7/19

"...Maaan, we were busy, alright? It's not like I could focus on studying!" Ryuji protested as he stood with Kyoko and Mishima in the hallways of Shujin during lunch period following the posting of the students' exam scores. "It's not my fault my scores suck, right?"

Kyoko folded her arms as she gave Ryuji a silent, judgmental stare until he finally got the hint and conceded.

"...Yeah, yeah, I guess it is my fault," Ryuji grumbled. "...Guess I can't be surprised you aced 'em."

"To everyone else's astonishment," Kyoko replied dryly, brushing back her hair and glaring at the gossiping students. "I've been here how long, now?"

"Not to mention you'd think someone from a family of detectives would net some lenience on intelligence," Mishima remarked.

"They probably expect me to have just given up on life or something," Kyoko muttered. "...Then again they still think of me as scary or a delinquent."

"Well you do have a bit of an intimidating vibe to you, Kirigiri" Mishima said with a sheepish laugh, earning a sharp look from the girl.

"Uh, anyway, Mishima... there's somethin' more important we brought ya out here for," Ryuji said, deciding to shift the subject before things grew more awkward.

"It's something about the internet, right?" Mishima asked, smirking a little.

"Yup, gonna be straight with ya, here," Ryuji said. "...Do you have any idea who Medjed is?"

"Heh!" Mishima scoffed in surprise, scratching the back of his head. "You really weren't kidding about being direct! Well, I guess news about Medjed and the Phantom Thieves has caused quite the commotion, hasn't it?"

"I know they're considered a group of cyber-criminals, supposedly global scale which made it impossible to catch anyone, let alone key members," Kyoko said.

"Yeah, but before that they were just a team of hackers dedicated to justice," Mishima explained. "They exposed corruption in major corporations that were black companies and such, but then that changed suddenly and now they're purely out for their own self-interest."

"Most of their crimes once they changed were petty as well, correct? This extravagant behavior is a form of cyber-terrorism, above from anything they've ever been associated with, before," Kyoko remarked. "Anything else?"

"Nah, that's pretty much it. They were the ones I messaged you about the other day," Mishima explained. "Nobody's sure who actually belongs to Medjed... but hey, sounds like things are getting pretty exciting this summer, huh? It'll be the Phantom Thieves' world debut!"

"Dude, curb it at school, alright?" Ryuji said, put off by the other boy's sudden spark of enthusiasm.

"Hey, it's alright," Mishima replied. "Don't worry, I'll be rooting for the Phantom Thieves! I'll even get the forum mobilized as well! Anyways, I gotta get going, so seeya back in class!"

"That... was fruitless," Morgana mused, peering through Kyoko's bag.

"So it would seem," Kyoko remarked, taking out her phone. "Let's see if anyone else got anything worthwhile."

"Right! Good idea!" Ryuji said, taking out his as well.

[Mishima had nothing!] Ryuji messaged.

[Makoto. Did your sister know anything?] Kyoko messaged.

[I asked, but it seemed as though she didn't know much about them.] Makoto answered.

[Cybercrime isn't her specialty, after all.] she added.

[You think any other detectives will get involved, Kyoko?] Yusuke asked.

[Unlikely. I don't know any who handle Technology-based crimes and even then they won't act unless the police request them to.] Kyoko replied.

[Which I doubt will happen as Akechi is already currently acting with the police on the entire matter already.] Kyoko replied.

[Anything you could do?] Ann asked.

[With my license suspended I'm cut off from my grandfather's resources or access to the Detective Library's.] Kyoko replied.

[Furthermore, my specialty is murder cases. Medjed is also a global hacker network. It's certainly likely there's one or several members in Japan if not more, but even Tokyo is an extremely large, populated city.] she added.

[If we're going to solve the identity of Medjed, we're unfortunately on our own.]

[I see. I tried looking into them, too, but all I found was just common knowledge.] Ann replied.

[It seems our opponent is truly very elusive.] Yusuke said.

[If only we had a hacker of our own maybe then we'd be able to track 'em!] Ryuji said.

[I don't know any here, though, 'cept Mishima and he's no hacker.] he added.

[Is there anyone at your school who has exceptional computer skills, Yusuke?] Kyoko asked.

[There was one, she was the daughter of an accomplished programmer. She was on that news report in Akihabara last night.] Yusuke responded.

[Sweet! Maybe we can get her help!] Ryuji replied.

[I doubt it. I never knew her personally, plus she transferred to Hope's Peak at the end of last year for her skills, and she was known as being extremely shy and introverted so I doubt that's possible anymore.] Yusuke messaged back.

[It seems you are right, Kyoko. We are indeed on our own with this.] he added.

"No luck," Ryuji sighed as he pocketed his phone.

"Still, you've got a point, Ryuji," Kyoko said. "As much as it aggravates me to admit it..." the girl's gloved grip tightened on her phone a little. "...This isn't a matter we'll be able to deal with by ourselves."

"I guess we can't just... I dunno... take a bus or train to Hope's Peak and find this person?" Morgana offered.

"That won't do us any good. It's the most exclusive private school in the country, we'd have to be pre-approved by a student at an appointed time as visitors or be registered family to see her on-campus," Kyoko said. "...And without contact information, that's unfortunately not an option. We'll need another."

The bell rang, signifying lunch period was close to ending.

"We'll have to figure this out later," Kyoko said, turning to head back to class.

Class having resumed, Kyoko regarded Ms. Kawakami with concern as the teacher continued her lecture.

"I know summer vacation is due to begin next week, but I have an unfortunate announcement," Kawakami explained. Even from where the young detective sat, there was no denying her teacher did not look well despite efforts to hide it. The woman was slouching, her gaze was staring off a bit, and she had stifled a cough earlier that she'd attempted to hide. She made a mental note to call her over again as soon as possible as the last time they'd spoke had left a lot of questions.

"...We will be holding an emergency meeting Monday the 25th, so please remember to come to school that day," Kawakami continued.

"...Settle down," she said, her tone sharp and irate when her statement was met with frustrated murmurs from the students. "We've had many strange incidents lately, from psychotic breakdowns, to students getting blackmailed into crime rings. Hence, Principal Kobayakawa has instructed all teachers to caution the student body..."

The teacher stifled a yawn, shaking her head to clear it as the murmurs continued. "...This is inconvenient for us, too, you know! Having to find things to warn you about so suddenly?"

Kyoko and Ann felt their phones hum and took them out. Kawakami was far too disinterested to notice or possibly care at the moment by the young detective's observation.

[So how're we gonna stop Medjed?!] Ryuji messaged.

Kyoko closed her eyes, exhaling sharply through her nose.

[If I had that answer I'd have said something.] she replied.

[Sorry. Just worried is all! The whole world's watching us now!] Ryuji replied, sensing the irritation in her message.

[Having committed corporate terrorism and eluding arrest. This is a greater ordeal then Kaneshiro was.] Yusuke observed.

[You might be right, man. Did we bite off more then we can chew?] Ryuji asked.

[I don't have that answer unfortunately.] Kyoko responded.

[Right, if we can't get the full picture there's no knowing who we're really up against. Makoto replied.

[Yes, having thought it over, it may be a single member, a splinter faction of them, or the entire group across the world.] Kyoko replied.

[Plus we don't know where to go from there even if we got a lead.] Makoto said.

[Damn! This stuff's not going so good.] Ryuji fumed.

[Prolly why my exams are goin' to crap too!] he added.

[Didn't we clarify that earlier, Ryuji?] Kyoko asked.

[Those two things are separate, too!] Ann chimed in.

[Look whose talkin'. You weren't exactly in the top ten either, Ann.] Ryuji retorted.

Without another glance Kyoko quickly put her phone away, watching Ann do the same with an annoyed huff.

Within the darkened recesses of a cluttered bedroom, a girl in her pajamas sat at her computer desk reading over several messages on one of her monitor screens.

"Damn! This stuff's not going so good." the girl said, reading Ryuji's message aloud and chuckling to herself in amusement.

She sat back, the monitors' light reflecting off her large glasses as she sipped an energy drink, scrolling back up, blinking in curiosity at some of the previous ones, lingering on one of Yusuke's from earlier in the day before scrolling back down. Humming to herself, the girl set down her drink and resumed typing, an image of Kyoko Kirigiri appearing on the screen before her, with the DSC number 910 alongside it, and the word "SUSPENDED" appeared over the image and rank number.

The girl hummed some more, studying the information that followed before closing it out moments later.

"...Clues on Medjed, huh?" she mused aloud as she began typing again.

Ann pouted as she stood with her arms folded while she and Kyoko ascended the elevator taking the two of them up Tokyo's Sky Tower in Asakusa, both having since changed out of their school uniforms into more casual wear.

"Are you sure about this?" Kyoko said, her arms folded as well.

"I just can't believe Mika of all people would make room for me of all people to a shoot here to star alongside her!" Ann said. "But a gig's a gig, you know! I gotta do as many as I can for my agency! Just wish it wasn't so short-notice that we didn't even get to have our spa trip!"

Kyoko sighed, it seemed that arrangement wasn't going away any time soon. Something else was on her mind recalling the last time she'd met the other model. "I don't know about this..."

"What do you mean?" Ann asked as the elevator doors opened, spotting the photographers waiting near the windows setting up their cameras and equipment. "...If she's up to something I'm not gonna fall for her act again! Plus I got you watching my back!"

"Ann! Ohmygosh! You came!" Mika suddenly called out, sauntering over to the two girls in a purple minidress and red pumps with a big, cheerful smile before giving the blonde an apologetic look. "I'm so, so sorry about last time! I was out of line back there."

"Aw, it's alright. It was a good while ago, after all," Ann said, managing a forgiving smile. "It'd be unprofessional to hold a grudge, we're all in this together, right?"

"Of course!" Mika beamed. "Thank you for forgiving me."

Kyoko's brow furrowed. While Mika certainly had the tone and body language, there was something that still felt insincere from her. "She was surprised you would call her up here," she said.

"Well, I figured giving her this opportunity would be a good way to mend bridges with my apology and prove I meant it!" Mika said, giving the young detective a smile Kyoko couldn't help but feel had a hint of dismissiveness to it. "This is big, Ann! Apparently the one and only Enoshima had to turn this one down due to a schedule conflict so it's all ours! You realize how big that means this is?"

Ann's eyes went wide with awe, a hand over her mouth. "Wow! Her? Really?!" she gasped. "I guess I'll have to thank her if I ever get to meet her!"

"Yup! Since my popularity took off after that last one, I was the next one they asked, so I guess something good came of it, right?" Mika said with a friendly giggle of her own. "...But considering the circumstances, I felt it right to let you have a chance with it, too."

"Well thanks, so much!" Ann said with a smile. "Wow, though... you're really dressed up!"

"Well, the theme of today's shoot is "the elegance of women"," Mika explained. "So, I conditioned my looks and body to suit that."

"W-WHAT?! What do you mean?!" Ann asked, taken aback. Kyoko, meanwhile, folded her arms and gave a suspicious glare at Mika, having quickly deduced exactly what was going on here as she noticed the contrast between how Mika was dressed versus Ann who had come in far more casual clothes.

"You couldn't have advised she dress up before coming here?" Kyoko asked, regarding the older woman with suspicion.

"Oh, don't sweat it! I brought stuff just in case, even makeup! Always prepared from now on!" Ann said with a reassuring smile as she patted her bag. Kyoko noticed Mika's smile falter ever-so-slightly.

"...Oh, well... clothing is not what such a thing's all about," Mika said, her gaze flickering between Ann and Kyoko as she looked both girls over. "...Controlling what you eat, how you move, writing down all you eat and checking for caloric and nutritional content. I even hired a personal trainer to oversee my diet and exercise regimen..."

"Wow! So you don't even get to enjoy double-chocolate crepes?" Ann asked curiously.

Kyoko saw Mika's expression grow cold. Even Ann practically felt the temperature drop as the woman's gaze became downright frigid, clenching her fist tightly.

"Of course I can't! I'd get fat if I even had so much as a single bite of that stuff!" she snapped lividly in a hushed tone, her sudden change of demeanor startling Ann enough to cause the blonde to take a step back.

"Not to mention everything else I have to do! Herbal medication! Warming socks! Pilates and yoga!" Mika continued, gritting her teeth and her face turning red. "Day. After. Day! How many squats do you think I do in a week, Ann?! Take a guess! I dare you!"

Mika took a step forward, glaring daggers at Ann. "You natural beauties don't need to put in half the work I do for my modeling! Heck, that damn diva Enoshima showed up with fried takoyaki once before a shoot two weeks ago and ate them all in front of me without a care in the world before we started! I'd give my soul to be able to enjoy stuff like that!"

"You sabotaged things for Ann at your last shoot together, and I suspect you're trying to embarrass her here, too," Kyoko asked in an even tone. "Is that what this was all about? You're jealous of Ann?"

Mika turned her head sharply, glaring back at her. "What about you? Do you do all that? I'd bet my whole career you don't. I remember last time, if you came dressed up I'm sure the photographers over there would have begged you to participate in an instant! "I'm jealous"?! Yes! And I have every damn right to be!"

"Um..." Ann looked hesitant, giving a nervous laugh. "I'm not sure what to say, were you... complimenting me?"

Mika folded her arms, her angry expression turning to a condescending sneer. "...My mistake. Natural beauty doesn't suit you, Ann... more like natural airhead. No... more like airheaded, hafu bimbo!"

Ann swiftly went from confused to absolutely seething as quickly as Mika had moments ago. "WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?!" she snapped furiously, balling her fists and taking a step forward.

"Ann, stop!" Kyoko protested, putting her hand on Ann's shoulder, but it was too late as Mika, right on cue with having successfully provoked Ann, immediately cried out in distress.

"Ann-senpai! N-No! Stop! Please! Y-You're scaring me!" Mika wept, recoiling from Ann's outburst.

"Mika-chan! What's going on?" the cameraman asked, turning at the commotion.

"Sh-She and her scary friend ganged up on me all of a sudden when I was trying to give Ann-senpai tips!" Mika sniffled.

"Man, catfights sure do get spooky," the magazine supervisor mused as he looked at the three young women. "Hey, ladies? We're ready if you want to get changed real quick, Takamaki."

"You bet! I won't let you down, I promise!" Ann said, giving a defiant glare at Mika, who just gave her a cruel smirk in return as if daring her to try and salvage this. Kyoko gave a nod, leading Ann away to the restrooms.

"Are you certain about this?" the young detective asked. "She's intent on making you look bad however she can."

"I know that!" Ann hissed. "That's why I need to do this! I can't let that bitch know she can scare me off after what she called me! I was thinking about how we're not gonna give up with Medjed and not let them scare us out of making the world a better place, gotta do the same in my personal life, too, if I'm gonna follow my dream!"

"I commend your resolve, Ann, but there's a thing called knowing when to pick and choose your battles," Kyoko said, folding her arms as she leaned against the sinks. "...I've learned what that can do in other situations, but honestly... she is trying my patience, too. Just don't let her get under your skin again. It's what she was attempting then, and I suspect that's exactly what she's going to go for. She knows you aren't as stoic as I've been trained to be."

"I'll get this, just you wait and see!" Ann said smirking as she closed the stall to get changed.

"As I thought, Ann, naïve as ever," Mika taunted haughtily as the photographer and supervisor went to pack up their equipment. "Honestly, stupid amateurs like you piss me off. You do nothing but drag people like me down!" she added, strutting off to join the two men.

Ann stared down at the floor, red-faced and and on the verge of tears from embarrassment. "...Kyoko? I can't deal with this..."

The blonde looked over at Mika, who was already happily chatting away with the men and speaking loudly enough about how they'd introduce her to some car company president, clearly intent on making sure Ann heard her. "...Can we go... please?"

Kyoko nodded, noticing Mika glance their way with an arrogant sneer before putting back on her fake friendliness with her companions. The young detective gave her a cold glare before joining her dejected friend at the elevator.

The trip back was silent. Even after reuniting with Morgana at the foot of the tower even the cat couldn't get a word out of Ann when he'd asked how it went. Kyoko had elected to remain silent, letting Ann have the time to work it out of her system and speak up when she felt ready to. It wasn't until Ann had lead Kyoko to the underground mall that she finally did.

"So... that was it, huh," the blonde said softly. "Mika didn't want to make amends, or help me, or anything... sh-she just wanted to humiliate me... again!"

"She what?!" Morgana protested, climbing partway out of Kyoko's bag. "Say the word, Lady Ann! I'll ambush that Mika when she least expects it and scratch her face up, then she'll never model again!"

Ann's crestfallen expression didn't waver, her eyes drifting downward to the floor. "...I don't know... the stuff she let slip back there, maybe I deserved what she did?" she grumbled to herself, balling her fist. "Mika had to work hard for where she got! She didn't rely on family connections like I did or become a model for the hell of it! That resolve, fashion sense, knowledge, they're on a way different level then me! She's amazing... she's strong! Me, though? I'm nothing..."

Kyoko was someone who prided herself on a level head, but Ann's decision of where and whom to direct her rage had left the young detective speechless. "No, whatever her reason, that doesn't make bringing you or others down okay. Plus it's reasonable to believe she's the one that's been sabotaging others as well to get ahead. It's like admitting you're mediocre but making yourself the only option by eliminating everyone who is more qualified then you."

"Kyoko, you're my friend, but I don't know... you're super smart, like... a genius or something! You got trained by the best detective of his generation but your family is a long line of the best detectives of their generations, too," Ann said, frowning. "So, doesn't that mean something gets passed on that maybe gave you an early advantage like my... "natural beauty"?"

Kyoko folded her arms. "I'm willing to admit now... it's not without its flaws. I've been looking at the person I was and I like her less and less the more time goes on. You remember how I was when you first met me?"

"Yeah," said Ann. "You were kinda... cold and a little... um... scary."

"Before then, I was worse. I didn't care about most people as anything other then suspects or witnesses, and didn't regard how my work could impact them negatively. Detective work was all that mattered, it was how my grandfather raised me to be," Kyoko explained, her gaze grew dark that Ann couldn't help but flinch. "...That," she said, "...made me not trust someone I did care about, at the one time I should have trusted her more then ever. Because of that...!"

"Kyoko...?" Morgana looked at her with concern.

"What happened?" Ann asked, now concerned as well.

Kyoko was silent a moment. "...The culprit we were after, he took advantage of that and got the drop on us. There was an explosion... then she sacrificed herself to make sure I survived... it wouldn't have happened if for once I'd not put being a detective first instead of giving someone who was supposed to be the only friend I had the benefit of the doubt, and because of that... she's no longer here."

Ann looked aghast, as did Morgana.

Ann looked down at the floor a moment. "Kyoko... I'm sorry..."

The young detective shook her head. "...My point is, Mika's cutthroat approach to rise up and get the career she has, intentionally sabotaging you or the other models... it's not something you should condone under any circumstances regardless of her reasons or what she does for her own image. You may end up one day hurting someone who does matter to you, eventually, by following her example."

"I see... but still," Ann said, her expression hardening, "...That's wrong!" she declared, pointing at Kyoko to emphasize her point, getting stares from both Kyoko and Morgana in response.

Ann blinked and blushed in embarrassment. "...I should be specific, I guess?" she said. "...What I mean is, yeah, you're probably right, what she's doing to others is unacceptable, but there's still something she's doing right that I'm not, regardless, and I believe it's that I'm not passionate about it enough. Essentially, it's like the clothes are wearing me, like I'm just pretending to be a model instead of really being one! I know I want to be one, and be an inspiration to others, but I'm not doing the one thing Mika is doing right: Pouring my passion and efforts into it and really drawing out the beauty of whatever I wear, casting the same sort of stunning magic on them she did at the shoot! I'm just sorta... coasting on stuff that might not last!"

Ann looked over at some magazine stands nearby and took one off, looking at the gyaru model on the cover Kyoko recognized as one of the girls from the subways when she'd talked to the homeless man. "...I gotta be someone she wants to compete against but also has no choice but to respect, too, just like the model she mentioned, here!" she explained. "Enoshima may be my age and a "natural beauty", too... gorgeous, actually... but she also creates her own brands that always top the charts, she utterly dominates every shoot by knowing exactly what the right way to look and sell herself is! That's gotta come from a ton of creativity, passion, and dedication I've barely even considered before!"

Ann smirked, paying the vendor for the magazine and sliding it in her bag. "...It's settled. I can't give Mika any reason to see me as some clueless bimbo who's pretending anymore. Much as I can't stand her attitude, the only real way I can beat her is by proving her wrong on my own merit, and I can only do that by really studying how it's done like she did!"

"You're right! That's the spirit, Lady Ann!" Morgana cheered from Kyoko's bag. Kyoko herself gave Ann a faint, but approving smile.

"Thanks!" Ann giggled. "I can't let Mika see me as an airhead, I gotta make her see me as a smart, talented person who can play the part, just like what you did in that TV interview in Odaiba, Kyoko!"

Kyoko slowly closed her eyes, her neutral expression deepening into a frown as she let out a slightly irritated sigh. "...I was... really hoping you hadn't seen that..."

Ann's enthusiasm didn't waver. "Yeah, I kinda did." she said with an apologetic smile. "...You shouldn't be embarrassed, though. I mean it was funny to watch but you do this acting because you're a detective and gotta blend in, right? That's exactly the kinda acting skill I need if I'm gonna do the opposite and really sell myself as a model!"

"Perhaps, so. You've accomplished a lot as a Phantom Thief, you know," Kyoko replied, brushing back her hair. "This shouldn't be beyond your abilities if you put it all into it."

"Yeah, true!" said Ann. "I'll give this my all for sure, now! I need to be that person in this world, too!"

Kyoko heard the sound of chain link shattering within her mind from Ann's heightened determination.

"Kyoko... about what you were saying," Ann said, frowning in concern again. "Have you told the others about that?"

Kyoko shook her head slowly. "No, I haven't. I did end up discussing it with Dr. Maruki the other day, though. It's something that's been coming back into my mind lately with all I've been doing these past several months."

"Oh? What did he say?" Morgana asked.

"He said he thinks she'd be very happy for me," Kyoko said.

"I think he's right, Kyoko," Ann said with a comforting smile. "You made a mistake, but even then... she still wanted you to make it, didn't she? I think that shows she forgave you a long time ago, and wanted you to keep growing and learning. I think we've both come a way from the people we were and didn't feel good about being. We just gotta keep going forward, right?"

Kyoko scoffed a little, though closing her eyes and giving a faint smile. "Yes. I have my own goals for my future, you have yours."

"That's the spirit!" Ann giggled. "You know, something Mika said gave me an idea that might help me curb the sweets... Kyoko, think maybe you can order a sweet dessert for yourself and eat it in front of me? I that'll help me discipline those cravings!"

Kyoko's faint smile faded to a look of faint but evident disbelief.

"Welcome back," Sojiro greeted, looking up from the dishes he was wiping down as Kyoko entered the Leblanc. "Summer break's starting next week, isn't it? Must be nice, being a student."

"You clearly don't know anything about my summer breaks," Kyoko replied.

"Your grandfather worked you the whole time, huh?" Sojiro asked.

"...Basically," Kyoko replied.

"Well, you're young and you've only got two left before college and the real world, so, bitter as this old man may sound, try and have some fun while you can, provided you keep out of trouble doing so," Sojiro said with a small smirk of his own.

"We'll see," Kyoko replied, pausing as she felt her phone humming and taking it out, seeing Yusuke had messaged the chat log.

[So, I looked into Medjed.] Yusuke said.

[Did you find anything?] Ann messaged.

[Mainly the history of the namesake. As you know, Medjed is a god that appears in the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead.] Yusuke replied.

[Well, the name apparently means "the smiter".] he continued.

[It seems no one is actually sure if Medjed is even a real name] Yusuke explained.

[In fact, almost everything about the deity is unknown. Even his form is unattainable.]

[I see the appeal. An elusive hacktivist group naming themselves after an unseen, mysterious god who punishes others.] Kyoko replied.

[Dude...] Ryuji answered.

[Fundamental speaking, Egyptian art always depicted their gods in a side profile, though Medjed is always facing straight ahead in all depictions of him.] Yusuke replied.

[Taking all this into account, he seems to be quite the alien being.]

[That doesn't exactly help with the Medjed we're dealing with, man.] Ryuji messaged.

[Apologies, that was all I could find. I'm sorry I don't have more useful information.] Yusuke finished.

Kyoko sighed, it seemed history lesson aside, there wasn't much in the way of anything noteworthy that brought them any closer to identifying their new, mysterious enemy.

"So... no new clues, huh?" Morgana asked with a sigh. Kyoko glanced back at him a moment before spotting the yellow phone on the counter, recalling what she intended to do tonight. With summer break around the corner, she elected to get to the bottom of at least one mystery tonight.

"...I guess there was no way around this, was there, Kirigiri?" Kawakami asked as she stood in Kyoko's attic room, tacky maid costume on and everything. "...I had hoped you'd leave it be, I even made the offer to free up your time at school, but I suppose after sharing a big secret like that you would get overly curious."

"I told you, Ms. Kawakami, I don't let things go unsolved so easily," Kyoko replied, folding her arms and glancing up at her from her spot on the sofa.

"Well, on the one hand, I do feel a little more at ease finally sharing it with someone," Kawakami said, looking away a moment. "...So, if anything I suppose I was willing to come over and do some housekeeping as a thanks for listening and... understanding."

Almost immediately, Kawakami stifled a yawn, and up close even with her even more copious makeup to hide it, Kyoko noticed her teacher was paler-looking, the dark circles under her eyes were more prevalent and it'd been clear she'd barely slept even since she'd last been over.

"You really don't look well," she said. "Are you sure you don't want me to call a doctor?"

"No! I'm fine, I promi-" Kawakami's outburst was cut off by a coughing fit she struggled to cover up. "...I'm so sorry, I don't know why I can't stop coughing and it's been days since I was last up here!"

The older woman quickly forced on a smile, standing up straight. "Hahaha! It was all a joke so I could slack off a little, that's all!" she said in a peppy tone as fake as her attempted smile. Neither of which lasted as another coughing fit quickly interrupted them.

Kyoko promptly rose from the sofa. "That settles it," she said with a cold glare. "Sit down, lay down, whichever you prefer. If you won't let me call a doctor, I'll at least get you some water, fair enough?"

Kawakami stared at her in disbelief, her shocked expression momentary but enough to show she realized the young detective had seen right through her fake excuse. "No.. I swear... that's all," she muttered.

Kyoko's glare became harsh. "You think I haven't noticed over the past several days? You're barely able to stand up in classes, I see you lean on your desk a lot, you always look like you can't wait to sit down, as well. Not to mention you've gotten very pale, not even your makeup can hide it. I'm not a doctor but I have some training for forensics..." Kyoko noticed Kawakami's stare and she sighed, folding her arms again. "...For examining crime scenes, mostly, but we're off-topic. The point is, you look like you haven't slept at all in days and it's clearly affecting your health. Badly. Help yourself to the sofa, I'm getting you some water."

Kawakami was momentarily speechless before she finally sat down, leaning back against the cushions. "Kirigiri... thank you... I'd have imagined the stars must have truly aligned for fate to lead to you finding out about me being a maid, but... I'm glad it's you." Her eyes widened in surprise. "W-Wait, you've... looked at crime scenes?!"

"I have, and yes, fate can be very strange, sometimes," Kyoko replied dryly as she went downstairs, leaving a dumbfounded Kawakami to the sofa while Morgana lay curled up on the bed looking at the teacher with concern.

Kyoko returned moments later with a glass for her, which Kawakami graciously accepted and nearly chugged down to stop another coughing fit from coming up.

"Kirigiri, I trust you've been eating well? Fresh vegetables are important, protein as well. Fish for the brain food, too," the older woman said with a look of concern.

"I have been, yes," Kyoko replied. "Trying new things when I can, visiting some of the places around Tokyo."

"That's good," Kawakami said with a relieved smile, taking another sip of her water. "I'd say keep away from that instant stuff, but I probably don't need to, do I?"

"You remember," Kyoko said with a faint smile of her own as she looked down at her. "I've never liked instant, and I can go the rest of my life without fast food." The painful memory of the Velvet Room twins' trip to Big Bang Burger passing through her mind that had secured her feelings about the latter.

"Ugh, definitely keep fast food to a minimum, at least," Kawakami grimaced. "Vitamins are important for a girl your age. You may be sixteen but that means you're still growing, so it's more important to eat healthy. Even after. Don't wanna end up like me."

Kawakami's nervous laugh she gave after was cut off by another coughing fit she attempted to suppress with another sip of her water. "I'd rest more if I could, Kirigiri. I've been really achy lately, and not the way us girls are used to..."

Kyoko's gaze grew sharp with suspicion. "...Ms. Kawakami, are you certain you don't want me to call a doctor? This sounds serious..."

Kawakami shook her head. "It'd only make things worse and possibly put me out of work. Takase-kun's guardians said they really need that money. More money, actually, so I had my boss give me more shifts, practically begged it out of him. I guess since I'm good at a lot of what it entails is what got him to say yes. Plus, as usual Yukizome got booked soon as the week started so someone had to pick up the others. Still..."

Kyoko's sharp gaze hardened to a glare. "Ms. Kawakami... I'm a detective," she said, folding her arms as she looked down at her. "...Everything you've told me has been playing in my head and it's raised some questions about Takase and his guardians."

"What do you mean?" Kawakami asked, looking worried.

"Did they have jobs?" Before Kawakami could answer, Kyoko spoke again. "...Of course they did, enough to provide for a minor, a dependent, if they were going to be qualified to take him in," the young detective replied. "You'd told me how his poor performance at school was connected to being overworked from doing multiple part-time jobs."

"What are you getting at Kirigiri?" Kawakami asked, looking more uncomfortable now.

"What I'm saying, Ms. Kawakami, they made him work to "provide", correct? It's more likely they used him for free money and then took advantage of his death and the circumstances around it to blackmail you into being his replacement as free extra income," the young detective said sharply.

"Kirigiri, this isn't your business!" Kawakami snapped, a little harsher then she'd clearly meant to as she started coughing again. "P-Please!" she stammered between coughs. "...Just stay out of it, alright? You're already on thin ice as it is with probation, I'd never forgive myself if I caused something to happen to you, too!"

"Look at yourself, sensei. You can barely stand up long, you can't stop coughing, you're getting sore. How do you expect to work either job at this point? What happens then?" Kyoko took a breath. Her past self would call her an idiot. Wasting her time on someone connected to something she wasn't even officially investigating. The teen shook her head, pushing those thoughts away. Maybe it was her guilt over Yui, maybe it was this sense of doing what was right versus what was lawful that had motivated her to act when that man had threatened that woman that fateful evening. Still, she couldn't stop herself, her tone still sharp yet barely above what it normally was.

"...I can't stop. If I do, I lose everything," Kawakami said, standing up and setting the glass aside. "Drop it, because I am from this moment on. No more..."

Kawakami made her way to the stairs, taking up her coat, but pausing. "Kirigiri, I know you mean well, and I know what you were trained in, but... I can't take the risk of taking you down with me. I messed up with Takase, so it's the least I can do for you as your teacher. For what it's worth, I appreciate you listening... and caring about what I'm going through. She gave a small smile. "That's... that's enough for me. Since I have extra shifts, now, if you're really gonna be that stubborn, I'll let you make use of them if that's really what you want."

Kyoko heard a chain link shatter within her mind from Kawakami's words as her teacher slid on her coat.

"Time's up anyway, so I should be heading to my next job. Thank you again for using our service... I'll see you later..." Kawakami winced, presumably from the aches she'd complained about earlier by Kyoko's observation as her teacher left without another word, the door's hanging bell jingling behind her.

"She's not gonna budge. Guess we won't get those names after all," Morgana said, looking up at Kyoko from his spot on the bed.

"Her health's gotten much worse," Kyoko said, looking at the stairs. "...At this point, I doubt she's going to last much longer. Working extra as they keep demanding more is only going to make that happen sooner."

"...And until we identify the ones blackmailing her, we can't go after them in Mementos. That's our only chance of stopping them at this point," Morgana sighed. "This is awful... maybe we can at least try and call her over again soon."

"...Possibly. She was willing to share a lot with me," Kyoko said. "There's a chance she may finally let it slip if it gets worse."

The young detective didn't like playing the waiting game, but Kawakami taking up more shifts meant more opportunities to work on that.

Hopefully, she thought to herself as she went downstairs to wash the water glass and lock up for the night before getting ready for bed, she'd get that out of her soon.

Kyoko sensed an all too familiar cold, dank atmosphere around her after she'd fallen asleep. The girl's eyes fluttered open to discover she'd once more found herself confined to the prison cell of the Velvet Room. Rubbing her temples with her thumb and index finger, Kyoko ignored the weight of the shackles as she stood herself up and approached the cell door. Justine and Caroline stood on either side, watching her intently while Igor was seated in his chair at the desk in the center of the panopticon.

"...I suspect there's a matter to discuss?" Kyoko asked.

"I'll ignore the sass this time, because it sure seems like you've had your share of problems, inmate," Caroline said, a hint of concern on her face rather then her usual impish smirk or angry glare.

"Hard to believe you'd be able to relax at all under such circumstances. That's either bold, or foolish," Justine remarked.

"A calm, relaxed mind is needed to solve any case," Kyoko said. "...Allowing tension or frustration in ensures mistakes and would make me useless in detective work."

"I won't deny there's merit to that statement," Justine said. "That said, it seems this new adversary is quite different from the others."

"One with an unseen form, hmm?" Igor mused aloud, rubbing his chin as his bulbous eyes flickered away from Kyoko for a second. "You've been targeted by some truly troublesome company, haven't you?"

"You're both referring to Medjed, correct?" Kyoko asked, getting a deep chuckle from the prison warden in response.

"I admit, I've rather enjoyed this endless dispute over "justice"!" Igor stated, his wide grimace seeming to spread further then usual in his amusement.

"I'm glad it entertains you so," Kyoko said dryly, her brow furrowing and causing the twins to promptly turn and face her in anger.

"Hey! You don't talk to our master that way!" Caroline snapped, slapping her baton in her palm a few times and narrowing her remaining eye at the taller girl dangerously.

"Caroline, that won't be necessary," Igor said with a slight raise of his hand. "This mysterious foe that has challenged you, and this dispute it has presented, is soon to come to an end, through the appearance of an unexpected force, of all things..."

"What do you mean?" Kyoko asked. "Do you know something about Medjed?"

"I do not, I'm afraid," Igor said. "My observation lies upon your rehabilitation. What I can tell you is that this impending force, based upon your upcoming decisions, will be the decisive factor in either your triumph... or your failure."

Kyoko looked back at the warden's eerie gaze with a gaze of her own. "What can you tell me about this "force" you're speaking of?"

"I have already told you what I have observed," Igor stated. "The rest depends on you. Engaging with formidable enemies is part of your rehabilitation... surely something you are familiar with?"

"I am, yes," Kyoko replied.

Igor chuckled to himself. "...Are you so certain? You've come to see the world differently then how you once did, reflecting on past sins that you blame a past self's perspective for, and striving to further make use of the one you've gained. That," he explained, his chilling grimace showing a hint of approval. "...Is part of what opens your heart further, and allows you to hone your powers to their true potential in becoming a magnificent thief."

Kyoko was silent, unsure how to respond to his words as darkness fell upon the prison once more...

7/20

Thoughts of the conversation with Igor persisted through Kyoko's mind regarding a mysterious force and what the warden had meant by its role. Did it mean a potential ally against Medjed? None have exactly come forward and she wasn't exactly sure how to find one without the risk of giving herself away.

"Kirigiri-san! Nice to see you again!" Kyoko turned and saw Akechi approach, wearing his summer uniform and with his monogrammed briefcase in hand. "It really is summer now, isn't it? I started getting sweaty just from walking a bit!"

The boy detective took a sip of some bottled water he was holding in his other hand, offering to Kyoko who politely declined.

"Suit yourself. Just try and stay hydrated, alright?" Akechi said, taking another sip.

"I'll get something once I'm at school," Kyoko said with a faint smile. "You look like you've been up all night."

"Do I?" Akechi asked with a sheepish chuckle, brushing his damp bangs from his forehead. "Well, you saw the news, correct? I didn't exactly think Medjed would suddenly pounce on the Phantom Thieves. Interesting things keep happening this year, don't they? Seems the influence of the Phantom Thieves knows no bounds... I will admit, I underestimated it."

"A gym coach who was a sexual predator that had his crimes covered up for about a year thanks to the clout his glory days brought him?" Kyoko replied. "A master artist who was actually a fraud plagiarizing his pupils for over a decade? A Han-Gure boss who had young people all over Shibuya caught in a blackmailing scam? All of whom the police couldn't catch?"

"A fair point, Kirigiri-san," Akechi said. "It certainly stands to reason exposing such corruption would escalate favor towards them."

The boy finished his water, tossing it in the nearby trashcan. "...That said, I couldn't help but notice the manner in which the public reacts to them, and how they responded to Medjed's challenge. It's like they're either entertained or inconvenienced, like it were a gladiatorial tournament... such a... luxury for the uninvolved, even if I know they mean no ill intent."

"Wouldn't I count as uninvolved as well," Kyoko asked, folding her arms as she noted a degree of bitterness and frustration in the other detective's words.

"I suppose," Akechi said, looking back at her. "But I think if anyone deserves a pass on the... negative implications, it'd be you, Kirigiri. I would like to believe your perspective on that particular matter is similar to my own."

"They don't see situations such as this the way the ones expected to solve them must," Kyoko replied.

Akechi gave a small smile and nodded. "Exactly. I had hoped you'd be someone who understood. It makes me feel a lot better, honestly," he said. "If I can empathize with the Phantom Thieves on one matter, I'd say it looks like we've both got everyone watching us and ready to judge over our next move... which has led to being dragged into interviews which are affecting my attendance at school."

Akechi turned to leave for a train that pulled up. "Speaking of..." he gave Kyoko an apologetic smile. "I better be going. I appreciate your opinion, though... and, again, your understanding means a lot to me, Kirigiri, even if our stances differ. Maybe once this blows over, we can spend some time together again, soon."

By the time lunch had come, Kyoko had taken note of her phone having buzzed repeatedly beforehand, but Ishimaru had kept an extra close watch on her all throughout his lecture.

Seems he hasn't forgotten last time, Kyoko mused to herself as she switch on her phone while eating her bento she'd picked up in the cafeteria. The girl blinked in curiosity, though, when she saw the message had apparently been sent, and re-sent from an unknown account, as though whoever it was had been trying to get her attention. Bringing up the text chat, Kyoko was greeted with a strange icon resembling a cartoonish cat's head with no visible eyes and a huge, toothy grin practically the size of Igor's.

[Nice to meet you.] the text from the mystery messenger read.

[I am the one they call Alibaba.] it messaged next.

[I want to ask you something.]

The messages came faster then Kyoko could even respond.

[You're a Phantom Thief, correct?]

Kyoko's brow furrowed in suspicion, but before she could answer back, another message came up.

[Can you really "steal hearts"?]

"Kyoko! What's going on?" Morgana asked from within her desk, and without a word, Kyoko held her phone to where he was hiding so he could see.

"Wh-WHA?! Who is this?! How do they know you're a Phantom Thief?!" he protested. Kyoko was relieved most of the students were either elsewhere or too wrapped in conversation to heard Morgana.

"Maybe one of our teammates is pulling a prank on you?" Morgana asked quietly. Kyoko looked over at Ann, who was chatting with some girls near the door but did not have her phone out. She doubted Ryuji had any reason to, given how on edge he was about the whole Medjed issue and pranks were not his coping method to such tension. Yusuke was unlikely as well. Makoto... Kyoko was certain enough that Niijima was no more likely the type to play pranks then she was. She glanced over where Mishima was sitting but he was too caught up in his meal and did not have his phone out either.

"No, I don't think they are," Kyoko asserted. She noticed the one messaging her had stopped, as if waiting for an answer.

[What are you talking about? Who are you?] she replied.

[I'm Alibaba. Don't play dumb. I know you're a Phantom Thief.] the person, Alibaba answered.

A second passed.

[Answer or I send your teammates Ryuji's search history.]

Kyoko's eyes widened in surprise. This person didn't just know who she was, but apparently also knew who she associated with. Her gaze narrowed into a glare as she responded.

[Yes. What do you want?] she asked.

[There's someone whose heart I want you to steal.] Alibaba replied.

[I'm not asking for charity, though, so let's make a deal.] they continued.

[You wish to know about Medjed, correct?]

[I can give you all the information you need if the change of heart is successful.]

[Who are you, exactly? What could you know about Medjed?] Kyoko replied.

[I'm Alibaba, and I know more then even a detective like you ever could, Kyoko Kirigiri.] Alibaba answered.

[Kyoko Kirigiri. Rank 910 in the DSC. I read all your case file scans from the Detective Library last night. Murder-related crimes are your specialty.]

[But cybercrime isn't.]

[Is there a point to all this? Tell me who you are.] Kyoko replied, more annoyed, now as she felt like she was being mocked.

[I told you, I'm Alibaba. You're a detective, you have to know to catch a hacker, you need a better hacker.] Alibaba answered.

[I can do what you can't. I can take care of Medjed if you wish, if you do this for me.] they messaged next.

[I tracked down and broke into your account, didn't I? You believe I can't do the same with them?]

[But this is all I can prove at the moment.]

[I've prepared the necessary tool on my end.]

[Look forward to it.]

[Tell me who you are and we'll talk.] Kyoko replied, only to receive an error message informing her the account she was responding to no longer existed.

"This person knows who you are?!" Morgana asked, peering through in shock. "We need to get everyone together after school and tell them about all of this!"

Kyoko nodded quietly, sending a message on the chat log to meet her at the accessway after school let out and resuming her lunch.

Things, she mused, had taken an interesting turn. She thought about what Igor had said last night, and if what had just happened pertained to this...

"The eff?!" Ryuji cried out as he read the messages. "That bastard! Who's he think he is?!"

"Indeed, I doubt I would want to know what your-" Yusuke began.

"No! Not that!" Ryuji corrected. "I mean just suddenly makin' demands like that without even tellin' us who he is!"

"The most I can deduce is whoever was messaging me must have been using a computer to do so," Kyoko explained. "This person also had prepared what he was saying. At the rate the messages came and their length, he was copying and pasting pre-written texts to me. Furthermore, he was able to access our chat log."

"...And considerin' he knows about stealin' hearts, and everything else he said, he ain't makin' a guess, here. He clearly knows, doesn't he?" Ryuji asked.

"It sure seems so," Makoto said, reading.

"But how were we found out?" Yusuke asked. "How would this "Alibaba" know it was us? He must have known who we were before accessing our chat log to know where to look!"

"You're right. He traced our chat log, but he had to have known who we were beforehand," Makoto said. "But the question is how could he have found out?"

"...Still, is it really that easy to access phone data?" Ann asked.

"I don't know much about it, but I'm sure it's possible," Makoto said.

"Cybercrime isn't my area of experience but I can state that whoever it is, he isn't making empty claims," Kyoko said. "His messages seemed to suggest that contacting me, and sharing what he knew was a way to demonstrate his skills if we so wished to accept this deal."

"And why can't you reply back, now?"

"The account no longer exists," Kyoko said. "The one who contacted me must have created a fake account somehow and deleted it after... likely to avoid being traced."

"The messages you received, Kyoko, I take it this is "hacking"?" Yusuke asked.

"And this guy said "to catch a hacker you need a better hacker"! That's gotta mean this guy is one!" Ryuji gasped.

"Do you think this person might be Medjed?" Yusuke asked.

"I doubt it, he said he wants to "deal" with them, didn't he?" Makoto replied.

"If we take this person's words at face value," Kyoko said. "Other then they are clearly a decent enough hacker to have done what they did today and have compiled the sufficient knowledge on the Phantom Thieves and our identities before engaging with me, we know nothing about this "Alibaba", let alone his, or her identity."

"Right, it may be a guy, or a girl," Ann said. "Really... could be anyone, then!"

"Hey, think it's that programming prodigy from your school who transferred out?" Ryuji asked looking over at Yusuke.

"Doubtful. Fujisaki was never described by anyone at school as bitter or malicious in the slightest, quite the opposite, actually." Yusuke said.

"Sometimes people can be skilled at hiding their true colors, even to me," Kyoko said. "...But still, whoever contacted me had been attempting to do so well before lunchtime, and, as I said, had to have done so from a computer to respond so fast with so many messages like that."

"Hm, a computer would likely be a lot easier to do all that from," Makoto said.

"Furthermore, this person Fujisaki's at Hope's Peak, a good distance away," Kyoko said. "...Whoever it was had to be in the general area frequently, as well as be in a position to identify us and keep a close eye on us."

"You know, if this person's serious about helpin' stop Medjed, wouldn't it be great if we do get this person on our side?" Ryuji asked.

"That's assuming we can trust them." Makoto said.

"Either way I don't think it's a bad deal," Ryuji said.

"Even if Alibaba turns out to be a criminal?" Yusuke asked sharply. "I'm not helping anyone of the sort!"

"Right, that wouldn't be good," Ryuji sighed.

"Then there's the "I've prepared the necessary tool" part which makes no sense, either," Morgana said.

"...And whoever they are, knows an awful lot for this to be any kind of prank," Makoto said.

"If Alibaba knows who we are, though, won't get get caught?" Ann asked, worried.

"Considering... what I'd done... I think if Alibaba had any intention of reporting us, they'd have done it already, or at the very least already attempted it as blackmail," Makoto said.

"Then they must have some sort of personal objective, having offered us a deal to simply accept or refuse," Yusuke said.

"True, aside from demanding I admit to what they already knew, Alibaba didn't attempt to force me into accepting the deal," Kyoko remarked, putting her hand to her chin pensively. "Either way, it means it's very likely Alibaba will contact us again."

"But there's no telling when, though!" Makoto said.

"Alibaba offered stopping Medjed rather then threaten to expose us, which means being someone who can stop Medjed is, at least currently, the leverage they intend to use," Kyoko replied. "For that reason, I suspect it won't be long."

"In that case, we should stay together. If something happens, we can all act," said Makoto.

"Then where can we wait and hide for long hours after school?" asked Ann.

"How about Leblanc?" Makoto asked.

"...I suppose that'll do," Kyoko said. Nowhere else really came to mind at the moment, especially with the question of where and how this Alibaba individual had identified them would be on it the whole trip back...

As Kyoko led the way into Leblanc, she paused upon noticing Sojiro had been leaning against the front of the bar counter, reading a letter of some sort he was holding in his hand. Upon the door's bell jingling, however, he abruptly slid it behind him.

"Oh, Kyoko? What's with the big group?" he asked, noticing Ann, Ryuji, Yusuke, and Makoto enter behind her.

"Good evening!" Ann said with a friendly wave. "Sorry, we were just wanting to have a get-together now that exams are finally over to come up with plans for our summer!"

"Makoto, right? I remember when you came by a few weeks ago," Sojiro said, noting the brunette.

"Makoto Niijima, yes," Makoto said with a smile and a polite bow. "I hope I'm not a bother, sorry I didn't properly introduce myself last time, you seemed busy."

"Niijima..." A look of unease crossed Sojiro's face briefly. "...My apologies. I had other things on my mind before you all got here."

"She's our Student Council president!" Ryuji said with a grin. "She's also a great friend, too."

"Student Council president, huh? How'd you and Kyoko end up becoming friends?" Sojiro asked, curious.

"She helped me with a personal matter," Makoto said, looking over at Kyoko with gratitude. "...One I've not been able to resolve for a long time."

"Oh, really?" Sojiro asked, his unease having faded to a welcoming smile. "Well, so long as it wasn't causing you trouble!" he joked. "But... I think I've already seen Kyoko's not the troublemaker people seem to think she is. I'm Sojiro Sakura, but everyone just calls me "Boss". By the way..." Sojiro gestured to a second, closed letter on the table before getting his things. "That was addressed to you, Kyoko. This old man's gonna get going and leave you kids be, now."

"Well, let's set up before our food gets cold!" Ryuji said, breaking the silence that followed.

Kyoko gave a nod, not entirely paying attention as she picked up and stared at the envelope that had no return address, just her name on the front.

An hour later, the group had finished their meals. Ryuji had gotten an order from Big Bang Burger while the others had gotten dinner bentos.

"Srrsly, Ann... whya maff me..." Ryuji swallowed his latest bite of the Lunar Chocolate and Vanilla pie slice he'd picked up as dessert from Big Bang. "Why'dya make me order this? Not that I'm complainin'!"

"So you can eat it in front of me!" Ann said. "I gotta work on resisting sweet cravings, so I figured a good way to discipline myself is to watch others eat it in front of me without deciding to get any!"

Ryuji raised an eyebrow at the blonde. "...Okay, sure. Whatever you say."

"Also, you go to that gym in Shibuya, right?" Ann asked. "When I got time, maybe you and Kyoko can come with me and I can make a trip there."

The boy shrugged. "Eh, sure. Just lemme know when you wanna. Kaneshiro's goons're long gone so it's finally safe to go out there again."

"I wanna help with the cravings thing! Share one of those tuna rolls with me, Lady Ann!" Morgana said eagerly.

"It was more about sweets but okay, I guess you can have one!" Ann giggled, placing one of her fish rolls on the table for the cat, who happily gobbled it down, licking his lips happily.

Kyoko had kept her attention divided between her meal and the TV, though nothing of interest had come on at the moment, till a news report suddenly appeared with the Medjed logo. Curious and the TV now getting everyone's attention, Kyoko turned the volume up.

"We have late-breaking news on Medjed, whose notoriety rose since their statement the other day," the TV reporter narrated, "Just moments ago, a new message has been released on their website, announcing their victory over the Phantom Thieves!"

"The hell?!" Ryuji cried out in disbelief.

"...Furthermore, Medjed has issued a warning against all Japanese citizens who have praised them to stop doing so immediately," the reporter continued. "We will report further actions by Medjed as they arrive."

Curious, Ryuji immediately took out his phone to check it out, before groaning in irritation that the message on the website was in English before Ann took a look.

"..."The Phantom Thieves remain silent at our question. This is proof that it is we who are just"," Ann read. "..."People of Japan, wake up. You must not worship the Phantom Thieves! We will discipline any who defy us and continue to do so! The punishment will be confiscation of possessions. We are Medjed. We are unseen. We will elimate evil." That's what it says..."

"...So they intend to target innocent people merely for sympathizing with the Phantom Thieves," Kyoko mused, bringing her hand to her chin in thought.

"And they call us the bad guys when they're the ones makin' threats like that?!" Ryuji snapped angrily.

"It's worse then that, Ryuji," Makoto said urgently. "Being a hacktivist group, this "confiscation of possessions" could mean stealing and posting peoples' personal information so they can be harassed, or even stealing out of their bank accounts. Either way, nothing remotely pleasant."

"So why the hell are we being singled out?!" Ryuji protested.

"Perhaps all they care about is labeling the Phantom Thieves as crooks," Makoto suggested.

"...So whatever they do can be under the pretense that it wouldn't have happened if the Phantom Thieves never existed," Kyoko said, folding her arms.

"That is complete bullshit! The hell's wrong with these people?" Ryuji snarled through grit teeth, his fist clenching tightly on the table.

"Isn't there anything we can do?!" Ann pleaded. "How are we supposed to go up against them?"

"On our own, I'm afraid there isn't, and we cannot," Yusuke said.

"Alibaba had offered their services, but we have no way of knowing for certain if they can be trusted," Kyoko said as she took up the envelope that she'd put by her bento box while she'd eaten.

"Oh, yeah you didn't open that, didja? What is it, anyway?" Ryuji asked.

"That's what I'm wondering," Kyoko said, running a gloved finger under the flap to tear the tape that held it in place away and seeing a red piece of card paper inside. Taking it out, Kyoko recognized what it was right away.

"A calling card?!" Morgana asked, confused. "It looks just like one of ours!"

"The back is blank, though."

"You don't get things like this, who sent it?" Morgana asked.

"That's the first clue," Kyoko said, showing the envelope.

"There's no name except yours, and no return address or postage. Nothing!" Makoto said.

"So how's this a clue, Kyoko?" Ann asked.

"Simple. A letter without any of these things would not be able to be taken by a mailman. It'd have to be dropped directly in Sojiro's mailbox," Kyoko explained. "The mail typically arrives in the mid-afternoon when Sojiro takes his break after the lunch rush, I've determined that on my days off. Sojiro didn't seem to know anything about it."

"Then that means whoever put it there would have had to know Sojiro wouldn't be around to see them put it there, and probably after the mail arrived," Makoto said.

"Exactly," Kyoko replied. "And who has reason to leave me something like this?"

"Someone who knows you're a Phantom Thief... our Alibaba!" Yusuke gasped.

"That reminds me, remember how Alibaba mentioned having a "necessary tool" prepared when they messaged you?" Morgana asked.

"Alibaba wanted us to steal someone's heart, I suspect, then, this is the tool they spoke of," Kyoko said, examining it and turning it in the light, her sharp gaze searching for any blemishes. "There's no fingerprints anywhere... like they forged the calling card off a copier and handled it with gloves. Still, we have some hints."

"Whaddya mean?" Ryuji asked.

"Whoever put this here would have likely done so at the time I mentioned. A time Sojiro wouldn't be home but also at a time it'd be most convenient for him to find it and bring it back here where I'd see it," Kyoko said. "...Therefore, it was done during the day."

"And no one saw this? Yongen-Jaya's pretty busy in the day, there's gotta be a neighbor or someone that'd notice a suspicious person sneak a letter in his mailbox!" Ann said.

"Unless it's someone who either lives in the area or looks normal enough to," Kyoko said.

"That does narrow down our suspect pool," Yusuke mused. "Though, there are quite a few people in this neighborhood, and Boss is quite well-known, so it may be difficult to ask around."

"Indeed," Kyoko said. "It would also be someone who is aware of me, knows who I am, and that I'm staying here."

"So what do we do, then? We have any who it might be?" Ann asked.

"At the moment, no one comes to mind," Kyoko said. The only people who really paid her mind or knew she was staying here and came by was a meager number, but none fit the profile. Dr. Takemi lived nearby but was unaware of her as a Phantom Thief, had no motive for doing this to someone who'd been actively assisting her willingly. Same with Kawakami, she'd wanted Kyoko to stay out of it and if she'd figured her out and wanted her blackmailers' hearts changed she'd have simply asked given she knew Kyoko had been concerned for her. Akechi had only come by once when she'd actually been at Leblanc, and given his stance on the Phantom Thieves that ruled him out as well. Sojiro was unlikely as well, as while he may have known people Kyoko was unaware of and would not look out of place outside his home, he didn't know of her or her friends' activities or he'd have confronted her about it a long time ago given his concern about her probation.

Still, it felt like something was eluding her. A clue that fit everything she'd deduced so far, but she'd need more evidence to solve it, and only one person was going to provide that.

"For now, we wait until Alibaba contacts us again," she said. "When that happens I'll see what I can do to draw something out of them."

"That's probably the best we can do... We should brace ourselves for whatever comes our way next," Makoto said, to the reluctant agreement of the others.

For now, Kyoko determined as she looked at the blank calling card again, ...it was once more Alibaba's move...

7/21

Kyoko watched Ms. Kawakami as she was giving her lecture that afternoon. With no word from Alibaba, yet, she'd chosen to direct her attention on other matters for the time being, and it was evident the extra shifts her teacher had spoken of had taken even more of a toll on her when she'd come in finishing an energy drink. She'd also looked even more disheveled, like she'd rolled out of bed with just enough time to handle a morning routine. She'd been leaning on the desk more, and even some of the students were murmuring in concern.

Her mind made up, Kyoko intended on calling her over again as soon as possible. Those thoughts, however, were interrupted by her phone buzzing several times. Ann glanced back at her, curious and likely wondering the same thing Kyoko was as the young detective took out her phone.

A new chat log had appeared, but with the same grinning, eyeless cartoon cat face. Alibaba, it seemed, had finally contacted her again.

[Good day.] the first message read.

[Alibaba I presume?] Kyoko typed quickly, her gaze flickering up to Kawakami, whose exhaustion, it seemed, would work to her benefit at the moment.

[Ah, you responded.] Alibaba replied.

[Yes, this is Alibaba.]

[You're not just a Phantom Thief, are you, Kyoko Kirigiri?] they asked.

[You're the leader, correct?]

[Don't answer. That was rhetorical. I already know I'm right.]

[I take it you received the calling card I left you?]

[Are you at school right now?]

[I am. This isn't a good time.] Kyoko messaged back.

[Too bad.] Alibaba replied. Kyoko could practically sense the sarcasm.

[Now then, I've prepared the calling card for you. When are you going to steal it?]

[From who, exactly?] Kyoko asked, quickly looking up at Kawakami who still did not seem to notice, likely from all the fatigue.

[What? Can't you steal a heart so long as you have a calling card?] Alibaba asked.

Kyoko's brow furrowed in disbelief. This Alibaba had found out this much on her but didn't know something every calling card had in common?

"Tell them," Morgana urged, reading the messages from his place in her desk.

[We need the name of the person. We can't do it without that.] she answered.

[Name?! Your heart thievery's really impossible without that information?!] Alibaba responded, almost childishly by Kyoko's observation.

[Yes. Haven't you seen the past calling cards?] Kyoko replied.

[I see. Now that I think about it they did have names.] Alibaba responded shortly after.

There was a pause that lasted several seconds. By Kyoko's guess, Alibaba was either trying to find the name or thinking it over.

[...]

Kyoko raised an eyebrow at Alibaba's decision to text her that.

[Very well. I'll tell you.] Alibaba responded after another beat.

[I believe their name is Futaba Sakura.]

[Okay, since I told you, that means you accepted!] Alibaba answered.

[Therefore, if you fail this mission, I expose your identities to the police and the world!] they added.

[I'll be counting on you. We'll speak again after the change of heart.]

[Wait. I have more questions.] Kyoko messaged back, only to receive an error message in response, sighing in irritation.

"Kirigiri? Are you paying attention?" Kawakami's voice called, prompting Kyoko to look over.

"My apologies," Kyoko said, glancing at her.

"Fine, just... don't space out again, understand?" Kawakami asked, likely their past interactions having caused the teacher to give her lenience by Kyoko's suspicion.

"We should let everyone know about this," Morgana said.

Kyoko, however, had taken note of the name she'd been provided. Coupled with everything else her deductions had narrowed down the profile she'd come up with and even written down on her laptop in her case files last night, one thing stood out most about it...

"Alibaba's gonna report us if we don't do this, now?! What the hell?!" Ryuji protested as he read the chat on Kyoko's phone.

"That's not what has my attention most," Kyoko said. "Look at the name..."

"Sakura..." Ann stared at the name, her eyes going wide with realization. "Isn't that Boss's last name?!"

"It is, yes," Kyoko replied.

"So, you think it may be someone related to him? Does he have any family you're aware of?" Yusuke asked.

"None that I've seen," Kyoko said. "...That said..." The young detective put away her phone and brought her hand to her chin in thought. "...He's been rather... avoidant regarding his personal life despite how long I've been there and even worked for him beyond merely feeling it isn't my business... more as if he's trying to hide something important from me, and other things have stood out to me as well..."

"What do you mean?" Makoto asked.

"Usually when he's at the café late, he gets calls from someone. No matter how his mood is, he always sounds noticeably warmer to whoever he's talking to," Kyoko said. "He also goes on food runs fairly often, not for resupplying the café, though... and then there's one other thing that stood out..."

"Yeah? What was that?" Ryuji asked.

"A man's shown up at the café several times to harass him over money, and Sojiro seems to be very wary of him for some reason," Kyoko explained. "When I called Sojiro's phone to help with an alibi of him expecting an important call to make the man leave, Sojiro claimed it was social services, even though he said it was regarding his guardianship of me, the man who'd show up seemed to become very uncomfortable and left right away."

"Why hasn't he reported him, though?" Makoto asked. "This man sounds like a real troublemaker."

"I asked about that," Kyoko said. "...While Sojiro didn't tell me anything about him, he did let it slip about the man being "related to her" in regards to why he hadn't reported him already."

"Interesting," Yusuke mused.

"Hey, wait a sec!" Ryuji said suddenly. "If he's got family livin' with him, how come you ain't been formally introduced? Wouldn't you have already met this person by now?"

"It's likely the situation makes things difficult," Yusuke replied.

"This name plus a calling card delivered to Boss's mailbox, I can see why it'd make sense to consider all of it related," Makoto mused. "Alibaba never mentioned which Futaba Sakura, but at the same time there's your other deductions you made about what kind of person could place it there below suspicion. It'd have to be someone close by."

Kyoko folded her arms as she leaned against the accessway rail. "I have my theories, but none are entirely concrete just yet. The question is, whether this "Futaba Sakura" is related to Sojiro in some way, or something else, is why our "Alibaba" wants us to steal this person's heart so badly they'd suddenly threaten to expose us if we don't after getting a name."

"Maybe then, our best approach is if you ask Boss about this person. Even if only once," Makoto suggested. "I'll check the school's roster, too, just in case there's anyone at our school by that name, either."

Kyoko nodded. "That may be the best option. Even if he avoids it, I can study his reaction enough to see if this is what he's been hiding," she said. "The next question, though, will be the one I'd just brought up: Why. I'm curious especially if this ties in with that man that's been harassing him as well, but I won't know unless he's willing to share it. Caution is the key on a matter like this..."

"Well, best of luck, Kyoko! We'll be counting on you!" Ann said with a reassuring smile as the group prepared to disperse and head home.

With a jingle of Leblanc's door as evening fell, Kyoko was relieved to see Sojiro's regulars were currently not present, Sojiro himself leaning against the bar counter taking a smoking break.

"What's up?" he asked as he looked over. "You look like something's on your mind."

"Do I?" Kyoko asked, her tone neutral but with a hint of curiosity.

"Well, you have been a little more willing to come out of your shell lately, so I've noticed the signs," Sojiro replied. "So, what is it?"

Kyoko folded her arms. "I'll be frank, are you related to a "Futaba Sakura"?"

Sojiro immediately set his cigarette down in the nearby ashtray, his expression hardening instantly.

"Why do you know about that?!" he asked, his tone sharp and angry. Kyoko said nothing, instead staring back at him in silence. The man grit his teeth, sighing in irritation as he realized his reaction had likely made any question of why she knew a moot point. "...Listen, Kyoko," he said, attempting to calm down as he rubbed his temples with his hand. "...I don't care if you're a trained detective, that doesn't mean you need to go snooping into everyone's issues! Believe me when I say this has nothing to do with you, so don't!"

Kyoko's brow furrowed as she looked at him. "...Does this "Futaba" have anything to do with that man who's been harassing you? Is this person in some sort of danger?" She took a step forward. "...I'm just concerned is all."

Sojiro grit his teeth again, ready to speak but instead turned sharply away from her. "...I'm going home. Make sure you lock up the place."

"Sojiro," Kyoko began, but the man merely gave her the cold shoulder as he gathered his things and made his way to the door, but then paused and looked back at her, a look of suspicion on his face regarding her intentions.

"I appreciate the concern, but she isn't a matter you have any business involving yourself with, understand?" he said in a tone that sounded less a request and more a command before leaving without another word.

"Looks like it's a hit," Morgana said, peering from Kyoko's school bag as they both watched him leave.

"It certainly appears so," Kyoko said, taking out her phone and messaging the Thieves' chat log.

[I tried confronting Sojiro about Futaba Sakura.] she messaged.

[You did? What'd he say?] Ann asked.

[He asked how I knew about that.] Kyoko replied.

[He avoided the issue entirely otherwise.]

[That's unfortunate. Alibaba may well be our only means of beating Medjed.] Makoto responded.

[I wish there was a way to get info about Futaba from Boss.] Makoto said.

[He said she's not a matter to involve myself with.] Kyoko replied.

[Then trying to force it would probably have the opposite effect.] Ann said.

[Either way, I think it's evident Futaba is indeed someone related to him.] Kyoko responded.

[To be honest, I owe a great deal to both you and Boss, Kyoko.] Yusuke said.

[I wouldn't want this to cause discord between you two.] he added.

[Yeah, I know just what you mean.] Ryuji messaged.

[We may have to wait for Boss to bring the subject up himself, then.] Makoto replied.

[Agreed. Still, we may need to carry out an investigation.] Kyoko said.

[Hey, if this Futaba girl's related to Boss, that's gotta mean there's people living nearby that have seen her, right?] Ryuji asked.

[Most likely, yes. Good intuition, Ryuji.] Kyoko replied.

[It makes sense, right? From what else you said, it's gotta mean Futaba, whoever she is, is living with him!] Ryuji answered.

[If Boss ain't gonna talk, someone in the neighborhood's gotta know who she is!] he added.

[If Alibaba knows her, she's gotta know Alibaba, too. We find her she can maybe tell us and we'll see if Alibaba can be trusted!] Ann said.

[I have a theory on how Alibaba knows Futaba Sakura, but there's still several questions I need answered first before I feel it can be entirely considered.] Kyoko responded..

[With any luck, this investigation may do that.]

Putting her phone away, Kyoko couldn't help but feel frustrated.

"Futaba Sakura... Alibaba... there's a link," Kyoko said.

"What do you think it is?" Morgana asked.

"I don't know," Kyoko replied. "I have a theory based on my deductions and past observations, but there's still one thing I need to know, first... the reason why Alibaba wants us to target Futaba..."

7/22

Aside from affirming suspicions about Sojiro's unusually large food purchases for someone who lived alone, Kyoko's investigation had been surprisingly fruitless, to the point that aside from her brief confrontation with Sojiro the previous night, for all intents and purposes, Futaba Sakura may as well have not even existed.

Upon entering Leblanc, Kyoko paused to find Sojiro in a very heated conversation with the tall, suited woman who'd come by several times before.

"You read the letter, did you not?" the woman asked, her tone harsh with authority.

"So, you're the one who tipped her off about Futaba?!" Sojiro asked, gesturing to Kyoko but his angry glare not leaving the woman standing across the counter from him and looking even more livid then he did when Kyoko had walked in. "You really shouldn't have done that! I have no intention of talking about Wakaba!"

The woman looked confused. "..."Tipped off"? What are you talking about?" she asked. "Don't try and redirect the subject, Mr. Sakura, stick to the matter at hand... your parental authority will have to be suspended," she said sternly. "...I take it you're okay with that?"

Kyoko folded her arms, glaring at the woman from her condescending tone.

"...Considering the state of your daughter, and your family overall, there are no points in your favor," the woman continued.

"You can't do this!" Sojiro protested, slamming his hand angrily on the table. "Why can't you people just leave her alone?!"

The woman folded her arms, unimpressed. "Oh, you want that? Feel free to contest this in domestic court. Our chances of victory are approximately 99.9 percent, I'm sure someone who worked in the government as long as you would know that. Considering there's suspicions of abuse we may have to bring to light, you'd have no hope of avoiding getting your custody revoked."

Sojiro's stared aghast in disbelief. "A-Abuse?! W-What the hell are you talking about? What, a-are you implying your people intend to make up allegations if I don't cooperate?!" he protested, his face red with rage and stammering at being practically at a loss of words. "I told you, I DON'T KNOW A DAMN THING ABOUT IT!"

"I imply nothing except that we're extremely serious about this," the woman said, unfazed by the man's anger but her tone very dangerously tranquil to the point of being a threat. "...So long as there's a possibility that cognitive science can be linked to the psychotic breakdowns, I don't care in the least how difficult I have to make things to get answers out of you... should affect her as well, you'll have no one but yourself to blame for that."

Sojiro grit his teeth, gripping his temples with his hand as he struggled to calm down or possibly resist striking the woman in front of him for her threats. Downcast, he let out a deep sigh. "...Fine, you win..."

The woman smirked triumphantly, taking a card from her blazer and placing it on the counter. "Thank you, I'll contact you at a later date," she said, her curt tone belying her smile.

"I doubt you'll find anything you'll want to hear, though," Sojiro grumbled, folding his arms and his tone tranquil, now, yet barely concealing his anger.

"That's fine, it'll be up to us to decide whether the information you give us is useful or not," the woman replied dismissively as she made her way past Kyoko and to the door, pushing it open. "...Don't worry, next time I come back, it'll just be for a nice cup of coffee," she added in a snide tone and a smirk to go with it.

"Don't bother! Just STAY OUT!" Sojiro yelled, his face red again with fury as she left. Teeth clenched, Sojiro took a breath. "Honestly! Where does she get off making threats like that?! I swear, that woman is real good at pissing people off!"

"I've seen her in here several times, what's this all about? Why did she threaten you like that?" Kyoko asked, her expression and tone as non-threatening as she could manage.

"It's none of your business! Do you even remember what I said last night?" Sojiro snapped, clearly still very angry.

Kyoko took a step forward. "Futaba... she's your daughter, isn't she?" she asked.

"I told you, that's none of your business! Stay out of it and just go to school and behave yourself, got it?" Sojiro asked, once more in a tone that was more of an order.

Kyoko was taken aback by his anger. He'd never directed it like this at her before, and despite her experiences as a detective, it still made her flinch, reminded of the last time she'd seen her grandfather, when she'd been held in jail and before he'd sent her away.

"...I apologize," she said, making her way to the stairs as Sojiro sighed deeply, attempting to cool down.

"...I can't keep the place open tonight with all of this! Lock the store up, I'm going home!" Sojiro said gruffly, already undoing his apron and grabbing up his things roughly. "...Stay in for the rest of the evening."

Kyoko watched him leave in silence, turning the sign and closing the door behind him. The conversation he'd had with the woman seemed to outright confirm that Futaba Sakura was indeed related to Sojiro, and apparently his daughter. The woman's behavior had bothered Kyoko as well, willing to do or go along with whatever it took to get whatever she was looking for regardless of how it affected others. The young detective couldn't help but feel a sense if illness knowing she wasn't too different at one point in her life.

"Well, I think we've affirmed Futaba Sakura to be his daughter," Morgana said, climbing out of Kyoko's bag after she'd locked up and gone upstairs. "...What was that thing she mentioned, though, "cognitive... something or other"?" the cat asked as he hopped up on her bed while Kyoko took out her phone.

[I attempted an investigation. Nothing I didn't already know.] Kyoko said.

[However, something else came up when I got back.]

[For real? What was it?] Ryuji asked.

[I'm kinda curious, too!] Ann said.

[Let's meet at the hideout, tomorrow. I'll explain, then.] Kyoko replied.

[I need some time to assess everything.]

[I see. Interesting.] Yusuke said.

[Understood. We'll see you then.] Makoto answered.

Putting away her phone, Kyoko went to her desk to open up her laptop and update her cases.

Futaba Sakura

Targeted by Alibaba - Why?

Sojiro Sakura - Father - custody threatened by police over "cognitive science" information.

Cognitive science believed link to mental shutdown/psychotic break incidents.

Cognitive science - Metaverse assassin - connection?

Cognitive science - person of interest named Wakaba - connection?

Man harassing Sojiro for money - related to "her" - Futaba? Wakaba?

Kyoko leaned forward, pinching her chin between her thumb and index finger as she looked over the entries she'd written, Morgana hopping on the table with her to look as she resumed typing.

Cause of targeting Futaba Sakura by Alibaba - unknown

Connection between Futaba Sakura and Alibaba?

"It's weird, how come no one in town seems to know about her?" Morgana asked. Kyoko typed some more.

"Even Sojiro's regulars we asked didn't seem to know he had a child," Kyoko replied, staring at the screen pensively.

Futaba Sakura unknown to neighborhood despite being resident.

"Maybe she's never left the house?" Morgana asked. "Or comes out only at certain times? Wouldn't she have school to go to?"

"That woman said something about the state of his daughter she could turn into an allegation of abuse to make the courts revoke custody from him. She might be very ill or bedridden. That'd be reason not to leave the house," Kyoko said as she continued to type everything else she'd determined regarding Alibaba and the letter with the calling card.

Alibaba - aware of Futaba Sakura - able to place calling card in mailbox undetected.

"Why would someone want to change the heart of someone like that, though?" Morgana asked.

"That's the remaining question," Kyoko said. "If I can solve that, I suspect everything will fall into place. Aside from one other..."

"What's that? Morgana asked.

"What if the neighborhood has seen Futaba, but doesn't know her or her relation to Sojiro personally?" Kyoko asked.

"It's possible. Yongen-Jaya's got a lot of people I doubt she'd stand out," Morgana said.

"...Furthermore, Alibaba also must be a local, both to be able to deliver the letter without appearing out of place, and be in a position where they could see all of us in the neighborhood all at once several times over the past months," Kyoko said, recalling how Makoto had become suspicious of her, Yusuke, Ann, and Ryuji before she'd confronted them.

"That actually would make a lot of sense!" Morgana said.

"I mentioned I had a theory on the identity of Alibaba, and their connection to Futaba," Kyoko said, studying the screen. "There's one person we know of who fits these criteria, but what remains is why Alibaba wishes for us to target Futaba."

"How do we do that?" Morgana asked. The young detective looked over at him with a determined gaze.

"Only Alibaba has that answer," she explained. "...Which is why when Alibaba contacts me again, I ask."

7/23

Makoto stood aghast as Kyoko finished sharing the events of the previous evening. "...A woman was threatening Boss?!" the brunette asked, shocked.

"Yeah. She seems to be connected with the courts. She even went on about how she and her superiors could use claims of domestic abuse against him as a case to take custody of his daughter from him if he didn't comply," Morgana said.

Makoto froze, as if something Morgana had said worried her.

"What's wrong?" Ryuji asked.

"It's probably nothing. Don't worry about it," Makoto said. "So to summarize, Futaba Sakura is Boss's daughter, and... this woman... accused him of abusing her? I don't know him very well, is he really the kind of person who'd..."

Kyoko shook her head. "No. Based on my observations and assessing everything last night, that's extremely unlikely, to the point I'd rule it out entirely."

Makoto still seemed unsure. "Are you certain?"

Kyoko folded her arms. "Beyond a shadow of a doubt," she said, brushing back her hair. "...Sojiro has things he's kept from me, but I'm certain abuse isn't one of them. He's been stern with me, but he's also been good to me even when he didn't need to be, and... I can see he doesn't want for me to face arrest again."

The young detective folded her arms as she leaned against the accessway rail as another thought came to mind. "...Furthermore, when he'd get calls later at night, ones I have reason to suspect are from her wondering where he was, they always seemed to improve his mood even though he'd never said who he was talking to."

"I see," Makoto said. "So you think... they're leveraging their position to exaggerate claims or just outright make up these charges against him?"

"It happened to me, didn't it?" Kyoko replied.

"That's such BULLSHIT!" Ryuji snapped. "So they can just... make shit up to put you on trial for something you ain't even guilty of to make you do what they want?!"

"After what I've dealt with, it wouldn't surprise me," Kyoko said, a hint of bitterness coming from her otherwise neutral tone. "Another thing has been on my mind, that..."

Her phone suddenly chimed in the pocket of the jacket she'd had tied around her waist. Taking it out, Kyoko saw it was a message sent by an unknown number.

And unknown number with an eyeless, grinning black cartoon cat face. "It's Alibaba," she said, opening the message as the others gathered around her to read.

[I've given you the calling card AND the target's name. You should be ready for this.] the message from Alibaba read.

[Why aren't you doing it?] a message that followed read.

[I told you I'd help you stop Medjed if you stole her heart. What seems to be the holdup?]

[I also said I'd report you to the police if you didn't help me.]

[Are you okay with that?! I'm serious, here!]

"...What a selfish person," Yusuke remarked, reading the messages.

"Selfish or not, Alibaba does have information on us," Makoto said.

"Plus, if this Futaba he's talkin' about has a Palace, we'd need keywords for a location and a distortion to get in, right?" Ryuji asked.

"We would, yes," Morgana said.

Kyoko closed the chat log, and pulled up the Meta-Nav and held the record button. "...Futaba Sakura... residing in Sojiro Sakura's home in Yongen-Jaya."

"MATCH FOUND!"

"She does!" Ann gasped.

"Morgana's right, though. We need to know more about her to have any idea what keywords we need," Kyoko said, closing out of the app and bringing back up the chat with Alibaba.

"Maybe try messaging Alibaba about 'em?" Ryuji asked.

"Assuming they even know anything about that," Kyoko replied. "Still, it's worth a shot, and maybe it's what we need for what else was on my mind..."

[Targeting her is possible, but we require two keywords. Place and distortion.] she messaged.

[Keywords? Place and distortion? What are you going on about?!] Alibaba asked.

[Stop spouting nonsense! You're dancing around the issue, here!]

"Now what?" asked Ann. "What do we do, now?"

"Kyoko, you said you had an idea about Alibaba's identity?" Morgana asked.

"Yes, that's what I was getting to. Let's see if I can confirm it," Kyoko answered.

[It'd be easiest to explain if we can meet.] she messaged.

[If you'd be willing to meet with me, I can get what information I need for this.]

A second passed before Alibaba responded.

[Meet? With me?]

[That'll be difficult.]

[Extremely difficult.]

[Why is that?] Kyoko replied.

[I have reasons for not being able to go out!] Alibaba answered.

[That's why I'm contacting you like this.]

Kyoko brought her free hand to her chin, her brow furrowing as she reread the last two messages before Alibaba responded again.

[Wait! I get it! You steal hearts directly? That might make things difficult! Very difficult!] the next message read.

[One moment. I'm thinking it over.] another that came up read.

A few seconds of tension passed as the group looked at Kyoko's screen, waiting for Alibaba's decision.

[I've decided.] a new message from Alibaba read.

[It's a shame but I'm calling this off. Don't go looking into Futaba Sakura anymore.]

[Forget this ever happened. I won't report you to the police, either, so don't worry.]

[Sorry for taking your time. Now if you'll excuse me.]

[We're not finished here. Why do you want us to steal Futaba Sakura's heart?] Kyoko replied back.

[The deal's off and I mean it! We won't be speaking again. Don't expect me to contact you anymore, either.] Alibaba replied.

[Why are you targeting Futaba Sakura?] Kyoko messaged back, only to receive an error message in response.

"Did Alibaba just... drop the case?" Ann asked.

"From the looks of it, yeah," Ryuji said.

Ann frowned with worry. "...But don't we need Alibaba for handling Medjed?"

"Maybe it was all a prank? Medjed hasn't done anything since their declaration, after all," Ryuji offered.

"I don't know, this seems pretty extreme for a prank," Makoto said, unsure. "Still, if their goal really was to target the Phantom Thieves, wouldn't they have acted by now, given how much our fame has gone up?"

"We can't be certain," Kyoko said. "Given Medjed's history, anything's possible. They may very well want us to believe that."

"Indeed, Alibaba seemed genuine enough, and was our only potential countermeasure." Yusuke said. "On that subject, shouldn't we investigate Futaba if she has a Palace?"

"I see your point," Makoto said. "If she does, then there must be some merit to Alibaba's decision to want us to go after her..."

"Without the keywords, there's no way, though." Morgana said. "And we don't have Alibaba's identity or leverage to make them reconsider."

"I believe I've discerned enough to feel more certain on Alibaba's identity, actually," Kyoko said.

"Whaddya mean?" Ryuji asked.

"Given everything we do know and what's been deduced about Alibaba already," Kyoko explained. "...First, Alibaba is extremely likely to be a local in Yongen-Jaya. Second, someone who could have seen all of us together in the neighborhood to know what we look like. Third, Someone who'd know about me and who I am, and therefore know whose phone to look for and access the chat log to keep tabs on us, and finally, could place a letter in Sojiro's mailbox without seeming suspicious."

Kyoko put her phone away. "Also... womeone who "can't go out". Sounds familiar, right? There's someone in the neighborhood who barely leaves the house to the point it's like she doesn't even exist, and to be frank... Sojiro's mailbox wouldn't be much of a distance for someone like that if they already live at his house."

"Wait, so that's what you've been suspecting!" Morgana exclaimed

Kyoko nodded. "Correct. I believe Alibaba and Futaba Sakura are, in fact, one and the same."

"For REAL?!" Ryuji gasped. "...Y'know, that actually makes a ton'a sense!"

"You're right. Going over it all, and the hesitation in meeting up as well. Not to mention the responses we got make it had a way about them like Alibaba must be pretty young. Futaba is Sojiro's daughter so she'd at most be close to around our age, right? That actually completely fits the profile," Makoto said. "Not to mention, how would Alibaba even know about a change of heart, let alone keep tabs on Futaba like that unless Futaba is Alibaba?"

"That's true, too," Kyoko said. "What we've discerned about Futaba is she's likely extremely isolated from the world if even the neighborhood doesn't really know her personally in comparison to Sojiro. No one asks about her and I've never seen her come into the café for any reason, either."

"Still, she terminated the deal, and Boss seems quite adamant about you not involving yourself regarding Futaba," Yusuke said. "...For that reason it'd be quite difficult to engage with her without causing problems."

Kyoko nodded. "Correct. We also don't know why Futaba would have a Palace, or would want us to actively steal her heart."

"Like it or not, the way I see it, Kyoko, we need a way to get in touch with Futaba again," Makoto said. "I think it's very possible Medjed is serious and is trying to catch us off-guard. The sooner we stop them, the better. If Alibaba is Futaba, then she's our only chance. If we can steal her heart as she asked, whatever her reasons are, then maybe she'll still uphold what she promised."

"Well, for now there's nothin' we can really do if Boss ain't gonna let'cha go see her," Ryuji said. "Still, I have some good news, at least!"

"What would that be?" Kyoko asked, glancing over at him.

"Well, I took care of gettin' Kaneshiro's briefcase sold, and it was worth a big, whoppin' one-hundred fifty-thousand yen!" he said excitedly. "Till we got a solution, I think we oughta make up for the failed fireworks festival tomorrow night!"

"You're right, we do still need to have a celebratory dinner for that, don't we?" Ann asked.

"It sounds like a healthy and productive way to put our minds at ease to help find a solution," Yusuke said with an approving smile.

"I have to agree," Makoto said. "I understand the urgency, Kyoko, but with all you've said Boss is dealing with, it might be best to give him some time to cool down before we try and approach him about Futaba, again."

Kyoko sighed. "...You're right. It would likely only make things worse if I persist on the matter or go behind his back, now."

"Sounds like a "yes", Kyoko!" Ryuji said with a grin. "See, we need this! Gotta keep morale up n' all! To do that, we gotta get somethin' fittin' for our worldwide debut!"

"I say we get sushi this time!" Morgana proposed.

"Ooh! I'd be totally up for that! But where would be good?" Ann asked.

"The best method for eating sushi is to have ginger first. That is my master technique!" Yusuke stated.

"You don't need to do it this time... actually definitely don't do it," Makoto said, frowning in disgust at the thought.

"I could definitely go for some eel!" Ryuji said. "So, how's that sound, Kyoko?"

Kyoko looked at everyone's expectant faces, and could even hear Morgana's purrs for excitement as well. "...You all have a point. There's little we can do to approach Futaba for the time being, and I could use some good quality brain food," she said. "...Very well."

"Then it's decided! I'm all about sushi! I wanna try some outside of convenience store bentos!" Morgana said, licking his lips.

"I know a real good one! I'll set it up and we can meet there, tomorrow!" Ryuji said.

"I can't waiiiit!" Morgana cheered as Kyoko mulled over the new details she'd need to be adding to her case files that evening.

7/24

Goro Akechi had taken a second giving Sae Niijima a concerned look as she stood by the table her laptop sat at, rubbing her eyes with her thumb and index finger in frustration. The courthouse was otherwise bustling with activity in the wake of Medjed's threats but paid the two of them no mind as the boy detective finally decided to clear his throat and speak up.

"Sae-san, you don't look well," he said. "I take it your stuck in the middle of everything?"

"The Phantom Thieves made a complete mockery of us when they brought down Kaneshiro," she said angrily as she gave him a withering glare. "...And to make matters worse? Medjed, who has been dormant for some time, now, has just declared war on them! How much more can they screw things up for us?"

"Stress is bad for the skin, you know!" Akechi joked with a cheerful smile.

"Did you come all this way simply to be sarcastic?!" the prosecutor snapped lividly.

"How about you listen to my deductions for a change of pace?" Akechi offered, folding his arms and not appearing taken aback by the older woman's outburst.

"What could you possibly have that'd be of use to me right now?" Sae asked, still clearly irritated by his continued presence.

"Well, you make think it absurd, but..." Akechi brought his hand to his chin pensively. "...Don't you think the case you're pursuing and the actions of the Phantom Thieves overlap, somehow?"

Sae did not appear like Akechi had swayed her recently-stated opinion. "...What are you basing this off of?" she asked skeptically.

"Have you not watched the interviews?" Akechi asked with a small smirk. "Namely how I've addressed that one significant commonality across all cases is how those involved have all had a very sudden and unforeseen change of heart."

"I've already suspected that, myself, but those suspicions are unfounded," Sae said dismissively.

"I told you at the beginning that this was only a deduction, though," Akechi replied. "These "just" Phantom Thieves are, in fact, riling up the public. However, suppose that is merely a disguise, and their true goal is terrorist action by way of these psychotic breaks and mental shutdowns... is that too much?"

Sae herself now wore a pensive look as she thought his words over a moment. "...There is nothing at the moment that falsifies that claim," she conceded. "...Have you mentioned this to the police?

Akechi chuckled. "Oh, I'd never tell them such things!" he said. "The only value they really have is in their mobility and organizational capabilities."

"Huh," Sae mused to herself. "Then it seems having you lending me a hand has actually paid off."

"I'm certainly glad to hear that!" Akechi said with a modest smile as he scratched the back of his head. "What about your case, though? Have you learned anything from the guardian of that mental shutdown victim's daughter?"

"Nothing at all," Sae muttered, folding her arms and frowning at him.

"I see," said Akechi, "...Now, what should my next action be for our victory?"

Sae's frown deepened to a cold scowl as she put her hand to her hip. "Handle the Phantom Thieves the same way I've handled this case... without remorse, and by using any means necessary to win!" she said, her gaze turning to a dangerous glare. "...That's how I'd handle them."

"...Very well," Akechi replied with a barely suppressed laugh.

"This seems to be fun for you. Are you on to something?" Sae asked, her glare hardening in suspicion.

"...No, not at all," the boy replied, his smile fading immediately as he turned to leave. "Well, then... to our victory..."

It could not be denied, Kyoko silently thought to herself, that the sushi bar Ryuji had found for them all in Ginza was absolutely incredible. They were all currently seated together at a rectangular serving counter in front of a large cooking booth where the chef worked on preparing orders for other patrons

"Maaaan! This flounder is outta this world!" he fawned, taking another bite of his food. "That texture..."

"I... don't see any prices listed here, though," Yusuke uttered, worried.

"Itsh cawll..." Ryuji swallowed the next piece he was chewing before he spoke again. "...It's called market price. Don't worry 'bout it! We got the cash!"

"Mmm, sooooo good!" Ann swooned as she savored her own meal.

"Hey! Hey! Is the fatty tuna ready, yet?" Morgana whispered excitedly as he peered up at the others from Kyoko's bag.

"Hold your horses, and don't talk, remember!" Ryuji whispered to him.

"So, Kyoko," Makoto said, looking over at the girl seated next to her. "What's your take on Boss's relationship with Futaba, from what you were able to deduce? Is there any reason you can think of for why he never introduced you?"

"Are you really startin' to think he's the type who'd abuse someone?" Ryuji asked, annoyed.

"It's not that, just... if this is something people will try and use to take him to court," Makoto started.

"No. He isn't," Yusuke replied. "Believe me, I'd know. There were many things I willfully ignored about Madarame that his pupils caught on to quickly that I can look back on, now. His power and influence in the art world protected him from any allegations. I could not find any of that in Boss, nor does he have anywhere near the kind of clout Madarame had that would shield him from consequences if he were like him."

He looked over at Kyoko. "I talked to him that morning after we'd spent the night. I can tell he's a good person, and cares for your well-being."

"Not to mention," Ann said between bites of her sushi. "...I tried entering his name in the Meta-Nav, too. Both for a Palace and Mementos, and neither pulled up a match."

"Then that's gotta mean he's clean!" Ryuji declared.

"You're right, I guess... I guess I didn't want to believe the... the law... would be this... unscrupulous," Makoto sighed, looking down at her plate. "...But if he's being threatened like that, isn't there anything that can be done?"

"It's another reason we need to find Futaba, and determine what could have caused her to develop a Palace," Morgana said.

"It's an unfortunate conundrum," Kyoko said, finishing her eel sashimi. "With Medjed and these threats putting on pressure, while at the same time, Sojiro has been very clear he doesn't want me involved in whatever is going on with her. Either way, we need a way to meet her that will cause the least damage between me and him."

"We'll think of something, I'm sure of it!" Ann said with a reassuring smile.

"That all said," Yusuke stated, "...This is delicious. I've never experienced anything of this quality, before."

"I haven't, either," Kyoko replied with a faint smile.

"The Kirigiris are pretty well-off, though, aren't they?" Makoto asked.

"Yes, but my grandfather never spent what he considered "senseless costs" on me. Whatever met my nutritional needs and what he considered essential for my detective work were the only ways he'd spend on me."

"Not even an allowance or anything?" Ryuji asked. "Know I've said it before, but you really missed out, ya know."

Kyoko closed her eyes as she took a bite of an urchin sushi. "An "allowance" was whatever he let me have for situations that'd require money when I was out actively pursuing a case, otherwise whatever I needed I had to go to him for, to ensure money was only spent on what he felt was acceptable. I had to be free of distractions or anything else that'd hinder my work."

She noticed Yusuke's empathic glance her way, before Ryuji spoke up again.

"Well, your gramps can't make those rules for ya, here! You're with us, now!" he chuckled.

"I'd say neither of us have been exactly "law-abiding" lately, have we?" Makoto asked. "I'm experiencing being outside of a very... structured life, too, so you're not alone, Kyoko."

Kyoko gave no response, looking down at her food as she silently took another bite. Her time away and suspended from being a legitimate detective was inconvenient, but she could not argue she'd experienced a number of things she otherwise likely wouldn't have in the past few months even without counting her activities as a Phantom Thief.

The young detective closed her eyes, a small, amused smile on her face as she thought it all over. "Even moreso, now, I can only imagine how he'd respond if he were aware of all I've been up to these past months."

"It's called livin' your life, Kyoko! We're only young, once!" Ryuji said with a grin.

"I'm certainly glad I've come to see that, too," Makoto said. "If anything, yeah, this dinner is fantastic!"

"...And it's all thanks to us being the Phantom Thieves... N-Number-one fans and school club!" Ryuji said, managing to catch himself before raising too much suspicion from the other patrons.

"Y-Yeah! Who knew the club would raise so much from a Phantom Thieves-themed bake sale!" Ann chimed in. "They suuuure are getting popular, aren't they?"

"Hmph! Everywhere we go, we hear about this Phantom Thieves!" a woman further down muttered in disgust to her husband.

"What rubbish," he grumbled before resuming his own meal.

"Careful, Ryuji!" Ann whispered, elbowing him.

"Sorry, kinda slipped, okay?" Ryuji whispered back.

"Kyoko, I'm sorry for bringing down the mood, earlier," Makoto said. "Let's all just enjoy the food while we can, alright?"

"Just save some for me, too, okay? Fatty tuna, please!" Morgana asked eagerly, still hidden in Kyoko's bag.

Kyoko looked down at Morgana, then at Makoto and the others and gave a small smile and a nod of approval before starting on her latest order as it was placed before her.

Nighttime had fallen over Tokyo as the group left the diner and ridden the train back into Shibuya's underground walkway together. A familiar voice, however, gained Kyoko's attention as she carried the leftovers from dinner as she and the others made their way through the subways. It was not directed to her, however.

"Niijima-san! What brings you down here?" Akechi asked, coming over as Makoto turned.

"Akechi-kun?" the brunette asked, surprised to see him.

"Akechi...?" Ryuji whispered in surprise as well as he and the others, save Yusuke, turned to face the boy as well.

"Kirigiri-san! Nice to see you as well!" said Akechi, looking at Kyoko with a warm smile before looking over at Ryuji and Ann. "...And you're from the TV station, correct? I didn't know you were all friends of Niijima-san."

"You know eachother, Makoto?" Yusuke asked, turning at last in curiosity.

"I see you know of me. Goro Akechi, nice to make your acquaintance... Yusuke Kitagawa, I presume?" Akechi asked.

Yusuke blinked in surprise. "How do you know my name?"

"Well, because I'm a psychic, of course!" Akechi joked. "...I'm only joking. I'm just a detective. You're a former pupil of Madarame, correct? I've actually just recently joined the investigation team looking into the Phantom Thieves following his confession, so I was given the details on you regarding that. I apologize if I've made you uncomfortable, I simply recognized your face."

"It's alright," Yusuke said. "As a detective and being on such a case it stands to reason you'd be given that information. I've already told the police everything when they'd questioned me about Madarame, though."

"No, no, you needn't worry about any of that anymore," Akechi chuckled. "We did question the other pupil, Angie Yonaga, as well. Needless to say, that was quite an experience."

Yusuke couldn't help but smirk in amusement imagining how that had to have gone down.

"...That all said, now we have a greater concern, namely that the hacktivist group Medjed has just outright declared war on them," Akechi explained.

"What do you mean?" Kyoko asked, folding her arms.

"Well, their website just updated a few moments ago," Akechi explained, taking out his phone and pulling up a screen, then showing it to the small group in front of them. "This one was... particularly worrying..."

"English again?!" Ryuji grumbled, shaking his head.

"W-What?!" Ann cried out as she read it.

"Wh... what's it say?!" Ryuji asked anxiously.

Akechi blinked in surprise and confusion. "Why so agitated?" he asked, putting his phone away. He glanced at Kyoko, eyes wide with realization and smirked as he looked back at them again. "Ah, I see! You're pro-Phantom Thieves as well, aren't you?"

"Ehh, yeah! Ann and I are huge fans! Can't wait for the merch! They're a huge hit at our school!" Ryuji said with a grin.

"You knew about the Kamoshida scandal, right?" Ann asked. "Well... Ryuji and me, we were... we were victims of his abuse."

"I used to be on the track team that got interviewed," Ryuji said, frowning.

"...And I'm sure you can guess what I dealt with," Ann said. "The girl you may have heard about that tried to... she was my best friend. He did that to her because I..."

Akechi raised his hand slightly, a comforting smile on his face. "There's... no need to continue... I'm very sorry you both had to deal with such a horrible man. For that, I can certainly understand why you'd feel you owe them a great deal... If anything, it's people like Mr. Kamoshida that are part of what motivated me to become a detective," he explained. "...That said, I'm not sure it's wise to place such devotion into vigilante groups like them, honestly..."

"Still, what's with all these comments?" Makoto asked.

"Oh, my apologies, I wasn't trying to butt in on your business or anything, Niijima-san," Akechi said before turning his attention back to Kyoko. "...I must say, though, Kirigiri-san, you're certainly part of an interesting group, I mean... Prosecutor Niijima's sister, Madarame's former pupil, and some Shujin students who were victims of Kamoshida..."

"What of it?" Kyoko asked.

"Well, it's just that all of you appear to have some connection to the Phantom Thieves, yourself included, Kirigiri-san, being a Shujin student and supportive of their justice," Akechi explained. "Perhaps you have better intel then I do!"

Akechi folded his arms, briefcase in hand as he brought his free hand to his chin in thought, a small smirk on his face. "Thinking about it, Kirigiri, it really makes me wish I could personally take you on to work together with me on the investigation! I imagine with our combined skills, we could easily bring this case to a close in no time!"

"My grandfather suspended my license for the duration of the school year, unfortunately," Kyoko said.

"That really is a shame," Akechi said with a disappointed frown. "On one hand, I need to prove my worth as a detective more then ever, but at the same time I can't help but picture what an exciting experience it'd be working side-by-side with you, solving such a compelling case that has the world's attention!"

The boy's musings were cut by a sudden realization before Kyoko or anyone else could say anything. "I apologize, I don't wish to hold you up longer, but since we'd be unable to collaborate, would you at least indulge me with this question?"

Kyoko gave a nod, her expression its usual, neutral poker face. "Go on."

"Well, regarding the whole Medjed commotion, and in light of what they'd just posted, Kirigiri... if you were one of the Phantom Thieves, what would you do in response?" Akechi asked.

Kyoko brought her hand to her chin in thought, knowing the others were looking at her, too. She looked back at Akechi, and gave him a faint smile. "If anything, Akechi-kun, I think that's the question the detective investigating should be asking themselves. This is your case, isn't it?"

Akechi chuckled. "I suppose it is, yes!" he said, a slight blush on his face as he scratched the back of his head. "Still, a peer opinion from a fellow detective might shed light on something I haven't considered, especially with your own differing stance on them, perhaps you may have an idea of your own that'd differ from mine? I'm curious."

"I couldn't say," Kyoko replied. "...But in light of their lack of any sort of response to Medjed's threats until they were extended to civilians, I suspect that, if they are on the side of justice and motivated by inspiring hope, they would feel they have reasonable cause to retaliate."

"Hmm, an interesting perspective," Akechi replied with a nod. "You believe they would retaliate, but only because Medjed has recently threatened people who are guilty of nothing but supporting the Phantom Thieves?"

Kyoko nodded. "I can't speak for them, so I wouldn't know what their intentions are, but due to their past notable targets, it stands to reason now that civilians have been threatened, they may perceive retaliation as just cause on their behalf."

"Either way, it's certainly very insightful of you, Kirigiri," Akechi said with a seemingly satisfied nod of approval.

"Sorry we can't help, man. We're just ordinary highschool students!" Ryuji said. "Like Kyoko said, what should really matter is what you think, Mr. Detective, since it ain't her who's investigating 'em."

"Well, to be frank, my profiling has led me to believe the Phantom Thieves are a group of juveniles," Akechi explained. "...Given your favoring them, wouldn't you consider that a reasonable deduction you've made as well, Kirigiri?"

"Go on," Kyoko said, her expression neutral yet with a hint of curiosity.

"I deduced this based on their activities. Adults would be busy working for much of the day, while the Thieves clearly have a relative amount of free time after school, providing a perfect window of opportunity to carry out their activities. Furthermore, they would also have a hideout they can slip away to, either in a place they are certain few would think to look, or perhaps in plain sight in a time and place where they know they would not stand out," Akechi explained. "On top of that, considering Kamoshida was the first target, and his crimes were centered at Shujin Academy as well as the time of when the calling card addressed to him appeared, I believe their activities started as early as April."

Akechi's expression hardened as he looked at the group. "...In a way, Kirigiri, would you agree that everything I've said about the Phantom Thieves coincides a great deal with the group before me?"

"What, you gonna report us?!" Ryuji asked defensively.

Akechi regarded him with interest. "...I never said I was suspicious of you," he said casually before looking back at Kyoko. "Surely you agree, why it'd be easy for me to be, though?"

Kyoko slowly raised up her hands. "...You've got me. Yes, Akechi-kun," she said in an immaculately flat tone and the deadpan expression to match, devoid of all emotion save a small fleck of the driest sarcasm anyone in the group have heard. "...I am a Phantom Thief... and so is Ryuji."

Ryuji's mouth hung wide open. "H-Hey! Why're you sidin' with him?!"

Akechi broke into a laugh. "I certainly wasn't anticipating such a response, Kirigiri!" he said. "You always find ways to catch me off-guard, don't you? So, if I may ask, what did bring this group together? If anything so I can vouch your innocence should you be approached again while you're together."

"We formed something of a peer support group," Kyoko explained. "The truth is... I was another who was preyed on by Kamoshida during his time at Shujin when I'd arrived. He even attempted to blackmail me at one point in exchange for... certain favors... not long before the first calling card happened."

Akechi scowled. "...Is that, so?" Kyoko looked him in the eye, and unlike her usual poker face, he could see there was a look to her that made it abundantly clear she was not lying. "Despicable... it makes me wish I'd been the one to arrest him, honestly. I hadn't meant to force that memory out of you."

"You're forgiven. You didn't know," Kyoko said. "Fortunately, we were able to form a friendship as we overcame that chapter of our lives once it'd ended based on our experiences with these criminals.

"I met them purely by coincidence. I saw Ann one day and believed she'd be a perfect subject for my next painting," Yusuke said.

"...Yeah, that happened," Ann said blushing as she looked over at Ryuji.

"As Student President I was helping ensure those caught up in Kaneshiro's scam were able to resume their lives, and wondered if these three had gotten caught up in it, thankfully they weren't," Makoto said.

"I see, it's very fortunate of you all to have found such support in such times," Akechi said, nodding. "I could only imagine if my deduction were truth, though, especially with you, Kirigiri. An accomplished thief with the skills, deductive reasoning, and analytical prowess of a prodigy detective... would make for a truly formidable, if not dangerous adversary!"

Kyoko raised an eyebrow. "...Was that flattery?"

"More a relief, I suppose!" Akechi said with a small laugh. "If this is indeed a defining moment for the Phantom Thieves' justice, then it is for me, as well! MedJed could cause quite a disturbance if they go through on their claims." He gave Kyoko a playful wink. "...It truly is a shame we couldn't work this case together and I mean that. Things certainly are getting interesting, after all!"

He gave the group an approving nod. "Well, this has been a valuable point of reference for me, Kirigiri. I hope I run into you again sometime."

Kyoko watched in silence as Akechi left to the boarding platforms, her expression unreadable to the others.

"Kyoko?" Ann asked.

"Do you think he's ascertained our true identities?" asked Yusuke.

Kyoko turned away to face the group. "...I can't say for certain."

"It may be best we remain more cautious from now on. The way he came off, it sounds like the police are getting more serious about finding us," Makoto said.

"Alibaba found ways to discover who we are, so we can't rule out the possibility the police will, as well, if they try hard enough," Kyoko said.

"What's up with you and Akechi, though? You think he suspects you?" Ryuji asked.

"It was hard to read him, honestly," Kyoko said, brushing back her hair. "...Which means it's possible he at least considered the possibility, if based on the notion he believes I have a set of skills that could plausibly mastermind the Phantom Thieves and their heists."

"Did seem like he was hopeful it wasn't the case, though," Ann said.

"Perhaps he'd rather compete with me as a detective, rather then if I were a criminal mastermind," Kyoko mused.

"However he felt, he doesn't have any tangible evidence to prove that discovery," said Yusuke. "Also, our alibi of how we came together is plausible enough as well."

"What was up with goin' along with his deduction, though?" Ryuji asked, raising an eyebrow at Kyoko. "I know you were bein' sarcastic n' all, but still..."

"If I'd denied it outright or opened with an alibi, then I'd have sounded suspicious," Kyoko said. "On the more pressing matter, Medjed's threat was very serious,"

"It was in English, though. What'd it say exactly?" Ryuji asked.

"Here, hold on," Ann said, taking out her phone. "..."We are disappointed in the people of Japan and their belief in the Phantom Thieves' false justice. Hence, we will proceed with our plan to clense all of Japan. The process will begin on August 21st. As a result, the Japanese economy suffers devastating damages"..."

"For real?!" Ryuji gasped.

"Keep going," said Makoto, folding her arms and looking more and more worried.

"..."However, we are magnanimous. We will give the Phantom Thieves one final opportunity to repent. As proof of their repentance, we demand they reveal their identities to the public. Should these demands remain unmet by the appointed day, we will attack"," Ann continued. "The future of Japan rests upon the Phantom Thieves. We are Medjed. We are unseen. We will eliminate evil."..."

"That sounds bad," Ryuji said, sliding his hands into his pockets, frowning with worry, now, as well.

"So if we don't publicly unmask ourselves, Medjed will attack all of Japan, correct?" Yusuke asked. "...They're certainly quite the attention-seekers..."

"So what're we gonna do about this?" Ann asked as she put her phone away.

"There's only one solution," Kyoko said. "...We have to meet with Futaba Sakura, AKA "Alibaba", and see if we can talk her into reconsidering the deal."

"Still, the question remains why Futaba would want us to steal her own heart," Makoto said.

"Whatever it is, we won't know unless we ask her," Kyoko said, her had at her chin in thought. "Like it or not, a confrontation with Sojiro is inevitable if that's going to happen."

"But how can we do that?" Ryuji asked. "It's kinda late, won't he get suspicious if we all just show up at his house uninvited and all? He's never even had Kyoko over!"

"He hasn't, no, but I do know where his house is," said Kyoko.

"Well," Makoto said, looking at the take-out box Kyoko was still holding in one hand. "What if we bring the take-out sushi to him, and say it was a gift as gratitude for looking after you?"

"WHAT?! But... my fatty tuna!" Morgana whined, emerging from Kyoko's bag.

"No complaining, Morgana," Ann said with an apologetic smile.

"We should still all go together, regardless," Makoto said. "Boss might buy into it more if it's more then just you who shows up, Kyoko."

"Very well," Kyoko said. "Let's go, then..."

Turning to leave, Kyoko led the others to the platform for the train leading to Yongen-Jaya, preparing for the task that lay ahead of them all...

"Strange, no one's answering," Makoto said after pressing the doorbell outside the stone gate walls surrounding the Sakura residence for the third time. "Really strange, the lights're on, though!"

"Maybe she's nappin'?" Ryuji asked.

Kyoko studied the windows carefully, Morgana peering out from her bag and the take-out box in her hand. She could see light from some of the windows before they'd made their way to the gates. "...Sojiro wasn't at Leblanc. If he was home, I'm sure he'd have answered by now."

"Yeah, we have rung plenty of times," Ann said.

"Wouldn't Futaba have answered by now, too?" Morgana asked. "Whatever is going on, she did sneak out to put that calling card in Sojiro's mailbox, so we know she has to be able..."

"...The gate's unlocked, too," Yusuke stated, moving the latch on the otherwise closed iron gates.

"Dude! You can't just go openin' other peoples' stuff like that!" Ryuji whispered. "We really gotta hurry this up before any neighbors see us n' start gettin' suspicious!"

"I've seen a deliveryman come by several times with boxes," Kyoko said. "When I first arrived and was looking for Leblanc, he was here with a box, but he said he'd rung the bell and no one answered. Futaba seemed to imply she doesn't leave the house, though."

"Maybe she doesn't answer the door, either?" Makoto asked, before her eyes suddenly went wide. "Speaking of, look! The door's ajar... I wonder why, though? That seems kind of careless."

Kyoko approached the gate, noting Makoto was indeed right. Very strange, she thought...

A loud rumble echoed above, causing everyone to glance up at the rolling clouds churning about in the sky. It had gotten increasingly overcast that evening, Kyoko noted.

"We should just go inside. I think it's gonna rain," Morgana said, his ears drooping as he stared up at the clouds and the group already began to feel the first drops.

"Do you think that's okay, though?" Makoto asked.

The drops began to increase, Kyoko already taking initiative as she silently walked past the others and made her way through the gate to the open door.

"...My apologies, Boss," Makoto muttered softly as she followed, the others going into the yard after her.

"H-Hello? Sir?" Makoto called in through the door after Kyoko had slid it open the rest of the way and stood at the frame.

Inside the house was completely dark, the lamp above the entrance was off, as were all other lights save for a room at the end of a long hallway the front door lead into where the indistinct noise of a distant TV were heard within, the only other source of illumination coming from a window on the wall at the opposite end. A small table was near the door with a sculpture and an old painting hanging above it, along with a floor mat and a coat closet, and further down Kyoko could see two right turns in the hall before the lit room at the end.

Silence passed within the house, no sign of Sojiro, let alone any answer from anyone. The only sound came from the TV in the room down the hall and the thunderstorm outside.

"...He's not out, is he?" Makoto whispered. "The door ahead is open and I hear the TV on..."

"Hope he didn't pass out or somethin'," Ryuji said. "I mean, Boss is kinda old, isn't he?"

"I'm a bit worried, maybe we should go and check on him?" Ann asked.

"Sir? We're... we're coming in! Please excuse us...!" Makoto called out down the hall ahead.

Still, they received no answer.

"...I don't like this. Stay behind me," Kyoko ordered softly, setting the take-out box and her school bag down on the table by the door and allowing Morgana to hop out before she promptly and cautiously led the way down the hall, the others right behind her.

They'd barely gotten halfway when a sudden flash of lightning struck, followed by a loud crack of thunder, and with it the illumination from the room ahead cut off abruptly, stopping the group dead in their tracks.

A loud, terrified scream rang through the house.

"Ann!" Makoto whispered loudly, turning to face the blonde.

"That wasn't me!" Ann protested, eyes wide with horror as a loud thump came from above.

"W-WHAT WAS THAT?!" Makoto gasped, her head turning sharply upward.

"How should I know?!" Morgana protested.

Kyoko paused, looking around. "Whatever it was, it came from upstairs," she said.

"W-We should get out of here!" Ann pleaded, recoiling in fear. "...Please?!"

"What're you freakin' out for?" Ryuji asked, seemingly unaffected. Yusuke appeared to have calmed down from the sudden outage as well.

"That scream was definitely a girl's. It's gotta be Futaba!" Morgana said.

"Watch the door. If by any chance Sojiro's out and you spot him, tell me," Kyoko said. "I'm going on ahead," she said, noticing the second right turn was still ahead.

"I-I'll come with you, Kyoko, just... can I stay close by?" Makoto whispered as Ann, Ryuji and Yusuke made their way back to the front door and closed it while Morgana rushed down the hall to where the room ahead was.

"The power's out, but there's no one in here!" Morgana called out.

"Futaba? Futaba, are you here?" Kyoko called as she cautiously approached the turn in the hall. Getting no response, the young detective cautiously peered around the corner to find a set of stairs leading up before turning to a halfback several steps up where she suspected another set of stairs going the opposite way lead to the second floor was, only to suddenly feel her arm get grabbed as another flash of lightning struck, accompanied by a loud rumble of thunder.

"I-I'm sorry..." Kyoko could see Makoto now had a thousand-yard stare and a nervous smile on her face despite the darkness of the house. "Kyoko... y-you're so calm... I... guess you d-deal with this... this stuff all the... time, right?"

Before Kyoko could give a response, the sound of a door creaking upstairs was heard, prompting a frightened gasp from Makoto as she instinctively tightened her grip on Kyoko's arm and pulled her from the turn leading to the stairs and closer towards the doorway leading to the room.

"I can sense someone's presence," Yusuke said softly as he gazed upward, creaking sounds coming from the ceiling and drawing ever-closer.

Amidst the pouring rain and the cracks of thunder, Kyoko could hear the creaking and thumping continue to get closer, as though whoever was in the house with them were now coming down the stairs.

"I can't take this anymore, Kyoko! I'm leaving!" Makoto, who was closer to the stairs, now, attempted to release her grip on Kyoko's arm only to suddenly feel her legs buckle. Fortunately, the brunette let go of Kyoko and hurriedly propped herself against the nearby wall to avoid collapsing. "...M-My legs!" she whimpered.

Makoto reached her arm out. "...K-Kyoko! H-Help! I-I can't...!" As Kyoko turned to offer her hand, Makoto saw the other girl pause and her stoic expression turn to one of surprise.

Makoto realized her friend wasn't looking at her, but behind her...

Slowly, she turned her head as she struggled to remain standing while she pressed herself against the wall hard as she could, turning to face a thin, dark figure standing at the foot of the stairs, hidden the shadows. A flash of lightning flickered outside through the front door, reflecting off shimmering points where the apparition's eyes would be.

Makoto's eyes went wide as she immediately screamed as loud as she could, throwing her arms around a stunned Kyoko in a terrified panic and sending them both tumbling to the floor with a loud, undignified thud, Kyoko landing flat on her back with Makoto on top of her as the figure let out a frightened scream of its own, similar to the one they'd heard earlier before it vanished from sight in another flash of lightning, the loud thumping of footsteps retreating swiftly up the steps and down the hall upstairs followed by the slamming of a door a second after.

"Futaba? Futaba!" Ann cried out, joining them in the hall. "Hey! Where are you?" she called. "You're Alibaba, right? Just show yourself!"

"I'msorryI'msorryI'msorry! PleasesavemeSis!" the frightened Makoto whimpered a mile a minute as she still instinctively clung tightly to Kyoko, who let out an irritated, pained sigh as she struggled to sit herself up despite the other girl on top of her and gritting her teeth as she nursed the back of her head from the fall.

"Futaba!" Sojiro's voice called from outside. "Futaba! Are you alright, Futaba?"

Sojiro flung the door open as Ann, Ryuji, and Yusuke hid down a hallway leading to the kitchen while Morgana took cover in the room ahead before spotting two figures on the floor, one of which attempting to stand up.

"Who the hell are you?! Don't move!" he shouted, snatching a flashlight from the nearby table and shining it on them.

His eyes went wide in shock as he saw what appeared to be Kyoko on the floor, with Makoto Niijima clinging to her and burying her face into her chest making muffled sobs while the former was trying to free herself from the latter's grip.

"I'msorryI'msorryI'msorryI'msosorrySis! Someonepleasesaveme!" Makoto whimpered in fright.

"Kyoko?! What are you doing in my house?!" Sojiro demanded, more shocked then angry, now, as he stared down at the girl.

At that moment, Makoto finally calmed down enough to look in his direction.

"Oh, uh... good evening, sir!" she said, blushing with embarrassment. "We... didn't mean to intrude..."

"Niijima, right?" Sojiro asked, "...What exactly is going on, here?! Why are you two on the floor like that?"

Makoto suddenly realized she was, indeed, still on the floor with Kyoko pinned down under her still in a vice grip and promptly let go. Kyoko wasted no time standing herself back up, still nursing the back of her head.

"It's... a very long story," Kyoko muttered, smoothing out her skirt then brushing out her hair with her hand as she blushed slightly in embarrassment as well.

"Th-Things happened, and I-I fell, Kyoko tried to catch me, and...!" Makoto stammered as Yusuke, Ann, and Ryuji came into the hallway and out of hiding.

"You kids're here, too?!" Sojiro asked, looking about at the small group before him in disbelief. "What's this all about?!"

"I apologize," Kyoko said, stepping forward. "...We went out to dinner for sushi and brought some home for you, but you weren't at the cafe so we came over."

"We rang the bell a few times, first but no one answered, and we saw the door was open!" Ann added quickly. "We saw a light on down the hall and heard the TV and called out to you but you didn't answer, so we were worried you might've passed out, then the power went out!"

"The... door was open?" Sojiro asked.

"It was, yes," Kyoko said with a nod. "The gate was also ajar, too."

"...I do that sometimes," Sojiro said, sighing and running his hand through his hair. "I guess I'm just getting old. I suppose it'd be easy for you to... come to a bad conclusion, huh, Kyoko?"

"Sojiro, soon as the power went out, we heard a scream, then there were noises coming from upstairs so we decided to investigate," she explained, taking a step forward and folding her arms. "There was someone else in the house with us."

Sojiro looked away, giving no response.

"...Boss..." Makoto's words were cautious as she stood behind Kyoko. "...There... is someone else living here, isn't there?"

Sojiro frowned, sighing as he looked down at the floor a moment. "...Yeah... my daughter."

"We heard you calling out for someone named Futaba when you got here. Is that the same Futaba Sakura I'd asked you about, before?" Kyoko asked.

"Why? Did you tell them about her, too, Kyoko?" Sojiro asked angrily. "How did you even know about her, anyway?!"

"Boss, is there... any way we could speak to her?" Makoto asked, coming forward as well. "Sorry, I think... we might have frightened her, earlier, when we came in. We just want to apologize before we go."

Sojiro shook his head. "...No, I doubt that'd be possible."

"Is she sick? Bedridden?" Kyoko asked. "No one at Leblanc ever asks about her, and I've never seen her come by, either... though I suspect those phone calls when you were staying late were from her?"

"No, no. Nothing like that, and... yeah, they were," said Sojiro. "She... gets worried when I'm out at the shop late."

The storm had thankfully let up, but in the absence of the pouring rain and thunder, Kyoko heard a distant sobbing coming from upstairs. Looking up the stairs, Sojiro sighed, shaking his head. "...I don't want you getting the wrong idea," he said. "...Kyoko, I won't ask how you found out, I admit... it was a mistake, I shouldn't have kept all of this a secret from you. C'mon, let's go talk in the shop... she'll only hear us if we stay here..."

Sojiro sighed again in frustration, staring at the wall in thought. It'd been several minutes since the group had arrived with him back at Leblanc and Sojiro had taken a moment to smoke a cigarette to calm himself down. Ryuji had helped himself to one of the chairs while Ann sat in one of the booths with everyone's bags, Yusuke, Kyoko, and Makoto stood around Sojiro as he finished his cigarette and turned to face them.

"Oh, where do I start?!" he muttered as he took a seat in one of the bar chairs. "I guess I'll go from the beginning. Futaba... she's not my biological daughter. Her mother and I knew eachother long before she was even born. She... her mother, was a bit of a weird one, but we got along very well for some reason. She was sharp-witted, somewhat stern, a little socially inept, but always so carefree..." A fond smile came to Sojiro's weathered features. "...She truly was a great woman..."

"I see," Makoto said.

Sojiro chuckled a little. "Whenever something piqued her interest, that'd be all she focused on! She'd even work deep into the night till she could get somewhere that satisfied her for the time being," he explained. "...Honestly, Kyoko, I could say the two of you are pretty similar in plenty of ways, especially in that regard. I'd thought that'd change when her kid was born, but... well, having Futaba didn't do much... but even then, she always took good care of her."

"Working and watching over a child at the same time sounds rough," Ann said.

"I guess raising Futaba alone turned out to be tough on her in more ways then one," Sojiro replied.

"...Alone?" Kyoko asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. "What about her father? Did something happen to him?"

"There never was one," Sojiro said, shaking his head as he leaned forward, placing his elbow on his knee. "...Well, I assume there was, but... he was never in the picture. Her mother never said a word about him... She was single when she gave birth, and single when she raised her. Even if it was just the two of them, they were still an ordinary, loving family. You could really tell how much she cared for Futaba..."

"You refer to her in past tense, I take it something happened?" Kyoko asked.

Sojiro sighed, a deep, crestfallen frown forming on his face. "...Something did, yeah," he said softly. "One day... about two years ago, she just..." Sojiro hesitated a moment, taking in a breath. "...She committed suicide."

"S-SUICIDE?!" Ann gasped, eyes wide with shock, as were everyone else's, save Kyoko, who had remained more stoic then the others but her frown had deepened noticeably.

"...What happened?" Kyoko asked. "You said she really cared for Futaba and loved her... why would she do something like that?"

Sojiro shook his head. "I don't know!" he said, his voice breaking a little as he shut his eyes for a second. "...That morning, she just left her home without a word, and threw herself into the street as traffic was coming... right in front of Futaba's eyes."

Ryuji frowned, unsure what to say for a moment before speaking up. "I'm sorry... that's gotta be devastating for a kid..."

Kyoko folded her arms, looking away from Sojiro a moment as she brought her gloved hand up to her chin, processing his story. "...Two years ago," she mused to herself softly.

"Well... a lot happened after that, but I ended up taking custody of Futaba," Sojiro explained. "First, she was so depressed from the whole ordeal she... wouldn't even talk to me."

"I've questioned witnesses in cases who were in a barely coherent state due to having seen the crime occur, or its aftermath," Kyoko said. "Losing her mother in such a way... I imagine it would leave a lasting effect."

"It certainly did," Sojiro replied. "Still, I kept talking to her, and she started opening up to me, little by little... and that's when I found out..." Sojiro folded his arms, going silent a moment. "...Futaba blames herself for her mother's death."

"What?! ...Why?" Ann asked, stunned.

"That part, she's never told me," Sojiro said regretfully. "...As much as I wanted to know what could have led her to believing that, I decided not to rub salt on the wound... but then, things got much worse a few months ago, not long before you came here, Kyoko..."

"What do you mean?" the young detective asked.

"She suddenly became real scared. She'd go into a state of panic, even when nothing was happening. Constant night terrors when she'd sleep, sudden fits of anxiety when she was awake," Sojiro explained. "When I tried to speak to her and help calm her down, she'd become so frightened and start crying, telling me she "hears voices" and "Mom is looking at me"..."

"Visual and auditory hallucinations, severe depression, those are symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder" Yusuke said.

"Seeing her mother commit such a violent suicide most certainly could have caused that," Kyoko said. "...I'm... no stranger to seeing people in such a state, but still, did you try and take her to a doctor, or get her any counseling?"

"Believe me, I tried!" Sojiro replied, frowning as he looked up at her. "When I tried to take her, she refused. When I tried bringing one over, she'd just lock herself in her room and wouldn't come out, or even respond until she was sure they were gone... and since then, she's only gotten worse, and regressed to what you'd call a "shut-in"," he explained. "She almost never leaves her room and won't take a single step outside the house or even try to see other people..."

"What about you?" Yusuke asked.

"She doesn't even let me come in her room," Sojiro explained. "Futaba is... well, a unique girl. She's so quick-minded that conversations with her tend to just jump from one topic to the next... like she's always coming to conclusions in her head. There's a lot I don't get about her."

"Kyoko," he said, looking over to her again. "I'm sorry I kept this all a secret from you, but... with her situation, I hope you understand, that's why I had to have you stay here instead of let you in my house. She needs a safe place where she won't feel threatened by anyone and can be at ease, that's why I won't do anything she doesn't want, or make her do anything she isn't willing to, either."

"Boss, you can't think that's healthy for her," Makoto said.

"Believe me, Niijima," Sojiro said, getting up from his seat. "...I already know that's no way for her to live... but unfortunately it's all I can do."

"You're right," Kyoko said, a serious look on her face. "...It's not improving her mental state at all, at best it's only kept it from worsening, but to be honest... I doubt even that will last for long."

"Yeah... nowadays usually the most I get from her is when she calls the shop wondering where I am. Other times, she just asks me for things she wants, like food or these complicated books," Sojiro explained. "Otherwise... well, I'm sure you get it."

"Well, that's that," he said as he made his way to the door. "I'm gonna head back and make sure she's alright. You all should probably head home, soon, too..." He turned to look over at Kyoko one last time as he opened it. There was no anger on his face, just... defeat. "Kyoko, detective or not, just... please leave her be, alright? I do agree that it probably won't last, I'm sure it won't, but... what else can I do, anymore? If something happens and they take her away... I can't imagine what that'd do to her after all she's gone through..."

Sojiro left without another word, closing the café door behind him.

"I feel awful for prying into his personal affairs," Makoto said, her head hanging in dismay.

"I was certain he wasn't abusing her, and it was obvious she'd been isolating herself," Kyoko said as she took a seat in one of the chairs. "...But I wouldn't have imagined any of this."

"Then the reason Futaba wants her heart stolen, it's got to do with what happened to her mother!" Ann said.

"It seems she'd like to rid herself of these feelings of pain, but is so deeply traumatized she's unable to do so of her own volition," Yusuke said.

"But will changing her heart really help her, though?" Ann asked.

"She said she could stop Medjed. If we do this, she'll be able to," Kyoko said. "We've already confirmed she has a Palace."

"But, given what Sojiro said about her, Futaba doesn't sound like a bad person in the least!" Ann said.

"Hmm..." Kyoko brought her hand to her chin as she took out her phone, bringing up the Meta-Nav, which now held Futaba's name. "...Morgana mentioned Palaces come from those with severely distorted desires when he told us about Mementos. Someone like Kaneshiro, for instance, would naturally perceive the world and people very differently, but from how Sojiro described Futaba's condition, and the way Morgana described Palaces..."

"...You think a trauma severe enough, to the point she suffers hallucinations and panic attacks so extreme she can't judge fantasy from reality, and other symptoms associated with PTSD, would likely do the same?" Makoto asked.

"That's the most plausible explanation," Kyoko said. "Either way, we need to find out what her keywords are if we're to have any chance of infiltrating it."

"Which means... despite what Boss asked, we're going to need to make contact with Futaba again," Makoto sighed.

"Speakin' of Morgana, where is that cat anyway?" Ryuji asked, looking around.

Ann's eyes went wide with surprise "Wait... now that you mention it..."

"Hm, I don't recall seeing or hearing from him since we were at Boss's place," Yusuke mused.

"Think he's alright?" Ann asked.

"I'm sure he's fine. He's a cat, after all," said Ryuji.

"We should get going, though," Makoto said. "After all, we still have school tomorrow with the assembly."

"...Oh, right," Ann grumbled.

"An assembly?" Yusuke asked.

"Yeah, some mandatory thing we gotta go to before summer starts since Shujin got a lot of attention thanks to the Kamoshida scandal and everything regarding Kaneshiro's blackmail ring," Ann said. "Now with Medjed, they wanna warn us not to say arbitrary stuff online and add fuel to the fire, either."

"It can't be helped," Kyoko said. "Once it's over, we'll meet up and decide how we can reach Futaba and get what we need to access her Palace..."

"Agreed," Makoto said.

"Well, better get goin' before the trains stop runnin'," Ryuji said. "Guess we'll see eachother tomorrow, then!"

Once the others had left and Kyoko was alone in the shop, she locked the door and made her way upstairs. It felt strange and even a little lonely without Morgana here with her, making her wonder where he'd gone off to. Other matters were on her mind, however, besides being able to enter Futaba's Palace, but based off Sojiro being harassed over something called cognitive science that the law seemed to believe was linked to the incidents involving mental shutdowns and psychotic breaks, and the very strange nature of Futaba's mother's sudden and inexplicable suicide that happened conveniently within the time frame of these other unexplained occurrences that involved a sudden change of personality or outright death, as well as how much time had passed, Kyoko wondered if there was a possibility there was more to this then any of them knew. Rarely were things as they seemed in her life growing up, and now... even more so.

She prepared to get her laptop ready before she'd be going to bed tonight.

From within a darkened bedroom, a thin girl in her pajamas sat cross-legged in her large computer chair, typing away at her keyboard as numerous monitors lined her desk displaying various windows and binary coding and listening to the audio she'd recorded from the conversation that'd happened in Leblanc moments ago and relieved she'd managed to since calm herself down after the scare she'd experienced earlier that evening.

"Hmm," she mused, continuing to listen to the recordings through her headphones and sipping a bottled water.

She paused as she heard something under her desk, and yelped at sudden movement as a black cat with a yellow collar suddenly emerged from under her computer desk, pawing her door open and escaping down the hallway.

"...What the...?" she wondered aloud as she watched it flee.

Kyoko let out a yawn as she'd finished her work for the evening. Even the coffee had only done so much for her as she could feel sleepiness about ready to claim her, and the knowledge she had school tomorrow had made her decide it'd be best to cut things short regardless.

Having since changed to her sleeping clothes, the young detective shut her laptop and made her way over to her bed, only to suddenly jerk back in surprise as a familiar face suddenly sprung up from outside and leapt through window she'd left open due to the warm summer weather and on to her bed.

"Hey! Were just going to go to sleep without even wondering where I was?" Morgana asked playfully.

"We did notice your absence before everyone left, actually," Kyoko said, folding her arms and staring down at the cat.

"I take it the chief's told you everything about Futaba, and you guys disbanded for now?"

Kyoko regarded the cat in curiosity. "How'd you know that?"

Morgana chuckled to himself as he arched his back with a stretch. "I decided to stay behind and do a little "detective work" of my own! I was checking out the chief's house, and I admit I didn't think our Alibaba would be so young... well, about the same age as you guys, give or take a year or two younger..."

"You saw her?" Kyoko asked.

"I did, yeah! Good thing I can see better in the dark then you," Morgana said. "She was... pretty young-looking, had long hair, but also... pretty thin and kind of pale from what I could tell. Kind of small for her age, at least compared to you all."

Kyoko pondered Morgana's description. "Sojiro did mention she'd essentially become a shut-in he can barely get a conversation out of. It stands to reason that'd affect her health, given her state of mind..."

"Either way, she's definitely no amateur. She practically had a control panel in that cluttered bedroom of hers!" Morgana said. "Not only that, but she used it to eavesdrop on your whole conversation with the chief here in Leblanc."

Kyoko sat down on her bed, her hand at her chin in thought. "That would explain a lot on how she was able to identify us and know where to look when establishing communication with me. That'd mean, though, that she somehow hacked the cafe's surveillance system to keep tabs on me and Sojiro on a regular basis, too. It's likely she's been doing this for a while, now, and why some of the calls Sojiro received from her were... now that I look back, conveniently timed."

"...And then there's how she hacked into our chats as well. Even if she can't take Medjed down directly, she might have some kind of lead on them," Morgana said.

"She said to catch a hacker we need a better hacker," Kyoko said. "...She's not wrong. If she is that better hacker, then we'll need her help before Medjed makes good on their threat."

"When we meet up tomorrow, let's do it up here!" Morgana suggested. "It's just waaaay too hot outside, now!"

"...That may be a good idea," Kyoko said. "With what Akechi had told us regarding the investigation, it'd be more of a risk being somewhere out in the open like that, now."

"Just make sure to let everyone know, then," Morgana said. Kyoko nodded and took out her phone, sending a message in the chat log.

"...Her use to us aside," Kyoko said suddenly, catching Morgana's attention again.

"Hm?" the cat asked.

"...Even if she couldn't... I can't leave her like that," Kyoko said. "I can see that I've shut myself off from people for too long before coming here, or saw them as a means to an end after..."

Morgana nodded in understanding, recalling when Kyoko had shared that part of her past with Ann. "You're thinking about your friend, aren't you?"

Kyoko nodded. "Losing her, my grandfather said it was her own fault for making me doubt her, but..." the young detective shook her head. "...That's wrong. I wasn't close enough when I should have been, and I went with what he said because I think I didn't want to care enough to hurt like that again from a mistake."

"You desensitized yourself and made everyone witnesses and suspects again," Morgana said. "...But considering what led you here, I think you've always cared for people, no matter how much he told you to put detective work first, or how the truth takes no sides."

"...So did she. It was why she became a detective in the first place, and worked to become as good as she was to the point she likely could have made it into Hope's Peak," Kyoko said, her folded arms tightening ever so slightly into an embrace as thoughts of Big Sis, and her final letter to her passed through her mind. "...If using the Metaverse can cure Futaba of what's keeping her from getting past this, it's the least I can do for Sojiro... and her."

?/?

"Futaba Sakura?!" the prosecutor, Sae Niijima gasped, her eyes wide in shock. "She had one of these "Palaces" as well?!"

Kyoko nodded silently, still sore from her injuries she'd received from her previous interrogator.

"Hold on," Niijima said abruptly, as realization came to her. "...So while Medjed was targeting you, you chose to deal with someone entirely unrelated to them?"

"Medjed was... an unseen enemy," Kyoko said. It still hurt to talk, especially after all she'd shared.

The prosecutor looked down at the table pensively. "...But then how was Medjed," she pondered, before shaking her head as she returned to the previous topic, bringing her hand to her chin as she sat back in her chair and regarded the girl seated across from her. "...What you said about the Sakura family generally falls in line with our investigation, it appears you aren't feeding us false testimony."

Kyoko stifled a cough. "It's all true," she said, leaning forward despite her injuries, taking breaths when she needed to. "It'd be... detrimental to lie to you, now..."

"Well, if you're lucid enough despite the jabs you were given, you can go back to your story," Niijima said, folding her arms. "It's still unclear to us as to how the Phantom Thieves ultimately dealt with Medjed since their identities are unknown. Would that be within your skills as a detective, Kirigiri?"

Kyoko shook her head. "My... specialty is murder cases. It's why, prior, I was... also investigating the incidents..." she said. "If you look up my... DSC file, you'll have proof cybercrime isn't my area of expertise."

Niijima gave an understanding nod. "Very well, I suppose we could look into that if it can be used as evidence in your defense. Tell me something coherent, and I may have an easier time believing you on how you succeeded..."

Kyoko regarded the woman across the table from her, it was evident she was willing to give her a chance. The sound of a chain link shattered within the recesses of her mind, as if in response.

"Still, to think the Phantom Thieves would have their hideout in the home of Wakaba Isshiki's daughter," Niijima said, shaking her head in disbelief. "...What a coincidence... or perhaps it really was fate..."

The prosecutor took a moment to checked her watch, before returning her attention back to the girl in front of her. "...Regardless, we don't have time to waste. Continue with your story..."

A/N: At last! Another chapter completed! Decided to change the text style for Kyoko to just go with the others. Also being on vacation from work this week I hope to get a head start on the next FM chapter. Look forward to Futaba's Palace next time(I'd forgotten how much the pacing slowed during this part)! Also, Kyoko being the ultimate high school detective, I felt it made sense she would suspect and accurately deduce a lot of things regarding this sooner, though others she'd require more information on to go beyond merely a hunch, as well as bring some differences to her confidant rankings in this chapter(like she'd be more proactively concerned with Kawakami, and NOT inexplicably praising Mika's rotten behavior regarding Ann to the point of being willing to argue with both).

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 7

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 6

XV - The Devil: Rank 2

XVII - The Star: Rank 1

XVIII - The Moon: Rank 4

XIX - The Sun: Rank 4

XX - Judgement: Rank 2

1 - The Councillor: Rank 5

? - Faith: Rank 3

Kyoko's Personas: Shiisaa, Nigi Mitama, Suzaku, Flauros, High Pixie, Leanan Sidhe, Orthrus, Sandman, Phoenix, Izanagi