Heart of Justice Chapter 23
5/23
"Madarame, the Maestro of the Art World, as they call him," the tanned and rather fashionably-dressed English teacher, Ms. Chouno, stated dramatically as she continued her lecture, "Artists with that good an eye are very rare in Japan. I wonder if he has synesthesia..."
Kyoko could only frown a little. It couldn't be argued the man had a rather keen sense of what would sell and how to draw in a crowd, but the fact remained he only used it to con and exploit others rather then create something of his own.
"Synesthesia," Ms. Chouno continued, "Is one of many English terms that come from Greek root words. If you haven't heard of it, it means your senses cross over with others, such as perceiving music like color. There are all kinds of varieties, but some combinations are more common then others. We call those who experience this phenomenon "synesthetes"."
It was then the teacher called Kyoko's name, prompting the young detective to look over at her. "Were you staring off into space? Well your number's up! How about you tell me what the root words of synesthesia, "syn" and "aisthesis" mean?"
"Ugh, it's all Greek to me!" Morgana muttered from within Kyoko's desk, causing the girl's eyes to flicker down as he continued musing to himself. Unfortunately, the young detective knew the longer she waited to hear him out, the worse she'd look as the teacher across the room was now looking at her as if she'd caught her in the act. Classic trap of teachers taking the opportunity to embarrass students they thought had gotten inattentive.
"Synergy, synchronicity, synthesis..." Morgana pondered aloud.
They all followed the same theme, which meant...
"..."Syn" means "together"," Kyoko answered.
Ms. Chouno nodded. "Correct, now how about the other word, "aisthesis"?"
Kyoko brought her hand to her chin as she thought it over, Morgana within her desk mentioning something about aesthetics and it sounding similar. Kyoko decided to go with a guess based on the lecture earlier.
"Senses," she said.
Ms. Chouno nodded again. "Mmm-hmmm, so what would those words together translate into?"
"Together senses. Senses coming together," Kyoko answered.
"Well done, Kirigiri! You're quite the sharp young lady!" Ms. Chouno stated with some light but genuine applause as some of the other students looked over at Kyoko, though fewer then before. Kyoko suspected her exam results may have had something to do with it.
"...As impressive as your senses are, however, understand synesthesia is something one is born with, rather then a learned skill," Ms. Chouno explained, "...It should be noted, however, that many geniuses throughout history had this trait. For instance, the composer Franz Liszt instructed his orchestra to play the color purple, and the poet Arthur Rimbaud was said to see colors in letters!"
The teacher tapped her chin in thought as she mused over what she'd discussed in her lecture. "Seeing colors in sounds and letters, feeling shapes in flavors and numbers," she mused. "Geniuses and common people see the world differently, were you able to understand that?"
Morgana fumed quietly within Kyoko's desk. "...All that makes Madarame see the world differently is his distorted desires," he grumbled in disgust. Kyoko, not wishing to draw further attention, simply leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm lightly and giving no response as she continued to let the teacher carry on with her lectures.
No sooner had class ended and students began mingling or leaving the room, that Ann had wasted no time turning to face Kyoko at her desk. "Hey, Kyoko...?"
The other girl regarded the blonde in curiosity, wondering what was on her mind. "Yes?"
"Since Yusuke wants to wait a little till we do the calling card, you... think maybe we could hang out today?" Ann asked hopefully. "You remember how I wanted to... train my heart? Well, I had some ideas and I was hoping you'd come along and help me with that."
Kyoko raised an eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?"
"Is that a yes?" Ann asked, a little confused by Kyoko's open-ended response.
"I apologize," Kyoko replied. "I suppose it is, I don't have any particular plans, right now."
Ann giggled a little. "Great!" she said. "Let's head to the station, there's a park we can go to that I had in mind!"
"Ooh, a park, huh?" Morgana asked, crawling out of Kyoko's desk and slipping quickly into her schoolbag. "I haven't been to one before. It'd be nice to experience some open air outside the city streets and all!"
Kyoko nodded. "Indeed," she said, picking up her schoolbag and she and Ann made their way to the door leading into the Shujin hallways, managing a faint but genuine smile. "It'd be nice to just enjoy somewhere peaceful outside again for a change."
The young detective gazed back a moment as she and Ann made their way to the stairs, certain she saw Makoto Niijima watching them from nearby though she did not follow.
"Man, big open places like this are great, aren't they?" Ann asked with an enthusiastic smile, hands at her hips as she looked around.
Kyoko could not argue with Ann's statement at all, the place was very peaceful. The two of them were currently near where a river flowed nearby while Morgana had elected to go off on his own and explore for a while, trees covered in green leaves from the spring season were all around, some leaning over the river itself. Kyoko had since seated herself on the wood fence and rather enjoyed the smell of the open outdoors that were their tranquil surroundings. She brought up her hand, keeping her hair in place as a breeze suddenly billowed it in front of her, getting a laugh from Ann.
"You know, Kyoko, you've really got such beautiful hair," Ann remarked. "Its so silky, and the way it blows in the wind like that! ...I'm a bit jealous, actually!"
"You'd be surprised how long it takes to dry," Kyoko replied.
"Uhhh, kinda missing the point," Ann said, frowning a little. "Still, maybe when this whole thing with Madarame's over we can take a spa trip together!" she said, a smile back in place. "I mean, with Shiho in the hospital, still, it's been a while since I've gotten to just do something fun with another girl... you get what I'm saying?"
Kyoko closed her eyes, resting her hand under her chin. "In theory, yes. In practice, no. My grandfather wouldn't have approved of me taking time away from my studies in school and as a detective for what he'd consider frivolous recreational activities."
A concerned look came to the other girl's face. "Wow, he's kinda... " Ann paused as she noticed Kyoko's stare. "...Sorry. Well, with how things are, you have time, now, right? To be honest, I actually do kinda need to go back again before my next gig, so it'd be nice to have company, then!"
"Gig?" Kyoko asked, raising an eyebrow.
The blonde shook her head. "...I can explain later, we're here to strengthen my heart, after all!" she said. "...And I think a place like this is perfect for that!"
"What did you have in mind?" Kyoko asked, looking around and unsure what Ann was getting at.
"Well, for starters, I think having a strong heart means not letting anything get under your skin," Ann explained. "Soooo, maybe you can say some stuff meant to hurt me and I'll try not to get fazed by it!"
Kyoko blinked, though it was not one of surprise but rather exasperation. "Something like that won't work at all. You already know anything you ask me to say wouldn't be true or spoken out of contempt," she said, standing herself up. "...I'm no stranger to... harsh words from people I care for or respect, but this isn't a situation where it would go the way you're expecting."
Ann sighed, looking down at the ground. "...Maybe you're right," she said. "Well, there goes that, I guess. Sorry I-" The blonde's phone chimed suddenly and Ann removed it from her coat pocket and read a message on the screen, a concerned frown on her face.
"Is something the matter?" Kyoko asked.
"Remember the whole "gig" thing?" Ann asked. "Well, I just got a message from the my agency. They said to be extra mindful of the time and place they give me when it happens."
"It?"
"I'm a part-time model," Ann explained with a smile. "I actually started out as a substitute when I was living in Finland. My parents are in the fashion business, both're designers who put on some seriously extravagant shows around the world, they travel a lot so I only really see them for half the year, maybe less, nowadays. The rest of the time it's me and a live-in caretaker," she explained.
"I imagine that can be... depressing," Kyoko replied.
"A little. Moreso when I was younger, but I'm a big girl, now!" Ann replied. "I guess... you're not close to yours, are you?"
Kyoko sighed, closing her eyes. "No, I'm not. I lost my mother when I was a child. My father left me in my grandfather's care when I was little. My grandfather told me my father never wanted me and never wanted to see me again, that he was a problem child who had no respect for our family's legacy and duty as detectives," she explained. "...I hope to get answers from him when I face him at Hope's Peak."
"I see," Ann replied, concerned. "...Do you think he's telling the truth? Your grandfather, I mean?"
Kyoko gave the blonde a silent stare Ann felt seem to go right through her, but she spoke again.
"I mean... maybe you... when you see your dad, get his side of the story, too? I mean, you're a detective, right?"
Kyoko again gave no response for a moment, it was evident to Ann it was not a subject she wished to continue in the least. An uncomfortable silence passed between the two girls for a moment before Ann elected to change the subject.
"Sorry... I guess I got off-topic there. True I don't see them as much but I guess being a Phantom Thief it'd be a bit tough to hide that if they were around a lot, right?" she asked, shaking her head. "...Anyway, how I became a model, well, thing was, my mom and dad didn't have enough models for the event they were holding at the time when a bug was going around, so I filled in, and the rest is history! I didn't have any friends before Shiho, so when I model, it lets me feel a little closer to my parents, even if I'm not sure if I wanna make a living out of it," Ann explained. "I mean, I got some serious competition if I did! Like that Enoshima girl who's in all the magazines who both models and designs her own fashions despite being our age? Can you see me measuring anywhere close to that level?" she asked with a laugh, before looking down at the message on her phone again.
"...But what's going on is I have a gig lined up and... well... for some reason a bunch of the other models haven't been showing up to the last ones there've been..."
"Did something make them change their minds?" Kyoko asked, intrigued.
"No, actually," Ann replied. "When asked, they all say they get notices about there being a change in the schedule. It's making the shoots real hectic and the agency's been scrambling for substitutes..."
Kyoko brought her hand to her chin, pondering Ann's words. Everything about this seemed suspicious to her. It was possible someone within the agency was doing this intentionally, but she couldn't determine a possible motive when so many were being affected and who could gain from it. "What about you, have you missed any shoots?"
"Not a single one!" Ann said, a bit of pride in her tone before her expression fell again. "Still, it's gotta be confusing the staff a lot to see a substitute show up, too. Hope that doesn't happen to me as well," she mused, before noticing Kyoko's expression. "...What's wrong? You think something's up?"
"Possibly," Kyoko replied. "There's a chance someone is sabotaging these shoots."
Ann blinked in surprise. "You think so? Why would they?"
Kyoko glanced downward. "Good question," she replied and let out a soft exhale, a decision made. "This modeling appointment? I'd like to accompany you when it happens. Would that be alright with you? It may allow me to assess a possible culprit and discern a motive."
"Are you sure about that?" Ann asked. "I mean... are you even allowed to continue detective work right now?"
"I wouldn't have to. I can simply take part as a witness," Kyoko explained. "That way, you can address suspicious behavior to your agency as a complaint that may prompt them to look into it themselves more closely."
"Oh. Well in that case, yeah, sure, of course! I'd be glad to have someone to support me when I go, actually!" Ann said, but a playful smirk then crept across her face. "But you need to accompany me to the spa beforehand, as well! I want another girl's honest opinion before I show up there, after all! Plus, with all you've had to deal with, you'd be surprised how much it can make the stress go away, even for a bit so you can call it a thank-you, too! You, Morgana, Ryuji, Yusuke, you're my friends, and the Phantom Thieves and Shiho, too. No one can substitute any of you. You're all important to me and I wanna help all of you get stronger any way I can!"
Kyoko wasn't sure how to respond to the other girl's statement, but decided to go along with it, as she could see Ann's determined motivation in her and the sound of a chain breaking could be heard within the recesses of her mind.
She noticed Ann smile again as she looked away. The blonde noticed the look of intrigue on Kyoko's face.
"Oh, sorry. Just thinking about something else," Ann said. "This whole phantom thieves and you doing detective work and all... it reminded me of how there was this anime I watched as a kid. The main villain was this female thief. Sure she'd lose to the hero all the time but I always thought she was so cool!" she explained. "Did you ever watch stuff like that?"
"Not particularly," Kyoko replied. "I barely remember shows I'd watch in my early childhood, and my grandfather was particular of the media I watched."
"I see," Ann replied. "...Well, this character, she may not have been the hero, but I couldn't stop thinking of how beautiful, strong, charming, and sexy she was! She always said whatever she wanted and did whatever she wanted. She knew what justice was for her!" she explained. "I'd think about how I wanted to be like her when I grew up... now that I think about it, my "Panther" outfit does actually look a bit like what she wore... maybe that's why I ended up with it? Because she's the kind of person I wanted to be like?"
"It's possible," Kyoko said. "Ryuji's invokes a pirate motif because he wears the stigma Kamoshida subjected him to as a mark of rebellion the way a pirate's flag is their unique symbol to identify themselves."
"And Yusuke's has a more a feudal Japan look to it," Ann mused.
"His Persona, Goemon, was a historical folk hero," Kyoko replied.
Ann chuckled. "I guess that makes sense. We'll save Yusuke from Madarame and bring an end to him in the process!"
Kyoko gave a nod in agreement as she saw Morgana approaching.
"This place is great, Lady Ann!" the cat said cheerfully. "We oughta come here again, sometime!"
"Mm-hm!" Ann replied. "Thanks for coming with me today, by the way! I should probably be heading home soon, though... maybe I could try some runway walks on my way back, like all cool and sexy-like?"
Kyoko wasn't sure how to respond to Ann's question, though Morgana looked quite interested and answered first.
"I'd be honored to rate you on that if you'd like sometime, Lady Ann!" the cat said with as much of a smile as he could make with a cat's lips.
"Aww, you're such a sweetheart, Morgana!" Ann replied, crouching down and giving him a headscratch before looking over at Kyoko. "I just wanna, I dunno... get away from the human disaster I've felt like for a while."
"You just need to not give up," Kyoko replied. "I know the feeling of hitting rock bottom, after all..."
"I guess you're right," Ann said, standing back up. "I just need to overcome every obstacle, like we've done as Phantom Thieves. Maybe then real me can feel as cool as I feel as Phantom Thief me!" The blonde turned towards the path leading back out. "Anyway, I'm gonna get back home. Remember that agreement we made, too, regarding my next gig!" she said with a playful wink.
"I'm sure Lady Ann will do great!" Morgana mused as he watched her leave, then glancing up at Kyoko. "We should probably be heading back, too. It'll be after sunset soon!"
Kyoko gave a nod as she set down her bag, allowing Morgana to climb in and then made her way to the stations as well, thinking of her earlier conversation...
As she returned to the Shibuya Station, the sun had already begun to set, and following a text message she'd received on the trip there, Kyoko took notice of the politician from before, Yoshida, was once more setting up in the place he'd been seen before, a few people nearby waiting. The young detective glanced down at her schoolbag, where Morgana had presumably been taking a nap due to how quiet he'd gotten, and recalling what he'd said the other day, as well as her last experience when she'd participated in a speech. She hadn't any other plans for the night and perhaps what the cat had said then would have some merit. Her mind made up, Kyoko approached.
Yoshida turned, noticing Kyoko as she came over and smiling warmly. "Oh, you made it just in time," he said. "I was having another speech tonight and was hoping you'd make it if you had time."
"Actually, I was wondering if you could teach me how to do them?" Kyoko asked.
"Oh? Were you planning to enter politics yourself?" Yoshida asked, surprised a little by Kyoko's question.
"Not exactly," Kyoko replied. "I've done some... self-reflection lately and determined my own social skills are somewhat... lacking," she explained. "...I thought if I could watch you, maybe it would provide me some skills and strategies to improve on that."
"I see," the man replied, pausing to give it thought before speaking up again. "Well, I'm about to start my speech. If you'd be willing to help out, I'm sure we can discuss it after," he said. "The best way to learn, is through observation."
"Fair enough," Kyoko replied as Yoshida offered the sign. Accepting, Kyoko stood near the small wood podium Yoshida then stood himself on and she held the sign. In no time, people seemed to notice and started to come over. Most of them curious, one or two seemed eager, others, however, looked annoyed as Yoshida started speaking. As he continued to do so, more began to gather.
"...And while our society appears to be prosperous, many of our young people are quietly suffering!" Yoshida stated as he carried on his latest speech, "...many of whom lack jobs, security, savings! The next generation will lead us into the future, and yet they have no plan for how to arrive there!"
Kyoko kept the sign in hand, her gaze occasionally turning towards the man as he spoke.
"...While it's true, we have some establishments that do give some young people an added credibility as they enter the world, they still only filter a very, very select few, and often it's only those in fortunate or affluent enough circumstances to get in!" Yoshida explained, "...What then, of those with extraordinary talent but not the connections or resources to make themselves recognized? What of those who struggle to find a productive place in the world but cannot afford the guidance? So many young people who carry the potential to change this country for the better, to become truly productive members to this country and society, lack the opportunities necessary to do so! We must-!"
"Hey! Watch where your going, you little shit!" a male voice snapped nearby, causing Yoshida to pause and look over.
"You bumped into me, you old goat!" a younger male voice protested indignantly.
Kyoko, also curious, glanced over as well, noticing a middle-aged businessman and a younger man arguing near to the kiosk. It looked like the two could break into a outright physical fight at any moment as she noticed the former's hands tense into fists.
"We should mediate," she whispered to Yoshida.
"Yes, we probably should," he replied. "It won't do to have this kind of behavior."
Yoshida cleared his throat. "Excuse me, good citizens? Please, stop fighting!" he called out to the two men. Kyoko noted his tone was firm, yet not confrontational at all, rather, it was like that of how a teacher would take control of disruptive students.
"Stay outta this!" the young man hissed.
"What is the point of bickering over such a trivial matter?" Yoshida asked, unfazed by the young man's harsh tone.
"You deaf or something? This is none of your business!" the businessman snapped angrily.
"He's conducting a speech right now, there's no need to start a fight out here," Kyoko said, a hint of annoyance in her voice from the disrespect the two were showing.
"Aw, shut it, kid!" the younger man said.
"Please," Yoshida responded, his tone gentler, and holding his hand in assurance that Kyoko needn't involve herself. "Say what you will, I simply don't want trouble while I'm doing my speech. If that happens the police will likely notice and things will only get worse for you both from there," he explained. "You both have people to go home to, don't you?"
The two men gave no answer, Yoshida gave a gentle smile.
"Come, now, the last thing you'd want to tell them is you got in trouble with the police for causing a disturbance, would you?"
Choosing to preserve their egos rather then offer any kind of apology either to Yoshida or eachother, the two men simply shook their heads and left in separate directions without a word, causing Kyoko to scowl a little.
"You needn't worry about them, I'm sure they'll be fine," Yoshida assured, before turning to face the small group of people still before him. "I apologize for that, now, back to my speech..."
Kyoko watched the way the man conducted himself, and how he had not let the minor disturbance from earlier shake him, either. It did, however, make the young detective curious as to why he wasn't campaigning more actively or with a party's backing.
"As I was saying, we must, together, create a bright future for our next generation!" Yoshida continued, his tone passionate and commanding as one or two more approached.
"Ugh! So righteous! That shit really annoys me!" a young man in a flashy suit standing where the two arguing men were earlier stated, a disgusted sneer on his face before cupping his hands over his mouth. "Hey! Enough of your arrogance, No-Good Tora!" he shouted.
Kyoko heard Yoshida shudder, and sharply turned to look at him. Yoshida looked absolutely paralyzed, a look of stunned shock on his face as the man approached, smirking.
"Tell me something, miss," the man sneered. "Did he tell you anything about why no one'll vote for him anymore before he got you to hold that bullshit sign for him?" he asked with a laugh before looking Yoshida in the eye, his grin spreading as he saw the older man's fear. "You planning to embezzle funds again? Or maybe criticize one of your constituents again?"
"N-no!" Yoshida stammered. "Th-that was twenty years ago! I...!"
The young man chuckled. "Whatever, ya washed-up criminal loser!" he said, loudly and looking at the crowd clearly hoping all he said was heard by everyone else before walking off laughing.
Kyoko could feel the sign fall from her hands as her arms involuntarily lowered. The crowds began chattering as Yoshida sighed in defeat.
"That... that'll be all, everyone," he said softly, the crowd began to disperse, muttering to themselves as Yoshida quietly picked up his makeshift podium and the fallen sign in silence.
"I wouldn't blame you for judging me harshly, Miss Kirigiri," he said, barely looking at her, trying to hide the shame on his face.
"What was that all about?" Kyoko asked, folding her arms as she watched him.
"I've gone and done it again," Yoshida replied sadly. "I suppose you're wondering about those things that young man said, calling me a criminal? Well, I can say there are many who'd agree with that statement. When I hear that name, "No-Good Tora"... I panic..."
Yoshida shook his head as he slid the sash off his shoulder. "I suppose I should have told you, before you agreed to any of this. I dragged you into my own dismal problems by association."
Kyoko eyed the man with a stare, but it was not a harsh one, rather one of curiosity. "You came off as entirely genuine with everything you discussed in your speeches, but I can't deny truth simply because it can be discomforting," she explained. "The things he accused you of, are they all true?"
Yoshida gave the young detective a sad smile and looked away, nodding.
"Twenty years ago, you said?" Kyoko pressed.
"You'd be correct, Miss Kirigiri," Yoshida replied, gazing up at the night sky. "...I went through quiet an ordeal, then. I shouldn't have kept it from you so you have a right to know everything..."
"I'm listening," Kyoko answered.
"The thing is, back then I was in fact a member of the National Diet. I was elected during the rise of the "Kuramoto Children"," Yoshida explained. "...About twenty years ago, a bit before your time, I suppose. But we were backed by very powerful and influential Diet members. Though I was elected thanks to those connections, I was rather inexperienced... both as a politician, and as a human being... and that inexperience led me to be involved in a series of major political scandals, blunders which people refer to as "No-Good Tora's Three Strikes"..."
Yoshida pushed back his hair, sighing as his expression fell from unpleasant memories. "The first strike was when I got caught missing a legislative meeting to take a personal vacation, my first strike," he explained. "...Then, I was accused of embezzling a large sum of money from the party... giving me two strikes..."
Kyoko brought her hand to her chin in thought as he described his second scandal, recalling what the man had said earlier, yet there was something about Yoshida's wording that seized the attention of her intuition as a detective. "You said "accused"... were you, in fact, guilty of it?" she asked.
"In positions that put you in the public eye, an accusation can all it takes to jeopardize your career," Yoshida responded. "Sometimes, all that matters is what the public believes, or wants to believe. However culpable I truly am, makes no difference once that judgement is made."
Kyoko scowled at his words. It was something she could relate to all too well and it was clear Yoshida wasn't particularly eager to go further on the details of that matter. "...What was the third strike?" she asked, deciding to continue the conversation.
"I called a voter an idiot at an open forum. This resulted in scandal, and strike three. For that, I was kicked out, and branded a washed-up politician," Yoshida explained, his voice breaking a little as he spoke. "...You wanted to learn from me for the sake of self-improvement? Whether it's that or some vested interest in politics, Miss Kirigiri, I ask you, do you see the man before you that you put that trust in for what he is, now?"
Kyoko's features softened a little before closing her eyes a moment, mulling this information he'd shared with her about his past over before opening them once more and giving a very faint smile. "I see someone who is trying to atone for his past, and has convictions that are different from the person you were, then," she said. "I'm grateful you were willing to be honest with me about all of that, and I believed all you said in your speeches, and could see you do care about the things you discussed. I'd still like to learn from you, and help however I can."
Yoshida blinked in surprise. "As nice as it is to hear that, it still surprises me you'd offer," he gave a bitter chuckle. "I'll have you know, the times you've listened to me speak are far from the first times people have told me I'd never get elected. Everyone says I have absolutely no chance at all, so why still put such faith in me?"
"Even before that man insulted you in that rather personal way," Kyoko explained, "I saw how you handled that earlier dispute, and that you remained composed and passionate as you spoke. You never became confrontational or threatening. It may help in my own goals in life to learn from you."
Yoshida studied the girl before him a moment, curious what she'd meant by that and what exactly her goals were, but she'd chosen not to say and he decided to respect that. "Well, then, I can tell you the most important part about giving a good speech is believing in yourself." He looked down at the pavement, folding his arms. "Perhaps one day, I'll believe in myself once more..."
He chuckled a little again, though Kyoko noted amusement rather then bitterness, now. "You sure got me there, though. You're quite an intriguing young lady if you don't mind my saying so, Miss Kirigiri..."
"It's to be expected, I'll admit," Kyoko said, brushing back her hair. "...I've learned how to conceal my emotions to make it harder for people to know what I'm thinking."
Yoshida quirked an eyebrow in curiosity. "Is that so? It's not always a good thing to do, you know. Sometimes, showing just enough of how you're feeling can have an effect on others, allowing them to see your sincerity for instance."
It was now Kyoko's turn to glance down, but she said nothing.
"Well, at any rate, if you would like to know how to communicate like that, whether it's simply giving a great speech or just some self-improvement, I'll do my best to instruct you," Yoshida said, a smile on his face evident his mood had improved from Kyoko's earlier assurance. "If, in return, I ask if you could continue to assist me in my speeches?"
Kyoko gave another faint smile. "I see no issues with that," she said.
?/?
"Staging your crimes with calling cards, it's hard to believe a high school student, even one as exceptional as yourself, Kirigiri, could have done this alone," Niijima stated, her arms folded as she sat across from Kyoko in the interrogation room, her crimson gaze studying the girl before her as the young detective took a moment from recounting her story, her injuries she'd sustained acting up again.
Niijima's unrelenting glare made it evident she was not about to stop the interrogation to offer any concern or sympathy. Any time wasted expressing either would only cost her the time she had been given to gather as much information as she could from the girl.
"...Detectives may excel at gaining information, but these sorts of things require a different kind of touch, don't they?" the prosecutor continued. "An adult, for example, one with years of experience and the talent to move others with words, would I be correct in saying that perhaps such a person may have coached you?"
5/23
All of reality seemed to suddenly darken as time once more slowed down to a crawl around Kyoko, and the soft voice spoke to her, seemingly all around yet within her mind...
I am thou, thou art I...
Thou hast acquired a new vow
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity
With the birth of the Sun Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
Shall lead to freedom and new power...
The sound of a chain link shattering echoed within Kyoko's mind, and time and reality once more returned to normal for her.
"...I'm very thankful, Miss Kirigiri," Yoshida said. "Perhaps, who knows? Maybe you'll feel inspired to become a member of the Diet yourself?" he chuckled warmly from his joke, though Kyoko simply regarded him in silence.
"Oh, I've probably gone on too long after all that, haven't I?" he asked. "Let's just call it quits for today... though one last thing I should probably mention, regarding my speech schedules..."
"I have you saved on my phone, you know how to reach me when you have one," Kyoko said, taking out her phone and quirking an eyebrow.
"Yes, of course, very practical of you," Yoshida replied, nodding approvingly. "...Anyway, to save you the trouble I'll be doing my speeches early on Sunday evenings from now on. I'll let you know in advance when I'll be starting, and you can let me know if you're free to help should you have the time."
Kyoko gave a faint smile, returning a nod of her own. "I appreciate it."
"Thank you again for this," said Yoshida. "That's all I wanted to say, that and it's getting a little late and I imagine you got school tomorrow, so you may want to head on home, now."
Kyoko looked at the time on her phone, and the crowds beginning to grow at the entrance to the underground walkways. "True," she said. "I'll look forward to hearing from you, sir."
"Likewise," Yoshida replied. "Have a safe trip back!"
Parting ways, Kyoko made her way down the steps into the underground walkway, Morgana poking his head from her school bag.
"Seems I was right!" Morgana said with a haughty chuckle as Kyoko made her way to the escalators. "I'm sure this may work helping in carrying yourself during Shadow negotiations."
"Hm?" Kyoko glanced back at the cat as she waited in the lines.
"As you know, Shadows have different personalities, can't just go and intimidate all of them into complying," Morgana explained. "This could make a difference, sometimes Shadows may listen more if they think you empathize, or are amused. Plus, that resolve really helps, too."
Kyoko, being in public, did not speak, but gave a simple nod of acknowledgement.
"Now, let's pick up dinner before we get back to Leblanc! I'm starving!" the cat cheered, prompting a small sigh from Kyoko that was quickly disputed by the sound of her own stomach growling a little and reminding her she'd not eaten since lunch time at school.
5/24
"Alright, let's begin homeroom!" Kawakami announced as she stood before the class that morning. "First, I have an announcement I need to make about an upcoming school event..."
The teacher yawned, taking a second and causing Kyoko to regard her in curiosity. This seemed to be a fairly consistent thing for the homeroom teacher. The times she wasn't looking like she needed some sleep Kyoko assumed were the doing of espresso, something she herself was familiar with.
"...Anyway, as part of a city beautification project, the entire school will be participating in a public cleanup campaign," Kawakami explained, "...which means we'll be going to Inokashira Park to pick up trash."
Kyoko folded her arms, frowning. The other students clearly shared her annoyance as well. She could certainly think of better ways to spend her time off the top of her head that had nothing to do with being a free sanitation service, which clearly the whole class could tell right away was the real purpose behind this whole event judging from the immediate chorus of protests that erupted around the room in an indignant cacophony.
"Settle down, class," Kawakami said, her tone stern as she attempted to subdue her lethargy that threatened to creep back into her exhausted features. "Know that the cleanup will take place next week, on the 30th. All students will be required to wear their gym uniforms during the event so don't forget to dress the part, understand?"
As if on cue, Kyoko's phone hummed, and she carefully took it from her blazer pocket, though it did not appear Kawakami had any of Ushimaru's talent for catching such activity as she turned to her lecture on Japanese language.
[The HELL?! You guys just hear about that cleanup BS?] Ryuji's message inquired on Kyoko's screen in the group chat.
[Bet this is some kinda damage control the principal's got with the scandal and all!] Ryuji continued in another message.
[That and the counseling, it all seems like a desperate move] Ann messaged back.
-It is rather annoying. Kyoko replied.
[It stinks! We get volunteered as free trash collectors to save his ass from shit HE helped cause! F him!] Ryuji protested.
-No use complaining about it, Kyoko answered.
-We'll have to just go along with it if we're going to avoid suspicion, especially with the Student President still stalking us. she added.
[Right, we still got her to worry about, too. Dammit!] Ryuji answered.
[Speakin of counseling looks like all the girls in our class are totally freaking out about the new guy, too!] he added.
[Goin on and on, Maruki's hot, Maruki's sensitive, Maruki's kind, basically they ALL think he's their type!] Kyoko heard Ann stifle a chuckle at Ryuji's last comment.
[Wow, guess he's pretty popular, then!] Ann texted in response.
[Reminds me! You went to his counseling already, right?] she messaged.
[Eh. Forgot. Don't really feel like going. You get me, Kyoko?] Ryuji messaged back, now addressing the young detective.
-I advise going. I've already gone and like I said, it'll lower suspicion on us if you do. Kyoko answered.
[For real?] Ryuji texted back, clearly surprised.
[He's actually really good. You should just go, Ryuji.] Ann replied.
[But what about the calling card and stuff? You up for it today Yusuke?]
There was a pause, Yusuke's image on the screen finally showed activity.
[Are you texting during class?] his message inquired.
[Look, just answer real quick kay?] Ryuji responded on the chat.
Another few seconds passed, Yusuke presumably thinking it over.
[I'd like to have it done tomorrow, if that would be alright. Do what you need to do, Ryuji and we can meet up after.] Yusuke's answer stated.
[Suits me fine. Go on Ryuji. You won't regret it!] Ann replied.
[Alright alright! Fine! I'll see the school shrink. I'll letcha know when I'm ready and we can go to the hideout after!]
-Very well. See you then. Kyoko answered, pocketing her phone and turning her attention back to Kawakami's lecture.
"Oh! Come in!" Maruki called in response to the knock at his door, turning in his chair as the door slid open, revealing the blond kid he remembered as Ryuji Sakamoto.
"Sup," Ryuji muttered as he stepped in, sliding the door shut behind him.
"Ah, Sakamoto-kun! Welcome!" Maruki said with a warm smile. "Here for a counseling session?"
"Eh, it's not like I wanted to, or nothin'," Ryuji sighed, folding his arms and frowning a little.
Maruki shook his head, his pleasant smile unwavering as if he were used to this already. "I'm very sorry if you felt forced into this, but anyway, come on in!"
Ryuji raised an eyebrow at the doctor, surprised by his response a little but complied, seating himself on the small couch at the coffee table, Maruki himself taking a seat in the armchair with an opened juice box, offering one to Ryuji, who after a second, shrugged and accepted.
"Sooo, this is... pretty awkward, honestly," Ryuji said, still uneasy about the whole thing.
"Oh? Why's that?" Maruki asked, concerned.
"Well, for one thing, I don't really go see teachers unless they wanna chew me out for doin' somethin' wrong!" Ryuji said sharply.
"Well, you needn't worry about that, I'm not exactly a teacher, you know," Maruki replied, taking up a clipboard and a pen. "If anything, I'm here to be on the students' side."
"That so?" Ryuji asked, still a little tense. "So, what, am I 'sposed to tell ya about Kamoshida, now?"
"Oh, no, no! Nothing like that!" Maruki responded, shaking his head. "...I think we've had a misunderstanding, this isn't some kind of interrogation," he explained. "The entire... incident... everything associated with Kamoshida? That's your business, so, far as I'm concerned you don't need to share it with me if you don't want to. Rather, you're welcome to just kick back and talk about anything you want."
"Huh?" Ryuji looked rather surprised now. "Liiiiiike what?"
Maruki smirked a little. "Whatever you'd like. It's actually very common for people who aren't given a chance to be heard to not know what to discuss when they're given the chance," he explained, "...But if you're not sure, maybe... is there anyone in your class you like?"
"Ehhh, that's not exactly easy to talk about, either!" Ryuji said, a hint of red on his face as he tugged the collar of his shirt a little. "I-I mean, I just known Ann for a while, an' Kyoko she's... I dunno, not really my type, I guess?" the boy shrugged.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Maruki apologized quickly. "I guess, I've seen you hang out with them, and you're in the middle of your teenage years. Most kids your age have had at least one crush by now. High Schoolers tend to just be discovering romance, after all."
"It's no big, there's not really anybody anyway. Why, that how it went for you or somethin'?" Ryuji asked, relaxing a little as he took the straw of his juicebox and punctured the opening and taking a sip.
"Not exactly," Maruki said, a sheepish look of embarrassment on his face. "But it's just because I guess I sorta fell in love with my studies first, heh heh!"
The doctor sighed a little. "I'm sorry, I'm supposed to hearing you out and I brought down the room instead."
Ryuji looked down at the table, unsure how to respond to that.
"How about this, instead," Maruki offered. "...Is there anything you do in your spare time? Weekend or after school hobbies?"
"Well," Ryuji said, sounding a little unsure, "I... uhhh... mostly just hang out with my buds. Takamaki. Kyoko... 'nother guy from Kosei we know... though I just started doin' that recently. Before that, I was just pissed all the time... I'm sure you know who was the reason why... then before that?" the boy smiled a little as he looked down at the table again while Maruki jotted down some notes. "...I was all about the track team."
"...So is your leg better, then?" Maruki asked, putting his hand to his chin in curiosity.
Ryuji sighed, his expression falling. "Oh, so you know about that, too?" he asked. "Yeah, pretty much, so long as I'm not strainin' it or nothin'."
"Good, I'm glad to hear that," Maruki replied with a relieved smile. "So you mentioned you were all about the track team, I take it you really enjoy running?"
Ryuji gave a shrug. "Guess so... I mean, after all the trainin' I did, it makes sense I'd like it," he replied. "I'd be trainin' constantly. Gettin' sweet times at meets along with the rest'a the team. I was actually pretty popular, then, and well on the way to gettin' my hands on some running scholarships to make it easier on my mom..."
The boy sighed again, staring at his drink box and then taking another sip. "...But that's all in the past, now. It's cool, though, I got way more important shit to do now."
"Oh?" Maruki asked. "Well, no matter what path you might have to take to get there, I hope your track dreams can still do you some good in the end! As they say, you wish hard enough, your dreams can come true!" he said with a hearty chuckle.
Ryuji raised an eyebrow in confusion. "The hell? You tryin' to sell me some kinda line here, Doc?"
"Not exactly," Maruki replied. "It's actually a phenomenon, with a lot of research going into it, even now, actually," he explained. "How about look at it this way, Sakamoto-kun... what do you want most out of life, right now?"
Ryuji sat back and pondered a moment. "Ehhhh... 'nother one'a these?" he asked. "Kinda empty, now."
Maruki blinked, surprised by Ryuji's answer, then chuckled again. "Well, wouldn't you know it, I lucked out with coupon for a free can of apple juice at the store, this morning!" he explained. "...And now, well the free can's all yours!"
"Um... thanks?" Ryuji asked, a bit surprised as well, not having expected the doctor to have come so prepared for such a simple request in a way that exceeded his expectations.
"Well, see? Your wish came true!" Maruki said, getting up and opening his mini-fridge, taking out a canned apple juice and held it out to him.
Ryuji stared at the can for a second, still surprised. "...Uh, hey, Dr. Maru-er... Doc?" he asked. "...Anyone ever tell you you're kinda... not normal?"
"You think so?" the doctor asked, confused. "Oh, could that be a compliment, coming from you?"
"Eh, no?" Ryuji asked with a laugh, accepting the canned drink and cracking it open. "Thanks, though, Doc!"
"Hey, it's my pleasure!" Maruki replied, smiling in amusement and jotting down notes from the conversation before they'd resume.
It had been later in the afternoon when Kyoko arrived at the new hideout, having taken the opportunity to buy some medicines from Takemi before arriving to meet the others, who had already been waiting for her.
"Thank you for giving me that extra day, I'm certain I am ready, now," Yusuke said with a grateful smile as Kyoko joined the group, "...We can now take him down, yes?" he asked as he leaned against the guard rail situated in front of the window of the overpass.
"That's right, Madarame's going to be a changed man!" Morgana said, poking his head out of Kyoko's school bag. "...Just know, there won't be any way to revert it afterward, so are you sure you want to do this?"
Yusuke folded his arms and nodded. "Yes... it's why I wanted that extra day. I've thought it over carefully, and I cannot think of a future in which he does not pay his dues," he replied. "Yonaga-san... Nakanohara-san... Madarame has preyed on not just the art world, but countless talents as well! I've lied to myself about the suffering my sensei has inflicted on them for too long it is time I put an end to this, and I humbly request your help for it."
"You can count on us," Kyoko replied. "I am a detective, after all. I can't allow someone like this to continue his crimes."
"I'm very grateful for that," Yusuke said, giving a relieved smile. "I'm only sorry to bring you all into this."
"There's nothing to apologize for, Yusuke!" Ann replied, leaning against the guard rail near where Kyoko stood. "We didn't want to impose if you weren't okay with it!"
"That said, I suppose a detective could have investigated?" Yusuke asked, looking over at Kyoko again.
"I had my license suspended when I had my probation put on me, so I couldn't perform one without certain conditions and even then I could only act within the boundaries of a witness," Kyoko explained. "Furthermore, even if I was still active, I doubt you'd have been cooperative at the time and allow me access to evidence and give the police a reason to search, and a man of his status that'd be very difficult to obtain as well as the alibis he'd put together in advance."
"Yeah, shitty adults like him might as well be above the law!" Ryuji grumbled as he stared out the window.
"Yes, the law has been very... disappointing lately," Kyoko said, brushing back her hair as memories of that fateful night briefly came back to her. "Still, we didn't wish to bring any serious consequences on you with Madarame's arrest should we change his heart."
Yusuke's gaze slowly moved down to the floor. "...Whatever happens, I don't care anymore. Madarame must be stopped. He could very well... discard me just as easily, and use his fame to prey on someone else after. There is nothing more to say on the matter, I am standing by my decision."
"Then I guess we're good, then!" Morgana said with as much of a smirk as a cat could make.
"If I recall," Yusuke stated, "...our next step is sending a "calling card", correct?" the boy couldn't help but chuckle in amusement and admiration. "...What a suave maneuver!"
"It's not about acting cool," Morgana explained. "As we explained in the Palace, sending Madarame a calling card is a way we trigger a change in his cognition."
"A change in cognition," Yusuke mused. "You mentioned going through something like that, before..."
"Ah, you must be talking about when we forced open the security gate in that courtyard!" Morgana replied.
"Basically, since the Palace is a cognitive world, that means changing the Ruler's cognition changes the topography!" Ann explained. "...I think?"
"Very nicely put, Lady Ann," said Morgana. "It's absolutely correct, too. This'll be a vital tactic from here forward."
"Actually, may I ask a truly basic question?" Yusuke inquired, looking a little unsure about what he'd been told. "You continue to mention cognition quiet readily... why does a world formed from materialized cognitions even exist in the first place, though?"
The boy suddenly looked worried. "Don't tell me... has it always existed, while we go about our daily lives completely oblivious?"
"Honestly... I'm not sure," Morgana replied. "At the very least, I know it existed before the Kamoshida incident, but that's all..."
"I see," Yusuke answered, still a little uneased and Morgana's words had done little to assuage his concerns.
"Totally caught me off-guard with that one," Ryuji commented. "It's kinda weird thinkin' there might be whole worlds we just don't know a damn thing about! Has the thought every crossed your mind, Kyoko?"
"No, not really," Kyoko replied, resting her elbows against the guard rail and leaning forward, gazing out the window at the bustling crowds down below. "...Though, to be fair it's likely because I had little time or reason to."
"Seriously, kinda freaks me out, now!" Ann remarked.
"Oh don't get so anxious! You four probably don't even know everything about the city you live in, after all!" Morgana interrupted, hopping onto the guard rail next to where Kyoko was. "All that really matters is that we know how to make use of this world and how to traverse it! Now, we gonna plan out what we came to do, or what?"
"Yes, absolutely," Yusuke replied.
"Then it's decided! Let's prepare the calling card at once!" Morgana declared.
"Still, will he take it seriously?" Yusuke asked, bringing his hand to his chin in thought. "Understand unlike this Kamoshida, Madarame is at the height of his fame and success, and with what he's done receiving slanderous and threatening letters would hardly be new to him."
"Don't sweat it!" Ryuji said with a grin. "He'll know whether the crime written is for real or not!"
"Wait, are you gonna write it again, Ryuji?" Morgana asked, his ears drooping and his tone expressing concern and a hint of annoyance. "That last one you did was... questionable, at best."
"I think Yusuke should do it!" Ann said with a smile, looking over at the tall boy. "Ooh! Make it really artistic and stuff, too!"
Yusuke shook his head. "No. It would end with him figuring it out right away. He knows my drawing and writing styles too well."
"Then perhaps if one of us he doesn't know writes it, and another were to contribute as well, it may be harder to trace," Kyoko said. "Sometimes criminals who would send letters or leave voice messages for the police to find will have an accomplice, or anonymously hire someone to do so. This would sometimes help to disguise age, gender, or other aspects the law would profile a suspect pool on."
"Well how about this?" Ryuji offered. "I can write it, and then you spruce it up some, Yusuke?"
"Hmm, designing a calling card," Yusuke mused with a smile, brushing back the fringe over his left eye. "It shall become proof that the Phantom Thieves do indeed exist!"
"Great!" Morgana cheered, hopping down from the guard rail. "All that's left now, is to send it to Madarame and make the Treasure ours!"
No sooner had Kyoko returned to Leblanc that her phone began to chime, prompting her to take her phone out and see what was going on in the chat forum.
[Hey! I changed our chat logo! It's this effin' awesome new Phantom Thieves logo I had Yusuke draw for the calling card!] Ryuji's message read.
[Calling card's done BTW, looks great!] he added.
[...Logo looks the same to me...] Ann replied.
[Eh, give it a few. Maybe just needs some time to update is all.] Ryuji answered back.
[Anyway, this is the first real job of the Phantom Thieves! People're gonna be watching so we can't screw it up, k?] he messaged.
[I'm not underestimating anything, I assure you.] Ann replied. Kyoko could practically hear the annoyance in the other girl's message as much as Ryuji's enthusiasm.
She couldn't help but be a little amused by it.
"We'll meet Yusuke in the subway after school. Tell him to make some copies on the way over. I'll take it from there!" Morgana said, climbing partway out of Kyoko's school bag and onto her shoulder as he watched the messages on the screen.
-Yusuke, meet us at the underground walkway tomorrow afternoon. Bring the calling card. Make copies. Morgana will handle the rest. Kyoko typed.
[Understood.] Yusuke replied.
[Well, seeya all then!] Ryuji messaged.
[Goodnight everyone. For the sake of everyone he's hurt, we will not fail.] Yusuke replied.
[Night!] Ann responded.
Kyoko prepared to put her phone away when another chime went off.
The young detective blinked in surprise when she saw the message was from Iwai.
[Hey. You haven't changed your mind about our deal, have you? Got a job for ya, it'll be a piece of cake. How bout it?] the message read.
Very blunt, but Kyoko was hardly one to judge. She looked over at Sojiro and typed up a quick response.
-Explain.
[Fine. It's real easy. I'm meetin' some dude at a restaurant. All you gotta do is sit close and call my phone soon as I give ya the signal. Don't worry, nice and public. Easy enough, right?]
"Hm, probably should go for it," Morgana said. "If it'll help gain his trust and get us more deals at the shop!"
Kyoko gave no response, as Sojiro was present and she'd look like she was arguing with a cat over questionable tasks, so she stayed silent and typed up another response confirming she was on her way before turning to face the door again.
"Off somewhere?" he asked.
"A part-time job. Thought I could make some extra money helping out." Kyoko replied, her poker face once more in place.
"So long as you're staying outta trouble I guess that's fine," Sojiro said, putting out the cigarette he was smoking. "You got the extra key, right? I don't wanna head home and find out you got yourself locked out, you know!" he said with a teasing smirk, though his gaze gave the notion he'd much prefer that not happen.
Kyoko gave a nod. "I do. I'll be back later," she said, turning and heading back out the door to make her way back to Shibuya.
Following the instructions Iwai had given her, Kyoko was surprised to discover it was none other then the diner she'd already visited a few times on Central Street. Upon confirming her arrival, Iwai had instructed her to head inside and get a table and order something, saying he'd cover for her, just look busy and wait for the signal to call him and stay on after.
Sure enough, Iwai arrived. Kyoko had taken out her schoolbooks and jotted notes, looking as though she were studying as she drank her coffee, a sandwich nearby that had so far received only a single bite while Morgana was roaming about outside.
Iwai walked past her without even looking at her, a thuggish-looking man in a short-sleeved checkered shirt was with him as Iwai ushered him into the booth right behind the one she was seated at. He probably figured a teenage girl studying for her classes would not be someone his companion would have suspected for an accomplice in whatever he had planned.
Kyoko didn't move, or flinch, only casting up a brief, curious glance as they came by as anyone did when people walked by before returning her attention to her notebook as the men started talking.
"So, a diner, huh?" Kyoko heard the other man ask Iwai. "I thought only old farts came to places like this! You've really changed, Mune-san!"
Iwai scoffed loudly. "Hey, don't knock this place! It's actually pretty decent, and cheap, too!"
"This coming from the guy who beat the crap outta fifty rival gang members?" the other man's voice spoke up again, causing Kyoko to pause, her gaze turning to her side but fighting temptation to turn around.
"No need to exaggerate," Iwai replied flatly.
"So anyways, what'd you wanna talk about?" the other man asked.
"Right," Iwai said abruptly. "How's Tsuda-san doin'?"
"Same as always," the other man replied. "Why, what's up?"
"Nothin', just saw him 'round the other day," Iwai answered.
"Hey, hold up!" the other man suddenly protested, "Didn't you two cut ties when you left the family? Why you askin' about him now?!"
"I mean, we were both young," Iwai replied, Kyoko noted the concern in his tone. "I just figured it's about time we buried the hatchet is all. I can't just go up n' talk to him, though."
The other man chuckled in amusement. "Ohhh, I get it," he said, his tone growing condescending. "...You're still tryin' to uphold the ol' code of honor?" he asked with a laugh. "Sure! I'll tell 'em you wanna meet up!"
"Don't say stupid shit like that!" Iwai snapped. "I just wanna end up in the same place at the same time. It's gotta look like a coincidence!"
"Well, in that case, Shibaura might be your best bet," the other man replied. "...Y'know we're talkin' about redevelopin' it."
Kyoko was really beginning to wonder what she'd gotten herself involved in making this deal with Iwai, or rather, she had a good idea but didn't want to be right.
"Shibaura..." Iwai growled, pausing a moment before letting out a very sharp, yet to Kyoko's trained ears, very precise cough.
Taking out her phone, Kyoko immediately pulled up Iwai's number and speed-dialed it as the man sitting across from Iwai asked if he was sick, Iwai assuring him he just had a cold. A second later, Iwai's phone began to chime. Another second after, Kyoko heard Iwai's voice on her phone.
"Hello? ...Yeah, how's it goin'?" Iwai's voice asked in a friendly tone before Kyoko could even answer him "What? Your order's all wrong?"
Kyoko heard a sigh of frustration from the speaker in her phone. "My bad, I'll get back and take care of that straight away!"
"Sorry, but I gotta run. Work shit, let's talk some other time, yeah?" she heard Iwai say, though his voice was quieter now through the phone as he presumably was holding it away while addressing the man he was talking to.
"Ummm okay, seeya," the man replied as Kyoko heard Iwai stand up, keeping her attention on her schoolwork as Iwai disappeared around the corner and down the stairs leading to the entrance, keeping her phone close and on as Iwai had instructed. She heard the other man start talking behind her, turning her head slightly she noticed out of the corner of her field of vision that he was taking his phone out and calling someone.
"Don't hang up!" Iwai's voice suddenly ordered on Kyoko's phone. "Masa's on his phone now, yeah? Just stay quiet so I can hear what he's sayin'!."
"Tsuda-san?" the man Iwai identified as Masa, asked as soon as Kyoko heard someone picking up. "It's Masa. Iwai was askin' about you. I did just like you told me, though..."
The man suddenly turned, glaring at Kyoko. "The hell you lookin' at, kid? Mind your own business!"
"M-my apologies," Kyoko said, bowing her head submissively, her hands planted on her lap in an anxious manner to appear intimidated by him and keep her phone hidden from his view. "I was just spacing out in my studies. Cute guys sometimes have that effect on me, I guess," she said, bringing up one hand and brushing back her hair. "...Sorry."
Masa seemed to buy Kyoko's act and returned his attention to his phone without another word. "Oh, that?" he asked who he was talking to. "Eh, no one. Some high school girl studyin' in here was lookin' my way. Pretty cute, though. Guess I got that charm to me after all, huh?" he asked jokingly with a laugh.
Masa began listening again as Kyoko slowly brought her phone back up when she was certain his attention was completely off of her, taking up her pen in the other to look like she was studying, though her attention remained on the man as he spoke again.
"Right, sorry. Anyways, Iwai prolly heard about that deal of yours and now he's tryin' to squeeze some cash outta you..."
Masa listened, and suddenly Kyoko heard his voice get frantic when he spoke again.
"O-Oh! S-sorry! ...No, it's..." Masa listened some more, Kyoko could hear sounds from his phone it was clear whoever he was talking to was currently yelling at him. "Yes, sorry... yes, I understand... I'm on my way..."
Kyoko listened as the man got up and left, her gaze turning up slightly in time to see him disappear down the stairs still on the phone.
"Just saw him come out, you're safe, now, kid," Iwai's voice suddenly said on the phone. "So, he was talkin' about a deal, huh? Sounds like there's some weird stuff goin' down..."
"Anything else?" Kyoko asked, deciding not to press him on the matter for now.
"Nah, you're pretty much done, here," Iwai said with a chuckle over the phone. "Gotta admit, you pulled it off with some finesse there, 'specially with that timid schoogirl act. Dunno where you got those skills, but you might actually be some use to me after all!"
Kyoko could hear the sound of a chain link shattering within the recesses of her mind at that moment as it became evident she'd gained Iwai's trust.
"I'll be countin' on you, kid!" Iwai said. "Now order yourself somethin' nice as a reward and come by the store after with the receipt so I can pay you back for it. Seeya later!"
As Iwai hung up, Kyoko noticed she'd not touched her sandwich. Pocketing her phone, she took another bite and pulled over the dessert menu to decide what she'd reward herself with.
"The chocolate mousse cake slice? Good choice, kid," Iwai said, chuckling as he looked at the receipt, opening up his cash register and handling several yen notes to Kyoko. "Keep the change. Should cover that pearl ring you just handed me, too."
"What was all that about?" Kyoko asked, pocketing the money.
Iwai's lollipop he'd just started on shifted from one corner of his lips to the other as he frowned at the girl. "...Remember the "need-to-know basis" part of our conversation, kid?" he asked. "Till I say otherwise, you know all you need to and will know when you need to."
Kyoko folded her arms, it was clear she wouldn't get more out of him and it would not have been wise to press or bring up what she'd suspected from the conversations earlier.
"...Very well," she replied. "I look forward to hearing from you again."
Iwai couldn't help but chuckle. "Don't be so sure, that one was the easy part," he said. Kyoko simply gave a serious stare in response, getting a hint of intrigue on the man's face in return. "...You're a weird one, kid, but I'll keep that in mind. Now head on home, it's gettin' late."
No sooner had Kyoko made it back on to Central Street, she heard Morgana calling out to her.
"Hey!" he cried out, trotting over. "So, everything go well?"
"More or less," Kyoko replied, glancing back at the alley leading to where Untouchable was. "There's a lot going on with him he's keeping from me..."
"You probably just need to gain his trust, more," Morgana said.
Kyoko fumed a little. She hated it when things were kept from her but there were no other ways around it.
"So, we ready to head home? We got a big day tomorrow," the cat stated.
"One more stop, actually," Kyoko replied, looking over and seeing a familiar face. Setting down her bag, Kyoko allowed Morgana to climb in and made her way over to who she spotted.
"Oh, welcome back!" Angie Yonaga said with a grin, clasping her hands. "Nyahaha! I trust you're here to buy more of Atua's boons?" she asked, though Kyoko noticed the other girl's anxiety that it was evident there was a certain subject from their last meeting she'd much rather avoid.
"Yes, I am," Kyoko replied, looking at the small charms laid out on Angie's picnic blanket, each having different colors to them.
"You know, what I said about the one you bought last time, the way those look," Morgana said quietly, peering through the small opening in her school bag as he looked them over. "I bet they could protect against spells of all kinds of elements if we wore then in the Metaverse! We should buy as many of them as we can!"
Kyoko nodded, the thought being why she'd come over in the first place. She noted one with a green stone with markings that seemed to resemble a gust of wind, a yellow one with jagged lines resembling lightning, and a blue one with a jagged shape that by her educated guess was based on cold. Her mind made up, she took out the money Iwai had given for the ring she'd sold him when he'd covered her dessert at the diner. "Will this get me one of each of those four?" she asked.
Angie clasped her hands together once more, another big, delighted smile on her face. "Will they? Of course! Atua appreciates your faith in him, so he permits a small set-of-three discount!" Accepting the money and sliding it into her smock pocket, Angie took up one of each of the three charms and handed them to the young detective.
"Thank you," Kyoko replied, accepting them.
"Perhaps soon, Atua will reward his devoted follower," Angie said, her smile becoming slightly forced as her gaze fell upon a nearby poster promoting the art exhibit, her face then setting into a frown. "...And smite those who reject his guidance and instead choose to wallow in their undeserved wealth and renown..."
Kyoko gave a faint smile. "It's a possibility," she said, putting the charms in her bag. Giving Angie a polite bow, she turned and made her way back to the train station to head home. Morgana was right, tomorrow was a big day. Detective, Phantom Thief, Kyoko Kirigiri intended to bring another criminal to justice.
A/N: Hello, all! Yes, I'm still alive! I'll be taking time off from work next week so hopefully I'll be able to write up the next chapter which will feature the impending heist!
0 - The Fool: Rank 3
I - The Magician: Rank 2
V - The Hierophant: Rank 3
VI - The Lovers: Rank 3
VII - The Chariot: Rank 4
XI - The Strength: Rank 2
XII - The Hanged Man: Rank 2
XIII - Death: Rank 3
XVIII - The Moon: Rank 2
XIX - The Sun: Rank 1
1 - The Councillor: Rank 3
Kyoko's Personas: Berith, Shiisaa, Kusi Mitama, Kodama, Jack Frost, Ame-No-Uzume