God, I'm tired but eager. UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona! I actually have a question to ask at the end so please answer it because it will drastically change the story from now until...let's say 7/10 in-story.
Onto the reviews. To alaude hibari: Huh, Akira should play chess with Ikaruga.
And...that's it. Oh well, time to achieve greatness in incredibly stupid things.
Load Game...Start!
Chapter 71: Achievements
(7/3, Early Morning)
(Shinjuku, Train Station)
The two roommates had gotten to the station quite early, with barely anyone around.
"Well this is awkward..." Homura admitted.
"Yup. We got here early." Asuka replied in agreement with a smile on her face and a giggle escaping her lips.
"A little too early by the looks of it." Homura added as she looked around. "The guys aren't even here yet. We skipped breakfast for nothing..." She soon grumbled out.
"We can get something later, on the way to the fishing place." Asuka got out as she sat down at a nearby bench. "We better meet up with Ryuji-kun and Akira-kun first." She then added.
"Hmm...well, in about five minutes they're officially late so I may as well be here to tell them off." Homura muttered out as she sat next to her roommate. "So, how's studying been?" She soon asked.
"Uh...yeah. It's been going well. I am stuck on something though..." Asuka awkwardly replied.
"Hit me." Homura requested.
"Okay." Asuka got out with a nod as she pulled out her phone. "What was the original name for Fūma Kotarō? Kawakami-sensei told me it was going to be in the exams." She soon questioned and informed.
"Oh, hmm..." Homura hummed out as she closed her eyes in thought. Eventually, she opened them and snapped her fingers. "Kazuma Kotarō. Born in the Sagami Province, though the date of his birth was unknown and he died during the Edo Period in 1603. You could've looked this up on the internet, Sis." She soon answered and reminded.
"Ehehehe..." Asuka awkwardly giggled out as she rubbed the back of her head.
"But hey, if I'm answering your questions, you may as well help me. I cannot wrap my head around numbers sometimes..." Homura replied and confessed.
"Oh, I'm good at math so go on and tell me what's been giving you trouble." Asuka replied and requested.
"Hai." Homura responded with a nod. "Alright. Solve for x in the following numerical sequence: 6, x, 496, 8128, 3350336." She soon instructed.
"...Pardon?" Asuka squeaked out.
Immediately the tan skinned girl sighed in response. "Sis, do you want to remain the top student at school?" Homura soon questioned in a chiding manner.
"No, um, I know this! E-Erm..." Asuka got out in a nervous manner as she thought about while rubbing her head with her thumbs. "Oh! I got it! It's 28." She soon answered.
"...Really? Well, I don't know how to solve it so I'm just gonna assume you're right." Homura admitted as she shrugged her shoulders.
"...We need to study more..." The two girls soon thought to themselves.
"Hey." They suddenly heard Akira greet them as the two boys approached them. "Good morning." He then added.
"Morning to you too, Akira." Homura replied as the two girls stood up.
"What's bonkin'?" Ryuji greeted as well.
"Bonk...ing?" Asuka and Homura repeated as they tilted their heads in unison.
"Don't mind him." Akira simply got out before shooting the dyed blond a look that simply said it will never catch on. "So, ready to go, girls?" He soon asked.
"Yep." Asuka happily replied as she pulled out her phone to check the train schedule. "The next train to Ichigaya is in..." She soon began.
"Please step away from the platform. The train from Shunjuku to Ichigaya is now departing."
"...Ten minutes." Homura concluded. "You two have horrible timing." She then stated in a deadpan tone.
"Well, I headed out before getting breakfast this morning..." Akira mumbled out as he rubbed his stomach. "Let's go get something before we go there." He soon suggested.
"Sounds great. Can't fish on an empty stomach." Homura agreed with a nod. "But then again, we usually fish on empty stomachs..." She then muttered under her breath after thinking about it.
"Wanna get sushi?" Asuka suggested. "We can't keep the fish we catch there, right?" She then asked.
"Yeah. You trade them back for points, which you can use to buy prizes, or new bait and fishing poles." Morgana replied and revealed, popping his head out of the Leader's bag.
"AH!" Asuka yelped in a surprised manner. "Morgana-chan! I thought it was just going to be us..." She then got out
The not cat in turn pale to hearing that. "Wha!? L-Lady Asuka!" Morgana responded in shock.
"Didn't I tell you to stay at home today?" Akira questioned as he narrowed his eyes. "I hope you didn't sneak into my bag to take bites out of the fish, right?" He soon accused. "You know you can't eat them." He then reminded.
"I-I would do nothing of the sort!" Morgana gasped in disbelief. "I just got curious about it! Yeah, that's a good excuse..." He then explained.
"You said that last part out loud, ya hungry little cat." Ryuji remarked as the tan skinned girl giggled at his dismay.
"NOTACAT!" Morgana angirly called out.
"Hehehehe...! Hahaha!" Asuka meanwhile laughed out as she petted the not cat's head. "Come on, Morgana-chan. We'll buy you the best tuna we can find before we leave." She soon offered.
That immediately brightened the not cat's mood as stars appeared in his eyes and a trail of drool leaked from his mouth. "Oh, Lady Asuka! You are too kind." Morgana replied while raising a paw.
"Hey, if you make a mess in there before, during or after the tuna you're cleaning it." Akira warned. "...And not with your mouth. Use your hands, like a human." He then added.
"Whatever you say, Joker." Morgana responded. "I'll show you just how much of a human I am." He then added with confidence.
"Alright." Akira replied. "I saw a Triple Seven on the way here. Let's try that." He then suggested.
"Definitely gettin' some ramen there." Ryuji got out as they left the station to get some food.
Eventually, they brought their spoils from the Triple Seven to a four seat table, where they began eating and chatting.
"These futomaki rolls are good, but not as great as Asuka's." Akira confessed.
"Yeah, Sis's are definitely better." Homura replied in agreement.
"Yeah, it kinda sucks compared to her's." Ryuji admitted before going back to his instant ramen.
"P-Please stop flattering me..." Asuka mumbled out with a blush on her face. "...It really isn't as good as mine though." She mentally confessed.
Suddenly, the shinobi spotted Yumi at a nearby table. It seemed her entire breakfast today was made up of convenience store food as well. "Hey, Yumi-chan!" Asuka called out, getting the girl's attention. "Over here!" She then informed.
"Hm?" Yumi hummed out mid-sip of her green tea when she spotted her friends nearby. "Oh! Good morning!" She greeted with a smile.
"Hey, wanna sit with us?" Ryuji offered.
"O-Oh, um...Let me just gather up my food first..." Yumi replied as she got her bento and drink while the tan skinned girl grabbed an extra chair for her.
"Why are you up so early?" Ryuji had to ask.
"I have to be as part of my duties." Yumi answered as she sat down. "And what brings you all to Shinjuku today?" She then asked in a curious manner.
"We're going fishing in Ichigaya and met up here." Asuka explained.
"So Yumi, you want to come fishing with us?" Homura soon asked.
"I'm sorry, but I cannot join. I have to be going once I finish my food. Maybe another time though." Yumi turned down the offer with a shake of her head. "But tell me how it goes. I heard the Ichigaya Fishing Pond is lovely this time of year." She soon requested and revealed.
"We promise." Asuka replied. "Want a bun?" She then offered while handing out a pork bun.
"Why not?" Yumi responded as she gladly took the bun from the Vice Leader and bit into it. "Oh, that is heavenly..." She breathed out in delight.
"I wish we could do this a little more frequently." Asuka admitted. "But then again, summer is coming up so we'll have plenty of opportunities to do so." She then added.
"You guys planning anything special?" Akira had to ask. "As long as it stays in Tokyo, it's fine but I won't mind if something takes you out of the city." He then added.
"Do not worry Akira. We will all make sure we stay here for when people call for the Phantom Thieves." Yumi assured.
"You make us sound like superheroes." Homura giggled out. "I mean...we aren't. We're just people trying to do the right thing with the power we have, instead of abusing it like most of the people we meet here." She soon stated.
"Isn't your Persona a superhero?" Ryuji reminded.
"Please don't try and detract from what I'm saying!" Homura demanded in annoyance with a puffed up cheek. "...And Wolverine is an anti-hero." She then corrected.
"Hey, everyone's a hero of their story." Akira pointed out with a shrug. "It's just whether or not they're a villain in someone else's." He then muttered before focusing back on the water.
"And hey, at least your Persona ain't Deadpool." Ryuji then chuckled out.
"...Oh god, I'm starting to remember seeing that image of him without his suit..." Homura groaned out. "...That only begs the question: what type of person would earn him as a Persona?" She then muttered.
"It's...best not to think about it." Akira advised. "Especially in a situation where we're exposed." He then added in a whisper.
"That won't happen." Asuka assured. "We're getting better with it every day." She then revealed.
"I know, but we should plan for that situation." Yumi pointed out with a frown.
"What? Like...going into hiding?" Ryuji assumed.
"Hai." Yumi responded with a nod. "There are much worse things that can happen to us than being arrested. Remember, shinobi are after this power." She then reminded.
"We won't get caught." Akira assured. "And this isn't something we should be thinking about on a lazy Sunday morning, especially when we don't have everyone here to talk about it. Save it for the next meeting." He soon stated while adjusting his glasses.
"I will concede to that, but it is a conversation we will have to have eventually." Yumi got out before taking another swig of her green tea.
"Wait, where's Morgana in this conversation?" Ryuji had to ask, only to see that the cat had fallen asleep in his bag.
"Aw...He's so cute~" Asuka cooed out as she gently and softly rubbed his fur, who meanwhile began unconsciously purring as a result.
"He is indeed." Yumi replied in agreement as she also began to pet the so-called not cat.
"Cuteness is justice..." Akira couldn't help but think as they went on to finish their food and head for the trains.
(7/3, Daytime)
(Ichigaya, Fishing Pond)
The group eventually made it to the Ichigaya Fishing Pond, where Ryuji paid for their entry fees and rented some rods and bait for them.
Soon after, they were sitting down and letting time pass by, waiting for something to tug in their lines.
"This is nice." Asuka got out with a smile. "The smell of the water...the quiet atmosphere...just sitting down and watching the fish...It's a nice change of pace." She soon confessed.
"Yeah, it feels nice to just kick back, stay away from the city for a while." Homura admitted in agreement. "Thanks for inviting us out here Ryuji." She then added.
"Told ya it'd be a great way to relax." Ryuji chuckled out while staring out at the water.
"What made you suggest this place in the first place?" Akira had to ask.
"Eh, I was just lookin' for places." Ryuji replied with a shrug. "...And Captain Kidd was itchin' for the ocean and this was the next closest thing besides going to the beach." He then admitted.
"Ah." Akira responded with a nod.
"You know, we'd use kunai to fish on missions." Homura pointed out. "Or small explosives. The shockwaves stun and kill a lot of fish pretty quickly. Fishing poles are too inefficient for our line of work." She then added.
"That's...practical." Akira got out with a sweatdrop to the idea before clearing his throat.
"Moh...That only reminds me of the time I fought someone whose main weapon was a fishing rod." Asuka mumbled out in a sad tone. "She stole most of my clothes and hooked my hair." She then revealed with a pout.
"Eh, if you want a weird weapon, I was attacked by someone wielding popsicles." Homura admitted with a slight giggle. "They tasted really great when she tried to choke me out with them." She then confessed in amusement.
"..." The two boys immediately looked at the tan skinned girl in disbelief at what she said.
"Cease those impure thoughts immediately." Homura bluntly ordered in a deadpan tone.
"No, that was disturbed silence. Not perverted silence." Akira corrected. "...Someone used popsicles." He then repeated as he tried to think about it.
"They were sea salt. It was salty but sweet." Homura explained.
"..." The boys in response were once more silent as they looked at the tan skinned girl.
"...Okay, that was definitely perverted silence." Homura soon accused.
"Let's just focus on catching something..." Akira awkwardly suggested as they went back to fishing.
However, an hour went by and none of them had even had a tug on their lines. With the sun beating down on them, they were becoming a little bored.
"So, I was thinkin' about the future..." Ryuji suddenly admitted. "With you as the leader, and me as your right-hand man. Hey, doesn't meetin' in a place like this look like we're talkin' some shady business...? I like it." He then asked and confessed.
"What do you mean?" Asuka asked as she recast her line at a different spot.
"Like, we're high school students durin' the day. But at night..." Ryuji explained as he nudged the Leader's shoulder. "You know what I mean, Akira?" He soon asked.
"Okay, technically Asuka is my right-hand woman." Akira however corrected. "But I admit, it is a little shady." He then added.
"I do too, it's just that we don't work at night." Asuka pointed out. "I'd say it would be students at day, thieves in the afternoon. You know?" She then corrected and asked.
"Aw come on, that doesn't sound as cool!" Ryuji complained. "And just when I was gettin' pumped up..." He then grumbled.
"There there." Akira chuckled out as he patted the dyed blond's back while they waited to catch something. However, thirty more minutes passed and not even a single nibble.
"...Man, the fish ain't bitin'. The float hasn't moved at all..." Ryuji sighed out.
"We just got here. Fishing requires a lot of patience." Akira stated as he focused on his pole.
"I know. But if only there was a master fisher around. Then we could steal their ideas..." Ryuji grumbled out.
"Oh hell no." Akira instantly denied the suggestion. "I've had enough of plagiarism for one year, thank you very much." He then deadpanned.
"WHOA! I got a bite!" They suddenly heard Asuka exclaim as they turned to watch the girl pull on her fishing line. And it looks like she got a big one as she started reeling.
"You can do it, Sis!" Homura cheered on, just as her rod started being tugged. "H-Hey, I got a bite on mine too! Oh no, you're not getting away!" She called out as she pulled out on her line.
"Hey, both of yours look like fighters." Ryuji got out. "Are you two gonna get the Ichigaya Guardian?" He then asked.
"I don't...know what that is...but it feels like it!" Asuka responded as she continued reeling in her line. It felt like it was going to snap her line at any moment.
"Come on...just accept your fate as my first catch of many today, you beautiful big fishy!" Homura called out in anticipation, seeing that her catch was only a few feet away.
Suddenly the two girls pulled their catches out of the water and into the air.
While Asuka managed to catch in her arms before it hit the concrete, Homura caught her's...with her face.
BONK!
"Ow! Mother-!" Homura swore out as she rubbed her sore forehead.
"Ooh...that looked like it hurt..." Akira got out with a wince.
"Dammit...at least I caught something, final-" Homura began to cheer only for her eye to twitch as she saw that her hook was a rock. "What the- How the hell did I hook this!?" She exclaimed in annoyance.
"YAHOO!" Asuka cheered out as she held the large and long fish as it flopped in her arms. "Hehehe...how many points is this worth?" She giggled and asked.
"Holy...what is that!?" Ryuji exclaimed.
"Huh, not bad Shirokage. That's a Musou Bee." Kawakami admitted in an impressed tone as she approached the group. "And you caught it with a casual rod too..." She then added
"Eh? Kawakami-sensei?" Asuka got out, surprised to see their teacher.
"What the- When did you get here!?" Ryuji called out.
"I should be asking the same question to you, Sakamoto-kun." Kawakami answered. "Out of all places...Why are you here sitting around like old people? Why don't you go out and do something more exciting?" She soon asked.
"Wha- Look who's talkin'!" Ryuji countered.
Kawakami could only sigh at that. "Even adults need time to themselves to unwind and clear their thoughts. You'll understand soon enough, when you start working in the real world." She explained.
"I uh...I think we already know a bit of that." Asuka mumbled out.
"Wow...Soundin' real old there, Kawakami." Ryuji bluntly admitted.
"Ryuji!" Homura chided in disapproval as she slapped the boy upside the head.
"That's Kawakami-sensei to you!" Kawakami corrected with a huff.
"You come here often, sensei?" Akira had to ask.
"Not really, but often enough to catch actual fish." Kawakami informed as she looked at the tan skinned girl's rock. "Watch and learn." She soon instructed as she sat down and pulled out her Powerful Rod.
Soon enough, the four students watched as the teacher proceeded to catch fish after fish after fish without letting a single one escape.
"Holy crap...look at her go!" Ryuji got out in amazement. "She's hookin' fish like crazy...!" He then added in amazement.
"How is she doing it?" Homura had to wonder, only to push down a yell of frustration when she fished up another rock for her ever growing pile of them.
"It's easy, Homura-san. Just clear your mind and free yourself from negative thoughts." Kawakami informed as she pulled in another fish.
"So the trick is not to think!" Ryuji got out with an understanding look on his face...before it quickly shifted to confusion. "...How am I supposed to do that?" cHe soon asked.
"I think you're already good at that, Ryuji." Homura joked.
"Oh, ha ha." Ryuji sarcastically laughed as he rolled his eyes. "That's rich coming from the rock fisher." He then countered.
"I don't know how I keep getting rocks!" Homura growled as she fished up another one. After setting down her rod to prevent it from being thrown across the water, she looked over to her roommate, who was having a significantly better time. "At least Sis is having fun." She then added with a smile.
"Hey, doesn't anyone know why there are tags on the fish I catch?" Asuka meanwhile had to ask. She had already traded her Casual Rod to a Miracle Rod with all the fish she had caught today.
"Asuka's doing well because she rarely has negative thoughts." Akira had to assume.
"Dammit, I can't clear my mind right now..." Ryuji mumbled out as he shook his head. "You got any suggestions, Akira?" He then asked.
"Accept the grim reality of society." Akira answered in a flat tone as he reeled in his line.
"I see. So when you get jaded like Kawakami, you'll just naturally attract fish..." Ryuji got out before frowning. "...Uhh, wait, I don't think that's right since Asuka's doing well. And she's a ray of sunshine almost every day." He then remembered.
"It's a nice, sunny Sunday. I didn't think I'd be stuck fishing with you four on my day off." Kawakami sighed out in a somewhat annoyed manner. "Two troublemakers, two outcasts and their no-good teacher...I guess we're perfect for each other." She then listed off and added.
"She keeps gettin' fish even as she nags...I'm impressed!" Ryuji admitted.
"Hai." Asuka agreed with a nod, even as she fished up a double pointer without looking.
Both earned annoyed looks from the teacher.
"So either be really empty or be really lucky. Too bad I'm neither." Homura replied in a deadpan tone. "Hmm, maybe if I think more like Yumi-senpai..." She soon thought to herself as closed her eyes, took in a deep breath...and realised she couldn't freeze the water like she could.
But that did give her an idea.
"Hmm..." Homura hummed out before looking around. After she determined no one was watching her, she activated Third Eye and focused on the water. Suddenly, the fish were highlighted red in her vision. "It's only cheating if you're caught..." She soon thought before casting out her line. "Keep calm Homura Shinkukage...be one with the line..." She then muttered as she focused.
"Looks like Homura's getting really into it." Akira thought with a smirk to the display.
"Go, Homu-nee, go!" Asuka meanwhile encouraged while pumping a fist.
Suddenly, Homura felt a tug on her pole.
"Gotcha! PERSONA!" Homura mentally called out, an imaginary version of Wolverine appearing behind her and mimicking her moves, as if giving her the strength to finally pull in something that wasn't a rock.
BURNING UP!
"HHHHRRRRAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Homura roared out as she pulled the fish out of water and into the air.
SPLASH!
"Quiet down, Shinkukage. You're annoying the fish and the fishermen." Kawakami scolded as the tan skinned girl checked her fish.
That caused the tan skinned girl to become embarrassed by her own actions. "My apologies sensei." Homura replied before smiling proudly at her catch. "Yes! I got something! In your face Ryuji!" She then cheered.
"Homura, that's a benikin. It's not even enough to buy Medium Boilie." Akira pointed out as he pulled in a decent sized fish.
"Who cares! It's still a fish and one more than you!" Homura countered before doing a little dance.
"So this is what you're like outside of school..." Kawakami deadpanned with a sweatdrop.
"Guh! I-I um..." Homura sputtered out with a blush. "L-Look, don't tell anyone. I have a growing reputation to uphold!" She soon requested.
"Hehehe...I'll think about it." Kawakami giggled out in amusement. "Sometimes you just need to unwind." She then stated.
"Exactly." Homura responded as she nodded. "Oh! Got another bite!" She revealed in an excited tone.
"Me too!" Asuka exclaimed as she began pulling in her line.
"They learned way too quickly..." Ryuji noted.
"Yep." Akira replied with a nod. "I could do this for another hour or two before I have to go. Meeting up with someone." He then added as he glanced over towards his homeroom teacher.
"How many friends do you have?" Kawakami soon asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Including you? 21." Akira simply answered.
"Holy shit, dude! You've been busy!" Ryuji got out in an impressed manner.
"I...I didn't think you'd have so many in such a short amount of time..." Asuka admitted in amazement.
"What can I say? I'm a people person." Akira replied with a smile. "Sometimes by force." He mentally added.
SPLASH!
"Oh come on!" Homura complained in annoyance.
"Huh, a rock in the shape of a fish." Akira remarked. "Quite nicely sculpted. You could probably sell that." He then pointed out.
"Maybe." Homura sighed out as she shrugged and pocketed the Rock Fish after drying it off before casting out her line again. Can't let her anger scare the fish off.
"Hmm, I wonder what Yumi-chan is doing." Asuka soon wondered as she looked at the large fish she got.
(7/3, Afternoon)
(Shibuya, Central Street)
Yumi let out a sigh as she left the diner. All of the info she was given, while useful for her to extort a variety of characters, didn't really contribute to the Phantom Thieves. No targets for the Phantom Thieves to change.
But at that moment, the light grey haired girl had a look of amazement as she came to a realization. "...I finished my duties early...again..." She muttered in amazement and disbelief.
Maybe her info network was having a slow few days. She might need to correct that soon but for now she was going to take advantage of it.
But now...what to do...
After a few seconds of thinking, she pulled out her phone and called someone.
"Hello?" Her mentor greeted.
"Good morning Rise-san. It's me, Yumi." Yumi greeted and informed over the phone. "Do you mind if I have another training session?" She soon requested.
"Oh, sure. I just finished up a recording session so I'm free for the day." Rise responded.
"Yes, I am as well." Yumi replied with a smile before her stomach rumbled. "Do you mind if I stop by somewhere to eat first?" She soon asked.
"Erm, if you're hungry, how about I cook something at my place?" Rise soon offered. "It's right near the studio and it's been a very long time since I made something." She then explained.
"You don't have to. I do not want to take advantage of your generosity." Yumi however informed. "And I am not exactly poor right now." She mentally added.
"Aw, don't be so modest Yumi-chan." Rise however got out. "Trust me, it'll be something to remember. I promise." She then reassured.
"...W-Well, I cannot see why not." Yumi responded.
"Yes! I'm going to quickly give you my address." Rise happily replied. "Make sure you're not followed, okay? A lot of people would kill for my location and I like this place." She then advised and explained.
"Well, I will assure you that I am a great secret keeper." Yumi assured. "I'll see you soon." She then added.
"Yep. See ya!" Rise replied before hanging up.
After receiving the address, Yumi quickly looked up the directions and started making her way there.
(Kujikawa Apartment)
The former idol stared at the jar of lemon grass with an inquisitive look on her face. "This looks like the right thing to put in there...right?" Rise muttered to herself as she narrowed her eyes.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Give me a moment." Rise called out as she put down the jar and rushed over to the door in no time flat.
After brushing some spices off her apron and checking who it was on the other side with her phone, she opened the door with a bright smile. "Yumi-chan! Come in and make yourself at home." She greeted with a smile.
"Thank you for allowing me into your home, Rise-san." Yumi replied with a bow as she stepped inside. "This is a nice apartment Rise-san." She soon remarked as she looked around.
"Thanks. I wanted something a little smaller but after my last place got revealed, I had to move." Rise replied and explained.
"Being an idol is quite dangerous, isn't it." Yumi soon stated.
"You have no idea." Rise muttered out as she went back to the kitchen. "I'll be sure to teach you how to keep your personal information a secret." She then added.
"Um...I have plenty of experience with that so you will not need to worry about that." Yumi admitted as she scratched her cheek. "By the way, Rise-san, you are dressed quite...differently." She then pointed out in a curious manner.
"I know I look like an old lady right now. I dress like this whenever I'm cooking." Rise sheepishly got out.
Yumi sniffed the air, only to cover her nose as it started to sting a little. What the... "U-Um, it smells wonderful, Rise-san." She awkwardly informed.
"Thank you. You know, I really improved my cooking ability since my high school days, but my friends keep turning down whatever I cook. Glad to finally have someone eat my food." Rise happily replied as she added a lump of harissa to the pot.
The light grey haired girl unconsciously gulped as she looked around the apartment. "Oh, a set of weights." Yumi soon pointed out as she noticed the workout equipment. "You should really put these somewhere safe." She then suggested
"Uh, sorry, I forgot to mention I have someone staying with me and she is a bit of a slob." Rise apologised. "It's a little bit of a secret though so don't mention it if you're talking to anyone about this." She then explained and requested.
"I won't. Everyone has the right to their own privacy." Yumi replied and stated. "Do you need some assistance setting up?" She then offered.
"No, you relax. Save that energy for lessons later- AH!" Rise yelped after a glass plate fell out of the cabinet as she reached out...
WHOOSH!
And caught the falling plate with ease. "Whew! Safe." Rise soon sighed in relief.
"Wow, you have quick reflexes." Yumi complimented in an impressed manner.
"I-I was just lucky today." Rise played off as she placed the jar back on the counter. "Thank you, Dai-sensei..." She mentally got out in relief.
"But it seems to me you need help." Yumi soon pointed out as she went over to her mentor. "I'll set up the plates and clean up." She then informed as she got to work.
"Aw, thanks Yumi-chan, I appreciate it." Rise sheepishly replied with a giggle as she continued cooking for the two of them.
SHHHHHHH!
After setting the table for the two of them, Yumi blinked as she stared at the curry. Why was it glowing red?
No, the more important question was why is it glowing in the first place?
"You've...tasted this, right?" Yumi questioned in a concerned and hesitant manner.
"Huh? O-Oh, yeah. I definitely did. For, like, a more mature flavor." Rise assured with a sweet yet awkward smile as she dump a healthy portion onto her plate.
"Hm, a mature flavor." Yumi repeated in a curious manner as she looked at her food. "Hm, I better cool it down when it enters my mouth with a cooling technique." She soon thought to herself as she silently performed the jutsu.
And thus she took her first bite and...
Nope.
Nope nope nope nope, no.
The cooling jutsu did nothing.
"What...What layer of hell did she get the ingredients from!?" Yumi thought in a panic as she fought back the tears while the fire spread to her heart.
"Are...Are you okay?" Rise asked after seeing the red face.
"I-I'm...my throat is becoming quite parched right nnnaaaahhhh..." Yumi struggled out her request, her tongue suddenly going numb for a few seconds. "N-Now. I am not used to spicy food." She then informed.
"Well, let me get you some water. Be right back." Rise soon offered.
"H-Hai." Yumi strugged out as she then bit into her inner mouth and covered her red face with her hands in an attempt to stifle the noise she was about to make. "FWEET MUFFEN DELL MMMMMMMMPPPPPPPHHHHHHHHH!" She cried out for just long enough to ease the blazing hell going through her digestion system until her mentor came back.
The former idol soon returned with the cup of water in hand. "Here Yumi-chan, drink it slowly." Rise offered and instructed.
The light grey haired girl nodded as she brought the cup to her lips and began to relieve herself. "Oh my, what a rush." Yumi breathed out while drinking her water.
"Sorry Yumi-chan, it was too spicy, was it?" Rise guessed before wincing at her student nodding in response. "I mean, I used a few ounces of something called the Carolina Reaper and a few flavor enhancers here and there. I even put some cool ranch to help deal with it." She then revealed.
"N-No. Not at all..." Yumi replied as she desperately tried to hide the fact that her mouth was still on fire. Actually, she had the feeling the water just spread the spice around her mouth and down her throat and sweet goodness is everything catching on fire right now? "You are quite t-the chef." She then admitted in a strained tone.
"My friends say otherwise." Rise sheepishly admitted. "Then again, most of my girl friends aren't much better..." She soon added in an awkward manner.
"...Oh." Yumi responded. "Well, I hope we...we..." She soon struggled out, sweating as a result.
...Oh goodness, it was becoming too much to bear and the Reaper was starting to edge into her vision with more of her mentor's poisoned food.
"Excuse me a moment. Where is your bathroom?" Yumi soon asked.
"Over there." Rise replied as she pointed in the direction of where it was.
"Thank you." Yumi calmly replied as she stood up and headed into the bathroom.
"It was too spicy again." Rise sighed out.
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Rise soon heard something come from the bathroom.
SPLASH!
That caused the former idol to sweatdrop. "Maybe we should skip straight to dessert." Rise soon suggested as she went to the freezer, getting a frozen desert out followed by two bowls.
Soon enough, Yumi came out of the bathroom looking significantly...wetter than she was coming into it.
"Erm, is everything okay?" Rise awkwardly asked in concern.
"I am fine. I almost drank soap but I am fine." Yumi breathed out before seeing what her mentor was bringing out. "Oh, ice cream?" She then guessed with a smile.
"Sea salt, if you don't mind." Rise replied with a smile.
"I do not." Yumi replied as the two sat down and began eating. "Oh thank goodness, this is actually working somewhat..." She then breathed out while sighing in relief from the coldness of the frozen treat.
"I should really start tasting my own food again..." Rise soon admitted. "But the last time I did, it sent me to the hospital...I think the chicken in my curry was undercooked..." She then sheepishly added.
"It...It may be more than just undercooked chicken..." Yumi mumbled under her breath, trying to remember if she still had the medicine that suppressed her bowel movements at home.
"I...I think I will buy something for dinner tonight." Rise deadpanned. "Again." She decided not to add for the past five or so years.
"Good idea." Yumi replied. "Still, that lunch was something I will never forget about Rise-san." She soon giggled out before wiping off the drool that began to leak from her mouth.
"If you think that's bad, try Mystery Food X." Rise awkwardly giggled out. "I've only heard of it in legends...but my senpais can forever describe the horrors of such a dish in such great detail that even I can taste it..." She then got out as her mind drifted off. The guys looked so traumatised when they told her.
"R-Rise-san?" Yumi got out in nervous concern for her mentor.
"S-Sorry. Just...getting lost in the past. Been doing a lot lately." Rise sighed out. "...I didn't think adult life would be this hard..." She soon admitted.
"Hm?" Yumi hummed out.
"I just...kind of miss my school days while I was on hiatus." Rise confessed. "I had so much freedom back then, but now I barely have to myself. I mean, I barely had time to myself back in my idol days but..." She then started before...
"You miss your friends." Yumi stated more than guessed.
"Yeah." Rise sighed out. "I wish I could stay in Inaba but...I can't follow my dreams there." She soon revealed. "But...that means I cherish the moments I will have with them more." She then concluded with a proud smile on her face.
Yumi in turn gained an expression of awe to her mentor's words. "Cherish the moments I have with them..." She repeated to herself as she thought of all of her own friends.
"...Oh crap, I just remembered I'll be away next week." Rise soon remembered as she slapped her forehead.
"Really?" Yumi asked in a curious manner with a tilt of her head.
"A friend's wedding. It's happening on July 13th and I'm leaving a couple days before that." Rise revealed. "I haven't even picked out a dress yet..." She then added.
"Oh. Well, congratulations to them." Yumi replied."Had they been dating long?" She then asked.
"Since high school." Rise revealed in a nostalgic tone.
"That's sweet." Yumi responded as she imagined it.
"Can't believe she got dibs first..." Rise soon mumbled with a pout.
"Excuse me?" Yumi however got out with a raised eyebrow.
"Nothing." Rise quickly responded. "I'm sorry, but I won't be around to teach you soon." She then apologized.
"It is not a problem Rise-san, you should be allowed to see your closest friends." Yumi replied with a gentle and pure smile on her face.
"Well, the paparazzi would say otherwise." Rise muttered in annoyance."Ugh...it's too hot for the trenchcoat though..." She then groaned out.
"Maybe you can leave early before they wake up to have the chance to find you." Yumi soon suggested.
"Unfortunately, Tokyo's like New York City, a city that never sleeps..." Rise sighed out. "But I have my ways. Don't worry too much about it." She then informed in a reassuring tone with a smile.
"Alright..." Yumi responded with a nod.
"But in any case, let's talk business." Rise soon suggested. "We've just been teaching you moves, but now it's time to talk about routine." She then began.
"Hai." Yumi responded with a nod. "I've actually watched a few music videos of yours. How did you not hurt your knees doing that slide during True Story?" She then revealed and asked in a curious tone.
"Dumb luck. It wasn't part of the song." Rise answered. "Actually, we should probably start discussing plans for your original song too..." She then realized and informed.
"Oh, song writing?" Yumi soon asked, even more curious now then before. "I have never written a song before..." She then revealed.
"Well, you should have a professional songwriter doing it for you, but you can establish the basis of the song - the meaning in the lyrics, what type of feeling you want to evoke - during the writing process." Rise explained. "Can you play an instrument, Yumi?" She then asked.
"No, but I am willing to learn if I need to." Yumi replied in a determined manner.
"Well, multi-talented idols are becoming more popular lately, so it wouldn't hurt to have something to add to your performance - singing and dancing aside." Rise revealed.
"So can you play an instrument, Rise-san?" Yumi soon asked.
"Nope." Rise replied as she shook her head. "I just know a little bōjutsu." She soon revealed.
"Oh?" Yumi got out with a tilt of her head as she imagined her mentor fighting with a staff.
"I, uh...got it from a friend." Rise revealed. "She...she likes fighting and helps me stay in shape." She awkwardly explained.
"As in...mixed martial arts?" Yumi guessed as she tried to imagine it.
"No." Rise replied before clearing her throat. "L-Look, I think you've heard enough about my personal life already, so let's get to practicing at the studio." She awkwardly got out and requested in a flustered manner.
"Of course. I still have a lot to learn before I actually become an idol, correct?" Yumi responded and questioned.
"It's a lot of hard work. But that's what it takes to make people smile." Rise replied as they left the apartment.
"To make people smile." Yumi repeated, smiling herself to the idea as they continued on.
She was gonna give it her all as she trained to become an idol.
(7/3, Afternoon)
(Shibuya, Station Square)
Meanwhile, the tan skinned girl was walking the streets while examining the money she had. "15,000 yen's a pretty decent chunk of change." Homura admitted before biting into her crepe and squealing in delight. "Sooooo goood~!" She happily got out in a delighted manner before coughing into her fist to calm herself down. "Still, better be sure not to spend it all." She then told herself, mentally writing off the lottery ticket she bought before pawning the rock fish off to the airshop.
Suddenly, she felt a sharp object poking against her back.
"!?" Homura instantly turned around, only to find no one there. "That was kunai..." She thought to herself, her eyes shifting around to try and find the owner.
She then felt a tap on her shoulder.
She wouldn't give whoever this is a chance.
Homura spun around and...
SLAP!
"AHH!" Mishima screamed in pain as he was sent to the ground. "I just wanted to talk to you!" He then groaned as he held his sore face.
"Ah! Sorry, Mishima!" Homura apologized in a panic as she helped him off the ground. "I...I thought you were going to grope me." She then lied.
"I-I would never." The admin stammered out before wincing. "Especially after that. Ow..." Mishima then added.
"So uh...what do you need from me?" Homura awkwardly asked.
"Well, I forgot now." Mishima groaned. "Jeez, I think it's swelling. I'm going home to put some on my face..." He then got out.
"Sorry..." Homura got out in a guilty manner.
"Nah, that's on me for not calling you out first." Mishima sheepishly admitted. "See you tomorrow." He then added.
"Y-Yeah." Homura awkwardly responded as she watched the boy leave. "Dammit...what the hell was that about before?" She then muttered in confusion and frustration.
BZZT! BZZT!
"Ugh, it better not be Ryuji..." Homura sighed out as she pulled out her phone.
[Komachi: Guess who?]
"!?" Homura's eyes immediately widened as she recognized the name. "W-What? No...no, it's just...he's dead...he committed suicide...He's fucking gone, Homura." She had to tell herself, managing to control her emotions and quickly replacing confusion and fear with annoyance. "God, I swear if it's some stupid-" She soon growled out.
[Komachi: Didn't you tell me you loved me right before stabbing me in the back?]
[Komachi: I am as real as the blood that drips from your hands]
[Komachi: You will never escape me.]
"You are not him!" Homura got out before she blinked. "What the...How did you get my ID in the first place!? No, wait, how do they know about Komachi...!?" She then thought in a panic.
[Komachi: You are a pathetic shinobi.]
[Komachi: Watch your back.]
[Komachi: Your past is catching up.]
[Komachi: And your friends will suffer.]
"Where the hell are you!?" Homura called out as she looked around. However, she didn't spot anyone other than people looking at her weirdly. "Dammit...!" She then growled as stomped away.
...Only to slow down.
"W-Why do I feel...sleepy all of sudden?" Homura thought before shaking her head. "Ugh..." She then groaned before stumbling her way to the station.
She needed...to...
To...
...
Why was she here again?
And where did she get this crepe?
Shrugging her shoulders, Homura continued eating her sweet, feeling the need for some sugar. "Sooooo goood~!" She happily got out once more as she headed to the underground.
Elsewhere in the shadows, someone in a black hoodie growled under their breath.
"The hell? It was supposed to kill her." They grumbled under their breath.
She should've expected it from Homura. It wouldn't be too much of a stretch to think she had built up a poison resistance.
Well, they'll just have to make it stronger for next time.
(7/3, Evening)
(Shibuya, Underground Walkway)
Akira had found the tan skinned girl by a magazine stand, casually flipping through the pages of one. "Huh, to think Homura's looking at a fashion magazine." He thought in a curious manner while approaching her. "Hey, is that the latest issue Asuka's in?" He soon asked.
"Ugh." Homura however grunted out.
"...So you're not looking for a job right now?" Akira then awkwardly guessed.
"Eh." Homura grunted out.
"...You're not reading anything, are you." Akira then assumed, seeing the girl's eyes weren't moving along the page.
"Mmm..." Homura simply hummed out in response.
Akira sighed before heading off, quickly returning with Onsen Aojiru and quickly stuffed the straw into her mouth. On instinct, she began drinking it.
"Hah? Gack!" Homura soon choked out before coughing the straw out and groaning. "Urgh...it tastes like old men's bathwater..." She got out in disgust.
"That's because it probably is." Akira responded.
"WHAT!? WHY THE HELL IS THAT A DRINK AKIRA!? UGH!" Homura roared as she began spitting some more. "...Wait, when did you get here?" She soon asked as she blinked.
"Several minutes ago." Akira answered as he removed the straw before taking a sip of the aoijiru. "Ack! Oh, that's gonna grow some chest hairs." He grunted out.
"Oh, right. Onsen Aoijiru..." Homura remembered as she rubbed her forehead. "God, I'm sorry. Just been feeling a little, um...sleepy." She then explained, although the Leader could tell she was hiding something from him.
"Well, maybe I can get your blood pumping if I get some training." Akira soon suggested.
"Y-You want training right now?" Homura hesitantly asked before regaining focus. "Erm...I mean...I'm not doing anything tonight but..." She awkwardly got out before her eyes drifted to the side.
Akira narrowed his eyes at that. Clearly something was bothering her if she didn't feel like training.
"I'm sure." Akira responded in a firm tone. "Unless you want me to sweeten the pot." He soon added as he added another 8,000 yen.
"...Damn you, unstable income!" Homura growled. "Fine, let's just uh...head somewhere..." She then got out as she walked towards the stairs down to the trains.
"...Yeah, she has something on her mind." Akira thought as he went after her.
Time to play the nosy therapist. Again.
Man, he's been doing that lot this year.
(Inokashira Park)
It had taken a lot longer than necessary to decide on a place to train until they somehow ended up at Inokashira Park.
"So, what's on the agenda tonight, sensei?" Akira asked as he did his usual preliminary stretches.
"Let's just...spar, okay? Hand to hand." Homura instructed.
"Alright." Akira replied with a nod as he got into a stance. "You know, the last time I fought you hand-to-hand, you beat the absolute shit out of me." He then admitted.
"What? I don't-" Homura got out in confusion before remembering the taste of blood in her mouth. "Oh. Yeah. That thing. Gotta stop rushing in head first." She soon responded and noted.
"Hey, overwhelming force is needed sometimes. All-Out Attacks remember?" Akira however replied and reminded in amusement.
"Well, you better go all-out yourself if you want to stand a chance." Homura soon advised. "I'll even-" She then started, however...
Suddenly, the Leader unleashed a flurry of kicks and punches on the girl. "Thanks." Akira replied with a smirk.
Homura growled as she pushed the boy away from her and charged at him.
Akira gulped before moving his body to dodge the...rather slow strikes the tan skinned girl was throwing at him.
"I'm barely trying." Akira thought as he narrowed his eyes. Is this her holding back?
Still, he wouldn't back down. He countered by dodging right and punching her in the cheek and sweeping her legs.
Although stunned, she rolled away from the following stomp on her face, stood up and- "U-Urgh..." Homura groaned as a wave of uneasiness washed over her. "Damn, I really feel off..." She thought to herself in frustration before shaking it off...only to be punched straight in the face.
Akira was relentless, never giving the girl a chance to retaliate. He was burning through his stamina with each strike but he knew if he didn't put in 100%, he was a goner.
After suffering a beatdown for over three seconds, Akira pushed away before leaping into the air. "RRAAAHHH!" Akira roared as he threw his fist at the tan skinned girl and...
WHAM!
Knocking her off her feet.
This in turn caused the Leader to blink at what happened. "I...I actually beat you..." Akira panted out.
However, it was clear as the night sky above them that her heart wasn't in it, even if she was holding back.
"You...You did well..." Homura panted out. "Oh god..." She then groaned.
"You okay?" Akira however asked in concern.
The tan skinned girl let out a sigh as she shook her head. "I'm sorry Akira. I...I'm not feeling focused tonight. Can we just end it here and just...hang out for a while?" Homura requested.
"Sure. Where do you wanna go?" Akira got out with a nod as he helped her to her feet.
"I don't know. You choose." Homura huffed out as she crossed her arms.
"Uhh..." Akira got out as a few options came to mind.
Big Bang Burger. Inoffensive. It wouldn't be anything special but maybe it was something she needed right now.
Wilton Hotel. He could go all-out and take her there tonight. However, it might make her feel guilty for doing such a gesture.
Leblanc. Sojiro did say he didn't care if he came home late nowadays, however he would probably be pissed if he made some coffee for the girl without his knowledge.
Eventually...
(Shibuya, Big Bang Burger)
The Leader decided to take her to the easiest of the places he could come up with.
"I come here way too often..." Homura however groaned out in shame.
"In my defense, I didn't know you came here yesterday." Akira awkwardly admitted.
"Well, it's not like we can go anywhere else tonight." Homura muttered.
"We could always get a beef bowl." Akira then got out.
"Then why didn't you suggest that?" Homura questioned in a blunt manner with a frown.
"I just thought of it now." Akira simply confessed. "Plus, I know you like Big Bang Burger." He then added.
"I...I really come here too often." Homura sighed out once more. "And I mainly come for the challenge..." She then stated.
"You should learn restraint." Akira suggested.
"Oh, look who's talking." Homura countered as she rolled her eyes.
The cashier sighed as the two approached the counter. "Another challenge, Homura-san?" She soon guessed.
"...First name basis?" Akira chuckled out with a raised eyebrow.
"I didn't give them permission!" Homura exclaimed before sighing. . "Erm, we both like to do the Big Bang Burger Challenge." She eventually requested.
"Excuse me?" Akira got out in confusion to the sudden request.
"Okay, that will be a thousand yen." The cashier replied.
"I didn't agree to this!" Akira called out before looking towards the tan skinned girl.
"But it's cheaper than buying an actual meal." Homura simply responded.
"...You seriously need to eat at other places..." Akira soon stated.
"I don't exclusively eat here!" Homura exclaimed in annoyance. "And I'll stop coming when I beat the final challenge!" She then grumbled out.
"Oh, so never." Akira simply stated.
"...You just made this a battle, Akira Kurusu." Homura darkly declared with a crimson fire in her eyes as they headed to a table.
Akira however smirked in response. "Hey, I never back down from a challenge." He replied as he cracked his knuckles.
"WHO WILL WIN AND GET THE CAPTAIN BADGE FIRST?!" The employee declared as if she was announcing for the match of the century.
"Holy shit." Akira got out in surprise.
"Why doesn't anyone in this city know restraint?" Homura muttered with a frown.
"WILL IT BE THE STUBBORN BIG BREASTED AND BEASTLY BEAUTY, HOMURA SHINKUKAGE?!" The employee soon questioned.
"HEY!" Homura called out.
"OR THE DAUNTLESS, ENCYCLOPEDIC, PROFICIENCENT MASTER, THE ADORKABLE CASANOVA, AKIRA KURUSU!" The employee continued.
"Wait, what?" Akira got out in confusion.
"IT'S A BATTLE OF THE STOMACH WHERE YOU'LL EITHER WIN AND BECOME CAPTAIN OR LOSE HAVE TO SUFFER SHAME AND STOMACH ACHES! EITHER WAY THIS BATTLE WILL BE THE MOST DEADLY, THE MOST PAINFUL,THE MOST DISGUSTINGLY DELICIOUS FIGHT WE HAVE EVER SEEN HERE AT THE CENTRAL STREET BIG BANG BURGER!" The employee soon stated.
"...Where the hell was this fanfare before?" Akira and Homura both thought in confusion.
THUD! THUD!
"AND HERE THEY ARE! THE COSMIC TOWER BURGERS!" The employee declared in a passionate manner. "MANY HAVE TRIED, BUT FEW HAVE SUCCEEDED! WE HAVE ALREADY CALLED PARAMEDICS SO KNOW THAT YOU'RE RISKING LIFE, LIMB AND SANITY WITH EVERY BITE!" They then added.
"You didn't mention this before..." Homura muttered.
"IT WAS IMPLIED!" The employee countered. "ARE YOU READY!?" They then questioned.
"Ready!" Homura responded.
"Ready." Akira replied.
"ON GO!" The employee began. "THREE! TWO! ONE! Checking if paramedics have arrived...Okay, GO!" She soon declared.
And thus, the two teens dived into their burgers with vigor, both determined to beat the other in this meat-filled competition.
"The burger is already getting cold..." Akira mentally stated to himself, but kept eating anyway.
"Did they have to use an entire cow to make the patties!?" Homura thought as she continued going as well.
The two soon kept going as the time passed on, eating and eating away at their burgers non-stop.
"60 seconds left! This is coming down to the wire!" The employee suddenly informed and declared.
"I still...need to eat my fries..." Homura realised as she realised she was out of soda.
"I am never eating meat...for at least a week." Akira thought as he got the giant burger down to a regular sized burger, while also shoving the tan skinned girl's arm away from his soda.
"Ten...nine...eight...seven...!" The other customers began counting down.
"Come on...COME ON!" The two soon thought.
"Six...five...four...!" The employees also countered down.
"I am not losing!" They mentally declared.
"Three...two...one...!" Everyone concluded in anticipation just as...
SLAM!
The two slammed their hands onto the table at the same time.
"All...finished..." Akira and Homura breathed out at the same time as they looked at their empty trays.
Suddenly, they both blinked.
"...We finished it...on time..." Homura got out as it began to dawn on her.
"We beat the challenge." Akira stated as he blinked.
"Yes you did." The employee spoke up with a bright smile on her face. "THIS HAS TO BE THE GREATEST-" She soon began to announce, only to cough midway through. "Ack! Okay, did that too much. Congratulations, Akira Kurusu and Homura Shinkukage! You have both risen above the stars out the galaxy! You have both earned the final badge: the Captain Badge!" She then declared as she handed the two their well-earned trophies.
"YES!" Homura got out, now feeling a bit satisfied as she pumped a fist. "Now I can take a break from coming here." She then added.
"A break?" Akira repeated in amusement.
"You know what I mean. Just let me have this moment." Homura countered and requested.
"You might wanna use that time to clean up though." Akira suggested as he got up from his seat. "I feel greasy everywhere." He then admitted.
"Ugh, same here..." Homura groaned out. "Me and Sis are really gonna enjoy a bath when I get home..." She meanwhile thought with a smile of anticipation as they headed for the bathrooms to freshen up a bit before preparing to head out.
"Hold on, before you leave, you also get a complimentary ten burgers!" The employee soon informed as she held two bags in her hands. "You're also free to take the challenge again if you want to show the people what you've got." She then added.
"M-More burgers...?" Homura got out in disbelief. "Is that it? Like, don't you have something more than a badge and burgers?" She then asked.
"Erm...We have kid's toys." The waitress soon offered.
"You just gotta think of the other benefits the challenge gives Homura." Akira replied, mentally feeling as though he improved quite significantly.
"I..." Homura got out before sighing. "...I kinda feel a little empty now to be honest." She then confessed in slight disappointment.
"Hey, at least you finally achieved one of your goals." Akira pointed out.
". . Alright, I'll admit that it was good using my head to time myself for eating that monster of a burger this time around." Homura admitted, feeling her Knowledge improving after she thought about it.
(Central Street)
Eventually, the two began walking the streets together in a casual and easy going manner.
"Huh, I guess you pushed me into completing the challenge. Thanks." Homura thanked the Leader.
"And thank you for smiling. It suits you more than a frown" Akura replied.
"O-Oh." Homura got out with an embarrassed blush. "Erm...you're welcome, I guess..." She awkwardly got out in a flustered manner.
The Leader knew this was the opening he needed. "So, you gonna tell me what's been bothering you all evening now?" Akira soon asked in a blunt manner.
That in turn caused the tan skinned girl to wince in an awkward manner. "Erm...maybe not here." Homura got out.
"Set up a Kekkai then." Akira instantly responded. She wasn't running away from this, he wouldn't let her.
"...God, these things were supposed to be for battle..." Homura grumbled under her breath before putting up the hand sign. "Shinobi Kekkai!" She soon whispered.
Immediately, the two vanished from within the crowd without anyone noticing.
(Homura's Shinobi Kekkai)
"Okay, talk." Akira soon ordered as soon as they were surrounded by swords and crimson.
"This feels like you're interrogating me." Homura pointed out.
"If I'm not blunt right now, we're just gonna avoid the topic until it's too late." Akira then stated. "So, what's been bothering you all night?" He once more asked.
The tan skinned girl paused, however a look from the Leader made her force the truth out. "I think...I think someone from my past is catching up." Homura hesitantly revealed. "And...It's fast. I can't stop it and it feels like it's all about to fall apart..." She then added.
"...Are you still thinking about running away?" Akira had to ask.
The tan skinner girl in response shook her head. "Hell no. You told me before, there's too many who'll miss me. Besides, it won't solve anything." She stated as she shook her head. "But...Now I don't know what to do...If I do nothing it's already too late. But I have no leads other than it's some dick impersonating the dead guy that ruined my life." She the mumbled out.
"And the only ones alive who know your story are us, your teacher..." Akira began listing off.
"And now the person who claims to be Komachi." Homura concluded. "Why now of all times though? Why couldn't it have been earlier? When I didn't have anything or anyone to lose?" She soon asked in despair.
"Maybe they were waiting for you to be away from the other Elites." Akira suggested.
"So you're suggesting they're a Hebijo student?" Homura assumed before thinking about it. "Well, that is pretty likely. But I don't know anyone with a grudge against me! At least, one deep enough to tear everything away from me..." She then growled out.
"It is expected that there are people better at lying than you." Akira soon stated.
Homura soon blinked as she imagined that possibility. "...Dammit, I should've seen that coming..." She muttered to herself. "Gah...I swear if it's something dumb like insulting their hair or kicking their ass, I am going to lose it." She then added.
"Probably their plan is to make you lose it." Akira guessed before frowning. "You sound like you're going to do this alone." He soon pointed out.
"Well, duh! This is between me and her. I won't let anyone get hurt on my behalf. Especially Sis..." Homura countered and declared.
"Spoken like a true big sister." Akira stated with a nod of approval. "But still quite the dumb-" He then began, however...
Whack!
"Asshole..." Homura grumbled with a pout after jabbing the boy's side.
"Ow...! Let me finish my...nevermind." Akira winced out. "W-What I'm saying is...is that you're not alone here. Even if it's only me with you, it's better than doing this on your own." He soon explained.
"But you aren't a shinobi. You won't stand a chance." Homura reminded.
"Hasn't stopped me before. I thought you knew that already." Akira countered.
"I do, but this situation is..." Homura began.
"No different from our actions in the Metaverse." The Leader finished without pause. "Phantom Thieves tread the line between life and death too." Akira soon reminded.
"...She is going to kick your ass." Homura bluntly stated.
"I have two really good doctors." Akira replied.
"Two?" Homura repeated with a raised eyebrow.
"She got a protege." Akira explained before shaking his head. "Nevermind that, you have to remember you have people who can and will help you no matter the situation. You just gotta get that into your head." He soon instructed.
"Still..." Homura hesitantly responded.
"I mean unless you want me to tell Asuka." Akira soin suggested with a shit eating smirk.
"Wipe that smile off your face. Don't you even-" Homura started, however...
The Leader immediately took his phone out. "Hello, Asuka?" Akira soon began.
"Fine! Fine! I'll get it in my head that I'm not alone." Homura relented before blinking. "...You don't get a phone signal in here!" She then realized as the boy pocketed his phone.
"Well, you weren't thinking clearly. I'd say that's evidence enough that you need help." Akira soon stated in a serious tone.
"So that was a test..." Homura grumbled.
"...Yeah, let's go with that." Akira thought to himself as he just nodded.
Suddenly, the tan skinned girl began to giggle in a menacing manner. "You know what, that last spar isn't what you paid for. I'm gonna give you the deluxe training you deserve at that price." Homura soon decided out of nowhere, her crimson fire reigniting in her eyes "Gotta work off that burger fat too so I'm holding back a little less this time." She then explained.
Immediately, the Leader went pale. "What?" Akira got out in a dumb tone.
"Yeah...I might even throw blunt kunai this time. You may want to keep your glasses on because these things can still take your eye out if you're not careful." Homura then revealed and warned as kunai appeared between her fingers.
"Somehow, hanging out with Homura has turned into another brutal training session." Akira thought with a sweatdrop. Now that the tan skinned girl was going at it one hundred percent, he would feel his mental capabilities and stamina increase afterwards.
But right now, everything was pain.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"
SHATTER!
Aeon Rank 6!
Unlocked Endure!
Chance to withstand an otherwise fatal attack with 1 HP remaining.
Oh, that's nice. Now if only he could tell whether or not that shattering was mental or physical.
"That was a great training session, Akira!" Homura soon declared. "I think you're ready for second year shinobi training! Maybe even third year!" She then confessed with a proud grin.
"Yayyyy..." Akira weakly cheered, sweating nervously as a result.
"Well, we better head home for the night. See you tomorrow?"
"Definitely." Akira replied with a nod. "...So, how do you know the taste of old men's bathwater?" He soon had to ask. It was in the back of his mind.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures on missions, Leader." Homura simply answered in a vague manner. "And that is all you need to know." She then added.
"Oh Homura, before you drop the Kekkai, can you train Makoto in Magic?" Akira suddenly requested, already having the money out.
Homura in response smirked as she nodded to that while taking the money. "Tomorrow night it is." She replied.
"Thank you." Akira responded. "Don't hold back just because she's your best friend." He then ordered.
"I would never. That would be an insult to her strength." Homura countered, feeling almost offended by the order.
"Good," Akira replied with a nod. "...Are you just making up your training as you go?" He soon asked.
"..." Immediately, the two were silent as a tumbleweed that was on fire passed them.
"I wonder what Sis is doing." Homura soon thought as she prepared to drop the Shinobi Kekkai and head home.
(Joysound Karaoke)
"Asuka-san, this feels like kidnapping!" Makoto exclaimed as the happy girl pulled her along by the shirt over to the karaoke place in Central Street.
"But you can do anything you want. I won't stop you." Asuka pointed out.
"But you are stopping me! I was on my way home when you started dragging me down the street..." Makoto however reminded.
"Oh come on, the night is still young! Ah! Here we are, Makoto-chan!" Asuka happily declared with a smile, dragging the girl into the building.
"Asuka-san, are you sure we should be doing this instead of studying for finals?" Makoto however asked in concern.
"We should, but it's never a bad thing to relax once in a while." Asuka replied and stated. "Besides, I wanted to hang out with you, Makoto-chan. I mean you hang out with Homu-nee a lot, so I think we should hang out together now." She then pointed out.
Makoto in response blinked to that as she thought about it. "True, I do hang out with Homura-san quite a bit." She confessed.
"Yup, you may be Homu-nee's bestie, but we should improve our friendship as well." Asuka replied. "And we can have a group study session together with the group before the finals so it'll be fresh in our minds." She then explained.
"Well...I guess I can go for a few songs..." Makoto relented. "They serve drinks here, right?" She soon asked.
"Yup." Asuka replied. "I'll order some for you. What do you want?" She then offered and asked.
"Just water will do to start." Makoto requested.
"Okay." Asuka replied with a nod as she placed in the order.
"I've honestly never been to karaoke before." Makoto sheepishly admitted with a solemn smile on her face. "Never really found a reason to." She then explained.
"Well, you can go by yourself." Asuka replied. "But...that is kinda sad..." She then added, just as the drinks arrived.
"Well, it is pretty common to come to karaoke alone." Makoto informed with a shrug.
"Wait, really?" Asuka asked in a curious tone.
"Um, yes. There's even a place in Shinjuku that only has karaoke rooms for one." Makoto informed.
"I guess people aren't comfortable with being the center of attention..." Asuka muttered out.
"It's Japan. We have vending machines for hamburgers and popcorn for a reason." Makoto pointed out.
"Oh yeah." Asuka replied with a giggle as continue looking for a song to chose.
"Ok, this looks like a good song." Asuka decided as she selected it. Soon enough, the music began to play. "Yura yura to...yuganda sora e...Kimi no moto e tonde yuke...Konna ni mo chikaku ni kanjiteru...Futatsu no omoi...~"She began singing, moving her body to the beat of the song.
"She has quite the voice..." Makoto mentally admitted.
"Miageta yozora wa kumo ga harete...Yume ni mukatteru hitomi wa kawaranai..." Asuka passionately continued on without any sign of stopping.
"She has a cute air guitar..." Makoto giggled out, watching the girl rock out a little with her imaginary instrument. "She really doesn't let things get to her, does she?" She then added in her head
"Kirakira to kagayaku hoshi wa...Itsumo futari utsushiteru...Deatta hi to kawaranu sora no shita...Hitotsu no chikai..." Asuka soon concluded as the music died down and the song ended. "Woo!" She cheered as she pumped a fist into the air.
"Impressive Asuka-san." Makoto got out, clapping lightly.
"Hehe, thanks!" Asuka replied with a giggle. "Your turn, Makoto-chan." She then added.
"E-Erm...I'm happy to just talk and listen to your singing..." Makoto stammered out with a blush before taking a sip of her drink..
"No way! It would be a waste of money if you didn't sing too, Makoto-chan." Asuka responded with a pout.
"I have a terrible voice, Asuka-san." Makoto however confessed.
"Well I haven't heard it so I can't pass judgement." Asuka got out before pulling the girl onto the stage while grabbing her drink out of her hands and replacing it with the microphone. "Come on, just let the music flow...just one song..." She then requested.
"She...She resembles puppies too much!" Makoto thought as she did her best to resist the Vice Leader's cute face. "A-Alright..." She finally relented.
"Yay!" Asuka happily beamed with a bright smile as her friend went through the song list while she sat herself down.
"I don't know any of these songs..." Makoto meanwhile muttered to herself, deciding to choose a random one.
"Ma-ko-to-chan! Ma-ko-to-chan!" Asuka called out, like a fan encouraging her favourite idol.
Makoto couldn't help but blush, just in time for the music to start. "This is going to be embarrassing..." She then whispered to herself as the lyrics came up on screen. "Boku ga inakya dame dato...Omoikondeta kimi ga tabidatsu...Atatakai haru no hi...Boku no shiranai fuku...Minarenai kutsu haite...Dēto demo iku ka no yōna owakare~" She soon began singing...rather well.
"Go! Go! Makoto...chan!" Asuka cheered to the beat of the music while watching her friend doing a small dance as she sang.
"Kimi ni meguri atta hi mo...Tashika konna harukaze...Itsuka wakareru hi ga kuru...Sonna no wakatteta no ni...~ Makoto continued as sang in a more passionate manner, she started to feel less nervous and began to move her body more.
Asuka meanwhile couldn't help but giggle a bit at the girl's dancing skills. It was a little clumsy, but in a cute way.
"Tōzakatteku senaka o...Miokutte harukaze...Daijōbu saikō no ashita ga...Kimi ni wa matteru hazu sa...~" Makoto soon concluded as the song ended.
"Hehehe...you're a pretty good singer, Makoto-chan!" Asuka giggled out as she began clapping. "And you said you weren't." She then reminded in amusement.
The Shujin Student Council President in response blushed to the compliment. "Y-You're just saying that." She got out in a bashful manner.
"No, for real. You're quite good." Asuka stated while she joined Makoto on the stage. "Now what would be a good song for us to sing together..." She wondered out loud as she went through the list.
That however caught Makoto's attention as her eyes widened. "H-Huh!?" She got out in shock. "W-Wait, h-hold-" She then began in a panic, however...
"Here we go, this sounds good." Asuka decided as she got the microphones. "Don't be so nervous, Makoto-chan. Let loose like you did before. There's no one else here to judge you." She then encouraged.
"I know, but-" Makoto tried to reason with the happy girl.
"Already starting the song!" Asuka interrupted as music began to play. "Now praying for your painful cry...Fu-uh yeah ...Fly...~"She sang first before she turned to the other girl, who then sang the next line. "There you go!" She then cheered.
As more of the song started, the two really began to get into it, more so the Shujin President as the beat picked up.
"Kono te kono te kasanaru setsuna ni kudakareta Paranoia...Atsuku atsuku kanaderu kioku de rifurein shite iru...Inochi no mukō de..." The two sang, first being the Vice Leader, followed by the two singing together before the Shujin Student Council President continued before singing together once more.
The two kept singing as though they had been doing so for years as they were in perfect sync with one another.
"Kono yami wo koete..." The two soon concluded as one while posing as the music died down.
"Hehehe...that was amazing, Makoto-chan!" Asuka complimented with a giddy smile.
Makoto soon blinked as they finished the song. "That...felt really natural..." She confessed in disbelief.
"I know, right!" Asuka happily replied in agreement. "I bet if we did a team attack, we could pull it off no problem!" She then added with confidence.
"Hehehe...maybe." Makoto chuckled softly.
"Yep. I can imagine it now..." Asuka began as she gave her friend a very vivid image of their team attack.
"...That sounds like an attack the star can make happen." Makoto confessed, interested in the attack.
"Huh. That does, doesn't it?" Asuka got out. "I guess we can bring it up at the next meeting then. I'm glad you're having fun though Makoto-chan." She soon suggested and confessed with an angelic smile.
"Y-Yeah..." Makoto responded with a stutter in her voice as she looked at the Vice Leader. "She is really pure..." She then thought in amazement. Suddenly, they heard the phone right to them. Makoto picked it up and sighed. "We're out of time, unless you're willing to pay for an extension?"
"No, I think I wanna go home now. It's getting a little late." Asuka stated as she finished her drink. "But we'll definitely be coming again Makoto-chan." She then added.
"We should probably bring the others too." Makoto soon suggested as well with a smile.
"Hai, we should. Good night, Makoto-chan." Asuka replied in agreement and added.
"Say good-bye at the station." Makoto however countered in amusement as they headed out of the room.
(Yongen-Jaya, Takemi's Clinic)
Ok, so maybe training with the reforming shinobi wasn't always a good thing thanks to the intense pain it brought, but it would be helpful in the long run.
But for now, he needed a doctor.
"Hey, Haruka-chan." Akira greeted as he limped into the clinic. "Is Doctor Takemi in?" He then asked.
"No. She went home for the night." Haruka responded as she examined the boy. "You look like you got run over." She soon remarked in concern as she got up from her seat.
"Yeah. By a truck disguised as a teenage girl." Akira groaned.
"Head into the consultation room." Haruka immediately instructed as she assisted the boy in and sat him down before getting his shirt off. "Alright, let's assess the damage." She then stated.
"I will assure you she did not kick me in the nuts." Akira suddenly got out before silently cursing to himself.
"Well, it would not be pleasant to have a vasectomy via foot." Haruka muttered out as she went to get some bandages. "...I wonder if it would be cured if you went into Akira-chan form and then turned straight back." She then got out in a curious manner.
"Now's not the time for experimenting..." Akira groaned.
"I know, I know." Haruka replied in a professional manner as she resumed looking for the necessary supplies.
"Good." Akira responded in approval. "...Damn, now I'm curious if that would work . ." He mentally confessed to himself with a sweatdrop.
"Maybe another time then." Haruka soon decided. "But then again, I wonder where the fat for your breasts come from." She then confessed in a more curious manner.
"You and me both..." Akira muttered in agreement as the blonde returned with the medical equipment and got to work.
"I...expected much worse." Haruka admitted. "But these injuries should be treated now, rather than slept off." She soon informed.
"Nothing broken?" Akira then asked.
"No." Haruka assured. "How frequently do you train with Homura-chan?" She then questioned.
"When I have the chance." Akira answered. "Plus, I can heal myself no problem." He then added.
"So this is the first time such injuries necessitated you to come here." Haruka stated with a frown, looking at the particularly nasty bruise on his side. "You should probably tell Homura-chan to lighten up." She soon suggested.
"I can't." Akira automatically responded. "I need the training, I don't care how painful it is. Besides, I think I'm getting better- ow." He then started before wincing in pain again.
"That bruise under your ribs says otherwise." Haruka however stated as she continued looking at him over. "You know, I can't help but feel a little jealous of your strength." She suddenly confessed.
"Hm?" Akira hummed out in a curious manner.
"Me and the other's...well, in all-out spars, we'd usually gang up on her and she would win every time." Haruka explained with a wince to remembering them. "First time we did so, we were in the infirmary for days. And yet here you are, able to make it here and still able to give that sexy smile of yours." She then revealed.
"She holds back." Akira stated in an off-handed manner.
"...Really? Homura-chan usually never holds back." Haruka pointed out, a bit surprised to hear that. "Maybe coming here was good for her." She then admitted.
"She has something to live for now other than the next fight." Akira vaguely revealed.
"Heh...it's funny..." Haruka chuckled out a little. "I thought one of us from Hebijo would be the one to help her. We've known her longer, worked together longer, would even die for each other if necessary. But then you came along and blackmailed her into training you, and suddenly you're the best of friends. It's quite the achievement." She then remarked.
"I don't think it's that big a deal." Akira played off. "Besides, someone has to stop her from wasteful spending." He jokingly added.
"Now that sounds like Homura-chan. She never was good at saving money." Haruka giggled out. "But at the end of the day, you were the one who broke her out of her own prison, made her into a better person. So...thank you." She soon got out in a grateful manner.
"There's no need- Ah!" Akira started before he suddenly winced.
"Moh, and you're lucky I was still in tonight." Haruka soon chastised in a lecturing manner as she wrapped the last bandage on the boy's muscular waist. "You should take better care of yourself, too. You can't help Homura-chan if you're dead." She then added.
"I'll take that to heart, Haruka-sensei." Akira jokingly replied. "Speaking of sensei, Takemi teaching you well?" He then asked.
"Here and there, it's been really interesting." Haruka replied. "Although, she has been losing sleep over perfecting her medicine. She's very close. Shouldn't take more than a few days." She soon revealed.
"It better. That last trial hurt like hell..." Akira grumbled.
SQUISH!
At that moment, Haruka went and hugged the boy's back, pressing her breasts against it. "You seem to get hurt a lot." She mumbled out in concern.
Akira in turn blushed to the action, but also knew she wasn't doing it out of teasing this time. "It's ok Haruka-chan, I'm tougher than I look." He soon reassured.
"That's what people say before they're stabbed or poisoned...or both." Haruka got out as she tightened her hug. "...I have a lot of experience with those people." She then awkwardly confessed.
"Presumably as the stabber than the stabee." Akira deducted.
"You would presume correctly." Haruka replied.
"Well, hopefully Homura doesn't stab me as she has promised multiple times in her version of second or third year shinobi training." Akira got out, already feeling how much it would hurt.
That however got the blonde's attention as she raised an eyebrow. "Really now, Homura-chan said you might be able to handle higheryear training?" Haruka questioned, surprised to learn this information before giving a coy smile. "Ara ara~ You really are improving Akira-kun~" She then cooed out in an impressed tone.
"I'm trying to." Akira replied. "Haven't really used any of my training outside of Homura's torture sessions." He then groaned.
"Ufufu~ That sounds like Homura-chan's style of training." Haruka giggled out. "But hopefully you never have to use it." She then added.
"I dunno. I think I can find a use for running up walls." Akira muttered out.
"Really now." Haruka responded. "Like...?" She then questioned in a curious manner.
"I said I think. I don't have anything now other than not using the stairs..." Akira responded before shivering. "So...many..." He then grumbled.
"In any case, any time you train with Homura-chan, you come to me so I can patch you up from now on." Haruka soon requested in a professional manner.
"I'll be sure to remember." Akira replied with a nod before wincing. "Ah!" He yelped out.
"Sorry, forgot to warn you about the alcohol." Haruka apologised as she continued to attend to her precious person's injuries before letting him go home.
(Shinjuku, New Moon Apartment Complex)
"Mayowazu ni go! Yume ni kagayaku...Kimi no goal e hashiri dasou...kinou yori takai basho e GET TO THE TOP~!" Yumi finished the song as she performed the final dance moves...before stumbling over her futon. "AH!" She yelped out.
THUD!
"Itai..." Yumi winced as she rubbed her head as she laid on the futon. "I know Rise-san told me to practice at home, but this is just ridiculous..." She then mumbled as she picked herself up from the floor. "I'll need to ask Ojii-sama for a bigger place..." She soon thought before shaking her head. "No no, that would be too selfish sounding of me..." She then muttered as she rolled up her futon and placed it somewhere out of her makeshift dance space.
She thought for a second how her grandfather was doing before getting ready.
"Okay. From the top-" Yumi soon began while doing the hand motions, however...
SHATTER!
Yumi winced more at the sound than the pain, as she turned to see she had put a hole in her window.
Maybe practicing in her small apartment wasn't her smartest use of time and location.
"...Maybe the roof would be easier." Yumi soon thought, deciding to tape up the hole for now and head to bed.
Idol style dancing was much different then her traditional noh style.
But that was not going to stop her. Not by a long shot.
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
"Ok Kokito-san, I'll see you tomorrow." Asuka concluded as she hung up her phone. "Ok, got a gig tomorrow after school." She told herself with a nod and a smile as she then plugged her phone into the charger after placing the reminder on its calendar app before relaxing on the couch.
Suddenly, the door swung wide open to reveal her roommate sporting a proud smile. "I HAVE CONQUERED THE BIG BANG BURGER!" Homura instantly declared as she entered the apartment.
"Shhh! Homu-nee, the neighbors are sleeping." Asuka shushed and whispered before blinking. "Wait, what?" She soon asked.
"I won, Sis! I finished the final level of the challenge!" Homura then explained while showing her Captain's Badge.
"Oh, that's wonderful!" Asuka happily got out before pausing. "But that means we're having burgers again tonight..." She then awkwardly added.
"We still haven't finished that leftover Cosmic Burger." Homura remembered before shrugging. "Well, I bet I can finish it off myself. Not today though, but I can't taste anything but burger meat and special sauce." She soon admitted before sighing. "Seriously, who ever thought of that challenge should be smacked across the head." She then grumbled out.
"Why?" Asuka had to ask.
"The reward is more burgers, Sis." Homura revealed. "You get 10 of them for winning along with the badge. I don't even get the meal for free." She then complained.
"That's...pretty terrible given how much effort you put into it doing it three times for each challenge." Asuka admitted.
"Yeah, if Yomi was here, she'd go ballistic. It's cheap but it's such a waste of food at the end of day." Homura got out as she could imagine her fellow second year from Hebijo rambling about it and swinging her weapon. "And I don't see homeless people lining up down the street, so I bet they don't allow hobos." She then added.
"Well, I'm sure Big Bang Burger gives to charities." Asuka assured as she quickly pulled up the website on her phone. "Okumura Foods. . " She soon read out.
"Huh, they do...but it's all about research and crap. Nothing about the homeless and taking care of kids." Homura noticed. "Well, it's better than nothing I guess. Still would face Yomi's wrath though." She then got out with a shrug. "...Do you think the Phantom Thieves would support a class uprising?" She soon wondered.
"We would have to talk to Akira-kun about that before we lead a national revolution." Asuka pointed out. "...And we were just talking about burgers a second ago. Does she really hate the rich that much?" She then got out and asked.
"She went into a three hour lecture about budgeting when I told her I was coming here." Homura deadpanned. "Didn't retain any of it. Probably would be useful now given my broke ass."
"We aren't struggling for money though. At least I'm not." Asuka pointed out before narrowing her eyes. "...Homu-nee, what do you spend your money from the Metaverse on when you're not hanging out with anyone?" She soon questioned.
"...The...arcade..." Homura mumbled out as she rubbed the back of her neck. "I wanted to win you a Jack Frost plushie but the game effin' cheats, sorry..."
"...I'm actually more amazed you've lost all that money in that short of time." Asuka admitted as she blinked. "That reminds me, Caroline-chan and Justine-chan still haven't given me that Jack Frost plushie..." She soon remembered in her head.
Homura however dropped her head in shame. "I'm sorry, Sis." She then got out.
"It's okay." Asuka however reassured.
"You keep saying that but it isn't." Homuta however countered as she then sighed in shame. "Goddammit, today started out so well..." She then mumbled.
"Hm? Did something happen?" Asuka soon asked.
"U-Uh..." Homura awkwardly started as she tried to avoid the more uncomfortable situation she had found herself in. "Ah, I sparred with Akira...and lost. I won the next round though." She then revealed.
"You were holding back, right?" Asuka soon questioned.
"I wouldn't kill him." Homura replied. "Why do you ask?" She then got out with a raised eyebrow.
"Because the only one who can beat you is me Homu-nee." Asuka confidently declared with a grin.
"Not in a million years, Sis." Homura however countered. "Because I'm the only one who can beat you." She then added.
"...Shadows don't count, right? We have been knocked out by them." Asuka soon pointed out.
"I mean the two of us fighting. One-on-one, no holds barred, down to the last shred of clothing." Homura corrected. "We're getting stronger every time we head into the Metaverse, so when we're at the bottom of Mementos, then we'll see who's strongest." She then declared.
"When we reach the bottom?" Asuka repeated as she blinked to the thought. "It was only a few months ago when you would say if." She then reminded.
"Hey, we're too in deep now. Quite literally." Homura responded in a serious tone. "But we can worry about that when the time comes." She soon stated. "In any case, what did you do after we went fishing Sis?" She eventually asked in a curious manner.
"Let's see...I spent the afternoon shopping at Kichijoji, then when I was in Shibuya I met up with Makoto-chan and sang together at Joysound." Asuka answered after listing off what she did.
The tan skinned girl however blinked as she heard that last bit. "Seriously, you went to karaoke with Makoto-senpai?" Homura got out.
"Yup! Makoto-chan's an awesome singer by the way." Asuka happily replied and informed as she then stretched her arms in exhaustion. "But now, I could really use a bath to relax Homu-nee." She soon got out.
"Same here." Homura replied as they headed for the bathroom. "So which shampoo this time Sis?" She then asked while running the water.
"Mind Energizer." Asuka replied as she stripped herself down.
"Smart idea." Homura jokingly replied as she also stripped down and examined herself. "Whew, good thing I worked off that burger fat...I don't want to buy a whole new set of underwear..." She then sighed out in relief as they got into the tub and started washing themselves.
"If you did need to buy some new clothes, me and Ann-chan will help you out." Asuka offered while scrubbing her hair.
"Come on Sis, I don't want you spending your hard earned money on me even more..." Homura however got out as she lathered her own hair.
As the scent of the shampoo filled the bathroom, the two felt as though their Knowledge was improving as a result.
SPLASH!
"Hm?" Asuka hummed out in confusion before...
BOING!
"S-SIS!" Homura yelped out as her roommate poked her breast.
"Homu-nee...did you get bigger?" Asuka soon asked in a curious manner.
"Bigger? What do you mean by that?" Homura repeated and asked with a confused look.
"Well...they look like they're at my size now." Asuka explained.
"You sure? I don't feel any difference." Homura replied as she felt her breasts.
SQUISH!
Asuka in response nodded. "I'm pretty sure they are." She replied in a reassuring tone. "Do you think the burger you ate caused it?" She then suggested.
"I...think you're right, Sis..." Homura answered as she felt her breasts were now a little heavier than before. "Jeez, and I thought I worked off the fat from training today with Akira..." She then mumbled.
"Most of it, maybe. But that Big Bang Burger might be too much, even for you." Asuka responded. "I know that you like meat, but that was way too much of it and it caused your breasts to get them to about the same size as mine." She then declared.
"Yeah..." Homura mumbled as she cupped her breasts in her hands.
SQUISH!
Asuka however smiled as she went and hugged the tan skinned girl. "Don't worry Homu-nee, you're fine no matter what." She then reassured.
"Thanks, Sis. That makes me feel better." Homura replied and smiled back as she accepted the hug.
"And now we're even more like sisters now!" Asuka happily added.
"Yeah, we sure are." Homura responded in agreement with an even bigger smile from that realization.
"See, just gotta think of the positives." Asuka soon instructed. "Maybe we should get out of the bath now." She soon suggested, releasing her from the hug.
"Sounds like a plan. I think we're clean enough for now." Homura responded with a nod as she stood up and picked up her towel.
Asuka also got herself a towel as she wrapped it around her breasts. "Ah~ Nothing like a good bath to end the day." She breathed out in satisfaction.
"You said it. Especially after all the patrols at school and other activities." Homura replied in agreement as she wrapped her towel around her breasts as well. "In any case though, how about we finish our homework and study a bit before heading to bed?" She soon suggested while rubbing her roommate's head in an affectionate manner and with a smile on her face.
"Yeah, sounds like a plan." Asuka responded with a nod as she enjoyed being petted on her head before going and getting their books.
Homura nodded and joined her as they started their homework and study session.
As the two did as suggested, they both felt their Knowledge greatly improving as a result from finishing their homework and reviewing their notes.
"Okay, that should do it for tonight." Homura decided as she stretched her arms above her. "I must say though, that was a good session, wouldn't you say Sis?" She then declared and asked as she stretched her limbs.
"Yeah, it sure was." Asuka responded with a nod and a smile as she took a deep breath.
"Now, bed time." Homura soon instructed before noticing their appearances. "So...pajamas or naked Sis?" She then asked.
"Let's go with naked tonight, Homu-nee." Asuka answered in an exhausted tone. "I'm too tired to put on any pajamas right now." She then mumbled and yawned.
Homura in response nodded as she led the sleepy girl to the futon as they both got in. "Well, good night Sis." She softly got out.
"Night, Homu-nee." Asuka responded as they pulled the blanket over them.
CHU!
Homura then embraced the other girl after being kissed on the forehead as the two closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Asuka in turn embraced her back as she snuggled into her breasts, along with just how warm and soft they are.
No matter what happened, the two's bond wouldn't break that easily.
Save Game...Quit!
Asuka/Yin's Social Stats:
Leadership- Dependable (Level 3)
Knowledge- Informed (Level 2) → Expert (Level 3)
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! Next chapter is one last filler but we're just gonna speedrun the next few days. Also uh...important question. Something a little minor...Um…
So, the P5 manga did a thing and is including Royal parts to the story. This is after Kaneshiro or the part we're in now.
Do you want the story to officially go full Royal?
We'll need to rewrite some shit, and spend some time with Sumi and Maruki but...we can do it no problem.
The choice is in your hands.
UknownHero signing off, my friends!
