Welcome to the New Year of 2020! I mean 2021! Dammit! UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona! I feel like I've gotten a new start this year. I got a real job now! I don't make money but it's something I've wanted to do…write about video games. I'm finally moving on with life, something I never thought I'd ever do. I'm still gonna work on fan fiction but…it feels good to know that I'm finally making something of myself.
Onto the reviews. To WX-Lazer: Well, it's supposed to be different. Akira and Homura won't get the same Rank Up things just to make things a bit more unique. To XxExtremeSamX: It…It is a Kiara reference. I fell down the holohole and haven't climbed out of it yet. To alalaude hibari: …Ugh…She wasn't meant to be, it was supposed to be a one off thing/insult but my collaborator pushed for it.
Anyways, that's it! Now let's hasten our heist!
Load Game…Start!
Chapter 62: Unexpected Decisions and Meetings
(6/24, Early Morning)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
Homura let out a yawn, quickly noticing her roommate wasn't in the futon with her. However, she soon frowned as she didn't hear the sounds of food being cooked nor a bath being prepared like she expected.
It couldn't be that she left for school already?
Or kidnapped.
Stupid paranoia.
After putting a shirt on, she left the bedroom to see her roommate working on her idea. "Sis?" Homura called out.
This in turn perked the Vice Leader up as she turned to the tan skinned girl. "Ah, good morning Homu-nee." Asuka greeted before a yawn escaped her lips as she went back to work. "Alright, it's been twenty notes since he was called a pissbaby so I think that's the appropriate time to call him that again..." She then mumbled to herself.
"You're already working on that? This early?" Homura however asked.
"Well, we have to get through all this eventually. I'm just making a dent." Asuka replied before sighing. "God, my arms are tired..." She then confessed.
"I'll make breakfast. Take a small break." Homura replied.
"Woohoo! Homu-nee breakfast!" Asuka happily cheered, right before flopping over the table. "Urgh..." She soon groaned in exhaustion.
Homura meanwhile sweatdropped as she made her way to the kitchen. She was going to cook up a feast for their breakfast.
And so she opened the fridge and...saw that they were already low on food.
...Okay, so much for the feast, but she could still make something great with what she has.
So with that, Homura went to the sink to wash her hands and then got to work preparing herself and her roommate for the day.
(Shinjuku, New Moon Apartment Complex)
The Kosei Student President had just finished her shower as she looked at herself in the mirror in a curious manner with her hair in a bundle from a towel. "Is this cute enough?" Yumi thought as she looked at herself. She had to nail down the pose but this seemed to be leaning towards sexy rather than cute.
Although, she was wet and naked so maybe she should try it again once she was wearing a cute outfit.
Or maybe it was the face? Goodness, what does the Vice Leader do when she wants the tan skinned girl of their group to obey her commands...
"Yumi-san? Are you done with your shower yet?" Makoto however asked in concern.
"Huh?" Yumi got out. Oh no, she must've spent at least half an hour posing in front of the mirror so she quickly tied a towel around her body and left the bathroom. "I apologize for making you wait." She soon apologised before blinking as she saw her temporary roommate cooking.
"You spent an awful lot of time in there, Yumi..." Makoto pointed out as she finished placing the food on a plate.
"Oh, you made breakfast for us?" Yumi questioned as she sat herself down.
"Well I didn't want to put all the work on you." Makoto replied while explaining her reason. "I may be your guest, but it doesn't mean I should slack on my duties." She then added.
"Well, I don't mind but please allow me to cook dinner tonight in exchange." Yumi replied and offered in return.
"That's fine." Makoto responded. "But hopefully I won't be here any longer." She soon admitted before realising how rude that sounded. "I don't mean that by any offense." She then added.
"No, it's fine. When you leave, I will truly know that Kaneshiro will never bother us again." Yumi stated. "...And if he does I simply freeze him from the neck down." She then stated.
Makoto meanwhile blinked in disbelief when she heard that. "Are you guys usually this brutal?" She soon asked.
"Oh no. We usually aren't." Yumi replied while shaking her head. "It is just that he is threatening the lives of teenagers such as us and we feel as though he needs to be punished in a way that does not include death so we can prove our justice." She then explained in a serious tone.
"...You know, I thought I would be doing this for my father." Makoto muttered out. "Kaneshiro killed him, even if it was just with a few words. I thought I would be willing to just...do something to him, other than change his heart." She soon confessed in a slightly fear filled manner.
"Well...From what I heard, Ann-san was given the option to kill that gym teacher for all the crime he had committed." Yumi informed with a groan. "I don't think the others will stop you if you decide to end that stain's life." She then admitted.
"...Have you killed before Yumi-san? I mean as a shinobi..." Makoto suddenly asked in a hesitant tone, though she already felt as though she knew what the answer was going to be.
"...Yes." Yumi responded in a more serious tone. "No shinobi goes through this life without having blood on their hands. Every fight I get into could be my last. We fight to kill, never to merely incapacitate, unless the mission or the situation dictates it." She soon explained.
"...Is it ever easier?" Makoto hesitantly questioned.
"No, but you get used to it." Yumi mumbled out. "Shinobi straddle between life and death every day, it's just part of our lives. It's just that not everyone is cut out for it." She then added.
"Well...I didn't expect most people to be mentally sound after signing yourself up to risk life and limb on a daily basis." Makoto got out with a sad sigh.
"It comes with the life sadly. You can't really change it." Yumi got out with a shrug. "Everyone has to be a little crazy to be a shinobi. The training is brutal, your life isn't a top priority in most cases, and all you can do is hurt others."
"..." Immediately, the two were silent as they looked down at their barely touched food.
"I'm sorry. Just...Just became a little introspective. We're supposed to be enjoying the lovely breakfast you made." Yumi apologized.
"No no, I was the one who asked in the first place Yumi-san." Makoto replied in a comforting tone. "This just means I wouldn't be cut out to become a shinobi." She then admitted in a sheepish manner.
"If you feel that way. It's ultimately your choice in the end." Yumi stated. "But...we are training in case we do need to fight shinobi in the real world. Our actions will catch their attention sooner or later."
Makoto in turn nodded to that. "True, we need to be prepared for any situation for the upcoming days." She admitted in agreement. "...Homura-san's training won't hurt too much, right?"
"For a civilian...yes." Yumi replied in confirmation.
"Good to know." Makoto muttered out as she began to eat her food before pausing. "...Wait, by yes do you mean it will hurt or it won't?" She soon asked in confusion.
"Yes." Yumi simply answered.
"...Good to know." Makoto responded once more with a sweatdrop as the two went on with their morning as they got ready.
(6/24, Afternoon)
(Shujin Academy, Classroom)
"Another day, another class with Inui-sensei huh?" Asuka whispered to her roommate.
"Yep." Homura quietly replied. "I wonder what other off-topic question he'll ask the class today." She soon wondered as she looked at the Leader. He seemed a little distracted today.
"...You think tomorrow might be bad?" Akira whispered out.
"Are you having second thoughts?" Morgana replied with another question.
"Yeah..." Akira answered as he tapped his heel under his desk. "Maybe a little more time would be best." He then added.
"Well, it is your call, Akira." Morgana reminded. "Do what you think is best for the team." He then added.
Akira quickly nodded to that as he returned his focus to the class.
"I think I'm getting a little into shinobi this year." Inui suddenly admitted, unaware that he caught the attention of the group as a result. "And when I see the media's depiction of ninjas, I can't help but feel a little annoyed. For example, the black clothing they are often depicted wearing is stemmed from Japanese theatre - where stagehands would wear black to indicate that the audience should ignore them. In reality, they used more appropriate clothing, maybe a midnight blue to help conceal themselves with the night sky." He then explained.
"We don't even bother concealing anything with our Thief outfits. Not even our bodies." Ann thought.
"However, I can't help but find myself chuckling whenever they use more magical abilities, like substitution with a log or creating clones." Inui continued before his eyes looked over the class. "Shinkukage-san!" He soon called out.
"Yes sir?" Homura responded as she stood up from her seat.
"Where did the myth that shinobi could become invisible come from?" Inui questioned as the tan skinned girl thought about it.
Meisaigakure no Jutsu!
They dressed as peasants.
They were never caught.
"They dressed as peasants." Homura answered with a smile. "Basic shinobi history." She meanwhile thought in a confident manner.
"Correct. Those in the upper class would never take a second glance at someone dressed in cheaper than their shoes." Inui stated as the tan skinned girl pumped her fist while she sat back down. "They were merely tricked by their own perception of reality. Psychological. To them, those people were invisible - they may as well didn't exist to them, which left them vulnerable to assassination or allowed them to steal their secrets right their nose." He soon revealed.
"I could've gotten that..."
"Shut up, dumbass. You got under Sakamoto last exam."
"She's really smart! Maybe she can help me do my homework."
"Isn't that due next period?"
"I know who I'm cheating off of!"
"Maybe she's not so bad after all..."
"The usual dumb remarks but they aren't as bad as they were at the beginning of the year." Homura thought as she heard more and more positive whispers.
"Your reputation is improving, Homu-nee." Asuka whispered to her roommate with a giddy smile.
"Indeed, it feels pretty good." Homura admitted with a smile to the praise she was getting while also feeling her Knowledge and Maturity increasing as a result.
"Ninjas did nothing to dispel these rumors. They actually encouraged them to make their enemies fear them and instill paranoia. Psychological warfare is just as effective as physical warfare so be careful what you say. Words can hit as hard as a punch to the gut." Inui soon revealed.
"Although, I don't think using a your mom joke would stop them from stabbing you through the ribs." Akira idly thought.
"So they were tricked by their own cognition." Morgana remarked. "Hm, I wonder if we'll ever meet a helpful cognition. Well, one where we didn't have to threaten, I mean." He then muttered to himself.
Akira just shrugged before looking out the window.
His heart stopped as he spotted an adult male with sunglasses at the front gate, on his phone while he looked at the school.
It was definitely one of Kaneshiro's goons scoping out the school. He was trying to be subtle, but nothing escaped Third Eye.
"They're ramping up." Akira growled out as he took out his phone. "Change of plans..." He soon decided.
[TheWildJ0ker: PT meeting after school. Be there or be square.]
[Shut7heFUp: Where are you from? Inaba?]
[Sweetkat06: I think that's more a Samuru City type of thing. . .]
[All4Painting: So soon, Joker?]
[Road2Queen: I won't question your judgement, Akira. We'll be there.]
Akira put away his phone just as the teacher started to look up at the confused expression of his friends in the corner of the room. The Leader merely waved at the teacher, who then shrugged and continued the lesson.
(6/24, After School)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
As expected, the three shinobi girls were the first to make it to the Shirokage-Shinkukage apartment complex as they were settling themselves in to wait for the others.
"You've been doing all that?" Yumi questioned with a raised eyebrow. "Just to heighten the effect of the calling card." She then added.
"Hey, one of Morgana-chan's number one rules: being a Phantom Thief includes being bold and stylish as well,and you can't get any bolder than this."
"Well, you are certainly going all-out, that's for sure." Yumi muttered out. It was completely unnecessary, but they wanted to go that extra mile to just screw with Kaneshiro.
"I'm surprised we're meeting up again so soon." Homura admitted.
"Hai, it was a surprise when he messaged me during class." Yumi replied in agreement as she sat herself down.
"Maybe this meeting will be about visiting Mementos." Asuka meanwhile suggested. "Get some training in, clear some requests, get more loot for when we steal the Treasure." She then listed off the possibilities.
"Oh yes, we still have to return the money, Homura-san." Yumi soon remembered. "Would you be up to doing that today if we do not go into Mementos?" She then suggested.
"Why, I would be delighted, Yumi-senpai." Homura replied with a smile. "This would be the only time we would be like modern day Robin Hoods." She then added.
"You two get along so well." Asuka meanwhile got out with a smile. "To think you would've fought more thanks to the whole Good and Evil Shinobi conflict." She then added.
"Well, if it was under any other circumstance, I would think it would at least be one born of respect." Yumi admitted before letting out an awkward chuckle. "But then again, I would probably try and burn down your academy first." She soon confessed.
"How would you do that if you only know ice techniques?" Asuka had to ask.
"Shinobi standard bombs of course." Yumi simply answered. "Hm, given the enemies we face I probably should've brought some" She then admitted.
"Hey, we were here to gather info about all those incidents so bombs would be overkill." Homura pointed out. "Honestly, we're the closest to learning the cause of them in two years, and we're still just wandering in the dark hoping to find something." She then added.
"Black Mask" Asuka meanwhile muttered. "Do you think they infiltrated Kaneshiro's Palace too? Like Madarame's?" She soon asked.
"Unlikely." Yumi replied while shaking her head. "Kaneshiro covers his tracks rather well, and even then they wouldn't have access to the bank since they're probably not a customer like Makoto-san." She then explained.
"Hm, I guess you're right." Asuka mumbled out with a shrug.
"In any case though Yumi-senpai, we will take down Kaneshiro without fail when the time comes." Homura replied with calm confidence.
"Hai." Yumi replied with a nod before noticing something as she looked at the smiling Vice Leader. "Oh, y-you know about Homura-san calling me senpai Asuka-san?" She suddenly asked in awkward realization.
"Yup!" Asuka happily replied. "I'm just glad you two are getting along." She then confessed. "Has Homu-nee been a good student Yumi-chan?" She soon asked in a curious manner.
Yumi in response smiled as a sigh escaped her lips. "Homura-san has been a wonderful student." She soon confessed. "I mean she has her rough moments while training, but that was bound to happen." She then added.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"I'll get it." Asuka got out before the others could and opened the door. "Akira-kun. Morgana-chan." She soon greeted.
"Hey." The Leader and the not cat replied as they stepped inside.
"Where are the others?" Yumi questioned as Akira sat down and let Morgana out of his bag.
"They're all going with Makoto to make sure she gets here safe." Morgana informed.
"Then shouldn't you be with them?" Homura then asked.
"I was, but I decided to go ahead and check if the building is safe." Akira answered as he flashed Third Eye. "It is, by the way." He then informed.
"So cautious..." Asuka noted with a frown of concern. "What brought up this type of safety?" She had to ask.
Suddenly, the remaining members of the group burst through the door, the two of them looking like they had just escaped a monster.
"Shut the door! Shut and lock the effin' door!" Ryuji ordered in a frantic manner as he and the Shujin Student Council President caught their breaths.
"Makoto-senpai, what's wrong!?" Homura asked in concern as the ash blonde locked the door.
"I was being followed here." Makoto informed, her voice shaking as she went further into the apartment. "I managed to lose him but they definitely know I'm here in this general area. Maybe even the building." She then revealed.
"Shit." Akira swore out. He had a bad feeling about something like this since classes ended and learning that just proved it. "Shinobi Kekkai! Now!" He soon ordered in a dead serious tone.
"Hai!" Yumi responded as she performed the requisite hand signs. "Shinobi Kekkai!" She declared they vanished without a trace.
(Yumi's Shinobi Kekkai)
And were immediately brought to the light blue tinted field of snow.
"Okay, hopefully they'll give up and leave the area soon." Akira breathed out as he sat down on the soft snow. "I should've stuck around..." He then muttered to himself.
"It's fine, Leader. We're all safe so don't worry about it." Makoto breathed out before sitting down herself, though shivered a bit from the sudden cold she felt. Those goons had chased them through the streets after Ryuji tripped them (with Ann causing some chaos by pointing at them and shouting molester, which led to some nearby policemen tackling them to the ground) and the dyed blond's injured leg didn't make things easier.
"S-Shit, this place is c-cold though!" Ryuji however exclaimed with chattering teeth while rubbing his arms. "Is everything themed around ice for ya, Yumi!?" He then asked. Well, complained.
"It's not that cold, Ryuji." Homura sighed out as she shook her head.
"Says the freaking human firestarter..." Ryuji grumbled to himself as he sat down.
"What a magnificent scene senpai." Yusuke meanwhile praised while making a square with his hands. "If you wouldn't mind, I would like to paint this sometime." He then requested.
"Later. When we're not hiding from the mafia in a pocket dimension!" Ann called out as she put on her jacket. "Wow, that is a sentence I never thought I'd say." She then admitted in an awkward manner.
"They're getting closer. Kaneshiro and his men are getting closer to Makoto-chan." Asuka got out in a worried tone.
Akira in turn nodded to that while narrowing his eyes. "Yep. And that's why we're doing it tomorrow." He replied and revealed.
"Whoa whoa whoa! Are you serious!? Tomorrow!?" Ryuji got out in shock. "But we just finished it yesterday!" He then added.
"I know and I was thinking about pushing it back, but now I realize that we don't have the luxury of time here." Akira explained as he shook his head. "Kaneshiro has more than enough to ruin Makoto, and he can pull the trigger at any time he wants. And now that he's closing in on her, I know he's ready to fire. We need to do it as soon as possible, no arguments." He then stated in a dead serious tone.
The others meanwhile became silent to the reason from the Leader as they processed what he said.
"...Damn, you're right." Ryuji eventually replied in a frustrated manner. "We can't have him around much longer. She's in serious danger now." He then added.
"They're planning something big for her...I know it." Homura growled.
"And Sis will start to get suspicious if I stay at Yumi-san's place for too long." Makoto soon admitted. "...We do need to do this tomorrow." She then stated.
"Is everyone in agreement then?" Akira soon asked.
"Yeah. Let's take that bastard's heart." Ann replied with a determined expression on her face as everyone else nodded.
"Still..." Makoto suddenly started in a saddened tone, getting the group's attention. "This is all my fault that all this happened in the first place..." She soon confessed in shame. "I never should have-" She then started however...
SMACK!
"OW!" Makoto yelped out after being smacked over the head.
"Makoto, I will punch you so hard in the face if you say another word about blaming yourself or apologizing!" Ann interrupted and threatened, sick and tired of these repeated moments of self-blaming as she dusted off her hands. "No one blames you! No one cares anymore! So shut up and let's go kick Kaneshiro in his pudgy ass and be done with it already!" She then declared.
Makoto immediately winced to that as she rubbed one of her arms. "R-Right." She awkwardly responded before shaking her head. "Yeah...it's time to slaughter Kaneshiro like the gluttonous pig he is..." She then declared in a low tone.
"We're just expecting to fight him now, huh?" Ryuji however muttered out.
"It's pretty obvious going by the pattern so far Ryuji-kun." Asuka replied.
"And if he isn't there, we'll just hunt him down anyways." Homura stated as she cracked her knuckles. "For the principle of kicking his butt." She then added.
"Do you mean ass?" Ryuji however quipped out.
"Language." Yumi however chided. "...But kicking his ass is the appropriate word choice right now as he does not deserve politeness." She then informed the tan skinned girl with a giggle escaping her lips.
"Noted, swears for all scumbag people." Homura responded with a nod.
"Homura-san, do you think you and Asuka can help out with the Calling Card?" Makoto soon requested.
"We can't. Sorry, we uh...we were working on something special for the calling card already. We should be finished by tonight." Homura replied and revealed while the Vice Leader nodded.
"What is it then?" Akira questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Delivery method." Asuka answered. "We're gonna send the calling card personally. Scare him, you know?" She then added,
"I was about to ask about how we'd deliver it...then I remember we're friends with shinobi." Akira admitted with a smirk. "And well...I expect pictures." He then added.
Suddenly, the Vice Leader's eyes widened. "...Ooh~ You just added to the idea, Akira-kun!" Asuka happily declared with an excited gleam in her eyes.
"Happy to help out in any way." Akira chuckled in response.
"I guess we also have to save distributing the money later in the week" Yumi lamented.
"Don't worry, that money will be returned either way." Akira reassured.
"Man, this is startin' to get a little exciting." Ryuji admitted with a grin. "We're gonna take down someone even the police can't touch! We're gonna rub it in Akechi's face that his justice ain't enough!" He then added.
"Hm...It would be nice to wipe the smug smile off his face..." Makoto got out with her own smile.
"Ah yes, Akechi-san did harass you earlier Makoto-san." Yumi soon remembered.
"Not really harassing. Just...insulted me in my face."
"HE DID WHAT!?" Homura roared as a crimson fiery aura surrounded her while balling her hand into a fist.
"Don't get yourself worked up over him." Akira ordered with a frown. "We have bigger fish to fry tomorrow. Calm down." He then added.
Homura in turn did as such as the fiery aura faded. "...Dammit..." She grumbled out with a pout.
"He can think whatever he thinks. After the heist, we'll let the public decide if we're just." Mona stated with a nod.
"Everyone, since we only have this time, prepare yourselves." Akira ordered as he stood up. "I already sold off all the stuff we swiped in the Palace so I got the money to buy more stuff. Yumi, you mind doing a pickup at Untouchable? I'll take care of medicine while you take care of weapons and equipment." He then requested and explained as he handed over some money.
"Hai, Leader." The light grey haired girl responded. "I will ensure our equipment is top-notch and safe for the heist."
"Good. I want everyone firing off on all cylinders on this." Akira stated with a serious look on his face. "If we're gonna prove our justice to society, we're gonna have to make it big and loud." He then declared.
"Don't worry, Joker. We're gonna make it big and loud." Asuka assured with a rebellious smile.
And with that, the Kekkai dropped.
(Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
"Okay, now to sneak Makoto out of here." Akira breathed out as he looked out the window.
"Alright, me and Yusuke will head out and check if Kaneshiro's goons are still around." Ann offered before turning the light grey haired girl. "Yumi, can you stick to the shadows and knock them out if there is anyone?" She then requested.
"No...attacking will only make Kaneshiro go faster. Just scout ahead and inform us of any suspicious individuals." Yumi however suggested. "Ryuji-san, do you mind escorting her to the train station?" She then requested.
"Yeah." Ryuji replied as he stood up. "Oh wait, I have an idea! Uh, do you mind if we take some clothes from ya?" He soon asked.
"Ah, that's a good idea. Makoto-senpai can wear some of our clothes. That should throw them off." Homura admitted and stated. "Just return them once this whole mess is over." She then added.
"I know." Makoto responded before she headed into the bedroom, with the Vice Leader soon following after to help her get an outfit.
A few minutes later, Makoto came out with the tan skinned girl's green hoodie and a pair of jeans.
"I'll wash your uniform, Makoto-chan." Asuka offered.
"Thank you." Makoto breathed out. She'll need to pick it up tomorrow before school,
"So, how does it feel?" Homura meanwhile had to ask as looked at her friend.
"...The chest area is way too stretched and loose..." Makoto noted with an envious sigh while slightly tugging the clothes with a sigh. "It'll have to do though." She then stated as she put on a medical mask and put up the hood.
"That looks good." Yusuke remarked. "If they just don't look close enough you should slip by them." He then stated.
"Actually, I'll escort Makoto to the train station this time." Ann offered. "They saw Ryuji with her so it would be best if I take her from here instead." She then added.
"Alright. Just call us when the coast's clear." Ryuji replied with a nod.
Yusuke nodded as he headed out of the apartment.
"God this feels tense." Ryuji groaned out. "Is it going to be like this when we have to face shinobi?" He soon asked.
"Most likely." Morgana answered in a no-nonsense tone. "We may as well use this time to train a little. Work on our tactics and such." He then suggested.
"Sounds good." Homura responded as she cracked her knuckles. "Who do you want me to train Akira?" She then asked.
"...Asuka." Akira soon decided while handing the tan skinned girl some money.
That immediately brightened the Vice Leader's mood. "Ooh! I haven't trained with Homu-nee in a while so let's do this!" Asuka happily replied in excitement.
"Well...at least Asuka can survive Homura's training." Ann got out with a sweatdrop. "Good luck!" She then encouraged.
"Hai!" Asuka replied with a nod as she went and took her roommate's hand. "Ready?" She soon asked.
Homura in turn smirked as she pocketed the money. "Always." She replied in a confident manner.
"Shinobi Kekkai!" The two soon declared in unison as they vanished from the apartment.
"And there they go." Ryuji got out.
"I wonder how intense a real training session is..." Ann wondered out loud before shuddering.
"We would not survive." Akira bluntly stated.
"Shinobi are killed, even during training." Yumi pointed out before shaking her head. "Those poor souls who thought they could lift cars without the proper technique..."
"...You can lift cars?" Ann squeaked out in disbelief.
Just as the Thieves processed this information, Homura and Asuka suddenly popped back to reality.
"What!? You're already done!?" Morgana exclaimed.
"Yep. She didn't really do much, I wanted to keep Sis energetic today." Homura casually replied.
"Homu-nee just threw a bunch of shuriken and kunai and I dodged them all!" Asuka informed with a huge smile on her face. "Homu-nee promised me so many headpats! Woo! I feel so pumped up!" She then declared in a confident manner.
"That should not be your reaction." Makoto got out with a sweatdrop.
Asuka's Agility has increased!
"Hm, but that didn't seem so bad." Makoto soon admitted. Sure, she would probably get a few scrapes and bruises but she was sure the tan skinned girl wouldn't push her too hard. "I would like to train for real with you, Homura-san." She then requested, causing those that trained with her minus the Vice Leader to look at her in disbelief.
"Sounds like fun. But I won't hold back like in the gym." Homura replied and informed.
"Heh, I expect nothing less." Makoto responded with a smirk.
"I'll pray for you, Prez." Ryuji bluntly remarked.
BZZT! BZZT!
And with that, Akira picked up his phone.
[All4Painting: All clear for now. Take this chance to go.]
"Alright, go and head for the station." Akira got out before handing the Shujin Student Council President his knife. "Be careful." He then advised.
"...I will." Makoto responded with a nod as she hid the weapon underneath the jacket.
"Good luck making it back to Yumi-chan's place when you're done." Asuka replied.
"Yeah..." Makoto muttered out as she left the apartment.
Eventually, the rest of the group left to do their own tasks to prepare for the heist.
"Well, time to get back to work." Asuka breathed out in a determined manner.
"Actually Sis, can you go and buy some more groceries? We're out." Homura however requested before patting her head in a tender manner. "Don't worry, I'll keep going for you." She then reassured.
"Wait, we're already out!?" Asuka asked in shock. "But it feels like we just bought groceries!" She then pointed out.
"I used the last of it for breakfast this morning." Homura revealed. "And we've been treating everyone when we held past meetings." She then reminded.
"...And I've been buying way too many snacks." Asuka sheepishly admitted. "Ah, but we still have our Metaverse income. Okay, I'll head out." She soon decided as she went to leave the apartment. "Ooh, I can pick up a disposable camera too." She then added with a playful gleam in her eyes.
"Take care!" Homura called out as her roommate shut the door behind her. "We're gonna take down Kaneshiro with everything we've got! FULL THROTTLE!" She enthusiastically declared with a fire in her eyes while pumping a fist into the air before getting to work.
(Station Square)
Akira adjusted his glasses in a serious manner as he knew he was pushing it. However he knew they had to get done as quickly as possible as walked to the station. He still had the rest of the day ahead of him.
"As expected of a mafia boss to make things a pain for us." Morgana got out in annoyance.
"Never a dull moment." Akira mumbled out his response. "I swear, if I get confronted by someone, I'm gonna-" He then started, however...
"YOU!" A familiar young female voice called out in anger.
"...Me and my big mouth..." Akira thought with an eye twitch as he turned around to see a familiar face in kindergarten like clothes storming up to him. "Oh you gotta be kidding me..." He muttered in disbelief.
"I HAVE SOME-" Mirai started, however...
"RRRRRAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Morgana immediately roared as he jumped out of the bag and pounced towards the one that screamed.
SCRATCH SCRATCH SCRATCH SCRATCH!
"AAAAHHHH!" Mirai cried out as she tried to get the cat off her face. "BAD KITTY! BAD KITTY! HELP MEEEE...!" She then exclaimed in a panic while running in circles.
"YOU'RE TAKING HIM AWAY AGAIN AND I WON'T ALLOW IT THIS TIME!" Morgana soon accused.
This meanwhile caught the attention of people in the area as they watched the display...and then ignored the situation. Or filmed it.
"Morgana, Morgana calm down!" Akira called out as he pulled the black cat off the poor girl who was covered in light cuts now. "Mirai-san, right? I'm so sorry but my cat here doesn't like uh...your group after that first meeting." He then explained as he held the scratch happy cat before looking around. "Um, let's go somewhere a little more private." He soon suggested.
"Urgh..." Mirai groaned out in response before nodding, shaking the pain off and soon was guided over to somewhere with less people hanging around.
"Okay. . ." Akira breathed before checking the girl. "He didn't hurt you too bad? Need bandages...or a second eye patch?" He then asked.
"I'm fine, thank you!" Mirai growled as she shoved the boy away. "WHY DID YOU REJECT HER!?" She then suddenly screamed in anger.
Akira however raised an eyebrow to that. "What?" He got out in confusion.
"Haruka-sama, you stupid. . .JERK!" Mirai insulted while dramatically pointing at the boy. "You're a writer and that's the best you can come up with!?" She mentally screamed at herself.
"Ah, so that's what this is about." Morgana groaned out.
"...It's because I have no intention of dating her?" Akira answered, still unsure of why the girl was so...passionate about this.
"No one has ever rejected Haruka-sama's charm!" Mirai called out, jumping up and down in some vain attempt to be bigger than the boy. "And now thanks to you, she's become completely love-struck!" She then declared and accused while flailing her arms.
"...You're exaggerating." Akira deadpanned before frowning. "But fine, I'll...go break her heart right now if you're so upset about this." He soon offered. He was originally planning to visit her anyways.
"I didn't mean it like that! I just want to know why you did it in the first place and made her that way!" Mirai countered.
"It's...I'm not sure." Akira awkwardly admitted. "She just took an interest in me. And...what she thinks is love probably isn't what she's feeling." He then added in an uneasy tone.
"That sounds like an excuse and you know it!" Mirai countered once more in an accusing manner.
Akira soon decided to take a chance to change the subject. "You know what, let me get to know you more." He suddenly suggested. "I know enough about Haruka...well, way too much...but I never really got to know you." He then pointed out.
"Why would I-" Mirai however started, however...
GRRRR!
The sound of a stomach growling interrupted the young girl.
"...I guess you're hungry?" Akira soon guessed with a sweatdrop. Maybe that was why she was cranky.
Mirai in turn blushed to that. "...I haven't eaten since yesterday..." She meekly confessed.
Akira in turn sweatdropped to that as he thought of his painter friend. "And I'm guessing you didn't bring your wallet." He then deducted.
"I did...I just don't have it on me right now." Mirai soon admitted.
Akira couldn't help but chuckle to himself. "Then come with me." He soon replied as he took the girl's hand and guided her towards Central Street. "Big Bang Burger or the Diner, your pick." He then offered.
"..." Mirai blushed at his surprisingly warm touch just from the boy. "Big Bang Burger..." She soon decided in a meek manner.
Morgana meanwhile sighed to this. "I'm gonna explore for a bit. See you at Leblanc." He informed before walking
Akira in response nodded to that. "Then let's go." He soon replied with a smile.
"Did your kitty just walk off on it's own?" Mirai however asked.
"Morgana's really smart." Akira simply replied with any concern the duo headed out.
(Big Bang Burger)
Eventually the two arrived at the fast food restaurant as they waited on line.
"Y-You know you don't have to hold my hand..." Mirai mumbled out in embarrassment. "And people will get the wrong idea." She then added with her head blushing and steaming.
"Hm?" Akira innocently got out with a tilt with his head, though was mentally chuckling at his reaction. "Aw come on, is holding hands too lewd for someone like you?" He jokingly asked with a witty grin. His only response was the girl's head steaming even more.
"J-Just go and order something for me..." Mirai however grumbled out.
"Okay, okay." Akira chuckled out before approaching the counter. "Hello, I'd like..."
"A kid's meal?
"W-What!? A kid's meal!?" Mirai exclaimed in an offended mannered "...What toys do you have?" She soon asked.
"A small plush of our mascot, a rocket ship or a kazoo. All of them being your choice to choose from." The worker replied.
"...Okay, I'll take the kid's meal with the plush. But you better not skimp on the nuggets." Mirai growled.
"Aw...You are so cute that I want to eat you up like one of our many great menu items such as the Mini Bang Burger for 300 yen." The woman cooed out. "You should be happy your big brother is treating you." She then added.
"Yeah..." Mirai muttered out, not really paying attention until it actually hit her. "...Wait, what?" She soon asked.
"Oh, and...I wish to take on the Big Bang Burger Challenge. Akira Kurusu: Second Mate." Akira soon ordered as he showed the lady his student ID.
"O-Oh, it's you." The worker got out in recognition and wide eyes. "Right away, sir. I'll deliver your order to your table. That will be 1,300 yen." She soon informed as she rang him up.
"You are definitely underpaid with these prices." Akira couldn't help but think as he handed her the money before the two sat down at a table.
"That is really cheap...and I bet Yomi-oneechan would still complain about it." Mirai admitted. "Like...the money could be better spent on things like plant pots and dirt." She then grumbled.
This meanwhile caused the boy to sweatdrop to learning that. "Is she really that frugal? She didn't seem the type." Akira commented. "Actually, she seems more like a princess out of all of you." He then admitted as he remembered the girl's mannerisms.
Mirai's eye however twitched to that. "She practically lives off beansprouts." She bluntly stated. "But if we were ever on the run, she would make things so much easier. Not necessarily better but easier." She then explained.
"...Just beansprouts? No other vegetables?" Akira had to ask with a sweatdrop.
"I...I...I'm not sure actually..." Mirai admitted in an awkward manner.
"But seeds don't cost that much though. You just have to find the right guy." Akira however pointed out.
"Yomi-oneechan just really loves beansprouts...and its price. It's 28 yen per 100g." Mirai sighed out.
"...How is she not emaciated?" Akira soon asked in disbelief at what he heard as he remembered how well-endowed the girl is...and now feeling the need to force feed the girl some curry.
"Here's your kid's meal." The employee however informed as she placed the tray down on the table. "Don't worry, Second Mate. Your order will be coming out in a few more minutes." She then added.
"Thank you." Mirai replied before pulling out the toy. "...Wow, they totally ripped off the Junes mascot." She then remarked.
"So Mirai, you wanted the toy?" Akira asked in amusement.
"Y-You know, a souvenir for Hikage's little puppy." Mirai stammered out with a blush.
"Ah, Poochie right?" Akira guessed, surprising the young girl. "What? You didn't expect Haruka to tell me about your team's pet?" He then asked. "And by the way, that puppy is adorable as hell." He soon confessed.
"...You got that right." Mirai replied in agreement as she ate her burger. "Thank God Suzune-sensei helped save that puppy from the puppy test..." She then breathed out in relief.
"Seriously...the puppy test from that spy movie? Really?" Akira soon questioned while narrowing his eyes.
"I think it was either that they ran out of ideas or it was a huge coincidence." Mirai grumbled out.
"I meant just doing it in general." Akira corrected.
"I know..." Mirai replied. "That new girl has some kind of grudge against Hikage. If she's willing to go that far, she must really hate her." She then added.
"New girl...she isn't an Elite like you and Homura?" Akira soon asked.
Mirai stopped her eating to the question as she thought about it. "I don't know, all I really know about her is her name and face." She replied. "Though she's been really strict since she came in and annoying everyone..." She then confessed.
"Well, I hope they work out their issues. I mean, I don't think Hikage is the type of person to do anything mean." Akira admitted.
"Well she does keep texting some friend she made last time we were here in Tokyo, so it keeps her distracted." Mirai replied as she went back to eating before taking a sip of her drink. "Aw, they gave me apple juice!" She got out in annoyance.
"Kid's meals usually come with that unless you ask for soda." Akira however pointed out. "That as well as a small container of corn as a side." He then added. "But then again, I thought shinobis had a strict diet." He soon whispered.
"We usually do, I just don't like apple juice." Mirai replied in annoyance. "At least they didn't skimp out on the nuggets." She then added as she began eating them.
"Well, you better be cheering me on when I complete the Big Bang Burger Challenge." Akira got out with a smirk.
"Big Bang Burger Challenge?" Mirai repeated in confusion.
"A freakishly cheap burger that you may regret eating afterwards." Akira informed. If it wasn't for the Metaverse and his training, he probably would've had a heart attack by now.
"Oh yeah, I remember Hikage saying she went through it but couldn't finish the third level..." Mirai remembered. "...It also made her chest bigger too..." She then grumbled out in an envious manner.
"...Why am I not surprised...?" Akira deadpanned as he saw the girl's envious expression. "You know you're fine the way you are right?" He then suddenly pointed out.
"Hm?" Mirai hummed out in confusion before sighing. "I-I know that, just...a lot of people tend to ignore me and favor everyone with the bigger udders." She then grumbled out. "I just hate being a loli..." She soon confessed.
"Hey, you still have your whole life ahead of you. I'm sure you'll mature into a beautiful woman in no time." Akira reassured, surprising the girl as she looked at him. "Plus, as someone who experienced having a body like thatI can say that you aren't missing out." He then confessed with a sweatdrop.
"Eh?" Mirai got out, not quite sure if she heard that right.
"Nothing." Akira quickly replied before seeing the employee from the front approach the table.
"Thank you for taking the Big Bang Burger challenge once again." The employee began. "This is the final task before you can ascend to the rank of Captain. Our store's behemoth burger stands in your way! A meal of leviathan proportions..." She soon revealed.
"...I'm ready." Akira replied with a nod.
"Yes, sir. Guys, bring her in!" The employee replied and called out.
"Eh?" Mirai meanwhile got out in confusion before seeing several workers carry...something that sent shivers down her spine.
THUD!
The sound of the burger hitting the table echoed around the small restaurant, causing everyone in it to look and gasp in awe at the horror that humanity was capable of.
Patties the size of large pans...2 litres of mustard and ketchup...an entire head of lettuce and more tomatoes than what a pizzaria had in stock...custom made buns baked in-house taking up their entire oven...
"This...is the Cosmic Tower Burger!" The worker announced, as if she was announcing the arrival of a God among puny mortals.
The first year's eye however widened at what she saw. "It's...It's about half my height...And the size of his torso..." Mirai got out. Hikage tried to eat that!?
"This burger is the ultimate embodiment of the limitless nature of space! The volume...the flavour...the calories...Every aspect of this burger is astronomical!" The worker informed in a dramatic tone. "If you succeed at eating the entire thing, you'll be presented with an extraordinary gift." She then revealed in excitement.
"More burgers. Got it." Akira thought, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "Alright! Let's do this!" He cheered out as he cracked his knuckles.
"H-How are you supposed to eat all of that!?" Mirai breathed out in shock and disbelief at the sight of the tower-like burger.
"With great difficulty." Akira answered as he did his preliminary stretches. "I'm almost there, I just need to time my drinks right for this. I will earn that final badge!" He soon declared.
"H-How can you put that all away?" Mirai then exclaimed. "I don't think even a shinobi can handle that!" She soon whispered.
"Mirai-san." Akira however started while adjusting his glasses. "You must have the Knowledge, the Guts, the Proficiency, the Kindness and the Charm to beat this burger in thirty minutes. If you cannot, you very well die from this battle of meat and buns. I will not be among the fallen." He dramatically declared.
Seeing the fierce expression on his face sort of...scared Mirai, but also made her respect him a little more.
"Alright, your thirty minutes to finish this burger starts...NOW!" The worker declared as she hit her stopwatch.
...And then became completely scared as she watched the boy tackle the burger. "He's...He's barely chewing...He's just swallowing..." Mirai breathed out in disbelief. She could even enjoy her kid's meal, she was just staring in awe.
"The burger...why is it already cold!?" Akira mentally exclaimed he desperately worked on chowing this monstrosity down. He didn't have time to take sips of soda, all he could do was swallow.
However, it was all in vain when Akira heard the timer go off, having barely made a dent in the burger.
"Aw...too bad. But there's always next time." The worker got out. "Would you like me to cut it up so you can take it home?"
"Damn...!" Akira swore out as he punched the table. "My Guts...they have failed me! And yes please."
Mirai however snorted and giggled to that. "You know, you're a really goofy guy, you know that?" She got out.
"I try to be these days." Akira replied with a smile before cringing as he held his stomach. "Urgh...now if you'll excuse me, I have to attend a meeting in the bathroom." He groaned out before making his way to the bathroom.
Mirai meanwhile sweatdropped as she looked on as the boy left. "What a weirdo..." She grumbled out. "How could Haruka-sama fall for him?" She then asked with a pout. "I mean, he's just stupidly tall, stupidly dark-haired, stupidly charm- GAH!" She began listing off before stopping herself in a panic and rapidly shaking her head. "That jerk...incubus jerk..." She then growled out.
Eventually Akira returned with a sigh of relief. "Whew, safe..." He breathed out.
"You're quite the wonder..." Mirai sighed out.
"You could say that about yourself. I'm still amazed you came out to Tokyo out of concern for Haruka." Akira admitted. "...She's not suicidal or something, is she?" He then asked in concern
"No, just charmed..." Mirai revealed while shaking her head. "I'm just not a fan of people bullying or messing with my friends..." She then mumbled out.
Akira meanwhile raised an eyebrow as he looked at the girl as he noticed the uneasy expression on her face. "...You were bullied yourself, I assume?" He guessed in a blunt yet serious manner.
That immediately got a reaction from Mirai as she winced. "!" She said nothing as she looked at the boy with a widened eye.
"You wanna talk about it?" Akira soon offered.
"Why the hell would I talk about that with someone I barely know!?" Mirai snapped. "You're really pushy, you know that?" She then added. "You just remind me of the bullies I had to deal with..." She soon confessed.
"So I was right." Akira replied with a serious expression on his face.
Mirai in turn returned the serious expression with one of her own. "Oh shut up." She soon demanded. "People like you are the reason I wear this eyepatch. I want to see the world how I want to see it, and yet you're trying to...push your view to the point of forcing it." She then declared as she ate the last of her nuggets, though was unaware of some forming tears in her eye.
"So that's why you wear the eyepatch?" Akira asked. "To block out the stuff you didn't want to see?" He then guessed.
"Mmhm." Mirai hummed out in response with a nod.
"Then you may as well get two eyepatches." Akira soon stated. "If you're really willing to blind yourself, to only see half the world, you aren't truly experiencing life." He then declared.
"What!?" Mirai yelled out in an offended manner.
"L-Look, um...have you ever heard of a Shadow? Like, in psychology?" Akira soon began to try and calm the girl down, who nodded in response but kept the glare on her face. "It's the side that people subconsciously reject, the side they don't want to see. Everyone has one, even you and me. And we're worse off for it." He soon revealed.
"W-What? I don't get it. I don't have-" Mirai started, however...
"You do." Akira interrupted, causing the girl's eye to widen from the seriousness in his voice. "I don't know what you don't want to see but it's there. Denying it just makes things worse." He then stated. "If you really can't face all parts of yourself, or the world, it'll just lead to suffering at the worst possible moment." He soon warned.
"Like you can say anything about that." Mirai countered.
"...I can't." Akira confessed.
"Eh?" Mirai got out in confusion.
"But I have seen what the worst humanity has to offer, but I'm still trying to smile. Shutting away half of the world isn't going to solve anything." Akira soon revealed and explained.
Mirai was speechless as she looked at the glasses wearing boy.
"You're a good kid Mirai-san." Akira confessed on amusement while patting and rubbing the girl's head. "Don't let the world get to you like that, okay?"
"S-Shut up..." Mirai mumbled out with a puffed up cheek and a pout on her face, though didn't even try to stop the boy's actions. "I'm a first year in high school, thank you..." She then reminded.
"Hey, a year of difference is a lot bigger than you think." Akira chuckled as he continued rubbing the obvious tsundere girl's head.
She could really use an older sibling...
RANK UP! Wands Rank 2!
"D-Don't think we're friends just yet! I-I'm still keeping an eye on you from now on..." Mirai soon revealed with a stammer in her voice while narrowing her eye and a puffed up cheek.
Akira simply pulled on her eye patch and...
SLAP!
"Ow!" Mirai yelped out in pain as she then glared at the boy while rubbing her eyepatch covered eye. "Why!?" She then exclaimed in anger and confusion.
The boy then went and began rubbing the girl's head in an affectionate manner, causing her to blush from the action. "Well, you'll see better with two eyes." Akira simply replied before checking the time on his phone. "In any case, I'll see you - and Haruka - later." He then got out as he wrapped up the leftover burger and left the restaurant.
This little thing didn't take as much time as he thought. Maybe he could catch Yusuke before evening to pick up the Skill Card he left for him to duplicate.
"Y-Yeah..." Mirai responded as she continued sitting where she was.
She reached up towards her eyepatch...
Before stopping herself and shook her head.
No...It wasn't that easy.
So, with a sigh, Mirai got up and walked to the counter. "Can I have some ice-cream please? Vanilla." She soon asked as she handed over a few coins she pickpocketed from the boy. He wouldn't miss a few hundred yen.
"Coming right up sweety." The cashier giggled out while taking the money from the blushing girl before going and fulfilling the order.
"I'm a first year dammit..." Mirai quietly mumbled in embarrassment while waiting for her dessert.
(6/24, Evening)
(Shinjuku, Red Light District)
After changing his clothes at Leblanc and upon seeing that Morgana wasn't home yet, he decided it was high time to head to Shinjuku to hang out with someone.
"Alright, now where is that fortune teller..." Akira muttered to himself. That card reading a few days back stuck with him and he wanted to learn more...as long as she didn't try and sell that Holy Stone thing.
Meanwhile, Yumi let out a breath as she stepped out into the cold air of the night. "Hm...I wonder why they didn't post such a thing on the Phan-site yet." She wondered out loud as she checked the website.
"They're still thieves..."
"they're up to something"
"They've always been fishy..."
"they got a criminal, so ya"
"They seem full of it, so NO"
"this has to be fake, lol"
"this is so immature."
"We have the police for a reason."
"We're about to hit 20% on the polls..." Yumi noted. More people were saying they were just but the majority was still heavily in favor of not. While she wasn't too concerned over their popularity, it would be nice to at least have 50% by the end of the year. "...Am I really going to continue being a Phantom Thief even when I go back...?" She muttered to herself in a curious manner.
BUMP!
"Yumi, you really have to watch we're you're going." Akira pointed out in amusement as he looked at the girl that walked into him.
"A-Akira-kun?" Yumi got out in surprise. Her skills were slipping, she would've totally avoided him with even needing to pay attention. "Why are you Shinjuku?" She soon asked in confusion.
"Just going to get possibly scammed by a psychic. You?" Akira casually answered before questioning the girl.
"I just finished my last meeting for the day." Yumi breathed out. This had to be the earliest she's ever finished all her duties for the day. "I think I have some info about a possible Mementos request, but it's still developing and gathering information on it. Maybe give it a few weeks and I should have something about that." She then explained.
"I am surprised you don't have bags under your eyes from overwork." Akira muttered out.
"It's not all work all week. I have dance class on Sundays if I can make it." Yumi assured.
"...You need a break." Akira soon stated in a blunt manner. "Everything you've been doing is important but you need to calm down before you collapse." He then advisee and explained
"Akira-kun...you know who I am. This is nothing compared to the tasks my real job requires of me." Yumi quietly reminded.
"But I, no,we need you at 100% Yumi." Akira replied and informed. "For both now and after this. Come on, take an hour off at least. Can you manage to fit that?" He soon offered.
"Are you sure though? We are taking down Kaneshiro tomorrow..." Yumi whispered and reminded.
"We were given the time thanks to Asuka and Homura, so we need to use what we can." Akira replied. "Plus, this will help ease us up before the heist." He then added.
"Well...It would be rude to reject your offer." Yumi admitted. "I wish Yozakura-san could join us, but I guess she's busy." She then added.
"Huh?" Akira got out in confusion.
"A friend. From Gessen." Yumi replied. "Don't worry about that. Let's go and have some fun." She then requested.
"Thank you." Akira breathed with a smile. "And I know just the place." He soon revealed as they headed out.
(Joysound Karaoke)
Akira had guided the girl over to a karaoke and paid for entry and one hour. He sweatdropped at the sly look the woman at the counter gave them, as if knowing what sort of antics two hormonal teenagers would get up to in a private room.
Yumi had meanwhile ordered mocktails for the two of them and he had to admit the fruity taste made his taste buds tingle. Hopefully he didn't get drunk off the atmosphere...again.
"So, what do you think?" Akira asked as he flipped through the songs available.
"Well..." Yumi soon started. "I always wanted to visit a karaoke." She then confessed.
"I think you mentioned that before. I could be wrong." Akira admitted. "So, wanna go first?" He then asked.
"Hm...I don't see why not." Yumi replied as she took the microphone. "Hm...what should I pick?" She asked herself before giving a satisfied smile. "Ah, this seems good!" She happily got out as she selected the song. Soon, the music started up.
"Nice pick, Yumi!" Akira laughed out, recognising the song from the first few bars.
"Sorry if my singing isn't all that good. Here we go!" Yumi apologized before she started with a deep breath.
"Zankoku na tenshi no TE-ZE...Madobe kara yagate tobitatsu...Hotobashiru atsui PATOSU de...Omoide wo uragiru nara...Kono sora wo daite kagayaku...Shounen yo shinwa ni nare~!" Yumi sang out.
Akira's eyes meanwhile widened in disbelief as he watched the girl sing with such passion and even started noticing her slightly dancing to it.
Even with this crappy MIDI version...why did this song sound so good?
Soon enough, the song finished and Yumi bowed to her audience of one. "Hehe, at least I didn't mess up the lyrics." She giggled out as she sat back down and took a sip of her mocktail
"Have...you sung that before?" Akira eventually asked.
"Oh no, but I always hear it whenever I pass by this place." Yumi replied and revealed.
"Well, it is the most common song usually sung if it's available." Akira pointed out. "Still though, first time singing it and you were amazing Yumi." He then confessed with a smile.
Yumi however blushed while placing a hand to her face. "Oh, you are just flattering me." She played off with a smile on her face as she sat down.
"Even so, I guess you like singing?" Akira soon asked.
"Yes. I admit it is something I like doing." Yumi confessed with a nod. "Come on now, Akira-kyn. I wanna see how you sing now." She soon requested in an encouraging tone.
"Alright, alright. But I promise it won't be any good." Akira chuckled out as he got up from his seat and onto the little stage.
Akira had a choice now as he went through the song list. Hm, what song would she enjoy the most?
When the Moon Reaches Out to Stars
Galactic Mermaid
Heaven
Pretty Prisoner
"I guess this'll do." Akira decided as he selected the song. Soon, he heard the guitars start and moved to the beat. "Glad I picked Pretty Prisoner." He then admitted.
"Good luck Akira-kun!" Yumi cheered out as the music began.
"Kyōmi nai sa to...tsumetaku shinaide yo usotsuki ne...jōdan demo iwa retara samishī yo...! Kyōmi arudesho shisen sorashite...hoho o akaku shite...anata konomi no kawaī on'nanoko ni naritai wa...suki yo suki daisukiyo~!" Akira began singing.
As Akira felt himself go deeper into the song, he could feel his Kindness improve, especially as his female companion clapped along. He should really come here with someone else next time.
Soon enough though, the song ended as the Leader took in a deep breath.
"You sang quite well yourself, Akira-kun." Yumi praised with a smile.
Akira however chuckled sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head as he sat back down. "Sorry, but I'm more into dancing." He soon admitted.
"Oh? You can dance?" Yumi then asked in a curious manner. "Maybe you could take me out dancing sometime." She soon suggested.
"Well, that would be nice, though the only places for dancing only serve adults." Akira revealed.
"Oh, what a shame." Yumi responded in disappointment to learning that.
"But hey, you can dance anywhere depending how much you don't care." Akira replied before an idea came to mind. "Come on, Yumi, dance with me." He soon requested while offering a hand.
Yumi however became wide eyed to that. "A-Akira-kun, this is-" She stammered out, however...
Akira only bowed and held out his hand as he used his other hand to start another song. "Shall we, Tsukikaze-dono?" He soon requested in a polite and smooth tone.
Yumi meanwhile blushed to the request, however she unconsciously brought her hand out and allowed the boy to take it and pulled her in. Close.
"A sudden kiss in the morning...a tender gaze in the evening...beyond my range of comprehension...Until you brought to attention...~"
Yumi simply flowed through her dance with Akira. Neither of them were taking the lead, they were simply going along with how their bodies wanted to move.
Like water dancing with darkness.
A boy dancing with a girl.
"This is..." Yumi muttered in amazement as she allowed her body to move the way it did. It was different then her usual noh style of dance.
It simply...a dance between herself and a boy.
"See? You know the saying: Dance like nobody's watching." Akira breathed with a grin.
"But nobody is." Yumi pointed out.
"I am." Akira simply reminded with an amused smile on his face.
This caused Yumi to blush...and then burst out laughing. "Hahaha! You are quite right, Akira-kun." She admitted in agreement.
"So, you feel relaxed yet?" Akira soon questioned.
"I don't know, do I seem a little...looser than usual? Maybe...cuter?" Yumi replied with her own question.
"You've always been cute. It's just that I see your serious side more often." Akira off-handedly replied, causing the girl to blush even harder. "Why did you ask if you were cuter anyways?" He soon asked.
"Akira-kun...I have come to a revelation as of recently." Yumi suddenly began.
"Really now?" Akira got out with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes...After much deliberation I have finally figured out how I could better the world." Yumi soon revealed, an excited tone in her voice. "Not through violence or changing hearts like the Phantom Thieves." She then added.
"Through the government?" Akira guessed as he winced a little. "Like, become a politician?" He then added.
"Oh heavens no. They may fund the Good Shinobi faction, but they're utterly useless in many...many...many regards..." Yumi replied, her voice cracking from disappointment, sadness and misery. "Plus, they are not cute." She then simply stated.
"...What?" Akira got out, not sure what the light gray haired girl meant by that and was actually getting increasingly worried.
"That is why, for the past few days I have been taking cuteness lessons just as passionately as my dance lessons!" Yumi declared with a fire in her eyes. "This is the way I shall change the world!" She soon revealed.
"...You're getting lessons to improve your cuteness." Akira repeated, still processing that the most mature and serious girl of the Phantom Thieves would say such things. "Why?" He soon asked.
"Because I've figured it out Akira-san," Yumi suddenly started. "It's cuteness, cuteness is righteousness." She soon revealed, now with stars in her eyes.
"...What?" Akira repeated in confusion.
"Don't you get it, Akira-kun!? Asuka-san is cute, Homura-san is cute, you are cute! The world would become so much better should cuteness saturate the land!" Yumi soon explained in a serious tone. "Cuteness makes the world go round. Cuteness purifies the soul!Cuteness is righteous! Cuteness is eternal! Cuteness! Is! Justice!" She then passionately declared with sparkles in her eyes.
If Yumi had screamed that in public, she would've been stared at like a big-breasted weirdo.
Akira had to think through his response to this odd declaration. However, he was so stunned that he couldn't really think of anything other than shocked and confused responses.
That's...great...?
Yumi, I...Wh-What...I don't...
Pure silence.
Wait, I'm cute?
After regaining his composure, the Leader looked at the Vice Advisor while rubbing the back of his neck. "That's...great and all, but uh..." Akira awkwardly got out. "What exactly are these...cuteness...lessons?" He soon asked. "Please don't tell me you're paying someone to teach you..." He then mentally begged.
"W-Well, it's mostly just doing cute poses in front of a mirror but I assure you that it's working." Yumi answered in a reassuring tone, deciding not to mention it was often after her shower and that she was nude the entire time. "I've been looking up videos on the internet on how to increase my cuteness ever since I realized its potential. I must become the embodiment of cuteness itself to achieve my grandfather's ideal world!" She soon declared.
"Are you trying to become an idol or something?" Akira then asked in a slightly amused tone.
Yumi innocently tilted her head to that. "You mean like Rise Kujikawa?" She soon questioned.
"Rise's a singer these days." Akira corrected. "But yeah, like in her idol days basically." He then stated.
"That sounds...interesting, but I doubt such an opportunity like that would present itself." Yumi replied while waving it off.
"You may never know. Life is a playful trickster." Akira stated.
"Yes...it did lead me to joining the Phantom Thieves." Yumi reminded with a smile. "Now let's do a duet this time. Our time here is running out, unless you want an extension." She then suggested.
Akira checked the time and saw it was getting quite late. He could get an extension and hang out with the Vice Advisor longer, but it would be cutting way too close to his curfew by the time he would get back and the not cat would give him an earful while telling him to turn in for the night.
We should go home soon.
Ask for an extension.
"We should go home after that." Akira replied. "We have a heist to do tomorrow." He then reminded.
While Yumi did look a little upset, she agreed with his statement. "Hai..." She soon sighed out as she checked her phone. Akira jumped a little when he heard her gasp. "Oh, I almost forgot! I have one more informant to meet up with soon! I do need to go." She soon revealed.
Akira nodded to that, feeling that his bond with the light grey haired girl deepened further even if their hangout was cut short.
RANK UP! Adjustment Rank 4!
Unlocked Double Strike: If your attack misses, you get a 15% chance to take your turn again.
Once they cleaned up the place, they left their private karaoke room.
"Well, this has been fun, but I better head out to meet with the informant." Yumi soon informed as they made their way to the exit. "I had a wonderful time though." She then confessed with gratefulness in her voice and a smile on her face.
"I did too." Akira replied with a smile. "See ya tomorrow?" He soon asked in a joking manner.
"Hai. See you at the hideout." Yumi responded with a giggle as she went through the exit.
Akira meanwhile blinked as he watched the girl leave. "So, she thinks I'm cute." He chuckled out.
(Shinjuku)
Akira soon rolled his shoulders as he left the karaoke bar, already noticing the light grey haired girl wasn't around. She must've used her speed to make it to her appointment on time.
"I wonder how she even sees if she's going so fast. . ." Akira wondered before he began making his way to the train station, checking his phone to see if his other Confidants had called or if Takemi had even responded to his worried texts.
BUMP!
"Ah, I'm sorry." A female voice got out.
"Hm?" Akira got out as he looked at the girl that bumped into him...and instantly looked down to see the dark blue haired girl's sizable chest. "...Why do I keep meeting people like this..." He then muttered.
"Excuse me?" The girl however asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Ah, just bumping into my future friends." Akira quickly got out, hiding his embarrassment for letting his control slip. "Are you okay?" He then asked.
The girl in turn simply nodded. "I am. Thank you for your concern however." Yozakura thanked the boy. "Just heading back to my hotel room." She then informed.
"Really? You're already on vacation?" Akira asked in a curious manner. "Ah, I won't pry into why. I haven't even introduced myself. Akira Kurusu." He then decided before giving his name. "And you?" He then asked.
"Yozakura. Yozakura Amida." The girl soon introduced herself.
Akira immediately blinked after hearing that. "...Oh." He awkwardly responded.
"Hm?" Yozakura hummed out.
"Ah, sorry Amida-san, just...You wouldn't happen to know a Yumi Tsukikaze, do you?" Akira awkwardly guessed.
The dark blue haired girl's eyes soon widened before relaxing. "...Are you a friend of hers?" Yozakura soon asked.
Akira in turn nodded to that. "Yeah. I was just with her at karaoke. She has a really good singing voice, you know?" He replied and informed.
"Then I just missed her then..." Yozakura sighed out in a disappointed tone. "I visited her apartment earlier but she wasn't there. I couldn't even call her." She then added in concern.
"She probably turned off her phone." Akira guessed. "She's a little overworked with the student council and stuff." He then added.
"Yumi is quite the hard worker..." Yozakura soon stated in a proud manner. "...You don't look like a pervert." She then confessed.
"That's uncalled for, Amida-san." Akira got out with a frown. "Let's just sit down and talk for a bit. Don't worry, I treat all the females I meet with proper respect." He then informed while adjusting his glasses.
Yozakura however narrowed her eyes. "It makes you sound more suspicious if you mention that without prompting." She soon stated as she glanced at the boy's uniform. "Besides...you go to the wrong school." She then added.
"It was uh...under unfortunate circumstances that we met." Akira vaguely replied, remembering her first visit to the Metaverse and how he knocked her out...and kicked her in the face. "I promise, I really am Yumi's friend. I can call her if you want." He then reassured as he then showed his phone along with the girl's contact info.
Yozakura narrowed her eyes once again before sighing to herself. "Okay, let's talk." She soon decided before looking around. "How about a cafe?" She then suggested.
"Sounds good." Akira agreed. "I know a place. It's in Kichijoji though..." He then added and informed.
"I don't mind. It's actually near where I'm staying so let's go." Yozakura replied with a nod of approval as the two headed out.
(Kichijoji, Jazz Jin)
"Here's your Omni Fizz." The waiter got out as he placed the drinks in front of the two.
"Thank you, sir." Akira thanked the man before turning to listen to the singer. "She's really nice, huh?"
"Hai." The navy haired girl got out as she took a sip of her drink. "Sorry if I was being too...cautious. I just have no tolerance for troublemakers." Yozakura soon apologized.
"Understandable. I've had my fair share of trouble with perverts and assholes." Akira replied and informed before realizing his blunder. "Uh, excuse my language." He then awkwardly added while adjusting his glasses.
"None taken, it just happened to slip out." Yozakura replied. "So this unfortunate circumstance, that allowed you to meet Yumi-san..." She then added.
"It was the last day of midterms when..." Akira began before explaining what had happened, making sure to avoid more sensitive topics.
"I see...so she knew Madarame personally." Yozakura replied as she took in the information.
"Yeah. I heard she was next in line of his victims too, once he was done with his current student." Akira sighed out before frowning. Was Yumi good at art? "Luckily the Phantom Thieves stopped him before that could happen." He then added.
"True. I can believe that the Phantom Thieves are a force of justice." Yozakura admitted in approval and with a smile on her face.
"You're in the minority in that one." Akira pointed out. "But that's good to see. I've always believed in them. Since they took down my gym teacher." He then confessed.
Yozakura however paled to hear that. "Ah...y-you go to Shujin...where that rapist was?" She soon asked.
"Yep." Akira casually answered. "Glad he was gone. I had this feeling he didn't like my face." He then muttered out.
"He deserved to be imprisoned for his actions." Yozakura declared while crossing her arms over her chest. "Honestly, I would want to know why he wasn't dealt with earlier." She then confessed.
"Yeah, well, it was better late than never." Akira mumbled out.
"Still, Yumi at karaoke..." Yozakura muttered out. "And with a boy no less..." She then added, the very concept feeling so foreign to her.
"You make her sound like she has no social life or any ability to interact with people of the opposite sex." Akira got out with a raised eyebrow.
"N-No, it's not that just...well..." Yozakura stammered out with a blush to the accusation.
"She already told me she attended a very serious, girls-only cram school before coming to Tokyo." Akira spoke up. "But she seems to be the doting mother type and she has no problems making friends with Yusuke and the others." He then pointed out.
"...I just thought she forgot about her friends back home." Yozakura mumbled out.
"Well, I can assure you she hasn't." Akira stated in a confident tone. "Is that really why you're here?" He then guessed
"..." Yozakura however was struck silent by the question before looking away.
"Hey, you should know her longer than me. You know in your heart she'd never leave her friends behind." Akira reassured with a smile. "I think you're just letting yourself get worked up over nothing." He then guessed. "But that's just my opinion." He soon admitted while awkwardly rubbing the back of his head.
"She didn't call for over six months. I mean, I haven't called just in case she was in the middle of something but..." Yozakura explained before trailing off.
"You miss her. Plain and simple." Akira stated.
"I know that." Yozakura sighed out before taking another sip of her drink. "Jeez, not even this delicious drink can take my mind off of this." She then got out.
"Well, I know just the cure. Go and catch her when you can." Akira suggested before remembering a certain obligation. "The...The day after. She told me she has a thing going on tomorrow." He then added.
"Ah." Yozakura got out, knowing what her friend might be up to. "I see. Well, I won't get in her way. I'm here until Wednesday so it shouldn't be a problem." She then informed before she finished her drink.
"Yeah." Akira replied with a nod, hoping the girl would never discover what his friend was doing tomorrow.
Yozakura soon took a deep breath before nodding. "Okay then. If you are truly Yumi's friend, you are my friend as well." She decided. "I won't be here long but I hope to see you again, Kurusu-san." She then admitted.
"My pleasure, Amida-san." Akira replied as they shook hands.
"Please, Yozakura is fine." Yozakura soon requested. "Since you call Yumi by her first name and all." She then explained.
"Well, call me Akira then." Akira replied with a smile.
SHATTER!
I am thou, thou art I...
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Suit of Cups
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
shall lead to freedom and new power...
Another different feeling one...this time feeling closer to not only to Yozakura, but to the other Gessen Elites. . .despite not really knowing who they were.
"It's getting quite late." Yozakura soon appointed out while stretching her arms. "I should really head back to my hotel room." She then informed.
"Want me to escort you?" Akira then offered.
"No, that's fine." Yozakura responded while shaking her head. "I can handle any trouble by myself." She then assured as she did a little shadow boxing. "But I'll give you my IM and my number, if you wish." She soon offered.
"Well if you say so." Akira replied as he took out his phone. A quick exchange, and everything was set. "Alright, I hope to see you around."
"I do too." Yozakura replied before they both left the cafe, both feeling exhausted but satisfied.
(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc Attic)
"I really need to hang out with Ryuji soon..." Akira sighed out as he climbed upstairs.
"You've been coming home late lately." Morgana stated as the Leader sat down on his bed.
"A lot of unexpected things happened today, the first being Mirai-san, who turned out to be a tsundere and a little sister type of girl." Akira replied as he changed for bed.
"Huh. I also got some cat vibes off of her...and gunpowder..." Morgana admitted with a sweatdrop. "Remember: These shinobi are dangerous, so try not to piss them off and get on their good side. Having allies outside of Tokyo may be beneficial in the long run, especially unique people like them." He then advised.
"I'll try." Akira assured as he petted Morgana's head before grabbing his phone just as he felt the vibrations in his pocket.
[All4Painting: So, what ended up happening with the calling card?]
[Sweetkat06: Makoto took Ryuji with her. Made him take her to his house.]
[Sweetkat06: She specifically mentioned that she would be fine and we have nothing to worry about.]
[Shut7heFUp: My mom is having a field day...]
[SushiRoll23: Oh, so she's staying over at Ryuji-kun's tonight. That's fair.]
[All4Painting: Hm...I wonder what she plans on doing with him...]
[FireGirl20: Ryuji, you better not try anything while senpai is there or so help me...]
[Shut7heFUp: Shut up! She ain't sleeping in my bed, she's on the effin' couch in another room!]
[Shut7heFUp: God, you sound like I'm Kamoshida or something!]
[FireGirl20: Oh god, I'm so sorry.]
[FireGirl20: But the girl should be given the bed out of obligation!]
[Road2Queen: Homura-san, calm down. It's ok.]
[Road2Queen: I don't think I can sleep in a room smelling of sweat and dirty laundry.]
[Road2Queen: You really should clean your room Ryuji-kun.]
[Shut7heFUp: I DIDN'T HAVE THE TIME DAMMIT!]
[Negative8Degrees: I believe she meant in general.]
[Shut7heFUp: ...Just let us work on the calling card...]
[Sweetkat06: I sense bitterness and tiredness in those words.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Okay, it's all on you guys.]
[FireGirl20: Meanwhile, Sis and I are still working on the delivery. As soon as it's done, we'll swing by to pick them up, make copies and cover Shibuya in them.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Great.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Get ready for hell.]
"So else what did you do today?" Morgana soon asked.
"You mean after you left after going and scratching at Mirai's face in a frenzy?" Akira however quipped out the reminder.
"I thought she was gonna kidnap you..." Morgana grumbled out.
"And I thank you for caring about my safety, but at best she would break my arm if I said something stupid." Akira assured, only causing the not cat to worry more. "...Like right now." He bluntly added.
"Ugh..." Morgana groaned out while giving an annoyed expression.
"Sorry. So anyways..." Akira apologized before he explained what he did all day.
"So let me get this straight..." Morgana started as he took in what he learned. "You originally were coming home after meeting up with Lady Yumi...but you coincidentally met up with one of her friends and hung out with her too..." He then stated.
"Yozakura-san and yes." Akira replied as he sat on his bedside. "Yeah doing the heist tomorrow was the best idea. Don't want Yozakura-san to suspect anything from Yumi. Too bad she might miss her again tomorrow." He then added.
"We'll make it up to her soon enough after taking down Kaneshiro." Morgana stated. "They'll have plenty of time to hang out then." He soon declared before sighing. "So today you hung out with Mirai, Lady Yumi and this Yozakura girl..." He then conclude.
"And Yusuke." Akira pointed out. "I gotta get to know him better. And Ann too. And eventually Makoto." He then admitted and listed off the others.
"No rest for the wicked, huh?" Morgana chuckled out. "So what was Yozakura like?" He soon asked in a curious manner.
"She was nice." Akira answered. "She gave off this motherly aura to me. But with the usual dangerous feeling I have around Asuka, Homura and Yumi." He then admitted and informed.
"Well, they are shinobis." Morgana reminded. "Hm, I wonder how she would react if she ever found out..." He then got out in a curious manner.
"Not sure. She does support the Thieves but opinions can change." Akira pointed out. "I can't wait to see the calling card tomorrow." He soon got out in a giddy tone as he grabbed a chair.
Time to workout before bed.
(Hebijo Hideout)
The young girl had soon returned to the hideout, laying atop her cot and looking at the ceiling as she recalled the day's events while holding her burger plushie.
BZZT! BZZT!
"Hello?" Mirai muttered out, answering the phone without much thought.
"Sup Mirai, how's Tokyo?" Hikage casually asked over the phone.
"It's fine. Training Yomi-oneechan well?" Mirai replied and questioned before sitting up and dangling her legs over her bed.
"It went well, just not as interesting without you, Haruka and Homura here." Hikage admitted. "Imu's been quiet too so she hopefully won't bother me again with her bullshit to try and break me." She then added.
"Any trouble with the staff?" Mirai then asked.
"You're good. Haruka actually has a selection of puppets that look like us so we're using that if needed." Hikage assured. "You will need to train harder though. We've been throwing you around like a ragdoll." She then casually informed.
"Noted." Mirai bluntly responded with a sweatdrop. "I'll be back once I know Haruka-sama is safe." She then added.
"She doesn't need your help in Tokyo though." Hikage pointed out.
"..." Mirai only gripped her phone a little tighter before sighing. "Good night. I'll call you tomorrow." She replied before hanging up without letting the greenette respond. "Jeez, one time..." She muttered out in annoyance.
BZZT! BZZT!
"What now!?" Mirai grumbled out as she answered the phone once again. "Oh! Haruka-sama?" She then got out as she answered.
"Mirai-chan, what's this I hear about you being in Tokyo~?" Haruka instantly asked with a smile on her face.
"H-Haruka-sama!" Mirai squeaked out as she sat up. "I-I am not! I'm in Hebijo!" She then stammered out.
"Then why are you here in the hideout~?" Haruka questioned, whispering into the girl's ear.
"YAH!" Mirai yelped out as she jumped away. "What the!? How did you know I was here!?" She exclaimed while pointing at the third year.
"I chipped you while you were sleeping~" Haruka sweetly informed.
"What!?" Mirai exclaimed as she checked her body.
"Kidding. I'm staying here." Haruka giggled before casually informing. "My apartment in Harajuku is still being organised so this is my residence until Suzune-sensei takes care of it. I haven't been here since arriving though..." She then explained and revealed.
"W-What have you been doing?" Mirai had to ask.
"Playing caretaker for Takemi-sensei." Haruka sighed out as she sat down on a nearby bench. "You know my mission, right? Well, she's on the verge of giving up her practice and I'm doing my best to make sure that doesn't happen. Her knowledge of medicine is too important to let it be wasted because of a scumbag. I could learn much from her." She then explained and revealed.
"It looks like you have your work cut out for you." Mirai got out before inching her way towards the exit. "...So I'm just going to-"
"Mirai, you left the academy." Haruka stated in disapproval.
Mirai winced as she began to sweat. "I left a message!" She responded.
"A message isn't quite enough in this world." Haruka sighed out as she shook her head. "Did you get permission from the staff? Did you even tell Yomi or Hikage where you were going before you left?"
"...Hikage said your puppets are working well according to her..." Mirai murmured out, not quite looking Haruka in the eye.
"This is not the problem here." Haruka stated in a serious tone. "You still have the Yoke Technique on you. Once they notice you are gone, all it will take is a snap and you'll die. And if that doesn't work by some miracle, you'll be hunted down and forced to sleep with one eye open every single night." She then informed in a serious tone. "And so, here is the billion yen question: why take such a risk?"
"I...uh...I..." Mirai stammtered out as her blush intensified. "I-I was worried about you okay!? You sounded completely l;ove-struck last time you contacted and you told me how you're rejected!" She then confessed.
"Your loyalty is commendable...although quite foolish in the end." Haruka stated as she pinched Mirai's cheeks. "But I like cute and foolish."
"H-Haruka-sama..." Mirai mumbled out in embarrassment.
"So, what did you think of Akira-kun?" Haruka soon asked with curiosity in her voice.
"Okay, have you been following me all day!?" Mirai accused.
"No no, I just had the feeling that was the reason why you were here." Haruka confessed in amusement.
"Well...He's nice enough but he is also dangerous." Mirai soon confessed. "I swear, it's like he has multiple faces. One moment he's a goofball but then he starts spouting out advice about life! How did uh...did you...?"
Haruka meanwhile sighed with a blush on her face as she placed a hand on her cheek. "He just...interests me greatly." She soon revealed.
"Do you know anything about him?" Mirai however asked. "As a person? What does he even do in his off-time?" She then added.
"...Oh~? Do you want me to stalk Akira-kun then?" Haruka teasingly asked.
"...Have you ever heard of a Yandere?" Mirai deadpanned. "Because that's what a yandere sounds like."
"It will be fine, Mirai-chan. Now, I do suggest you head back to Hebijo as soon as possible before you get into trouble." Haruka soon ordered. "I don't want to hunt you down because you went renegade over an impulsive decision, now do you?" She then questioned in a more concerned manner.
Mirai sighed before nodding, knowing that was probably the right decision before blinking. "Haruka-sama...the trains are closed for the day." She soon pointed out.
"Oh right." Haruka sighed out. "...Well, you can stay tonight but I do not want to stay in Tokyo much longer. For your own safety." She then added. "Besides...Hebijo won't punish you for such blatant foolishness...but I will." She soon reminded with a teasing smile.
"H-Huh?" Mirai got out as she began to sweat profusely.
"Think of this as a way to tire ourselves out so we can have a nice long rest." Haruka vaguely informed. "Shinobi Kekkai!" She suddenly declared, causing the girl to pale.
And with that, the two vanished.
(Hotel Kusatori)
Yozakura let out a breath as she entered her room. It was actually a little too nice for what was supposed to be a secret place to hide shinobi, but she didn't think who ran this place had cared given the fact the government paid for its construction.
Then again, the current government did support Good Shinobi and likely made sure they would be given good accommodations for their hard work.
A queen-sized bed with a chest (where she had placed her bag) with small tables on both ends with one of them having a phone, a living room with the latest TV and some training videos for shinobi, an extremely nice bathroom that was kept sparkling clean and came with heated floors, and a desk where a plate of her dinner laid.
Sometimes it still baffled her that she got this kind of treatment, and knew that her best friend would probably consider it all unnecessary, but since she took care of eleven siblings before being separated among her relatives and taken in by Kurokage, she didn't completely mind.
"They would've loved this place." Yozakura sighed out as she sat down to eat her dinner.
She was already missing everyone.
Is this what Yumi has been feeling since she arrived in Tokyo? Alone in her apartment? No friends, no allies to truly express her feelings with for over six months?
That had to be rough for their leader. And to learn she had just missed her...
Even with friends like Akira, she could never really express her true self until she returned and who knows how long that will take?
"I can always visit Yumi-san before I leave." Yozakura breathed out as she climbed into her bed and looked at the ceiling. "But that Akira Kurusu...he seems like someone to keep an eye on." She then admitted in an intrigued manner before closing her eyes.
Yumi will be glad to be with someone where she can finally be her real self.
(6/25, Midnight)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
"Last one!" Asuka called out. After literal hours of work and brainstorming new insults and swears, they were down to the last few notes before this mistake of an idea was done.
"Oh thank effing. . ." Homura panted out as she slumped down in her chair. "Why did Kaneshiro force us to move his heist up to. . ." She began to complain before she checked the time. "Today! Oh God, we are not gonna sleep for long, are we?"
"Most likely." Asuka replied before writing one last SHITCUNT before placing it in the silver case. Finally, it was done.
BZZT! BZZT!
"Hopefully that's Ryuji-kun or Makoto-chan..." Asuka got out as she grabbed her phone and answered the IM.
[Road2Queen: Calling card's ready for printing.]
[SushiRoll23: Hai! We're done with our part too. Now to put it all together.]
[SushiRoll23: Get some rest, Makoto-chan.]
[Road2Queen: I will, Vice Leader. Good night.]
"Homu-nee, get ready." The Vice Leader ordered as she turned off her phone.
"Hehehe...this is gonna be amazing." Homura got out in excitement as she went to change into her vandalism clothing and retrieve her supply of red, black and white spray paint cans before placing the hood over her head as the shadows covered her eyes.
After checking that everything was in order in the case, she was now confident that it was ready for delivery. "Alright," Asuka began as she shut the silver case. "Now for the fun part." She then declared with a rebellious smirk.
The two were going to be cutting it close, but this time...
"This'll be so worth it in the end." The two soon stated as one as they rushed out into the night.
It was time to begin.
Save Game…Quit!
Asuka/Yin's Social Stats:
Leadership- Outspoken (Level 2)
Knowledge- Informed (Level 2)
Proficiency- Decent (Level 2)
Diligence- Strong (Level 3)
Courage- Brave (Level 3)
Homura/Yang's Development Stats:
Maturity- Managed (Level 3)
Knowledge- Expert (Level 3)
Femininity- Effeminate (Level 2)
Elegance- Disciplined (Level 3)
Understanding- Generous (Level 3)
Whew! That's it! Next chapter, we're kicking Kaneshiro in his golden fucking balls.
Happy New Years from the UknownHero!
