Making card games and playing video games, god I wish I could go outside. My internet is not good enough for video stuff right now. Anyways, UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona. I still hope everyone's staying safe and sound and not trying to endanger the human race. Also, I think I saw that aliens exist by the government...which is either another weather balloon or something...or they're real and, let's be honest, not surprising. I mean, the universe is big. There has to be a planet that has creatures with similar sapience and intelligence. It's just math really.
Anyways, time to answer some reviews. Okay, address the mash-up between Royal and the base game... um... the stuff with Kasumi and Maruki is being put into another story, which we'll release when we finish this story. At least, right now. Really, it's up to my collaborator for if we should just patch in those events. Besides... I sort of snuck in references to Kasumi and Maruki that prevents them from entering the story. Go back to Yumi's debut in the story. Chapter 21. Sorry, but we are going to work on a Royal version of the story, sort of like P4 Golden the Animation. To a random Guest: It's someone else who is part of the Ryuji Lovers. Actually, it's a reference to Shenpai.
Anyways, that's it! Time to fill time!
Load Game... Start!
Chapter 36: Compacted Scheduling
(5/26, Early Morning)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
Homura had a rather weird dream last night.
It involved her wrestling with a massive snake, ironic since the school she used to go to was Hebijo as well as her own guardian animal being a snake. Anyways, she was fighting by herself, just barely surviving until someone with white hair came out of nowhere...and tried to slice her in two. Having enough, she summoned her Persona, Dante, to style on that random girl, finishing her off with Smoking Sexy Style...and about 12 dozen swords to the head.
Then suddenly, the entire event turned into some cooking competition (using meat from the snake as the secret ingredient) where the prize was any of their wishes granted. She distinctly remembered Suzune-sensei entering only because she was in the middle of a midlife crisis and some buff chick wanting to fight dragons but ended up settling for giraffes at a zoo. And somehow, by some act of a cruel unfeeling god, Katsuragi of all people managed to win the entire damn thing and it just spiraled from there as soon as she declared herself as the Hooters Harem Queen and that she and Asuka being one of her loyal followers (*cough* concubines *cough*) now.
Yeah, weird as hell.
"Homu-nee...wake up..." A very familiar voice called out in an angelic and soothing tone. "Please wake up Homu-nee...!" The voice then added, sounding a lot less calm and more...panicky.
Homura soon slowly opened her eyes and saw where her head was and couldn't help but stare. "...Huh, the red flame panties this time...hot..." She unintentionally thought to herself before drifting back to sleep while snuggling her head to get comfortable.
"Ahn! No, stop! You're making me feel weird!" Asuka got out in a panicked tone.
"Five...more...minutes...please..." Homura however mumbled out.
"But we have to get-MMPH!" Asuka tried to remind her roommate, only to get interrupted by the tan skinned girl's (admittingly soft and sexy) thighs. "Moh! How did we end up like this!? Homu-nee was napping on my lap when we fell asleep!" She mentally exclaimed before shuddering. Oh, why did her breath feel so...tingly against her private place.
"Stop 69ing your roommate and get up. It's not Sunday yet!" Wolverine called out within the tan skinned girl's mind.
"...Shoot! We got school!" Homura soon thought in realization as she sat up, only to see her frazzled roommate. "I'm sorry Sis." She soon apologized as she began to strip herself down. "It would be best if we get washed off now." She then advised.
"Hey, that squirrel looks like a bunny~" Asuka got out in a daze before slumping to unconsciousness.
"Sis!" Homura yelped out in a panic as she went to her side. "Can we have a nice week without one of dying, please!?" She begged to whatever god there was listening to her.
"H-Homu-nee...Sexy-nee..." Asuka mumbled out as she regained consciousness and shook her head to get rid of the dazed feeling. "Guh! What happened?" She soon asked.
"I unintentionally went and nearly crushed your head between my thighs." Homura groaned out. "What is with us?" She then asked.
"We're a unique pair?" Asuka giggled out. "Come on, the bathtub awaits and I'm feeling hungry." She then decided as she stripped herself down.
"Yeah, we can use one of the shampoos I bought yesterday." Homura replied as the two made their way to the bathroom.
"Sure, so Homu-nee, which shampoo do you wanna use?" Asuka asked as she started running the water.
"Courage on Parade." Homura soon responded as she grabbed the orange colored bottle.
"Sounds good." Asuka replied as she took the bottle out of her roommate's hands and opened it up. "Mmm~ Oranges~!' Asuka got out as she took a whiff.
"Nice right? Come on and let's try it out." Homura got out as she started getting the bath ready.
Eventually, they were making good use of the new shampoo. "Oh, can see why you would get this, it feels so good~" Asuka breathed out as she scrubbed her head. "It's also making my hair feel silky smooth too!" She then added in amazement.
"Yeah...I feel calmer...almost like I'm meditating..." Homura admitted in a relaxed manner as she felt herself sink further into the bath. "Oh~ If all those special shampoos are like this then this is definitely going on the necessary grocery list from now on..." She then added.
"Oh yes..." Asuka breathed out as she rinsed her hair, accidentally knocking the bottle over. "Oh, whoops." She got out as she picked it up...only to feel that it was oddly light. "Huh?" She soon started.
"What is it, Sis?" Homura asked in a calm and casual manner.
"Uh...We used it all..." Asuka got out in a sheepish tone.
SPLASH!
"WHAT!?" Homura exclaimed in disbelief as she sat up. "How did we waste the whole bottle!? I just bought it yesterday!" She then added.
"It was a pretty small bottle..." Asuka meekly muttered out. "But we can always buy more later. I'll buy it next time." She then informed and offered.
"Thank you. It's at the Body Chop in the Underground Mall." Homura informed. "Let's just relax a little before washing it off and getting out." She then suggested, which her roommate agreed to as she sank deeper into the water.
As they washed themselves off, the two felt a tingly rush going through their bodies.
Asuka feeling as though her Courage went up as a result.
Homura meanwhile felt as though her Understanding was increasing as a result.
Soon enough, they had gotten out of the bath, started drying themselves off and began getting ready for school.
"...Didn't we have an essay due today?" Homura suddenly remembered.
"Yeah..." Asuka replied before she continued brushing her roommate's hair...
Until the cold harsh anvil of reality crushed them.
"...Oh poopie..." Both girls got out as they paled.
(5/26, Morning)
(Shujin Academy, Classroom)
"Sometimes I see people writing the exact same things in their essays. Don't think you can get away with copying stuff from some website. I'll know, got it? Remember, it's due in...3 hours if I remember correctly." Kawakami informed.
Both roommates couldn't help but let out a whimper to the reminder.
"Anyways, stealing someone's ideas is plagiarism. It's as much of a crime as stealing anything else." Kawakami soon revealed. "It's so annoying dealing with copyright crap these days..." She then got out in annoyance.
"Noted." The Phantom Thieves members in the same class all thought
"Oh yeah, did you know this? You know the Arsene Lupin series by Marice Leblanc?" Kawakami soon asked.
"Hm?" Akira hummed out as he raised his head, his attention peaked at the mention of his Persona.
"Leblanc once had a famous detective from another series appear in one of the Lupin stories." Kawakami revealed. "Now then...Kurusu-kun." She suddenly called out.
For once, Akira felt eager to answer a question in class as he stood up from his seat.
"Do you know which author Leblanc borrowed from?" Kawakami soon asked.
"Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle." Akira answered.
"Oh, you know his full name and title. Well done. You must know your mystery novels." Kawakami praised with an impressed tone. "Yes, the answer is the author of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle-god, that's a mouthful." She revealed and admitted. "It was the ultimate showdown of ultimate destiny between the definitive gentleman thief and the world's greatest detective." She then explained.
"Sherlock Holmes is Batman!?" One student asked out loud.
"It's Bruce Wayne, ya idiot!" Another student corrected.
"GASP! The rich playboy!?" The first student soon exclaimed.
"Oh my God..." Ann groaned out as she placed both her hands on her face.
"Be quiet and pay attention!" Homura however ordered.
"Thank you Shinkukage-san." Kawakami got out. "And your reward is to answer the next question." She then stated.
"Urk!" Homura winced out.
"After Doyle found out, he complained to Leblanc for using his character without permission. So, tell me, what did Leblanc change Sherlock's name to?" Kawakami soon asked.
Bruce Wayne
Herlock Sholmes
Blenderdick Crucifix
"Umm...Herlock Sholmes." Homura soon answered.
"Another right answer. Yes, Leblanc merely moved the S in Sherlock to the start of his last name. Talk about no effort." Kawakami continued.
Homura sighed as she felt her Knowledge going up as a result for getting the right answer.
"Both Lupin and Holmes would go on to appear in a number of works together. But those were homaages, not plagiarism. Now, Arsene Lupin is synonymous with the idea of a phantom thief. He's recognised all over the world, after all. Top hat, monocle and all." Kawakami said. "Unless you're thinking about the one with different jackets. I prefer red, by the way." She then informed the class as she continued her lecture.
"Looks like phantom thieves never go out of style." Morgana got out with a smile. Akira nodded as the lesson continued on.
(5/26, After School)
(Shujin Academy, Classroom Building 2F)
"You two managed to write detailed 5000 word essays in three hours!?" Ann got out in a baffled manner.
"I don't know how! I was just writing until we had to turn it in." Asuka admitted while her roommate nodded in agreement.
"Uh...the word limit was one thousand." Akira pointed out. "Did you even know what the essay was supposed to be about?" He then asked.
"...Yes." The two girls responded at the same time with dead looks in their eyes before...
THUD!
...They both slammed their faces onto their desks.
"Can I say that I hate civilian school?" Homura groaned out.
"You said that five times this week." Ann informed.
"I know..." Homura muttered before picking herself up. "I'm heading for the committee board room, I got work to do." She then informed.
"Wait, hold on." Akira quickly got out as he pulled out his phone.
[TheWildJ0ker: Hey, just wanted to tell everyone that we're not sending the calling card just yet. Give me a few days to prepare. Everyone should do so as well.]
"We're...right here, Akira." Homura deadpanned.
"Yeah, but Yusuke and Yumi aren't." Akira reminded.
"He's got a point Homu-nee." Asuka admitted with a giggle while lifting herself up. "Well, I'm going home. See you later, Homu-nee." She then informed.
"Actually, if you have nothing to do today you want to hang out?" Akira suddenly asked.
"Oh, really?" Asuka got out in surprise before gasping. "Ah! I actually do need you for something!" She soon realized.
"Well, perfect timing then." Akira replied with a smirk as he felt that with his Happy Squirrel Persona, Franken, he could get closer to the Vice Leader.
"Okay, Joker. Are you committing to spending time with Lady Asuka?" Morgana asked.
"I'm sure. Let's meet up at Leblanc later, okay?"
"Alright, Leader. I'm sure I can kill some time around here." Morgana got out with a nod as he jumped out of his bag. "Stay safe you two." He then advised.
"Will do." The two Leaders replied in unison. Ann informed as she took her bag.
"So, where do you want to go?" Akira asked as he turned to his fellow Leader.
"Uhh...Why don't we head somewhere more...private?" Asuka soon suggested.
Akira couldn't help but blush a little. "Excuse me?" He however asked in concern.
"Um, yeah. It's...It's a little embarrassing, so just...just come with me." Asuka sheepishly informed.
"A-Asuka?" Akira got out as the brunette grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the classroom.
"Wow, she really has that guy whipped, huh?"
"Hey, love redeems."
"Ugh, of course they'd date."
"Yeah. Why don't girls ever give nice guys like us a chance."
"Hey! If you don't have a club or want to ask a teacher a question, go home for the day!" Homura interrupted in an authorial tone.
"Sorry. We were leaving anyway." The student got out before they began leaving the classroom. "Don't need this shit from the President's guard bitch..." They then grumbled under their breath.
Homura's eye in response twitched to the remark, but she took in a deep breath to calm herself down. "Disrespectful little..." She muttered in anger before. . .
"S-Senpai!" A meek voice called out.
That snapped the tan skinned girl out of her rising anger. "Ah, Hitomi-san." Homura maturely responded. "Is something the matter?" She soon asked while the two began heading for the board room.
"N-No, I was just c-coming, I mean w-wondering when the meeting is going t-to start." Hitomi mumbled out, shivering and nervously looking around.
"Ah yes," Homura responded with a nod. "Well since we are already heading for the room, I believe now would be a good time." She soon informed the other girl. "Do you have anything to report?" She then asked.
"Erm...uh...I..." Hitomi started before tears started to edge out of her eyes.
Homura in turn winced to the sight. "Hey, hey, calm down Hitomi. Deep breathes." She instructed.
Hitomi nodded as she did as said...though that quickly turned to hyperventilation.
"Let's just go to the board room, okay?" Homura soon suggested in a comforting tone.
Hitomi nodded once again before letting her senpai guide her to the room.
(Disciplinary Committee Board Room)
Homura soon entered the room as she sat at her desk while the one member she was with sat down at one of the open seats.
The remaining committee members soon spilled into the room and sat down at the remaining open seats, ready to discuss and work together...
Hopefully.
"Ok everyone, please give me your current reports." Homura instructed in a mature tone.
"Hai!" All the committee members replied in unison as they all handed the tan skinned girl some papers.
Nodding to this, Homura sat down at her desk as she began looking through all of them. "Thank you everyone, feel free to continue with your duties for now." She then requested.
"Yes ma'am!" The committee members replied as they started to head out.
Homura narrowed her eyes as she went through the reports. Some were rather detailed, making her estimate it'll take thirty minutes to go through one of them. Some weren't detailed enough, so she had to talk to her members for more info. And some didn't even try, with barely two paragraphs.
"In any case, let's see if any of these could be good Mementos targets in the future..." Homura muttered to herself in a serious tone while looking through the reports in a more detailed manner.
The general feeling she got from most of the reports is that students either didn't care or actively tried to avoid anyone with a red band. No real troublemakers as far as the committee knew.
"Looks like I have to improve my committee to root them out." Homura muttered to herself before standing up from her seat. "Nothing much I can do until then. May as well walk around a bit." She soon sighed while adjusting her uniform and took hold of her bag.
(Classroom Building, 2nd Floor Hallway)
"Hmm, I could hang out with one of my committee members today." Homura soon thought, remembering that all her friends were occupied at the moment as she walked the hallways.
The big question of the Disciplinary Head however was simple, who should she hang out with for the day?
"I should really start with Ichiko..." Homura muttered to herself...only to realise she wasn't around. "Did she leave for the day while I wasn't looking!?" She soon questioned out loud.
"The nerve...!" Keiichiro suddenly growled as he stomped his foot while making himself known. "This will reflect badly on us if she continues to do this!"
"Ah, good afternoon Asaka-san." Homura greeted.
"Hello, Captain!" Keiichiro quickly replied with a salute. "Nothing to report so far." He then informed.
"I figured as much." Homura replied with a sigh. "Do you mind if I accompany you on patrol?" She soon asked.
"No, not at all Captain!" Keiichiro responded.
"Please quiet down..." Homura however requested with a slight wince.
"Ah, my apologies Captain." Keiichiro soon apologized. "Shall we patrol the hallways?" He then suggested.
"Sure." Homura replied as she two began walking together at a respectable distance.
(Practice Building, 2nd Floor Hallway)
Soon the two made it to the other building, but like the classroom building, nothing seemed to be really going on save for some clubs going through the meetings.
"Hmm...everything seems to be in order at the moment..." Homura stated while scanning the area.
"True, the delinquents must be trying to keep themselves hidden after the incident with Kamoshida." Keiichiro deducted with a nod.
"Heh, that'll help." Homura thought as she soon sniffed the air. "Wait...this scent...nicotine?" She quietly muttered to herself. "Is someone smoking on school grounds!?" She soon exclaimed.
"WHAT!?" Keiichiro exclaimed in disbelief at learning this.
"Follow me!" Homura declared as she ran off towards the smoke, leading them to the restrooms.
"S-Slow down..." Keiichiro panted out as he finally caught up to the head of the committee. "Oh God, you are really fast Captain..." He then admitted in an impressed manner.
"Thank you. They're in-ACK!" Homura began only to gag mid-sentence. Why don't they clean the school bathrooms more...!?
"Shoot, it's in the boy's restroom..." Keiichiro cursed. "I shall go in myself, Captain. You cannot handle the horrors of the men's bathroom!" He soon suggested as he went in.
"Thank you. Ack!" Homura coughed out as she used her hand to blow away the scent. "Future note, get someone better to clean the men's bathrooms." She then added in disgust.
"Hey! What are you doing in here!?" The tan skinned girl soon heard Keiichiro questioned in anger.
"Fuck off. Who the hell do you think you are?" Another voice, also male countered in an annoyed filled tone.
"I am part of the committee and-" Keiichiro started...only to start coughing. "Ack!" He got out as he covered his mouth. Homura guessed they blew smoke in his face.
"Ugh, whatever. Let's leave." The rude sounding voice got out.
"Hey, wait! Ack!" Keiichiro called out as the smokers left the bathroom...only to see a very angry-looking tan skinned girl waiting outside.
"Good afternoon boys." Homura politely greeted while tapping her foot. "Care to explain why you were smoking in the school bathroom?" She then questioned.
This in turn caused said smokers to pale. "OH FUCK, IT'S THE PSYCHO BITCH! RRRRUUUUUNNNN!" One of the delinquents screamed in fear before they all ran away.
"Psycho...!?" Homura got out as her eye twitched. "After them Keiichiro!" She soon ordered as Keiichiro stumbled out the restroom.
"On it..." Keiichiro replied before coughing a little as the two gave chase. "Hold it right there! Shujin Disciplinary Committee!" He loudly declared.
"Surrender now and turn yourself in immediately!" Homura loudly ordered as she also chased after the troublemakers to the stairwell, where they-
CRASH!
"AH! MY SPLEEN!"
"MY COCCYX!"
"MY FALLOPIAN TUBE!"
"MY LEG!"
It quickly became apparent to them that they were dealing with idiots.
"Did those morons seriously trip down the stairs and crash into the wall?" Homura thought in a deadpan tone to the sight.
"...Should we check if they're okay?" Keiichiro asked in concern.
"Of course." Homura maturely replied with a nod as the two descended down the stairs and approached the thugs. "Alright you ruffians, you have injuries yourself as a result of trying to resist the disciplinary committee and its duty to improve our school lives for the better." She soon stated in a prim and proper manner. "How do you plead?" She soon questioned.
"Uh...Not guilty?" One of the smokers got out.
The tan skinned girl in turn sweatdropped to the response. "Bad answer." Homura sighed out.
"Hey, hold on." Keiichiro quickly got out, holding his hand out. "Get up." He then ordered.
"Don't need ya charity, asshole." One of the delinquents got out as he slapped his hand away and picked themselves up, stepping up to the tan skinned girl. "We could've gotten a fucking a therapist but no, we're stuck with you. You and your wardens." He then complained.
"I'm trying to help the school!" Homura countered.
"Whatever, gaijin." The head smoker remarked.
"You son of a... I was born here! I'm naturally tanned you... !" Homura growled as she clenched her fists.
However, her committee member raised his hand to stop her. "...Go home. If you wish to smoke, don't do it on school grounds. If we catch you again, I won't be so forgiving." Keiichiro warned.
"Che...whatever..." The head smoker got out in annoyance.
"I'm serious!" Keiichiro called out, however the smokers ignored him and left the school.
The tan skinned girl soon watched as the smokers vanished from sight as then she turned to her committee member. "Why did you let them go? You know as well as I do that smoking is bad for your health." Homura questioned and reminded.
"Delinquents are delinquents for a reason, Captain." Keiichiro soon informed the tan skinned girl. "Maybe they don't have a place to belong, maybe they needed a break, or maybe they just like hurting people they think are beneath them. You need to understand their story before you punish them. Don't assume anything. Punishment is supposed to rehabilitate people after all, and it won't work if you treat them as scum." He then stated.
Homura blinked after hearing that explanation. "Right, what you say makes sense Asaka-san." She replied with a nod of approval. "You're really wise, you know that?"
"Pardon me, but you're the Captain here. It was your idea to start the committee." Keiichiro reminded.
"Well despite being the committee head, I still have a lot to learn." Homura confessed while rubbing the back of her head in a sheepish manner. "I promise to improve myself along with my committee and learn from each trouble I deal with." She then added.
"We all do. We're students after all. We're in this together." Keiichiro stated. "I promise I will help everyone with anything, big or small. There is no such thing as a minor problem after all." He soon declared.
Homura meanwhile couldn't help but feel respect towards her committee member's determination, causing her to smile in an impressed manner.
SHATTER!
I am thou, thou art I.
As to forge a new path in crimson flame,
The vow has been made.
With the secrets of the Justice by your side,
The forge for a new path will be formed.
Granting great power in return.
RANK UP! JUSTICE RANK 1!
The tan skinned girl was...confused by hearing that little speech. "...What the hell was..." Homura began thinking to herself, however...
"Captain?" Keiichiro called out. "Uh...you spaced out for a second there. I suggest you go home if you are not feeling well Ma'am!" He soon advised in concern.
"Please quiet down." Homura however requested once more.
"Uh, sorry Captain." Keiichiro apologized. "Ah Captain, I just realized we have yet to exchange numbers." He then informed her while taking out his phone.
"Is that necessary? I doubt we'll hang out outside of school." Homura asked as she rubbed the back of her neck. "...Wait, is this just an excuse to get my number?" She soon asked in a more teasing manner and a witty grin on her face.
This immediately caused Keiichiro to blush in a flustered manner. "N-Not at all Ma'am!" He responded. "I just feel as though we could be friends outside of being committee members if that is alright." He then explained after calming himself down.
"Oh." Homura replied as she blinked a couple of times to the reasoning. "Well, if you like to." She soon decided as she took out her phone.
[Kei-Ichigo has been added to your contacts]
"FireGirl20...?" Keiichiro read out. "Do you want to be a firefighter?" He soon asked in a curious manner.
Homura in response sighed to the question. "No, I was violated for having a lame chat name." She muttered.
"It's still a little lame..." Keiichiro admitted. "Uh, no offense." He then added.
"It is alright. It used to be HomuraS." Homura then revealed.
"Well, I won't delay you any longer. I will see you around Captain! I won't let you down!" Keiichiro declared with a salute.
"Of course, have a good day Asaka-san." Homura replied as she began to leave.
As the tan skinned girl headed back to the apartment, she felt as though her Understanding went up as a result. "I wonder how Sis is doing?" Homura soon thought to herself.
(Inokashira Park)
Meanwhile, with the two Leaders, Asuka had practically dragged the poor boy to the station and all the way to Inokashira for...whatever reason. He did note down the route to the park though for later.
"Oh, so this is what you meant." Akira got out as he looked around. "So, why are we here Asuka?" He soon asked with curiosity.
"So, I've been wanting to try out this super secret technique." Asuka got out as she pulled out a scroll from her bag. "Jii-chan put this in my luggage without me noticing. From what I can tell, shinobi use it as a sort of rejuvenation...type...thing. They use only on very long missions, so they can survive on very limited supplies." She then explained.
"I think I know where this is going..." Akira awkwardly started. "You want me to help you test it out." He soon guessed.
"If that's alright with you." Asuka replied in a concerned manner.
Akira in response smiled to this as he nodded. "Sure. In a Shinobi Kekkei?" He replied followed by the guess.
"If that's alright with you." Asuka replied once more in concern.
"Why though? There's not a lot of people here..." Akira pointed out.
"Erm...well...u-ummm..." Asuka stammered out as she poked her fingers together, her face quickly becoming an embarrassed bright red. "It's just..." She mumbled out. Looks like she needed a little encouragement to spit it out.
I'll do anything for you.
Come on, Asuka...
"I'll do anything for you. Just say the word." Akira replied in an encouraging manner.
"I need you to strip." Asuka soon revealed in a blunter tone than she was imagining to come out as.
"...What." Akira got out in a flat tone, not expecting that request.
"T-To your underwear! I-I-It's n-nothing too embarrassing, even though it is embarrassing for me and you and I'm just gonna end my friendship with you right now..." Asuka soon began saying in a rapid manner without any sign of stopping.
"Calm down." Akira soon ordered.
"J-Just forget about it! L-Let's just hang out around the park and-" Asuka started as she tried to change the subject.
"Asuka Shirokage!" Akira called out. "Take a breath. Whatever you want me to do, I'm willing to do so. I mean, I've done worse." He then added as a certain doctor flashed in his mind.
"O-Okay..." Asuka replied with a nod taking a quick look around. No one was looking at them so she made a hand sign. "Shinobi Kekkei!" She declared as the two vanished instantly.
(Asuka's Shinobi Kekkei)
"Alright." Akira got out as he took off his mask as Asuka did the same. "So uh...do you mind turning around?" He soon requested.
"Huh?" Asuka got out in confusion before gasping and turning around, her mask hiding her blush. "I'll be getting the oil ready so call me when you're ready." She then replied before putting up a wall of earth between them for privacy and raised a slab of earth to act as a makeshift massage table.
"Never really took off my Thief Outfit so gimme a second." Akira got out as Asuka could hear the sounds of rustling clothes. "Oh, wait, do I have under-Oh thank God." He started to ask himself, but then sighed in relief.
Asuka meanwhile had the strange feeling to look around the earth barrier to see how her fellow Leader was going, but shook her head as she sat down and read through the scroll.
When the body is free from pain and discomfort, the mind is able to function more efficiently. This improves mental clarity and focus. The Spirit Rejuvenation Technique restores balance to both the body and the mind, allowing them to function together. This technique's ability to increase circulation provides the brain with additional oxygen making it easier to process information and respond more quickly during times of stress.
When performing the technique you should especially focus on the ge-
"I'm ready!" Akira called out, snapping Asuka out of reading the scroll.
"O-Okay! Gimme a second." Asuka replied as she grabbed the special oil from her bag and put away the scroll to her blazer pocket before putting down the earth wall, allowing her to see that Akira had undressed down to his underwear and was laying on his stomach.
However...Asuka was getting slightly distracted by various others...factors. Such as his glistening skin, his toned back and his really, really nice butt. "W-Wow..." She unintentionally got out in amazement.
"Uh...is that the oil on my back?" Akira asked with a slight grimace.
"Huh?" Asuka got out in confusion before realising that she was drooling. "A-Ah! Yes, just a test dollop. Give me a sec." She added as she quickly wiped her mouth, wiped off the drool on the Leader's back and began getting to work. "Get a hold of yourself! You're not Katsu-nee!" She mentally reminded herself while shaking her head.
She quickly poured some of the special oil into her hands, rubbed them together and began to massage the Leader.
Akira could already feel the effects. His body felt pretty good, but it felt like she was gently massaging his mind as well, working out kinks he didn't know he had. He felt calmer, more...focused.
It ended all too soon for Akira as eventually the massage ended.
"How do you feel?" Asuka soon asked in concern.
"Tingly." Akira admitted as he got off the earth table and rolled his shoulders.
"It says here that's normal." Asuka stated. "You may also feel...arousal and premature ejaculation..." She then informed.
"Excuse me?" Akira got out in confusion before quickly covering his groin.
"Nope, wait, wrong section, it treats arousal and ejacualtion..." Asuka corrected as she read the scroll's contents, allowing Akira to breathe. "Uh...oh, here we go. Side effects are...a very, very rare chance of...burning, freezing, shocking, dizziness, forgetfulness, sleepiness, confusion, fear, despair, rage, hunger and...brainwashing?" She listed off, though near the end of the list, she became just as confused to reading the possible symptoms.
"Um...okay...?" Akira awkwardly replied in a more concerned tone.
"I-I'm sure it'll be fine..." Asuka nervously assured the Leader.
"Well, with results like this, I guess it's worth it." Akira got out as he stretched his limbs. "As long as those side effects don't mean anything." He then added as he began to put his uniform back on.
"Now, the oils I used are common in the wild if you know where to look, but since we live in the middle of Tokyo at the moment..." Asuka hesitantly revealed before trailing off.
"I have to pay for this, don't I?" Akira sighed out.
"Sorry, but it's really expensive. Not even my modelling gigs or working at Leblanc can handle that type of financial stress for long." Asuka regretfully informed.
"It's alright. Maybe this'll be useful in the Metaverse." Akira replied with a smile.
To hearing that, the brunette sighed in relief. "Well, I'll start packing what I need then." Asuka responded.
"What's the general price for it anyways?" Akira soon asked.
"Let's see...uh..." Asuka started before paling slightly. "P-Probably around the 170,000 yen range..." She meekly revealed.
Akira suddenly started coughing at the price. "O-Okay. Just another expense to consider in the Phantom Budget..." He muttered out, his voice cracking.
Asuka however comically flailed her arms in a panicked manner to this. "D-Don't worry Akira-kun, I'll just get a lot of gigs modeling as well as working more at Leblanc to help out." She replied.
Akira in turn sweatdropped to the sight as he felt as though he had two options to choose from.
You don't have to.
That would help.
"That would help." Akira replied with a nod.
"Thank you. And if my jobs aren't enough, I'll work on getting you a discount." Asuka responded with a smile. "I...I want to help everyone with anything. Do more, you know. I'm not really that strong in anything really. Both as a shinobi and in the stuff we do in the Metaverse. The best I can do is keep everyone fighting." She soon confessed.
Upon hearing that, Akira could feel his fellow Leader's determination to help her allies, despite her perceived shortcomings.
SHATTER!
Rank 4
Unlocked Foxy Healing
Asuka can now fully restore Akira's SP in Safe Rooms...at a heavy price.
Soon, the two Leaders appeared back in the park with no one noticing them.
"Ah...I should really come here to clear my head some time..." Akira breathed out.
"I know. This clean air... The calming atmosphere... " Asuka began as she took it all in.
"Hm?" Akira hummed out.
"Yosh! I think I got some new futomaki roll ideas!" Asuka soon declared as she pumped her fists with enthusiasm. "You should call me soon to let me try them out!" She then offered.
"I'll try to remember that you're available at night." Akira replied with a nod.
"You should. There's nothing to do in the apartment except bathe and sleep." Asuka encouraged.
"Wait, you and Homura have just been going to sleep at night?" Akira asked.
"Er, yeah? We have to wake up bright and early after all." Asuka replied.
"Yeah, but you live in Shibuya. Tokyo! It's a bustling place full of people and shops you'll never see open in the day. You should explore around more at night, just make sure to keep track of time. I personally try and get home by ten no matter what." Akira pointed out. "Though Morgana practically puts me at gunpoint to sleep." He then added in his head.
"Erm...I dunno..." Asuka uneasily replied. "Me and Homu-nee will think about it though." She then added. "Hey, while we're here, we may as well explore a little. I wanna rent a boat to the water!"
"Wait, almost forgot. Start looking behind your back at school." Akira warned after thumping his forehead.
"Hm?" Asuka hummed out in confusion and slight worry.
"Makoto was watching us as we left school, but lost us at the station." Akira informed. "She's going to be going after her prime suspects directly I bet. Tell Homura to start playing distraction. I'm gonna text the others soon to be careful as well."
"Even though Homu-nee is friends with Makoto-chan?" Asuka meanwhile asked as she remembered the video of the Student Council President venting. "Makoto-chan has a lot of stress due to the no neck principal..." She then mumbled.
"Can't be too careful, Asuka. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, you know the saying." Akira replied. "You two seem to be forgetting that she is going to rat us out to the principal or the police if we give her the chance." He then reminded.
"But-" Asuka started.
"No buts. Please be more cautious around her." Akira interrupted in a tone that would leave no room for arguments.
"... Okay. I will." Asuka sighed out.
"Thank you. Now, let's go rent out a boat." Akira got out as he went off.
"..." Asuka didn't follow the Leader for a second before sighing and went to catch up to him.
Being on a boat sounded fun after all.
(5/26, Evening)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
Day soon turned to night as the sounds of nightlife was heard.
"I'm back!" Asuka called out as she kicked off her shoes.
"Hey, Sis." Homura replied as she left the kitchen, downing a glass of water. "Ah...How was hanging out with Akira?" She soon asked.
"It was great!" Asuka answered in a happy tone. "I learned a new technique, I went on a boat ride with Akira-kun...we should go to Inoshika Park some time." She informed and suggested.
"Sounds like a fun time." Homura got out, feeling slightly jealous. "We'll go there on a Sunday."
"Hai!" Asuka replied. "So what did you do today Homu-nee?" She then asked in a curious manner.
"You know, the usual committee stuff. Did paperwork, patrolled the school...Oh, I also got to know one of my committee members a little bit better." Homura listed off. "They sort of surprised me how wise they were." She then admitted.
"Well, you can learn anything from anyone. You never know what you can expect in life." Asuka replied with a smile.
"I'll keep that in mind. So, wanna take a bath and hit the hay?" Homura soon enough asked in a casual tone.
"Hmm..." Asuka hummed out as she remembered her fellow Leader's words. "Maybe...not right now." She soon replied.
Homura in turn blinked to that answer. "What?" She soon asked.
"Well...I wanna go out tonight." Asuka revealed.
"What? Oh, you wanna go out for dinner." Homura guessed.
"No...more like...I wanna explore around Shibuya at night." Asuka corrected. "Come on, the city's way more different at night. Can I go out, please?" She soon requested.
"...You wanna go exploring and come home later?" Homura soon clarified.
"Yes, we can take a bath later." Asuka replied with a nod.
"...Alright, let's go out." Homura got out with a nod.
"Yes! Let's switch into our casual clothes though." Asuka meanwhile decided.
"It would be pretty bad if we wander around in uniforms." Homura stated as they went to the bedroom to change before starting to take off their uniforms.
The tan skinned girl soon glanced towards the other girl as she blushed and smiled. "Beautiful..." Homura got out in a dazed manner as she looked at her underwear cladded roommate.
"H-Homu-nee..." Asuka meekly got out with a playful blush on her face before giggling. "You're beautiful too." She then playfully complimented as she then posed. "And this is coming from a model." She then added.
To that, Homura blinked at that reminder as it snapped her out of it. "Oh yeah, you became a model." She muttered.
Asuka nodded at that, though she did frown at the tan skinned girl's worried expression. "Homu-nee, I'll be just fine." She reassured.
"I really hope you will be." Homura whispered out as they finished getting dressed before going out the door.
(Central Street)
"Wow, Central Street is pretty different at night." Asuka got out as she looked around. "It's pretty crowded though..." She then added.
"Well, I'm gonna walk around, see you at home around eleven." Homura informed and instructed.
"Okay. Don't get lost." Asuka replied with a nod.
"I won't. See you later." Homura responded as she went off towards Station Square.
The brunette soon smiled as she watched her roommate disappear into the crowd before starting to walk around herself. "Hm...I wanna listen to that man on the soapbox we passed by..." Asuka muttered to herself. "He seemed so...passionate." She then admitted before hearing her stomach growl. "Heheh...maybe I should go eat something first." She soon decided as she took out her wallet. "...Wow I got a lot now from modeling..." She quietly got out in amazement.
"Spend it wisely, though. It's not an infinite0 resource. Save what you can for a rainy day." Kaeru advised.
Nodding to that, Asuka decided to go to the convenience store to grab some food for home and snacks for the next Phantom Thieves meeting.
"Let's see..." Asuka muttered as she looked through the aisles.
"Free sample~!" An employee happily informed. "Free Meat Gum sample~!" She then added.
"Meat Gum...?" Asuka repeated. "Hmm...I wonder if Homu-nee would like it..." She then thought in a curious manner before getting herself two sticks and going off to buy some other things.
After getting a few bags of chips, some sodas and some premade bentos for school tomorrow, Asuka left the store a happy customer.
Asuka decided to chew on a stick of Meat Gum while she wandered around...and almost instantly regretted it as her face became green. "It tastes...like fat and grease..." She thought before going to a nearby garbage can and spat it out. "Urgh...Who in their right minds would like this!?" She then moaned out.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Inaba, a certain jeet-kune-do using police officer felt slightly insulted as she chewed on her Meat Gum while working on her reports.
After buying herself a drink to wash out the taste out of her mouth, Asuka decided to check out the DVD store, only to run into someone.
"Ah, good evening Asuka-san." Yumi greeted with politeness in her voice.
"Yumi-chan? Why are you out here so late?" Asuka asked while blinking a couple of times.
"Oh, I just had some meetings and decided to grab dinner while I was here. I was about to take the train back to Shinjuku before I saw you." Yumi answered. "Though, I should be asking you the same question, Asuka-san." She then admitted.
"Ah, just trying to enjoy the night life for the first time." Asuka sheepishly answered.
"As long as you don't enjoy the more...adult parts of nightlife, I do not see a problem." Yumi replied. "You are enjoying the more legal, appropriate-to-your-age parts of nightlife, are you?" She then asked in a slightly colder tone.
"Well actually, this is really my first time going out. Usually me and Homu-nee eat dinner, take a bath together and then head to sleep for the night in our apartment." Asuka revealed. "I don't really know anywhere to go for those types of things- I-if I was an adult! I mean, I would never!" She then added.
"Good. I recommend you stay far away from Shinjuku." Yumi stated before pausing. "...Ignore the fact that I live there. Though, I hear Like a Dragon is showing at the Cult9 movie theater soon..." She then added.
"Hmm...I wonder if Homu-nee would be interested in that..." Asuka muttered to herself.
Yumi however giggled in response. "You seem to be really close to Homura-san." She pointed out.
"We are friends and roommates." Asuka reminded. "Though I hope she does take up on Jii-chan's suggestion..." She then muttered.
"Excuse me?" Yumi questioned in a curious manner.
"Oh, it's nothing. Just my mind wandering off... " Asuka awkwardly giggled out. "Well, l won't hold you up any more Yumi-chan. Have a good night." She then got out before she started to leave.
"Actually, I have a small favour to ask of you." Yumi suddenly requested.
This in turn stopped the brunette as she looked at the Kosei Student Council President. "Hm? Um, okay..." Asuka got out in confusion. "What do you want me to do?" She soon asked.
"I wish to have a spar with you, Asuka-san." Yumi soon requested.
"Eh? You want to have a sparring match Yumi-chan?" Asuka asked in a curious matter to the sudden request.
"...Yes?" Yumi replied. "I...I just said I want to spar with you." She once more requested.
"I-I know but...Like, right now!?" Asuka in a whisper.
"I thought you'd be the type to accept a challenge or an opportunity to train." Yumi countered. "Do you need an incentive to spar with me?" She soon asked.
"N-No, I'm happy to spar with you! Come on Yumi-chan, let's dance!" Asuka replied with a determined smile.
Nodding to that, the light grey haired girl led the brunette to a nearby alleyway and made a hand sign. "Shinobi Kekkei!" Yumi whispered as the two vanished.
(Yumi's Shinobi Kekkei)
The two soon reappeared in a light blue tinted field of snow as more snow fell with a full moon in the sky.
"Pretty." Asuka breathed out in amazement as she looked around.
However, she froze upon feeling a folded fan touching the back of her neck.
"You have gotten too used to relying on your Persona, Asuka-san." Yumi stated in a dead serious tone.
Asuka however stayed quiet as a determined expression grew under her mask.
"You're really good, Yumi-chan but..." Asuka complimented before...
Crack!
Yumi turned around to see a wall of earth appear behind her, allowing her opponent to elbow her in the stomach and kick her in the face, causing her to crash through said wall.
"I think I'm better." Asuka finished with a grin.
"If you didn't think so, you wouldn't have accepted my challenge." Yumi stated before the two shinobi jumped away from each other. "In any case, on the count of three then?" She questioned as she readied herself.
"Sounds good. But as Shinobi or Thieves?" Asuka asked.
"Shinobi. I wish to see your outer strength, not your inner strength. I would surely lose on that front." Yumi requested.
"Okay. I hope you remember the rules though." Asuka replied.
"Of course. First to lose all their clothes, their opponent is declared the winner. I am not that rusty." Yumi answered. "One." She began counting out.
"Two." Asuka continued.
"THREE! SHINOBI TENSHIN!" The two declared at the same time as their clothes glowed and faded, the brunette glowing a light green while the grey haired girl glowed a light blue.
"I will show you a dance cloaked in shadows!" Asuka called out as she twirled her twin wakizashi around.
"Then let me introduce you to the dance of justice." Yumi replied as she flourished with her fans.
Soon, the two girls charged in, weapons at the ready.
(Underground Mall)
Meanwhile, the tan skinned girl was aimlessly walking around without any real destination.
"Hmm...Should I have really risked buying a lottery ticket?" Homura wondered out loud. "Considering my luck and all... I guess I'll find out next week." She soon decided.
"Homura?" A familiar voice called out in a curious manner.
"Oh, hey Ann." Homura greeted in a casual manner, not even needing to look to see who was greeting her. "Doing some last minute shopping before heading home?" She then asked.
"Actually, I'm just doing an errand. I'm not usually out so late." Ann answered. "How about you?" She soon asked.
"Ah, I'm just exploring." Homura casually replied. "Also bought a lottery ticket." She then added as she showed the ticket to her.
"Oh. I don't really buy those, usually just a waste of money." Ann admitted. "But I hope you win." She soon encouraged.
"Thanks." Homura replied.
"So that million yen debt will be repaid." Ann added.
"Ugh...And there it is..." Homura depressingly mumbled at being reminded.
"Sorry, but I'm still mad at you." Ann replied. "Don't worry, though. The boys' day of reckoning is coming very soon." She vaguely revealed with a grin etched on her face.
The tan skinned girl in turn couldn't help but shiver to that. "Actually, can we talk real quick?" Homura soon requested all of a sudden to change the subject. "It's about Sis and the second job she has." She then informed.
"You mean the modeling?" Ann guessed with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes. You, uh, helped Sis with the modeling thing..." Homura stated in a serious tone.
"I just mainly gave her encouragement after I asked her to help out." Ann corrected. "Asuka-chan's seriously a natural at it." She then informed.
"...Really?" Homura asked in a more curious manner. "She's been that good so far?" She then added.
"Yup, she already told you about the gig she did on her own right?" Ann soon asked. "Our manager told me that Asuka-chan went and told off this one bitchy model that tried to make her lose confidence." She then revealed with a proud smile on her face.
"Yeah, but that's because they haven't spent enough time with her. Those...Those bitches will find a weakness and exploit it for all its worth like a Shadow against a Persona!" Homura growled.
"What's with that analogy?" Ann however askes with a sweatdrop.
"It is all I can think of right now!" Homura snapped.
"Come on Homura, modelling isn't a life-or-death battle." Ann pointed out in a reassuring manner.
(Yumi's Shinobi Kekkai)
(Cue MASSIVE WONDERS by Nana Mizuki)
Yumi wasn't making things easy for Asuka. She was trying to force her to treat this as a life-or-death battle.
"Yumi-chan is relentless..." Asuka thought as she dodged away from the various ice attacks Yumi had at her disposal. "Gotta find an opening, gotta find an opening..." She mentally told herself.
"She's on the defensive, and the battle has only started..." Yumi thought with a frown. "I know you're better than this..." She then added in her head as she dashed forward, going for a more aggressive approach.
Asuka silently panicked as the light grey haired girl charged at her, forcing her to raise her blades to block the initial assault before having to dodge a flurry of blows.
However, Asuka didn't dodge fast enough as her opponent sliced through her top, revealing her green bikini bra. "AH!" Asuka yelped out.
Yumi frowned as she used this opportunity to slap the Vice Leader in the face with her fans before kicking her away. "Do not wait, make your own openings!" She demanded in a lecturing manner. "Do not be passive in battle! Take the initiative, Asuka-san!" She then ordered.
Asuka took in a deep breath as she nodded. "...Alright, you asked for it!" She called out as she dashed forward and engaged her opponent in close combat, swinging fast and wild.
"There you go, Asuka-san! Let the will of your dance flow through you!" Yumi encouraged before being kicked in the stomach as the brunette stepped back.
"Hanzō-Style Full Bloom!" Asuka declared as she readied herself, crossing her swords in front of her as they became coated in a greenish glow.
Yumi didn't have time to react as the brunette then dashed forward and unleashed a barrage of slashes at her opponent before she then slammed both of her swords down, causing sharp rocks to rise up from the ground, knocking her opponent into the air.
"Here I go!" Asuka declared before dashing towards her opponent. "Aerial Rave!" She soon declared as she readied her blades and performed a quick combo on Yumi before slamming her back down to the ground. "Had enough?"
Yumi let out a breath as she picked herself up and pulled her kimono up a little, her sleeves destroyed from the brunette's combo along with other small tears and rips in her outfit. "Impressive, but still not enough." She praised and informed her. "Now come, we are to continue our dance!" She soon commanded.
Despite the cold atmosphere, Asuka felt her blood pump faster, letting out a smile as they charged at each other.
"Baptism by Ice!" Yumi declared as she created several ice spears before forming it into one giant one. "Accept your blessing!" She soon commanded as she shot it forward.
Asuka narrowed her eyes before at the last second, she leapt onto the ice spear and used it as a stepping stone to attack Yumi in the air.
However, the Gessen shinobi anticipated it as guarded against Asuka's attacks before elbowing the girl and forcing her back to the ground, giving her the opening she needed.
"I summon..." Yumi began as she flashed through several hand signs. "White Widow! Now, quiver with fear!" She soon declared as her summon came down on its web behind her.
"Wah! The ice spider thing again!" Asuka got out before quickly going through some hand signs. "Fine! Time to fight fire with fire!" She soon declared before realizing something. "E-Erm, ice with earth? U-Uh...you know what, let's just go with the first thing-" She mumbled out in a rambling tone while thinking about it, however...
"You're open!" Yumi declared as her spider started to pull Asuka into its whirlwind.
"AH!" Asuka screamed as she stabbed her blades into the ground, only for it to be in vain as she lost her grip and was caught in the windy web, tearing up her clothes before being unceremoniously dropped to the ground.
"Yield." Yumi simply ordered as she grabbed Asuka by the collar and lifted her up..
Asuka simply slipped out of what was left of her top, rolled to the side and grabbed the other girl by the waist before lifting her up and then fell backwards to slam her head into the ground.
Taking advantage of Yumi's stunned state, Asuka jumped back and started performing her own technique. "TOAD SUMMON!" Asuka called out as her animal appeared in front of her with a puff of smoke. "Yay!" She cheered as she got on.
"To already be able to summon...you are a talented shinobi." Yumi praised in amazement and wonder.
However...
Yumi instantly retracted her statement as she saw her opponent flail around.
"AAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Asuka screamed out as she tried to control her summon while holding on for dear life. "PLEASE STOOOOPPPP!" She called out.
Yumi sighed at that...only for the toad to begin slashing at her with its tongue, tearing pieces of her kimono to ribbons. "Kya!" She yelped out as she attempted to get away. "I underestimated it!" She exclaimed at her own blunder.
"HELP ME!" Asuka meanwhile yelled out, feeling her grip loosening before she flung off her summon, flying towards her opponent. Thinking quickly, she resummoned her blades and went into a flying kick.
Yumi merely grabbed her leg and used Asuka's momentum to toss her away, though she did land on her feet and stabbed one of her blades into the ground to stop.
Asuka and Yumi were panting as they stared each other down.
The two silently went into Frantic Mode, leaving them in nothing but their underwear.
"ASUKA-SAN!" Yumi called out.
"YUMI-CHAN!" Asuka responded in turn.
And with one last cry, the two Good Shinobi charged at each other, knowing that this last clash would be their last.
SLICE! SMACK!
There was a moment where time simply stopped, neither girl moving while not looking at one another.
But they already knew who had won, and who had lost.
RIP!
(Shibuya, Underground Mall)
The two had moved themselves over towards the vending machines as their little argument continued.
"Anything can be a battle in life." Homura countered.
"In any case, you need to relax. Asuka-chan isn't a delicate flower." Ann continued as she gave the tan skinned girl some Earl Green.
"I just get worried, you know?" Homura soon confessed. "I don't want Sis to come home crying over some bitch telling her she's not good enough, or she's not the right size or some superficial bullshit and lies. Not to mention all the people who are probably jerking off to her pictures right now. And, like all industries, it can be corrupt and twisted and next thing you know you're sucking off the camera guy as he's selling your nudes for 500 yen a pop and now you're some homeless prostitute getting fucked for blow!" She then explained, sounding angrier and angrier with each word, unintentionally crushing her drink.
"..." Ann stared at the tan skinned girl for a good few seconds. "...Either you have an overactive imagination or do I have to finally get a therapist for you...?" She soon asked in concern.
"O-Overactive imagination." Homura muttered out as she rubbed her forehead after calming herself down. "...Where was I going with this again?" She then asked.
"Asuka getting hurt over being a model?" Ann answered. "It'll be fine. Asuka-chan won't let mean words get to her. She's too nice for that." She then reminded.
"Sounds more like a weakness than a strength to be honest..." Homura admitted as she threw the drink away and wiped her hand on her clothes.
"Aw, come on! Don't do that..." Ann whined.
"Can't help it. In Hebijo, you're taught that exposing your feelings to someone is a shinobi's greatest weakness. If you aren't careful they can abuse it, crush it under your heel, use it to their advantage and stab you in the back." Homura soon explained. "Shinobi paranoia may be troublesome at times, but it's kept us alive." She then added.
"What? Um, I was talking about wiping your hand on your clothes. Come on, Homura, I paid good money so don't treat it like that..." Ann informed the tan skinned girl. "Not to mention it's not really a feminine thing to do." She then added.
"Uh, sorry." Homura apologized. "I'll...I'll buy a handkerchief."
"Still though...I thought you'd be happy Asuka's happy." Ann got out with a frown.
"Sorry I'm so hung up on this. Just...I get angry thinking about it for some reason..." Homura admitted. "Don't know why though...And don't give me that because you care about her bit. I know that but there has to be some other reason..." She then added in a more unsure manner.
"You're just scared." Ann simply answered. "You have every right to be, but eventually you have to let them go so they can find their own path." She then explained.
"But I don't wanna let go just yet. I wanna stay by her side. I'm her sword to her shield." Homura replied before frowning. "Or her...shield to her sword...?" She then muttered to herself, unsure if she said the right thing.
"Not everything and everyone is dangerous. I mean, come on, it's not like someone like, um, Miki-san over there is a shinobi." Ann stated as she pointed over to a poster of a pink haired woman with a shinobi level chest.
Huh.
"Who?" Homura asked before turning her head in the direction mentioned.
"Never mind, the point is that you're worrying too much." Ann soon started before grinning. "Relax, and work on improving yourself Homu-nee~" She advised, saying the last bit in a teasing matter.
"...Only my precious Asuka can affect me with that." Homura droned out in a deadpan tone.
"Ack!" Ann choked out in an overly exaggerated manner. "Oh, how you wound me! Such an attack on me to my honor and-" She soon started declaring in a dramatic way.
"Please stop." Homura groaned out. "Is that supposed to be funny?" She then questioned.
"Oh come on, I'm trying to improve my acting. I did pretty well with Yusuke, but I know I have room for improvement." Ann revealed.
"Eh, you could use some work." Homura admitted. "Like, a lot." She then added.
"Hey, I don't see you making jokes." Ann countered.
"Oh please. I have plenty of good jokes." Homura however declared in a confident tone.
This in turn peaked the ash blonde's curiosity. "Really?" Ann asked in a skeptical manner.
Homura only smirked in response as she cleared her throat.
"So, I'm in this hotel lobby visiting to meet a friend from overseas and I ask the man in the front desk for their room number. He goes Shi, tsu, rei. So I go, and it's the wrong one so I go back and complain. But he goes, No, that's not the room number, I mean you. Hai! Homura ja naito!" Homura got out as she then pointed at the ash blonde in an exaggerated manner...before snickering and laughing to herself. "Hahahaha! See, I can be funny! Hahahaha!" She soon declared.
"..." Ann, however, remained silent to the joke.
"Hahaha! Hahaha...Ha...Ha-Oh come on, that was comedy gold!" Homura got out in an annoyed tone.
"...Srk!" Ann suddenly snorted out. "Oh God, that was so bad Homura! Hahahaha!" She declared as she started laughing.
"Moh...Come on! I wanted to make you laugh, but not like that!" Homura groaned out with a pout on her face.
"Well, let me make it up to you with food. Wanna get a crepe or something? My treat." Ann offered after her laughing settled down.
"Aren't they closed at this hour?" Homura however asked.
"They're still open, they close in thirty minutes." Ann revealed.
"And how far away is it?" Homura then questioned.
"Central Street." Ann answered.
"Oh! That place! Right! I forgot about that place. Come on, let's hurry. Hopefully there isn't a line." Homura decided with a nod. "Gotta make up for the lack of sweets in my life before coming to Tokyo." She then added.
"It's weird hearing someone say that Homura." Ann admitted as the two started heading out. "But then again, I sort of expected your level of comedy." She then added.
"Ugh, you just didn't get it." Homura grumbled under her breath.
"Oh, before you head out after we eat, here's a gift," Ann suddenly offered as she took out what appeared to be a container. "It's just cream used for spa facial masks to clear your pores and prevent dry skin after taking a bath if you wear it overnight. I accidentally bought an extra." She then explained. "Feel free to use it as well as Asuka-chan if you want. It might help with your Femininity." She soon suggested.
"Really?" Homura got out as she studied the beauty product.
"Yup, just follow the instructions on the container." Ann instructed.
"Thanks. Now, the time for crepes is now!" Homura declared as she dashed off.
"The way to Station Square is the other way." Ann deadpanned, causing Homura to stop midstep.
"Er, whoops." Homura got out with a blush before deciding it would be smarter just to follow the ash blonde there.
(Central Street)
In the alleyway, the two shinobi girls had reappeared.
"That was a fun fight, Yumi-chan!" Asuka happily declared while rolling her shoulder.
"You lost, though, Asuka-san." Yumi however pointed out.
The Vice Leader simply giggled to that reminder. "So? It was just a friendly spar, and through battle we're able to understand and become closer to each other." Asuka replied. "I gotta say though Yumi-chan, you were amazing! You being able to fight in your kimono must be tough." She then complimented and pointed out in a curious manner.
Yumi in response smiled at the compliment towards her. "Thank you Asuka-san, but you did quite well yourself in that match." She replied with her own form of praise before looking down. "Um...Asuka-san, you're...still..." She awkwardly and hesitantly started.
"Hm?" Asuka got out in confusion before looking down...to see herself in nothing but her birthday suit. "Ah!" She yelped out before her casual clothes returned, causing her to sigh in relief.
"That's better." Yumi sighed out in relief as well before checking her phone. "It is getting late, Asuka-san. We should head home since it is a school night." She soon advised.
"Hai. I want a rematch soon though." Asuka replied with a determined expression on her face.
"I expect nothing less. Good night, Asuka-san." Yumi responded while a brunette nodded, the two shinobi went their separate ways.
(Shinjuku, New Moon Apartment Complex)
Yumi let out a breath as she arrived at her lonely apartment.
Tonight had been a good night.
It had been so long since she had to use her techniques and skills, since she left Gessen to pursue the culprit behind the shutdowns. It was nice to be able to stretch her legs without feeling the fatigue of the Metaverse. And her opponent...
"...Asuka-san was good, I had almost lost that bout. A diamond with rough edges, but still good..." Yumi soon stated to herself as she headed for the shower and turned on the water. "She will be a fantastic rival...and a great friend. Her and Homura-san both." She then added in approval.
New friends. Yumi couldn't help but smile at the thought of more friends since coming to Tokyo besides her kohai. It excited her honestly as she entered the shower. And another benefit being that both of them were shinobis as well.
"...I should call the others tomorrow." Yumi decided. Though her new friends were nice, she shouldn't forget her longer lasting bonds.
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
CLOSE!
"Welcome back, Homu-nee." Asuka greeted as she heard the door close.
"Hey, Sis. How was the night life?" Homura asked as she made herself visible to her roommate.
"Uhh...You have a little..." Asuka got out before wiping off some cream from her roommate's cheek and locked it. "Whipped cream. Aw poopie! I forgot about the crepe place!" She soon exclaimed with a pout.
"Yeah,it was open. Well, until me and Ann got there. We were the last customers for the night." Homura replied. "I'll buy you one to make up for it tomorrow." She then reassured.
"Thank you." Asuka happily replied. "Oh, so you met up with Ann-chan?" She then asked.
"Yep. We just talked for a bit." Homura replied. "How about you? Did you meet up with anyone?" She soon asked.
"Uh, yeah. I bumped into Yumi-chan." Asuka answered. "We had a spar and, um...I lost." She revealed.
"Oh, really?" Homura asked as she blinked to learning this. "Well, we better up your training then. I refuse to let you lose to anyone but me Sis." She then declared.
"Yeah, I was planning on it! We should really invite her to a training session some time." Asuka suggested. "A three way fight between us sounds awesome!" She then declared.
"Sounds fun. Fire beats ice, ice beats earth, earth beats fire...OH! We can use all our abilities to make a hot tub after we're done!" Homura got out, excited by the idea she came up with.
"Can our bathtub hold three people?" Asuka however asked.
"Er, nope. Our bathroom isn't that big, though it is nicer than the rest of the apartment." Homura pointed out. "...It would be best if we clean it up before the next Phantom Thieves meeting." She soon suggested as she looked at their messy apartment.
"Yeah..." Asuka agreed with a nod as the two then went and did as such. "Gonna go throw away our garbage real quick." She soon called out before opening the door to the apartment with a garbage bag...and coming back the next second without a garbage bag.
"Goddammit, Ryuji." Homura groaned out as she brushed up a bunch of crumbs before placing them into the trash can. "God, for a monkey you sure eat like a pig..." She grumbled to herself as she went on to sweep up the rest of the apartment.
Meanwhile, Asuka was busy cleaning their model guns when her phone suddenly began ringing. "Hello?" Asuka asked.
"Hey, Asuka, sorry for calling so late but do you mind making some futomaki rolls?" Akira requested over the phone.
"Oh, sure!" Asuka happily replied.
"Thank you. I'll pick them up as soon as I can. See you later and good night." Akira replied as he hung up.
"Okay, I'll do that in the morning." Asuka mentally decided as she reassembled her pistol, doing a few quick trigger pulls to check they're in working order.
"What was that Sis?" Homura asked as she noticed her roommate place her phone down.
"Ah, Akira-kun just basically requested me to make some sushi." Asuka replied as she put away the model guns. "Gonna do it tomorrow, though. It's getting way too late." She then added.
"It's now almost midnight..." Homura informed her roommate as she looked at the clock.
"Hai." Asuka replied as she stretched her limbs.
"Time for the bath?" Homura soon asked.
"Yup!" Asuka happily replied with a nod. "It has to be quick though. We still have school after all." She then added.
"Can't wait to take down Madarame and have our bath bomb celebration afterwards huh?" Homura teasingly guessed.
This caused Asuka to blush and giggle. "Guilty there Homu-nee." She responded. "And I hope the change of heart goes well when we win." She then added.
"Though, I hope Yusuke will be able to support himself. There is a non-zero chance that Madarame will turn himself in to the police." Homura admitted. "...Though he does have Yumi." She then added.
"Yeah, he can always live with her for a while." Asuka replied in agreement. "Though we should get in and wash up." She then reminded her roommate.
"Right." Homura responded with a nod as the two saw that the bath was ready and they entered it. "Oh yeah...that feels nice..." She breathed out.
"Oooooh~ Like always, the bath feels soooooo goooood~" Asuka sighed out with bliss. "Hey Homu-nee, what shampoo are we using this time~?" She then asked.
Homura frowned a little as she thought it through a little. The bottles she got only had enough for two people so she had to think a little bit more wisely on which to use...
"Here we go, Fruity Proficient." Homura muttered as she took hold of the pink bottle and squeezed some onto her roommate's hair and began scrubbing.
"Mmm~ Strawberries~" Asuka got out. "Oh, rose buds as well~" She then added. "Yeah, I'll buy more tomorrow for us, maybe even bigger bottle ones if they have them." She soon decided.
"Thank you." Homura replied with a nod as she continued scrubbing and created suds as a result.
"Here Homu-nee, let me do your hair now." Asuka offered as she squeezed some shampoo out into her hands and began scrubbing into the tan skinned girl's hair as suds formed.
SPLASH!
Eventually, both girls got pails of water to get rid of the excess shampoo and suds in the hair as they then went on to washing their bodies.
However as they continued washing themselves off, the two felt a tingly rush going through their bodies.
Asuka feeling as though her Proficiency went up as a result. "Hehehe...I feel like I can do more at night if I wanted to scheduling-wise." She thought in her head as she felt something change within her.
Homura meanwhile felt as though her Femininity was increasing as a result. "Wow, this shampoo totally feels good. It's almost like it washed away all of my troubles and worries." She thought to herself in a satisfied manner to whatever was developing.
Soon enough, the two finished bathing as they got themselves out and dried themselves off with towels wrapped around their chests.
"Well, we should get ready Sis. We totally could use some beauty sleep now." Homura soon decided as she unintentionally checked her nails while standing in a more feminine manner.
"How true Homu-nee." Asuka replied in agreement, not even phased to how the tan skinned girl was acting. "It is probably past midnight now, so let's get to sleep." She then added.
The tan skinned girl nodded in agreement to the suggestion as they began heading for the bedroom, only for her to stop. "Oh yeah, speaking of beauty sleep, Ann gave me something to clear our pores along with preventing dry skin and I'm curious about it since it can be used as we sleep." Homura revealed as she got the cream from her bag. "Wanna try it? We won't be able to cuddle or sleep naked tonight if we do." She then added.
To that suggestion, the brunette smiled to the thought. "Sure! It'll be a fun and wondrous experience!" Asuka replied with a smile. "First we should change into our pajamas." She then suggested.
"Sure! It's been a while since we wore PJs." Homura replied as the two headed for the bedroom to change.
Asuka and Homura's pajamas were green and crimson negligee respectively with thicker cloth around their breasts, though if you looked close enough, you could see their panties underneath the cloth...or rather the lack thereof.
"Man, I can't believe totally I almost forgot we bought these with Ann last time we went shopping with her." Homura admitted as she looked at herself. "I mean we have been sleeping in the nude since, but still." She then added.
"Sorry, we started sleeping nude since I sleep stripped both of us..." Asuka mumbled out while poking her finger tips together.
"Ah it's ok Sis, you can think of this as a habit breaker then." Homura giggled out. "Also, you look totally cute on your pajamas." She then complimented.
"You do as well, though it is kinda... breezy... " Asuka pointed out. "Though it's not a bad thing." She then added. "But do like feeling your skin when I sleep." She soon admitted.
"Me too. It's definitely a lot more freeing than our old set." Homura replied as she twirled the skirt around.
"That is oh so true." Asuka responded in agreement. "In any case, we should start. How do we begin?" She then added.
Nodding to that, the tan skinned girl stopped twirling about as she looked at the container. "Ok, it says we have to wrap our hair up so it doesn't get caught." Homura read the instructions.
"Ok." Asuka replied as she went back to the bathroom.
Soon, both girls had their hair in buns and held by towels.
"So now we just apply the cream to our faces and go to sleep Homu-nee?" Asuka asked in a curious manner.
"Right, when we wake up tomorrow, we wash them off while we take a bath and our faces will totally feel great as a result." Homura replied with a smile. "Ok then, I'll do your face and you'll do mine." She instructed as she got the compact right.
"Sure, please be gentle." Asuka requested as she closed her eyes.
"Sure thing!" Homura giggled out as she started applying the green colored cream to her roommate's face.
"Mm, it smells so good." Asuka mumbled out.
"Shh, stay still Sis, I'm almost finished." Homura replied and informed the other girl. "Aaaand done!" She soon concluded in a satisfied manner.
To that, Asuka opened her eyes as she felt the cream mask on her face. "Oooh, it feels so good. Tingly as well." She got out in amazement as she brought a hand up to feel what was on her face.
"Remember not to touch it Sis, you might smudge it." Homura instructed as she then handed the jair. "Now it's your turn to do it to me." She then added while closing her eyes.
Taking a deep breath and nodding, Asuka took the container and compact. "Ok Asuka, gently. Just like Homu-nee did towards you." She mentally reminded herself as she started.
A minute later, Asuka finished applying the cream. "Okay, done. How is it?" She soon asked.
"It feels totally awesome!" Homura replied with a smile.
Asuka soon giggled as they looked at themselves in the mirror. "Hehe, we look silly Homu-nee." She admitted. "But these feel and smell good." She then added.
"Yeah." Homura giggled out before a yawn escaped her lips. "Yup, totally bedtime now." She then mumbled out.
"Hai." Asuka replied with a nod as they carefully crawled into the futon. "This was fun Homu-nee." She got out.
"Yep, it was. We are definitely going out at night more from now on. Maybe coming home earlier than, er, yesterday." Homura replied. "Night, Sis." She then added.
"Yeah...good night..." Asuka yawned out as she closed her eyes...
"Makoto was watching us as we left school, but lost us at the station." Akira informed, looking directly into her eyes. "She's going to be going after her prime suspects directly I bet. Tell Homura to start playing distraction."
Suddenly, Asuka's eyes snapped open as she just remembered what their Leader said earlier today. "Oh, Homu-nee. Um..." She soon started.
"Hm? What's up?" Homura quietly responded.
Asuka opened her mouth before stopping herself.
Should they really begin seeing, and treat, Makoto as a serious threat to the Phantom Thieves?
"Uh, Sis?" Homura mumbled out.
"... Nothing. Just, uh, mentally figuring out what might go wrong with the heist and where we could help." Asuka replied. No, she wasn't depriving the stressed out Student Council President of her friendship with her roommate.
Besides, it was very unlikely she'd ever find out.
"Hey it's bedtime, not Phantom Thief time. We'll worry about it when Akira green lights the calling card." Homura reminded as she snuggled closer to her roommate, but not enough to smear her mask.
"Yeah... " Asuka soon yawned as she rested her head against the pillow and closed her eyes.
"Well, night Sis, see ya in the morning." Homura mumbled out as the two drifted off to sleep.
Save Game... Quit!
Asuka/Yin's Social Stats:
Leadership- Outspoken (Level 2)
Knowledge- Informed (Level 2)
Proficiency- Bumbling (Level 1) - Decent (Level 2)
Diligence- Persistent (Level 2)
Courage- Reliable (Level 2)
Homura/Yang's Development Stats:
Maturity- Adolescence (Level 2)
Knowledge- Learned (Level 2)
Femininity- Boyish (Level 1) - Effeminate (Level 2)
Elegance- Nonexistent (Level 1)
Understanding- Kindly (Level 2)
Asuka Sushi:
Futomaki Roll- Restores 30 HP and 30 SP to one ally.
Long Futomaki Roll- Restores 60 HP and 60 SP to one ally.
Spicy Futomaki Roll- Decreases Damage done by Fire (Agi) attacks.
Mild Futomaki Roll- Decreases Damage done by Ice (Bufu) attacks.
Energizing Futomaki Roll- Decreases Damage done by Electric (Zio) attacks
Light Futomaki Roll- Decreases Damage done by Wind (Garu) attacks.
...How much foreshadowing can you see in this chapter? Really, I don't know what to say right now except...Get ready to steal hearts...?
UknownHero signing off, my friends!