Heart of Justice Chapter 27
6/4
It had been a troubling few days since the school cleanup activity. Makoto Niijima had not given up on her suspicions towards the transfer student, Kyoko Kirigiri.
Thus far, she'd made several assertions about her: One, Kirigiri, along with Sakamoto and Takamaki, had been at ground zero of Kamoshida's abuse. The confession Kamoshida had given only confirmed the way he'd singled them out in particular. Breaking Ryuji's leg and disbanding the track team was something the whole school knew, it had turned out Takamaki had rejected his... advances... and made Suzui pay for it... something Makoto did her best not to think about...
...Were it her, or someone she knew...
Makoto shook her head and moved on as she looked over her notes, the teacher wouldn't have suspected a thing from the normally dedicated student president.
Kyoko Kirigiri was surrounded by rumors, and her stoic and cold demeanor just seemed to reinforce them in the other students' eyes. Her criminal record was leaked to the school by Kamoshida. From his confession, Makoto had her theories as to why. Theories which repulsed her to even think about and make her relieved the man was gone from the school. That was only the icing on the cake, though, Makoto had determined. Kirigiri was, prior to her probation, a trained detective who had solved cases before, and came from a long line of them, her grandfather currently the best in Japan and founder of the Detective Library that was used to help catagorize and assign detectives to cases they specialized in. Someone with her set of skills could surely find a way to blackmail or coerce Kamoshida into a confession.
...Yet at the same time, the how was the question. Kamoshida also seemed entirely sincere, and as though he did it entirely on his own accord. With the list of crimes he'd been charged with, and his overall personality prior, it made little sense to the student president someone like that could change so drastically. It stumped her entirely, and without any such thing plus a lack of any verbal confirmation from any of them, she had no way of proving the three of them were these "Phantom Thieves" that Kobayakawa had strong-armed her into identifying.
Kirigiri had done nothing unusual the past several days ever since the cleanup, rather then go off with Takamaki or Sakamoto, instead she just seemed to wander parts of Shibuya a bit before presumably going home every afternoon.
"Niijima? You paying attention?" the teacher asked, snapping the brunette out of her thoughts.
"My apologies," Makoto replied, bowing her head in embarrassment.
Soon as class was over, the student president hurried out of the room in an uncharacteristically hasty exit that had even her classmates staring at her in confusion as she made her way to the vending machines near the entrance, taking a manga from her school bag, and holding it up, her crimson eyes peering over the corner every so often for any sign of Kyoko Kirigiri as several students walked past her, taking out their umbrellas as it had begun to pour outside.
Sakamoto walked by, giving her an annoyed look but saying nothing as he opened his umbrella.
Takamaki passed by next, tapping away on her phone but not seeming to notice her.
A minute or two passed and no sign of Kirigiri. Makoto closed her eyes, sighing to herself in annoyance.
Why me... I'm not a detective or anything, she thought to herself. She wanted more then anything to point this out to the Principal if he'd just listen. When will she just show up already and-
"I'm hardly an expert on those, but you're holding that upside-down," a voice said next to her.
"My mistake," Makoto said, opening her eyes and turning it over, "I was just... UWAAAA?!"
Makoto nearly fell over in shock when she saw none other then Kirigiri standing right in front of her, that piercing stare of hers seemingly burning right through her. "W-what do you want, Kirigiri?"
"Are you waiting for someone?" Kirigiri asked, stepping closer. Her stance was not threatening, but Makoto could tell the other girl knew what was going on here.
"N-no, I was just... felt like some reading, I-I was expecting a call before I go is all! What a coincidence we run into eachother!"
"Is that so?" Kirigiri asked, now inches from the brunette. "What brought you to the underground mall two days ago? Or the movie theater yesterday?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, Kirigiri," Makoto replied sharply, putting her manga back in her school bag.
Kirigiri gave a nod, before taking out her phone and fiddled with it a little, before turning the screen, prompting Makoto's expression to turn to one of worry.
Kirigiri had taken what appeared to be selfies in Shibuya. Makoto had initially thought it odd for someone like her until she noticed something in the background of every photo: Herself.
"Coincidence," Makoto replied. "What else could it be?"
Kirigiri moved her thumb and index finger on the photos, it was clear Makoto was looking her way in all of them. "Did you think as a detective I wouldn't know when I'm being tailed? I could issue a stalking and harassment complaint that'd make things difficult for you over this, Niijima."
Makoto's eyes widened in shock. "A-are you blackmailing me?!" Maybe Kirigiri was bluffing, it was possible she knew Kobayakawa would have done little and likely wanted her out, but who knew how he'd respond if he found out Kirigiri had busted her? It was possible she'd go down with her and everything she'd worked for all these years along with it.
Kirigiri's expression stayed neutral, however. "...No, I'm not. I just wanted to inform you, don't think I won't know when you're following me."
The faintest hint of danger in the girl's tone was enough to make Makoto feel uneasy, but she gave a sigh of relief as Kirigiri deleted the photos in front of her and the student president regained her composure.
"Just... stay out of trouble, will you? My job extends to making sure of that with other students as it reflects on the school, so I'd appreciate it if understood that," Makoto said.
Kyoko gave no response as she pocketed her phone and opened her umbrella as she stepped out the front doors, Makoto watched her leave, letting out another deep sigh. She'd need to figure out another way to go about this, it seemed. Something Kirigiri couldn't possibly find a way out of.
Makoto could have sworn she saw eyes peering at her through an unzipped part of Kirigiri's school bag as the other girl left.
By the time Kyoko had arrived home at Leblanc, she'd heard her phone chiming, and saw a message from Ann had come up on the chat log, Morgana climbing out of her bag to read as well.
[Hey, the exhibit's over tomorrow. Madarame must've had his change of heart by now, right?] her message asked.
[Well no one's shown up charging us with anything, right? I'm sure we're fine!] Ryuji messaged back.
[But wouldn't he wait till AFTER so the press won't be on him about it?] Ann replied.
[What do we do if someone contacts us tomorrow?] she messaged.
Kyoko frowned. It had admittedly been on her mind during the week between trying to bust Niijima's tailing her and acting normal to keep suspicion down.
"It's gonna work, I'm sure of it!" Morgana insisted. Kyoko looked over at the cat and let out a light sigh.
-Yusuke, are you there? Any updates on Madarame? she messaged.
A few seconds passed before Yusuke finally replied.
[Sorry I'm late to contact you all.] he messaged
[It seems something will certainly happen tomorrow. Madarame is on the phone as we speak.] Yusuke continued.
Kyoko blinked in surprise, glancing back at Morgana a moment before typing.
-What do you mean? Do you know what he's calling about? Kyoko messaged.
[He appears to be preparing for a media announcement. I don't hear anything about pressing charges.] Yusuke replied.
[Guess we just gotta wait then] Ryuji answered.
[We don't have school so let us meet in Shibuya tomorrow.] Yusuke said.
-Good idea. We'll see you then. Kyoko answered.
[Right! Seeya!] Ann replied.
"You alright? You look like something's on your mind," Sojiro said, cleaning some glasses.
"Do I look troubled?" Kyoko asked, wondering if her normally stoic demeanor had cracked at all.
"I run a cafe and deal with a lotta different personalities, young lady, and believe me I'm no stranger to knowing this sort of thing," Sojiro said with a chuckle. "If you wanna train again tonight on mastering that coffee craft, I think the dinner rush is passed."
Putting away her phone, Kyoko couldn't help but feel she could use a cup right now with how the week had gone, and with the recent news. "I see no reason not to," she said with a small smile.
"Great. Go get changed and we can get started..."
6/5
"Hey, what's up with that old geezer?" a passerby wondered aloud as a small crowd began to gather before a news broadcast on Shibuya's QFRONT building.
"Is he... crying?" a woman asked.
On the screen, seated before a table surrounded by microphones, was Ichiryusai Madarame. Gone was the amiable yet confident grandfatherly demeanor most knew the renowned artist for and rather, he was frowning, barely able to look at the camera as his eyes looked raw with tears and his body trembling.
"I called this press conference because I... w-would like it to be known that I've... committed crimes that are unbecoming of an artist," Madarame stated, closing his eyes a moment before speaking again. "...Plainly put, I have... plagiarized work..."
The flashes of several cameras lit the room as Madarame trembled more, leaning forward towards the speakers once more, his expression one of deep shame and guilt.
"I-I... t-tainted th-this country's art world... a-and even... "Sayuri"...!" Choked sobs escaped Madarame's throat as he looked down on the table, weeping.
"Th-the "Sayuri"... it was a work of one of m-my pupils... who d-died... because of me... b-because I wanted it f-for myself..." he stammered between his sobs. "I've stolen from my pupils... e-ever s-since... p-passing their work as m-my own... r-reaping the benefits of their work... r-robbing them of p-promising futures wh-when they s-spoke out against me!"
Madarame dug his fingers into his hair, sobbing harder as he struggled to look towards the camera again, tears flowing from his eyes that he could no longer keep them open. "H-how could I... I p-possibly apologize t-to everyone... for f-for what I've done?!" he wept. "Nakanohara-san... Yonaga-san... if... if you're watching this r-right now... I-I stole s-so much from you... a-and r-ruined your lives a-and so many others! I can only hope... that my confession w-will c-clear your names... and give you a new chance y-you all deserve...!"
Madarame could not hold it back anymore. The camera panned away as the artist buried his face in his hands, sobbing hysterically as the screen changed to the anchorman.
"...And that was from the urgent apology conference by Madarame that took place just a moment ago," the anchorman narrated. "After reporting to the association, Madarame has agreed to the police's request to turn himself in. On top of charges of abuse to his pupils, Madarame is under suspicion of claiming their works as his own. Some doubt the validity of his maiden work "Sayuri" being stolen, believing it was used for fraud. This large-scale criminal act has caused a great shock to the art world..."
"That old man's done for!" a female pedestrian remarked with an amused laugh as she watched.
"...After the conference, Madarame was taken to a police hospital for interrogation due to his age," the anchorman explained on the screen. "However, initial psyche evaluations state that he is mentally sound, and likely responsible for his actions. Madarame has promised to clear the names of every pupil whom he has plagiarized from and subsequently blacklisted in his crimes..."
"Pfft, probably hopin' they'll go easy on 'em!" a male pedestrian said. "No need to be nice to that old geezer!"
"The "Sayuri" came out years ago, didn't it?" another man wondered. "...Him spilling the beans himself after getting away with it this long seems kinda weird."
"Furthermore, a group calling themselves the Phantom Thieves of Hearts posted a dubious note at Madarame's exhibit," the anchorman stated. "...The police will investigate their relation to this case, but for now, did not identify them as suspects..."
"Phantom Thieves? Do these bandits have something to do with that old geezer's apology?" the first man asked.
"I've heard of them before! That website says they supposedly steal evil hearts, like that gym teacher from Shujin, and it's why the culprits apologize!" the female pedestrian said.
"Steal hearts? That's impossible, though!" another woman said.
"I feel like I saw something about that online, too! They sent out a calling card for real, like with that gym teacher you mentioned!" the first man said.
"So it was like "We're going to take your heart"? It's impressive if someone actually did that!" the second man remarked.
Nearby, Nakanohara smiled in satisfaction as he watched the news. "Thanks, Phantom Thieves," he said softly.
"NYAHAHAHAHA!" Angie let out a loud, boisterous laughter next to him, causing a few others to stare at her as she proudly put her hands at her hips, a wide grin on her face. "Behold how Atua's guiding light has aided the Phantom Thieves in smiting the evil Madarame!"
Nakanohara felt he should be embarrassed, but he couldn't help but laugh as he adjusted his glasses, feeling the first sense of real peace in what felt like so long. "It seems our prayers were finally answered, Yonaga-san," he said. "Perhaps we should celebrate it. Hopefully this means you'll be back in your school's art program, too."
"Indeed, Nakanohara! A celebration can't be avoided for such a glorious occasion!" Angie said with a nod. "...I'll just need a pint of your blood if I'm going to do the ritual of gratitude correctly! Nyahahahahaha!"
Nakanohara could feel the sweatdrop run down the side of his head. "...I was thinking a sushi buffet instead."
Angie tapped her chin with one of her brushes she'd slid from her smock pocket in thought. "I suppose that works as well... I've not really enjoyed fish since I'd left my island to come here," she mused, going silent a moment before speaking again with an enthusiastic smile. "...Very well, Atua approves!"
"Um, excuse me?" a woman asked, approaching and getting Nakanohara and Angie's attention. She was young-looking, probably around Nakanohara's age, and wearing simple jeans, trainers, and t-shirt with a water bottle strapped to a fanny back and camera hanging over her neck, and a pair of sunglasses over her short dark hair. "You're... Natsuhiko Nakanohara and... Angie Yonaga, the ones he mentioned, correct?"
"How perceptive of you! Are you divine?" Angie asked, cocking her head sideways in curiosity.
"No, I just kinda overheard your conversation, there!" the woman said. "I'm a reporter I was actually trying to look in on this Madarame case for a while and, well, looks like I found just what I was looking for, and I was hoping if you'd both be up for an interview? Tellya what, say yes I'll cover your dinner bill, any place you like!"
Nakanohara and Angie exchanged a glance. The former seemed a little unsure, but Angie spoke first.
"Atua has decreed I accept your proposal, for the truth must be spread!" Angie said with a grin.
"...Atua? Who's..." the woman began.
"...We'll accept, that's what matters," Nakanohara said. "We'll be glad to tell you everything."
The woman grinned widely as she took out her recorder and checked it over before putting it back in her bag. "That's great, I really appreciate it! There's a great sushi place not far, just follow me!"
As the three left, Goro Akechi watched with interest before glancing back up at the screen. "...Phantom Thieves, huh?" he mused.
Nearby, Makoto Niijima watched the screen in awe and curiosity. "...Phantom Thieves again..." she muttered to herself in thought as she turned and left.
"You guys see the news?!" Ryuji asked eagerly as he approached the group consisting of Kyoko, Ann, Yusuke, and Morgana at the accessway, a bottled drink in hand. "It was just like what happened with Kamoshida!"
"AND they mentioned the Phantom Thieves!" Ann said with a smirk.
"Man, this is startin' to get interesting!" Ryuji said, grinning. "If we do it right, we can change peoples' hearts! With this power, we could do more then just gettin' back at society! It'll be a big deal!"
"We've all endured one grave injustice or another at the hands of people in positions of authority that protected them from consequences..." Kyoko replied, giving a faint smile. "...To be able to bring them to justice, I'll be frank, does give a degree of satisfaction."
"Yeah, there is that," Ryuji said. "As for me, I just hope we keep gettin' more and more famous!"
"It's bound to happen," Morgana said, climbing partway from Kyoko's bag and resting over her shoulder. "Something like this happening twice is massive, too big a coincidence to occur normally."
"You're right! If we continue doing this, I'm sure we'll be able to give courage to everyone who needs it!" Ann replied.
"We may want to quiet down a little," Yusuke said, noticing some policemen nearby.
"You know them?" Ann asked.
"You moron, those're attendance officers!" Ryuji scoffed. Kyoko narrowed her eyes in concern as she watched them approach, walking right up to them.
"Hello there, may I speak to you for a moment?" an officer in a suit and sunglasses asked, the uniformed officer next to him folding his arms as he looked at the group.
"Ahhh, yes! Howwww can we help youuu?" Ann asked, putting her hands behind her back coyly and donning a very painted-on smile to go with her overly-forced tone that made Kyoko grimace.
"Lady Ann may be beautiful, but that monotonous acting of hers sends a chill down my spine," Morgana murmured.
"Could I ask, what you're all doing here?" the suited officer asked. "Are you all friends?"
"Is there a problem with us being here, officer?" Kyoko asked, folding her arms as well at the officers.
"Just answer the question!" the uniform officer said gruffly, his partner raising his hand up to him reassuringly.
"We're just wondering why you're all gathered here like this is all," the suited officer said.
Ann prepared to speak again when this time, Kyoko raised her own hand.
"...We were getting drinks and deciding where to go next," she said in a neutral tone.
The officer seemed to buy her statement and gave a nod. "Very well, just make sure you disperse before it gets too late, alright?" he asked. "There's been some odd happenings lately and the news about that artist has caused quite a stir."
"We'll be carefullll~!" Ann said, way too enthusiastically. Thankfully the officers seemed satisfied and took their leave.
"Seriously, it's still light out! They got way too much time on their hands if you ask me!"
"It's clear from now on, we need to be even more cautious then before," Morgana explained. "I mean, look at us! Right after the second Thieves incident, both prior victims are meeting up!"
"You think people might be listening to us?" Ann asked, concerned.
"We'll be fine, look around, we're the only ones worryin' about it," Ryuji said.
"I have other concerns regarding that," Kyoko said. "...The mentions of someone in a black mask who could enter the metaverse, that Madarame's Shadow seemed to have met, and appeared afraid of..."
"Right," Ryuji said. "Yusuke, you get anything outta Madarame about that? A suspicious person in a black mask?"
Yusuke shook his head. "No. I pressed him for answers but he doesn't even understand what happened to him to begin with," he replied.
"Well it's not like he saw his desires get stolen, so that makes sense," Ann said.
"It's rumored he may be sent to prison," Yusuke explained. "...In that case, gaining information would be difficult."
"Our fame is only going to grow with incidents like this," Kyoko said. "It may be only a matter of time before whoever this person is takes notice of us as well."
"But if it's just one person we got them outnumbered, don't we?" Ryuji asked.
"We don't know that," Kyoko replied. "We don't know who this person is. If this person is responsible for the mental shutdowns, which from our experiences and what Morgana explained to us when we first considered targeting Kamoshida, they've been acting for two years, who knows what this individual is capable of in the metaverse."
"You're right. Someone who's got that amount of experience would have taken out a lot of Shadow selves," Morgana said. "Some of them maybe even had Palaces. They could be leagues above us. If we encounter this person, I say it's best we not underestimate them and keep on guard when we're in the metaverse."
"My thoughts exactly," Kyoko said. "...Whether we are dealing with a terrorist acting alone, or an assassin acting on another's behalf, it can't be argued this person could be an extremely dangerous and formidable opponent." Kyoko closed her eyes, folding her arms again. "I've been investigating this before I came here, therefore I have every intention of solving it along with our mission as Phantom Thieves."
"Well, you can count on us to be there with ya every step of the way on that!" Ryuji said with a thumbs-up.
"You bet!" Ann said with a smile.
"You saved me from a miserable life under Madarame's thumb, Kirigiri, for that, I owe you my assistance as well in the endeavor," Yusuke said.
"You already know I'll be glad to help," Morgana said. "We did make a deal after all."
"There was a time I'd have insisted on handling the matter alone," Kyoko said, looking at her teammates. "...But as it is now, with so many unknown factors and our threat being in the metaverse, I appreciate it."
"So, speakin' of Madarame, what'll you be doin' next if he's goin' to prison, Yusuke?" Ryuji asked, looking at the other boy.
"For starters, I'm leaving that house," Yusuke replied. "I can't draw in such a place anymore."
"Where will you stay, then?" Ann asked, concerned.
"The school dorms. I had put Madarame's Shadow's words into consideration, and chose to speak with the headmaster this past week. I learned I can stay there free of charge thanks to my art scholarships," Yusuke explained.
"A scholarship?! For real? You're that good?!" Ryuji asked, wide-eyed and astonished.
"If you'll be living on your own, that does add the benefit of making it easier for us to meet up at any time," Kyoko said. "I'm glad you have your living accommodations worked out."
"Yes, it's very fortunate," said Yusuke.
"In the meantime, it's best we see how the case plays out, and ultimately, how it impacts us and our mission," Kyoko said.
"Yeah, still though, who knows when we'll find another target as big as Madarame," Ryuji said.
"Guess that means we'll just need to act like normal students again until we find our next target, right?" Ann asked.
"Agreed, at this point we'd want to draw as little suspicion on us as possible," Kyoko said.
"We'll be entrusting that to you again, Ryuji!" Morgana said, smirking as much as his feline features allowed.
"Alright," Ryuji said with a sigh as he finished his drink. "...Guess it's just more prep till then!"
The group did not notice Makoto Niijima as she came to a stop upon noticing them at the accessway as they left. The brunette watched them with intrigue as they walked off together. It seemed the stars at truly aligned for her after yesterday's unfortunate encounter to come across them by pure chance, today, even moreso as something, or more precisely someone, caught her attention that could not be mere coincidence.
"Yusuke Kitagawa...?" she mused to herself, watching them leave, before walking off in the opposite direction.
?/?
"So, after Shiho Suzui, you did it again for someone you barely knew?" Niijima asked as she sat across from Kyoko, folding her arms. "...You were sent away twice, almost reported to the police... and yet you still wanted to save him?"
The prosecutor shook her head in disbelief. "Moreover, you say you ended up in a museum instead of a castle, this time," she continued. "...You're still going to maintain this rubbish about changing someone's heart by... "stealing their Treasure"...?"
Kyoko took a moment before speaking. "...You know what those... men did to me... you think I'd be... able to lie so... elaborately right now?" she asked.
Niijima scoffed in response. "You seem like you believe what you're telling me, so I'll allow you to continue. The truth behind this tale will become clear once your conspirators are in custody as well," she said. "And speaking of conspirators, I'd like you to tell me more about this new member who joined your group, and understand there's no point in being stubborn as it'd only damage your position. Being who you are, I'm sure you realize that... even with as many of them as there were in his confession, the identity of Madarame's pupil who conspired with you can be easily discovered with a little investigation."
Kyoko stared at the woman, but said nothing.
"So, you won't sell out your accomplice, even though you yourself were betrayed?" Niijima asked. The prosecutor sighed and glanced down at her files. "...Very well, there's still much more I want to hear. After all, it was around that time that the Phantom Thieves began to truly gain popularity... lies began flooding the internet like "the Phantom Thieves saved me, too!" or "I got a calling card!"... For heaven's sake, those lies made the collection of intel take ten times longer..."
"...Now, your next target was this man..." Niijima opened her file folder again and turned over to a page with another police report with a photo on it, depicting an obese, cleanshaven, yet slovenly-looking man who looked to be in his late thirties. His long brown hair was slicked back with too much hair gel, and he wore a black nehru shirt and dress pants that barely fit his corpulent form, and an open blue blazer and gold necklace, rings adorning his fingers. His expensive clothing completely offset his otherwise repulsive appearance and condescending expression. "...Junya Kaneshiro..." Niijima's expression hardened. "...He doesn't compare to the previous two. Even the police had been struggling to apprehend him for years, which begs the question... exactly how did you manage to take down such a well-guarded and sufficiently-connected criminal where they all failed? You can't convince me it was merely from the skills you learned from your grandfather. Tell me..."
6/5
"...The suspect has repeatedly testified that he does not have any recollection of his actions," a newscaster narrated on the TV as Niijima and the SIU Director watched quietly in the latter's office. "...A full psychiatric evaluation will be performed to further investigate the crime's details and motives..."
"First Kamoshida at Shujin Academy, now Madarame," Niijima stated as she turned to face the director. "I've found a number of points of commonality between the two: Both were sent a "calling card" before their unforeseen changes of heart..."
"I see," the director said, steepling his fingers but not appearing entirely convinced by Niijima's statement. "...But isn't tying their cases to the series of psychotic breakdowns jumping to conclusions?" he asked shrewdly. "...Furthermore, the police will only frown upon you suddenly stepping into this matter..."
"Now isn't the time to be worrying about jurisdiction and honor!" Niijima protested. "We need to dig deeper, and find a correlation among the incidents that have occurred these past two years!"
The director rest his head against his steepled hands, letting out an exasperated sigh as he closed his eyes a moment, thinking it over before glancing back up at the prosecutor. "Very well, I leave it to you," he said. "...However, you must not let this interfere with your regular duties, understand?"
"Thank you, sir," Niijima replied, bowing before leaving the office.
"...That damn woman," the director grumbled once she was gone, his features hardening in contempt. "...She just had to stick her nose in all of this!"
His attention quickly turned to the TV again, as a member of the ruling party of the National Diet began to speak in an interview.
"...And I understand that these abnormal incidents these past two years have caused a great deal of anxiety throughout this country," said the party member, a man in his early 50s with his head shaved bald and a goatee on his chin, his brown eyes framed by yellow-tinted glasses.
"This situation must be approached with utmost seriousness," he continued. "I shall continue to put forth great effort so that every citizen can live with peace of mind!"
The director shook his head in disgust. "Not only are there these "Phantom Thieves" to worry about, but if that is exposed..."
"Hey, Kyoko!" Kyoko paused and turned at the sound of Ryuji calling after her not long after the group had gone their separate ways, Ann having already headed home and Yusuke having returned to the atelier to gather his things for the move to the student dorms.
"Yes?" the young detective asked.
"We still got the rest'a the day an' all, was wonderin' if you were free an' all," Ryuji said. "I won some free tickets to a darts lounge a while back, I totally forgot about 'em with all that's gone on and realized they expire after today, so I was thinkin', you wanna head on over there with me?"
"...Ryuji, didn't we just finish talking about needing to stay on guard?" Morgana asked, poking his head out of Kyoko's bag and regarding the boy.
"It's just darts, it'll be fun!" Ryuji said.
"Ryuji, you know I always wear gloves for a reason," Kyoko said, folding her arms. "And because of that I'd be ill-suited for such a game as they'd make it impossible to throw with any sort of precision."
Ryuji frowned at Kyoko's statement. "Oh, right, forgot about that," he said. "But hey, it ain't just darts. They got other stuff, there, too! So it could still be worth checkin' out. It's over in Kichijoji so we gotta take a train first."
"Well, if you were just going to play games, I suppose it's not a problem, what do you think, Kyoko?" Morgana asked.
"Kichijoji? I'm not overly familiar with the place," Kyoko said.
"For real?" Ryuji asked, shocked. "I been there a couple times, there's like a ton of shops around the station there! And don't worry it's just one stop away from Shibuya! We just gotta head to the Inogami line and we'll be on our way there! Just know it's outside our student pass so we'll need to pay fare."
"Hm, maybe it would be worth the trip," Kyoko said with a faint smile. "Very well, Ryuji. Lead the way."
"I gotta admit, I'm getting pretty excited, myself!" Morgana said with a chuckle.
"Sure thing, follow me!" Ryuji said, leading the others to the stairs that brought them to the train that'd take them to their destination.
Within a half hour, Kyoko and Ryuji had emerged from the station, the young detective looking around at her surroundings. Ryuji had not been wrong about there being shops all around, many of them sheltered by covered vestibules up ahead presumably to protect visitors from bad weather, as well as for hanging flags to advertise shops, events, and anything else in the area.
"So, this is Kichijoji, huh?" Morgana asked, looking around as well from his spot in Kyoko's bag. "The atmosphere's different from Shibuya, not as crowded..."
"Hell yeah, plus a lotta these shops are ones you can't find there!" Ryuji said with a grin.
"I do admit, I like the feel of this place," Kyoko said, brushing back her hair. "Not quite the park but it feels less... stressful, I suppose."
"So it's got your attention, then, huh?" Ryuji said with a laugh. "Well Ann and Yusuke're both busy n' all today, but I'm sure it'd be fun to meet up here with the others sometime."
"I can agree with that," Kyoko said with a small smile.
"Well, we can look around while we head over. The place is a block down the main street!" Ryuji said, leading the way and Kyoko following, the girl taking in all she saw, including a secondhand clothing store, a temple, an incense store, and an alleyway that led to more shops including a Chinese pork bun vendor. A brief exchanged glance and a growl of Ryuji's stomach convinced the two that it may have been best to make a stop before going to their destination.
"DUDE! This nikuman is so much tastier then the ones you find at convenience stores!" Ryuji swooned, savoring the large steamed bun's flavor moments later as he ate.
"It's been a while since I've had any," Kyoko said as she took a bite of her own. "I'd think being a detective I should have imagined I could find interesting things off the beaten path."
"True that," Ryuji said, taking another bite of his.
"Hey! Let me have some!" Morgana protested, poking his head from Kyoko's bag, the girl responding by giving him a piece, which the cat eagerly bit into.
"Ohhhh! It's like heaven in my mouth!" Morgana fawned. "We gotta come by again, sometime!"
"For now, let's..." Kyoko paused, certain she'd seen a familiar face watching them from outside the alley out of the corner of her eye, that was gone when she turned and looked.
"Soffn' mff?" Ryuji asked, concerned and with his mouth full of pork bun. Quickly swallowing his food, he spoke again. "Somethin' up?"
Kyoko stepped towards the alley exit, no sign of her, but she doubted she'd gone far.
Seems yesterday didn't dissuade her enough, she thought to herself. Unfortunately in a fairly crowded place like this, confronting her would just get unwanted attention from the police.
"Hey, Kyoko? What's up?" Ryuji asked, speaking up again.
"We're being tailed," Kyoko said, glancing back. "Seems she's still trying to bust us. By my guess she's right around the corner."
"Ugh, Miss Prez still after us?! I'm-a go give her a piece of my mind right now!" Ryuji fumed as he finished his pork bun.
"No," Kyoko held her arm out, blocking his path and speaking quietly. "We'll just cause a disturbance and have police to deal with. Let's just try and lose her, think you can get us to the lounge?"
"Oh, sure thing!" Ryuji said with a smirk. "The place's just right of the exit, follow me!"
Ryuji moved quickly, Kyoko following as instead they turned left. Kyoko noticed a diner just to their left and grabbed Ryuji's arm, pulling him inside with her, which seemed to be a place that sold foreign foods.
"Check it out! Miss Prez fell for it!" Ryuji said with a laugh as he watched Makoto go off the other direction, looking about anxiously before disappearing into the crowds.
"I told her tailing a trained detective was foolish," Kyoko said. "Still, she's tenacious. I thought I'd gotten her to back off when I'd taken photos of her following me about."
"The hell, what's she gettin' outta this? The Principal gonna give her a golden ticket into Hope's Peak or somethin' when she graduates?" Ryuji asked, annoyed.
"It doesn't really matter," Kyoko said. "It seems now she's trying to catch us in the act of something. Be that as it may, though, it seems we've gotten her off our scent for now, so it'd be best we go to the lounge immediately."
"Sure thing, though gotta say," Ryuji remarked, taking in the smell of the different foods in the diner. "...I gotta come back here, too, sometime!"
"I'd criticize you for thinking with your stomach, Ryuji but I kinda agree for a change," Morgana said, taking a deep sniff as well as he peered through Kyoko's bag before they left.
Kyoko paused a moment as she overheard a man in sunglasses and a bowler talking to a suited man, the former remarking how the customers at his club had been talking about the Phantom Thieves, the club in question, Kyoko noticed, seemed to be at a set of stairs leading down, what appeared to be a jazz club, presumably the club the man was referring to. Across the street, Kyoko took note of an outdoor café, the smell of fresh brewed coffee and pastries getting her attention for a moment. Ryuji was certainly right about coming back here, sometime.
"Hey, there it is!" Ryuji said, pointing to a building with the sign "Penguin Sniper" on its front, advertising several games including darts and billiards and a set of blue stairs leading up and inside as the lounge was situated on the second floor above a clothing shop. "Penguin Sniper? Why would you give one of those doofy-lookin' birds a gun, though?" he mused aloud.
"I don't think it's meant to be taken literally," Kyoko said. "Let's just hurry inside before Niijima comes back this way looking for us."
As the group stepped into the lounge, Ryuji slid his hands into his pockets, looking around. Several billiard tables lined one side where some patrons played. At the other end was a spot with several dart boards. At the other end was a small bar and counter for people to get concessions and necessities for the games.
"This place is pretty neat!" Ryuji said, smirking.
"Indeed," Kyoko said, looking about.
"You sure I can't talk ya into darts? Don't gotta worry about winnin' we're just havin' fun is all." Ryuji asked. "You wear leather gloves anyway, Kyoko, that shouldn't affect your grip much, should it?"
Kyoko sighed. "I suppose it's worth a try, if we're not competing," she said.
"Sweet! I'll get us some. You know the rules, right?" Ryuji asked with a grin.
"I am familiar, yes," Kyoko replied.
"Well, we'll do pair mode, we just gotta drop the score to zero with our combined throws. The more Bulls, the more likely we got it!" Ryuji said.
"Bulls?" Morgana asked.
"You get the center, it's a Bull, since the target's a bullseye. The closer you get the more points you take off," Ryuji explained as he took the tickets to the counter and came back with several darts.
"I see," Morgana replied. "You take turns hitting the target, it's kinda like training!"
"Well, let's get started, then!" Ryuji said, going into position to make the first throw.
"Sweet! Nailed it!" Ryuji cheered as the game concluded, "Seems your gloves ain't as big a handicap as you thought, Kyoko!"
"I suppose I owe you thanks for talking me into it, Ryuji," Kyoko said with a faint smile.
"Hey, bein' an athlete, or an ex-athlete, is all about inspirin' others!" Ryuji said with a laugh.
"The way you switched out and threw like a well-oiled machine," Morgana said. "...It's bound to benefit when we're in Mementos or Palaces! Maybe we should do this more often."
"Man, and all this just from me havin' some nearly-expired tickets and bringin' ya out here!" Ryuji said. "It's like one'a those strikes of good luck or somethin'!"
"A stroke of good luck," Morgana corrected, ears drooping in annoyance. "Why would it be a strike? Who would protest good luck?!"
"Same difference," Ryuji said, waving a hand dismissively. "Hey, what about those over there? The pool tables?"
"That," Kyoko stated, smiling faintly again, "...I can assure you I'm more proficient with."
"It could be useful too, depending on how we look at it," Morgana mused as he watched some patrons play.
"A game that also requires precision as well as calculating movement and where things will go from impact," Kyoko said, bringing her hand to her chin in thought. "Perhaps it can be incorporated. That said I've not played in a while, I'd be interested in testing my skills again."
"Maybe another time," Ryuji said, looking at a clock on the wall. "It's startin' to get a little late and I gotta pick up dinner for mom on the way back, so... should probably head home for the day."
"I appreciate the trip out here," Kyoko said. "By now, Niijima's probably given up looking for us for the time being."
"Dodgin' Miss Prez was kinda fun, though. Like actual thieves dodgin' the law or somethin, ya know?" Ryuji said with a laugh.
Kyoko closed her eyes, a hint of amusement on her face. "Something like that, I suppose," she said. "At any rate, we should still remain on guard at school and elsewhere."
"I hear ya," Ryuji said. "Well, let's get on outta here, then."
"Hey," Sojiro said as Kyoko entered Leblanc, it having already gotten dark by the time she'd arrived. "Somethin' I wanted to ask you about..."
"Hm?" Kyoko asked, looking over at him.
"If I remember correctly, you transfer lines at Shibuya, correct?" Sojiro asked.
"I do, yes," Kyoko replied.
"Thought so," said Sojiro. "I asked because I've been hearing my customers talk about how it's gotten pretty dangerous over there, lately."
"I'm a trained detective, Sojiro. I'm capable of handling myself if need be," Kyoko replied.
"Trained detective or not, you're still a kid," Sojiro said, a hint of austerity but also concern in his tone, "...So don't let yourself become a target if you're out there. You're still my responsibility as well, so just be careful, alright?"
"I appreciate the concern," Kyoko said. "I'll be careful, then."
"Good," Sojiro replied. "I know detectives tend to find trouble, but sometimes trouble finds you no matter who you are."
Kyoko gave a nod, acknowledging the man's concern. She'd barely had time to mull over what he'd said about the streets growing more dangerous when her phone suddenly chimed. Taking it out of her coat pocket, Kyoko saw she'd received a message from Mishima.
[Hey, I picked up some interesting info you might want to hear!] the message read, another popping up immediately after...
[Apparently there's some old man causing problems in Kichijoji. You make one wrong move or say the wrong thing, he just flies into a rage and it turns into a fight!] it read.
[But the worst part? Even if you don't do anything, he lies and says you hit him, then sues for damages! Like a con artist, or conflict artist or something!] Mishima's next message read.
Kyoko's gaze narrowed at the messages, as a very unpleasant memory from months ago played through her thoughts that her hand tensed noticeably on her phone before she typed.
-The police don't investigate this? Kyoko asked.
[Apparently they did try and give him a warning when they caught him starting it, but then he just pretended he was senile and got away with all of it!] Mishima answered.
[It gets worse, he's done that before, too. It's how he's gotten away with it so long. You can't just let that go unchecked, right?] Mishima asked.
-Do you have his name? Kyoko asked, more interested, now.
[Unfortunately, no. He's just known as some old troublemaker, but I DO know he does hang out in Kichijoji's Harmony Alley. You're the detective, maybe you can investigate it? There's a bunch of bars down there that open up at night, so that'd be a good time to go see if anyone knows about him.] Mishima messaged back.
Kyoko looked over at Sojiro, who had turned his attention to a cigarette as he took a smoking break. She'd just returned from Kichijoji it seemed redundant to go there, now.
Still, it was probably her best chance at the moment.
-Can you meet me there? she messaged.
[Huh? Oh, sure. Just...] Mishima replied.
-Yes? Kyoko messaged back.
[Actually, this is perfect! I've been wanting to talk to you anyway!] Mishima answered.
[Meet you at the Kichijoji station! I'll explain then!] he added before Kyoko could respond back.
"Hm, wonder what this is about?" Morgana wondered, reading the messages from over Kyoko's shoulder. The girl offered no response as she turned back towards the door.
"Off somewhere?" Sojiro asked.
"Meeting a friend, I'll be back later," Kyoko replied.
"Fine, just remember what I said, alright?"
"Of course."
Finding Mishima wasn't hard, the boy simply stood out in the street swaying back and forth on his feet, hands in his pockets and in simple jeans, t-shirt, and hoodie.
"Hey, Kirigiri! Over here!" he called, soon as their eyes met. Kyoko let out a small sigh and approached. "So, what'd you need me out here for, anyway?"
"If I'm investigating to get the man's name, I'd appreciate someone serving as an extra set of ears," Kyoko said, deciding not to divulge that he was, at the moment, all she had as an option right now.
"Oooh, helping a detective? Like the Watson to your Sherlock?" Mishima asked excitedly.
"Something like that," Kyoko said. "Just don't make me regret my decision. I believe you accepted because there was something you wanted to discuss with me? We'd appear less out of place if we're in conversation."
"Oh, yeah! After the whole Madarame thing, the Phantom Thieves just got a big boost in popularity. The Phansite's wilder then ever! Also... erm..." Mishima looked around. "They did a good job taking care of that bully, too..."
"He was a middle-man to someone else," Kyoko said.
"Oh? Well, you can leave that one to me!" Mishima said. "I'll see what I can get on the Phansite about that one. Like I said, it's been getting way more attention, now!"
"I suppose it was inevitable. Madarame was a higher-profile criminal then Kamoshida," Kyoko said, leading Mishima to the alley.
The young detective paused, noticing all the alcoves and seating areas that had been shuttered off were now open, revealing various diners and bars that were now lit up with several patrons, all mostly older men who'd gotten off of work, seated at them. Some of which glanced her away, and while Kyoko didn't expect much from Mishima, she had decided bringing him along had at least somewhat paid off.
"Yeah, told ya, this place is different at night," Mishima said, looking around as well from behind her.
"You come here a lot?" Kyoko asked.
"Eh, sometimes to shop, but I just mostly hear stuff," Mishima said. "Guess if there's one thing I can do it's be the info vine. No wonder Kamoshida used me like he did..."
The boy quickly shook his head, filtering out bad memories. "But hey, it's in the past, right? Now I got the Phandom to look after!"
"Phandom?" Kyoko asked, turning and looking back at the boy.
"Yeah, it's what the users on the site call themselves, now! Fresh after Madarame turning himself in and all! Pretty cool, huh?" he asked. "Maybe I'll meet some cool "Phangirls" there, mingle with supporters and all if I meet 'em in real life? If you came with, they might have a better opinion of me, you know?"
Kyoko gave Mishima a silent, disapproving stare.
"What, it's for a noble cause!" the boy protested. "...Maybe. I've never met anyone from online, actually. I mean, you're real... pretty, you know? You'd probably make girls jealous or think I'm cool if you'd hang with me."
Kyoko was beginning to think inviting Mishima was a mistake. "...You're asking for dating advice from someone who has no experience in the dating world, Mishima."
"Not even a little?" Mishima asked, blushing slightly. "...I mean, you didn't date, I dunno, boy detectives or anything? I'm sure there's plenty of boys who'd think you're seriously cool. Better then me, at least," he muttered, looking down a moment as Kyoko led him further down the alley, having seen no sign of anyone who looked anywhere over their forties.
"You may be better off consulting Dr. Maruki about this, Mishima," Kyoko said, looking back at him.
"Heh, maybe you're right," Mishima said, pausing and looking down at the pavement a moment before looking past Kyoko. "Hey, what's going on over there?"
Kyoko turned and noticed two men at an otherwise empty bar in a heated discussion. Approaching, Kyoko heard the term "damn geezer", and grew more interested. It was possible they were discussing Madarame, but there was another possibility as well.
"You want to make yourself useful, get closer. You'll stand out less. Take out your phone and look busy." Kyoko said.
"Oh, s-sure!" Mishima said with a quick nod, walking past Kyoko over to the bar and got his phone out.
Kyoko suddenly felt her phone vibrate a moment later and took it out.
[They're talking about an old man causing problems here! Maybe it's him!] A message from Mishima read.
Kyoko drew closer, taking out her own phone and looking about, pacing around and acting as though she were listening to someone she was talking to as she began to eavesdrop.
"No wonder I'm drinking in peace, tonight!" a suited man in his thirties remarked to the bar owner, a man about the same age in an apron and baseball cap while another worker tended to the tables.
"I don't like badmouthing my customers, but my God he makes so much trouble!" the owner grumbled.
Kyoko gave a nod and pretended to hang up before sending a message to Mishima.
-You get all that? See if you can get a name. she messaged.
"Uh, hey," Mishima said, approaching the men. "I... uh, couldn't help but overhear you."
"Whaddya want, kid?" the owner asked. "This here's no place for children."
"Right, I, uh... was just passing through and l-like I said, I c-couldn't help but overhear you," Mishima stammered, trying to fight off the stage fright despite neither man was being remotely hostile towards him and rather simply curious. "Y-you mentioned an old man causing trouble? M-my... uh, dad c-comes here sometimes, a-after work! Complained l-last night some old guy a-around here tried to start something with him! You know him?"
Kyoko silently kept herself turned away, looking out at the exit of the alley but listening carefully.
"Know him? That geezer's outta control!" she heard the suited man say. "He takes drinks from strangers, insults 'em, shoves 'em, starts fights! And soon as he gets in trouble, he causes a big ruckus and acts like a victim to mooch money off people!"
"Heh, yeah, sounds like w-what my dad said about him!" Mishima said nervously.
"Creepy part though, is the more trouble he makes, the wider his smile gets!" the suited man said. "It's like he just gets a kick outta makin' everyone around here miserable!"
"Well, um, m-my dad w-was... he was hopin' to r-report it, so he... got a name?" Mishima asked.
The owner scoffed. "He forget it or somethin'?" the owner asked. "That geezer's always shoutin' it over and over again. It's Heiji Ono."
"Thanks! I'll be... sure to tell 'em!" Mishima said with a nervous laugh.
"Your dad's probably wasting his time, though. The old man just plays senile whenever they approach him and they leave him be," the owner said. "Can't be too hard on 'em either, he's like my dad's age. Heck, his joints apparently give him problems on rainy days, too. Wish he'd just stay away from here and leave my patrons alone, honestly."
"If he weren't such a huge pain in the ass I might feel more sorry for him," the suited man remarked.
"Yeah, my thoughts exactly," the owner said.
Kyoko typed away on her phone.
-You're good. Wrap it up and come over here.
Mishima looked at his phone. "Oh! Heh, I gotta be going! Thanks again!" he said, laughing nervously again as he hurried to where Kyoko was. "God, Kirigiri, don't make me do that again!" he said, catching his breath.
"You still made yourself useful in this investigation," Kyoko remarked as they exited the alley back into the street.
"Huh... you're right!" Mishima said, eyes wide with shock as a smile spread across his face. "You heard everything? His name's Heiji Ono, and apparently he has joint problems on rainy days! That's gotta be good for something, right?"
"I heard, yes. You did well," Kyoko replied. "...Thank you."
"Haha! I did!" Mishima said, grinning now. "Don't worry, I'll keep proving to be useful to the Phantom Thieves! You'll see!"
Kyoko could hear the sound of a chain link shatter within her mind as she observed Mishima's enthusiasm.
"I'll see what I can get on that bully case from the forums, too. I know there's Shujin students there so someone's gotta have answers," Mishima said. "Plus, I tell them I helped investigate this request, people will know I'm friends with the real-life Phantom Thieves! That's gotta be worth something, too, right? Maybe then some of the girls on there'll wanna meet me!"
Once more, Kyoko gave the boy a silent stare before initiating the walk back to the station.
Kyoko had arrived at Leblanc for the second time that evening when her phone rang right before she could reach the door. Taking it out, she could see it was Mishima. After the awkward trip back, she was curious what he'd want and answered.
"Hey!" he said. "Sorry I guess I said the wrong thing back there... I guess that's not what's important as a guardian of justice, right?"
"Frankly, your priorities could use some readjustment," Kyoko replied dryly.
"Sorry," Mishima said. "Anyways, I was calling to say I checked the poll when I got home and your approval doubled already! Remember what I said about getting popular?"
"Hey! Remember what I said about Mementos?" Morgana said, climbing out of Kyoko's bag, apparently having overheard Mishima. "If that's the case, then we may be able to explore it even more, now. This'll really help with the more missions we take! We at least got one, now, so we should go back in as soon as possible!"
Kyoko was silent for a moment, perhaps there was more merit to it. "Good to know," she responded over the phone.
"Hey, you got me as your info guy so I had to tell you!" Mishima said excitedly. "Anyway, I'll get back to modding and prying more from that older request and see if I can dig up any more good ones, too. Don't worry, it'll turn out awesome and I'll make you guys even bigger heroes! Alright, seeya!"
Hearing him hang up, Kyoko put her phone back and headed inside to get ready for bed. School was tomorrow and it seemed they'd be returning to Mementos fairly soon as well...
A/N: At last Madarame has confessed! I decided against having a Hierophant Rank-up since you can't go past Rank 4 till after the fourth Palace is completed so I figured I should wait on that a little till the upcoming arc. Also, now I feel I can finally divulge what people have been wondering that yes, I do intend on Angie returning, for part of Yusuke's Confidant! I also figured I'd play Mishima's confidant rank differently and combine it with part of a request as well since it seemed unlikely it'd play out like the original Rank 3 did.
0 - The Fool: Rank 3
I - The Magician: Rank 3
V - The Hierophant: Rank 3
VI - The Lovers: Rank 4
VII - The Chariot: Rank 5
XI - The Strength: Rank 2
XII - The Hanged Man: Rank 2
XIII - Death: Rank 4
XIV - Temperance: Rank 1
XVIII - The Moon: Rank 3
XIX - The Sun: Rank 2
1 - The Councillor: Rank 3
? - Faith: Rank 1
Kyoko's Personas: Berith, Shiisaa, Kusi Mitama, Kodama, Jack Frost, Ame-No-Uzume