Here we go! UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona. Not much, just taking care of business right now and getting in Halo multiplayer these days.
Let's answer some reviews! To JustLuck: Admittingly, Yumi becoming an idol was based on the fact that her VA is a singer. But then again a lot of Japanese voice actresses are required to have a nice singing voice so...yeah. Image songs! To Tailsmo4ever: There is one more coming. To alaude hibari: We...may be using your idea for a future chapter. It could be soon or several chapters down the line. To WX-Lazer: 1) Eh...refighting bosses? Nah...their arcs are done. 2) She will...towards the end of the year. 3) Uh...Look, with how much work we're doing in tracking stats and crap, we haven't been tracking Akira's confidants. Your guess is as good as mine.
Anyways, let's take care of something that's been delayed too long.
Load Game...Start!
Chapter 68: Clean Up
(6/30, Early Morning)
(Gessen Academy, Elites Room)
Yozakura yawned as she entered the room. She travelled overnight and barely got any sleep on the train ride back but she was happy she was home.
"Yozakura-chan! Welcome back!" Minori exclaimed her greeting as she ran up to the bluenette and hugged her.
"Good morning, Minori." Yozakura replied with a smile as she petted the childish girl's head.
At that moment, the blonde entered with a yawn before blinking and smiling at the familiar face. "Oh, hey! Wake up, Murakumo-chii! Yozakura-chii's back!" She greeted and called out.
"So I've heard." The deep voice of the oni mask wearing brunette responded as she entered the room. "Welcome back." Murakumo responded followed by her own greeting.
"Thank you." Yozakura got out before remembering the bag in her hands. "Oh, and I brought back some gifts." She soon revealed.
"Oooh! You got souvenirs! Thanks, Yozakura-chi!" Shiki got out with an excited gleam in her eyes as she took the bag out of the bluenette's hands.
"I hope you like them. Yumi helped me shop for them." Yozakura replied with a smile.
"You really saw Yumi-chan?" Minori got out in an excited tone. "How was she?" She then asked.
"She was well, great even. But I feel like something's changed about her." Yozakura soon revealed.
"Changed in what way?" Murakumo soon questioned in a more curious manner.
"I don't know." Yozakura answered with a frown. "She seems more...introspective? Confident? Erm...more willing to relax?" She then listed off, though unsure how to describe it.
"I guess living life as a civilian really had an effect on her." Murakumo remarked, most likely frowning under her mask. "Hopefully it hasn't affected her skills..." She then added.
"..." Yozakura however was silent in response.
"You haven't checked if Yumi is maintaining her training?" Murakumo assumed as she narrowed her eyes.
"I...I didn't think of that as necessary." Yozakura hesitantly responded. "You all know that she wouldn't slack on her training." She soon reminded.
"True." Murakumo admitted with a nod. "But it would put my mind at ease if we know she hasn't gotten rusty. It's not like Tokyo is crawling with enemies to fight or has the appropriate places to train in." She then added.
"Well, summer's coming up in a few weeks. You could check it out yourself." Yozakura soon suggested.
"I call dibs on going next!" Shiki declared as she raised a hand.
"Denied, my vacation is coming up next." Murakumo countered.
"No, it's mine!" Minori called out.
"No, really, mine is coming next. We have a schedule." Murakumo pointed out as she jerked her thumb over to a whiteboard, where it showed the order of who was heading to Tokyo to check on their Leader.
"I can't believe we bought that just for this..." Shiki deadpanned. "And why am I last!?" She then asked with a pout.
"'Cause you lost that rock-paper-scissors match when we were deciding." Murakumo reminded. "...And some bribery." She then muttered.
"Oh yeah, I did need to buy that dress..." Shiki mumbled to herself, cursing her past self. That dress went out of season the week after.
"Moh...It would be nice to actually have a summer break..." Minori whined out. "We're always training or going on missions." She then added with a pout.
"Well, hopefully the council will approve of our vacations soon." Shiki replied.
"With everything going on though with the mental shutdowns and psychotic breakdowns, they are high alert though and it might not be possible for group vacations." Murakumo however reminded. "So only individual vacations for now." She soon stated.
"I just wonder how many shinobi are out there looking for the cause of these things..." Yozakura soon muttered. "You know, I heard a few shinobi have died on the mission Yumi's on." She then revealed.
"Well that's why the council sent Yumi all those months ago for her mission, to find and stop them." Murakumo reminded before nodding. "And no matter how long it takes, Yumi will find the source and put a stop to them. She is never one to back down." She then stated with confidence.
"I mean, it's been two years since it started and we still have no evidence." Shiki however pointed out.
"Yumi does though." Yozakura however revealed, getting the others attention. "She told me she has a lead, but it'll take some time to truly nail it down." She then explained.
"See, everything will be fine." Shiki replied with a smile.
"Yeah! Yumi-chan will take all the baddies down!" Minori meanwhile cheered while pumping a fist into the air.
This in turn caused the others to giggle in amusement to their youngest member's enthusiasm.
"So, was everything fine while I was in Tokyo?" Yozakura eventually asked in concern and curiosity.
"It was the same old, same old. Nothing changed except there were less people." Shiki answered. "Oh, and we put your homework in your room." She then informed.
"Thanks." Yozakura replied with a nod before a yawn escaped her lips. "I guess it'll be good to get my homework done in between relaxing, exploring the city, hanging out with Yumi and training at the local gym." She then admitted while listing off what she did in Tokyo.
"Yozakura...you spent all your vacation days. You can only go back to Tokyo for a mission." Murakumo however reminded.
"I know, I know." Yozakura sighed out while rubbing the back of her head.
"Moh Yozakura-chii, did you seriously spend your vacation just training at a gym when you weren't hanging out with Yumi-chii!?" Shiki exclaimed in disapproval and frustration.
"I'll have you know that I made a new friend!" Yozakura exclaimed in an offended manner, only to realize what she said. "...I shouldn't have said that." She mentally got out as she blushed.
"Ooh~ And who is this new friend, Yozakura-chii~?" Shiki got out as she leaned in close to the girl.
"Akira...chan." Yozakura answered, mentally punching herself to how she referred to the boy.
"Aww...and here I thought one of us actually met a nice boy for once." Shiki got out with a pout.
"That's because one, this is an all-girls school and two, all the boys we meet, as rare as they are, try to kill us." Murakumo pointed out.
"Save for Jii-chan." Minori happily reminded.
"Kurokage isn't a boy Minori, he's a man and our grandfather." Murakumo however countered.
"But...wait, uh...he is a boy though..." Minori muttered out.
"...We really need to work on our communication." Shiki mumbled to herself.
"In any case it's still a school day, so you have to go to classes, Yozakura." Murakumo pointed out before tossing her the uniform. "Go get dressed." She then instructed.
"And you need to take off that mask." Shiki reminded with a giggle as she reached for it, only to be met with a cleaver in her face.
"I'll take it off when I need to dammit!" Murakumo muttered as she went to her room.
"I bet Yumi misses these antics." Yozakura sighed out. "I wonder how Akira-kun will react to everyone else..." She meanwhile muttered.
"Nee nee Yozakura-chan, why are you blushing?" Minori meanwhile asked in an innocent manner. "And did you use -kun now?" She then added.
"Hm~?" Shiki hummed out in a more curious yet teasing manner.
"I'm going to change now." Yozakura bluntly stated.
"Come on, I need something to gossip about today!" Shiki declared in anticipation.
"No." Yozakura responded before entering her room and shutting the door behind her.
"Awww..." Shiki got out in a sad tone before sulking away, allowing the bluenette to breathe.
"...Shiki must never know about my crush..." Yozakura thought to herself with the pink blush still gracing her face. "I hope Akira-kun is going well...sorry..." She then added in her head with wonder...and concern as she then went to put away her bags before changing into her Gessen uniform.
Time for another day at a shinobi school.
(Shibuya, Ginza Line)
"Hey." Ann greeted as soon as she saw the Leader waiting at the platform.
"Good morning- A-A-Achoo!" Akira sneezed out.
"Wow, that sounded painful." Ann got out with a wince.
"It felt painful too. I think I need a Dia after that." Akira coughed out before pulling out a handkerchief to wipe his nose. "Urgh...either people need to stop talking about me, or I'm getting sick." He then groaned out.
"Mmmm..." Morgana got out while giving a deadpan and disapproving expression.
"Hm? What's up Morgana-chan? Asuka soon asked in concern as she and the tan skinned girl approached the three.
"Nothing. Don't worry about it, Lady Asuka." Morgana responded. "And you look pretty healthy today." He then complimented.
"Hehehe, you noticed? I used Courage on Parade today, so I feel a little more confident about myself." Asuka replied with a proud smile.
"So that explains the orange scent." Ann pointed out. "Really cuts through the smell of sweat and...ugh, okay I really shouldn't smell anything in the middle of a hot summer day." She then got out in a regretful tone.
"Your senses are improving..." Homura stated.
"No, we're just standing next to that guy." Akira pointed out. "Erm, sorry." He awkwardly apologized to the man.
"None taken." The smelly man replied before moving away. "Asshole..." He grumbled out.
"Yeah, sort of deserved that." Morgana remarked.
"By the way, June's almost over. We defeated Kaneshiro, so we can rest easy for a while...I guess? Makoto hasn't warned us about his mafia at least." Ann stated before looking towards the shinobi, who nodded in response. "So, what do you want to do today? Maybe something like a trip to Mementos?" She then asked and suggested.
"We'll go to Mementos soon, but I'm kinda busy for the next few days." Akira answered with a shake of his head. "Besides, that bank was hell. Take a break and recharge your batteries." He then added.
"I mean, breaks are important..." Asuka mumbled out as she rubbed the back of her neck. "But we have those requests on the message board, so we have to take care of them sooner or later." She then reminded.
"We will, but not today..." Akira sighed out. However, something came over him as a scowl appeared on his face. "...You know what actually, no. We are gonna go a head to Mementos for one thing." He suddenly decided.
"Huh, really?" Homura got out in a confused tone.
"It won't take more than an hour after school. Probably shouldn't take too much energy too." Akira assured before cracking his knuckles. "We're going after someone that hurt one of my friends." He then responded with growl.
"Oh, I know who you're talking about." Morgana got out. "About time we stopped delaying it." He then added.
"You seem pretty fired up. I kinda like it." Homura replied with a smirk. "Alright, meet up at the hideout?" She then asked.
"Yep." Asuka replied in agreement. "I'm buying snacks too, just for a little more incentive." She then offered.
"Snacks...?" Ann repeated as she looked at the sweating tan skinned girl. "T-That means sweets too?" She then asked.
"Yeah...?" Asuka responded with a raised eyebrow. "Is that a problem?" She then asked.
"N-No. Just...I'll make sure everyone's there." Ann replied before coughing into her fist.
"Okay then." Asuka responded as she shrugged her shoulders. "Ah, train's here. Let's go." She then informed as the subway arrived.
(6/30, Daytime)
(Shujin Academy, Classroom)
"Oda Nobunaga. The bad guy of Japanese history." Inui began as he looked at his class. "I'm sure you've seen plenty of media depicting him as the main antagonist or as a legendary hero in some kids shows." He then started.
"I've seen an anime about Nobunaga." Akira quietly admitted in a casual manner. "But then again he was depicted as a woman..." He then added
"He did many great things for Japan like fostering free trade and reforming Japan's civil government, but his brutal suppression of opponents and eliminating those who refused to cooperate or yield to his demands made him what he is depicted today." Inui continued. "And quite hated in his time. Kurusu!" He soon stated and called out.
"Yes, sensei?" Akira responded as he looked up from his textbook.
"How many assassination attempts did Oda Nobunaga survive?" Inui soon questioned.
"Three." Akira answered as if it was second nature.
"Correct. Oda Nobunaga survived three assassination attempts." Inui began explaining. "Of the three, one of them was a group of three ninjas with firearms who managed to surround him. However instead of killing Nobunaga, they killed seven of their companions." He then revealed.
This in response got the two shinobis attention even more to the mention of ninjas.
"Talk about gun safety. If you surround someone in a circle, you're more likely to kill someone across from you than the one in the middle." Akira thought. He's been learning a lot about gun safety with Iwai lately.
"Eventually, his retainer Akechi Mitsuhide, revolted and led his forces in an attack on Nobunaga's position within the temple of Honnōji in Kyōto. Injured and trapped, he most likely committed seppuku." Inui then informed.
"Betrayed by his own men..." Homura murmured out before frowning. "If I was in that situation, I would've gone out swinging. Better to be killed than die." She then muttered.
"You know, unifying Japan sounded like a noble goal on paper. However he committed many atrocities throughout his campaign, and even then he died before he could see his dream come to fruition 18 years later." Inui soon revealed. "Maybe he had good intentions at first, but eventually he let his own desires corrupt him. Hm, maybe if the Phantom Thieves were around back then maybe things would've turned out differently." He then suggested in a joking manner.
"I wonder how accessing the Metaverse would work back then..." Morgana got out in a curious manner.
"I'm actually kinda worried about the unifying Japan thing." Asuka admitted in a worried tone. "You think we'd ever fall for that? Letting our own desires corrupt our goals?" She soon wondered.
"I doubt it. You can't have corrupt desires as long as you have your Persona." Morgana assured.
"Yeah, but just in case, punch me in the nuts if we are." Akira soon ordered in a serious tone as classes went on.
(6/30, After School)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
The Thieves soon headed over to the apartment for the meeting as soon as classes had let out for the day.
"Boobs are not fat! They're filled with shinobi's hopes and dreams!" Asuka declared.
"She really said that?" Homura deadpanned.
"During an assembly." Asuka added with a blush on her face.
"Ooh...that sounds like a trip to the guidance counselor." Morgana assumed with a wince, with the Vice Leader nodding to confirm that it was.
"We really gotta meet your friends someday..." Ryuji got out as he blinked.
"They may make for a good painting." Yusuke meanwhile muttered to himself.
"Yusuke-san..." Yumi droned out with disapproval. "If you wish for inspiration, you can just...wait, no, you probably cannot afford to do so..." She then began before she then sighed in defeat.
"Well, we can always visit them over the summer if we have the chance." Akira pointed out as he got the last chip.
"It would be good to interact with...unique personalities." Makoto admitted.
"You would have to watch your chests though." Asuka warned the girls. "Katsu-nee is really grabby." She then explained.
"Yeah, you don't need to remind me." Homura grumbled out. "I really hope no one took pictures." She then added.
"Pictures?" Asuka repeated, thinking about before her eyes widened. "Ah! I need to go to a photoshoot!" She suddenly remembered.
"Don't worry, we'll be in and out before you're late." Akira replied in reassurance.
"What is this meeting about, anyways?" Makoto finally asked the question on everyone's mind. This wasn't just a friendly gathering after all.
"Alright, this is a special Mementos request." Akira soon started.
"Special because...?" Homura however questioned.
"It's not on the site. It's my request." Akira answered as Morgana jumped up onto the table.
"This is about that doctor in Yongen-Jaya, Tae Takemi." Morgana began as the Leader pulled up the relevant information and pictures on his phone. "She's in a real pinch right now. An old boss of hers, Oyamada, is trying to crush her clinic to save himself." He then explained.
"Wait, you don't mean the one that supplies all our medicine? Shit..." Ryuji got out in disbelief.
"Her medicine is quite potent with no side effects. If her clinic shuts down, it'll affect our chances in the Metaverse severely." Yusuke stated.
"That's not all. This guy is hiding some serious medical mistakes. It turns out he's quite the criminal." Morgana continued.
"What kind?" Yumi asked as she narrowed her eyes.
"Well, he rushed a drug that Takemi was working on meant to cure a rare but terrible disease, then placed the blame on her and destroyed her reputation when it went wrong. All to save his own skin." Akira explained, scowling throughout the entire explanation.
"Bastard...!" Ryuji growled as he slammed his fist on the table.
"Why weren't we doing this earlier!?" Ann exclaimed in shock.
"Just got caught up doing a lot of stuff lately, but that ends today." Akira declared. "I checked up at the clinic before coming here and she's not even running it anymore. She left it to her assistant and um...let's just say she doesn't have the right to medicate legally. If authorities caught wind of that, she'll be in way more trouble." He soon explained and revealed.
"All right, we gotta operate on that dude's rotten heart then!" Ryuji declared.
"I'm guessing it's unanimous then?" Akira soon questioned.
"Oh hell yeah it's unanimous!" Homura called out before coughing. "My apologies, got a little too fired up. Let us go and make him confess how horrible of a doctor he is." She then declared in a more formal tone.
"OK, it looks like we're all ready to do this! We already told Mishima, so the forum post is up and running. And given our popularity as of recent, it should reach Oyamada in no time." Morgana stated.
"Is there anything else we need to know?" Makoto soon questioned.
"No. We're heading to Mementos now." Akira ordered as he stood up.
"Alright, get your game faces on people!" Ryuji declared as they all got up as the Leader took out his phone.
(Mementos, Entrance)
The Thieves soon arrived at the entrance of Mementos, with the Vice Leader already distributing their equipment and checking on their medical supplies. "Hmm...We're running a little low..." She noticed with a frown of concern.
Joker did mention that Takemi's suppliers had stopped, so maybe they were running out of medicine as a result.
"We need to do this fast." Yin soon whispered out as she hefted the duffle over her shoulder.
"So this is Mementos." Queen meanwhile got out as she looked around.
"Right, it's your first time here." Yang remembered. "Well, welcome to humanity's collective unconsciousness. Where Palaces are born and the areas change every day." She soon explained.
"So mapping the area is out of the question." Queen stated, getting nods from the others in response. "So, what's the standard procedure then?" She then asked.
"Drive around until we find a way down and avoid the Reaper." Yin informed as she checked her guns.
"Avoid the what?" Queen got out in confusion and concern.
"Don't worry about it until it becomes a problem." Mona stated before asking an important question. "Now, how's your driving?" He soon asked, hoping to any higher power than she won't scratch his paint job.
"I do have my motorcycle license, and I'm currently studying for my driver's too." Queen replied.
"Okay. Now, how do you feel about drifting, splattering Shadows on the Morganamobile's windshield and breaking physics?" Widow soon questioned.
"...To throw out all knowledge of road safety and go nuts." Queen answered with a smirk.
"Alright, you're taking the wheel today." Panther replied and decided.
"Shouldn't we discuss that with our Leader?" Queen however asked.
"We will...once he's not in loli paradise." Yang replied, albeit a bit awkward as she motioned her eyes to where Leader was.
"Uh, Joker's just standing in the corner there." Queen pointed out in concern while looking towards the Leader as he appeared to be staring into space.
"Yeah, he just does that sometimes. Don't worry about it." Skull played off.
"You're telling me to not worry about a lot of stuff." Queen stated in a deadpan tone.
"And you will too once the next member joins...whoever the hell that is." Panther replied. "Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if it was another shinobi..." She then mumbled under her breath.
"You just jinxed it." Yang bluntly accused.
"Oh come on!" Panther exclaimed with a pale face.
"Aw, what are the chances of that? It can't be that high." Skull played off.
"We are not the first shinobi to come to Tokyo to investigate the shutdowns, and we surely aren't the only ones here today." Widow however pointed out.
"Yeah, my entire team was here." Yang then reminded. "Well, to check up on me but still..." She soon muttered.
"Look, if we meet another shinobi that screws us over, I will eat..." Skull began, only to pause.
"...You didn't say what you'll eat." Fox pointed out before narrowing his eyes. "...Are you thinking about what to eat in case this actually comes true? Possibly something you enjoy." He then questioned.
"...No." Skull eventually responded.
"I'm back." Joker announced as he walked up to the group just as they face palmed. "I feel like I missed out on something." He then stated.
"Don't...Don't worry about it, Joker." Queen sighed out.
"So, what did you get from the Velvet Room?" Yin asked in a curious tone.
"Aside from some major upgrades to Arsene and Jack Frost? Irony." Joker simply answered. "Now let's go. Can't waste too much time here. Mona, you know where our target is, right?" He then stated and questioned.
"Hmm..." Mona hummed out as he got a feel for the area. "Yep. I think he's in Chemdah." He soon informed the group.
"Good. He's not far from the fast travel point. Let's go." Joker responded as he took out his phone.
And with that, they vanished into the underground.
(Path of Chemdah, Area 2)
After travelling down to Chemdah, Queen drove the Thieves over to the target, running over Shadows and for some reason instantly killing them, though strangely enough, they all got the experience, money and items as a result of it.
"Made it." Skull breathed out. "That was a pretty quick trip." He then added,
"Queen keeps getting a weird smile on her face whenever we run over Shadows." Panther pointed out in an uncomfortable tone.
"Pent up aggression." Yang simply replied. "You're imaging the principal's face on all the Shadows aren't you?" She then guessed.
Queen in turn smirked rebelliously in response. "You know me so well Yang." She responded in satisfaction.
"...That's actually kinda worrying..." Skull admitted. "Don't...Don't effin' kill the principal when we fight his Shadow, okay you guys?" He then requested, not wanting to face the duo's wrath.
"Of course we won't. We'll just make him submit and beg for mercy." Queen and Yang however responded in complete unison.
"Well if you keep up that attitude I won't let you come because I cannot trust you to keep that word, you sadists." Joker warned in a dead serious tone before everyone got out of the car.
"S-Sorry Joker." Queen got out while the tan skinned girl crossed her arms over her chest, obviously pouting underneath her mask.
"There he is." Mona meanwhile stated as he transformed back into his normal form. "The Shadow of the doctor. Shoichi Oyamada." He then got out.
"Tch. He has no right to call himself one." Yang scoffed out.
"That bastard looks like he's been eatin' well lately." Skull growled as he narrowed his eyes.
"Hm. He made a mistake in rushing a drug's development and let an innocent woman take the fall. And now he wishes to kick her down while she just got back on her feet." Fox summarised.
"People might die if we don't change his heart! And a good doctor will have to quit..." Panther stated in a serious tone.
"Yeah. We gotta do something!" Skull declared.
"Ready to do this, Joker?" Mona asked as the Leader on his glove.
"I've been ready since I heard about him." Joker answered as he pulled out his knife and gun before they approached the Shadow.
"Fwhahahahahah! Everyone is trash!" Shadow Oyamada mumbled to himself, not noticing the Thieves. "As head of the medical office, I'm superior to everyone! I deserve all your respect! You should be begging me to examine you! Be grateful I have the compassion to fix you trash!" He soon declared with obvious over confidence.
"Shut the hell up." Joker growled out while the other Thieves glared at the Shadow.
To that, the Shadow looked up and saw the Leader glaring at him. His cold grey eyes instantly caused the man to recognise him. "Ah, you're that kid who was at Takemi's. So how's she doing? She was sooo depressed when she heard her patient died. Oh, I'm so worried about her. Poor girl..." The man got out in a mocking tone. "Hehe...Hehehe...Hahahahaha! It's been so long since I've felt so exhilarated! Did she quit being a doctor yet? If she hasn't, then tell her she better hurry it up!" He then laughed out.
"I said shut the hell up! I won't let her quit! The world needs doctors like her!" Joker demanded as the group prepared themselves to fight. "Is this why you became a doctor? For the fame, for the money!? And you used a young girl's death as a weapon to make someone better than you quit!? You barely count as a doctor, you barely count as a human being! And I'm going to enjoy ripping your heart out!" He then promised, feeling Arsene laugh within his soul.
"Wha!? You dare talk to me, your superior, like that!? Grr...Your diagnosis is arrogance with no chance of recovery."Shadow Oyamada declared as the Thieves felt his power flare. "I better treat you right away! And I'll blame your death on Takemi messing up again!" He then added to the declaration with confidence.
"You better pray I don't kill you first then." Joker growled as the Shadow transformed.
(Cue Wait and See by Yumi Kawamura)
Joker glared at the transformed Shadow, feeling his Personas' rage in his soul as they faced the monster before the Thieves.
"Feel the power of medicine!" Shadow Oyamada declared.
"...A baboon?" Yang bluntly stated with a deadpan expression on her face.
"A Chanting Baboon." Mona corrected. "These guys are usually pretty tough, but Oyamada here doesn't seem all that strong." He then informed.
"HEY!" Shadow Oyamada got out in an offended manner.
"Sorry, just tellin' the truth!" Skull called out with a smirk. "Just like how you're a horrible two-bit doctor and a worse human being! Light 'em up, Captain Kidd! Zionga!" He then ordered.
"Agilao!" Panther commanded.
"Aques!" Widow ordered.
"Bufula!" Fox called out.
"Garula!" Mona continued.
"Magnara!" Yin commanded.
"Freila!" Queen roared.
ZAP! FWOOSH! SPLASH! CRACKLE! WOOSH! RUMBLE! KABOOM!
"Hahahaha! HAHAHAHA!" The Shadow laughed as it took every attack in stride.
"He's resistant to all our spells!" Widow called out.
"I think he even absorbed a few of them." Panther got out with widened eyes.
"Okay, not as weak as I thought." Mona admitted. "But we can still do this!" He then declared.
"Alright, let's think this through..." Joker muttered to himself. "Oh, I got something. PERSONA!" He then declared and called out, summoning a new Persona. "Black Widow, go for it!" He soon commanded.
"Of course Trickster. Dream Needle!" Black Widow replied and declared as she shot the Shadow.
"Guh!" The Shadow got out in pain. "Damn, that hurts...!" He declared in anger.
"Didn't get the sleep." Joker grumbled out as he snapped his fingers.
"Shooting and stabbing works fine though." Mona stated with a smirk.
"And remember, make your own weaknesses!" Queen advised.
"With pleasure! Dormina!" Panther called out as her Persona hit the Shadow with an ailment.
"Zzzzzzzz!" Shadow Oyamada snored out.
"Nice! The enemy's asleep! Strike now!" Queen praised and ordered.
"You're just offerin' for someone else to hit the guy?" Skull pointed out.
"...Huh, you're right. RRRAAAAHHHH!" Queen soon roared as she summoned Johanna to attack it with a Varja Blast.
BLAST!
"GAAAAHHHH!" The Shadow cried out in pain.
"There we go!" Skull got out with a smirk. "Knocked the eff down!" He then declared while pumping a fist.
"Leave nothing! All-Out Attack!" Joker ordered.
"I will take you down!" Yang declared as they rushed the Shadow.
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! WHAM! CRACK! SLASH! SLAP! WHAM!
"AAAAHHHH!" The Shadow screamed in pain before the Thieves landed back on the ground.
"Oh good, he's still in fighting shape." Joker remarked with a smirk.
"So, wanna confuse him so he'll give us all his money?" Skull soon suggested with a smirk.
"That's a thing?" Queen meanwhile asked while blinking to the thought.
"Yeah. It can be a real money maker for us." Yang replied and admitted.
"No. We're not dragging this out." Joker however ordered. "No, I have plans for him." He vaguely added.
"Dammit...I'll never forgive you for that! Concentrate!" Shadow Oyamada suddenly began as his body glowed.
"Hm? What is that move?" Fox asked the not cat.
Mona's eyes however widened in concern. "Oh no, that makes his next spell hit way harder!" He soon warned. "We need to guard! Now!" He then ordered.
"MEGIDO!" The Shadow declared.
"Shit!" Joker swore out before everyone brought up their guards just in time.
BBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!
"AAAAHHHH!" The Thieves screamed in pain as they were blown back.
"Whew! So that's what a real Almighty spell feels like." Yang breathed out. "Madarame's ain't got shit on that!" She then added.
"Nothing can resist Almighty attacks." Mona grumbled in annoyance. "We'll rarely survive attacks like that if we aren't ready, so use caution." He then advised.
"Yeah, I think that's good advice." Skull panted out. "Gah...why does that feel more like a nuke than Queen's?" He then groaned out.
"Focus!" Yin however called out as she summoned Kaeru. "Magnara!" She soon commanded as her Persona speared the Shadow with some earth.
"Damn, we need an edge on him now." Yang grumbled out.
"Oh, I have an idea! Here, Mona-chan!" Yin called out as she threw a vial to the not cat.
Mona in turn caught the item and looked at it before looking to the Vice Leader. "What's this?" He soon asked.
"For when my wakizashi needs a little more oomph!" Yin vaguely explained. "It's cheating but sometimes you have to, you know?" She then added with a wink.
"...Okay." Mona responded with a shrug. "Joker, find an opening. I have a present for this asshole!" He soon ordered.
"I'll give you an opening! Dazzler!" Widow soon called out as Fūma casted an ailment upon the enemy. Instantly, the Shadow looked dazed and stumbled around. "Got it!" She then cheered out as she pumped her fist.
"Now! Lucky Punch!" Yin declared while removing her mask.
BONK!
"You are scarily accurate with that." Skull remarked as the Shadow doubled over in pain while Kaeru herself blew the smoke off her boxing glove.
"Knocked down!" Joker called out before turning to the not cat. "You're up, Mona!" He then ordered.
Mona nodded to that as he leapt onto the Shadow's face. "Hey, get off me!" Shadow Oyamada struggled out as he tried to throw Mona off of him.
"Here, have a taste of your own medicine!" Mona declared before shoving the vial down the Shadow's throat.
"GACK!" Shadow Oyamada choked out before spitting out purple saliva. "Urgh...I don't...argh...I don't feel so good...What...What did you do to me!?" He got out in a panic.
"Ha! Poisoned!" Yang called out as the not cat wiped his paws on the dyed blond's pants.
"Let's purge that then!" Queen soon declared as she revved Johanna's engine. "FREILA!" She commanded.
BOOM!
"OH GOD!" Shadow Oyamada got out in pain.
"We're murdering him!" Panther laughed out before turning to the Leader. "All-Out Attack?" She then asked.
"...No." Joker however responded. "I've got something for him personally, so leave the rest to me." He then stated and requested.
"Are you sure Leader?" Queen questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm sure." Joker replied in reassurance.
Seeing how serious the Leader weirdly was, the Thieves decided to leave the guy to him.
"How are you feeling Oyamada?" Joker taunted with a smirk.
"Grrr...!" The Shadow growled out.
"Because that's only half of what Tae Takemi is feeling right now." Joker growled as he pulled out a special pistol.
"You're going to need more than bullets to stop me!" Oyamada's Shadow taunted in a confident manner.
"That's convenient, because you deserve something a little bigger than a bullet." Joker stated as he placed the Evoker against his head. "PERSONA! THANATOS PICARO!" He then declared before pulling the trigger.
SHATTER!
The Shadow quickly scrambled back in fear as a monster appeared behind the Leader, its roars echoing around the place before focusing directly at him.
"What...is that!?" Queen exclaimed.
"Death itself." Mona responded while narrowing his eyes. "And it looks like he has control over it this time." He then revealed.
"Has he used this power before!?" Queen however asked in concern.
"Yeah, but it was a last resort sort of thing." Yin answered before stepping back. "But this...this is just overkill." She then admitted.
"Well if it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing." Yang muttered. "Just where is he getting these Personas!?" She soon thought.
"I'll show you the true death..." Joker and Thanatos Picaro declared unison. "ONE-SHOT KILL!" They soon commanded.
BANG!
And with that, Thanatos Picaro created a giant bullet hole in the baboon's chest. "One more!" Queen called out.
"Let us end it! DOOR TO HADES!" Joker and Thanatos called out as they gathered dark energy above the Shadow, before letting it explode!
DDDDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
When the Thieves opened their eyes, all they saw was Joker's mask reforming...a crater where the Shadow.
"Now that's a real Almighty spell!" Mona got out in awe.
"Hey, he's up!" Yang called out as she pointed at the crater, where they saw the bloody and beaten Shadow try to pick itself up.
"Guh...!" Shadow Oyamada grunted out as he tried to heal, however he had run out of energy to do so. "No...I can't...!" He soon whimpered.
"Looks like he needs help, Joker." Panther remarked before turning to the Leader. "Cure him." She then requested.
"Gladly." Joker began as he walked up the struggling enemy. "Diagnosis: Corrupt desires!" He then started before aiming his gun at the Shadow. "Treatment: A stolen heart! Free of charge!" He soon declared.
BANG!
"And that is for Takemi." Joker finished as the Shadow reverted back into its human form.
(End Music)
"Dude...you're kinda effin' scary." Skull got out.
"He pissed me off. Nothing more." Joker responded while sheathing his knife.
Shadow Oyamada soon sobbed pathetically on the ground. "How come...? How come I'm not good enough?" He blubbered out.
"Good enough at what? Killing us or your patients?" Yang spat out as she aimed her submachine guns at the man.
"I want to save people's lives. And I want to do something great, and help make medical history. But I'm just a mediocre doctor. I've only gotten promoted because of my university connections." The Shadow soon stated.
"Medical Chief of Staff is a little high in the ranks to rise out of pure nepotism, isn't it?" Queen pointed out with a raised eyebrow.
"Doctor Takemi, though, was so creative. She had all these ideas, and her techniques were extraordinary...! Everything I ever wanted, fame, prestige...she earned in just a few short years...I was jealous of her. That's why I tried to take all the credit for her new drug..." Shadow Oyamada confessed in shame.
"You are truly scum of the earth." Widow declared with disgust. "You ruined her life over something as petty as jealousy." She then stated.
"Ha...Haha...If only there were a medication that works on jealousy..." Oyamada's Shadow chuckled out. "...Doctor Takemi's patient isn't dead." He sudden;y revealed.
The Leader's eyes soon widened to that. "What?" Joker whispered out. "Miwa-chan's not...?" He then muttered.
"I thought she wouldn't recover, so I moved her to the hospice wing for terminally ill patients. But the patient didn't believe my diagnosis. She ended up transferring to another hospital." Shadow Oyamada explained. "Of course, transferring to another hospital makes our own hospital and university look really bad. That's why I made everyone tell the same lie: the patient chose to leave the hospice, and then died." He then revealed.
"She's alive..." Joker breathed out, stepping back a little bit. He felt both relieved and angry. He sent Takemi into a depression with a fucking lie.
"You're a real piece of shit." Yin stated with a glare. "Going so far just to save reputation and spite others. I would've suggested for you to go back to medical school but...you should just drop out entirely. Turn yourself in to the police even."She then stated.
"Malpractice is deserving of jail time and some hefty fines." Queen pointed out.
"I...I will make my other self do so." Shadow Oyamada promised. "She doesn't have much time left, but maybe Doctor Takemi could do something about it." He then added.
"She will. And you better call her and tell her everything, including where Miwa-chan is. Now leave my sight." Joker responded and ordered with disdain as the Shadow faded, leaving its bud of a Treasure behind as he took it into his hands. "A skill card for Mediarama. Fucking asshole..." He then growled out before letting out a calming breath.
"You okay, Joker?" Yin had to ask as she put a hand on the Leader's shoulder.
"I'm fine." Joker answered before turning towards the exit. "Let's get out of here. Yin has a photoshoot she needs to get to." He then ordered.
"O-Oh, right. I almost forgot about that." Yin mumbled as they made their way out of the Metaverse.
(Shibuya, Station Square)
Once they had returned to the real world, the group gathered near the lottery stand. "Are you really okay?" Makoto asked while the Vice Leader bought herself a lotto ticket. "I mean, you usually smile when you're using your Persona..." She then pointed out.
"I said I'm fine." Akira assured before pinching the bridge of his nose. "But...it did make me realise I shouldn't ignore my promises for too long. If this ever happens again, we're doing it the very next day." He soon confessed.
"Okay..." Makoto hesitantly replied in concern.
"Moh...I didn't win this time..." Asuka got out in a sad tone.
"How many times have you won?" Ryuji asked with a raised eyebrow.
"...I lost track for all the times I did it." Asuka hesitantly confessed.
"...You're way too lucky, Asuka-chan." Ann sighed out.
"I don't think that is exactly a bad thing though." Yumi however admitted. "Being born as the successor of the legendary shinobi, having loving (and living) parents, combined with a nice enough life to be able to smile and remain optimistic even after seeing the worst of what humanity has to offer...it's a life many shinobi dream to have." She then listed off.
"It's...not really all that...um..." Asuka tried to deny, only to look a little guilty at the end before her head dropped.
"Did you have to say it so bluntly Yumi?" Homura meanwhile asked.
"It's the truth though." Yumi replied as she then patted the Vice Leader's head. "I am somewhat envious, admittingly." She then confessed with a smile.
"...Really?" Asuka mumbled out.
"On some days, but I usually forget about it because you really are just too nice." Yumi innocently replied.
"Erm...okay?" Asuka awkwardly responded with unsureness before being tapped on the shoulder by the Leader.
"Asuka, your shoot?" Akira reminded.
"WAH! You're right!" Asuka yelped out in realization. "Why do I keep forgetting about that today!? Come on, Homu-nee, let's go!" She then exclaimed before taking the tan skinned girl's hand and rushed off.
"So you almost didn't remember that you had a shoot, but you remembered that I'm coming with you." Homura got out in an amused tone.
"..." The Thieves silently stared at the two and blinked with their judging eyes.
"...Say anything about it, and you will get burned." Homura growled before being dragged away by her roommate towards the train station.
"Shit, I have my own shoot too." Ann suddenly remembered.
"That's too bad." Akira got out. "I wanted to hang out with you today..." He then admitted. He was going to see Haruka, and hopefully Takemi, tomorrow. Hopefully by then Oyamada's heart had changed.
"Hey, we can do both Akira-kun." Ann soon suggested. "It's not that far anyways so let's go." She then added.
However, before Akira could follow the ash blonde, he was stopped by the light grey haired girl. "I'd also like to hang out with you soon, Akira-kun." Yumi soon confessed. "Do you mind heading to Shinjuku when you have the time?" She then requested.
"Sure." Akira replied with a nod before he went off with the ash blonde.
Yumi nodded before heading to the train station. She has some informants to meet up with before then.
Meanwhile, Morgana coughed before giving the Leader a disapproving look. "Well, if you need me, I'll be out exploring the town." He then informed before walking off.
However, the Shujin Council President ran up to him. "Well, why don't I spend some time with you, Morgana. I would like to know you more. Maybe we can figure something out about your past." Makoto soon offered.
This in turn caused the not cat to smile. "Sure, I would like the company." Morgana replied as the two then headed out.
"Guess it's just me and you then, huh?" Ryuji got out as he turned to the artist.
"Yes, it seems so." Yusuke replied with a nod.
"..."
"..."
"...I'm gonna go home." Ryuji awkwardly decided.
"I am as well. I have some painting to do." Yusuke responded as the two left in opposite directions.
(Inokashira Park)
"I was just here yesterday with Ann for training." Homura admitted in amusement as the two walked down the path.
"Really?" Asuka asked in a curious manner.
"Yeah, it makes for a great atmosphere-whoa..." Homura began, only to stop where she saw a small, rectangular crater in the middle of the pathway. "...Huh, I guess Ann was right. I did bring too many books." She then muttered.
"I haven't trained in a while, maybe I should join Homu-nee next time." Asuka thought before the two continued on their way to the shoot.
And soon enough, they spotted the camera crew and other staff members preparing the lights and such near the lake.
"And we're here." Asuka soon started as she then saw a familiar face. "Kokito-san! Hey!" She called out.
"Ah Asuka-san! Good afternoon." The agent happily greeted before noticing the tan skinned girl. "Hm...Is she your sister?" He soon asked in a curious manner while adjusting his glasses.
"G-Gah! It's not official yet!" Homura stammered with a flustered expression before. "Erm, I mean..." She then got out.
"Come on, Homu-nee, you should be flattered." Asuka giggled out before blinking. "...Wait, why did you ask-" She then started.
"Ah, sorry. It's rude of me not to introduce myself before I ask questions." The man started as he adjusted his glasses. "I'm Kokito. And I am Asuka-san's agent." He soon introduced himself.
Homura soon bowed in a well-mannered way. "It's a pleasure to meet you sir, I'm Asuka's roommate, Homura Shinkukage." She politely introduced herself.
"Glad to meet you." Kokito replied as they shook hands. "But why are you here?" He soon asked in a curious manner.
"I...got curious about what Sis does as a model." Homura confessed
"Ah, are you interested in entering the world of modelling?" Kokito soon questioned.
"Uh...Nah, I'm not...It's not my kind of thing." Homura got out as she shook her head. "Besides, I don't want to steal Sis' spotlight." She then added.
"Aw...We can share the spotlight you know?" Asuka soon suggested.
"Speaking of spotlights, you need to get changed. We're on a tight schedule and two of our models haven't turned up yet." Kokito instructed and revealed.
"Oh, I'm shooting with some people?" Asuka meanwhile asked.
"Yep. Mika-san should be coming soon so you need to head over there and the girls will get you ready before she arrives. The other girl...she hasn't even called yet." Kokito responded with a nod.
"...Ranze's here too?" Asuka soon guessed with a sigh.
"You actually just missed her." Kokito however informed.
That in turn brightened up the brunette right away. "Thank goodness..." Asuka breathed out in relief.
"Ranze...the girl who tries and discourages you as a model?" Homura quietly guessed while narrowing her eyes.
"Homu-nee, please use appropriate language." Asuka stated as she narrowed her eyes.
"Oh, she's a bitch." Homura responded in a whisper.
"Yep." Asuka happily replied in a whisper as well.
"Well, if she needs a punt in the cunt, signal me and she'll be squealing like a runt." Homura stated before giggling. "Wow that was fun to say." She then muttered.
Asuka rolled her eyes playfully before heading towards the stylists to get ready.
Turns out, soon meant an hour and a half to Mika as she arrived on the scene. "Doing multiple shoots in one day...that's quite admirable." Kokito admitted as she watched the girl get ready.
"Really?" Asuka innocently asked.
"She must be devoted to being a model." Homura then stated before looking over her roommate and how she was dressed after getting changed. "...Not a bad outfit Sis. Very cute looking." She then admitted and complimented.
Asuka meanwhile was in a light green slip-on dress with a hem line just above her knees and a v-neck and a pair of white sneakers.
"It's one of the outfits for the upcoming summer line." Kokito soon revealed. "These outfits will be in the upcoming Vague magazine issue, so they need good images for it." He then explained.
"Huh." Homura got out. "You know, if it comes in black or crimson I might pick one up myself." She then admitted.
"Didn't we promise that we'd diversify our colors?" Asuka pointed out.
Homura in response sheepishly rubbed the back of her head. "Hey, it...um...you can't beat the classics, okay?" She replied, albeit a bit awkward.
"She's not wrong." Kokito admitted in agreement while eyeing the tan skinned girl. "Hm, red and black would appear to suit you best Shinkukage-san." He then confessed.
"Ah, thank you sir." Homura replied with a smile.
At that moment, a brunette in a blue short dress. "Kokito-san!" She greeted with a smile.
"Mika-san." Kokito replied in a polite manner.
"Is the other models here yet? I have a physio in an hour." Mika soon asked as she took a sip from her bottle of herbs and other healthy crap.
"Well, here's one of them. Asuka Shirokage, meet our fastest rising model: Mika Miyashita." Kokito replied and introduced.
"..." Mika blinked, her eyes quickly going between the other brunette's face and breasts for a second. "And just when I was done with Takamaki..." She then grumbled under her breath.
"Excuse me?" Asuka got out in confusion, not sure if she heard her right.
"Oh, sorry. You must be the girl Takamaki-san brought in. The one who stole Oren Ramone Baurollo's heart." Mika apologized and stated.
"Wow, you memorised his full name?" Asuka got out in an impressed manner. "I can only remember Oren-san's given name. I feel pretty bad about that." She then muttered.
"Well, you better learn it soon." Mika soon advised as she narrowed her eyes. "It's not all fun and games here." She then stated.
"Can do Mika-san." Asuka replied with an adorable salute. "And I know I shouldn't take this job lightly. For example, just so I wouldn't cause trouble I tend to avoid fatty foods." She then revealed.
"Hm, that's actually quite good." Mika admitted in an impressed manner.
Asuka in response however sighed. "Yeah. They tend to make my boobs bigger...but nowhere else." She then mumbled out in depression.
SHATTER!
"...Oh." Mika got out, her irises shrinking down to tiny dots. "Well, maybe you should see a doctor about that." She soon suggested.
"I...might have someone in mind." Asuka hesitantly replied. "Hey, I think I can see a vein throbbing on your forehead. Is there something wrong?" She then informed and asked in concern.
"Nothing. I need to go now." Mika responded and informed. "Have a good day, Asaka-chan." She then added.
"It's...It's Asuka." Asuka tried to correct, but wasn't heard as the model mentally planned to destroy the little, big-breasted girl's hopes and dreams.
"She looks like she's gonna spawn a Palace." Homura meanwhile thought with a sweatdrop as she noticed the dark aura forming around the model. "Watch her Sis, she could be trouble in the future for you." She then advised in a whisper.
"What? No, you're just being paranoid." Asuka replied while playing it off...though also kept the advice in the back of her mind. "Come on, you're here to see there's nothing wrong about modelling."
"Asuka! You're up with Mika!" Kokito suddenly called out.
"Hai!" Asuka replied in a determined manner and with a nod before looking at her roommate. "Gotta go Homu-nee! Wish me luck!" She then informed.
"Good luck." Homura encouraged with a fist pump. "But I will break arms if someone touches you in an inappropriate way." She then whispered.
"Not if I break their arm first." Asuka pointed out in amusement with a playful wink as she rushed off to get ready.
"Places people! We're ready to- wait, where the hell is Saachan!?" The head of the shoot soon called out just as Sacchan's manager hung up their phone.
"I just called. She thought the shoot was tomorrow and she can't make it today." The manager informed as they shook their head.
"What!? Gah, not again...we're on a tight schedule and we need...a..." The head of the staff began, only to trail off as he noticed the tan skinned girl. "Hello~" He got out in an intrigued manner.
Homura meanwhile blinked as she suddenly felt as though she was getting attention before noticing all the staff looking at her. "Er, hi?" She awkwardly greeted.
"Hmmm..." The man soon hummed out as he studied the girl and her features. "Tanned skinned, noticeable blue eyes, 34-22-33 figure...thank you high school perversions..." He then muttered to himself.
"...What?" Homura innocently got out in confusion with a tilt of her head. "...And my eyes are green." She then corrected.
"...She'll do just fine..." One of the staff members suddenly declared with a thumbs up. "ALRIGHT! SOMEONE FIND HER A DRESS THAT FITS AND MATCHES THAT SEXY BODY OF HER'S! AND SOMEONE EFFIN' PUT SOME MAKEUP ON HER! WE'RE ON THE CLOCK HERE!" He soon ordered and reminded.
"Huh!?" Asuka got out in confusion as she noticed several people surrounding her roommate.
"W-Wait what!? W-Why am I being dragged in!?" Homura exclaimed in a panic while being dragged away. "Sis! Heeelp!" She then called out in a comedic manner.
"D-Don't cut her hair too much!" Asuka called out.
"Nonsense! We would never!" One of the stylists responded. "Her hair is starting to touch the ground though...Have you ever at least trimmed it!?" She then stated and questioned in disbelief.
"Uh...no?" Homura awkwardly responded.
"...Get the hair stylist, they got their work cut out for them!" The head stylist ordered in excitement and with a gleam in her eyes.
"What about my opinion on this!?" Homura meanwhile exclaimed. "I-I have a fashion sense too!" She then declared.
"Shut up and look pretty, you cute little devil." One stylist soon ordered in a blunt and demanding tone.
"Hey that's- wait, you think I'm cute?" Homura began in an offended tone from within the makeshift changing room before asking the question in utter confusion to the sudden compliment before realising they were stripping her. "Hey, wait! I can take off my own- AH! Hey! W-Watch where you're touching!" She yelped out.
"She's...She'll be fine..." Asuka thought, sweating a little.
No one meanwhile noticed that Mika's eye was twitching to what was happening.
"This praise is nice..." Homura mentally admitted in a satisfied manner, relaxing herself as she was being treated. "I better get paid for this at least..." She then muttered as she was being prepared for the shoot.
(6/30, Evening)
(Shinjuku, Red Light District)
The Leader had just left the Fortune Teller and started walking the streets looking for Yumi before eventually noticing the familiar head of light grey hair. "Yumi!" Akira greeted as he approached the girl.
"Ah, you came." Yumi happily replied with a smile.
"Well, I'm deciding to not keep ladies waiting for too long." Akira responded in a smooth tone before blinking. "...Huh, maybe Morgana was right...that did sound a little manwhorish..." He then muttered.
"Excuse me?" Yumi meanwhile got out in confusion.
"Ah, that was just me getting lost in my own thoughts again." Akira coughed out. "So, what did you need me for?" He soon asked.
"Well, it's...something a little big..." Yumi hesitantly started. "On second thought maybe I shouldn't..." She then muttered in an unsure manner.
Akira narrowed his eyes before using his Selfless Kindness. "Come on Yumi, you know you can tell me anything." He soon reminded.
Yumi thought about it for a few seconds before nodding. "Come with me then." She soon requested as she took the boy's hand and led him down the street.
(Selene Udon)
"You know, I can never get tired of places like this, Yumi." Akira complimented as they entered the restaurant.
"I agree. There's nothing quite like the atmosphere that these types of restaurants bring." Yumi got out before noticing the Leader taking out his wallet. "Don't worry about paying. I'll cover the bill." She then informed with a smile.
"Is your info network really that lucrative?" Akira soon asked in an impressed manner.
"It is a living." Yumi replied before frowning. "But I don't know what to do with it after I need to leave...I may transfer them over to the council's spies or something." She soon revealed.
"Do you really have to remind me that all of this is going to be over in a year?" Akira sighed out.
"Well, it's not like the Phantom Thieves are going anywhere any time soon." Yumi however reminded. "We won't be whole but we can still do good in our respective areas." She then added.
"Hm, I guess you're right. Plus, I think I have some plans for the future." Akira replied before the two sat down and ordered their food. "So? What did you want to talk about Yumi?" He soon asked.
"Well..." Yumi hesitantly started before trailing off, blushing as a result.
"It's fine if you don't want to talk about it." Akira offered. "We can talk about nothing like..." He then added.
"No no no, it's just..." Yumi began before explaining what had happened to her the other day.
This in turn caused the Leader to blink as he processed what he learned. "...You were scouted to become an idol Yumi?" Akira asked in disbelief. "I was only kidding last time." He meanwhile thought as he sweatdropped.
"Hai, but I'm not sure about it." Yumi confessed in a calm tone. "Kujikawa, um, Rise-san says I look cute enough to be one though." She then informed.
"Well you can sing." Akira pointed out as he remembered the time when they went to karaoke. "And I know you can dance. You know what, yeah I can see you like that. Although, why an idol? I see you more of a singer." He then pointed out.
"Erm, it was only because the opportunity presented itself." Yumi mumbled out. "Is it a mistake?" She soon asked.
"Well, how do you feel about it?" Akira counter asked.
Yumi frowned before closing her eyes. "I... imagined myself as an idol...singing and dancing in front of thousands! It felt exhilarating and...I don't want to forget that feeling. I feel as though I can become one." Yumi soon confessed. "Is that...unusual for someone like me?" She then asked.
To that, Akira felt as though he had some choices to make as a response.
I don't see why not.
Yes. Yes it is.
Do you think you could be an idol?
"Well, do you think you can be an idol Yumi?" Akira soon enough asked.
"Eh?" Yumi got out in confusion.
"Do you think you can become an idol?" Akira repeated in a more curious tone.
"Well..." Yumi began. "Like I mentioned before, I did imagine myself as an idol, so...maybe?" She replied, though was still unsure.
"Well, I won't stop you or convince you otherwise." Akira responded. "It's your life. Do with it what you want." He then stated.
"O-Okay then..." Yumi got out, looking a little less unsure of herself. "You know what, I am going to try it out. Who knows, you might see me on a billboard some day." She soon decided.
"Well, it's certainly better than the current advertising." Akira remarked as they looked up at a nearby billboard and saw an advertisement for Bootyland. They both simultaneously sweatdropped.
Maybe it was their shared disgust that made their bond even stronger than usual.
SHATTER!
Rank 5!
Unlocked Harisen Recovery!
Chance to cure status ailments inflicted upon party members.
"Hm, maybe I could save money if I make myself a paper fan for this summer..." Yumi soon mumbled to herself.
"Why is everyone on the Thieves arming themselves with paper fans?" Akira grumbled out. "They kinda hurt...Well, when the shinobi use them." He then admitted.
"We'll go a little softer next time." Yumi soon promised before her eyes widened. "Oh, don't tell the others, okay? I...I'd rather not have the others badgering me about it." She then requested and admitted.
"I promise, in the name of Arsene and Fūma, that I won't tell a soul." Akira promised.
"Not God?" Yumi however questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Eh, he's not my favorite role model right now." Akira replied with a shrug.
"Well with what you have been through recently, I don't blame you." Yumi responded in understanding. "In any case, we should finish our udon." She then suggested.
"Hai." Akira replied as they went on to finish their food and talk about other things before heading home for the night.
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
"Aaaahhhh...Home sweet home..." Asuka breathed out as soon as the two entered the apartment.
"Well...that was an experience Sis." Homura admitted. "...I feel pretty." She then awkwardly added, suddenly feeling her Femininity increase. "My hair does look good too." She soon stated as she combed it with her hands before looking in the mirror. It was wonderfully braided into a single ponytail with real summer flowers stuck in between. She'll have to take out the flowers later though...
"You did great, Homu-nee!" Asuka meanwhile complimented. "And you were always pretty." She then declared.
"You'll say regardless of your own opinion." Homura pointed out as she worked on getting the flowers out of her hair.
"But it's true though..." Asuka replied with a pout.
"Not to your level. Besides I did need a bit of a trim huh?" Homura sheepishly admitted. "...I'm surprised they didn't do that during our spa day." She then pointed out.
"Do spas cut hair?" Asuka innocently asked before both girls shrugged their shoulders.
"I mean I can't maintain this level of care every day." Homura soon got out. "I think I prefer my old hair tie or just letting it loose like always." She then admitted.
"At least you got free clothes and some money out of it." Asuka giggled out. "Not to mention you were great out there. You were completely into it." She then praised with a smile.
"C-Come on Sis, you're just flattering me at this point." Homura stammered out with a blush on her face. "But...you really think so?" She then asked in a curious manner.
"You know my answer. And you can get more if you get hired." Asuka soon reminded with a playful smirk. "Kokito-san did offer you a job, right?" She then asked.
"Well yeah, but...nah, it's your thing." Homura replied while waving it off. "Besides, all that makeup takes too long." She then confessed.
"Well, I'll make sure the offer is still on the table if you change your mind." Asuka happily replied with a bright smile on her face. "...What happens if you're placed in a magazine though?" She then asked in a curious manner.
Homura in turn blinked to that as she placed a hand on her chin to think about it. "Hmm..." She hummed out. "If it happens, it happens. Nothing I can really do about it at this point." She soon decided as she shrugged her shoulders.
"Well, I am sure you signed the proper papers." Asuka stated with a nod.
The tan skinned girl however blinked in response. "...Papers?" She repeated in confusion.
"You know, the papers that let the client use your photos for their magazine and all that legal junk?" Asuka simply explained.
"...Ah crap baskets..." Homura muttered to herself. "We left straight after I was done..." She then reminded in realization.
"W-Well, I'm sure they'll call you about it." Asuka stammered out her reassurance. "Besides, you had fun while doing it." She then reminded.
"It was, but again I'd rather avoid cameras." Homura stated. "Still, I'm beat, so let's just head to bed after washing up." She then got out as she stretched her arms.
A yawn soon escaped Asuka's lips as she then nodded. "Hai, Homu-nee." She replied as they headed for the bathroom to wash up and eventually end the day in each other's warm embrace.
Save Game...Quit!
(Persona Tracking)
Joker
Level: 31
Personas: Arsene (Resist: Curse) (Weak: Ice, Bless), Jack Frost (Null: Ice) (Weak: Fire) Thanatos Picaro (Resist: Physical) (Repel: Curse) (Weak: Bless), Sylph (Resists: Wind) (Weak: Electricity, Earth), Black Widow (Null: Psycho) (Weak: Water), Sphinx (Resists: Earth, Fire) (Weak: Curse, Physical)
Persona Trait: Arsene- Last Stand (Allows use of ambush-only skills after Baton Pass), Jack Frost- Ice Lineage (Chance to halve costs of Ice skills), Thanatos Picaro- Iron Heart (Halves costs of SP skills after Baton Pass), Slyph- Wind Bloodline (Decreases SP cost of Wind skills by half), Black Widow- Mouth of Savoring (Increase amount of SP restored to self by 50%), Sphinx- Mighty Gaze (Strengthen multi-target magic attacks by 20%)
Skills: Eiga, Maeiga, Snap, Speed Master, Tarukaja, Bufula, Mabufula, Ice Break, Baisudi, Rakunda, Freeze Boost, Door of Hades, Mamudoon, Mudo Boost, One-shot Kill, Adverse Resolve, Enduring Soul, Garula, Magarula, Sukukaja, Regenerate 1, Me Patra, Diarama, Cornered Fang, Dream Needle Life Drain, Rakukaja, Mamagnara, Maragion, Recarm
Accessory: SP Adhesive 2 (Skill: Invigorate 2)
Yin
Level: 31
Persona: Kaeru (Resist: Earth, Fire) (Weak: Wind, Gun)
Persona Trait: Path of Light (Gain some HP when using support/healing skills)
Skills: Magnara, Mediarama, Sukukaja, Lucky Punch, Mamagnara, Masukukaja
Confidant Rank: Rank 6
Accessory: Skanda Belt (Speed Master)
Yang
Level: 31
Persona: Wolverine (Resist: Physical, Gun, Fire, Wind) (Weak: Water, Earth, Bless, Psychokinesis)
Persona Trait: Path of Crimson (Gain some HP when using Physical/Magic skills)
Skills: Agi, Cleave, Gokuentou, Regenerate 2, Terror Claw, Triple Down, Swift Strike
Confidant Rank: Rank 5
Accessory: Tough Belt (Defense Master)
Mona
Level: 30
Persona: Zorro (Resist: Wind) (Weak: Elec)
Persona Trait: Proud Presence (Increases effect of allies' healing skills)
Skills: Garula, Diarama, Patra, Media, Lucky Punch, Magaru, Me Patra, Recarm
Confidant Rank: Rank 4
Accessory: Attachment Pearl (Null Forget)
Skull
Level: 30
Persona: Captain Kidd (Resist: Elec) (Weak: Wind, Earth)
Persona Trait: Raging Temper (Might increase allies' physical attacks by 40%)
Skills: Lunge, Zio, Tarukaja, Headbutt, Adverse Resolve, Rampage, Mazio, Bad Beat, Assault Dive
Confidant Rank: Rank 7
Accessory: Rakshasa Belt (Attack Master)
Panther
Level: 30
Persona: Carmen (Resist: Fire) (Weak: Ice, Water)
Persona Trait: Mastery of Magic (May decrease SP cost of allies' magic skills)
Skills: Agilao, Dia, Dormina, Tarunda, Maragi, Dekaja, Fire Break, Lullaby
Confidant Rank: Rank 5
Accessory: Crimson Necklace (Fire Amp)
Fox
Level: 30
Persona: Goemon (Resists: Ice) (Weak: Fire)
Persona Trait: Scoundrel Eyes (High chance to evade Phys attacks for all allies.)
Skills: Bufula Giant Slice, Sukukaja, Vicious Strike, Mabufu, Counter, Rising Slash, Dormin Rush
Confidant Rank: Rank 2
Accessory: Bold Eyepatch (Effect: +Evade Physical (Low))
Widow
Level: 30
Persona: Fūma (Resists: Ice, Water) (Weak: Fire, Curse)
Persona Trait: Dance of Justice (Chance to trigger a Baton Pass for the next ally when hitting a resistance.)
Skills: Bufula, Aques, Ice Boost, Water Boost, Dazzler, Makajama, Malaqua
Confidant Rank: Rank 5
Accessory: Engraved Dog Tag (Gun Boost)
Queen
Level: 30
Persona: Johanna
Persona Trait: Gaia Pact (Increase allies' chance of inflicting Burn/Freeze/Shock/Soak by 25%.)
Skills: Freila, Mafrei, Vajra Blast, Diarama, Rakukaja, Makajama, Energy Shower
Accessory: White Headband R (Life Surge / Endurance +8)
(Persona Analysis)
Black Widow (Poisonous Assassin)
Arcana: Aeon
Origins: Unknown
Stat Spread: High Strength and Agility
Resists: Curse, Nuke
Null: Psycho
Weak: Water
Description: Possibly based on the name of the famous venomous spider and the nickname of several fictional assassins that killed their victims after having sexual relationships with them, mainly because of money.
Whew! Done! I have no idea what to do for the next few chapters but we have plans for Takemi.
UknownHero signing off, my friends!