Okay… officially excited for Cyberpunk 2077. Hooray for Jesse Cox and his…weird-ass sidequest. Hey, UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona! Hm…I'm thinking about making a Spotify playlist for this story, but they don't have all the songs… Ah whatever. To the reviews~ That tilde was an accident but I'm keeping it in!

To WX-Lazer: Well, I've been planning to clean up the older chapters…and now we've gotten around to it! We've edited the first three chapters and might do more in the future. To Vein Bloodborne: Ah, you mean that glitch effect? Well…I just Googled it and found a website that does it. It's called Zalgo. I've used it in other stories and it basically just does something to text. You can even use it on Twitter and Facebook.

Anyway, that's it! Let's pad it out!

Load Game… Start!

Chapter 41: Passing Time

(6/1, Early Morning)

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

The two roommates had woken up brighter and earlier than usual as they were already getting to work, preparing themselves for whatever the day had for them.

"Can't stop dancing all night long~ Jumpin' up, shake it up, move your body~! Don't stop the music all night long, keep it on! It's Friday Night~" Asuka sang along with the music as she made breakfast, twirling around as she flipped the bacon.

"It's Wednesday, Sis!" Homura called out from the bathroom.

"I know! It's just my parents' favorite song! They always dance to it on their anniversary!" Asuka explained. "I wonder if we can go to a club to dance..." She muttered to herself.

Meanwhile, Homura giggled as she cleaned the drain of the bathtub of their hair. It was like the type of mornings families would enjoy in movies and TV. Having fun while doing chores to start the day.

"No downsides, huh." Homura got out, remembering what the not cat told her yesterday.

"It's so wonderful - my life~! Please could you say my name when the music's over~?" The tan skinned girl heard Asuka sing. "Kill the LIGHTS-OH CRAP! IT'S FINE! The bacon is fine!" She kept singing before suddenly panicking.

Homura snorted before laughing.

This could be every day if she...

"You know, a future with Asuka wouldn't be so bad." Homura thought to herself. "Once this year is up and I take down whoever attacked me at the forest, I could transfer to Hanzō Academy, finish up school, spend time with Sis and..." She then added in her head as she began thinking and imaging about it.

Like how she would be training, albeit less strict and less risk of death...and eating great meat...and fighting...and training...just with...different people...

And do that all again the next day...just like...

"...What I was doing at Hebijo..." Homura awkwardly finished her thoughts in realization. Suddenly, dark clouds began to form around her head. "What's the point of having a future if you have no idea how to use it?" She began to think in depression.

"Homu-nee?" Asuka innocently called out.

"Yah!" Homura yelped out, snapping out of her thoughts. "W-What is it Sis?" She soon asked.

Asuka then leaned down and snaked her arms around the tan skinned girl and hugged her. "What's wrong Homu-nee?" She softly asked.

"N-Nothing. Just...Um...thinking about your training session when Akira pays for it." Homura answered. "What area do you think you need improvement in?" She soon asked.

"I'm not sure, really." Asuka admitted. "I guess I could be a little better at Magic..." She then suggested.

"Okay." Homura replied with a nod. "...How am I supposed to train that...?" She then thought to herself.

"Anyways, breakfast is ready. Once you're done, let's eat and then take a bath." Asuka got out before leaving the bathroom. "Heh, we can take a longer one since we woke up pretty early, huh?" She then added with a smile.

"Alright," Homura replied as she threw the wet ball of hair in the trash. "Note to self, get something to prevent hair from going down the drain." She thought to herself in disgust as she stood up and went to the kitchen, where her breakfast was waiting. "So, how's the situation with Madarame?" She soon asked as her roommate put away her phone.

"Yusuke-kun's still saying that he's in bed. Yumi-chan's watching his health too just in case." Asuka replied. "We don't want him to escape now, do we?" She then reminded.

"Yeah." Homura replied in agreement. "Still can't believe he just let his mother die for money…" She muttered out in disgust.

"I know. All this time, I thought he did care about Yusuke-kun...but I guess it was all to make him loyal…" Asuka sighed out in sadness. "And...And I just know we're going to have to see even worse people than him…" She then added.

"Well, it's the life we chose when we decided to go into that castle in April." Homura stated. "Plus, there is that person with a black mask out there causing the shutdowns. Is there any news about it, by the way?" She replied followed by the question.

Asuka however shook her head in response. "Not recently. Hmm...maybe there's a pattern in the victims?" She replied and deducted

"Well, they obviously had to have had a Palace." Homura pointed out. "But there is the possibility that they're just a psycho and are killing indiscriminately." She then pointed out.

"...True Homu-nee...but this person also has shinobi connections...I mean...your former family..." Asuka mumbled out in a sad tone.

Homura winced as she held her chest. "...Dammit, if we only had a shred of evidence other than having a black mask…" She muttered in response.

"We'll get them Homu-nee, and bring them to justice for their crimes..." Asuka replied in a dead serious tone. "'Cause killing them...would just be the easy way out in the end." She then reminded.

"Doesn't mean I can't break their legs." Homura growled.

"And I'll break their arms..." Asuka darkly added in a venomous tone. "...Ugh, I just lost my appetite…" She then groaned.

"Even though we already finished?" Homura pointed out.

"Eh?" Asuka got out before looking down to see an empty plate...with chopsticks stabbed into it.

"Anger eating, it's a wonder at times." Homura replied before standing up. "Come on, we gotta wash up and head out." She then reminded.

Asuka nodded before grabbing the plates and dumping them into the sink before heading to the bathroom.

"So Sis, which shampoo this time?" Homura asked while running the tub.

"Mind Energizer Homu-nee." Asuka replied as she stripped down.

"Alright. I'll be scrubbing you down first, okay?" Homura offered as she stripped herself down as well after the tub was filled.

"Like a big sister would?" Asuka jokingly asked as she stepped into the tub.

"Yep, you're adorable cute little sister who-" Homura cooed out before blushing in realization and stopped herself before getting in the tub as well.

"Still thinking about it?" Asuka questioned in concern.

"No! I mean, yes! I mean...None of the above." Homura stammered out.

"I'll take that as a yes Homu-nee, I understand." Asuka calmly replied.

"...No downsides…" Morgana's voice echoed in Homura's head.

"Oh, this is gonna bother me the whole day…" Homura mentally groaned as she began applying the shampoo.

Both girls soon felt as though their Knowledge was increasing as a result. "...How invigorating..." They both unintentionally thought at the same time.

"I've been wondering, what is in this?" Homura thought in a curious manner as she looked at the bottle. "Diethanolamine...Triethanolamine...Table Salt...might cause hair loss, but only a 1% chance of it occurring." She read out in her mind with a raised eyebrow.

"Is something the matter Homu-nee?" Asuka meanwhile asked in a more intellectual tone of voice while washing the shampoo out of her hair.

"...Uhh...It is nothing, Sis." Homura offhandedly responded. "In the meanwhile, I should look up complaints on Mind Energizer just in case..." She mentally decided while looking at the bottle again, eventually finding a phone number. "Here we go." She thought in relief.

"What are you doing?" Asuka asked.

"Nothing." Homura replied before putting the bottle down.

About ten minutes later, they both got out of the tub and got ready to face the world.

However, Homura had to do one more thing before they left for the day.

"Upon buying the product, you have legally forfeited your right to sue as you were warned on the bottle that it only happens to 1% of all customers. We always strive to improve our products so your feedback is appreciated...within reasonable limits. To give feedback, please press thirteen." The automatic message informed.

Homura however sighed to this in frustration. "Of course it's like that..." She thought to herself…right before it hit her. "Wait a minute, there is no thirteen, you bit-" She grumbled.

"Homu-nee! Come on, we gotta catch the train!" Asuka called out.

"I'm coming!" Homura replied as she focused on the phone once more.

"Thank you for your feedback. Have a nice day."

"Hey, wait!" Homura got out before the message cut off. "Why does the universe hate me…" She groaned out before grabbing her bag and heading out with her roommate.

(6/1, Lunchtime)

(Shujin Academy, Second Floor)

"It's a thing!" Akira tried to convince the two shinobi as they walked down the hallway.

"No it is not!" Homura however called out. "I refuse to believe that there is a place called Piss-" She then started, however...

"Hey, guys. Look over there." Asuka interrupted in a worried tone.

"Hm?" Akira got out before looking over to where the Vice Leader was pointing. "Shit." He then swore out.

"Ms. Kawakami. I already know..." The three heard Chouno say, causing fear to stab into the two Leader's hearts.

"Oh no..." Asuka whispered out in a worried manner.

"Hm...what's wrong?" Homura asked in confusion as the not cat popped his head out of the Leader's bag.

"Looks like Kawakami's been driven into a corner by Chouno! What should we do, Akira?" Morgana got out in concern.

Akira frowned, knowing what to do. "You two stay back for now." He soon requested.

"Wait, what?" Homura got out in confusion.

"...Okay, Leader. Keep her safe." Asuka replied with a nod.

Akira nodded back before walking up to the two teachers.

"As I've been saying..." Kawakami started before noticing her student. "Ah, Kurusu-kun." She then got out.

"Kawakami-sensei." Akira simply greeted.

"Ah, excuse me, but I have another matter to attend to right now, so I have to excuse myself..." Kawakami began as she attempted to leave.

"No! We're not finished talking yet!" Chouno however declared.

"Whoa! Chouno-sensei got really scary, really fast!" Asuka thought as she began to sweat.

"But I..." Kawakami started, but was quickly interrupted.

"There's been a series of scandals on this campus. We're all being called into question. And yet you leave work earlier than anyone– and you barely make it to faculty meetings!" Chouno called out. "Explain yourself! Don't tell me you're out running around at night!?" She soon demanded and accused.

"This isn't good." Akira thought with a frown. "Kawakami-sensei is going to get fired if I don't do something. She'll owe me after this if I manage to get Chouno off her back." He then added to his thoughts.

Akira looked over at the two shinobi before winking at the Vice Leader.

"Your lunch break is ending soon, Mr. Kurusu. Please enjoy your break before next period begins." Chouno suggested. "Or did you need something from Ms. Kawakami?" She soon asked.

"Um, yes actually. I have a question about the topic Kawakami-sensei taught the other day." Akira suddenly replied.

"...What?" Chouno got out in confusion.

"Huh...?" Kawakami got out in surprise. What the hell was he- "Oh! Y-You have another question!?" She then asked.

"Another question?" Chouno repeated in confusion.

"Th-That's right! Kurusu-kun's questions are complicated, so I take the time at night to help him..." Kawakami quickly answered.

"So, you're giving individual lessons outside of school hours, hm?" Chouno guessed as she narrowed her eyes.

"Please buy it, please buy it, please buy it..." Akira and Kawakami mentally begged.

"...What passion! You are the ideal teacher! A passionate teacher is exactly what we need at this school. I'm sorry for suspecting you." Chouno declared followed by the apology.

"That's okay. I'm just glad we cleared up this misunderstanding." Kawakami replied with a smile.

"Well then, keep up the hard work, you two." Chouno got out before leaving the two alone.

Once Chouno was out of sight, they both let out breaths they didn't know they were holding.

"She just kinda convinced herself..." Kawakami muttered out while blinking. "But that did clear up her suspicion, so...thanks." She then added.

"No problem...Becky." Akira replied with a witty grin on his face.

Kawakami rolled her eyes at that. "Could you please come with me for a bit?" She soon requested.

"Sure." Akira replied as he followed the teacher, giving the Vice Leader a thumbs-up before disappearing around a corner.

"Oh thank God...!" Asuka breathed out in relief. "Akira did it!" She then added.

"Did what?" Homura asked. "W-Why were you so worried!? And did Akira just call Kawakami Becky!?" She then questioned.

"Uh...It would be best to explain at the next team meeting..." Asuka mumbled out while poking her finger tips together.

"Wait, wh-what? Is Kawakami involved in something the Phantom Thieves should know about?" Homura whispered out.

"Uh...I need to go to the bathroom." Asuka lied before dashing off with a hot red face.

"...What the eff was all that?" Homura thought in confusion before shaking her head as she walked away. "Akira's weirdness is rubbing off on her..." She mentally guessed.

Meanwhile, Makoto narrowed her eyes from behind her manga, though wasn't paying attention to notice that it was upside down. She couldn't really hear what the two girls talked about over the noise of students congregating, but she could make out one thing out of the entire conversation between the two.

"Phantom Thieves." Makoto quietly whispered to herself.

RING RING RING!

Makoto sighed as soon as she heard the bell ring. Looks like her spying will need to be saved for after school.

(6/1, After School)

(Shujin Academy, Classroom)

DING! DONG! DING! DONG!

As soon as the bell rang, students started getting up from their seats to either go to after school clubs or head home for the day.

"Oh boy." Ann breathed out as she stretched her limbs. "I'm starting to get a little anxious." She soon admitted.

"About what?" Homura asked in a curious manner.

"Madarame's still bedridden. Just worried he'll stay like that for the rest of his life." Ann answered.

"More and more people are talking about the closure of the exhibition." Morgana spoke up. "And Madarame hasn't said a word since then. Looks like the town will be talking about us if that scam artist confesses."

"We gotta head to Mementos soon…" Ann muttered out. "Carmen's getting antsy ever since the runway audition…" She then explained.

"After the confession." Akira replied while adjusting his glasses with a rebellious grin on his face. "But for now, let's enjoy our lives and relax. We all need it after that hell…" He then added.

"Wait, runway audition?" Homura however repeated in confusion as she looked at her roommate.

"Oh right! I forgot to tell you Homu-nee." Asuka sheepishly got out while poking the tips of her fingers together. "There was a thing at work the other day and um… Me and Ann-chan might be doing a runway show in the future." She soon revealed.

To that, Homura blinked as she processed this information before turning to the ash blonde. "Ann...if you two get in, Keep. Her. Safe." She all but demanded.

"I'm sensing an Or else after that…" Akira admitted.

"Don't worry, it'll be fine. Plus, we're only part-timers. It won't be so bad if we don't get in." Ann assured.

Asuka however had a gleam in her eyes, though was only noticed by the Leader.

"Well, I hope you two get in. Hopefully there won't be a scheduling conflict by then." Akira got out.

"Lady Ann and Lady Asuka...their sparkling dresses...hugging their bodies…~" Morgana mumbled out in a dazed tone.

"Ugh, get your mind out of the gutter, Morgana." Homura scoffed as they continued making small talk.

However, about ten minutes later, Asuka couldn't help but notice something.

"You know, Mishima-kun looks pretty lonely..." Asuka mumbled out as she looked towards the dark blue haired boy in her class.

"Hm?" Akira hummed out as he looked towards the Phan-Site admin as well. "Well, I doubt he made many friends with Kamoshida around. I did ask him to hang out once but he said he was busy with the Phan-Site." He then informed.

"You know what, I'm gonna spend some time with Mishima-kun. He did take the blame for Operation Maidwatch." Asuka soon decided before narrowing her eyes at the glasses-wearing boy in disapproval.

"Hey, me and Ryuji are already on thin ice." Akira pointed out.

"What are you talking about?" Homura spoke up, who had been silently listening to the exchange.

"NOTHING!" The two Leaders quickly yelped out in unison.

"...You two are getting weirder by the day." Homura deadpanned as her roommate got up from her seat.

"Hi, Mishima-kun." Asuka greeted as she approached the generic boy. "Why don't we hang out today? We could go to the arcade, or see a movie." She then suggested.

"Sorry, Asuka-san. But I don't have the time right now. See ya." Mishima quickly replied before leaving the classroom.

Meanwhile, everyone except for the Thieves stared at the empty seat Mishima sat in.

"...Did Mishima just turn down Asuka for a date...?" One guy soon asked in disbelief.

"Didn't think he would do that to one of the school's new idols." Another mumbled out.

"I actually heard Asuka became a model like Takamaki." Yet another got out.

"...Like a gravure model?" One girl soon asked.

"I mean like Takamaki. She was in the recent Vague magazine." Another girl got out.

"...Can I hang out with you instead, Asuka-san?" Another student offered.

"DENIED!" Homura however shouted out.

"...Okay then, I'll...I'll just go by myself then..." Asuka awkwardly got out as she blinked before leaving the classroom.

"...Well, I guess Asuka's out." Akira muttered to himself before turning to the tan skinned girl.

"What? You want more training?" Homura soon asked.

"Yep!" Akira replied as he took out some money.

"...Okay." Homura got out as she took the money. "We better get going now. We need as much time and privacy as we can muster. There's no telling when they'll strike next." She then muttered as the two began leaving.

"Hold on, we can't use the forest again, right? So, where are we training now?" Akira soon asked.

"Well...I have an idea..." Homura answered as she grabbed the Leader's arm. "Just follow me." She then instructed as she began dragging him along.

(Abandoned Subway Tunnel)

"And...here's the switch!" Homura announced before turning on the large switch on a steel support beam, causing some lights to flicker for a moment before fully turning on. "So, what do you think?" She soon asked.

The Leader couldn't help but blink as he looked at the scenery around him. "Was this always here!?" Akira exclaimed in disbelief, his voice echoing throughout the tunnel.

"Yep. I think since the 1900s." Homura simply answered. "Hebijo keeps a record of abandoned buildings, tunnels and all that around Japan in case their shinobi need an emergency safe house. This one used to connect Shibuya to Asakusa. Don't worry though, it's unlikely anyone will find this place. Top secret." She then explained. "Actually, I only know about this place because this is supposed to be my new base in case I get busted while I'm here." She soon revealed.

"It's surprisingly clean for something abandoned though..." Akira admitted.

"Hey, shinobi need to breathe clean air." Homura stated. "There are vents and jutsus that keep this place dust free. You know, I think there's a mini fridge somewhere here..." She then added.

"Well at least shinobis know how to plan for the future when needed." Akira admitted.

Suddenly, Homura's mood shifted as her hair overshadowed her eyes.

"Okay, what are we-" Akira was about to ask, only to be struck in the face with a blunt kunai, knocking him to the ground.

"Combat training!" Homura declared as she pulled out six wooden katanas. "Shut up and show me what you got, Akira!" She growled.

"Ah!" Akira groaned out as he rubbed his nose. "No pleasantries, Homura?" He asked as he picked himself up.

"We don't have the time. NOW FIGHT ME!" Homura demanded as she charged at him like a bullet.

"SWEET HONEY ICE TEA!" Akira screamed before he instinctively picked up the kunai and guarded the girl's fierce swing. He was barely holding her back. "Come on, you can do this!" He thought to encourage himself before pushing the tan skinned girl away and charged at her.

"You're too slow!" Homura declared with authority in her voice as she dodged his attack and kneed him in the gut. "I expect you to be faster than that by now!" She then added to the declaration in a demanding tone.

WHAM!

"Is that fast enough for you!?" Akira shouted out as the tan skinned girl stumbled back from the blow to the face.

And then it occurred to him that managed to do the impossible.

"Holy shit, I got a hit on her!" Akira exclaimed in surprise, but he soon had no time to celebrate however as the tan skinned girl retaliated by putting her foot into his face.

"You lost focus!" Homura countered."And use that kunai! It's not a toy. Come at me with an intent to kill!" She then ordered.

Akira wiped the blood dripping down his chin before going into a battle stance. "Alright. Fine." He got out as he rolled his shoulders. "Bring it." He then demanded.

In response, a crimson aura surrounded Homura. "RRRRRRRAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" She roared as she charged at him, who only paled at the sight before readying himself.

At the end of the sparring session, it was obvious the tan skinned girl had won, but somehow the Leader wasn't flat on his ass begging for the blissful embrace of unconsciousness and/or death, it only being with him on one knee in the end.

Still, he felt his mind and body improve all the same.

"Well, you did well...I guess." Homura mumbled out as she threw down her training swords before sitting down with a frustrated sigh escaping her lips.

Akira already knew something was wrong. She was a lot more aggressive than usual. "Something bothering you, Homura?" He soon asked.

"No." Homura responded while shaking her head...only to sigh moments later. "Well...yes. Akira...that encounter with that shinobi from last time...it got me thinking about...where do I go after?" She suddenly asked.

"After the year is over?" Akira guessed as he sat down next to her. "Think about that at the end of the year." He then added.

"No, I mean like...I feel like I have nowhere to go but keep being a shinobi." Homura corrected. "No matter what I do, no matter what everyone tells me, I'll always be that girl with blood on her hands- trick or not." She then confessed.

"Homura..." Akira sighed out, noticing the uneasy expression on the tan skinned girl's face. "Well, it's not easy to forgive yourself and forget the past..." He then admitted. "But it doesn't mean you should let it hold you back." He soon pointed out.

"But...is it really moving on when at the end of the day I'll just be doing the same damn thing, just with different people." Homura soon revealed in frustration. "It's not like I can go to college, or get a career. I can't be a model or a waitress. I...can't do anything like that. All I know is how to fight, lie, cheat...what good is that?"

"Mixed Martial Arts?" Akira suggested.

Homura however groaned to that while dropping her head. "Not. Helping." She grumbled out.

"Sorry." Akira immediately apologized.

Homura sighed and looked up at the light on the ceiling. "This path of crimson...Where does it go, where does it lead to?" She once more asked. "All of this could be for nothing if that path leads to nothing but death and despair. I feel...Lost." She soon confessed once more. "Where does a shinobi like me fit in a world like this?" She then asked. "Where do I fit, when all I'm good for is fighting and weighing on the bodies of others." She concluded.

"You're not weighing down on us. You're not a burden." Akira countered.

"Akira...all these favors, all the borrowing and allowance...I can't help but hate it deep inside." Homura revealed as she held her knees close to her chest. "It feels like everyone pities me whenever I tell my story and helps me because all they see is some sad puppy begging for food. Don't you feel the same too? Be honest." She admitted and asked.

Welp, that question was a minefield. How the hell should he respond?

I do.

I don't.

If he said I do, he was 90% sure he would earn a punch to the face. If he said I don't, he was 90% sure she would assume that he's calling her a psychopath and yet again earn him a punch to the face.

What did Homura want to hear from him?

"...I...do...and I don't." Akira answered slowly.

"...Eh?" Homura responded in confusion.

"Homura, you are a capable mess." Akira bluntly confessed. "And what I mean is!" He quickly began once he saw the girl raise her fist. "You can do anything you put your mind to. You just...need the right encouragement and motivation. You beat yourself up way too much."

"You see, this is why people are drawn to you." Homura sighed out with a small smirk on her face.

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

"The others, they can rely on you for anything, while I feel like I'm holding them back." Homura got out in shame. "The training I'm giving them now...I feel like I'm paying back the debt I have. I owe them everything and I never give much back." She soon revealed.

"Using my money." Akira thought. "Look, at the end of the day, the only one holding you back is yourself. Sure, bastards like uh...what was his name again?" He then began.

"Who? Kamoshida?" Homura guessed.

"No, that...that other guy. The...the guy who...you know...framed you?" Akira corrected.

"...Komichi...the bastard's name was Komichi." Homura answered as she narrowed her eyes from remembering.

"Yeah, him. He may have started that part of your story, but the ending is up to you." Akira explained. "You have to take responsibility for your actions, and be responsible enough to act." He then stated.

"...Okay. I-I think I get what you're saying?" Homura replied, though still felt unsure while giving off a thinking expression with her head slightly tilted. "I am responsible for my own life, so I should work towards a different future instead of accepting the one I have right now."

"Yeah, you can try and find something new then like what Asuka's doing." Akira suggested. "I mean you mentioned it yourself, Asuka's now working as both a waitress and as a model on top of being a shinobi. You just have to keep trying new things until you find something of interest." He then explained.

"That...sounds like a plan." Homura replied. "Heh...I feel a little less lost now." She admitted as a smile broke out from her face.

"There you go." Akira whispered out with a proud smile on his face.

Homura soon jumped to her feet and began stretching. "Thanks. Alright! Feeling reenergized! Let's go for a round two!" She declared with a fire in her eyes.

"Wow, it already hurts." Akira muttered in a deadpan tone as he stood up and rolled his shoulder.

Still, he could feel Homura's trust in him grow.

SHATTER!

Rank 5

Unlocked Harisen Recovery

Chance to cure status ailments inflicted on party members.

"Huh, I suddenly have the urge to get a paper fan...weird..." Homura thought to herself. "Alright, here I come~ Let's go go go!" She soon declared in excitement while swinging the shitai around wildly.

"Wait wait wait! Hold up! Homura, don't go Momotaros on me!" Akira soon started as he then took out some more money. "Do you think you could train someone tonight?" He then requested.

"Sure. Who do you want and what do you want me to focus on?" Homura asked. "And what the hell is a Momotaros?" She thought.

"...Ann needs a boost in her Agility." Akira replied in a serious tone.

Homura in response nodded to that as she took the money. "Leave it to me." She replied with confidence. "I could use some Femininity training too...bonus." She meanwhile thought to herself with a smirk.

"Thank you." Akira replied in relief

"If that's all, shall we begin?" Homura soon asked in anticipation.

"...Okay." Akira responded, paling as he knew what was coming.

Almost instantly, the tunnels were filled with the screams of the tortured.

"WOW, DIDN'T THINK THAT WAS POSSIBLE! AAAAHHHH!"

(6/1, Evening)

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

Soon, night had fallen in Japan, the bustling day giving way to a peaceful night.

"OH GODDAMMIT!" The sounds of a certain admin echoed throughout Tokyo as Homura arrived at the apartment.

"Whew! That was a workout." Homura breathed out. "I really hope Akira made it home though. I did accidentally crit his nuts a few times..." She then thought. "Sis, I'm home!" She called out.

"Hey Homu-nee!" Asuka greeted back. "Uh...I have leftover popcorn from the movies." She awkwardly revealed.

"Thanks. So what did you watch?" Homura asked in a curious tone.

"It was about a group of high school students as they are confronted by a series of supernatural incidents. After playing a fortune-telling game, the group each gain the ability to summon these things called Katauhan." Asuka answered. "It was really weird. They fought Hitler and one guy got replaced by a different actor midway through the film and he, um, he doesn't have the right skin color." She then added.

"Sounds...interesting." Homura admitted with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah. But I could feel the determination of the main heroes. I think I learned a thing or two about Leadership." Asuka stated with a smile.

"Well, I'm glad you got something out of that." Homura replied with a smile. "I need to bathe real quick. I have something to do tonight." She then informed her as she then made her way to the bathroom.

"Oh, I'll join you." Asuka happily replied. "I'll even rub you down." She innocently added.

"Heh, I expect nothing less." Homura got out as she began preparing the bath. "Why don't you choose the shampoo this time." She soon suggested.

"Fruity Proficiency Homu-nee." Asuka requested.

"Okay." Homura replied with a nod.

Soon enough, they got into the bath and used the shampoo on each other.

Asuka soon felt as though her Proficiency went up as a result. "Hehehe...I feel even more skilled than before!" She mentally giggled.

Homura meanwhile felt as though her Femininity was increasing as a result. "Ooh~ That's totally the stuff~" She thought to herself in a more relaxed manner. "My roommate is totally cute...~" She then mentally cooed out while admiring her roommate.

"Here Homu-nee, let me rub you down now." Asuka offered as she got the bodywash and squeezed some out on her hands before rubbing them together.

"Thanks~" Homura replied as she watched her roommate get closer to her as she then placed them on her before she began rubbing in a tender manner. "Mm~ This feels totally good Sis~" She sighed out in a more feminine manner.

"Thank you Homu-nee," Asuka replied. "Would you like to rub me down too?" She then offered.

"Sure~" Homura replied as she took the bodywash and squeezed some out onto her hands as she then rubbed them together before she began rubbing her roommate back.

Eventually, the two finished bathing as they began drying themselves off.

"Ah, better text Ann now." Homura decided as she got her phone while changing into some casual clothes.

[FireGirl20: Hey Ann, you mind meeting up with me?]

[Sweetkat06: Uh...sure. I have nothing going on tonight. I just have to be home by curfew.]

[FireGirl20: Don't worry, it shouldn't go over your curfew...depending on how well things go.]

[Sweetkat06: Is it more femininity training?]

[FireGirl20: That, and more!]

[Sweetkat06: That "And more" has me worried...]

[FireGirl20: Why does everyone assume there's something extra to my sentences?]

[Sweetkat06: In any case, meet me at Inokashira Park Homura. We got a lot of work to do.]

[FireGirl20: Will do. I'll be there in 30.]

Nodding to that, the tan skinned girl turned off her phone as she began getting dressed. "Well, I'm going to Inokashira Park for a while." Homura announced. "I shouldn't be out too late. I'll see ya later?" She then asked.

"Sure." Asuka replied with a nod.

"Cool. I'll be home at 11 at the latest." Homura got out before hurrying out of the apartment. "Bye!" She then called out while closing the door.

"Bye! And I'll be..." Asuka started as she looked around the apartment before blinking. "...Watching another movie, I guess..." She soon decided as she left for the movie theater.

(Inokashira Park)

Homura couldn't but admire the park at night. The feeling of the nighttime air was soothing, the slight chill doing nothing but calm her nerves. It would be a perfect place to take someone out on to finish off a date. Or get robbed - unlikely that may be these days.

But right now, it was simply a meeting between friends to improve each other in different areas, though one of them was unaware of it.

"Ah, Homura, over here!" Ann called out as she waved to the tan skinned girl.

Homura simply smiled as she returned the wave with a short wave of her own. "Hey, Ann!" She greeted as she approached the ash blonde. "Am I late?" She soon asked.

"Nope, I just got here myself." Ann replied as she dropped her bag.

THUD!

This in turn caused the tan skinned girl to blink to hearing and seeing that. "What the-" Homura started in confusion. "Did you pack bricks in there!?" She soon asked in disbelief.

"Nope. Just all my textbooks." Ann simply answered before groaning. "Oh thank God I don't have to carry it much longer..." She then moaned in pain as she rubbed her sore shoulder.

"Yeesh, how many are in there and what are we doing that you needed those in the first place?" Homura soon asked.

"About a dozen. It's for your training, of course." Ann replied.

"We're doing posture training again...?" Homura groaned.

SLAM!

"No complaining." Ann countered in a lecturing manner as she took one of the heavier books out, her Japanese history textbook. "You've been regressing since last time and don't deny it, I've seen it." She then added.

"...Really?" Homura replied as she blinked a couple of times to learning this. "I guess I hadn't noticed with everything going on." She then admitted.

"Which is why we are fixing that right away Homura Shinkukage." Ann soon declared in a more professional manner.

"Why are we wasting time on something I already did…" Homura muttered in annoyance.

"You may have learned how to do it, but you haven't mastered it." Ann explained. "Isn't it the same as learning a shinobi technique? Practice it until you fully understand it so it's completely natural I mean." She then pointed out.

"Alright, alright. Jeez…" Homura sighed out, thought had to admit that she was right. "Let's do this, Ann." She then added while preparing herself.

"Thank you," Ann started as she picked up an old English-Japanese dictionary. "Now let's begin." She declared while placing it on the tan skinned girl's head.

"W-Whoa!" Homura struggled out as she tried to keep it balanced.

"See, told ya you were slacking." Ann declared.

"Come on, posture is the least of my worries right now. And certainly not in the Metaverse." Homura countered while still struggling. "...Wait an effin' minute, you have terrible posture in the Metaverse too!" She countered.

"Less complaining, more balancing." Ann simply replied as she went to her bag.

"That is a valid-Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Homura began, only for the ash blonde to add more books.

"I'm not seeing great posture, you're focusing too much on balancing the books." Ann informed.

"How the hell is this heavy!?" Homura mentally thought in confusion. "...And how was Ann able to get ten of these here in the first place!?" She then added in her head in even more confusion.

"Stand up straight! The goal is to improve your posture, not balance the books. They only indicate you can handle this." Ann instructed as she added more books.

"Then why are they so heavy!?" Homura meanwhile winced as she felt herself tilting over. "No no no-" She began in a panic before...

CRASH!

"Looks like you need a few more tries." Ann stated with a sigh.

"Ugh...didn't...see this coming..." Homura groaned from under the pile of books, twitching a bit as a result.

An hour later...

"Come on...Come on..." Homuran mentally encouraged herself as she walked while balancing the books on her head. "Almost there..." She soon muttered.

Ann couldn't help but feel proud as she watched the tan skinned girl go back and forth. The books didn't move an inch now.

"There we go Homura, you're totally getting better, even more than I expected." Ann praised with delight in her voice while also balancing some books on her head to show herself off as an example.

The tan skinned girl soon sighed in relief to the encouragement. "Well, it was all thanks to you, Ann." Homura stated, her voice suddenly and surprisingly having a slightly higher tone then it usually did while walking similar to how the ash blonde does with a swing in her hips. "But I really don't feel any different." She then admitted in an uneasy manner.

Blinking slightly to hearing the slight change in her friend's voice, Ann nodded. "Still, I think we can go to the next step next time you ask for training Homura." She soon revealed.

"Really? What's that?" Homura asked in a response with curiosity.

"Secret~" Ann replied with a playful wink. "That I will tell you that as soon as I know what to do." She mentally admitted.

"Well Ann, let's begin your training now." Homura soon declared with a playful grin.

"...My what?" Ann however asked as she blinked.

"SHINOBI KEKKEI!" Homura soon declared, not giving the ash blonde a chance to respond before they vanished.

Another hour later...When the two girls returned to reality, the tan skinned girl seemed happy while the ash blond seemed...broken.

"Whew! That was totally amazing! You were faster than I thought!" Homura happily praised her with a grin.

Ann could only give her tor-trainer a thumbs-up...

Ann's Agility has increased!

THUD!

...Right before falling backwards like a cut-down tree, considering she couldn't feel her legs.

"Umm...You want me to carry you home?" Homura awkwardly offered.

"Yes, please." Ann replied.

The tan skinned girl in response nodded to the request. "Alright, up you go." Homura got out as she put the girl on her back before she began heading out.

(Ann's Apartment)

"Why can't you use the front door!?" Ann called out as the tan skinned girl climbed through the window.

"Well sorry! You're the one who forgot your keys!" Homura countered with a pout on her face as she stepped on the ash blonde's messy bed. "Ah, sorry about that! Should've taken off my shoes before doing this." She soon got out.

"It's okay. Just be careful." Ann replied as she subtly winced at the footprint her friend left on her blanket.

"Wait, don't you have a guardian or something to let you in?" Homura then asked in concern.

"Yeah. She must be asleep..." Ann sighed out as they managed to get into the room without much more trouble.

"This place is totally though cute Ann." Homura admitted as she looked around. "And you got a lot of clothes and shoes. As expected of a model." She then added.

"It's nothing special, though I really should clean up a little..." Ann got out. "Please put me down on my bed." She soon requested.

"Still, sorry I overdid it with training." Homura apologized as she helped the other girl to her bedside.

"Yeah, I don't think chasing me with your katanas while screaming your head off about how you're going to cut me into meat ribbons like a horror movie slasher villain counts as effective training..." Ann muttered out. "Something your old school did?" She soon guessed.

"Well...it involved more bullets and kunai, but yeah. Kinda like that." Homura uncomfortably and awkwardly replied. "I'll...try not to be so hard in the future." She then reassured.

"Hey, it was just my first time. If this is going to make me a better thief and strengthen my heart, I'll gladly take it." Ann got out with a fist pump before wincing. "Ah, after a few days of rest." She then added.

"You're going to be a great thief, Ann." Homura stated with a smile. "And I'll make sure of that." She soon declared.

"Thanks. Just expect your Femininity training to get more intense from here on." Ann soon informed the tan skinned girl with a smirk and a wink. "You're going to be a great woman. And I'll make sure of that." She then counter declared.

Homura in turn giggled to that. "I'll hold you to it then Ann." She jokingly replied before heading to the door. "In any case, rest up for the night and make sure that if you go to school tomorrow, head straight home after to rest some more, even soak in a hot bath as well." She then instructed.

"I will. Good Night, Homura." Ann replied before frowning. "...Can you please use-" She began to request.

"Nope." Homura simply answered with a playful grin before diving through her window.

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

Homura continued walking with a swing in her hips as she made it back to the apartment door. "Hmm...I feel like my Femininity went up, but I'm not so sure." She thought to herself while checking her nails on one of her hands instinctively while the other was on her hip.

"Hey. Homu-nee. I brought more popcorn." Asuka greeted as she held up the bag of popcorn. "...My eyes are tired..." She then yawned out.

"Still, you went and saw another movie Sis?" Homura however asked.

Asuka however giggled to that. "Well I had nothing else to do today." She got out before groaning. "Still not smart though...but the movie was great." She then admitted.

"Which was about...?" Homura meanwhile had to ask with curiosity.

"It was murder mystery...with magical girls." Asuka replied. "For a kids movie, it was surprisingly well written. I felt a little smarter after the credits rolled." She soon revealed.

"Oh, that's good." Houma got out before yawning. "God, I'm tired. Let's hit the hay." She soon suggested.

"Hai." Asuka replied as they made it to the bedroom.

Soon, both girls began changing into their pajamas, though the tan skinned girl couldn't help but admire herself in the mirror while wearing her black long dress like pajamas. "Totes cute for sure." Homura thought to herself in playful satisfaction.

"You're embracing your femininity well." Wolverine informed.

"...Is that a compliment from you or sarcasm?" Homura mentally asked in concern while still admiring herself.

"That's for you to decide…" Wolverine replied before going quiet.

Homura however shrugged her shoulders at that as she went back to self admiration.

At that moment, the brunette noticed what her roommate was doing in front of the mirror. "Did Ann-chan teach you how to pose like a model Homu-nee?" Asuka suddenly asked as she got into her white long one piece that was like a dress.

"Hmm?" Homura hummed out to hearing that. "Nah, she just helped with posture training again." She replied. "I just never noticed how good I looked." She then admitted.

Asuka however giggled to that. "You always looked good Homu-nee." She complimented.

"Thanks, but you'd say that even if half my face was missing." Homura pointed out with an awkward giggle.

"It doesn't make it any less truer." Asuka stated. "I still say you could be a model too if you wanted to." She then added.

"That may be, but that's just not what I want to do." Homura simply replied while rubbing her roommate's head. "Come on, it's time to sleep now Sis." She then added as the two headed for the futon.

"Night Homu-nee..." Asuka mumbled out as she snuggled deeply in her roommate's embrace.

"Night Sis." Homura quietly replied while wrapping her arms around the other girl's.

Though, for some reason, there was this ominous feeling the tan skinned girl felt as she went to sleep that night.

Save Game…Quit!

Asuka/Yin's Social Stats:

Leadership- Outspoken (Level 2)

Knowledge- Informed (Level 2)

Proficiency- 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- Effeminate (Level 2)

Elegance- Skillful (Level 2)

Understanding- Kindly (Level 2)

Whew! Done! You better have started remembering details about this story because we will quiz you on this in a future chapter.

UknownHero signing off, my friends!