Hey, UknownHero here and this chapter would've come out sooner if I hadn't spent several days playing Monster Hunter. I'm taking my time with it but it's so much fun! I had trouble with the demo but as it turns out I just needed some practice and setting my item bar to my D-pad and I'm hunting like a hero!

But enough of that! Time to answer some questions! To ZigsL: Well, Alice is going to illicit some reactions from the shinobi.

And...that's it. Time to- dammit, should've done something for April Fool's! Uh...Happy birthday Senran Persona Akira Kurusu!

Load Game...Start!


Chapter 70: Having a Good Time


(7/2, Early Morning)

(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc Attic)

Another day, another chance to improve himself and his bonds.

He really needed to hang out with Mishima, but Ryuji was on the cusp of something great. His bond with Toranosuke was going swimmingly even without the use of Sun Personas. However, his mind began to wander to the shinobi, especially with what he experienced last night.

"I know you're thinking about the girls." Morgana soon accused.

"How do you-" Akira started to ask, only to sigh. "...Okay, I'll give you that." He admitted.

*cough* "Manwhore." *cough* Morgana coughed.

"Will you let go of the manwhore thing already? I get it, you don't have to remind me all week." Akira mumbled out as he stretched his limbs before getting his phone ready. "Alright, and now to prepare the video chat." He muttered to himself.

"Wait, what?" Morgana got out in confusion. "With who?" He soon asked.

"Haruka-chan." Akira simply replied.

The not cat's eye twitched to that. "Akira...whhhhhy...?" Morgana droned out in disapproval.

Akira however chuckled as he got himself ready. "Hey, if Haruka-chan gets to tease me with sexy photos, why can't I do it back?" He countered in amusement.

"I thought you rejected her again?" Morgana bluntly reminded.

"I did, this is just for fun." Akira replied.

"For fun, you say?" Morgana repeated as he raised an eyebrow.

"You'll understand when you see her reaction this time." Akira vaguely responded. "Now get the video chat ready." He then requested while taking his shirt off.

"You're taking off your shirt?" Morgana asked as he set up the video chat.

"Trust me, this is gonna be worth it. Akira reassured as he started doing some pull ups.

"Well, alright. If you say so." Morgana sighed as he tapped on the blonde's number.

This caused the phone to drone on a bit until...

Live footage of the sleepy blonde appeared on the Leader's phone. "Ah, good morning Akira-kun..." Haruka greeted in a sleepy tone from the phone screen as she yawned.

"Same...to...you Haruka-chan." Akira grunted out, an amused smirk on his face while doing pull ups on the support beam.

"Hm? Akira-kun, why do you-" Haruka soon started, only to notice his appearance and what he was doing, causing her to blush scarlet. "A-A-A-A-A-A-Akira-kun!" She stammered out with a squeak in her voice.

"Hehe, finally...noticed...huh?" Akira panted out with a smirk.

"I-I-I...I need to go to the bathroom!" Haruka suddenly exclaimed as she dashed off screen.

"Yup...much cuter...than forcing...yourself...Haruka-chan." Akira quipped out between pants.

Morgana meanwhile blinked as he witnessed this. "Oooook, what in the world happened to Haruka?" He soon asked in confusion.

"Nothing. Don't worry about it. She just had a wake up call last night." Akira replied while waving it off. "She wants to be a real doctor now." He then revealed.

"Really?" Morgana got out, surprised to hear that.

Akira in response nodded to that. "Yeah, turns out Haruka-chan working in place of Takemi's affected her." He soon explained. "She might even not want to go back to Hebijo at this rate." He then revealed.

Morgana in turn blinked to hearing that. "So you might get one of Lady Homura's friends to defect like her." He stated in a serious tone. "That could cause some serious trouble for her. I hope she's prepared for it." He then added in a concerned manner.

"I hope so too." Akira thought with a frown.

After a while, the blonde appeared once more on screen with a pout. "Moh, that was a surprise Akira-kun." Haruka got out with a puffed up cheek.

"Well, it's just a little taste of your own medicine." Akira chuckled out.

"...Be glad I found that pun a little funny." Haruka replied in amusement.

"What?" Akira got out, slightly confused before smirking. "So, guessing you liked what you saw huh?" He guessed in an amused tone.

"...I can't lie and say that I did." Haruka soon enough responded. "You're quite fit. I could grate cheese on them if I wanted to." She then confessed.

"Yeah, I've been working out a little since I got here." Akira revealed while flexing a bit, causing the not cat to roll his eyes while the blonde to blush on screen. "I better end the call now. I need to go to school. I'll expect one of your sexy pics soon?" He then informed followed by the question in amusement.

"Akira!" Morgana exclaimed in disbelief.

"Maybe~" Haruka cooed out.

"Good enough for me. I'll be waiting for them." Akira replied with a smirk as he wiped off the sweat with a towel.

"Well, I have to go to work now. I'll see you around, Akira-kun~" Haruka soon informed with a smile. "And don't forget about our deal." She then reminded.

"Yep, I do have something for you. I just don't have the time to turn it in yet." Akira replied with a nod. "But I promise, you'll like it." He then assured.

"I'll be waiting then." Haruka responded with a smile before hanging up.

"Huh, she's already acting more mature." Morgana remarked. "Looks like you did affect her in a positive way." He then added in an impressed manner.

"It seems that I have that effect on people." Akira shrugged off. "I don't know why, I just tell them what they need to hear. If I sound like a dick, let it be but don't ever say I don't care about my friends." He then stated.

"I won't disagree with that." Morgana admitted. "But..." He then started, however...

"Say one more thing about that again and I will finally use some BBs on you." Akira quickly threatened as he pointed to the bags of unused BBs he bought from Untouchable. He had to keep up appearances after all.

And thus, Morgana shut up about manwhores as the Leader prepared for school for the day.


(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

SPLASH!

The two roommates had just gotten out of the bath as they started drying themselves off.

"Mmm~ Lavender this time! I feel like I can take care of any issue!" Asuka breathed out while taking a whiff of her hair, feeling her Leadership improving as a result.

"Hai, lavender is indeed a wonderful scent Sis. It was an excellent choice choosing Violet Leadership." Homura calmly replied in agreement, her Elegance greatly improving as a result.

Asuka meanwhile giggled to how her roommate was talking. "Hehe, you sound like Yumi-chan again Homu-nee." She pointed out.

"Well, Yumi-senpai is a good role model to follow." Homura reminded. "...Maybe not in a few aspects though..." She then admitted.

"Hm?" Asuka hummed out.

"I do not know, she has elegance but she can be quite stubborn." Homura replied.

"...Like you Homu-nee?" Asuka giggled out.

"Yes." Homura replied before blinking in realization. "I-I mean no. Wait...wait, I sort of confused myself." She stammered out in embarrassment.

"Hehe, you're so silly sometimes Homu-nee," Asuka giggled out some more. "But that's what I love about you." She then added as she hugged the tan skinned girl.

"I know." Homura replied as she rubbed her roommate's head. "There's still so much to do even after Kaneshiro's put away...to enact our own justice..." She then added in a determined manner.

"We'll get through it. I mean, we've gone through three Palaces and still managed to keep our grades and secrets up." Asuka however reminded. "I'm sure we can take on anything this world can throw at us!" She then declared.

Meanwhile in a certain idol's penthouse, Daidōji sneezed.

"I guess you're right." Homura with a nod. "I need to hang out with Leader soon. It's been a while since we trained..." She then admitted.

"Maybe I can join you two." Asuka soon offered.

"Erm...sorry Sis but it's best if we do it in private." Homura however stated, not wanting her roommate involved with her problems.

"Oh well, maybe we'll be able to train together in summer." Asuka then suggested. "And by the next spar, it won't be a draw." She soon declared.

"Of course, however I will not hold back next time we do battle." Homura replied and warned in a more fiery but also icy tone of confidence.

"If you held back, that would be the worst insult you can give me." Asuka pointed out. "You may be my roommate and friend, but you're still my rival; someone who I want to beat and win against. Or have you forgotten Homu-nee?" She then reminded.

"I never did and never will." Homura responded. "And we might not be willing to kill each other, but I won't tolerate anything less than full power." She soon informed.

"I know. If your clothes are gone, it's a kill." Asuka muttered out. "...I wonder if past shinobi were perverts..." She then got out.

"Hey, everything happens for a good reason. Like why every shinobi we know is female...or why almost all of us have big boobs...and why there's an usual amount of nudity in our lives..." Homura began listing off before frowning. "...Is our lives like an erotic action anime like Ryuji said...?" She soon questioned in disbelief.

"What was that?" Asuka innocently asked.

"Nothing. Now here's the empty shampoo." Homura got out as she was about to hand over a bottle, however her hands were too slippery and ended up hitting her roommate in the forehead with it.

"Ow!" Asuka yelped as she rubbed her forehead before looking at the bottle of Violet Leadership. "Hmm...I wonder what happens if we mix shampoos...?" She soon asked.

"We will try it next time. But for now, we clean up and then head for school." Homura replied and instructed as they continued drying off before getting dressed for the day.


(7/2, Morning)

(Shujin Academy, Classroom)

"Let's begin class. We'll continue from last time." Ushimaru ordered as the students started to pull out their textbooks.

"Uhhh...Ahem!" A familiar voice from the intercom called out. "Mr. Ushimaru, please come to the faculty office at once." They then requested.

"What...? I don't know what business this is...you better study on your own until I return!" Ushimaru soon got out before leaving the classroom. Instantly, the students didn't study and instead goofed off and gossiped with each other.

"Hm? Wasn't that Kawakami-sensei?" Asuka meanwhile whispered in disbelief.

"What the hell is she doing?" Homura had to think before turning to the Leader, who only gave them a thumbs-up, causing her to realize that he was involved somehow. "You sneaky little sneak..." She muttered with a grin.

"I...I do wanna learn today though..." Asuka whined out.

"He'll be back, but right now we can use this to your advantage. Sneak-in some studying from a different class, read a book or even take a nap for a bit." Morgana suggested.

"A nap does sound nice..." Asuka admitted before looking over at the ash blonde, who already fell asleep.

"The day just began. Take this time to do something productive that isn't listening to Ushimaru trying to get us to be upstanding citizens of society." Akira however whispered back his order. "Thank god I got Speed Reading down..." He meanwhile thought to himself as he pulled out a book. Glancing at the cover, it was about Fūma Kotaro.

"Guess I'll try reading Hikari's book again." Homura mentally decided as she pulled the book out as well.

"Time to review." Asuka eventually decided as the three then took out the items for what they would be doing. She was going to keep up with her studies so she could keep her top mark.

"Born in Sagami Province, or the modern Kanagawa Prefecture, on an unknown date, he became notorious as the leader of a band of 200 Rappa "battle disrupters", divided into four groups: brigands, pirates, burglars and thieves." Akira quietly read to himself. "His biggest achievement came in 1580, when the Fūma ninja covertly infiltrated and attacked a camp of the Takeda clan forces under Takeda Katsuyori at night, succeeding in causing severe chaos in the camp, which resulted in massive casualties among the disoriented enemies as they attacked each other." He then continued.

"Wow, a ninja gathering low-lives and managing to change the tides of war - all from the shadows." Morgana got out in an impressed manner. "I think you picked up a thing or two from this book. You seem more Proficient than before!" He then informed with a smirk.

"I think...that's the answer to this question...?" Asuka mumbled to herself as she wrote down the answer before checking the back of her textbook, soon nodding in confirmation, feeling her Knowledge improving as a result.

"STOP USING COMPLICATED WORDS HIKARI!" Homura mentally exclaimed as she rapidly searched the terms on her phone. "The eff is funambulism!?" She then asked. Despite some confusion, she felt everything slightly improved as a result even though she didn't finish the book.

"Ah! The teacher's back...!" Morgana warned as the trio put away their things.

"God, they don't even know who called me out...?" Ushimaru grumbled. "Anyways, time to resume the lesson!" He then declared...right before throwing a piece of chalk at the ash blonde, instantly waking her up with a yelp. "Good to see you're spending your time wisely Takamaki-san. So, about the last lesson..." He soon remarked.

"Phew, that was close...kind of." Morgana got out. "Kawakami helped us get a good chunk of free time though!" He then added with a smirk.

"Hopefully more opportunities like that come up more often." Akira muttered to himself as the day went on.


(7/2, After School)

(Shujin Academy, Classroom)

RING! RING! RING!

"And that's all for now. See you next week everybody." Ushimaru got out as he then left the classroom, causing other students to start packing up to leave.

"Such a slow day today..." Ann yawned out. "Think another trip to Mementos might be in order, Leader?" She soon asked.

"Maybe. But right now I need to do some stuff. Prepare for the next trip and all." Akira decided as he got up from his desk. "Homura, can you train Yusuke to improve his Luck?" He then requested while offering some money.

"Yeah, sure. After I'm done with committee stuff." Homura replied as she took the money. "Maybe I should up my prices. Everyone has been getting stronger..." She then muttered.

"If you see it as necessary. Maybe even go a little harder on us." Akira replied, getting the ash blonde to pale. "You know, being a personal trainer might be something you could look into." He then stated.

"Sounds interesting. As long as my clients can survive." Homura responded while shrugging her shoulders.

"Did you really have to say that last part so menacingly?" Ann deadpanned.

"Huh? What was so menacing about that?" Homura got out in confusion. "Do you have a problem with me becoming one?" She then questioned.

Upon remembering the various torturous methods of training Homura used when training her and the other thieves, she decided to avoid answering. "I...Um...I'm gonna go..." Ann soon replied before quickly leaving the classroom.

"I guess I'm gonna leave too." Asuka got out as she got up from her seat. "I haven't really hung out with anyone recently. I wonder if Ryuji-kun is available..." She then thought.

After some more small talk, the group separated for the day to do their own things.


(Disciplinary Committee Board Room)

"...And that's it! Everyone, go out and patrol the school!" Homura finished the meeting with an order after giving her prep speech.

The committee nodded to that as they began to leave, although not silently. "God, these meetings are so boring. We just talk about the same crap!" Satoshi remarked.

"Aw shut it. We're doing good here." Ryoga got out.

"But things have barely changed. Face it, this is pointless." Satoshi then stated.

"Just go and do your job, you ass!" Hikari snapped. "Our head is right there!" She then called out as she continued to yell at the boy as they left the room.

"Hey, where's Yui-san?" Homura had to ask before the last few members left. She swore she saw her today...

The white haired girl stayed behind as she thought about it. "I dunno. She just dashed off before the meeting last I heard- WHOA!" Suzuka began, only to yelp as the girl in mention rushed into the room with some papers.

"I-I'm sorry I'm late!" Yui stammered out her apology. "Here's a new report Homura-san." She offered with a smile.

However, Homura raised her eyebrow at that. For a second, she thought it looked forced but quickly wrote it off and checked the report. "W-Wow. Seven people? That's a new record, Yui." She got out in an impressed manner.

The ravenette meanwhile blushed in an embarrassment as she smiled. "I, um...just had a good day today." Yui replied in a sheepish manner. "I'm going to be leaving early today, so I will see you tomorrow." She then informed.

"Okay, Yui-san. Have a good day." Homura responded with a nod as she watched the ravenette leave. "I think we're doing better these days. I better check what...motherfucker!" She then started before suddenly swearing as she remembered her promise to the former Newspaper Club President. With that, she quickly pulled out her phone and checked the school's forum.

Disciplinary Committee Head breaks promise, breaks hearts.

Homura's eye immediately twitched to the sight. "Ok, now she's just doing that out of spite. It's not something I meant to forget, I've been busy..." She grumbled out before sighing. "...No, I can't lie. I should've remembered. Come on, I have a club start-up sheet somewhere..." She then muttered as she rummaged through her desk.

Turns out, the paperwork to start a new club was quite easy. Just a few signatures here, a paragraph about the club there, an estimated budget and it was done.

And it said here that all she had to do was give it to Makoto, who would review it and then turn it...over...to...the...

...Principal...

"GODDAMMIT!" Homura mentally roared with fury as she slammed her head against the table. "Grr...! Why doesn't everything have to involve him!? This would've been easy if it was any other goddamn person. Fucking...! Drop dead already!" She then growled before pushing it down. "No...No...! It's a Phantom Thieves job but...gah! Why isn't he having a heart attack right now!?" She soon added.

Homura suddenly went silent. "...Please for the love of god let that be a jinx..." She soon muttered to herself.

"To any students remaining at school right now who do not have a club or part of our hard-working committee and student council, you are all now on cleaning duty. Please see Ms. Chouno at the gym for cleaning supplies."

It was a jinx, just in a way that she hated it.

Homura then heard the collective groans of the going-home club. "...I am going to enjoy stabbing his Shadow when we finally figure it out." She soon decided in a mutter.

"Man, to think that sexy tan babe doing better than the principal at helping out."

"Got that right, her group is getting rid of the smokers like crazy. Place doesn't stink as much as it used to."

"Lazy ass principal doesn't even try at this point."

"Lazy and fat you mean. Frickin' dildo man."

"You'd have to be one crazy, horny bastard to use him as a dildo."

"UGH! That just scarred me for life! What is wrong with you!?"

"Homura-senpai is so cool though!"

"You think I have a chance with her?"

"Nah, Makoto-senpai has a better chance with her than you. And she's competing with Asuka-chan and Ann."

"Why does everyone think they're in some sort of lesbian dodechedron?"

"That's...That's not the right shape."

"Pervert! I see that nosebleed!"

SLAP!

"OW!"

The tan skinned girl couldn't help but sweatdrop to those last remarks, but also smile at the positive comments as a whole. "I'm just glad I'm making more of a difference here compared to Kobayakawa." Homura confessed. "Lazy ass bastard..." She then grumbled under her breath. He hasn't even gotten a therapist after all these months.

God, so many people in this school needed one. Even herself.

Soon a wave of irritation ran through the tan skinned girl as she tapped at her desk. "Ugh...The police better hurry the fuck up so I can verbally punch Principal Shitjuice in the throat." Homura soon growled before coughing. "Gack! O-Okay, that was a gross thing to think. I think I need fresh air..." She soon breathed before opening a window. After taking in a deep breath, she continued doing the rest of her work before going on patrol.


(Classroom Building, 3rd Floor)

As she walked the hallways, Homura soon noticed a familiar silverette. "Oh, Kamijo-san." She politely called out.

"Hmm?" Suzuka hummed out as she looked over her shoulder to see the tanned girl walking up to her. "Oh, hey, Shinkukage-buchou. What's up?" She soon asked while putting her phone away.

"Just patrolling the school as usual." Homura replied. "And you?" She then questioned.

"I just got a call from my mom." Suzuka revealed. "She's mostly asking about how I'm doing and all that stuff." She explained.

"Ah, concerned about you ever since the Kamoshida incident?" Homura guessed.

"Yeah, she can be a worrywart at times, but that's what I love about her." Suzuka replied as she nodded. "That just shows how much she cares about me, even after the divorce." She then added.

"Well that's reasonable." Homura admitted in agreement.

"Yeah, she especially told me to be safe ever since the time I told her I saw Kamoshida break Sakamoto's leg." Suzuka replied while wincing.

The tan skinned girl's eyes immediately widened in response. "Wait, you saw Kamoshida break Ryuji's leg!?" Homura exclaimed in shock.

Suzuka immediately went and covered the tan skinned girl's mouth as the other remaining students at the school all looked over at them. "Shh! Not so loud! It's already bad enough that no one believed me." She responded in a whisper. "But...yeah, I saw how that bastard Kamoshida broke Sakamoto's leg." She then answered.

"And let me guess, you felt it was pointless trying to tell anyone else without any proof?" Homura muttered.

"Yeah, since he made it out to be self-defense, but I know that he's just lying through his teeth." Suzuka responded as she nodded. "And those I told managed to tell, they just brushed it off as a rumor or that it would never happen. Can you believe how people really believe that crap?" She then added and questioned in annoyance.

"Well, I can't blame you." Homura replied in equal annoyance. "Not to mention the stuff that the principal went and hid to allow him to get away with everything he did before the confession." She then got out.

"I still remember that when he finally confessed to all the shit he's done." Suzuka responded in agreement. "Even my classmates apologized for not believing me and it was just completely out of left field when that happened." She then revealed.

"Well that's good to hear." Homura responded with a nod.

"Yeah, I guess it was." Suzuka replied. "It's definitely a weight off of my shoulders to see him behind bars where he'll rot in hell." She then added with a smirk.

"Yeah." Homura got out with her own smirk.

"Honestly, seeing him getting his just desserts was the icing on the cake." Suzuka soon confessed. "That's definitely one less asshole to deal with." She got out.

"And who knows how many more to go." Homura added. "Like all the delinquents here at school." She then pointed out.

"Don't remind me. I still get a lot of catcalls from them." Suzuka groaned in annoyance "I had one guy hitting on me and tried to kiss me, but I was able to kick him in the nuts. He was squealing like a pig." She then revealed.

Homura immediately snorted in amusement at that. "Nice." She got out as she held herself back from laughing out loud. "You mean like Kamoshida squealing like one during the volleyball ralley with him getting nut shot by Asuka?" She then asked.

"Oh yeah! I still remember that one!" Suzuka remembered as she held her stomach in held back laughter. "I even got it on my phone when she spiked the ball right into his crotch!" She then revealed.

"Yeah, that was awesome." Homura giggled.

"That definitely made my day." Suzuka giggled as well.

"Yeah, but um..." Homura suddenly became sad as she remembered what also happened that day.

"Oh yeah...that happened after that huh?" Suzuka remembered with a wince. "I hope she's doing well nowadays." She then got out in concern.

"She is." Homura reassured with a nod. "A friend of mine knows her. She's keeping track of her until she moves." She then revealed.

"Ann Takamaki right?" Suzuka guessed, getting a nod from the tan skinned girl. "God that day was a mess...Kamoshida was definitely involved in what happened yet no one but you, her, Ryuji and the other transfers knew about it..." She then added.

"Mishima too, Kamoshida forced him to bring her the day before..." Homura corrected. "And we tried to get everyone on our side but...you know what happened then..."

"Yeah." Suzuka mumbled out with a small nod. "You're lucky the Phantom Thieves showed up, huh?" She then added as she looked at the graffiti filled hallways.

"I know." Homura replied. "We were all lucky...but we can't rely on the Phantom Thieves to solve all our problems. So that's why we're here, Kamijo-san, so let's work hard to make sure this school has a better environment now that Kamoshida's gone for good and until we don't need the Phantom Thieves to help us...while also enduring the idiocy that is the principal..." She soon decided while grumbling out the second part.

To that, Suzuka nodded as gained a more determined expression. "Yeah...I promise that too." She replied while pumping a fist. "Let's do this, buchou! Maybe we can also find ways to humiliate the principal along the way as well." She then suggested with a more wicked grin.

"Oh, he definitely needs a lesson in humility." Homura replied as the two began thinking of many, many ways to make the principal's life miserable, the tan skinned girl feeling as though a faint bond was forming with her committee member.

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 Star by your side,

The forge for a new path will be formed.

Granting great power in return.

RANK UP! STAR RANK 1!

"So Suzu's Star." Homura soon thought.

"What's up, Shinkukage-buchou? Not feeling good?" Suzuka eventually asked in concern.

"Ah, it's nothing Kamijo-san." Homura replied while waving it off.

"Ok, if you say so." Suzuka shrugged "Hey, want to check out this magazine I have?" She then offered.

"Sure, I can go for a small break." Homura replied with a nod.

"Awesome. Hold on a minute." Suzuka replied as she dug through her bag as she pulled out a magazine about motorcycles.

"Oh, interesting." Homura got out in an interested manner. "Let's go sit down somewhere to read through it." She then suggested.

"Why don't we head for the rooftop?" Suzuka suggested. "No one can disturb us up there." She then explained.

"Sounds good to me." Homura replied as the two headed out and spent time together before leaving for the day.


(Aoyama-Itchome, Shujin Front Gate)

Akira was quite glad Makoto was still at school. He just went to Yongen to restock on their medicine. Looks like Takemi's suppliers not only returned to selling their ingredients, but also had express delivery.

"Thank you. It will be nice to have you there when I talk to her." Makoto thanked the Leader. They had found a Shujin student going to a shady place in the Red Light District and now they were going to question her about it.

"No problem. Where's this happening?" Akira had to ask.

The Shujin Council President thought about it for a second before nodding. "Let's do it in the student council room, I'll leave the back entrance open for you." Makoto told the glasses wearing boy.

"Excuse me, what!?" Homura exclaimed just as she turned the corner.

"O-Oh! Homura-san! Why are you here?" Makoto nervously asked.

"...Because this is the way to the station?" Homura reminded with a questioning look on her face. "Now what were you going to do with Akira in the Council Room!?" She soon demanded.

"T-This is just a misunderstanding, Homura-san. We were merely going to-" Makoto started in an embarrassed tone.

"Makoto-senpai..." Homura growled impatiently as she waited for an answer.

Seeing that anything she could think of was probably going to get her a scolding or detention, she turned to the only person who always knew what to say. "A-Akira, help me!" She soon called out.

Akira did not know what to say.

So he said the first thing that came to his mind.

"Wanna join?" Akira asked, immediately regretting saying that.

"Akira!" Makoto gasped in disbelief.

"...You're coming with me for attempting lewd behavior." Homura deadpanned as she grabbed the Student Council President's hand.

"W-Wait! This is just a misunderstanding." Makoto tried to explain while blushing scarlet.

"Well to me, it sounded to me like you wanted to do anal with Akira!" Homura shouted out. "I said that pretty loud, huh?" She then got out as she remembered that they were in public and there were a lot of eyes on them now.

"Yeah, you kind of did." Akira spoke up as the Student Council President of Shujin blushed hotter than the sun in the middle of July.

"W-Well...um...sorry for the misunderstanding. You're free to go." Homura awkwardly got out.

"Thank you." Makoto responded with a nod. "Let us never speak of this again." She then requested.

"Speak of what?" Homura asked, feigning ignorance while simultaneously wiping the memory from her mind. "Anyways, have a good afternoon." She soon requested.

"You too, Homura-san." Makoto replied as they went their separate ways.


(Shibuya, Station Square)

"Thank you for your work. Your money will be transferred soon." Yumi thanked her informant, standing up from her seat near the Bachiko statue.

"Thank you, Weaver." Her informant replied before the two went their separate ways.

However, just as Yumi was about to head down into the underground to catch the next train to Shinjuku, she stopped and blinked.

Didn't she just finish up meeting with all her informants?

But...The sun was still up and she didn't feel drained from meeting and talking to so many people, and she already had her weekly lunch with Yusuke. There was something off here and she couldn't quite-

Wait.

Did...Did she finish her work early today?

As in...she was free to do whatever she wanted for the next few hours until her self-established curfew?

In response to this realization...the light grey haired girl smiled in a delighted manner.

She had time to finally pursue a world made peaceful by cuteness.

"Cuteness is justice." Yumi whispered to herself as took out her phone as well as the business card before dialing the number on it. "Hello, Rise-san?" She soon asked.

"Ah, Yumi, I was wondering if you were going to call." Rise happily revealed from the other side. "So, are you free?" She soon asked.

Yumi in response nodded to that. "Yes, I am free Rise-san." She soon informed, sounding a lot happier at being able to say that. "Shall we meet up?" She then asked.

"Sure, meet me at the Takura Productions building." Rise soon instructed. "I'll meet you at the entrance. I just sent you the directions to the building." She then added.

Yumi once more nodded to that as she looked at the screen of her phone to see the directions. "Hai, I got them Rise-san." She informed.

"Great! I'll see you soon!" Rise replied as she hung up.

Smiling to thay, Yumi ended the call as she looked at the map on her phone as she began following them.


(Takura Productions, Front Entrance)

Eventually, the light gray haired girl arrived at a tower-like building. "Here we are, Takura Productions." Yumi muttered as she entered the building and looked around. "Now where is..." She began to ask, however...

"Ah! Yumi! Over here!" Rise's voice called out.

To that, Yumi turned to see the woman calling out to her, causing her to smile as she walked over to her. "Ah, good evening Rise-san." She politely greeted.

Rise in response giggled to the girl's politeness. "Good evening to you as well Yumi." She replied. "I'm glad you were able to make it." She then admitted.

"Thank you Rise-san." Yumi replied. "So, what am I to do this evening?" She soon asked in a curious manner.

"Well first off would be to meet my manager." Rise replied as she escorted the light gray haired girl to the elevator.

"Oh, of course." Yumi replied as the two stood in the elevator as it closed before it started ascending upwards. "Where will it go from there?" She then asked.

"A few floors up so you can meet my manager." Rise answered as the elevator ascended upwards.

"Alright." Yumi replied as the elevator continued going up.

Eventually, the elevator stopped moving as the doors opened, leading to the two to exit it as the light gray haired girl followed the experienced former idol.

The floor was pretty busy today. Lots of people were going around and doing their jobs, though Yumi wasn't exactly sure what they were doing. She could see other up-and-coming idols around as well, and despite their tired looks, they kept up their smiles.

"It appears as though everyone is busy." Yumi calmly pointed out. "Though that is understandable for any business." She then added as she kept walking.

Rise in response turned back to hearing this and nodded before looking forward again. "It is Yumi-chan." She replied. "Everyone is working hard at their own idol work." She then stated. "And all to make people happy..." Rise soon stated.

"And make money. Don't forget it's a business as well." Yumi wisely reminded.

"That's just an extra benefit in my eyes Yumi-chan." Rise revealed before seeing a familiar face. "Ah! Inoue-san!" She called out while waving.

In response, a man in a suit turned his head to see the two girls as he walked over to them with a smile. "Ah, good day Rise-san." He greeted as he then noticed the light gray haired girl. "And you must be who Rise-san mentioned." The man in the suit guessed as he offered a hand. "Minoru Inoue, Rise-san's manager." He then introduced himself.

Yumi in response gave a polite bow to that. "It is nice to meet you, sir." She replied. "As Rise-san had informed you possibly, my name is Yumi Tsukikaze." She then introduced herself.

The manager in turn nodded to that. "It's nice to meet you Yumi-san." He replied.

"Likewise Inoue-san." Yumi responded with a nod of her own as the two shook hands. "So, you were already informed by Rise-san about my possible scouting?" She soon asked as the three started walking.

"Ah yes. However, we do need to see how well you can dance and sing. This line of work isn't for everyone. It's a make it or break it business." Inoue soon informed in a serious tone.

To that piece of information, the light gray haired girl nodded as they continued on their way.


(Dance Studio Room)

Soon enough, the three arrived at an open studio with one of the walls having a mirror covering it. "Yes sir, I understand." Yumi replied in a determined tone.

"Good. Now, let me go get someone to judge you on your performance. Wait here in the studio and feel free to use the water cooler." Inoue instructed followed by the offer as he then walked out of the room.

Yumi soon enough took in a deep breath to calm herself down as she went and got herself some water before sitting down.

"Nervous Yumi-chan?" Rise asked in a curious manner as she sat next to the light gray haired girl with her own cup of water.

Yumi in response nodded to this. "Hai, it is pretty nerve racking." She admitted in a calm but antsy tone, unaware that her hands were jittery as well from anticipation.

Upon hearing this, Rise placed a hand on the light gray haired girl. "That's something that happens to every beginner, first time jitters." She informed.

The light gray haired simply nodded to that as she continued drinking her water. "I shouldn't be like this though..." Yumi however thought. "I'm just showing what I can do. This shouldn't scare me. It isn't like I'm infiltrating a Palace, a mission in Mementos or even a job as a shinobi." She then added in her head, curious as to why she was feeling this way.

"Look, I'm sure you'll do fine. If by the off chance you don't impress them, it shouldn't be too much skin off your back. Just go with the flow and accept all your successes and failures." Rise encouraged as she smiled softly.

As a result of this, Yumi blinked to the encouragement as she looked at the former idol while taking in a deep breath. "Hai." She replied in a more determined manner.

Eventually, Inoue returned into the studio with what appeared to be a flamboyant vivid orange haired man wearing a colorful collared shirt, white pants and yellow slippers.

"Hm?" The man hummed out, eyeing the light grey haired girl. "Oh~ Who is this little cutie?" He soon asked.

"This is the girl Rise-san's been talking about." Inoue answered. "Tsukikaze-san, meet our studio's head dance instructor." He then introduced.

This caused the light grey haired girl to regain her focus. "O-Oh, h-hello sir." Yumi meekly greeted with a respectful bow. "A pleasure to meet you." She then added.

"You are welcome. So, how much experience do you have in dance?" The trainer soon replied and questioned.

"When I was younger, I had taken noh dance classes and I still dance that way, though I have been broadening my horizons thanks to my friends." Yumi revealed.

"You must have good friends then. However, they cannot compare to my teachings. Now just follow what I do." The trainer began. "We're just going to do a few basic moves, so just lose yourself to the music." He then instructed.

"Y-Yes sir!' Yumi replied with a small stammer in her voice.

And thus, the trainer started the k-pop style music.

Yumi quickly followed the dance instructor's movements to a T, instantly copying his moves without any delay. Actually, she was getting a little bored by how slow and easy they were going.

"Hm...it seems this is too easy for you." The trainer soon stated, pausing the music as a result. "So how about we kick it up a notch?" He then suggested as he switched tracks to something more fast pace and intense.

Yumi's eyes immediately widened to that as she was soon thrusted into more fast paced instructions given to her as she did her best to follow them.

However, she was still keeping up as easily as she did before, even when throwing in some more advanced moves into the mix.

Eventually...

CLAP! CLAP!

"Okay, that's enough!" Inoue called out after clapping his hands. "My word, you've barely broken a sweat!" He then stated in an impressed manner.

"W-Well...I have great stamina." Yumi confessed, giving off a blush as a result while relaxing herself as her eyes widened slightly. "Oh, I hope I didn't phrase that the wrong way..." She thought to herself in concern.

"She's quite good already in her technique." The trainer noted. "Yumi-san is actually really fit. I dare say...maybe even at peak physical ability." He then informed in an impressed manner.

"Right?" Rise replied in agreement and a smile on her face. "Come on, you have to hear her sing too!" She then added in anticipation.

"R-Rise-san..." Yumi sheepishly got out to all the praise she was getting. This was much different then what she was used to...but it also felt nice.

"Well I guess we'll head over to the recording studio after you freshen up." Inoue soon responded with a nod as the dance instructor handed the light grey haired girl a wet towel.

Yumi wasn't sweating at all, but wiped her face regardless for the refreshing cool feeling before following the group out of the dance studio.


(Recording Studio)

"Ok Yumi, when the music starts playing, the lyrics will be displayed on a nearby screen, all you have to do is sing to them the best you can." Inoue instructed from outside the recording booth. "Don't worry if you make any mistakes since this is your first time." He then reassured.

"Hai." Yumi replied with a nod as she got the headphone on and took in a deep breath to calm and ready herself.

"Do your best Yumi!' Rise meanwhile encouraged with anticipation and excitement.

"O-Okay." Yumi replied as she cleared her throat. Hopefully it was a song she knew, though if it wasn't, she would just wing it and go with the flow.

Soon enough, the music started with a somber guitar before the lyrics came on screen, counting her down.

"Three...two...one..." Yumi mentally counted off, bobbing her head to the rhythm of the music to get a feel for it.

"Now." Inoue whispered.

"I'm sorry...うまく笑えないよ...あなたの喜び わからないのに...I know I'm so lost...愛想笑いで 誤魔化せなくって...~" Yumi began singing in the microphone with everything she got, losing herself in her own singing as she closed her eyes.

"H-Her singing voice...it's like an angel..." The trainer got out in amazement and disbelief as they heard her sing.

"And that's how I was able to tell she could make it." Rise then informed with a smile brimming with confidence.

"She's certainly impressive in many ways..." Inoue muttered out.

"Say no to the world, say no to the world...We're going up and down, you know...We're going up and down, you know...Say no to the world, say no to the world...now!" Yumi finished as the song ended before taking a deep breath. She didn't know how well she did and if she lived up to their expectations.

However, the sound of clapping and applause dispelled her doubts.

"Eh?" Yumi thought while she blinked as she shook her head. She had lost herself. Again.

"So, how did I do?" Yumi soon asked in a curious tone while taking in another breath to relax herself.

"You were great Yumi!" Rise praised with a smile. "I knew you would be a natural!" She then declared in a proud manner.

To that, a delighted smile came across the light gray haired girl's face. "Thank you Rise-san but you don't have to flatter me." Yumi replied. "I was just doing what came natural to me. Is my voice really that good?" She then revealed and asked.

"Well I would say you're a natural idol." The trainer then praised. "Of course, we will have to see further displays of your talent. Maybe here...on in front of thousands of people..." He soon added.

"Th-Thousands!? O-Oh my..." Yumi squeaked and breathed out.

"So Yumi-chan, do you think you're up for becoming an idol?" Rise once more asked in a curious manner.

"I..." Yumi began as she took a deep breath. "Yes! I want to become an idol!" She soon replied in a determined manner.

"Good, we'll start up the paperwork!" Inoue declared in a happy tone, desperately hiding the fact that it was going to pile onto his already high stack of papers. "We'll need so much information from you like your three sizes, your living situation, your income..."

The immediate bombardment of requirements meanwhile caused the light grey haired girl to sweatdrop, though made the mental note of what she needed to say.

"Whoa whoa whoa, no need to overwhelm her." Rise called out while bringing her hands up. "Let's slow down for a moment and start with the basics." She soon suggested as she looked at the light grey haired girl. "How about your stage name? Do you want one?" She then asked.

"Um, I actually have a stage name in mind if you do not mind." Yumi politely informed with a smile. "Yuki Yumi." She soon revealed.

"Yuki Yumi?" Rise repeated in a confused yet curious manner.

Yumi in response nodded to this. "Yes. I have always liked the season of winter, snow and ice, and some people say I have a somewhat cold personality, so I thought that yuki would work along with my name." She soon explained.

"I do know someone with a name like that." Rise giggled out. "Complete opposite though, but...yeah I think that could work. It's really nice, Yuki Yumi." She then complimented.

"Admittingly, some of my friends compare me to a yuki-onna as a joke." Yumi then sheepishly admitted as she thought back to her friends/sisters at Gessen. "It's partially how I came up with the name." She soon added.

"Well, since a yuki-onna mainly wears clothes with the color of snow and ice, I believe that motif would suit you best." Inoue decided with a nod. "I'll have to talk with our fashion designers about that." He soon informed.

"Well, most of my wardrobe is white and light blue..." Yumi mentally admitted to herself.

"Rise-san, would it be alright for you to become Yumi-san's mentor?" Inoue soon requested. "I mean you did recommend her." He then added.

"Hm...I'll have to check my schedule..." Rise began in an unsure manner, frowning in thought. "But I think I can fit in some time. Sure, I'll do the best I can." She soon decided with a smile and a nod.

"Eh?" Yumi meanwhile got out in disbelief.

"You should be honored, Yumi-san. Rise here is an industry veteran so she should shape you into a wonderful idol." the dance instructor stated.

The light grey haired girl meanwhile blinked as she looked at the one that scouted her in the first place. "Rise-san...as my mentor?" Yumi thought, amazed and in awe at this occurrence.

"Now...I should warn you that if you do well enough, we will request you to drop out of your school." Inoue revealed, surprising the girl. "However, given your talent, we might be able to pull some strings, allowing some time to yourself and be a normal girl until you become a full-time idol. What school year are you by the way?" He then explained followed by the question.

"Oh, I am a third year." Yumi answered before quickly remembering. "B-But I'm planning on moving back home after I graduate." She quickly added before her eyes widened.

Wow, she did not think this through all that much.

"Hm...well, I'm sure we can organise something. But as of now, you are an idol-in-training." Inuoe stated with a smile on his face.

"Hai!" Yumi replied with determination and a nod before she was handed a pamphlet. "Hm? What's this?" She then asked in confusion.

"Just the basic rules of being an idol we have around here. I should emphasise that if you end up in a relationship you will need to keep it a secret. These rules are for your personal and professional safety." Inoue informed in a very serious manner. "Read up on the Haruka Sawamura incident and you'll see the consequences of actions like that." He then instructed.

"Yes sir, I have read about those kinds of situations before and how there are those that practically thrive on making celebrities miserable by exposing their secrets." Yumi replied in disgust as she looked at the pamphlet. "However...given how you said keep it a secret instead of no relationships period, I assume you accept such things." She soon deducted.

"It's easier that way, and keeps our talents' stress level down." Inoue simply explained.

"Well, I very much doubt I will end up in one so you do not need to worry about that." Yumi assured.

"Plenty of our talents have said that before and end up fu-" Inoue started before being elbowed in the gut. "Oof! I-I mean, e-end up falling in love anyways." He sheepishly corrected. "Who knows, maybe they're a lot closer than you think." He then informed.

"...Yusuke-san?" Yumi thought to herself before shaking her head. "No, no...I already suffer from enough talks about our relationship. I very much doubt I will fall for someone in my circle of friends." She soon determined.


(Shujin Academy, Council Room)

"ACHOO!" Akira sneezed. "Why...!?" He then coughed out as the Shujin Student Council President patted his back.


(Takura Productions, Recording Studio Room)

"Anyways, if you have the time, we can start your training now." Inoue soon offered.

"So back to the dance studio?" Yumi guessed.

"Yup!" Rise happily replied with a nod as she took her apprentice's hand. "Come on, we got a lot to teach you Yumi." She then declared. "Oh, and just call me Rise, ok Yumi?" She soon requested.

"Hai, Rise-san." Yumi replied with a nod as she was taken back to the dance studio for her first full day of training.


(Sakamoto Residence)

"I'm home." Ryuji called out as the two entered the house with the Vice Leader closing the door behind them. Asuka had decided she wanted to hang out at Ryuji's place again.

"I'm in the kitchen!" They heard Ryuji's mother reply as they made their way to the living room.

"Good afternoon ." Asuka politely greeted with a bow.

"Ah, Asuka-chan, how are you?" Ryuji's mom replied and asked. "My son hasn't been too much trouble has he?" She then added.

"Mom!" Ryuji exclaimed in embarrassment.

Asuka however giggled in response. "No, he hasn't." She replied while the dyed blond pouted. "We're just gonna be hanging out in his room again." She then revealed.

"Well ok, I'll be sure to bring some snacks then." Ryuji's mom got out as she began going through the cabinets.

"Thank you!" Asuka responded with another bow before the two teenagers headed into the bedroom.

"Ahh...my son is bringing so many girls into his room...I might become a grandmother soon…" Ryuji's mom soon began to sob out. "...I should buy condoms for him."

"Mom!" Ryuji exclaimed in a panic as the two blushed in embarrassment.

"I'm kidding~" Ryuji's mom giggled out before instantly becoming serious. "But seriously, if you two do have sex at least wear protection." She soon advised.

"MOM!" Ryuji got out in even more embarrassment

"I...I don't...I don't like...erm, I-I don't-" Asuka mumbled out as steam came out of her ears.

"W-We're going now!" Ryuji declared as he shut the door behind him. "Why is she like this whenever you guys come over?"

"Adults like messing with the younger generation." Asuka groaned out. "Jii-chan is the same…" She then mumbled out.

"Yeah, that seems to be a theme in our lives." Ryuji grumbled out as the two made it to his room.

"Huh, you cleaned your room up a bit Ryuji-kun." Asuka pointed out as she sat herself down.

"Yeah. Makoto made me clean my room when we were working on the calling card." Ryuji admitted while rubbing the back of his head before going to the rack of games. "So, which game do you wanna play this time?" He then asked.

"Mmm...you chose this time." Asuka replied after thinking about it. "But nothing too scary this time." She then requested.

"Alright, you don't want to feel powerless, huh?" Ryuji responded while going through the game rack. "Well, let's give you some powers." He then decided before pulling one out.

"Ok?" Asuka got out with a raised eyebrow as the dyed blond placed the game disk into the console and started it up. "inFamous Second Son?" She read out as she took the controller.

"Yeah, just an action adventure game where you can have fun with the powers you get while choosing if you want to do good or bad things." Ryuji simply explained as he sat himself down.

"Eh? Choose between good and bad things? What does that mean?" Asuka innocently asked.

"Oh, uh...you know. .like good n' evil?" Ryuji awkwardly replied.

"So like Good and Evil Shinobi..." Asuka deducted.

"Eh, not exactly like that." Ryuji replied in the same awkward manner. "It's better if you just play it and see for yourself." He then suggested as he fired up his console and started the game, going for a new game.

"Seven years ago, a small group of humans called "Conduits" emerged, each with the ability to manipulate and even weaponize a unique form of matter." Asuka began as she read the scrolling text. "The Department of Unified Protection was formed to hunt down and indefinitely detain all Conduits (reclassified as "Bio-terrorist") to protect the population." She continued. "It's now believed that all Bio-terrorists have been successfully captured and locked away. As a result, the Department of Unified Protection is being phased out, with the military assuming oversight of all imprisoned Bio-terrorists. Today, the first military transport of Bio-terrorists leaves the D.U.P. detention facility at Curdun Cay Station, headed for an army prison in upstate Washington..." She soon concluded as the final piece of text emerged. "It will never arrive." She then read out.

"Ominous huh?" Ryuji soon got out with a smirk.

"Mmm..." Asuka hummed out with a nod. "Though honestly, Conduit sounds cooler than Bio-terrorist." She soon admitted.

"Right?" Ryuji replied in agreement as they saw a shady-looking man climb up to a billboard depicting a cop.

Suddenly, the character taped some cardboard on the billboard with spaces cut out of it.

"Stencils?" Asuka got out as she tilted her head. "Okay, I did a little spray painting before..." She soon muttered as she tried to use the controls, though was more than confused. "Ah, it's a little hard to aim..." She then got out.

"Hehe, gotta hold the controller like a spray can and use motion controls." Ryuji explained with a chuckle.

To that, Asuka giggled as she did as instructed. "Hehe, I guess this is practice if I need to use spray paint." She jokingly got out.

Eventually the two were laughing as they enjoyed the main character's art.

"Hey, it's like Homu-nee's graffiti." Asuka got out.

"Except it doesn't suck." Ryuji remarked as a police siren was soon heard.

"Uh oh, time to go." Asuka got out as they watched the character leave where he was down into the building and then after an interaction with an older woman, headed out the back door.

"Huh, he's not bad at climbing." Asuka admitted in an impressed tone. "He doesn't have any special abilities?" She then asked.

"Nope. Not yet." Ryuji replied as the Vice Leader continued making the main character go through the beach, eventually reaching the objective...only to be caught by the officer...

"Oooooh, so it was his brother and he's in law enforcement." Asuka realized with a nod. "Hehe, he's a rebel like us." She then giggled out.

"Yeah, except instead of doin' anything to make the world better, he's just painting shit." Ryuji pointed out. "He is genuinely talented though." He then admitted.

"He is." Asuka agreed.

But at that moment...

CRASH!

The Vice Leader's eyes soon widened in shock. "Jeez, what caused that crash!?" Asuka soon asked in concern.

"You'll see." Ryuji replied as they watched the main character look around before finding someone...only to be held hostage by them as they watched the convict absorbing something nearby.

"A Conduit!" Asuka got out as she watched the man's action.

"And there's your first power, Smoke." Ryuji revealed with a smirk.

"...Why not fire though...?" Asuka however asked with a tilt of her head.

"It's just a thing. Wanted to use other elements and see how creative it can be." Ryuji replied as he shrugged his shoulders.

Eventually the Vice Leader regained control to play as she watched the main character break up into his element for traveling. "Whoa! Phase shifting!" Asuka got out in awe. "That's so cool!" She then declared.

"I don't think he sees it as that..." Ryuji pointed out as the character panicked and searched for his brother.

"W-Well that's cause he just got his powers." Asuka awkwardly reminded. "I mean we reacted fine to our powers, but it might be different since Conduits are made to look like they're monsters." She then added.

"Well, I guess you're right there Asuka." Ryuji admitted in agreement as he watched her get control of the main character's powers, helping out his brother and was then comforted by him.

"Aw, that's so sweet..." Asuka got out, smiling at the interaction. "I hope Homu-nee can be like that towards me." She then confessed.

"I thought Homura already was." Ryuji jokingly reminded with a smirk of amusement, causing the Vice Leader to pout as she continued playing.

Eventually, she got the main character to the fishery that was on fire now as she immediately dashed in before going into a vent, sending him onto the rooftop in seconds. "Huh, traveling by vents, convenient." Asuka admitted in an impressed manner.

"All Conduits got some kind of badass way of traveling." Ryuji replied with a smirk as the main character went into the burning building and then picked up a chain rope before bashing on the burning wood and destroyed it.

"He's able to enhance what he wields with his power!? That's awesome!" Asuka exclaimed in amazement. "I'm gonna have to try something like that with my element...maybe I could extend the reach of my blades using earth..." She then thought, the new ideas and possibilities forming in her mind as a result while the main character confronted the Smoke using Conduit and got into a struggle with him before getting a hold.

"I spent most of my life behind bars. It's easy enough t' bust out. You just gotta wait for that "golden opportunity." When I got my powers...hell, I was unstoppable. Until the D.U.P caught wi' me. Yea, they gotta special hole they like t' toss folks like me in. Figgered out a way t' bind us all up so we can't use our powers. But that also meant they hadda feed us, wash us...even wipe our goddamn asses. That's no way for a man t' live. No one. They had this red head bitch there, really inta needles n' scalpels...She called what she did t' me "tests". But if you do enough time, you learn a few tricks. Jus' gotta be patient. Sooner or later, they'll screw up. They always do. You mebbe see sumpin', or ya hear sumpin'...Learn things you weren't supposed to know. So when that bitch put the three of us in that wagon, I knew what was comin'...a "golden opportunity"."

When that bit ended, the Vice Leader looked on in disbelief as she blinked a couple of times. "Did...Did he just look into his memories?" Asuka breathed out, confused by what she saw.

"Yeah." Ryuji replied with a nod.

"Now I get why he's trying to get away, he's afraid to go back." Asuka got out, feeling sympathy for the convict.

"I know, but there is no other place that can hold him." Ryuji pointed out. "He is still a dangerous criminal who has no issue using his powers to only help himself." He then added.

"Yeah..." Asuka got out as she then went and chased after the convict, fighting him a bit to get used to the powers before chasing him again outside...only to be encased. "Oh my God, did they turn that guy into stone!?" She soon exclaimed.

"Erm..." Ryuji got out as the gears began to turn in his head. "...Yes?" He awkwardly answered.

"That's...How can anyone do that?" Asuka got out in disbelief. "I mean, he's a dangerous criminal but still...the torture he basically went through in the prison..." She then mumbled out.

"Yeah, he's still human." Ryuji finished.

The two then watched as the main character and the villain interacted for a moment before she pointed his guns on him.

"Hold on! She's going way too far to gather information! It's abusing her power of authority against civilians!" Asuka declared in anger.

"Yup, definitely a bitch." Ryuji got out in agreement.

"Wait, what's happening?" Asuka got out in confusion. "Sacrifice yourself or sacrifice the tribe?" She read out.

"Here's the thing about this series: You either play as a superhero or a supervillain." Ryuji revealed. "It's a lot weaker in this game though." He then admitted.

The Vice Leader's eyes immediately widened to that. "What!? Of course I'll turn myself in!" Asuka exclaimed. "There's no way I'll ever let others get hurt!" She then declared as she instantly chose the Good option.

And so, the protagonist took his first steps into becoming a True Hero. However, it earned him a few more concrete spikes in his legs before the woman turned to the old lady.

"What!? But I confessed!" Asuka called out.

"Getting powers isn't a disease in the game." Ryuji responded. "You're born with it." He then reminded. "And either way..." He then started.

The two quickly winced as they saw the woman made stabs of concrete appear in the old woman's leg.

"Nooo..." Asuka muttered in a fearfilled manner. "How could she use the power of earth to hurt people like that...?" She breathed out in disgust.

"Actually Asuka, it's concrete she used." Ryuji corrected.

"Concrete?" Asuka repeated in confusion. "Isn't that Earth though?" She then asked.

"Nah, I think that stuff is the same as cement." Ryuji replied.

"Huh, it really looked like earth though." Asuka admitted. "So any form of matter can be a power... I wonder what other powers there are?" She then got out in a curious manner.

"You will see very soon." Ryuji reassured with a smile as they continued watching as the main character woke up.

"Two weeks passed!?" Asuka got out in disbelief after hearing the news report. "And they set up an entire quarantine for the ones that escaped!?" She then added.

"Yep. In two weeks, they took over the entire city." Ryuji replied with a nod as the main character got up and walked around to see the aftermath of what happened.

"They didn't sell him out..." Asuka got out with a sad smile. "None of them did." She then added.

"Yeah. That's the power of family." Ryuji replied with his own sad smile.

"Hehehe...it's like with us and Akira-kun. We'd never sell him out." Asuka got out with a giggle.

"Would you be willing to take a bullet for him?" Ryuji then asked.

"I would take a bullet for each and every one of you." Asuka declared in a more determined tone.

"Well, you're weak to bullets so I'd just hide behind Homura." Ryuji jokingly reminded as he then chuckled to the girl pouting as she continued playing.

"I'm a little worried that the people I'm restraining will get lung cancer from the smoke." Asuka got out as she looked at the trapped enemies.

"Eh, the main character in the last two games used electricity to restrain his enemies, this is tame in comparison." Ryuji got out.

"Think Captain Kidd can do that to Shadows?" Asuka soon asked.

"Probably not." Ryuji replied while shaking his head before smirking. "Besides, raining lightning is too much fun." He then confessed.

"...Yeah, you're right." Asuka responded with a nod.

Soon after some more traveling in game and after getting some additional abilities, the main character soon came across the practically destroyed bridge.

"S-She went and destroyed so much just to try and catch them?" Asuka got out as she looked at the scenery with widened eyes.

"Yeah." Ryuji replied. "And now he has to go in and find the other Conduits." He then explained.

"So he can get multiple powers at once..." Asuka realized as she began traveling across it.

"Once he gets the other ones that is." Ryuji corrected. "But yeah, it pretty much spells out what powers you're getting here. Neon and Video." He then stated and revealed.

"Light?" Asuka got out in confusion before focusing and getting into the game.

"Well, they're different." Ryuji got out as he tried to find a way to explain it. "Uh...maybe I should let you play my save for a little bit. I already beat the game twice over." He then offered.

"Sure!" Asuka replied as she let the blond have the controller and watched as he played and interacted with the characters. "So...the game's about the measure of protecting people." She soon muttered out with a frown. "Giving them freedom against keeping them safe." She then added.

"It's...a lot better if you play the good path." Ryuji replied. "If you play evil, you just prove that excessive force is necessary for shit like this." He then added as the evil version of the main character just slaughtered innocents on screen with an Orbital Drop.

Asuka meanwhile shivered to the sight as she then went and switched to the game file with the good version. "...Do you think it'll come to that for the Phantom Thieves?" She soon asked.

"Hope not. But from the looks of it...I mean, the police are after us but the public is startin' to realise we're the good guys." Ryuji responded.

"They're really taking their time with their interrogation, huh?" Asuka mumbled out as she continued playing, getting to the first in game boss and convincing her to not to kill the drug dealers. She felt her Leadership improving as a result of watching the main character take charge of others and push them to do good deeds despite their pasts as the afternoon continued on.


(7/2, Evening)

(Shibuya, Central Street)

"How was that, in any way, training my luck!?" Yusuke exclaimed as they walked down Central Street.

Yusuke's Luck increased!

"Well, you have to be lucky to...to..." Homura began only to trail off. "...You know what, I'm not sure but you're lucky you haven't broken something." She awkwardly added.

"I don't feel happy about that." Yusuke deadpanned just as they went by the local Big Bang Burger.

"So Yusuke, ever heard of the Big Bang Burger Challenge? It's only 500 yen." Homura has to ask as they stopped by the place.

"I have, but I've never had the time to try it even nowadays." Yusuke got out. "Unfortunately, I just recently bought some art supplies, so I cannot afford it right now. I need the rest of my money to go back to the dorms." He then revealed.

"...We need to lock down your wallet." Homura deadpanned as she palmed her face. "Why don't you just borrow some money off of us? I'm sure the others wouldn't mind buying your paints and stuff." She then questioned and pointed out.

"I do not wish to be a burden more than I am with senpai." Yusuke pointed out. "Besides, art supplies are quite an investment." He then added.

"Yusuke, your view of expensive probably isn't what the middle class calls expensive. Survival first, then art supplies." Homura stated. "We don't want you dropping dead from starvation in the Metaverse." She then added in a serious tone.

"I make sure to eat and do my business before meetings." Yusuke assured. He was working on the pamphlet after all. "And I do make some money from my stipend and donating blood." He then added

"At least the government is giving you some sort of help-" Homura started before pausing. She then raised an eyebrow before looking at the boy. "W-Wait, Yusuke, you're already as pale as the paper you draw on." She then stated in concern.

"I can always regain blood." Yusuke replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Yeah, with a blood transfusion. Probably with your own blood." Homura countered as a new idea came to her. "You want to go to the Wilton buffet instead and gorge on something fancy?" She soon suggested.

"!?" The artist's eyes in turn widened to the offer. "That would be nice." Yusuke soon admitted. "But at the very least allow me to save some money to pay for my entry." He then offered.

"Oh, so now you're willing to save money." Homura got out as she rolled her eyes.


(Big Bang Burger)

As soon as the two entered the restaurant, the workers groaned before they began rushing around.

"Someone get the third level burger ready! One of the big boobed girls is here again!" An employee instantly called out before leaving the cash register. "Just leave the money there!" She then instructed.

"...You come here frequently?" Yusuke questioned with a raised eyebrow.

However, the tan skinned girl seemed rather offended by the workers' action. "I don't take the challenge every-" Homura began before thinking about it. "Oh God, I do, don't I..." She soon muttered in horrible realization. Even more, she hasn't been working out as much as she'd like. However, she was quickly distracted by her description. "What the- HEY!" She then got out in realization.

"You should probably pay right now." Yusuke reminded as he nudged her shoulder.

"...I should really stop eating here..." Homura mumbled out as she dug into her pocket to get her wallet, placing her money on the counter before the two went and sat themselves down.

THUD! THUD!

And soon enough, their meals arrived.

"My word..." Yusuke breathed out. He had seen pictures before but it did not compare to real life. But his burger paled in comparison to the tan skinned girls. It towered over his own.

Speaking of whom, Homura was cracking her knuckles and loosening up her jaw.

"You know the drill. 30 minutes and you'll earn your badge." The employee soon instructed. "Ready...? GO!" She then declared before walking off.

And with that, Homura dove into her burger, forgoing all her elegance and maturity! If she were to conquer this, it would need her more wild personality for now.

Unfortunately, the burger only remained half-eaten by the time the thirty minutes had passed.

"DAMMIT! WHY CAN'T I EVER DO THIS!?" Homura cried in despair before glancing at the boy's burger. There were exactly three bites in it. "You didn't even try!" She soon complained.

"I'm not interested in the challenge. I just want the burger." Yusuke explained himself. "I think this would be more useful if I saved this and ate it slowly. It should feed me for at least a week or two." He soon guessed as he wrapped up his burger. "This is, admittingly, a gigantic waste of food." He then pointed out.

"...You really need to set your priorities..." Homura stated with a sweatdrop.

"And you need to stop buying these." Yusuke countered. "The workers look rather exhausted." He then explained while eyeing towards the staff.

"Hm?" Homura hummed out before looking towards the tired looking staff. "I...I didn't notice that." She awkwardly confessed.

"Seems you focused more on the challenge than the worker's stamina in preparing such foods. Most restaurants require employees to smile at all times, so I'm not surprised you haven't noticed." Yusuke pointed out. "How many times have you taken the challenge anyways?"

"T-This is only my third time!" Homura called out in an indignant tone. "Erm...after going through the first and second level." She then awkwardly added.

"This should feed families and parties, not a single person." Yusuke stated in a disapproving tone. "I'm still wondering how this only costs 500 yen...wouldn't it make more sense that it was expensive but you get it for free if you finish it?" He soon pointed out with a frown.

"...Honestly Yusuke, you're right about the feeding families thing." Homura agreed, "Hehe, you'd get along with Yomi pretty well." She then giggled out.

"Hm? Who?" Yusuke hummed out in a curious manner.

"...You know what, never mind." Homura sighed out with a shake of her head. "Let's just wrap up our leftovers and leave. And I promise I'll take you to the Wilton next time. You deserve something a little nicer than this little grease pool." She then decided and assured. Maybe she was done taking the challenge for a while...and might need to do some serious training on Sunday.

"I would like that-" Yusuke replied with a nod before holding his stomach. "Oh my...I haven't felt this full in so long..." He soon groaned out.

"I guess you need some help home?" Homura assumed.

"I would like that." Yusuke responded with a nod.

"Alright, put your arm over my shoulder." Homura soon offered in amusement as they then headed out.


(Underground Mall)

"Aaaaahhhh..." Yumi breathed out after finishing her cup of green tea. After her training session with her new mentor, she headed back to Shibuya to relax for a while before she headed home.

"Hey! Over here!" A voice suddenly called out to her. Yumi quickly turned and saw the familiar ash blonde walking out of a store.

"Ah, good evening Ann-san." Yumi politely greeted with a smile. "What are you doing here?" She then asked with curiosity.

"I should ask the same question. I don't really see you hanging around down here often." Ann responded. "And by the way, I'm getting ready for summer." She then revealed as she pulled out a sundress she had just bought.

"It would be nice to wear some more breathable clothing..." Yumi admitted as she fanned her face a little from the heat before examining the dress in better detail. "Hmm..." She hummed out.

"Is something wrong, Yumi?" Ann soon asked.

"...If you wish to look cute, you will need to try harder." Yumi suddenly informed.

"...Excuse me?" Ann got out as she blinked.

"That dress seems to make you more sexy, or beautiful, but you can improve your cuteness by buying a dress with an adorable cat on it, or using lighter colors." Yumi soon suggested as she narrowed her eyes. Her study periods at Kosei spent studying cute things was finally paying off.

"...A-Are you criticising me because I'm not cute enough?" Ann soon questioned in disbelief.

"Ann-san, you are many things but you are not cute." Yumi confessed with a shake of her head.

Ann's left eye immediately twitched. Oh, she is not going to get away with that. "Yumi-chan, I don't think you get it. I'm a model and I know everything about cuteness. Being cute is great and all, but beauty is what makes the world turn every day." She soon got out in a sweet sounding tone.

The light gray haired girl however scoffed. "Hmph. Beauty is overrated. Only the cute will thrive in this dangerous world." Yumi countered in a serious tone.

Sparks soon started to fly between the two as they glared at each other.

"Ann-san, beauty has no substance, no soul. But cuteness is full of such things. Cuteness is eternal. Cuteness is righteous. Cuteness is justice." Yumi explained in a serious tone.

"Um, I still don't know how you've come to that conclusion but cuteness can only get you so far. Little kids are cute, baby animals are cute. Cute is not threatening. But beauty...beauty can rule the goddamn world with a look alone." Ann soon countered in her own serious tone.

"Oh~ And can you get someone to kill for you with beauty?" Yumi however questioned, feeling as if she was regaining ground in their pointless argument. "I have seen comments from the internet declaring that with enough cuteness they would do anything for it, albeit a cute kitty or a dog. Face it, Takamaki-san! It is cuteness that runs the world!" She then declared as images of cute cats and puppies appeared behind her, barking and meowing.

"But you don't call lush forests cute, or the world cute! It's beautiful, dammit!" Ann countered, getting fired up as flames appeared behind her, at least in her imagination.

"Ho~ Resulting to such vulgar language. Expected from some as beautiful but not as cute as yourself." Yumi haughty giggled out.

"Oh, but you swore like a sailor back at the museum. I say you destroyed your image of cuteness right then and there!" Ann called out.

Yumi gasped dramatically, as if she had heard someone was fornicating with her mother. "How...How dare you! I...am...cute!" She retorted with a cute frown on her face. "That was just an expected reaction! You cannot deny that what I have seen called for such words!" She then explained.

"True, but I also beg to differ." Ann however challenged. "How can you rule the world with cuteness if you're not cute yourself? You know, I think you're more sexy than anything else." She soon accused, causing the light grey haired girl to gasp as if she'd been slapped across the face with a latex glove.

"You take that back, you...you...bonny sylph!" Yumi called out.

While this would be a compliment given their activities this year, the ash blonde wasn't backing down. "...You just started a war and you're not prepared for the beauty of beauty, Tsukikaze-chan." Ann growled with a pink gleam in her eyes.

"On the contrary, Takamaki-san. I think you do not realise the power of cuteness." Yumi countered with a light blue gleam in her eyes

Suddenly, images of fire and ice clashed between them as they glared at each other.

"Beauty!"

"Cuteness!"

"Beauty!"

"Cuteness!"

"BEAUTY IS ETERNAL!"

"CUTENESS IS JUSTICE!"

"CAT FIGHT!" A passerby suddenly got out...right before getting tackled. "NOT ME IDIOT!" He got out in pain.

As the passerby was beaten into the ground, the two girls blinked and blushed before looking away from each other.

"Um...I think we got way too into that..." Ann awkwardly admitted while scratching her cheek with a finger.

"Y-Yes, I see that now." Yumi admitted in agreement. "We shall agree to disagree, Ann-san." She soon decided.

"Fine." Ann replied in agreement. "Beauty and cuteness?" She then suggested.

"No! They shall never intertwine!" Yumi declared automatically. "Cuteness is cuteness and cuteness is justice!" She then passionately added.

"Yumi-chan..." Ann sighed out. "You can be really weird sometimes, you know that?" She then added.

"I'm a shinobi and a Persona-user. You have to be weird to some extent." Yumi pointed out. "So, um...do you want to spend some time with each other?" She then offered.

"Sure, got anything in mind?" Ann replied and asked.

"...Actually, I need cuter clothing for the summer." Yumi answered.

Ann in turn smirked as she took the light grey haired girl's hand. "No problem, leave it to me." She replied with confidence.

Smiling to that, Yumi nodded as the two headed for the dressing room.

"Ok Yumi-chan, you get in and wait while I go get you some clothes." Ann instructed. "...You'll need to tell me-" She then began, however...

"92, 56, 84." Yumi immediately answered as she went into the changing room and closed the curtain.

"Got it." Ann replied with a nod and thumbs up. "I don't even remember my three sizes myself without looking at my phone. You have quite the memory, Yumi-chan." She then admitted in an impressed manner.

"Memorisation is a skill all shinobi must possess." Yumi revealed as she started undressing.

"But Asuka and Homura forget sometimes though." Ann pointed out with a frown.

"Well, they will just need to work on that." Yumi stated in response.

Ann nodded to that. "I'll be back." She then got out as she went off to find clothes that would work for the girl. Maybe she should go see a clerk as she saw a nearby employee... "Excuse me, but do you-" She began to ask, however...

"Oh god, I know you. Did you bring one of your friends?" The female groaned out and asked.

"Huh?" Ann responded in confusion with a raised eyebrow. "Oh, uh...actually, I brought a new one..." She awkwardly revealed.

"Oh god not another big busty girl! Why!?" The Kosei Student Council President soon heard the female employee whined in envy, causing the light haired girl to sweatdrop.

"I guess Ann-san had come here before with Asuka-san and Homura-san..." Yumi soon deducted.

Eventually after a while, Ann returned with some clothes. "Here you go Yumi-chan, try these on." She offered.

In turn, the light grey haired girl took the clothes from behind the curtain. "Pink...?" Yumi soon got out in a curious manner with a tilt of her head while looking at the outfit.

"Got any complaints?" Ann asked with concern.

"Oh no Ann-san, it is just different." Yumi replied and explained. "My friends back home say that light grey, light blue and white usually suit me best, though I really never paid attention much back then to fashion." She then added to the explanation as she got herself dressed.

"Well, may as well start here." Ann replied. "Who knows, we might end up needing these dresses." She soon pointed out.

"Given our lives right now, I wouldn't be surprised..." Yumi responded with a nod as she finished getting dressed and looked in the mirror. "Oh!" She got out with surprise.

"Ooh! Did I hit the mark first try?" Ann got out with a smile.

"My my, you do know cute clothes." Yumi admitted in an impressed manner as she looked at herself before opening the curtain to show the ash blonde. She was currently wearing a light pink summer dress with sakura petal designs on it. "It really suits me well." She then added with a smile while twirling the skirt a bit.

"See, I do know my stuff." Ann proudly replied to the praise. "Hey, if the actress thing doesn't work out, I might go into fashion full time." She then added as she started browsing for more clothes.

"...Actress?" Yumi repeated in a curious manner from within the dressing room.

"Yeah." Ann replied with a nod. "Come on, I put on a pretty good show in the Metaverse, right?" She then reminded.

To that, the light grey haired girl thought back to their times in combat where the ash blonde acted the way she did. "Well, yes but everywhere...else..." Yumi softly began before trailing off in an uneasy manner. She had heard enough about the ash blonde's acting ability from the two Leaders.

Akira could be quite honest (and brutal), but Asuka was Asuka and even she didn't mince words.

"Huh?" Ann got out as she tilted her head. "Ugh! Come on! My acting is not a dead horse."

"As I recall Homura-san's words, it was a rotting dead horse." Yumi however corrected. "And...you know, practice makes perfect." She then advised before blinking. "Hm, doesn't idol work involve acting...?" She soon mumbled to herself.

"You say something?" Ann depressingly got out.

"I said...Don't be sad. I believe in you, Ann-san." Yumi lied while patting her friend's shoulder. "I am sure with paid lessons you will kill it. Actually, doesn't your school have a theatre club?" Shethen reassured her followed by the question.

"Shut down." Ann replied.

"Ah." Yumi got out, making a pretty good assumption she knew who it was. "To think that the King would destroy such a thing...it's not even sports-related..." She then got out in disgust.

"What? No, it was budget cuts." Ann corrected before frowning. "...I may need to call Makoto about that..." She then added.

"Ah, so it was your principal." Yumi responded with a nod. "It seems like most of your problems at school stem from those two, even long after...Kosei's principal would have never allowed these transgressions to occur.." She then added in disappointment.

"Kinda makes me wish we went to Kosei instead." Ann soon got out. "At the very least we could all hang out at school together." She then added. "How different is Kosei by the way?" She eventually asked in a curious manner.

"It's a Catholic school." Yumi revealed. "It's known for taking in prodigies and refining their talent. I only got in through a few old friends of my grandfather and acing a high level test."

"Do you believe in God?" Ann soon asked.

"No, not really." Yumi answered truthfully. "If there were a God, there wouldn't be the Phantom Thieves, shinobi or the very existence of my grandfather's dream. But giving people ideals that they should strive for and something to believe in is important in a world like this. False hope is certainly better than no hope at all." She soon stated.

"I guess that's true." Ann replied with a shrug. "I mean, a little white lie is better than a particularly harsh truth sometimes, right?"

To that, Yumi binked as she as she then nodded. "Hai, you are right Ann-san." She responded in agreement.

"But enough of that Yumi-chan, now's the time to get you some cute clothes!" Ann happily replied with a smile.

"Hai!" Yumi responded. "...Do I have to pay for them?" She then asked in concern.

"Given the money we make from Mementos..." Ann got out as she thought about it. "Yeah, we got enough to get you a few cute and fashionable outfits Yumi-chan." She soon reassured.

Yumi meanwhile giggled to this. "I really believe you and Shiki-san would get along if you met." She soon confessed.

"If you're gonna say that, why not introduce me to her?" Ann however asked in a curious manner.

"Well, she is currently busy with training back home, though her vacation should be coming up soon." Yumi replied and revealed.

"Then I hope we meet soon." Ann replied. "If we're not busy with...business." She then quietly added.

"I agree." Yumi responded with a nod. "But for now, clothes shopping." She then reminded.

"Right! Time to make Yumi-chan more fashionable!" Ann declared before heading back into the store to search with vigor.

Yumi meanwhile smiled, glad that she had a good friend in the ash blonde as she closed the curtain.


(Kujikawa Residence)

Rise let out a breath as soon as she entered her penthouse. "Home sweet home." She got out in relief before heading to the kitchen to get something to drink.

Rise suddenly heard the window open and somebody climbed in, but she wasn't worried in the slightest as she brought a hand up to catch a punch. "Moh! Can't you at least use the front door? Or knock first!?" She then asked with a puffed up cheek.

"I wanted to make sure you haven't lost your edge." Daidōji simply explained in approval as she pulled back her fist.

"Well, I can confidently tell you I have not." Rise replied with a smirk. "What have you been doing all day, Dai-chan?" She soon asked in confusion.

"Scouting the area." Daidōji responded. "Making sure this place is secure." She then added.

"I have a security detail and you know I can defend myself." Rise reminds before giving the woman a smile. "But thanks for doing that." She soon got out in a grateful manner.

"Well, I was your teacher Rise. I have to at least make sure my students were alright." Daidōji reminded. "And thank you again for allowing me to stay here." She then got out in a grateful manner.

"It's fine. This place is way too big for just me anyways." Rise stated with a shrug. "You can stay here for as long as you like." She then offered.

"You have a gym right?" Daidōji soon asked.

"Yep. Down the hall there. Still doing my routine and some of the training you gave us." Rise revealed. "Though my bust isn't as big as yours or Rin-sensei's." She then giggled out.

"Ugh...even after all these years..." Daidōji groaned as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "I keep telling you guys that we don't know why we have, as you call it, shinobi physics." She then added.

"Hehe, Naoto-kun still denies it though." Rise giggled out.

"How is she these days?" Daidōji soon asked in a curious manner.

"You know her. Working her butt off." Rise replied. "She has, like, five different cases last time I talked to her. And she's doing her best on investigating the Phantom Thieves on her off time." She then revealed.

"Off time? Shouldn't it be a case she should be officially solving?" Daidōji responded with a raised eyebrow,

"She said that too, but her bosses keep saying that there's bigger fish to fry." Rise replied as she rolled her eyes. "Yeah, destroying several billion yen worth of art and tagging an entire building. That's minor compared to pursuing petty theft." She sarcastically added.

"...Do you believe the Phantom Thieves are just?" Daidōji soon asked.

"...I mean, they are taking down bad people but I would rather have it be done legally..." Rise admitted as she rubbed her forearm. "Then again, Adachi's getting released pretty soon..." She then growled in a bitter manner.

"There was next to no proof other than his word. Of course he wouldn't suffer a more deserving punishment." Daidōji soon reminded. "At the very least, he'll be heavily monitored by shinobi until his death. They're still chasing after his poison." She then revealed.

"Thank god for that." Rise breathed out. "He may have helped us out but…" She then started before trailing off at the end.

"In any case, how was your day?" Daidōji eventually asked.

"Oh, that girl I recruited came by the studio today." Rise responded. "It was as I thought, she's gonna go places. And I get a front row seat to it." She then declared with confidence.

"Hm?" Daidōji hummed out with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm mentoring her." Rise revealed.

To that statement, the blonde nodded as a smile graced her face. "Teaching the next generation in your craft. A noble move." Daidōji replied in an interested tone. "It feels like only yesterday when you were just a first year in high school. My, how time flies." She then added in amusement.

"Yeah, there are some parts I'd rather not remember as yesterday..." Rise weakly got out with a sweatdrop.

"We've gone through a lot together. It is nothing we haven't seen before." Daidōji casually replied. "Do not be ashamed." She then added.

"Hey, you don't have Yosuke's-" Rise began before shaking her head. "Y-You know what, let's just stop talking about this. So when are you going to your job?" She soon asked.

"My employer will call me when the paperwork is finished so I can actually start it." Daidōji replied. "In the meanwhile, I think I'll spend tomorrow observing Hanzo-sama's granddaughter. She may be getting herself caught in something too big for her."

"...Are you sure you don't want me to call the others? Or have me on support again?" Rise soon offered.

"No. You all have too many responsibilities now." Daidōji responded as she shook her head. "Besides, my Persona is still quite strong even if I am out of practice. I'll be fine without the team." She then reassured.

"Alright," Rise responded in a reluctant manner. "But as soon as another god tries to destroy the world, I'm calling the others." She then stated.

"I wouldn't expect any less, Rise." Daidōji responded with a nod. "However, I doubt such a thing would happen three times in our lifetime." She then stated in reassurance.

"Having it happen once is enough for a lifetime..." Rise pointed out in a tired manner. "I'm going to call delivery tonight. Anything in particular you want?" She informed and asked.

"I would be fine with a meat lovers pizza." Daidōji responded and requested. "I'll be taking a bath in the meantime." She then informed as she made her way to the bathroom.

"I'll go after. The pizza will probably be here by then though so do you mind setting up the table after you're done?" Rise replied and requested as she took out her phone.

The blonde simply nodded to that as she went for the bathroom.

"Feel free to use a bath bomb if you want!" Rise soon offered while dialing the number.

To that, the blonde smirked. "I will take you up on that." Daidōji replied in a satisfied tone as she ran the water. She was gonna enjoy herself greatly.

And silently grateful that Rise wasn't cooking tonight.


(7/2, Midnight)

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

After eating some of Homura's leftover Galaxy Burger, the two roommates climbed into bed a little later than usual and slept.

"No, you don't understand...I'm the best there is at what I do but what I do best isn't very nice..." Homura mumbled in her sleep.

"Mmm~ Choco Mallow-chan~ Fill me with your gooey stuff~ Down my throat~!" Asuka mumbled in her sleep as well as she snuggled closer to her roommate.

"Those unbreakable chains, break them with those hands~"

This immediately caused the two to stir and groan in annoyance. "Who the hell is calling us this late...?" Homura groaned as her roommate tossed her phone over to her.

"Ryuji-kun?" Asuka mumbled out as she began typing on her phone.

[Shut7heFUp: Hey guys.]

[SushiRoll23: Ryuji-kun, it's midnight! We were asleep!]

[Shut7heFUp: Well, yeah, I know! I wouldn't call you guys this late if tomorrow wasn't a Sunday.]

[TheWildJ0ker: Technically it's today.]

[FireGirl20: Ryuji, save it for tomorrow...]

[Shut7heFUp: No way! We have to be early if you're in!]

[FireGirl20: THEN TEXT US EARLY IN THE MORNING YA DINGUS!]

[Shut7heFUp: Look, we've been busy lately, so I wanna be able to at least relax on Sunday.]

[SushiRoll23: ...Well, you're not wrong...]

[Shut7heFUp: Yes! Now, where would be a good place to go...?]

[Shut7heFUp: I know. Wanna try going to the fishing pond in Ichigaya?]

[TheWildJ0ker: Ichigaya? Never been there before. Might be nice to add a location to my map.]

[Shut7heFUp: Sweet! Got a bite!]

[Shut7heFUp: Whaddya say, girls? Wanna join too?]

[SushiRoll23: Fishing does sound fun...]

[FireGirl20: Well, if Sis is going, so am I!]

[Shut7heFUp: Yes! Got a triple!]

[Shut7heFUp: I hope the other fish'll bite this easily! Let's meet in Shinjuku tomorrow then. Night.]

"I guess we're going fishing." Asuka mumbled out before yawning. "Isn't that great, Homu-" She then started to ask, however...

"Zzzzzz..." Homura snored, having instantly fallen asleep as soon as the conversation ended. She didn't even turn off her phone.

Asuka in response just giggled some more as she snuggled back into her roommate, turning off her phone before drifting off to sleep.


Save Game… Quit!


Asuka/Yin's Social Stats:

Leadership- Outspoken (Level 2) → Dependable (Level 3)

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- Tasteful (Level 3)

Elegance- Disciplined (Level 3)

Understanding- Generous (Level 3)


Whew! Done! And how do you like the shinobi playing real games? I'm starting to feel like it's filler and doesn't contribute much. Actually, given how long these chapters are, are you reading the entire thing or skipping to more interesting parts?

UknownHero signing off, my friends!