Hey, I'm using a new format to sorts so uploading chapters will be much easier. My uploading laptop is too slow and you don't care do you? Hey, UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona. Let's just head for the reviews.
To Threi22: You mean Poochie? They're with Hikage. To Tailsmo4ever: I will work on using different words. To aluade hibari: Akira's social stats are considered at all times at the level they need to be at any point in the story.
Okay, that's it. Let's do this!
Load Game...Start!
Chapter 67: Strength of a Person
(6/29, Early Morning)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
The two roommates had woken up, gotten washed up and dressed with ease as the tan skinned girl was doing some stretches while the brunette was preparing their lunches.
"Feeling better Homu-nee?" Asuka asked in concern while preparing the last bit of their meals.
"Yeah, I'm feeling good today." Homura replied as she stretched her limbs. "Better than yesterday at least." She then added.
"Good." Asuka replied with a nod...before remembering something. "Oh yeah...the principal's order to me..." She then winced out.
Upon hearing that, Homura's eye twitched in concern. "Sis..." She droned out. "Did he threaten you?" She then questioned.
"He...He actually sort of didn't and did at the same time." Asuka soon replied. "Any more sick days and you're expelled, but we have to do that anyways." She then revealed.
"Guessing he purposely left out the fact he would expel Akira as well as me..." Homura remarked while rolling her eyes.
"That sounds like something he'd do to..." Asuka grumbled out. "And then there's his I.O.U. thing..." She then muttered.
"Urgh...What the hell is his distortion?" Homura soon mumbled to herself as she checked the MetaNav. "At this point, we'll run out of locations." She then added.
"There's nothing we can do until we learn more about him." Asuka sighed out. "Now let's get going for school." She soon requested.
"Just let me try a few more." Homura requested, getting a nod from her roommate in response before looking back at her phone. "Wonderland, Demonic Castle, Snow City, Laboratory, Shrine, Futuristic City!" She soon suggested.
[Candidate not found]
"Well it was worth a shot..." Homura grumbled as she put her phone away.
"We should really write down what we've already used..." Asuka sighed out as the two then headed out. "And...I think cities are too generic..." She then added.
"I know Sis, the ideas just popped into my head..." Homura muttered as she closed the door behind her before the two headed down the stairs. "But we have to figure it out soon. He's been getting away with this shit for who knows how long!?" She then ranted.
"His time will come, Homu-nee, summer is also coming so we won't have to deal with him for a month." Asuka encouraged and reminded.
"Right, finals..." Homura groaned out. "Gonna study my butt off before they arrive." She then declared.
"Oh, we can have a study session with the others before then!' Asuka happily suggested.
"Having Makoto-senpai and Yumi-senpai help out would definitely be an advantage." Homura got out. "I won't cheat this time, Sis. I promised." She then reassured.
"I helped you cheat." Asuka reminded. "But I'm aiming for the top spot again this time. Not doing it by accident." She then informed.
"I hope you do. But I remember Akira's also aiming for it." Homura however reminded.
"Well, it's not like we can't both get all our answers right and share the top spot." Asuka replied. "I mean, it's not a compet-" She then started before coming to a halt.
"...Sis?" Homura called out in concern.
"...My history homework." Asuka got out with a horrified look on her face.
"That's next week." Homura deadpanned. "Let's go." She added.
"I think I just had a mini-heart attack." Asuka breathed out. "And I haven't gotten calls from my agency lately, I need practice and experience for the runway show..." She then muttered.
"Sis, you're starting to worry me..." Homura got out in an uncomfortable tone.
"Because I'm not doing anything lately except work at Leblanc." Asuka exclaimed as her eyes widened. "...Oh God, I haven't been doing anything!" She then declared in disbelief.
"Sis, calm down." Homura however instructed, calming the brunette down a bit. "Take your time, do it at your own pace. Rushing it will lead you to tripping and pulling what I did yesterday." She then added.
"I know, but-" Asuka started, however...
"Asuka Shirokage." Homura interrupted as she stopped and turned to her roommate. "Stop and breathe." She soon ordered.
Asuka looked like she wanted to argue before doing what she was told.
"Now then, let's go before the train gets too full and we have to mash out faces against each other again." Homura suggested once Asuka calmed down.
"Moh...We almost got kicked out for PDA..." Asuka muttered in a sad tone. "Why does everyone think like that?" She then complained.
"Yeah, I don't get it either..." Homura mumbled out in a frustrated tone before heading for the train station.
(Hotel Kusatori)
Under the five-story hotel, the Gessen student was in her room packing her things into her bag to prepare to leave for home, back to the Academy.
"Well, being here was fun." Yozakura admitted with a smile. "I better be sure to bring back some souvenirs for the others." She then added before pausing.
She did not get anything through her entire stay here. She had been mostly hanging out with the people she knew and between going to the gym.
She should rectify it before Shiki complains about it...or make fun of her for essentially doing the same thing she did back home except she didn't study.
"Still, I'm just glad that Yumi is having a good time being here so far..." Yozakura confessed in a relieved manner while remembering how concerned she and the others were when their leader got her mission all those months ago.
It was quite the sad affair, not knowing when they would get to see Yumi again, but she did promise to try and keep in touch as best as she could.
And then she didn't.
For six months other than small updates of "Nothing pertaining to the mental shutdowns." and "Still looking into the incidents."
They really should've been angrier now that she thought about it, and they couldn't just call her just in case she was in the middle of something important (like sneaking into a morgue), but Shiki decided to bite the bullet and call after months of silence.
"And then there's..." Yozakura began before pausing. "Akira-kun..." She mumbled as she then thought back to last night.
The workout they shared followed with the enjoyable dinner and movie...she could hear her heart beating as a response...
BADUMP! BADUMP! BADUMP!
The blunette's eyes soon began to sparkle in delight. "Eeeee! Akira-kun was soooo sweet last night on our date!" Yozakura began squealing in a giddy manner to remembering as she blushed and placed her hands on her cheeks while shaking her head. "Ah! I referred to it as a date! Moh, how embarrassing!" She then got out, though not exactly disappointed by it.
To her, this was honestly the first time she felt like this...and she liked it.
A lot.
But she also knew she had to keep this a secret, knowing Shiki would tease her for it...
"...Wait..." Yozakura soon got out as it began to dawn on her. "He has other friends doesn't he? How...How many girls does he know?" She soon wondered in concern...along with envy and worry.
(Hebijo Hideout)
Meanwhile, in the underground safehouse/abandoned tunnel, Haruka had just finished her shower and was beginning to ready herself for the clinic she was now running by herself.
The job itself wasn't as hard as she expected, though she knew she had to be better then her father with how much of a scumbag he was.
But it wasn't her clinic. It was Tae Takemi and she had stopped treating patients. It was all on her now.
"Hurry up and do something, Akira-kun..." Haruka thought with a frown. She had half a mind to just hunt down the bastard and make him a puppet, but she had this feeling her friend was doing something that would resolve the problem a lot more cleanly.
Or just contacted the Phantom Thieves and was just waiting for the change of heart.
Actually...maybe she should post it up on the Phan-site...
All of a sudden, she felt a shiver go up her spine, causing her to stop dressing herself. "...Why do I feel as though someone is challenging me somehow?" She wondered in confusion. "And why do I feel so giddy?" She soon got out with a wicked smile on her face.
Well, it was in all shinobi's blood to fight for what they love. And despite not knowing who she was up against, she was not going to lose.
(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc Attic)
"ACHOO!" Akira sneezed before rubbing his nose. "Someone must be talking about me." He muttered as he wiped the sweat off his brow.
"..." Morgana meanwhile gave a deadpan expression as he looked at the Leader.
"...I am not a manwhore!" Akira soon declared.
"I didn't say anything that time!" Morgana defended himself, sounding quite offended.
"I know other guys. Like Iwai, Toranosuke, Ryuji, Yusuke, Mishima..." Akira then reminded, ignoring the cat's statement.
"But you know way more girls and you treat them all like princesses." Morgana countered.
"This is coming from the cat that adds Lady to some of the girls' names." Akira grumbled before it suddenly hit him. "And I've noticed you only use that on the ones with big boobs." He then added in an accusing manner.
"What!? How dare you!" Morgana called out they continued to argue...never noticing the cafe owner at the stairs.
Sojiro was going to talk to the boy before heading to school, but upon seeing him arguing with his cat and trying to claim that he was not quote unquote, a manwhore, he decided to just go back downstairs and prepared to give him curry like he usually did.
"I SUCK AT ROMANCE!" Akira confessed.
"MEOW MEOW MEOW, NYA!" Sojiro heard his cat shout back.
Sojiro simply sighed in response. "He's still a strange kid." He quietly remarked.
(6/29, Morning)
(Shujin Academy, Classroom)
Kawakami just barely managed to make it to class before the first bell rang for homeroom, which was sort of a frequent occurrence at homeroom. And it was worrying the two Leaders, who knew what was happening.
"How is Kawakami-sensei's second job going?" Asuka whispered to her Leader.
"She's tired and uses my calls mostly as an excuse to sleep." Akira answered as he narrowed his eyes. "However...she's in some serious debt. She says it's medical bills for a sick relative but I'm not so sure." He then informed as he narrowed his eyes.
"Keep an eye on her, Akira-kun." Asuka in response requested.
"Will do." Akira replied as the lesson began.
"I thought I was going to be late. Customers were bickering at the convenience store and holding up the line." Kawakami complained. "A young woman wearing all brand clothing and an older man with gold accessories were arguing. Both were on their high horse, and even though they dressed fancily, it felt nouveau riche." She then continued her little story.
"If they spent all their money on brand clothing and gold crap, they wouldn't be at the convenience store." Homura pointed out under her breath. "But then again, their bentos are awesome for the price..." She then admitted.
"Speaking of, the Japanese words for high horse and nouveau riche both originated as shogi terms." Kawakami informed. "A lot of people aren't familiar with shogi, but it's good to know a little bit about it." She then got out.
The teacher soon looked around the room to see who looked the least likely to answer this question...
And settled on Asuka.
"Shirokage-chan, have you seen this piece before?" Kawakami asked as she drew the shogi piece on the chalkboard, causing the girl to jump in her seat before standing up. "This character is in cursive kanji. Do you know which one it is?" She then stated and questioned.
"I...I never played shogi before...! I've never even seen the pieces!" Asuka mentally cried out.
"Looks like Lady Asuka needs some help." Morgana whispered. "You better help her out, Leader." He then suggested, only to see that he already wrote down the answer and had angled it in such a way that the brunette could see it without arousing suspicion.
"Uh...gold?" Asuka answered in an unsure tone.
"That's right. This is the cursive form of the kanji for gold, which is written on the back of the pawn." Kawakami replied with a pleased smile. "In shogi, you can choose to promote your pieces under certain conditions. A weak piece like a pawn can become gold if you get it into the enemy's camp, hence nouveau riche." She then explained and revealed.
"Yosh!" Asuka mentally cheered as she silently thanked the Leader, who only smirked in return.
"By the way, nouveau riche like to wear expensive clothes because of a desire to be acknowledged." Kawakami continued. "Once humans fulfill the basic needs of clothing, good, and shelter, our next desire is recognition. That's why people try to make themselves seem bigger by flaunting their power through money. Which is why you shouldn't go near them. I've seen way too many of them beaten to a pulp for their money." She then advised before wincing. That poor, stupid, garish man.
"That...sounds deserving to be honest..." Akira admitted.
"Interesting..." Homura muttered in a fascinated tone as the trio felt their Knowledge increasing as a result while class continued.
(6/29, After School)
(Aoyama-Itchome, Alleyway)
The Thieves decided to meet-up in the alleyway after school to talk and waste some time before they separated for the day.
"So Lady Homura's hard at work with her committee and Makoto's busy with Student Council duties." Morgana got out with a proud smile. "Such hard workers." He then added.
"Yep." Akira replied. "So, what's the rest of the going home club doing?" He soon asked.
"Actually, me and Ryuji decided to hang out today." Ann admitted, surprising the others. "We really haven't gotten the chance to since middle school, so why not now?" She then explained.
"L-Lady Ann!?" Morgana exclaimed in shock.
"She's making me hold her bags." Ryuji deadpanned.
"Yeah, but we get to talk too." Ann stated with a smile. "See you guys later, okay?" She then added.
"See ya, Ann-chan. Ryuji-kun." Asuka responded with a wave of her hand as the two blondes left the alleyway.
"I think today's Yumi and Yusuke's daily lunch so...do you want to do something?" Akira soon asked the Vice Leader as he turned to the girl.
"Actually, I wanna go to Leblanc again." Asuka requested.
"Well, I have nothing better to do so let's go there together, Asuka." Akira offered.
"We haven't hung out in a while so...yeah, sounds wonderful." Asuka agreed with a nod.
"Okay then, the last one to the train station is-" Akira started, only to realise that his fellow Leader was already gone. "...You know, should've expected that before saying anything." He muttered before rushing off.
(Disciplinary Committee Board Room)
Homura adjusted her uniform (despite the ripped off sleeves, thanks Akira) and her armband before heading into the boardroom.
"Good afternoon Ma'am!" Keiichiro greeted with a salute.
"At ease Keiichiro." Homura replied as she sat herself down to see a small stack of reports...and lacked a few members. "Where's everyone else?" She soon asked.
"Out." Hikari replied. "Doing their duty...or they didn't turn up." She then added.
"Goddammit." Homura grumbled under her breath. "We're supposed to be taking care of the school, but we aren't going anywhere because there's always people not coming to the meetings!" She then got out.
"Well, it's not like we aren't doing anything...it's just that no one really sees that we're actually taking it seriously, or putting in 100%." Yui pointed out with a frown.
"To sum it up, no one believes in us because we don't believe in it either." Hikari simplified.
"I know..." Homura sighed out. "I have to work harder...focus more on my committee..." She then added in a more determined manner.
"S-So, why weren't you at school yesterday Homura-senpai?" Hitomi meekly asked in concern.
"It's...not something I wish to talk about Hitomi-san..." Homura hesitantly responded.
"Well, I'm glad you're feeling alright, Makoto-kaichou told me you passed out the other day." Yui got out in relief.
"I was pushing myself after an all-nighter the previous night, so I only have myself to blame." Homura confessed with a sigh. "Now, please go out and do your patrols. I need to catch up on the paperwork after all." She then requested and explained.
"Okay, buchou. Good luck." Yui replied before heading out with the other committee members.
(Classroom Building, First Floor)
Once she had finished her reports, Homura had decided to patrol the school.
"Shinkukage-senpai! Hey!" A familiar voice called out to the tan skinned girl.
"Hm?" Homura hummed out as she turned to see one of her committee members coming towards her. "Ah, Kagurazaka-san." She politely greeted.
Sora in response bowed to her. "A good afternoon to you." He replied, equally polite.
Homura in turn smiled at this, glad that she had juniors that respected her. "So, anything to report?" She soon asked.
"Nothing out of the ordinary. Most of the students have been on their best behavior." Sora reported. "Though there were still those that are trying to cause trouble for not just the students, but the teachers as well." He then informed.
"That's good to hear." Homura replied with relief. "Still, we gotta work our hardest to make sure this school is great again since the Kamoshida incident." She then reminded in a determined manner. "...Despite the principal being an asshole..." She soon grumbled out with a sigh.
"Yeah. I still remember when Kamoshida turned me down when I tried to join his PE class." Sora sighed despondently.
"Well he's gone now." Homura reminded with a smile. "How about we patrol the halls together, Kagurazaka-san?" She then offered.
"Yeah. Sounds good to me." Sora replied as he nodded, noticeably more excited than he lets on.
"Then let's go." Homura replied with a smile as the two headed out
Sora nodded as he followed right behind her as they began their patrol around the halls of Shujin Academy.
At that moment however...
Some of the students were walking down the same hallway from the opposite side and were talking with each other until one of them accidentally bumped the first year with their elbow and caused him to trip over towards the tan skinned girl.
"Eh?" Homura got out as she turned to her committee member, but at that moment...
BOING!
The boy landed in-between her breasts.
Sora had closed his eyes to brace himself for the impact of falling to the floor, but he felt something else when he landed. "Huh? What's this soft feeling?" He wondered. "It feels so warm and...is that a heartbeat I'm hearing?" He thought as he started to open his eyes to see where he had landed, only to see the tan skinned girl's face looking down at him. "Huh? Shinkukage-senpai?" He wondered, though his voice was muffled by her breasts.
"My my, looks like you're a bit of a klutzy." Homura remarked in amusement. "Be mature about this Homura, what happened was an accident." She mentally reminded herself.
"Huh?" Sora got out as he raised an eyebrow until he realized the soft and warm feeling was coming from her breasts. This causes him to jump up from her chest which bounced as he does and backs away from her. "Wah! I-I'm s-sorry Shinkukage-senpai!" He apologized in a panic while blushing. "I didn't mean to do that! Stupid accident-prone Sora!" He then added as he started to beat himself up as the tan skinned girl stands up while remaining calm.
Homura meanwhile brought her hands up. "It's ok, it's ok, it was obviously an accident. No need to beat yourself over it." She replied in a reassuring tone.
"But I did something that I wasn't supposed to do!" Sora cried as he was just about to punch himself in the face until the tan skinned girl stopped him.
"Whoa whoa, calm down already." Homura however ordered. "No need to hurt yourself for that." She then stated in a more serious tone.
"But...Shinkukage-senpai..." Sora was about to protest.
"No buts." Homura however ordered.
Sora nodded and calmed down as he lowered his fist and lowered his head to avoid her gaze. "I'm really sorry, Shinkukage-senpai. I really wished you didn't see that part of me." Sora apologized with a bow.
"It isn't a problem, you just overreacted." Homura replied in reassurance.
"But I was always told that if I ever did something bad, I have to be punished for it." Sora sadly explained.
This however confused the tan skinned girl. "Huh, who told you something like that?" Homura soon asked.
"My..." Sora started, though was hesitant to answer her.
"Hm?" Homura hummed out.
"I...just can't...I can't say anything..." Sora muttered as he turned away from her.
To that, it piqued Homura's interest, but felt as though it was a touchy subject. "Alright, you don't have to tell me right now." She replied.
"Then...you're not mad? Even after what just happened?" Sora soon asked as he turned to face her.
"Of course now." Homura responded with a nod. "Your business is your own." She then added.
"YES!" Sora exclaimed as he jumped in excitement before realizing what he was doing. "Oh...uh...Thank you, Shinkukage-senpai for your words." He soon got out.
Homura meanwhile giggled to that. "It's not a problem." She simply replied, becoming more and more curious about her junior now as she felt a faint bond forming with him.
SHATTER!
I am thou, thou art I.
As to forge a new path in crimson flame,
The vow has been made.
With the secrets of the Strength by your side,
The forge for a new path will be formed.
Granting great power in return.
RANK UP! STRENGTH RANK 1!
Accident Prone: Retry a Persona fusion on a Fusion Accident
"Strength this time huh?" Homura thought as she looked at the boy.
"What's up, Shinkukage-senpai? You look kinda spaced out." Sora meanwhile asked in concern.
"Ah, it's nothing Kagurazaka-san." Homura replied. "Now then, how about we continue our patrol before heading home?" She then suggested.
"Yeah. I'm up for it." Sora responded as he nodded, being even more excited than he was before.
Smiling to that, Homura simply nodded as they continued on with their patrol before heading home for the day.
(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc)
Ring ring ring!
"Hey Boss." Asuka greeted as she and Akira entered the cafe. "I'm back for more work." She soon informed.
"Hey," Sojiro replied as he checked the fridge. "Just in time too. I need to head out to get some groceries so do you two mind holding down the store while I'm out?" He soon asked.
"Sure." Akira answered as he headed upstairs to change while the Vice Leader headed into the back to change as well into her uniform.
As soon as the two finished changing, they saw the owner leaving the restaurant. "If they ask for coffee, serve them but do not touch the curry equipment. You're both not quite ready just yet." Sojiro instructed.
"Hai!" Asuka replied with a nod.
"We promise not to burn the place down." Akira responded in a somewhat joking manner.
"You better." Sojiro warned as he then left.
With the place currently empty, the two Leaders decided to talk while they did their stuff.
"Still can't believe Yusuke-kun just left the Sayuri here..." Asuka couldn't help but remark as she stared at the beautiful painting. "After all that work and how much it means to him..." She then mumbled out.
"He had his reasons." Akira simply stated. "Much better than any gallery in the world I'd say." He soon added.
"I guess so...and I can't help but not imagine Leblanc without it anymore. It really brings this place together." Asuka replied and admitted in agreement with a smile on her face.
"It does, doesn't it?" Akira responded. "The museum seems so long ago now." He then got out.
"The castle feels so long ago too." Asuka mumbled. "God, we were so unprofessional back then." She then sighed out.
"We still kinda are. But we're getting better with every Palace. Heck, I bet by our sixth one, we'll be changing hearts without even taking Treasures." Akira replied with a smirk.
"I don't think that'll ever happen. We're not that good." Asuka giggled out. "But it would be nice to not fight the Palace ruler. I can still feel Piggytron running me over..." She grumbled.
"Yeah, these ruler fights seem to be escalating. I'd say it's like a video game boss fight at this point." Akira chuckled out in a joking manner.
"I guess so." Asuka got out with a smile.
"So, how has the modeling job been?" Akira eventually asked as he washed some dishes.
The brunette in turn smiled at that as she wiped down the table. "It's actually been really fun. I mean I was a bit nervous at first, but now it's all gone." Asuka admitted.
"So modeling ended up being a confidence booster for you." Akira deducted. "So, did you ever think that you would've become a model before coming to Shujin?" He then asked.
"Nope. Being a model was the furthest thing from my mind." Asuka replied as she stood back up. "I mean as a shinobi, one of the rules was staying in the shadows all the time and discarding your humanity, even though Jii-chan's actually against that last bit." She soon revealed. "Now...I feel as though I have a lot more freedom to do whatever I want." She then added.
"I'm glad to hear that." Akira breathed out as he put away the last of the dishes.
"So I think...I'm pretty content with where I am right now. I could live like this for the rest of my life if I could." Asuka admitted. "That's why...it'll make saying good-bye all the much harder..." She suddenly confessed in a sad tone.
"Hm?" Akira hummed out in confusion.
"I mean hanging out with you and the others every day, going through the Metaverse and directly helping people instead of just doing missions and training." Asuka explained as she wiped down the counter. "I think this is what I want out of life...but...this will only last until the end of the year." She soon confused. "I'll have to go back to being the person I once was." She then concluded.
"Who says you have to?" Akira however asked.
"I mean...I can't really keep my modeling job if I'm busy with missions, training and normal civilian school. I can't keep my job here at Leblanc for the same reasons. And I haven't really gotten stronger as a shinobi, only as a thief. I'm...I'm still behind all my friends...I barely qualify as a leader..." Asuka admitted while listing off the reasons. "I can't be all I am right now next year. I...I can't even be a Phantom Thief without my friends back home getting suspicious. My future...I'm not sure about it..." She eventually confessed.
"The future you're talking about is still a year's out." Akira however informed. "I'm sure you'll figure out something by the time we have to leave." He then declared in an encouraging tone.
"Why are you so calm?" Asuka questioned as she narrowed her eyes. "You can't be a Phantom Thief too. You'll be too far away and-" She then began, however...
"When I'm gone, the others will be strong enough to not need me." Akira responded, interrupting his fellow Leader. "I've been winging this whole thing for the past few months and it has been working out somehow. I just...stopped worrying and focused on my present, rather than my future." He soon explained.
"You make it sound so easy..." Asuka mumbled.
"It's because I at least try." Akira simply explained. "If you don't at least do that, you'll never know what you can truly achieve." He then revealed.
"...Trying." Asuka breathed out. "...I-I guess I can do that." She soon replied before shaking her head. "But, still, my modelling might interrupt my shinobi stuff and I might-" She began to spout out her worries when the Leader placed a finger her mouth.
"Shush." Akira ordered. "As the old saying goes: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." He soon quoted.
"Huh...that's really wise. Who said it?" Asuka admitted and asked in a curious manner.
"A...turtle in a kids' movie." Akira admitted in an awkward manner. "...I really should've said some guy from a temple or an old dude, huh?" He then chuckled out.
"Well, regardless of where you got that from, I...think I needed that. Thanks Akira-kun." Asuka eventually replied as she smiled in a grateful manner.
Akira and Asuka smiled at each other, feeling their bond deepen even further.
SHATTER!
Rank 6!
Unlocked Harisen Recovery!
Chance to cure status ailments inflicted upon party members.
"Huh, I should probably get myself my own paper fan rather than borrowing Homu-nee's." Asuka suddenly admitted.
"Where are you people getting these fans?" Akira grumbled out with a sweatdrop.
"Stop staring lovingly into each other's eyes and get back to work." Sojiro suddenly spoke up, rolling his eyes at the display as he reentered the cafe.
"Ah, sorry Boss." Asuka apologized as she went back to work...only to blush scarlet when she realized what he said. "W-Wait! It's not what you think, Boss!" She soon exclaimed in a flustered manner.
"Sure..." Sojiro got out as he went to restock the fridge. "Damn kids these days...what the hell do they feed them...?" He then muttered.
"Moh! I have other traits!" Asuka cried out as the Leader comforted the girl while the cafe owner turned on the TV.
"The internet service interruptions have been fixed." The newscaster informed. "The ISP has announced that the problems were caused by an external attack. The perpetrators did not issue a statement, but they are suspected to be an anonymous hacker group." They then added.
"Hackers, huh?" Akira muttered to himself. "I hope they're not too much of a problem..." He then muttered as he got the girl to calm down.
"Hey, I think I got some new ideas for sushi Boss, Akira-kun." Asuka soon informed. "Hard Futomaki Rolls." She then added in a determined manner.
"I'll order them later, Asuka." Akira replied. "I'll take care of things here. You go home and relax, okay?" He soon offered and requested.
"Okay..." Asuka responded with a nod. "I'll see you tomorrow?" She then asked.
"For sure." Akira answered with a smile.
Nodding to that, Asuka went and got herself changed into her normal clothes, and was given her pay by the cafe owner for the day before heading out.
(6/29, Evening)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
"I'm back!' Asuka called out as she closed the door behind her, immediately feeling the scent of cooked food entering her nose. "Mmmm~! Something smells great!" She got out in delight and excitement.
"Yep, it's grilled steak tonight!" Homura happily informed as she turned her attention back to the grill. "How rare do you want it, Sis?" She then asked.
"Uh...Medium rare I guess." Asuka replied as she got herself settled in.
BZZT! BZZT!
That in turn got Asuka's attention. "Oop! Give me just a second..." She replied as she took out her phone and read who it was. "It's my agency!" She then informed.
The tan skinned girl was in mid-flip when she heard that. "It's...fine...just do it later..." Homura got out in a shaken manner.
The Vice Leader meanwhile sweatdropped to that. "Oh! A modeling gig for tomorrow Kokito-san!?" Asuka repeated over the phone. "At Inokashira Park after school? Ooh, I should come in something really pretty? I should stop repeating what you're-" She continued, only to stop herself and blush. "U-Uh, sorry Kokito-san." She soon apologized.
Homura couldn't help but laugh from the kitchen.
"U-Uh, don't mind that. That was just the TV." Asuka mumbled out. "I'll take it!" She eventually replied in a determined manner. "I'll see you tomorrow." She then added before hanging up.
"How much are they paying you for the gig?" Homura meanwhile asked.
"I didn't ask." Asuka replied. "It's rude to ask how much you're going to be paid. It makes it seem like you're only in it for the money." She soon informed.
"...Is that why I'm getting turned down...?" Homura however muttered to herself.
"Still, it varies on the task of the job itself for that day." Asuka soon explained.
"There isn't anything risque right?" Homura then asked in concern.
"Actually, I had to do something like a checklist of what I'm willing to do. Cut my hair, put in piercings, etc." Asuka explained. "Since I'm underage, I can't do anything more revealing than a bikini and even then." She then revealed.
"So what will you be doing tomorrow?" Homura had to ask as she placed the food on the table.
"Just a fashion shoot for the summer line." Asuka answered before blinking. "...I think. Huh, I guess Kokito-san forgot to tell me." She mentally added before shrugging it off.
"Ok good, as long as you're not doing gravure or the sorts." Homura sighed in relief.
"Homu-nee, they would never. And I'm sure Ann-chan would've told me they would do that type of thing." Asuka replied. "You still don't trust anything about my modelling..." She soon accused.
"You made me a protective big sister to you ok!?" Homura confessed in a whiny tone before dropping her head in depression and shame.
"Well at the very least trust me!" Asuka called out in a frustrated manner. "Moh! Every time I do something, you seem to have a problem with it! Even hanging out with Ryuji-kun and you know he'll never do anything to me."
"...Sorry..." Homura mumbled in depression...
"Sorry is starting to not be enough here." Asuka sighed out. "Homu-nee, I love you, but I want you to treat me like an adult." She then requested. "Maybe you can come to one of my gigs and see what I do." She soon suggested.
"Would I even be allowed?" Homura however asked.
"I can get permission for it." Asuka replied. "Or you can watch from the shadows." She then added.
"That sounds good..." Homura admitted with relief. "Wait, you're going to a public place tomorrow. I can just see you there!" She then pointed out.
"Ooh! Good thinking!" Asuka complimented. "I'll show you that you can trust me while I'm doing my own thing! And that way you'll be way more willing to accept the adoption!" She then added in growing excitement.
"Yeah!" Homura replied in agreement before blinking in realization. "Wait what?" She asked in confusion, but before she could continue...
BZZT! BZZT!
And thus, the universe gave her an out. "Let me get that real quick." Homura quickly got out as she got her phone.
"So close..." Asuka meanwhile thought with a pout.
"Ann?" Homura muttered in confusion as she looked at the direct message to her.
[Sweetkat06: Hey, do you mind heading to Inokashira Park?]
[FireGirl20: Sure.]
[FireGirl20: Wait, why?]
[Sweetkat06: Training]
[FireGirl20: Oh uh, sure. I'll be there soon. Eating right now]
[Sweetkat06: Ok sure, I'll wait. See you then.]
"So what did Ann-chan want Homu-nee?" Asuka asked in a curious manner.
Homura simply shrugged her shoulders in response. "More femininity training, I guess. I have been missing that." She replied and admitted as she got up from her seat. "Heading out, Sis!" She then informed.
"Hai, I go and buy what we need supplies wise." Asuka responded with a nod.
"So both food and shampoos." Homura then simplified. "That sounds right. Good luck. Hopefully there's a sale today." She soon added.
"I hope so too. Have fun." Asuka replied as the tan skinned girl headed out the door. "Gotta do my best tomorrow and impress Homu-nee!" She then declared in a pumped up manner with a fire in her eyes.
She was gonna give it her all tomorrow before she then headed out herself.
(Inokashira Park)
"It would've been nice for Ann to mention where in the park she is..." Homura grumbled to herself while walking through the area in her summer casual clothes.
"Hey Homura, over here!" Ann called out, wearing her gym uniform while waving to the tan skinned girl.
"Wow, it's been a while I've seen you in that." Homura admitted. "But then again, we haven't had P.E. in months now..." She soon pointed out. "Wow everyone at school is getting out of shape..." She then concluded.
"Not at the size of Principal Shitbasket." Ann reminded.
"Eh, you're right, but all we've had since Kamoshida got arrested are study periods." Homura replied and pointed out. "Why hasn't anyone actually taken over his position yet?" She then asked.
"Well, I don't think a lot of people are looking to be hired at a school where..." Ann began before wincing. "Stuff happened." She then concluded.
"Good point." Homura sighed out. "Anyway, are we ready to do this?" She then asked.
"Sure." Ann responded with a nod.
"Okay, what are you teaching me today?" Homura replied and questioned.
"Huh?" Ann got out in confusion before coming to a realization. "O-Oh, you thought...uh...actually, I kinda want some...shinobi training." She awkwardly requested.
"Eh? You...want training Ann? Like, the one Akira usually pays for?" Homura repeated, slightly confused to the request. "Where did this come from?" Shen soon asked in confusion.
"I just...realised I haven't been taking this whole thief thing as seriously as I should be. So I'm going to get stronger, both in body and in heart." Ann confessed and explained.
"You could just go to the gym..." Homura pointed out.
"Yeah, I could but I just...need someone to push me because I'd probably stop after fifteen minutes and head out to get crepes." Ann replied and explained. "...Oh God, I can't get crepes anymore...Why did I promise myself no cheat days...?" She then muttered.
"Whoa whoa whoa Ann, you can have crepes, you would just have to be sure to burn it off with training." Homura pointed out.
"...Didn't you tell me I don't get fat." Ann reminded. "I won't have anything to burn off. I need, like, nutrients and stuff. Wait, why are you so-" She soon began to question before realising it. "You want me to buy crepes for you, don't you?" She deadpanned.
"...Maybe." Homura awkwardly admitted.
"...I have no self-control, so you have to be mine." Ann soon declared.
"And I barely have sweets to begin with." Homura bluntly stated. "O-Okay, I did promise Sis to try and eat more sweets but - okay, fine, I won't beg you for crepes..." She began before sighing in disappointment.
"Thank you." Ann breathed out in relief. "Maybe after training though for your femininity training?" She then suggested in a casual manner.
"Ann..." Homura droned out before thinking about it.
"Gah! You see why I need you!?" Ann exclaimed while palming her face.
"I can see why." Homura admitted while rubbing the back of her head. "Erm...Do we know any healthy places to eat at?" She then awkwardly asked.
"How would I know? All the shops I've been to either sell clothes or sweets." Ann replied and confessed. "I...I really haven't thought this through..." She then muttered.
"Honestly I just wing it with the things I do." Homura casually admitted. "We'll find a place...after your training." She then decided,
"I guess that's the deal." Ann replied in agreement.
"Ok, so same as last time, you helping me with being more feminine and I train you more, anything in particular?" Homura replied and asked.
In response, the ash blonde stepped forward, taking her wallet out and took some money out. "I was thinking about training my body a little. I feel so tired and sore after heading to the Metaverse that I want to stop feeling that so hard." Ann answered in a determined manner as she handed the money over.
Homura counted the notes to make sure that there was enough...and decided not to inform the girl that she handed her too much. "Huh. And here I thought I had to make Akira pay for your training so you'd have no choice." Homura admitted while taking and pocketing the money.
"Not this time Homura, I need to get stronger." Ann replied.
"...You do realise I'm not gonna be any softer just because you paid for your own training." Homura however advised.
"I know." Ann responded in a serious tone and with a nod. "Homura-sensei, give me everything you got when it's time for my training." She soon requested.
"Which is right now. Shinobi Kekkai!" Homura declared as she performed the hand sign.
"W-Wait, let me mentally-" Ann started in a panic.
And with that, they vanished.
(Shibuya, Underground Mall)
Meanwhile, unaware of the horrible tor- training one of her friends was going through, Yumi was happily walking through Central Street with Yozakura, a few bags in hand after a little shopping spree.
"Thanks for helping me shop for souvenirs, Yumi." Yozakura got out in relief.
"It's fine. And it was a nice way to spend your last day here." Yumi replied. "Hopefully they'll like what we picked." She then added.
"I'm sure they'll like it. I mean, what else would they like?" Yozakura pointed out as she looked inside the bags. Artisanal sweets for Minori, the latest summer fashion for Shiki and a tiger mask with the most recent manga for Murakumo.
"Me coming home, if I had to guess." Yumi mumbled out.
"...You do remember that you can only stay until April next year." Yozakura reminded.
"I know." Yumi replied. "And it would be considered a mission failed, just like all the other missions to investigate what's been happening over the past two years." She then added.
"That's not to mention that the Phantom Thieves." Yozakura responded. "There will be people after them soon enough, or maybe there's already people hunting them down now. I can't imagine what the Evil Shinobi will do to them." She then added.
"I...I don't think shinobi can stop them." Yumi hesitantly admitted. "As long as there's injustice in this world, they'll change the hearts until the world can defend itself." She soon stated after calming down.
Yozakura in turn smiled at that. "I agree Yumi. The Phantom Thieves would never fall like that." She replied with a nod. "Just like how we won't give up until we achieve that same world." She then declared.
"Yes...we will." Yumi thought with a smile. "Still Yozakura-san, it was great seeing you." She soon confessed.
Yozakura in response smiled. "Yeah, Tokyo was fun, though I need to get back to Gessen to make sure the others are fine." She soon replied. "Their vacation time should be coming up, so they might contact you when they decide to visit." She then added. "Though I would want to visit again myself." She eventually confessed.
"I hope you can. This feels like a little slice of normal before this whole thing started." Yumi replied. "Maybe you guys can meet the rest of my friends." She then suggested.
"I would love to. Akira-kun was so nice, you really know how to pick your friends." Yozakura responded in approval.
"Oh, did you have fun with Akira-kun yesterday?" Yumi soon asked, feigning ignorance.
"Akira-kun was such a gentleman Yumi!" Yozakura immediately declared with stars in her eyes and a blush on her face. "But...How many girls does he know?" She soon asked.
"Hm?" Yumi hummed out, curious about the question. "Well, there's Ann-san...Homura-san...Asuka-san...Makoto-san..." She began listing off.
Yozakura's expression slightly dropped to that. "Oh..." She got out in obvious disappointment.
"But we're all just friends with Akira-kun." Yumi corrected. "He does have quite a few friends outside of school...and even his age group." She then admitted.
"So Akira-kun is someone who truly cares for his friend." Yozakura soon stated as she blushed even more. "Even me now..." She then thought to herself.
"He would go to the ends of the Earth if he had to." Yumi soon admitted, deciding not to mention how willing he was to gut and beat any Shadow that hurt his allies.
God, he had quite the talent for style and violence.
"Well, I expected it given his..." Yozakura started before hesitating. "His past." She then muttered.
"Ah, so you know about it." Yumi got out as she sighed in a sympathetic manner. "I just wish I could help him, but he insists that it would be best to leave it in the past. He would usually fight against things like that." She soon confessed and stated. "I don't know how he'll survive next year without us." She then added.
"If Gessen wasn't a girls only school, we could have put in a good word for him to join." Yozakura eventually stated. "He deserves better...but I don't know what to do..." She then admitted before her eyes widened. "...Unless..." She soon began, however...
"We do something about that." Yumi reassured, interrupting her friend's train of thought. "That sounds like something an Evil Shinobi would do." She then stated.
"It...It would be helping a good person though..." Yozakura mumbled out.
"You mean the person you have an interest in Yozakura-san?" Yumi soon teased in amusement. "Yozakura-san...you..." She meanwhile thought, surprised at her friend's attitude.
Yozakura's head immediately glowed pink with steam coming out in response. "H-Hai..." She mumbled out.
"Ohohoho~ I see." Yumi soon realized with a coy grin on her face. "Well, I wish you good- wait, what time is it?" She began before asking.
"Oh, it's...Ah, I better get going." Yozakura got out in realization after she checked her phone. "If I don't head back to the hotel now, I'll miss the first train back to Gessen." She then explained after she put her phone away. "I'll be sure to let you know when one of the others decided to take their vacation. I wouldn't put it past Shiki to take a surprise vacation, after all." She then informed and reminded.
"Hai, I understand Yozakura-san. Have a safe trip back." Yumi replied as she went and hugged her close friend. "I have to go meet an informant right now, so I can't walk you back to the hotel." She then confessed.
"That's ok, I'll text you when I get on the train." Yozakura replied as she returned the hug.
"And Akira-kun?" Yumi guessed in amusement as the two separated.
"Yes." Yozakura immediately replied before realizing what she said. "Wait, no. He...He wouldn't...couldn't..." She stammered out, head glowing pink and steaming once more.
"There's nothing to be ashamed of, Yozakura-san." Yumi however reassured. "I'll be...I'll be cheering you on." She then added in a mutter.
"...What was that?" Yozakura got out.
"What was what?" Yumi innocently asked.
"That stutter." Yozakura answered. "Did something get caught in your throat?" She then questioned in concern.
"Ah, I guess so." Yumi replied. "You should probably get going now." She soon reminded.
"I...I should. Goodbye, Yumi." Yozakura hesitantly replied. "I'll see you soon. I hope." She then added.
"Hey, if it all goes well, I'll come back at the end of the year." Yumi responded in reassurance. "Goodbye." She then got out.
And with that the two hugged once more before separating and heading opposite ways of each other.
(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc Attic)
"So what exactly do you plan to do with Ryuji tonight?" Morgana asked as the Leader changed out of his uniform.
"Meet up, eat some food, find evidence of a teacher's corruption. You know, the usual." Akira casually replied. He really didn't have time to relax lately. He had to maintain relationships, study, work at Leblanc and all the other jobs he applied for, and shit he almost forgot about Oyamada and how he was going to kick the bastard's Shadow in his ass so hard that his real self would feel it.
"Another target for us?" Morgana guessed in a curious manner.
"Maybe. We'll see, though." Akira answered as he grabbed his bag.
BZZT! BZZT!
"Hm?" Akira hummed out as he took out his phone.
[RiceThrasher: Good evening Akira-kun.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Hello, Yoza-san]
[RiceThrasher: ?]
[TheWildJ0ker: Typing really quickly right now. I'm in a surrey.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Hurry. DAMMIT!]
[RiceThrasher: Well, I just wanted to let you know I'm leaving right now.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Well, you did tell me that yesterday.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Too bad I can't see you go.]
[RiceThrasher: It's fine. I'll text when I have the chance, okay?]
[TheWildJ0ker: You better. Bye, Yo-chan.]
[TheWildJ0ker: I hit the send button by accident]
"So Yozakura finally went home back to Gessen." Morgana got out as he jumped off the Leader's shoulder.
"Yep." Akira replied as he pocketed his phone.
"You gonna miss her." Morgana guessed.
"Of course, but I'm not gonna be so hung up about it. We're friends after all." Akira responded with a nod. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to help take down more terrible teachers." He then informed before heading out.
It was time to help out the Chariot.
(Shibuya, Central Street)
The Kosei Student Council President meanwhile was walking down the streets as she looked around. "I thought I was late, but they're not even here." Yumi thought in slight concern. "They should have texted me if there were any complications." She then added to herself.
Just as she was beginning to worry, she got a text.
[Otaku: I'm sorry senpai, but I'm currently destroying my toilet.]
The Kosei Student Council President in turn sighed while reading this information. "Okay, there is something called too much information." She muttered as she pocketed her phone into her skirt. "Well, all my other informants have already reported in, so now I'm done for the day. I better get home for the night." She soon got out.
(Inokashira Park)
About thirty minutes later after Ann and Homura vanished, the two reappeared with the tan skinned girl no worse for wear and the ash blonde...
THUD!
Well... at least she managed to pick herself back up after that.
"See, Ann! I knew you had it in you." Homura proudly stated.
"...Ugh...that was rough as I thought it was..." Ann groaned out as she laid against a tree.
"But I've noticed you haven't cried during our training, so I'd say it's you're making some serious progress." Homura praised in a proud manner.
"I-I am?" Ann struggled out. "I...I actually do fine a little stronger...and not just dead." She then confessed. Despite all the pain and how exhausted she felt, she felt pretty good.
Ann's Strength, Magic, Endurance, Agility and Luck increased!
"Don't you mean dead tired?" Homura however asked.
"No, I'm dead tired now..." Ann confessed. "But it's time for your training in being more feminine Homura." She soon decided. "...Huh, it's been a while since we did this." She then realized.
"Um...do you need to be standing up to do this?" Homura awkwardly offered.
"No, I'm fine here, just...I'm gonna watch you while my legs rest a bit." Ann replied. "...Unless you want to take me to the diner so we can practice there." She then suggested.
"I think this is fine. I don't want to embarrass you by carrying you all the way to the diner." Homura responded. "There's already rumors of me and Asuka dating, I'd rather not add that I'm cheating on her." She then grumbled.
"People still haven't stopped talking about that?" Ann asked in disbelief.
"You guys haven't stopped too." Homura countered with a deadpan expression.
"...Okay, I'll give you that." Ann awkwardly replied thinking back to her friends that did so.
The tan skinned girl in turn smirked to her victory. "So in any case, poise practice right?" Homura guessed.
"Yup, glad you still remember it from last time. It did seem like you were slacking a bit, Homura" Ann replied and admitted, shocking the tan skinned girl. "You got all the books to balance atop your head?" She then asked.
"That and more..." Homura replied as she went over and got her bag, taking out all the books.
THUD!
And landed on the ground, leaving a slight dent as a result.
"...Do you plan on snapping your spine!?" Ann exclaimed in concern.
"Did you forget that I'm a shinobi? This is nothing compared to Hebijo's training." Homura countered with confidence.
"Even when you're training something as simple as posture, you manage to make it dangerous." Ann sighed out.
"Wouldn't be a shinobi if I couldn't. Now let's do this!" Homura declared as she began stacking books on her head.
"Just gonna have 118 at the ready." Ann however informed, unfortunately getting ready to call the Coast Guard.
"I'm not gonna hurt myself. Not a masochist." Homura reassured and reminded.
"No, it's for me. In case those books fall on me." Ann responded and explained. "You might want to stay at least a feet away from me." She then advised.
"And you won't get hurt too. I'll make sure of that." Homura replied with a reassuring smile before she threw the last book she had atop her head. "W-Whoa! Okay, should've stacked them on the ground!" She struggled out.
"Getting too close, getting way too close!" Ann exclaimed in a panic.
"I-It's fine, Ann!" Homura responded as she steadied herself, causing her to sigh in relief. "See! I'm perfectly capable of doing this." She soon informed as she began walking with elegance and feminie grace and...
SPLASH!
...Stepped into the lake.
Ann meanwhile sweatdropped to the sight. "Never a dull moment." She got out.
"MY BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKS!" Homura cried out into the night sky.
(Shibuya, Station Square)
As the Kosei Student Council President walked through the streets to get to the tunnel, the sound of music was soon heard, causing her to look up to the jumbo screen.
"Come to me...This is not the end of the world ...Come to me...Can't you see the sounds from far...Come to me...Now you stand beyond the fear...So, Come to me...My dear...~"
Yumi soon smiled as she listened to the song on the big screen, bobbing her head to the rhythm. "Risette's newest song. She's such a great singer." She muttered to herself before singing the song herself, it being slightly more gentle sounding coming out of her mouth.
As the light gray haired girl kept singing, a heavily dressed woman was drinking some coffee as she heard the angelic voice, causing her to turn her head. "That girl..." She muttered in a curious manner as she began following her.
Yumi meanwhile kept singing as a gentle smile came across her face while bobbing her head.
"Excuse me, miss." A female voice called out.
"Hm?" Yumi hummed out, ending her singing as she turned around to see a heavily dressed woman fast walking up to her. "Yes?" She responded in a polite manner.
"Thank God I caught up with you..." The woman sighed in relief as she adjusted her clothes. "I couldn't help but notice...Yo-Your..." The woman started, only to trail off as her eyes drifted downwards. "..." She was speechless as she looked on in amazement.
Yumi however sighed, knowing exactly what was happening. "Yes, I know I am well developed for a high school student miss..." She responded, only to trail off since she didn't know the woman's name.
"I-I didn't mean y-your chest, I just m-meant...um..." The woman stammered out as her face became redder and redder before sighing in slight frustration. "Ugh, just come with me please!" She soon requested as she walked at a faster pace.
Yumi in response raised an eyebrow to this action. "Um...ok?" She responded in an uneasy manner as she followed the woman.
(Alleyway)
Away from the crowds, the two women were looking at one another, one with a confused expression and the other with a relieved one.
"Whew, it's good to be out of the crowds." The woman got out in relief.
"You know, with the way you dress and how you have given no explanation on why you dragged me over to an alleyway where barely anyone goes, I have half a mind to call the police or defend myself." Yumi pointed out.
The woman's eyes soon widened to that. "There's no need to do that, I just needed to talk with you, miss..." She then started.
The light haired girl narrowed her eyes before letting out a sigh. She could tell this woman wouldn't hurt a fly. "My name is Yumi, Yumi Tsukikaze." Yumi soon introduced herself. "So then miss, who are you?" She then asked.
The woman in response giggled. "It's much easier and quieter if I just pointed out my identity." She vaguely replied as she pointed at the giant billboard above them while slightly tilting her sunglasses.
Yumi blinked as she switched her gaze from the woman to the billboard, which depicted Rise Kujikawa's new album being for sale. It took a second to realize who the woman really was as her eyes widened.
"O-Oh! Y-You are Rise Kujikawa-san!" Yumi gasped out in a whisper.
"Thank you for keeping that quiet." Rise replied while sighing in relief while readjusting her disguise.
"It is not a problem whatsoever Kujikawa-san," Yumi replied in a polite manner, though was still surprised. "But, what is it that you want from me?" She soon asked in a curious manner after calming herself down.
"Well...I just heard you singing one of my songs and...to be honest, it was like it was made for you instead of me." Rise explained. "You have an angelic voice." She then revealed with a smile.
To that, Yumi blushed from the praise, not expecting it whatsoever. "I'm...I'm far from an angel." She got out in a bashful manner. "But...you really think so?" She then asked.
The idol in response nodded to that. "Yes. A thousand times yes." Rise replied. "And...maybe you have the right stuff to make it..." She then added.
The light gray haired girl in turn blinked to that. "...Eh?" Yumi got out, confused to where this was going.
"Yumi...I believe you have what it takes to be an idol like I was back in high school." Rise soon revealed with a smile on her face.
The light gray haired girl blinked to hearing this. "E-Eh? Y-You wish for me to become an idol like you?" Yumi soon asked, blinking a couple of times to hear this. "Y-You want to scout me?" She then added.
"Hehe, yup. I just said that." Rise replied with a giggle.
The light gray haired girl's head soon became red to the request. "I...I'm not sure, Kujikawa-san. I mean I'm just the Student Council President of my school, I don't believe that I'm idol material per say." Yumi then admitted.
"What are you saying? You have such a nice voice and you're really cute." Rise soon praised with a smile
To that praise, Yumi blinked a couple of times. "You...think I'm cute?" She asked in an unsure manner, though was holding back some excitement to the cute comment.
Rise in response nodded to that. "Of course. You should have more appreciation for your appearance." She then encouraged.
"O-Oh, it is just that most people...well..." Yumi started, trailing off as she glanced down at her chest.
Understanding what the light gray haired girl was referring to, Rise in turn crossed her arms over her chest to that. "Well then those people are perverts if they mainly focus on just your chest. They can't see the noble woman I know you are." She declared in a disapproving tone.
"Well there are...certain advantages to having such attention." Yumi vaguely admitted.
"Hm?" Rise hummed out in a curious manner.
Yumi in response shook her head to that. "It is nothing Kujikawa-san." She got out. "So...what really makes you think I would be able to make it as an idol?" She soon asked.
"I'm not really sure. It's just...something drew me to you. Like...I knew you have the potential to become something greater." Rise admitted.
"Really?" Yumi then asked, this explanation making her even more curious.
"Really, you got potential, I just know it." Rise replied in an encouraging and confident manner. "You have the makings of an idol." She then declared once more.
"Yes but...I heard that the idol industry is quite brutal." Yumi pointed out. "Having to avoid all sorts of things in order to appeal to the masses. One mistake and it's all over." She then added. "Much like a shinobi..." She meanwhile thought.
"Oh..." Rise replied, feeling as though the offer was going to be rejected.
"However...I guess my lifestyle is already ideal for an idol to have." Yumi meanwhile added to herself. Shinobi life was equally as brutal as idol life. "Then again, Asuka-san is doing well as a model..." She mentally remembered.
Rise then noticed that the light gray haired girl was deep in thought. "So Yumi...do you have an answer?" She soon asked in a curious manner.
"Well...I guess I could give it a shot." Yumi got out before gasping. "Maybe this could help me improve my cuteness even further, and will allow me to show the world that cuteness can save the world!" She then added.
"...I guess you liked magical girl shows as a kid, huh?" Rise guessed in an amused manner.
"I-I didn't watch a lot of TV. It's just the path I've chosen." Yumi got out with a small innocent blush on her face. "My grandfather has always believed in having a strong sense of justice." She then explained.
"And that includes saving the world...with cuteness." Rise repeated, this time being more amused.
"A noble goal, is it not?" Yumi soon asked. "I came to the conclusion that cuteness is justice pretty recently after thinking about it." She then explained.
"Um, I guess so..." Rise awkwardly replied.
"I'm sorry, my grandfather is really into the concept of justice." Yumi replied. "Similar to that of the Phantom Thieves." She then added.
"I seem to be hearing more and more about them every day, you know." Rise then pointed out. "And there's nothing wrong with wanting justice. One of my friends is the original Detective Prince." She then revealed.
"You mean Naoto Shirogane?" Yumi soon asked. "My word Kujikawa-san, I had no idea you were friends with her." She then got out in amazement.
"I'm friends with a lot of people you wouldn't expect." Rise soon admitted in an amused tone.
"I could say the same." Yumi also replied with a giggle escaping her lips.
"Do you think we can meet again tomorrow?" Rise then asked. "I would like to introduce you to my manager." She then explained as she took out a business card.
"U-Um...We'll see, if I have the time." Yumi replied as she took the card with a number on it. She had to be ready to enter the Metaverse at any time after all. "But I'll see what I can do Kujikawa-san." She then added.
Rise however giggled to that. "Please, just call me Rise, Yumi-chan." She soon requested.
"Of course, Rise-san." Yumi replied before checking the time. "I better get going. I hope you get home safe tonight. Thank you for your time." She then added.
"I should be thanking you for hearing me out in the first place. I'll see you soon." Rise replied as the light gray haired girl walked out of the alleyway.
"Me...an idol? Could I really?" Yumi meanwhile muttered to herself as she began to imagine it.
(Yumi's Imagination)
Loud cheering was heard as Yumi was dancing on stage, having a bubbly expression on her face as she sang her song, enjoying herself all the while.
"Hai Hai! Yuki Yumi here! Are you ready!?" Yumi happily called out in a cutesy manner while winking to her audience.
In response, the cheers became ever louder with even more excitement while spotlights focused more on the light gray haired girl as the music began to play while she began to dance to it.
"Your movie, your storyline. All decided before the curtain...Rises. How does it feel to be inclined...To a fate so certain~?"
As Yumi kept singing, the crowd kept cheering in encouragement and excitement to hearing their idol singing.
(Shinjuku Station)
As Yumi kept imagining it, she soon gained stars in her eyes as the idea started to appeal more and more to her as she got off the subway. "Me...an idol..." She mumbled out, getting more excited and intrigued now at the idea as she began to watch the music video again.
[Otaku: Oh, just looked back at my most recent message.]
[Otaku: I meant with a crowbar.]
Yumi soon sighed as she decided to head home.
(Shibuya, Station Square)
Meanwhile, the senior idol came out of the alleyway as she thought back to the light gray haired girl as she walked away.
"Hehe, I think I found someone who can rival your weirdness Yu-kun." Rise thought with a giggle. "Though I believe she can make it as an idol. She's got a good head on her shoulders." She then added with a smile as she took out her phone and dialed a number. "Hello, Inoue-san? It's me. I've got someone you should meet. Do you mind if I bring her in for tomorrow?" She informed, followed by the question, soon nodding as a smile came across her face. "Great! See you then!" She replied as she hung up and placed her phone in her purse before walking off.
But at that moment...
"Rise." A deep female voice called.
"Hm?" The singer got out before turning around to see one of her greatest friends approaching her, causing her eyes to widen at the sight of a woman with long, dirty blonde hair. "Dai-chan? Is that you?" She soon asked, only to get a nod in response, causing her to smile widely. "Wow! It's been so long! Why are you here in Tokyo?" She soon got out and asked as she hugged the larger woman. "Glad to see you're still rocking your real looks." She then added.
"As I said all those years ago, I have no reason to hide my true self around you guys anymore." Daidōji stated with a kind and calm smile before she became serious. "But sorry my visit could not be under better circumstances." She then apologized.
"Huh? Oh...right..." Rise got out in a concerned tone before leaning in. "Any luck with that?" She soon whispered.
The dirty blonde haired woman in response sighed. "Let's talk over dinner. I'm starving." Daidōji offered.
"Sure! Like I said, it's been a while." Rise replied with a nod as the two then headed for the nearest restaurant.
(Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
"Okay, history homework done!" Asuka happily declared, feeling her Knowledge improving as a result. "Now to reward myself with some mochi ice-cream!" She then added as she closed her books before she went to the kitchen and got herself a bowl. But as she opened the freezer.
"I'm back." An exhausted female voice called out as the door then closed.
"You're back late." Asuka pointed out before noticing her roommate's appearance. "And wet." She awkwardly added. "So...should I?" She then started to ask.
"Training went a little wrong...had to buy new books..." Homura groaned out as she tried to combo her hair with her hands. "But at least Ann bought me some books of femininity. I actually read one on the ride here." She then added and informed.
"How was it?" Asuka asked in a curious manner.
"It was actually quite informative. Although, it kinda hurt that it recommended waterproof makeup." Homura replied. "Gonna go take a bath then sleep." She soon informed. "You resupplied our shampoo Sis?" She then asked.
"Yep!" Asuka happily replied. "I'll join you and then we can have mochi ice cream together!" She then offered.
Homura simply nodded to that as the two headed for the bathroom, ran the water and got in the tub.
SPLASH!
"Aaaahhh…" Homura sighed out.
SPLASH!
"Aaaaahhhhhh…" Asuka soon breathed out as she entered the tub as well.
"You know, I think we're hitting our stride." Homura admitted while relaxing herself. "Once Kaneshiro is officially down, I think things will go uphill from there." She then added.
"It does feel like that." Asuka replied in agreement. "And once we take care of more personal problems, we can focus 100% on changing the world." She then declared.
"We have so much work to do though...You think we can do it in a year?" Homura reminded and asked.
"Hey, it might take our entire lives." Asuka replied. "But we're gonna do everything we can to make the world a little better." She then declared.
"Yeah." Homura responded with a nod. "The future seems pretty bright right now as long as we keep working on it." She soon stated. "Now if only our luck would improve…" She grumbled out.
"Y-Yeah…" Asuka agreed as she blushed. "At least life is never boring." She soon pointed out.
"True that." Homura got out with a smile. "...Do you think we can eat ice cream in the bath?"
"I don't see why not." Asuka replied. "...We never got the chance to have our special bath bomb celebration..." She then realized with widened eyes.
"We'll bring 'em out on the night Kaneshiro's mafia crumbles." Homura responded. "...And it will be glorious since I bet Makoto-senpai is gonna tell off the principal as well." She then added with a wide smirk.
"Fuckin' go after the mafia by herself…" Asuka grumbled out as she stood up. "Let's not talk about that fat bastard anymore tonight. I'm gonna get the ice cream." She then requested and informed as she got out of the tub and got a towel.
"I'll be waiting." Homura replied as she relaxed herself even more.
(Shinjuku, New Moon Apartment Complex)
Meanwhile, Yumi couldn't help but notice how depressingly small her apartment had become without her temporary roommate sleeping here after getting out of the shower.
Well, she did notice before during her first six months but now it was just...wasn't there any other places in Shinjuku she could've chosen?
But even still, being there for over half a year had caused her to get used to where she lived to where it felt like a second home for her. Second to Gessen with her friends that is.
But then again, she never really spent a day inside. She would usually be outside, looking for anything related to her mission, studying...eating out with Yusuke...visiting informants...attending to her council duties...duties as a Phantom Thief...
She really didn't do anything fun before getting sucked into the Metaverse, has she?
"And now I've been scouted as an idol..." Yumi muttered as she remembered what happened before she got herself dressed for bed.
She was already working 24/7, on top of her responsibilities to her friends and. . .well, she has heard plenty of horror stories about the idol industry before. That one involving Kanamin stuck with her, and if she were to get famous, she would most likely be forced to drop out of school - including Gessen - and pursue a path that could lead to ruin.
But then she got curious...wondering how someone like Rise Kujikawa was able to handle it so easily. Stories about how she was able to handle it and still live life to the fullest after her year long hiatus.
"Hmm...maybe I should talk to Akira-kun about it next time we are alone." Yumi soon decided as she headed to sleep. He was the wisest out of her friends so maybe he would help her decide.
(?)
It could smell it.
All this blood and rage premenating from somewhere.
It was faint but...with enough death and destruction, may become another source of food.
But until that wonderful scent grows stronger, it decides to wait within its dimension.
Yes.
It would wait until it was time to unleash itself upon that pitiful world.
For now, it would feed. Feed from the darkness from within the Earth itself…
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) → Tasteful (Level 3)
Elegance- Disciplined (Level 3)
Understanding- Generous (Level 3)
Whew! Done! Hopefully this new format will make things easier during the writing process. And uh...we may be planning something for Yumi's confidant.
Uh, EditingHero here. It didn't make things easier, it still took out the linebreaks.
UknownHero signing off, my friends.
