7/9
Stepping off the trains and putting away the book she'd been reading, Kyoko entered the streets of Aoyama-Itchome, following the other students in silence as she made her way to school. Her interest piqued at two boys walking ahead of her as the subject of conversation shifted from the hot weather that prompted Kyoko to bring her brush along again, to something more worth noting.
"You catch that news report this morning about the gang boss who got busted?" a stocky boy asked his friend.
"Heard he turned himself in on his own like two weeks ago after a buncha calling cards got scattered all over Shibuya," the other, thinner boy said nonchalantly.
"Yeah, apparently now he's finally confessing in full," the stocky boy said.
"Remember the Kamoshida scandal? They say the same thing happened where someone left calling cards. Madarame, too, if I'm not mistaken," the other boy said. "...Think it was the Phantom Thieves?"
"If so, I'm impressed!" the stocky boy replied. "I can't believe they actually steal hearts!"
Kyoko gave a faint, silent smirk to herself as she heard Morgana's faint chuckle from within in her school bag and followed into the open Shujin gates. No doubt Makoto would be filling her and the others in on the rest, later.
Sae Niijima, however, was in a far less upbeat mood as she sat pensively in front of her laptop in the courthouse lobby.
"...I don't get it," she muttered aloud, bringing her hand to her chin in thought as she read through her notes. "...No matter how hard they looked, even our organized-crime department couldn't catch Junya Kaneshiro... and yet he simply turned himself in, and even confessed to his crimes!"
Thoughts of what Kaneshiro had detailed caused the woman's hands to slowly, tightly clench. She could feel her blood boil as she thought of one in particular that stood out more then anything else ever could.
"...The Phantom Thieves..." she growled in frustration.
"...Is it... really a crime to change someone's heart?" she remembered her sister ask during Akechi's interview where he'd criticized them.
""Depending on the means, yes. He's absolutely right," she remembered responding that evening.
"Even if it made someone... someone who otherwise might never get caught... confess to their evil deeds, and helps them pay for their crimes?" Makoto had asked back.
"I hope she hasn't fallen under their influence," Sae muttered quietly, folding her arms as she remembered Kaneshiro's confessions again, closing her eyes and sighing as she recalled that fateful night.
...Dad... I should have been the one to do it...
Elsewhere, lunch had progressed at school for Goro Akechi, but no relief was on the boy's mind either as he stood at the end of the cafeteria, reading the news on his phone, as well as the explosion of rather critical comments and questions littering his social media profile in response to said news that he was in no mood nor had the time to bother trying to answer.
"Damn it!" the Detective Prince scowled, already suspecting what his next TV interview was going to grill him over and what he'd have to think of saying in his defense.
"...You alright, Akechi-kun?" a very pretty blonde girl from his class asked, looking concerned.
It took all of Akechi's willpower to push back his frustrations of what he'd have to deal with later as he managed to give her a polite smile. "...N-Nothing. Just realizing I'd almost forgotten about my interview tomorrow! It always pays to be as prepared as possible for things like that."
"Oh, I see," the girl replied, looking down at her hands a moment. "...Um, I suppose that means you won't make it to the club, then? I was gonna be playing, again," she said.
Akechi's smile fell to a more apologetic one. "My apologies, Akamatsu-san, but something tells me they're gonna have a lot they want my opinion on and ready me for prior to when I go in," he said.
The girl seemed to buy his response, but still had a hint of disappointment she tried to hide at the news he'd given her. "...Well, good luck with that, I guess. I'll be rooting for you!"
Akechi managed a small chuckle. "I appreciate that. I'll see what I can do, between work and this I think it'd be nice to hear you play again. You're very talented!"
The blonde smiled, brushing back her hair. "You're too kind, Akechi-kun," she said, giggling. "...I hope you make it, I always feel more motivated then. I'll see you later!"
Akechi gave a polite wave as she left, his smile fading into a scowl once more as he looked back at his phone again.
"...The Phantom Thieves... I don't believe it..."
"Hell yeah! Kaneshiro finally confessed!" Ryuji cheered as he, Ann, Yusuke, and Kyoko stood at the accessway hideout once school had ended, Morgana in Kyoko's bag by her feet. "I been hearin' about it all over school! They're all makin' a huge deal of it since the police announcement!"
"...That said, it's difficult to accept the authorities are talking all the credit for his arrest," Yusuke sighed, reading the news off his phone.
"Still, people're going nuts about the Phantom Thieves online, now! Look!" Ann piped cheerfully as she turned her phone to the others.
Kyoko leaned in, reading the comments Ann was showing from the Phansite. "Usami-sensei was talking about it during math class as well," she said, glancing over at Yusuke and Ryuji as she recalled the math teacher's rather awkward transition into her lecture with it. "...From the looks of things, our operation had the outcome we were hoping for, regardless. With Kaneshiro off the streets, whatever's left of his operation is fated to die with his confession, and people finally supporting us more openly."
"It's certainly quite the turnaround, all of a sudden it's like a long-standing belief in us has become public opinion," Yusuke remarked.
"So aside from making sure Kaneshiro's goons saw them and his name would be in the open, this must be another reason why Makoto told us to post the calling card anywhere that might stand out," Ann replied, turning her phone and looking over some more responses.
"It certainly did work to our favor," Kyoko replied, folding her arms as she leaned against the guardrail. "I'm not used to doing things so... out in the open... but in this case, it was the correct approach."
"Speakin' of Makoto, where is Miss Prez anyway?" Ryuji asked.
"She had to stay after, but said she'd call us when-!" Kyoko's words were cut off by the chiming of her phone, and she saw Makoto was now calling.
"Hello? Hey, Kyoko, it's me. Put me on speaker, I think you all need to hear this," Makoto's voice spoke from the other end as Kyoko complied. "...My apologies but I won't be able to join you all today."
"What's going on?" Ann asked.
"Principal Kobayakawa has just called me into a meeting," Makoto explained.
"Is that bad?" Ryuji asked, concerned.
"No, there's no need to worry," Makoto continued. "...Also, more importantly, there is a special on TV about the Phantom Thieves!"
"What did they say? What did they say?" Morgana meowed excitedly, emerging from Kyoko's bag, getting a glance from the young detective.
"...Did you get that?" Kyoko asked in a dry tone.
"...I did, yes," Makoto said with a chuckle. "They were talking about all our calling cards, including the ones you had for Kamoshida and Madarame.
"FOR REAL?!" Ann and Ryuji cried out in unison, getting glances from Yusuke and Kyoko, and another laugh from Makoto.
"Yes. Anyway, my apologies about today, I'll have to see you all another time," Makoto explained. "Have a good rest of your day, I'm gonna put things with the principal to rest."
"Holy shit that's so effin' CRAZY!" Ryuji squealed with glee once Makoto had hung up.
"I'm concerned, though," Yusuke said, folding his arms in worry. "...Kyoko, do you think all this excitement will only do more to put us on the police radar?"
Kyoko glanced out the windows behind her. "While it'd be very difficult for them to find out about, let alone know anything about the Metaverse, it'd still be a good idea to keep a low profile and listen for any more news."
"See? It'll be fine!" Ryuji said with a grin.
"True, but recall how Kaneshiro's Shadow mentioned this other metaverse user before he disappeared?" Yusuke asked.
"True, as our fame increases, the more likely we'll gain this person's notice," Kyoko replied.
"You really think we should be worried, now?" Ann asked.
"I can't say for sure, yet, but the point still stands that Kaneshiro was paying off someone in exchange for protection from the Kuzuryus, and this someone clearly has a connection to this black-masked assassin," Kyoko explained. "...We just essentially took away someone this person had some form of benefit associating with. Who knows if they may retaliate against us once they can pinpoint us, and this black-masked perpetrator, whoever he is, has been at this for two whole years already. He's been able, from the looks of it, get through Palaces like Kaneshiro's and Madarame's alone while it requires extensive teamwork for us. We absolutely must not underestimate him."
Ryuji blinked, speechless for a moment. "Damn... when ya put it like that," he muttered. "Still, we keep improvin' each time we do what we do, so we got a chance if that happens, right?"
"You know that means we gotta keep training and honing our skills, Ryuji!" Morgana said.
"Yeah, yeah, but in the meantime I say we look on the bright side'a things, like oh, say, "IN YOUR FACE, AKECHI"!" Ryuji cheered, folding his arms triumphantly. "We scored a big point against what he said about us, so whaddya say we go for more? What do we wanna do for our next target?"
"Getting a little ahead of yourself, aren't you?" Ann asked, exasperated. "...Still, you may be right, I mean, people might expect a lot from our next move considering how excited they've started to get!"
"You're right! We can't just pick any old schmoe, now, with so many eyes on us!" said Ryuji.
"There's no need to hurry, though," Yusuke remarked. "Counting Kamoshida, the Phantom Thieves have had three consecutive victories, and then on a lesser note, we have the missions we completed in Mementos as well. I believe Kyoko is right about us laying low and waiting until the excitement blows over."
"Well in that case," Ann said, swinging her arms back and forth like an excited child. "How about we have ourselves another celebration!"
"Hey, good idea! We could make a welcoming party for Miss Prez!" Ryuji said, hands at his hips and giving an approving nod. "That briefcase oughta cover it. Looked it up for worth online and gotta say it's pretty damn expensive! What say we sell it and drop the cash on our party?"
"Wow, you guys just making the "lay low" thing go right out the window, aren't you?" Morgana asked, looking at Ann and Ryuji.
"So that mean we should count you out, Morgana?" Ann teased.
"Uh... wh-what are you talking about?!" the cat protested indignantly. "I-I just meant we should keep our party on the down low!"
"That's the spirit!" Ann giggled as she took out her phone and began texting. "I'll let Makoto know right now and we'll figure it out from there!"
Seconds later, a response came in the form of a call, this time from Ann's phone.
"Hello. Ann? Speaker, please," Makoto said, the blonde complying.
"...I hope you all remember what I said about how you have finals next week. Yusuke and Morgana excluded, of course," Makoto stated.
"Now, to be fair, you, Kyoko, I'm not worried about at all. I'm sure you'll do great! You really amazed me when I happened to see your last exam scores! Ann and Ryuji, though, don't think I've not heard what people said about your last exam scores," she continued. "If you don't want to stand out, don't get bad grades, you two, alright? As Student Council President I can't overlook that, especially if it gets reported because then I'd have to deal with your teachers which will only complicate things more. As for the party, let's save fun for after exams are over, fair enough?"
"I think she's made her point clear," Kyoko remarked, noting Ann and Ryuji's concerned faces. "Please tell me you two have gotten some studying in over the past few weeks?"
A sigh could be heard from Ann's phone, indicating Makoto had heard her and quickly put two and two together.
"...Kyoko, this sounds like they may need our help after all," Makoto said. "Oh! Principal Kobayakawa is calling for me, now. Head on home, I'll talk to you all later!"
"She's right, you know," Morgana said as Kyoko picked up her bag. "That goes double for you, Ryuji!"
"Me?! Hey, if it wasn't for English Ann's grades wouldn't be any better then mine!" Ryuji protested.
"Don't start this again," Kyoko said, facepalming and pushing her hand through her bangs. "I'll see you all tomorrow..."
She paused, however and looked back before leaving the accessway with a faint smile. "All things considered, however, two weeks of waiting seems to have paid off. A celebration later sounds... good."
With that, she and Morgana made their way to the subway platforms to head home.
"Principal Kobayakawa?" Makoto asked as she entered the office. The heavyset man seated across from her gave a deep scowl on his corpulent face as he glared up at her from his notes.
"...Care to explain, Niijima?" he asked sharply.
"I believe in what I wrote, sir, that the Phantom Thieves are just," Makoto replied, unafraid.
The principal's eyes widened anxiously. "...Th-then have you figured out who they are?!"
"No. Nowhere close," Makoto said with a calm, yet unreadable smile. "...However, after considering all the facts, I concluded there are no errors in their acts or principles," she explained. "Thus, upon deeming them to be on the side of justice, I have decided to end my investigation!"
Kobayakawa's mouth fell open as he blinked in shock at the girl's words. "B-But that's impossible!"
"Impossible?" Makoto asked, "May I see the evidence you have that'd leads you to believe so?"
"I-It's funny, you know," the principal stammered, twitching as he struggled to maintain some semblance of dignity despite he was beginning to look more and more like a cornered animal to Makoto. "I... I was just on the phone, speaking with the director of a very prestigious university about your letter of recommendation, too! Imagine if I were to somehow find it lower on my list of priorities, Niijima..."
Makoto's smile did not waver as she simply placed her hands together and shook her head. "There'll be no need for it," she said confidently. "...I intend on getting into a good college on my own merit. Now, if you'll excuse me..."
Makoto ignored the principal's subsequent protests as she departed without another word, closing the door behind her.
Kobayakawa barely had time to process what had just happened as he heard his phone chime, his concern deepening as he saw who it was.
"S-Sir?" he asked. "Oh... y-yes, about that. P-Please understand, sir, I'm making progress, I assure you, it's just... I've stumbled on some difficulties..."
He paused as he listened, wiping sweat off his greasy forehead with his sleeve. "If I may, why would someone as important as you have interest in such a petty case?"
The principal flinched, his eyes wide with panic as he listened. "N-NO! That's not what I meant at all! Of course! I will investigate this with all the resources available to me, I promise!"
He nodded quickly. Kobayakawa could feel his heart racing from worry as he listened to the angry voice on the phone. "Of course... um... I should... I should be able to let you know relatively soon! ...Y-Yes, I will bring good news!" he sighed in relief as who he was talking to seemed to cool down. "Of course, yes. Well, then, thank you for your-!"
His phone beeped, followed by a dial tone, indicating who he was talking to had hung up already, leaving the principal burying his head in his hands in frustration.
Makoto turned at the sound of the front door opening as Kaneshiro's confession played on the news as she heard her sister come inside.
"I'm home," Sae muttered, frowning as she entered the living room.
"Hi, sis!" Makoto said with a smile, scooting over on the couch. Her expression, however, faded to a look of concern quickly as she saw her sister looked anything but happy. "...You alright? You don't look well..."
"Don't worry about me," Sae said, looking away as if something was on her mind she didn't feel eager to share. "...How about you? Have you kept up with your studies?"
"Yes, of course," Makoto replied with a nod. "...Though... what's the point?"
Sae's gaze flickered at her younger sister. "What do you mean?"
"What's the point of so much studying?" Makoto asked. "I'm just wondering, what am I studying for when I don't even know what's waiting for me at the end? Even if I manage to push through tough entrance exams, I'm not exactly a Hope's Peak alumni, so I'll pretty much be thrust into an extremely competitive society."
Sae's expression hardened. "Exactly. What more is there to life then success? If you're not one of the lucky few, you have to do whatever it takes to win and get ahead. Don't ask such childish questions."
Makoto glanced down at her hands on her lap, thoughts of Kyoko's own ambitions. It was strange, really, when she thought about it. Kyoko could have a golden ticket to becoming a detective once she made it into Hope's Peak and graduated, yet she wasn't intent on going there for that specific reason, but rather to settle something much more personal. She aimed to use a privilege many would sell their souls for over a matter that had nothing to do with her future. It was also curious how her grandfather didn't want her going yet apparently wanted Kyoko to secure the Kirigiri name as the greatest detectives.
Maybe peace of mind and success aren't always the same thing? she wondered. Was that what was troubling her? Makoto wasn't sure to envy or admire Kyoko on her wishes and goals for the moment. Maybe a little of both...
Trying to get her mind off it, and also perhaps raise her sister's spirits a little, Makoto gestured to the TV, where Kaneshiro's confession was being replayed. "Hey, isn't that the man the Phantom Thieves sent the calling card for? I was just seeing how he confessed to everything and the police are rounding up the rest of his gang!"
"Even the police couldn't figure out why. It really... came out of nowhere," Sae replied, brushing back her hair and glancing away from the footage on screen. "...It would only make sense if his personality changed entirely... but with what he was guilty of, that'd be impossible."
"But why does that matter?" Makoto asked. "The police still caught him, right?"
"I had plans set for a promotion, but no one can take credit for his arrest, now, with that confession!" Sae replied, her tone growing harsh. "Not to mention...!"
Makoto noticed her sister's voice break as she caught herself. She could already guess where this was going, however.
"...I heard about it... on the news," she said softly. While Makoto had learned the truth well in advance, the news had just now discussed it amidst Kaneshiro's crimes from his confession.
"I had suspected his involvement, but now it's been confirmed," Sae hissed, glaring at the TV and the gang leader on the screen with an livid gaze as her hands clenched tight, ignoring the feeling of her nails digging into her palms. "...It should have been me, Makoto! He took Dad from us, he's the reason I've had to struggle so much! If anyone had the right to barge into whatever rathole he was hiding in, shove an arrest warrant in his disgusting face and watch him get walked out in handcuffs and prosecute him into a prison cell, it was me!"
"...Sis," Makoto looked up at her, hurt and concern on her face. "I-I'm sure Dad's at peace, now, knowing Kaneshiro's going to prison where he belongs..."
"I wish I could be happy, Makoto, but you don't understand how the adult world works! I could have made things easier for us and moved up in the world, and that, built off the back of that bastard's downfall, would have given me so much more of the closure I've needed for years," Sae replied, her sharp tone deflating into one of defeat. "...Now... neither of those will happen..."
Makoto watched in silence as her sister immediately and silently walked past her to her room, closing the door behind her. The brunette glanced over at the TV, and once more at her lap.
...You've really changed, sis," she said softly to herself.
At least... I'll be okay... I've found a place I belong...
Makoto sighed, looking at the closed door once more. She may have been unclear of her future goals, but she had that, she realized. She could only hope her sister would find that peace of mind as well...
"I'm home," said Kyoko as she entered the LeBlanc, which was currently free of customers as Sojiro leaned against the cabinets smoking a cigarette.
"Welcome back. Seems some gang boss just got charged on the news," Sojiro replied, gesturing at the TV. "Least it seems you've been behaving yourself, Kyoko. Just don't be planning to slack off with summer break right around the corner."
Kyoko gave a small, faint smile. "I'm not one to do that sort of thing," she replied. "Besides, I have exams next week."
"That's true," said Sojiro. "Considering how well you did last time it'd be a shame if your grades fell, now, wouldn't it?"
"You needn't worry," Kyoko replied.
"You better be sure of that," Sojiro said, taking another drag of his cigarette.
Kyoko gave a nod as she felt her phone hum in her bag. Taking it out as she headed upstairs she saw her fellow Thieves beginning to talk again on the chat.
[I was watching the news. The reaction's incredible I'm honestly shocked to see it.] Makoto had messaged.
[It's only natural that people would be surprised. With his connections the police had a difficult time catching him.] Yusuke replied.
[Yeah. By the way, Makoto how did things go with the principal? Did anything happen?] Ann messaged.
[Yes, regarding my investigation of the incident with Mr. Kamoshida. Don't worry, I didn't say a word about any of you.] Makoto answered.
[Long story short, I told him I couldn't find anything.] she added.
-He had no business demanding this out of a student. Kyoko messaged back.
-I trust this is finally over, though? she asked.
[It is, yes. If he wants to keep investigating he can do it himself.] Makoto replied.
-I appreciate that. Kyoko answered.
[Don't mention it. I've graduated from my role of exemplary honor student. I'm going to be more honest with myself from now on.] Makoto messaged.
[It's actually quite refreshing really.] she added.
[So what're you gonna do now? Wanna stay with the Phantom Thieves?] Ryuji asked.
[That is my intention, assuming it wouldn't be any trouble.] Makoto responded.
-It won't be. You've contributed well if anything it'd be very inconvenient to lose you now. Kyoko replied.
[Thank you, Kyoko. I hope to continue getting along with all of you as well!] Makoto answered.
[Anyways, have a good night, everyone! It's nice to have such a load off our backs now.] Makoto added.
[You said it! Seeya!] Ryuji replied.
"Our new teammate sure is promising!" Morgana said happily, having read the messages before Kyoko put away her phone. "Oh! I just remembered! What about what that fortune teller said?!"
Kyoko glanced back at the cat. "...What about it?"
"She said you'd die, remember? She got everything else right, and if Kaneshiro is going to prison after all then that means whatever's gonna happen still can, right?!" he protested.
Kyoko sighed, rubbing her temples with her thumb and index finger in exasperation. "...Morgana, that's..."
"We gotta know! Come on, we made money with stuff we found in Mementos! It's worth looking into!" the cat insisted. "If anything, maybe it'll protect us in the Metaverse like that Angie girl's charms did!"
Kyoko sighed as she set her bag down and prepared to change out of her school clothes, thinking the whole time how she could only hope this was entirely worth her time and money.
"Oh, welcome back!" the fortune teller Chihaya Mifune said, managing a smile as she saw Kyoko had approached her table again. "Have you... by any chance changed your mind about the holy stone? With it in your possession, you can change this terrible fate I foresaw!"
Kyoko folded her arms as she took out several yen notes. "One-hundred thousand yen," she said, her tone neutral but her gaze ice cold from her skepticism regarding the fortune teller's sales pitch.
Chihaya, however, did not seem to notice, or possibly, by Kyoko's observation, simply did her best to ignore it.
"With how much she's charging, it better change your fate, Kyoko, or at least give you really incredible luck!" Morgana said as he poked his head from her bag. "Let's bring it home and test it out after we're done, here!"
Kyoko managed to avoid scoffing at the cat's comment as luck was something she admittedly could use more of as she handed the money over to the woman seated across from her.
"Come, now," Chihaya said with a smile as she pocketed the cash and handed her a box with a small, silvery-white rock inside. "This is the smart thing to do! You're sure to escape misfortune at this point! In fact, it's already fully charged with an aura of happiness, so I'm certain you'll feel the effects right away! After three days, simply place it under the moonlight!"
Kyoko's brow furrowed, still skeptical as she closed the small box again and slid it into her bag. There were a lot of things she wanted to say right now, but if it satisfied Morgana's concern for her, she'd bite the bullet till she got to the bottom of this.
"Thank you for making this choice!" Chihaya said. "Please stop by again soon, and let me know if your fate has changed!"
The young woman's smile faded to one of unease. "...Please... if you can..."
Kyoko gave no response other then a curious gaze as she took her leave to head back to Leblanc.
Opening the door to the Leblanc, Kyoko was greeted by Sojiro, who had just finished putting away his apron. "...Oh, you're back. Take care of that errand?" he asked.
"More or less," Kyoko replied.
"I was just getting ready to close up shop, but then I noticed I forgot to turn the stove off," said Sojiro, shaking his head in embarrassment. "...I guess you just start forgetting things more, the older you get."
Kyoko glanced off to the side. "My grandfather would say that. It was a reason why he was so intent on me succeeding before that could happen to him," she said.
"Well, that makes sense, I suppose memory is one of the key assets of a detective, after all," Sojiro mused. "I'll be right back..."
"Hey! Hey!" Morgana chirped as he climbed partway out of Kyoko's bag excitedly while Sojiro went into the back to grab his coat. "The last time we went to the fortune teller, the chief won the lottery, remember? I wonder what kind of luck we'll have this time around! Considering how much we paid for it, it should be really awesome and... OW! What the heck?!"
Kyoko winced as the cat suddenly yelped and fumbled about in her bag. "Morgana?" she asked, concerned.
"Sorry! Hey, Kyoko, can you keep this thing a little cleaner from now on?" Morgana asked, shifting around. "I can't be comfortable with all this gravel in the bottom, here!"
"Gravel?" Kyoko asked, taking her bag off and setting it down on the table to look inside.
If it's what I think it is, I swear... she thought, worry growing inside her.
Before she could say anything, however, Sojiro had returned, his coat and hat in place.
"Hey, do you mind looking over the shop while I..." Sojiro paused, looking over and noticing the look on the girl's face as she was peering into her bag and looking not the least bit pleased. In fact, it was probably the angriest he'd ever seen her look. "...Kyoko? What's up?"
Kyoko closed her eyes, taking a long, deep breath, though her gloved hands were noticeably tightened over her school bag as though she could crush it any second even with it still being occupied.
"H-Hey, Kyoko... I think this is... was... the holy stone we just bought... why's it taste like salt, though?" Morgana asked anxiously as he emerged from the bag, looking down at the messy contents within.
Kyoko's brow furrowed noticeably as she slowly opened her eyes and remained completely silent, an equally noticeable scowl deepening even further on her face.
"Kyoko? What's gotten into you? Did you accidentally break something in there?" Sojiro asked, still looking over at her in concern.
"...Nothing of actual value," she replied in the calmest tone she could muster given the situation. "I'm just... salty..."
"...You're salty?" Sojiro asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion at Kyoko's response. "...Oh, that reminds me, I need to grab some salt for the shop before I head home..."
No need. I've got plenty right here, the young detective thought bitterly as she gazed down inside her bag where the crushed remains of the holy stone lay.
"Well, at any rate, I'll be back in a bit," Sojiro said, heading past her and out the door and locking it behind him.
"...Hey, this looks like rock salt! I remember seeing the chief grinding some up before!" Morgana said, glancing into the bag as well. "Wait, maybe that's it! The holy stone is supposed to help you get better at cooking!"
Kyoko willed herself to close her eyes and take in another long, deep breath, her fingers tightening on the bag again. "...I could consider that possibility, Morgana," she said in a tone of barely concealed irritation. "...If not for how completely idiotic that sounds in comparison to the far more likely notion we walked right into a scam!"
"A scam?! Out of a hundred thousand yen we could have used on loads of fatty tuna?!" Morgana protested.
"Yes... exactly," Kyoko said, visibly seething as she slowly opened her eyes and began placing her things on the table.
"I can't believe it, the holy stone was a phony stone in the end!" Morgana muttered in dismay as Kyoko gave no response, scooping up her bag and pouring the salt grains filling the bottom into the trash can. "That scam's unacceptable, but she clearly has some kind of mystical power... everything else she was spot-on about!"
Kyoko glanced back at the cat before heading upstairs, throwing her bag on the couch, a bit roughly, and paused, her hand at her chin in thought as she recalled how the fortune teller seemed to know things about her she had absolutely no way of knowing, and having flawlessly predicted Sojiro's lottery win and the exact money amount she had been given. Thinking on it further, she had noticed the young woman seemed uncomfortable about selling her the stone as well.
"What're you thinking, Kyoko? We gotta go demand answers out of her, right?" Morgana asked as he joined her in the attic bedroom.
"Hm," Kyoko took out her phone and pulled up the Meta-Nav. "Chihaya Mifune," she said, remembering the young woman's name.
"No match found." the app's voice replied.
"She's not in Mementos nor has a Palace," Morgana said. "That means her heart isn't distorted. But why would she do that?"
Kyoko put her phone away, her hand once more in her chin as she thought it over. Perhaps there was more to investigate then simply the woman's apparent ability to make flawlessly accurate predictions.
She sighed. Unfortunately it was too late to go back out to Shinjuku at this hour, so going to confront Chihaya now was out of the question. She still felt annoyed at what she'd been talked into. Between Morgana's insistence and her own curiosity, she'd wasted one hundred-thousand yen on a block of salt. She heard the door jingle from Sojiro's return as he announced his arrival from downstairs before telling her he was leaving.
"Boss?" Kyoko asked, coming downstairs.
"Oh, there you are. I dunno what's got you all tense, but why don't you go visit the bathhouse before you go to bed. You look like you could use it," he said, a look of concern at Kyoko.
The girl's expression softened. "I was going to ask," she said. "...You're right, I could use it."
"Well, don't stay out too late, alright?" Sojiro said, a small smile as he turned and left.
Her mind made up, Kyoko went back upstairs to get her things for her next trip out...
?/?
Kyoko was promptly and briefly snapped out of her dazed state by Niijima's hand slamming hard against the table as she rose from her seat.
"Don't be ridiculous!" the prosecutor snapped, glaring down at the girl seated before her. "This new ally you gained was Makoto?! Just tell me the truth!"
Kyoko took a few breaths, attempting to fend off the foggy feeling caused by the drug overdose the inspector had subjected her to before physically assaulting her. Her injuries still ached, reminding her of that experience again. She relied on it, now, to remain coherent as she looked back at the tall woman across from her.
"You already know the truth," she said flatly.
Sae's hard expression faded as she looked away, muttering her sister's name to herself in worry as she sat herself back down. "Th-that's... that's preposterous!" she stammered, attempting to keep her icy composure despite her concern for her sister. "...If what you say is true, then... was Makoto running from the police as well when you were arrested?"
Kyoko gazed at the woman a moment. Despite the way things had started, she could feel a sense of empathy for the prosecutor sitting across from her. Niijima was now afraid Makoto could get investigated and charged as well as an accomplice.
Perhaps it was time to resort to old baiting methods she'd used for interrogations of her own.
"...Ask her yourself, if you're willing to," she said, as if daring Niijima to act against her sister but suspecting she'd do everything to avoid that.
Niijima brought her hand to her chin in thought, her eyes avoiding Kyoko's, it was clear to the young detective despite the physical and mental state she was in that she didn't want to confirm or refuse the notion.
"...Now that I think about it," Niijima said softly, still looking away. "...She did start talking a lot about the investigation from summer onward," she explained.
The woman shook her head and finally returned Kyoko's gaze. "...Makoto aside, you mentioned one other important detail," she said, her tone clear she wished to abandon the subject entirely. "...Did Kaneshiro really tell you there was someone else using this "Metaverse" other then the Phantom Thieves?"
"He did," Kyoko replied. "I was... trying to... investigate..."
"Hey." Niijima's words were sharp, but intended to keep Kyoko's focus as the drugs continued to cloud her thoughts.
"I'm sure you'd like nothing more then to pass out right now, but do that and it's over for you! I'm sure you understand that, already," she added. "As for this supposed other, that can just be taken as you shifting the blame to someone else."
"Why would I tell you all this, then shift the blame elsewhere?" Kyoko asked, managing to remain coherent.
"There's two possibilities to that," Niijima replied, folding her arms. "One is you've been lying this whole time and are trying to confuse me..."
Her gaze softened slightly with concern, now. "...Or everything you've told me is true. Have you been telling me the truth from the very start?"
Kyoko grit her teeth, fighting through the drugs as she gave the woman seated before her a stern, serious gaze.
"I have no reason to lie," she said. "I want to solve this just as much as you do..."
"Does this mean you're placing your trust in me?" Niijima asked, taken aback by Kyoko's statement. Sighing, she shook her head in disbelief. "...Then again, I am investigating the heir to a detective clan turned thief who steals "hearts"... very well, no matter how absurd it may seem, I'll reevaluate my stance on believing you for now. In return, speak the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. It's a fair deal, is that acceptable?"
Kyoko held her gaze, meeting Niijima's flawlessly as she fought through the murk the drugs filled her mind with and nodded in agreement.
Reality grew dark, and came to a halt as the soft voice in her mind spoke for the first time since she'd begun her tale...
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 Judgement Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
shall lead to freedom and new power...
Kyoko heard a chain link shatter within the recesses of her mind as reality returned to normal and Niijima checked her watch.
"...We're running out of time, so let's move on to your next target," she said, opening her file book again. "...Actually, I should rephrase that: they targeted your group first. The identity of your opponent is this..."
The prosecutor turned the page over to where a strange card had been paperclipped, different from a Phantom Thief calling card. Rather, it was a vibrant green and decorated with binary code numbers, with a single word printed in the center.
"...Medjed," Niijima read aloud. "...We have no pictures, even their names and identities are totally unknown. Therefore, if what you told me is true, this "Nav" thing you told me about wouldn't have worked in this case, would it? Even for someone like yourself, I imagine it'd be very difficult to track them down on your own without DSC resources, so how were you able to target them? Tell me everything."
Staring down at the card, Kyoko took a moment to gather her thoughts together as she prepared to share the next part of her story...
7/10
Kyoko had finished getting dressed when she heard Sojiro call up to her, asking she come downstairs. It had been Sunday, so there was no school to worry about that day and she'd dressed casually. Last night's visit to the bathhouse had washed away the stress of last night's events that she'd made it a priority to return to Shinjuku and personally confront the fortune teller at the first opportunity. How she'd go about it, she wasn't sure yet. At least she'd gotten her bag cleaned out so it no longer smelled like salt...
As it turned out, the morning had been a little busier then expected, so Kyoko had spent the remainder of the morning helping out in the kitchen and with the dishes following the breakfast rush.
"Hey, check the ingredients in the fridge, will ya?" Sojiro asked once the customers, save for the elderly couple who'd regularly come by had finally cleared out, only for his phone to suddenly chime. Kyoko glanced over, noticing a gentle smile on the man's face as he answered.
"Hey, what's up?" he asked. His eyes widened in confusion as he listened to whoever he was talking to. "...What? It's not right? ...Not "cute"?" he asked. Kyoko turned her head back to the dishes she was tending to as she saw Sojiro look over her way as he spoke again. "...That was the one the staff recommended to me, though! Won't that printer do?"
Sojiro paused as he listened. "...Huh? It'll do, but that's not it?" He let out a sigh. "...Okay, I'll be right over."
"Hey, Kyoko?" Sojiro called over as he put away his phone. "This may take a while so I'm gonna leave the store to you, alright? I'll call to let you know to lock up if I'm not coming back."
"Something come up?" she asked, turning to face him. With all the other times she'd seen Sojiro on the phone, and his overall demeanor when he'd answered what she'd gathered to be the same person.
"Something, yeah. Leave it at that," Sojiro replied, giving her a look that indicated he'd prefer she didn't press on the matter while undoing his apron and going to fetch his jacket and hat.
Once Sojiro had left, Kyoko's attention turned to the TV, which was now covering Kaneshiro's confession. Folding her arms and leaning against the counter, she decided to watch, noticing the report had gotten the elderly couple's attention as well.
"...This case is said to be the result of the Phantom Thieves' actions, but what do you think?" the reporter said, standing outside Kaneshiro's club which was now surrounded by police tape and officers.
"Well, we don't know their methods," a rather pompous-sounding pundit responded, "...But I believe they are a menace that will threaten this law-abiding country!"
"What do you mean?" the reporter asked.
"They are a dangerous group of vigilantes who seem to be able to tamper with peoples' hearts somehow! That's no different from brainwashing!" the pundit explained.
"I see, you're absolutely correct," the reporter conceded.
"Hmm, what could be going on?" the elderly lady wondered aloud from her spot at the booth. "Didn't this happen a little while ago, too? ...You know, with that famous artist?"
"Ah, Madarame, was it?" her husband asked.
"Yes, I believe so!" the elderly lady replied. "These Phantom Thieves punished those awful people when no one else did, didn't they? One cannot fault them for that."
"Well, you have a point," her husband said, "...But..."
"Well what about you, young lady?" the wife asked, looking in Kyoko's direction and getting her attention. "Do you feel the Phantom Thieves are doing anything wrong?"
"Come, now, dear, we needn't bother her," said her husband.
"It's alright," Kyoko replied. "As far as I'm concerned, I don't believe they are. It seems from what I've heard of the confessions, no one was acting against them. If not these "Thieves" then who?"
"See?" the elderly woman asked her husband. "She brings up such a good point!" she said, giving Kyoko a kind smile and finishing her coffee. "Well, we should probably be going."
"Ah, you're right," the husband said, standing up. "Thanks for the drink! Boss has been training you well, young Miss!"
Kyoko watched the elderly couple leave before turning the sign around to Closed until Sojiro returned or called to confirm he wasn't coming back, returning to her place by the bar table and continuing to watch the news.
It seemed, she concluded, ...Even with Kaneshiro in prison, not everyone was convinced yet...
"...Yes, I've received the reports on Kaneshiro's case," the SIU director grumbled into the phone as he sat at the desk of his otherwise empty office, a frustrated scowl on his aging features. "...But to think these Phantom Thieves would honestly attempt such an absurd notion as social reform..."
He paused a moment, listening, his wrinkled scowl deepening. "...You're absolutely right, I'm not particularly pleased about this growing support for them the general public has been showing as of late... and the danger of the Metaverse being exposed as well with their continued activities..."
The old man paused again as he listened to the man on the other line speak. "Well, actually," he began, his anger fading to a proud sneer. "...We still have the Kuzuryus on a leash, correct? ...Mhmm, no, no! I wouldn't dare imply using such a resource so recklessly when you've got your own matters to worry about! I had been presented with a different approach: A countermeasure he brought in that seems usable, one that rather, involves having the Phantom Thieves destroying themselves without any direct intervention from us!"
The director rose from his chair, walking over to the window of his office that overlooked the city below as he listened on the phone.
"...After that, we'll set things up so that there'll be no doubt that the mental shutdown occurrences are their doing!"
He nodded, listening. "Ahh, yes, I'd thought as much. I had a feeling it was far too brutal to be his own idea, sir, but still... to think you'd go through such elaborate detail to crush them so utterly..." the director smirked, shaking his head. "...Apologies, I just wouldn't have imagined their actions would be that much of an eyesore for you. I sympathize with what you're dealing with, sir. As for Kaneshiro, I'll have him and all of this cleaned up quickly and put it all behind us."
The old man's smirk spread. "...Of course, of course. I hardly believe an undertaking as grand as social reform is one a little group of vigilantes could ever hope to succeed in. Only a select elite have any right to consider themselves worthy of changing in the world... and who better then Japan's future Prime Minister, sir?" he asked, his tone formal and laced with flattery as he continued to gaze out the window, chuckling to himself.
Evening had since fallen, Kyoko had been sitting at the bar table sipping some coffee she'd brewed herself and typing away at her case file notes on her laptop, Morgana curled up on a chair next to her. Sojiro had informed her he would not be returning as he'd had to go out to Akihabara to pick up what he needed and she'd be on her own the rest of the night.
Kaneshiro was going to prison, it appeared. Whoever he was tied to, she deduced, had washed their hands of him entirely and it seemed he didn't know nearly enough to expose those who'd protected him, which left her to suspect some middle men were involved.
Unfortunately, this brought her no closer to identifying this elusive Metaverse criminal. Tokyo was a big place, she couldn't think of where to look. For all she knew, her adversary was doing as she was, quietly awaiting word from whoever he was affiliated with.
Her thoughts were interrupted as her phone suddenly chimed, and she saw Ryuji was calling her.
"Yes?" she asked.
"Sup? Mood?" Ryuji asked.
"Something like that," Kyoko said. "Apologies, it's been a... frustrating day."
"Oh, I see," Ryuji answered. "So... where ya at?"
"Leblanc. I've been here all day," Kyoko replied. "Boss left on an errand and closed up early so I've been watching over the place."
"Huh. Well that's gotta be boring as all hell!" Ryuji said with a laugh. "But hey, just makes this all easier, right? We'll be over soon about the you-know-what, so... think you can stay put a little longer?"
Kyoko raised an eyebrow at Ryuji's remark. "...I doubt it. I think I see a cart outside selling seafood udon," she said dryly.
"For real?! Sweet! Can ya get me some before I get there?!" Ryuji asked in shock.
"...I was being sarcastic," Kyoko sighed, her tone no less dry. To her surprise, Ryuji chuckled.
"Crackin' jokes? I like it," he said with a laugh. "Anyways, we're meeting up in Shibuya and then all heading over, so seeya soon!"
Ryuji had hung up before Kyoko could reply or object.
"What's going on?" Morgana asked, stirring from his nap.
"Company," Kyoko said, closing her laptop and deciding to use the remainder of her waiting time to tidy up and prepare, and sent a message to Sojiro.
Neither of them had to wait long, however, as the rest of the team arrived a half an hour later.
"Sup? Came to hang out!" Ryuji asked cheerfully as Kyoko opened the door for them.
"That's not why we're here! Remember, we came to study for exams!" Ann said, elbowing him.
"...Why am I here, too?" Makoto sighed, shaking her head at the two bickering teens in front of her.
"You're one of us, now, that's why!" Ryuji said with a grin as he turned to face the brunette. "...Which means you gotta help us study, remember? You don't wanna put all that on Kyoko's shoulders, do ya?"
"I'm putting "all that" on Kyoko's shoulders?!" Makoto asked sternly.
Kyoko exchanged a glance at Morgana and Yusuke, both of whom having chosen to keep silent and not allow themselves to get drawn into the bickering.
"By the way, I been wonderin', Makoto," Ryuji said, "You know about me n' Ann regardin' the whole thing with Kamoshida, and there's what Yusuke went through with Madarame... guess you finally got your past demons resolved, now?"
"I do, yes," Makoto said with a smile. "Thank you, for helping me avenge my father and put his killer behind bars."
Kyoko raised an eyebrow at the brunette. There was something that seemed to trouble Makoto still.
"Somethin' up?" Ryuji asked, concerned and having noticed as well. "There someone else who hurt ya? A heart you wanna change?"
Makoto shook her head. "No... no one else. Kaneshiro is finally being punished for his crimes. Me... Sis... everyone else he's hurt... they have their closure, now," she said dismissively.
"If ya say so," Ryuji said, offering an assuring smile. "...But hey, if you got someone, or anyone comes to mind, you can just tell us, you know! There's no need to be cold about it."
"Let's just put all that aside, shall we?" Makoto asked, taking a commanding tone. "I believe you brought me here because exams? Did you have any intention of actually studying? After all, I seem to recall your sales pitch was "Don't put all that on Kyoko's shoulders"?"
"After the last exam study session, I would appreciate being able to share the weight," Kyoko remarked, brushing back her long hair.
"Aw, man... guess I did go with that, didn't I?" Ryuji asked hanging his head.
"Yes, you did. You spoke of it before she arrived at..." Yusuke began.
"She knows, man! No need to go over it all!" Ryuji protested, getting a giggle from Ann.
"Well, you can at least leave vocabulary and proper grammar in English to me!" she said with a smile. "But I suck at long sentences, though."
"And literally all other subjects!" Ryuji retorted.
"You've no room to talk, Ryuji!" Ann said, her smile not wavering.
"Not like I'm even gonna need to use English in the future!" Ryuji responded.
"Well your Japanese isn't exactly stellar either, Ryuji," Morgana quipped.
"Oh, shuddup!"
"...Well, I'm already seeing his proposal of us helping them was actually a wise decision," Makoto said, looking over at Kyoko before glancing over at Yusuke. "...How about you, Yusuke?"
"My grades are doing quite well all things considered," he replied simply. "It's given me some leeway on my art scholarship, hopefully my upcoming submission will ensure it remains secure."
"Well, you may not go to our school, but if you're falling behind anywhere, let me and Kyoko know," Makoto said. "Everyone, get your things out. No more distractions."
Within a matter of moments, the group had taken over one of the booths, their notes spread across the table as Kyoko and Ann sat on one side, Ryuji and Yusuke on the other and Makoto having taken up a chair to use on the corner to ensure she could easily reach all of them. Morgana, meanwhile, had nestled himself next to Kyoko and Ann. The hour that followed ultimately went as Kyoko had expected. Yusuke seemed to have no issues, while she and Makoto had both felt a sense of gratitude for the patience they'd grown up conditioned to have that allowed them to handle Ann and Ryuji, who were of course struggling, something Kyoko was no stranger to after the last time they'd done a study group.
"..."Explain the writer's feelings"? What point is there in that?" Ann asked, sighing in dismay at the exercise questions in her textbook.
"Aww, this is impossible! How the hell am I supposed to memorize so many formulas?! Ain't there like, a good way of cheatin'?" Ryuji complained, collapsing back in his seat.
"Kyoko, maybe it's time we take a break?" Makoto asked.
"At this rate, that would be a good idea," Kyoko replied flatly.
"Maybe we should see what's on TV?" Morgana suggested. "They were still talking about Kaneshiro earlier today!"
"Good idea. Sis..." Makoto stopped herself. "...I am curious of how all that's going."
"I'll turn it back on," Kyoko said, Ann moving out of the booth and Morgana hopping on the table so she could get through, taking up the remote in the kitchen and switching it on, turning the volume up. Sure enough, the news was discussing Kaneshiro's confession and sentencing, which quickly got the group's attention.
"...And that was the follow-up report on the blackmailing suspect Kaneshiro," the reporter concluded as the discussion ended moments later. "Now, a word on the matter from the young star detective, Goro Akechi, on the matter"
The camera panned out to the stage Kyoko remembered having visited for the school field trip, where Akechi was once more seated.
"Akechi-san, this case is said to be the result of the Phantom Thieves' actions, but in actuality, is this true?" the reporter asked as the camera turned over to Akechi.
"Well, considering how a calling card was scattered about, I believe there's no mistaking that!" Akechi said, folding his arms and giving a polite smile. "...The real question, however, is what exactly the Phantom Thieves actually did to get him to turn himself in..."
"What do you mean, Akechi-san?" the reporter asked.
"Well, if they somehow tampered with a suspect's heart, then it would cast doubt on the authenticity of any confession," Akechi explained.
"Are you implying that... by tampering with hearts, that perhaps the Phantom Thieves are fabricating crimes that may not exist?" the reporter questioned, surprised by his response.
"While it did indeed come clear that Kaneshiro was in fact responsible for the crimes he is being prosecuted for and there can be no doubt the Phantom Thieves are exposing hidden injustices in society, if it is done by sidestepping the law, it can lead to very dangerous thinking," Akechi stated. "As for the idea of using the means they employ to create crimes, we cannot deny the possibility they are capable of such a thing. Imagine, if you would, ideally, the possibility of them doing this to someone who had merely been accused and then caused them to confess to a crime they, in truth, did not commit simply out of a misguided belief it would ensure they go to prison because they believed them guilty of the crime?"
"Ahh, I see," the reporter answered. "So they're essentially outlaws, then?"
"Yes. They're no different then the criminals they target," Akechi replied, gazing directly at the camera. Kyoko, for a moment, felt like she had in the studio, as if Akechi were speaking directly to her, even if he did not know it was in fact her he was speaking of. Her own gaze furrowed, it frustrated her that they could enjoy eachothers' company so much, yet circumstances put them on opposite ends at the same time.
"...Remember the psychotic break incidents?" Akechi asked. "Do they seem rather similar in the sense of someone's whole personality radically changing? Such a connection cannot be simply dismissed if we cannot fully comprehend their methods, or have reasonable proof such a link is incorrect."
"I see... well that certainly is a valid point, Akechi-san!" the reporter praised. "Thank you for your take on this matter!"
"..."I see", my ASS!" Ryuji snapped, slamming his fist on the table. "Why the hell're we STILL bein' treated like the bad guys?!"
"Just let them say whatever they want," Ann said dismissively. "I mean, you've seen the Phansite, and other news, right? More people are starting to believe in us and see what we're doing is right!"
Ann's words seemed to cheer Ryuji up as he couldn't help but smile from them. "Heh, true. When I'm walkin' around town, I hear a lot more people talkin' about us, too! And you're right about the forum, it's FULL of hype! Think we made it to the big time, Kyoko?"
Kyoko was too distracted by the report to respond right away, but Morgana had found his words first.
"Don't get all pompous over some street thug, Ryuji!" the cat stated firmly. "Save it for when we take down a bigger threat!"
"Well that was always the plan, right? Go bigger?" Ryuji asked. "Just gotta find a bigger target then that."
"It may be best we start thinking about that if we're going to prove our justice further," Makoto said. "What do you think, Kyoko?"
The young detective turned her attention from the TV as she switched it off. "Yes, that would be the best course of action," she said, her thoughts on the last time she and Akechi had been out in Kichijoji together, and, for a moment, wondering if it was selfish of her to want this done as soon as possible, if it'd make him concede her stance as the correct one and take them off opposite sides of the matter.
"You look like there's something on your mind, Kyoko. Did Mr. Prettyboy Detective's words get to ya?" Ryuji asked.
"It's nothing," Kyoko replied, her tone neutral as she brushed back her hair, pushing the thoughts away. "...The sooner we find one, the better."
"Hell yeah! The wind's been blowin' in our direction, anyway!" Ryuji said with a grin. "Don't sweat it, Kyoko, I'm sure it'll happen in no time! I kinda feel like we can't lose to anythin', now!"
"Well, we can worry about it later. For now, we still have exams to overcome first, remember," Makoto said. "Speaking of, it's probably time we conclude our break and get back to what we were doing."
"Oh! Just remembered!" Ryuji interrupted as everyone began to get their notes out again. "...The celebration party, weren't we gonna do that too after exams're over? Where're we gonna go? I think I'll study better if I got somethin' to look forward to!"
"Well, last time we went to that big buffet at that hotel," Morgana said, interested, now. "We haven't really gone anywhere like that, since!"
"...A buffet?" Yusuke asked, suddenly, looking up from his notes that he'd been continuing on.
"Yusuke, you been workin' all the way through break?" Ryuji asked.
"I have, yes. Why?" Yusuke asked, as if the answer were entirely obvious and he did not understand why he would be asked such a thing.
"Well, we should figure that out!" Ann declared, a big smile on her face as she sat back in her seat. "Ooh! Maybe we can go to the fireworks festival!"
Ryuji's face promptly lit up at Ann's suggestion. "Aw, yeah! That's right, it's that season ain't it?"
"That sounds good to me," Makoto said. "It's been years since I've been to one, actually."
"Hmm..." Yusuke set his pencil down and steepled his fingers, deep in thought.
"Yusuke?" Ann asked, curious.
"...It's hard to ignore the temptations a buffet gives, but I believe I'll take the beauties of summer as well," he responded, his tone as though he'd made the most difficult choice in his life thus far. "...That said, I still make a demand that we feast during the festival as well!"
"Oh! Do you guys own a yukata? Will you be wearing a yukata?" Morgana chimed in eagerly.
"You been pretty quiet, Kyoko, doesn't a fireworks festival sound good to ya?" Ryuji asked, glancing over at her.
Kyoko remained silent, red coming to her cheeks and betraying her otherwise stoic expression as her gaze slowly shifted down at the table.
This, she discovered quickly, was all that was needed for everyone else's insight.
"Oh my gosh, you've never been to one?" Ann asked, now staring agape.
"If I had, I was too young to remember much of it. It would have been before I lived with my grandfather," the young detective replied quietly.
"Welllll, seein' as how some of us either haven't been or been away from one too long, I think it's settled then, doncha think, guys?" Ryuji asked with a big grin. "Fireworks festival it is! Let's be sure to find a good one!"
"I'll be glad to help you find a yukata, Kyoko!" Ann quickly chimed in, smirking at the other girl. "I actually gotta get a new one, myself."
Kyoko attempted to reassert her stoic demeanor, but she suspected it may have been too late, now.
"So long as I decide which one," she replied, brushing back her hair. "I will be frank, the idea of seeing a fireworks festival without anything else behind it... sounds nice."
"Duly noted!" Ann giggled.
"I will need to get one as well, though I will need to do so alone, for I must allow myself to hear which one speaks to me the loudest," Yusuke mused.
"Ahem!" Makoto interrupted. "Before we get too excited, let's remember study comes first, and I won't let you off if you fail your exams, got it?"
"Yes, ma'am," Ryuji sighed, picking up his pencil again and returning to his notes.
"Fireworks festival it is! Let's be sure to find a good one!"
"I'll be glad to help you find a yukata, Kyoko! I actually gotta get a new one, myself."
"So long as I decide which one... I will be frank, the idea of seeing a fireworks festival without anything else behind it... sounds nice."
"Duly noted!"
"I will need to get one as well, though I will need to do so alone, for I must allow myself to hear which one speaks to me the loudest..."
"Ahem! Before we get too excited, let's remember study comes first, and I won't let you off if you fail your exams, got it?"
"Yes, ma'am..."
A lone figure listened in silence to the conversation being held at Leblanc within the dark confines of a cluttered bedroom. Black curtains depicting star and outer space patterns covered the windows and prevented any natural light from entering, the only source of illumination coming from the many monitors positioned on the desk in front of her displaying various screens of coding, and one showing the dining area of the cafe. A wide tablet sat plugged in front of the largest monitor, and a lit-up keyboard and mouse in front of it as the figure typed away. Toys, magazines, and books were strewn about randomly on the shelves and floor that were not currently occupied by trash bags, while several snack bags were stashed in a nearby drawer on the desk and several large, bottled drinks occupied a mini-fridge sitting at the corner of the desk, barely visible under the trash bags and binder books placed on and around it.
The figure continued to listen, holding her pale hands over the large headphones atop her head as she sat in her pajamas, legs crossed in a large, cushioned executive chair in front of her desk.
"Hmm," she mused aloud, lowering her hands and beginning to type away on her keyboard, chuckling softly to herself.
SSSSSSS
A/N: And another chapter done! AND we got P3P and P4G rereleased! It's made me consider some possibilities of either doing either a Persona 3 retelling starring Mukuro as protag, and/or a more Danganronpa-set sequel set two years after HoJ, in a Danganronpa IF-based setting with a bit of Strikers where upon escaping Hope's Peak, Kyoko reunites with the Phantom Thieves and is tasked with returning to the Metaverse to topple the Ultimate Despair and restore hope to the world. Whichever one it is will be a while away till I'm further along, here, of course so it'll be a while either way. Either way, hope you all enjoyed this chapter as we slowly move into the next major arc!
0 - The Fool: Rank 6
I - The Magician: Rank 5
II - The Priestess: Rank 3
IV - The Emperor: Rank 2
V - The Hierophant: Rank 4
VI - The Lovers: Rank 6
VII - The Chariot: Rank 9
VIII - Justice: Rank 3
XI - The Strength: Rank 3
XII - The Hanged Man: Rank 3
XIII - Death: Rank 5
XIV - Temperance: Rank 5
XV - The Devil: Rank 1
XVII - The Star: Rank 1
XVIII - The Moon: Rank 4
XIX - The Sun: Rank 4
XX - Judgement: Rank 1
1 - The Councillor: Rank 5
? - Faith: Rank 3
Kyoko's Personas: Shiisaa, Nigi Mitama, Suzaku, Flauros, High Pixie, Leanan Sidhe, Orthrus, Sandman, Phoenix, Izanagi