Sorry it took a while. Hey, UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona. Just a bunch of new developments I had to deal with in my life. I got to play something a month before release, coming out on the 30th of this month! Plus, I renovated my room. Things are going well for me.

And if things aren't going well for you (especially in recent news), come here to take a load off and enjoy our stupidity. We're not therapists, but it's the best we can do to help right now.

No answering to reviews this time. Most of those answers are in this chapter itself.

Time to punch Death in the face!

Load Game…Start!


Chapter 106: Cold Comfort


(9/4, Early Morning)

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

FWOOSH!

The bathroom door soon opened as steam was released from it while the two sisters came out wrapped in towels. "Aaaaah~" The duo sighed out in satisfaction.

"Want some milk, Sis?" Homura offered.

"Sure." Asuka replied as her sister went to the fridge.

As such, Homura opened it and took out two bottles before closing it and handing one of them to her sister.

POP! GULP! GULP! GULP!

"Aaaaah~!" The two sighed out once more in sync as they then placed the empty bottles down and started to get dressed.

"It's finally Sunday." Asuka cheerfully got out.

"Indeed."Homura replied with a nod. "I'm surprised we haven't had a gym class yet." She then noted.

"That's because it's on the day we return from Hawaii." Asuka revealed.

"Oh. Well, I'm sure it won't be too bad for us." Homura got out with a shrug as she turned on the TV, just so she'd have some background noise while she was cooking.

"Other nations have also had their eyes on the activities of the Phantom Thieves." A newscaster revealed. "Foreign media outlets around the world have been reporting the fall of Medjed. Around the world, the Phantom Thieves are being praised for saving the world from this threat." He then informed.

"Wow, we're on foreign news..." Asuka got out in awe.

"Makes you wonder if there are people like us doing the same thing. Maybe without the Metaverse but...trying to help the weak." Homura muttered. "I can't quite believe our exploits made it out of Japan though. Then again, most missions I've had don't even leave the room." She then admitted and stated.

"Hai, but it's encouraging." Asuka replied with a nod. "We might be seeing other Phantom Thieves all over the world soon." She then suggested.

"Yeah, and then we'll have to deal with the international police coming after us." Homura pointed out as she then went and prepared breakfast. Eggs and toast for the day. "As if we don't have enough enemies. We should be a little cautious of what we do with our fame now." She soon advised.

"Hehe, looks like Yumi-chan's really helped you advice-wise." Asuka giggled.

"A little, but it is just my own paranoia telling me to be worried too." Homura admitted as she scratched her cheek as she finished cooking and served the food.

"You're going to see Yumi-chan today?" Asuka repeated while eating her toast.

"Hai." Homura responded with a nod. She just had to show her her new power. "How about you? Training with Miyabi again?" She assumed.

"Going out today, so no training." Miyabi casually called out.

"And there you have it, Homu-neechan." Asuka informed with a giggle.

"So what's the plan for today then?" Homura asked once more.

"Well, we do have to prepare for Hawaii, so I may as well spend the day making sure we're prepared." Asuka decided. "I guess we'll have to go on a shopping trip." She then added.

"I'll leave it to you then, Sis." Homura replied in approval with a thumbs-up.

"...We still need to get dressed first." The two soon reminded one another as they ended up in a fit of giggles before heading back to their room to do so.

Meanwhile, Miyabi sighed as she finished her own breakfast. "In a few days, it's only going to be me and Futaba." She reminded herself. "First time in years I haven't felt lonely and now everyone's going away for a week. Whoop-dee-fucking-do." She then grumbled.

And she was talking to herself already. May as well have a conversation so she can figure what she'll be doing for the next week.

"Well, it's not like you do anything outside of training and eating." Miyabi mumbled to herself as she then looked at herself in the mirror. "It's an important thing I have to do though. I need to get stronger." She then reminded.

"That's a long way away, my girl. You aren't getting back to where you were by the end of this entire mess." The white haired woman pointed out.

"Ah, screw you. I'll be just as strong...no, even stronger than before. If I'm not, I can't...I can't protect anything. Not even the scraps of life I managed to build here." Miyabi grumbled.

"Strength isn't everything. Remember what father said," The white haired woman reminded in a lecturing tone.

"Strength is only an aspect of winning every battle, the battle must also be won by overtaking the heart and mind." Miyabi recited, mimicking flapping lips with her hand as she rolled her eyes. "I learned that one my first week. Give me something I don't know." She then stated.

"Well, you could do something that doesn't have a chance of making you violently angry. Go to a karaoke bar or, I dunno, fish. Raise ducks, I dunno." The white haired woman suggested with a shrug.

"I am not raising ducks here and my singing is terrible. Have you heard my voice?" Miyabi stated.

"Of course I have, dumbass!" Miyabi called out, palming her forehead. "And who cares? You'll either be alone or embarrassing yourself in front of strangers you don't care about and will never meet again. Come on, you found life again, why not spend it doing something for yourself." She then countered.

"Everything I do is for myself. It all goes towards my goals." Miyabi assured.

"Yeah. Sure. That Big Bang Burger with Saturn Fries from last night was totally helping you get to your goals. You didn't even get a Venus Salad, fatty." Miyabi insulted as she jabbed a finger at her gut.

Miyabi gasped, shocked and offended. "Fatty!? How dare you call me fatty! By extension, you're fat too!" She repeated and countered.

The white haired woman gasped as well. "You wanna go!?" Miyabi called out as she went into a battle stance.

"YEAH! LET'S GO!" Miyabi declared before charging at-

SMACK!

"...You really talk to yourself a lot." Nobunaga noted.

"Nobunaga...please shut up..." Miyabi grumbled as she peeled her face off the mirror. "Damn...I really need hobbies..." The white haired woman then groaned her conclusion while covering her face with her hands.

BZZT! BZZT!

"Morning shift today." Miyabi remembered as she looked at her phone. "Ugh, I really hope it's not a repeat of last time." She then muttered in concern. She did like her job, but like any job, there were moments that caused stress. "At least they see me as a woman there..." She soon got out with a small smile before heading out the door.


(Hebijo Base)

SHHHHHH!

"Hm~ Hm~ Hm~" Haruka hummed a tune as she was cooking.

"Thank you for coming...and cooking breakfast." Murasaki got out in a grateful manner.

"It's not a problem, Murasaki-chan." Haruka replied. "It's a nice break from swirling around test tubes, writing down results and slowly losing my mind over coffee and lack of sleep." She then admitted.

"...You need to take care of yourself more." Murasaki soon informed in concern.

"I'm trying to cure cancer. Sleep is for the weak in very specific circumstances." Haruka informed with a sweet smile while flipping the bacon.

"It's no use. She's a lost cause." Bebeby deadpanned.

"I wonder how that little girl is doing." Haruka wondered out loud, unaware that somewhere outside of Tokyo, said little girl suddenly burst into tears after tripping over a bedpan.

"Eh, she's probably fine." Bebeby got out with a shrug. "So, are you just gonna piss the day away here or go to work like a real adult?" The plushie then asked.

"B-Bebe-tan..." Murasaki mumbled in embarrassment.

Haruka in response sighed as she continued preparing the food. "As much as I'd like to stay, there are patients that need to be attended to. We've been getting more customers...which is either a good thing or a bad thing now that I think about it." She replied and revealed. "Oh, I need to go over Akira-kun's shots before he goes to Hawaii. You can never be too careful." She then remembered.

"H-Huh!? H-Hawaii!?" Murasaki exclaimed, clearly not expecting that information.

"Hai, looks like darling's school will be going on a school trip out of the country." Haruka confirmed with a nod as she added in some of the beansprouts.

"What kind of school sends high school students out of the country for a school trip?" Bebeby meanwhile asked.

"Well, Shujin is in the news again after it was revealed that the principal knew about Kamoshida's actions and was hiding them for the sake of improving its reputation since the former gym teacher was an Olympic gold medalist." Haruka revealed as she placed the food on some plates and brought them to the table before sitting herself down across from the purplette. "Most likely, he's trying to make sure no one says anything regarding the incidents." She then deducted.

"...Shujin Academy's gonna be shut down for sure at this rate." Bebeby soon stated.

"Akira-kun's principal sounds like a cruel person." Murasaki meanwhile admitted while narrowing her eyes. "I'm...surprised he isn't a Phantom Thieves target." She then noted as the two began eating.

"I'm thinking the same thing." Haruka replied with a nod of agreement while eating. "But given their escalating targets, the principal is small fry compared to a mafia boss and an international cyberterrorist group. Plus, with the whole scandal going on, the problem is taking care of itself." She soon reminded. "I guess they didn't bother since he was going to be the cause of his own downfall eventually." She assumed while shrugging her shoulders. "Hm, quite pragmatic but...I feel it would be much more satisfying to see his own world slowly crumble around him by his own metaphorical and literal weight." She eventually admitted.

"...Huh?" Murasaki got out in confusion.

"He was hoisted by his own petard." Haruka summarized.

"Hey, you can't say that these days!" Bebeby called out.

"What? Petard?" Haruka assumed with a raised eyebrow.

"Hoisted." Bebeby corrected. "That word is dead." The plushie then stated.

"In any case, you better see him again before he goes." Haruka soon advised while giving the purplette a head rub.

"I will." Murasaki responded with a nod.

"And before you go too." Haruka stated. "You're leaving tomorrow, aren't you?" She soon recalled.

"Um...it's actually tonight." Murasaki revealed in disappointment. "I...I really like being here." She soon admitted.

"Then why don't you stay?" Haruka asked in a curious yet concerned manner.

"Because...I don't want to run away. I need to face my demons first, and that means...going back to Hebijo." Murasaki answered. "Plus...I want to see Onee-chan again." She then revealed.

"...Very well. However, the offer is still open." Haruka responded with a nod.

"Meh, we aren't abandoning shit. You're gonna have to wait until we graduate." Bebeby stated. "...By the way, aren't you late for work?" The plushie soon reminded.

"What? No, I still have-" Haruka began before noticing the time. "...I gotta go." She realized.

"Goodbye." Murasaki got out, waving at the empty spot the doctor-in-training was in. "Haruka-oneesama..." She mumbled with a smile.

"So, what are you planning to do once you get back?" Bebeby soon asked.

"..." Murasaki began to think about it as she blinked a couple of times. "I guess...play my new game." She soon decided.

"And then...?" Bebeby continued.

"Go and work out a bit." Murasaki replied with a smile.

"Bitch, you're avoiding the obvious thing here." Bebeby deadpanned.

"?" Murasaki innocently tilted her head in confusion.

"Talk to your stupid sister. That should've been your first damn thought." Bebeby scolded, causing the purplette to wince. "You focused so much on improving for him, you never actually thought even talking to your own flesh and blood. How shallow." The plushie soon chidded in disapproval.

"H-Hai..." Murasaki stammered with a nod.

"Now hurry up and get your ass out there. You only have 12 hours left so you better take care of whatever you need before time's up." Bebeby instructed.

"Hai." Murasaki responded with a nod. She was going to make sure to go out with a bang today, starting with a morning jog.


(9/4, Morning)

(Shinjuku, New Moon Apartment Complex)

Shiki yawned as she sat up from her futon. She had woken up a few minutes ago and wanted to sleep a little more, but the sounds of showering had kept her from going unconscious.

"Uuggghh..." Shiki groaned just as the shower stopped.

"Good morning, Shiki." Yumi greeted, exiting the bathroom already dressed.

"Yumi-chii...?" Shiki yawned as she rubbed her eyes. "You're up early." She then noted.

"No, you slept in." Yumi corrected.

The fashionista blinked as she got a chance to see her sister properly. "You look like you didn't sleep at all!" Shiki declared.

"I had an adequate amount of sleep." Yumi replied.

It wasn't a lie. She did sleep...for about an hour or two before the nightmares came and made her grandfather brutally scream and beat her for not being there for him with her late parents joining in halfway through, and then spending the rest of the night silently crying until the sun came up.

But everything was fine other than those minor things.

BZZT! BZZT!

Yumi frowned as she looked at her phone. It was Homura.

Without any hesitation or remorse, she denied the call and muted her for 8 hours. She didn't need any distractions today.

Because her goal today...she needed all her focus and strength.

Without a second thought, she called Akira. "Meet me. You know where to find me." Yumi bluntly said before hanging up.

"Yumi-chii?" Shiki got out with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm going out. I have something to do." Yumi informed as she put her shoes on.

"It's Sunday. Give them a raincheck. They'll understand." Shiki responded. "At least have some breakfast." She then added, noting the distinct lack of food anywhere in the apartment.

"No. This is important. Please, do not follow me." Yumi however ordered as she opened the door. "If I don't come back, promise me you'll take care of the others." She then requested.

"Huh? Wait, Yumi-" Shiki got out.

And with that, she vanished.

"Yumi-chii..." Shiki muttered in concern as she looked in the fridge. "...Maybe I should go restock the fridge for her..." She decided as she went and got the spare key.

After all, she had a feeling Yumi was going to need a feast after what she's going out for is done.


(Hebijo Academy, Elites Room)

"Who's a good girl, who's a good girl?" Ryōbi cooed out while rubbing the puppy's stomach.

"Arf! Arf!" Poochie barked out while enjoying the tummy rub.

"You are! Yes you are!" Mirai also cooed out.

"Hehe, Poochie-chan really has become our mascot huh?" Yomi meanwhile giggled.

"Better than dying." Hikage responded with a faint smile on her face. She was also glad the brunette had softened up as well. "Guess you're a puppy lover, huh Ryōbi." She called out.

"I can't help it! Poochie-chan is just soooo cute!" Ryōbi confessed. After dealing with a sister that acted like a dog, interacting with a real dog was a breath of fresh air to her. "...You think I can train her to attack Ryōna?" She soon asked in a curious manner.

"She's already combat ready." Hikage casually informed.

"Arf arf!" Poochie excitedly barked while wagging her tail.

"Looks like she's up to." Mirai noted in amusement.

"Awwww~ who's my little death dealer? You are, yes you are!" Ryōbi cooed out once more, the others swearing they could see hearts in her eyes.

"Hey, where is that blonde freak anyways?" Imu asked as she turned away from the door.

"I dunno. Probably letting herself get bullied by other students, or being disciplined by the teachers, or-" Ryōbi began.

CRASH!

"...Both." Ryōbi concluded her sentence after her twin crashed through a nearby wall, dirty, naked and smoking.

"A-Ahh~ That was...worth it~! Thanks Suzune-sensei~!" Ryōna cooed out in a delighted manner.

"...I'm not even going to ask how this happened." Imu deadpanned.

Hikage meanwhile looked at the brunette. "You've definitely been through a lot." She noted in a sympathetic manner while petting her puppy's head.

"You don't even know the fifteenth of it." Ryōbi stated with a sigh.

"I have an announcement~!" Ryōna suddenly declared, not even bothering to get changed or clean up.

"You're finally getting therapy?" Yomi assumed, causing the brunette to let out a snort of amusement.

"Nope! And that only works if the person wants to get better and I like the way that I am now." Ryōna stated with a smile.

"How unfortunate." Hikage and Ryōbi deadpanned at the same time.

"Spit it out already." Imu soon ordered with a sigh of annoyance.

"I'm going to Tokyo~!" Ryōna soon revealed.

That immediately caused everyone's eyes to widen as they looked at the first year blonde.

"What?" Mirai deadpanned as she processed what she heard.

"I'm going to Tokyo~!" Ryōna repeated in the exact same manner.

"Huh? You're planning to go to Tokyo next?" Hikage questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Yup~! I just said that~! Twice~" Ryōna happily responded with a nod.

"What!?" Ryōbi exclaimed. "Why didn't I hear about this!?" She then asked.

"I just got permission from Suzune-sensei!" Ryōna answered.

"I get that, but this had to be a planned decision!" Imu stated as she narrowed her eyes. "Don't you know there are Thieves around to steal your heart!?" She then reminded.

"Aw, are you annoyed~? Don't you all wanna spank me~?" Ryōna soon asked and suggested in excitement.

"Oh, you bet your ass I'm gonna!" Ryōbi growled as she raised her fist.

"You know that's what she wants right?" Hikage meanwhile pointed out, causing the brunette to groan.

"Still, why do you want to go?" Yomi eventually asked.

"Everyone's doing it. So why not?" Ryōna happily responded.

"...That's it?" The others soon asked at the same time with sweatdrops.

"What? It's not like we're going on a mission while we're there." Ryōna pointed out. "I plan to enjoy myself." She then revealed with a cat-like smile.

"Oh god no..." Ryōbi groaned. Ryōki-oneechan, give her strength.

"You better not do anything stupid while you're there, Ryōna." Imu sighed while she shook her head. As much as she didn't like to think about it, the masochistic blonde would be representing Hebijo should she encounter a shinobi while she was there.

"Oh, fucking please. She's probably gonna eat trash if someone asks her nicely." Ryōbi deadpanned as she rolled her eyes.

"No I wouldn't!" Ryōna gasped, offended. "Only if they ordered me~" She then corrected.

"...I wish Miyabi was here so I didn't have to suffer this mental damage alone." Imu got out in a flat tone, her braincells slowly committing suicide in her head.

"I've been dealing with her for years." Ryōbi however reminded in a deadpan tone. "You get used to it. Even the humiliation of even knowing she exists." She then added.

"Ooooooh~ that's it~! Treat me like I'm lower than dirt~!" Ryūna cooed and begged in delight.

"God, if Akira/Akira-san/Akira-nii ever meets her, please stay out of his way because he needs an even higher power than you." Hikage, Yomi, and Mirai all thought in unison. They were definitely going to warn him about the masochistic blonde.

"In any case, when are you leaving?" Imu had to ask. She was going to have to warn her friend about her coming.

"Uhhhh...the 12th of September." Ryōna soon revealed.

"Is there any reason you're going?" Mirai pressed.

"It was the most recent open time slot~!" Ryōna answered.

"Recent? No one has left for Tokyo since you left, Yomi-san." Hikage pointed out as the blonde in mention nodded.

"How unusual." Yomi got out in confusion.

"Wait...does that mean someone left for Tokyo already?" Mirai soon asked.

"It's...a possibility..." Imu admitted before their heads slowly turned towards her sister's still locked room.

"...Why are we looking at the door?" Yomi eventually asked.

"I dunno. It seemed appropriate." Ryōbi answered with a shrug. "But if it's anything like Glasses Bitch says, that girl in there is probably asleep or something. NEETs are kind of night animals after all." She then stated and notes.

"50 laps of the Demon Course." Imu deadpanned.

"Screw you. I'm petting Poochie-chan..." Ryōbi grumbled in disappointment

"Fine. 25, but Poochie's joining." Imu responded.

"Bitch, the fuck you say?" Ryōbi growled.

"Poochie can handle it." Hikage casually informed.

"What!?" Ryōbi exclaimed in concern as she looked at the puppy.

"Arf arf!" Poochie barked excitedly with a gleam in her eyes while wagging her tail.

"...You know, it's info like that makes me wish we stayed in Gessen." Ryōbi deadpanned before putting the puppy in her arms and walking out of the dorm.

"...I wonder if she's ever going to realize I'm doing nothing to force her to do this stuff." Imu muttered as she rubbed her chin once the sadist left her hearing range. "I may be a senior but I'm still just a student. I have no real power here." She then added.

"...Is no one gonna correct her?" Mirai questioned, staring at the glasses-wearing blonde woman.

"I dunno...it is kinda fun..." Hikage admitted as she then left to follow the brunette. "By the way, Imu added 30 minutes on the mechanical bull!" She then called out.

"TELL HER TO FUCK HER OWN ASS!" They heard Ryōbi scream in frustration.

"...Why does the school have a mechanical bull?" Yomi soon questioned in a curious manner.

"The same reason we have explosives hidden in some walls." Imu replied in a deadpan tone before heading out the room to follow the others that had left.

"T-That's just one of those senior pranks right?" Mirai assumed while nervously laughing. "...Right?" She soon asked as she turned to the beansprout-loving blonde.

Yomi said nothing, simply walking away from the eyepatch-wearing girl.

"Y-Yomi-oneechan!?" Mirai called out as she then paled. "I-I gotta tear down the walls in my room!" She squeaked before vanishing.


(9/4, Daytime)

(Shibuya, Underground Mall)

"Will they have a bath in the hotel...?" Asuka muttered herself as she browsed bath bombs. "No, that would probably be for the more fancier rooms. Oh, but I should get some water bottles while I'm here. Jii-chan said not to ever drink any tap water from a foreign country." She then continued before grabbing a bath bomb and smelling it. "Mmmm...ocean sand..." She sighed out in a delighted manner.

"Asuka." A familiar deep female voice called out.

"AAAAAAHHHHH!" Asuka screamed, nearly dropping the bath bomb before turning around. "D-Daidōji-senpai! H-How's it going?" She greeted, attempting to sound a little casual but the fear was very evident on her face.

"What are you doing here in Shibuya's underground mall?" The PE teacher asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, um, sh-Shopping for the Hawaii trip!" Asuka answered stiffly, straightening her back and nearly going into salute.

"..."

"That...all the second years are going on. And some third years." Asuka added.

"..."

Asuka didn't know if sweating profusely or sweatdropping was the appropriate reaction here. "Um...i-is this some sort of test or something, senpai!?" She soon guessed.

"...No." Daidōji eventually responded.

"Oh thank god." Asuka breathed in relief. "Um...is there a chance you're chaperoning the trip as well?" She soon asked.

"The school-funded overseas trip to Hawaii is not why I'm here, Asuka." Daidōji revealed. "It's a more...serious matter." She then added.

Instantly, alarm bells began to ring deafeningly loud inside Asuka's head. "W-What is it?" She asked in a concerned and nervous manner.

Daidōji sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. She didn't want it to come to this, but she needed her help. "...I have a mountain of paperwork I need to fill out and I need your help to sort it all out." She soon revealed and instructed.

"...Eh?" Asuka got out.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your Sunday, but I have to finish it all by Wednesday and you know how slow I go when handling such things." Daidōji apologized and explained.

"U-Um...can't you ask one of the teachers?" The Vice Leader questioned.

"All of them are too busy, either with their own tasks or the media feces-storm surrounding the school." Daidōji answered. "Look, I'll buy whatever supplies for the trip for you as recompense for your time." She then offered and stated.

"Y-You don't have to. I'd love to help you and I won't ask for a reward." Asuka responded.

"I don't mind. I have plenty of money on hand." Daidōji assured before plucking the bath bomb out of her kouhai's hand.

It was true. She was paid handsomely for her time and dedication to the school...plus, pickpocketing the bastard's wallet added a few thousand yen.

"O-Okay." Asuka nervously responded. "Let me go around and pick up everything I need and then we'll go." She then requested.

"We're in no hurry. Take as much time as you need." Daidōji got out in a calm tone as the Vice Leader started grabbing everything she needed from this store.

The PE teacher couldn't help but smile. It was nice to help out her kouhai once in a while.

Plus, it gave Daidōji a chance to do a little probing into Asuka's actions so far.


(Shinjuku, Red Light District)

Akira had been wondering why Yumi asked to hang out with him first thing in the morning. In all honesty, he was going to turn her down so she could have some time to grieve and relax after that whole thing yesterday, but she didn't even give him a chance to reply before she ended the call.

And well, he wasn't the type to keep people waiting for too long.

"Akira." A voice from behind suddenly got out.

"YAH!" Akira yelped as he jumped back a step. "Yumi, don't scare me like that!" He then coughed out.

"You were taking too long." Yumi responded in a flat tone.

Akira couldn't help but take note of her clothes. Her clothing looked messier, more functional than fashionable, like she had just thrown on the first thing she saw in her closet.

"Yumi, are you alright?" The Leader soon asked in concern.

"Akira-kun...please take me to Mementos." Yumi suddenly requested.

"Hm?" Akira hummed out in confusion. "What for Yumi?" He then asked.

"I have a target." Yumi answered as she pulled out her phone.

"Really?" Akira questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes. And we cannot sit on this. It has to be today." Yumi insisted.

Akira in response nodded to hearing this. "Okay. Sounds good enough. I'll go call the others so we can discuss." He replied as he took his phone out.

But suddenly, Yumi placed her hand over the boy's phone. "No, we're doing this alone." She soon informed.

"Alone?" Akira repeated with a raised eyebrow.

"It's a personal mission. I wish not to involve anyone else. We must hurry." Yumi soon ordered, staring into his eyes.

Akira narrowed his eyes suspiciously before shrugging. Yumi was not the type to lie to his face. "...If you say so. Let's go." He responded as he pulled out his phone.


(Mementos)

After heading to Shibuya and a quick trip to the Velvet Room, the two had traveled to Mementos alone and headed down into its depths on foot.

"Really should've brought Mona along with us. How deep down is this target?" Joker asked as they walked down the tracks, keeping an ear open for any trains that might run them over.

"We don't need to go far Joker." Widow however informed.

"We're still on the first floor. And I'm not seeing the usual portals." The Leader pointed out, flinching as a train rushed by them in a separate train line.

"Hai." Widow simply responded with a nod. "...Here. This is it." She got out as she looked around.

"Huh?" Joker got out with a raised eyebrow. "Uh...Widow. I'm still not seeing a portal." He awkwardly noted.

"Wait for it." Widow instructed as she planted her feet on the ground.

"Did you send a calling card to them? You still haven't told me who our target is." Joker soon asked with a frown.

"..." Widow however remained silent in response.

"...Widow?" Joker once more called out.

"Wait." Widow replied as she narrowed her eyes.

Joker looked suspiciously at the info broker, wondering what the girl was doing. They were literally in the middle of nowhere with no one around. They haven't even seen Jose driving around. Presumably he was in the lower levels but...

Rattle...

Joker froze. He knew that noise. It has practically burned into his brain since the first encounter.

Rattle rattle rattle...

"Widow, where is the target?" Joker pressed as sweat began to run down his neck.

"Give it a moment..." Widow insisted as she glared down the pitch black tunnel.

RATTLE RATTLE RATTLE...!

Joker's eyes widened.

He knew what Widow's intended target was.

"Widow, we need to-" Joker began as he saw a furiously red Shadow emerge from the darkness.

"Joker." Widow however interrupted. "Let me do this." She growled as she took out her fans.

RATTLE! RATTLE! RATTLE!

The Leader's eye widened as he saw the Reaper charging straight at them with no signs of stopping. "YUMI!" Joker shouted out.

"RAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" Widow roared as she charged at the Reaper.

"Shit!" The Leader swore before chasing after her.


(Cue Oblivion by Masayoshi Soken)

"FUMA! AQ-" Widow shouted out, only to be tackled to the ground by the Leader, barely getting out of the way of a car-sized bullet meant for the both of them. "Urgh, get off me!" She demanded.

"Widow, what the hell!?" Joker exclaimed in confusion.

Ignoring him, Widow summoned her fans and went into a battle stance.

Seeing there was no other choice, Joker pulled out his dagger and prepared himself for the worst.

Right now, the Leader didn't care why Widow was even attempting this. All Joker could think of was keeping themselves alive and getting the hell out of Mementos.

"Widow! I need to follow my Direct Commands!" Joker soon ordered.

"No, I've got this!" Widow responded, acting freely as she ripped off her mask. "Fūma! Aques!" She commanded.

"I guess we're not backing down anytime soon." Joker muttered to himself before tearing off his mask as well. "Persona! White Rider, Oni Kagura!" He commanded.

SPLASH! WHAM!

"That...worked less than I hoped." Joker muttered, seeing how they didn't even make a scratch on the monster.

"Then hit harder." Widow seethed before jumping forward and attacking.

"Queen, Mona, I need..." Joker soon began to order, only to pause as he reminded himself that only Widow was with him. "...Weaknesses..." He finished in a weak manner.

Dammit, this is why they never entered the Metaverse alone.

"We don't have any support." Joker suddenly realized with a groan. "Okay, did I fuse something that can substitute as one...?" He mentally asked himself while sifting through his arsenal.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Meanwhile, Widow was firing round after round from her sniper rifle until she was out of bullets to fire.

"Dammit Widow! Save your ammo!" Joker called out while still going through his mind. Maybe that one Fusion Accident he had earlier...? "Dammit, this is all too much!" He thought in a frantic manner.

The Reaper, completely unaffected by the bullets, growled as it aimed one of their revolvers at them. "ONE-SHOT KILL!" It darkly got out.

BANG!

Widow couldn't even scream as she was shot, blasted off her feet and landing near the Leader.

Hastily switching to his designated healing Persona, he summoned Kushinda and casted Diarama to get the reckless girl back to her feet. "Come on! We can still run!" Joker soon ordered.

"I'm...done...running..." Widow panted out as she wiped the blood off her chin.

"Widow, you aren't running away from anything!" Joker responded as he tried to look for an escape route.

"Not anymore." Widow whispered before breaking out into a sprint.

"No! Wait! Dammit!" Joker cursed. "Well, if she's gonna get herself killed, the least I can do is give her a fighting chance. Hecatoncheires! Tarukaja! Rebellion!" He then declared as he summoned the Hanged Man Persona to buff the girl.

"Agidyne! Riot Gun!" The incarnation of death itself meanwhile declared.

The gray haired girl simply vanished and reappeared several times around the area, dodging the attacks without much effort.

"Fūma! Dazzler!" Widow commanded, leaping into the air as her Persona appeared in front of her.

FLASH!

The Reaper barely flinched, but that blinking of its eye allowed Widow to dash up and-

WEEEEEEP!

...Got completely wrecked with Psiodyne.

The gray haired girl hit the ground, her limbs flailing around like a corpse thrown from the back of a truck as her outfit was torn to pieces, exposing her panties and left breast.

"Widow!" Joker called out before quickly summoning Kikuri-Hime to protect the both of them from a blast of Garudyne. "Stay back and rest! Let me weaken it a little!" He soon ordered.

However Widow picked herself off the ground using only her legs, almost like a zombie. "I...I..." She struggled out.

"I'll let you get the last blow, just stay down!" Joker practically begged as he summoned Jack Frost to blast it as much ice his SP could muster.

However, a shinobi never gave up even in the face of death if it meant completing the mission. Her grandfather taught her that in her first year of training.

This anger...this hate...this sadness in her heart...

She would not let this be her weakness.

"It will be my strength." Yumi declared as she stood up straight.

Suddenly, her eyes flashed red.

CRACKLE! FWOOOOOSH!

Joker shielded his eyes with his arms as an icy vortex engulfed the girl. When it died down, he could barely recognize who was in her place. Her short gray hair was gone, replaced by long and flowing almost-white blue hair that was like ice along with piercing red eyes.

"...That's new..." Joker breathed out in awe.

Widow then threw her fans away and created a katana made of ice. "Let me show you an unwaking nightmare." She coldly declared as she charged forward.

"Widow, stop running towards Death!" Joker called out, but was ignored as the gray haired girl engaged the Reaper. "Ugh, I feel like this is my fault..." He then thought as he palmed his face.

"Mamudoon!" Death Incarnate declared with a raised gun.

"GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Joker cried out as he jumped away.

SLICE!

However surprisingly, Widow literally sliced through the spell like it was nothing as she continued rushing in.

"...She can do that now?" Joker thought in disbelief.

"I will make you disappear..." Widow growled before dashing forward, slashing quickly and erratically at the Reaper, almost as if she couldn't control herself and simply aimed herself in the monster's direction.

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

"HAH!" The gray haired girl got out as she finished her combo before sheathing her katana to her side.

However, Widow's eyes widened as she realized...that the Reaper was right beside her.

"WIDOW!" Joker exclaimed as the Reaper grabbed the girl as she tried to break out but it's grip was just too tight.

"Life Leech." The monster declared as a white mist began to leak from the girl's mouth and into its eye.

Widow screamed, feeling her life drain from her body and into the Reaper as her struggling weakened.

However, Joker suddenly summoned Arsene, climbing onto his Persona's back and rode him up to the Reaper's level. "RRRAAAHHH!" He roared as he jumped off and delivered a drop kick to the embodiment of death, causing it to drop the girl.

THUD! THUD!

"O-Ow...should've thought that through a little more..." Joker groaned as he slowly picked himself off the ground.

Meanwhile, Widow was recovering quicker than the Leader, but a giant gun barrel against her back prevented her from even going on her knees.

"Spirit Leech."

Immediately, Widow felt as though she was suffocating as all her energy was drained from body.

The Leader instantly forced himself onto his feet, despite his body screaming to get some rest. "Get...off her! PERSONA!" Joker shouted out as he tore off his mask, summoning Yurlungur to his side. "MEGIDOLA!" He soon commanded.

BBBBBOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!

Joker winced and went to his knees, but the attack was enough to force the Reaper to retreat a little and allowed the Leader to drag Widow away. However, it did what it needed to do.

The Reaper had regained a lot of energy, making their prior efforts worthless in only mere seconds. Meanwhile, they were running on fumes.

The Leader only had one plan...no, one thought.

And this was going to hurt. A lot.

"Yumi. Run." Joker suddenly pleaded, fighting off the urge to just collapse and be done with it.

For a single moment, Widow was seriously about to take him up on that offer.

Her legs were burning, her fingers were barely able to wrap around the grip of her katana...

And yet, she wasn't ready to die.

Not now.

Not ever.

"I...I'm not done yet...!" Widow struggled out. "FŪMA! END IT!" She soon commanded.

However, her Persona flickered, barely able to move other than squirting some water in the Reaper's vague direction.

With no other choice, Widow's Persona proceeded to simply stab and beat the Reaper with her bare hands and spider legs.

It was just as effective throwing wet towels into a house fire as the Reaper barely flinched...right before pistol-whipping the Persona across the head.

"AH!" Widow yelped in pain as she stumbled back in pain, the side of her head suddenly gaining a huge gash and bleeding profusely.

"Widow!" Joker called out in concern.

The Reaper soon twirled its guns around before aiming at the downed Persona. "Die." It growled.

BANG!

"AAAAHHHH!" Widow screamed as she reverted back to her normal form, thrown back into the walls of the underground.

...Or she would've, had Arsene not caught her in midair.

After gently being settled down by the Leader's feet, the gray haired girl looked up to see him barely giving her a glance with an emotionless expression on his face. "J-Joker?" Widow breathed out.

"Stay. Down." Joker coldly ordered before turning his attention to the Reaper.

"RRRRRRAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" The Reaper roared before charging at the Leader.

Holding back wasn't an option.

He'll die before he lets this thing hurt his friend any longer.

"PERSONA!" The Leader cried out, blue flames and glowing chains flaring around him as he summoned a recent addition to his soul. "ATHENA PICARO!" Joker called out as the Persona appeared in front of him.

"VORPAL BLADE!" The Reaper roared before trying to cut down the Trickster, only for a shield to appear in front of it and guard against the attack!

"Gah!" The Leader grunted in pain, stumbling backwards and clutching his chest as a large cut in his suit appeared. However, it was better than being dead. "Give 'em hell, Athena Picaro!" He then commanded.

"Akashic Arts!" The Persona declared before a wave of blood red energy came out of her, knocking the Reaper down.

Joker began to feel light-headed as he felt his stamina drain from his body. Still, he forced his way through it and pulled out his gun. "Now, what can I do to convince you to stop this fight!?" He demanded.

"Me not want to talk to you! Me want to hear your screams!" The Reaper responded in a hostile tone.

The Trickster winced. There really was no other choice. "Have it your way then." Joker responded before going into his coat pocket and downing some Recov-R. Luckily he was paranoid enough today to bring some medicine. He might need to start keeping some on him at all times.

And so, the Leader jumped back and summoned another Persona. This was going to be a long battle.

And so, Widow can only watch in horror as Joker fought the Reaper by himself, giving everything he had into each and every attack. Every blow he took, every sound of clothes ripping...it all felt like she was taking the damage as much as he was.

FWOOSH!

"Gah!" The Leader yelped as he was tossed back, his clothes in burnt tatters. "Oooooh...that's smarts..." He soon groaned as he clutched his side.

"Joker...please...stop..." Widow begged.

"No...ah, no can do, Widow." Joker wheezed better pulling out some more medicine and downing it, chasing it with some soda. "You take responsibility for your actions. I'll deal with the consequences." He advised before rolling his shoulders, ready to get back in.

"Joker, NO!" Widow screamed, attempting to grab some part of him only for Joker to slip through her fingers as he ran in once again.

"PERSONA!"

"BUFUDYNE!"

She didn't know how long this was taking, but she knew the Leader couldn't last forever...and now it seemed that moment was fast approaching.

Joker panted as he downed his last TaP Soda. He was now officially out of items, and the Reaper still wasn't dead.

"Joker..." Widow muttered with widened eyes.

"One more." Joker breathed out as he placed a hand on his mask. "I have...one more..." He wheezed as he placed a hand on his mask.

Widow's eyes widened before she tried to force herself to stand up, but her legs just couldn't move no matter how hard she tried. "I can't...I can't..." She got out through gritted teeth. "I won't let you die!" She soon declared.

"Concentrate!" The Reaper suddenly called out, their only visible eye glowing red.

"Concentrate!" Joker responded as he felt a surge of magical energy flood his body.

Joker stared down the Reaper, and the Reaper stared back.

Whoever acted first would live to tell the tale.

The two put down their weapons and readied themselves.

Joker took in a deep breath.

The Reaper glared.

Widow clenched her jaw.

...

...

...

...

Joker's hand twitched.

"MEGIDOLAON!"

"NO! AKIRA!" Widow cried out before...

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!

Widow was blown away, rolling across the ground while doing her best to shield herself from the attack. When she opened her eyes and got on her hands and knees, she saw that there was nothing but a smoking crater where Joker stood.

The gray haired girl even couldn't speak or breathe. He...He was gone.

"No...No, I can't lose you too..." Widow sobbed, lowering her head as the hollow feeling in her heart grew wider than ever.

Suddenly, she heard a cough.

Walking out of the crater with half of his outfit still on him, Joker let out a breath as he dusted off what was left of his black coat. "Missed." He simply stated before throwing off his mask. "This is the end. Bufudyne." He soon commanded, ripping off his mask once more.

Suddenly, the air began to chill as a naked woman cloaked in a veil appeared. "I am the goddess Black Maria. Pleased to meet you, young ones." The Persona greeted before turning her attention to the slowly freezing Reaper. "And you...will hurt them no longer." She then declared as she raised her hand.

CRACKLE!

With that, the Reaper's body froze solid.

Without another word, Joker switched to Arsene, who shattered the ice with one swift kick.

SHATTER!

No witty remark. No one-liner. No effort in even picking up anything the damn thing had dropped. The Leader was already walking away with nothing but whatever clothes were left on his back.

"J-Joker...you...you..." Widow was in awe, barely able to speak. However, something happened to her only a moment later. "B-BEHIND YOU!" she then screamed.

The Leader didn't even have to look, only pulling out his pistol and aiming upwards as the not-quite-dead Reaper loomed over him.

"Die." Joker coldly declared before pulling the trigger.

BANG!

The Reaper's head blew apart like a black watermelon against a sledgehammer. It stayed upright for only a few seconds...before...

SPLATTER!

Joker breathed deeply, able to finally catch his breath now that the battle was over, as the Reaper fell back behind him dead.

(End Music)


After taking a moment to ensure he had enough energy to even move, he limped his way over to the gray haired girl. "You...You..." Widow breathed out.

"Heal." Joker commanded, Kushinda instantly healing whatever collateral damage she had taken.

Widow could barely look at the Leader. His eyes...the warmth and comfort they usually had was completely gone. It was just...cold. Hard. Unreadable yet she knew there was something he was holding back from breaking out.

"L-Leader?" Widow whimpered in shock before...

SLAP!

The sounds of a gloved hand striking her cheek echoed throughout Mementos, even louder than a gunshot.

"Akira-kun..." Widow got out, not even shocked by the action.

"Home. Now." Joker growled, restraining as much anger as he could. He then started limping towards the exit, barely giving the girl a glance behind to see if she was following him.

Placing a hand on her incredibly sore cheek, Widow complied as she followed.


(Shibuya, Station Square)

When the duo made it back to reality, they simply found a clean spot and sat down in silence, letting their bodies recover from the whole ordeal while watching people pass by them without giving them a second glance.

Eventually, they knew one of them had to talk about what had happened. It was just the matter of who was brave enough to bring it up first.

"...What was your plan?" Akira spoke up.

"I don't know." Yumi quietly responded.

"What made you do this?" Akira then questioned.

"I don't know..." Yumi repeated in shame.

"You think fighting a Reaper was a good idea!?" Akira assumed in disapproval.

"No. It wasn't." Yumi insisted. "I just...needed..." She then tried to explain.

"What? Revenge against death?" Akira guessed.

"Just...something to fight..." Yumi sighed as she dropped her head. "...But why...why did I drag you into this...?" She then sobbed, her teardrops staining the ground.

"Yumi, I know you miss your grandfather, but you can't just...do that..." Akira stated.

"I know! But...it feels like I'm about to break apart..." Yumi responded and confessed. "If I just let myself go for a second...I'll never recover..." She then explained.

"Yumi..." Akira muttered.

"The world my grandfather envisioned...it's impossible, isn't it?" Yumi eventually assumed. "We can't...we can't do anything to change this world no matter how hard we try...it's all hopeless." She then added.

"...If that's what you think." Akira eventually got out as he leaned his head back against the wall. "I won't stop you." He then added.

"From what?" Yumi questioned in confusion.

"Leaving the Phantom Thieves." Akira answered, causing the girl's eyes to widen. "We'll always be there, Yumi. You can do whatever you want, and if you don't believe anymore, I won't blame you. And I'm sure the others will too once you explain yourself." He then added and encouraged.

"..." Yumi however was silent in response as shadows covered her eyes.

"Come on. I'll even-" Akira then started.

"No." Yumi suddenly responded.

"No?" Akira repeated with a raised eyebrow.

"...I won't." Yumi responded. "I...I put too much into this. I cannot leave now." She then stated.

"Yumi, that's a fallacy." Akira informed with a frown. "This isn't your responsibility." He then added.

"It's not your responsibility either." Yumi pointed out. "You had no obligation to use the Metaverse to help people, to create our group to spread hope. It was never your responsibility to bear the weight of the world on your shoulders. You took it upon yourself. So I will do the same." She then reminded and explained.

"But you have a family, something to cushion you once everything is done and dusted." Akira pointed out. "Meanwhile, the only thing I'm looking forward to back home is unemployment and ridicule." He soon added in a bitter manner.

"So you do what you do because you have nothing left to lose?" Yumi soon assumed.

"...For a while. Yeah. It was a part of it. Maybe it still is." Akira admitted with a shrug. "But it's not my sole purpose anymore." He then revealed.

"Eh? Why?" Yumi asked in confusion.

"There are better things to do with your life than just your duty to the world." Akira began. "Make friends, fall in love, hang out until the sun comes up the next morning. It's what everyone should experience at least once in their life. It's not my responsibility to give them an opportunity...it's my promise." He soon listed off, explained and concluded.

"..." Yumi soon looked on at the Leader with an expression of awe on her face. "...Is that...true?" She soon asked.

"Hey, just because I've been beaten down...a lot...I still haven't given up on the world." Akira chuckled while wincing a little in pain. "I know we can make it better someday, but right now...we need to focus on what's keeping us smiling and protect it." He added.

"...Keeping us smiling..." Yumi repeated under her breath. "We have to start somewhere, don't we?" She then assumed.

"Hey, it's how the Thieves started. From humble beginnings...of taking down a perv." Akira reminded.

"...Hehehehe..." Yumi suddenly giggled. "Akira-kun...you're still carrying the world on your back though. You should take your own advice." She jokingly added.

"Hey, I can lift way heavier things. Did you see what happened to the Reaper?" Akira countered and reminded.

"I saw. You did amazing." Yumi soon praised. "I could've done without that slap though." She soon admitted.

"Sorry about that. You didn't deserve that." Akira apologized and admitted.

"No. I did." Yumi admitted. "But...you can make up for it." She then got out.

"How?" Akira questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"By protecting my smile." Yumi answered before hugging the boy. "Thank you, Akira-kun...for everything." She sniffled.

Stunned by the suddenness and soft feeling on his chest, it took a second for the Leader to remember his words. "It's...It's no problem." Akira replied as he returned the hug. "It's what friends are for." He then added.

"Yes. They are." Yumi replied with a nod of agreement as she then looked to the sky. "Ojii-sama...I don't know if you've seen what happened but...you don't need to worry about me anymore. I think I'll be fine without you." She thought as she closed her eyes, seeing her grandfather smiling at her and picking her off the ground like he did all those years ago.

Akira let out a smile of his own as he patted his friend on the back.

Protecting her smile...that wasn't a bad promise to keep from now on.

SHATTER!

RANK UP! Adjustment Rank 9!

Unlocked Ice Queen!

Activates at critical health. Attacks pierce and ignore resistances for three turns.

"Get a room, ya damn kids!" A random passerby shouted out, causing the two to blush and separate.

"U-Um...we should both get home. I'm sure we're both tired from the fight." Yumi coughed into her fist as they got up from the ground.

"Let me walk you home." Akira offered.

"Akira, you don't have to..." Yumi got out as she shook her head.

"I want to." Akira interrupted, leaving no room for argument.

"Well...at least let me pay you back the train fare." Yumi however offered.

Seeing that she wasn't going to back down, he relented. "Deal. Let's go." Akira replied with a nod before grabbing her hand.

Yumi meanwhile blushed pink, though smiled as she allowed him to lead her home.


(Fast Forward)

"I...apologize, but is Widow's grandfather relevant to your story?" Sae questioned with a raised eyebrow as she checked her watch.

"Yes. And do not disrespect his name." Akira answered with a quick glare.

And that was everything he was going to say on that matter.

Besides, maybe he wasn't being all that truthful about what happened.

(Rewind)


(9/4, Daytime)

(Shibuya, Station Square)

When the duo made it back to reality, they simply found a clean spot and sat down in silence, letting their bodies recover from the whole ordeal while watching people pass by them without giving them a second glance.

Eventually, they knew one of them had to talk about what had happened. It was just the matter of who was brave enough to bring it up first.

"Akira-kun...I-I'm-" Yumi began, however...

"I'm sorry I snapped but I...there are better ways that to go kill yourself." Akira interrupted while rubbing the back of his neck.

"Akira-kun..." Yumi whispered as a guilty feeling built up in her gut.

"Let me make it up to you. Do you want to go somewhere to eat first? I'll pay." Akira soon offered.

"I...I would like that." Yumi admitted with a small smile. "I haven't eaten all day." She then admitted.

Grrr...

"That fight probably didn't help either." Akira remarked as he helped the girl to her feet. "What do you want?" He then asked.

Yumi blinked before closing her eyes to give it some thought.


(Inokashira Park)

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and more cream than she thought was possible to contain within a crispy wrap. Yumi was clutching onto her crepes, only taking small bites of it at a time.

It was sweet...too sweet...almost sour...and a little salty...

Meanwhile, Akira himself was drinking seafood aojiru, his occasional gagging breaking the uncomfortable silence as they watched couples row around the lake in front of them.

"You should've gotten something a little more palatable." Yumi suggested.

"I need it for my intelligence. I am taking first place on the next exam." Akira explained as he drank the rest of his drink, and promptly gagged again. "U-Urgh..." He groaned while clutching onto his stomach.

"I think it's lowering that intelligence." Yumi deadpanned.

"It works, I promise." Akira assured as he placed down the empty cup. "Although, recent events haven't proved that..." He mumbled under his breath.

"Maybe I should've gotten one myself." Yumi jokingly suggested, although the humor rang hollow in her tone.

"I should've gotten a second straw." Akira remarked.

"I wouldn't mind sharing with you." Yumi admitted. She has shared drinks with her sisters before. You couldn't be picky in survival situations after all.

However, the Leader began to blush. "Y-Yumi..." Akira stammered.

"Hm?" The gray haired girl looked confused before realizing what she suggested...which brought up memories of what happened at the graveyard. "O-Oh, I uh...um..." She then stammered with a blush.

"No, I know what you mean just..." Akira assured, his eyes avoiding her's and Yumi's doing the same.

"Erm..." Akira tried to say something before giving up.

"God, this is awkward..." The two thought as they looked away from each other. Yumi was eating her crepe a little faster now, and Akira was trying to drink the last dregs of his empty drink to distract themselves a little.

"I..." Akira began. For the first time in a while, he really didn't know what to say right now. "So about what happened at the...stupid-you can forget about it..." He soon started before trailing off.

"It's okay. It's...It's fine." Yumi mumbled as her mind drifted into her memories. "I...In my mind, I'd imagine him there on all my important days...when I become a Kagura, to my first love, to the perfect world he always dreamt of...to my wedding day. He was always there smiling..." She soon admitted, sniffling and choking back her tears.

Akira silently nodded, deciding to simply listen as the girl poured her heart out.

"But...imagining a world without him...I can't stand it! Even now, I'm wondering if this is just all a trick from a Shadow, trying to send me into Despair. And...it's working..." Yumi suddenly got out as she punched the bench, splintering the wood as tears ran down her cheeks. "I just...I feel terrible. I've barely eaten or slept since I found out. I...I don't know what I'm going to do..." She soon confessed.

Akira didn't respond in any way, simply listening to the grieving girl's words.

"Akira...what do I do...? How...How can I make it without him...?" Yumi sobbed, her entire form shivering.

The Leader frowned, thinking about what he would say next. "...Well, you've been doing well so far. I'm sure you can make it." Akira replied.

Yumi felt a rush of anger go down her spine. "What?" She growled, knowing whatever he said next may end with his head in the dirt.

However, Akira remained calm despite the threatening aura the girl was leaking. "Yumi, remember what you've done since coming to Tokyo. Shinobi, idol, thief...friend. I've never met someone like you before and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Your grandfather will always be a part of your life...but today he's holding you back." He explained.

"So I should let him go?" Yumi assumed as she gripped the bench, taking off chunks of wood in the process.

"No! God no!" Akira quickly got out, finding the notion ridiculous. "No, what I'm trying to say is...his memory will live on inside you. You don't need to change the world to prove his legacy. You are his legacy. You're alive, you're breathing...and now you have a chance to thrive. You're living for him now, so you better make sure you enjoy it."

"..." Yumi said nothing before looking up towards the sky.

A healthy, bright blue with orange edging in from the horizon. Not a cloud in sight.

Despite everything, no matter how much she wished, it was still blue.

Maybe it was for the better.

Yumi took a deep breath and sighed. "...Do you think he'd be proud...if he knew what I was doing?" She soon asked.

"I wouldn't know. I never met him." Akira replied with a shrug. "But...if he loved you enough...I'm sure he'll accept whatever makes you happy." He then stated.

"...Happy." Yumi quietly repeated before taking a bite of her crepe. It was sweet again.

"It's an idol's most effective weapon after all." Akira pointed out.

Yumi closed her eyes, remaining silent for what felt like hours before she spoke again. "I guess...even though I can't see him now...I know that he'll be there to see those important days." She realized before opening her eyes and looking into the Leader's own. "...Like...today." She whispered.

"Hm?" Akira got out in confusion before...

CHU!

The gray haired girl pulled away, a heavy blush on her cheeks. "Akira-kun...I...I...I think I do love you." Yumi confessed in a nervous manner before shaking her head. No, he didn't deserve such an answer. "I love you too." She soon revealed in a much more confident tone.

"...Even after my screwed up confession?" Akira questioned, still processing the kiss.

"Hehehe...yes." Yumi giggled softly. "...I...I knew my first love wouldn't be without quirks, however...I think I knew who I wanted, or at least wanted them to be like." She soon admitted.

"...Devilishly handsome and kind of an ass?" Akira guessed with a raised eyebrow.

"I wanted them to be you." Yumi soon corrected as she grabbed hold of his hand. "And...I'd say that this is as close as I can get." She then laughed.

"Yeah. Closest you'll ever get." Akira chuckled. "...So...what happens now?" He soon asked.

"I'm...not entirely sure." Yumi responded in a hesitant manner. "I don't even know if we should even tell the others..." She then confessed.

"Take your time. Hell, I'll take it to the grave if you want." Akira promised before pausing and slapping his forehead. "Er, bad joke." He soon got out in an apologetic tone.

"No, it's quite alright, Akira-kun." Yumi giggled before looking up at the sky. "It...hurts a lot less now. I...I'm so sorry I dragged you into my grief." She then confessed and apologized in shame.

"It's okay. Besides, it felt really good to kick the Reaper's ass." Akira admitted with a smirk. "Ahem. Excuse me." He then coughed out, silently cursing to himself for swearing in front of his girlfriend.

"Language." Yumi playfully scolded with a smile. "But...I'm sure in the coming days I'll make it up to you." She then got out.

"You don't have to." Akira stated.

"I want to." Yumi instated before leaning in, taking in his steel gray eyes and the little bit of whipped cream on the edge of his lips. "Akira-kun..." She then mumbled.

"Yumi..." Akira whispered back before leaning in.

And with that, they closed their eyes and kissed once more. And it was not their final one for the day, nor would it be the last in the coming years.

He had entered a relationship with a shinobi. He knew that there was no going back.


(Shinjuku, New Moon Apartment Complex)

Shiki was getting worried. She thought doing some retail therapy would do her some good like usual but as the minutes ticked on she got worried. So she decided to call Yumi to check in on her.

Then it turned into full-blown panic when her number couldn't be reached. It wasn't that she wasn't picking up, her phone was gone.

So, after several hours of running around Tokyo and finding nothing, she headed back to the apartment.

Just when Yumi had arrived.

"Good afternoon, Shiki-san." Yumi greeted as if she hadn't gone missing for the past 4 hours.

"Yumi-chii!" Shiki got out in a relieved tone before she noticed her friend's state. Was that a hand mark on her cheek...? "Wow, you look like..." She began to comment, however...

"Yo." Akira meanwhile got out, flashing a peace sign at the fashionista.

That instantly threw out any type of questioning about her sister's state out of her mind as she saw the boy sipping on a smoothie. "I-It's you." Shiki got out with widened eyes.

"I am indeed me." Akira responded as he rolled his shoulders.

"You've...met before?" Yumi questioned in confusion and curiosity.

"Yep." Akira replied with a nod.

"Yeah, actually. He just...helped me out a little." Shiki explained, deciding not to mention that she told him of Kurokage's passing beforehand.

"Oh. Okay." Yumi replied with a nod before turning to the Leader. "Well...despite what happened...I'm glad we spent some time together, Akira-kun." She soon enough confessed.

"Me too." Akira responded in agreement. "See you tomorrow?" He then assumed.

"Definitely." Yumi responded before hugging the boy. "Take care." She encouraged.

"I will." Akira replied with a nod as he leaned his head closer to her ear. "And congrats on your Awakening." He then whispered for only her to hear.

"...Eh?" Yumi got out in confusion.

However, Akira left without another word, leaving the girl confused but happy.

"So uh, while you were out...did you get extensions...and a dye job...and contacts?" Shiki suddenly asked.

"Eh?" Yumi once again got out.

Shiki only pulled out a mirror and gave it to her friend to see her new features.

"...How long have I looked like this?" Yumi questioned in shock.

"The entire time." Shiki responded. "So uh...you mind explaining...?" She soon asked.

"To be honest...I have no clue." Yumi answered before heading into her apartment, with her sister following behind.

She needed to look into this immediately.


(9/4, Afternoon)

(Shibuya, Protein Lovers Gym)

Ryuji had seen Miyabi hanging out at the alleyway where Untouchable was and decided to greet her...despite his better judgment.

Of course, she automatically assumed he wanted to spar with her and was already doing the required hand signs to create a Shinobi Kekkai.

However, he did manage to convince her that there were better ways to train than just beating the shit out of him.

"Here we are." Ryuji revealed, showing the white-haired woman the place he wanted to introduce her to.

"A gym, huh?" Miyabi noted as she looked around. "Rarely been into these kinds of things." She admitted while rolling her shoulders while hefting her duffle bag.

"Eh, you take what you can get." Ryuji replied while shrugging his shoulders.

"I guess that's true." Miyabi admitted in agreement. "In any case, thanks for taking me to the gym, Ryuji." She then got out as the two walked into Protein Lovers.

"No problem. I know how hard it is to regain what you've lost." Ryuji replied. "I'm still trainin' to get my speed back." He then revealed.

"Speed? You're the slowest out of our group." Miyabi pointed out. "Both in body and mind." She mentally added.

"Well, I used to be in track and field." Ryuji revealed as he rubbed the back of his head. "I'm sure you've heard about Kamoshida by this point and how he broke my leg." He then added.

"Yeah." Miyabi responded with a nod. "I'm actually surprised you guys didn't kill him. You must've had some serious pent up rage." She then added.

"Hey, we're better than that. Not to mention Morgana told us that death would just be an easy escape for him if we did do that." Ryuji replied.

Miyabi's eyes soon widened after hearing that explanation. "Then I'm not as strong as you guys." She soon admitted before sighing with shame. "Gonna go change now, then you can give me the tour." She then informed.

"Sure." Ryuji simply replied with a nod as he watched the white haired woman head for the changing room as he did the same, both of them soon exiting after changing.

For Ryuji, it was just his usual bluegreen undershirt and cyan jogging pants.

BOING!

Though for the white haired woman, her appearance was more...revealing, being lucky that it was only the two of them at the gym. The outfit consisted of a white-gray bra-like top that didn't even cover her stomach, a pair of matching colored bloomers and white sneakers.

The dyed blond soon blinked at the sight as he gulped. "...Daaaaaamn..." Ryuji droned out as he couldn't help but give the woman an up-down.

"Hm? What's up?" Miyabi asked with a hand on her hip.

Ryuji immediately blushed in response. "N-Nothing!" He yelped out as he focused on something else instead, which was their workout session.

Miyabi meanwhile raised an eyebrow to this, but then just shrugged her shoulders as she looked around once more. "I'm honestly still shocked that Murasaki of all people came to the gym." She soon admitted as she then started doing some stretches.

This in turn got the dyed blond's attention as he glanced at her. "Was she that much like Futaba?" Ryuji meanwhile asked.

Miyabi's expression soo became serious as she nodded. "She was. Everyone had just about given up on thinking she could even recover from her own trauma." She revealed.

"Damn, that must've sucked." Ryuji admitted with a wince from imagining it.

"You're telling me." Miyabi sighed out. "It's why I practically freaked out over hearing she literally came here to Tokyo by herself and went to the gym. It just sounded too unbelievable." She then explained and confessed.

"Sounds like you know her pretty well." Ryuji guessed with his hands in his pockets.

"Yeah." Miyabi replied as a nostalgic smile appeared on her face. "She's been with us for years. Just imagining and seeing her like that...it's just...I can't even believe it." She then revealed and admitted.

"I mean that's a good thing right?" Ryuji pointed out with a grin. "And hell, she looked like she was enjoyin' herself when I saw her here yesterday." He then added.

"...I suppose so." Miyabi had to admit, seeing the point behind those words.

"And besides..." The dyed blonde added before looking around, making sure no one hears them. "She's a shinobi, right? She can handle herself." He then pointed out.

Miyabi slightly jolted up from that. "Not...exactly by choice..." She quietly and vaguely revealed.

"Hm?" Ryuji hummed out with a raised eyebrow. "What's up?" He then asked.

Miyabi however shook her head. "Nevermind, another time." She responded and decided. "So, where do you want to start?" She eventually questioned, wanting to get to the work-out right away.

Ryuji in response scratched the back of his, already figuring the white haired woman didn't want to talk about a touchy subject, so he decided to leave it be for now. "Hm, I guess we can start with the treadmills." He soon decided.

"Alright, then." Miyabi responded with a nod as the two headed to the machines in mention.

"Okay, so you know how to use these things, right?" Ryuji replied as they stepped onto the machines.

Miyabi meanwhile looked at the control panel and nodded. "I think so." She responded.

Ryuji contemplated that in silence for a second. "Alright then, be sure to take it easy." He replied and advised.

Miyabi simply nodded at that as she attempted to use the control panel. "...Why did technology have to advance so much while I was in a coma..." She mentally grumbled in frustration as she randomly started pressing buttons before she then pressed the green one with a Play symbol on it.

VRRRRRRN!

And immediately, the machine started as the treadmill started and the white haired woman began walking at a steady pace after staggering for a moment from being in motion all of a sudden. "W-Whoa!" Miyabi got out in a surprised manner.

"Easy, Miyabi." Ryuji advised.

"I got it, I got it." Miyabi waved off. "Bah, I can do this in my sleep. I'm cranking it up a little." She then declared in a confident manner.

"Miyabi, you should be- and you're ignoring me." Ryuji soon responded before deadpanning

"Ugh, my legs aren't even burning yet! Can't this thing go any faster!?" Miyabi groaned.

"Most people don't run faster than cars." Ryuji however reminded.

"Oh hey, what does this button do?" Miyabi eventually asked while noticing something.

"Eh?" Ryuji responded as he watched the white haired woman press the button.

[Deactivating safety limits. Mode S released.]

"Why would that be a button!?" Ryuji gawked.

The white-haired woman's treadmill suddenly began speeding up, making her run like crazy all of a sudden. The dyed blond quickly got worried as the treadmill's screen went from images of a car, to an airplane, to a rocket, and finally to a meteorite crashing into the Earth. "AH! What the-?! Whoa!" She got out and yelped before...

CRASH! RIP!

"Okay...too fast..." Miyabi groaned in pain while on the ground. "That...was stupid of me..." She then admitted.

Ryuji meanwhile sweatdropped to the sight. "Seriously Miyabi?" He got out. "She's even in the Yamcha pose..." He then added in his head.

"I-I'm fine! I'm fine." Miyabi got out as she got herself up. "Just overestimated myself a little." She then added.

"U-Uh..." Ryuji started to stammer out as he blushed and looked away.

"Hm? What?" Miyabi bluntly asked in confusion and a raised eyebrow.

"U-Uh...look down." Ryuji replied before looking away.

Miyabi did so...and saw that her workout clothes were a little...

Not there. Save for her panties.

They were lucky they were alone or else Miyabi would've committed seppuku at a later time when she had the time and chance. Or possibly on the spot.

"...So do you wanna hit the locker rooms right away and-" Ryuji began to offer.

"That would be nice." Miyabi immediately replied. "This never happened, alright?"

Nodding to that, the dyed blond stood in place and waited with hands on his hips while the white haired woman rushed to the changing room.

After a short while, Miyabi walked out of the locker room with a new set of clothes. This time, she now wore a similar outfit from before, but with a different color theme: a mix of yellow and white on her top, and pure black for her bloomers while her sneakers are still the same as ever. "We will never speak of this again." She soon requested.

"Duh." Ryuji replied in agreement with his hands in his pockets. "Feelin' better?" He then asked.

"A bit." Miyabi responded with a nod. "Need to buy another set of training wear next time." She then added while making the mental note to do so.

"Wanna try a different thing this time?" Ryuji then offered.

"Sure." Miyabi replied with a nod. "Maybe weight lifting will work out better." She then decided as she made her way over to it, grabbed a weightlifting bar and started adding weights to it.

And then more weights.

And then more.

And then she went over to the other benches and grabbed theirs.

"Are there any more weights?" Miyabi asked.

"No. Not in this country." Ryuji responded.

"Ugh. Fine." Miyabi sighed as she laid down. She kind of missed Hebijo's facilities. At least they had enough weights for a ton. This was barely 500 kg, barely a struggle back in the- "Hooooly shit." She suddenly groaned.

"Huh? What's wrong?" Ryuji asked in concern.

"Nothing! Just..." Miyabi groaned before sighing. "Dammit, why can I feel it?" She mentally grumbled as she started doing her reps. This should be nothing to a shinobi like her.

"Damn, the bar's seriously bendin' from the weight." Ryuji got out in a worried manner. It was actually a miracle that the bar wasn't snapping.

"!?" Miyabi's eyes soon widened as she winced, ending the session and sitting up. "Shit..." She suddenly swore in frustration.

"You okay?" Ryuji asked in a concerned manner.

"Ngh, muscles still feel a bit sore and stiff..." Miyabi groaned in frustration while rolling her shoulders. "Dammit. And here I thought that was done after waking up..." She muttered in annoyance.

"Yeesh, it was that bad?" Ryuji assumed with a wince.

"I could bench tanks before, but if I'm feeling it with civilian weight limits, I still have a long way to go in my training."

"...You benched tanks." Ryuji repeated as he processed what she said.

"Decommissioned. Stole it from the army's scrapyard, it wasn't that big of a deal." Miyabi corrected and explained while rubbing her arms.

"I don't think that's the issue here." Ryuji responded with a sweatdrop.

"I get what you mean." Miyabi sighed. "I'm not an idiot, most people would think a strong woman is uncomfortable.' She then assumed.

"No, I mean...effin' tanks!? You guys have that at your school!?" Ryuji responded and asked.

"Again, decommissioned. It's for training purposes only." Miyabi responded. "And hey, train with us enough and you'll be able to do it too." She then reassured.

"I...kinda doubt that." Ryuji responded as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Need some help spotting?" He then offered.

"I'd like that, thanks. Miyabi responded with a nod as she laid back down.

Eventually, Miyabi felt her fatigue build up too much and had to stop. After a quick shower, the two left the gym, still drying themselves with their towels.

"Well, this has been an enlightening experience." Miyabi revealed. "You're good company." She then admitted with a smirk

"Hey, it's way better than beating the shit outta me." Ryuji remarked.

"I wouldn't say that." Miyabi got out with a sweet smile. "I want to fight against everyone in our group one-on-one, and that includes you. However, we shall move that match to a later date." She then revealed and stated.

"...Shit." Ryuji could only say.

"Yes, you will have trouble doing such a thing if you do not train." Miyabi assured. "Have fun and enjoy Hawaii, Ryuji! Ya lucky bastard." She then encouraged while patting his back.

"I do not feel lucky right now." Ryuji thought. "T-Thanks. I'm gonna go get a beef bowl..." He awkwardly responded.

"Oh, that sounds like a good idea, count me in." Miyabi replied and decided in approval.

Ryuji could only sweatdropped and nodded as the two headed out.

Hopefully he had enough for both of them...or that she would pay for him.


(Yongen-Jaya, Takemi's Clinic)

"Hmm...The test results all seem...positive." Haruka mumbled to herself. "This is all going faster than anticipated. I'll need to procure some rats to test these formulas however. And that's going to require some paperwork..." She then got out before rolling her chair over to the computer.

However, at that moment, an attractive and familiar face entered the clinic.

"Good evening, darling." Haruka called out, feeling relaxed now by his presence.

"Hey, Haruka-chan." Akira greeted. "I need Doctor Takemi. I wanna buy some medicine." He then requested.

"Sensei is out at the moment. She's seeing her doctor, ironic as that may be." Haruka revealed.

Akira blinked. Well, crap. "Oh, well I'll just come back later." He then muttered as he turned around to-

Click!

"...Did the door just lock?" Akira questioned in shock.

"New security system. Just got installed today." Haruka revealed, hiding the fact that she herself locked it. "Now, darling~ What. Happened. This time?" She questioned in a sweet yet menacing tone.

"Hm?" Akira hummed with a raised eyebrow. "What are you talking about?" He asked while feigning ignorance.

"You're limping." Haruka simply answered.

Akira winced. They could come out of the Metaverse looking just fine, but there was nothing helping the pain that lingered. "I...tripped over something on the way here. Haruka-chan, can you please get Takemi?" He hesitantly revealed and requested once more.

"As I mentioned, she is currently out." Haruka reminded.

"Well, you know...can you call her? It's sort of a private thing between patient and doctor." Akira hesitantly suggested. He did not want to deal with this right now.

"You just buy medicine from her. What's making you so cautious about that?" Haruka responded and questioned.

The Leader was about to answer before he realized something. "...Have you been spying on us?" Akira got out.

"Go to the hotsprings to relax your body." Haruka soon instructed in a no nonsense and serious tone. "You can buy medicine after." She then states.

"But-" Akira began.

"No. Buts." Haruka interrupted in a sweet tone.

Ok, he had definitely never seen the blonde like this before (even when she kidnapped him), so he knew she wasn't going to drop this. "...Is there any legal way you can stop me from just ignoring you and going about my day?" Akira soon asked, however got a glare in response. "...Alright, alright. But only for an hour. I wanna meet someone else before it gets too late." He eventually decided.

"You're getting a little frantic here, darling." Haruka soon noted. "Let me guess, you haven't completed your preparations for your trip." She then assumed.

"No, I have. I just have some things to take care of before I go." Akira responded.

"You should slow down." Haruka advised in concern.

"If I slow down now, things might spiral." Akira thought. So many requests that he left on hold...he was sure they've only gotten worse since he received them. "Alright, I'm going. But when I return, I want to see..." He began before pulling out his checklist. "Three bottles of Takemedic, three bottles of Takemedic-All Z, four Rejuvenating IVs, five Life Ointments, one Reviv-All, one Renew-All, one Magic and Physical Ointment, two Kajaclear-R and two Kundaclear-R...and an Alert Capsule." He then informed before placing the paper down.

"...Are you dying!?" Haruka asked in even more concern.

"Nope, and I'm not a drug dealer. Please don't ask." Akira responded and requested.

The drug dealer thing threw the blonde through a loop. Did he make an order like this before? "L-Let me go find her prices real quick...and a calculator." Haruka stammered as she got up from her chair.

"I know what everything costs. Here you go." Akira casually replied as he put down a wad of cash on the counter. He had to draw from his life savings a little, but they needed to be prepared for what was coming.

"...Have you been robbing banks too?" Haruka soon asked in disbelief.

"Only once. I'm heading to the bathhouse, I'll see you in an hour." Akira responded before heading out of the clinic, wincing at his limp. Maybe a soak would do him good.

"Hai, darling." Haruka replied, unlocking the door as she watched the boy leave. "...He was joking about robbing a bank, right?" She then wondered in concern before sighing and heading into the consultation room to fill her crush's order.


(Shujin Academy, PE Teacher's Office)

"..." Asuka narrowed her eyes as she unconsciously balled her hands into fist.

"You look uncomfortable. Are you okay?" Daidōji noted and questioned.

"I-I am. Just don't like coming to school on a day off." Asuka got out with a small laugh and a smile.

It was a lie. The last time she went through halls this empty was when she was trying to save Shiho from jumping, and going to his (sorry, her) office was just digging up even worse memories.

"Asuka." Daidōji spoke up.

"Huh?" Asuka got out, snapping out of her thoughts.

"We're here." Daidōji informed, getting the Vice Leader's attention. "I have a bowl of fruit you may partake in. I leave it here for both students and staff to take." She offered and explained.

"Thank you, senpai." Asuka replied with a smile and a nod.

"Okay, I just need you to stamp whatever papers I give you and sort them into either Pile A or Pile B." Daidoji informed as she placed her hand on the stack of papers on her desk.

"What do the piles represent?" Asuka soon asked.

"One to shove into the principal's face and the other to give to the staff." Daidōji answered as she sat down at her desk.

"Hai." Asuka responded with a nod before taking a seat next to her senpai. "We'll be finished before the sun sets, I promise you that." She then promised.

"Good." Daidōji replied in approval.

"I'm actually glad you're here, senpai." Asuka soon admitted. "The last teacher was...not great." She then awkwardly responded.

"I am aware he was an abusive rapist, Asuka. Do not mince words here." Daidōji bluntly stated. "Inexcusable scum like him does not deserve such restraint." She then declared while narrowing her eyes.

"H-Hai..." Asuka stammered.

"Hm, now that we're alone though..." Daidōji began, getting the brunette's attention. "How have you been reacting to the Phantom Thieves' actions?" She soon questioned.

"Eh?" The Vice Leader got out as she began sweating a bit.

"Asuka, the Phantom Thieves started here in Shujin. Surely they haven't been right under your nose, are they?" Her fellow senior asked again as she pointed that out.

"Actually, one of them is right under yours." Asuka couldn't help but think. "Well...it's not easy. They haven't left any evidence other than their calling cards." She soon admitted.

"True." Daidōji responded in agreement. "But you could've at least made a guess on who did it based on psyche profiles and their current situation at the time. It is highly likely that Suzui-san's actions spurred them into changing the previous teacher's heart." She then deduced.

"W-Well...I didn't know anyone who would fit such a description." Asuka lied.

"You're slipping, Asuka. You're supposed to know your enemy before they know you." Daidōji reminded.

"H-Hai." Asuka responded with a nod. It was better to look incompetent than to look suspicious anyways.

"However...there was a video floating around that depicted you yelling along with some other students..." Daidōji began recalling.

"Y-You saw that." Asuka mumbled as she began poking her fingers together. "I-I just got caught up in the moment! A-And there were a b-bunch of ru-rumors about me, and Homu-neechan and then there was-" She then began rambling.

"It's okay." Daidōji interrupted. "I knew you wouldn't stand for such injustice. Death would've been too good for a man like him." She then stated in approval.

"Yeah..." Asuka replied in agreement with a nod.

"And...who's to say that it was a current student." Daidōji then started. "Kamoshida was around for years. Surely there were some former students who held a grudge after enduring such abuse, and the incident was the last straw." She then deducted.

"Yeah...I thought of that..." Asuka responded.

"However, this is all based on assumption." Daidōji stated. "We'd need to look into it, and it's already been months since the incident. The trail has gone cold." She then added.

"I'm sorry." Asuka apologized in shame.

"Don't be. Your mission was to find a solution to the mental shutdowns." Daidōji replied and reminded. "What the Phantom Thieves do should be no concern to you until the need arises." She then added.

"What do you think of the Phantom Thieves, Daidōji-senpai." Asuka soon asked.

"Reckless, arrogant, needlessly theretic, possibly have a death wish." Daidōji answered, barely glancing at the brunette who was flinching at every word. "But...they're doing good work. We cannot solve every problem in the country, let alone the world, so having them around alleviates some of that burden." She then confessed with a smirk of approval.

"That's...a good point." Asuka admitted as she continued organizing the paperwork.

"And you?" Daidoji pressed in a curious tone.

"What do I think of the Phantom Thieves?" Asuka assumed before closing her eyes. "...They're heroes in their own way. That's all I can say." She then answered.

"I see." Daidōji got out. "Unfortunately, heroes often only react rather than prevent..." She then lamented.

"Hm?" Asuka hummed out in confusion.

"I find this unfortunate yet frustrating..." Daidōji admitted, clenching her hands into fists. "To uphold our values and honor, Good Shinobi have no choice but to often react to Evil rather than cut it off at the head before such things occur." She then stated in frustration.

"Y-Yeah. It's...sad to be unable to help the people already hurt but...at least we can avenge them and stop more from getting the same fate." Asuka soon got out, feeling sympathetic towards her senior shinobi.

"I know, but sometimes I wish we could go on the offensive." Daidōji soon confessed. "So many tragedies could've been avoided if we were fast enough." She then stated.

The Vice Leader noticed the sadness in her senpai's tone. She never saw her like that before. "Well, it's not like we can see the future. People like that could do a lot of good." Asuka pointed out.


(Shinjuku, Red Light District)

Suddenly, Chihaya sneezed as she did a quick read of the future. It was far off, but it told her that she should...protect her breasts, for some reason?

This had to be a bad omen for the future.


(Shujin Academy, PE Teacher's Office)

"But we can try and change it for the better." Asuka concluded.

"That's why you're a shinobi in the first place, right?" Daidōji assumed.

"Hai." Asuka responded with a nod.

"So...about your friends..." Daidōji began.

"Akira-kun and the others? What about them?" Asuka guessed.

"Asuka, I'm sure you've made some other friends over the months." Daidōji clarified.

"I definitely have." Asuka replied with a smile. "There's Yusuke-kun, Haru-chan, Yumi-chan, Makoto-chan, Miyabi-chan, Futaba-chan..." She began listing off.

"Haru?" Daidōji repeated before frowning. There were three people named Haru in this school, but only one of them was of interest.

"Um...I never got her last name." Asuka sheepishly admitted.

"I see." Daidōji muttered. Well, that eliminated the one young boy named Haru. "I expected better, Asuka. You should know everything about both your allies and enemies. You should've gotten her name." She then stated and reminded.

"Um, I didn't think about it at the time." Asuka admitted with a blush. "She's usually gardening when I've met her, so I don't want her to distract her too much." She then revealed.

"Gardening." Daidōji once more repeated. Welp, that narrowed it down. One was in the cooking club, and the other was in gardening. And it just had to be the Constantly Kidnapped Heiress. "I got the gist of it." She concluded with a nod.

"Anyways, they're all great people." Asuka continued.

"Great enough you'd lay down your life for them?" Daidōji soon questioned.

"Definitely." Asuka answered without any hesitation.

"Just like Rin..." Daidōji couldn't help but think.

Suddenly, Asuka nudged her shoulder. "Uh, senpai? The paperwork. You stopped." She pointed out, snapping her senpai back to reality.

"Ah, right." The PE teacher got out before they returned to work.

As the time went on, Asuka as though her Diligence was vastly improving as a result.

"And...done." Daidōji declared. "Thank you, Asuka. I wouldn't have finished it in time without your help." She then added in a grateful manner.

"I'm glad to help." The Vice Leader responded. "So what are the teachers doing save for the ones going on the Hawaii trip?" Asuka soon asked.

"Well, they've been given homework on how to respond to the media." Daidōji informed. "I have a copy if you want to see." She then offered.

"...What's the catch?" Asuka soon asked.

"Catch?" Daidōji got out in confusion. "We're allies, Asuka. Why would there be a catch in giving you non-mission critical info?" She then questioned.

"Ehehe, sorry. Paranoia." Asuka sheepishly admitted.

Daidōji nodded in response as she handed over the documents. "Here you go." She soon offered.

Asuka took the papers and read through them.

It all seemed pretty standard. It was basically a copy-and-paste of the speech from the assembly at the beginning to summer, just replacing some words. The Phantom Thieves were still prominent throughout the instructions, but now it was more focused on ensuring that the staff would not give any incriminating statements that would land Shujin in even hotter water.

However, there was something that caught Asuka's eyes.

"To avoid answering questions like the above you can 1) Change to a different question. 2) Use vague yet committal vocabulary. 3) Imply the interviewer is too stupid to understand the real answer. 4) Change the subject and tell them something dreadful about Kosei High. 5) Give an answer that's so confusing, no one knows if you've said anything at all." Asuka read out. "...Why is Kosei involved here?" She soon asked while narrowing her eyes. She could already imagine her friends from said school would be upset over this.

"They haven't had a scandal yet, I assume." Daidōji guessed with a shrug.

"Why can't they give a straight answer?" Asuka then asked. These seemed more like...politician responses than what a teacher would say.

"Job security." Daidōji answered bluntly. "...For the principal." She then added.

The Vice Leader blinked. "...Can I-" Asuka began.

"Getting expelled is not an option. And neither does my firing...or our arrest." Daidōji strictly answered immediately. "Kobyakawa's karma will bite him in the ass soon though." She then assured.

Asuka eventually sighed. "Hopefully." She then mumbled in agreement.

"Well, I've kept here for long enough. You may go. Thank you, Asuka." Daidōji responded and informed.

"It's been a pleasure, Daidōji-senpai!" Asuka replied with a bow before heading out of the office.


(9/4, Evening)

(Akihabara, Electric Town)

Akira had just finished hanging out with the orangette hacker, helping her around the store. It wasn't a complete disaster, he was pretty sure those 500 yen 3TB hard drives were a scam or something, but Futaba made it out okay.

After getting Miyabi to escort her home, he was now free to simply hang around and buy some stuff for himself.

"Hmm, do I still have some fertilizer back in my attic?" The frizzy-haired student mumbled in question. "Maybe I should swing by Shinjuku. Never hurts to have extras..." Akira then added.

"Hey, should we call the police? A kid wandering around this late is never good."

"It's not that uncommon here. She's probably just a cosplayer shopping around. I mean, last I saw her she was at the arcade."

"Meh. You're probably right., But I don't recognise her bear plush from anywhere. Something so ugly would've come up on my feed eventually. You think my girlfriend will like it ironically or unironically?"

"I am your girlfriend."

"Oh...so about that..."

SLAP!

"Cosplayer with a bear." Akira muttered to himself, ignoring the sound of a slap from nearby. "I have a feeling I know who that is." He then realized before heading to the arcade.

"Come on! What happened to all that hand-eye coordination!?" Akira heard as soon as he arrived.

"Bebe-tan, let me focus!" The voice of a familiar girl exclaimed.

"Sounds like she's got a boost in confidence." Akira mentally assumed with a smile as he entered the arcade.

WINNER!

"YATTA!" Murasaki loudly cheered out, pumping her fist before quickly withdrawing into herself and blushed.

"That's a lot of Pocky you won." Akira remarked as he walked up to the girl.

The purplette's eyes widened as she recognized who it was and turned around. "Ah, Akira-san. Good evening." Murasaki greeted with the small sign of a smile.

"Good evening, Murasaki-san." Akira responded with a smile as he then glanced down to her hands. "And I see you brought your...friend with you." He then noted.

"Hey there, four-eyes!" Bebeby spoke up. "Here to show Murasaki a good time?" The plushie soon asked.

"You really have a way with words, don't you?" Akira bluntly countered with a sweatdrop.

"It is what makes me marketable." Bebeby replied.

The two however looked down at the plushie. "Does it?" They asked at the same time.

"I don't see any merchandise of you bozos." Bebeby pointed out.

"Oh, you would be surprised." Akira couldn't help but think. He bought Phantom Wafers last week for a snack.

Murasaki meanwhile blushed. She couldn't imagine anything with her face on it.

She could imagine herself as a figure though...

"So uh...Are you up for hanging out for a bit?" Akira soon offered.

"I'm...sort of out of money." Murasaki hesitantly revealed. It was more due to having to save it for her return ticket.

"Ah, don't worry. I can cover for-" Akira began before reaching into his pocket. He then paused as his smile froze on his face. "...Uh...Well, there are things we can enjoy for free." He awkwardly revealed.

"Well...can we just walk around for a while?" Murasaki eventually suggested.

"Sure." Akira replied with a nod. "Nice dress. It suits you." He then complimented. "Must be her Shinobi Tenshin outfit." He mentally deducted.

"T-Thanks." Murasaki replied with a blush. She was in her shinobi outfit right now, mostly because she had no clean clothes left to wear. "L-Let me go get a bag." She then added.

"I'll be waiting." Akira responded with a wave as the girl rushed off while he took all the Pocky out of the prize drop. "...Phantom Thieves Edition Pocky. Ugh...I really wish we could sue..." He grumbled before opening the box and eating a black and red stick. "...Dark chocolate." He muttered.

"I'm back." Murasaki informed with a bag in her hands.

The Leader suddenly realized that he was eating someone else's winnings and quickly ate the rest of the stick. "Ah, sorry I'm eating one of your prizes." Akira apologized.

"Oh, it's ok." Murasaki reassured.

"Yeah, the junk food would just go to her breasts if she ate them." Bebeby remarked.

"B-Bebe-tan..." Murasaki muttered in an embarrassed tone before taking a Pocky from the boy's box and stuck it in her mouth. "It...It's not that bad. I'm sure I can work it off later." She then admitted and stated.

"So, you two plan to do the Pocky game together?" Bebeby suggested.

Murasaki's blush immediately flared up. "BEBE-TAN!" She exclaimed while shaking the plushie.

"Huh?" Akira got out with a raised eyebrow.

"I-It's nothing." Murasaki got out with a red face as she waved her arms around, sending the plushie up into the air. "J-Just help me put my Pocky away!" She then requested while catching the plushie.

"Okay." Akira got out with a shrug before putting the boxes in the bag. "Maybe we should start selling Morgana plushies." He soon thought as he began imagining said product.

"Akira-kun?" Murasaki innocently called out in a curious manner.

"Ah, sorry. Got lost in my head." Akira sheepishly apologized before putting the rest into the bag. "There. That might make a good gift."

"For who?" Murasaki soon asked.

"I dunno. Everyone likes Pocky." Akira replied and added while shrugging his shoulders. "And you're definitely not gonna eat them all by yourself."

"True." Murasaki admitted in agreement. "Maybe I should give Onee-chan a box..." She then added.

"Hehe, I could see your sister trying that game with her friend if she was around." Bebeby remarked in amusement.

"But she would always eat the whole stick..." Murasaki muttered with a frown. She remembered how distraught Imu would be afterwards while Miyabi would look confused, thinking the game was about testing the strength of your teeth.

"Oh, you have an older sister?" Akira asked while feigning ignorance.

"Hai. She's...we aren't really on speaking terms. Not in a few years." Murasaki admitted with a shake of her head.

That instantly got Akira's attention. "What happened?" He soon asked.

"I...I'd rather not say..." Murasaki responded in a nervous manner.

"Ah, I see. Then I won't try to press the issue. But whatever happened, it's in the past." Akira assured in a comforting tone.

"Not really." Murasaki however stated. "It...It involves family related issues..." She then admitted.

"What?" Akira instantly asked in concern, alarm bells blaring in his ears. "Are they hurting you?" He soon guessed in a more serious tone.

"N-No...w-well, not anymore." Murasaki answered in a mumble.

Akira's hand twitched towards the phone in his pocket. He was really tempted to ask for their names, but held himself back.

It wouldn't help Murasaki if her parents got their hearts changed. This seemed more of an internal issue.

"I-Its ok, it isn't something you need to worry about." Murasaki reassured, though her expression contradicted her words.

"I worry about all my friends every time they aren't showing a true smile." Akira however revealed, surprising the girl. "Is there really nothing I can do to help?" He soon asked once more.

"..." Murasaki's eyes looked into the boy's own with a blush on her face before she calmed herself down. "...I need to fight my own battles, Akira-kun. I want to prove to you that I'm strong enough for you." She soon informed.

"You don't have to prove anything because you're strong already." Akira soon encouraged.

"I'm not." Murasaki denied as she shook her head.

"You're here, right? Outside, talking to someone you've only met last week." Akira however reminded with a charming smile. "And before that, you were in your room trying to shut out the world. And you came here all by yourself." He then pointed out.

"Ahem." Bebeby coughed.

"I mean...with a friend." Akira corrected himself. "Point is, you're stronger than you think you are." He soon encouraged.

"Maybe. But...I want to prove it to myself first." Murasaki hesitantly responded.

"...If you think that's what you want, then I'll do my best to support you." Akira responded with a nod.

BANG!

"I hope you do." Murasaki replied as she gave the boy a quick hug. "Thank you for taking me around." She then added in a grateful manner.

"You're welcome. I'll be glad to do it again if you ask." Akira responded with a charming and kind smile.

BANG!

And immediately, Murasaki's blush flared up.

"Just make out already!" Her plushie called out.

"B-B-B-B-Bebe-tan!" Murasaki stammered out, her head completely scarlet from embarrassment.

The Leader however sighed in response. "Bebeby-san, if I do that, her sister will kill me." Akira then reminded the plushie with a deadpan tone.

"S-She would..." Murasaki mumbled in agreement, though her head was still scarlet from the blush.

"I think it's best if Murasaki and I should just stay friends, Bebeby-san." Akira soon stated. "It's probably for the best." He then added.

SHATTER!

"A-Agreed..." Murasaki responded, though the boy noticed the hint of disappointment in the girl's voice.

"Sorry." Akira got out in an apologetic tone.

"Huh? You knew?"

"Only now. You didn't exactly hide your expression all that well." Akira replied and revealed. "But...we've only known each other for two weeks and you've only just come out of your shell. You need a little more time to better yourself first." He then reminded and explained.

SHATTER!

"H-Hai..." Murasaki admitted in agreement. It still hurt, but...maybe this was something she needed to hear. "I guess...I never stood a chance, didn't I?" She then assumed, tears threatening to form.

"Maybe in another time, maybe in another universe." Akira stated. "But that doesn't mean you never had a shot. It's just...personal circumstances." He then informed.

"...Sorry..." Murasaki soon apologized.

"That's nothing to be sorry about. Everyone deserves love. But there are a ton of other types of love you can experience. From friends, to family, to...even a pet." Akira soon apologized and explained. "Come on, it's not the end of the world, and I'm just one guy. You'll find someone eventually that will return your feelings." He then added.

"...You really think so?" Murasaki soon asked.

"You're a cute girl that has a love for games. Who wouldn't fall for you?" Akira countered and asked back with a charming smile.

BANG!

"C-Cute!?" Murasaki stammered with a red steaming head.

"Yup, very cute indeed." Akira reassured with a smile, causing more steam to come out of the girl's head.

"And big tits. Can't forget the big tits." Bebeby reminded in a witty manner.

"Shut up, Bebe-tan." Akira and Murasaki deadpanned.

"NEVER!" Bebeby countered.

The two couldn't help themselves and laughed at the plushie's waving around. "U-Um...thank you, Akira-kun. I...I think I needed that." Murasaki responded and admitted.

"No problem." Akira got out before a thought came to mind. "Hey, wait, what day is it? When are you leaving?" He soon asked.

"Tonight." Murasaki replied.

"Tonight?" Akira repeated, blinking a couple of times upon hearing that.

"Hai. In a couple of hours actually." Murasaki responded with obvious disappointment in her voice.

"That's too bad. I would've really liked to know you better." Akira soon admitted.

"...Maybe...but not today..." Murasaki responded. "I...I can still call you, right?" She then assumed in a hopeful manner.

"Of course." Akira replied with a nod of approval. "Feel free to talk to me anytime you need to." He then offered.

"O-Okay..." Murasaki got out with a nod. "I-I will when I have the chance." She then reassured. She was going to make sure she did.

"Still, I do hope you visit Tokyo again." Akira admitted with a smile.

BANG!

And Murasaki's blush immediately flared up once more. "H-Hai...I-I-I do t-t-too..." She stammered, feeling a bit humiliated on the inside. "B-But...I don't know when I'll come back..." The purplette soon admitted.

"Hey, if a friendship weakens by distance, then it isn't a real connection." Akira stated with a frown. "I'm sure we'll see each other again. And I'll be sure to keep you company as best as I can when that time comes." He then added and offered.

"Aw, just say you love her already and be done with it." Bebeby grumbled in annoyance.

"B-B-Bebe-tan!" Murasaki squeaked, blushing red. God, why won't she stay quiet!?

"Murasaki‐chan..." Akira sighed, feeling sorry for the poor girl. "Take your time. Don't rush into things just because you want it. Make some new friends and figure some stuff out while you're out there. I'm not going anywhere." He soon suggested and reassured while placing a hand on the girl's shoulder.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Murasaki's mind soon was doing backflips at the action, but held her emotions back as she looked at him. "...You better play games with me next time." She soon requested.

"I'll buy a console just for that." Akira assured while mentally going over his current financial situation. "You better get going. I'm sure your sister is worried sick." He then assumed.

Murasaki nodded to that. It hurt, but she knew there was a lot she had to make up for back at Hebijo.

"MAKE OUT!" Bebeby called out.

"Bebe-tan!" Murasaki exclaimed with an even hotter blush on her face.

Akira simply chuckled before...

CHU!

...Kissing the plushie's head. "There's one for the road. Goodbye Murasaki-chan." Akira stated before rubbing the girl's head.

"I'll see you again, Akira-kun." Murasaki promised with determination.

"Later, manwhore." Bebeby meanwhile remarked.

"...You are the second plushie-like person who has called me that." Akira suddenly deadpanned.

"Eh?" Murasaki and Bebeby got out in confusion.

"It's nothing." Akira responded as he went to take his leave before he realized something. Did they both just talk at the same time? "...Also, how did you...Ah, nevermind." He soon tried to ask before giving up. Maybe he should stop trying to apply logic to shinobi.

"...What a weird guy." Bebeby remarked, shaking her head.

"H-Hai..." Murasaki couldn't help but agree. "But I want to believe in the person he sees in me. So...I'll try...for my sake and for his..." She then stated with a blush on her face.

"Do. There is no try." Bebeby corrected and stated. "Now get your ass back to base and grab your bags, the train is leaving in two hours." She then got out as the purplette headed for the base.

When she returned to Hebijo, it was time to face her demons.


(Shinjuku, New Moon Apartment Complex)

Yumi had transformed back into her original form an hour later after she returned home, but she still felt the power flowing through her. It was...so warm and vast despite everything she represented.

This had to be her Awakened form. Ice Queen Yumi. That was the name that spoke into her mind after finally getting everything straightened out.

"Maaaaaan, I can't believe you got an Awakening Yumi-chii!" Shiki got out. "I didn't think you had it in you." She then admitted.

"I...didn't either..." Yumi replied. "I remember feeling this power earlier but...I was too focused on the Reaper to care..." She then thought with a frown.

"You still haven't told your guess on how you unlocked it." Shiki reminded.

"I just...it's rather embarrassing. I'd rather not say." Yumi admitted with a blush.

"Come on, it can't be-" Shiki began before her eyes widened. "...Yumi-chii, is Aki-" She then began with a cat-like grin.

"No! No, we did not do anything!" Yumi stammered and exclaimed. "J-Just please stop this nonsense so we can focus on the task at hand, please." She soon requested.

"Okay, okay. My lips are sealed." Shiki replied as she then took out a bag. "Hey, I found this awesome frame for cheap while you were out. You think this is good enough?" She then revealed and asked.

"It looks wonderful. Now where are my candles..." Yumi replied before she went back to rummaging through her bags. Currently, they are setting up a shrine for Kurokage in one of the corners of the room. They still needed to print out a photo of their late grandfather, but it was coming out nicely.

BZZT! BZZT!

"Ah, sorry, Shiki-san. But I need to answer this." Yumi got out as she apologized.

"Don't worry about it. You do what you need to do." Shiki assured, waving the girl off.

Yumi smiled before checking the group chat.

[Alibaba9: I'm so booooooooored!]

[Shut7heFUp: What're you talking about!? Analyze that data!]

[DarkEyeXI: Ryuji, that's not gonna make her work harder.]

[Alibaba9: Actually, I wish I was doing something. My PC's doing all the work. That leaves me with nothing to do here!]

[All4Painting: We are preparing for our school trips. None of us have the time to entertain you right now.]

[SushiRoll23: Me and Homu-neechan are all packed up and ready to go!]

[FireGirl20: We'll entertain you later.]

[Sweetkat06: Oh, shoot! I need to go shopping for Hawaii!]

[Shut7heFUp: All we need is a toothbrush, right? What're you panicking for?]

[Sweetkat06: There's a lot I need! Shampoos, lotions, conditioners...!]

[FireGirl20: You're not bringing toothpaste as well, Ryuji? Or soap? Because I seriously doubt the hotel we're staying at will provide those things.]

[All4Painting: Ah, that reminds me...I should pack a canvas. This trip will be a prime painting opportunity.]

[All4Painting: Will one be enough?]

[TheWildJ0ker: That's more than enough.]

[All4Painting: No, I should bring three. Inspiration may strike at any moment in time...Now regarding canvas size, bigger is better, yes?]

[Shut7heFUp: W-What're you asking us for!? What I mean is, you shouldn't take shit like that with you!]

[Negative8Degrees: Yusuke, DO NOT use your luggage space for art supplies! I know you only have one case!]

[All4Painting: I can buy a separate case for them...if I have the money for it, of course.]

[All4Painting: Oh, Yumi-senpai, if you don't mind...]

[Negative8Degrees: No. No, no, no, I'm not buying you another case with my money, Yusuke. Buy it on your own this time.]

[All4Painting: I figured as much.]

[FireGirl20: Seriously, Yusuke. You really need to handle money properly if you want to sustain yourself. Jeez.]

[SushiRoll23: That sounds like a trip to Mementos is in order tomorrow.]

[Alibaba9: Sounds good.]

[TheWildJ0ker: Maybe you should stick to pencils and sketch pads for now, Yusuke.]

"Yusuke-san..." Yumi groaned. She was lucky she was on the trip as well. Who knows what the young artist would do while he was out of the country,

"Hm? Your art friend? What's up?" Shiki guessed and asked.

"It's nothing, just...hoping Los Angeles will be an enlightening experience." Yumi admitted with a sigh.

"So jealous you're going to America. You have to get a souvenir for us." Shiki grumbled.

"I will." Yumi promised. Maybe one of those tacky t-shirts she sees tourists wearing might do...

BZZT! BZZT!

"Again?" Shiki got out with a raised eyebrow.

"Hold on." Yumi responded as she answered. "Hello?" She got out.

"Ugh! Finally you pick up." Homura breathed out in relief. "I didn't even know you were still alive until I saw you texting! You kinda worried me." She then admitted.

"Sorry I haven't talked with you in a while, Homura-san." Yumi got out in an apologetic tone. "A few personal issues came up." She then explained.

"Homura?" Shiki repeated in a curious manner.

"And you didn't tell me?" Homura questioned in concern. "Come on, I'd be happy to help." She then offered.

"Homura-san..." Yumi sighed as she shook her head. "I appreciate the offer but...I doubt you could help." She then stated.

"W-Why?" Homura soon asked.

"It's just...my grandfather. He passed away a few days ago." Yumi informed, still wincing even as she said that. Still, it didn't feel like a stab in the heart every time she thought about it.

"O-Oh...I'm so sorry." Homura got out in an apologetic tone.

"It's okay." Yumi responded. "One of my sisters is staying over making sure I'm okay. You don't need to worry about me." She then explained as she turned to Shiki, who silently waved at her before returning to making the shrine.

"I won't accept that." Homura however disagreed. "Sis and I will be coming over tomorrow to make sure you're taking care of yourself." She then stated.

"Homura-san, I'd rather not involve you or anyone else in this." Yumi admitted. "I mean, the comfort is nice but...right now, I need my family. I can schedule a session later if you want?" She soon suggested.

"...No. Actually, go ahead and spend time with your family." Homura stated, probably smiling on the other side. "You don't have to feel obligated to do anything with me." She added.

"...Thank you. We'll have another dance another time." Yumi then reassured.

"Sure." Homura got out. "You want me to tell the others?" She soon offered.

"I'll tell them tomorrow." Yumi responded. "I...I'll be fine. You don't need to worry about me. After all, I have friends and family. I'm not alone." She then reassured.

"Alright. Take care, Yumi-senpai." Homura replied.

"Homu-neechan, dinner's ready!" Asuka's voice called out.

"Ah, gotta go!" Homura responded.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Yumi replied before hanging up and letting out a breath.

"Sooo, who was that Yumi-chii?" Shiki soon asked.

"Oh, simply a very good friend of mine that I made while I was here." Yumi informed.

"Other than Akira or that artist friend you mentioned?" Shiki guessed.

"Yes. I've made quite a few friends since then." Yumi replied with a nod.

"Wow, you're a real social butterfly now. We should totally meet them someday." Shiki giggled before her phone began to ring. "Ah! That must be the others. Let me set up the video chat real quick..." She replied as she got the phone ready.

As soon as her sisters' faces showed on screen, the light gray haired girl smiled. "Hello, everyone." Yumi got out with a wave.

"Yumi!" Minori happily greeted.

"Good evening." Murakumo replied. Still wearing her mask.

"How are you feeling?" Yozakura asked in concern.

"...Better than yesterday." Yumi admitted with a smile. "How are you guys holding up?" She soon asked.

"About the same, actually." Yozakura admitted. "But seeing you like this just made everything better now. Thank you." She then added.

"Oh! I found a letter under his pillow." Minori suddenly informed as she pulled it out to show everyone. "It's...addressed to all of us." She then revealed.

"...We feel ashamed for not noticing it sooner." Murakumo meanwhile confessed.

"Should we...read it now?" Yumi soon asked.

"I was thinking...we should read it at the funeral." Yozakura responded and stated.

"You think so?" Shiki asked with a raised eyebrow before nodding. "Alright, then." She accepted.

"I hope his final message is something noteworthy for the five of us..." Murakumo muttered.

"Yumi-chan...do you really need to go back after the funeral?" Minori had to ask.

"Yes. My mission isn't done just yet." Yumi responded with a nod. "There's just too many things happening that will need my help." She then explained in a vague manner.

"Are you thinking of staying another year?" Yozakura soon asked.

"...No. I will come back once it is up." Yumi answered in a reassuring manner.

"Well, that would be..." Murakumo began before quickly calculating how long it had been since Yumi had left Gessen. "...Yumi, you've been gone for 14 months. That's over a year!"

Yumi blinked. "...Eh?" She got out with widened eyes.

"Yeah, you're definitely getting held back once you come back..." Shiki stated as the light gray haired girl paled. "...Which is why we're staying back too." She then concluded.

"Eh!?" Yumi gasped, staring at the fashionista in disbelief.

"What? We totally expected this as soon as we found out." Shiki pointed out with a bright smile. "You're not gonna miss any more memories with us. We'll stay by your side no matter what." She then promised.

"Agreed." Murakumo responded with a nod.

"To be honest, I don't think I'm ready to graduate yet." Yozakura admitted.

"Let's have fun when you're back!" Minori declared.

"Guys..." Yumi whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "Thank you." She then got out in a grateful tone.

"Hey, it's what family is for." Shiki assured as she patted her leader's back.

"Sooo, why don't we all just stay in Tokyo with Yumi-chan after the funeral?" Minori soon suggested.

The light gray haired girl's eyes immediately widened in response. "M-My apartment is small!" Yumi quickly pointed out. "Like...my bathroom easily takes up two-thirds of the place." She then stated.

"I can confirm that." Shiki meanwhile informed with a nod. "There's barely any room for a second futon. I sleep in front of the bathroom door." She then sheepishly revealed.

"Well, I'm sure that whatever inheritance we get, we can rent a place out for a few months." Yozakura suggested.

"Are you sure about this though?" Yumi meanwhile asked in concern. "Gessen is rather strict about this. A death in the family or not, you still have to keep up with your training. You'd all be running the risk of getting kicked out." She then reminded.

"I'm sure Wang Pai-sensei will understand once we explain everything." Murakumo responded.

"You'd have to convince the headmaster, not the teacher." Yumi however corrected. "The only reason I'm staying so long is because I'm on a mission. It's too dangerous to be in Tokyo for too long. Who knows what will happen?" She then stated and questioned.

"You don't want us to come?" Minori got out in a sad tone.

"I do...but I care more about your futures than my feelings." Yumi confessed. "I'll be fine." She then assured.

"But..." Minori began.

"I promise if things get too dangerous, I'll send a request for backup." Yumi reassured. "But now is not the time. I need to do this by myself." She then stated.

Yumi also did not want to deal with the nightmare of hiding the fact she was Phantom Thief for any longer than necessary. She really did want her sisters to be with her but...it was simply too dangerous to involve them in the various messes they tend to find themselves in.

"...Alright, but if things do get serious, you must get us into Tokyo no matter what." Yozakura responded with a nod.

"I will." Yumi replied with a nod of her own before blinking. "...That would mean Asuka-san and Homura-san will be held back too. At least, in shinobi education..." She mentally realized.

"Alright, alright enough of all this serious stuff already." Shiki sighed while waving her hand. "We're here to cheer each other up, so let's talk about the more...exciting stuff." She eventually suggested.

"Exciting?" The others repeated.

"You know what I mean~" Shiki sang out.

"...So...how did you become an idol?" Minori eventually asked.

"Minori..." Murakumo chided.

"Oh yeaaah! I wanted Yumi-chii to talk about it." Shiki remembered. "You're gonna love the details, for sure!" She then assured.

"Uh, Yumi, what is she talking about?" Murakumo asked, her eyebrow raising under her mask.

"It's okay. I'm sure you're all curious." Yumi got out with a small smile on her face. "Since I've already told Shiki-san here the reason, all of you at least deserve to know how I met Rise-san." She then added.

"Oh yeah, for sure." Shiki got out with a nod, remembering how her sister mentioned her being her mentor and all.

"Wait, huh? Rise? As in...Rise Kujikawa?" Yozakura assumed, blinking a couple of times.

"Hai. The very same. She is my mentor." Yumi confirmed and responded with a nod.

"...EEEEEEEEEH!?" Minori exclaimed in shock.

"Ugh, now True Story is stuck in my head again..." Yozakura groaned while shaking her head.

"Who's Rise?" Murakumo however questioned.

"You don't know who Rise Kujikawa is!?" Shiki exclaimed. "She's like one of the biggest music artists in Japan right now, right next to Hikaru Utada and Ayumi Hamasaki! Her first album sold out in the first twenty minutes! She was..." She began rambling.

Yumi slowly began leaning away from the blonde as she spouted out almost every Rise fact she knew off the top of her head.

Which was a lot.

"She took a break in the town of Yasoinaba, went missing, came back then re-debuted and then-" Shiki soon continued, however...

"Shiki!" Yozakura exclaimed before letting out a sigh. "Calm down. She is just another human being like you and me." She then added.

"You and me!? We're not singing to crowds in the millions and she's not beating people up with blades, gauntlets, and candy!" Shiki pointed out.

Rise suddenly sneezed...allowing her mentor to punch her in the face. "OW! That was a cheap shot!" She grunted out.

"There is no such thing in a fight." Daidōji countered.

"Oh, you're gonna pay for that, sensei!" Rise declared as she raised her mic stand into the air and charged at her.

"Still, this is unexpected." Murakumo confessed in an impressed manner. "To think you'd impress someone like her with your singing." She then added.

Yumi in response giggled. "Well, I didn't think anyone would be listening to me." She confessed in a sheepish manner.

"Oh now this is something I gotta hear." Shiki declared.

"It wasn't really all that exciting." Yumi however admitted. "I was simply singing to myself and she just happened to notice me." She soon revealed.

"So it was a chance encounter." Murakumo concluded in a fascinated tone. "It's a million in one chance to meet someone like that. Was she out hunting down new talent?" She then stated and questioned.

"No, as far as I know." Yumi responded as she shook her head.

"Well, it seems pretty unusual to me." Yozakura admitted.

"Stranger things have happened before." Yumi eventually pointed out. Oh, if only they knew...

"True." Murakumo admitted in agreement.

"Um...I wanna watch the debut concert together!" Minori spoke up.

"You haven't watched it?" Yumi questioned in a curious manner...before her eyes widened. "...Oh..." She soon realized as she gained an expression of shame.

"We will. Once things settle down."

"I've seen clips of it. You were amazing out there." Murakumo praised.

"Thank you." Yumi replied while bowing her head.

"You also froze for 10 minutes after going on stage." Shiki meanwhile pointed out.

Yumi gasped in too much air and started coughing. "I-It was my first time...i-it caught me off guard..." She explained with a blush.

"Well, at least you made a serious comeback with that song. Is it being released any time soon?" Yozakura stated and asked.

"I'm...still recording it." Yumi answered. She did not want to admit that she was making it up as she was going along.

"So...who was the Phantom?" Minori soon asked in a curious manner.

"O-Oh...um...there's a funny story about that..." Yumi began as she awkwardly chuckled.

And so, Yumi and her sisters talked the night away, each of them having a smile on their face as they enjoyed whatever topic they drifted towards.

And with that, Kurokage's spirit was able to rest in peace...no, to live on in the girls he saved.


Save Game…Quit!


Asuka/Yin's Social Stats:

Leadership- Mastermind (Level 4)

Knowledge- Professor (Level 4)

Proficiency- Masterful (Level 4)

Diligence- Thorough (Level 4)→ Rock Solid (Level 5)

Courage- Heroic (Level 5)

Homura/Yang's Development Stats:

Maturity- Adult (Level 4)

Knowledge- Professor (Level 4)

Femininity- Natural (Level 4)

Elegance- Yamato Nadeshiko (Level 5)

Understanding- Saintly (Level 5)


(Persona Analysis)

Black Maria (Virgin Goddess)

Arcana: Adjustment

Origins: Abrahamic Mythology

Trait: Positive Thoughts (Increase buff timers by 2 turns for self. Extends Auto- buffs for the entire party.)

Skills: Ziodyne, Bufudyne, Mediarama, Megidola, Dekaja

Resists: Bless, Curse

Null: Electricity

Weak: Psycho

Description: A holy mother of the dark, of Christian descent. The statues in regular churches are usually of the Virgin Mary, but there exist some suspicious black statues. They say that these statues originate in the Middle East, much like Egypt's Isis and the Phrygian Cybele.


Whew! Done! Next chapter is…Asuka's Rank 9!

We're gonna go kill Shin real quick.

UknownHero signing off, my friends!