships to happen, provided most of us actually have the cajones to actually ask their crushes to said dance. Though that's not a problem for me, since Yoshizawa and I actually made a pact that if it does happen we'd go to it as each other's dates, so I'm already set. So that really just leaves the ball in Ryuji and Kusa's courts to do the same for their crushes." Ren pointed out as Kusa spoke up.

"True, but be that as it may, you're overlooking something. While Ryuji's crush is not only a third-year, but also on the student council, mine's not even a Shujin student! So even if, and I do mean IF, I were to ask her to go to that dance with me, how would I get her into the school? That'd probably take some finangling to manage, I would think." Kusa pointed out sagely as Makoto chuckled and spoke up, smiling slyly as she spoke despite her red face at Kusa's insinuations that Ryuji likes her.

"Right, however I feel like we could work something out with the student council to where students who have dates that aren't Shujin students, or who are former Shujin students, could invite them too. But we'll have to see what we can do." Makoto said as Kusa nodded agreeably before Futaba spoke up.

"Wait, what!? A dance? I've never been to one of those before! Also, I have no clue if I even own a proper outfit for a school dance!" Futaba said in surprise as Kusa smiled and put an arm around Futaba reassuringly while he spoke up.

"Relax, Taba. I doubt the dance will be formal or dressy, so as long as you just wear a relatively beautiful dress or something to really show off your natural beauty, you should be fine. Besides, we both know that between myself, Ren, Makoto, Ryuji, Ann, and even Yoshizawa, no one's going to even look at you funny, lest any or all of us decide to take exception to it. So don't be so worried.

And you don't have to go if you truly don't want to, Taba. Makoto just meant it could be a nice opportunity for you to make more fond memories to look back on. Besides, how many times have you read about couples hooking up at dances, Taba? I'm fairly sure at least a few, given you read a lot of manga." Kusa pointed out as Futaba chuckled and spoke up.

"Good point. Of course, this also assumes someone asks me to go to said dance with them." Futaba said as Kusa just smiled and nodded while Ren finished shooting his game. Afterwards, Morgana turned to Ren with a smile and spoke up.

"You actually pulled off that shot, Ren. Nice going! That's why you're our leader!" Morgana said as Kusa grinned and spoke up.

"Oh? And here I thought it was because he was our 'trump card in terms of fighting strength' or our 'secret weapon', as you put it?" Kusa said teasingly to Morgana, who huffed and spoke up.

"Shut it, Kusa! I'm trying to compliment Ren here." Morgana lightly rebuked, Kusa who laughed and nodded as he gave Morgana his best contrite look before he spoke up.

"Sorry, sorry. Was just trying to make a joke. My bad." Kusa said as Morgana nodded while speaking.

"Fair enough. Anyways, looks like your challenge brought everyone together, Ren!" Morgana said to Ren who nodded as his Technical rank went up from 1 to 2, increasing the damage and knockdown rate for Technical hits. At that point, Futaba spoke up in amusement, having finished shooting her own game as well.

"Oh! Nice work, Ren! My hands are all sweaty now!" Futaba said as Kusa smirked and spoke up.

"You sure that's not just you being excited to play billiards, Taba? Besides, pretty sure the only time one's hands get sweaty is if they're nervous or had a hard workout, and I'm quite sure neither of those is true of you right now, per se." Kusa pointed out. Futaba huffed and spoke up as she lightly swatted Kusa on the arm.

"Shut up, Kusa! You know what I mean! Besides, isn't enough we're all here together?" Futaba said as Yusuke spoke up.

"Indeed. This is quite nice, just having the group together to relax and unwind instead of for a serious situation." Yusuke said sagely as Morgana spoke up.

"Right? Glad to see everyone had fun. I gotta say though, thanks to playing billiards, it looks like you've gotten better at analyzing situations, Ren!" Morgana said as Ren nodded, feeling his Knowledge get a needless boost while Morgana kept speaking.

"Didn't you buy your own cue stick before, Ren? Looks like you didn't get to use it today, which is unfortunate. Well, you can't walk the path of billiards in one day. Let's come play again sometime." Morgana said as Kusa nodded.

"Exactly. Rome wasn't built in a day, after all." Kusa said as everyone present, bar Ren, had a blue sparkling note go up over their heads, implying they were all ready for a rank up in the near-ish future. Ann then spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"That was so much fun. You gotta invite me again sometime." Ann said as Ren nodded and the group went their separate ways for the day on that note. Ann spoke up once more at that point.

"Well, bye! See you later!" Ann said as Ren and Morgana headed back to Leblanc as Kusa escorted Futaba back home...

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

As Ren and Morgana returned to Leblanc, Ren's phone went off to signify a group chat with Ryuji, Ann, Kusa, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and surprisingly enough Okumura, with Okumura sending the first response.

"Please excuse me for messaging you so late in the evening. I truly apologize for what has happened in this case." Okumura sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Ooh, so formal!" Futaba sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"She seems to be a particularly conscientious person." Yusuke sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Well, considering she's old enough to be everyone in this chat's senpai aside from Makoto, I'm not surprised she has good manners. Considering she was likely brought up as the heiress to Okumura Foods, she of course would've most likely had etiquette and good manners ingrained into her from a fairly young age, but that's purely a guess on my part." Kusa sent. Ann sent a response at that point.

"It kinda feels like that formality is putting some distance between us though." Ann sent as Kusa and Ren sent responses close together, Kusa's coming through first.

"Be fair here, Ann. As far as she's aware, she still refers to most of us by surnames because we've not yet gotten onto a first-name basis with her, despite the fact that some of us are calling her by name regardless. But I won't name names, since the ones who did that know who they are. And besides, I feel like that'll be up to Okumura-san to decide when and if she wants to be on a less formal basis with us." Kusa sent as Ren's response came through.

"Good point, Kusa. But I don't think there's a point in telling Haru here not to be so stiff. And I'm sure she knows we're teammates at this point, so there's no reason to be so formal necessarily." Ren sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Be that as it may, it's still common courtesy and respect to not address someone by their given name without their consent and agreement. So let's wait until Okumura-san agrees before we take that step, yeah?" Kusa sent as Okumura sent a response.

"Amamiya-kun the younger is right. But more importantly, I'm the newest member, and as such, I need to act respectfully." Okumura sent as Makoto sent a response.

"That might be, but it's usually only Kusa who really pays attention to observing such social formalities for the most part. Though I will say he makes a valid point about it being good manners and common courtesy not to use someone's given name to address them without permission, teammates or not. Furthermore, you're already one of us." Makoto sent. Haru sent a response at that point.

"Thank you, Mako-chan." Okumura sent as Makoto and Kusa sent responses close together, Makoto's coming through first.

"Mako-chan? Do you mean me?" Makoto sent as Kusa's response came through.

"Considering none of the rest of have 'Mako' anywhere in our names that I can recall, I'd say so. And is that meant to be a nickname for Makoto, Okumura-san?" Kusa sent. Okunura sent a response.

"Sorry, I think my fingers typed that subconsciously on instinct. I'm just so glad to have found a friend my age." Okumura sent as Makoto sent a response.

"Not a problem. That personal touch is actually refreshing." Makoto sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Great. I hope we get to be the bestest of friends, Mako-chan." Ryuji sent as Kusa sent a response that was a mix of amused, confused and annoyed.

"Somehow, I'm not surprised that Ryuji would be bold enough to think that Okumura-san using such a personal nickname for Makoto gives him carte blanche to do the same without asking. I know most of us don't observe such niceties, but for some of us, like myself, it's kind of an ingrained habit from how we were raised. Ask Ren, he'll vouch that the two of us were raised in an environment where having good etiquette and manners was instilled into us, along with a healthy respect for ladies.

So you'll forgive me if I tend to nitpick things like that sometimes. It's basically a mix of auto-pilot and ingrained instinct. I can try to break it, but I make no promises on it working." Kusa sent as Ryuji flushed and sent a response.

"Ah, oops, you're right Kusa. Uh, sorry 'bout that. I sorta got carried away a bit there." Ryuji sent as Ren put his chat away at that point. As Ren considered his options, he realized that Sojiro was available to rank up, making him shrug as he decided to spend some time with him. As Ren walked up, Sojiro spoke up.

"You have time today, right? Help out with the cafe." Sojiro said as Morgana spoke up.

"What are you gonna do, Ren? Will you help the chief out?" Morgana asked Ren as the door opened and Kusa walked in at that moment and chuckled as he spoke up.

"Of course he probably is, Morgana. We both know how infrequently Ren has these chances, so he has to seize them where he can. Besides, it's been pretty beneficial to him thus far, considering how much better he's gotten with the ladies already." Kusa said with a knowing smirk at Ren, who huffed while he frowned at Kusa and spoke up.

"Shut it, Kusa. And yes Morgana, I do think I'll spend some time with Boss tonight and help out around the shop." Ren said decisively, getting approving nods from both Kusa and Morgana. Sojiro smiled and also nodded before speaking up.

"Ah, sorry to impose so suddenly. And thank you. I do appreciate you being willing to help out. Oh right, the regulars'll be here any minute." Sojiro said as Ren nodded, handing Morgana off to Kusa, who carried the not-cat upstairs and set him down gently on the sofa as he decided to use the bedroom to start on his make-up homework for the two days he missed while he'd ran off. Meanwhile, back downstairs, a gaudy-looking female customer spoke up with an amused glance at Soiro while she spoke.

"Don't you ever get lonely, So-chan? You've been a bachelor for so long now. Have you given up on marriage?" The gaudy customer asked as Ren blinked in surprise before Sojiro chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh, to be honest? All I want in a relationship is spicy stimulation followed by some smooth, relaxing comfort. And I can get both of those things from my curry and my coffee. That's enough for me." Sojiro said as the gaudy female customer looked at Ren and spoke up.

He always dodges my questions like that. He's so clever. By the way, what are your thoughts on So-chan's life of solitude?" The gaudy customer asked Ren, who spoke up after pondering his answer.

"Ignoring you calling him So-chan, which I assume Boss has no objections to since he's not rebuked you for it, I think Boss is a grown man who can do what he likes with his life. That said, in my opinion, to each his own. If Boss is married to his business, that's his choice to make and I support it whole-heartedly." Ren said politely with a smile. Sojiro, for his part, just winced, rubbing the back of his neck as he spoke up.

"Well, even though I'm pretty sure that was meant as a compliment, that's also a real roundabout way of showing disapproval, Ren. Anyways, the only thing I care about in life is making sure my customers are satisfied." Sojiro said as Ren smirked and spoke up.

"Don't lie, Boss. You also care about keeping your family happy too." Ren said sagely. Sojiro nodded his agreement before speaking up.

"True, but I thought that went without saying." Sojiro said to Ren before looking at the gaudy customer as he spoke up once more.

"Nothing makes me happier than seeing people relax in here. Come back anytime, okay?" Sojiro said as the gaudy customer nodded before paying her bill and leaving. After she left, Sojiro smirked at Ren and spoke up.

"Hey. She seemed especially aggressive today, huh? It would've been bad if she pushed any further, to be honest. And you didn't need to bring up Futaba like you did either." Sojiro pointed out as a chuckle came from the stairs as another voice spoke up.

"Oh? And why was Ren bringing up Taba, pray tell?" Kusa asked in amusement as he came downstairs, at which point Sojiro nodded to Kusa and spoke up.

"Oh, no real reason. Just he made a remark about how I care about my family in front of a customer, which basically implied he was referring to Futaba, since I don't think he meant the two of you. While it is true I've come to appreciate the two of you to an extent of recent, especially after how much you've been helping Futaba out, that doesn't mean I'm fond of you two. That said, I guess food service relies on keeping the right distance from people at all times. Not too far, but not too close." Sojiro said as Kusa nodded before the door opened and Sojiro turned to face the new arrival.

"Welco-! YOU! You just don't know when to give up, do you!?" Sojiro said to the new arrival, who spoke up in an amused tone, not seeing Kusa's eyes narrow suspiciously as the new arrival spoke up.

"Well, hello to you too, Sojiro. I just learned something VERY interesting! Futaba's been shut off from both school and society this whole time, huh? That's not good parenting." The cheerful elderly man said as Kusa frowned before he glared at the new arrival while he spoke up.

"Now I remember why you look familiar, you scumbag. How dare you show your face here after what you've done?" Kusa said to the cheerful elderly man before quieting down at the warning looks from both Ren and Sojiro, the latter of whom glared at the elderly man as he spoke up.

"I appreciate the backup, Kusa. But remember where we are." Sojiro said to Kusa as he turned to the elderly man and kept speaking.

"And as for YOU! Yeah? And what have YOU done to care for her?" Sojiro asked the cheerful elderly man, who smirked as he spoke up.

"You know quite well what I've done, Sojiro. And it's about time that you pay up." The cheerful elderly man said to Sojiro who huffed and spoke up with a grunt.

"Urgh, don't be ridiculous! Futaba had a terrible time living with you, so you have NO room to lecture me about parenting!" Sojiro rebuked the elderly man as Kusa spoke up.

"Exactly, Boss! This waste of space is lucky I have restraint, or I'd be tempted to drag him out behind the building and show him what I think of what he's done." Kusa said as Sojiro spoke up.

"Thank you Kusa. And as for you, I already gave you most of the inheritance for custody! Is that still not enough for you!?" Sojiro said as the cheerful elderly man spoke up.

"We could always find out in court, you know. I wonder who'd win between a blood relative, and a mere legal guardian. I think we both know the answer though." The cheerful elderly person said as Kusa glared at the man and spoke up.

"You might be a blood relative, but I think if we were to ask Taba what SHE thinks, I think she'd likely agree with me that blood isn't always thicker than water! Sure, Boss isn't perfect, but at least he cares about what Futaba wants, and doesn't just see her as an inconvenience to push around, the way you do! I know it's not my place to say something like this since you are older than me, but I don't care, I'll say it anyways. I think Boss will forgive me for speaking a bit out of turn in this instance, since he knows I do it out of a place of concern.

That being said, do you honestly think that your sister would at ALL be proud of how you're acting right now!? I might not have known her personally, but from the accounts that both Boss and Taba have given of her, she seemed like an incredible person who would NEVER have approved of how you treated her daughter. So if I were you, I'd get a shred of respectability and decency and just accept what you've already been given!" Kusa rebuked the elderly man, who he implied to be Futaba's uncle with his remarks to the man. Sojiro smiled at Kusa as he nodded and spoke up.

"Thanks, Kusa. Those are all excellent points you raised." Sojiro said before he turned to the man and spoke up.

"You piece of garbage. Have you no decency?" Sojiro asked as the man spoke up once more, not seeing both Ren and Kusa's eyes narrow at what he said next.

"Oh, and not to mention that kid you have here! I've heard all about him and his criminal record. That leaves us with a 'parent' who won't let her go to school and a delinquent housemate on probation, not to mention an overprotective other housemate who might well just be trying to impress Futaba by standing up for her so-called 'parent'. Doesn't seem to be quite the best environment for Futaba, now does it?" The elderly man said as Kusa and Ren both huffed and the former spoke up.

"What did you just say about my brother and about Futaba, you bastard!? I don't care if you take shots at me, since you're entitled to your incorrect opinions, but DO NOT let me hear you talking crap about anyone I'm close to around me. I don't care if you are related to her. Whether that's the case or not, that's not okay! The only reason I haven't already socked you is because I have respect for Boss' place of business.

That, and because I promised Futaba I wouldn't go off half-cocked and get myself into trouble on her account. So you're lucky I'm trying to keep myself out of trouble for Taba's sake, because I'm honestly tempted to say eff it and just drag your lying, skeevy ass out behind the building and beat some sense into you, but I won't because it's not worth it." Kusa said as Ren spoke up.

"What my brother said. Shut your lying mouth. Never mind what you said about my record, since I can understand that being a cause for concern. Do NOT go around making aspersions about Boss or Kusa. Boss is an amazing person who does his best to make Futaba happy any way he can. And to your statement about Boss not letting Taba go to school? I call mega bull on that!

If she came up to Boss right now and asked, I guarantee you he'd tell her yes, because he wants to see her go out and about, but most importantly, he wants Futaba to be happy and healthy. But she's been in a very effed-up place recently and thus not emotionally up for going to school. So do NOT try using that as a bargaining chip! That makes you look like you don't care about Futaba's well-being either! So you haven't got much of a leg to stand on if you ask me." Ren said in a blunt but sage tone. The elderly man spoke up.

"What was that!? Y-you have a problem, punk!? I'll sue you for intimidation!" The elderly man said as Kusa spoke up while crossing his arms intimidatingly next to Ren..

"Shut the eff up, you liar! If anyone's got a case to get sued for in this room, it's YOU! You were terrible to Futaba! She told me what you did to her! And to be honest, you're lucky she asked me to let it go, or I'd be really heated with you over that right now. But for real, if you were really as much of a concerned legal relative as you claim to be, you wouldn't have made her sleep on the floor with no blankets or pillows while refusing to let her bathe! That's neglect right there!

So don't step to me about suing Ren! Otherwise, I'll help Boss here gather enough facts to have your ass counter-sued faster than you can blink! So please, I dare your dumb ass to step to my brother with a lawsuit." Kusa said warningly, not seeing the impressed look Sojiro gave him as he stared down the elderly man. Sojiro then turned to Ren and spoke up gratefully.

"Hey, keep your necks out of this, both of you. I'm grateful, but just get on upstairs, okay?" Sojiro said to Ren and Kusa, right as the door opened once more and Futaba walked in, and looked at Sojiro while she spoke up, not seeing the elderly man at first.

"Sojirooo, I hunger!" Futaba said to Sojiro before gasping as she saw the elderly man and spoke up.

"Oh, my. When did HE get here? And why do I see Ren and Kusa both staring him down like they're ready to attack?" Futaba asked as the elderly man spoke up in a cheerful tone.

"Futaba-chan! Long time no see!" The elderly man said as Futaba winced and spoke up.

"I...I...I..." Futaba said, seemingly unable to articulate a response, as Kusa took advantage of the distraction to slip around the counter behind Sojiro and the elderly man to guide Futaba to a booth seat so she could sit down, speaking to her gently as he guided her to a seat.

"Easy does it, Taba. Don't let this miserable excuse for human trash scare you. The only reason I've not already socked him in the effing jaw is because I promised Boss I'd not get into trouble over that scumbag. So that guy's lucky Sojiro's got a level head right now. But never mind that. I got you, Taba." Kusa said comfortingly. Sojiro blinked and spoke up in surprise as he walked over to where Kusa had gently set Futaba down as he spoke up

"Futaba!" Sojiro said as the elderly man spoke up.

"See what I'm saying? She's a total wreck. This is clearly not a healthy situation." The elderly man said as Kusa growled at the man before he spoke up in an icy, scarily calm tone, glaring at the elderly man while he spoke.

"SHUT YOUR LYING MOUTH! The only thing unhealthy about this situation is YOU! Futaba's clearly scared of you, you scumbag! And I'm not trying to scare her more by putting the fear of God into your ass like you deserve. So count yourself lucky and shut up! Or else I'm sure Ren over there will help me drag you outside to teach you some respect while Boss calms Futaba down! But for now, I'm trying not to do that, since I think Taba needs all the support and encouragement she can get right now since she's being forced to deal with you." Kusa said pointedly as Ren nodded his agreement. Sojiro nodded his agreement as he spoke up.

"Exactly! Kusa's totally right! Futaba's only like this because she saw YOU here!" Sojiro said as the cheerful elderly man spoke up, ignoring Sojiro and Kusa's rebuking words while he spoke.

"Hmph, whatever you say, kid. And also, don't make me repeat myself, Sojiro! You can't beat me in court, so you may as well just give me the money." The man said as Sojiro growled in frustration as Kusa spoke up.

"Are you deaf!? You're not getting an effing penny outta Boss! So I suggest you take that despicable, scummy ass of yours and get outta here before one of us loses it." Kusa warned the elderly man, who chuckled as he spoke up.

"Whatever you say, kid. I bet you're just acting macho and tough to try and make Futaba fall for you. As if a mouthy, short-tempered, and impulsive bastard like you has a shot with damaged goods like her anyways." The cheerful elderly man said as he turned to Sojiro as he kept speaking.

"Well Sojiro, I hope you reach the right decision! Bye now!" The elderly man said as he turned and left ignoring the livid-sounding yell that Kusa aimed at his departing back.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME, YOU ASSHOLE!? HOW DARE YOU! YOU BETTER GET OUT AND NOT LET ME SEE YOU AROUND HERE AGAIN! OTHERWISE NEXT TIME, I'LL BODILY CHASE YOU OUT, AND YOU WON'T LIKE WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT! And don't you ever let me hear you say such a disgusting thing about Futaba again! She is not damaged goods!

It's not Taba's fault that her life is a rough one, after all. She's just had a rough go of it in her life, but I blame crappy relatives like YOU who'd rather pass her around like she was a commodity rather than seeing she was suffering and trying to love her and give her the support that she clearly needed from you. So don't talk to me about having a shot with her. That's entirely her choice if she likes me as just a friend, or if she decides that she wants me as her boyfriend!

And for the record, you judgmental son of a bitch? I support whatever Taba decides, regardless of how I feel about her! And I have Boss' back! So don't ever come back here!" Kusa yelled at the man's departing figure, only stopping to take a breath after he was sure the man was out of sight, before turning a sheepish look at a stunned Sojiro and Futaba, the former of whom looked at the latter as he spoke up, only giving Kusa a grateful nod for what he'd said while he spoke.

"Futaba, are you okay? You should just head home for today. I'll take you." Sojiro said to Futaba, who looked at Sojiro as she spoke up.

"Sojiro, why was he here? I'm honestly glad Kusa was here to step in, or who knows what that man could've done?" Futaba said as Sojiro shrugged and Kusa spoke up, looking into Futaba's eyes as he spoke up.

"Futaba, listen to me. Please, trust me when I tell you this. I would never have let that scumbag so much as come near you. I might respect Boss' place of business, but that doesn't mean I won't throw hands to protect you, because to hell with that! I'm not about to sit here and not protect someone close to me if they're in danger. So try not to fret over that man being here.

He's not going to hurt you. If you don't believe that I'll keep you safe from him, then at least believe that Boss will. Because we both love you and will not let that man near you." Kusa said honestly, not caring about Ren and Sojiro's reactions as he was focused on comforting Futaba, who smiled as she walked forward to hug Kusa, who smiled and wrapped his arms gently around Futaba comfortingly while Futaba spoke up.

"Kusa, thank you. You're right. I do trust you to keep me safe. I just panicked a bit, that's all." Futaba said as she laid her head on Kusa's shoulder as he smiled and spoke up.

"Good, glad to hear it. But I think Sojiro's right. That was a lot of excitement. You should let him take you home while Ren and I watch the shop." Kusa said to Futaba, who smiled and nodded as she spoke up.

"I will. Thank you, Kusa, for standing up for me like you did. It means a lot to me that you care enough to do that." Futaba said as she smiled and pressed a shy kiss to Kusa's cheek before she let Sojiro walk her home, ignoring the knowing smirk Ren gave Kusa while speaking up, as it was just the two of them in the shop after Sojiro walked Futaba home.

"Oh, what's this? I could be wrong, but it looks to me like you got Futaba's attention, eh Kusa? Maybe you two aren't as far off from possibly being more than friends as you think? Sounds like you have some thinking to do." Ren said as Kusa huffed and spoke up.

"I realize that, Ren. But is that really important right now? That bastard is damn lucky I didn't toss him to the effing ground and break his freaking jaw after what he said about Taba, not to mention the crap he talked about us both. And he's lucky that I respect Sojiro and Futaba, because normally I kick people's asses who call me a bastard." Kusa said huffily. Ren just patted Kusa on the shoulder as he spoke up.

"I know that, Kusa. But you can't always be quick to fight people. Sometimes you have to be the bigger person and not rise to being baited. Luckily you didn't rise to it much this time, so it worked out, but from now on you need to keep a tighter grip on your temper, no matter what you hear." Ren said to Kusa who sighed and nodded.

"Fine. I won't lash out from now on if I hear someone calling the girl I love damaged goods, even though that's entirely not true and effed up besides." Kusa said huffily as he crossed his arms at the same time that Sojiro came back in and spoke up.

"Sorry about that, you two. At least Futaba's okay. All that drama must've tired her out a lot, considering she fell asleep right after we got home and I got her to bed. As Kusa mentioned, and I guess I can't be mad at him for calling him out on what he did, that man, as it so happens? He's Futaba's uncle." Sojiro said as Ren blinked in surprise, finally understanding at that point why Kusa looked so livid and shocked when Sojiro had said 'if he wasn't related to her' before, realizing that Sojiro had in fact meant Futaba. Sojiro kept speaking at that point.

"After Wakaba died, Futaba was passed around all her relatives, one at a time. His place was the last. He treated her like garbage. He never fed her, and forced her to sleep on the floor like an animal. As Kusa mentioned, he even took it so far that he didn't even let Futaba bathe, for who knows why. Once I learned that, I knew I had to step in. I couldn't stand for that kind of horrible treatment, so I decided to take Futaba under my care." Sojiro said as Kusa's eyes widened slightly before narrowing as he spoke up angrily.

"Wait, WHAT!? He never fed her!? That son of a bitch! He's lucky you left that part out, to be honest. I probably might've just beat the crap out of him on principle if I'd known about that. I don't care what you think of your family, there is NO excuse for not giving them basic things like a proper place to sleep, access to performing basic hygiene, and especially three square meals a day! That's not abusive, that's effing inhumane! How she's still this strong after something like that I have no clue, but I respect Futaba even more now that I know more of what she's been through." Kusa said in annoyance. Sojiro nodded as he spoke up.

"I agree, Kusa. It's despicable! And what's more? Even back then, he was whining about all the damn expenses. I threw some cash his way, thinking that would put the issue to bed, but to no avail it seems. But now, he's back for more. I don't even know how he managed to find me here, to be honest. I dunno, maybe paying him was a mistake." Sojiro said as both Ren and Kusa blinked at this, the former speaking up.

"Nonsense, Boss! I don't care what else is the case, from what you've told me? Saving Futaba was no mistake. It was worth every penny, just to see how much she appreciates you for it. And I'm sure Kusa agrees with me on that." Ren said as Kusa spoke up.

"Dang effing straight I do! Saving someone like Futaba from such a hellhole is NEVER a mistake! That's just common courtesy and basic decency! Never doubt that saving a person in need is the right thing to do. Because I assure you, it was NOT a mistake. She might not say so, but Futaba does appreciate that you did that for her a great deal. She's just too embarrassed to say how she feels a lot of the time because of what she's been through.

She's gonna have a long road ahead of her to overcoming it, but I think if the three of us, and even the rest of her friends, work together, we can help her find some semblance of peace and happiness in her life. So never feel as if it's a mistake that you saved her from a messed-up situation! Because it's not! I respect you a lot for having the courage to do it, Boss!" Kusa said firmly. Sojiro blinked in surprise at Kusa and Ren before he spoke up with a frown and nod.

"Heh, you know? You're both right. Thanks, you two. I never thought you'd be the ones comforting me. Either way though, it's my fault Futaba didn't leave her room. I just didn't know how to help her through it, to be honest. I'd make curry, leave it by her door, and go. If not for the two of you, I'd probably still be waiting for her to come out." Sojiro said as Kusa spoke up.

"Boss? To be frank, you did exactly the right thing. With Futaba, sometimes it's the simpler, unspoken things that can mean the most to her. The fact you respected her privacy and wishes certainly left an impression on her, to be sure. Not to mention you were willing to pluck her out of that hellhole her so-called uncle had her in, and bring her to a place of safety, comfort and even love, to whatever extent you can manage to articulate and express the latter. Those actions speak quite highly about not only your character but of how big-hearted you are, Boss.

Also, from my experience, sometimes it's enough just staying close by and being supportive of Futaba, no matter what. After all, all I did was just continually talk to her as if she were an equal and continually re-assure her as she needed it. Just making her feel that you were there for her and loved her was likely enough to help her warm to you. Why else would she already consider you as good as a father figure to her, Sojiro? Whether she said so or not yet is irrelevant right now. And, as a former shut-in myself, it's often more effective to just continually keep doing what you do and provide that feeling of security and consistency.

Eventually you'd have relaxed her enough to get her to open up to you, but it'd have probably taken a lot longer than it ended up taking. The only reason that the process ended up going faster is probably because Futaba knew I was there for her and wouldn't let anything happen to her, which probably if I had to guess gave her the courage to start leaving her room once more. So don't doubt that you were doing the right thing, because you absolutely were." Kusa said reassuringly to Sojiro, who chuckled as he spoke up.

"Heh, thanks Kusa. Maybe it really was destined that I wound up taking you and Ren in like I did. Look how much better off both myself and Futaba have been for it." Sojiro said, before sighing as he kept speaking.

"But even so, if you asked me whether I deserve to be Futaba's guardian or not? My answer would be no. They say blood's thicker than water, right? I wonder what'd be the best for Futaba, to be honest. Haha, sorry. Look at me, spilling out my heart to a couple of punks like you. Though, honestly, it's kinda weird. For some reason, I just feel like telling you this stuff. It's like you're both peering into my heart or something. Heh, I guess there really is something special about both of you." Sojiro said as Ren nodded, feeling as if his bond with Sojiro was growing deeper.

At that point, the 'Hierophant' card appeared, the 'V' becoming a 'VI" to signify that his Hierophant Confidant link with Sojiro had reached rank 6. As a result of the rank-up, Ren had graduated from 'Coffee Tips' to 'Coffee Mastery', which allowed him to brew coffee that greatly restores the SP of a selected ally. Afterwards, a chime echoed as Sojiro spoke up.

"Oh? It's already pretty late, isn't it? I should be going, so I'm going home. I'm still worried about Futaba." Sojiro said as Kusa spoke up.

"That's perfectly understandable, Boss. But I think you might be surprised if you trust her enough to get her opinion on this. But that's just MY opinion." Kusa said sagely as Sojiro nodded before speaking up.

"Fair enough, Kusa. Maybe you're correct. Either way, don't stay up too late, you hear? Oh, and, ya know, thanks for standing up for me and Futaba, you two. And Kusa, for what it's worth, don't listen to that guy when he calls you such names. We don't care if it's accurate or not." Sojiro said as Ren felt his Kindness growing from hanging out with Sojiro, even though it was at max rank. Sojiro then left as Ren and Kusa went upstairs to get ready for bed, the former wincing as his phone rang so he headed downstairs to answer it.

"Hello?" Ren said as he heard Sojiro's voice on the other end while he spoke up.

"Hey. Futaba's fast asleep, just so you and Kusa know. And again, sorry. I didn't mean to get you two tangled up in all this mess." Sojiro said as Ren spoke up.

"Don't worry about it, Boss. Even if you hadn't dragged us into, we'd have probably ended up involved anyways considering how heated Kusa is with Futaba's uncle. I'm honestly impressed he had the restraint to not hit that guy, even though he totally deserved it by the end there. Also, I hope Kusa's outburst didn't embarrass you or Futaba too much. He might lash out like that at people who annoy him, but he only does it to protect those he cares about, like the two of you.

That being said, if either of us can help with this in anyway somehow, don't hesitate to ask. Even ignoring the fact that Kusa is very clearly smitten with Futaba, if not outright has it bad for her, she's as good as family to me, so I have no reservations about doing what I can to help keep her happy and protected." Ren said honestly. Sojiro chuckled as he spoke up.

"Isn't he, though? I don't know why those two are still dancing around the subject. We both know they're in love with each other, yet neither will admit to it? Odd. Or for all we know, they already did but both are agreeing to take it slow when it comes to being more than friends, which is respectable if that's the case. That said, no, neither of you have to do anything. Honestly, the fact you asked at all is enough. Man, though. I never know what I'm doing when I talk to you. I just keep yammering on about stuff I never planned on talking about. Man, I must be going senile, huh?" Sojiro said as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"Not at all. It just means, at least to me, that you're actually starting to warm to us slightly, even if it's moreso to Kusa. Which for the record, that's s not a bad thing if you are starting to care more about us. After all, if I see Futaba as as good as a sister, does that not imply that I could conceivably see you as something of a second father figure? And even if he won't say so, I think Kusa also feels that way about you." Ren said honestly as Sojiro chuckled and spoke up.

"Good point, Ren. You're right, of course. Anyways, don't either of you worry about that guy. I'll find some way to deal with him. You and Kusa just keep looking out for Futaba. Seems like you and her are really hitting it off, so it makes sense I can trust you to look after her. I already know I can trust Kusa to look after her. Why else would I let him be alone in this house with her? That's all I had to say. Don't forget to lock up before bed, Ren. Later." Sojiro said as Ren put the phone away, heading upstairs to bed.

Once Ren got upstairs, he found himself wincing as he could just hear what sounded like a muttered 'I'm not a bastard.' from Kusa as he rolled over with a huff, making Ren wince as he realized that Futaba's uncle had struck a nerve when he called Kusa a bastard, before smiling as he saw Morgana curl up on Kusa comfortingly as he laid down on the bed and got comfortable for the night...

(The following morning, with Morgana, Ren, and Kusa on the walk to school)

"All right, let's do it! Let's grab a bite to eat after school. I do have some Big Bang Burger coupons, but we, um, probably shouldn't go there anymore, huh?" An athletic guy walking in front of Ren and Kusa said to his high-strung friend, who shook his head as he spoke up.

"Uh, no. I hear you'll have a psychotic breakdown if you eat there. I mean, haven't all of Okumura's enemies died in strange ways? Maybe he feeds them poisoned burgers or something? If so, what a monster." The high-strung guy said as the athletic guy spoke up.

"You know, I voted for Okumura on the Phan-Site, to be honest. The Phantom Thieves have a duty to punish bad people. I hope they take care of him soon." The athletic guy said as Kusa huffed and spoke up after the two had walked on out of earshot.

"What a pair of plebs. No shit the Phantom Thieves have a duty to stop bad people! What about the whole 'giving courage to those who need it and helping the weak' bit that was one of their founding principles?" Kusa said to Ren, who shrugged as the rest of the walk passed in silence...

(After school, with Ren and Morgana)

Ren and Morgana were pondering their options in class when Ren's phone went off with a private chat from Kusa.

"If you see this Ren, I probably won't be available for the foreseeable future to renew our Confidant. I have a lot to think about, both regarding my actions, and about the future. So I'll still be around for the team and stuff, but we probably won't be having any real bonding for a bit. Don't take it the wrong way, bro. Just me trying to sort through some things." Kusa sent as Ren shrugged and saw he had other chats, specifically ones from Futaba, Ryuji, Maruki, and Makoto.

The former two asked about the Palace, and the latter two hinted they were available to hang out with, to Ren's surprise. Ren decided to go get a Councillor Persona from the Velvet Room in case he wanted to hang with Maruki again. Once he got to the Velvet Room, he was stopped by Caroline and Justine as the former spoke up.

"There you are, Inmate!" Caroline said as Justine spoke up.

"Our master admires the progress of your rehabilitation, and hence has given you use of a special ritual." Justine said as Caroline spoke up.

"It requires the cooperation of Phantom Thieves undergoing this same ordeal in other worlds at the same time as our current conversation. It's a special fusion called 'Public Execution'!" Caroline said as Justine spoke up.

"This is a helpful ritual where you select a Persona from another Phantom Thieves group and fuse them for your own usage. We've heard that there are special powers for Personas that are only attainable with this fusion method." Justine said as Caroline spoke up. *3*

"Basically, whether or not you make good use of it is up to you! You better devote yourself, Inmate!" Caroline said as Justine spoke up.

"The development of rituals is now complete, but your rehabilitation shall continue onward. Put your best effort forth towards that ultimate goal." Justine said as Ren nodded. After getting the needed Councillor Persona and leaving the Velvet Room, Ren thought about it and decided to go hang out with Ann on a whim. So decided, he headed to the underground mall where she was waiting. Ann spoke up as she saw Ren.

"Oh, Ren. What're you thinking of doing today?" Ann asked Ren, who spoke up.

"I'm aware we have a Palace to start in on, but we can start in on it tomorrow. For today, I feel like hanging out with you, to be honest." Ren said as Ann looked at him in shock before she spoke up.

"Are you sure about that, Ren? We still haven't found the Treasure, after all." Ann said. Ren spoke up.

"We have about 3 weeks left. We're fine to wait one more day. Besides, we're gonna hit the Palace tomorrow and work it through until we either hit a roadblock or secure our infiltration route, whichever occurs first, before we take our usual prep week." Ren said decisively. Ann nodded understandingly as she spoke up.

"Oh? Well, I guess there's no point worrying if you're so sure, Ren. Hey, um, if you're not busy, there's something I really wanna ask you. Do you have time today?" Ann asked Ren, who nodded.

"Of course I do. That's what I'm here for, after all." Ren said reassuringly to Ann, who smiled and nodded.

"Thanks for your concern. The truth is, Shiho's moving away today, so this might be my last chance to tell her how I feel about her. And also, she said that before she goes away, she wants to see the school roof again for who knows why. It's still hard for her to climb stairs though, so do you think you could help me carry her?" Ann asked Ren, who nodded as he spoke up.

"No problem. But for real, you should take the chance to tell her how you feel, Ann. If you don't, who knows when you'll get another chance to do it!? And you told me you love her, so quite being scared and just tell Suzui-san the truth. I'll be there with you, for moral support." Ren said as Ann smiled and nodded.

"You know what? You're right, Ren. I'm gonna confess to her on that rooftop!" Ann said decisively with a smile as Ren and Ann went to fetch Shiho to carry her up to the rooftop...

(On the rooftop of Shujin Academy, with Ann, Shiho and Ren)

Shiho panted as she caught her breath with Ren and Ann as the three finally reached the rooftop. After a moment, Shiho looked at Ren and Ann while she spoke up.

"Ann, Ren-kun, sorry. I'm pretty heavy, huh? Thanks for the help." Shiho said as Ren spoke up, taking a moment to notice that Shiho had a knee brace on her right knee, much like Kusa had had for a bit while he spoke.

"You're not that heavy at all, Suzui-san. You're rather light compared to what I usually lug around in my bag most of the time." Ren said reassuringly to Shiho. Ann nodded as she spoke up.

"He's right, you know. Isn't Ren super reliable, Shiho?" Ann said as Shiho giggled and spoke up.

"Mm-hm, just like you were telling me." Shiho said as she walked out towards the now-gated off ledge and spoke up.

"We're so high up right now." Shiho said as Ren spoke up.

"That we are. It's dangerous up here. That said, why did you want to come here, if you don't mind my asking?" Ren asked Shiho, who frowned as she spoke up

"I think, if I'm being honest? I came here to settle things. To tell you both the truth, Ren-kun and Ann, I wanted to reenact that moment. Wearing these clothes, standing here again, back in this place. I wanted to know what it would feel like." Shiho said as Ann spoke up.

"I see, Shiho. And what about back then? What were you thinking?" Ann asked Shiho, who frowned as she spoke up.

"I, to be honest, I didn't want to die. I just needed to escape what he was doing to me. It was like another person inside of me was screaming, telling me to come up here for some reason. It almost felt like that person was trying to kill me, to be honest." Shiho said as Ann winced and spoke up.

"Shiho, my love. I'm so sorry. I had no idea you were suffering that much." Ann said in surprise. Shiho smiled even despite being confused at Ann's use of 'my love' in reference to her and spoke up.

"But I know that person was part of me too, somehow. Like they were my weakness. So, I wanted to see if she would show up again now." Shiho said as Ren spoke up.

"And? Is she gone?" Ren asked Shiho, not voicing his theory on what Shiho had probably actually gone through that day that she perceived as her weakness. Shiho nodded as she spoke up.

"That's correct. She doesn't exist anymore." Shiho said as Ann smiled at Shiho and spoke up.

"I can't believe you'd ever consider any part of yourself to be weakness, Shiho. As far as I'm concerned, you're so strong, and amazing. The only reason you can stand here now is because of how hard you worked for your rehab." Ann said to Shiho who smiled softly at Ann as she spoke up,

"Maybe so, but the truth is, that was all thanks to you, Ann." Shiho admitted as Ann looked at Shiho in surprise while speaking up.

"Wait, what!? Me?" Ann said in surprise as Shiho nodded and spoke up.

"Exactly. I was inspired because I saw how hard you were trying, too. Trying to be strong, to be cool, to always be positive and upbeat. Wanting to be an action star, and give hope to others. Striving to be a better model, or perhaps a better person. You were so positive, Ann. Not only were you positive but you positively glowed with a radiance few could ever have hoped to see from you.

But also, your eyes sparkled with motivation. Your eyes, which to be honest, I struggle to see enough of. With you putting that much effort in, I couldn't just let my life go to waste in a hospital bed. That's why I wanted to stand again, Ann. It was because of you. Being able to change others, and be a source of inspiration to everyone around you. That's what true strength is." Shiho said as Ren gave Ann a subtle but knowing wink before Ann spoke up.

"Shiho, is all that really how you feel? You're wrong, you know. I'm not strong. Hell, I'm not even a model. Not really. I just play at being a model, but I manage to piss off the real models. The truth is? I'm nothing without you, Shiho. I'm just a lonely, scared girl, who's too scared to tell her best friend how she feels about her. If I'm being honest, you're the biggest inspiration I have to do what I do. This might not be the time to say so, but damn who hears and what they think! Shiho? I like women, and in particular I like you.

No, more than like, Shiho. I'm in love with you. I meant to tell you before, but I kept chickening out every chance I had, because I was scared you either wouldn't feel the same, wouldn't be into girls, or would somehow be mortified, offended or not agree with me being into women instead of men. But since you're moving away, I think this is the best, and also potentially the last, chance I have to confess my feelings to you, so yes, I love you Shiho!" Ann said to Shiho, who gasped in surprise, surprising Ren with the slight hint of red on her face at Ann's admission before she shyly spoke up.

"Ann. I had no idea you had feelings for me. Can I, in turn, be honest with you? I feel the same about you. I just never came out as into women because I was afraid of how you'd react, but also afraid of what others would think. But if I'm moving away, I see no harm in coming clean. I have a crush on you as well, Ann. So if you were wanting to, and don't mind it likely being mostly long-distance, we could try being together if you like.

But I won't deny that I'd absolutely effing adore being able to say I have such a strong, amazing woman in my life as my girlfriend. And Ren-kun can be our witness. Ann, I love you. And I'm sorry. Not just for waiting this long to confess my feelings to you, but also for deciding to transfer schools like I did. Us being long-distance is entirely my fault for letting the pressure get to me." Shiho said as Ann spoke up.

"Shiho, I can't believe you feel the same about me that I do about you! I don't care if it's mostly long-distance! If you truly want someone like me in your life, I'd be more than willing to be your girlfriend! But don't ever say such a thing as it's your fault for what Kamoshida did again. The only one to blame for all that is Kamoshida, and he's behind bars where he belongs. Now come here." Ann said as she walked over to Shiho, wrapped her arms around Shiho's waist and leaned in to press her lips to Shiho's, pouring all the love and care she felt for Shiho into their first kiss.

Shiho blinked but smiled as she let herself return it for a bit, before the two pulled away, slightly pink-cheeked but smiling. Ren smiled at the two as he spoke up.

"About time you finally plucked up the nerve to confess, Ann. What'd I tell you? You were worried about nothing. Congratulations, you two. I wish you nothing but the best. I support you both whole-heartedly." Ren said as Ann and Shiho smiled gratefully at Ren as the former of the two spoke up.

"R-Ren. Thank you! You were right." Ann said as she turned to Shiho, tears of joy in her eyes.

"Shiho? I'm so happy that we're together! But more importantly, I'm going to become a real model! That way you'll be able to keep seeing me, even when we're apart, and keep having the strength to keep giving live your all. Because, even if we're not physically together, I'm there for you in spirit, and will always be thinking of you. Also, I'm gonna be in a bunch of magazines, and I'll say tons of good stuff about you in interviews, tell everyone about what a wonderful, beautiful and incredible woman you are.

So please, never forget me! And so you know, I'll always love you, Shiho. Also, stay healthy. Work hard, but not too much lest you aggravate that leg of yours, and keep in touch. Just be sure to not overdo it, and especially be sure to take care of yourself, Shiho." Ann said, trying to wipe back tears as she spoke, making Shiho smile as she walked over to wrap her arms around Ann as she spoke.

"Ann, cheer up. We're not going to be apart forever, you know. I'm sure someday, there'll come a day where we'll meet up again. And if nothing else we can keep in contact through video chats and stuff. So it's not like we can't see each other anymore. We have plenty of ways to keep in touch. But I will miss being able to be next to you every day. But most importantly? Never forget that I love you, with all my heart. *2*

And I'm glad we're together now. Never doubt that I'll always be thinking of you and loving you." Shiho said as she hugged Ann for all she could while leaning in to kiss Ann on the lips once more to both comfort Ann and be able to commit the taste of Ann's lips to memory. Shiho then pulled away from the kiss and spoke up once more.

"Once I can smile again from the bottom of my heart, I'll come visit you. And we'll spend lots of time together, just the two of us. So look forward to that day as much as I will." Shiho said as Ann smiled a closed-eye smile that was almost a bittersweet smile, her cheeks a bit red as she held Shiho close to her while she spoke.

"Y-Yeah, you're right. I shouldn't be sad. I should be happy for you, Shiho. You're getting a fresh start, free of any labels that might arise from what that bastard put us through. So I wish you the best of luck in your future, wherever you end up transferring to, Shiho." Ann said as she and Shiho exchanged one final kiss before Shiho left with her family. Afterwards, Ann found the strength to get her crying under control as she turned to Ren and spoke up.

"Hey. I need to be the number one model around. I made a promise with Shiho, so there's no turning back now. I'm gonna study how to properly exercise, and even relearn how to walk the runway. I want to pick up on some other languages and cultures too, so I can start doing overseas events. Because, well, to be honest? The only way I can help Shiho is to show her how hard I'm working. And if I happen to meet up with her on one of said events, and we get to spend a bit of time together on the sly? All the better! But I know it was for the best that she moved away like she did." Ann said as Ren smiled and nodded as he spoke up.

"Exactly. Hang in there, sis. I believe in you, Ann. No, I believe in you...sister." Ren said encouragingly to Ann, who smiled at Ren as she spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Ren, thank you. Mm-hm! You're right, brother. If I can do that, Shiho'll be proud of me. And she'll definitely fall for me even more with some luck." Ann said before sniffling again. She frowned as she spoke up.'

"Ugh, dammit! I told myself I wouldn't cry once I said good-bye to Shiho, but look at me now. It just keeps coming. And it won't stop coming." Ann said as Ren blinked while Ann kept speaking with a watery smile.

"Heh, I guess, with Shiho having moved away to transfer schools, I'm alone again, huh Ren?" Ann asked Ren, who smiled as he spoke up.

"Absolutely not, Ann! You have me, but more importantly you have the others! I know the others all love you as a friend, even if Morgana might like you as more than just a friend. He'll come around to you being with Shiho eventually. The important thing, is that you're happy. And you always have me and Kusa to lean on. I think we already said this, but the two of us love you like a sister, Ann. So never doubt we both are always here for you." Ren said encouragingly as he gave Ann a brotherly hug. Ann blinked in surprise before smiling as she returned the hug with a soft smile on her face while she spoke up.

"Oh, Ren. You're right. Thanks. I forgot about saying that to the two of you. So thank you for being there for me, brother. I hope I can always count on you to be there to pick me back up if I need it." Ann said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Absolutely. Not just myself and Kusa, but our entire team will be there to pick you up if you should need it, so don't feel shy about confiding in us." Ren said reassuringly to Ann, who nodded with a smile.

"You're absolutely right. I have our team now. There are people suffering out there, just waiting for us to save them, and here I am feeling sorry for myself. That's why I need to do my best living I can. Not just for our team, but for everyone who needs our help. Ren, thank you! Let's do this, together." Ann said as Ren nodded, noticing that Ann was showing an even greater resolve than ever before, probably from both finding the courage to admit her feelings to Shiho, but also having them reciprocated.

At that moment, Ren smiled as the 'Lovers' card appeared in his mind's eye, the 'VIII' becoming an 'IX' to signify that his Lovers Confidant link with Ann had reached rank 9. As a result of the rank-up, Ann had awakened to the power of 'Protect', affording her the chance to potentially shield Ren from an otherwise fatal attack. Afterwards, Ann spoke up once more, looking a lot happier while she spoke.

"A-Anyway, as much of an enlightening day as this has been, I should be heading home. Don't worry brother, I'll be fine by myself. Oh, and thanks for going out with me today to help me get myself a girlfriend. U-Um, I didn't mean that in a romantic way or anything. Of course not, Ren. Bye! See you later!" Ann said confidently to Ren before she turned around and ran off, leaving Ren to blink in surprise, before he shrugged and headed back to Leblanc...

(That evening, at Leblanc with Ren and Morgana)

"Ah, you're back. I see Kusa's not with you, Ren. As such, be sure you leave the door unlocked for him if you go out. I'm headin' home for the night." Sojiro said as Ren got back to Leblanc. Ren nodded as Sojiro went home, at which point Morgana spoke up.

"That's true. But Kusa can handle himself. What's the plan for tonight, Ren?" Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"Honestly? I was thinking I might go rank up Chihaya since I've not really done that since forming her link." Ren said as Morgana nodded while speaking up.

"Good idea. I'll stay here and hold the fort down for when Kusa gets home." Morgana said as Ren nodded and headed to Shinjuku, at which point he approached Chihaya's stall, making Chihaya look up and smile as she saw Ren.

"Oh, hello there Amamiya-kun the elder. I was curious about you, so I read your fortune. I tried numerous times, but the 'Empress' card keeps appearing. Last time, I felt that you were having trouble with women, but I sense something different now with you, to be honest. A-Anyway, please be careful in what you do. Well then, what would you like to do today, Amamiya-kun the elder?" Chihaya asked Ren, who spoke up.

"To be honest? I think we'll try a verification test today, Mifune-san. I realized I've not been doing much to keep up my end of our deal, despite you doing a lot already to keep up your end, so let's do a verification test so I can start living up to my end of our deal." Ren said. Chihaya nodded as she spoke up.

"Finally! I've been waiting for you to say that! Let's do the verification test already! I will surely figure out your trick!" Chihaya said as Ren nodded his agreement and spoke up.

"Precisely. Let's do it." Ren said as Chihiya giggled and nodded before speaking up.

"Oh, I was just about to do a reading for a client, so please stay and watch over it, and we'll do the test at some point. OK?" Chihaya said as Ren nodded, taking a seat next to Chihaya in time for a dark-haired female office worker to sit down across from Chihaya, who spoke up.

"Good evening." Chihaya said to the office worker with a closed-eye smile. The office lady spoke up.

"Hello there, Mifune-sensei. I can't wait for today's session. Your last prediction was practically perfect. By the way, um, not to be rude to your friend there, but who is this boy?" The office lady said as Ren blinked but Chihaya spoke up before he could object to the office lady treating him slightly like a child, though Ren frowned at what Chihaya said next.

"Oh, you needn't mind him. That's just my apprentice. If anything, you can think of him as a human-sized stuffed animal. I mean, look how fluffy his hair is." Chihaya said as Ren frowned and spoke up.

"Wait, what? Human-sized stuffed animal!? Mifune-sensei, you do realize I'm not just some teddy bear that everyone can floof, right? I only let one person do that, and with all apologies to you both, she's not either of you. As such? There shall be no floofing, even if I do have fluffy hair." Ren said bluntly, even as the office lady spoke up. *1*

"Fair enough, young man. Wait, hold on, Miffune-sensei. So he's okay with working for a woman, even though he's a guy?" The office lady asked as Ren spoke up.

"Lady, with all due respect, why the eff would I care what gender someone is when I work for them? I don't judge on thinks like gender, age, ethnicity or preferences. I judge purely on a person's merit." Ren said in his own defense as the office lady nodded and spoke up.

"Ah, I see. Ugh, why couldn't more of my co-workers be like you? Something like that is just unthinkable in my line of work, to be honest." The office lady said as Chiihaya winced before speaking up.

"Ah, I take that to mean something else has happened with your job?" Chihaya said to the office lady, who nodded as she spoke up.

"Yes. A male coworker of mine was given all the credit for a successful project I poured my soul into recently. And when I went to complain about it to my boss, do you know what he told me? He said it was the natural order of things, because I'm a woman." The office lady said as Chihaya winced while Ren growled under his breath, having been raised to have a healthy respect for all people regardless of who they are, or whether they're male or female.

As such, Ren finds people who are sexist and/or racist patently despicable, a trait he and Kusa both share. Chihaya winced as she spoke up.

"My, how terrible!" Chihaya said sympathetically as the office lady nodded and spoke up.

"Isn't it, though? That's why I'm thinking of leaving and starting up my own business! I've actually been planning for some time. I'm not sure we'll be able to find a foothold in the market though, which is a large part of my current problem." The office lady said as Chihaya nodded before speaking up.

"Ah, I see. In that case, let's ask the tarot! Show us the truth, O divine power of the tarot!" Chihaya said as she dealt out a spread of cards before flipping them over and speaking up.

"Yes, mm-hm. I've seen everything. Hm, the cards have appeared in reverse. In other words, according to this, it seems as though your business is doomed to failure." Chihaya said as the office lady gasped before she spoke up.

"No! Wh-What should I do!?" The office lady asked Chihaya, who spoke up once more.

"I'm sorry my friend, but in this case, it appears your fate is inescapable." Chihaya said as the office lady blanched and spoke up.

"Inescapable? For real?" The office lady asked Chihaya who nodded before looking at Ren while she spoke.

"Mm-hm. But don't take my word for it. Let's consult my apprentice here. So, what are your thoughts, apprentice?" Chihaya asked Ren, who looked at her in surprise, having been jolted out of a mental tangent he'd been on about how much the office lady's boss sounded like a sexist pig. Chihaya frowned at Ren a bit but smiled while speaking.

"Were you even listening? What shall we do? No, what CAN we do to help this woman who is so oppressed by the savagery of a male-dominated work environment?" Chihaya asked Ren, who frowned as he spoke up.

"I assume this is a hypothetical question? After all, you yourself always say that fate is absolute and cannot be changed. In light of that, I would say we just encourage her not to be discouraged, and keep a positive attitude as best she can." Ren said as Chihaya frowned and spoke up.

"What? It's a little idealistic to expect that will actually work, isn't it? Incidentally, what would you say if you wanted to encourage her?" Chihaya asked Ren, who smirked as he spoke up.

"Again, assuming this is all hypothetical, I'd tell her that while fate is inescapable, that doesn't mean it can't be overturned or lessened somewhat. So to be frank, I'd suggest she do her best to overturn her fate and not give up." Ren said as Chihaya groaned before frowning at Ren while she spoke up.

"Don't be so irresponsible, my apprentice! That's simply not an option! How can you expect her to overturn that which is inescapable!?" Chihaya rebuked Ren as the office lady spoke up.

"Overturning fate, you say? That's right, young man. I don't have to follow the rules of this oppressive society! I can do it. I WILL do it! I'll reshape ever aspect of my antiquated industry!" The office lady said, getting an encouraging nod from Ren while she kept speaking.

"Yes, my mind is made up. I'm going to quit my job and set off on my own private business venture! And even if I fail, at least I won't be wasting away doing busywork for that sexist bastard anymore, and good riddance to him! Thank you, young man! If you'll excuse me, Mifune-sensei." The office lady said to Chihaya, who blinked in surprise as she spoke up.

"Wait, what!? H-huh? Are you serious?" Chihaya asked the office lady, who nodded as she left, after which Ren moved back across from Chihaya as she frowned at him and spoke up in frustration.

"What was that!? You're far too irresponsible, Amamiya-kun the elder! Her misfortune has already been made clear! The cards will surely back me up on that, if we consult them once more." Chihaya said before dealing out the cards and flipping them once more, only to go wide-eyed at what they now said, making her speak up in shock.

"Wh-What!? Is this for real!? It seems the sequence of cards has changed somehow. Her financial future is now appearing as extremely successful! What did you do? Are you for real? Are you psychic? Did you use your powers to change the order of the cards!? My divine power is capable of sending people like you down to the depths of hell, you know!" Chihaya rebuked Ren, who winced as she groaned and kept speaking.

"Yes, that's it. That has to be it. That's the only way this could happen at all. After all, fate cannot be changed. Fate is absolute, as it should be. That is how it must be." Chihaya said as Ren huffed and spoke up.

"No disrespect Mifune-san, but you're so stubborn! You need to learn to open your mind to change! After all, fate may be absolute, but I feel there's something to be said as well for the power of positive thinking and confidence. You'd be surprised how effective those two things can be in combating fate, when tempered with a strong, un-yielding will." Ren said to Chihaya. Chihaya blinked at this and spoke up.

"Oh? That may not be such a bad idea, Amamiya-kun the elder. But if that possibility were the truth, how would I keep my Holy Stone business intact?" Chihaya asked as Ren blinked in confusion at this and Chihaya chuckled nervously while she kept speaking.

"Never mind that! A-Anyway! You've changed the flow of destiny twice now, both times coming before my very eyes, and in my presence. So if you could keep doing these verification tests, that'd be helpful! It seems this verification process is turning out to be much more meaningful than I expected!" Chihaya said with a closed eye smile that Ren returned, noticing the intense motivation he could feel from Chihaya.

At that moment, the 'Fortune Teller' card appeared in his mind's eye, the 'I' becoming an 'II' to signify that his Fortune Teller Confidant link with Chihaya had reached rank 2, but no new skills were gained from the rank up. Afterwards, Chihaya spoke up once more, a smile on her face while she spoke.

"You'll come back again soon, right Amamiya-kun the elder? Promise me! Well, that's enough for today! Good-bye, and good night!" Chihaya said as Ren walked back to Leblanc, at which point his phone rang as he got to the door of Leblanc, which he answered.

"Hello?" Ren said as he answered his phone, only to blink as he heard Chihaya's voice on the other end.

"Hi, there, is this Amamiya-kun the elder? I'm just not convinced about what happened today with that office lady. So I'm going to get right to my question! You're currently standing right in front of your house, correct!?" Chihaya asked Ren, who blinked as he spoke up.

"To be fair, it's not a house so much as a place of business, but yes I am in front of where I live presently. Of course I am." Ren said. Chihaya giggled as she spoke up.

"See, that's exactly what my reading told me! Fate is absolute after all! If everyone could reverse their fate as easily as flipping a table, life would be easy! This here, this is why I believe I need to conduct these verifications with you. So please promise me you'll stop by my booth again! Okay, I'll talk to you later." Chihaya said as Ren shrugged while hanging up his phone and heading inside, only to stop short as he could hear Kusa's voice from upstairs, making him stop short to listen in.

"To be honest, Morgana? I tell everyone I'm wanting to make sure Futaba isn't rushing into anything she's not ready for, and that is the truth, but the rest of the truth is that it's testing my patience a lot to have to wait like this, but I keep my patience in check by reminding myself that it's for Taba's sake. But even then, I'd be lying to myself if I didn't admit that I find myself excited for the day I can finally call her my girlfriend. I'm not trying to rush into it, but I feel like it'd be very reassuring for her and for myself if we knew we could comfortably rely on one another.

As such, that's why if the student council approves this suggestion of turning the planned sharing festival into a school dance and gets that addendum passed to allow students to ask non-Shujin students to be their date for the dance, I might ask Taba to go to that with me, and hope for a chance there to finally sit her down and discuss where she and I stand. I think the time's drawing closer for her and I to tackle the question of our burgeoning romance head-on. Besides, I'd rather not keep hearing Ren and Ryuji pile on about how much Taba and I are 'dancing around the issue' as Ren put it once. Or am I being too hasty to decide that, Morgana?" Kusa asked Morgana, who smiled at Kusa as he spoke up.

"Honestly, Kusa? I think you're just being concerned for your crush, which is admirable, if anything. So don't feel bad for wanting to find happiness with her. But in the end, only you can really decide if asking her to be yours is right or wrong, I think." Morgana said as Kusa spoke up.

"That's true. Actually, if I'm right, we can ask Ren how he feels since he's probably listening in on us. AREN'T YOU, REN?" Kusa said pointedly as Ren winced and came upstairs before he spoke up.

"You got me. But it wasn't on purpose. I just got back from hanging out with that fortune teller and heard you speaking, and got curious. Sorry, Kusa." Ren said sheepishly as Kusa huffed and spoke up.

"It's fine, I guess. But for real, you need to not eavesdrop on conversations! It's gonna get you into trouble one of these days!" Kusa rebuked Ren, who nodded and spoke up.

"I get it. Well, what say we head to bed, since it's late?" Ren said to Kusa, who nodded as the two got laid down for the evening after getting comfortable, Morgana smiling as he curled up on Kusa while the three dozed off for the night...

(The following afternoon, in class with Ren, Ann, and Morgana)

"So, the play this Czech playwright wrote-" Kawakami started to say before a brown-haired student cut her off by speaking to their black-haired friend.

"What do you think the Phantom Thieves are gonna do about Okumura?" The brown-haired student asked his friend as Kawakami kept speaking as if she hadn't been interrupted.

"-is an important work in the history of literature for being the first to use the word 'robot'." Kawakami said as the black-haired student next to the brown-haired student spoke up to answer the brown-haired student.

"Duh. Make him have a change of heart. These corrupt corporations should just go bankrupt!" The black-haired student said as Kawakami huffed and spoke up.

"Hey! QUIET DOWN! You're in class right now! Quit talking about Okumura and the Phantom Thieves! Geez, so rude! Amamiya-kun! You were listening at least, right?" Kawakami said as Ren gave her his full attention while she kept speaking.

"Answer this question! Robot comes from a word in Czech, but more to the point, where in Europe is the Czech Republic located?" Kawakami asked Ren, who smiled, having just discussed this with Kusa recently, allowing him to give the answer with confidence.

"This is it! The answer is Central Europe!" Ren said confidently. Kawakami clapped her hands approvingly as she spoke up.

"Way to go! That's right. The Czech Republic is located in the center of Europe. That said, the word 'robot' comes from the Czech word 'robota'. 'Robota' actually means 'slave labor'." Kawakami said as the usual murmurs about how intelligent Ren was ensued, complete with Morgana praising Ren's intelligence as Ren's Knowledge got another unneeded boost. Kawakami kept speaking at that point.

"Existing only for slave labor sounds like a pretty pitiful existence, in my opinion. Even from the origin of their name, robots are pitiful. Well, you could argue we're not too different ourselves, having to keep working in order to live a comfortable, enjoyable lifestyle." Kawakami said as Morgana spoke up so only Ren could hear.

"Mmm, Kawakami seems rather tired, doesn't she Ren?" Morgana asked Ren, who could only shrug as Morgana kept speaking.

"But anyhow, if Okumura doesn't see others as people, we need to change his heart!" Morgana said as Ren nodded while the rest of the school day passed uneventfully...

(After school, with Ren and Morgana)

Ren sized up his options, before eventually deciding to go hang out with Maruki, who he'd not spent time with since before summer vacation started. Before that, he had Morgana go find Kusa to hang out with him. Once Morgana did that, Ren traveled to the practice building to find Maruki. He found Maruki waiting outside the nurse's office, where he spoke up on seeing Ren approach.

"Hey there Amamiya-kun the elder, good work today. That said, it's already autumn. You'd expect it to get a little less hot, huh? Thanks to you, my research has been going so well. Really, you've been such a huge help, Amamiya-kun the elder. So, I wanted to talk to you, but, to be honest? Do you have time?" Maruki asked Ren, who nodded and spoke up.

"I can do that. I did agree to help out with your research after all, and I've not been doing a lot of that of late." Ren said as Maruki smiled and nodded.

"Ah, thank you, Amamiya-kun the elder. Oh, since we have the time, I was hoping we could talk at that cafe you're staying at. As it happens, I'm a big fan of their coffee. Let's head out now! I'll get changed, then we'll get going." Maruki said as Ren nodded before heading with Maruki to Leblanc once Maruki had changed. Once at Leblanc, Maruki spoke up.

"I'm sorry for coming over like this out of the blue. That said, you must have a real knack for coffee, Amamiya-kun the elder. This is fantastic." Maruki said as Ren spoke up.

"I could offer you another cup, but then you'd miss out on the curry. And yes, we've got curry too, in case you were curious." Ren said to Maruki, who grinned as he spoke up.

"Oh? I'd love to try some if you're offering. But alas, I think I'd better restrain myself for now. You see, it's about the research we've been discussing. I'm actually putting it all together in a paper. It's been really progressing lately, thanks in no small part to you. But I feel like I've hit another wall of sorts with it. So I'm sorry to bother you, but I'd appreciate if you'd help me talk through this again." Maruki said to Ren, who smiled as he spoke up.

"I've not had a problem with it so far, so why start now? I can do that for you." Ren said agreeably. Maruki smiled before he spoke up.

"Really!? Thank you! You're really saving me here! Anyways, so in deepening our understanding of the heart, I wanted to find a means of saving those who have been hurt by traumas in the past. I already told you that was the point of all my research, right? To be honest, it's thanks to you that my project has come this far. But, because of all that progress, it seems as if I've realized a problem. One that may not have any solution." Maruki said as Ren leaned back against the nearby shelf gently to listen as Maruki kept speaking.

"Even if my research makes great strides, and even if we DO find some miraculous way of healing psychological wounds and traumas, with the way things are now, I can only save the people directly within my reach." Maruki said as Ren spoke up.

"I might be being naive to ask this, and if so I apologize, but isn't that enough, Doc?" Ren asked Maruki, who spoke up.

"Yes, good point. That's true, I guess. It's better than not being able to save anyone. But I can't just be satisfied with that. I mean, there are so many people out there suffering so badly, they can't even speak up and let that pain out. As it so happens, this is a painful, cruel, bitter world. And there's only so much one individual can do to fight against that. I've said it before. Working as a counselor only makes that more painfully obvious. I think our current way of doing things, efficient and effective as it might be, just isn't enough. You know, I feel like deep down, I can't help but admit that I don't think it's enough that I can just help people around me.

A few people, out of billions. I want to help more people overcome their suffering. You know, pain can strike the heart in infinitely diverse ways. In turn, we have infinite methods by which we try to treat it. And like I said earlier, as much as we might not want to admit this, there are people who need help, desperately, but can't ask for it. They can't even share their pain. And honestly, even if we had a full understanding of the human heart, and an effective treatment to soothe it with, I don't think that would be enough to finally beat trauma. And I guess that's what I ultimately realized." Maruki said as Ren spoke up.

"That does sound rough, Doc. But if that's what you've realized, maybe your only choice now is to give it up?" Ren suggested uncertainly. Maruki nodded as he spoke up.

"Yeah, that'd probably be easier on me. Unfortunately, I've never been great at giving up when I should. If we could peer into the hearts of every person alive, really look, there's no limit to what we could do. Diagnose, understand, and then remove the root cause of their pain for them, which I realize sounds like something out of a dream." Maruki said as Ren leaned forward in intrigue as Maruki kept speaking.

"Ah, let me put it this way. Counseling takes time because you have to really listen to each individual person, right? I just think it'd be better if there was some way to really understand everyone's cognitions more quickly and accurately." Maruki said as Ren blinked, having flashbacks to Morgana's explanation of Mementos, and how it could be referred to as the collective unconscious due to being everyone's Palace. Maruki kept speaking, unaware of Ren's musings while he spoke.

"Then again, that'd be impossible. Maybe truly understanding all people's hearts is beyond human capability. Hm? Amamiya-kun the elder, why the thoughtful look? Did I say something wrong?" Maruki said to Ren, who smiled as he spoke up.

"Not at all. Your last comment just got me thinking, that's all. You know Doc, I read once that all hearts share some things. That being said, would it be that far of a stretch to take that logic and from there guess that the possibility could exist that all hearts could be collectively connected as one collective unconscious?" Ren said to Maruki in a thoughtful tone. Maruki chuckled at the question as he spoke up.

"Haha, where's this coming from? Sure, they can connect, but it's not like they're all connected, right? No, wait a moment. You're right, they ARE all connected somehow! My god, you're right! That's it, Amamiya-kun the elder!" Maruki said with wide eyes before he kept speaking.

"The collective unconscious, as you put it? If people's hearts are connected in the unconscious, their senses are shared subconsciously without their knowledge or awareness! Ah, it's so simple! Why didn't I realize it before now? Yes, right, and furthermore, if I can combine this with the theory I'm verifying, I can tie it all back to cognitive psience, too! Eureka, this is huge! You're a genius, Amamiya-kun the elder!" Maruki said as Ren spoke up with a frown.

"Calm down, Doc. I'm aware you study cognitive psience, since Futaba told me you told her when you came over here looking for me, but still, where's this coming from?" Ren said to Maruki, who blinked as he spoke up.

"Oh! S-Sorry! But I think you've just helped me make a major breakthrough! I think this means something for my cognitive psience research! I need to hurry and get this down in my paper! I knew it'd be worth bringing to you! Thank you, Amamiya-kun the elder! I swear I'll repay you for this!" Maruki said gratefully to Ren, who smirked in amusement as he could sense a powerful gratitude from Maruki.

At that point, the 'Councillor' card appeared in his mind's eye for the first time in a while, the 'V' becoming a 'VI' to signify that his Councillor Confidant link with Maruki had reached rank 6, though no new skills were gained from the rank up. Afterwards, Maruki stood up and smiled at Ren as he spoke up.

"All right then! I appreciate your hospitality, but I really need to get going! See you!" Maruki said as he left Leblanc. After Ren got back from escorting Maruki to the station, his phone rang and he answered it once he got up to the attic.

"Hello?" Ren said as he answered the phone, not all that surprised to hear Maruki's voice on the other end.

"Oh, hello there. Amamiya-kun the elder? Sorry for you know, hah, rushing out of Leblanc, phew, so suddenly and abruptly, hah, earlier." Maruki said as Ren smiled and spoke up.

"Don't worry about it, Doc. But you've got me curious. What's going on, if you don't mind my asking?" Ren said to Maruki, who spoke up sheepishly.

"S-Sorry about that. I ended up running to the station on sheer adrenaline. Didn't realize I was this out of shape though, to be honest. Anyhow, you helped me come to a major realization. The answer was right in front of me, and I couldn't see it at all. All I need to do now is focus on my paper! After all your help, I'm going to finish it for your sake, too! Seriously, thank you! Bye for now!" Maruki said as Ren shrugged and hung up his phone. Afterwards, he decided to go set up a night-time game of billiards, which the entire group showed up for, Futaba smirking as she spoke up.

"Yo! It seems everyone has arrived! Leave the support to me!" Futaba said as Kusa chuckled at Futaba's remark and spoke up.

"Support? You do realize we're playing billiards, and not exploring you-know-where, right? So I don't know what all support you'd need to provide for this aside from moral support. But that's adorable that you said that regardless." Kusa said with an amused smirk as he chuckled. Futaba huffed and spoke up while playfully sticking her tongue at Kusa, who just laughed more.

"It's a figure of speech, Kusa. Not that I hear you complaining about my support skills. Now quit teasing me and let's play some billiards!" Futaba said as Kusa spoke up.

"Fine, fine, I'll be good. I was just trying to have a bit of fun with you Taba, that's all." Kusa said as Ryuji grinned and spoke up.

"Heh, this intensity right before the game starts is freaking great! I love it!" Ryuji said as Ren lined up a shot and sank half the balls with ease. Ren frowned as he saw the position of the balls, knowing it was going to call for a specialized move, making him smirk as he pulled out his jump cue he'd previously purchased from the underground mall, making Morgana's eyes go glinty as he spoke up.

"That cue! No way, Ren, are you going to go for that shot, in particular!?" Morgana asked in surprise as Ryuji laughed and spoke up.

"Morgana, chill out dude! That glinty look in your eyes reminds me of the way Kusa's eyes often light up when he's next to Futaba." Ryuji said teasingly as Kusa huffed and spoke up while subtly flipping off Ryuji, who only laughed harder at that as Kusa spoke up.

"Shut up, Ryuji. At least I'm not shy about letting my crush know I have feelings for her. Whereas you, by all accounts, have probably yet to even tell yours that you have a crush on her, despite her being in the room over next to Yusuke. So don't step to me about being happy to enjoy time with a special someone, when you have yet to confess your feelings to your special someone." Kusa said huffily to Ryuji, ignoring the identical looks of embarrassment on the faces of Futaba and Makoto at Kusa's comment. Ren, meanwhile, tuned out the commentary as he easily hit the jump shot and sank the ball he was aiming for, making Morgana grin as he spoke up.

"Nice one, Ren! That was a perfect jump shot!" Morgana said as Ryuji spoke up.

"Egh, fair. I'll give you that one, Kusa, since you're not wrong. But even if I were to tell her that I love her, who's to say she likes younger guys? Granted, there's only like a year difference between us, but still. Anyways, you did it Ren! Whoa! Nice one, dude!" Ryuji said, smirking as he fist-bumped a smug-looking Ren who put two of his fingers to his own mouth and blew on them as if blowing steam off a smoking gun, making Ryuji laugh at the charisma Ren was showing in that moment as Kusa spoke up.

"Very classy, Ren. Pulling the old 'smokin' gun' routine there, eh? Too bad Yoshizawa wasn't here to see that, since I bet she'd have been real impressed with it." Kusa said with a sly grin. Morgana spoke up at that point.

"Now, now, enough bringing up people who aren't here, Kusa. Anyways, good one Ren! I knew you could do it! You actually pulled off that shot with such grace and aplomb! That's why you're our leader!" Morgana said as Kusa nodded.

"Correct. Technically, he's also leader because Ann suggested it and you didn't want to veto her idea, for obvious reasons. So yeah, I'll humor you and agree, Morgana." Kusa said with a laugh. Morgana shrugged and spoke up.

"You're not wrong. I went along with it partly because Lady Ann suggested it, but I'm serious when I say Ren's more than proven himself up to the task by now. That said, looks like your challenge really brought everyone together, even if some of them are taking digs at each other." Morgana said with a knowing smirk at Ryuji and Kusa. Ren smirked as he felt his Technical rank go up once more, giving a further boost to Technical damage and a boost to the rate at which Technical hits knock down affected enemies. Futaba giggled as she spoke up.

"Oh! Nice work, Ren! Maybe it's just the excitement, but my hands are all sweaty now!" Futaba said as Kusa spoke up.

"Pretty sure your hands are sweaty because you were dancing around with that cue just now like an excited child while Ren made those shots. In fairness, it was both adorable to see, and also kinda hilarious as well. But it's fine, because you're among friends." Kusa said encouragingly as Morgana spoke up.

"Yeah, yeah, we get it. You're proud of her, Kusa. That said, glad to see everyone had fun here. I gotta say though, Ren, thanks to playing billiards, you've gotten more experience with precise hand movements, haven't you?" Morgana asked Ren, who nodded as he got a boost to his Proficiency. At that point, Makoto finally spoke up from her spot beside Ryuji, who she'd moved to stand next to at some point, to the amusement of both Ren and Kusa.

"Wow, that was so much fun, Ren! Please invite me for next time, too." Makoto said as Kusa nodded and spoke up.

"I'm sure Ren will be sure to do that. Also, should we just let you and Ryuji stand by each other from now on, since you seemed so happy next to one another? Or maybe Ryuji's just happy because it's you that was next to him?" Kusa said with a teasing grin as Ryuji sputtered at Kusa's subtle insinuation, and even the subtle elbow to the gut he got from Futaba didn't wipe the grin off his face as Ryuji spoke up huffily.

"Shut up, Kusa! If I decide to Makoto how I feel about her, I'll do it in my own time, when I'm good and ready! Besides, no sense in rushing into what could be her gently rejecting me." Ryuji said before going crimson in embarrassment as he registered what he'd just said, not seeing the intrigued/surprised look on Makoto's face as her own cheeks pinked a bit at the implication that he might have more than a simple crush on her. Makoto then spoke up shyly.

"Don't be so sure, Ryuji. You never know until you try, right? But I won't pry into your business for now, out of respect for you." Makoto said shyly as Ren and Kusa fist-bumped while both stifling laughter at the stunned look on Ryuji's face even as Futaba lightly swatted the latter of the two on the arm while speaking up.

"Don't tease him, Kusa! After all, as I recall, you're not that much closer to having a girlfriend than Ryuji is. So don't throw stones if you live in a glass house, assuming I have that saying right." Futaba said as Kusa pouted at Futaba while Ryuji grinned and laughed before speaking up.

"Yeah, that's right. Also, how's it feel to have the tables turned on you by your crush, Kusa? Pretty humiliating, isn't it?" Ryuji said with a grin. Kusa shrugged and spoke up.

"Eh, somewhat. But I probably deserved that for being a bit of a dick. Sorry, Ryuji." Kusa said apologetically to Ryuji, who fist-bumped Kusa and spoke up.

"Forgiven, man. Besides, time has a way of changing things, so they say." Ryuji said as Ren and Kusa blinked at Ryuji in surprise as the former spoke up.

"Dude, that was surprisingly wise and deep. I'm impressed." Ren said to Ryuji, who fist-bumped Ren as a casually-dressed man walked over to Ren and spoke up.

"Hey there. Sorry to interrupt your fun. That said, it looks like you're trying to learn technical shots. Let's see here, yes. I think you'd be able to pull off a really advanced shot. It's called a 'masse shot'. It allows a ball to make a sharp, oh wait, oops. I suppose there isn't much point to me explaining it now. Let me give you this book. I think it will be quite useful to you." The casually dressed man said as he handed Ren a copy of the book 'Billiards Magician'. Morgana then spoke up.

"Hm? Masse shots, huh? Interesting. If you're confident in your Proficiency, maybe you should give it a try next time!" Morgana said as the group dispersed for the night, Ann speaking up with a smile.

"Bye! See you later!" Ann said as the group went their separate ways, with Ren and Morgana heading back to Leblanc, where they were greeted by Kusa after he finished escorting Futaba home. After that, the trio got laid down for the night, only for Ren's phone to go off and wake up Morgana, who'd dozed off on Kusa's chest, making him grumble as he spoke up.

"Ugh, huh...? Who could that be at this hour?" Morgana asked Ren, who shrugged as he checked his phone, being surprised to see it was a private chat from Hifumi.

"My electric fan at home has gotten so old and noisy, it's annoying. I can't focus on my shogi studies at all. At this point, I might as well just get an air conditioner. However, I'm not really familiar with home appliances, so I'd like to ask your help. I'm going to Akihibara tomorrow, so would you accompany me?" Hifumi sent as Morgana spoke up, having finished reading the chat over Ren's shoulder after he'd padded over to Ren's bed while Ren read the chat.

"Yeah, the heat and noise would drive anyone crazy, I suppose. Shopping for new stuff is kind of exciting, isn't it?" Morgana asked Ren, who nodded.

"True. But I think I'll wait to see what else I have going on tomorrow before I commit to that. No sense inadvertently screwing myself out of a big rank-up or something." Ren said as Morgana nodded.

"Fair enough. Just don't forget to respond, okay?" Morgana said as Ren nodded before both went to bed for the night...

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

"Hey, we've only got 19 days left on the deadline. We don't really have time to relax, you know?" Morgana said to Ren, who nodded.

"I know. I'm going to see who's available, and if no one really is, I might honor the request Hifumi made last night today, then do whatever tonight, and more than likely we'll hit the Palace tomorrow if we don't do it today." Ren said. After a bit to consider things, he didn't see anyone he urgently needed to rank up, so he decided to accept Hifumi's request. He opened up the private chat from last night and sent a response.

"Hey, sorry for not responding sooner, but I was half-asleep when you sent that chat last night, so I kinda went back to sleep without responding. But that said, I'd be happy to help you out with picking out a new air conditioner." Ren sent as Hifumi sent a response.

"I appreciate it. It's this home electronics store in Akihibara. I'll meet you there." Hifumi sent as Ren closed the chat and turned to Kusa.

"Well, looks like I'm off to help a Confidant with some fan shopping. Can I trouble you to keep an eye on Morgana for me while I do that, Kusa?" Ren asked Kusa, who shrugged and nodded after a moment to ponder the question while he spoke up.

"I can probably do that, if Morgana has no objections. I'm sure I can find something for us to do." Kusa said as Morgana spoke up.

"That's fine with me. Since there's apparently no school, why not go hang out with Futaba? I doubt she'll object to you bringing me along, and I'll behave myself." Morgana said as Kusa shrugged.

"Seems like a plan to me." Kusa said as Morgana hopped into Kusa's bag and curled up as Ren headed off to meet Hifumi in Akihibara...

(At the electronics store in Akihibara, with Ren and Hifumi)

"Umm, I was going to buy an air conditioner, but now that I'm actually here, I'm having second thoughts. I've never liked air conditioners too much. They make me too cold, and I have a low cold tolerance. But on the other hand, the hum of an electric fan bothers me. It makes it so hard to concentrate on my strategy books when I hear that hum. Oh, I'm sorry I'm holding us up, Amamiya-kun." Hifumi said as Ren smiled and spoke up.

"That's quite all right. We've got plenty of time, so don't be shy about taking your time a bit. As for my suggestion, I say your best bet is to just go with whatever your gut tells you." Ren said. Hifumi nodded as she spoke up.

"Fair. I can understand trusting your intuition, but surely it deserves at least a little forethought from you?" Hifumi said to Ren, who shrugged, before blinking as he heard his name called out by a different voice, turning in surprise to see Yusuke approaching him and Hifumi as he spoke up.

"Ren? What a coincidence. And this lady is?" Yusuke said as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"Yusuke, my dude, are you that blind? Meet Hifumi Togo, or Togo-san as you know her. She asked me to help her pick out a cooling system for her house." Ren said to Yusuke, who blinked as he spoke up, not immediately registering Ren's words while he spoke.

"Hm? Hold, have we met, miss? You look oddly familiar." Yusuke said to Hifumi, as he turned to Ren and spoke up.

"Ren, where do I know her from? She's so beautiful, but yet I can't place where I've seen her before." Yusuke said as Hifumi giggled and spoke up.

"Aww, how sweet of you to say that, Kitagawa-kun. You're from the art track, yes? As Amamiya-kun here said, I'm Hifumi Togo, and to where you've seen me before, it's probably around our school, since I happen to go to Kosei as well." Hifumi said, giggling at the wide-eyed look of surprise on Yusuke's face as he spoke up.

"Truly!? My apologies for not recognizing you then, Togo-san. And yes, I'm from the art track. Ah yes, that's right. I read online you're a professional shogi player as well. I'm Yusuke Kitagawa. It's a pleasure to meet a charming lady like yourself, Togo-san. That said, did you two also come to bask in the cool air?" Yusuke asked as Hifumi giggled and spoke up.

"No, that's not it at all, Kitagawa-kun. Amamiya-kun here's simply helping me pick out an air conditioner. Kitagawa-kun, are you here because of your air conditioner as well?" Hifumi asked a sheepish Yusuke, who blushed a bit in embarrassment as he nodded.

"Alas, that is correct. Apologies for the crassness in front of a lady, but my dorm is a burning hellscape. Thus, the clear solution was to find a place of more comfort, so that my creativity might flow once more." Yusuke said as Ren spoke up.

"Very frugal of you, Yusuke. But have you saved up enough for one of these? I seem to recall you have a difficult time managing money." Ren pointed out as Yusuke spoke up.

"I'd hardly call it frugal. I instead prefer to think of it as saving energy, both my own and the electrical. Is that not sensible, Ren? My funds are wholly devoted to acquiring more art supplies. Yet this interminable heat has dulled my creative edge of late. Here, I may enjoy the cooling breeze, and find inspiration in next-generation technology. What more could I ask for?" Yusuke asked as Ren grinned and spoke up.

"I dunno, Yusuke. Perhaps a special someone for you to enjoy the cooling breeze with?" Ren said to Yusuke with a wink. Hifumi smiled as she spoke up.

"I see. How cleverly worded. You make a compelling case, Kitagawa-kun. Who knew you were so cultured and intelligent? Not to mention you have a very talented eye for beauty." Hifumi said with a playful giggle as Yusuke smiled and spoke up with an amused closed-eye grin of his own.

"Oh? So you understand as well, Togo-san?" Yusuke asked Hifumi, who nodded.

"Just so. Though I'm not sure you'll get this metaphor, but that said, with a single swing, the blade of creativity may cleave through all adversity. Whether wielded in a painter's hand or a tactician's, what's important is that the blade is guided by righteous valor." Hifumi said with a smile as Yusuke smiled, not initially replying before he spoke up.

"I see. That's a rather unique way to put it, but you're not wrong, Togo-san. Not only are you cute, but you're also rather intelligent as well. And you have a rather refined eye yourself if you spend most of your time devising tactics. You're rather impressive, to be truthful with you, Togo-san." Yusuke said before turning to whisper into Ren's ear.

"A bit eccentric, isn't she?" Yusuke asked Ren in a low whisper so Hifumi wouldn't hear. Ren smiled and spoke up.

"You're right, Yusuke. You and Hifumi here are a lot like one another. Both of you have things you're passionate about, and both of you struggle to be recognized in your chosen fields. Maybe that common ground could allow you two to forge a friendship, if not more? That's good, right?" Ren said as Yusuke spoke up in surprise.

"Oh? You think so? Hm, yes, you're not wrong. To have such a firm, personalized view of the world, like Togo-san does, and to have such dazzling looks as well as such a sharp, impressive mind, yes I daresay that it's a wonderful thing to have common ground with Togo-san." Yusuke said as Hifumi frowned in confusion and spoke up.

"Is something wrong, you two?" Hifumi asked Ren and Yusuke as Yusuke turned to smile at Hifumi while he spoke up.

"Nope, nothing in particular, Togo-san. Ren and I were just comparing notes on how best to help you with your air conditioning issue, that's all. Apologies for any distress or confusion we caused you. By the way, Togo-san, have you settled on an air conditioner?" Yusuke said in a surprisingly smooth tone as Hifumi flushed a bit despite herself as she recalled what she'd heard Yusuke say about her, a bit impressed despite herself at how sensitive and considerate Yusuke seemed to be while she spoke up.

"No, Kitagawa-kun. I'm trying to decide between an air conditioner and an electric fan, to be honest. And, between those two? I'd prefer an electric fan, but the noise would still bother me." Hifumi said as Yusuke nodded and smiled before speaking up.

"Ah, I see. Now that you mention it, I did see an electric fan that functioned with no blades. Perhaps that would suffice for your situation, Togo-san?" Yusuke asked as Hifumi's eyes widened in surprise while she spoke up.

"Wh-what!? A bladeless fan, you say?" Hifumi asked Yusuke, who smiled as he spoke up.

"Correct. I saw a tower fan where the tower was hollow, yet air was still flowing out of it. Technology has truly come a long way." Yusuke said to a stunned Hifumi, who then shyly smiled as she spoke up.

"Ah, I see. Well, if you're so sure of it, Kitagawa-kun, I'd say that settles it. I'll defer to your suggestion here and go with the one you saw, then. Who knows? With such revolutionary technology, I may be driven to create innovative new strategems. Thank you, Kitagawa-kun. You've been a big help." Hifumi said with a smile to Yusuke, who spoke up with a smile of his own.

"Oh? I'm glad I was able to assist. That being said, if I might ask, what did you plan to do with your old electronic fan? I would be happy to take it off your hands, if you're agreeable to that." Yusuke said. While Hifumi smiled at Yusuke, Ren blinked as he heard more footsteps approaching, blinking in surprise as he recognized the blonde-haired woman who'd approached, smirking as she blinked before speaking up.

"Oh my, what did I walk into?" Chihaya asked in surprise as Hifumi turned to Ren and spoke up in amusement.

"Another acquaintance of yours? You're very well-connected, Amamiya-kun." Hifumi said as Ren spoke up.

"Something like that. No, Mifune-san here just has me help her out some nights as an apprentice of sorts." Ren said as Yusuke blinked and spoke up.

"Ah right, if it isn't Mifune-san. She's an accomplished fortune teller." Yusuke said as Hifumi smiled in intrigue.

"Fortune, you say? Fascinating. What kinds of fortunes does she tell?" Hifumi asked as Ren smirked and spoke up.

"She tells a bit of everything. But her fortunes moreso dabble in the field of luck than anything, I'd say." Ren said. Hifumi giggled at this, to both Ren and Yusuke's surprise, the latter gulping slightly at how musical yet enjoyable the sound of Hifumi's giggles were to his ears as Hifumi spoke up.

"That's perfect. I'd very much appreciate a reading on my luck, to be honest." Hifumi said as Chihaya chuckled and spoke up.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I can't see much of the future without my tarot cards. But I can tell a little bit from your aura alone. Ah, yes, even now I see it. The two of you seem to bear a very interesting connection with Amamiya-kun the elder here. It's somewhat different from ordinary friendship, yet not quite an intimate connection. Yes, I sense quite an unusual bond, indeed. Also, to the young lady next to the young man in the blue shirt, I can sense that you've got a quite interesting connection potentially forming between the two of you as well. Hee hee." Chihaya said as Yusuke smiled and spoke up.

"Oh? I see, that makes sense. Well, you aren't wrong there. We might not know each other that well yet, but I do already find Togo-san here rather interesting if I'm being honest." Yusuke said as Hifumi blushed in surprise before she spoke up.

"Yes, that sounds about right. And let's take our time if we're getting to know one another better, Kitagawa-kun." Hifumi said as Chihaya blinked and looked at Ren as she spoke up.

"You really are a mysterious person. Their stars burn with such intensity, with passion even. What strange destiny could draw them together?" Chihaya asked, making Yusuke and Hifumi, who she'd been looking at when she made her 'their stars burn' comment, blush as the former of the two spoke up.

"Indeed. By the way, Mifune-san, why are you here if you don't mind my asking?" Yusuke asked as Chihaya spoke up.

"Oh, right. I was looking for a replacement for my old electric fan. I know the worst of the heat is past, but I can't make it through these Tokyo summers without one." Chihaya said as Hifumi spoke up with a chuckle.

"Oh? What a coincidence. That's what I was looking for, too. These two were just helping me decide what model to buy." Hifumi said as Chihaya blinked and spoke up.

"My goodness! Another strange coincidence to be sure." Chihaya said as Yusuke smirked before speaking up.

"Coincidence, you say? Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that fate conspired to put us all here. Now we can peruse the bladeless fans together, yes?" Yusuke said as Chihaya blinked in surprise before she spoke up.

"Wait, what!? Huh? Bladeless? Haha, how is a fan supposed to blow air with no blades? I'm not THAT gullible." Chihaya said with a closed-eye smile. Hifumi nodded with a smile as she spoke up.

"Yes, well, as they say, seeing is believing. Shall we go inspect it for ourselves?" Hifumi said as Chihaya nodded, the quartet heading towards the bladeless fans as Chihaya spoke up in shock on seeing them for herself.

"Whuh? What the!? What in tarnation!?" Chihaya said in surprise as Ren helped the girls pick out their bladeless fans, Hifumi and Yusuke shyly exchanging contact info so they could stay in contact, since they found each other rather intriguing, while Ren just smirked and waved goodbye to the others as he went back to Leblanc...

(That evening at Leblanc, with Ren and Sojiro)

"Ah, you're back. Good. Before you ask, Kusa and Morgana are at the house hanging out with Futaba. Something to do with a research project? They wouldn't give any details." Sojiro said as Ren shrugged, not sure what to make of that either, before he spoke up.

"Good to know. I'm sure they'll be back this way soon enough anyways, but I trust them if they remain out overnight." Ren said. Sojiro nodded and spoke up.

"Good point, kid." Sojiro said as Ren nodded, heading upstairs to ponder his options, knowing that he'd have to head to the Palace soon, probably tomorrow. Ren laid on the bed, pondering how best to prepare for the coming Palace, since he knew this was one Palace that the group could NOT afford to mess up...

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: And boom, another chapter done and dusted! Not as long as some, but still long enough for most standards, hopefully! And I even got in some over-due rank-ups for Confidants that hadn't gotten much screen time of recent! I even fit in one of the bonus outings you can have with certain confidants (in this case the outing scene with Hifumi, Yusuke, Ren and Chihaya that was shown at the end of the chapter), as well as laid some hints for another pairing that might happen in the later half of this story (e.g. the Strikers/Scramble half of the story), so I consider it a eventful chapter!

Next chapter should be the return to the fifth Palace, and then possibly the next awakening if it fits in the chapter! Been a minute since the last one of those, hasn't it? That said, despite how quick this arc has been moving, we're only now at around the 1/3rd mark for this arc, maybe a bit more than that. So we have a bit to go, but once we get into Arc 6, that's when the REAL interesting stuff starts getting busted out.

And for anyone who's here for the ships, that's also where most of the relationships for the story will start. However, anyone who pays close enough attention to this chapter probably noticed that I say MOST of the relationships for good reason. Some will either start earlier than Arc 6, or way later. So be patient, we're almost there.

That being said, thanks to everyone who followed and/or favorites this story, as that means a lot that you like it that much. And also, feel free to leave reviews on the story to say what you think of it, whether it be to praise your favorite parts, constructively critique the parts that you didn't like as much, or even just to give feedback/input on how to make this story even better. All reader feedback/input is both welcomed and greatly appreciated! So yeah, don't be shy to show support for the story! And until next chapter, sithlorde1988 out!

NOTES

*1*- This is a bit more of an obscure reference, sort of. But if you've played through Persona 5 Scramble/Strikers at least once, you likely get the reference. For those who haven't, suffice it to say it's a reference to a bit of early dialogue between some of the characters where the subject of floofing gets brought up and the requesting character gets turned down rather harshly.

Furthermore, I distinctly recall that the words 'There shall be NO floofing! I am neither an animal nor a pet!' were used in said turning down, which made me laugh way harder than it probably should've when I first heard it. For that reason, it's one of my favorite lines from Strikers, even if the character who says is isn't necessarily that high-up on my favorite characters list.

But for real, I thought of that line when I saw the office lady calling Ren's hair fluffy. I had to keep myself from laughing as I pictured Ren telling her his hair wasn't fluffy, but then it turned into the scene seen in the chapter.

*2* - Before typing this scene out in this chapter, I'd forgotten that Shiho actually tells Ann she loves her during the rooftop section of Ann's Rank 9 scenes. I get it was probably meant to be taken in a familial, platonic or friendly way, but I find it interesting that such was never openly specified. Who's to say that Ann and Shiho couldn't have been canonically into each other in secret, but never actually acted upon said feelings?

But that's entirely a speculative guess on my part, though I will say that I could see the two of them being driven into a romantic interest in each other given the bullcrap Kamoshida put them both through. Not to mention that probably soured both girls' opinions of men quite a bit after that.

*3* - Technically this is considered a network function for Royal (though it might also be in 'vanilla'/'original' Persona 5 as well for all I know?) that lets you fuse your Personas with those of other players to create stronger Personas. And as was pointed out in the chapter, there are some skills that can only be attained through Public Execution, like the passive skill 'Soul Chain', which is almost absurdly good since it gives Ren back 20 SP after a Baton Pass AND it stacks with the different Invigorate skills, so in theory (keywords there being IN THEORY), if you can stack all 3 levels of Invigorate with Soul Chain, that's 32 SP recovered off of a Baton Pass. Pretty solid recovery tactic, yeah?

Combo that with skills like 'Spell Master' and/or 'Magic Ability' (the latter being another skill that I'm pretty sure is only attainable through Public Execution that lets you reduce the SP cost of all skills by I believe 75%, though it might be 50%, not sure off the top of my head, but very OP either way) and you have the recipe for a potentially VERY self-sustaining and cost-effective Persona. Imagine managing to get that stack onto Izanagi-No-Okame (or the Picaro equivalent thereof) with Myriad Truths and Heat Riser, and you have an almost illegally broken Persona right there. Just putting that out there.

CONFIDANT RANKS AS OF THE END OF CHAPTER 55

FOOL (Igor/Prison Master) - Rank 8

MAGICIAN (Morgana/Mona) - Rank 8

PRIESTESS (Makoto/Queen) - Rank 4

EMPEROR (Yusuke/Fox) - Rank 5

HIEROPHANT (Sojiro/Boss/Coffee Daddy) - Rank 6

LOVERS (Ann/Panther) - Rank 9

CHARIOT (Ryuji/Skull) - Rank 7

JUSTICE (Akechi) - Rank 6

HERMIT (Futaba/Oracle) - Rank 2

FORTUNE (Chihaya/Fortune Teller) - Rank 2

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

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

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

TEMPERANCE (Kawakami/Becky) - Rank 4

DEVIL (Ohya) - Rank 2

STAR (Hifumi) - Rank 4

MOON (Mishima) - Rank 5

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

JUDGEMENT (Sae/Prosecutor) - Rank 4

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

COUNCILLOR (Maruki/Doc) - Rank 6

WORLD (Kusa/Draconis) - Rank 5 'MAX'

YET TO BE UNLOCKED- TOWER, EMPRESS