Yes, it takes a month to update this fic. Real life comes first! Hey, UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona.

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Chapter 85: Contemplation

(7/28, Evening)

(Shinjuku, New Moon Apartment Complex)

Yumi yawned as she entered her apartment carrying a plastic bag full of takeaway. She and Yusuke had a friendly dinner together, reflecting on what had happened in the pyramid and how they could improve for the next Palace they hit when it was time.

The food was quite good, and Yumi ordered some to take home for both of them. They definitely had the money to spend after all.

Still, there was a sort of melancholy to it. It wasn't every day someone could talk to their parents one last time after they die, and Futaba's traumas weighed heavily on their minds. Yumi had already phoned and instructed some of her people to start looking into the bastards who ruined the young girl's life.

The Phantom Thieves didn't kill, but it doesn't mean a shinobi like her co-

BZZT! BZZT!

Yumi blinked, the vibrating of her phone snapping out of her darker thoughts. That was really unbecoming of a Good Shinobi.

They should at least beg for death first.

Yumi quickly let out a breath to calm herself down before pulling out her phone, taking a glance at her screen to check who it was. "Yozakura-san?" She muttered in a curious manner before answering the call and placing the phone to her ear. "Hello?" She soon greeted.

"Yumi, good evening." Yozakura replied. "Have you seen Minori anywhere?" She then asked out of the blue, stunning the third year a little.

"Have I seen Minor- I'm still in Tokyo." Yumi got out in confusion before thinking a little. "...Wait, is Minori-san in Tokyo right now?" She soon guessed.

"I mean, she should be." The acting leader muttered her reply.

Yumi's eyes soon widened to this. "Should be?" She repeated in concern and confusion.

"She's gone. She left Kurokage-sama by himself while we were on a mission." Yozakura awkwardly revealed.

"Eh!? M-Minori-san did what!?" Yumi exclaimed in concern and shock.

"I know. I'm already planning the longest lecture she'll ever get in her life." Yozakura sighed. "She even left her phone here so we have no idea what she's doing. I mean, for all we know, she could be getting candy from a stranger in a white van!" She then got out in an increasingly worried and frantic manner.

The light haired girl soon sighed at her friend's (reasonable) paranoia. "Yozakura-san, I can understand your worries but she is an Elite for a reason. While she could certainly improve, she is not defenseless." Yumi reminded. "...Despite her minor case of Peter Pan syndrome..." She then added with a sweatdrop.

"Does this count as her vacation time?" Yumi heard Shiki realise, probably in the middle of painting her nails.

"..." Suddenly, the other side of the phone went silent.

"Y-Yozakura-san?" Yumi called out in concern.

"...Yes, it does count." Yozakura determined. "At least she had the mind to actually tell the school she was leaving so she wouldn't go renegade. But not us." She then added.

"How did you know that?" Yumi questioned.

"I asked the staff." Yozakura answered without much thought.

"Okay, I changed his bedpan!" Yumi suddenly heard Murakumo call out. She was probably taking care of her grandfather's needs before entering the room. "It's your turn next time, Shiki! Hm? Are you on the phone with Yumi?" She soon stated and asked.

"Wait, when did she leave?" Yumi had to ask.

"Yesterday." Murakumo revealed.

And with that, the Gessen Leader's eye twitched. "And you didn't tell me until...?" Yumi began as she narrowed her eyes.

"...T-Today." Yozakura could only say as she began to sweat on the other side.

"Not only today, but tonight. As in, it's been 24 hours since she left and at no point have I had a call." Yumi pointed out as she pinched the bridge of her nose. She thought the acting leader was a little better than this. "So...any reason for that?" She then asked in an unamused tone.

"..." Nothing but silence except the silent argument with herself of whether or not she should hang up or not. At least, that's what the light grey haired girl thought.

Yumi however sighed to this. "I'll be sure to get in contact with her tomorrow." She soon informed.

"Not right now?" Yozakura soon asked.

"I...I am honestly exhausted from a long day." Yumi confessed. "I guess my summer isn't going to be a vacation." She then joked.

"I-I see." Yozakura stammered out. "Any progress with your mission, by the way?" She soon asked.

"Some. It's...It's much bigger than initially thought..." Yumi sighed as she shook her head.

"You've been in Tokyo for eight months now!" Shiki suddenly snapped. "Other shinobi have tried and come back with nothing about the incidents. What you know is already leagues more info than what we had before. What are you even doing anyways? Come home, Yumi-chii, we miss you..." She pleaded.

"...I have a lead." Yumi suddenly confessed in a more serious tone.

"I thought you already had a lead." Murakumo remarked.

"More to that lead." Yumi corrected. "I still need to look further into the details of it, but this is a major step for completing this mission." She soon stated as she gulped. "The incidents in Tokyo are somehow related to Cognitive Psience." She then revealed.

"Cognitive science?" Murakumo repeated, sounding somewhat skeptical.

"With a P-S-I." Yumi corrected.

"What does that even- never mind..." Yozakura got out before shaking her head and focusing on the more important matter. "So...it's about the mind? I thought the current assumption was poison or a special technique. Wait...is it mind control...?" She soon guessed.

"Possibly. Which is why I need to look further into the details behind it." Yumi replied, although she did feel guilty. "Yozakura-san, Murakumo-san, Shiki-san, despite everything going on, I do miss being with all of you too." She soon confessed. "However, what is happening in Tokyo must be solved, no matter how long it takes. We are shinobi and missions like these are bound to happen in our line of work." She then reminded.

"...Urgh...this whole thing sucks but...you better come back home after you're done." Shiki requested, although she did sound a little grumpy.

"Of course. I promise I will." Yumi assured with a good-natured laugh. "Back to Minori-san, is she staying at Hotel Kusatori?" She soon deducted.

"Hai." Yozakura responded.

"And she does not have her phone on her, is that correct?" Yumi then asked in concern.

"Yeah, she forgot it. We don't know why she was in a rush though..." Yozakura answered. "I'm just worried she'll end up in a bad situation." She then sighed.

"Do not worry, I'm sure she is fine." Yumi assured. "I mean, the worst situation I can think of is running into Bl- the Phantom Thieves." She then added. "...Why did I say that?" She thought to herself.

"Why did you say that?" Murakumo echoed her own thoughts.

"Yeah, the Phantom Thieves are a force of justice." Shiki meanwhile added.

"S-Sorry. The whole Medjed situation is beginning to stir the public and so far nothing has happened." Yumi explained, silently hoping something will happen before the deadline.

"Hackers are difficult to deal with." Yozakura admitted in agreement. "But I believe in the Phantom Thieves. And you should too." She then assured.

Yumi soon couldn't help but smile at her friend's words as she then nodded. "I guess I should. Besides, I have the feeling they've got this." She then admitted.

"Heh. Once Medjed declared war on them, they already lost." Shiki got out with an audible smirk. "Anyways, it's getting late and you sound a little tired there. You should go to sleep and find the tyke tomorrow." She then suggested. "You don't wanna get wrinkles do you?" She jokingly added.

"Given my adventures over the past two months, it's a wonder I don't have any now." Yumi couldn't help but think. She still had to make sure she didn't for her idol training. At least she didn't have to worry about grey hairs. "I think I will turn for the night. I'll be sure to call you guys once I find her, okay?" She soon informed.

"You better. I have cue cards in case I forget what I want to lecture her about." Yozakura replied.

"Prepared as always. Well, good night." Yumi giggled before hanging up. She soon let out a sigh as she put the takeaway food into her fridge. A quick warm shower and then bed sounded really nice right now.

And now that Futaba's heart was healed and she herself was recovering, she could relax and enjoy her summer before she launched herself into her training as an idol.

"...Speaking of which, I wonder when Rise-san will be back?" Yumi soon wondered as she made her way to the shower.

(Yasoinaba)

Meanwhile, Rise sneezed as her drunk ass was escorted back to her room in the Amagi Inn. "Senpai~ Dai-chan~ Let's fugging go to the TV World and...fricken kill Shadows until sunrise~ I have new skills I wanna use~ Megikonnodioga!" She got out with a grin and blush on her face.

Daidōji however sweatdropped at that. "I thought you made sure she stayed away from alcohol." She muttered to the silver haired man.

"I did." Yu simply responded. "All she had was water. Damn you atmosphere." He then cursed, shaking his fist at the sky.

"Wanna do it in my Shadow's stripclub again~? Chie-chyan had fun last time~" Rise giggled.

"It doesn't exist anymore, Rise..." Yu reminded, his face still as unreadable as a waterfall.

"Let's just get her home before some paparazzi see her like this." Daidōji sighed, shaking her head as they sped up their walk faster...just as they heard the drunken girl snoring as her body slumped.

"...You're carrying her." Yu stated.

"You wish." Daidōji simply responded as she shoved the girl into his arms.

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

The adopted sisters had arrived back to their apartment before Miyabi even got to the train station back at Yongen-Jaya, so they simply dumped their stuff on the ground and sat on the couch together.

For about five minutes, they said and looked at nothing, barely moving a muscle as they let the day's events settle in their minds.

"Homu-neechan?" Asuka finally broke the silence, however her tone lacked her usual enthusiasm.

"Yes, Sis?" Homura responded in the same lackluster manner.

"I think I want to kill some people." Asuka soon confessed.

"I wanna kill the same people as you, Sis, it's just that we don't know who they are." Homura pointed out as she stared at the ceiling. "Some day though...some day..." She then promised.

"Mmmhmm..." Asuka hummed out in agreement.

"Rough day?" Hanzō asked in genuine concern.

"FUCKING HELL GRAMPS! YOU'RE STILL HERE!?" Homura shouted out as she and Asuka shot up from the couch.

"Well, I actually left but I came back just when you got back." Hanzō pointed out.

"That...YOU BROKE INTO OUR APARTMENT AGAIN—I'm too tired to be pissed." Homura began to call out only to stop and groan, sitting back onto the couch.

"I take it your celebration didn't go well?" Hanzō assumed as he sat down.

"Erm...we had to do something important. Our celebration is being saved for later." Asuka replied as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Jii-chan...It's been a very long, tiring day. I'd love to spend time with you but...right now, can you please leave us alone?" She soon requested.

Hanzō narrowed his eyes, studying the brunette before nodding. "If that's what you want." Hazno answered, heading for the door already. "...I'm proud of what you're doing, you know?" He then admitted.

"Huh?" Asuka got out in confusion.

"Ah, just happy you're making new friends is all." Hanzō chuckled before hugging his granddaughter. "I'll see you around, okay? We'll have a real celebration before summer ends. I'll be staying at the Kusatori Hotel until school starts back up." He soon stated and informed.

"Ooh, that's the place with really good mints." Asuka remarked. "Good night, Jii-chan." She then got out.

"And to you as well." Hanzō replied before letting go. "And you too, Homura!" he then added.

"Yeah, Gramps. Thank you for everything." Homura lazily replied.

"You're welcome. Now, don't get into too much trouble now." Hanzō soon advised with a playful smile on his face.

"I won't." Asuka simply replied, forcing down a playful smirk as the legendary shinobi left. "Ahh...he's so nice..." She then breathed out as she closed the door.

"When he isn't acting like an unrepentant pervert." Homura deadpanned.

"Yeah..." Asuka agreed in the same wistful tone.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

"Hm?" Asuka hummed out in a curious manner as she went to the door. "Did Jii-chan forget something?" She muttered in a concerned tone.

"I swear to God, if it's to sneak in another camera..." Homura grumbled as she got off the couch as her adopted sister opened the door.

However, instead of the legendary shinobi, it was Miyabi, who was cautiously looking down the hallway. "Ugh...are these visits by your grandfather common, Asuka?"

"Miyabi." Homura sighed.

"Yeah, I know you kinda don't want to see me but I have something to say." Miyabi replied as she crossed her arms over her chest. "It's about...everything really. You know, in and out of the pyramid." She awkwardly added.

"So all those people yelling at her were real..." Asuka mumbled in a sad tone.

"Yeah." Miyabi breathed out, gritting her teeth at the thought of them. "God, I wanna hunt them down and beat them until they're breathing through a hose! I mean, I get taking her research for themselves, but making Futaba think she killed her mother is not only cruel but unnecessary!" She soon confessed, disgusted and angered to even remembering what happened.

"Hai..." Asuka agreed with a nod. "So...how was your time with Futaba-chan?" She soon asked.

"It went fine." Miyabi answered as she rubbed the back of her neck. "These past few days led to discovering a lot about myself. God, this was supposed to be a simple mission."

"Your definition of a simple mission is murdering supernatural thieves?" Homura got out with an annoyed expression on her face.

"Well, I thought I'd have a little more help." Miyabi countered as she glanced towards the tan skinned girl. "But I guess even simple missions can go awry." She then chuckled.

"No kidding." Homura muttered. "So, when are you gonna start packing?" She soon asked while putting a hand on her hip.

"...I'm not." Miyabi answered.

"Excuse me?" Homura got out as dread filled her body.

"Look...I don't care about you betraying Hebijo anymore." Miyabi admitted as she played with her short white hair with her finger. "I'm not turning my back on them but...I can at least keep them off your back." She then added.

The tan skinned girl in turn blinked upon learning this. "You're...leaving me be?" Homura hesitantly questioned.

"Nope." Miyabi instantly answered. "I'm now in the same boat as you; a danger to the shinobi world if ever discovered. If anyone outside of our little group knows that we have Personas, we're dead. And I kinda want to live for the next few years. With that in mind, I will assure you that you can always count on me to have your back."

"Are you officially joining the Phantom Thieves?" Asuka got out in disbelief.

"Hm, seems like a great way to get stronger and Tokyo isn't so bad. I don't see why not." Miyabi replied with a shrug.

"Despite the fact that you were ordered to get the power over the incidents?" Homura however pointed out.

"I technically did, haven't I?" Miyabi responded with a playful smirk. "This is just me testing it out for everyone. You know, making sure it isn't harmful in the long run." She then stated.

"...You're really on our side?" Asuka however asked in a hopeful tone.

"Look, I'm still a little lost in some ways but...I know that I'll need you guys to help me." Miyabi admitted before holding out her hand. "So, best friends for an indeterminate amount of time?" She soon asked.

SMOOSH!

The woman let out a girlish yelp as the Vice Leader used her hand to pull her into a hug. "O-Oi! Personal space!" Miyabi got out, surprised by the Vice Leader's action as she blushed.

Homura however giggled at this. "Yeah, thing about Sis, she's a hugger." She playfully revealed.

"This is my life now, huh." Miyabi mentally sighed as she tried to pry Asuka off of her. "Well, it beats being in a coma."

BZZT! BZZT!

Upon hearing that, the three girls took out their phones to see a discussion begin.

[Shut7heFUp: Just what's Medjed gonna do?]

[All4Painting: It is hard for me to even fathom what it could be.]

[Sweetkat06: People have really been up in arms about the whole cleanse thing...]

[Road2Queen: To think a global hacker group would be targeting us...]

[Negative8Degrees: And they're willing to take down the rest of Japan.]

[Shut7heFUp: Should we just ignore 'em?]

[TheWildJ0ker: Suuuuuuurrrrrreeeeeeeee, great idea Ryuji...]

(...)

[TheWildJ0ker: (sarcastic)]

[Shut7heFUp: Uhhh, sorry! My bad, dude!]

[All4Painting: No matter how you look at it, we need a countermeasure.]

[Sweetkat06: Our best bet would be Alibaba...]

[Road2Queen: But she may not be capable of it in her current state.]

[SushiRoll23: I really hope she wakes up soon...]

[Sweetkat06: I guess we should think of some other ways too then.]

[All4Painting: Yes, it would be best to have as many solutions as possible.]

[Shut7heFUp: Well we still got time, so let's come up with something good, k?]

[DarkEyeXI: It would be prudent to have a backup plan in case Futaba doesn't recover in time.]

[FireGirl20: Yeah. Anything other than revealing our identities would be better.]

[Shut7heFUp: Whoa, whoa, whoa! You're still here, Miyabi?]

[All4Painting: I thought you had left already...]

[DarkEyeXI: I'm staying. For as long as there are Phantom Thieves, you'll have my power.]

[Sweetkat06: Four shinobis now...]

[Negative8Degrees: If you say so...]

[TheWildJ0ker: For now, let's try and enjoy our summer a little. We all need a break.]

[DarkEyeXI: Hear, hear Leader.]

"...So, what are you two doing tomorrow?" Miyabi asked as they put away their phones.

"I need to get ready for something at my job..." Asuka replied.

"And I need to go to my first job." Homura answered as well. "What are you doing?" She soon asked.

"...I...don't know..." Miyabi admitted. "...You know, I did not think this through..." She then mumbled.

"Maybe try and find a job so you can get some money while here in Tokyo?" Asuka soon suggested.

"I could...or I could train. I need to get myself back to my strength from three years ago." Miyabi muttered.

"Well, the world's your sushi roll, Miyabi-chan. Spend it how you will!" Asuka happily replied.

"Isn't that saying about an oyster?" Miyabi pointed out.

"I...I'm not sure..." Homura admitted before groaning and holding her head. "I think the Palace fried our brains a little so uh...we probably should all get some sleep." She then advised.

"Yeah." Miyabi yawned. "Well, it was nice talking to you two. I'll see you tomorrow." She then got out before heading to her apartment.

"Hehe. You too, Miyabi-chan." Asuka replied before shutting the door. "Whew! All's well that ends well, right Homu-neechan?" She then breathed out.

"I guess." Homura got out. "How long are we gonna last if people from our schools keep coming here? Eventually someone's gonna find out. You saw what happened with my team a while ago." She soon wondered in a worried tone.

"That only means we aren't working hard enough. We'll always need to improve." Asuka stated. "Come on, I'll get the bath ready and then we'll head for bed." She soon suggested.

"That sounds nice." Homura sighed before settling onto the couch once again. "Let's just hope days like these last." She then muttered.

"It will." Asuka responded before heading into the bathroom.

(Hebijo Academy, Elites Room)

Meanwhile, at a certain Evil Shinobi academy, Yomi's eye twitched as she silently tried to decide whether or not to choke the first year or throw her out the window.

"Y-You gave Homura-chan's friend my number?" Yomi whispered, shocked and appalled.

"He wanted to meet you." Mirai explained. "Actually, our meetings with him so far have been by chance. Man, he must be a shinobi magnet..." She then admitted.

"Smart move." Hikage admitted while petting Poochie.

"You didn't even ask me first!" Yomi called out. "Whatever happened to manners here!?" She then exclaimed.

"I think that went out the window when Homura left." Hikage answered.

"...At least give me his phone number then." Yomi sighed as she shook her head. Mirai complied and gave the blonde the number she requested. "If this ever happens again-" She soon began.

"You'll force feed us bean sprouts, we get it, we get it." Hikage waved off while the first year nodded in agreement as they resumed watching the puppy begin chasing her own tail.

"...You know, just for that, you'll be begging for bean sprouts once I'm done." Yomi sighed while shaking her head.

A distance away, the three didn't notice the purple haired girl looking on at them while holding onto an unusual bear plushie.

Sniffing the air a little, she whimpered. "Akira...Kurusu..." She thought as she tightened her hold on the plushie.

"That nose of yours really is like mind reading..." Bebeby remarked. "Maybe you should sniff this Akira guy's butt to see why they're so interested in him." She then suggested.

"Bebe-tan..." The shut-in shinobi quietly scolded.

"I bet it smells like chocolate!" Bebeby added.

"No! Don't say such things!" Murasaki got out before looking back outside. "But...I am curious about him...but that would mean..." She soon admitted before shivering.

"Oh shut the hell up, you pathetic shut-in. There's no way you're gonna leave your room." Bebeby stated as the purple haired girl looked back. Even despite the darkness of her room with only her computer lighting it, she could clearly see the years of garbage rotting in the corner. "You didn't even peek out when those shitty hackers started calling for the Phantom Thieves' heads!" She then added.

Murasaki gripped her plushie a little tighter. She had only discovered the Phantom Thieves when Medjed declared on them before learning that her sister's friend was on a mission to find them.

"...I still want to meet him..." Murasaki muttered as she looked down.

God, she was really pathetic.

"...You think they're sucking his cock when they see him? That Haruka girl sounds like she's a thirsty one." Bebeby soon enough asked and remarked.

Murasaki could only blush at this.

"What's that smell?" Hikage suddenly got out as sniffed the air, causing the girl to yelp and shut the door to her room.

That reminded her that she needed to clean herself. After all, the last time she did it was a year and eight months ago.

(7/29, Early Morning)

(Shinjuku, New Moon Apartment Complex)

Yumi had woken up bright and early today, and after a quick shower, she decided to heat up some of the takeaway from yesterday as her breakfast for this morning before she headed out. As she waited for her food to get warm, she planned out her day while scrolling through today's news.

"I better find Minori-san and give her a stern talking to." Yumi soon decided. "It would be best if I headed to Hotel Kusatori first..." She then added as she prepared to leave, however...

BZZT! BZZT!

Yumi let out a sigh before answering the call. "Hello?" She started.

"Hey, Yumi! It's your manager." Inoue greeted, although he sounded a bit frantic. "We need to get you into the studio now." He then ordered.

"H-Huh?" Yumi got out in surprise. "Um, can it wait?" She soon asked a little sheepishly.

"Sorry, but it can't. We need promotional photos for your debut and we're on a little bit of a tight schedule." Inoue explained. "We need you to come in a little more frequently now. We're aiming for the end of August after all." He then added.

"I-I see..." Yumi breathed out, processing this information. "I-I'm sure Minori-san will be fine for one more day..." She mentally reassured herself.

"So, please come by the studio soon. We need you here." Inoue insisted.

"Don't worry, I'll be there before you know it." Yumi replied, smirking a little. He had no idea how true that statement was.

"Thank you. Wait, hey! You know she's allergic to that! Sorry, I have to go. See you here." Inoue shouted out before hanging up.

It was then her microwave dinged. Her breakfast was done but Yumi was already gone.

WOOSH!

"Whoops, almost forgot my breakfast." Yumi muttered in a sheepish manner, getting her food before vanishing once more.

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

The two sisters had already woken up, taken a shower and gotten dressed as they got ready for the day.

"What a beautiful day to make some money!" Homura cheered, looking out the window at the bright sun.

"You're excited to get to work." Asuka giggled as she put on a sundress.

"Hey, I'm finally gonna make some money without shedding any blood!" Homura countered with a grin. "Ah...I think my life is finally coming together now." She then confessed with content.

"Hehehe...summer's only just started for us, Homu-neechan." Asuka giggled out her reminder. "Plus, we still have Medjed to worry about." She then added.

"Ah, screw them. Once Futaba wakes up, they're as good as gone." Homura scoffed. "We can't let something like that ruin our summer. We're only sixteen once after all." She then declared.

"Yeah...You're right." Asuka agreed as she popped some toast into her mouth. After having some breakfast, they decided to stay behind and let their food digest, scrolling through today's news.

"Another mental shutdown..." Asuka got out with a frown.

"The victim was someone named Kusaka Honjo. He was in charge of a pretty prominent start-up." Homura informed. He collapsed in the middle of an important meeting and had remained unresponsive ever since. "Why would you target them out of all people..." She muttered.

"I don't know, but there is a pattern to this madness..." Asuka stated. However, she jumped a little when her roommate suddenly choked. "Huh!? What's wrong!?"

"Uhh...Sis...you may wanna dress a little heavier than usual today..." Homura suggested.

"...Eh?" Asuka got out in confusion as the tan skinned girl handed her phone over to her sister.

And right on there was an article about a runway show happening this summer...with Asuka front and center.

"You're famous, Sis." Homura breathed out in awe. "Hot damn though, you really look good." She then admitted in an impressed tone.

"E-Eeeep...!" Asuka squeaked in a manner between excitement and fear. No wonder her sister wanted her to dress heavier today.

"When is that runway show happening again...?" Homura had to ask.

"September 21st." Asuka answered.

"Why are they advertising it in July?" Homura soon questioned with a raised eyebrow. "Someone might be getting fired~" She then sang-sung.

"Well, it doesn't matter now." Asuka got out as she headed for the bedroom to grab some suitable clothing. "I'm heading over to my job to see if they need me."

"Alright. I'm heading out too." Homura responded as she hugged her sister. "Good luck."

"You too. I'll see you tonight." Asuka replied with a kind smile. Homura could only give her one back before heading out the door.

(7/29, Daytime)

(Shibuya, Central Street)

Ann blinked when she saw who she presumed was Asuka waving at her. She was wearing a black hoodie with sunglasses and a medical mask.

"Hey, Ann-chan!" Asuka called out as the ash blonde walked up to her. "Thanks for coming. They didn't need me at work today so I thought I'd hang out with you." She soon admitted. "Erm, sorry for the get-up. I don't want to be recognised today." She then apologized.

"You look way more suspicious than if you just wore some sunglasses." Ann couldn't help but remark. "It's 45°C today, Asuka-chan. Wear something lighter." She then advised.

"I'm fine, Ann-chan." Asuka however waved off. "This is the perfect disguise." She then reassured with a smile.

"There's no hiding the obvious feature though..." Ann mentally deadpanned, glancing down at the unzipped portion of the hoodie, where her friend's chest couldn't be contained by mere mortal metal. "Asuka-chan, I don't think you need that much of a disguise. I'm in a bunch of magazines but I don't get recognised all that much." She soon stated.

"It's...well...It's sort of overwhelming..." Asuka admitted. "Well, I was never one to stand out too much. I was the kind of kid who got into fights so much that I never really didn't care back then." She explained as she adjusted her hood.

"And what about now, Asuka-chan?" Ann then asked in a more curious manner.

"I guess after becoming a shinobi, it was always customary to stay out of sight." Asuka replied in a whisper. "But unlike the male shinobi, we're trained to hide in plain sight." She then added as the two then left the store.

"And now you're getting a lot of attention as a model." Ann then pointed out as they walked down the street.

"Yeah, but it still feels a little embarrassing to be on the front page of the news." Asuka replied while blushing.

"That's understandable for some," Ann admitted in agreement. "I mean it is a big jump for you." She then added.

Asuka in turn nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I'm just glad that Jii-chan was alright with me becoming a model." She admitted.

"Somehow, I think he was a little too accepting of you now being a model." Ann however pointed out.

Asuka however giggled. "Well Jii-chan has said I should always make my own choices on certain matters." She admitted.

Ann in turn smiled at this. "Well, as long as he's okay with it, then I'm okay with it too." She replied.

Asuka merely giggled some more. "Thanks. Jii-chan's always been easy going about these kinds of things, so it actually feels good being able to do all of this." She then revealed.

"Sounds like he's still a kid at heart if he's so easy going." Ann commented.

"Well he is retired from being a shinobi, so he has a lot of free time now." Asuka then added.

"Huh. I never knew that ninjas can retire after a certain age." Ann admitted as she blinked to the thought.

"Yeah, I thought it was weird too since he's still in his prime in a way." Asuka replied. "It's more like he just doesn't take on missions anymore and the idiot Good Council can't do anything about it since he's known as the Legendary Shinobi." She then explained.

"Wow. So he's still raring to go, but that stupid council can't do anything about that." Ann guessed. "Sounds like they're just making excuses to not give him anything." She then added.

"That's one way of putting it." Asuka replied as they noticed a crepe shop. "Wanna get one? I'll pay Ann-chan." She then offered.

"Sure Asuka-chan. I can go for one." Ann replied with a nod. "I'll pay you back later." She then added.

Asuka however shook her head in denial. "It's alright Ann-chan, you don't need to. I mean we already get paid a lot from our jobs." She then reminded.

"I guess that's true, but are you really sure?" Ann soon asked in concern. "I don't want to take advantage of you paying for me." She then admitted.

"It's alright, I mean you got me into modeling, so I owe you more Ann-chan." Asuka then explained in a sweet and innocent manner.

The ash blonde in response to this kindness couldn't help but coo from the sheer adorable nature of the other girl. "Aaaaw...come here you!" Ann squealed as she pulled her friend into a big hug.

"A-Ann-chan!?" Asuka got out in confusion.

"You are just so adorable and sweet!" Ann declared while rubbing her cheek against the girl's cheek.

Asuka merely blushed. "T-Thank you." She meekly replied.

Ann smiled before rubbing her head in a playful manner. "You're welcome." She happily replied as the two entered the crepe shop.

And soon enough, they were walking out with crepes stuffed to the brim with sweet fruits and cream.

"I've totally earned this." Ann sighed in relief, the sweetness of the crepe washing over her like a cold shower. "I've been eating more vegetables and working out to get my strength up for whatever training Homura's going to decide for our next session. Plus, I have a rival I want to upstage one day." She then revealed.

"That's really good, Ann-chan." Asuka got out with a smile. "I hope you beat her." She then added.

"Oh, I am going to. Without stooping down to her tactics." Ann assured with a smirk. "Are you seriously going to wear that all day, though? You're just gonna drench it in sweat." She soon asked.

"It'll take more than this to make me sweat!" Asuka declared.

"That sounds worrying..." Ann muttered as they walked through the streets. "So, how's Miyabi?" She soon asked.

"She's been fine. Haven't seen her since yesterday though." Asuka answered. "But she's now a full-fledged member of our teams, so I'm sure she's fine." She then assured.

"I really hope this doesn't bite us in the ass...Oh hey! Look at that!" Ann suddenly got out before heading over to Big Bang Burger. There was a crowd of kids with their parents gathered around the restaurant.

"Hm? Is there a special or something?" Asuka wondered before heading there to see what all the commotion was about.

When the two models managed to get a look, they saw someone in a bear costume with a UFO for a body dancing around, entertaining the crowd and making them laugh.

"Remember, Biggles™ the Space Bear will always be your friend here at Big Bang Burger!" The cute mascot happily claimed as he did his little dance.

"Huh, never knew Big Bang Burger had a mascot character." Ann admitted before taking a bite of her crepe.

"I mean...it's on the sign..." Asuka pointed out.

It was right then that the bear mascot jumped and turned to them. "Oh hello! What's your name, young lady?" He asked.

"He's so cute!" Asuka mentally squealed. "It's Asuka!" The brunette responded happily.

"Asuka! What a lovely name!" Biggles™ chuckled before leaning a little too close. "Sis...help me..." The mascot quietly begged.

"Huh?" Asuka got out in confusion as she looked around.

"Hm? Is something wrong?" Ann asked in concern.

"I...I think I heard Homu-nee." Asuka replied before shaking her head. "Ah, it must be my imagination." She then assumed.

"It's not your imagination! Sis, this suit is suffocating the life out of me! And my break is in ten minutes but I'm not gonna last that long..." Biggles™ the Space Bear whispered in a frantic and tired manner.

"Wait..." Ann however started as her eyes widened to the mascot. "Oh my God, is that you Homura?" She soon asked.

"What? I'm Biggles™ the Space Bear! Here's a discount for your next meal, miss!" Biggles™ replied in an adorable manner before handing the brunette a coupon.

Ann and Asuka blinked, looking a little freaked out. "Erm, thank you?" Asuka responded.

"You're welcome!" Biggles™ replied. "Get me out of this fricking suit!" Homura then begged through gritted teeth.

Asuka and Ann simply looked at each other before nodding. "Don't worry, we'll get you out of there." Ann assured as Asuka dug through her pockets for her smoke bombs.

"N-Not now. Just meet me in the locker room." Homura sighed before turning back to the crowd. "Okay, Biggles™ the Space Bear will need to go soon! I do hope you enjoy your next Big Bang Burger-someone kill me." The mascot got out, only adding that last part under her breath.

(Big Bang Burger Locker Room)

About ten minutes later, Ann and Asuka snuck into the locker room where Homura was, still trapped inside her mascot costume. "Hey, Homu-nee, are you okay?" She soon asked in concern.

"Well, other than the fact that I can't take this monstrosity off, I'm doing fan-freaking-tastic!" Homura sarcastically replied.

"Why can't you?" Ann questioned as she studied the suit.

"I can't reach the zipper!" Homura cried out as the suit's stubby little arms flailed around. "Agh! I'd rip it to pieces if it wasn't more expensive than gold!" She then grumbled.

"Hold still, Homu-nee!" Asuka got out as Ann tried to get the bear to stop moving.

"This thing has to be in violation of war crimes!" Homura sobbed while her sister tried to find the zipper.

"There's so much fur..." Asuka muttered as she brushed through the fake fur before seeing something shimmer on the neckline. "Ah! Found it!" She soon informed in relief.

ZZZZIIIIIPPPPP!

"Oh thank God, sweet release!" Homura breathed out before grabbing the costume's head and popping it off.

BOING!

"W-Why are you naked!?" Ann asked in a panic with a blush on her face.

"My clothes wouldn't survive in there..." Homura panted out. "My heat resistance cannot withstand such prolonged torture." She then revealed while wiping the sweat off her body.

"It was so hot that your own heat resistance couldn't take it?" Ann soon asked in disbelief with widened eyes.

"This suit barely lets me breathe!" Homura soon revealed. "No wonder they hired me on the spot. Suckering stupid and desperate teenagers to wearing this piece of garbage." She then grumbled as she kicked the suit.

"Have you thought about quitting?" Ann suggested.

"It's the only available job open...and I don't want to mooch off Sis anymore." Homura however pointed out. "And I don't feel like modeling is for me. That's your domain, Asuka."

"Homu-nee..." Asuka whispered out in a worried tone.

"How much are they even paying you?" Ann questioned, although given what she saw she knew whatever answer she got it would be not enough.

"950 yen an hour." Homura answered.

"Minimum wage is around a thousand..." Asuka pointed out as she narrowed her eyes.

"Look, I'm not quitting because this job sucks. I just have to pull up my panties and make it count." Homura got out in determination, although her shaking body told them otherwise.

"If you were wearing any..." Ann deadpanned.

BZZT! BZZT!

Suddenly, inside the suit, they heard something vibrate.

"Wait, what do you have in there?" The ash blonde got out as she began to blush even more.

"My phone. Oh God, I'm still on the clock!" Homura groaned while her sister's eyebrow raised. It had only been five minutes. "I need to get back out there. I'll see you at home, Sis." She soon informed as she climbed back into the costume and popped the head back on.

"Good luck..." Asuka and Ann replied in worried tones as the mascot waddled out of the room.

(Central Street)

Once the coast was clear, the two models snuck out of the locker room and went back into the street, seeing Biggles™ the Space Bear entertaining the crowd once more. "You think Homura will last the summer?" Ann soon asked.

"I...don't know." Asuka hesitantly confessed. "...She's a good entertainer though..." She then added.

"I'm back for more fun and games at Big Bang Burger: where our service will send you out of the galaxy!" Biggles™ declared.

"It tastes like shit!" A random passerby called out before spitting on the mascot's eye.

"Why are you all just standing around? Biggles™ the Space Bear can tell you that it's much cooler inside Big Bang Burger. We're having a special on ice-cream for a limited amount of time, see in store for more details, Big Bang Burger LTD is not responsible for any injuries caused or related to ice-cream and all foodstuffs within the premises." Biggles™ the Space Bear informed happily, although to the two models they knew with each word a little bit of her soul was taken away.

"DOGPILE!" One boy suddenly exclaimed.

"W-What are you doing kids!?" Biggles™ exclaimed as the kids tugged on his fur. "Biggles™ the Space Bear must have at least six feet of space to perform!" He soon informed.

"His fur is really soft!" A little girl noticed, taking out a tuft of it.

"I bet this bear is a robot!" A very energetic boy got out as he began punching the bear, with his parents simply laughing and watching.

"Biggles™ the Space Bear isn't a punching ba- AGH!" Biggles™ tried to say, only to be kicked right between the legs. "W-Wow, you're...really strong! Have you been eating our latest addition to the menu? Ow..." He groaned before collapsing to the ground, where more kids proceeded to pile on the poor worker.

And from where they were standing, Asuka and Ann were the only ones who could hear sobbing from within the costume.

"Good luck Homu-neechan..." Asuka whispered as the two models looked on in sympathetic manners.

Meanwhile, a distance away, Akira looked at the scene in confusion while the kids hugged and punched the mascot. "How is Big Bang Burger getting away with ripping off the the Junes mascot?" He silently wondered before continuing on his way.

Akira decided to spend the day relaxing and shopping around. He had a healthy amount of cash after fixing Futaba's distortion, so he thought he deserved a little shopping spree before he went and committed to doing something like hanging out with a Confidant or watching a DVD. "I think I reached my maximum potential in my Charm and Proficiency, maybe I should work on my Knowledge..." He muttered.

"Hey! Akira!" A familiar voice called out as the Leader left Untouchable. He looked around and saw Miyabi walking up to him. "I've been waiting for you." She then stated.

"Miyabi." Akira replied with a curt nod. "Do you want something from me?" He soon asked in a curious tone.

"No, it's just...I need a favor." Miyabi replied.

Akira in turn raised an eyebrow. "A favor?" He repeated.

"Don't worry, this thing won't take up too much of your time." Miyabi stated. "So, are you up for it?" She then asked.

Akira knew that this could be his chance to deepen his connection to the white haired woman. However, he had the strange feeling of impending doom in the back of his mind. However, his Guts and Kindness let him push through it despite his better judgement.

"Um...I'm gonna walk around for a bit. I'll meet you back here later." Morgana got out before jumping out of his bag a little too quickly.

"Of course Morgana would sense the danger..." Akira thought before shaking his head.

"Akira, this won't kill you." Miyabi reassured before her eyes drifted to the left. "Probably." She then muttered.

"...I trust you." Akira finally decided, despite his better instincts urging him to run away. "So, what do you want?" He soon asked.

"Look, my Persona and I aren't in the best shape to really help you and the Thieves, and you saw what happened at the pyramid. I...I suck, okay? I'm not as strong as I should be." Miyabi explained. "I guess Blood Riot still has lingering effects." She then deducted.

"And how do you propose we fix that?" Akira asked.

"Easy. I want you to fight me." Miyabi soon declared. "Shinobi Kekkai!" She soon declared as she made a hand sign.

"Wait, what?" Akira managed to get out before they both disappeared.

(Miyabi's Shinobi Kekkai)

(Cue Darkness of the Unknown by Yoko Shimomura)

"WHOA!" Akira exclaimed as he covered his eyes before looking to see where he was. "This is your Kekkai..." He muttered as he looked at the dark purple and black void around them. They appeared to be standing on what seemed to be like a pillar with darkness passing their feet coming from the center.

"Alright. Time for some serious business." Miyabi spoke up as she summoned her katana and sheath.

"H-Hey! Wait!" Akira exclaimed. "I'm not ready for this!" He then declared.

"Yes you are. You carry your weapons with you everywhere." Miyabi pointed out. "Now come on, give it everything you got!" She soon ordered.

"M-Miyabi, this is a bad idea..." Akira got out hesitantly.

"Joker, you have to go at me with the intent to kill because if you don't...I'll do it first." Miyabi threatened. "Kaito Change!" She declared.

FWOOSH!

"SHIT!" Akira swore, barely dodging out of the way of Serpent's sword.

"Come on! Kill me, or die here! Your choice!" Serpent growled as she pointed her weapon at the Leader.

"Ugh, I hate that I'm prepared for this! Kaito Change!" Akira shouted out as he pulled out his pistol and dagger.

FWOOSH!

"Fine, Serpent. But don't blame me for the bruises." Joker got out as he went into his battle stance.

"I'll be shocked if you do leave a few!" Serpent responded with a smirk. "Now come at me with everything you've got!" She then called out.

Joker nodded before taking a deep breath. "Okay, just win against a trained killer. How hard can that be?" He thought before charging in, swinging his knife around just as skillfully as he did in the Metaverse.

However, Serpent merely dodge every strike, not even using her katana to shove his weapon away. "Heh, you're pretty good for a thief." She remarked.

"And you're pretty nimble for a twenty year old." Joker responded.

"...Did you just call me old?" Serpent however questioned as her eye twitched.

Joker blinked as he slowly realised what he just said. Why did he talk without thinking? "No, wait, that came out-!" He tried to apologize, however...

POW!

And that earned him a fist to the face, sending him across the ground. "Okay, off limits. Got it." Joker grunted in pain, resetting his jaw back into place.

"I'M NOT A CHRISTMAS CAKE YET, DAMMIT!" Serpent growled. "Nobunaga! To me!" She then commanded as she tore off her mask.

"You didn't say anything about Personas!" Joker called out.

"Don't think I won't use any advantage, and neither will our enemy! PERSONA!" Serpent soon declared as her Persona raised his sword. "STRIKE HIM DOWN!" She then commanded as Nobunaga prepared a Megaton Raid.

"Hell no! Persona!" Joker responded, switching to Albion and having the Persona take the attack for him. "You're about to eat those words, Serpent!" He then declared.

"The only thing I'll be eating is your thoroughly beaten ass!" Serpent however countered. For a second, both themselves and their Personas stopped in their tracks and looked at her. "Erm, that came out wrong! Kouga!" She then called out, blushing a little.

SHINE!

"Guh!" Joker grunted as his eyes recovered from the flash of light. "Not enough, Serpent!" He got out with a smirk.

"Oh, that wasn't the attack." Serpent responded from behind the Leader before placing her katana on his shoulder. "This is." She then declared with a smirk.

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

"AH!" Joker yelped as he barely managed to dodge being sliced into ribbons. However, she still managed to slice up parts of his coat and nick his skin. "Almost got me there..." He breathed out, feeling a little blood drip from his wounds.

"Heh. Leader of the Phantom Thieves can't even handle a little cut." Serpent taunted. "Is that all you have to offer? Because you're beginning to bore me." She soon got out.

"Well...let's have some fun then." Joker responded with a smirk. "Persona! Lachesis, Bufula!"

"Now we're talking!" Serpent declared with an excited smirk. "Nobunaga! Eiga!" She soon commanded.

DOOM!

"Arsene, take it!" Joker ordered, switching Persona just in time to reduce the damage he took. "Gah! Now, for the counter! Snap!" He then called out as his initial Persona pointed his fingers at the white haired woman.

SNAP! BANG!

"Ow! Ah! Dammit! Was that a Gun attack!?" Serpent got out in pain.

"Yep. And thank god you do not have your minigun." Joker replied in relief.

"Oh, I am so bringing it next time." Serpent promised while tightening the grip on her katana, just as dark energy began to circle around it. "Mahamaon!" She soon commanded while ripping her mask off and charged in.

"Shit." Joker swore as he began to be surrounded by paper seals while light began to shine underneath him. He swiftly jumped away as soon as the move completed, barely saving himself before getting knocked out.

"Your mistake!" Serpent called out as she intercepted him in midair.

"Albion!" Joker quickly got out as he switched back to his Adjustment Persona.

"Stop! Hiding! Behind! Your! Personas!" Serpent demanded as she slashed at Albion, which took each swing of her weapon like it was nothing.

"They're the only chance I have of winning!" Joker admitted before landing on the ground. "Now, MAKAJAMA!" He then commanded, Kaiwan nodding and casting it upon the woman.

"What?" Serpent got out before becoming confused and stopped herself. "W-Whoa...What the- Where am I? Who are you!? Why am I dressed like this!?" She began asking as she started groping herself. "And when did I have such nice tits?" She soon asked.

"Man, these effects are brutal." Joker couldn't help but think as the woman felt herself up. "Kaiwan, Psiodyne." He soon commanded.

WEEEEEEEPPPPPP!

"Guh! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" Serpent screamed, clutching her head as she went down. The Leader winced as he recalled his Persona, allowing the woman to recover a little. "B-Bastard..." She grunted out.

"Sorry, but you said it yourself! I can't win unless I come at you with the intent to kill!" Joker countered. "Once more! Tetrakarn!" He then called out as a shield surrounded him.

"Oh, I can easily break that! Nobunaga! MEGATON RAID!" Serpent got out with a cocky smile.

REFLECT!

"GAH!" The white haired grunted in pain as her own attack was reflected into her Persona's face, causing her nose to bleed profusely. "What the-" She then got out in shock as she wiped her messy face.

"You still have a lot to learn before you can stand a chance!" Joker simply explained before switching Personas once more and tore off his mask. "Otohime! ZIODYNE!" He then snapped his fingers.

ZAP!

"AAAGGGHHH!" Serpent screamed in pain as millions of volts were sent through her body, paralyzing her.

"This is the end!" Joker declared as his dagger was coated in dark energy, slashing the woman twice before thrusting it right into her gut!

SLASH! SLASH! STAB!

"A-Agh!" Serpent stumbled back, clutching her stomach. However, it gave Joker the opening he needed to finish the fight.

"RRRRRAAAAHHHHH!" Joker roared, rearing back his fist and...

WHAM!

(End Music)

(Shibuya, Central Street)

Instantly, when Miyabi fell, the Kekkai shattered and left them back where they were only minutes ago.

"I...I won?" Akira heaved as he put away his knife. "Holy shit, I won!" He soon realised before groaning and held his knees to support himself.

"You...got...lucky..." Miyabi struggled out, rubbing her cheek. His punch wouldn't leave a bruise, but she couldn't go on any longer.

"Let me help you up." Akira offered, making sure to grab anywhere but the boobs, and helped her up. "You okay?" He then asked in concern.

"That fight...my heart..." Miyabi panted out. "It's...whoa...! I think Nobunaga got stronger!" She soon informed.

The Leader in response blinked to this reveal. "You're kidding." Akira deadpanned.

"Yeah. I feel like I have more energy. Like I can do more. It isn't like when I feel stronger." Miyabi got out, giggling as she felt a little bit of power flow through her body. "We...We have to do this again! And again! And again!" She then declared, growing more and more excited.

"Oh no...oh no...oh no..." Akira couldn't help but think.

"Um, don't worry though. I'll give you something in return for your time though." Miyabi assured as she rummaged through her pockets. "Erm...how about this: In exchange for these little fights, I'll pay you if you win." She then suggested.

"...What are you offering?" Akira asked, looking a little interested.

"Money...treasures from the Metaverse..." Miyabi answered before frowning. "I'll be sure to find some better stuff to reward you with, but here's something that should suffice for now."

"A Katana Keychain...?" Akira got out as held the object.

"I found it near some trash, but it still looks good." Miyabi admitted, causing the Leader to take out a handkerchief and wipe the keychain clean. "So...is it a deal?" She then awkwardly asked.

Akira hummed as he thought about it. While there was a likelihood that he would be killed doing this or at least hospitalised, it's not too different from a trip to Mementos. Plus, it would allow Miyabi to become a more effective ally in the long run. Plus, if he was fast enough, it wouldn't disrupt his schedule. "...Alright. Deal." He agreed as he held out his hand.

"Thank you." Miyabi responded with a smile as she took his hand and shook it.

(Fast Forward)

"Even now, only inches away from prison, you keep a calm facade." Sae noted as the boy stared directly into her eyes. "You must have endured trials that pale in comparison to what you've been through tonight." She then assumed.

"I'm a lot stronger than you think." Akira however claimed.

"You've made that apparent." Sae stated before leaning closer. "However, not many people-let alone a teenager-can control their emotions this well. And all those bruises you have...you didn't even rub your wrists when I took off those cuffs." She then remarked. "What hell have you gone through?" She soon questioned.

Akira only smirked in response.

(Rewind)

SHATTER!

I am thou, thou art I...
Thou hast acquired a new now.

It shall become the wings of rebellion
that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Lust Persona
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
shall lead to freedom and new power...

RANK 1

"Le Désir..." Akira muttered before the card faded from his view.

"Wow, you do space out a lot..." Miyabi remarked, snapping the Leader out of his thoughts.

"Yeah. After all, I already have a plan to beat you next time." Akira responded with a smirk.

"Ooh, initiative. I like that in my sparring partners." Miyabi admitted with her own smirk, "There's gonna be more of these spars coming up so you better prepare yourself." She then suggested before leaving the area, probably to do the same thing.

Seeing that not too much of his time wasn't taken up, Akira decided to do something else for today. Maybe fishing.

CRACK!

...Or Takemi. Takemi and Haruka sound pretty good right now.

(Takura Production, Photography Studio)

"Yumi! We just called you." Inoue got out in surprise as their latest talent arrived. "You're fast." He then pointed out.

"I did say I'd be here before you know it." Yumi giggled out in amusement.

"Just like Rise when she was making her comeback." Inoue admitted with a chuckle. "Now come on, our photographer is getting set up right now, so we need you in a dress." He soon instructed.

"A dress?" Yumi repeated with a raised eyebrow.

"For your debut." Inoue clarified.

"I-I see, so you need to get my measurements." Yumi got out with a blush. "I...apologize if you have nothing that can fit my...figure." She then suddenly added as she looked down. Curse these oversized...

"Don't worry, we have costumes and clothing for all sizes. I doubt we don't have at least something we can't modify to fit you properly." Inoue replied and reassured.

"I...hope you do." The idol-in-training got out.

"Hey! Miss Tsukikage!" An intern suddenly called out, running up to the two. "Someone's calling you for a video chat." They informed before rushing off to do something else.

"It's Tsukikaze." Inoue sighed and corrected.

"Oh, a video chat?" Yumi repeated in a curious manner as she was given the tablet. Shrugging to herself, she answered the call without much thought.

And instantly, she recognised who was calling her.

"Huh? Rise-sensei?" Yumi gasped. It appeared that she was at some sort of department store, wearing sunglasses and a hat. "Wait, why didn't she call my phone...?" She soon mentally realised before shaking it off.

"Hi...Urgh..." The experienced singer groaned as she held her head. "Still away, not coming back until the start of next month. But I wanna know what you've been doing since I left." She then explained.

"I've been...busy." Yumi admitted. "But I'm throwing myself into my training. Don't worry!" She soon reassured with confidence.

"Ow! Too loud..." Rise winced, causing Yumi to give her an apologetic look, before taking a swig of water. "I uh...I partied too hard last night." She winced out her explanation.

"You had water! We didn't even give you the shit sake from the convenience store!" Yumi suddenly heard a man call out from off-screen.

"It was real to me!" Rise pouted. "Anyways, what's happening?" She soon asked.

"I'm about to get my dress fitted for my debut concert." Yumi answered.

"Oh! I remember my own debut." Rise got out in a nostalgic manner before wincing. "I tried sliding on my knees in the middle of a song. It burned like hell...turns out you need special flooring for that." She then sheepishly revealed.

Yumi in response winced as well to just imagining that happening. "Well, I'll make sure not to do that on my debut."

"Tsukikaze-san! You're needed over at the dressing room! Please head there now!" Inoue called out and instructed.

"Hai!" Yumi called back before looking back at the tablet. "Well, I better get going." She soon informed.

"Oh come on, I gotta see your dress you'll be wearing for your debut!" Rise however responded.

"Don't worry, I'll keep the video chat going."

"I hope. The internet here isn't the-" Rise began before her connection began to fail. A few seconds later, it reconnected. "-The boobs and the butt." She then continued.

"...Eh?" Yumi got out in confusion. "My apologies Rise-san, but you disconnected for a moment." She soon informed while walking.

"Huh? Oh, sorry. That must've sounded a little weird. I was just replying to a friend." Rise explained before narrowing her eyes. "Oh, you're already in the dressing room. That was fast."

"I'm a very fast person." Yumi simply answered.

"Ah, you're here!" A rather conservatively dressed woman greeted. "We're in a hurry here, so please do as I say." She then ordered.

"Hai." Yumi responded as she put the tablet down so that Rise could watch.

"Good. Now, put your arms up. I'll be taking your measurements." The seamstress then got out as she brought out her measuring tape.

"Hai." Yumi responded with a nod as she did as instructed, allowing the woman to wrap the measuring tape around her.

"Around Yugiri-chan's size, give or take a few points..." The seamstress muttered.

"Wow, you're really developed Yumi-chan." Rise admitted in amazement. "Your bust is 92 centimeters, while your waist is 56 centimeters and hips are 84 centimeters. Really impressive for a high schooler." She then listed off.

The light gray haired girl in response blinked after hearing this. "You're...not envious?" Yumi asked in a surprised tone.

"Erm...let's just say I've dealt with such feelings a long...long...long time ago." Rise sheepishly answered, looking almost embarrassed.

"Okay, this should do. Put this on and we'll sew it to fit your size." The seamstress soon got out as she handed the light grey haired girl a dress she hadn't seen before. "I'll leave to give you some privacy." She then got out before leaving the dressing room.

"Thank you." Yumi sighed before seeing that Rise was still on the screen. "Um...senpai?" She got out.

"What?" Rise looked a little confused before gasping. "Oh, right, that's still a thing. I won't look." She then assured before putting her phone face down on the table.

And with that, Yumi stripped out of her usual clothes and into the idol outfit.

"Goodness, does Asuka-san have to deal with these types of dresses at her job?" Yumi wondered as she adjusted her clothes around her breasts. She had needed to take her bra off in order for it to not ruin the look of the outfit.

"Asuka...?" Rise repeated with a raised eyebrow.

"Hai. She's a model part-time." Yumi explained as she put on the boots.

"Wait, you're friends with her!? T-The one on the front page of Vague this month!?" Rise asked in amazement.

"Yes, Asuka-san's a really good friend." Yumi replied with a smile. "She and Ann Takamaki are both close friends of mine." She then added.

"Oh yeah, I've been hearing more about her too." Rise replied as she looked off to the side. "Wait...doesn't she go to Shujin...?" She soon asked in a curious tone.

"They do, but if you think they're part of the Phantom Thieves, you'd be sorely mistaken." Yumi automatically answered and denied.

"I wasn't thinking that at all. Although, looks can be deceiving." Rise giggled as the light grey haired girl mentally face palmed. "I only mentioned it cause I have a friend that-" She then began, however at that moment...

"Hey, who are you chatting with!?" Another male voice called out.

"Ah! Don't scream, Yosuke! And this is private!" Rise groaned and responded.

"What the- Hot damn! She has the same boobs as-" Yosuke began before noticing the light grey haired girl.

"What was that?" A deep yet feminine voice growled.

"N-Nothing, sensei!" Yosuke squeaked, his tone obviously filled with years of terror in it.

"Jeez, it's been five years and you've barely even changed..." Rise sighed while shaking her head.

"Hm, were those your friends?" Yumi guessed.

"Yeah, I've known them for years." Rise replied with a giggle. "They helped me out a lot. I hope you have friends that will stick with you, no matter what." She then revealed and added.

"I...I promise you I have." Yumi hesitantly responded with a nod.

"Well, I have to go. I'll be back before your debut. I wouldn't miss it for the world." Rise soon got out in an apologetic tone. "Also, you look awesome, Yumi-chan!" She then praised.

"Thank you. And I hope we get to sing together one day. Have a good day now." Yumi replied before ending the call. It was right then she realised she had finished putting on the outfit.

She studied herself in the mirror to admire the dress. It was mostly white and light blue in color, with separate sleeves that ran up to her elbow, a decorative white bow on her back and thigh-high heeled boots.

"I'm done!" The idol-in-training informed after a few minutes.

The seamstress walked back in and gave the dress a once over. "Okay, looks good...that bow needs a little adjusting but that's an easy fix. Give it a twirl. We don't want it to fall apart...not like two years ago..." The woman advised with a shiver. The last one didn't even shave...

"Hm?" Yumi hummed out with a raised eyebrow before shaking her head. It would be best not to ask and just give the dress a little bit of a test.

"So, how does it feel?" The seamstress soon asked.

"Hmm..." Yumi hummed out. "It feels a little loose at the waist." She soon revealed. "But it really is a cute outfit." She then praised.

"Thank you. Now let me fix that up." The seamstress replied as she got to work.

Yumi nodded as she lifted up her arms once more. "Ah!" She got out.

"Oops, sorry I pricked...you..." The seamstress began to apologize, only to notice the bent needle in her hand, causing her eye to twitch as she then sighed. 90 degrees...again. "Just like with Mai-chan and the others..." She muttered to herself as she went back to work.

"What the- nevermind, let me firm up the chest a little...too much movement." The seamstress muttered as she held the light grey haired girl still and modified the dress a little. "That should do it. Give it a test."

"Okay." Yumi responded before swaying her hips...which caused her breasts to sway as well. It was actually a little more wild this time.

"I...I don't..." The seamstress got out in disbelief as the girl's breasts swung around as if it was unrestricted.

"Don't worry. It...I don't know why it happens." Yumi meekly got out with a blush.

The seamstress however sighed to this. "No no, I should be used to this after designing Milky Pop's costumes." She then replied.

"Who?"

"No one you should worry about right now. Focus on yourself before you worry about others." The seamstress advised. "What the hell are teenagers eating these days, anyways...and where can I get some of that...?" She then muttered.

"My diet is perfectly normal!" Yumi insisted with a blush. Why do so many people come up to her for dieting tips?

Eventually, the woman finished and stepped back. "Well, that's as good as it's going to get." The seamstress sighed. "Now get out there and knock 'em dead." She then encouraged.

"Thank you." Yumi replied with a bow before heading out of the dressing room.

"Yumi! Over here!" Inoue called out, standing next to a rather eccentric-looking man fiddling with the settings of his camera. "Wow, I knew you'd look great in one but...wow!" He soon complimented as the girl ran up to them.

"Thank you, Inoue-san." Yumi replied with a gentle smile before noticing the man. "Is he the photographer?" She soon asked.

FLASH!

"AH!" Yumi yelped as she covered her eyes. "Why...?" She muttered as she blinked a couple of times.

"You need to work on your reaction time." The photographer stated as he adjusted his F-stops. "An idol must always be ready to be photographed!" He then instructed.

"And a photographer shouldn't blind our talents." Inoue sighed. "God, why do we keep contracting the weirdos..." He then muttered.

"Because I'm usually the best." The photographer responded as an intern came over and gave Yumi a prop microphone to model with. "Come now, stand on the green-screen stage so we may begin." He then instructed as he put his camera on the tripod.

"Everything is a little blurry right now, Photographer-san..." Yumi mumbled as she stumbled into the bright green area before shaking her head.

"Now, hit me with your best shot. Use your body like the weapon it is! Kill me! Slaughter me with the brightest smile on your face!" The photographer ordered.

"Huh?" A passing intern got out as Yumi did a little pose.

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

"I need more cuteness from you, come on! Give me teddy bears and rainbows!" The photographer insisted.

Yumi gasped. Her cuteness training now had a chance to shine. "Hewwo!" She then declared while unleashing her cutest pose!

BANG!

"Ack!" The photographer choked. "Like an arrow from a baby with mysteriously good aim and a crossbow loaded with serotonin bolts, it has struck my heart! That's perfect! He then praised.

"That's a very weird analogy, dude..." The intern couldn't help but remark.

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

"Now give me a cold! Give ice and drown me in the oceans of Antarctica, which is slowly melting unless you cool the planet all by yourself!" The photographer then called out.

"W-What the...?" The extremely confused and weirded out intern got out.

Nodding to that, Yumi gained a serious expression. "Yumi, sink into the dreams of sleeping souls." She thought to herself as she did her usual shinobi pose without her fans, holding her hand out in a gesture to have others come to her.

"There! That's what I like to see! So cool!" The cameraman declared in excitement while taking the pictures with gusto.

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

"Even I'm feeling a chill from that..." The intern admitted in awe, shivering a bit.

"Someone turn down the A/C!" Inoue ordered. "I know it's warm outside, but this is starting to become a winter wonderland!" He then called out and informed.

"Not bad Yumi-chan! You could be a model on par with a rising model I know!" The photographer praised and revealed.

"Does everyone know all my friends?" Yumi meanwhile thought in a curious tone as she swapped poses to a more elegant one.

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

"And that's it!" The photographer praised before taking a second to check the photos. "Well done! That should be all the shots we need."

Yumi bowed to that as she relaxed. "That was my first photoshoot. Any criticism?"

"Well...there were some poses that felt more forced than natural..." The photographer noted. "But like you said Yumi-chan, it was your first photoshoot. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it soon enough." He then stated.

"Thank you. I'll take that to heart." Yumi replied with a nod. The idol-in-training then looked at her hand and knew what she needed to do. "Cuteness...I need more cuteness." Yumi thought, clenching her hand into a fist as a fire burned in her eyes.

"...I'm a little scared." The photographer whispered to her manager. "I like it. Give me more of that passion!" He then declared before snapping several pictures of the freakishly determined girl.

Inoue meanwhile chuckled at the sight. "Yup, just like Rise with her comeback." He muttered in a nostalgic tone. "Come now, we need you to get to the recording studio!" He soon instructed.

"So soon?" Yumi meanwhile asked.

"Yes! Like I said, we have a busy day today! Move it!" Inoue responded and ordered.

"H-Hai!" Yumi stammered out as she followed her manager. Even though it didn't involve fighting, it definitely required the same amount of hard work as a shinobi.

Still, with a determined smile, she dived into it with all she had.

(7/29, Evening)

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

BOOM! FLASH!

"Look at that rain..." Asuka mumbled as she looked out the window. It was definitely torrential rain out there, and she was worried that her sister would be walking home through it. "Moh...I hope she grabbed an umbrella..." She then mumbled.

As soon as she said that, the front door swung open to reveal a very wet, very miserable-looking Homura.

"Homu-neechan! Are you okay!?" Asuka exclaimed.

Homura simply stumbled into the apartment and instantly crashed onto the couch. "Urgh..." She groaned, almost sobbing as her body recovered. "At least...the mascot thing...I can do that on whatever days I want for the summer..." She tried to state the bright side despite the tears running down her cheeks.

Asuka was fanning her exhausted sister as they sat on the couch. "You should stay home for the night." She soon suggested. "Moh! You should've complained about the conditions of wearing that suit!" She then added.

"I did when I saw the damn thing! They said it wasn't the manager's decision, it was the higher ups at Oku- whatever Foods." Homura explained in a frustrated manner. "I've set myself on fire more than once, but that stupid suit bypasses all of that training!" She then revealed and declared.

"You...set yourself on fire?" Asuka repeated with a horrified expression.

"Erm, mostly by accident when I was just starting out to get used to my fire element...started using saunas to train..." Homura sheepishly admitted. "But that's not the point! Urgh...if one more kid touches my crotch, they're getting punted..." She then sighed as she rubbed her forehead.

"D-Don't hurt the kids!" Asuka called out.

"I didn't mean it. Just...sort of venting here." Homura mumbled. "I wonder if Yumi-senpai could handle it better. It's been a while since I had any elegance training. Maybe I should see her..." She soon got out.

"Not now, Homu-neechan. It's late and you look exhausted." Asuka got out with a frown. "Come on, let's just stay inside and watch a movie tonight. It's way too hot to do anything else anyways." She soon suggested.

"You know what, that sounds lovely." Homura breathed out as she stretched her limbs. "But going back out to rent a DVD isn't an option. Maybe there's something on TV tonight." She soon guessed. "I'll see her tomorrow night." She then decided.

"Yeah." Asuka replied as she grabbed the remote and turned on the TV.

And instantly, their moods were ruined upon seeing the detective's face on the screen. "Sonova-" Homura almost swore out, but stopped herself in the end. Why do they have to see him every time they turn it on!?

"There's still no response from the Phantom Thieves to Medjed. What do you make of this?" The interviewer asked in a curious manner.

"Most likely, the Phantom Thieves simply don't have the means of confronting them. After all, Medjed is quite different from anyone they've gone up against thus far. It seems their best option is to reveal their identities before more people are needlessly harmed." Akechi answered in a serious tone.

"Dammit...does he really have to keep nailing it in the head..." Homura grumbled.

"Don't worry! I'm sure Futaba-chan can bail us out." Asuka reassured before flipping the channel. "So, anything you want to watch?" She soon asked.

"As long as it isn't a horror movie, I'm fine with anything." Homura immediately replied.

"Uh...Does Trial of the Dragon 6: Song of Life sound good then?" Asuka soon asked.

Homura in response nodded. "Yep. A dumb kung-fu movie might be the best medicine for a terrible day." She replied as she leaned in and rested her head on her sister's shoulder.

"Hey, it wasn't all bad." Asuka giggled.

"You don't have to work with kids." Homura mumbled. "They were all over me...touching..." She then shivered.

"Okay, let me get you a blanket." Asuka sighed as she got off the couch and into their bedroom.

BZZT! BZZT!

"Ugh, right before the movie starts..." Homura grumbled as she pulled out her phone.

[Shut7heFUp: Hey, any updates on Futaba?]

[TheWildJ0ker: She's still asleep.]

[Shut7heFUp: What!? Dude, it's been a whole day already!]

[Sweetkat06: You're way too impatient...]

[Road2Queen: Calm down.]

[Negative8Degrees: It is concerning that Futaba-san hasn't recovered yet...]

[DarkEyeXI: Hey, I can vouch for her.]

[DarkEyeXI: Getting up after a few years of doing nothing and being fed with a tube is pretty difficult.]

[SushiRoll23: I don't think Boss fed Futaba-chan with a tube...]

[THeWildJ0ker: Patience is a virtue here. Let her take her time.]

[All4Painting: Yes. Let us drink some tea and calm our minds. Oh, some rice crackers with the tea would be lovely as well.]

[Shut7heFUp: What?]

[All4Painting: I am most certainly in the mood]

[Road2Queen: Anyway, we should wait a little longer for Futaba to wake up.]

[All4Painting: for something salty today.]

[FireGirl20: And if she doesn't get up before the deadline?]

[Shut7heFUp: We splash coffee in her face, I dunno...]

(...)

[DarkEyeXI: Do not actually splash coffee in her face.]

[TheWildJ0ker: So no iced coffee?]

[FireGirl20: I really hope Futaba doesn't look at these conversations after she wakes up...]

Asuka meanwhile giggled to that last big as the two turned off their phones.

"Hey, it's something to be concerned about." Homura countered. "We need Futaba to wake up before Medjed carries out their attack." She then reminded.

"It's fine. I mean, it's not like Futaba-chan will be out for the rest of the month, right?" Asuka pointed out. "She isn't that unhealthy." She soon got out.

"I guess you're right. But she will need to hit the gym." Homura grumbled. "Ooh! Movie's starting! Gah, I wish I bought snacks on my way home." She declared and added.

"We better not ruin our appetite. I'm making curry for dinner." Asuka assured as they settled in for the movie. "I should go work at Leblanc again sometime." She thought to herself.

For now though, it was movie time.

(Yongen-Jaya, Backstreets)

"A-Ahhhh..." Akira breathed out as he took in the night air, despite it raining so heavily. "What am I going to do tonight...?" He asked no one in particular, since Morgana was sleeping inside Leblanc.

"Moooh! I'm really lost!" A childish voice whined in frustration. "Why did it start raining now...!?"

Akira blinked as he turned towards the source of the voice. It was a young, short girl with a pale yellow off shoulder top with a graphic of a hamster throwing candy on it, a short jean skirt, white thigh high socks and pale blue shoes. She was staring intently at a subway map, with that her clothes were extremely wet from the rain, exposing her dark pink lace underwear.

Akira quickly rushed over with his own umbrella and held it over her. "Here." He got out.

"Hm? Oh, thank you." The short girl replied with a smile.

"Let's get you somewhere a little drier." Akira then suggested as he guided her over to the laundromat near the bath house.

"You're very kind, mister." The young girl got out.

"It's Akira." The glasses-wearing boy corrected with a wince God, that made him sound old.

"Okay, Akira. I'm Minori...erm...Minori...Hamusutā! Yeah." Minori informed, remembering the family name she gave herself.

Akira raised an eyebrow to that. "Okay..." He muttered before shaking it off. "It's a little late to be wandering around, especially in the middle of this rain." He then pointed out.

"I didn't know it would rain today!" The girl pouted. "Moh...usually Yozakura or Shiki would tell me the weather..." She then got out.

"Yozakura...?" The Leader repeated as he soon looked down and saw how big her chest was. "...I assume you go to the same school as Yozakura-chan and Murakumo-chan, then." Akira stated.

"Eh?" Minori got out as she tilted her head before her expression brightened. "Ah! Are you the same Akira-kun the others have met!?" She soon asked.

Akira however chuckled to that. "I guess they talked about me?" He responded in a sheepish manner.

The young girl in response happily nodded. "Yeah, Yozakura and Murakumo looked like they were much happier ever since they came back from Tokyo." She revealed.

"Huh, glad to know that visiting Yumi perked them up." Akira chuckled. "So, what brings you to Yongen?" He eventually asked.

"Um...I'm looking for a doctor..." Minori soon revealed.

That in turn got the Leader;'s attention. "Hm? Tae Takemi?" Akira guessed with a raised eyebrow.

"Who?" Minori got out in confusion. "Um, actually I'm lost. Do you know where the Doctor, um...Oyamada works?" She soon asked.

It took Akira a few seconds to register what she just said. "Oh." He finally got out. "...Well, I know a place where you can get some quality medicine. Come on." He then suggested as he jerked his thumb over his shoulder.

"That would be great, Akira-kun!" Minori happily replied before looking a little concerned. "But, um, I was looking for Doctor Oyamada..." She then muttered.

"He's dead for all I care." Akira darkly mumbled under his breath.

"What?" Minori spoke up, not sure if she heard that right.

"I mean he recently left the medical field. Tragic story, really." Akira quickly answered.

"Oh..." Minori got out, looking a little sad.

"Don't worry though. I know a doctor or two who can work miracles." Akira assured and revealed. "I'll lead you there right now. It's not that far." He then offered.

"Thank you." Minori replied as the glasses-wearing boy held his umbrella over them as they made their way to the clinic.

(Takemi's Medical Clinic)

Within the clinic, Takemi was reading through a paper about the advances of prosthetics limbs while eating an apple. Due to all the rain outside, she doubted anyone would come today without worsening their condition further. There were probably going to be some sick people tomorrow morning, which would definitely help fund the development of new drugs.

RING RING!

"Ah, good evening Akira." Takemi greeted, already putting down the paper. "You need something else?" She then asked.

"No, just leading a customer here." Akira answered.

"Akira, my clinic is doing fine now." Takemi sighed, although there was an unseen smile along with a silent Thanks to you. "Don't bring every sick kid here." She then got out.

"Hey, I don't know any other clinic nearby." Akira pointed out.

"And I'm not sick." Minori added with a pout. "I'm just here for some medicine. I can pay for it." She then revealed.

"We'll see about that." Takemi responded before getting off her seat and leaving the reception area.

Akira chuckled a little at that. "I have to go do something so I can't really stay." He then got out in an apologetic tone.

"It's okay. Thank you for taking me here." Minori however replied in a grateful manner.

"It's no problem." Akira responded. "I would like to see you again while you're here though." He then admitted.

"I'd like to as well!" Minori happily confessed with a smile.

Akira smiled back, feeling his bond strengthen with the girl.

RANK UP!

CUPS RANK 3!

"I hope to see you again Akira-nii!" Minori replied while waving to him.

To that, The boy smiled as he headed out. "Hehe, first Mirai and now Minori." Akira thought to himself in amusement before heading out of the clinic, conveniently leaving his umbrella behind.

"So, what do you need?" Takemi asked. "Keep in mind that the prices I set are necessary. I do try to make sure my drugs have no side effects." She then warned.

"Okay, do you have medicine for..." Minori began before pulling out a piece of paper. "Hypertension, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and stage 4...kaa-suh-noh-muh?" She then listed off.

"Sure, I may have a few-" Takemi started before pausing. "...What was that last one?" She soon asked.

"Carcinoma?" Minori answered with a raised eyebrow. "I'm doing my best to pronounce it. I can't pronounce the rest though." She sheepishly admitted.

"No, you...you pronounced it right." Takemi stated. "Um...how old are you?" She then questioned.

"I'm 15!" Minori innocently revealed.

Takemi in response raised an eyebrow to this information. "Okay." She soon got out. "Well, as a doctor, I have to explain to you that-" She then started.

"What is it?" the childish girl got out as she tilted her head.

Takemi soon realised to her horror that she could finish her sentence. "Oh no, she's cute." She thought as her eye twitched. "W-Well...you see...um...the thing is...it's not..." She tried to set her down gently but her heart was interfering with her brain.

"Is something wrong?" Minori asked, looking a little confused on why the doctor was stammering like her friend without her mask.

"...Let me check the back." Takemi eventually requested.

"Okay! I'll be right here!" Minori happily responded before taking a seat, playfully swinging her legs.

"Why does she have to be so brutal...?" Takemi thought as she headed into the consultation room, where Haruka was working.

"Ah, sensei! I was just organising the cabinets before I leave today." Haruka got out as she put away the last pill bottle. "Um, do you need something?"

"Haruka, do you have a cure for cancer?" Takemi asked in a low tone.

This however caused the busty blond to choke. "E-Excuse me?" Haruka questioned in disbelief.

"Haruka, I know you've been using my things in the back for personal use so have you been working on a cure for cancer."

Haruka blinked before looking back. She had been working on perfecting the gender bender potion more than anything else to be honest. "...No." She answered. "...I should try working on that..." She thought to herself, making the note to do so.

"Okay." Takemi breathed as she paced around the room. "Just making sure. Now, how do I break it to a little girl's heart?" She then muttered.

"Huh?" Haruka responded in confusion.

"There is a girl out there who does not really understand that her grandfather is dying of old age along with essentially having cancer." Takemi explained. "I've...I've never really had to say something like that to anyone. Not even Miwa-chan..." She then confessed in a soft tone.

"Well...I'm not exactly the most sensitive person you could ask about this." Haruka admitted with a sigh. "However, we should at least be honest. We just need to break it to her in the least harmful way. Together." She soon stated.

"...You're right." Takemi sighed as she shook her head. "This is never really an easy thing to say to anyone."

"You can't save everyone." Haruka soon reminded before heading out the door.

"Hello, Minori." Takemi greeted as the two headed back into the waiting room.

"Hello!" Minori responded before spotting the other person here. "Who is she?" She soon asked.

"This is my assistant, Haruka." Takemi answered before turning to her assistant...only to see that she was silently panicking despite her current outward demeanor. "...Haruka?" She got out with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh no, she's cute!" Haruka mentally cried as her smiling face froze while being reminded of her own junior back in Hebijo.

"Um...do you really have some medicine for stage 4 cornucopia?" Minori asked once again.

Takemi and Haruka simply looked at each other. "...W-We will...um..." The two struggled out.

"Do you not have anything...?" Minori whimpered like an injured puppy.

"No no no no no, sweetie, it's just..." Takemi quickly comforted the girl, almost hugging her before her assistant stopped her.

"...Minori-san. I'm not really sure how to tell you this without both confusing you...and breaking your disturbingly fragile heart." Haruka began, taking more willpower than she was willing to admit.

"That's what Shiki-chan told me when explaining what a buttfor is!" Minori happily responded.

"Jesus Christ..." Takemi mumbled under her breath.

"But..." Haruka continued as she steeled her nerves. "At this moment, we-" She began again.

"Do you...not have any medicine that can help?" Minori suddenly asked in a saddened tone. "Can you make one though sensei?" She then added to the questions.

"Well, you see...um...currently, in medical science there's..." Takemi soon started as both doctors' willpower began to break down.

"Why do I hear sad violins!?" Haruka mentally exclaimed as the young girl got sadder and sadder.

"...We'll see what we can do." Takemi finally broke. "It may take some time but...I'm sure we can do something." She then assured.

"Really?" Minori got out, her eyes glimmering with hope.

"Yes. Now, go to your grandfather and assure him that Doctor Tae Takemi will help."

"Ehehe, I'm actually here for a few days." Minori sheepishly revealed.

"...Wait, you don't live here?" Haruka got out as she blinked.

"I'm all the way from- Ulp!" Minori began to answer only to stop herself and cover her mouth. "Um...I can't really say, but I took the bullet train from there!" She then informed.

"Then head on to where you're staying. Please." Takemi advised as she opened the door for the girl. "We'll contact you once we make some progress." She then added.

"Yay! Thank you, sensei!" Minori happily exclaimed as she hugged the doctor, who suddenly lost her ability to breathe. How strong was this girl!? "Hopefully, you can make him better! I want to play with him again, but all he does is sleep and pee!" She then got out.

"I...understand." Haruka struggled out, having been broken by her cuteness as well. "It's getting late, Minori-chan." She then reminded as she glanced at the clock.

"Oh, right. Goodbye, sensei! Weird, booby nurse!" Minori got out before grabbing Akira's umbrella and heading out of the clinic. And as soon as the childish girl left, the two doctors slumped.

"...We forgot to get her phone number." Haruka deadpanned.

"...So about going home..." Takemi began with a guilty look.

"Let me order some coffee from Leblanc if they're open." Haruka interrupted, already knowing where this was going.

"Thank you." Takemi sighed as she went to work. Meanwhile, once she was out the door, Haruka pulled out her phone to text the one who dumped this cinnamon bun at the clinic.

[Haruka: Did you send that poor girl to us, Akira-kun!?]

[TheWildJ0ker: Yes? How was Minori-chan, by the way?]

[Haruka: SHE WAS LOOKING FOR A CURE TO CANCER!]

(...)

[TheWildJ0ker: Oh...]

[Haruka: Okay, my experiments may break several legal and physical laws, but cancer is a little out of my depth at the moment.]

[TheWildJ0ker: You made a potion that could do something impossible, and I'm pretty sure that's only the tip of the iceberg.]

[TheWildJ0ker: (Please don't tell me anything below the water line)]

[TheWildJ0ker: I know you can do it Haruka-chan.]

[TheWildJ0ker: And hey, if anyone's gonna cure any sort of cancer, it's you.]

[Haruka: ...You owe me hours of sleep and/or hang out time together.]

[TheWildJ0ker: Take a nap in my room if you need to. As long as Boss doesn't come up you should be fine.]

[Haruka: Thank you. Have a good night darling.]

[TheWildJ0ker: You too Haruka-chan.]

Sighing to this, Haruka looked back at her station at the clinic with renewed confidence. "Well, time to get to work." She muttered while getting some rubber gloves and goggles on.

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! Miyabi's Confidant has started, Asuka is getting more attention as a model, we're getting closer to Yumi's idol debut, Kurokage is dying, and Homura's job is a combination of food service horror stories and the disturbing truth of being Ronald McDonald!

Hooray for actual developments in the story!

UknownHero signing off, my friends!