"And next up is… oh! A very special guest! I know many of you are here just for him — everyone, let's give a round of applause to the "Detective Prince" Goro Akechi!" The stage lights flashed with bright, ostentatious colors - seemingly spurred on by the similarly difficult-to-tune-out music that picked up in speed and energy. Both seemed to swirl and dance across the show's hosts and audience before coming to a relaxed hold on the opening velvet curtains.

And there he stood. The lauded Masterful Investigator. The Real-Life Sherlock. The Detective Prince. One might call his shaggy, neck-length brown hair messy if not for its clear and meticulous care. One might call his tan peacoat and tie preppy or even boring, if not for its professional comfort and recognizability. One might call his easy and reddish-brown eyes doey, if not for the clear intelligence and drive within them. Of course, this "casual" outfit wasn't Goro Akechi's hero costume - but it was arguably more well-known and better received than what he wore in combat. It was simple, effective, welcoming, and stylish - as was the practiced and easy smile that now looked out over the cheering audience hidden in the dark and behind cameras. He gave a confident wave as he made his way to his designated seat. 'Maintain your 3/4th profile. Look casual, and approachable. Smile. Wave. Wink. Good.' Even his sitting was calm, calculated, and intentioned. Too quickly and he would seem nervous, impatient, or lazy. Too slowly and he would seem lame, weak, or odd. No, it must be perfect. Flawless. Seamless. Just like him.

"Thank you for having me, Tetsuko. It's an honor - I've been watching your show "On-Air with Tetsuko" since my early childhood. My mother made sure of that." A beaming smile ought to project the right image. The woman sat across from him beamed back - and it was hardly an exaggeration. Tetsuko the Host must've been almost 60 that year - yet she practically glowed with the youth of a 20-year-old. Flawless skin, beautiful and large dark eyes, shining teeth, and sometimes an actual, visible, measurable glow lightly emanating from her. She was gorgeous thanks to her quirk and what was likely no small amount of self-care. "And to think, I'm here now? I can hardly remember all the amazing heroes that have been on this very stage! Crimson Riot, Balastor, Zero-Day - there's been so many!"

She nodded, then flashed a smile at the cameras. "I remember even bringing in a rookie All-Might! Even then he was a hero to look up to. And now, many years later, I still have the honor of meeting new and upcoming prodigies - like yourself, Akechi!"

He gave a practiced yet embarrassed laugh - a great way to look modest, he'd found. "That's so kind of you, but really, it's my honor. Who's to say I even belong up here?" Who's to say indeed?

"Nonsense!" He recited her words in his head as she spoke them. They were quickly leaving the part of the show that was so heavily scripted - his favorite part of any interview. Of course, the whole thing from beginning to end was planned, but the script became vague around the middle. "A brilliant child, a fantastic quirk, even an early graduation from hero school! You're already projected to be in the top 20 heroes soon - and for someone who graduated last year that's some serious accolades." A cheeky yet professional grin lit her face. "I hear the popularity polls are expected to have you way higher than in the 40s. More like the top 10! Heroes like Hawks and Best Jeanist better watch their backs!"

"Ah, as flattering as it is to hear, I'm not gunning for anyone's position. I'm just here to help in any way I can - to save lives and to put away criminals."

"Right, right. Sorry! You know me," Tetsuko winked at the cameras. "Gossip is practically my lifeblood!" The entire crowd laughed and Akechi had to stop himself from cringing. Everyone knew what her quirk was and why she chose this job. Longevity and beauty in exchange for privacy? Who wouldn't make that trade? "But now's time for the real questions. For everyone at home who might not know, why are you gaining so much praise as a potential one of the great detectives of our time?"

It took much in him not to scoff at the word potential. "Well, I have to give good credit to my quirk - or, maybe the better term is quirks. My ability to goad the truth out of simpler minds like those of common criminals certainly does help, and my ability to perceive and interpret clues others may have missed has caught me a villain more times than I can count." He chuckled. "But really… the police and other detectives have similar methods of doing the same. They may not be as convenient but they are often just as, or sometimes more, effective." Yes. His successes were not a result of what he was born with - no, he was just that good. He had to make sure that was clear.

"So what you're saying is…"

"Mhm. Most of the time I have to rely on my wits, my senses, and my body. My quirks are fantastic for finding criminals but apprehending them or piecing together the clues I found does not come so naturally easy."

"Wooooow!" Tetsuko smiled at the cameras. "Then your track record is even more impressive than I thought!" She put a finger to her chin and cutely tilted her head as if her next question came at great thought. Along with an eventual 'Oh!' a small giggle escaped her as if she were embarrassed it took her that long. The crowd, and presumably many watching from home, let out a long and drawn-out 'awwww…'

This woman was 60 years old.

"So! What's your next case, Detective Prince? Anything interesting you can tell us?"

Hm. An interesting question for once. How much could he tell her? How much did he want to? "Well, Tetsuko, I can say this. Criminals are bad - obviously! But everyone knows they're bad. If an average citizen sees…" he swirled his hand in the air as if magically conjuring a well-known villain. "Trompa-dour, for example, they know to call the appropriate authorities and to leave the area. However, if a vigilante, like, let's say, Knuckleduster, were to show up to fight Trompa-dour - well, it wouldn't be the first time the citizen let the vigilante go without alerting anyone." With a tut-tut he let his stance be known on that. "Letting dangerous quirk wielders - even those that seemingly have good intentions - go about and do as they please with no accountability is simply…" A shake of his head told that it was too heinous to even say.

"Ahhhh, I seeee!" Tetsuko almost seemed to glimmer. "Then we should be expecting to see an ex-vigilant soon, is that right? Who is it? You can tell us! We won't spill the beans to anyone, pinky promise! Is it Knuckleduster?" It was unlikely given the vigilante's recent longer and longer breaks, but a fair guess given his example. "Brick-Frog? Verisimilitude?" Suddenly darkly sparkling eyes gave Akechi a bad feeling. "Is it the Phantom Thieves?"

"Tetsuko, you know as well as I do I can't say. But, I hope you'll all be watching the news very closely!" Something about his response got the crowd whispering.

Tetsuko seemed pleased for only an instant before turning back to her guest. Suddenly leaning in, she gave off the impression she meant to ask a question that would stay between the two of them. Her hanging mic, invisible to the crowds but almost tauntingly apparent to Akechi, disrupted that illusion. "But that's not all the juicy stuff our viewers are here for. Why, Goro? Why are you doing this all? Why did you study so much and push so hard?" The question almost got him. He felt hot emotion flaring up - fire and boiling blood - a pounding in his mind - a desire to shout his truths to the heavens. But he remained calm.

"My father… he was a good man - but a simple one. He couldn't be a hero no matter how much he wished. He didn't have the quirk, nor the body, nor the mind." Akechi's eyes looked doey and loose - exactly as he practiced. "Yet one day, he threw himself in harm's way to protect a stranger. My father's killer was never found." He stood up straighter - pain and loss instantly replaced by determination and passion. "My father was entombed in my heart as my burning passion. From then on I promised myself that I would do everything in my power - everything - to bring those like him to justice."

The crowd cheered. Applause. Tears. Several shouted 'I love you Akechi!'

It was pathetic.

A large burly man sat watching an old retro-style television. On-screen played 'On-Air with Tetsuko', one of the larger man's apparent favorite shows. Despite the blurry image buzzing, humming, wiggling, and crackling, he leaned forward, enraptured and smiling. When the crowd laughed, he laughed, and when the crowd cheered, he cheered - regardless of how another man might call the small television unwatchable. Of course, all good things must come to an end, and the large man sighed as, once again, the image froze and the T.V. blinked off. "Oi! Knot! It's gone off again!" Angry grumbling and the messy noise of a collapsing tower of metal scrap signaled 'Knot' had gotten his call. A tiny, goblin-like red creature slowly padded out of the other room coated in a strange mixture of grease, oil, and glue. No taller than 3 feet in stature yet seemingly unafraid of the giant of a man on the nearby couch, it trotted up to the broken television and gave it a loud kick on the side. The image flickered back to life, but the show was over, and blurry commercials instead graced the screen. "Goddammit!" The deep grumble erupted from the burly giant like the precursor to an active volcano. "Knot! Why we doin' this? The hell is this heap of crap?" Sausage-like fingers gestured wildly towards the screen.

"Because of Livefeed! You know that, you idiot! Now shut up! I'm making art!" The screech was accompanied by tantrum-like stomping on the abandoned warehouse's concrete floor.

"Fuckin' heroes…" the giant threw an empty beer can at the barely functional T.V. As if in response, its screen blinked out of existence. "God - ugh, whatever."

Directly above the giant and resting calmly on a thin metal beam lay a dark young man. Shaggy black hair hung lightly over gray eyes peering out from behind a white mask - the only identifiable features visible in the shadows. The rest of his form was obscured by darkness and cloth. 'Livefeed?' He pondered. He'd heard that name before - ah, of course. The electronics hero. She could sense and manipulate electronics - the more advanced and modern the better. A powerful quirk in this day and age. Even an old run-down knock-off like the barely functional television would eventually be tracked down by Livefeed - which meant that he had to work fast. The dark figure silently drew his pistol and aimed it directly down and into the giant's skull.

BANG!

Like a shadow, he dropped to the floor and quickly bound the now unconscious giant. There was no chance in hell he wanted that brute of a man to wake and wreak havoc. Tight knots in well-made rope meant he could rest semi-easy and worry more about the tiny red one. Almost out of pure curiosity, he felt where his 'bullet' would have impacted the giant - and, of course, he felt nothing. No hole, no wound, not even a bump. It may bruise the next day but no worse than that.

Man, he loved his quirk.

With a quick dash to the wall, the young man ensured that even if the little red 'Knot' stepped out to see why the grumbling giant was suddenly so quiet he would remain unseen. Of course, the young man need not worry about Knot stepping out to inspect the gunshot - there wasn't one. At least, there wasn't one that Knot could hear. Only the young man and those who knew the gun was being fired could hear it.

'If a tree falls in the forest and no one's around to hear it… it's showtime.'

Dark gray eyes peeked around the door frame. There. The small red man quietly hummed to himself while stacking a pile of metal scraps into some bizarre, fragile structure. 'Art,' the young man supposed. A pair of headphones blocking off the rest of the world from Knot widened the young man's sneaky grin. In one smooth motion, the young man strode cockily forward, lifted the small red creature by the scruff of his neck, and slammed him through his art piece. He collided with the metal wall accompanied by a loud cacophony of falling metal, reverberating sheets, and struggling shouts. A cloth quickly stuffed into the mouth of the goblin stifled at least one of those things. Next, the gun cooly placed against the side of its head stifled its struggle. The young man leaned in close - cloudy eyes peering through his white mask, wordlessly exploring his terrified captive's expression. After a moment of silent intimidation, he ripped the cloth out of the smaller man's mouth.

A moment of coughing and spluttering was all that preceded the pleading. "P-please, I'm just Knot! I ain't got no clue who you is - if you want money, we ain't got none!" The young man pulled the red creature back and slammed him once again into the metal wall. The pistol slowly moved from the side of Knot's temple to the center of his forehead, and for a moment both were afraid Knot would piss himself. "Y-you ain't no hero… you're gonna fuckin' do it, aren't you?! Okay! Okay! Fine!" Knot felt the grip on him loosen almost imperceptibly - a sign that his assailant was listening. "It's in the sewers - there's a grate, about three blocks from here! It looks solidly melded with the concrete but it's not - you can pull it up and out. J-just -" the young man growled in anger before spinning and flinging Knot to the hard cement. The small man landed hard and painfully and now rested by the open doorway - too frightened to run. Pistol now fully extended and aimed, his next question was practically spat.

"Who is it?" Knot noted that his voice, while not high, likely belonged to someone younger. The observation was quickly pushed to the side by fear as the cold barrel of the gun pressed once more against his temple. He glanced out the open door into the main room and noticed his friend lying limply in his chair. Dead.

Or at least Knot thought he was dead. The young man didn't feel the need to clear up the misunderstanding. "Who. Is. It."

Knot broke. "I-it was Vasco! We call 'em Teller cause… well, he's a teller - er, the guy who set it all up is Gangrene. He's not here though, he was gonna pick up the package in 3 days. Look, that's all I know! Just lemme g-"

"Where is he?"

"I-I dunno man! We only communicate through some teleporting chump! He sends us letters and we send shit back! If I knew more, I'd tell ya, I swear!"

The assailant had enough. His finger tightened. The trigger clicked. A thunderous flash. Knot dropped to the stone floor unconscious. Good. The young man was a little nervous about it working as effectively against Knot as it had done against his friend, but it seemed that seeing his unconscious friend reinforced the illusion. The model pistol disappeared back into the folds of his disguise. From a different hidden pocket, he produced a calling card. After setting up the unconscious criminals in a suitably dramatic way, he tapped at his earpiece. "Oracle? You get that?"

"Yessiree! Looks like our lead was right! Gangrene is our mystery man. Oooh, I'm so excited!" A young voice responded in a way that could only be described as mischievousness incarnate.

Another voice crackled into existence. Brash, loud, and muffled, he sounded like he had been caught in the middle of a meal. "Huh? Are we doin' this? For real?"

"Guys!" A third voice. This one is feminine and hushed. "Shut up! Especially you, Skull! I'm taking an online test!"

"Everyone, calm down." At the 4th voice's calm and collected tone, the rest of the group quieted. "Remember; we still need information - and even if we do get Gangrene he's just a stepping stone. We can't lose sight of our final goal."

"A stone is but a single step in our journey - yet, we must remember to value each and every for its beauty." The 5th voice waxed, eliciting an audible groan from Skull.

The final, 6th voice crackled to life. Despite being brand new and still nervous, her determination shone like a star. "Thank you again, everyone. I know we can do this!"

The young man nodded. "We're coming for you, Okumura."

"Goddammit." Detective Zenkichi stood over the captured criminals. They were a couple of idiots who had managed to sneak into a highly guarded bank and nab at least 40 million yen worth of valuables. Necklaces, rings, documents - jewelry, mainly. Livefeed, a hero who'd been hired by that particular bank, managed to recover some of the deactivated camera footage. Hence, literally the only reason the cops knew what had happened. Now they sat here, tied to each other and a nearby pipe with their loot in a wet sack next to them. It felt like a direct insult to many of the police milling about the crime scene.

But he wasn't here for the chumps. Pinching the bridge of his nose and tapping his foot impatiently he peered over the rim of his glasses at Livefeed, waiting for him to finish his recount of the events to the police. Not seeing any clear progress he growled and paced into the other room in an effort to keep his mind busy. All he wanted to do was get home and not miss another birthday -

"You needed to speak with me?" A heavily modulated voice nearly made him jump out of his skin. Livefeed. Pro Hero rank 66. Robotic shell-casings and exposed wiring connecting her entire costume would make anyone who didn't know any better think she was actually a robot - and the big CRT monitor acting as a helmet display didn't do anything to dissuade those thoughts. Her screen displayed ":?"

"A-ah! Livefeed!" Shit. Not a very professional greeting. "Ahem, sorry. Detective Zenkichi." In a practiced motion his badge flipped open and his "life's work" was displayed to all. A shitty little slice of plastic. "Good to meet you, I hear you do good work."

Livefeed's display changed to ":)". "It's good to meet you Detective, but I'm afraid I can't tell you anything about the crime I haven't already explained to your peers. I -"

Internally groaning. Zenkichi wished that these pro heroes would, at minimum, at least glance at a badge for once. "I'm not with the MPD. I'm with Public Security."

":|"

"The PSIA?" Nothing. "I'm with the government, we investigate potential internal risks to the country's security. "

":0"

"Yeah. Anyway, I'm not here to talk about those idiots. I'm here about the potential vigilante."

This seemed to simultaneously annoy and pique the interest of Livefeed. "Oh? What about? From what I heard, it's that vigilante group that's gotten kinda infamous. The Phantom Thieves.'

Zenkichi frowned. "The Phantom Thieves? Really? Not surprised, but I was kinda hoping they wouldn't pop up again." Not too long ago the first instance of the Phantom Thieves appeared - a small-time group of vigilantes who made their name by exposing a sex offender in some high school. Not a bad way to introduce yourselves - and if they had stopped there, they probably have been forgiven and ignored for their vigilantism. They didn't. The last big shitshow they'd gotten caught up in was a cyber villain known as 'Alibaba' threatening to screw over all of Japan. Luckily, nothing came of it - except, of course, more and more people coming to see vigilantism as something acceptable. He didn't know anything about them beyond that - not their quirks, MO, or even charges going to be brought against them. Apparently, there were enough people on the Phantom Thief case already. That wasn't to say he wasn't interested in learning more.

"Don't you think it's weird they call themselves thieves if they're supposedly beating up the baddies?" The detective mused as Livefeed snorted in amusement/annoyance. Her display changed to ":/"

"Like any vigilante is more than a thief. For them, though, it's because they steal every cent left on the criminals they assault. There's also some kinda talk about them stealing people's hearts and forcing them to reform? I think we all know it's just some brainwashing quirk though. Or good old-fashioned blackmail." She sighed and kicked her foot in the direction of the criminals. "And then there's the other stuff they steal too." The last line piqued his interest, but her clear opinion of the group interested him even more.

"Assaults, huh?"

"Yea. Assaults. Look, there's not much else for me to tell you. If you want to see their calling card…" Zenkichi's phone buzzed. "I just sent you a pic - though I assume you could get this at any station. Could I go now?"

Ignoring the uncomfortable potential breach of security to his phone and Japan right in front of him, Zenkichi held up his hand in an effort to get Livefeed to pause. "Yea, in one sec. You're a pro hero, one well in the top 100. Why do you think we're seeing more cases of vigilantism - both minor infractions and full-on vigilantes?"

Livefeed seemed to consider the question, pausing in her turn. After a long moment of intense deliberation, Zenkichi simply won a casual shrug. "Not everyone can be me." As Livefeed left the PSIA detective flipped open his phone. A calling card had been left on the bag of valuables stolen from the bank that had been presumably found and returned by the Phantom Thieves. An expertly drawn logo of a top hat and flaming mask bounced next to the simple message,

"You're welcome. For the crime of greed, they've been punished. - Joker"

Zenkichi chuckled before looking back up at the quickly disappearing form of Livefeed and realizing he had one last question. "Hey! Wait! You said they stole more than just money from the criminals?" Livefeed didn't seem to hear him and disappeared down the street. "Hey! Wait up!" Stuffing his phone back into his pocket with his badge he took off at a light jog. "What else does he steal-" his questioning was brutally cut off when he crashed heavily into another form, sending the both of them tumbling to the ground. "Dammit!" The angry screech of some animal and the surprised yelp of a teen responded in turn. Sat uncomfortably across from him was a kid, no older than 16 or 17, awkwardly rubbing his behind. Dark shaggy hair hung lightly over stormy gray eyes, both winced in pain. A small black and white cat screeched incessantly and clambered all over his gray peacoat as the kid tried to calm it down. "Morgana! Calm down." The moment he managed to get the words out the cat immediately relaxed and, quite grumpily, climbed into his side bag.

"Shit, sorry kid. Here," Zenkichi handed the teen his glasses - unfortunately broken - from where on the concrete they'd clattered. The lens had popped out and the frame was bent in unrecoverable angles… Extending his hand in apology, the detective pulled the teen from the ground. "Ah. Shit. Sorry about that. You alright? What's your name?" Before answering the teen immediately took a well-practiced stance. His whole body seemed unbalanced - leaning a little too far on one leg, both hands in his pockets, back bent in a way that Zenkichi wouldn't dare for long. He looked as if he might either fall over at a moment's notice or dash away like a feline - it was hard to gauge.

"Ren."

"Right, well, uh, Ren," he dug his wallet out. "I don't really know how much they cost… so here's like… 20,000 yen?" The money disappeared into Ren's peacoat like a shadow. Had it ever even been in Zenkichi's wallet? "Oh! Right," as if suddenly remembering the cause of the crash Zenkichi bemoaned and frantically peered around the scrawny teen. "Crap! Hey, did you see Livefeed around here? See where she went? Creepy pro hero, computer from the 80s for a head?"

The teen cocked his head at him. "No. Why?" Zenkichi sighed, distracted by trying to get a glimpse past the kid.

"I was gonna ask her a question about Joker… er, uh, it's just police business, kid." This seemed to pique Ren's interest. The cat in his bag meowed with what could be interpreted as disapproval, but its seeming annoyance was easily dismissed by its owner.

"I might've seen something." Ren's voice, Zenkichi noted, had a weirdly calming charm to it. He wasn't sure why but a part of him did want to talk more with this kid. If he had seen something it might even be worth it.

"I dunno, kid. I was more hoping to get the word of a hero." Ren nodded but surprised Zenkichi with his next words.

"I'm enrolling into UA."

"Woah, really? Congrats."

"Yea. We'll talk about it over ramen. I'll pay." Ren pulled out some of the 20,000 yen Zenkichi had just given him and the older man nearly laughed at his ballsiness.

"Fine, fine. You know a place?"

Makoto: This is so sudden. Are you sure this is a good idea?

Ren: No

Futaba: wow, joker really doesnt beat around the bush

Haru: Don't worry Makoto! I'll be there too!

A brown-haired, well-dressed high schooler looked up from her phone. Placing it on the table in front of her, she put her hands together to stop them from shaking. She could do this. Easy. She wasn't just Makoto the straight-A student anymore - she was Queen, the Phantom Thief vigilante. She was strong.

"Makoto!" The light and airy voice drifted through the night. A pretty young girl with fluffy, chin-length auburn hair and brown eyes waved as she approached. Her almost iconic pink sweater buried her overall form and replaced it with something desperate to be snuggled into - a ball of warmth and coziness on this cold evening. The most iconic aspect of Haru was her two large sheep horns that exploded from her forehead and wrapped around her fluffy hair in a twisting spiral. They weren't too large to be cumbersome but they looked solid enough to last.

"Haru, it's good to see you."

"You too of course!" Haru giggled and plopped down daintily on the stool next to her friend. "Will Ren be here soon?" As if on cue, both of their phones buzzed simultaneously.

Ren: we're almost there

Futaba: ohhhh good luck u guyssss

Ryuji: bet their gonna beef it up

Ann: there*

Yusuke: They're**

Ann: okay that ones just because I glanced at it instead of reading okay I'm busy hold on

Yusuke: One's*

Makoto: Guys, stop.

As Haru giggled Makoto rolled her eyes. She couldn't stop the small smile though.

There. They were here. Ren, their leader, walked next to a detective from Public Security. The man was likely in his 40s, of average height and slim build, with long dark hair that lay flat against his head. A chinstrap beard seemed to square off his head from the rest of his body but his dark suit connected it once more. All-in-all, it was a pretty typical-looking man. That is, except for his shoes. Bright white sneakers - not what she expected. The two seemed to be in deep conversation - well, at least as deep of a conversation as you could get with their quiet leader. He was a man of few words, but when he did speak it was often strong. Or ridiculous.

Beside her, Haru was ordering 4 bowls of ramen for the small group they were about to form. Waving Ren down, she ensured this meeting was happening. "Okay, it's just information, that's all. We just need to find out what Public Security is doing here and if they know anything about us."

"Maybe we can convince him to come to our side?" Haru suggested. Makoto could tell it wasn't entirely serious, but the fantasy was a nice one.

"I don't think so, Haru. As nice as that would be." She turned to the approaching duo. "Hi there!" Extending her hand, she stood from her stool. "Good to meet you. I am Makoto Niijima. Ren texted and mentioned he'd found someone interesting to talk to." Ren slid past her like a shadow and in the same movement scooped up some noodles with his chopsticks. He cooly leaned against the counter as he noisily slurped up his noodles. The three of their phones vibrated in their pockets.

Futaba: wtf is ren doing? oh wait is this some kinda advanced intimidation tactic?!

Ryuji: what are you talking about futaba? can you SEE them?

Futaba: yea I hacked into a nearby surveillance camera it's like free reality tv but more illegal

Yusuke: What?! Futaba, I implore you to show me next time we're together.

Futaba: u kidding inari? like imma give this kinda power to u

Yusuke: You will?!

Ann: no, Yusuke, she wont

Futaba: well just this once ill post a live video feed to the chat

"Dang, you kids are popular, huh?" Zenkichi chuckled while shaking Makoto's hand. "So popular your name's kinda familiar… where'd I hear it from?" He stared Makoto down as if his eyes could answer his mouth. Haru cleared her throat and stepped forward to diffuse and distract. "Oh! Forgive me, young lady. I'm Zenkichi, it's good to meet you. I'm a member of Public Security - your friend said he might have some info?"

"I'm Haru, it's nice to meet you. Ren definitely gets around a lot, and he hears a lot too, so I wouldn't be surprised."

"Oh yeah? Honestly, I'm not expecting too much here. Not sure why I even came. Info about the group has been exceedingly rare and difficult to get a hold of for some reason - if you have any Pub Sec doesn't, I have no idea how you got it." He sighed. Why was he here? Cause he felt bad about breaking the kid's glasses? Cause he was hungry and decided to be treated by his own money? Cause he was bored?

"It's because I'm a Phantom Thief." Every single head around turned towards him as slowly and as stiffly as a stone dragging across stone.

Futaba: okay this is some ADVANCED advanced tactics

Ann: We're gonna be arrested…

Yusuke: This angle…This tension! Yes! Look at how the ramen shop lines up with the foreground to provide a beautifully synchronous tale!

Ryuji: yo, yusuke, like actually calm down

The silence broke from Zenkichi's bewildered laugh. "You are the weirdest guy I have ever met! Ha!" Tension snapped like a rubber band that had been pulled too far and suddenly everyone was laughing. "What on earth, kid." He plopped down on the other stool next to Makoto and broke apart the disposable chopsticks provided, still laughing the whole time. "But seriously, that's not a joke you make to a Pub Sec." Shaking his head, he let out a woof. "That being said, I think I needed that."

The black and white cat poked its head out of REN's bag and wrapped around the tip of his shoulder, perching and watching the interaction. It looked towards Zenkichi and meowed. "It's a good thing this guy's an idiot - or at least, thinks that the leader of the Phantom Thieves isn't one! What are you thinking!" The cat smacked Ren in the back of the head. To anyone but the Phantom Thieves the talking cat would seem unbelievable - but thanks to Ren's quirk having incredible synchronicity with the cat's, it was something they were used to. Morgana meowed one last warning before climbing back into Ren's bag. For some reason, no matter how many times it happened, Makoto couldn't help but study other people's faces when Morgana talked. To her and her companions, his words seemed clear and intelligent - but to those like Zenkichi, they were nothing more than an animal's call for food.

"Y-yea, Ren can definitely be weird. Anyway, what were you wanting to talk about?" Makoto squirmed. She really hoped this wasn't a mistake. "If Public Security has all the info you think you could get right now, why'd you even consider this?"

"Well, I was talking to a pro hero - Livefeed, dunno if you know her - about the recent vigilantism. Specifically the Phantom Thieves." He glanced up from his food. "It's not my case, so I haven't actually gotten to know or hear much, but I'm still kinda interested. I figured if Pub Sec didn't want to let me know, I'd look into it myself. Besides, if I did hear or put something together - well, it's worth a shot, right?" He cleared his throat. "I uh, assume you know them? What do you think of them?"

There was a brief pause before Ren spoke. Makoto almost wanted to stop him before he did. "Eh. Doesn't affect me." Shrugging, he placed down his chopsticks. "They seem like they're doing stuff for the right reason, though." Zenkichi paused, his mouth set in an upward grimace.

"I dunno if I can argue that, truth be told. But they can't be left to run around doing their own thing." He sighed, digging back into his ramen. "I dunno."

"Is Public Security thinking about doing something about them?" Makoto's sudden inquiry was confident and almost invasive in tone - something Zenkichi picked up on. He gave her a weird look. "I-uh, sorry, it's just super interesting to me. My sister is a Special Investigations prosecutor - this stuff interests me a lot more than heroes."

"Ah. Well, I don't know if I can recommend this job to anyone…" The look in her eyes told him she wasn't about to give up. "But if you are so interested, sure. I can maybe say a couple of things." Putting down his bowl he turned fully towards the teens. "Pub Sec is concerned - vigilantism is increasing faster and faster all over the world - in countries like Italy, Africa, Germany - basically all over. America is especially pretty bad. Guys like 'Spider-Man' are steeped in controversy. I dunno much about him or any of the whole situation, but the stories that drift over the pond are pretty wild - and often conflicting."

Makoto nodded - she'd heard something similar from Sae. "The Pro Heroes, like Star and Stripe, have been getting a lot of pressure to quell unregistered heroes."

"Yea. Vigilantism in Japan has always existed - but recently it's getting worse." He looked up at the darkening sky, deep in thought. "In the grand scheme of things, it wasn't too long ago that the whole hero system was even created. It's no surprise there are enough flaws that people feel the need to strike out…" his voice drifted off before he snapped back to reality. "Er, that's not to say it's acceptable or even understandable that people do it. Vigilantism has no excuse." He did not want to give these impressionable teens the wrong impression.

"We know. We won't crime, promise." Ren's smooth voice incited an eye roll from Zenkichi.

"You're a real joker, huh? Anyway," he continued. "Pub Sec is noticing the trend, and the whispers are saying they're gonna start cracking down. That nonsense with The Crawler would've never flown." After vaguely gesturing at some past event he kept on. "The Phantom Thieves though… they've got the higher-ups really angry." Dark eyes stared past the teens into the empty streets. "No idea why." The same dark eyes suddenly pierced the others. "And you shouldn't be making any assumptions either, got it?"

Makoto had a feeling everyone around the ramen shop was thinking the same thing. 'Because the Phantom Thieves might go after them next.' A hint of smug satisfaction cracked her inner professionalism but was quickly smothered.

"Do they have any idea who they are?" Haru piped up after a long period of silence. "The Phantom Thieves, that is."

Zenkichi chuckled. "I don't know. Not my case, remember?" Checking his watch he noted the late hour. "Anyway, I've gotta get home. Tonight is -" Eyes widened in panic. Heart rate skyrocketed. Legs leapt from

The stool. "Oh, crap! I gotta go! I'm gonna be so late!"

"What's wrong?" Gasped the fluffiest teen in the bunch. The detective spun to her in pure panic.

"It's my daughter's 15th birthday, and I forgot to get her anything! I was gonna use the 20,000 yen - but -"

In Ren's hand was a small but extremely fancy and flowery box. A small plastic window showed off the elaborate and delicious-looking strawberry cake. In his other hand rested a doll of a Jack Frost snowman, its huge smile and charcoal eyes seemingly making fun of the older detective. In its tiny hands were two twin pistols. The whole thing was expertly crafted and beautifully made. "Here." Practically pushing the two items into Zenkichi's hands, Ren continued. "It's not much." Haru and Makoto looked on with confusion and a hint of embarrassment.

Zenkichi, however, recognized the doll immediately. "Holy crap kid! That's the Gun-About tournament 2nd place prize!" At the three teen's befuddlement, he stammered to explain himself. "A-Akane is crazy about that stuff - she'll love this!" Stopping himself from snatching the two items out of the offering hands, he peered at their owner. "Are you sure? This must've been expensive to get."

"I won it. And yea."

"Thank you! Thanks! If you won it though, uh…" he paused. "Could you sign it for her? To A-K-A-N-E." Second place in a tournament was not as impressive as it could've been, but in the Gun-About tournament - one of, if not the most popular video game tournament in Japan - it was still really, really impressive. Makoto wondered when Ren even had time to practice or compete. She assumed, like many things, she'd never know. Ren was mysterious.

Giddy, Zenkichi carefully adjusted his grip on the cake and doll and took off, his gratitude following him through the air all the way out of earshot. It was only later that night he realized he had forgotten to actually ask the teens any questions.

Ann: I cant believe you guys gave away my cake!

Ryuji: whatdya mean 'your cake'

Ann: I mean my cake! That being said…

Yusuke: T'was hardly a cake any longer - instead, it blossomed into a beautiful metaphor - to help maintain the bonds of family, and to inspire a young woman's heart.

Ann: yea, that. Honestly I'm more surprised Ren gave away his prize

Ren: I'm gonna cry.

Futaba: we can literally see you smirking

Makoto: Getting back on track…

Makoto: I think operation "Public Insecurity" was a moderate success. I don't know how much new info we learned…

Haru: But we confirmed a lot, and we lost nothing!

Ren: Morgana is saying that we could've gotten more, but he's glad we didn't push our luck.

Ryuji: ya he really knows about that

Ryuji: about pushing his luck I mean

Ren: I'm heading back to Leblanc. Meet up tomorrow?

Haru: I can't, but everyone else should feel free. My father has arranged a meeting with Endeavor and he wants me there as a decoration.

Ryuji: woah the number 2 hero? what for?

Haru: He's hoping to secure Endeavor's agency using Okumura and only Okumura support gadgets.

Makoto: Is that even allowed…?

Yusuke: Why of course. When money changes hands, all things are on - or perhaps the better term is "under" - the table.

Haru audibly sighed. Walking with Ren and Makoto back to the train station had been nice until she was forced to think about her father again. That wistful dream once again returned - that every night could be like this, with people she could finally call 'friends.' Maybe one day it would be closer to reality. Glancing over at said friends, she gave a strained but soft smile. A nervous smile returned from Makoto. The cogs turning in her mind were practically visible - what to say, how to say it when it was appropriate. The differences between Makoto and Queen, her alter ego, were great and never ceased to amaze Haru. Then again, the same could probably be said about Haru herself.

"Well, when you're free, we'll make sure to catch you up and tell you what was discussed. Maybe next time we'll take you out to town and hang out too." Meowed Morgana from Ren's shoulder, clearly trying to express sympathy.

Ren seemed lost in deep thought, his stormy eyes hidden behind locks of hair. Wonder at what intense dreams rumbled through his mind poked at Haru now and then - and her desire to learn more about him grew each time. As the newest Phantom Thief, she hadn't yet had much time to get to know anyone, though everyone (by far especially Ren himself) had made sure to get to know her and make her feel comfortable. The thought made her happy but embarrassed, and she vowed to learn more about each of them in her own way. Maybe she could schedule some time at Destinyland and -

In the same movement Ren slid his phone into his peacoat, everyone got a buzz from the group chat.

Ren: Meeting is canceled, I'm going with Haru.

"W-what?" Stammered the fluffy girl. One hand shot up to rub at her horns in anxiety and surprise, an old habit from long ago. "W-when was this decided?"

The tiniest smirk came and left in an instant like a struggling lightbulb flickering on and off. "Just now."

"I d-didn't agree to this!" The look she got was one of a thousand words, but just a few got through to her. It was an invitation - one he was presenting to her. It screamed 'You can say no - but I know you won't.'

He was right. Almost frustratingly so. In a loud 'harumph' she stomped past him with cheeks puffed and arms crossed. With a red face hidden from view of the other Phantom Thieves, she relented. "It's happening at headquarters at 6 am. If you're late, you're not getting in." She glanced back just enough to side-eye Ren. "And sorry Mona, but you can't come."

"What?! Why not?" Came the yowling complaint clearly unappreciative of the insinuations. Ren simply nodded and gave nothing but a wave as a goodbye. Haru watched as he trotted down the steps into the subway tunnels, almost surprised at how quickly they'd reached their destination. It felt like the walk should've been much longer.

Makoto next to her rubbed at the back of her head. "Sorry about that. I know it's already been a month since we properly met and you joined us, but Ren can take a while to get used to."

A giggle came with her response. "Indeed, but I can see why he's the leader. Fearless Joker, right?" Makoto snorted and rolled her eyes but she couldn't help but agree. "Thank you for having me Mako, but I have to go home prepared - especially now that I'm going to have to come up with a good excuse as to why I'm bringing along a boy who is not my fiance-to-be." A note of sadness rang through her amused tone. "Have a nice night Mako!"