Captain Blues: Ahoy-hoy! Captain Blues of the SS FleetingDream is here and it's time for another chapter. Here we go!

Persona V: Reversing the Wheel of Fate
Chapter Forty-Three

[Opening Scene: Shibuya – Shibuya Streets (Nighttime)
Theme of Shibuya (Night): Etheria from Persona 2: Innocent Sin]

Hifumi and Makoto walked the streets of Shibuya in silence, both making sure to keep themselves close to the extravagant building where Haru stayed. While the two walked together, there were no words exchanged between them due to how deep in thought the duo was in.

For Makoto, her question had been answered surprisingly, but knowing that Ren and his team managed to gain untold powers from accepting their Shadows was shocking to her. How in the world could she accept her increasingly hostile Shadow? And if she did, would she gain the power of a Persona as well?

For Hifumi, she was weirded out by the fact that she had just been eating with the Phantom Thieves and the fact that Haru seemed to be suffering from the same problem. No one had outright said it, but the way Shiho looked at her, along with Makoto and herself when she was referring to their issue and the way she looked as apprehensive as Makoto and herself had cinched it to her.

But the problem for Hifumi was how could she accept the Shadow's words about her mother? Her mother had been there since her father passed away. Sure, she wasn't the perfect mother, but she was still her mom.

In unison, Makoto and Hifumi sighed before turning to each other. "Seems we're both in the same boat," Makoto said with a faint smile.

"Yeah," Hifumi confirmed. "I don't know how I'm going to do this. She's my mom….She can't be as bad as my Shadow says."

"And I don't know how I can reconcile the things my Shadow has said and done to me," Makoto said. "Even if there is a chance that I could have a Persona…."

The two sighed again.

"Well, Rome wasn't built in a day," Hifumi muttered. "We know what we must do. We can wait a while until it's able to be done."

"Yeah," Makoto agreed.

"Glad to be on the same wavelength," Hifumi tried to joke.

Makoto let out a weak chuckle and nodded.

For now, they were at a stalemate with their Shadows, and while they knew something had to give eventually, they would just wait it out.

"Let's get back to Haru's," Hifumi said. "I think we've done enough thinking for now."

"That we can agree on," Makoto groaned out. "But first. I have to know. What's going on with you and Haru?"

Hifumi let out a laugh.

"How much time do you have, Makoto-san?" Hifumi asked.

[Scene Change: Shibuya – Okumura Residence (Nighttime)
Theme of Meeting: Paulownia Mall from Persona 3]

"So, we have a lot of work to do tomorrow," Joker summarized. "We're going to try and convince Yusuke to give us any information we can to take Madarame down. Worst case, we may have to go around him."

"You think he's willing to help?" Skull asked. "I mean, he was deep in the kool-aid when we asked about it the first time."

"I agree," Panther muttered. "We may need to keep him out of it entirely until we have concrete proof. Otherwise, I fear he might be even more resistant to hearing the truth."

Joker was silent for a second, his mind briefly flashing to a horrified Yusuke staring at Madarame in some clothing that reminded him of a Shogun, his eyes glowing an eerie yellow.

Joker shook his head and narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "You might have a point," Joker conceded. "But, call it a gut feeling, but I think we're going to encounter an issue where Yusuke will find out one way or another."

"And when Joker has a gut feeling…." Skull began.

"We always follow it!" Panther and Lioness exclaimed, while Beauty Thief chuckled and Yūki looked confused.

Joker laughed at this and said, "Let's try to get him on our side. While he was resistant earlier today, I think he was touched that we cared. If we go about it like that, I think it will lower his defenses, even if he resists again."

The group nodded.

"Meanwhile, we still need to figure out what to do about Hifumi, Makoto, and you, Beauty Thief," Lioness said. "Right now, as much as I hate to say it, you three are ticking time bombs."

"Yeah, we can't have what happened to Yūki happen to us again," Panther groaned out. "That was not a fun experience."

"Seriously, we all came close to death," Skull added as he rubbed his left knee. "Still sore…."

Beauty Thief sighed and said, "Makoto and Hifumi are our main concern. I can deal with what is going on by myself." Sensing an upcoming argument, she quickly added, "But if it gets really bad, I….I will….I will ask for help. I promise."

The other Phantom Thieves exchanged glances before Joker murmured, "Alright. But eventually, you need to let go of this hang-up you have and let us help."

"I know," Beauty Thief murmured.

Just then, the door opened and Hifumi and Makoto walked in, with Mona slipping in behind them quickly. "Welcome back. We're still in our meeting," Yūki chirped out.

"Meeting?" Makoto asked.

"Yeah, our Phantom Thief meeting," Skull said.

"It's good that you guys came back at this time, because this pertains to all of us," Joker told them.

"Pull up a chair and join us," Panther invited as she waved them over. The two girls nodded and sat down with the group.

"Since you guys aren't official Phantom Thieves yet, I don't think you two have to worry but since you guys know who we are, I wanted to inform you both of this," Joker explained. "Earlier today at Café LeBlanc, Skull, Panther and I met with—"

"Wait, whose Skull and Panther?" Hifumi asked.

"That's us," Skull said as he pointed to himself and Panther. "See, official Phantom Thieves of Hearts have codenames. Mine is Skull, hers is Panther."

"I'm Lioness," Lioness said. "And this adorable little guy is Mona."

"Hey! I'm not adorable!" Mona cried out, despite biting back a purr as Lioness petted him before finally giving in with a purr. "Damn you Lioness and your soft hands."

"I'm Beauty Thief, but I'm working on it," Beauty Thief told Hifumi, who grinned in response.

"You aren't wrong there, Miss Thief," Hifumi said, causing Beauty Thief to blush and look away, a smile on her face.

Lioness, Yūki, and Panther looked giddy while Joker and Makoto looked amused.

Skull and Mona just looked confused.

"And I'm Joker," Joker concluded.

"Wait! I don't have a codename!" Yūki suddenly realized.

"Oh shit, he has a point," Skull said.

"I have the perfect one in mind too," Yūki said with a smile. "Mage! Simple and perfect."

"It kind of makes sense, seeing his suit and all," Panther said, approving of the codename.

Mona, Joker, and Skull nodded in agreement before Joker said, "Then Mage, welcome to the Phantom Thieves."

Mage squealed and said, "I-I won't let any of you down ever again."

"We sure hope so," Panther said.

Makoto and Hifumi exchanged glances before Makoto asked, "Should we come up with codenames too?"

"I mean, you aren't officially thieves yet but if you want, you can," Lioness said.

"I don't have a Persona, but I'm still a thief," Beauty Thief said.

"Okay….Now I feel pressured," Makoto joked before she looked at Hifumi and asked, "You have anything?"

"I actually do. Call me "Champ" for now," Hifumi said. "I'm sure I'll have a better one if I ever decide to become a thief."

"Hm, President then," Makoto said. "Just as a placeholder. But why have codenames?"

"In case anyone decides to listen in on us," Skull said.

"Plus, it's kind of fun," Beauty Thief added, causing President and Champ to chuckle.

"Fair enough," President said.

"Alright, perfect," Joker said. "Now, like I was saying, Skull, Panther, and I encountered someone today before we went to Madarame's exhibit. His name was Hasegawa Zenkichi. He's a police inspector from Kyoto. Here to investigate mental shutdowns," Joker explained.

"I know him," President announced with surprise, causing everyone to look at her. "He and my sister are investigating the Phantom Thieves, along with the mental shutdowns."

"Your sister?!" Panther yelled.

"Are you for real?!" Skull exclaimed.

President nodded. "Right after Kamoshida happened, he showed up as her partner. I don't know what they know so far, but I do know that showed up to our school to talk to a few of the teachers," President explained. "The Principal told me. Being his right hand gives me some perks."

Joker noticed the bitterness in President's voice as she said the last part and tilted his head curiously. "But, you're right to be cautious. We'll stay clear of him," President concluded.

"Hopefully, we can keep ourselves out of your sister's gaze as well," Lioness said. "Things have certainly risen in difficulty."

"It's nothing we can't handle," Mona told them. "The Phantom Thieves must always be prepared for a difficulty spike."

The group nodded, while President and Champ exchanged glances in confusion.

"Alright, it's getting pretty late. Let's get some shut-eye, yeah?" Skull said.

Joker nodded and said, "Meeting adjourned."

[Theme of Okumura Residence: Have a Short Rest from Persona 5]

"Whew, let's get some sleep," Ryuji yawned out as he stood up from his chair and stretched.

"Same here," Ann yawned as she covered her mouth.

"Mishima-san, Makoto-san, Hifumi-chan, I'll lead you two our guest rooms," Haru said as she shared a secretive look to Hifumi, who gave a subtle nod in response. The trio walked down the hall while the rest of the Phantom Thieves stayed behind.

"To think, it was only just us a short time ago," Shiho murmured.

"Our little group is growing," Ryuji sniffed out. "I'm so proud."

"Such a dork," Ann said to the blonde beside her with a nudge of her hips against his, her tone fond.

"I don't know what the future holds, but we could have more help soon," Morgana stated as he leaped onto Ren's shoulders.

"We have Today may have had a few twists and turns. But hopefully, tomorrow would have some smooth sailing," Ren stated. "But we have a big day tomorrow. We're putting everything we can into our mission, so let's rest up for it," Ren told them with a small grin of his own.

[Scene Change: Shibuya – Madarame's Shack (Morning)
Theme of Madarame's Shack: Disquiet from Persona 5]

"Well, that sucked," Ren grumbled as he pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance.

"I can't believe he threatened to call the police on us," Yūki groaned out.

"I can't believe he wants Ren and Ann butt-ass naked for his artwork," Morgana said.

Ryuji seethed while Shiho stood beside him, clearly displeased beside him.

"He's totally out of his mind if he thinks Ren and I are getting modeled in the nude!" Ann shrieked. "How dare he?!"

"Like it's not even semi-nude, but full nude," Shiho murmured.

"Yeah! How dare that Yusuke?!" Morgana exclaimed. "Trying to get Lady Ann to be all n-naked and stuffs."

"Let's just drop it," Ann glumly muttered.

"Despite wanting to deck that guy in the face," Ryuji gritted out with balled-up fists. "We won't have to worry about that if we can change Madarame's heart before the exhibit ends."

"But Kitagawa-san thinks he owes his life to him," Yūki told the group. "Is there a need to make Madarame confess?"

"If we don't, Ren and Lady Ann are going to bare it all!" Morgana exclaimed.

"We are not," Ren and Ann said in unison.

"Besides Mishima, Madarame's no different from Kamoshida. That asshole's using Yusuke, who doesn't even have parents," Ryuji responded. "Are you telling me that we should just ignore how he's being treated horribly like the other pupils?!"

Yūki flinched and bowed his head. "N-No," Yūki whimpered. "I'm sorry…."

Ryuji's eyes softened before he reached down to ruffle Yūki's hair. "Hey," Ryuji began. "No need to apologize. I ain't mad or nothing. It just burns me up that he's just fine with suffering under that dickhead."

"I agree," Shiho said. "As frustrating as it is seeing Kitagawa-san defend him, many others suffered under Madarame's cruel hands. It would be irresponsible for us to leave this alone, even if Kitagawa-san still loves him."

"Yeah," Ann sighed out. "So, what's the next step?"

"We investigate his palace. It should have calmed down from the incident, so it might be safe," Ren answered.

"Yeah. Not to mention, there might be more shit that we can uncover about that slimy asshole," Ryuji declared as he punched his left palm.

"And it'll be easier to investigate his palace since his mind is preoccupied with his exhibit," Morgana confidently tacked on.

"Not to mention, Yusuke did say that there would be "inconveniences" if he was late with his next project, which could mean that he might be punished," Ann worried.

"It could also mean that we're Madarame's next work of art," Ren speculated in a thinking pose.

Shiho and Ryuji stilled as Morgana uttered, "That means you two will be nude for the whole to see…."

"We need to stop this," Ryuji and Shiho remonstrated.

"Agreed," Yūki added on. "Should we start right away?"

"Let's give our bodies one more day to rest," Ren answered as he crossed his arms.

"Hey! Can I talk to you kids for a second?" A voice chimed in from behind them, causing them to turn around to see a familiar face.

"Hey, I know you," Ren said. "You were at Café LeBlanc the other day, talking to Sojiro-san."

"And Mishi and I saw you interviewing Madarame yesterday," Ryuji tacked on.

"Well," The woman began with a sly smirk. "Seems my reputation as a flirt and a reporter has proceeded me." The woman then chuckled. "Ichiko Ohya is the name. Finding out info is my gain."

"How can we help you?" Shiho asked.

"You see, I was walking around town, taking in the sights before going to my watering hole," Ohya began. "When I happened to come across a few kids. Now I said to myself, I said "Self? Those might be some kids that might know Madarame's pupils. I should ask about the "Sayuri" to see if they know anything about it being stolen in the past." But low and behold, that group of kids turned out to be the infamous, "Shujin Six." What a surprise."

"The Shujin Six?" Ren questioned.

"That's what everyone's calling you guys. Amamiya Ren, Sakamoto Ryuji, Takamaki Ann, Suzui Shiho, Mishima Yūki, and the missing member Okumura Haru. Have none of you paid attention to the news?" Ohya questioned, amused.

"Not in the slightest," Ren answered, speaking for his group.

"Why are we even called that anyway?!" Ryuji barked out.

"Because your names were the names Kamoshida gave out in his confession," Ohya drawled out. "You know? That huge confession that sent him on a one-way ticket to the darkest prison imaginable?"

"Wait, before we get too off-topic," Shiho interrupted. "You mentioned a painting being stolen?"

"Ah! Yes," Ohya began. "So, the story on street is that Madarame's famed painting, the "Sayuri" was supposedly stolen in the past. Rumors say it was a student that stole it in retaliation for being abused. Would any of you infamous ragamuffins know anything about that?"

"First I've heard of it," Ren answered. "You guys know anything?"

"I don't know anything about anything."

"Nope."

"Sorry but I don't know anything regarding that."

"I-I'm sorry, but I have no idea."

"Damn," Ohya swore. "Well, there's no case if there is no victim. And with no victim, means no abuse. And If no abuse, there's nothing to write about." Ohya's shoulders slumped as she sighed. "Looks like I'm back at square one. Sorry for wasting your time."

Ohya then reached into her fanny pack and pulled out a business card and handed it to Ren. "If you guys happen to find any leads….Or if you want to do an interview regarding your time dealing with Kamoshida's madness, feel free to reach out."

"Okay," Ren replied.

"Thanks," Ohya said with a smile as she turned away. She then paused, turned around, and said to Ren. "And if you see Sojiro, tell him I said hey." Ohya gave him a wink before she walked away, leaving the group alone.

"So she heard the rumors too," Ann whispered.

Ren stared at the business card and said, "I'll hold on to this. She might come in handy one day. Come on, let's head back to Haru's. We're supposed to go out for brunch and we have to wake her up for it."

[Scene Change: Shibuya – Madarame's Shack (Morning)
Theme of Thy True Self: Bomb Shelter from Persona 2: Innocent Sin (PSP Ver)]

Yusuke watched the group of teens leave through his window with a bitter frown on his face as the laughter of his replica was heard behind him. "You really showed them. They reached out to you and like a good puppet, you shooed them away with a threat. You are so loyal. Maybe that mockery of an artist will pat you on your malnourished stomach for a job well done!"

"Shut up," Yusuke trembled. "They were threatening him…."

"Just like he threatens to not feed you," his replica shot back. "But like a good little boy, you defend him. But we both know, your show of loyalty won't satisfy him. The only thing that will satisfy him is your next masterpiece."

Yusuke remained silent.

"But what do I know? I'm only your true self, after all. I'm not your master," the replica hissed out, suddenly behind Yusuke, his glowing yellow eyes piercing through Yusuke's soul through the window's reflection. "But eventually, something has got to give. I wonder what will happen when he finds you no longer useful….And I'm betting you, he's coming to that conclusion very soon….I wonder, how will he reward your loyalty then? Will he continue to starve you? Will he discard you like he did Natsuhiko-nii? Or, will he be creative in his punishment this time?"

"I guess we'll find out. Enjoy your brief moment of having the spine to stand against the people who want to stop him and save you. Enjoy being loyal to the true monster of your tale…." the replica smirked before fading away, leaving Yusuke alone in his workshop, his body trembling as tears fell from his eyes.

Captain Blues: And that is the end of this chapter. Until the next one!