Persona 5: The Phantom Files

by sithlorde1988

Will cover the events of Persona 5 Royal, with the sequel set to cover Strikers. What happens when in addition to Ren being sentenced to go live in the care of Sojiro Sakura for a year after being sued for assault, his younger brother is also ordered to go and oversee him? How will this extra character change things? Read to find out! More info in chapter 1! ALL CHAPTERS NOW EDITED

38. Festival Fun! Traumatized Oracle part 2

A/N: sithlorde1988 here, with another chapter of Persona 5- The Phantom Files! Don't really have a lot to say here, so let's hit up the disclaimer!

Disclaimer: sithlorde1988 does not own the Persona series in any way shape or form (aside from the OC Kusa/Draconis, who he made and thus does own, along with any other OCs that might appear in the story unless otherwise noted) and the actual credit for owning the Persona series belongs to Atlus, Sega and to some extent Koei Tecmo so all credit to them!

With that out of the way, let's get on with chapter 38 shall we?

Chapter 38- Finals, Fireworks, and Mystery! Traumatized Oracle part 2

(At Leblanc, with Ren, Kusa and Morgana)

"So, what's the plan Ren? Your evening's open so you could do most anything you wanted to do, within reason." Morgana said to Ren, who looked at his chats, then looked at Morgana while he spoke up.

"I see that Ann wants me to study with her, so I think I'll do that. Seems like a good use of my time. I'm sure Kusa here can find ways to keep himself occupied in the meantime, between gaming, private chatting and doing stuff around Leblanc." Ren said before both Morgana and Kusa nodded while Ren sent a response to Ann confirming that he'd like to study with her. Ann then asked Ren to meet her at the diner in Shibuya...

(At the diner with Ren, Morgana and Ann)

"This sucks! Ugh...what is this? I'm so confused. 'What is the meaning?' I don't know! This doesn't make any sense!" Ann said as Ren smiled and spoke up.

"Don't give up, Ann! Let's think through this together." Ren said confidently. Morgana smirked as he spoke up from inside Ren's bag.

"Yeah, you can't abandon Lady Ann. Think like your life depends on it!" Morgana said as Ren turned to Morgana and frowned as he spoke up.

"Morgana, quiet! This is a study session." Ren said pointedly so only Morgana could hear. Ren's Knowledge then got a sizable boost. Ann giggled and nodded.

"Okay! This stuff should be nothing compared to Shadows! Let's work together and defeat it, Ren! Okay, time to work..." Ann said as Ren nodded, and the two studied until they were told that the diner was closing, at which point they got up, paid the bill, and left, Ann speaking up with a sigh as the duo prepared to part ways for the night.

"Ugh, I'm spent. Night, Ren!" Ann said as Ren headed back to Leblanc and got ready for bed, Morgana deftly hopping onto Kusa's chest and curling up as the trio dozed off for the night...

(The next morning, on the train to school with Ren, Kusa, and Morgana)

"Hey, did you know that there's gonna be a summer festival in Odaiba?" A meat-loving student said to his veggie-loving friend who spoke up.

"A summer festival, huh...How can anyone eat so much fatty food when it's so hot out?" The meat-loving male student's veggie-loving male friend said as the meat-loving male student spoke up.

"Man, you just don't get it. It's BECAUSE it's hot out that we eat all that meat. Come on, let's go check it out. I'll treat you to a skewer." The meat-loving male student said as Morgana frowned and spoke up so only Ren and Kusa could hear.

"A summer festival, huh...Do you think they'll have any A5 beef there?" Morgana asked Ren and Kusa, who both shrugged as the latter spoke up.

"Possibly. But I couldn't say for sure without seeing for myself. And since that's probably the festival set to happen on the 18th, that's likely a no can do for me, but I don't mind. After all, it's not like this is the first time I've had to take a relative L for a good cause, and probably won't be the last either if I had to guess." Kusa said sagely. Morgana nodded as he spoke up.

"Good point. However, you two should probably worry about finals first. Once those are over, then it'll be summer vacation, so stay focused!" Morgana said as Ren and Kusa nodded, and the rest of the train ride passed uneventfully...

(A short time later, on the post-train walk to school with Ren, Kusa and Morgana)

"My hopes rest on the Phantom Thieves! I'm so glad the Phantom Thieves are all over the news." An energetic male student in front of Kusa and Ren said to his lighthearted male friend, who nodded as he spoke up.

"Yeah, they've really taken off since the whole Kamoshida thing. The legend of the Phantom Thieves started at OUR school! We're practically one of them!" The lighthearted guy said as the energetic guy spoke up, both ignoring the skeptical looks Ren and Kusa exchanged behind them as he spoke.

"And who can't relate to what they're doing? Punishing corrupt adults up to no good-the police should take notes." The energetic guy said as the rest of the walk to school passed uneventfully...

(Later that morning, in class with Ren, Ann and Morgana)

"Quiet down! People sure are making a fuss even though it's right before exams. Behind Kaneshiro's arrest are the 'Phantom Thieves', the mysterious group that changes people's hearts. If I recall correctly, there were similar rumors back during that business with Kamoshida-kun. Help the weak and crush the strong...Truly a modern legend of the gentleman thief. In the long history of humans, the gentleman thief has been seen briefly during times of turmoil. Now then, please look at this picture, Amamiya-kun." Inui said as Ren sat up to give Inui his full attention, looking at the picture which appeared to depict a poofy-haired male holding up another person while in waist-deep water. Inui then kept speaking after noticing Ren paying attention.

"This picture depicts the final moments of Ishikawa Goemon. Do you know the answer? He did something during the Sengoku period that had him and his family boiled to death. Do you know what he did?" Inui asked Ren, who pondered the question briefly before blinking as he recalled seeing a painting at the museum while doing research into Madarame before Yusuke joined the team that talked about Goemon's death, and smiled as he spoke up confidently with the answer.

"This is it! The answer is thievery." Ren said confidently. Inui nodded and clapped approvingly as he spoke up.

"Correct! That's correct. Ishikawa Goemon is Japan's most famous thief. He's very popular and some called him a gentleman thief. By the way, the Goemon bath comes from his name. Only stealing from the rich and powerful, and sharing with the poor...Goemon's exploits have been documented in many forms of media, like kabuki and novels." Inui said as the usual murmurs about Ren's intelligence ensued, complete with Morgana complimenting Ren's intelligence, which led to Ren's Knowledge increasing. At that point, Inui kept speaking.

"However, it's actually unclear whether or not Goemon was indeed a gentleman thief. Rebellion against Hideyoshi, whose campaign failed, propaganda by the government to sully his name...The gentleman thief Goemon may be no more than an illusion made by varying motivations. In actuality, most heroes and gentleman thieves throughout history are something like that." Inui said as Morgana nodded and spoke up so only Ren could hear.

"Yup! Let's make sure people don't think we're just an illusion. But before that, you need to study for the exams that are starting tomorrow." Morgana said as Ren nodded with the rest of class passing uneventfully...

(After school, in the nurse's office with Maruki)

Maruki sat at his desk, doing work when he heard a knock at the door, making him speak up without turning around.

"It's open! Come in!" Maruki said as Makoto walked in, making Maruki smile at her as he kept speaking.

"Welcome! Oh, you're the student council president. Niijima-san, correct?" Maruki asked Makoto, who nodded and sat down as she spoke up.

"Excuse me, sorry for coming by so suddenly." Makoto said apologetically as Maruki gave her a closed-eye grin and spoke up.

"It was nothing! Oh no, everyone's permitted to stop by whenever they like! I know the phrase 'counseling session' can make some people nervous, but don't be. Considering you're the student council president, I'd rather they didn't force you to come here at all, actually." Maruki said to Makoto who shook her head as she spoke up.

"N-No. Well, I was advised to come, but I still chose to do it on my own." Makoto said as Maruki smiled and nodded as he spoke up.

"Oh, good! Glad to hear it." Maruki said as Makoto spoke up, her words making Maruki chuckle as she spoke.

"But please, there's no need to be concerned about my being here. Feel free to discuss anything with me." Makoto said as Maruki winced and spoke up.

"Oh! Ah, right. So I shall. Heh, you're sounding more like the counselor in here than I am." Maruki said as he and Makoto then spoke to each other a bit as Maruki kept speaking.

"I see...Excellent grades, exemplary conduct...Wow, you appear to be the ideal honor student." Maruki said as Makoto spoke up.

"Oh, not at all-in fact, quite the opposite. I'm actually a bit of a mess, and I always have to turn to others for help." Makoto said honestly as Maruki nodded and spoke up.

"Well, you sure had me fooled. Even still, getting help isn't a bad thing at all. In fact, it's wonderful that you have a support system." Maruki said as Makoto nodded and did a closed-eye smile and spoke up.

"Indeed. You're not wrong to say that having a support system is a good thing. Especially lately. I feel like I can't do anything right by myself nowadays." Makoto said as Maruki looked at her in surprise while he spoke up.

"Hm? Did something go wrong for you?" Maruki asked Makoto, who nodded before frowning as she spoke up.

"Yes, but it's nothing major. I've come to understand all too well that it's a bad idea taking on more of a burden than one should." Makoto said as Maruki nodded, speaking up with a contemplative look on his face while he spoke.

"Hmm...You really do seem like someone with a mature sense of responsibility. However, that may be why people around you-especially the adults who should be protecting you-rely on you so much." Maruki said, making Makoto look at him in surprise while she spoke up.

"Adults...who should be protecting me? Had I been clever enough to understand that earlier, things may have gone a bit differently for me." Makoto said as Maruki blinked while he spoke up, clearly shocked by Makoto's answer as he spoke.

"You think so? Ah...you live alone with your older sister, I see. Pardon my saying so, but it seems you've been through quite a lot." Maruki said as Makoto nodded before she spoke up.

"But honestly, it only felt like the norm to me. But our lack of adult guardians has to have been hard on my sister-even now as well...and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard for me too." Makoto said as Maruki nodded before speaking up cautiously, looking wary while he spoke.

"Do you still remember them? Your parents, I mean." Maruki asked as Makoto nodded and spoke up.

"Yes. Okay, so not as much about my mother admittedly, but my father, without a doubt. In fact, now that I think about it, I may well have grown to be a bit uptight because of that." Makoto said as Maruki nodded and smiled slightly as he spoke up.

"I see. Is that so...And are you doing okay now? Is your support system adequate?" Maruki asked as Makoto nodded while she spoke up.

"Well, it's not as if I have a team of employees or anything, but I do have people that I'm able to rely upon quite well. Of course, I'd never think of them as replacements for my father or my sister. No one could replace either of them. What I've lost won't ever come back. I just need to keep my chin up and push towards my future." Makoto said as Maruki did a closed eye grin and chuckled while he spoke up, clearly impressed by Makoto's words.

"Heh, quite! Mm, I like the way you put that. No one can ever be replaced...yet we need to keep pushing towards our future. Should anything come up that you want help with, I'll be there to support you in any way I can. I will warn you, though, that my skills are pretty limited." Maruki said to Makoto, who giggled and did a closed-eye smile while she spoke up.

"Thank you. I appreciate the kind words." Makoto said as she and Maruki kept talking until their session was done...

(Around that same time, in class with Ren and Morgana)

"HEY! Hope you're ready for your exams. I'd be pretty sad if the leader of the Phantom Thieves got bad grades." Morgana said as Ren huffed and spoke up.

"Oh yeah? I'd be pretty sad if the navigator of the Phantom Thieves was thrown into a bath for teasing the leader." Ren joked as Morgana frowned before pouting in response to Ren threatening him with a bath as he spoke up.

"Not funny, Ren! But I'll quit teasing you." Morgana said huffily. Ren then checked his chats, seeing that he had messages from Ryuji and Makoto. He opened up Makoto's, intrigued at what she might want.

"Exams are coming up. Have your studies been going well? I can give you a general idea of what they were like when I was a second-year. What do you think? Want to study together?" Makoto sent, as Morgana spoke up at that point.

"So, what's it going to be? Do you want to study with Makoto?" Morgana asked Ren, who nodded while he spoke up.

"I do. You can go look for Kusa if you want while I do that, unless you don't mind hiding in my bag while I study." Ren said to Morgana, who spoke up.

"I think I'll go find Kusa, maybe make sure his studies are going well." Morgana said, hopping down and padding off to find Kusa while Ren sent a response to Makoto.

"Yeah, that sounds good. Let's study together." Ren sent to Makoto who smiled as she read the response and sent her own response.

"All right. Come to the library. I'm going to drill it into you, so prepare yourself." Makoto sent, making Ren wince but nod as he headed to the library...

(At the library with Makoto and Ren)

"This goes like this...Now solve this problem using the formula I just taught you. Do you understand, Ren-kun?" Makoto asked Ren, who nodded as he spoke up.

"Yeah, I get it. It's a bit tricky, but I believe I can do it. If nothing else, I should be able to do it with your teaching, Makoto." Ren said confidently. Makoto nodded as she spoke up.

"I see. Looks like my tips and teachings are helping you to study more efficiently, which is good." Makoto said as Ren nodded, feeling his Knowledge go up as he studied. Makoto then also nodded as she spoke up.

"I agree. Impressive, Ren-kun. You're a quick learner. This is actually pretty good review for me as well. Well then, let's move on to the next problem..." Makoto said as Ren nodded, and the two kept studying until the librarian told them it was getting late, at which point they agreed to pack it up and get going for the evening. As they parted ways, Makoto looked at Ren and spoke up.

"Well, I think this is a good place to stop for today. I'll see you later." Makoto said to Ren, who nodded as the two parted ways, Ren heading back to Leblanc...

(That evening, at Leblanc with Ren, Kusa and Morgana)

"Ah, you're back. It's already pretty late. Guess I should head home for the evening." Sojiro said as Ren nodded, right as Kusa and Morgana came into Leblanc, the former nodding to Ren as he checked his private chats, seeing that he had one from Ryuji. Ren then noticed a crossword, which he sat down and finished fairly quickly. Morgana then spoke up, looking at Ren while he spoke up.

"Oh wow, I couldn't figure that one out. Looks like your Knowledge got better from solving the crossword. After that, Ren opened up the private chat from Ryuji to look at it.

"Exams are coming up soon. You're not...getting a jump on studying without me, right? Right? If you're gonna do it, you wanna do it together? I'm in serious trouble..." Ryuji sent as Morgana spoke up.

"So, what's it going to be? Do you want to study with Ryuji?" Morgana asked Ren, who shrugged but eventually nodded as he spoke up.

"I might as well. After all, no such thing as studying too much, right? Besides, I could use all the Knowledge I can get." Ren said decisively as Morgana nodded.

"I'll go ahead and stay here with Kusa then, I suppose, and help him study if he needs it." Morgana said as Kusa spoke up with a smirk.

"I already study just fine on my own, but you know I welcome your company just the same, Morgana-sensei." Kusa said agreeably, giving the not-cat a pet on the head as he scooped him out of Ren's bag and set him on his shoulder. Ren then sent a response to Ryuji.

"All right, let's study together." Ren sent as Ryuji breathed a sigh of relief before grinning as he sent a response.

"That's a huge help. I'll be waiting at the diner in Shibuya." Ryuji sent as Ren headed to the diner...

(At the diner with Ren and Ryuji)

"YEAH! Huhhh, I'm starting to get the hang of this. So I guess that's what I do with this one too...Wait, that's no good. Dammit, what'd I mess up on?" Ryuji asked Ren who spoke up and thought about Ryuji's question as he spoke.

"Might be a careless mistake, but to be safe I'd say start over and check your work step by step." Ren said as Ryuji nodded his agreement and spoke up.

"That makes sense. If I go back and look at it step by step, maybe I can find where I messed up?" Ryuji said as he did just that and spoke up a short time later with a grin.

"Hmmm...Oh, here! If I just fix this...Whoa, problem solved! You're freakin' amazin', dude! I'm gonna go grab a refill. Solvin' that question's got me real pumped up." Ryuji said as Ren nodded, the two continuing to study until an employee told them the diner was getting ready to close, at which point they got up, paid their bill, and left, then as they made to split up for the night, Ryuji spoke up once more.

"Wanna head back? Guess we should go home. See you tomorrow!" Ryuji said as Ren nodded, heading back to Leblanc, where he heard Kusa and Morgana speaking, stopping at the base of the steps to listen in.

"Well, at least once the finals are over, it's summer vacation for a bit. So that's nice. That said, I can't help but wonder if this next Palace, whenever it might appear, might be a bit more of a doozy than usual? And also, I can't help but have the feeling that it's more than likely going to be related to Ren's remark about Taba having a Palace that night we had hot pot with the others, before Makoto joined.

Granted, I'm surprised we didn't also check to see if that asshat Akechi has a Palace, because I wouldn't be surprised if he did, but I suppose we can look into that later. Either way, Ren should be back from studying any time now, so I suppose I should finish up my own studying as well." Kusa said to Morgana who nodded as Ren came up the stairs at that point, as if summoned by Kusa saying his name.

"Ah, doing some studying of your own, eh Kusa? Sounds accurate, and I agree with it." Ren said sagely as Kusa nodded and cleared his sofa off before getting comfortable on the sofa while Morgana hopped up onto his chest and curled up comfortably, Ren smirking as he heard Morgana purring contentedly as he got ready for bed as well, getting laid down for the night...

(The next morning, between trains to school with Ren, Morgana, and Kusa)

As Ren and Kusa got off their first train to change lines to finish the trip to school, they were approached by Ryuji, who walked up to them and spoke up.

"Morning, Ren and Kusa! 'Sup! I just heard this, but apparently we're having a summer festival soon! I heard there's gonna be shit like kebabs, steaks...The hot stuff! Dude, I am so PUMPED!" Ryuji said as Ren spoke up, nodding to Ryuji while he spoke.

"That's true, but what about studying man? Are you sure you're fully prepared for finals? After all, Makoto would probably crucify you, or at least never let you live it down, if you got terrible grades." Ren pointed out sagely as Kusa laughed and spoke up.

"Nah Ren, never mind crucifying Ryuji, Makoto would probably punish the man severely! We're talking scathing rebukes, massive reproving, probably angry looks, and most definitely much more intensive tutoring. Not something that Ryuji probably wants." Kusa said with a nod. Ryuji nodded to Kusa's response as he spoke up.

"Truth, Kusa! Though I thought for a second you were about to say that Makoto was gonna go full-on dominatrix on me. Not gonna lie, that would suck, but it'd also be kinda hot in an odd sort of way as well." Ryuji said, as Kusa and Ren both winced while the former gave Ryuji a worried look as he spoke up.

"Okay, your odd fetishes aside, I purposely avoided such things since I was trying to illustrate that she'd punish you in the un-fun way, not punish you in the potentially kinky and wild way. Makoto's a student council president, after all. And I'm sure as such, she has a certain image to maintain. But hoo boy, I bet you'll have fun with it if you do get her behind closed doors." Kusa said as Ryuji grinned and nodded, fist-bumping Kusa as he spoke up.

"Hell yeah, man! Not that you have any room to talk, I'm sure. After all, you know what they say about the quiet ones. And add to that the fact that your friend's a red-head, and I'm sure you've got yourself a pretty fun time as well if things get serious between you two." Ryuji said with a knowing smirk as Kusa frowned and spoke up.

"Perhaps you're right, Ryuji. But again, let me remind you that I'm not rushing her into anything before she's ready. Also, I get a feeling she's a bit too shut-in and/or traumatized to even be thinking of such things, Ryuji." Kusa pointed out as Ryuji nodded while speaking up.

"Fair enough. That said, well, uh...C'mon, Ren! I'll figure it out! There was some English on the website too. Ahh, oh man, now I'm hungry. Let's get going already!" Ryuji said as Ren nodded, both himself and Kusa falling into step with Ryuji as the three finished the trip to school together as final exams started. A few days later, after Ren finished taking his exams, he stopped by the stairs as he heard a pair of female students speaking, deciding to listen in out of boredom.

"My parents are gonna kill me...There was so much stuff on that exam, I didn't have time to study everything...I probably could've managed if I had an extra week, too..." A languid-looking female said as her friend, a gossipy looking female, spoke up.

"An extra week, huh? The only people who get that kinda cushy treatment are the honor students." The gossipy female said, and Ren's eyes narrowed slightly as he heard what the languid female said next.

"Oh, you mean like Yoshizawa-san?" The languid female said as the gossipy female spoke up, Ren listening in as she spoke, unaware of Maruki walking up to him as he listened in.

"I heard the school moved her exam period. Must be nice getting perks like that..." The gossipy female said as Maruki got Ren's attention by speaking up.

"Hey there, Amamiya-kun. Congrats on surviving finals. Today was the last day, right? Say, would you happen to have some free time right now? There's something I'd like to discuss-I promise it'll just take a moment." Maruki said as Ren shrugged and spoke up, nodding while he spoke.

"Sure. I don't got much else going on right now, plus most of my friends probably already started heading home anyways. So I got some time for you, Doc." Ren said to Maruki who smiled and nodded as he spoke up.

"Thanks! I know you're probably exhausted, so I'll make this quick." Maruki said as Ren followed Maruki to the nurse's office. Once there, Maruki spoke up again.

"It sure has heated up now that the rainy season's passed. I just know my electric bill's going to start climbing this month...Anyway, as I mentioned, there's something I'd like your opinion on." Maruki said to Ren, who spoke uip.

"Do you need counseling? I hope that's what it is, since I doubt I'm any better off to ask about money troubles than you are, Kusa's attempts at teaching me to stretch a budget notwithstanding." Ren said as Maruki nodded and spoke up.

"Putting Kusa aside for the moment, what you said is...Well, I suppose that's actually accurate. I've had something on my mind lately, and I want to hear your take on it. Okay, here goes...Oh-this is all hypothetical, mind you, but imagine there's somebody for whom you have high expectations. They're trying their absolute hardest to meet those expectations. Now, this person receives an awful lot of special treatment from people so they can perform to the best of their abilities. So, what do you think those people will do if the expectations leveled on this person aren't met?" Maruki asked as Ren's eyes narrowed, suspecting that Maruki was referring to Kasumi with his question, but keeping that to himself as he spoke up.

"If I had to guess Doc, I'd say that if the expectations aren't met, that these hypothetical fickle people would then turn on the person they've been giving special treatment, as messed-up and unfair as it might be." Ren said bluntly as Maruki winced and spoke up, looking at Ren in surprise while he spoke.

"You're saying their expectations will turn into anger and scorn, right? Yep, that's definitely true. When you work as a counselor, you always think, 'I have to help this person so their heart doesn't break,' but that's easier said than done. This world really is a callous one. No matter how much positivity or dedication a person has in their hearts, there's one thing that's universally true of everyone.

No matter who the person in question might be, just a bit of influence from their peers can easily mess with their heads. Every time I'm confronted with such a situation, I can't help but grasp the limitations of therapy as a profession." Maruki said as Ren spoke up once more, nodding while he spoke.

"I agree, this word is indeed a callous one. That said, when those times come, my instinct is that you just have to keep trying and give it your best. Really, that's all you can do, no matter the outcome. Besides, nothing gained by giving up, right?" Ren said after a bit. Maruki smirked as he spoke up.

"Oh, I'm not sick of this job or anything like that, don't worry. Heh, sorry. I didn't mean to get all analytical. What I meant was, if we want to truly help people stuck in a predicament like that, we need a fundamental solution." Maruki said as Ren blinked at this while he spoke up.

"Like what, precisely? Fundamental solution seems like a slightly vague term to be honest." Ren said. Maruki nodded as he stroked his chin in thought. Eventually he spoke up.

"Hmm...Nothing really comes to mind at the moment. This is just a thought, but what if we got the Phantom Thieves to change our hearts?" Maruki said as Ren blinked and gave Maruki a confused look while Maruki kept speaking.

"Maybe have them shift our feelings so we won't lose to this unfair reality? It would ultimately be for the positive." Maruki said with a grin as Ren frowned while he spoke up.

"Perhaps, but is that REALLY a change of heart, Doc? That sounds both unrealistic and fanciful." Ren said as Maruki chuckled, nodding agreeably to Ren's words as he spoke up.

"Haha, good point. You're right. Sorry, I was just thinking out loud. Oops, I seem to have lost track of the time. I should be getting back to my work. Our conversation's been very enlightening. Thank you. And enjoy your vacation!" Maruki said to Ren, who nodded as he left Maruki's office, heading over to meet the others at the hideoout...

(At the hideout, with Makoto, Ann, Ren, Morgana, Ryuji, Yusuke and Kusa)

"Exams are finally over...I'm so exhausted..." Ann said as Ryuji nodded his agreement while he spoke up.

"I can get back to actually sleepin' in peace..." Ryuji said as Makoto did a closed-eye smile and spoke up, clearly amused by Ryuji's remark as she spoke.

"Huh. You must have been studying pretty hard if it kept you up at night." Makoto said as Kusa laughed at this and spoke up, smirking while he spoke.

"Ryuji, studying!? While it's possible that's what he did, I'd be more apt to believe he was up that late gaming or something. The only studying I see him willingly doing is studying ladies, maybe certain ladies moreso than others recently." Kusa said, grinning as he gave Ryuji a teasing wink as he chuckled while Ryuji frowned before speaking up.

"Shut up, Kusa! But you're right. I was up playin' video games. Slackin' off is just too much fun to pass up on." Ryuji said as Kusa smirked and spoke up.

"Called it. Probably not the best way to get a lady's attention, but I'll leave it at that since I'm not going to criticize how you do things. I'll leave that to Ann and Makoto." Kusa said right before Ann nodded and spoke up.

"I know, right Ryuji!? I kept cleaning my room instead of studying! It might even be TOO clean now, come to think of it." Ann said as Yusuke chuckled and spoke up.

"You two are perfect exemplars of what escapism can mean." Yusuke said as Makoto sighed while she spoke up.

"Ugh, and I can only imagine what the end result will be." Makoto said as Kusa spoke up.

"To be fair, I think Ann at least probably still passed everything. As for Ryuji? I wouldn't be surprised if he fails at least one exam, just because he's Ryuji, and that's kind of his thing to fail at at least one exam." Kusa said sagely as Ryuji huffed and spoke up.

"Shut up! Also, whatever, it's over with now. Who cares about that anymore!? What's real important is the Phantom Thieves' popularity! Ain't it amazin'!?" Ryuji said as Ann spoke up, gaping slightly while she spoke.

"It kinda feels like our time's finally here!" Ann said as Yusuke nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed. I have even heard people excitedly speculating about our next target. We will have to choose carefully." Yusuke said as Kusa spoke up at that point.

"I concur, Yusuke. But at the same time, I feel like we already know who our next target's going to be, more than likely, given what Ren inadvertently figured out that night we had hot pot together, aside from Makoto, who hadn't joined us yet at the time." Kusa said as Makoto spoke up.

"Ah yes, that would be the night that you and Ren told Ryuji, Ann and Yusuke about your shared past, yes? Given what was possibly discussed that night, I can guess that the target you're alluding to isn't Akechi-kun? Granted, he's easily egotistic enough he could have a Palace." Makoto said as Kusa laughed but shook his head as he spoke up.

"Nope, as much as I could see that asshole having a Palace, it's not Akechi. Unfortunately so, it's actually a friend of mine who Ren figured out has a palace. I think you might recall that I referred to them as Taba?" Kusa said to Makoto, who gasped in realization as she spoke up.

"Oh! You mean that red-headed girl you spend a lot of time with? Why would she have a Palace? That makes no sense." Makoto said as Kusa shrugged.

"I don't get it either, but the Meta-Nav confirmed it for us, and it's not been wrong about someone having a Palace so far, even if I'd rather it was wrong in this instance." Kusa said with a frown as Makoto nodded and spoke up.

"True. Either way, there's no need to hurry. We should spend some time thinking it over." Makoto said as Ryuji grinned and spoke up, smirking while he spoke.

"Hold up! The most important thing now, is our celebration party! I hope you guys didn't forget. It's the fireworks festival on the 18th." Ryuji said as everyone except Kusa nodded, and Kusa frowned as he spoke up.

"We remember, Ryuji. My question is, do YOU remember that I said I wouldn't be able to make it if the festival was before the 25th, since I'm about to go stay at Sakura-kun's house for a week, mostly since according to Sakura-kun, Taba's apparently having some issue or other. Because of that, Sakura-kun has asked me to go stay with him and Taba to give her moral support or something along those lines. Heh, as if I need an excuse to spend more time with her." Kusa said as Ryuji spoke up, not really hearing Kusa's remark.

"I guess we're good meetin' up in Shibuya, yeah? Let's say... 5 pm!" Ryuji said. Morgana frowned as he spoke up.

"Sorry to hear you won't be able to join us, Kusa, but I understand that you had prior commitments that you have to honor. That said, you sure are on top of THESE kinds of things, Ryuji." Morgana said as the group dispersed for the evening, Ren and Morgana heading back to Leblanc with Kusa...

(Back at Leblanc with Ren, Kusa and Morgana)

"Next up is the weather. It seems we'll continue to have localized torrential rainstorms all through next week. If you're heading outside, be prepared for sudden changes in the weather." The newscaster said as Ren and Kusa blinked before exchanging surprised looks at this and Kusa spoke up.

"Rain!? In July!? That's both surprising and random. Also, let's hope it doesn't rain during that fireworks festival, yeah?" Kusa said as Ren nodded, the two heading upstairs with Morgana, where the not-cat spoke up.

"Ugh, the time just flew by today, huh..." Morgana said as Kusa and Ren nodded. At that point Kusa started packing a bag with essentials he'd need for his week-long stay at the Sakura house. As he did so, Ren spoke up.

"Sucks that you're not gonna be available much for the next week, but maybe it'll be a blessing in disguise for you? After all, I get the sense you and Futaba are getting closer to one another. So maybe you two will get to bond more while you're over there." Ren said as Kusa shrugged while he spoke up.

"Perhaps. But we'll see what happens." Kusa said as he finished packing some changes of clothing, before heading down to the bathroom to retrieve his toothbrush and deodorant, plus some toothpaste, which he put in a sandwich bag and tucked into the front pocket of his bag. After that, he turned to Ren and spoke up.

"Well, this is it. I'm off to stay with Sakura-kun and Taba for a week. Be good while I'm gone, yeah? And don't give Morgana-sensei much grief, if any. That said, I leave watching over Ren to you, Morgana-sensei, while I'm gone. Don't let him get up to much mischief, yeah?" Kusa said to Morgana, who nodded agreeably before smiling as he spoke up.

"Can do. You go have fun with your friend. We'll see you when you get back." Morgana said as he nuzzled his face against Kusa's leg as Kusa petted him once more before setting him in Ren's arms, hefting his bag over one shoulder, and walking downstairs to go let Sojiro know he was ready to go get settled in at the house. After that, Ren checked the plant, and on seeing it needed nutrients, gave it some 'Mega Fertilizer', or the expensive plant nutrients, making Morgana gape as he spoke up.

"Whoa! You're gonna use that one!? You must really care about this plant!" Morgana said as Ren nodded, his Kindness getting a sizable boost from the nutrients. Morgana then kept speaking.

"That should do it for awhile." Morgana said as Ren nodded. He then got comfortable and laid down, since he realized he was worn out slightly from exams. Morgana nodded approvingly as he spoke up, curling up on the sofa, which he could smell Kusa on, while he spoke.

"Good. In any case, it's good that exams are over. Let's go to sleep." Morgana said as Ren nodded, getting comfortable for the night...

(Around that same time, with Kusa and Sojiro)

Sojiro finished closing up, smiling approvingly as he saw Kusa head down the stairs, his bag slung over one shoulder, and spoke up.

"Ah good, you're ready to go. I was hoping you'd use your time efficiently to get ready, so we could go once I closed up." Sojiro said approvingly to Kusa, who nodded as he spoke up.

"Naturally. I don't believe in wasting time if it can be avoided. Besides, if it's a request from you, I really can't refuse you, since you were nice enough to take Ren and I in. Not to mention the fact that it's also for Futaba's sake, and she doesn't deserve to go through what she does. So if I can at all help ease what she goes through, even a bit, I consider this worth it for that alone." Kusa said sagely as Sojiro nodded approvingly and spoke up.

"Well said. Let's head to the house. Oh, but like before, you're gonna be sleeping on the hide-a-bed in the living room, since I don't quite think it's a good idea for you to sleep much anywhere else just now." Sojiro said to Kusa who nodded approvingly as he spoke up.

"As you wish, Sakura-kun. I don't mind taking the hide-a-bed." Kusa said agreeably. Sojiro nodded as he and Kusa headed to the house, where they set up the hide-a-bed. After they got it set up for Kusa to use, Sojiro spoke up once more.

"Well, now that we've got you set up, let's get to bed, yeah? You've had a rough last few days with exams and all, and I'm sure you're worn out from all the studying you've been doing." Sojiro said as Kusa nodded agreeably, setting his bag down next to the hide-a-bed as he spoke up.

"You'll get no arguments from me, Sojiro. Between exams and studying, not to mention hearing Ren and the others constantly brag about whatever fireworks festival they're going to go to on the 18th, it's been a fairly trying time the past few days. As such, I welcome the chance to relax and not have to deal with Ren for a time." Kusa said as he sat down on the hide-a-bed and looked at Sojiro as Sojiro spoke up.

"Fireworks festival, huh? Interesting. I'm impressed you didn't try to go to it, to be honest Kusa." Sojiro said as Kusa shrugged before speaking up non-chalantly.

"I could have if I'd wanted to, but I think we both can agree that while such things are fun, Futaba's happiness and well-being come first." Kusa said sagely as Sojiro nodded approvingly to Kusa's words before he spoke up.

"Well put. Well, I'm off to bed. Keep the volume down if you watch TV, yeah? Otherwise, good night Kusa." Sojiro said as Kusa nodded, smiling at Sojiro while he spoke up.

"Fair enough. Night, Sojiro." Kusa said as he stretched out on the hide-a-bed and flipped through the channels to find something to watch as Sojiro smirked and headed to his room. Unbeknownst to Kusa and Sojiro, a certain shy redhead had poked her head out of her door when she heard Sojiro's voice, her eyes widening marginally in surprise when she also recognized Kusa's voice, as well as Sojiro mentioning Kusa staying with them for a week, making her smile as she went to lay down, both excited for the week to come, and pleased that Kusa was there...

(Back at Leblanc with Ren and Morgana)

Right as Ren made to lay down, his phone went off, making him groan as he reached over to answer it.

"Hello?" Ren said, slightly sleepily. He then sighed as he heard Ryuji's voice on the other end.

"Sup? Sorry for calling you so late-I wanted to ask you about that summer festival. You remember, the one I told you about?" Ryuji said as Ren nodded sleepily and spoke up.

"Yeah, I think so. Was it the one on the 18th that you ignored Kusa saying he couldn't make it to, since he had prior commitments to uphold that day?" Ren asked. Ryuji frowned as he spoke up.

"Come on, man! Well I KNOW so, dammit! C'mon, the whole thing with the kebabs? I completely spaced on it until now, but the festival's tomorrow. So, you wanna go?" Ryuji asked Ren, who yawned as he spoke up.

"Fine, fine. I'll go. I think it'd have been better if it'd been when Kusa could come, but I can't fault him for having plans already in place. Either way, I'll be there, probably with Morgana in tow, since I have to watch him solo with Kusa not being home for the next week while he goes to stay with Sakura-kun and Sakura-kun's daughter." Ren said as Ryuji grinned before he spoke up, a knowing smirk on his face.

"Yeah! Hell yeah, man! I knew you'd be down! Let's make sure we invite Yusuke too. He's always down to chow, isn't he? Oh crap, but I diiiid just remember they said it might rain tomorrow, though. Eh, whatever! No way's it gonna rain on a day like this! See ya tomorrow!" Ryuji said as Ren nodded, sleepily hanging up the phone as he laid down while Morgana spoke up from on the sofa.

"Ugh...how would HE know whether or not it'll rain? Sheesh, all worked up over a silly little festival...full of food...of all kinds...Well, I suppose you deserve to enjoy yourselve, but be sure to keep a low profile, all right?" Morgana said to Ren, who nodded agreeably as Morgana spoke up, yawning while he spoke.

"Well, let's turn in for the night. Anyways, let's get some sleep. Oh- and, uh, no sleeping in, got it? I'm gonna skip breakfast for this." Morgana said as Ren nodded agreeably while sweatdropping as the two laid down for the night...

(The next day, at the station with Ryuji and Yusuke)

Ryuji started to head for the festival only to stop short as he saw Yusuke walking over towards him, smiling as he spoke up.

"Oh, hey Yusuke! Sup? Wassup." Ryuji said as Yusuke blinked and spoke up.

"Mm..." Yusuke said making Ryuji look uncomfortable as he spoke up, stuttering slightly while he spoke.

"Wh-What? Why're you starin' at my face?" Ryuji asked Yusuke who shook himself before speaking up.

"Ryuji-I have a favor to ask." Yusuke said as Ryuji spoke up.

"A favor? Sure, you need some money for food or somethi-" Ryuji said before Yusuke cut him off by speaking up, smiling while he spoke.

"Not this time. I've actually been mulling over a new battle tactic for awhile now...And I'd like for you to lend a hand in bringing my idea to fruition." Yusuke said to Ryuji, who grinned in amusement, intrigued at Yusuke's mention of a new battle tactic while he spoke.

"Ooh, a new move, eh? That sounds badass! I totally want in!" Ryuji said eagerly as Yusuke stroked his cheek uneasily and frowned slightly before he spoke up.

"Well, it's merely a rough idea at this point, but..." Yusuke said as he proceeded to explain the idea he'd had for a new battle move to Ryuji, before looking at him as he finished his expalanation.

"Well, what do you think?" Yusuke asked Ryuji, who blinked while he spoke up.

"Wasn't that, like, I dunno, way more detailed than some rough idea?" Ryuji said to Yusuke who chuckled as he spoke up.

"Ha-I don't deserve such praise...I would merely prefer to add a splash of beauty to an otherwise barbaric battlefield, so to speak." Yusuke said as Ryuji grinned, pumping a fist excitedly as he spoke up.

"Sick! So, all we gotta do now is see how the Star reacts to your idea, right?" Ryuji said as Yusuke nodded while he spoke up.

"We should consult Jose about this soon. However, I can feel my appetite growing after describing my idea..." Yusuke said as Ryuji nodded while groaning as he spoke up.

"Same here." Ryuji said as he and Yusuke headed to the festival together...

(A short time later, at the festival with Ryuji, Ren, Morgana, and Yusuke)

"Ugh, it's sooo hot..." Ryuji said. Yusuke nodded his agreement while he spoke up.

"It's as if we're walking around in some enormous sauna." Yusuke said as Ryuji groaned before he spoke up.

"Whose bright idea was it to come here?" Ryuji asked as both Ren and Morgana looked at him pointedly as the former of the two spoke up.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, Ryuji, but unless I'm wrong, it was YOUR idea, which you called me up to suggest while I was about to go to bed, by the way." Ren said bluntly. Morgana nodded as he spoke up at that point.

"Yeah, what Ren said. It was YOURS, Ryuji!" Morgana pointed out dryly, making Ren wince at how much of Kusa's mannerisms Morgana had picked up on from sharing the sofa with him...

(Meanwhile, over at the Sakura household with Kusa)

Kusa yawned as he sat up, stretching out as he woke up, reaching for his tie-off to pull his hair into its' usual ponytail, getting dressed as he turned on the TV, his jaw dropping as he saw coverage of a food festival on TV and deciding to watch it as he set the remote down, getting comfortable as he watched the coverage. Around that time, he heard chuckling behind him, and looked over in time to see Futaba walk into the room, smirking at Kusa as she spoke up.

"Hoy, Kusa! Nice to see you're staying with us for a week. Wasn't expecting it, but I'm guessing it was Sojiro's idea?" Futaba said as Kusa nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, pretty much. Apparently, he figured I'd make for a good moral support of sorts since you're going through some sort of rough patch or something like that? Sakura-kun wasn't really specific on the details that much, to be honest. That said, I was just about to watch the coverage of a food festival on TV, if you want to watch it with me. But I understand if you'd rather not." Kusa said to Futaba who smiled before she spoke up.

"Nah, that actually sounds kinda fun. Hang on while I go nip into the kitchen to make us up some popcorn to share while we watch, since that sounds kind of good to be honest." Futaba said as Kusa nodded agreeably, smiling at Futaba while he spoke up.

"Sounds like a plan to me, Taba." Kusa said happily as Futaba headed into the kitchen while Kusa made up the hide-a-bed to look neat and made room for Futaba to sit with him, suddenly much more excited to see the coverage of the food festival. After a bit, Futaba walked in, carrying a good-sized bowl of popcorn, which Kusa got up to help Futaba carry as she followed him to the couch, where the two got comfortable sitting on the hide-a-bed as the coverage played.

"...and just look at that crowd! Smiling faces everywhere you look! With that, let's move right into asking some of the visitors here for their comments!" The female host said as the camera panned over, and Kusa's jaw dropped as he recognized the three males the camera panned to, as they were Ren, Ryuji, and Yusuke! Futaba blinked at Kusa as she spoke up.

"See someone you recognize, Kusa?" Futaba asked Kusa, who spoke up after a moment with a nod while he looked at Futaba before he spoke.

"Unfortunately so, yes I do. And I say unfortunately, since if my older brother and two of our friends are on TV, I dread to see what fresh hell Ryuji and Yusuke might encourage Ren to partake of. Dammit Ren, can you go ONE day without either winding up on TV or getting into mischief?" Kusa said, frowning slightly as Futaba giggled and spoke up.

"Cheer up, Kusa. They might be on TV, but are they the ones sharing a hide-a-bed, and a bowl of popcorn, with a pretty lady right now?" Futaba said as Kusa blinked at this but smiled as he spoke up.

"No, they most certainly are not. That would be myself who's doing both those things. Though I dunno if I'd have said you're pretty so much as I'd have possibly said beautiful to be honest, Taba." Kusa said honestly as Futaba blushed in surprise at Kusa's words as Yusuke could be heard on TV speaking up.

"A TV crew, eh?" Yusuke said as Ren spoke up with a wince.

"If that's the case, we'd better not stand out. We really can't afford to end up on TV, but it might be unavoidable here. Ugh, hopefully Kusa's not watching this. I get the idea he might either have apoplexy or just spend the entire time gaping." Ren said as Kusa huffed at Ren speaking about him, but conceding that he was right in his assessment. Ryuji then nodded as he spoke up on the TV, all three unaware they were being filmed.

"We should grab our kebabs and get outta here." Ryuji said as the female host from before saw Ryuji, Ren and Yusuke and spoke up.

"Ah, let's interview those three." The female host said as Kusa swore before speaking up.

"Shit! Of course that host wants to interview them. Dammit Ren, get the hell outta there before Ryuji does something to get the three of you into trouble and I have to kick his ass! As it is, he's lucky I talked Taba here out of kicking his ass the last time he talked about her in our private chats." Kusa said to the TV, making Futaba giggle at Kusa's reaction.

"No, Ryuji's lucky you talked me out of hacking his address and sending him an angry message! To be honest, you're all lucky I'm not hacking your phones. It'd be super easy to do." Futaba said as Kusa smiled and looked at Futaba before he spoke.

"No offense Taba, but I doubt you'd need to do that. Granted, it might be warranted with Ryuji and/or Yusuke, but the rest of us aren't that interesting to spy on, bar maybe Ren. But even then, I wouldn't advise it since you might tip Sojiro or Ren, if not both, off to your little wire-tap set up you have going at Leblanc. And yes, I spotted it. But I don't mind it, since I'm sure you did it for a good reason." Kusa said as Futaba nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, I did it to make sure no one messes with Sojiro. As it is, that one chick in a suit is lucky I have restraint after how roughly she was grilling Sojiro. Not to mention that other jerk who shoved you aside that night you went back to Leblanc." Futaba said huffily as Kusa spoke up.

"Agreed. I was so close to chasing that douchebag down and punching his friggin' lights out, but I refrained since he's not worth getting into trouble over. Besides, if I had, who's to say we'd have still been able to enjoy this moment we have together right now?" Kusa pointed out as Futaba smiled and nodded, getting comfortable on Kusa as she spoke up.

"Fair enough. Let's keep watching the TV for now." Futaba said, as Kusa nodded and the two turned back to the TV in time for Yusuke to be heard speaking up.

"Hey, is she talking about us?" Yusuke asked Ren and Ryuji, right as Ryuji spoke up.

"What the-?" Ryuji said right as a very familiar not-cat poked his head out of Ren's bag and spoke up, making Kusa's eyes go huge as he saw Morgana on the TV, forgetting in his shock that Futaba couldn't understand Morgana speaking due to not having been to the Metaverse previously, and so would've only heard a series of meows rather than what Kusa could currently hear.

"Wha-What do we do, Ren?" Morgana asked Ren who spoke up calmly.

"Let's just calm down, guys. We could make a run for it, but that might make things worse." Ren said sagely. Yusuke nodded as he spoke up.

"Good point. We'll look even more suspicious if we panic right now." Yusuke said as Morgana spoke up as the host walked over.

"Crap! They got us!" Morgana said as Ryuji spoke up.

"Aw, hell...Okay, I'm gonna ham it up and make some real cringy comments so they can't use any of the footage." Ryuji said as Kusa and Futaba winced, the latter speaking up.

"That idiot! Why doesn't he just cuss up a blue streak while he's at it if he's trying to make the footage un-airable? Also, cringy comments are only going to make their interview MORE air-able, not less!" Futaba huffed as Kusa nodded approvingly before he spoke up.

"My thoughts exactly, Taba. Besides, I have a good idea of just what sort of cringy comments he'd make, and if he says what I think he does, we're kicking his ass together." Kusa said decisively as Futaba nodded, her head resting on Kusa's shoulder as they kept watching the TV as Ryuji turned around to face the host while she spoke up.

"Hello! It sure is hot today, huh?" The host asked Ryuji who nodded as he spoke up.

"Oh, for sure, yeah! AND, if it's THIS hot in July, can you just imagine just how insane the weather's gonna be in December?" Ryuji said, as Kusa and Futaba's jaws dropped before they both spoke up in unison, their eyes widened slightly at what Ryuji had said.

"WHAT!?" Kusa and Futaba said in unison, the latter speaking up.

"In December!? That moron! Even if that is a good remark, everyone knows you say how insane the weather's gonna be in either September or October, NOT December! UGH!" Futaba said as she and Kusa kept watching the TV, the latter smiling at Futaba's adorable indignation as he helped himself to some popcorn. On screen, Ren sweatdropped at Ryuji's remark as the host kept speaking.

"Ah, anyway...Since you're here for the festival, does that mean you and your friends there are meat lovers?" The reporter asked Ryuji, who winced as he spoke up.

"Uh...I'd say that we're really lovers of fruit! Oh, and sweets! Sweets are just to DIE for!" Ryuji said as Kusa glared at the screen while he spoke up.

"While he's not wrong about sweets being great, did he HAVE to say he and his friends are lovers of fruit? Maybe that run-in he had with those guys in Shinjuku had more of an impact on him than I thought?" Kusa mused to himself, forgetting that Futaba didn't know about Ryuji's run-in with Julian and Angel in Shinjuku as he spoke.

"Eheheh..." The female host said uneasily as the cameraman subtly shook his head as if to say 'not worth it.', making the host nod as she spoke up.

"Well, ah...Thank you very much for your time!" The reporter said as she and the cameraman walked off to look for other parts of the festival to film as Kusa and Futaba got comfortable together to watch the rest of the festival...

(Back with Ren, Ryuji, Morgana and Yusuke)

"Phew, that was too close..." Ryuji said as Ren and Yusuke nodded, the latter speaking up.

"That was truly cringeworthy, but are you certain that they won't air any of it?" Yusuke asked Ryuji. Ryuji grinned and nodded as she spoke up.

"I'm pretty sure she thought that was a broadcast disaster. We oughta be okay." Ryuji said as Ren winced as his phone went off at that point, seeing it was a private chat from Kusa, which he reluctantly opened up to view, dreading what Kusa might have to say.

"Dammit Ren! How come Futaba and I went to watch the festival on TV in her living room, only to be completely blindsided by live effing coverage of you three idiots, highlighted by Ryuji acting like a complete and utter effing ham!? I can see Ryuji trying to act a fool on TV, but I'd had hope that you and Yusuke were smarter than that. I feel sorry for poor Morgana-sensei though, being caught up in that debacle that Ryuji caused." Kusa sent dryly as Ren winced and sent a response.

"You say that like I ASKED to be caught in that. But you're not wrong. Hope you two have fun together." Ren sent before he put his phone away as Morgana spoke up.

"More important than that, though? It's time to get some MEAT!" Morgana said happily as Ryuji grinned and nodded.

"Oh, right! My kebab!" Ryuji said as Yusuke looked over at Ren and spoke up.

"Something wrong, Ren? I saw you checking your phone." Yusuke said as Ren spoke up.

"Apparently, that interview we just did was broadcast live and Kusa saw it on TV with his friend. Needless to say, he wasn't amused at Ryuji's remarks." Ren said as Yusuke winced before the three went to get their food. Afterwards, Ryuji spoke up.

"The lines for the food stalls were even more insane than the heat!" Ryuji said as Yusuke nodded while he spoke up.

"Standing around in this sweltering heat was rather trying." Yusuke said as Ryuji spoke up with a wince.

"And almost all the good stuff was already sold out..." Ryuji said as Morgana spoke up.

"I didn't even eat breakfast this morning. I'm starting to get lightheaded..." Morgana said as Yusuke spoke up with a smile.

"Even still, an occasion like this seems to make everything taste delicious...How mysterious." Yusuke said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed. What a great time. It's because we're together that everything tastes delicious, corny as that might sound." Ren said. Ryuji smirked, grinning and nodding while he spoke up.

"Heh, that's pretty poetic, dude. Welp, we came all the way out here, so we might as well go check that thing out." Ryuji said as Ren and Yusuke exchanged confused looks, the latter speaking up with a frown.

"What thing?" Yusuke asked Ryuji, who spoke up with a frown.

"I heard they're building some kinda huge-ass stadium or somethin' nearby. Wait, was that what it was?" Ryuji said as Morgana huffed and spoke up.

"You don't know what you're talking about, do you?" Morgana asked dryly, again making Ren wince at how effortlessly Morgana was channeling Kusa. Yusuke then spoke up.

"A stadium, you say? Well, such buildings often have intriguing architecture, so if possible, I'd love to see it for personal reference." Yusuke said as Ryuji smirked and nodded while he spoke up.

"Yeah? Then c'mon, let's go." Ryuji said as Morgana and Ren nodded, the quartet heading towards the stadium. Once there, Ryuji frowned and spoke up.

"So, that's it? They barely even started?" Ryuji said grumpily as Yusuke spoke up warily.

"We seem to be premature spectators." Yusuke said as Ryuji turned to face him as he spoke up.

"I guess this is what people call 'jumping the gum'." Ryuji said as Ren and Morgana winced at Ryuji getting another saying wrong, the latter glaring as he spoke up.

"JUMPING THE GUN!" Morgana corrected Ryuji irately, both annoyed and hungry. Ryuji shrugged as he spoke up.

"There ain't nothin' to do here-you wanna go grab a bite somewhere?" Ryuji asked as Yusuke spoke up, looking regretful while he spoke.

"Sorry, I'm considering picking up more art supplies. I have a summer assignment to work on. Also, the summer festival drained my coffers. Even if I did grab a bite, all I could order would be water and a hot towel." Yusuke said as Ryuji groaned in disappointment before sighing as he spoke up.

"Ah...In that case, we probably oughta just call it quits for today." Ryuji said as Ren nodded right when Morgana perked up, seemingly hearing something.

"Hm?" Morgana said as he saw a familiar looking red-head walking over to the building and looking at it, making Morgana speak up, his words catching Ren's attention.

"Hey, isn't that Yoshizawa?" Morgana asked Ren, who turned to look and sure enough he saw Kasumi standing over next to the building, looking up at it. Morgana kept speaking.

"Don't you think she's acting strange? You know, she did mention something about a meet earlier." Morgana said as Ryuji and Yusuke started to leave, the former turning to Ren and speaking up when he realized Ren was making no move to leave.

"You comin, man?" Ryuji asked Ren, who simply shook his head and spoke up.

"Nah, man. I've got something to look into first. Go on and go ahead without me." Ren said simply as Ryuji shrugged but nodded his understanding as he spoke up.

"Huh? Oh, welp, see ya, then." Ryuji said as Yusuke nodded and spoke up.

"Yes, catch you later." Yusuke said. At that point, Ryuji and Yusuke walked off while Ren walked over to Kasumi, who blinked as she noticed Ren approaching, speaking up in surprise, looking over at Ren as she spoke.

"W-wait...Ren-senpai!?" Kasumi asked Ren, who smiled at Kasumi as he spoke up.

"Well, well, if it isn't Kasumi. What a pleasant surprise." Ren said conversationally. Kasumi blinked at the remark before shaking her head as she spoke up.

"Y-Yes. Did you come to see the stadium, too?" Kasumi asked Ren who spoke up.

"This is a stadium!? Ryuji mentioned that they were building something here, so he, Yusuke, and I decided to check it out. Then as we were getting ready to go, Morgana spotted you while poking his head out of my bag, and caught my attention so I spotted you, and I saw how upset you looked, so I figured I'd come make sure you were all right. But yes, I did come to see this place as well." Ren said as Kasumi frowned as she spoke up.

"Ah. Same here. I needed to give myself a pep talk." Kasumi said as Ren frowned at that and spoke up.

"A pep talk, you say? Is something bothering you, Kasumi? I'm here for you, if you need an ear to vent into." Ren said. Kasumi nodded as she spoke up.

"Thank you, Senpai. To be honest, sometimes, when things get me down, I come here. Although, that doesn't really answer your question, does it?" Kasumi said, as she gave Ren a closed-eye smile, grateful that he seemed to care about her enough to check up on her. She then kept speaking as she had an idea come to her while she looked at Ren.

"I know this may get in the way of your plans, but would you be willing to join me for lunch?" Kasumi asked Ren, who frowned as he noticed that Kasumi's eyes looked a little red and puffy, as if she'd been crying. Ren knew in that moment that regardless of if he'd had previous plans or not, which he actually didn't have any such plans as it happened, it would be best to join Kasumi for lunch. Ren also fought down his instinctive impulse to ask who had made Kasumi cry so he could find them and punish them, focusing instead on looking at Kasumi as he spoke up.

"Don't worry about it, Kasumi. Even if I did have plans, which I don't by the way, you come first as far as I'm concerned. So I have absolutely no problems joining you for lunch, if only so I can help wipe that sad look off your face. Because to be honest, that sad look has no business being on a face as beautiful and amazing as yours, Kasumi." Ren said smoothly as Kasumi smiled at Ren's words, nodding gratefully as she went to the diner with him to get lunch...

(A short time later, at the Diner with Kasumi and Ren)

"Phew! That was delicious. Thank you again for agreeing to join me for lunch, Ren-senpai." Kasumi said, an adorable closed-eye smile on her face. Ren nodded, smirking teasingly at Kasumi as he spoke up.

"You're quite welcome. That said, what did I just witness? Nah, but for real, I was happy to bring you along. If nothing else, it was worth to see that face of yours lit up with a smile. I'm not sure what happened that made you so sad, but I'm here for you if you want to talk about it." Ren said to Kasumi, who giggled at his initial question before speaking up, amused by Ren's reaction to her appetite.

"I'm always like this after a meet, Ren-senpai. In all honesty, I'd like to keep going even more, but any more will end up harming my performance." Kasumi said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"I see. So I take it the meet's done then?" Ren asked as Kasumi winced before speaking up, realizing Ren hadn't heard about the meet yet.

"Yeah. But simply put? It was a disaster. I've been feeling like I'm getting back into the natural flow of things, thanks to you, Ren-senpai. So thank you for that. But when the moment of truth arrived, my body still wouldn't move the way that I wanted it to." Kasumi said as Ren nodded understandingly before he spoke up.

"Ah. I see. That sounds rough. By chance, do you think it's some sort of mental block, or perhaps even performance anxiety? Either way, sorry to hear that happened, Kasumi. You just have to believe in yourself more and not get so worked up." Ren said. Kasumi blinked at the question, but nodded while she spoke up.

"I think...that's a big factor. Something similar happened to me in middle school-but back then, I had someone by my side that kept me going through such things." Kasumi said as Ren blinked at this and spoke up.

"Oh, really? Who do you mean, if you don't mind my asking?" Ren asked. When he saw Kasumi wince at the question, Ren immediately regretted asking but Kasumi spoke up before he could take his question back or apologize, looking at Ren as she spoke.

"I suppose there's no reason not to share this with you, Senpai. You see, I have a younger sister. We promised each other that we'd win international gymnastics competitions together, even going so far as to make it our shared dream. But this spring, she...died, in an accident." Kasumi said as Ren gasped silently but just let Kasumi keep speaking.

"I promised her we'd take the gold for our routines across the world...But I can't stop worrying about my lack of improvement lately. I've really been throwing myself into practice, but I wonder if even with all my practice, if that won't be enough to help me get the results I need." Kasumi said as Ren frowned before he spoke up.

"You really are doing your best, Kasumi. That said, it's not over yet, so never give up. That said, I seriously doubt this is your limit by any means." Ren said. Kasumi looked at Ren in surprise as she spoke up, both shocked at his words, and awed at how much he supported her and cared about her. She then spoke up.

"Ren-senpai...You're right! It's just getting started! You just keep on rescuing me, don't you?" Kasumi said, smiling happily at Ren as she kept speaking.

"Okay! No more brooding! I'm going to start from scratch and train as hard as I can." Kasumi said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"I believe it. You're not in this alone, though, you know. I'm always here for you, Kasumi. You don't have to be shy about reaching out to me most any time, within reason. Also, I know you can do anything you set your mind to, so never give up and keep giving it all you've got. With any luck, you'll get there someday." Ren said encouragingly to Kasumi, who smiled happily at Ren before she spoke up.

"Ren, err, I mean Ren-senpai, thank you. You're absolutely right! I'm not giving up! I can do anything I put my mind to!" Kasumi said before leaning in and kissing Ren on the cheek impulsively before giggling at the adorably shy and shocked look on his face as she kept speaking.

"That said, thank you so much for listening to all that! Now I feel like I've been recharged, mind, body, and spirit-" Kasumi said, before she was interrupted by her stomach grumbling, making her chuckle nervously as she looked at Ren in embarrassment while she kept speaking.

"Well, at least my mind and spirit are recharged! They say the best way to stave off hunger is with some vigorous activity! I'm going to jog home, Ren-senpai! Take care!" Kasumi said as she got up, hugged a surprised Ren after once more kissing him on the cheek, and left. At that point, Ren and Morgana headed back to Leblanc, the former wondering if Kusa was having as good of a day as he was...

(At the same time as Ren and Kasumi's lunch 'date', back with Kusa and Futaba)

"Well, the unexpected appearances of Ren, Ryuji and Yusuke on the TV aside, that was quite a fun festival to watch, wasn't it Taba?" Kusa said with a smile, blinking when Futaba didn't immediately answer him, making him look over at her, only to blink in surprise as he saw that somewhere along the way, she'd dozed off on him while watching the festival. Kusa hesitated, since part of him knew he should carry her to her bed to sleep, but another part of him wanted to just leave her as is so she could rest.

Eventually the part that wanted her to stay put won out, and Kusa just pulled the blanket over the two of them as he leaned back and put on a random movie and watched it while smiling down at Futaba as he quietly spoke, mostly to himself.

"Yes, that's right. Rest now, Taba. I've got you, and you're safe." Kusa said softly as he gently tucked the blanket around Futaba, who was happily dozing on Kusa's chest, making Kusa instinctively put an arm around her protectively as he leaned back to watch the movie he'd picked out, enjoying having Futaba next to him. Sometime near the end of the movie, he heard a low groaning next to him, looking down as he saw Futaba rolling around in her sleep, blinking as he realized she was talking in her sleep.

"No, no, make it stop. I didn't do it. Make it stop." Futaba said as Kusa frowned, gently running his fingers through Futaba's hair reassuringly as he looked down at her and spoke up.

"You're okay, Taba. I've got you. It's just a bad dream." Kusa said as Futaba kept mumbling to herself, seemingly lost in her dream. Reluctantly, Kusa gently started shaking Futaba awake.

"Taba, wake up. You're having a bad dream." Kusa said as he gently shook Futaba to wake her up. After a few shakes, Futaba's eyes cracked open slightly, looking around in confusion until she realized she was in her living room, blinking as she heard the TV going, then gasping silently as she saw the arm around her waist, turning around before smiling as she realized it was Kusa's arm around her waist and that she'd fallen asleep on him, making her wince as she looked at him.

"Oops, sorry Kusa. Didn't mean to doze off on you." Futaba said apologetically to Kusa, who waved it off before he spoke up.

"No problem, Taba. I don't mind. If anything, you're quite cute when you're sleeping. I wasn't going to wake you, but then you started muttering in your sleep, presumably having a nightmare, and I knew I had to wake you lest you start screaming in your sleep or flailing around, which sometimes happens to people who have nightmares. So I apologize for shaking you awake, but you weren't listening when I told you you were safe." Kusa said as Futaba smiled while she spoke up.

"Fair enough. If I had to guess, I was probably having another nightmare about losing my mom. I did tell you that she died fairly recently in an accident, right?" Futaba asked Kusa, who politely shook his head in the negative before speaking up.

"No, you didn't. But I wasn't trying to pry into your business by asking about it. You lost your mom? I'm sorry to hear that, Taba. If you want to talk about it, I'm willing to listen." Kusa told Futaba honestly, making her smile gratefully at Kusa as she spoke up.

"Thank you. I guess I should tell you about it. Basically, around 1-2 years ago, my mom and I were out on a walk when she started seizing up, seemed to pass out, and then seemingly dove into traffic, getting hit by a car which killed her on impact. Her death was then ruled a suicide by the authorities after an investigation." Futaba said sadly as Kusa gaped slightly on hearing that before he gently gave Futaba a one-armed hug of comfort while he spoke up.

"I'm so sorry to hear you went through that. But, I can't help but wonder about something. Did your mom actually dive into traffic, Taba? Or was that just what it looked like? Because with all due respect, I don't think her death was a suicide. But I don't have proof to back my thought up, though I think she might have been a victim of a mental shutdown. I assume you've been watching the news reports about the ones that have happened over the past several months?" Kusa said to Futaba, who nodded, smiling as she leaned into Kusa's hug and smiled as she listened to Kusa's voice as he kept speaking.

"Depending on how she fell into the traffic, she could've been passing out after a mental shutdown. In which case she was murdered. Which I'm guessing you were accused of doing, given your 'I didn't do it, make it stop.' remark you made in your sleep when I was trying to comfort you earlier." Kusa said bluntly as Futaba winced but nodded as she spoke up.

"Yeah. I was passed around my relatives after she passed, most of whom just accused me of being the reason she died, and many refused to take care of me. Some of them, like my uncle, went so far as to make me sleep on a floor without bathing while I lived with them. It wasn't fun, let me tell you. Eventually though, Sojiro took me in and has been nothing but kind and supportive since then, even if I haven't been the most open with him with my shut-in tendencies.

I've actually felt kind of bad about that, but I have no idea how to go about explaining to him what I just told you. As it is, I'm shocked I confided in you with this. No offense to you, of course, Kusa. But I don't usually open up to people like this." Futaba said as Kusa smiled and nodded, speaking up with a charming grin.

"I'm sure that's because you know I'd never let anyone hurt you if I was at all able to prevent it. I would protect you with all of my might, with my very being if necessary. But I can understand you having a hard time opening up to others. The reason I say this is that until both Ren, along with our mother, had to basically sit me down and intervene to make me see how harmful my shut-in habits were, I was literally so much of a shut-in, I was keeping myself locked in my room and not coming out except if I needed the bathroom. I even had my meals brought in to me.

Once I had both of them confront me with how much what I was doing hurt them, I was able to realize that I needed to stop being a shut-in before it got to a point of no return. So, I made the difficult decision to start opening up to others and being outgoing again. And before you ask, I say all this to help you realize that it's not an easy decision to make, trying to break a lifestyle of self-imposed isolation and shut-in behavior. However, it can be done if you put in the effort. And never doubt that I'll be here for you every step of the way." Kusa said to Futaba, who smiled and nodded, speaking up warily.

"I understand. If you're willing to help me, I'm willing to try and change, but I stand by what I said before about a change of heart probably being the best way to change myself." Futaba said as Kusa frowned and spoke up.

"If that's truly how you feel, I won't stop you Taba. But I think you have to be absolutely sure that's what you want, before you make such a drastic decision. After all, change of hearts, from what I know, aren't something that can be un-done once they're performed, so you have to be absolutely, 1000+% sure you want it before you commit to it. But if it will make you happy, then we can see about getting you a change of heart, Taba." Kusa said, even though he'd rather not change her heart if it can be avoided. Futaba smiled prettily at Kusa, giving him a grateful look as she spoke up.

"Thank you! I knew you'd understand, Kusa." Futaba said as she smiled before kissing Kusa's cheek and heading back to her room, leaving a gaping Kusa to blink at Futaba as he shrugged, taking the now-empty popcorn bowl into the kitchen and doing the dishes before checking the bed and the floor to make sure there were no spilled kernels or crumbs on the hide-a-bed before fixing it up to be usable and stretching a bit as he went to sit back on the hide-a-bed, blushing slightly as he put a hand to where Futaba had kissed him, smirking as he realized that his and Futaba's previous conversation had in fact just happened. As he sat there, he smirked, wondering if Ren was having this good of a day...

(Meanwhile, back at Leblanc with Ren and Morgana)

"Ah, you're back." Sojiro said to Ren as he walked back into Leblanc with Morgana, getting a polite nod of greeting from Ren, who frowned as his phone went off. He saw it was a private chat from Mishima and looked at it.

"How could you, Amamiya the elder!?" Mishima sent as Ren sent a response.

"How could I what? You're confusing me, Mishima." Ren sent. Mishima sent a response.

"If you were going to the summer festival, why didn't you invite me!?" Mishima sent as Morgana winced and spoke up.

"WHAT DID HE SAY!? How does Mishima know about that?" Morgana asked Ren who shrugged as he looked at the response Mishima had just sent and blinked.

"They're showing it on TV. Something about it being hot in December, or saying sweets are 'to die for'...? There's a bit with Sakamoto saying some really crazy stuff." Mishima sent as Ren winced and sent a response.

"Mission failed, it seems." Ren sent as Mishima frowned and sent a response.

"Mission? What are you talking about? Look, my point is, next time you guys are going out to have fun, can't I come along too? I'm the Phantom Thieves' producer, you know!" Mishima sent as Ren winced and put his phone away. Morgana winced too before he spoke up.

"Aw man, are you kidding me right now? I hope Lady Ann and the others haven't found out about this yet." Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"If Kusa and his friend saw it on TV, I'd be very surprised if the others didn't also see it." Ren said sagely as Morgana winced but nodded, neither seeing Sojiro frown at the mention of Kusa and Futaba watching TV together. Ren then saw he had a message from Ann, inviting him to go see a movie with her, to his surprise. He also saw a message from Ryuji and Yusuke, which he opened.

"Here's our commemorative photos from the summer festival! At least, that was the idea..." Ryuji sent as he sent a picture of Ren trying to hold a cup of what appeared to be iced slushy, Morgana leaning out of his bag to try and catch the falling cup, unsuccessfully as it turns out due to having paws, making Ren and Morgana wince at the photo as Yusuke sent a response.

"It's...certainly evocative." Yusuke sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Well, don't let it get to you. Shit happens." Ryuji sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"It's understandable, given the heat. Perhaps your hands grew sweaty and it slipped." Yusuke sent as Ryuji sent another response.

"Next time, we'll make sure we go somewhere we can actually eat." Ryuji sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"Agreed. I'd prefer an indoor establishment, myself. Preferably one with ample seating and free refills on water." Yusuke sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Uhm Yusuke? If we did that, that'd just be the diner again." Ryuji sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"And why not? It's a place of calm where one may also partake of delicious food." Yusuke sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"I mean, I guess that's true? Man, all this talk about food's gotten me hungry. A cup ramen would hit the spot." Ryuji sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"I believe I shall do the same. Fortunately, I recently acquired some high-quality bread crusts." Yusuke sent as Morgana winced and spoke up.

"Sorry I couldn't catch it for you. I always forget how short my arms are as a cat..." Morgana said as Ren blinked and spoke up.

"But you're not a cat, Morgana?" Ren said as Morgana nodded appreciatively and spoke up.

"You're right. I was referring to the form I'm currently stuck in." Morgana said as Ren nodded and closed the group chat. Ren then recalled it was an aojiru day and headed to the Underground Walkway where they had a Seafood Aojiru that increases Knowledge, which he spent 5,000 yen to purchase. He then chugged it as his Knowledge increased. As he pondered what to do with his night, he recalled that Sundays were also Yoshida days, so he decided to hang out with Yoshida. As Ren approached Yoshida, he saw him giving a speech and listened to it.

"Everyone! Facing civic disorder and economic uncertainty...our citizens are in turmoil. It is imperative that we resolve this situation, and social reform must be led by the government. However, who can the people currently depend on at a time like this? Yes, the Phantom Thieves! The fact that they're being lionized is proof that the government is malfunctioning! The mismanagement by authority figures is what has led us to this terrible condition..." Yoshida said before he noticed Ren listening in and blinked as he turned to face Ren whil he spoke.

"Oh, good evening, Amamiya-kun. What kind of friends do you spend your time with? You can withstand difficult times if you have friends who support you through them. I'm scheduled to give a speech today, but one thing about it will be different...I could use your help, as usual. Do you mind?" Yoshida said as Morgana spoke up.

"So, are you going to go help Yoshida out?" Morgana asked Ren, who nodded as he spoke up.

"Of course. I have to keep up my end of our deal, after all." Ren said decisively. Yoshida nodded and spoke up.

"Thank you, Amamiya-kun. However, I should warn you that cameras will be coming today, apparently. I don't feel good about that, but I couldn't decline...Regardless, we will do as we always have done." Yoshida said as Ren nodded, taking his usual place holding up a placard as Yoshida started his speech.

"The important thing is acting not in self-interest, but for the greater good...I believe that is the mindset we politicians must instill in our constituents!" Yoshida said as a cameraman walked up to film the speech, speaking up as he looked at the director next to him.

"Okay, all cued up." The cameraman said as the director spoke up to the cameraman.

"Okay, we should be able to get a lot of interesting footage. It IS No-Good Tora, after all." The director said as Yoshida kept speaking.

"Advocate an overly optimistic policy only to lure in voters during the election season...That's how No-Good Tora thought and operated twenty years ago, making unachievable pledges." Yoshida said as the director frowned and spoke up to the cameraman.

"Hm, this isn't how I saw this going..." The director said as Yoshida kept speaking.

"If you make a promise, you must keep it. If you make a mistake, you must atone for it. Those are basic human principles that we have all learned from the youngest of ages..." Yoshida said as the director spoke to the cameraman.

"Boring." The director said as the cameraman shrugged and spoke up.

"He's making some pretty good points, don't you think?" The cameraman said. The director frowned before he spoke up.

"That's why it's all useless!" The director said as he and the cameraman left. After the speech, Yoshida laughed as he looked at Ren and spoke up.

"It seems like they only wanted to get some footage of the old No-Good Tora. Very disrespectful. However, I've been distancing myself from that. Do you think I've regained my confidence?" Yoshida asked Ren who nodded as he spoke up.

"I do think so. However, the media doesn't matter at all, Mister Yoshida. What matters is that you stick to your beliefs and principles." Ren said sagely. Yoshida nodded approvingly before he spoke up, giving Ren a grateful look while he spoke.

"You're right. So you're saying I should decide for myself then, hm? You really are quite impressive. This is the beginning...of everything. Hey, can I tell you a story?" Yoshida asked Ren, who nodded as Yoshida spoke up once more.

"I mentioned this before, but twenty years ago, I was lucky enough to become a Diet member. However, I wanted to be a politician for all the wrong reasons. I wanted to be in a position of power and I was obsessed with the glamorous lifestyle. I thought only of being popular. I truly was 'No-Good Tora'. Hey, learn from me. Don't let being a member of the Diet be your only goal in life. Voters are much more sensible than we give them credit for. Being ambitious and striving to advance in the political world will change your outlook on life." Yoshida said as Ren listened while Yoshida eagerly advised him, feeling his bond with Yoshida deepen.

At that moment, the 'Sun' card appeared in his mind's eye, the 'IV' becoming a 'V' to signify that his Sun Confidant link with Yoshida had reached Rank 5, and as a result, Yoshida had allowed Ren to learn the art of Manipulation, letting him occasionally boost the chances of getting enemies to give him a rare item in battle. Afterwards, a man in a suit approached Yoshida and spoke up.

"You've given some good speeches, Mister Yoshida. I can't believe you've lost the last two elections." The man said to Yoshida, who blinked in surprise as he turned to face the brown-haired young man and spoke up.

"Hm!? You're... Mister Kuramoto's grandson?" Yoshida asked the man in a suit who nodded as he spoke up.

"That's correct. I'm his grandson, Benzo." The now-named Benzo said. Yoshida spoke up once more.

"Does he know that you're here speaking with me now?" Yoshida asked Benzo who nodded as he spoke up.

"I'm aware that you and my grandfather are on bad terms, but that doesn't concern me." Benzo said before looking at Ren as he spoke up.

"This must be your secretary, huh? I heard he's been helping you out a lot lately." Benzo said, making both Ren and Yoshida look at Benzo in shock as the latter spoke up.

"WHAT!? You know about him?" Yoshida said in surprise, his eyes wide while he spoke. Benzo nodded as he spoke up.

"My grandfather was recently hospitalized, and you've become the topic of our conversations. I'd like to talk to you again sometime. I learned a lot from your speech today." Benzo said as he walked off, leaving Yoshida to frown as he looked at Ren before speaking up.

"Hmm...Mister Kuramoto spoke of me?" Yoshida said as his phone rang and he blinked as he checked the caller ID.

"Matsushita...?" Yoshida said as he looked at Ren and spoke up.

"Sorry, I have to take care of some business. Let's wrap this up for today." Yoshida said to Ren, as he felt his Charm increase from listening to Yoshida's speech, raising his Charm which increased a bit. After that, Yoshida spoke up once more as Ren started to leave.

"Well then, I'll see you again soon. Good job." Yoshida said as Ren headed back to Leblanc. Once he got back and sat down on his bed, he was surprised by his phone going off, but smiled when he saw it was a private chat from Kasumi, which he eagerly opened up.

"Hello, Ren-senpai! Thank you so much for earlier. Now, I can give it 110% tomorrow at practice!" Kasumi sent as Ren chuckled and sent a response.

"Back at it already, are you? You're not going to rest first? After all, rest is essential to keeping your mind, body, and spirit in balance they say." Ren sent. Kasumi sent a response at that point.

"Nope! If I take a day off it'll dull my senses. Next meet, I'll make it onto the winner's podium. I swear! I won't slip up again like I did before. I'll have some great news next time I see you! I promise!" Kasumi sent as Ren smiled and sent a response.

"I'll hold you to that, Kasumi! See you whenever I see you again!" Ren sent as he put his phone away. Morgana then spoke up, seeing the relieved look on Ren's face.

"Hey! Looks like Yoshizawa's going to be okay now. Heh, she sure had us, and by us I mostly mean you, worried." Morgana said as Ren nodded, laying down for the night as Morgana got comfortable on the sofa for the evening. As he did so, Ren idly wondered what Kusa was up to...

(At around that same time, at the Sakura household)

Sojiro opened the door, having just gotten home from Leblanc, smiling at the sound of the TV going in the living room, deciding to poke his head in to check in on things. What he wasn't expecting to see, however, was Futaba fast asleep on the hide-a-bed, looking oddly content as she rested on Kusa, who himself was idly dozing, looking as if he'd fallen asleep sitting up while holding Futaba. Initially, Sojiro considered moving Futaba to her bed, but decided that Kusa and Futaba weren't harming anything as they were, and left the two be. He then quietly headed back to his bedroom, shaking his head in surprise at how comfortable Futaba had seemingly gotten with Kusa already...

(The next day, at Leblanc with Ren and Morgana)

As Ren ate his breakfast downstairs, his phone went off to signify a group chat with Ryuji, Ann, Kusa, Yusuke and Makoto, with Ryuji sending the first response.

"Today's the fireworks festival! Let's meet in Shibuya at 5!" Ryuji sent. Ann then sent a response.

"Hey, Makoto. Are you going to wear a yukata?" Ann sent. Makoto sent a response at that point.

"I'm planning on it." Makoto sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"Yukatas are a great part of the summer tradition... They only heighten a woman's beauty. I think I will wear mine as well." Yusuke sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"You've got one...? How about you, Ren?" Ryuji sent as Ren sent a response.

"Unfortunately, neither myself or Kusa have a yakata. Or more accurately, we don't have one with us. We have yukata, but we left them at home by accident because of how hurried our packing was to come to Yongen-Jaya. However, as Kusa's not coming with us today, I suppose him not having a yukata is irrelevant." Ren sent as Kusa sent a response at that point.

"Very funny, Ren. Just because I don't have a yukata and have to give this a miss doesn't mean I'm not going to be watching the fireworks festival on TV, if they broadcast it. Speaking of TV, what the hell was up with you three being filmed at a food festival!? I saw that yesterday. And Ryuji? NEVER TRY TO BE CRINGEWORTHY AGAIN! Me and Taba both damn near had heart attacks when we heard your 'what the weather will be like in December' line!

That said, who needs to wear a yukata when you can just lean back on a hide-a-bed and watch the festival with a friend next to you? So I'm not that fussed on missing out on the festival, to be completely honest with you guys." Kusa sent as Ann and Makoto exchanged confused looks while Ren, Ryuji, and Yusuke all winced at Kusa's mention of the food festival debacle from the day before. At that point Ann sent a response.

"Okay, ignoring the obvious fact that Kusa seems to be getting cozy with Taba, as he calls her, hey, I know! Why don't you come without your glasses, Ren?" Ann sent. Makoto huffed and sent a response.

"We'll deal with what you three idiots did later. But for now, what's the point in that, Ann?" Makoto sent as Ren, Ryuji and Yusuke winced while Ann sent a response.

"I dunno, you don't get to see fireworks every day, so it'd be sad just wearing normal clothes! I was just thinking he might want to go for a change of pace. And Kusa, too bad she's a shut-in, or I'd suggest you bring Futaba to the festival with you." Ann sent as Kusa and Ryuji sent responses close together, Kusa's coming through first.

"Ann? Kindly don't make such absurd suggestions! While that could be fun, I'm not trying to make Futaba do anything she doesn't want to do! Also, why would Ren go anywhere without his glasses? What kind of a suggestion was that?" Kusa sent as Ryuji's response came through, clearly not having seen Kusa's response.

"That sounds great! You should totally come without glasses! Welp, you guys better not be late!" Ryuji sent as Ren put his phone away, not wanting to see whatever angry text war Kusa would start with Ryuji. Morgana then smirked as he spoke up.

"Mwehehe! Fireworks and yukatas really add to the feeling of summer...Even Lady Ann will be wearing one..." Morgana said as Sojiro spoke up.

"Come to think of it...Oh yeah, there's a fireworks festival today. If you're going, be careful. Those things get insanely crowded. I'm actually surprised Kusa didn't ask about going to it. But I think he's content to just enjoy his time with Futaba, if I had to guess." Sojiro said with a shrug. Morgana then spoke up as Ren put his phone in his pocket.

"Hey, hey! It'd be nice to watch the fireworks with the chief someday. We could watch them right here at Leblanc...Actually, no we couldn't." Morgana said as Ren went back up to his room. As Ren and Morgana were getting ready to leave for the festival, his phone went off, making Morgana speak up.

"Right when we were just about to leave too...Who is it?" Morgana asked as Ren looked at his phone and saw it was a private chat from Mishima.

"Hey, I saw some disturbing news online. It sounds like it'll be really bad if it turns out true." Mishima sent as Ren sent a response.

"What's this about? Sorry for the blunt response, but I have somewhere to be soon." Ren sent. Mishima then sent a response, unbothered by Mishima's response.

"Well, it seems like an insane group is getting ready to declare war on the Phantom Thieves. I was afraid to just hold on to that information myself, so I wanted to tell you at least. That's actually all I have to say though. Sorry to bother you on your day off." Mishima sent as Ren nodded, putting his phone away as Morgana spoke up.

"What could he mean by an insane group...? Hm...Let's think about this after we get back. We don't have much time, so let's get going." Morgana said as Ren nodded and the two left for the fireworks festival...

(On the train to the fireworks festival with Morgana)

"Damn, it's so hot...The holiday means it's as crowded on here as it is for morning rush hour..." Morgana said as he and Ren listened to the Train News, which was advertising the fireworks festival and warning about sudden climate shifts, making Morgana wince as he spoke up.

"Wait, so all these people are going to the fireworks festival!? Ugh...this should be fun..." Morgana grumbled as Ren nodded, the rest of the ride going uneventfully...

(At the Underground Walkway with Ren, Ryuji, Morgana, and Yusuke)

"Aghhh, it's soooo hooooooot..." Ryuji complained as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"I feel like I'm being baked..." Morgana said as Ryuji huffed and spoke up.

"Those girls are way too late..." Ryuji said. Yusuke shrugged and spoke up, drawing Ren and Morgana's attention to the dark blue yukata he wore that had a yellow sash and white stripes and marks on it, which he paired with yellow and blue sandals as he spoke.

"It must be taking time for them to put on the yukata." Yusuke said before blinking as he realized Ren and Ryuji weren't wearing yukata and spoke up.

"Why aren't you two wearing one?" Yusuke asked as Ryuji spoke up.

"I don't got clothes like yukata." Ryuji said as Ren spoke up.

"And I said earlier that Kusa and I left ours at home like idiots. So we don't have them with us. But as Kusa's not here, it's not a big deal for him." Ren said as Ryuji spoke up.

"But man, you look way too normal in that." Ryuji said bluntly to Yusuke, who nodded as he spoke up.

"People often say that to me." Yusuke said as Ryuji frowned and spoke up.

"Ah, by the way...The exams..." Ryuji said as Morgana smirked and spoke up.

"I bet you got a big fat F on them." Morgana said as Ryuji frowned at the not-cat and spoke up indignantly.

"Shuddup! We-We don't know that yet!" Ryuji said as two girls in yukatas, one pink and one dark colored, spoke to the guys.

"Are you going to the fireworks festival?" The lady in a pink yukata said as Yusuke nodded and spoke up.

"That's right." Yusuke said as the lady in a dark-colored yukata spoke up.

"Us too! Wanna go together?" The lady in a black yukata spoke up as Ryuji blinked and turned to Ren while speaking up.

"Are we...getting hit on!?" Ryuji asked Ren who frowned as he spoke up.

"If by we, you mean yourself and Yusuke, then yes you're getting hit on. I have no idea if they're talking to me as well, and frankly I don't care if they are. These ladies might look cute and all, but there's only one lady I'd let hit on me, and she's not here." Ren said bluntly. The girls smiled, not bothered by Ren's remark, as they looked at Yusuke and Ryuji and the lady in a pink yukata spoke up again.

"C'mon, let's go together." The lady in a pink yukata said to Ryuji as the lady in a black yukata smiled at Yusuke as she spoke up, to Ren's surprise.

"Are you a model? You look great in that yukata." The lady in a black yukata said to Yusuke as Ryuji looked at Ren and spoke up.

"Waitin' around's a pain, so can we just go with these chicks?" Ryuji asked Ren, who frowned as he spoke up.

"If you and Yusuke want to go with these ladies, you can. I'm not going to stop you two from possibly having a good time with ladies that for whatever reason seem interested in you two. However, if the two of you choose to do so, kindly don't ask me to join, because I'm going to wait here with Morgana for Makoto and Ann." Ren said bluntly but firmly. Ryuji chuckled as he spoke up.

"Heh, the ratio of guys to girls is off, but we can do something about that later..." Ryuji said as Ren frowned at this, but surprisingly it was Yusuke who spoke up at that point.

"That's enough. You're disgracing your yukata. You should be more aware of your womanhood." Yusuke said as the ladies blinked at this before both nodding and walking off alone, making Ryuji gape and give Yusuke a betrayed look as he spoke up.

"How could you!?" Ryuji said in a whiny tone to Yusuke as Ann huffed and spoke up at that moment to signal her and Makoto's arrival.

"Why don't you go after them then?" Ann asked in irritation, making Ren smirk as he knew he'd made the right call in refusing to partake in Ryuji's inane shenanigans as Makoto and Ann walked over, the latter speaking up while Ryuji was gaping at the white and pink yukata Makoto had on with a brown sash which seemed to draw out her eyes more, though said eyes were narrowed as she glared at Ryuji while she spoke.

"So, those are the kind of girls you like, Ryuji." Makoto said, sounding slightly hurt as she spoke, making Ryuji stutter and backpedal as he spoke.

"Uh, well...That's..." Ryuji said as Ann smirked and spoke up, looking at Yusuke as she spoke, letting Ren look over the blue, pink, white and yellow yukata she had on that had a strawberry colored sash around the waist which brought out her strikingly blue eyes, in Ren's opinion.

"You know, Yusuke's such a pretty boy, but he is really missing out because of what he says." Ann said as Makoto shrugged and nodded as she spoke up, making Ren laugh at what she said next.

"I guess, but he's more likable since he stays true to his ideals. Definitely more than SOMEBODY I know." Makoto said with a pointed glare at Ryuji. Morgana chose that moment to helpfully pop out of Ren's bag and speak up, to Ryuji's mortification, chagrin and annoyance.

"I heard that Ryuji's pretty much failed his exams." Morgana said as Makoto raised an eyebrow at this while she spoke up again.

"Oh?" Makoto said as Ryuji turned to glare at the not-cat angrily as he spoke up.

"Mona, you little-!" Ryuji said as Ren frowned and spoke up.

"Ryuji, we're not in the Metaverse!" Ren rebuked Ryuji gently but firmly as Ann spoke up.

"Exactly. That said, it's gonna get crowded if we don't get going." Ann said as Yusuke nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed." Yusuke said as everyone but Ryuji took off walking, Ryuji being too busy speaking up.

"But man, you both look amazin' in yukata! Talk about Japanese beauty..." Ryuji said as he ran off after the others. The group stood together to watch the fireworks, however during the show, a rainstorm broke out mid-way through, leaving the group to frown as the rain started pouring down hard.

After a bit, Ann started wringing water out of her yukata, frowning as Makoto drew her attention to where Ren, Yusuke, and Ryuji were all making it a point not to stare at the exposed leg skin from where Ann was wringing out the bottom of her yukata, making her yell at Ryuji, who was closest, to go get her a towel. Then, after a bit, a poofy-haired brunette in a pink yukata could be seen stepping into the back of a limo as it drove away while the group ducked into the Triple Seven to get dry, at which point Ryuji spoke up.

"Ack...We're just tryin' to get outta the rain, but look how crowded it is..." Ryuji said. Ann nodded as she spoke up with a sigh.

"I guess everyone had the same idea. Well, well, looks like Kusa was the smart one after all, not coming along. What're the chances?" Ann said. She then blinked as she saw Makoto looking out the window as she spoke up.

"Hm? What's up?" Ann asked Makoto who blinked as she spoke up.

"Mm, I think I just saw someone I know..." Makoto said as Ann blinked and spoke up, having a hunch of who Makoto meant.

"You mean the girl in that black car?" Ann asked Makoto, who nodded. Ryuji huffed and spoke up.

"Well, SHE's got a ride. Ah! Time to show your skills, Mona! Time to use you as a car!" Ryuji said as Ren and Morgana glared at Ryuji, the latter speaking up.

"It's not possible in the real world!" Morgana said as Ren spoke up huffily.

"And we're not in the Metaverse! So don't call Morgana by his code name, Ryuji!" Ren rebuked Ryuji, frowning at him. Ann pouted as she spoke up, muttering under her breath.

"My feet hurt...It's cold...The festival's been canceled...This sucks..." Ann said moodily. Ryuji huffed as he spoke up.

"We made such a commotion with the public, and THIS is what we get? Ugh, laaame." Ryuji said as he turned to Ren while speaking.

"Aren't heroes that lurk in the shadows boring?" Ryuji asked Ren. Ren shrugged as he spoke up.

"I personally think that most heroes are meant to lurk in the shadows, but I do agree with you that some of them are boring. I myself though? I like the shade." Ren said with a grin. Ryuji gaped at this remark and spoke up in surprise.

"What are you, moss!?" Ryuji said as Ren huffed and spoke up.

"Depends on your definition of 'moss', Ryuji! But be glad Kusa didn't hear that, since he'd have probably had a fit since he actually follows the National Football League, or the NFL as it's called for short, and happens to be a fan of the 49ers, and one of their more prolific players' last name happens to be Moss. So that could be taken as a compliment. But no Ryuji, I'm not moss." Ren replied then huffed as he stretched and spoke up. *1*

"I wanna change the world with a loud bang, like a huge firework! Then again, we aren't gonna find someone bigger than Kaneshiro that easily." Ryuji said as Yusuke spoke up.

"The rain is letting up. Though it's regrettable, we should go our separate ways for today." Yusuke said as Morgana nodded and spoke up from Ren's bag.

"Yeah. Let's go home." Morgana said as the group split up for the night, Ren and Morgana returning to Leblanc...

(That evening at Leblanc with Ren and Morgana)

As the two returned to Leblanc, they were surprised to see a bleach-blonde haired female sitting at the counter addressing Sojiro angrily.

"So you won't tell me, no matter what?" The woman said to Sojiro who huffed as he spoke up.

"I have nothing more to say to you about that." Sojiro said to the woman angrily. The woman stood up and frowned as she spoke up.

"I see. In that case, I have ways of making you talk." The woman said as Sojiro huffed and spoke up.

"Huh? What's that supposed to-" Sojiro said before the woman cut him off by speaking up as she turned to leave.

"Thanks for the drink." The woman said as she grabbed her bag and left without another word, leaving Sojiro to sputter after her.

"H-Hey! We're not done here yet!" Sojiro said as Ren spoke up, seeing the upset look on Sojiro's face.

"You can tell me to back off if you don't want me in your business, but what's wrong Sakura-kun?" Ren asked, deciding to see if he could at least give Sojiro an ear to vent into. Sojiro huffed at Ren and spoke up.

"Ugh, it's nothing. It's past closing time. Clean up the place." Sojiro said to Ren, who nodded and did as he was told...

(Elsewhere, in an unknown room with Futaba)

"Regrettably, the cause behind the recent psychotic breakdown incidents is still unknown. Onto other news...The international hacktivist group Medjed has released a statement to the Phantom Thieves." The newscaster said as Futaba blinked in surprise as she stopped what she was doing to listen to the message, clearly stunned at hearing the name 'Medjed'...

(Back at Leblanc with Ren and Sojiro)

"...These are the details of the message that are posted on Medjed's website. 'To the Phantom Thieves causing an uproar in Japan- Do not speak of your false justice. We do not need the spread of such falsehoods. We are the true executors of justice'." The newscaster said as Sojiro frowned and spoke up.

"The Phantom Thieves again...?" Sojiro asked as he kept listening to the news, which continued to read the message.

"Continuing the message, it says, 'However, we are magnanimous. We will give you an opportunity to repent your ways. If you agree to a change of heart, we will accept you as our own. If you reject our offer, the hammer of justice will find you'." The newscaster read as Sojiro frowned and spoke up.

"Justice, huh?" Sojiro said as the newscaster kept reading the message.

"Continuing the message... 'We are Medjed. We are unseen. We will eliminate evil.' Akechi-kun, why do you think this announcement was made at this time?" The newscaster said as Akechi came on-screen and spoke up, his words making Ren wince and Sojiro frown as they listened to what he had to say.

"I don't know the details, but there's no doubt that they were provoked by the Phantom Thieves. Whether it's a sense of rivalry or a simple attention grab given the recent events, I cannot say...Regardless, it's quite a nuisance." Akechi said with a frown as the newscaster spoke up.

"A nuisance?" The newscaster said as Akechi nodded and spoke up with a glare on his face.

"Both Medjed and the Phantom Thieves are nothing more than groups that uphold an egoistic justice." Akechi said as Sojiro rubbed the back of his head and spoke up.

"Tch, what a stupid thing they're getting riled up on...Phantom Thieves, huh? What in the world are they? You know about them?" Sojiro asked Ren who blinked as he spoke up.

"The Phantom Thieves? Can't say I've heard of them, Sakura-kun. Sorry about that." Ren said. Sojiro frowned as he spoke up.

"What are they stealing though? I'm still having trouble getting that part...Well, it's about time I go home." Sojiro said. Make sure you lock the place. Also, about the stuff in the fridge-Well, I guess it's fine. Just don't use too much of it." Sojiro said as he left, right as Akechi kept speaking on TV.

"It's possible that people like these will continue to appear due to their influence. In that respect, the Phantom Thieves face a very serious crime." Akechi said as Ren frowned and kept doing the dishes, not pleased with Akechi's comments, but also unaware of the reaction said comment would evoke in Kusa...

(At the same time as Sojiro and Ren's conversation, in the living room of the Sakura household with Kusa)

Kusa flipped through the channels of the TV as he sat on the hide-a-bed, stopping on a news channel that mentioned the Phantom Thieves. He watched, listening in to the message read as Medjed declared war on the Phantom Thieves, making him first blink, then frown as he realized that this 'Medjed' could be a serious threat to him and the others.

However, his anger only intensified when Akechi came on-screen and started openly roasting/criticizing the Phantom Thieves, even going so far as to compare them to Medjed. By the time Akechi was done speaking, Kusa was livid, and ready to go find Akechi and punch him in the face. However, as it so happened, Futaba chose that moment to leave her room and sit next to Kusa while gently patting him on the shoulder, making him blink as he snapped out of his rage to look at Futaba.

"Oh, hey there Taba. Did I disturb you when I raged at Akechi? If so, I apologize." Kusa said as Futaba shook her head and spoke up.

"Nope. I didn't even know Akechi had been on TV, to be honest. I was going to ask if you saw that news bit about Medjed." Futaba asked Kusa, who nodded agreeably as he spoke up.

"I did indeed. These 'Medjed' creeps seem like a bunch of dirty cowards who are just trying to be salty that the Phantom Thieves are doing a far better job at performing justice than they could ever hope to do. Why do you ask?" Kusa asked as Futaba spoke up.

"Because Medjed was my original handle before I changed it to Alibaba after a bunch of internet trolls kept using the Medjed name for ill purposes, forcing me to take up the name Alibaba. But that said, I think now might be the time to reach out to these Phantom Thieves and test them. After all, if they can change my heart and help me overcome my demons, surely they're worthy of my assistance in their endeavor to find and eliminate Medjed?" Futaba said as Kusa's eyes went wide at this and he spoke up.

"Wait, you can get rid of Medjed, Taba?" Kusa asked Futaba, who nodded as she spoke up.

"Of course. Compared to me, this Medjed's nothing but child's play. But I also can't lend my services to just anyone, Kusa. And going by your reaction just now, I think you might either know at least one of the Phantom Thieves, OR! You might be a Phantom Thief yourself. Either way, that'd be pretty interesting if it's true." Futaba said as Kusa gaped at Futaba before sighing and nodding as he turned to face her.

"Honestly, Taba? I don't think you'd believe me if I told you the truth. That, and Ren and the others would probably be livid with me." Kusa said, as Futaba smirked and spoke up, giggling at the wide-eyed look on Kusa's face while she spoke, as he realized what he'd inadvertently said in his response.

"Mwehehe, aha, so Ren, you, and your friends are the Phantom Thieves? Interesting...but not to worry, Kusa. Your secret is safe with me. Now, tell me, have you been a Phantom Thief long?" Futaba asked Kusa, whose eyes went huge as he realized that Futaba had him cornered good and proper.

"Well crap, now what do I do!? I can't tell her the truth about me, Ren, Yusuke, Ryuji, Ann, Morgana, and Makoto. For one, I don't know if she could handle it. And for two, I don't have their permission. But I also can't lie to her either, since I'd never want to hurt her that way. Shit, I'm between a rock and a hard place, aren't I?" Kusa thought...

(Meanwhile, in the attic at Leblanc with Ren and Morgana)

As Ren headed up to the attic, he blinked as he saw a new message in the Phantom Thieves chat room, which was a group chat with Ryuji, Ann, Kusa, Yusuke and Makoto, with Ryuji sending the first response.

"We gotta talk about Medjed." Ryuji sent as Ann sent a response.

"You mean those guys people online are going nuts over?" Ann sent. Yusuke then sent a response.

"Medjed, eh? As I recall, that name seems to come from one of the obscure gods from the Egyptian Book of the Dead." Yusuke sent as Makoto sent a response at that point.

"I saw the news too. And given your reactions, I'm guessing all of you did as well. However, we've yet to get reactions or responses from Kusa and Ren. For some reason, Medjed thinks we speak of false justice..." Makoto sent. Kusa sent a response at that point.

"Oh, I saw the news all right. Medjed sound like a bunch of dirty rotten cowards. But what really pisses me off was Akechi-kun's smug ass throwing some hard shade at us. I mean, okay, I get that Akechi-kun doesn't like the Phantom Thieves, which is his perogative. But that being said, how dare he try to lump us into the same category as Medjed!? That said, now REALLY isn't a good time for me to be in a group chat.

I might be kind of, sort of, having to figure out damage control. I think Taba might be on to our identities, since she cornered me and basically said she knows about us. I didn't say anything, because I both don't want to lie to Taba, and also don't know if I should tell her about us or not." Kusa sent as Yusuke sent a response, seemingly changing the subject as if he'd not seen Kusa's response.

"Now then, what exactly did you wish to speak of regarding Medjed?" Yusuke sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Wellllll, why don't we go after them as our next target? Also, WHAT!? For real, Kusa!? I'd have to defer to Ren, but I don't think there's a downside to your friend knowing about us." Ryuji sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"What a sudden suggestion. And also, that's most unsettling Kusa." Yusuke sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"I mean, they're like, bad hackers or something, right?" Ryuji sent as Makoto sent a response.

"Technically, they're crackers. Those who use the Internet to illegally access and alter data. Medjed is an organized group of such people recognized by the larger international community." Makoto sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"So they operate on a global scale?" Yusuke sent as Ann sent a response.

"That makes them even bigger than Kaneshiro!" Ann sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Right!? Then it's settled. Our next target's gonna be Medjed. I wonder if the Nav'll get a hit if we put Medjed in." Ryuji sent as Ann sent a response.

"Oh, right!" Ann sent as Ren sent a response at that point.

"That's probably impossible since usually Palaces are only for individuals, not for a group. It's possible, however, that we could find them in Mementos. Also, if you think she can be trusted not to divulge our identities and keep our secret, I'd have to get the others to vote on it, but as for me? I have no problems with you telling Taba about us, to an extent." Ren sent. Makoto then sent a response.

"Yes. That name has to be a pseudonym. We don't even know how many people Medjed is." Makoto sent as Ann sent a response.

"Oh..." Ann sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Wouldn't we get at least one member's info if we try and look into it though?" Ryuji sent as Kusa sent a response.

"And how would we do that, if all we know is that they collectively call themselves Medjed!? Also, didn't they say something about 'We remain unseen'? That would make finding them problematic at best." Kusa sent. Makoto then sent a response.

"Even if we did, how would we discover their location? The only confirmed presence of Medjed has been online." Makoto sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"This is a greater problem than simply finding their keywords. Unless you have any more ideas, Ryuji?" Yusuke sent as Ann sent a response.

"Helloooo?" Ann sent as Yusuke sent another response.

"It seems he had suggested this without putting much thought into it." Yusuke sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"C'mon, we can't back down now! People are all excited about it! Our reputation's gonna plummet if we don't face this shit." Ryuji sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"That is true. If we remain silent, people would believe we simply chose to run away from the matter." Yusuke sent as Makoto sent a response.

"Medjed has taunted us publicly, after all..." Makoto sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"If they are criminals, we cannot just let them be." Yusuke sent as Ann sent a response.

"Yeah. And we don't have any other targets right now either." Ann sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Hey, Ren. Let's talk to Mishima tomorrow. This is more of his thing." Ryuji sent. Ren then sent a response.

"Let's do that. Pretty sure Mishima isn't part of Medjed, so we should be safe to do that. But while we're all here, let's vote real fast. Do we agree on Kusa letting his friend Futaba in on the truth about us? Morgana and I both agree, so we'll start with Ryuji." Ren sent. Ryuji sent a response.

"As I said before, I agree. So that's a yes from me. Also, Makoto, try seeing if your sis has any info on 'em." Ryuji sent. Makoto sent a response.

"That's a yes from me too. Also, it's highly unlikely, but sure." Makoto sent as Ann and Yusuke sent responses close together, Ann's being first.

"I agree with Futaba knowing about us, as long as she's able to be trusted with the info. So that's a yes from me." Ann sent as Yusuke's response came through.

"I too agree, provided Kusa can ensure that his friend won't try to either leak our identities, or somehow betray us. So it's a yes from me as well." Yusuke sent as Kusa sent a response at that point.

"My vote is a bit void by virtue of it being a conflict of interest, but I also agree, so we're unanimous that Taba can be let into the metaphoric loop then. Thanks, guys!" Kusa sent as Ren put his phone away and Morgana spoke up.

"A world-class target, huh? If we can change Medjed's heart, it'll most definitely affect Mementos." Morgana said as Ren nodded and checked the unread message on his phone, which was another group chat with Ryuji, Makoto, Ann, and Yusuke, Ryuji sending the first response.

"I forgot to post the photo I took today!" Ryuji sent while sending a photo that was of Ann and Makoto in their yukata, the former turning back to look at the camera and smiling slightly while you could just see part of Yusuke on the side of the picture in his yukata. However, this time, both Ren and Morgana weren't visible in the picture. Ann sent a response.

"Hey, not bad!" Ann sent as Ryuji smirked and sent a response.

"Right!? I'm a natural with this candy photography stuff!" Ryuji sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"I'll hope for your sake that was intended to be 'candid' photography." Yusuke sent as Makoto sent a response.

"It's a shame about the rain, but at least it means today was a little more memorable." Makoto sent as Ann sent a response.

"Yeah! But next time we really can't miss the fireworks!" Ann sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"Agreed. Still, it was almost impressive how swiftly the weather turned terrible. Perhaps one of us is simply fated to bring rain wherever he goes..." Yusuke sent as Ren closed the group chat. At that point, Ren sat on his bed to ponder his next move, unaware that things were going far more intensely for Kusa than for him...

(Back with Kusa and Futaba at the Sakura household)

"So? Are you cleared to fill me in, Kusa?" Futaba asked Kusa excitedly as he nodded before speaking up.

"I am, BUT! I was told that I had to ensure you could keep our secret first, as well as that you wouldn't do anything to either betray us or leak our identities." Kusa said flatly as Futaba shrugged and nodded her understanding before she eagerly spoke up.

"I can live with that. Now lay it on me." Futaba said as Kusa shook his head and spoke up once more.

"Not here, too open and public. Let's go in your room in talk. You usually keep your room pretty secure." Kusa said as Futaba shrugged and nodded as she led the way to her room, at which point Kusa followed Futaba into her room and he spoke up after closing the door.

"Okay, so first off, yes, you are correct Taba. Myself, as well as Ren, Morgana, who is like a Sensei of sorts to Ren and I, plus our friends Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, and Makoto, are the Phantom Thieves. We also have code-names we go by, but we have a rule that we don't use them outside of the Metaverse, which is where we go to do the changes of heart. But for now, let's just say that we usually have to steal a target's 'Treasure', or the manifestation of their distorted desires, before a change of heart can truly take root.

However, I feel like trying that on you could be very dangerous, since who knows what sorts of traps, and dangers, we might find if we were to find that you have a Palace and decide to infiltrate it to change your heart. Besides, I get the sense the others are quite determined to go after Medjed as their next target.

So I think you might have to convince them to agree to it if you want them to change your heart, Taba. And in addition to said dangers and traps, we also fight what we call Shadows, or distorted versions of people, that can manifest into other forms that we call beings, or in some cases, Personas. Each of us Thieves has our own partner Persona that we use in battle, aside from Ren, who is a 'wild card' that can wield more than one Persona.

Ren's main/partner Persona is a gentleman thief by the name of Arsene. Morgana's is a thief of sorts as well that goes by the name of Zorro. Ryuji's is a pirate captain, who goes by the name of Captain Kidd. As for Ann's, hers is a dancer named Carmen. Yusuke's is a monk/artist/samurai called Goemon. Makoto's is a bike/robot hybrid she calls Johanna. And as for my own, my Persona is a literary and literal dragon called Smaug.

As for the rest, that I can't tell you until we're in the Metaverse since it's too risky to disclose it in the real world. Do you understand that, Taba?" Kusa asked Futaba, who nodded and spoke up.

"I get it, Kusa. Or perhaps you'd prefer Draconis? Oh yes Kusa, I know of you and your friend's code names already. Don't underestimate how easily I can wire-tap a phone. I have Ren, Ryuji, and Ann's phones tapped, but haven't managed to do so for Yusuke or Makoto yet. And Morgana doesn't seem to have a phone I noticed. I left yours alone though, because I feel I can trust you to be honest with me." Futaba said as Kusa nodded and spoke up.

"Ah yes, Morgana. He's a long story in and of itself. Basically, he was in an accident in the Metaverse that led to his true form and memories being taken from him. Apparently, he's a human, but the accident turned him into a cat with amnesia. So yes, mine and Ren's Sensei, who's moreso my Sensei, is currently in the form of a cat. But do NOT call him that around him. He gets very testy about it.

And before you ask, just because we let you know about us doesn't mean anything. We might change your heart, we might not. It depends on what Ren decides, since he's the leader of the group. I may be second-in-command, but that doesn't mean much, aside from making it so that I'm the one to take over if something were to happen to Ren." Kusa said to Futaba who nodded and spoke up.

"I see. Well, thank you for being honest with me, Kusa. It means a lot to me." Futaba said as she smiled and kissed Kusa on the cheek before giggling and speaking up.

"Consider that both a reward and a thank-you for being honest with me." Futaba said as Kusa nodded, blinking at Futaba in surprise before he spoke up.

"No problem. Well, if that's all you wanted to know, let's head back into the living room so that Sojiro doesn't have a coronary if he comes home and finds us behind a closed door." Kusa said as Futaba smiled and nodded, the two heading back to the hide-a-bed. Once there, the two got comfortable and watched a movie for a bit, Futaba smiling as she laid her head on Kusa's shoulder as they watched the movie, neither one hearing the door open and close to signal Sojiro's return, until they heard him speak up.

"Oh-ho, what's this now? Getting cozy there, you two?" Sojiro asked as Futaba and Kusa turned in surprise to face Sojiro as Kusa spoke up.

"Oh, Sakura-kun, you're home. Yeah, we were just watching a movie together. Apparently Futaba's getting more comfortable spending time with me. Not that you'll hear me complaining about it, since she is rather fun to be around. But if you have an issue with it, we can keep our distance if you'd prefer that." Kusa said respectfully to Sojiro who chuckled as he spoke up.

"Nah, if Futaba's comfortable, I'm okay with it. All I ask is that if you two do get serious, that you not do anything to hurt her, Kusa. But I don't think I have to worry about that." Sojiro said as Kusa's eyes went wide as he spoke up.

"Absolutely not, Sojiro! I would sooner let myself get hurt than I would let anything happen to hurt Futaba! She's both a very precious and very special person to me. I can't put my finger on why I think that, but I do. She's truly amazing. And if spending time with me helps her to come out of her shell and start being social and outgoing, then I'm more than willing to help out however I can." Kusa said honestly, making Sojiro nod approvingly as he spoke up.

"Ah, you're finally calling me Sojiro? Took you long enough, Kusa. I told you that you could do that around here, you know. As for your response to my remark about Futaba, good answer kid. Know that if you and Futaba do at some point decide to give things a go between you, you have my blessing to do so." Sojiro said, not seeing Futaba's eyes widen as her face got slightly red as she blushed from hearing Sojiro's words. Sojiro then spoke up.

"Well, have fun, you two. Just don't let that fun get too loud, since I'm kind of tired and want to lay down." Sojiro said, getting nods from Kusa and Futaba as he headed to bed. After that, the two looked at each other, both blushing as Kusa spoke.

"Well, that was...certainly an event that just happened, wouldn't you say Taba?" Kusa said to Futaba who nodded.

"Indeed it was. But we'll table our discussion until later. But I think I might have an idea of how you can help me convince your friends to change my heart." Futaba said as Kusa winced, but reluctantly nodded, hoping he wasn't about to make a huge mistake in agreeing to help Futaba with her plan...

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: And boom, another chapter down! And wow, I know right? I actually got quite a bit more in here than I thought I would. I got the finals, the firework AND food festivals, a scene with Ren and Kasumi, and several scenes with Kusa and Futaba, plus a brief appearance for Akechi, and even a bit of screentime for Sae! But more importantly, the Thieves are now aware of the existence of a certain hacktivist group that has declared war on them! So now the question becomes, can they defeat Medjed, or are they doomed to fail and be destroyed? Only the coming chapters can tell that for certain!

That said, I appreciate everyone who's favorited and followed this story so far as those favorites and follows give me great inspiration to keep going. Same for my reviewers! Reviews are a very essential part of any fanfiction writer's existence, since they can both show you how much the readers like your story AND serve as a great source to let that writer be able to improve and refine their content so as to make it more enjoyable for the reader. And really, isn't that the main job of a good fanfiction writer, to make a story that the reader can not only enjoy, but appreciate?

That said, if you like this story so far, feel free to follow and/or favorite it as those things are appreciated. But also feel free to leave a review and/or PM me with your thoughts, feedback, constructive criticism and/or opinions of the story. That way I can be able to know what people are thinking of it and be able to really improve myself as a writer. But regardless, I appreciate the support I get just the same! And until next chapter, sithlorde1988 out!

NOTES

*1*- Where it comes to the bit about a 49ers player with the last name Moss, I'm referring moreso to Randy Moss, one of the greatest wide receivers ever to play in the NFL! Granted, Randy Moss was also on a few other teams, like the Cowboys, but I know for a fact he was a 49er at the minimum. That, and I could see Ren making that comment in the game, if he had any knowledge of football. And yeah, I made that reference because I myself am a 49ers fan (and a Steelers fan) so yeah, it is what it is there. ALSO GO NINERS!

CONFIDANT RANKS AS OF THE END OF CHAPTER 38

FOOL (Igor/Prison Master) - Rank 6

MAGICIAN (Morgana/Mona) - Rank 5

PRIESTESS (Makoto/Queen) - Rank 2

EMPEROR (Yusuke/Fox) - Rank 4

HIEROPHANT (Sojiro) - Rank 4

LOVERS (Ann/Panther) - Rank 5

CHARIOT (Ryuji/Skull) - Rank 5

JUSTICE (Akechi) - Rank 5

STRENGTH (Justine and Caroline/Twin Wardens) - Rank 4

DEATH (Takemi/Back-Alley Doctor) - Rank 5

TEMPERANCE (Kawakami) - Rank 2

STAR (Hifumi) - Rank 2

MOON (Mishima) - Rank 4

SUN (Yoshida/Man Of The People) - Rank 5

JUDGMENT (Sae/Prosecutor) - Rank 1

WORLD (Kusa/Draconis) - Rank 4

FAITH (Kasumi/Yoshizawa) - Rank 3

COUNCILLOR (Maruki) - Rank 5

YET TO BE UNLOCKED - HERMIT, EMPRESS, HANGED MAN, DEVIL, FORTUNE, TOWER