Hello, everyone. How's your day going? UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona! No More Heroes 3 is coming out soon and I can't afford it. Damn. Hope I can snipe a review copy though…
Senran Persona: Ninjas of Hearts has a TV Tropes page! It's addictive to see what changes there are!
Onto the reviews! To Vesperia27: Their Ultimate Forms? Eh...we're looking into that. To dinocam3: We've already had the final keyword for Kobayakawa's Palace for a long time now. Don't worry about it. To a random Guest: No to making Akira's parents shinobi. To WX-Lazer: Dude, we're already keeping track so much shit already, more stats would only make things harder.
Anyways, that's it! Let's nut!
Load Game...Start!
Chapter 81: Lust
(7/25, Evening)
(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc Attic)
When Miyabi finally opened her eyes, she nearly panicked as she realized she wasn't anywhere familiar. However, the wet towel on her head and the light blanket made her calm down a little, even if she did throw them off. She noticed someone coming upstairs, and she could smell something wonderful coming along with them.
"Hey, you're finally awake." Akira greeted pleasantly as he sat on the bed.
"Ugh...where am I?" Miyabi questioned as she sat up while holding her head.
"Where I'm staying." Akira casually answered with a plate of curry. "Here, eat up." He then offered.
"Um...thanks." Miyabi awkwardly replied as she began eating the curry, eyes widening to the flavor. "...This is good..." She thought to herself in an impressed manner.
"Thank you. The others are downstairs. Come down when you finish up." Akira informed as he wiped his hands.
"Why are you being nice to me? I was planning to kill you all and make your lives a living hell if I couldn't. You could've just let that thing from before kill me. What's your motive here?" Miyabi soon questioned as she narrowed her eyes.
"No motive. It's just the right thing to do." Akira replied. "Take your time and eat slowly. If you want something to drink, don't be afraid to ask. We only have coffee, soda and water though." He offered by revealing the options they had.
"Uh...Just some water. I feel a little...dehydrated." Miyabi hesitantly responded.
"Yeah, a desert would do that to you." Akira jokingly replied before handing the girl a water bottle.
"...I kinda hoped that was just a dream..." The white-haired girl soon muttered out her confession before taking a large gulp. "...What the hell did I do?" She then asked.
"Unleashed your true self. Come downstairs when you're ready to talk." Akira answered before getting up and heading back down to the cafe, only to stop. "Oh. One more thing. If you're still trying to kill us, it's 9 against 1 and we know your weaknesses. Just a quick reminder." He then informed before heading downstairs.
And with that casual threat, Miyabi returned to eating her curry, finished it and began looking around. "...Is that a chocolate fountain?" She thought in a curious manner as she saw the machine. Glancing around to see that no one was watching her, she got up and went over to it and placed a finger under the running fountain before licking it. "Mmm~!" She hummed out in a pleased tone before glancing around again before getting ready to have some more.
"I'll know if you double dipped!" Akira suddenly called out.
This immediately surprised the white haired woman, jumping as a result. "He's sharp." Miyabi thought as she looked down the stairs.
(Leblanc)
After the Leader descended down the stairs, he regrouped with the others as they were resting in the cafe.
"To think that someone like Miyabi would get a Persona." Homura remarked as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Yeah. She didn't have a personal stake in Futaba-chan's well-being. What was her will of rebellion supposed to be?" Ann meanwhile asked.
"I assume that since Futaba wants to die, Miyabi's determination to make her live made her a rebel, and thus unlocked her Persona." Yusuke guessed.
"Miyabi-chan did seem upset when we were in the Palace." Asuka pointed out.
"It's a sound theory, but there has to be something more to that..." Morgana stated. "Speaking of which, hey Akira. Is she up?" He soon asked.
Akira in response nodded. "Yep. She's calm and eating." He soon informed.
"...And she didn't attack you?" Yumi however asked as she narrowed her eyes.
"She was suspicious, but it's all fine. And if she did attack, I wouldn't be down here." Akira replied.
"Right. So, what do we do with her? We can't just let her into the Phantom Thieves, can we?" Makoto questioned.
"Well, it depends." Miyabi spoke up as she came downstairs, surprising everyone in the restaurant. "What are you going to offer me in exchange for joining?" She soon questioned.
Yumi however narrowed her eyes to this. "And why would you want to join?" She counter-questioned.
"I have nothing better to do and I think I'll get some info into those unusual incidents." Miyabi answered.
"The breakdowns and shutdowns? Yeah, we know how they're caused." Ryuji got out...before slamming his head onto the table. "DAMMIT!" He soon swore.
"Oh, nice going, loudmouth!" Morgana exclaimed. "Don't tell her because we all have Personas that we can potentially cause them!" He then added.
"...Did that cat just talk?" Miyabi questioned as she looked at the black and white cat. "Wait, what did she just say?" She then asked.
"I AM A MALE HUMAN!" Morgana shouted out. "Also, DAMMIT!" He soon swore.
"Et tu, Morgana?" Akira got out.
"You? Human?" Miyabi then questioned with a raised eyebrow. "I find that hard to believe." She then admitted.
"It's a long story." Makoto informed with a sigh. "We'll tell you later." She then added.
"Alright. And what about Personas and the incidents?" Miyabi then asked as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"You were bound to find out eventually, but basically if you kill the ruler of a Palace, their Shadow, you give them a shutdown." Homura explained. "And there's this asshole, someone in a black mask, who's causing them." She soon revealed.
"Palace...like that pyramid." Miyabi deducted.
"There are other forms. Castles, museums, banks and other places. They only spawn if one's desire has become heavily distorted and Futaba's distortion is..." Asuka then started.
The white haired girl's eyes then widened as she already figured out what it was. "Y-You mean...?" She began.
"Right. Wanting to die because of the death of her mother, to where she blames herself for some reason." Akira finished with a nod.
Miyabi in turn winced as she clutched her chest, bad memories returning to the surface.
"Now you know, Miyabi-san. So, what do you think?" Akira soon asked.
"So...that was the power related to the mental shutdowns and psychotic breakdown..." Miyabi stated in a dead serious tone as she glanced at the tan skinned girl. "And you had it all along Homura." She then added.
"And now you have it too." Yumi informed as she took out her fans. "I will not allow you to take it back to Hebijo, it is already being abused as is." She then declared as she took out her fan in a threatening manner.
After a few seconds of silence, the white haired woman came up with her answer. "...Fine. I promise I won't inform Hebijo and join the Phantom Thieves. At least for now." Miyabi replied.
This however surprised the others. "...What?" Yumi got out in confusion, not expecting those words.
"Don't get me wrong. I don't like any of you, but...I can't help Futaba alone. So I'll join the Phantom Thieves in exchange for not exposing you guys." Miyabi explained.
This in turn caused the others to become confused. "You...really wanna help Futaba-chan?" Asuka soon asked.
Homura also raised an eyebrow. "Why? You don't even know who she is." She then reminded.
Shadows soon covered the white haired girl's eyes as she looked at the ground. "...I have my reasons." Miyabi vaguely responded, though her fists were clenched.
"...Okay, that's fine. We won't pry." Akira calmly stated. "A new member is always better. Welcome to the Phantom Thieves, Miyabi." He then greeted as he held his hand out.
"...Yeah." Miyabi responded with a small nod before taking in a deep breath and looked at the group, leaving the Leader hanging. "So, where do we go from here?" She soon asked.
"Hey, turn up the volume on the TV." Ann requested.
"...The date that Medjed has set for the alleged cleanse is 8/21. That day is fast approaching. The Phantom Thieves, whom they singled out, have not made any notable actions at this time. Will Medjed carry out their cyberterrorism?" The newsman reported.
"The 21st of August. Our time limit until Medjed cleanses Japan. We might even have less time than that if Futaba decides to end it all..." Akira muttered out.
"Yes, and our deadline will be two days prior, so the 19th." Makoto added.
"So we have to change Futaba-chan's heart by then." Asuka stated seriously.
"Alright, well since the location of her Palace is nearby, let's make Leblanc our new hideout." Homura suggested.
Yumi in response nodded in agreement to that. "I believe that would be a suitable location for us, we can meet in Akira-san's room." She then added.
"Is everyone in agreement with this?" Akira asked before everyone responded with a nod. "Perfect. As long as Sojiro doesn't come up we should be good." He then added.
"There's no telling what will happen inside that pyramid." Morgana spoke up. "We all need to be cautious so that place doesn't become our tomb as well." He then advised.
"Seriously cat, another pun?" Homura remarked in a deadpan tone.
"It was appropriate!" Morgana simply stated.
"God, am I actually gonna survive this summer...?" Miyabi mentally groaned.
"Man, this is gonna be one crazy summer vacation." Ryuji got out in excitement. "We're dealin' with international hackers and lookin' for a Treasure in a pyramid." He then reminded.
"How can you be enjoying this!?" Ann called out. "This is a crisis of whether or not our group continues on, you know!" She then added.
"Don't you remember the last three Palaces we had to go through? First expulsion where we went through Kamoshida's Castle of Lust, then legal action where we went through Madarame's Museum of Vanity, then the Mafia with Kaneshiro's Bank of Gluttony and now this!" Homura pointed out. "Our group has always been at risk. It's not a matter of if, but when." She then added.
"Also, you know, Japan's impending implosion is kinda important too, Ann." Akira mumbled under his breath.
"That too." Asuka replied in agreement. "We'll wait on your command to go into the Palace Akira-kun." She then added
The other veterans in turn nodded in agreement to that, however...
"Still can't believe you're taking orders from a civilian..." Miyabi sighed out.
"He's our Leader. Has been since our first heist." Homura soon stated as she narrowed her eyes.
"Didn't you see him during that last fight?" Ann soon asked.
"Didn't he save your ass?" Ryuji pointed out.
"Yes, but that will not happen again." Miyabi countered.
The Leader in turn nodded to that. "Then you better make sure it doesn't. I'm gonna need a day or two to prepare so make sure to relax and get yourselves ready." Akira instructed, with everyone except the white haired girl nodding to that.
"We are not going to take a few days off! We need to save Futaba now! Are you even taking this seriously!?" Miyabi soon questioned in a dead serious tone.
"We are taking this seriously, but at our own pace." Akira replied. "We've done this before. We can do this again and then some." He then stated.
"Okay, that's suicidal overconfidence!" Miyabi growled before taking hold of her head. "Urk!" She winced out in pain.
Homura however sighed to this. "Miyabi, calm down. If you continue with that attitude, you'll die. The Metaverse works much differently from reality." She soon explained.
"And you just said you can't do this alone." Asuka then reminded with a nod of agreement to her roommate's statement.
Gritting her teeth in a frustrated manner, Miyabi just settled for glaring at the others. "...Dammit. Fine, but you better make it quick." She soon informed in a threatening tone.
"Good because um...there's gonna be a few problems." Akira awkwardly started as his eyes slightly moved. "Mostly...that." He then added as he pointed at the largest model gun the group had ever seen resting on the table.
"Oh yeah, Miyabi-chan's ranged weapon she got after her awakening." Asuka got out in an awkward manner.
"That is not a weapon a thief should be using..." Morgana deadpanned.
"Why did Miyabi get something like this of all things?" Homura soon asked. "I mean Yumi getting a sniper rifle? That makes sense, but this is crazy." She then added.
"And at least I can take my guns apart to be more compact." Yumi then added.
"I'm not sure how that's going to fit in the duffel..." Asuka got out as she hefted the bag. They might need a new one.
"I'm sure Untouchable has a suitcase for one." Makoto spoke up. "But you may want to leave it here until we get one or else the police might arrest you." She then advised.
Miyabi couldn't help but give the Shujin Student Council President a flat stare. "Shinobi." She helpfully reminded the girl.
"Seriously though, how many sexy shinobi are gonna become Phantom Thieves!?" Ryuji exclaimed.
"I don't know, but the more the merrier." Akira replied with a smirk.
"I believe this is becoming more and more like a harem." Yusuke spoke up.
"Yusuke-san!" Yumi got out in a chiding manner as she began tugging his ear. "No inappropriate and perverted remarks." She then ordered with a puffed up cheek.
"H-Huh!? Y-Yumi-senpai, does it not mean men surrounded by women?" Yusuke exclaimed as he winced in pain from his senior's action.
"...I'm going to die, aren't I?" Miyabi groaned out.
"Get used to saying that." Akira offhandedly replied. "I'll lend you the pamphlet of how the Metaverse works later." He then offered,
The white haired girl in turn raised an eyebrow to that. "You have pamphlets...?" Miyabi repeated in a deadpan tone.
"Saves on time. Hopefully we'll get them soon." Akira stated. "Alright, is that everything?" He soon asked.
"Not really..." Miyabi got out as she shook her head. "I still feel so lost...like...why is my Persona a guy?" She then questioned in confusion...and frustration.
"Maybe 'cause you don't know about the female versions of him that exist?" Ryuji casually suggested.
"Wait what?" Homura got out in confusion. "That's a thing?" She soon asked.
"Look, there are female versions of Attila the Hun and Jack the Ripper. Japan is really horny." Akira pointed out. "No wonder we have low birth rates..." He then grumbled under his breath.
"...I am suddenly glad my Persona is male." Miyabi soon deadpanned.
"And you have to admit, he's kind of a hunk..." Akira admitted, causing the white haired girl to flinch and drop her head.
"Nobunaga. Oda Nobunaga. To think your Persona would be him, of all people." Yumi meanwhile muttered. "Seems appropriate for you to get a warmonger." She then added.
"I get the feeling you don't like me." Miyabi bluntly accused.
"What made you guess?" Yumi countered as she narrowed her eyes.
"S-So Mona-chan, what's the new Arcana thanks to Miyabi-chan?" Asuka then asked.
"Lust." Morgana answered. "Number 9. Working alongside Justice." He then revealed.
"Justice...ironic being who Miyabi-san's father is." Yumi then pointed out as she slightly narrowed her eyes to the white haired in an untrusting manner.
"Hoooh, and what is that supposed to mean?" Miyabi soon questioned in a sarcastic manner while crossing her arms over her chest and a smirk on her face.
"Lust implies we can experience life with situations which are not necessarily conventional but if we have natural talents we should develop them but on the other hand we should not just indulge in our wanton desires." Morgana soon explained. "In layman's terms, it means the acceptance of one's path and being at peace with your life. It also means sex and death and dissolving our identity into something higher." He then concluded.
"Huh." Miyabi got out as she blinked a couple of times after hearing that. "That...kinda sounds right." She then admitted.
"Actually, I looked it up on the internet. Turns out, Adjustment is the equivalent to Justice and Lust is the equivalent to Strength." Akira pointed out. "They swapped them around in the Thoth Tarot deck." He then revealed.
However it appeared as though the Leader was ignored as the light gray haired girl and the white haired girl continued to glare at one another. "Mmmmm...!" The two girls hummed out as they continued their stare down while small signs of sparks started to form.
"And it's ironic because they hate each other." Akira deadpanned with a sweatdrop.
"This is only due to the bullshit between the Good and Evil shinobi thing..." Homura soon stated as her roommate nodded in agreement.
"This is gonna be difficult to deal with." Asuka admitted as she rubbed the back of her head. "Come on you two, no arguing." She then called out.
"We're not arguing, isn't that right Yumi?" Miyabi growled out in an angered tone.
"I agree, Miyabi-san, we are merely getting to know each other." Yumi explained, though her tone of voice was just as menacing as the white haired girl.
"Oh, this is not gonna end any time soon, is it?" Ryuji sighed out.
"Yup." Morgana groaned. "They're really into the Good and Evil Shinobi beliefs..." He then stated.
"Even though they are bullshit..." Asuka and Homura muttered out in unison annoyance.
"Yeah, but it still led to them murdering each other and that's very much real." Akira pointed out. "You can't really call that bullshit, huh?" he then stated.
"..." Asuka went silent as she suddenly gained an appreciation of the floor.
"Alright, break it up, you two." Ryuji soon got out as he pushed the two opposing shinobi away from each other.
"We can't be fighting amongst ourselves. We need to work as a team after all." Makoto soon ordered.
"...Fine. But only for the Phantom Thieves." Yumi soon relented with a sigh.
"And no trying to kill us either." Akira bluntly ordered the white haired girl.
"I thought it was implied when I decided to join you guys." Miyabi deadpanned.
"Just covering our bases." Akira explained.
"...Smart move, I'll admit." Miyabi responded. "But ultimately unnecessary. I do not break promises." She then assured.
"If you say so. Now we need your number and your Chat ID." Akira requested.
"..." Miyabi stared blankly at the Leader.
"...You don't have a Chat ID, do you?" Akira groaned. "Make one right now. We need to have constant communication between all of us." He then explained.
"I'll help you with the name if you want." Ann offered.
"No, I got this." Miyabi assured as she pulled out her phone and stared at the home screen. "...How do I do that?" She soon awkwardly asked.
Everyone, in response, sweatdropped.
After several frustrating minutes of teaching Miyabi the basics of using instant Messenger, and another few minutes of convincing her to not put her username as MiyabiK,eventually they got her contact details all sorted out and onto their phones.
["DarkEyeXI" has been added to your contacts.]
"It looks like the username of a chunni..." Ann couldn't help but comment.
"A what?" Miyabi bluntly asked in confusion.
"Hey, we don't have a number this time!" Ryuji noted.
"Yeah, except it's in Roman numerals. XI means 11." Akira pointed out. "Which, I'm gonna guess, corresponds with her Arcana number. Like the rest of us." He then deducted.
"The next shinobi that joins better not try to kill us..." Homura mumbled.
"What makes you think more would join?" Miyabi however questioned.
"My Persona is a superhero. Anything can happen these days, senpai." The tan skinned girl answered in a flat tone. "And it's been three out of four attempts on our lives." She then added.
"Hm?" Miyabi hummed out as she raised an eyebrow.
"I tried to kill Asuka-san and Homura-san." Yumi shamefully confessed.
"And I was ready to slice Sis' throat open after the day in the castle." Homura confessed in the same amount of shame.
"Castle?" Miyabi repeated with a raised eyebrow.
"Long stories for another time." Ann got out in a slightly annoyed tone.
"Yeah. Everyone, the meeting's over. You should leave before the last train leaves." Akira soon ordered, getting nods of agreement from the others. As soon as the others left, the Leader sighed as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well that went well in the worst possible way." He soon got out, slouching his shoulders.
"I'll say." Morgana replied in agreement as they went up the stairs.
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
"So, what's happening on the Phan-site?" Asuka soon asked.
"A variety of things." Homura answered as she scrolled through the forum. "There seems to be three camps on the forum. Those who believe in us that we will take down Medjed, those who are crying out to take off our masks, and those who want us both to fail."
"At least now we can handle the situation..." Asuka mumbled out as she stared at the ceiling. "I still can't believe we have Miyabi-chan as an ally." She then added.
"For now." Homura however stated.
"Don't say that." Asuka got out. "She'll warm up to us. Just like how you warmed up to me!" She then added in assurance.
"You really think so Sis?" Homura however questioned. "She's the daughter of Hebijo's Principal. She's obviously completely loyal to the bullshit Evil Shinobi ways." She then reminded.
"Come on, don't give up on a potential friend without trying!" Asuka however responded as she took her hands into her own. "Besides, being a Good Shinobi isn't any better. We just have to change her perspective." She then added.
"I dunno. I mean, I'm usually with you on these things but...Miyabi is different." Homura responded in an uneasy tone. "She isn't me. For all we know, she's planning to backstab us right next door." She then added in concern as she hugged her roommate in a protective manner.
BZZT! BZZT!
"How do I answer this?" Miyabi grumbled in frustration. "Stupid app! Work already! Ah! There!" She soon got out as she finally entered the chat.
[Shut7heFUp: Well, that sucked.]
[DarkEyeXI: No kidding.]
[TheWildJ0ker: How are you holding up, Miyabi?]
[DarkEyeXI: Fine. Just tired.]
[Negative8Degrees: Are you going to cause trouble for us afterwards?]
[DarkEyeXI: I already told you guys a million times. You can trust me.]
[Negative8Degrees: You better. I'll be watching you.]
[Sweetkat06: Is doing this really going to help us do something about Medjed?]
[All4Painting: Do they truly intend to follow through on their threat? It'd be a shame if our efforts were a waste.]
[Alibaba9: Medjed will definitely make a move.]
[Sweetkat06: Alibaba!]
[Alibaba9: And I see you've added a new shinobi to your ranks.]
[DarkEyeXI: HOW DID YOU KNOW]
(...)
[TheWildJ0ker: Oh, right, Leblanc is bugged to hell and back.]
[DarkEyeXI: YOU GUYS DIDNT TELL ME]
[SushiRoll23: Whoops.]
[DarkEyeXI: DONT YOU WHOOPS ME YOU IDIOTS]
[Alibaba9: Lively as always, I see.]
[DarkEyeXI: Who are you?]
[Alibaba9: The girl whose heart you must change.]
(...)
[DarkEyeXI: Futaba?]
(...)
[Alibaba: Yes.]
[Alibaba9: I'm checking in on your progress. How much longer will it take?]
[Road2Queen Your heart is much more...complex than we had initially anticipated.]
[Shut7heFUp: Hey, Alibaba! Can you really do something about Medjed?]
[Alibaba9: Of course.]
[All4Painting: Unfortunately, we have next to no evidence to support that.]
[Alibaba9: Your work will be rewarded. I promise. Besides...You have no other option, do you?]
[Road2Queen: I suppose that's true...]
[Shut7heFUp: Can you do stuff like take down a server? Show us.]
[Sweetkat06: Hey! Don't start any trouble!]
[Alibaba9: That's all it would take to convince you? All right, I ask that you take care of this quickly. Until then.]
[Sweetkat06: Wait! Are you ditching us again?]
(...)
[Negative8Degrees: Oh no.]
[FireGirl20: Goddammit, Ryuji!]
[Sweetkat06: This is troubling, but...we need to do what we can at the moment.]
[All4Painting: I have concern for Futaba herself during all this.]
[DarkEyeXI: We'll have to work fast for this. Even though we have 26 days, Futaba's own time limit might be way shorter.]
[Negative8Degrees: Already saying "we" now...]
[DarkEyeXI: Trying to be a team player here...]
[Shut7heFUp: Man, why'd this have to be during summer vacation?]
[Sweetkat06: Like she said, we don't have any other choice.]
[FireGirl20: We better keep this secret. We don't want Medjed launching their attack early or something.]
[TheWildJ0ker: They'll never see it coming.]
[SushiRoll23: Akira-kun. As always, we'll leave it to you to call us together.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Right.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Everyone, we have a fighting chance now. Let's not squander it.]
"I'm really doing this, huh..." Miyabi muttered to herself. "May as well check out their website..." She soon decided.
As soon as she got home, she locked her door and laid on her futon, mindlessly swiping through her phone.
"What...is wrong with me?" Miyabi mumbled, uncertainty in her voice as she replayed the past day in her head. She was still tired as hell, but it didn't dampen this feeling of weightlessness.
"You will be truly growing now." Nobunaga soon revealed. "As is a result of your will of rebellion." He then added.
"Rebelling against what though?" Miyabi however questioned, only for her eyes to widened in realization to what just happened. "...And now my Persona is speaking to me within my mind..." She muttered, not exactly feeling great about her mental health right now.
"I am the other you that resides within." Nobunaga reminded. "Your heart made manifest. A mask to face life's hardship. Your Persona." He then stated.
"Persona." Miyabi repeated. "So...you know any military tactics?" She suddenly asked.
"Ah, wanting to avoid your militia?" Nobunaga guessed in amusement.
"I mean...if it would help, but I doubt they use military tactics, especially ones from Feudal Japan." Miyabi awkwardly replied with a blush.
"Hahahaha! I guess so." Nobunaga laughed out. "I do know a few, but be aware I am merely a facade. I am not the real Nobunaga, but a representation of him formed through your thoughts and feelings." He then informed.
"That makes sense I guess." Miyabi muttered, feeling somewhat disappointed as she tried to look for the site. "Aw, come on! Why is it..." She soon began to complain before spotting something on the page. "Is this proof enough for you...? Did she...She took it down." She soon got out in disbelief.
It had barely been two minutes since the discussion. "She works fast." Nobunaga stated, sounding somewhat impressed.
"Ah, it's back up." Miyabi muttered as she began browsing the website. "Are the Phantom Thieves just?" She read out as she checked the numbers, ignoring all the freaked out comments. It was resting around 36%.
"Do you think they are just?" Nobunaga questioned.
"Justice is subjective." Miyabi stated with a frown. "What may seem like a win for the good guys would be a horrific loss to the other side. The only person who can really determine who is just is who they meet when they die." She then stated.
"I asked for your opinion though. Not the opinions that were taught to you by your lifestyle." Nobunaga however stated. "Do you believe they are just?" He then questioned once more.
"...I need more time." Miyabi muttered. "I just met the Phantom Thieves after all. I'm not gonna answer with my gut." She then stated.
"Impartial then?" Nobunaga soon guessed.
"Hey, someone has to be." Miyabi countered. "Urgh...the report I have to write is gonna be hell to do once this is over..." She soon groaned...before realizing what she just said. "Shit. Shit! Goddammit, I can't tell her about this at all!" She swore and declared in a panic.
"Calm down shogun." Nobunaga however instructed.
"How can I!? I have the power to change the world of shinobi. Hiding it, even for a few days, is considered treason." Miyabi soon got out and reminded as she tried to think of how to deal with this, but nothing came to mind. "Dammit, what am I going to do?" She eventually asked. "...Nobunaga? Hello?" She soon called out.
No response.
"Motherfucker." Miyabi swore out in frustration. "Guess I'll have to do this by myself, without my other self helping me." She soon decided in a bitter tone as she called her teacher.
"You can do this...you can do this..." Miyabi whispered to herself before hearing the call being picked up. "Hello, Suzune-sensei. Good accepts few, Evil accepts all." She soon greeted and stated.
"Thank you." Suzune responded. "Now, I believe our last conversation was about the Phantom Thieves. Have you confirmed their identities?" She then reminded and questioned.
"...No. They were a complete wash." Miyabi responded.
"It's only been two days. You're rather quick to give up." Suzune however remarked.
"Um, well..." Miyabi got out as she tried to think of a reason for why she was giving up on it. "Given the evidence I collected, I was able to disprove that they could be Phantom Thieves. Yuuki Mishima is still on the table though. And I found my own targets. I need more time to collect the necessary info." She then explained, silently hoping she would not ask more questions.
"And pray tell, what is this evidence that disproves that they should be free of suspicion?" Suzune soon questioned. Miyabi could practically see her staring into her soul through the phone. "Be aware I will be very unhappy if you do not give me a sufficient enough answer." She then advised and reminded.
"...Erm...they went to Egypt." Miyabi awkwardly answered.
"...Egypt." The teacher repeated in a deadpan tone.
"Yes. Egypt. I doubt the Phantom Thieves would leave Japan in such a time of crisis." Miyabi added, unconsciously letting out an innocent-looking smile.
"...Unless they're leaving the country to escape the fallout of this supposed collapse of the Japanese economy or revealing their identities." Suzune pointed out in a flat tone. This wasn't the first time a target tried to flee the country after all.
"...Oh. I...didn't think of that." Miyabi murmured as she began thinking of new lies. "Um...you're not gonna give me plane tickets, are you?" She then awkwardly got out.
"...Something happened to you." Suzune suddenly stated, causing the white haired girl's eyes to widen. "Am I wrong?" She soon guessed.
"N-No." Miyabi coughed out, hiding her stutter. "I mean, yes. I mean... I need an extension to my mission please." She then requested once more.
"Well, you'll need to take it up with the staff or your father. I am currently away from my desk after all and it requires quite a bit of paperwork." Suzune explained and revealed.
"What? Can't you just call him?" Miyabi pointed out with a frown. "Right, Suzune-sensei's away from Hebijo at the moment, dammit..." She thought to herself.
"Why don't you?" Suzune countered. "Face the consequences of your actions, Miyabi. Do not let others decide your life." She then instructed.
"I just need an extension! Is that so hard!?" Miyabi growled in frustration.
"When was the last time you talked to your father?" Suzune however questioned.
"..." Miyabi said nothing in response as she looked at the floor.
"Miyabi. Call him." Suzune soon ordered.
"...Hai, sensei." Miyabi muttered in acceptance.
"And before I go, remember that when in doubt, use Megidolaon." Suzune suddenly concluded.
"Sure, sensei." Miyabi sighed as she rolled her eyes. "...Excuse me? Suzune-sensei? Hello?" She soon got out in confusion before seeing that her teacher had hung up on her. "...What the fuck is Megidolaon?" She soon wondered out loud as a yawn escaped her lips.
(?)
"...She totally has a Persona now." Rin deadpanned as she put away her phone. "By my count, there are at least ten members..." She soon muttered.
"Sensei." A mature male voice greeted as he sat down at the table.
"Yu-kun." Rin sighed out as she relaxed herself with a smile. "Good to see you're in good health." She soon greeted. "Congratulations too." She then added.
"Thanks." Yu replied, unable to keep the smile from his face. "Chie was happy to see and battle against one of her favorite teachers again." He soon stated.
"Sanada is going to weep if he hears you say that." Rin chuckled before leaning in. "And what about me? I was your favorite teacher, right?" She soon questioned in a teasing tone.
"Well, when your lessons tire me out like a trip to the TV World, it kinda puts you down a few places." Yu sheepishly replied.
"..." His teacher's expression instantly dropped into a flat stare.
"But, you know, still in the top tttteeee-fiiiiivvvvv-thrreeee...?" Yu mumbled while gauging the purple haired woman's unamused reactions. "...Two?"
"...Hehehe. I'm just messing with you." Rin giggled, causing the Leader to relax. "You wouldn't have said something like that a few years ago." She soon noted.
"You should know. A year can change someone." Yu pointed out with a smirk just as two familiar faces reappeared from thin air. "Ah, how did it go, you two?" He casually asked.
"Amazing!" Chie answered in an excited tone, despite wearing nothing but underwear. "I was like hwataaa! but she went hwahhh...! and then I went wham wham kaboom!" She then called out in a dramatic manner, posing and throwing kicks as her clothes reformed.
"HAHAHA! Glad to see your skills haven't dulled after all this time." Daidōji laughed and praised while crossing her arms over her chest.
"Well, I keep in-practice. I am a policewoman and all." Chie stated with a proud smile.
"In-training!" Yosuke helpfully added. "And being a policewoman doesn't really have anything to do with your shinobi training!" He then added.
"SHUT IT YOSUKE!" Chie shouted out, shaking the area a bit as a result.
"Two peas in a pod, those two." Rin remarked in amusement.
"Oh yes." Naoto casually replied in agreement as she arrived with Kanji. "Sorry we're late. Traffic and all." She apologized as she sat down.
"It's okay. I'm just glad you could make it." Yu shrugged off as he looked around. "The team's back together now." He then added as he watched the fox play with her children. She was greying in areas but was still as limber as ever.
"Any word on Margaret and Marie?" Rin soon questioned.
"They're coming to the wedding, they're just busy right now." Naoto informed.
"Hm? With what?" Daidōji however questioned.
"You know, being the weather god of Inaba and finding out more about humanity. What they told us last time." Yu replied.
"Ugh...we say that too casually..." Naoto mumbled as she brushed her fingers through her hair.
"You've been saying that for years. You should get used to it by now." Daidōji sighed, causing the detective to blush.
"So you know the Phantom Thieves are like us, correct?" Rin questioned in a more serious tone.
"Yes." Daidōji confirmed with a nod. "But there's nothing like the Dark Hour or the TV World in Tokyo. I don't know where or how they can summon their Personas, let alone change hearts." She soon informed.
"I had the feeling that was the case though." Naoto confessed.
"Too bad that Akechi kid is wrecking your title Naoto-chan." Rise remarked.
"Never cared for it anyways." Naoto scoffed as she rolled her eyes. "But his quick rise is a little concerning. I spent my entire life getting to where I am now, but then he came out of nowhere two years ago and is able to conveniently solve more cases than I have."
"And that little punk treats everything like it's a game." Kanji grumbled in annoyance. "I don't trust him one bit." He then added.
"I'm with Kanji on this one." Yu agreed. "It took us a year to solve a murder, he solves it in two weeks at most. Of course, our murder wasn't exactly normal..."
"Do you suspect foul play?" Rin soon asked.
"No." Yu however got out as he shook his head. "A kid like that wouldn't create his own murder mysteries just to bask from the fame and admiration. Probably just jealousy talking."
"Yeah..." Chie replied with a nod before frowning."But we've heard plenty of petty reasons for murder." She then reminded.
"Ah, enough about Akuchi or whatever. It's supposed to be a night of fun." Yosuke spoke up.
"Adachi. Akechi. They sound pretty similar, Sensei." Teddie soon pointed out.
"Do not say his name right now..." Chie groaned as she brushed her hair with her hands. "You'd think a prison break would tack on a few more years..." She then lamented.
"Nothing we can do about it other than letting the shinobi put him under watch for the rest of his life." Daidōji stated with a sigh.
"...Do you think we could've saved Mitsuo-san?" Rise soon questioned.
"Hey come on, don't open up old wounds..." Yosuke muttered with a wince. "We're here to have a good time until the wedding." He then reminded.
"I know but..." Rise began, however.
"Stop. There was nothing we could do and...and he made his choice when he killed Moroka." Rin soon interrupted in a serious tone.
The idol sighed before nodding. "Yeah. You're right."
"This is making me bear-y sad now..." Teddie mumbled. "...Wanna play the King's Game?" He soon suggested as he slowly raised some chopsticks.
"NO!" The rest of the Investigation Team (Save for Yu and Yukiko) shut down.
"God Teddie, we do not need a repeat of the last time we played." Rin sighed out.
"Awww..." The bear got out in a sad tone, tears leaking out of his costume's eyes.
"Dude, it's been five years! Stop with the bear puns!" Yosuke groaned. "You're gonna ruin your image like that for your business." He then declared.
"I can't help it. It's a bear-y important part of my image." Teddie responded.
"Right...just like this crusty old costume." Kanji added. "Do you even wash this, man?" He soon asked.
"It's my Tenshin form now!" Teddie however reminded.
"You could still wash it at least." Kanji grumbled. "I mean, it still looks clean...and damn soft..." He then muttered.
"And somewhat edible." Yu added.
"Noooo...!" Teddie cried out. "And like you have anything to say, your weapon is a folding chair!" He then added.
"Hey! Rin-sensei taught us that our shit has to have multiple uses, and a chair has a lot!" Kanji countered.
"Like...?" Teddie responded.
"Sitting...support...uh...it's hidden in plain sight." Kanji listed off, the Investigation Team seeing the gears slowly turn in his head. "Oh right, and it's really good at beating people's heads in."
"Teddie, Kanji is right. There's no need to have this argument again." Rin however chidded. "Besides, you've all used stranger weapons during our trips to the TV World." She then pointed out.
"It's a wonder how you guys weren't caught sneaking your weapons into Junes before we learned how to summon them..." Naoto muttered as she flicked her wrist, summoning her trusty revolver to her hand before flicking it back out of existence.
"Says the girl who tried to sneak in a freaking gun!" Yosuke reminded.
"It was just one that used pop caps..." Naoto stated.
"It was a gun!" Yosuke countered.
"We're still having these conversations, huh." Yukiko giggled. "Even years later." She then added.
"Some things never change." Chie couldn't help but chuckle.
"Speaking of which, are you ready to settle this once and for all?" Yu asked as he summoned a katana to his side.
"I'd thought you'd never ask." Daidōji replied, silently using Shinobi Tenshin and cracked her knuckles. "I have to make sure you're worthy of my student's hand in marriage." She then reminded.
"S-Shisho!" Chie squeaked out.
"You know I'll treat Chie well though." Yu pointed out with a sweatdrop.
"She is still my personal student and I want to make sure she has the best." Daidōji however stated.
"Oh come on. It's me you're talking about." Yu reminded, silently equipping his Shinobi Tenshin; His Yasogami uniform.
"Hmph. That confidence shall be your downfall." Daidōji declared as they flared their power at one another.
"Another fight?" Rin sighed out. "We're here to catch up today, not battle each other." She then stated in exasperation.
"Wait a minute..." Daidōji got out as she looked at the clock. "...It's now midnight." She then announced.
"Okay then, catch up day is over." Rin got out with a smirk as she stood up while equipping her Shinobi Tenshin. "Good luck, Leader. You'll need it." She then stated before summoning her fūma shuriken.
Rise rolled her eyes as she pulled out a mic from her purse. "Alright, quiet down everyone! It's the 4th rematch everyone's been waiting for! Yu Narukami-senpai vs. Rin and Daidōji-sensei! Place your bets now because it's about to get wild!"
"That's right Rise-chan!" Teddie got out, suddenly appearing with his own mic. "It's been over two years since these powerhouses faced each other. Nao-chan, do you think the time apart will make a difference here?"
"No. They're going to need a trip to the hospital again." The detective princess deadpanned, phone at the ready.
"Oh yeah." Yosuke sighed. "...Can I make a side bet?" He then whispered to the bear, who only nodded.
"Okay! Pre-bear for the final ultimate climax!" Teddie declared as the three fighters all went into their battle stances.
"KICK THEIR ASSES SENPAI!" Kanji called out.
"Yu-kun! Just remember," Chie called out before narrowing her eyes. "Our bed is for winners." She soon added while crossing her arms, causing the rest of the team to holler and howl.
"Ooh~ That's dirty, Chie." Yukiko giggled. "...Does that mean Daidōji-sensei and Rin-sensei will sleep with you if Yu-kun loses?" She then asked.
"..." Chie immediately blushed scarlet to that.
"Eh, not the first time." Yu responded in a flat tone.
And once again, the Leader had hit her weakness. "N-NARUKAMI!" Chie exclaimed.
"Yip!" The fox called out as her children happily yipped as well.
"And...BEGIN!" Rise and Teddie declared before creating a Shinobi Kekkai, causing the Investigation Team to vanish.
(7/26, Early Morning)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
The sun shone through the window, hitting the roommate's faces as if it was trying to slap them awake. It was the dawn of a new mission to complete after all.
Soon enough, the two awoke. "Morning, Sis." Homura greeted before yawning.
"Good morning, Homu-nee." Asuka replied, sounding less energetic than usual. "Why do I still feel so...drained...?" She suddenly asked.
"The past few days have been taxing on the soul." Homura stated with a sigh before kissing her roommate's forehead. "At the very least, we don't have school for an entire month." She then reminded.
"But I doubt we can relax with Medjed and Futaba's Palace still around..." Asuka mumbled as she stared up at the ceiling. Even with a new ally in their ranks, there was still a lot they needed to deal with in the coming days. And with a time limit dictated by someone's mental health rather than something concrete, it was weighing a lot on her. "I'm gonna go and spend the day restocking our supplies and getting new stuff." She soon decided.
"Shouldn't Akira be taking care of that?" Homura pointed out as she sat up, the blanket falling down to reveal her breasts.
"I'll text him not to worry about it for today." Asuka replied as she sat up and revealed her bare breasts as well. It was getting too hot to sleep with clothes on now. "I have plenty of money and time right now, so I'm gonna use it wisely!" She then declared with a fist pump.
"Benefits of being a model." Homura reminded with a smile.
"...Oh no, the runway show in September...!" Asuka muttered in a rising panic. "I have a lot of training to do after we finish the Palace this time!" She then added.
"Well, I guess I'll have to be equally productive..." Homura got out before her eyes widened. "Ooh! Summertime jobs should be open now!"
"Job searching again?" Asuka guessed.
"Yep. And I'm gonna be prepared this time. Relax Gel!" Homura declared before pulling out a small container of it before rubbing it over her skin. "Oh yeah, that's the stuff..." She sighed out in relief.
"Well, I hope you finally get one." Asuka soon got out in a hopeful tone.
"I hope so too. No more mooching off you or relying on lottery tickets." Homura stated as she headed for the bathroom.
"...Mission start." Asuka sighed as she shook her head before heading to the bathroom as well.
This was going to be a heavy Palace to go through. She knew it.
Meanwhile with the white haired girl, she had woken up earlier, though was currently in a meditative state, legs crossed and her eyes closed as she was thinking.
"Shogun, you have been meditating since you woke up." Nobunaga reminded.
"Quiet down." Miyabi grumbled, frowning. "I'm thinking."
"About what the will of rebellion is?" Nobunaga guessed.
"...Yes." Miyabi hesitantly responded. "You can't have been born just because I'm defying someone's want of death, right?"
"It was not just her." Nobunaga stated, confusing the white haired girl. "Back then, you did not want to die either, despite the shinobi belief about death." He then explained."At that moment, you unconsciously decided to rebel against them." He soon revealed.
"Ugh, if you just tell me, I haven't learned anything." Miyabi sighed in a frustrated manner. "Besides, you're supposed to be my other self, right? You're just making the same assumptions as I would."
"Am I wrong though young shogun?" Nobunaga however questioned.
"...No...I...I didn't want to die then..." Miyabi responded and soon confessed. "I guess...I'm rebelling against myself, my own views and beliefs. I'll gladly face death, but fight with the goal of coming out alive this time. God, was throwing myself at those monsters just a really painful suicide...?" She then added and asked.
"..."
"...Dammit, we have to save her..." Miyabi growled as she opened her eyes. "I don't know how changing her heart will fix whatever's happening, but doing nothing isn't an option. I have to get stronger." She then stated.
"And you will, with the Phantom Thieves." Nobunaga assured.
"I doubt they'll let me keep you though after we're done..." Miyabi muttered before realizing something. "Wait, why are you supporting them?" She then suddenly asked.
"They further our goals." Nobunaga simply answered.
"Yeah, for now. But what about after?" Miyabi muttered. "I have no idea what to do." She then confessed.
"You'll find your answers soon enough. Be patient." Nobunaga soon instructed.
The white haired woman sighed as she stretched her limbs. "...I should probably see Haruka." Miyabi soon decided as she got off the floor.
GRRRR!
"...After getting some breakfast." Miyabi decided before heading to the kitchen.
(7/26, Morning)
(Harajuku, Haruka's Apartment)
Today was Haruka's day-off, something Takemi forced on her after realising she hadn't taken one ever since she was hired. She decided to sleep in today before making herself breakfast and tea. She wanted to study that Shadow Blood and what she could do with it among other things.
Knock knock knock!
"Give me a second!" Haruka called out as she took off her apron and put on some clothes.
After making herself presentable, she opened the door...and instantly felt like she wasted her time.
"...Haruka." Miyabi greeted, although with the bare minimum amount of emotion.
"...Miyabi." Haruka replied while restraining herself from socking her in the face. "If you want your steroids or whatever, give me a moment." She grumbled as she shut the door.
And here she was, thinking today was going to be a good one.
She had half the mind to just poison Miyabi while something stronger and a lot less detectable, but she knew she'd just give Imu an excuse to flat out kill her friends in revenge. So, she grabbed the cheapest supplements and went back to the front door.
"Took you long enough." The white haired woman got out.
The blonde suppressed a growl and shoved the bottle into the woman's chest. "Here. Now leave." Haruka kindly requested.
"Thank you." Miyabi happily replied as she tossed the bottle in her hands. "You know, I feel like I should pay you...or you pay me. I kinda need the money." She soon admitted.
"I wouldn't push your luck." Haruka advised. "The scar you gave me was more than enough." She then added.
"Well, you should've thought of that before you went ahead and tried to betray the academy." Miyabi countered.
"..." Haruka soon went silent in response.
"...Nothing to say, huh?" Miyabi got out while narrowing her eyes. "Be glad I'm giving you this mercy, Haruka. I can't say the same about anyone else at school." She then advised.
"...There's more to life than being a shinobi." Haruka muttered.
"Yes. But it was still your choice to become one in the first place." Miyabi however reminded. "It's not so simple as walking away once you're in. You're a good shinobi, don't waste your life on chance."
Haruka, in response, shut the door.
SLAM!
"Smooth one shogun." Nobunaga sighed out.
"Oh, it's not like the real Nobunaga hasn't done this as well." Miyabi pointed out as she rolled her eyes. "At least...I think so. I...I haven't cracked open a history textbook in a while."
"Then you should review history other than shinobi history." Nobunaga soon advised. "History is to show the mistakes made by mankind so we can learn from them." He then explained.
"And how is this relevant?" Miyabi however questioned. "Haruka was betraying the academy, there are no shades of grey there. It was my duty as a Hebijo Elite shinobi to make sure she doesn't endanger the school." She then explained.
"And you consider her an ally?"
"If she tries anything, I'll crush her head under my heel." Miyabi countered and declared. "I have no reason to apologize for her own actions." She then added.
"Who is she talking to?" Haruka thought in confusion as she listened in from the other side of the door before shaking her head. "I need help here, Akira-kun." She soon whispered as she pulled out her phone.
[Haruka: Akira-kun.]
[TheWildJ0ker: In the middle of something here.]
[Haruka: Miyabi's back.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Huh?]
[TheWildJ0ker: Oh, right. That.]
[Haruka: Have you forgotten she left a scar on my head?]
[TheWildJ0ker: No, just that I...I did something.]
[Haruka: Eh?]
[TheWildJ0ker: Drop my name.]
[Haruka: But Akira-kun!]
[TheWildJ0ker: It's fine. Just do it.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Do you trust me?]
(...)
[Haruka: I do.]
Haruka soon sighed as she slid her hand down her face. "Akira-kun, what did you do?" She muttered in concern before opening the door a little...to see the white haired woman in the hallway.
"No! Stop trying to convince me to make nice with her!" Miyabi yelled at no one the blonde could see. "It's her fault! That's that!" She then stubbornly declared in denial.
"...She's crazy. That explains a lot." Haruka thought with a sweatdrop."It must've been the coma." She then mentally deducted.
"Don't you dare bring Akira into this!" Miyabi suddenly demanded. "I barely even know him!" She then reminded.
Haruka's attention was soon gained as she opened the door and stared at the woman. "You know Akira-kun" She then questioned.
"GAH!" Miyabi yelped out as she looked at the blonde, "How long have you been listening!?" She soon asked.
"Just now." Haruka lied. "You know Akira Kurusu." She then stated.
"Uh...Frizzy hair, cat in his bag, kind of an ass?" Miyabi guessed.
"A very nice ass." Haruka cooed out as a small trail of drool leaked from the side of her lips.
"What?" Miyabi got out in confusion with a raised eyebrow.
"What?" Haruka responded as if she didn't wet her panties a little. "I mean, yes. That sounds about right. And...if he trusts you, I shall trust him as well. Come inside, but one wrong move and I'll tie you up and experiment on every inch of your body."
"I'm not into that stuff." Miyabi bluntly stated. "...So those are your slaves in Hebijo's basement...?" She then muttered out in realization.
"Oh, you mean..." Haruka began before racking her brain to remember their names. "Subjects 1 through 3? Are Yomi and Mirai feeding them?" She then asked.
"I ordered Imu to do so while they can continue with their training." Miyabi revealed.
"Ah, that's good. Because I totally forgot to tell anyone to feed them-" Haruka breathed out before pausing. "...How do you know about my lab?" She soon asked.
"Explored the school to get used to the changes after waking up from my coma." Miyabi simply revealed. "...And after reading the report of the last tentacle experiment that got loose, it was quite easy to track down. I doubt you can even make a gyoza yatai without it going awry, getting loose and fucking everyone in school." She then deadpanned. "I can understand why Suzune-sensei sent you to Tokyo now." She soon confessed.
"I'll have you know my last experiment didn't fuck everyone in school." Haruka stated. "It was isolated to just a few." She then clarified.
"Because that makes it better." Miyabi muttered in a flat tone. "So...do you...know?" She then suddenly questioned.
"Know what?" Haruka replied as she narrowed her eyes.
"Nevermind." Miyabi interrupted, realizing right away that she wasn't that deep into the loop. "Look...I'll admit that I was being a bitch before...and I'm sorry." She then apologized. "You don't have to forgive me, but just know that the situation has changed." She soon informed.
"Fufufufu~ I see Akira-kun's power had an effect on you." Haruka however giggled out.
That in turn got Miyabi's attention as she raised an eyebrow. "Um, what?" She got out in confusion.
"He has a habit of drawing people closer to him and making their lives better." Haruka vaguely confessed.
"Ugh, you make him sound like a demigod..." Miyabi groaned as she rolled her eyes. "Besides...I have my own reasons for allying with him." She then admitted in a vague manner.
"He's getting quite the harem..." Haruka couldn't help but think...before imagining herself in it as well. "Ufufu~" She giggled out.
"Wipe your nose." Miyabi bluntly ordered when she noticed the blonde having a nosebleed. "You're awfully weird whenever I bring him up." She then pointed out before her eyes widened. "Wait a minute, he was the one who was here wasn't he!?" She soon realized.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Haruka answered
"I beat the crap out of you over that incident." Miyabi bluntly reminded. "I can do it again, and better than ever this time!" She then threatened as she shook her fist at the girl, causing her to flinch.
"Shogun, don't antagonize her!" Nobunaga chidded in disapproval. "Know when to make your threats and promises. This could be the only opportunity to turn her from a forced ally to a trusted friend that won't stab you in the back at the first they get." He then instructed.
Miyabi immediately winced as she calmed herself down. "Sorry." She awkwardly apologized.
"Don't think that simple apologies will ever make me forgive you." Haruka countered. "If you wish to make it up to me, you must not harm Akira-kun and his friends." She then instructed.
"Already made the promise." Miyabi informed with a sigh.
"Well, I'm here to enforce it." Haruka soon stated. "Oh, and don't tell Homura-chan I'm here. I will let her know when the time comes" She then ordered.
"I haven't forgotten what I promised after we first fought." Miyabi scoffed.
"And I won't lose the next time we fight." Haruka however declared. "But for now, we are allies." She then stated.
"Well, allies should be truthful with one another." Miyabi pointed out. "Was Akira here?" She soon questioned.
"Yes, Akira-kun was here." Haruka confessed before smiling in a blissful manner. "And gave me the most wonderful session before you came in interrupted." She then revealed.
"Hm?" Miyabi hummed out.
"He's quite good with his hands, going over every inch of your skin. Oh, it sends shivers down my spine remembering it all~" Haruka soon began.
"Wait what?" Miyabi got out as she blinked at hearing the description.
Meanwhile, Haruka mentally laughed evilly as she proceeded to mess with the white haired woman. "Oh yes~ I can still feel his hands on my waist...my face...my neck...my breasts~" She suddenly declared.
"Umm...why are you-" Miyabi began, only for the blonde to put a finger on her lips.
"Because all women as beautiful as you should experience what he can give you." Haruka answered. "Imagine it, you lying on his bed as he services you...making you feel as though you're flying with every. Single. Breath." She then added.
"H-Haaah..." Miyabi got out, confused and curious about learning this.
"He can make you into a woman...in more ways than you can even imagine...~" Haruka soon whispered into her ear.
Miyabi immediately blushed scarlet to the declaration. "M-Make you into a woman...?" She repeated. "R-Really?" She then asked.
"Hai~" Haruka replied while licking her lips. "Don't you want that~? To cry his name as he makes you into one~?" She soon questioned in a tempting tone.
Miyabi's eyes immediately widened to the thought. "..." She said nothing as her eyes went dull as she looked at the blonde. "Were you called a hunk too?" She suddenly asked.
And that instantly broke Haruka out of her groove. "Wait what?" She got out in a dim manner.
"Were you called a hunk as well, Haruka!?" Miyabi growled as she shook the girl around. "I CAN'T HANDLE BEING CHASED BY THE I HEART MIYABI MILITIA ANYMORE DAMMIT!" She then declared in a more desperate manner.
"Isn't...it...a...fanclub?" Haruka however pointed out while being shaken.
"IT'S MORE APPROPRIATE!" Miyabi countered in frustration. "IS IT TRUE OR NOT!? PLEASE!" She then frantically begged.
"I'm going to die...!" Haruka thought in a panic about this development. "Yes...!" She then got out, wanting this to end now before her brain was shaken out of her skull.
"THANK YOU!" Miyabi exclaimed before letting the girl go, allowing her to collapse onto the floor. "...Dammit, but I still have stuff to do. I'll have to do it afterwards..." She then decided as she left in anticipation and excitement. "WOMANHOOD HERE I COME!" She soon declared as she vanished.
Meanwhile, Haruka sweatdropped to what happened. "Oh my..." She breathed out. "I think I went a little too far with my teasing there...but she definitely deserves the embarrassment..." She then admitted with a teasing grin on her face.
(7/26, Afternoon)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
"W-What do you mean you never made Haruka a woman!?" Miyabi exclaimed with an embarrassed blush on her face.
"To be fair, she made me a woman first." Akira deadpanned.
"I...I don't know what you mean, but I'm..." Miyabi mumbled before frowning. "Um...did she, like, stick it up your-" She soon began to ask.
"Don't ask about it...it's a complicated situation between me and Haruka-chan." Akira sighed out. "Whatever she said, it's all false. She was teasing you." He then clarified.
"...And I fell for it..." Miyabi got out in shame. "Argh...I'm gonna kill her the next time I see her." She soon growled.
"No killing her. She gives us discounts on really good medicine." Akira bluntly ordered, causing the white haired girl to wince. "...So, what is this about becoming a woman?" He soon asked.
And with that Miyabi hung up.
"Shogun, you were indeed the one who jumped to conclusions." Nobunaga soon stated with a sigh.
"Shut it. One step at a time." Miyabi grumbled out. "...Okay, I've been putting this off for long enough. I need to call my father." She then decided.
"...I've noticed you pulled out your phone, but you've been staring at it for ten minutes now." Nobunaga informed.
"I know, but my body won't let me do anything else." Miyabi admitted before taking a deep breath. "Okay Miyabi. It's just your father. Nothing has changed other than I now have another voice in my head. I will ask for the extension, state my reasons why without screwing over Homura and the rest of her friends. Just be normal." She then told herself.
Of course, pacing around your apartment and talking to yourself wasn't anyone's definition of normal but it was normal to her, dammit.
Eventually, after a good half an hour of ranting to herself, she finally called her father.
After several nerve-wracking rings, the call was answered. "Miyabi." A mature older male voice responded.
"Hello, father." Miyabi greeted in a respect filled manner. "I request an extension to my current mission." She soon got out.
"You never asked for one before." Her father soon stated.
"The situation in Tokyo is a lot more complex than initially expected." Miyabi explained.
"We're aware of Homura's insufficient reports. When she gets back, she'll be going through the Demon training course for a few months." The principal stated and revealed.
"...A fitting punishment." Miyabi responded as she rubbed the back of her neck. She'd seen the newest version, and she had to admit she had no idea why they spent the money to get tigers and platypus venom...
"So...how much more time do you need?" The principal soon questioned.
"It's only another month or so." Miyabi answered.
"A month?" That gave her father pause. "That's awfully long, don't you think?"
"Y-Yeah, but...um..." Miyabi awkwardly started. "I'm..." She hesitantly began, however...
"Miyabi. I may not see you as often as I'd like but you're still my daughter. I can tell if you're lying." The principal, the white haired girl's father declared. "What happened?"
"...I made contact with the Phantom Thieves." Miyabi hesitantly informed. "They've agreed to ally with me specifically." She then added.
"..." The principal went silent, thinking. "Identities?"
"Can't say. They were wearing masks." Miyabi answered with a shake of her head. "...They're currently trying to solve their whole Medjed problem and I...sort of offered myself to help in exchange for their assistance in the ongoing investigation of the incidents." She soon revealed.
"...There's more to this than you're letting on." Her father however stated. "What exactly happened to you?" He then questioned once more.
"Erm...I...IhaveOdaNobunagainmyheadandnowthere'sthiswwholeotherdiemensionwithpyramidsinthemiddleofthesuburbsandnowI'mhelpingalittlegirlnotcommittsuicidebyrobbingher." Miyabi then mumbled out, not too dissimilar how a certain mask-wearing girl would speak without her mask.
"...When you get back, you're getting another psych eval." Her father stated.
Miyabi groaned in response. "I know." She sighed out.
"Understood, I'll allow your mission extension Miyabi." He then got out.
Miyabi's eyes widened for a moment before relaxing them. "Thank you, father." She responded in a loyal tone.
"However, be aware you'll need to support yourself out there. We can't spare any more expenses other than your rent. And you, I can not give you special treatment just because you're my daughter." Her father soon informed and added.
"I know the standard procedure." Miyabi sighed as she rolled her eyes. "Stupid budget cuts..." She grumbled.
"And if you need another extension, just call me again." The Hebijo principal soon assured.
"I will." Miyabi responded.
"Very well. Good night, Miyabi." Her father soon stated.
"Good night, father." Miyabi responded as she hung up. "Hooooly shit, I thought I was gonna have a panic attack there...I didn't expect him to accept so easily." She breathed out and admitted.
"Family is more than just blood." Nobunaga soon stated.
"I guess so." Miyabi got out with a smile before sitting down on the floor.
For a month, she was now free to do whatever she wanted.
"...I'm going to need money..." Miyabi soon realised. "But Hebijo didn't provide me with any credentials...it was supposed to be only a mission that only lasts two weeks after all." She then added in frustration.
It'll be difficult to get a job. It would be a miracle if she was paid more than minimum wage. She could definitely do labour jobs though...
"Now that I think about it, why wasn't I assigned to one of our hideouts in Tokyo?" Miyabi soon wondered. The apartment was nicer than the abandoned subway base though, but it was still another strain on the budget. "Suzune-sensei...did you pull some strings?" She then muttered before shaking her head. Not the time to contemplate that, she needed a steady income.
"I could just steal money for now. It's not like people stopped carrying around bills." Miyabi soon admitted. "But the police are getting pretty nosy lately...but it's not like they can stop me as long as I hide my appearance."
"It would be practice in becoming a thief." Nobunaga then pointed out.
"And there are plenty of dumb people who have more money than braincells. I'll at least try and get an honest part-time job first though. That shouldn't be too hard for a 21 year old woman, right?" Miyabi soon assumed as she pulled out her phone. "There are plenty of miserable salarymen out there with little to no prospects, I bet I'll get the first job I see." She then proudly declared.
Victoria's Housekeeping Services
Miyabi soon blinked as she saw the ad. "...The second job I see." She then declared before scrolling down. "Erm, third. No, fourth. Fifth. Sixth. Seventh. Eighth. N-Ninth! Ninth job I see!" She then added, growling from the development.
Nobunaga could only sigh in response to the display of her other self's actions.
"Stop judging me." Miyabi growled as she applied online. "...Oh god, I'm 21 years old..." She groaned out in realization.
(Hebijo Academy)
"W-What!?" Imu got out in shock. "I thought she was coming back next week!" She then stated as she recalled the details of the mission she was given.
"Things have changed." The principal soon informed. "I'm worried too. I would go see her myself but my hands are tied. Our biggest investor has been requesting change after change and each one needs to be discussed in detail." He then explained and revealed. "Damned asshole..." He grumbled out in annoyance.
"Is that why you called me into your office?" Imu assumed as she narrowed her eyes.
"Yes." The principal responded with a nod. "Give it a few days, maybe a good few weeks, but please make sure my daughter is safe." He soon ordered.
"Of course, sir." Imu replied with a nod. "I've been looking after her since I woke up. That won't change now."
"And I thank you for that. You may leave."
"Hai." Imu responded with a nod as she then watched her friend's father leave before leaving herself. "Miyabi...why did you request an extension?" She soon muttered in confusion and concern.
(7/26, Evening)
(Central Street, Untouchable)
45 313 852 yen.
45 313 852 yen.
45 313 852 yen.
That alone would give the weaker hearted a stroke, and Asuka was feeling the clench around her rapidly beating heart.
"I-It's how much for a new minigun!?" Asuka exclaimed in disbelief.
"Sorry, kid, but these things are rare, complex and expensive." Iwai explained. "It's for special occasions after all, not for a normal firefight. You either have to order online or make 'em yourself. No other way." He then informed.
"Can't you sell me that one?" Asuka soon begged as she pointed at the minigun that had been gathering dust ever since she first went to Untouchable.
"It's a display model. I ain't selling that." Iwai responded. "If you want one, you aren't getting one here without dropping tons of cash." He then informed.
Asuka whimpered a little. She knew how much money she had in her bank account, and it was not enough. "There are way too many numbers on that price tag..." She muttered.
"Well, are we done here?" Iwai asked.
"H-Hai, we're done." Asuka sighed out in defeat before checking on her phone her savings account. "No, I gotta save it for the future..." She told herself.
"Don't hurt yourself on the door." Iwai soon advised as the brunette headed out of the store, lugging a bag full of equipment.
(Underground Walkway)
"Seriously? A job offer for the holidays? In December..." Homura grumbled out with a sigh. "Yeah, um...sorry, but I can't accept that." She then muttered as she placed the job magazine back on the rack.
"Hey, Homu-nee." Asuka got out as she approached the girl.
"Hey, Sis." Homura greeted, rubbing her forehead in exhaustion. "How did your equipment run go?" She soon asked.
"All done. We should be ready for anything Futaba-chan's Shadow wants to throw at us." Asuka answered as she pumped her fist before slumping down. "I couldn't afford the minigun though..." She then revealed.
"Yeah, I expected as much." Homura sighed in an expected manner. "God, couldn't Miyabi's heart have spawned something smaller? Hm...maybe I should ask Mirai a favor..." She soon grumbled.
"I mean, I looked it up online and the cheapest one available was 128275 yen...in the UK..." Asuka soon muttered before actually checking the website. Maybe she shouldn't have turned on auto-translate...
"You tell Akira about this?" Homura eventually asked.
"Not yet." Asuka mumbled before groaning. "Moh...we're gonna have to spend several days in Mementos just to afford one." She grumbled out.
"God, it's so tempting to just kill Shadows for a living..." Homura sighed before blinking. "It would be way more fun too..." She then admitted.
"Actually, I passed by Big Bang Burger." Asuka then started. "I think they have a sign saying they want to hire a ma- Homu-nee?" She soon got out upon realising her roommate had disappeared mid-sentence.
(Shibuya, Station Square)
"Damn, another miss." Akira grumbled as he threw away the useless lotto ticket in disappointment.
"Guess Lady Luck wasn't smiling down on you." Morgana got out from within the bag.
"Don't patronize me Morgana. There's still the Super Mammoth Lottery." Akira sighed in annoyance as he began walking away.
After everything going on for the summer with Miyabi, Futaba and Medjed, he really needed a breather before deciding when to go back into the Palace.
"When are we heading into Futaba's Palace to start our infiltration?" Morgana soon asked.
"Soon. I just need to work on-" Akira started, however...
Just on the opposite side of the square, there was Murakumo twitching as she walked through the crowd.
"Hm?" Akira hummed out as he noticed the girl...who did not have her mask on. "Murakumo-san?" He called out in a curious manner as he approached her.
"Eep!" Murakumo squealed in surprise and turned around to see him. "O-O-Oh... A-A-A-Akira-s-s-s-san." She stuttered.
"Good evening." Akira greeted as he looked at the stammering girl. "Did...you lose your mask again?" He soon asked in concern.
"N-N-No, I d-d-decided t-t-t-to l-l-l-leave it home t-t-t-today." Murakumo answered while still stuttering.
That in turn caused Akira to raise an eyebrow. "Really now." He responded.
"She left it behind on purpose?" Morgana meanwhile questioned from within the bag.
"I-I-It's t-t-t-to h-h-h-help me with m-m-my self-esteem a-a-and how I-I-I can handle b-b-being in a c-c-c-crowd." Murakumo explained while still stuttering.
"Jeez, she really is a nervous wreck." Morgana got out.
Akira meanwhile sweatdropped to the not cat's bluntness as he smiled at the girl in a kind manner. "It's good to hear you're trying to improve yourself, Murakumo-san." He replied.
"B-B-But I-I-I-I d-d-did r-r-r-ran into s-s-s-some t-t-trouble w-w-w-when I a-a-arrived." Murakumo however nervously revealed.
"Really? What happened?" Akira soon asked as the two made their way to a nearby bench to sit down. "...You didn't cover your face with your panties again did you?" He then awkwardly asked as he remembered the first time they met.
"Oi Akira! Don't just say something like that!" Morgana however got out.
"N-N-No! O-O-Of course not!" Murakumo stammered as she blushed madly.
Akira in turn chuckled as he placed a hand on the girl's head, who only blushed more to that. "Well that's a relief. You'd probably die from embarrassment if you did that in public." He replied.
"H-H-H-Hai..." Murakumo muttered as she secretly likes being petted by him.
"Come on now, just take in some deep breaths and calm down. You're with friends." Akira soon instructed. "Erm, friend. Unless you count Morgana too, right?" He then muttered.
"Y-Y-Y-Yeah, y-you're right. I-I-I just need to calm d-d-d-down." Murakumo agreed as she took deep breaths.
"In and out, in and out." Akira soon calmly instructed. "In through the nose, out through the mouth." He then added.
Murakumo in turn followed his instructions as she repeated the process.
Akira meanwhile smiled as he watched this. "Better?" He soon asked.
The brown haired girl took in one last breath before smiling. "A little, but it really helps me feel more at ease." Murakumo nodded.
"Glad to hear that." Akira replied while placing a hand on her shoulder.
"H-Hai..." Murakumo blushed even more from this.
Akira soon watched as the blushing girl averted her gaze from him, but before anything else could be said...
GRRRR!
The sounds of two stomachs were heard.
"Ah, I guess we both haven't had dinner yet." Akira guessed while chuckling in a sheepish manner.
"H-Hai, we haven't yet." Murakumo agreed while giggling.
Akira in turn stood up as he offered a hand. "So, wanna get some dinner together? We can talk more as we eat." He then asked and suggested.
Morgana meanwhile sweatdropped to that. "Does he even realize he made it sound like he's asking her out on a date?" He thought in a deadpan tone.
Meanwhile, the brunette's head immediately went scarlet. "I-I-Is he...asking me on a date!?" Murakumo thought in embarrassment
Akira however tilted his head in response. "Murakumo-san?" He called out.
"Y-Y-Yes!" Murakumo yelled out, which caused everyone to look at them.
Despite sweatdropping to that, Akira smiled as she watched her take his hand. "Cool, do you have some place in mind? You can pick where we can go and I'll pay for the both of us." He replied and offered.
"At least you're being a gentleman about this..." Morgana sighed out, though also approved of the offer he gave.
"I know to respect girls Morgana..." Akira quietly mumbled to the not cat.
"I-I-I would like to go to the Shibu Department Store." Murakumo answered him while still stuttering.
"Hm?" Akira hummed out in a curious manner. "Never been there before. Guess I'll need to make a note of it for the future." He mentally admitted. "Well then, lead the way." He then requested with a smile.
"H-H-Hai!" Murakumo stammered as the two headed out.
(Shibu Dept. Store District)
"Hoo, a new area to explore." Morgana got out, popping his head out of the bag.
Akira meanwhile nodded in agreement as he looked around.
Murakumo, however, was a little less than excited as it was even more crowded than before and was clinging onto the boy's arm.
Akira on the other hand looked at the girl. "Deep breathes Murakumo-san." He once more instructed.
"H-Hai, deep breaths..." Murakumo mumbled out with a nod as she did so.
Akira nodded back as he then looked around. "So, where do you want to go?" He soon asked.
"Hmmm..." Murakumo hummed out as she looked around the store.
"Well?" Akira asked with a charming smile.
That caused Murakumo to blush and steam came from her head as she pointed straight ahead.
"Hm?" Akira hummed out as he looked to where she was pointing. "Rice Cakes?" He read out a menu sign choice.
"H-Hai." Murakumo nodded shyly.
Akira in turn chuckled to that. "So, I'm guessing rice cakes are your favorite?" He soon asked as they headed for the store.
"H-Hai, I really like them. I always have one whenever I get the chance." Murakumo nodded.
"Alright then." Akira replied as they entered the store.
"Welcome!" The employee greeted.
"H-Hello." Murakumo nervously greeted.
"May I take your order?" The cashier soon asked.
"Hmmm..." Murakumo hummed out as she looked at the menu to see what rice cakes they had.
"I'll let you choose and I'll pay for it." Akira soon reminded with the same charming smile, causing the girl to blush upon seeing him.
"Akira..." Morgana droned, having a feeling where this was leading.
"What? I was just being polite." Akira turned to him.
"You're charming her too." Morgana bluntly pointed out.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Akira responded. The genuinely confused look on his face told Morgana everything he needed to know.
The not cat just rolled his eyes and ducked back down into the bag while Akira and Murakumo picked their rice cakes.
"Allow me." Akira cooly offered to the blushing brunette as he handed the money to the cashier.
"T-T-Thank you..." Murakumo stuttered embarrassingly.
"It's no problem." Akira replied.
"Aw, what a mature boyfriend you have miss." The cashier cooed out. "You're a lucky one." She then added while winking.
"B-B-B-Boyfriend?!" Murakumo yelped in surprise as her face turned even redder.
"And she just made it worse." Morgana sighed out with a sweatdrop.
Akira also sweatdropped, but didn't say anything as he just got their orders.
Murakumo was now a muttering mess as her face was even redder than ever and steam was emitting from her head.
The cashier meanwhile giggled in response. "Let me go get your orders." She replied as she went off to the back area.
"H-Hai...Thank you..." Murakumo stuttered as she blushed even more before looking at the boy."Y-You didn't have to pay for my cakes." She soon got out.
"Maybe, but I have more cash than I know what to do with. It's fine." Akira replied and revealed.
"Erm...I-I'm a l-l-little rich too..." Murakumo meekly informed.
"Oh, really?" Akira responded in a curious manner.
"H-Hai. I-I'm kind of an heiress...T-T-T-Tairō..." Murakumo answered and revealed.
"Wait, like in the Tairō Corporation?" Akira guessed, surprised to hear that as he watched the girl nod in response. "They make video games, toys, arcade cabinets and game centers right?" He then listed off.
"Yes. I don't know too much about any of that however..." Murakumo responded with a nod and revealed. "M-Mostly because I was adopted into the family..." She then added.
"Hm?" Akira hummed out before realizing it was a touchy subject. "Oh...I-I'm...I'm sorry." He awkwardly apologized.
"I-It's ok Akira-kun." Murakumo mumbled. Just then, their rice cakes arrived.
"Thank you." Akira got out as he got their food and the two sat themselves down. "You're downing that fast..." He then stated.
"J-Just...They're really good." Murakumo stammered.
"You should slow down though, you're gonna choke." Akira soon advised.
"Ack!" Murakumo choked as she hit her chest a few times, causing her boobs to jiggle. "I-I-I'm okay." She soon coughed her response.
Akira soon pulled out a water bottle from his bag and handed it over to the girl, who quickly downed about half of it. "What was that about?" He had to ask.
"S-So-S-Sorry..." Murakumo apologized. "I just...I-I-I...why am I talking to someone I barely know about stuff like that..." She soon got out.
"It's good practice for your friends back home. They'll understand you more than I can." Akira replied with a shrug. "You don't even take your mask off around them?" He then assumed.
Murakumo immediately blushed. "I...I can't..." She confessed.
"...A mask is a shield, something to use to endure life's hardships. I know a lot about them, I switch between at least 27 of them every day." Akira soon stated and explained.
"U-U-Um...you do?" Murakumo asked with a stammer.
"I'm wearing one right now." Akira answered, surprising and confusing the girl. "I can't tell you who my true self is, just to tear it off...throw it into the fire and see the world for what it truly is...it's nice once you get used to it. It hurts, it definitely won't be easy...but it's way better than cowering behind a shield." He soon confessed in a soft tone.
"I-I...I see." Murakumo responded, somewhat fascinated. "I...I don't know if I can really get rid of it though." She soon muttered in an uneasy tone.
"Hey, every mask is a part of you. That brave girl I met is still with you, it's just up to you to bring her out." Akira stated with a smirk before face palming. "...God that sounded cheesy..." He then groaned to himself. "Sorry, I get a little preachy sometimes. Comes with playing an ametuer therapist..." He sheepishly got out.
"You...You should become one." Murakumo couldn't help but giggle.
"Oh, you have no idea what that means..." Akira awkwardly thought as he rubbed the back of his neck. "So, gonna guess you'll be leaving soon?" He suddenly asked.
"H-Hai," Murakumo responded with a nod with disappointment in her voice. "I think I overstayed my welcome now that I think about it." She then added.
"You can never overstay your welcome." Akira however assured with a smile. "But...you have friends to go back to, and I understand that. You need to go." He then admitted.
"...I feel like I didn't accomplish much in my time here..." Murakumo mumbled as she played with her napkin. "I only saw Yumi once, and it was only on my first day..." She then added.
"Well you're talking to me without having a panic attack, and you're completely comprehensible. I'd say that's a win." Akira pointed out in a proud manner. "And we have been busy ourselves." He then added.
"If Yumi was busy, couldn't I have helped?" Murakumo however asked.
"It's...sort of a private thing." Akira mumbled as he scratched the back of his neck. "How about you go see her now?" He soon suggested.
"She's probably asleep..." Murakumo pointed out.
"With what she does, probably not." Akira however replied. "Murakumo-san, go see her." He then requested as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
In turn, Murakumo blushed as she looked at the boy. "O-Ok...I-I will..." She mumbled out.
"Good." Akira replied as he nodded in approval. "Excuse me, we're taking some more rice cakes to go!" He soon requested as he placed some more money on the table.
"Coming right up!" The cashier replied.
"Where do you get all this money?" Murakumo soon asked as she tilted her head.
"Stealing it." Akira automatically answered in a blunt tone.
"Akira!" Morgana exclaimed in disbelief to him saying that.
"Pfft...! Hehehe...hahahaha!" Murakumo couldn't help but laugh as the boy began to laugh with her.
(Shinjuku, New Moon Apartment Complex)
"Inoue-san, I know I should be ramping up my training for my debut, but I'm currently going through a family crisis right now." Yumi lied as she paced around her apartment. As much as she was excited (and a little scared), Futaba's situation was way more important and she needed to focus on that.
"I understand. Family is important." Inoue responded in an understanding tone. "Just be sure to call me when everything is settled, ok?" He then instructed.
"Hai. Don't worry, it won't take all summer." Yumi assured. "Hopefully it doesn't take all summer..." She mentally added in a worried manner. "Um, by the way...have you heard of Medjed's threat to destroy the economy?" She soon asked.
"Ah, you're worried about that." Inoue got out. "We're already hiring some freelance white hats to shore up our security. Hopefully the Phantom Thieves do something about them." He then stated.
"It's...a little ridiculous to rely on phantoms for something so real..." Yumi soon admitted.
"Well, it's what Medjed wants. It's in the Phantom Thieves' hands." The manager stated. "Truthfully, I'm a bit of a fan of the Phantom Thieves myself." He soon admitted in amusement.
"Oh?" Yumi got out. "Well, I am as well. I hope the world knows that justice will prevail no matter what, and that cuteness is justice!" She soon confessed and declared in a passionate manner.
"Y-Yes, of course." Inoue got out. "I gotta go. One of the idols is throwing a tantrum for chocolate." He soon informed.
"I-I see. Good-bye, Inoue-san." Yumi replied before hanging up. "It sounds like he is dealing with someone like Minori-san." She added in her head as she relaxed herself for the evening.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
That soon got the light grey haired girl's attention as she went for the door and opened it to see a familiar mask. "Oh, good evening Murakumo-san." Yumi greeted as she offered her friend into her apartment.
"Hi." Murakumo replied as she went into the apartment. "Um...I'm going to be leaving soon." She soon revealed.
Yumi's eyes soon widened as she realized her friend had indeed been in Tokyo for a while now. "Ah. That's...a shame." She got out in disappointment. "I'm sorry, but given the situation-" She soon began.
"N-No, I'm sorry for not giving myself the chance to see you more." Murakumo responded. "I'm going to make up for it now, actually."
"Oh?" Yumi replied in a curious manner.
"Yes." Murakumo answered with a nod. "Do you want to spend the night together? For old times sake?" She soon offered.
Yumi in turn smiled at the suggestion. "I would love to, Murakumo-san." She replied.
"Thank you." Murakumo got out before going silent. "Erm...I'm not sure what we can do though..." She soon admitted.
"Well, the night is still young and so are we." Yumi pointed out. "Come on, there's a movie theatre that's playing Our Winter Sonata tonight and I've been dying to see it with someone." She soon informed.
"That sounds wonderful." Murakumo got out with a nod. She soon swallowed some saliva before taking off her mask.
This in turn surprised the Gessen Leader. "Oh, you're not going to wear your mask?" Yumi asked in a curious manner. "Will you be alright?" She then added in concern.
"H-Hai." Murakumo stammered out as she took in a deep breath. "A-Akira-kun gave me some good advice." She then revealed as she blushed a bit.
"Akira-kun?" Yumi repeated.
"H-Hai, we got rice cakes together." Murakumo revealed. "H-He really is a nice person and he suggested I come see you before I go." She then confessed and revealed.
"He is...sometimes to his own detriment." Yumi muttered, though smiled after hearing the second bit. "And well...it certainly saves on getting snacks at the theatre. Come on, let's go get tickets before all the good seats are taken." She then admitted and instructed.
"H-Hai." Murakumo replied as they left the apartment for a night out on the town.
(Ebisu, Tokyo)
"This must be it." Miyabi thought to herself as she looked at the building for the job interview. "Huh, I was expecting something worse, admittingly." She added in her head as she looked at her phone, making sure it was the right place.
Suddenly, a rather well-dressed man with neatly combed black hair approached her with a smile on his face. "Hello, welcome. You must be Miyabi Kurayami." The man soon greeted in a polite manner.
"And you must be the hiring manager." Miyabi countered.
That in turn caused the man to chuckle in amusement. "Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you."
"Thank you. You responded to me awfully fast." Miyabi noted as she sat herself down. "I barely had time to get something nice to wear." She then added.
"You don't need to worry about that. You look beautiful no matter what you wear." The well-mannered man assured as he led her inside.
"Ehehehehe...th-thanks..." Miyabi couldn't help but giggle, a blush dusting her cheeks.
"R-Really?" Miyabi got out in shock to hear this. There was no way getting a job was that easy, was it?
"Honestly, we need more employees." The hiring manager admitted. "Our rivals have been trying to run us out of business for months and we're on our last legs." He then explained.
"I see...well, I hope I can turn that around. At least, until you're back on your feet." Miyabi replied.
"That's what I like to hear!" The hiring manager gladly exclaimed. "You know, I don't think I need to ask you any questions. I think you're perfect for Fasu!" He then declared.
"Huh?" Miyabi got out in confusion. The hell is a Fasu?
"Now all you have to do is sign this and you'll be hired." The hiring manager however instructed as he handed over the contract. "It's getting quite late so you should probably sign this soon." He then added.
Miyabi however narrowed her eyes. "I'm a fast reader. Just give me a second." She responded.
"It's nothing but boring legal terms. Don't worry that pretty little head of yours." The man assured.
"It's fine." The white haired woman assured as she looked closely at the contract.
It didn't take her long to see the dubious legal shit in small print.
Not only was she being paid a pittance, she was given horrible hours. If she was right, she'd only have 6 hours to herself.
"W-What is this!?"
"Your contract." The man answered in a calm manner. "Your rights and responsibilities to the workplace." He then explained.
"My rights, my ass! You're trying to sign me up as a slave!" Miyabi countered and accused.
"So the average salaryman...?" The man stated with a raised eyebrow.
Miyabi's eye twitched as she stood up. "You can't do this!"
"Oh, please. This is all perfectly legal." The man responded in a nonchalant manner. "After all, who else would hire you? You haven't even graduated high school. You're lucky to have even found someone as generous as me in the first place." He then stated and listing off the girl's fault.
"Grrr..." Miyabi growled out as she narrowed her eyes in anger.
"Besides..." The skeevy-looking man began as he locked the door. "Only the most desperate would come to an interview alone in the middle of the night."
Miyabi in turn narrowed her eyes as she looked at the man until...
WHAM!
"Dick!" Miyabi growled as she planted her fist into the man's gut, knocking the wind out of him. "I hope the police show you more mercy." She then added before pulling her fist out.
THUD!
After the man had fallen unconscious, Miyabi searched for his wallet and opened it. "1...5...10...15...You were carrying 20,000 yen on you? You are just begging to be robbed." She soon remarked before taking the cash and dropping his wallet on his chest. "At least one of us came out of this interview happy. Goodbye." She stated before kicking down the door and heading out.
She still needed to find a job, but the money she obtained would suffice for now.
And so she left without looking back, ready to turn in for the night.
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
Asuka blinked, feeling as if the world was shifting around her. It took her brain several minutes to process what her roommate told her, and when she finally snapped out of it, she still felt dazed.
"A mascot?" Asuka repeated in disbelief.
"Yes." Homura proudly replied. "I even get to set whatever day I want to come in over the summer. Actually, I think they were surprised I was so eager."
"I think I've seen something like this before..." Asuka muttered. "I think you'll have to wear something like...a cheerleading outfit."
"Anything so I don't have to mooch off you Sis." Homura responded with a sigh.
"I gave you that money." Asuka stated. "Come on, Homu-nee. You're not a burden. You're the one supporting me. I'm happy you're happy." She soon got out as she hugged her roommate, putting her head in her chest.
"...Thanks, Sis. For supporting me too." Homura soon stated as she returned the hug.
"Of course I would, we're like sisters after all." Asuka happily reminded.
"Heh. Yeah." Homura giggled out, "Yeah...sisters..." She meanwhile thought, thinking back to the offer as she unconsciously frowned for a moment and shadows covered her eyes.
"Hey, do you guys-" Miyabi began, opening the door to the apartment, only to see the brunette in between the tan skinned girl's boobs. "What the hell?"
"W-WHY ARE YOU HERE!?" Asuka squeaked out.
"Why did you leave the door open?" Miyabi countered.
"You don't- You don't fucking walk into people's places like that!" Homura called out as she tossed pillows at the woman.
"I just wanted to-" Miyabi began, however...
THUNK!
The kunai embedding itself into the wall next to her head, quickly shutting her up.
"GET OUT!" The two demanded at the same time.
"You're gonna have to fix that hole." Miyabi soon pointed out as she left the apartment.
"Well that ruined the moment." The two grumbled out before looking at one another before giggling. Yup, definitely sisters.
"Come on, I need a bath after the day I've had." Homura soon decided.
"Hai, Homu-nee!" Asuka replied as the two went for the bathroom, stripping down as the tan skinned girl ran the water.
Save Game...Quit!
Asuka/Yin's Social Stats:
Leadership- Dependable (Level 3)
Knowledge- Expert (Level 3)
Proficiency- Skilled (Level 3)
Diligence- Strong (Level 3)
Courage- Brave (Level 3)
Homura/Yang's Development Stats:
Maturity- Managed (Level 3)
Knowledge- Expert (Level 3)
Femininity- Tasteful (Level 3)
Elegance- Disciplined (Level 3)
Understanding- Generous (Level 3)
Whew! Done! Palace is the next chapter so you know what that means…
UknownHero signing off, my friends!