Hey, UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona. Nothing much, just dealing with the heat of Australia and all that junk. It's all standard stuff.

Senran Persona still has a TV Tropes page. That's it.

No reviews I wanna answer, let's just jump straight into the chapter! It's time to seize the day!

Load Game…Start!

Chapter 88: Eventful Days

(8/1, Early Morning)

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

Asuka and Homura were in the bathroom together, preparing the bathtub for their bath for today.

"Man, nothing like a nice bath to start off the day." Homura replied as she smirked while watching the water rising.

"Yup!" Asuka happily replied as she turned off the nozzle. "Now, what shampoo should we use...?" She soon asked.

"Well we've got the usual ones, citrus, cosmic, cupcake, golden, lavender, green tea, cocoa, ice cream, kitty, oatmeal, rainbow, macaroon, cotton candy, stress relief and tie-dye." Homura informed.

"...Do we really have that many?" Asuka got out with widened eyes.

"Nah, I'm just messing with you Sis, we just got the usual ones...and the bath bombs." Homura giggled out her reply followed by concluding with revealing the package.

"...I wonder what kitty shampoo would smell like..." Asuka soon muttered to herself.

"Fish or hairballs?" Homura awkwardly guessed, causing the two to cringe at the thought. "Okay, note to self, do not touch kitty scented shampoo in the future." She then decided.

"Maybe kitty head shaped bath bombs." Asuka soon added. "Although, if we do buy them, I would want to keep them for decoration purposes." She then added.

"Huh...we haven't used a bath bomb for a bath in a while..." Homura realized as her eye twitched slightly. "...We didn't use one after we took down Kaneshiro either! This must be corrected!" She then added to the realization and declared in a dramatic manner.

"Double bath bombs then?" Asuka soon suggested.

"Yep." Homura replied with a nod as she got them out of the cabinet. "Oh yeah~ I can smell the luxury from outside the plastic." She then informed with a smirk.

"Put it in! Put it in!" Asuka cheered as her sister unwrapped the two bath bombs and...

PLOP! PLOP! FIZZ! FIZZ!

Dropped them into the tub, dispersing as the water began to bubble and fizz. A lot.

"Ooooooh, it's even better when activated~!" The two soon got out at the same time in excitement as they then got into the bath.

"T-The bubbles...s-so goood~!" Asuka got out in a dazed bliss.

"Oooooh yeah~" Homura moaned out in a satisfied tone as the carbonation flowed through their bodies. "We've been missing out on this~" She then added.

"Hai~ I missed this, Homu-neechan~" Asuka replied in agreement as she cuddled up to her tan skinned sister, smells of lavender, citrus and many other wonderful scents filling the air.

"Agreed, my adorable little sister~" Homura lovingly cooed out in a dazed and satisfied manner

For both girls, they felt as though everything was improving as a result.

Though they were becoming more and more dazed as a result as they kept relaxing in the bath.

However, it was right then someone with terrible consideration for privacy and personal space barged through the door.

"Hey! You guys should get better locks for your door!" Miyabi called out as she entered the apartment. However, she soon raised an eyebrow upon seeing that no one was here to greet her. "Hello? Is anyone here?" She called out once more.

"Hai~" The sisters responded, but it was more out of reflex than conscious thought.

That caused the white haired woman to raise an eyebrow as she heard the response from the bathroom. "Huh? Are you two taking a bath together?" Miyabi soon asked with a raised eyebrow before going to the door and opening it slightly. "Whoa, that smells really good in there. Are you guys using bath bombs?" She remarked and guessed.

"Hai~" The two replied once more.

Miyabi then looked around the bathroom, looking a little jealous. "Man, why does your apartment have a better bathroom than mine...?" She grumbled, thinking about her own bathroom. "Okay, now where's our shit for the Metaverse..." She then muttered as she went and searched the apartment.

"Aaaaaahhhhhh~" The two sisters got out in satisfaction.

"Would you guys stop moaning? It sounds like you're doing it in there!" The white haired woman remarked, a blush on her face upon hearing those sounds. "Oi, is it alright if I borrow the weapons? It's for training purposes." Miyabi soon asked from outside.

"Hai~ In our closet~" The dazed sisters blissfully responded without a care as they continued cuddling one another in a provocative manner.

The white haired woman blinked as she looked inside the bathroom to see the glazed looks on the cuddling sisters' faces. Though she didn't think much of it. "And some food?" She continued.

"Hai~"

"...And some money?" Miyabi eventually asked.

"Hai~"

"Damn, those bath bombs they used are potent. I gotta get one of those for myself." Miyabi thought to herself in an impressed manner before smirking. "Well, don't mind if I do." She then happily got out as she grabbed some cash from their wallets. "Holy shit! Asuka's rich!? What the hell!?" She soon exclaimed.

However, that incentivised her to steal even more money, leaving them with only a few hundred yen.

"Eh, I'm sure the modeling job makes them more than enough." Miyabi thought as she grabbed the duffle bag and headed out of the apartment...

And went back in to grab an umbrella from Asuka and Homura because there was torrential rain today.

(Central Street)

Akira had made sure to clean his pistol and dagger before heading to the Untouchable, where he was expecting his sparring partner to be. However, he didn't expect her to not only be missing, but instead be replaced by two other people.

"Ryuji, Ann?" Akira got out as he raised an eyebrow. "Um...why are you two here?" He awkwardly questioned in confusion.

"Miyabi called and I had nothing to do today." Ryuji answered with a shrug. "...This isn't a trap, is it?" He soon asked.

"I hope not." Akira answered as the two blondes sweatdropped.

Almost as soon as he stopped talking, Miyabi landed on the ground next to them, carrying their equipment bag over her shoulder. "Ah, you all made it here before me." Miyabi got out.

"Yeah, why did you call us?" Ann had to ask.

"I'll explain, but first thing's first, did you bring Mona with you?" Miyabi however questioned.

"Huh?" Morgana spoke as he popped his head out of Akira's bag. "What? I was taking a nap and I heard my name." He then got out, looking around confused.

"Good. Because it's gonna be you and Morgana against us three." Miyabi responded as she wrapped her arms around the blond's shoulders.

"Us, what?" All the other Thieves got out in unison.

"Wait, you didn't tell us about this!" Ryuji exclaimed. "I thought you invited us for something important!" He then added.

"This is important Sakamoto." Miyabi stated in a serious tone. "Now get ready." She soon ordered.

"Hey, wait! We're not-" Ann started.

"Too late! Shinobi Kekkai!" Miyabi interrupted.

And with that, the group vanished into thin air.

(Miyabi's Shinobi Kekkai)

Ryuji blinked as he looked around the place. "...You must really like Kingdom Hearts." He remarked.

"Kingdom what?" Miyabi got out in confusion with a raised eyebrow.

"Nevermind." The dyed blond muttered in response.

"Whoa whoa whoa!" Morgana shouted out as he flailed his arms around after hopping out of the bag. "I am not fighting Lady Ann!" He soon declared.

"I don't know how I got roped into this, but we aren't going to fight just because you say so." Ann stated as she crossed her arms.

"Okay, I'll be fair." Miyabi soon relented before putting on a sweet smile on her face. "If you don't fight, I'll just train with you guys. Fair warning. My warm-up usually involves napalm, nails and sledgehammers." She then stated and revealed.

Upon hearing that, the others paled.

"...Sorry, Joker, but you have to lose." Ryuji instantly got out as he and the ash blonde went into battle stances.

"They crumbled instantly!" Akira and Morgana mentally exclaimed.

"I want to point out there's no way she can get napalm, right?" Akira got out before looking at the white haired woman, who smirked. "...Right?" He weakly repeated.

"Are you willing to find out?" Ann however countered.

"..." Akira paused for a moment to think about it. "Kaito Change!" He soon decided.

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

"Here you go, everyone. I got everyone's equipment here for a fair fight." Serpent got out as she opened the duffle bag.

"Wait a minute, did you ask Asuka for our weapons?" Joker asked.

"Dude, I live next door. I just walked over and grabbed it. Don't worry, I'll return it afterwards." Serpent assured as she brought out her own katana.

"You broke into their apartment?" Panther got out in disbelief.

"Stop getting worried about semantics, now FIGHT! NOBUNAGA!" Serpent called out as she tore off her mask.

(Cue Darkness of the Unknown by Yoko Shinomura)

"Megaton Raid!" Serpent soon bellowed.

"Tch!" Joker winced as he and Mona jumped back before focusing on their opponents.

"We're at a disadvantage in terms of numbers, Joker, so I hope you have the right Personas to handle the situation." Mona informed.

"You're getting pretty pumped up." Joker remarked.

"Always wanted to smack Skull upside the head sometimes. This is just a good excuse." Mona soon got out with a smirk.

"Hey! I'm standing right here!" Skull called out in annoyance. "Just for that, Seiten Taisei! Zionga!" He soon commanded.

ZAP!

"Hah! Miss-" Mona began to taunt, however...

WHAM!

"WWWWAAAAAHHHHH!" Mona screamed after the ash blonde punted him into the aim.

"Sorry, Mona!" Panther apologized before turning to the white haired woman. "Serpent!" She called out.

"Aerial Rave!" Serpent declared as she jumped into the air and slashed at the not cat.

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

"Pathetic!" Serpent then spat out before slamming the handle of her katana into the not cat's oversized head, sending him back to the ground.

"A-Ahhh..." Mona could only groan in pain, unable to pick up his body for the moment.

"You're not holding back, are you?" Joker soon stated while narrowing his eyes

"Hey, at least we're keeping our skills sharp until our next trip to Mementos!" Skull responded.

"Guess I have to be sharper, then! PERSONA!" Joker responded while tearing off his mask. "Albion! Tempest Slash!" He soon commanded.

"Why do you keep using that- shit!" Serpent swore out as she guarded with her wing, barely resisting the multiple strikes. "Panther, counter!" She soon ordered.

"Maragion!" Panther commanded as Carmen danced.

FWOOOOOSH! RIP!

The Leader quickly switched to a Persona that wasn't weak to Fire and took the damage head on. "You can do better than that, Panther!" Joker called out, barely feeling anything. "You okay, Mona?" He soon asked.

"O-Ow..." Mona grunted out as he picked himself up. "You'll pay for that! Magarula!" He soon got out and declared.

WOOOSH! RIP!

"GAH!" Skull cried in pain as he was blown onto his back while some of his outfit got shredded.

"Go, Joker!" Mona called out as he high-fived the Leader.

CLAP!

"Thank you! Jack Frost!" Joker called out as he tore off his mask.

"You still have him!?" Skull exclaimed.

"Eh, working on something big." Joker vaguely responded with a shrug. "Mabufula!" He soon commanded.

"Panther, guard!" Serpent ordered before raising her katana.

CRACKLE! RIP!

"Guh!" The ash blonde grunted, stumbling back a little bit. However, at least she wasn't down.

Serpent jumped back and sliced the icicles before kicking them towards her opponents, forcing them to take a dive. "RAH! SKULL, CRUSH THEM!" She eventually ordered.

"EAT SHIT!" Skull demanded as he ripped off his mask. "ZIODYNE!" He then declared.

BZZZZZT!

"Wait what-" Mona got out in a panic...right before being zapped. "GAAAAAAAH!" He cried in pain before falling to the ground twitching. "When...the hell...did he...get that...move? Ugh..." He struggled and groaned.

"I meant with a physical skill." Serpent deadpanned before shaking her head.

"Well, it worked, didn't it?" Skull got out with a shrug. "Let's take care of Joker and be done with this shit!" He then added.

"Right!" Panther nodded before focusing on the Leader. "Dance Carmen! Dormina!" She commanded as she tore off her mask.

"No, don't...do...ah crap..." Joker mumbled before falling asleep on his feet. "Zzzz..." He soon snored out.

"NOW!" Serpent roared as she dashed up and slashed up the Leader.

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

"J-Joker!" Mona exclaimed in a panic as the Leader collapsed to the ground.

"Sorry 'bout this!" Skull quickly warned as he pumped his shotgun.

BLAM!

"AAAAHHHH!" Mona yelped out as he rubbed his head.

"They're both down!" Skull soon got out.

"Get ready to die! All-Out Attack!" Serpent commanded.

"What the shit!?" Joker exclaimed before being rushed down by his friends.

WHAM! CRACK! SLASH! WHAM! CRACK! SLASH!

"AAAAAHHHH!" The two cried out in pain, with Joker's clothes and Mona's scarf torn to shreds.

"He ain't down yet!" Skull called out as they landed back on the ground.

"Wow, Serpent can be a pretty decent leader..." Panther soon admitted.

"N-Ngh..." Joker grunted in pain, holding onto his arm to stop the bleeding. "I have to admit...you got me there...but I'm not out yet!" He soon confessed and declared.

"Y-Yeah." Mona panted out. "Mediarama!" He then commanded as Zorro bathed the two in green light.

"...Shit, we don't know any healing spells." Skull suddenly realized.

"Well, a good offense is a good defense." Panther replied, grabbing her mask. However she stopped herself as she realised something. "...Wait, what happens if we win?"

Everyone quickly stopped at that. "Braggin' rights?" Skull suggested.

"If it's just bragging rights, why are we even fighting so hard?" Panther pointed out before turning to the white haired woman. "You're the one who organised this, Serpent. What are you offering?" She then asked.

"...Food." Serpent eventually answered.

"...Good enough for me." Panther soon admitted as the dyed blond nodded in agreement.

"...They're perfect for each other..." Joker thought in a flat tone.

Serpent decided not to mention that if Joker lost, she would just force them to fight again. "Now that's taken care of..." She muttered as she readied herself with a smirk.

"Get ready Mona..." Joker whispered as the two braced themselves.

"Time to bring out the big guns!" Serpent soon declared.

Whhhhiiiiirrrrrrllllll...!

"SHIT! MINIGUN!" Mona exclaimed in a panic.

"Almost forgot about that..." Joker muttered before diving out of the way from the hail of bullets.

DAKKADAKKADAKKADAKKADAKKADAKKADAKKADAKKA!

"HAHAHA!" Serpent evilly laughed out. "Remember Joker, you have to prepare yourself for any situation, no matter how crazy it is! Take precautions for any and all possibilities!" She then instructed and declared.

"Noted. I'll thank you when I shoot god in the face." Joker countered and sarcastically remarked as he took out his pistol.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

"AH!" Serpent yelped as she dropped her minigun, holding onto her grazed shoulder.

"You okay?" Skull asked in concern.

"I'm fine." Serpent responded despite her grimacing expression. "A few bullets can't stop me!" She then added with confidence.

"How about Forget!?" Joker remarked as he snapped his fingers, summoning Kaiwan to his side.

Immediately, the white haired woman paled. "Oh shiiiiiiii..." Serpent began before getting struck by the attack. "Uuuuuhhhh...Did I got shot? What the...Where the hell am I?" She soon asked while tilting her head, leaving her guard open.

"In Hell! Lucky Punch!" Mona declared as he summoned his Persona, who brought out his boxing glove.

POW!

"AH! My nose!" Serpent groaned in pain while staggering a bit.

"Your shot, Joker!" Mona got out as he high-fived the Leader.

CLAP!

"Thank you!" Joker responded before pulling on his glove. "This is the end!"

"Oh, this is gonna hurt, isn't it?" Panther muttered in a flat tone.

"Yep." Skull confirmed before the Leader approached the two. "Erm...is it too late to forfeit?" He soon asked.

"Uh, no." Joker instantly answered before ripping off his mask. "Why don't you ravage them, Persona?" He playfully asked with a smirk.

"Gladly." Otohime replied before the Persona and the user snapped their fingers in unison. "Brain Jack." She then declared.

"Oh, you diiiiiiccccckkkkk..." Panther began to get out before the entire team fell under their control.

Joker then walked around his opponents as they stared off into the infinite void. "Hm, what do you think we should do Mona?" He soon questioned.

Mona quickly sneaked in a peck on the cheek on the ash blonde before returning back to the Leader. "Alright, get them to attack each other." He then answered.

"You really had to get that in, huh." Joker deadpanned before shaking his head and turning to his friends. "Hey!" He soon called out.

"Yes, Leader?" The three responded in unison.

"Girls, have a pillow fight amongst yourselves." Joker soon ordered as the girls saluted him. "Skull...improve your endurance by punching yourself."

"Hai, Joker!" The three responded...right before Skull punched himself in the groin, sending him to the ground.

"AAAHHHH! WHY DID I DO THAT!?" Skull screamed in pain, writhing around on the ground. It was quite obvious he had snapped himself out of his brainwashing.

Joker and Mona couldn't help but wince at what happened. "I was expecting the face." Mona admitted.

"Yeah..." Joker muttered as his eyes drifted over to the girls, who were having a pillow fight without any pillows while their eyes glowed pink.

"You cut it out~"

"No, you cut it out~"

"You cut it out, Miyabi-chan~" Panther giggled, unaware of the woman pulling back her fist.

WHAM!

"AH! LADY ANN!" Mona screamed as the ash blonde's body crumpled.

"OH GOD!" Panther exclaimed as her back hit the ground. "S-Serpent!? NO!" She then squeaked.

"No, you cut it out~" Serpent meanwhile giggled, not realizing what she was doing.

WHAM!

"AH! Please! C-Cut it out, Miyabi! STOP!" The obviously unbrainwashed Panther screamed as she tried to defend herself.

"No, you cut it out, Ann~" The still brainwashed white haired woman responded in a ditzy manner before punching her so hard it would've knocked out a few teeth if it was in reality.

"...U-Uh...S-Serpent...Miyabi?" Joker squeaked out as the woman brutally beat the ash blonde into the ground. "Is this what pillow fights with shinobi looks like?" He soon asked with a sweatdrop.

"SOMEONE HELP ME!" Panther begged...or at least she would've if she didn't take a haymaker to the throat.

"Oh...Oh shit..." Skull grunted as he managed to get up onto his feet. "Harisen...Recovery!" He then declared as he pulled out his paper fan.

SMACK!

"Guh!" Serpent finally regained herself before looking around in confusion. "What the? What happened? And why is Panther so beaten...?" She soon asked.

"Okay...no more pillow fights...ever." Joker got out with a guilty look.

"A-A-Ach..." Panther, broken and in severe pain, managed to get out.

"...What did I just-" Serpent began, however...

"Mona! All-Out Attack!" Joker suddenly ordered.

"Wait what!?" Serpent got out in even more confusion.

"You're finished!" Mona declared as they rushed down the enemy.

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

"So much for a challenge." Joker cooly declared.

(End Music)

(Shibuya, Central Street)

The Thieves reappeared back in front of Untouchable, with Akira and Morgana victorious and Ann, Miyabi and Ryuji barely able to keep standing.

"Battle complete!" Akira declared with a stylish pose.

"That was underhanded...but it's not like we fight clean to begin with..." Morgana stated.

"I...I hated...everything about that..." Ann groaned.

"Same here..." Ryuji added as he held his face. "Almost...not worth...the food..." He then moaned.

CRACK!

"Owwww..." The two then groaned in pain.

The Leader awkwardly chuckled before turning to the one who actually set up this fight. "So, any improvements this time?" Akira soon asked.

However, the white haired woman wasn't exactly...lucid.

"D-Dammit...I lost...again...I can't believe it. Uuugh! Never have I suffered so many defeats! Except when we did Rock-Paper-Scissors for seating arrangements in grade school...I wanted to sit next to my friend Imu...But instead, I was forced to sit next to the cleaning cabinet...That's when I met Mop and Floorcloth...Ahh, memories. I wonder where they are now. Maybe I should organize a class reunion..." Miyabi mumbled...

THUD!

...Right before collapsing face-first onto the ground.

THUD! THUD!

With Ann and Ryuji following suit soon after.

"...Uh...I think you hit her too hard." Morgana got out with a sweatdrop.

"Sh-She'll be fine." Akira awkwardly assured. "...But we probably should bring her to Takemi just in case..." He then suggested.

"Holy effin' shit, can't you hold back just a little bit?" Ryuji groaned.

"Owww..." Ann sobbed on the ground.

"Sorry, Lady Ann." Morgana meanwhile apologized.

"No! It just means I need to strengthen my heart even further." Ann responded with a fire in her eyes. However, it petered out as the bruise on her chest flared up. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna limp back home." She then groaned as she limped out of the alleyway.

"Yeah." Ryuji got out as he followed her to the train station.

"Hey, she dropped something." Morgana soon noticed the envelope on the ground. It seemed it had somethin written on it.

For when you win, Akira.

Akira raised an eyebrow before opening the envelope. "Huh, 15,000 yen this time. Always good for the Phantom Budget." He then got out as he pocketed the money.

He felt touched that Miyabi had prepared a prize for him, even after how badly he had beaten her, and felt his bond with the woman strengthened.

SHATTER!

Rank 2

Unlocked Follow Up!

Chance to perform a follow-up attack if Joker's attack does not down the enemy.

"People are probably gonna give you strange looks carrying her to the station, so you should probably say that she's drunk ." Morgana soon stated and suggested.

"Up you go." Akira got out as he lifted the unconscious woman up into his arms.

"And holy crap, you're strong." Morgana couldn't help but notice.

"I lifted four girls before, this is nothing." Akira simply replied. "A lighter load would be nice..." He then muttered.

SLAP!

"Okay, that was uncalled for. Sorry." Akira groaned as he headed for the train station.

Seeing that it didn't take as long as he was expecting, Akira decided to do something else today once he dropped the woman off.

(Kosei High School, Student Council Room)

Since school was going to be starting at the end of month, Yumi had decided to go through all the pieces of paper within the opinions and ideas box and consolidate them into a plan to improve the school rules and regulations.

However, since she was doing such a good job, there was nothing but praise about her beauty...and comments about her boobs. She felt her brain actively rot as she read yet another piece of praise.

"Is there really nothing I can improve?" Yumi thought as she placed the note down. "Or is everyone just focused on my looks...?" She soon wondered in concern.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

"Come in." Yumi instinctively responded as if she was talking to her Vice President.

"Ah, you're in." A much more friendly voice got out as the door opened.

"Yusuke-san?" Yumi got out in a confused and curious tone as she watched her friend enter the room. "Why are you here? I thought you were working on your big project." She soon asked and reminded in concern.

"Yumi-senpai, I need your help with something important." Yusuke requested.

"Yusuke-san, what did you do this time?" Yumi questioned in a chiding tone.

"I assure you it is merely a personal problem. Do you mind coming with me to my room?" Yusuke reassured and requested.

"Does that personal problem involve fire?" Yumi questioned in a deadpan tone.

"No." Yusuke responded.

"Okay, I shall help you." Yumi agreed as she stood up from her seat. She needed a break from all this paperwork anyways.

"Thank you. Don't worry, it shouldn't take too much of your time." Yusuke assured as he headed out the door.

"It's fine, Yusuke-san. Now let's go." Yumi replied as they left the council room.

(Kosei Dormitories, Male Dormitories)

Yumi's left eye twitched as all the boys in the dorm stared at her while she and her friend walked down the hallway. It may not have been the first time she had been to the male's side of the student dorms, but it certainly felt like it.

Meanwhile, her last and only visit to the female dorms got her kicked out and unofficially banned.

For obvious reasons revolving envy regarding her chest.

"It's been like this ever since I met you..." Yumi muttered. "Haven't people gotten over it by now?" She soon questioned.

"Well, it's not like we've made many friends outside of our group." Yusuke pointed out.

Yumi winced. The closest thing she had to friends in Kosei were her student council members, but there was always this aura of respect, worship and distance she could never quite figure out how to resolve.

"So much has changed, but it doesn't feel like it has here..." Yumi mentally sighed before arriving at her junior's room.

"I believe that internal development is better than external development." Yusuke responded as he opened the door and allowed the info broker to enter the room first.

"It wouldn't hurt to have a little external development though..." Yumi sighed before blinking at the sight of the young artist's room. "...Why do you have so many paintings of Ann-san in your room?" She soon asked, concerned and slightly creeped out.

"Because all the paintings of Asuka are in storage." Yusuke then confessed. "Would you like to see them?" He soon offered.

"...I'm confiscating all of these." Yumi bluntly declared. "Do not try and stop me." She then all but ordered.

"Well, I could not even if I tried. But what will you do with them? I put so much work and time into each piece. Please don't tell me you will throw them away." Yusuke responded. "Actually, I just needed help with moving them into storage." He then revealed.

"Is that all?" Yumi questioned as she tilted her head.

"That's it." Yusuke replied with a nod of confirmation. "I told you it wouldn't take long."

"You never asked me this before." Yumi however pointed out. "Is it because you know who I am now?" She soon guessed, not in an offended tone, but a curious one.

"...Partially." Yusuke admitted.

Yumi in response sighed in slight amusement at the answer. "...Okay, let's get started." She replied.

"Be careful with them." Yusuke warned as he grabbed one of his smaller pieces.

"Why don't you sell some of these?" Yumi suggested as she looked at all the paintings. Most likely most of them weren't school projects and were done in his off-time.

"I would like to ask for their permission first. I wouldn't want to sell their likeness without them knowing." Yusuke explained. "They have been lovely muses, but it is about time I find beauty in other things." He then added.

"I am...quite glad to hear that." Yumi got out before picking up a few paintings placed at the corner of the room and began to head to storage. However, she stopped when she noticed that she left a piece behind.

"Is...Is this me?" Yumi questioned in awe, bringing the painting into the light.

She remembered this moment. It was the first time she went out exploring the city with Yusuke. They ended up at Odaiba. It was sunset and she was in her Kosei uniform, leaning against the railing with the bridge in the distance, turning back and smiling. If she wasn't looking closely, she could swear that it was a photo.

"Ah. I made it a long time ago. I've forgotten about it until now." Yusuke informed as he rubbed his chin.

"I know you wanted to paint me but this is..." Yumi breathed out in amazement. "When... When did you make this?" She soon asked.

"When we became friends." Yusuke answered with a nostalgic smile on his face. "I was going to give it to you for Christmas but...you know what happened..." He then added before looking down.

"...I see." Yumi responded as she looked at the painting. "Does it...have a name?" She soon asked.

"It doesn't need one." Yusuke simply answered. "It is a gift to my first friend, nothing more." He then stated.

"...Thank you, Yusuke-san." Yumi soon replied in a grateful tone. "...Should I take it home?" She eventually suggested.

"It's taking up space." Yusuke admitted before narrowing his eyes. "However...it does need touching up here...and here...and your cleavage here should be-" He then noted, slowly reaching for his set of paints.

"I'll...let you give it to me for Christmas." Yumi giggled. "Now, let's get all these paintings to storage. Where is it, by the way?" She eventually instructed and asked.

"Down the hallway and down the stairs, and then take two rights." Yusuke replied while listing off the directions.

"Hai." Yumi responded with a nod.

Soon enough, a majority of the paintings had been moved into storage, with only a few left for decoration and occasional inspiration.

"This is a lot roomier without all those paintings..." Yumi soon noticed as she looked around.

"Thank you for your help, Yumi-senpai." Yusuke got out with a smile.

"You are welcome. So, what made you decide to move your paintings to storage now?" Yumi finally asked as she dusted off her hands.

"To work on...this." Yusuke answered as he pulled off the cloth on the only remaining painting.

"...Is that...supposed to be Mementos?" Yumi breathed out in disbelief.

"It is based on it. It's supposed to depict the gnawing darkness of desire and its corruption." Yusuke corrected and explained. "However...this is a flawed, imperfect vision of desire." He soon revealed.

"Hm?" Yumi hummed out in confusion.

"I have hit rock bottom several times in my life, and I blamed it all on worldly possessions and the all-consuming want of more." Yusuke soon confessed. "However, it is nothing like that. Desire is what makes us human, it does not hold us back. It instead drives us to better ourselves and reach for that light in the darkness. I want to put that into something people can understand. There will always be a light to chase after, and although there is no guarantee you can reach it, it's still something to go after." He then explained.

"..." Yumi meanwhile was speechless as she listened to her junior.

"And after all...rock bottom doesn't have to be so lonely as well." Yusuke concluded while smiling at his first friend.

"That's...a wonderful interpretation, Yusuke-san." Yumi admitted, sniffling a little. "I know you'll be able to put it on canvas." She then stated.

"Thank you." Yusuke responded in a grateful tone. "Now leave." He then bluntly ordered.

"Hm?" Yumi hummed out to the sudden order.

SLAM!

Next thing Yumi knew, she was pushed out the door before the young artist locked up his room, causing her to blink in confusion. "...I would've left on my own accord, Yusuke-san." She deadpanned before sighing in disapproval at his bluntness.

She may as well head back to the council room to resume her duties.

(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc)

Asuka wasn't exactly having a good day.

For one, she was missing several thousand yen from her wallet. Then, the breakfast she was planning to make had to be thrown out due to a mysterious lack of ingredients. And third, she tripped into a puddle only a few minutes ago.

Stupid torrential rain...she couldn't even find her umbrella and had to buy another one with what little cash she had, meaning she was starving.

So, to calm her nerves (and get some free curry), she decided to head to Leblanc.

RING! RING! RING!

"Ah, Asuka-chan." Sojiro greeted as the brunette set down her umbrella.

"Hi Boss!" Asuka greeted with a bow. "Gimme one sec."

"Got caught in the rain?" Sojiro guessed.

"Yeah..." Asuka replied with a sigh as she made her way to the bathroom. "Akira-kun's out?" She soon asked.

"He always is." Sojiro responded in amusement.

"And...how's Futaba-chan?" Asuka eventually asked in concern. "Still sleeping?" She then guessed.

"Yep." The cafe owner replied. "Nothing really happens around here during the summer save for the occasional customer." Sojiro soon admitted.

"The peace and quiet is nice though Boss." Asuka however confessed justb as she stepped out of the bathroom. "Ok, I'm ready to work!" She happily informed, dressed in her work uniform.

"Asuka-chan, look at the weather outside." Sojiro got out with a frown. "No one is coming here for coffee." He then reminded.

To that, Asuka giggled in a sheepish manner while rubbing the back of her head to that reminder. "Wait, why are you open then?" She eventually asked.

"I'm not gonna close up shop because of bad weather." Sojiro countered.

"Well then, I guess I'm here to learn then." Asuka soon decided.

"Alright. But first, clean this place up. Your shoes left footprints on the floor." Sojiro replied and instructed.

"Right away." Asuka responded with a salute, getting the cleaning supplies from the closet and got to work.

Soon enough, she was making coffee and serving it to the cafe owner.

"You made that in record time." Sojiro revealed. "But you still pick random beans from the shelf without much consideration. If you don't know what it is, pull out your phone and look it up. There are labels after all." He soon instructed.

"Hai." Asuka replied.

The cafe owner nodded to that before taking a sip. "Hmm..." Sojiro hummed out as he took in the flavor. "This is Salvadoran Pacamara." He then concluded.

"Oh, that's...um...I don't know what that is..." Asuka sheepishly confessed. She wanted to try and impress the owner with her knowledge, but ended up faltering.

"Let me explain," Sojiro began. "Today, over 50% of all exports from El Salvador is coffee. Pacamara is a hybrid coffee unique to El Salvador. Pacamara comes from a hybrid plant that produces high amounts of large-sized coffee beans. It has a dense body with chocolate notes." He informed.

"Mmm..." Asuka hummed in a pleasant tone before taking a sip. "Ooh, I can taste the chocolate." She soon confessed in awe.

"Hmmm...Almost there, Asuka-chan. The flaws are subtle but still there, servable to a customer, but easily detectable by a regular. However, I'm sure a few more cups and you'll get it down." Sojiro informed. "The kid's close too. I should move onto teaching curry soon." He soon thought.

"Hai!" Asuka responded with a nod of determination before drinking some more coffee.

"Hm...looks like the rain is starting to lighten up a bit." Sojiro noted. "Maybe you should head home soon." He soon suggested.

The brunette nodded to that, but she hesitated. "Erm...all I've done is clean the shop and make coffee for you...but...can I be paid today?" Asuka requested as she bowed.

"Why?" Sojiro questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm...not sure how it happened, but I think someone stole some money from me." Asuka shamefully revealed.

"Oh..." Sojiro got out, looking sorry for the girl. "When? Have you reported it to the police?" He then asked.

"..." Asuka blinked before slapping her forehead.

"Then again, the police aren't exactly trustful at times." Sojiro admitted with a sigh.

"Eh?" Asuka got out in confusion.

"It's...nothing." The cafe owner soon got out, shaking his head as he pulled some bills from his pocket. "Here you go, Asuka-chan." Sojiro got out as he handed the girl some money.

Asuka in response sighed in relief as she took the money. "Thank you sir." She replied in a grateful manner with a smile.

"You've been coming here more lately." Sojiro eventually pointed out. "Any reason for that?" He soon asked.

"I realized I have to commit more to my jobs." Asuka sheepishly revealed. "All of them." She then added.

"Well, just don't overwork yourself. You're still young, and you're not gonna be that forever." Sojiro advised. "Come on, it's summer. You shouldn't be spending it in a dusty place like this." He then stated.

"I make sure the place is dust-free." Asuka mumbled. "But I'll take that to heart, Boss." She then added.

"Alright, now get out of here. This place isn't going to fall apart without you."

"Hai..." Asuka responded.

GRRRR!

However, just before she was going to leave, she then remembered her empty stomach. "...U-Um, actually, I'm pretty hungry, so do you mind...?" Asuka soon requested.

"Alright, alright. I'll whip something up for you. Stay there." Sojiro chuckled as he headed into the kitchen.

"Hai." Asuka breathed out as she took a seat at a booth.

With the rain outside, it would be the perfect time to study a little. However, she didn't bring any of her books, so she decided to play some games on her phone to pass the time until her food arrived.

(Kichijoji, Shopping District)

"What should I get...?" Akira muttered to himself. He decided to pick up a gift for one of his friends he was going to hang out with later today, and decided to head to Kichijoji to buy one. However, he was having trouble finding something that would be appropriate for them.

"Well...considering who they are, I suggest one of those black mugs from Shinjuku." Morgana suggested. "If you hurry, you can make it before it closes." He then stated.

"I dunno...You think giving her a mug that reads Baddest Bitch in Town in English is really appropriate?" Akira however questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"I'd think she would appreciate it." Morgana confidently responded.

The Leader thought about it for a moment before nodding. "...I think so too. Let's go." He agreed.

However, as he was about to leave, he noticed a large gathering of people as they appeared to be enjoying themselves.

"Looks like a small festival. Maybe it's celebrating the start of the month." Morgana guessed.

"I certainly hope that it's better than the last festival we went to." Akira muttered. "May as well pick up some food while we're here." He soon added as he headed in.

This time around, he managed to get a meat skewer for both him and Morgana, and now just simply wandering around looking at all the attractions and such. However they soon stumbled across an event with a larger attendance than the rest of the festival.

"Hm? What's going on?" Akira eventually asked.

"It has to be something really big going on over there." Morgana assumed before they both found a sign to see what it was.

"An eating competition?" Akira thought in growing interest and curiosity.

"Isn't that more of a US thing?" Morgana however questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"People love food all over the world." Akira reasoned. "Looks like the finals are about to start. Think we have time to see this?" He soon asked.

"About another two hours." Morgana informed. "It seems being in the audience is free, so there's no reason to not check it out." He then added.

"Alright." Akira nodded before heading to the competition. By the time they got there, it looked like the finals were in full swing.

"WE ARE DOWN TO THE FINAL MATCH!" The energetic announcer's voice blasted through the speakers. "THESE FINALISTS HAVE EATEN EVERYTHING THEY WE'VE HAD TO OFFER, AND NOW THEY'RE GOING HEAD TO HEAD IN THIS SIZZLING SUMMER COMPETITION!" He then added.

"TURN DOWN THE VOLUME, YOU JUST DEAFENED THE ENTIRE FESTIVAL!" A heckler called out.

"Erm, sorry." The energetic announcer apologized. "Anyways, these two have come out of nowhere and have climbed their way to the top of the food chain! Now, are you ready for the final match!?"

"Dude, I'm just here for whoever's competing." One guy soon remarked.

"Everyone here is." A girl meanwhile muttered.

"What?" Akira thought with a raised eyebrow. Oh, he had to see this.

"Let's bring out our finalists!" The energetic announcer declared. "Here to represent the...uh, opening of a theme park, Yomi Akutabi!" He soon started.

Akira's eyes immediately widened to that name mentioned. "Yomi-san?" He muttered as he watched the girl go up on stage wearing the same outfit he first met her in.

"Please visit Bootyland and help the community...through your love of butts over busts~!" Yomi innocently requested with an angelic smile.

"Did she join just to promote that perverted theme park?" Morgana deadpanned. "Wait...why would she...?" She then started.

"Oh god, she's the one that bought out Dome Town for Bootyland..." Akira realized as he then palmed her face.

"WHAT!?" Morgana exclaimed in disbelief.

"And, a brave young woman whose looks belay her appetite, Ikaruga Houhou!" The energetic announcer continued as another girl stepped onto the stage.

"How did I get roped into this?" Said ravenette wearing a simply white uniform with a blue skirt couldn't help but say.

"WOO! GO, IKARUGA! KICK HER BOOTY WITH YOUR BOOBIES!" Akira heard someone cheering from the crowd, spotting someone with lush blonde hair in a uniform similar to the ravenette jumping up and down...and causing several people to stare at her, mostly the males.

"Bet a tuna can that blonde girl's actually a shinobi." Morgana got out with a slight blush as she looked at the cheering blonde girl whose big breasts were bouncing.

"...I'll buy you one once we go home." Akira eventually responded with a sigh.

"Called it." The not cat got out before focusing back on the eating contest.

"We have a variety of meals here! And as you all know, the first one to fail eating the entire dish will lose the grand prize!" The announcer revealed and explained the rules of the competition. "Now, our chefs have worked really hard to create the best dishes in Tokyo, so let's reveal our first dish!" He then declared in a dramatic manner.

"It's probably gonna be something like corndogs, burgers, or..." Akira began to assume as the chefs bought out a trolley with a cloche on it.

"BBQ cockroaches!" The announcer soon revealed as he lifted the cloche to reveal a large pile of dead cockroaches glazed in barbeque sauce.

"...Oh." Akira got out as he, the not cat and the girls competing paled a bit while the crowd went wild.

Akira and Morgana began to cringe more and more as the food became more and more disgusting. Cabbage cores, liquid bacon, pickled hornet larvae, fruit sushi...

"How can anyone eat these dishes!?" Morgana exclaimed in disbelief while green at the face from disgust...somehow, considering his fur.

"They're all an abomination to society." Akira stated in a flat tone as he watched the blonde practically choke herself on the strawberry sushi.

Akira felt his Guts strengthen after watching such a horrendous display and somehow not going into the nearest bathroom to vomit.

"And here we are! We're down to the last dish!" The energetic announcer declared as Yomi and Ikaruga swallowed. "It's neck and neck here folks! This will determine the winner of the 55th Annual Tokyo Kusokurae Competition!" He soon revealed.

"Someone is going to vomit on their boobs." One guy soon remarked, green at the face from watching.

"Already got my phone out." Their friend got out as they lifted their phone over the crowd.

"What is wrong with this city...?" Akira mentally deadpanned.

"This...is the final dish!" The energetic announcer declared as the chef lifted the cloche. "Real, live...massive earthworm ramen!" He then dramatically revealed.

SHATTER!

The two exhausted competitors paled even more to the reveal. There were real earthworms, wriggling around in tonkotsu broth, with spiral fish cakes and dried seaweed. It was also cold.

"Why am I here again?" Ikaruga and Yomi muttered with dread in their voices.

"Those two sound more alike than they realize." Morgana muttered with a sweatdrop.

"No, I think it's a common reaction to earthworm ramen." Akira responded as the bowls were placed in front of the competitors.

"I-I'd rather die than let this...this princess beat me!" Yomi declared before swiftly picking up her chopsticks and lifting the bowl. " And besides, food should not be wasted! I-Itadakimasu!" She then added as she prepared herself.

"She's seriously going for it!?" Morgana exclaimed in disbelief.

However at that moment...

"I...I wish to concede..." Ikaruga suddenly requested as she groaned in pain. "You win." She then told the blonde.

"Eh?" Yomi got out, shocked to hear that while mentally sighing in relief.

"Oh thank god..." Akira breathed out, relieved that this was going to be over.

"Hm? A forfeit!?" The energetic announcer gasped before leaning in close to the rich-looking girl. "Well, you know what happens to people who don't fight honorably, right?" He then got out with a sweet smile.

"What?" Ikaruga got out with a raised eyebrow.

"TOMATOES AT THE READY!" The announcer suddenly called out.

"H-Huh?" Ikaruga stammered as she was flabbergasted as the audience (except Akira, who was equally as flabbergasted) raised their fruits. "Why do you have some Katsuragi-san!?" She then exclaimed.

The blonde simply smirked as she pulled back her arm. "FIRE!" She shouted out as the blonde on stage dived for cover.

The ravenette in response immediately paled. "AAAAAAHHHHHH!" She soon screamed as she covered her face.

SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT!

She was then pelted by the bombardment of tomatoes to the point where she fell out of her chair. The chefs then lifted the table away, allowing the audience to continue pelting her twitching body.

Akira meanwhile sweatdropped to the sight, also feeling sorry for the ravenette.

"Seriously?" Morgana meanwhile muttered in disbelief to the sight.

But at that moment...

"Hold on! You are wasting perfectly good tomatoes!" Yomi suddenly declared, going in front of the ravenette to prevent her from getting pelted by more tomatoes with her arms spread out.

"They're rotten!" A random audience member pointed out.

"THEY CAN STILL BE USED!" Yomi however shouted out as security began to inch closer to the stage.

"Oh no." Akira got out with a sweatdrop.

"Anyways, congratulations to Yomi Akutabi for winning the 55th Annual Tokyo Kusokurae Competition! A round of applause!" The energetic announcer called out as the crowd cheered and clapped. "And all previous losers, except second place, will be forced to scrub this mess!" He soon revealed, much to the disbelief of the other losers. "Come on. Chop chop. This ain't gonna clean itself." He then ordered.

"Urrrggghhh..." Ikaruga groaned as she sat up.

SPLAT!

And received one more tomato to the face.

"Sorry, had one more." The ravenette's friend sheepishly apologized.

"Moh!" Ikaruga whined in annoyance before collapsing back to the ground.

The blonde then went over to the ravenette and offered a hand. "Are you alright Princess?" Yomi soon asked the ravenette in concern.

Said ravenette took the blonde's hand and was pulled up to her feet. "That...was unexpected..." Ikaruga sighed out as she began wiping herself off as the two left the competition stage to allow the clean-up crew (AKA their bitter previous opponents) to do their thing.

Meanwhile, Akira decided to get out of the crowd and follow them. He couldn't help but notice that the tomato juices had soaked the blonde's opponent's clothes, revealing her lacy underwear underneath. He immediately turned his head away from the sight.

"In any case, Yomi-san was it? Where in the world did you find such determination?" Ikaruga soon softly asked the blonde in fascination.

"You wouldn't understand if I told you." Yomi mumbled in a saddened and angered tone.

Ikaruga in response closed her eyes before sighing. "I see...I understand." She replied with a nod.

GROWL!

"...I've made a horrible mistake." The two simultaneously thought with pale faces as they rushed to the nearest bathroom.

"As expected." Morgana remarked with a sweatdrop.

"Erm...I feel like we should check on them..." Akira muttered as he rushed off to find the girls.

However, a combination of crying and other horrible noises he didn't want to dwell on allowed the Phantom Thieves Leader to locate the poor girls, who were in separate port-a-potties.

"Hey! You need me to hold back your hair!?" The busty blonde called out, causing the boy to yelp and jump back. When did she get here!?

However, the sobbing and other horrible noises as the rich-looking girl stumbled outside. "I am...never doing this again." Ikaruga soon moaned as the busty blonde helped her to the train station.

"Until your next penalty, Ikaruga...~" Her friend added as she patted her boobs.

Akira could swear he heard more sobbing, however he ignored it and went over to the other port-a-potty.

"Uh...are you okay in there?" Akira got out in concern.

"H-Huh? Oh, sorry, it's occu-" Yomi tried to say, only to interrupt herself with more vomiting. "Ah...Ah...I've eaten actual garbage...but that cannot compare to fruit sushi..." She then panted.

"It's ok Yomi-san, I'm here." Akira got out in a comforting tone.

"A-Ah, Akira-san..." Yomi responded, sounding pleasantly surprised. "Wait...you saw all that?" She soon asked.

"Too much actually." Akira answered, trying not to dwell on such things. "...Maybe I should start bringing a medkit whenever I go out." He soon thought.

"No...I-I think the worst of it has-" Yomi began, only to be interrupted by even worse vomiting. "W-Wait...I think that was the worst of it. L-Let me clean myself up..." She soon corrected and stated.

"You need tissues? Wet wipes?" Akira eventually offered.

The port-a-potty door opened slightly, allowing the boy to see a tearful eye from in-between the crack. "Please..." Yomi meekly requested.

The Leader nodded before looking inside his bag. "Morgana?" Akira got out.

"Here you go." Morgana responded as he passed the Leader some wet wipes from his bag with his mouth.

Akira then passed the wet wipes to the blonde, who shut the door...and immediately vomited a little more, causing the not cat to pull out more wet wipes.

A few minutes later, the blonde opened the door and stumbled outside, looking rather clean. "Wow, you don't look like you vomited your stomach out." Akira couldn't help but remark.

Yomi moaned as she instantly leaned her body against him, not able to stand under her own power right now.

"So uh...Congrats on winning..." Akira awkwardly got out.

"I feel like a loser though..." Yomi groaned as she held her stomach.

"I can't believe you were almost about to eat live earthworms." Akira soon got out in disbelief. "Why did you even join an eating competition? Isn't stuff like this a waste?" He then asked and pointed out.

In response, the blonde sighed. "My business partner convinced me." Yomi soon revealed. "Besides, my prize is going to the homeless." She then added.

"What is the prize?" Akira had to ask.

"A year's supply of tomatoes." Yomi answered as her stomach wailed in pain. "U-Urrrghh...I think my pen pal is a sadist..." She then admitted.

(Hebijo Academy, Elite's Room)

Meanwhile, Imu was giving the tour of the school for some transfer students since Suzune-sensei was still away.

"...And as Suzune-sensei says; knowing is only half the battle." Imu concluded. "...The other half, however, is extreme violence. Never forget that." She then added.

"ACHOO!" The brown haired first year sneezed out.

SMACK!

And was instantly struck with a ruler right over her head.

"OW! YOU BITCH!" The brown haired girl yelped.

"Do not interrupt the tour!" Imu snapped. "And just for that, we're going to the Hell training course to test your skills." She then revealed, causing the transfers to groan and glare at the flat-chested girl.

"U-Uh...Achoo! Achoo! Oh my~ I'm so sick~" A blonde meanwhile whined, though she had a cat-like smile of excitement on her face.

"...You're getting the Demon Plus Ultra course." Imu immediately deadpanned.

"Ahhhhhnnnn~" The blonde let out a pleasured moan in response, causing the glasses-wearing girl to face palm.

"..." The brown haired girl's eye immediately twitched to that as she looked at the excited blonde. "...You stupid pig..." She groaned.

(Kichijoji, Shopping District)

"...Well, I just hope your whole...theme park thing doesn't blow up in your face." Akira got out with a shrug.

"...Do you like my booty, Akira-kun?" Yomi muttered, looking the boy in the eye with a pout.

Akira immediately almost facefaulted.

"D-Did she seriously just ask that!?" Morgana meanwhile exclaimed, though to the blonde it was just meowing.

"E-Erm..." Akira stammered out as his blush grew on his face. Why is everything with shinobi so perverted without even realizing it!?

"Do you need to see it?" Yomi soon offered, already shaking her hips.

"I think the food and the vomiting left you a little loopy." Akira got out, smoothly deciding not to answer that question despite his ever-raging hormones screaming otherwise. "Let me get you back home." He soon offered.

"Thank you..." Yomi breathed out, deciding to close her eyes and rest a little while the boy guided her to the train station, feeling his bond with her grow.

RANK UP!

WANDS RANK 4!

"That was a mistake." Yomi mumbled. "I need beansprouts in my system..." She then stated.

"I actually have a friend you might get along with and I'm sure he'll love your bean sprouts." Akira offered and reassured.

"Eh?" Yomi got out in a curious manner.

"Let's just say...he's the definition of a starving artist." Akira vaguely replied.

"...If you're just gonna say it outright, don't try to be vague." Yomi deadpanned with a pout on her face.

"Erm...sorry..." Akira awkwardly apologized as he then chuckled.

"Just...please stop talking and take me home..." Yomi sighed before snuggling into his shoulder.

"Wait, you didn't tell me where you're-" Akira began to point out before blinking. "Right. The abandoned train tunnel, then." He then got out before checking the time on his phone.

Well, he can still get blonde home before his scheduled outing with Makoto.

(8/1, Evening)

(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

"...We only have 5000 yen." Asuka got out as her head dropped.

"What!? Boss only gave you that much!?"

"That's my usual pay when I work at Leblanc." Asuka reminded. "Did you earn any money today?"

"Sis, you know what my job is and the current condition outside." Homura however reminded with a sigh as the two looked outside to see the rain coming down. "Note to self, check the weather from now on before going out." She then stated.

"You actually went to work?" Asuka soon asked.

"No." Homura shamefully confessed. "But that means we're kinda broke..." She then stated.

"Uhhh...wait, I think Kokito-san texted me throughout the day..." Asuka started before remembering as she took her phone out.

"Please tell me you got a gig tonight Sis!?" Homura asked in a panic.

"A couple offers in fact." Asuka replied with a nod as showed her phone. "Taking all of them for more practice for the runway show in September." She then revealed. "And I'll get paid quite a bit for each one." She soon added.

"Oh thank god..." Homura breathed out. "How the hell did we get robbed in the first place, Sis?" She eventually asked in concern while rubbing her head in frustration.

"I don't know. We weren't broken into." Asuka replied and reminded.

"Hey, you guys have something to drink?" Miyabi casually asked as she chewed on some chips she found in a cupboard.

"In the fridge." Homura answered without thinking.

"Thank you." Miyabi replied as she took a can out and opened it.

"...Wait a gosh darn minute!" Asuka eventually asked. "Why are you here!?" She then added.

"I need a drink." Miyabi answered before taking a long swig of her drink.

"What the- buy your own!" Homura meanwhile demanded. "L-Leave! Get out of here!" She then ordered.

"Alright..." Miyabi grumbled as she headed for the door, stopping as she stepped outside. "Oh, by the way, lay off those bath bombs. They'll get you killed one day. Let me rob you guys blind."

"Shut up! It's none of your business! Now good day to you, you freeloading jerk!" Homura snapped as she slammed the door in the woman's face.

SLAM!

"God, why am I more mature than the only adult in our group." Homura grumbled while letting out a huff. "...Wait, what was that last thing?" She eventually asked.

"Did...Did Miyabi-chan rob us?" Asuka soon realized.

"And probably spent all our money too..." Homura groaned as she rubbed her forehead, "Wow, she is not making friends with us any time soon."

Asuka soon shook her head and grabbed her shoes. "Well, I'm heading out to do those gigs." She got out.

"And I'll be...goofing off again." Homura sighed. "...Sorry..." She awkwardly apologized.

"It's okay. You should quit that job soon." Asuka however reassured and suggested.

Homura on the other hand still had a guilty expression on her face. "But...I have no other ways of making money other than the pittance Hebijo still gives me Sis." She then pointed out before shaking her head. "I'll go job hunting another time." She then sighed before following her sister out of the apartment.

Meanwhile, Miyabi slowly lowered her naked body into her warm bubble bath, letting out a long sigh as her muscles relaxed. "Ooooh...yeah...that helps a lot." She breathed out in satisfaction...and realized this was the first real bath she took since waking from her coma.

"I mostly used showers because of my bandages and crap." Miyabi soon muttered. "Imu really helped me out cleaning my body." She mumbled out. "...Rather too well now that I think about it." She then added blinking a couple of times to recalling every time her friend helped her.

Huh.

"...She could totally be a maid." Miyabi couldn't help but think as she sank lower into the water before snorting in amusement. "I bet she'd look cute in that outfit." She then remarked.

Man, she really needed to call her soon. She was her more trusted confidant, and she could probably keep the whole Persona thing a secret.

"But for now, I need to rest my body." Miyabi thought as she closed her eyes.

The water will stay warm for quite a while, allowing her to take a quick nap before she readied herself for bed.

"...Zzzzzz..." Miyabi snored out.

(Sakamoto Residence, Ryuji's Room)

"Yo, Homura. Nice of you to come over." Ryuji greeted with a smile.

"It's not a problem since it's summer vacation and all." Homura replied while shrugging his shoulders. "Uh, what happened to you?" She soon asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I got...slightly mauled by a cat..." Ryuji awkwardly chuckled before wincing in pain.

"Ouch." Homura replied.

"I'm fine now. Been hanging out here all day. Should be fine tomorrow." Ryuji assured.

"Alright. So, what game are we playing this time?" Homura soon asked while relaxing herself.

"A game from a series me and Asuka played a while back." Ryuji replied with a grin.

"Oh? And what would that be?" Homura asked with a raised eyebrow.

Ryuji in turn smirked at the question. "A game from the series called InFamous, where your actions in the game decide what you become." He replied and revealed.

"Hm?" Homura hummed out in a curious manner. "A game where your actions dictate where the story plays out?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Basically where the actions choose if you're good or evil in the end." Ryuji simplified.

"That's actually an interesting game mechanic. I had no idea games would do that." Homura said.

"Yeah, Asuka thought the same thing." Ryuji chuckled out as he got the game ready.

"Really? I guess great minds think alike." Homura joked.

"I mean you two are sisters." Ryuji reminded.

"Exactly." Homura replied with a smirk and a nod.

"Well then, shall we get started?" Ryuji asked as he took the controller. "Just watch me play first and then I'll let you try for a bit." He then instructed and explained as the game's title screen appeared on the tv.

The game begins with the main character, Cole MacGrath, narrating about the events of the first game where he became a Conduit and his life changing forever when he was delivering a strange package.

"A Conduit?" Homura repeated in a curious manner.

"Think of basically any kind of mutant from something like the X-Men." Ryuji simplified.

"I see, so like Wolverine?" Homura soon guessed as she looked on screen to see the main character's powers. "Whoa! Electrokinesis!" She got out in awe as she watched him in combat. "What the-!? Bulletproof and can recharge by absorbing electricity too!?" She then asked.

"Yep. And that's just the tip of the iceberg for Cole's abilities. And trust me, it's something really intense." Ryuji replied with a nod as the game soon began in New Marais.

"Still a load of bull that he's being blamed for what happened, he obviously tried his hardest against The Beast." Homura admitted as she watched the Conduit move around on screen. "Not bad parkour skills." She then added.

"Oh yeah, you'll be using those to get around the city. It's a lot easier than walking around like normal." Ryuji told her as he controls Cole around New Marais.

"Makes sense." Homura replied with a nod as she watched the story go on.

As she watched, the story continued going as she watched as Cole got a lay of the land.

About an hour into the game.

"So what do you think of the game so far, Homura?" Ryuji asked as he controls Cole more.

"It seems pretty fun, that fire Conduit seems to be pretty intense though." Homura replied and admitted.

"Oh, trust me. We'll be seeing more of her as we go through the Evil Route." Ryuji commented. "Also, Nix's power ain't fire." He then added.

To that, Homura blinked a couple of times to make sure she heard that right. "...What?" She eventually got out.

"Yeah. She doesn't use fire. She uses napalm/oil." Ryuji revealed.

"..." To that information, Homura was struck silent as she blinked some more. "Napalm..." She soon repeated. "And it's not fire related?" She then asked.

"Well, yes and no." Ryuji answered.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN NAPALM ISN'T ACTUALLY FIRE RELATED!?" Homura however loudly questioned.

"It's just not. It's more of an acid made from gasoline or diesel fuel." Ryuji told her.

"Ugh, darn it, so I can't recreate some of her moves in some way..." Homura grumbled out as she then pouted.

"Huh? What did you say?" Ryuji looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

Homura in turn sighed as she was given the controller and began playing. "I thought I could think up of some new move ideas from Nix's abilities." She soon explained.

"A new move? From Nix's attacks?" Ryuji asked again.

"Yup." Homura simply replied with a nod.

"Huh. That sounds like a badass idea. Maybe I should do the same." Ryuji thinks aloud.

Homura however snorted. "I don't think Cole's moves would work for you. You're more of a physical user than an Electric user." She remarked.

"Well then, maybe I can have my Persona electrocute my bat." Ryuji then suggested. "That way I can use it like how Cole uses his weapon." He soon explained.

To that, Homura blinked as she thought about it. "Damn, that could actually work." She admitted in a mutter.

"Right? I knew you'd think so. Better ask Akira to get me a metal weapon next time." Ryuji smirked as he continued with the story.

"Most of our weapons are metal. Just not good metal." Homura pointed out. "They're supposed to be display pieces after all. At least, if they're from Untouchable." She then added.

"Oh." Ryuji responded.

"And you could miss and hit one of us." Homura continued.

"Um…"

"And, there is an easier way to get a shock melee weapon, and it's called getting a shock baton." Homura then added and revealed. "Pretty sure there's a few shady websites that might sell us one." She soon informed.

"Okay, okay. I'll just buy a freakin' baton." Ryuji decided as he had Cole in game attack another civilian. "And…finishing move."

"Do you really gotta keep beating people up to be evil?" Homura awkwardly asked with a sweatdrop of concern.

"Well, yeah. That's pretty much how the evil route goes." Ryuji replied while shrugging his shoulders. "It's not pretty, but Cole does get some awesome fire powers down the line." He then added.

"You mean napalm." Homura quipped before looking at Cole on screen.

"You know what I mean." Ryuji retorted as he controls Cole for another mission.

Homura meanwhile giggled as game night went on.

They've even reached the point where Cole is being confronted by his best friend Zeke after learning what he's been doing and points a gun at him. This is where Ryuji controls Cole to kill Zeke by striking him three times until he is dead.

Homura meanwhile winced as she watched that. "Damn..." She muttered in disgust.

"Yeah..." Ryuji nods as Cole laments his best friend's death and smashes the RFI in rage.

"And thus, he became the monster he tried to stop...The Beast..." Homura growled out.

"Yeah...That was what Kessler from the last game was trying to prevent. By having his past self become more powerful to finally destroy The Beast..." Ryuji explained with a nod as the game moved onto its final act.

"And it'll only get worse from here for the Evil path..." Homura figured.

"Yep...With Cole MacGrath becoming the very monster the people of Empire City made him out to be...More specifically, The Beast..." Ryuji finished for her.

"And that's something the Phantom Thieves will never become...monsters." Homura declared with renewed determination.

"No, we won't. We won't let that happen to us." Ryuji agrees as Cole takes John's powers and starts destroying New Marais.

Thus, ending the game with the InFamous ending.

Ryuji turns off his console and faces Homura. "So what did you think? A pretty awesome game, huh?"

"Yeah it was, though I bet the Good Ending is better then the Evil Ending huh?" Homura replied and guessed.

"Well, yes and no." Ryuji answered. "It's true that the Good Ending is a happy ending, but not everyone comes out of it alive." He then added.

Homura in turn raised an eyebrow to that as she watched the blond get his phone out and began typing.

Ryuji soon showed that he typed in the Good Ending to Infamous 2 and showed her that after Cole destroys The Beast and uses his powers on the RFI, it not only kills all the monsters roaming the city but several people around the world were dropping dead. As Zeke said "Poor bastards must've been Conduits and didn't even know it." But in spite of all of that, the plague was just gone and everyone was celebrating being alive while Zeke walked into the scene with Cole's lifeless body. However, just as Zeke thought that his friend was going to go down as an unsung hero, the people of New Marais knew what he did for them and made him a Patron Saint and even honored him. Zeke was now seen on a boat with Cole's coffin beside him as he said "People are saying that humans and Conduits are totally different. That's bullshit. Because there ain't anyone more human than Cole MacGrath. I love you, brother, and I'm sure going to miss you." before the credits then started to roll.

"Ah, so self sacrifice to himself and to all the dormant Conduits to save everyone else..." Homura got out in a saddened tone.

"Yeah. But this is what Kessler wanted Cole to do after he became a Conduit in the last game." Ryuji revealed with a nod. "He wanted him to be ready for when he faces The Beast and if he's willing to make the ultimate sacrifice." He then explained.

"Damn..." Homura got out in frustration.

"Yeah...So no matter how the choices you make, it's either you become the very monster people say you are or you can sacrifice yourself and thousands of others to save millions." Ryuji explained.

"Right." Homura replied, feeling her Understanding improving as a result of learning this.

"Yeah." Ryuji responded. "So want to play another game or just save it for next time?" He soon asked.

Homura let out a yawn in response. "Next time." She answered while stretching her limbs.

"Okay. Next time it is." Ryuji responded with a nod as he yawned as well.

"Then we'll end it here." Homura replied as she stood up. "See ya." She added as she made her way to the door.

"Yeah. Later." Ryuji got out with a nod as he watched her leave his room.

As such, the night of gaming ended for now.

However, Homura shivered before looking in confusion.

Why was she suddenly thinking about Akira?

(Shibuya, Central Street)

"I really hope that Affinity Reading worked." Akira muttered to himself as he exited the train station. He had decided to stop by Shibuya for something to eat and drink before he continued on his journey.

The not cat soon popped his head out of the bag and took in the slightly cooler air. "Where are you going now, Joker?" Morgana had to ask.

"Ehhh...I'm thinking about heading to the church in Kanda." Akira answered with a shrug.

"Probably not to pray, I assume?" Morgana assumed.

"Nope, to play shogi." Akira answered. "And if God has a problem, maybe he should..." He then added before stopping himself.

"...Why are you pausing?" Morgana eventually asked.

"Knowing my luck, it'll probably come true." Akira muttered with a frown. "Uhhh...I guess...kill me with cuteness?" He awkwardly added in an unsure tone.

Morgana meanwhile sweatdropped at this. "Ok?" He responded in confusion. "I'm gonna walk around for a bit." He then decided as he hopped out of the bag.

"What exactly do you do out in the city?" Akira however asked in a curious manner.

"Hey, a Phantom Thief should always be gathering info and keeping their skills sharp." Morgana replied and informed with a proud smirk on his face. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be heading for- boobs."

"What?" Akira got out with a raised eyebrow.

"Gah! I mean, I think I see that Minori girl from Lady Yumi's group heading your way." Morgana soon informed.

"Oh." Akira responded before looking up to see the girl looking around, lost. "...Even in normal clothing she stands out from the crowd..." He couldn't help but note.

"E-Excuse me, do you know where...Um, excuse me, do you have directions to..." Minori was going around and asking random strangers but so far she wasn't having any luck. However, it was right then she spotted the glasses-wearing boy. "Hi! Akira-nii!"

"I am indeed Akira." Akira jokingly replied in amusement. "Minori-chan, how's it been?" He soon asked while patting the top of the young brunette's head. Something about being called that was nice.

"Great!" Minori happily replied. "I got everything I needed thanks to you." She then added.

"I just guided you to the best doctors I know. Thank them." Akira however stated and suggested.

"I already did!" Minori boastfully declared while placing her hands on her hips with a wide grin on her face.

Akira opened his mouth to say that wasn't what he meant, however he stopped and sigh. "Alright." He got out. "So, what are you doing now? You seem a little lost." He soon asked.

"I was going to buy some cake for the others back home, but I don't know any good places...this place is way too big..." Minori revealed and then confessed in a sheepish manner.

"Yeah, I get the feeling." Akira muttered under his breath. "Why cake though? Tokyo has plenty of other edible souvenirs like Chocolate Truffles at Taisho. I don't know if they're still open though..." He then asked and informed.

"Cakes and pastries are one of the ways to make this world a better place." Minori explained. "Too bad we fight more than we play..." She then mumbled inaudibly.

"Cakes and pastries?" Akira repeated with a raised eyebrow before chuckling. "Had a feeling you had a sweet tooth." He then confessed with a smirk.

"Ehehehe..." Minori giggled as she rubbed the back of her head in a sheepish manner. "Do you know anywhere I can get something like that?" She soon asked.

"I think Triple Seven has some cakes..." Akira responded before shaking his head. "But you probably want something a little less factory made, huh?" He then guessed.

"Hai!" Minori replied with a nod. "Freshly made sweets are the best! And I should know!" She then declared with pride while placing her hands on her hips.

"Oh? You like to bake?" Akira responded and asked in a curious manner.

"Erm, mostly candies." Minori soon revealed. "I do wanna learn." She then added.

"Well, no time like the present." Akira stated.

"Moh...I haven't eaten many sweets since I came..." Minori whined as she held her stomach. "I want cake now!" She then declared

"Hold on, I know a friend." Akira soon got out as he pulled out his phone and called someone. "Hello, Ann? I need recommendations for cake shops still open in Shibuya at this time. It's for a friend from out of town." He soon informed. "...A-Ann, I don't need every single one you know. Just one near Central Street." He stammered out and stated.

"Akira-nii?" Minori innocently called out.

"Hold on." Akira responded, getting a nod from the first year brunette. "...Fine, I'll send you an apology cake. Miyabi's pillow fights are too hardcore. Now can you please... Ten minute walk, to the one right across Pizza-La? Got it, thanks. Uh...When is Shiho...Okay. Day after. Alright, have a good night." He then got out before putting his phone away. "Come on, Minori-chan, they close in thirty minutes."

"Hai!" Minori happily replied with a salute before taking the boy's hand and giggled.

Akira in turn chuckled, not feeling awkward about this. He could tell this girl just needed some more friends.

Now that he thought about it, a lot of people he knew needed more friends. Especially the shinobi girls.

"Well, who else but some guy who can't say no..." Akira thought as he led the girl to the cake shop.

It didn't take long for them to find the cake shop, and only took a little more time to order what they wanted and receive their goods before heading back to Central Street.

"Kinda surprised they kept smiling even though we ordered five different cakes before closing." Akira muttered. The ash blonde's cake was getting delivered to her home right now, while the brunette's cakes were carried by them.

"They were really nice!" Minori happily stated, unaware that her sheer cuteness had entranced the workers into making the cakes without much fuss. "They even gave us a discount!" She then added.

"Well, it certainly earned them a return customer." Akira chuckled out. "Anything else you need Minori-chan?" He soon asked.

"Hmmm...Nope!" Minori hummed out, thinking about anything else before soon replying.

"Are you sure?" Akira then asked in confirmation.

That got the childish girl to hesitate a little. "Wait...um..." She then started, thinking about anything she forgot.

"Well, I got Murakumo-chan and Yozakura-chan's contact details. You think I get yours as well?" Akira pointed out and suggested.

"Ooh! Good idea! Let me get your phone...number..." Minori began to offer in an enthusiastic manner before slowing down and recalling the one flaw.

"Right, you left your phone at home." Akira remembered, thinking a little before reaching into his bag and grabbing some loose paper. "Let me write my number down. Make sure to keep it safe, okay?" He soon got out as he quickly wrote down his details and handed it over to the girl.

"I will." Minori assured while holding the note close to her sizable chest. "Oh right, you need my phone number and chat ID too. Let me put it on your phone for you." She soon stated.

"Alright. Just don't look at my photos." Akira repliee and requested as he handed her his phone.

Minori giggled at that, causing the Leader to awkwardly chuckle as he desperately hoped the innocent little world wouldn't find the dozens of very, very NSFW pictures Haruka liked sneaking into his phone that needed passwords to delete.

And the MetaNav...

He really needed to lock his phone...

"Oh my God!" Minori exclaimed.

"I can explain!" Akira immediately responded.

"You listen to A Female Ninja, But I Want to Love too!?" Minori happily noticed.

"...I can explain that too..." Akira mumbled as he scratched the back of his head. He should really find some calmer studying music...

"Hehe..." Minori giggled before quickly inputting her details into the Leader's phone. "Ah! I'm done! Here you go." She then got out as she handed his phone back to him.

"SweetBucket?" Akira read out loud in a curious tone.

"I wanted HoneyBucket but Yozakura-chan stopped me for some reason..." Minori muttered.

"...I can understand why." Akira awkwardly replied with a sweatdrop. "I'm surprised Yozakura-chan even heard about the term." He thought to himself.

"Really? What is it?" Minori replied and innocently asked.

Akira silently gulped. "Uh, do you really have to ask?" He muttered.

"Yeah! I'm curious." Minori responded with an innocent smile.

Akira however began sweating as he glanced around. "Well, it refers to- Hey look, an ice cream stand! My treat!" He began before quickly changing the subject and offered.

That immediately perked the young girl up. "Ice cream?! Where?! Come on, I want one!" Minori replied in excitement while flailing her free hand.

"Alright, follow me." Akira responded before walking briskly towards the ice cream stand that he luckily located, with the light brown-haired girl following in tow with an excited smile on her face. "Phew, safe..." He mentally sighed in relief after feeling the urge to protect the young girl's innocence.

Now, Akira expected it to only take a minute, but it actually took a lot longer due to greatly underestimating Minori's sweet tooth.

"Thank you for your purchase." The female vendor happily got out. She was actually glad she was out of ice-cream just from her second customer.

"You're welcome!" Minori replied before walking away with her stack of ice-cream, making her way to her friend that already had his and was sitting down. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Akira-nii." She then apologized.

"...That's a lot, Minori-chan." Akira admitted as he looked at the 12 scoop stack of various flavors the young girl had while holding his simple single scoop of chocolate ice cream. It was a wonder none of the scoops were falling over.

"I really like sweets." Minori happily confessed. "I know Yozakura-chan says to keep a balanced diet, but I can't help it." She then added as she began licking her cold treat.

"Why does every girl I know win the genetic lottery?" Akira couldn't help but think before licking his own ice cream.

"Mmm~! Soooo good~!" Minori happily replied.

"Are you sure you're gonna be able to eat all of that?" Akira meanwhile asked. "What about getting a brain freeze?" He then added.

"A brain what?" Minori innocently asked in confusion while tilting her head. "...My eyes feel funny. Ooooow~" She eventually whined out while holding her head.

"As expected." Akira mentally chuckled out.

"So that's why Yozakura-chan tells me to eat too much ice cream at once...oooow~" Minori mumbled and whined once more.

Akira in turn began rubbing her head. "There there." He replied in reassurance.

"Erm...Jii-chan told me that headpats make it feel better..." Minori soon informed with a cheeky smile.

Akira let out a laugh before continuing to do so.

"Nothing like ice-cream in the middle of a hot night." Akira breathed out.

"Thanks a lot Akira-nii!" Minori happily got out.

"You're welcome." Akira chuckled before checking the time. "Ah, jeez, I need to go." He soon informed.

"Aw, so soon?" Minori asked in disappointment. "I need to get back home soon..." She then revealed.

"Sorry, but I have other friends that need me." Akira got out in an apologetic tone. "But I'll be sure to hang out with you the next time you're here, okay?" He then assured while patting her head.

"H-Hai..." Minori mumbled out. She clearly wasn't happy, but she knew that people couldn't always play with her. "Please call me when you have the time." She soon requested.

"I will." Akira replied with a nod of reassurance. He could already tell there was more to the girl. "I'll be sure to keep in contact as best I can. I might be a bit though. I've been getting a lot more popular lately." He soon informed and confessed.

"Mmmhmm...Well, goodbye." Minori got out as she headed to Ginza Line.

"I'll see you around, Minori-chan." Akira replied with a nod, watching the girl leave before looking at his phone."Now...did she input the right number..." muttered before calling the number.

"MINORI, GET BACK HERE NOW SO MAY DISCUSS YOUR 100 YEARS OF PUN-Wait, isn't this Akira-kun's number?" Yozakura screamed before sounding quite embarrassed.

"Yep. It works. She's coming back soon, Yozakura-chan. Save for your voice until then. But go easy on her." Akira informed and requested. "Now, to the church!" He concluded and declared before heading down underground as well.

(Hebijo Hideout)

FLASH!

Yomi coughed as some dust entered her lungs. "Ah...perfect." The bean sprout-loving girl got out as she looked around, recalling that the greenette had stayed with the other blonde in their group in her own apartment. "I better first clean up around here to make this a proper place for us to live." She then decided.

And with that, she got to work...and finished about two minutes later.

Sometimes she loved being a shinobi.

"Yosh, it's now clean and livable." Yomi declared in satisfaction as she made her way to an open area that had some open dirt, preparing to plant some bean sprouts before realizing something. "I better call Haruka-san to let her know I am here." She muttered, suddenly remembering as she pulled out her phone.

Not even a second later, the call was answered with a long yawn. "Yomi-chan?" The doctor's assistant mumbled.

"Hai, good evening Haruka-san! Are you busy?" Yomi happily replied and asked.

"A little, but I'm on break right now." Haruka answered. "Is everything going alright at Hebijo?" She soon asked.

"It's been relatively fine, although I don't know what's happening now." The bean sprout-loving girl replied.

"Ah, you're here in Tokyo, Yomi-chan?" Haruka soon guessed.

"...No, I'm in Osaka." Yomi deadpanned. "Where else would I go?" She then asked as she placed the phone down and turned on the speaker.

"I dunno. Tatsumi Port Island? I heard it's quite pleasant this time of year." Haruka soon muttered.

"That nowhere near Osaka-" Yomi began before sighing. "Nevermind. I'm here." She then stated.

"For how long exactly?" Haruka soon asked.

"A few days. A week at most." Yomi answered as she dug some holes in the soil and planted the seeds.

"You're the last of us to spend time in Tokyo, huh?" Haruka soon realized.

"It is." Yomi confirmed as she sat down beside the tracks. "When are we going to leave again?" She then questioned.

"When we get rid of the Yoke technique on us." Haruka answered. "Has anything new happened at Hebijo?" she then asked.

"Not really. I heard they were getting some transfers in, though." Yomi responded.

"Those poor girls..." Haruka sighed out. "With Imu-san in charge, they will not be in for a good time." She then added.

"...It wasn't a good time before Imu was around." Yomi pointed out.

"You know what I mean, Yomi-chan. Hikage explained to me what she had been doing since she basically took charge of the Elites." Haruka responded.

"Well, it didn't exactly help that you left..." Yomi added. "But then again, all of our group will be leaving when the chance arises." She then added.

"Yes...but that chance isn't quite clear to me yet." Haruka reminded. "But it will come either way." She then stated.

"...I hope." Yomi sighed as she brushed her fingers through her hair. "I really hope that it all works out." She then added.

"Hm?" Homura got out, noticing the worried tone in the blonde's voice.

"You talk as if our escape is inevitable, that our lives continue on free...but so far, all we've been doing is waiting for someone to help us. Chance instead of effort." Yomi explained. "Are you sure you have this all planned out? Or...have you been too focused on your other pursuits to have one?" She eventually questioned with worry in her voice.

"It's not like that, Yomi-chan, it's just...difficult." Haruka however responded. "I mean, Homura-chan still doesn't know I'm even here. And it's not like she's called us as often as she promised." She then reminded and stated.

"So you haven't gotten the chance to ask how she got her Yoke Technique removed." Yomi realized.

"No." Haruka responded. "Betraying an entire school and going on the run is never easy." She then stated.

"True." Yomi admitted in agreement. "Wait...on the run...how would you become a doctor if you-" She then started, however...

"I'll find a way, okay!" Haruka exclaimed in a tone unlike how she usually was. "I'll...I'll find a way." She then got out.

"...Just please think it through." Yomi soon requested, though was surprised by the outburst. "Ugh...I should take one of those free online courses for essential workers..." She groaned.

"Hey, I'm becoming a doctor without a PhD. If you put your mind to it, you can do anything." Haruka however remonded and encouraged. "Which reminds me, I need to look up stuff about bee larvae to cure cancer thanks to my weakness to cute little girls." She then stated.

"...What?" Yomi got out with a raised eyebrow.

"...Oh, I said that out loud. Please disregard that." Haruka muttered before coughing a bit. "Since you're here, I presume that you've run into Akira-kun by now?" She soon asked.

"Yes." Yomi got out in a happy tone. "I am sure we will have delightful conversations over bean sprouts. He even told me he has a friend who might be interested too." She soon added.

"Oh did he now?" Haruka responded. "Let me guess. He's skinny, pale, suffering from malnutrition and due to the poor living conditions set by his former guardian?" She casually assumed.

"...Eh?" Yomi responded in confusion to all the details.

"He stopped by the clinic a few days ago." Haruka started. "His name is Yusuke, and he..." She then began to explain. "He was a victim of Madarame." She soon revealed.

"Oh, that scam artist from a few months ago." Yomi realized.

"The very same." Haruka responded. "He's...uh...well..." She then mumbled as she remembered that particular visit.

Haruka had come into the consultation room to see the doctor stepping on his face while a maid was glaring at him ready to stomp his balls as well. They all ended up throwing him into the streets.

"Was very...interesting to say the least." Haruka then revealed.

"He sounds interesting." Yomi responded. "However, I am here on a personal mission now. Maybe some other time." She then informed and stated.

"And what mission is that Yomi-san?" Haruka asked in a curious manner.

"A shinobi should keep some secrets." Yomi replied in a pleasant tone.

"...That's concerning." Haruka soon confessed.

"This is coming from the girl who used to perform experiments during her time at Hebijo?" Yomi however countered in amusement.

"Well, I'm doing experiments here in Tokyo so that statement is somewhat moot." Haruka soon confessed.

"...Nothing involving tentacle monsters, right?" Yomi had to ask in concern.

"No. I've grown beyond performing such experiments." Haruka responded. "..." She then however paused.

"Are you thinking about it though?" Yomi eventually questioned.

"Well, everyone needs a hobby." Haruka responded.

"Haruka-san..." Yomi sighed out.

"I would only do it at the request of others." Haruka however assured. "I do wish to become a real doctor, so do not assume such things." She then reminded.

"As long as you're not causing the apocalypse...or turning everyone into you...or everyone into half-animals...or making perverted things happen on a daily basis to the point where everyone is free-"

"I get it, Yomi-chan." Haruka sighed out. "But rest assured, I am trying to improve myself for the better." She then stated. "Besides, the gender-bender potion was an accident..." She soon mumbled.

"If you insist. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to water my bean sprouts before I head to bed for the night. I will see you later." Yomi replied and informed.

"Okay, have a good night. I have to get back to work on my cure for cancer research." Haruka responded, grumbling to herself about the headaches it was inducing as she hung up.

Shutting off her phone, Yomi then placed it on the charger as she sighed with a smile of approval on her face. "Trying to cure cancer is a new one for her." She muttered to herself. "Well, if she can pull it off, I doubt shinobi can make such a figure disappear without raising red flags. Although, I wouldn't put it past big pharma to assassinate her from releasing the cure so they continue milking patients of their money for chemotherapy and wigs despite the fact it would make them infinitely rich!" She soon muttered, going a little crazy with a twitching eye towards the end there.

...Maybe she and the others in their group could be Haruka's bodyguard when she eventually found the cure.

...Or the squirrel meat from round two was coming back up, she didn't know other than it was getting late and she needed sleep.

She could do more for their base's bean sprout supply in the morning.

(Harajuku, Takura Productions)

"My Asuka-chan, you're on a roll." Kokito started in an impressed tone. "This is the fifth job in a row." He then counted off as he looked at his clipboard.

"Well, I do need as much experience as possible." Asuka replied as she smiled in an adorable manner. "And money." She thought to herself while mentally sweatdropping while taking a drink of her water.

"It's getting pretty late, you should head home." Kokito suggested. "You don't want to exhaust yourself do you?" He soon got out in a concerned manner.

Asuka however giggled to that as she waved her hand. "It's ok Kokito-san, I'm just fine." She reassured with enthusiasm. "Besides, I need all the experience for the runway show in September. Especially since Oren-san recommended me personally, so I can't let him down." She then reminded with determination.

To that, her manager chuckled. "Just like Takamaki-san." Kokito muttered as he looked through the schedule. "Hmm, well, there seems to be one more available job." He soon revealed.

"I'll take it." Asuka instantly got out.

"Asuka-chan..." Kokito began.

"I need the money and training, Kokito-san." Asuka insisted. "I'm taking it. I can handle it." She then stated.

"Are you sure?" Her manager questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes." Asuka answered as she pumped her fist in an adorable manner. "I'm gonna give it everything I got!" She soon declared.

"Well, okay then. They are desperate for one more model for the job." Kokito responded with a sigh as he shook his head. "Just don't let Ranze rile you up and it should turn out fine." He soon instructed.

"I won't." Asuka assured before pausing. "...Wait, why did you mention her?" She soon asked.

"Because you will be working with Ranze for this shoot." Kokito stated in a matter-of-fact tone. "I tried to warn you, so let's take this as a lesson to slow down and listen to your agent, okay?" He then stated

"...I'm sorry, Kokito-san. It won't happen again." Asuka soon apologized in a saddened tone. "I just don't want to let anyone down." She then confessed.

In response to this, the girl's manager sympathetically nodded in understanding while placing a hand on her shoulder. "Asuka-chan, I get your passion and appreciate your drive, but it can lead to your downfall in this industry. Don't be hasty, people will take advantage of that." Kokito soon stated and instructed in a serious tone.

To this, the brunette nodded as she took in the information and advice.

"In any case, do you think you can handle being around Ranze?" Kokito soon asked in concern as he looked at the list of the other participants for this particular job.

Asuka however pouted to that while crossing her arms over her chest. "Kokito-san, I know to be the better person when it comes to her." She reminded.

To this, Kokito nodded in approval with a smile. "Well then, I'll set it up then." He replied. "You and Ranze are going to be going through a photoshoot together along with several other girls." He then revealed.

"Hai." Asuka replied with a nod. "I'll be freshening up before the shoot, so give me a minute." She soon stated.

"Your shoot is in 30." Kokito informed while looking at the clipboard.

"Hai." Asuka replied once more with a nod. "What's the theme this time?" She soon asked.

"Cheongsam dresses." Kokito responded.

"...Orgasm!?" Asuka exclaimed in surprise and with a blush.

"Chinese style dresses Asuka-chan." Kokito corrected in amusement. "Get your head out of the gutter and get ready." He soon instructed.

"O-Ok. Sorry." Asuka got out and apologized, an even brighter blush on her face as she made her way to get freshened up.

As Kokito watched her leave for the moment, he couldn't help but chuckle. Something about being around her was just radiating. It was as if she was the sun itself.

And he had to make sure she didn't get corrupted in any way.

Anyways, about 30 minutes later, Asuka headed to the shoot dressed in the required fashion...along with Ranze, in the exact same outfit but in a different color. Red compared to her green.

"Ah, good evening Ranze-san." Asuka politely greeted with a smile. "How dare she wear Homu-neechan's color..." She thought to herself.

"And good evening to you too, Asuka." Ranze responded. "Isn't it past your curfew?" She then asked.

"Not when it's summer vacation." Asuka countered in amusement.

"Well, I guess I'm not surprised." Ranze smugly responded with a shrug while her friends giggled in amusement.

That however caused Asuka to raise an eyebrow. "What?" She responded in confusion.

"She's saying your folks don't care enough about you." Koikito whispered.

To that, Asuka's eye gave a small twitch, but took in a deep breath to keep calm. "...I see." She replied.

"At least you're not letting her or her friends get to you." Kokito pointed out.

"If she knew who I am, she would be regretting every single word she's ever said to me." Asuka darkly grumbled.

"Hm?" Kokito hummed out in a curious manner.

Asuka however took in another deep breath to calm herself down. "It's nothing Kokito-san." She replied. "I will try my best during the shoot." She then reassured. "I just don't get her dislike towards me..." She soon confessed.

"I'll have to admit, I agree with you on the matter." Kokito replied with a nod. "However, a job is a job. Please remain professional with one another." He then instructed.

"Alright people, places!" The photographer suddenly called out as he finished his sandwich before pointing to Ranze and Asuka. "You and you! Stand over there and do what you do best." He ordered.

"Hai." The two models responded with a nod.

"And where the hell is the warm orange light? We can't savour the summer without freaking orange!" The photographer soon shouted out as he went off to see where the light was himself.

"Well, Asuka, shall we?" Ranze started with a confident smirk on her face.

"We shall, Ranze-san." Asuka replied with a nod.

"Okay, get ready, girls!" The photographer announced. "Session starting in three...two...one...!" He counted down before starting to take the photos.

Click! FLASH!

"...I won't lose to you." Both models soon whispered to one another in competitive tones while keeping the cute smiles on their faces while posing for the camera.

"Such fiery tension in the air between rivals...I like it! Keep it up ladies!" The cameraman informed and instructed in a passionate manner while continuing to take pictures.

"Rivalries often bring out the best in people, huh?" One of the interns remarked as he and his buddy watched the two fight through their modelling.

"Right..." His friend muttered with a frown. "But there have been some rivalries that bring out the worst in them too. And in shit like this, it's never pretty." He then added.

"QUIET DOWN YOU MONKEYS AND GET TO WORK!" The cameraman however demanded. "Ooh, quite the smile there, Amy! Stay like that!" He soon ordered.

"My name is Ahma!" The girl responded with a sigh of defeat.

"Please remain professional Elma!" The photographer reminded before taking a few more photos while the girls themselves changed poses.

Eventually, the shoot ended without much incident. Everyone remained (mostly) professional and it was done before anyone even noticed.

"And that's a wrap, everyone! Good job, good job...well, except Saki-chan. You had some broccoli in your teeth." The manager of the shoot soon stated and informed.

"WHAT!?" Said girl got out in a panic.

"Don't worry, we'll edit it out." The cameraman however reassured before heading out, unaware of the girl's now depressed state.

"Don't worry Saki-chan, everyone makes mistakes sometimes." Asuka however pointed out with a smile. "Nothing to be ashamed of." She then reassured.

"A-Asuka-chan..." Saki breathed out in awe at the brunette's words.

"Che..." Ranze however got out in annoyance with a huff.

"Wow, you're so nice, Asuka-chan!"

"Are you sure you haven't worked in fashion before?"

"How did you get that bust so big!?"

"She...She didn't even do anything special!" Ranze called out as she stomped her foot. "God, why is everyone treating the newbie like she's some fashion goddess? Just because she has tits the size of Hawaii doesn't mean she has talent!" She then grumbled.

"I don't think of myself as a goddess though." Asuka meanwhile thought to herself with a sweatdrop as the other models did the same.

"Ranze seems to be jealous again."

"No duh."

"Asuka-chan is totally a fashion goddess in the making though."

"Do not talk behind my back!" Ranze snapped, suddenly scaring the models. "If you're gonna say anything, say it to my face!" She then demanded.

"Hey! There's no need for that!" Asuka countered.

"No, there is." Ranze retorted, causing the girl to stumble a little. "If they don't speak up, how will I ever learn? Muttering and mumbling won't solve anything." She then explained while crossing her arms over her chest.

"You are right. So, allow me to say that you are wrong. Asuka-chan does have talent." Kokito however stated while adjusting his glasses. He knew the auburn haired girl had a mean streak and a reputation, but it seemed to increase more anytime the brunette was around.

Asuka however frowned as she stepped forward. "No, please don't fight my battles for me, Kokito-san." She soon requested in a more serious tone.

"Asuka-chan, please don't." Kokito soon requested in a serious tone.

"I'm not doing anything." Asuka responded.

"Looks like you don't have a backbone to talk back to me." Ranze remarked.

"..." Asuka however remained quiet about this. "Be the bigger person Asuka." She mentally told herself.

"So, Asuka, what do you want to say to me?" Ranze pressed, staring the girl directly in the eyes. "Come on, we're all adults here. What do you want to say to me?"

"..." Even still, Asuka continued to stay silent.

"Really? Is that all you can do? Glare at me with that cute, non-threatening face of yours. Wow, so intimidating." Ranze scoffed as she rolled her eyes. "Well, if you're just going to be quiet, let me impart a few words of advice. The world doesn't revolve around you. It doesn't care who you are, or who you want to be. I know your type. You think hard work and effort will get you anywhere you can, but you. Are. Wrong. You're just an upstart who got lucky, where everyone in this place is willing to kiss your feet because you're so nice and cute and no one wants to say anything bad about her because they hurt her feelings." She then got out in a mocking tone.

"..." The rest of the staff and other models meanwhile looked on in shock to hearing the auburn haired girl's harsh words while the brunette just took it all without even batting an eye.

"I am the one who makes sure people like you remain on Earth." Ranze declared. "You would never have amounted to anything if it wasn't for Takamaki-san. Meanwhile, there are people just as pretty as you but aren't here. And why is that?"

"..."

"No answer, still?" Ranze tauntingly asked, mentally getting frustrated to this before shaking her head. "No...I think you know the answer. You know that you aren't anything special. That you never earned a damn thing here in this industry. You don't even need this damn job. You are just a part-timer." She soon declared.

"..." Even Kokito was starting to get appalled by the harshness towards the girl as he placed a hand on the brunette's shoulder.

"Look at them. Sneering in disgust. Thinking they're better than me in some way. I will never admit to being a role model, but they keep me here anyway because they need me." Ranze remarked. "And you're just letting me ramble on and on...because you know I'm right to some degree, that you agree deep down don't you?" She soon assumed as she leaned in close to the brunette's face while poking the girl's bust.

"..."

"And let's be real, this place only ensures we keep making money and not making the agency look bad. It's a business, not a family. Our well-being, our safety, our happiness? A cost in yen, not in lives." Ranze continued. "Though it looks like Kokito at least made you obedient like a dog." She soon remarked in amusement.

"...Grr...!" Asuka growled quietly, her hands scrunching into fists.

"Aw, is the cute wittle puppy trying to act like a wolf? Go on, show me some bite, but try not to choke yourself on that leash okay?" Ranze taunted. However, the brunette still didn't do anything. "Still nothing? Not even a step forward? Hmph, Oren-sama made a mistake giving you his recommendation." She concluded in an even harsher tone with a smirk on her face.

To that, Asuka's eye simply twitched, but before anything else could be said...

Finally, her manager had enough. "Alright, break it up!" Kokito called out as he pushed the two away from each other. "Ranze, I expect better from you. Stop treating the juniors and part-timers like this. And Asuka, I saw what you were about to do back there. Do not start a fight." He then warned before letting out a sigh. "Look, you two are talented models, and we don't want to lose either one of you." He soon stated.

"I still got more experience than Ms. Mammies here." Ranze remarked.

"At least I'm not a-" Asuka soon growled as she clenched his fists.

"Stop." Kokito interrupted. "Ranze, Asuka. One more incident, and you're both fired. We have high standards here, and if you do not meet them, you do not deserve to be here. Am I clear?" He warned before asking.

The room went instantly silent at the warning. Asuka looked like a fish out of water while Ranze simply looked...bored.

"Tch." Ranze eventually scoffed before heading off to get some dinner.

"..." Asuka meanwhile said nothing as she looked at the ground in shame. "Sorry..." She eventually apologized to her manager.

Kokito sighed as he switched off his harsh adult mode. "Good." He soon got out. "The shoot is over, so please take a well deserved rest before you all head home for the day."

"Hey, who's in charge of this shoot here?" The photographer grumbled before looking around the place. "...Everyone, go home." He eventually ordered before leaving to go gorge on some udon.

"Who and where the hell is Ranze-san's manager anyways...?" One of the models wondered out loud as they began to shuffle out of the area.

"God, she was really being a bitch this time." Another model got out as the others nodded in agreement.

"I hope Asuka-chan's alright." Saki soon muttered in concern.

Asuka however bowed to the staff and the other models. "Sorry for the inconvenience." She soon apologized.

"There's no need to apologize, Asuka-chan." Kokito however informed. "You did well holding back." He soon admitted.

"Until the end there..." Asuka however reminded in shame.

"Yes. There are some people who do deserve a sock to the face, but there will still be consequences." Kokito advised as he checked his phone.

"I know..." Asuka responded with a nod.

"You really held yourself back though."

"If I was in your place, I would've snapped right away."

"Ain't that the truth."

"..." Asuka however went silent once more as others praised her for her resilience.

"Well, we better get those photos sent to editing. Good work out there, Asuka-chan." Kokito soon got out. He was ready to go home, crack open a beer and sleep.

"Kokito-san..." Asuka got out in a shaky voice. "I do have the right to be here, right?" She soon questioned.

"Hm?" Kokito hummed.

"P-People aren't just nice to me, right!?" Asuka pleaded as she began to shake.

Kokito mentally cursed the full-time model before placing a hand on her shoulder. "Asuka-chan, you know fully well that Ranze was just trying to get under your skin and make you doubt yourself. You even asking that now just proves it." He stated in a gentle manner.

"U-Uh...c-can we do the shoot again? Can I see the photos at least? Am I only on the front cover when I'm photochopped!?" Asuka stammered and worried, scratching and ruining her hair.

"Asuka-chan. Stop. You are overreacting. You are like a bright and refreshing sun in this industry for your personality alone. You cannot let the likes of Ranze corrupt you by any means." Kokito however instructed.

"But...Ranze is right...I'm just a part-timer...am I even ready for a big runway show like...like..." Asuka panted, more out of worry than exhaustion.

"You are, or you will be. It took confidence to do what you did at that audition, where is that now? That girl I saw on that stage who danced like no one was watching. You deserve to be here...but I'm not the one to tell you that." Kokito stated. "Tell me, on the day of the runway, are you going to be ready?"

"I...I...think so..." Asuka mumbled as she rubbed her arm.

"Wrong answer." Kokito however got out as he shook his head. "You know the right answer, but I haven't heard it yet so tell me." He soon stated.

"...I am." The rising model got out in a more confident tone.

"So why are you here? Why do you want to be a model Asuka-chan? For money or fame?" Kokito soon questioned.

"...Neither." Asuka answered. "It's for me. It's to make my life my own!" She then added with a fierce expression on her face.

"So where is that model from the audition!? The girl who earned Oren-sama's respect!?" Kokito continued, the volume of his voice rising with each word.

"She's right here. She never left!" Asuka declared.

"You're damn right, Asuka-chan!" Kokito stated as he stomped his foot, ignoring the odd looks they were getting from their coworkers. "Never let anyone extinguish that fire! Let it burn bright and for all eternity as you conquer the modeling world!" He soon declared with passion before he then coughed and straightened his outfit. "Erm, sorry, I may have gotten a little too into that. I guess my chunni self hasn't truly died..." He sheepishly chuckled.

Asuka however giggled at that display before she flicked her hair back with renewed confidence. "Hai." She soon replied with a smile, feeling as though her Courage increased greatly as a result.

"Do not stoop to her level, Asuka-chan. The world isn't that cruel of a place if it made someone like you after all." Kokito stated.

To that, the Vice Leader immediately understood. "Yes, sir." Asuka replied with a nod. "I'll be sure to be the bigger person around here." She then added.

"Good. Now please go home and rest up." Kokito soon requested.

To that, Asuka nodded as she left for the evening with renewed confidence.

Once the brunette was gone, Kokito as he noticed the auburn haired girl with her groupies, hearing obvious insults towards the brunette and any model they disapprove of. "She used to be so nice..." He thought to himself in disapproval.

He would have to keep an eye on Ranze from now on.

(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc Attic)

Akira and Morgana let out breaths as they fell onto the bed, ready to head to sleep for the night.

"Whew, what a day." Akira breathed out. "Another productive day of...whatever I do with my life." He then added.

"Seriously, how do you keep meeting shinobi by chance? Twice is a coincidence, but..." Morgana began to say only to pause and count his paws. "One, two, three, four...uh...eight, nine...er...no wait, I'm getting confused. But it's still way too many to be natural." He then got out.

"At least I'm getting along with them." Akira pointed out. "And none of them have kidnapped or beaten me recently, so I'd say that's a win." He then added before pausing. "Wait, scratch the beaten part." He soon corrected.

"You charmed three of them." Morgana bluntly reminded with a deadpan expression.

"Not intentionally Morgana..." Akira grumbled. "I was just being a nice guy to them. They probably just haven't interacted with boys their age much." He then added.

"True, both Gessen and Hebijo are all-girls shinobi schools." Morgana sighed out. "To be honest, we really don't know how they'd react to being turned down." He then added,

"Ain't that the truth. God, I'm too nice for my own good..." Akira mumbled before wincing as he rubbed his back. "...Which might be why I let Miyabi convince me to fight her on a daily basis..." He then muttered in realization.

"You know, despite her almost thrashing us, Miyabi was right about being prepared for any situation." Morgana confessed.

"Yeah..." Akira replied in agreement with a nod as scenarios formed in his mind. "I wonder who she's gonna pit us against next?" He soon wondered.

"I don't know. You better update your arsenal of Personas if you're gonna be facing the others." Morgana advised.

"I will...tomorrow." Akira replied as he turned in his bed.

"...Oh God, am I gonna have to have to fight you later?" Morgana suddenly realized.

"Probably." Akira assumed with a shrug.

"...Hmph, it might be a good chance to show how much of a professional I am." Morgana soon stated, smiling a little deviously.

"You can try." Akira scoffed.

"Is that a challenge?" Morgana growled.

"Maybe." Akira answered with a cheeky smile.

"Come 'ere! I'll show you what I've got!" Morgana declared, baring his claws.

"Bring it!" Akira called out as the not cat tackled him down. "Hahahaha!" He then laughed as he played with the cat, conducting a little mock battle before they tired themselves out enough to go to sleep.

He wasn't sure what was going to happen in the future, but he was going to take that advice to heart, so to start with...

He was going to see Haruka tomorrow.

Save Game…Quit!

Asuka/Yin's Social Stats:

Leadership- Dependable (Level 3)

Knowledge- Expert (Level 3)

Proficiency- Skilled (Level 3)

Diligence- Thorough (Level 4)

Courage- Brave (Level 3) → Daring (Rank 4)

Homura/Yang's Development Stats:

Maturity- Managed (Level 3)

Knowledge- Expert (Level 3)

Femininity- Natural (Level 4)

Elegance- Disciplined (Level 3)

Understanding- Generous (Level 3)

Whew! Done! Still no signs of actually doing a Confidant event with any of the shinobi. I really want to get to those Rank 10s but next chapter we get a little…NSFW.

And there is an associated image that might be added whenever the Ao3 version catches up (I really need to work on that…)

And so…that's it. This is probably going to be the last chapter of the year. 2021 has been a pretty enlightening year, and hopefully next year will turn out better.

So Merry Christmas from UknownHero, JGResidentEvil and VividMind17 and have a Happy New Year! Let's hope we reach the Shido arc by the end of 2022! Stay safe and have fun, my friends!