Always trying to be an everyday hero. UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona. So... Decided to lay React Watch Believe Yikes to rest last night after a lot of thought and sleep deprivation. Um... I'm trying to get into DMC3 and unlocked Easy Mode on the first boss... Still need to finish up Pokémon Shield... and I still need to finish up that chapter of A Simple Mission Rebirth... I have a serious backlog of stuff I need to do before my break ends and I start my bachelor.
Well, no reviews this time, so let's get party started!
Load Game... Start!
Chapter 28: Museum Visit
(5/15, Early Morning)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
The two shinobi roommates had gotten up pretty early and had already gone through their normal morning routine and were getting themselves ready to either expose the horrible crimes of a famous artist or just look at some paintings.
The tan skinned girl was looking through her clothing as she had an unsure expression on her face. "Hmm...what says to you; I appreciate good art but I'm not a total snob that doesn't understand what they're saying?" Homura asked as she compared clothing.
"I would go with what you usually wear Homu-nee." Asuka meanwhile suggested as she got her white dress on and placed her hat on her head before going to put her open toe shoes on and getting her purse.
"Yeah..." Homura awkwardly replied as she glanced at her roommate's outfit before looking at her usual clothes. "...I think I need less tomboyish clothes..." She suddenly got out in a slightly depressed manner.
"Eh? What do you mean Homu-nee? Your clothes suit you." Asuka replied in confusion.
"Yeah but...I'm starting to notice that my femininity is quite...lacking, so I may as well start wearing more appropriate clothes." Homura admitted.
"Homu-nee, Ann-chan wears a letterman jacket and still kills it." Asuka pointed out. "Don't worry about it. Just wear what you like. Besides, we don't have the money to go on a shopping spree for a while." She then encouraged and reminded.
"And then there's my money issue..." Homura mumbled out as she dropped her head in shame. "I may be a shinobi, but I'll never get paid like this if I keep snapping at others and act like a bitch..." She then pointed out. "And don't say I'm not Sis, I already admitted that I used to be such a bitch before coming here." She quickly added.
"Homu-nee..." Asuka muttered in concern. "You've really been thinking a lot about this huh?" She then got out.
"Yes..." Homura sighed out with a nod. "And I never realized it until now..." She then confessed.
"Well, you weren't the most sensitive, I admit..." Asuka got out, the train incident coming to mind.
Homura immediately dropped her head to that.
"B-But that's okay, as long as you know and try to change, then it's fine." Asuka stammered out her reassurance as she looked at her depressed roommate. "Don't be so sad Homu-nee. You just got to try and change as much as you can." She then got out.
"But...if I change too much, I won't be the person you became friends with." Homura confessed.
"Then be sure to limit yourself." Asuka instructed.
Homura however blinked to that in confusion. "Huh?" She got out in confusion.
"Just don't just give up hobbies or things you like, don't just change for the sake of change or for others." Asuka soon explained. "There is negative change after all." She then added.
"Jeez, the word change is starting to lose all meaning..." Homura groaned out. "You know what, we shouldn't spend too much time on this discussion. Let's head out already and meet up with the others."
"Right, just become interested in new hobbies as well as your current ones." Asuka soon advised with a smile. "But for now, let's go!" She happily added.
"Of course." Homura replied with a nod as the two started leaving. "I really hope this Yusuke guy doesn't do anything to you." She thought. "Because there won't be anything left of him if he does." She then added in her head in a protective manner.
(5/15, Daytime)
(Shibuya, Museum)
"So crowded..." Morgana groaned out.
"It is the opening day of a famous artist's gallery..." Homura muttered out.
"It'll be a pain in the ass if someone sees you, so don't stick your head out too much, all right?" Ryuji warned.
"Can I admit I have an intense hatred for Mark Rothko?" Akira suddenly admitted.
"What the-Where did that come from? Who's that?" Ryuji asked.
"It's just colored squares, dammit, that just gets darker as he slowly goes into depression and dies." Akira muttered to himself as his eye twitched. "Abstract does not equal good." He then added.
"...Okay...?" Homura got out as she raised an eyebrow to her Leader's weird dislike of a dead artist. However, they were interrupted by Yusuke approaching the group.
"You came!" Yusuke happily greeted upon seeing the ash blonde and brunette here.
"Hello, Yusuke-kun." Asuka politely greeted.
"Yeah...Hi..." Ann mumbled out.
The tan skinned girl then coughed into her fist, getting the young apprentice's attention. "You really came." Yusuke got out in a significantly colder tone.
"Yeah. Nice to see you again, asshole." Homura thought as her eye eye twitched.
"What'd you expect when you gave us those tickets!?" Ryuji called out.
"Make sure that you don't get in the way of the other visitors." Yusuke however requested.
"We won't." Akira assured, trying to be as polite as possible to the apprentice artist .
Yusuke then turned to the two girls he was more interested in at the moment. "Come now. I'll show you around. I'd like to speak more about the picture I'd like to draw too." He soon requested.
"Of course, Yusuke-kun. Lead the way." Asuka got out as she stepped away from the group.
Homura meanwhile couldn't help but feel that she was already 10 miles away from her.
"Well, see you guys later." Ann said as they all walked away.
"W-Will Lady Ann and Lady Asuka be alright!? What if he drags them behind some painting and does indecent things to them!?"
This in turn caused the tan skinned girl to pale slightly to imagining that, "Sis...be careful...!" Homura mentally exclaimed in a rising panic.
"Guys...Asuka is a..." Akira started to point out before looking around to make sure no one was listening. No, too many people. Better not risk it. "Asuka can defend herself and Ann. They'll be fine. Stop worrying so much."
"And didn't we say not to come out, Morgana!?" Ryuji quietly called out as he tried to put him back into the bag. "Urgh...this is gonna suck...Are we really gonna appreciate the fine arts? Can't we just go home?" He then complained.
"No." Homura bluntly answered. "We should use this opportunity to learn more about Madarame. This could be our only chance." She then whispered.
"I think it's more because Asuka is here." Akira deadpanned.
"Don't, its part of the reason, but I'm also being serious here." Homura countered in a dead serious tone. "Just look around for now." She then instructed before walking off.
So with that, the Thieves separated and checked out the art gallery.
"Cubism, Art Nouveau, even Pop Art..." Akira muttered to himself. "He certainly has a range..." He then added.
"Hey, Akira-kun." Asuka greeted.
"Hi yourself. You get anything from Yusuke yet?" Akira asked.
The Vice Leader in response shook her head. "No, he's letting me and Ann-chan explore a little." Asuka answered before looking at a painting. "Is it bad that I'm already mentally planning how to steal all this art?" She then whispered in a concerned tone.
"Er, maybe you should stay away from Mementos for a while." Akira suggested. "I should too." He added as he glanced up at a nearby security camera.
"Ah! Takamaki-san, Shirokage-san! Come over here, I want to show you something!" Yusuke called out.
"Oh, coming!" Asuka replied.
"Just don't let Homura kill Yusuke." Akira told the Vice Leader as she went off to join up with the artist and ash blonde.
Meanwhile, Homura was doing her best to keep an eye on her roommate, despite how absolutely crowded the place was, while also trying to get some information herself and look at the art as well.
That's when she spotted a familiar head of light grey hair. "Oh, Yumi right?" Homura greeted as she walked up to the third year.
"Hm? Oh you're Homura-san from yesterday." Yumi replied. "Good to see you accepted Yusuke-san's invitation." She then added with a kind smile.
"I-I'll admit, I was a bit curious." Homura sheepishly replied. "...And to keep an eye on your friend." She then added as she glanced towards her roommate.
"Again, I'm sorry if he offended you the last time you met. He can be rather...odd." Yumi got out in an apologetic manner.
"It's mostly fine. As long as he doesn't do anything funny." Homura stated in a serious tone. "What are you looking at anyways?" She soon asked in a curious manner.
"Oh, this is Madarame-san's magnum opus: Sayuri." Yumi informed. "It has a rather interesting history. Would you like to hear it?" She added followed by the offer.
"Sure." Homura replied with a nod and a smile.
"Well...The Sayuri was actually stolen." Yumi informed.
Homura's eyes in turn widened to learning this. "Really?" She asked before glancing at the painting. "But...it's still here." She then pointed out.
"That is just a reproduction. The true Sayuri has been lost, most likely pawned off by thieves." Yumi got out in a bitter tone.
The tan skinned girl in response began sweating a bit. "Like...the Phantom Thieves?" Homura soon asked.
"Hm? Why would you bring them up, Homura-san?" Yumi asked as she narrowed her eyes.
"Well you mentioned thieves and they're considered thieves." Homura awkwardly explained.
"Hm...I was under the impression that they were just a gang of delinquents." Yumi admitted. "However with what happened with that teacher..." She continued before trailing off before gasping. "Oh that's right, you attend Shujin, so you must have encountered that man." She then got out.
"Ugh...Don't remind me..." Homura groaned out. "I'm sorry for changing the topic." She then apologized.
Yumi however shook her head to that. "No, that's fine. Anyways, what do you think of the Sayuri, Homura-san?" She soon replied followed by the question.
To that, the tan skinned girl looked at the painting again as she examined it more closely. She did have to admit it was an interesting piece to say the least. "You know, I think I've seen knock-offs of it." Homura admitted, getting the light gray haired girl's attention.
"Hm? Where?" Yumi however asked.
Suddenly realising that she only saw them during missions that involved breaking into rich people's offices, Homura quickly thought of an excuse. "Er...I think someone at my old school tried to copy it. Sorry, I just called it a knock-off because it looked pretty bad." Homura lied.
Yumi silently narrowed her eyes before shrugging. "Well, I'm sure whoever made that will try better next time." She replied. "However...I prefer their own work rather than derivatives. Like...Like Yusuke's sensei." She then added.
Homura raised an eyebrow to that. Did Yumi...Did Yumi just hesitate?
"Is something wrong?" Yumi however asked.
"No, it's just that I don't get why Madarame would just splash paint over what this woman is holding." Homura muttered. "It seems rather unnecessary." She then admitted.
"Well, it's all about what Sayuri is holding that captivates the public. The mystery behind what she's looking lovingly at is just as big as the Mona Lisa's smile." Yumi explained. "Although, I do sometimes think there is something under that fog." She then added.
"Hm? What do you mean by that?" Homura asked in a curious tone.
"Well, it would be a waste of paint and time to have something under it." Yumi soon explained. "But the way that it looks...it seems likely that there is an answer to this question, unlike what most people think. But that's my interpretation." She then revealed in a thoughtful tone before looking at the dark blue haired boy, who was in front of a large painting discussing something with the ash blonde and brunette.
"Uh, you alright? You look worried." Homura asked, snapping the light gray haired girl out of it for a second.
"U-Um, yes. I mean, no, I'm quite fine." Yumi replied before checking her phone. "Oh, I must get going. I have a meeting with...a relative." She hesitantly revealed. "Please enjoy the art here, it's quite spectacular. I hope we'll meet again soon, Homura-san. It was a delight talking with you." She then added with a slight bow.
"Er...sure..." Homura got out as she watched the light gray haired girl walk towards the exit. "Welp, good time as any to threaten Yusuke just in case..." She thought.
Suddenly, Homura got a message on the IM.
[SushiRoll23: Cold bath alone Homu-nee.]
"Damn it!" Homura quietly swore out. "She knows me too well..." She thought as she resisted blushing while already imagining it and shivered.
Soon enough, Akira, Ryuji and Homura met back up.
"Urgh..." Ryuji groaned out. "I really, really don't give a shit about all these stupid paintings." He then added.
"Oh come on, a lot of them are actually really nice." Akira admitted.
"Yeah, especially the Sayuri." Homura pointed out. "You should really appreciate art, despite how overpaid they can be for splatters of red paint. Some can actually be interesting and hey, it might even give you some ideas for our next calling card." She then added before whispering the second part.
"Yeah. You should take every opportunity as a way to improve your ability for thievery." Morgana stated. "An excellent idea as always Lady Homura." He then praised.
"Why thank you, you little kitty cat." Homura politely replied with a smile.
"I'm not a ca-" Morgana began, however...
"Hey, quiet down. Look over there." Ryuji quickly got out as he pointed over to what seemed like an interview.
"Hey, isn't that...?" Homura soon asked.
"Madarame." Akira finished as he narrowed his eyes.
"We continue to be truly surprised with your imagination. You have such expansive styles, it's hard to believe that it all stems from one person...Where in the world does all your inspiration come from?"
"Well...it's rather difficult to put into words..." Madarame admitted. "They naturally well up from within my heart like bubbles rising one after another in a spring." He then explained.
"Naturally, you say?"
"What's important is to distance oneself from worldly desires such as money and fame. My atelier is a modest shack, but it is more than enough to pursue true beauty.
"...A shack?" Ryuji repeated as he raised one of his eyebrows.
"That's...unusual for a famous artist..." Homura admitted in a mutter.
I see.. So the act of emptying one's mind gives rise to inner beauty. Still, to think we could hear the word "shack" coming from the great artist Madarame.
You would understand if you saw it. Hahahaha...
"Wasn't the word shack something..." Ryuji began to mutter to himself before he was interrupted...by fangirls and men.
"Madarame-san is actually here!?"
"Over there!"
"I'm so glad I came on opening day!"
Suddenly, the area was flooded with people trying to get closer to the man.
"Hey, stop pushin'...! There's way too many people!" Ryuji got out.
"I'm getting crushed..." Morgana struggled out.
"Everyone! Stay together! Make your way to the exit!" Akira ordered.
"Why are these people acting like he's an idol!?" Homura exclaimed as she was shoved around. "Don't these people have anything better to do than piss their pants over an old man!?" She then asked.
"GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY!" An old woman ordered in a harsh tone.
"Oh, you get out of my way you senile-WHOA! Okay, that was an attempted assault, bitch!" Homura yelled out, only to be drowned out as she and the boys were forcibly tossed into the street.
Meanwhile, with Ann, Asuka and Yusuke...
"I didn't know there were so many types of Japanese art." Ann admitted as she stared in awe of a particular masterpiece.
"It's amazing Yusuke-kun." Asuka meanwhile praised.
"It is, isn't it? Usually one concentrates on their own style." Yusuke explained. "However, Sensei creates all this by himself. He's special." He then informed.
"There you are, Yusuke." Madarame got out as he walked up to the three. "Ah, the girls from yesterday. Are you enjoying the exhibit?"
I don't know how to put it into words...but it's really amazing.
"Hai." Asuka replied with a nod of agreement.
"Hm...I thought that a tan skinned girl was here with you..." Madarame noted. "Is she busy?" He then asked.
"Ah, she must've left early." Yusuke guessed, though he didn't seem too broken up by it.
This in turn caused the Vice Leader to blink in a curious manner as she looked around. "Hm? Huh, w-where's Homu-nee...?" Asuka thought in concern.
"You're sensing something from the artwork...That alone is enough to give us artists satisfaction." Madarame stated with a smile. "I hope this becomes a wonderful piece, Yusuke. Well then, if you'll excuse me."
"You'd imagine artists would be difficult to approach...but he seems really friendly." Ann admitted.
"He really is." Asuka replied with a nod, but then suddenly felt a shiver down her spine. "But...why do I feel so uneasy?" She however thought in concern.
"Indeed." Yusuke responded.
Ann looked around once more before spotting something. "Oh, this is it—The painting I wanted to see in person!" She soon got out.
"Huh? Which one, Ann-chan?" Asuka asked as they followed the ash blonde pointed over to one painting. It depicted red clouds covered in stormy grey ones.
"...This one?" Yusuke got out. The brunette meanwhile couldn't help but notice something...off about his reaction to the painting.
"Lament of the Heart..." Asuka read out the title of the art piece.
"I guess it's the painter's anger? I'm not sure, but I sense this...strong frustration from it. To think such a cheerful and gentlemanly person could make such a piece..." Ann guessed as she looked it over.
"..." Yusuke said nothing, looking away from the painting.
"Something wrong?" Ann asked upon seeing the slight...sad look the boy had on his face.
"Don't mind me. There are better pieces than...this one. Come now, this way!" Yusuke requested as he walked off to some other part of the gallery.
"H-Hey!" Ann called out.
"Eh?" Asuka got out in confusion. "Why did Yusuke-kun look like he wanted to leave...?" She soon thought as they went after the apprentice.
(Shibuya, Teikyu Building Accessway)
Away from the museum, the three members and the not cat were leaning against the railing in either exhaustion or pain after finally escaping out of the mob of fans.
"That old lady totally elbowed me..." Ryuji groaned out as he held his sore stomach.
"I'll say. I almost got punched in the face." Homura muttered out. "God, I hate fans...he's just an artist..." She soon complained.
"'Cept he ain't." Ryuji pointed out. "I remembered something while listenin' into that interview." He then suddenly revealed.
"Shouldn't we wait for Ann and Asuka then?" Akira asked.
"Let's not worry about them for now. They can take care of themselves." Ryuji casually replied.
"What was that Ryuji?" Homura however questioned while narrowing her eyes.
"Look, they're not here right now and I might lose the post if we wait for them." Ryuji explained.
"Post?" Akira questioned as he walked over and looked at the dyed blond's phone, just as the ash blonde and brunette arrived.
"We finally found you guys." Asuka breathed out in relief.
"Why'd you leave without us?" Ann demanded.
"Well, we didn't exactly have a choice..." Akira pointed out. "We were sort of...forced out by Madarame fans." He then awkwardly revealed.
"Sorry Sis." Homura meanwhile apologized. "You ok? Yusuke didn't try anything, did he?" She soon asked in a protective manner as she looked over her roommate.
Asuka in response shook her head to that. "No, he just showed us around. He acted a little odd but that was it." She replied.
This in turn got the tan skinned girl's attention. "Odd?" Homura repeated.
"Yeah, there was this one painting but..." Asuka started before shaking her head. "I don't know. So, what are you guys talking about?" She revealed before deciding to change the subject.
"I was just about to show a post I found on the Phan-site. It might be about Madarame." Ryuji stated, instantly getting the Thieves' attention.
"What's it say?" Ann had to ask.
"A master of the Japanese arts is plagiarizing his pupil's work. Only his public face is shown on TV." Ryuji read out.
"Plagiarizing!?" Asuka and Ann exclaimed in unison, shocked by the mere idea.
The tan skinned girl merely narrowed her eyes to that. "Keep reading." Homura got out.
"His treatment of the pupils who live with him is awful. He teaches nothing and bosses them around. He treats them inhumanely, as if disciplining a dog..." Ryuji continued reading.
The brunette's eyes soon widened in realization. "Yusuke-kun..." Asuka whispered in worry.
"Abuse on top of plagiarism, hm...?" Morgana muttered out.
"This post can't be a coincidence..." Homura soon got out as she further narrowed her eyes. "This is twice Madarame has been mentioned to us..." She then stated in a serious manner.
"If this is real, it'll be a huge scandal." Ryuji soon declared.
"I wonder if Kitagawa-kun posted this?" Ann guessed. "I mean, he is a pupil of his." She then explained her reason.
"Who knows? All the posts are anonymous and all..." Ryuji reminded.
"This is starting to sound like a Palace mission rather than a Mementos request..." Asuka soon admitted.
"Yeah..." Homura replied in agreement.
"A man like that doing such a thing...?" Ann whispered out. "I wonder if we can ask that Obariyon Shadow about this." She then asked.
"Can't, he already returned to his real self remember?" Homura reminded. "And we can't just find and ask him in reality unless we wanna risk exposing ourselves." She then added.
"Oh...right..." Ann sighed out. "I think we're hitting a slight dead end here..." She soon admitted.
"But there's a bunch of evidence pointing to the fact that this might be real. We can't ignore it." Akira pointed out.
"Hmm..." Asuka hummed out. "What about talking to Yusuke-kun about it? I mean he might deny it since he's Madarame's pupil, but it could possibly be a start..." She then got out.
"Good idea, Asuka. If this post is legit, ain't this the kinda target we've been waiting for?" Ryuji soon asked.
"Of course it is." Homura replied.
"If we change another heart, people will start believing in us more..." Asuka added.
"Well...yeah...but...is it really true? That post could be referencing another artist after all." Ann then got out in an uneasy tone.
"Hey, wait a minute. The modelling thing. What did you tell Yusuke?" Homura asked.
"Yusuke-kun gave us his contact info just in case he wants us to take him up on his offer." Asuka answered as she showed that he was on her contacts list.
"And he also gave us the address to his sensei's atelier." Ann added.
"...What's an atelier?" Ryuji asked.
"It's where he lives." Asuka and Homura answered in unison.
"You could've just said house." Ryuji sighed out. "But that's perfect timing." He then added.
"Yep. If Madarame has a Palace, his atelier is a good place to start. Let's go there tomorrow after school and see if we can gather some evidence." Akira decided. "Which means you two might have to accept Yusuke's offer." He soon declared.
"Huh? Why!?" Homura exclaimed.
Asuka however placed a hand on her roommate's shoulder. "It's ok Homu-nee, if it's to find evidence, then it's necessary." She replied in a calm tone while explaining the reason. "We'll just be talking to Yusuke-kun. Nothing more." She then added.
Homura in turn gained a frustrated expression to this reasoning as it did make sense. "Grr...Fine. But don't be afraid to beat him up if he gets too uncomfortable to be around." She replied.
"Besides, we'll be there to make sure he doesn't do anything funny and interrogate him." Akira added. "It's getting late. We should head home for today." He soon suggested.
The others in turn nodded to that. "Alright, see ya guys tomorrow." Ann replied as they went their separate ways.
Unaware to the group, the light gray haired girl noticed them from a distance as she looked at them in a curious manner.
(5/15, Evening)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
As the two shinobi girls returned to their apartment, they sighed in relief at what they went through.
"Man...what a day Homu-nee." Asuka got out as the two walked further into the apartment.
"Mmm..." Homura merely hummed out with a nod. "The gallery was nice until I was forced out." She then informed.
"It was." Asuka replied. "I-I mean, you know...I stayed longer and um...sorry." She soon apologized.
"It's okay. It was soon sudden that you couldn't have done anything about it. Plus, I'm pretty sure some of those old ladies have mean right hooks." Homura sighed out. "Honestly, it was pretty ridiculous." She then added.
"Yeah." Asuka replied before deciding to change the subject. "How about that cold bath I promised Homu-nee?" She then suggested.
To hearing that however, Homura blushed in a surprised manner. "Y-You were being serious?" She nervously asked.
"I could see you glaring at Yusuke-kun." Asuka replied with a frown.
Homura in response winced to that. "S-Sorry..." She muttered in shame.
"Don't worry though, since you didn't try and kill Yusuke, you've displayed enough self-control to deserve a reward." Asuka replied.
"Which is...?" Homura had to ask.
"Not going into that cold bath alone." Asuka happily informed.
The two girls soon shivered as they got into the bath.
"C-Cool...b-but it feels good..." Homura shivered out as she held her roommate close in a tender manner.
"H-Hai..." Asuka also got out. "W-We should make this a m-morning thing if we're really exhausted t-to wake us up." She then suggested.
"S-Sounds great." Homura replied. "But I-I really don't want to do this again if we need to. This sucks..." She then admitted.
"I-It'll be a last resort then." Asuka replied.
"D-Deal." Homura responded in agreement. "How long a-are we gonna do this again?" She then asked.
"W-We can get out now." Asuka informed. "This was a terrible idea..." She then admitted in a mutter.
"Oh thank God..." Homura breathed out as they stood up and got out before she then got a towel.
"So, what did you think of Yumi-chan Homu-nee?" Asuka asked in a curious manner.
"Why bring her up?" Homura questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Well I saw that you were talking with her and you seemed to be getting along well." Asuka explained.
"Oh. Well...she's really nice. Like, really nice. Didn't talk with her very long but I could tell she has a good heart." Homura replied. "I also think she is a prime definition of elegance on par with Ikaruga." She soon informed with a gleam of interest in her eyes. "I'm not sure why, but I just feel like she does have an elegant nature to her." She then explained.
"Yeah. I had that feeling too." Asuka admitted with a nod of agreement. "But...I think she can be severely misinformed or blind...I mean, she's so close to Yusuke-kun yet...if it's true Madarame is abusing his students, then..." She then added before trailing off.
"Makoto-senpai didn't know until it was too late." Homura reminded, though nodded in agreement. "But I also felt the same, Sis..." She then admitted.
"...Wait, so you think she's blind to Madarame's crimes as well...?" Asuka soon asked in concern.
"That...I'm not sure of." Homura admitted in an uneasy tone.
"Well, whatever the case is, Yumi-chan is possibly going to get caught up in this." Asuka sighed out. "Should we tell the others?" She then asked.
"...No, it is possible for us to keep her away from this. Yumi's too nice for such things, she'd probably be shattered upon finding out." Homura answered.
Asuka in response nodded in agreement. "Hai, I believe that's for the best too." She replied. "You're so considerate Homu-nee." She happily praised.
"R-Really Sis?" Homura got out in a flustered manner to the compliment.
"Yeah. That's sensitivity." Asuka stated and informed. "But you know, I was thinking Homu-nee, maybe you can ask Ann-chan for some femininity advice." She soon suggested as the tan skinned girl looked at her in confusion. "I mean, she is a model and pretty feminine right?" She then added.
Homura in turn blinked as she thought about it. "That's...That's true..." She admitted in agreement. "I'll...I'll have to consider it." She then got out with a nod. "Jeez! Why didn't I think of asking her sooner!?" She mentally exclaimed.
"I'm sure Ann-chan would be happy to help if you ask." Asuka reassured.
". .. I could also ask Makoto-senpai to help me in maturity!" Homura soon realized. "I'll ask her next time I see her along with Ann." She then got out. "Oh, by the way, I have something for you the next time you see Yusuke." She informed.
"Oh, what is it?" Asuka asked in a curious tone.
Homura in response went over to her things and took something out before returning to her roommate and placing it in her hands.
"A pen?" Asuka got out in confusion as she held the seemingly innocuous pen.
"Secret pepper spray." Homura answered. "It's your choice on how to use it, but you better promise me you use it well." She then instructed.
"I-It won't go that far Homu-nee!" Asuka exclaimed.
"It's for your own protection and for emergencies." Homura however explained in concern.
"...I feel like you don't believe in my shinobi abilities sometimes." Asuka confessed, feeling a bit offended as she puffed up a cheek.
"I-It's not like that Sis!" Homura responded with a blush. "Jeez, protective big sister instincts..." She then mumbled in a flustered manner.
"There is a line between protection and smothering." Asuka got out. "Don't you believe in me?" She soon asked.
"ACK!" Homura got out in realization as she fell onto her hands and knees in shame in depression. "I'm a terrible person am I? No matter how hard I try, I still screw up..." She then muttered with an empty look on her face.
"H-Homu-nee!" Asuka got out in shock to the display before going down to her level and held the tan skinned girl's head into her breasts. "You're doing just fine Homu-nee." She softly reassured.
BOING!
"S-Soft..." Homura mumbled in a calm and pleased tone.
"Hm?" Asuka hummed out in an innocent manner.
"Soft..." Homura soon repeated without a care. "You're really soft Sis...and not in a pervy way..." She then added.
"Then in what way is it?" Asuka then asked.
"Does it really matter?" Homura however countered as she snuggled her head further into her roommate's breasts.
Asuka simply giggled to this action. "Feeling better?" She soon asked.
"Yeah...Sorry. I'll...I'll try and trust you more to be able to handle yourself." Homura replied as she brought her head up to look at her roommate.
"Thank you. So, how do you activate the pepper spray? Do you just..." Asuka started to ask as she pressed down on the button...
Click! FWISSSSHHHH...
...Right into their eyes.
"AaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH...!" Both girls wailed in pain.
There were many lessons learned that night, this being among them.
(5/16, Morning)
(Shujin Academy, Classroom)
Akira didn't ask why the shinobi showed up to school, looking like they spent the night washing their eyes out and crying, but figured that they had a really intense emotional moment between them.
So the Leader decided to leave them be.
"Oh yeah, the great artist Madarame is holding an exhibition in Shibuya right now, isn't he?" Mr. Inui suddenly remembered in the middle of his lesson. "I've gone to see his works a number of times. Goodness, are they magnificent! The moment I saw them, I knew he was something else." He then declared.
"Is everyone seriously talking about Madarame now?" Homura sighed out.
"He is really famous but is he really that big? I haven't really heard of him much until this year..." Asuka noted.
"By the way, you seem far removed from the arts, Kurusu-kun." pointed out.
"Really? Because I went to Madarame's exhibition yesterday. It was...enlightening." Akira replied as he held up the tickets to prove it.
"What!? How did you-never mind..." Inui grumbled out in a slightly envious tone. "Well, if that's the case, do you mind telling me who created the piece which sold for the highest price back in the 20th century?" He soon questioned.
"Vincent Van Gogh. " Akira automatically answered.
The teacher in turn clapped in an impressive manner to this. "That's correct. That piece was purchased for the equivalent of 18 billion yen, and it sold for even more later." Mr. Inui soon revealed.
"That's a lot of money..." Asuka admitted.
"...But what piece is it?" A student meanwhile asked.
"However, since the turn of the 21th century, a new record has been set practically every year." Inui continued, ignoring the student.
"But what piece is it? Inui-sensei? Inui-sensei...!" The same student got out in confusion.
"Oi, quiet you." Homura called out in an authority filled manner. "But seriously, what piece is it?" She meanwhile thought.
"Anyways, back to the lesson!" Inui announced as he went back to teaching, however the impressed whispers of other students drowned him out.
(5/16, After School)
(Train)
Ryuji couldn't help but groan at the situation they were in. "Come on...Phantom Thieves goin' by train...This ain't exactly any different from how I get home from school, y'know." He complained.
"Deal with it Ryuji. Just because we have powers doesn't make us special." Homura stated in annoyance. "What, were you expecting a limo to take us to Yusuke's place?" She then asked in a sarcastic manner.
"Besides, the train is the fastest way to go. Plus, we can bring pets here." Ann spoke up.
"I could've paid for the pet fare, you know." Asuka pointed out.
"Yeah, but that's just a waste of money. Nothing more than another way for the government to make a quick hundred yen." Akira stated. "Plus, I need the extra cash for soda." He then added.
"Of course you do..." Homura deadpanned.
"Hey, who're you calling a pet!" Morgana called out.
"Dude, be quiet!" Ryuji warned in a hushed voice, glancing around to make sure one of the passengers, or worse a cop, heard them.
"To everyone else, you're a pet. Deal with it." Homura stated in a deadpan tone.
"But I'm the one guiding you to your destination! You should be calling me Master!" Morgana said.
"Oh be quiet." Homura groaned out as she tried to shove the not cat back into the bag, however, a little girl ran up to them.
"Ooh, kitty!" The small girl got out.
"Er, shoot...!" Ann quietly cursed.
"Is that your pet, Mister? I heard it meowing!" The little girl soon asked.
"U-Uh, oh, it's a...stuffed animal." Akira quickly lied.
"Y-Yeah!" Asuka got out in agreement. "When you pet its head, it meows!" She then lied.
"It's really cool too. It sounds so realistic, I'm surprised how cheap it is!" Ann added.
"Yep. Hey Akira, why don't ya show it to her." Ryuji suggested with a devious smile. "Press its head." He then instructed.
"Oh, this is ridicu-" Morgana started to complain, only for the Leader to tap his head. "M-Mewww...!" He reluctantly meowed out.
This in turn caused the girl to smile. "Again! Again!" The little girl cheered out.
Suddenly, Akira got a gleam in his eyes to this opportunity. "Time to button mash!" He thought to himself as a wicked yet amused smirk appeared on his face.
"Mew... Meowowowowowowowowowowow!" Morgana cried out. "...Blerghh! I just threw up in my mouth..." He got out in a sickly tone.
At that moment, the tan skinned girl smirked in amusement to this display. "No no no Akira, you're doing it wrong. This is button mashing!" Homura corrected while bringing her hand out to pet the not cat.
"W-Wait. The kid's convinced, Lady Homura. The kid is convinced! Lady Homura! Lady HHHHHOOOOOMMMMUURRRRRAAAA-MEWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!" Morgana began in a panic before the tan skinned girl started rapidly patting his head, causing him to have to meow...a lot.
"Ahahaha, that's so funny! I wanna hear it again!" The little girl happily requested.
"U-Uh, sorry! I think the battery might run dry because of you two." Asuka got out as she then glared at the button mashers.
"The next stop is Shibuya. Shibuya. Doors will open on the left side."
"Oh look, that's our stop. Well, see you later! Bye bye!" Ann quickly got out, wanting to leave as quickly as possible.
"Mm-hm! Bye bye!" The little girl replied as she walked away from the group.
(Shibuya, Teikyu Building, Ginza Line Gate)
After the group got off the train, they all gathered around the ticket gate.
"Urgh..." Morgana moaned out in a sickly manner.
"Oh, come on. We didn't do it that hard." Homura muttered out.
"Yes you did!" Asuka called out as she held the cat in her arms, with his head laying against her sizable chest. "There, there. The mean people aren't going to hurt you anymore." She reassured the not cat as she looked at the two. "Right Akira-kun, Homura-chan~?" She then questioned in a sickly sweet yet menacing tone.
This caused the two to sweat profusely. "Y-Yes, ma'am!" Akira and Homura replied in unison as they saluted.
"...Never mess with Sis..." Homura mentally told herself.
"So, which line do we gotta transfer to?" Ryuji soon asked.
"Doesn't look like there are any stations close by to that address..." Ann however informed. "If anything, this is the closest station." She soon concluded.
To that conclusion, Ryuji's eyes widen in shock and disbelief. "What!? Then we gotta walk the rest of the way!? For real!?" He soon asked. "What kind of Phantom-" He started, however...
WHACK!
The tan skinned girl smacked the blond across the head in annoyance. "Ryuji, keep it down!" Homura growled out in annoyance. "Phantom Thieves don't talk about being Phantom Thieves in public!" She then growled out.
"Like just now?" Akira pointed out.
"Oh be quiet." Homura sighed out.
"Homu-nee~" Asuka got out in a chiding tone.
"S-Sorry..." Homura awkwardly apologized.
"Well, Madarame's atelier is supposedly a shack, but this is the neighborhood he lives in...as expected of a famous artist." Ann informed as she pulled out her phone to check the map. "Looks like the fastest route is to get to Station Square and then go to Central Street. Let's move!" She then declared as she then pocketed her phone.
"Akira-kun, lead the way." Asuka soon requested.
Akira nodded as they made their way upstairs and into Station Square.
"Wait, are you sure it's this way? I don't remember seeing a house." Ryuji said.
"It's supposed to be in a residential area past Central Street. We'll have to walk around a bit though." Ann informed.
"Okay, then let's start searching." Homura got out as they went into Central Street.
Meanwhile, a certain light gray-haired girl couldn't help but notice the group, but lost them in the crowd. "Hm..." Yumi hummed out in a curious manner before getting back to her own task.
(Shibuya, Madarame's Shack)
Eventually, they found the residential area after some time wandering around. It only took them a few minutes to find the house they were looking for due to the...lower quality of the building.
"Is...that it?" Ryuji got out as they stared at the house.
"We're at the right address." Ann stated as she quickly looked at her phone.
"This place is a dump." Homura bluntly stated. "Like, you'd only see the homeless there. If it wasn't for the door plate saying Madarame, we would've probably passed over it." She then added.
"This is supposed to be a world-renowned artist's home?" Asuka asked in disbelief.
"Well, often artists rent out cheaper places to allow them to focus on their art and save money. Warehouses and such. So this is expected somewhat." Akira explained.
"Uhhh...Ann, you ring the bell." Ryuji said.
"Me!? The walls won't collapse when I do, will they...?" Ann got out in concern.
"No one sneeze or we'll blow the house down, okay?" Morgana joked.
"This would not survive an earthquake..." Homura muttered out. "But I'm sure a single doorbell won't cause it to come tumbling down..." She then added.
"Yeah, it's not-ACHOO!" Asuka suddenly sneezed. "Ah!" She then yelped, expecting the house to crash down. Thankfully, it didn't. "Oh...hehehe..." She awkwardly giggled out as they approached the front door with the ash blonde ringing the doorbell.
DING DONG!
"Who is it?" A familiar voice asked from the speaker. "Sensei is currently-" Yusuke then started, however...
"Uh, it's Takamaki and Shirokage." Ann interrupted.
"I'll be right out!" Yusuke replied eagerly before the speaker went silent.
"People really do live here." Ryuji got out in surprise.
"Probably not the most luxurious stay..." Homura mumbled out as the door opened.
"Ah, it's good to see-" Yusuke started before noticing everyone else. "...You three are here, as well?" He soon asked.
"Oh, fuck you asshat." Homura mentally growled in an offended manner.
"Okay, why didn't you offer Homura with the modelling thing!?" Akira thought in frustration and disbelief.
"Hey." Ryuji casually greeted. "Sorry, but uh we ain't here to talk about the modelling thing. There's something we gotta ask you." He soon started.
"We heard from a...Trusted source that Madarame is abusing his students so we got worried and came to check if you're alright." Asuka explained.
However, Yusuke only gave them an unamused look. "Are you serious?"
"Yeah. There's also been a bunch of accusations that he's been plagiarizing his art. I mean, even lies have a kernel of truth after all." Homura replied before narrowing her eyes, ready to see if the apprentice reacted to that statement.
And she got one...in the form of hysterical laughter.
"Hahaha...HAHAHAHA!" Yusuke got out. "Preposterous! Not only is plagiarism impossible, but abuse? If he hated children so much to harm them, he would never allow pupils into his home! And I'm the one residing here and studying under him. I'm saying it's not true, so it's beyond doubt." He then declared.
"You could be defending him though." Akira pointed out.
"That...That is utter rubbish!" Yusuke got out.
However, the two Leaders narrowed their eyes a little. They noticed the hesitation in that last sentence.
"I had no family when Sensei took me in and raised me into what you see now! If you continue to ridicule the man I owe my life to, you will rue the day!" Yusuke soon declared.
"...Isn't that supposed to be in sauce?" Ryuji got out in confusion, right before the ash blonde kicked him in the shin. "Ow!" He winced out.
"W-We aren't doing that Yusuke-kun!" Asuka panickingly responded with her hands up. "We were just worried about you!" She then added.
"...Do you really think that?" Ann meanwhile asked.
However, suddenly, the door opened as someone came out of the house.
"Yusuke?" Madarame asked with concern in his voice. "What's the matter? I heard you yelling." He soon asked.
"These people are slandering you with baseless rumors!" Yusuke told his sensei.
"I-It's not like that!" Asuka panickingly exclaimed.
"...Forgive them, Yusuke." Madarame ordered in a soft tone. "They must've heard some bad rumors and came in worry for their friend's safety." He then assumed.
" ...Understood, Sensei." Yusuke hesitantly and begrudgingly responded.
"Well, even I doubt that a cranky old man like myself could be liked by everyone." The master artist couldn't help but lament.
"That's not what we meant..." Ann got out with a frown.
"I'm sorry to have butt in on your conversation. However, I do have neighbors around. Won't you please keep it down? Now, if you'll excuse me." Madarame requested before returning back inside.
Yusuke sighed before turning to the group. "That was discourteous of me...I'm sorry." He apologized.
"It's not a problem Yusuke-kun." Asuka replied.
"...I know! I think you'll be able to believe in Sensei if you saw that painting." Yusuke got out as he pulled out his phone and showed them a certain painting. "It's his maiden work as well as his most representative piece-It's titled Sayuri." He soon revealed.
"Sayuri...?" Ann repeated.
"Yeah, I saw this in the gallery." Homura informed. "Seeing it on a phone really doesn't compare to the real thing." She then admitted.
"This was the painting that inspired me to become an artist." Yusuke revealed, unable to keep a smile off his face.
"It's so beautiful..." Ann muttered out.
"I don't know all that fine-art stuff, but even I can tell that this is impressive..." Ryuji admitted.
"When I first saw you, I felt the same powerful emotion as when I saw this painting..." Yusuke confessed.
"Me?" Ann and Asuka asked at the same time.
"Still wondering why you didn't pick Homura as well." Akira meanwhile thought.
"I wish to pursue beauty like this." Yusuke continued. "And I believe drawing the two of you will be part of that pursuit. I implore you: seriously consider my offer." He once more requested.
"U-Um..." Asuka mumbled out.
"I'm sorry that you took the time to come all this way, but I must assist Sensei today. I hope that we can discuss this further another time. If you'll excuse me, then." Yusuke concluded before walking back inside.
"Those two...seem like nice guys, don't they?" Ryuji got out as they walked away from the house.
"Maybe the Madarame we heard about in Mementos is a different person." Ann guessed.
"This could all be a huge coincidence..." Asuka muttered out.
"But...that can't be...could it?" Homura mumbled to herself.
"Man, right when we thought we found a new target, too..." Ryuji sighed out.
However, Morgana wasn't ready to give up. "How's the Meta Nav?" He asked.
Akira quickly pulled out his phone and checked.
[Candidate found.]
That got everyone's attention. "Hey, the app..." Ryuji got out in surprise.
"Was it picking up our conversation...?" Ann said. "The display...it means that Madarame has a Palace too, right!? But why!?" She exclaimed in confusion.
"Who cares? I knew it couldn't be a coincidence!" Homura stated. "We got a hit!" She declared as she pumped her fist. "Oh, I should not be cheering about that..." She awkwardly got out.
"Yusuke-kun..." Asuka whispered out, becoming concerned. "Did he lie to us...?" She soon asked.
"Maybe." Akira simply replied. "Or he doesn't know." He then added.
"I find that highly unlikely." Homura stated.
"Madarame, plagiarism, and then shack, huh?" Morgana listed off. "These seem to be the keywords." He then stated.
"For real though, what the hell's goin' on!?" Ryuji called out. "Does an old man like him really have a Palace...!?" He soon asked in an uneasy tone.
"We have the person's name and the location." Morgana stated. "All that's left is the what that Madarame sees this shack for to enter his Palace." He then informed.
"So like how Kamoshida saw Shujin as a castle." Asuka got out as ash blonde frowned.
"That's right." Morgana replied with a nod. "Let's try saying some things. They can be random guesses." He soon suggested.
"It's a bit sudden, though..." Ryuji got out.
"Yeah, if we just start spouting junk at random we could be here all day." Homura stated. "We need to think about Madarame and all the information we have so far. Like, I highly doubt that it's going to be a castle." She then got out.
[No candidate found.]
"See?" Homura pointed out as she crossed her arms underneath her chest.
"Then, what about prison?" Ryuji suggested. Again, the Meta Nav denied it. "Ugh, what a pain!" He grumbled in annoyance.
"If it was a prison, it would be my Palace..." Akira meanwhile mumbled under his breath.
"Alright, let's go with...school?" Homura suggested. "Since he has students and all." She then explained.
[No candidate found.]
"That's a nope." Ann got out. "Uh...dammit, brothel?" She then suggested.
[No candidate found.]
"Huh? Why a brothel?" Homura asked in confusion.
The ash blonde in response blushed. "U-Uh...well...er...who cares? It's wrong anyway." Ann awkwardly replied.
"Ugh, just start sayin' shit." Ryuji got out in frustration. "Jail! Warehouse! And guidance counselin' office! Might as well add farm!" He then listed off.
"No. No. And look at that, no!" Homura stated as the Meta Nav rejected each and every distortion so far. "We already said prison, so why would jail work? And where did guidance counseling office come from?" She questioned the dyed blond, who only shrugged in response.
"...Should we come back another time?" Morgana soon suggested.
"No, we can do this if we think this through." Akira replied with a determined expression. "We're dealing with an artist here, so it has to be something related to that right? Asuka, you have any ideas?" He then asked the Vice Leader.
"Hmm..." Asuka hummed out. "What about...a museum?" She soon suggested.
[Candidate Found]
[Beginning navigation...]
"Whoa!" Everyone got out as a faint, yet familiar feeling went over them.
"We got it!" Asuka got out in happiness.
"Nice going Sis!" Homura cheered out.
"So that's how we ended up in Kamoshida's castle..." Ryuji whispered out.
"You know, in hindsight that was really obvious." Akira deadpanned.
"Wait, we're heading there now!?" Ann exclaimed.
"What? Brace yourselves!" Morgana called out.
[Establishing route...]
[Ichiryusai Madarame...Shack...Plagiarism...Museum...]
[Now entering Madarame's Museum of Vanity.]
(Madarame's Museum, Museum Entrance)
The Thieves blinked as they stumbled a little, slightly disoriented from the sudden activation.
"Hey, when did you activate the Nav!? You surprised me!" Mona exclaimed.
"Didn't have much of a choice. I think we just happened to get it right." Skull replied.
"I barely noticed that we travelled to the Metaverse..." Yin mumbled out as she looked around.
"What if I hadn't noticed, and then wandered off and got caught by an enemy!?" Mona then asked in a panic.
"You prolly woulda figured it out once you started walkin' on two legs." Skull replied in a casual manner
"Grr..." Mona however growled out.
"So even you can slip into the Metaverse without realizing it, Morgana?" Panther soon asked
"Yup. In a place with minimal cognitive distortion, the differences can be subtle." Mona replied.
"Ugh...why does it automatically send us to the Metaverse when we get a new location...?" Yang groaned out. "Whoever developed the MetaNav is terrible at user friendliness!" She then remarked in annoyance.
"Igor would stab you with his nose if he heard you say that." Joker couldn't help but think.
"Um...hey, look at that shit!" Skull called out as he pointed over at where the shack was supposed to be.
Instead of a small shack that only ran on hopes and dreams, in its place was a giant, golden and glamorous museum, lit with numerous lights. It seemed more like a movie theatre than an art gallery.
"Well, I'd say that doesn't count as minimal cognitive distortions." Joker stated.
"That shack is seriously some kinda museum to that old man!?" Skull exclaimed.
"It's like it's made of solid gold!" Yin got out.
"And it looks a lot bigger than the Castle of Lust..." Yang added.
"Let's go check it out!" Panther declared. The Thieves nodded and walked towards the entrance, where a massive line of people waited. "It's so extravagant...to the point that it's gaudy. This place really a museum?" She soon asked.
"And this is Madarame's Palace?" Skull got out in disbelief.
"A Palace is a scenery driven by desires, just like how Kamoshida's was a castle." Morgana explained.
"Madarame's artwork is on display at museums in reality too, though." Panther muttered out. "His exhibit was popular, and people already respect him. Why would he fantasize about a museum?" She then asked.
"Yeah...and I don't exactly see it relating to the abuse and plagiarism..." Yin admitted. "Maybe it's something else?" She then suggested.
"It can't be though...one of the keywords was plagiarism after all." Joker pointed out.
"Well, there's no point in standing around racking our brains. Let's look around." Mona suggested.
"Right. We can't be standing around like idiots, it's better if we act now and gather information." Yang stated.
"Yeah, and ain't robbing a museum a must for Phantom Thieves!?" Skull pointed out.
"Yeah, definitely." Joker replied with a nod. "However, a museum has much more advanced security than a castle from the Middle Ages. Cameras, lasers and other such modern security measures. There could be a ton of traps waiting for us inside." He then stated.
"Now that's our Joker. Aware of the reputation Phantom Thieves must uphold while understanding the risks of such things." Mona complimented.
"Yeah, but look at that insane crowd." Skull pointed out.
"Looks like waiting in line isn't an option. Let's go find ourselves our own entrance." Yin stated as she went over to the truck and climbed on. "Come on, I bet we can get in from here!" She soon informed.
"Okay, Yin. Lead the way." Joker got out with a nod as the others followed suit, climbing up on the wall surrounding the museum.
"This is really how he thinks of that run-down shack...? It's overwhelmingly shiny..." Mona stated.
"Ugh...I think my eyes are burning from all the gold." Yin groaned out, shaking her head a bit.
"Madarame has no sense for decor, does he?" Joker noted. "So garish." He then stated.
"What?" Skull got out in confusion.
"You know, totally lacking in good taste." Joker explained. "And this place is leaving a bad one in my mouth." He then added as they jumped off the wall and into a hedge maze.
"Careful. We don't want the cognitions noticing us. Avoid the lights." Mona warned. "Looks like the guards are overwhelmed by the amount of people at the front entrance." He then deducted.
"Guess that means less guards for us to deal with." Skull got out with smirk.
"Come on. Don't wanna hang out here too long." Yin stated as they dashed off.
"Shit, there's guards below us." Skull swore out.
"Just ignore them. They're not in our way." Yang stated. "Of course these ones look like actual security guards and not knights like the castle." She then added.
After leaping across some pillars, they made it to the building, climbing onto the rooftop.
"Ooh! The skylight's open! I think we can get in here." Skull got out.
"But it's a pretty far drop...Will we be able to get back out this way?" Panther asked in concern.
" Hehe, don't worry...I have a rope! I'm our tool specialist, after all!" Mona stated as he pulled out a grappling hook. "So, what's your call, Joker? Want to head inside?" He then asked.
"Let's do this." Joker got out as he tugged on his red glove.
(Museum Special Exhibition Room)
"Hup!" Joker grunted as he slid down the rope and landed.
"Nice landing Joker." Yin praised, forgoing the rope and dropping gracefully, barely making a noise. Yang, Panther and Mona had already gotten into the museum and were just waiting for the rest of them to get in.
Now all they had to wait for was...
"AAAAHHH!" Skull screamed out before landing flat on his face. "Ow...!" He winced out in pain.
"Quiet Skull!" Yang and Mona whispered in unison.
"Thanks for worrying about the noise my face made upon hitting the ground." Skull groaned in a sarcastic manner.
"No problem." Yang and Mona replied in unison once more.
"Hey Mona, did you make our grappling hooks yet?" Yang offhandedly asked.
"I need more materials, Lady Yang. Just give me a few more days. They should be ready by the time our infiltration officially begins." Mona informed. "Be on your guard people. It's quiet...too quiet..." He then got out in an uneasy manner.
"Hey...are those portraits...moving...?" Panther asked. The painting was indeed shifting, the colors swimming, as if beneath the surface of a pool of water.
"C'mon, we're in a Palace. That ain't anything to be freakin' out over." Skull stated.
"Hm, the Palace reflects its ruler's heart...We may want to check these paintings out." Mona soon advised.
"Okay, Mona-chan." Yin replied with a nod before looking around. "But wow...there are a lot of these portraits here..."
"Let's just check the ones that catch our eyes..." Joker suggested before flashing Third Eye. "Well...my eyes, at least." He thought.
Yang nodded to that as she suddenly winced in pain while holding her head. "W-What the?" She quietly got out.
"Is something wrong, Yang-nee?" Yin asked in concern.
"T-That..." Yang groaned out as her vision suddenly darkened and gained a red tint. "...Again?" She then got out in confusion.
"Eh? What do you mean again?" Yin asked once more in concern.
"Huh?" Yang got out before shaking her head, her vision returning to normal. "N-Nothing...Just...Just a little dizzy for a sec. I'm fine though." She reassured.
"Alright..." Yin got out, though she was still unsure about it.
Still, the Thieves went on to explore the part of the museum.
"Hey, doesn't that look like a laser thingy?" Skull noted as he looked at the device mounted to the door frame.
"Looks like it's turned off. Seems like they're still setting up the security system here." Mona noted. "This is the purr-fect opportunity to explore the area unhindered."
"Just keep an eye out for guards." Yang warned as they continued exploring the area.
"Hey. Look here." Joker got out, stopping everyone in front of a painting.
"Oh hey, there's some kind of explanation here..." Skull noted as the Leader walked up to the plaque.
"Souji Seta, Age 21." Joker read out.
"It's just someone's name and age? What the hell?" Skull got out.
"That can't be the title of the painting...right? Do you think it's the artist's name?" Panther guessed.
"Maybe. There are famous paintings without names." Joker informed.
"...Let's check out the other paintings too. I think there might be something important about them..." Mona suggested.
"There's just something so...uncanny about these paintings..." Yin muttered out with frown as they continued on.
"Hey, look at this one. This one has a name and age too..." Skull pointed out.
"Hamuko Kotone." Joker read out.
"These all look so similar, even down to the composition." Panther noted with as she narrowed her eyes.
"I can barely tell if these are all different people." Yang admitted as they walked through the gallery.
"Yeah, and that's what worries me. They're all different people too but...it's all in the same style..." Panther noted. "Isn't Madarame supposed to be famous for having a variety of art styles? This doesn't make any sense..." She then got out.
"Hey, everyone! Stop!" Yin called out. "Look over there!" She then informed.
"Huh? Wait a sec..." Skull muttered out as the approached a particular portrait. "H-Hey! Isn't that the guy we saw in Mementos...? You know, the one that was shit-talkin' Madarame..." He then stated.
"Natsuhiko Nakanohara. Yep, that's him." Joker read out as he gained a serious expression.
"Dude, I don't get it! Why's there a paintin' of him in here!? And more important, why's his name written under it?" Skull then asked.
"You're right..." Panther muttered out.
"There has to be a relation to every one of these portraits. They can't be here for nothing after all..." Yang stated with a frown.
"Hm...This is quite the mystery...All right, let's keep looking around for now." Mona got out and advised as the Thieves nodded and continued on.
Finally, they found something that truly alarmed the Thieves.
"What...? No way!" Yin and Panther exclaimed in unison before rushing over to the portrait.
"Oh no..." Yang muttered in a concerned manner as she recognized who it was.
"Hey, isn't this a painting of that guy...Madarame's apprentice...um..." Skull started before trailing off.
"Yusuke Kitagawa." Mona read out. "There's no mistaking it. That's him." He then stated.
"Huh...? Wait a second...What do you think these paintings are...?" Panther questioned.
"...They're Madarame's pupils." Joker realised. "All of them. Nakanokara, Yusuke...each and every portrait here is a painting of them." He then informed.
"Holy shit..." Skull whispered out. "For real? All of 'em...? But it was only Yusuke when we went to his place before..."
"Well, of course it would include former pupils if Nakanohara is depicted here." Yang stated.
"Hey, there's a space here next to him with a sign." Skull noticed as they walked up to it.
"To be displayed: Yumi Tsukikaze, Age 17." Yin read out in wide eyes. "Yumi-chan...to be displayed?" She muttered in confusion.
"What does that mean though...?" Joker whispered to himself.
"...Could be thinking of wanting to get to Yumi next?" Yang suggested while narrowing her eyes.
"This...This is actually getting worrying..." Yin muttered out.
"We need to keep investigating. We might know what these portraits are, but we need to know why they're here in the first place." Mona stated.
"Yeah...all these former pupils...what does it tell us about Madarame's cognition...?" Panther wondered out loud.
The Thieves continued on and went down a small set of stairs
"Hey, I guess we're at an info kiosk." Joker got out as he looked around with Third Eye. Still no guards...
"It's surprising there aren't any guards around." Yang admitted as she winced and held her head again as her vision once more darkened with a red tint. "Gah!" She got out.
"You okay, Lady Yang!?" Mona exclaimed.
"S-Something unusual is going on...my sight...feels off..." Yang got out.
"Um...maybe we should cut this short and get Yang out of here." Joker suggested with a frown.
"N-No, we can't..." Yang got out as she shook her head. "I see a Treasure Chest on the other side." She then informed.
"Yeah. Noticed it too. And it's never too late to start looting a place." Mona got out with yen signs in his eyes.
"Another strange thing is, I am also seeing some pieces glowing gold." Yang then revealed.
"Excuse me?" Joker got out with a raised eyebrow. "Hold on, I need you to look at me Yang." He soon requested.
"Huh? What are you-" Yang got out.
"Yang." Joker interrupted. "Focus...take a deep breath...and open your senses." He then instructed.
The tan skinned girl did as instructed and closed her eyes. "What do you mean by open your senses..." She soon asked.
"You'll know." Joker simply answered in a calm manner.
"Stupid...jerk...cryptic..." Yang grumbled under her breath before sighing and calming herself down.
Okay...open your senses...What did that mean...? To go into a meditative state?
No...it had to be...something...anything...Come on...
Suddenly...it clicked.
She could...tune out certain senses...her touch...her smell...her taste...her sight...
The tan skinned girl slowly opened her eyes.
She knew what to do.
"Focus..." Yang quietly muttered as her eyes were no longer their usual blue, but were now a deep crimson as she saw that her vision was once more darkened save for the red tint and gold glowing objects.
This in turn caused the Leader's eyes to widen. "You...You have the Third Eye like me..." Joker realized as he flashed his golden eyes. "A gift from the Velvet Room...albeit a bit different then mine." He then revealed.
"What!?" Yang exclaimed as her vision went to normal. "How can that be? When did I get it!?" She soon asked in confusion.
"Guys, are you just gonna stand there looking lovingly into each other's eyes or are you gonna open this chest!?" Skull called out from across the room before getting kicked in the shin by the not cat.
Joker and Yang in response blushed before stepping away from each other.
"We'll worry about it later. Keep focused." Joker instructed before dashing off to join up with the others.
"Of course, L-Leader." Yang replied in agreement. "...Do you know anything about this Wolverine?" She mentally asked.
"Nope and I'm being honest here." Wolverine responded in a serious tone of her own. "It is a curious development though." She then admitted.
"I'll say..." Yang muttered in agreement as she went to rejoin the others. "It appears as though it needs a lockpick." She soon stated as she took out one of her katanas. "May I?" She then asked.
"Go nuts." Joker replied with a smirk.
SHINK! SLICE!
The chest looked untouched...until it collapsed in on itself from the straight vertical slice down the middle.
"You cut the table too..." Panther deadpanned.
"Please tell me the contents are safe..." Mona got out as the Leader searched the wreckage.
"A new whip for Panther, a Snuff Soul and a Pearl." Joker announced as he grabbed the items.
"I apologize for that...I need to become better at controlling my power..." Yang got out.
"Well, the contents were still ok Lady Yang." Mona meanwhile reminded. "So there's no need to worry." He then informed.
"If we're gonna seriously infiltrate this place, we're gonna need new equipment then. I don't think our armor's gonna cut it soon." Skull stated.
"Well, mine and Yang-nee's blades will be fine, though we could use some new guns." Yin admitted.
"It's up to Joker how to spend our budget." Panther reminded. "Unless any of you want to spend your own money on stuff." She then suggested.
"I still don't have a job." Yang depressingly reminded.
"I spent all my allowance..." Skull awkwardly got out.
"I need my money for groceries and stuff..." Yin revealed.
"I'm a cute little cat in the real world." Mona concluded in an innocent manner.
"Panther, are you offering to buy equipment for us?" Joker soon asked.
"U-Um...h-hey! What's over there!" Panther called out as she walked over the desk.
"...She's broke too, isn't she?" The Thieves thought with sweatdrop.
"Are these...museum guides?" Panther got out as the Vice Leader pulled one the thick booklet and opened it up.
"It has a list of a bunch of art and names..." Yin informed with a frown as she flipped through it. "What a waste of paper..." She then muttered.
"This is gettin' way too detailed for a freakin' Palace...Why'd he bother makin' something like this?" Skull wondered out loud.
"For the people outside, I'm guessing." Joker muttered out.
"Oh, there's a museum guide on here. Let's take it with us!" Mona suggested as the Vice Leader flipped over to the guide.
"Yeah! It might even show us the location of the Treasure!" Panther cheered out.
"That is a possibility. At the very least, it should be a good reference for the scale of this place." Mona stated.
"Um...this only shows half of the museum..." Yin informed with a sigh.
"Okay, that's just bad design." Joker mumbled out.
"Jeez! Why can't it have the full map!?" Yang grumbled out. "I hate this place already! Gonna be such a pain to find the second half..." She soon muttered in annoyance.
"We can worry about that another time. Right now our objective is looking into Madarame's cognition. We may have to reconsider our plan depending on what we find." Mona stated.
"I mean, he's got a Palace...Seems pretty fishy to me." Skull pointed out.
"Damn...should've brought the duffel bag with us..." Yin muttered to herself as she put the museum guide between her breasts. "Alright, there has to be definitive evidence somewhere..."
The Thieves nodded and continued on their way, walking around the desk and through an open set of golden doors.
And that's where they saw it, in the middle of the room.
"Look at this." Mona stated as they stared at the solid gold sculpture.
"H-H-Holy..." Yang muttered out as she stared at the centerpiece of the room. She couldn't imagine how much it would cost to create a sculpture of that size...or how much they could sell it for...
"The Infinite Spring?" Panther read out loud in confusion. "A conglomerate work of art that the great director Madarame created with his own funds." She then swallowed some salvia as she read out the next part. "These individuals must offer their ideas to the director for the rest of their lives." She soon concluded.
"Those who cannot do so have no worth in living!?" Yin exclaimed as she read the last part. "What the hell...?" She then got out in a fear filled manner.
"Hey...This is most likely about the plagiarism, right...?" Panther asked.
"And what was that about no worth in living...?" Yang whispered out.
"Dammit, what a phony geezer!" Skull growled out.
"In other words, his pupils are his property. He doesn't even qualify as an artist if this is true." Mona stated. "He's stealing the ideas from talented students in exchange for securing their livelihood." He then added.
"That gallery back there...They aren't pictures of his pupils. They are his pupils." Yin realized. "It's his cognition of them." She then stated.
"And he's possibly planning for Yumi to be his next pupil." Joker added. "After Yusuke is no longer needed." He then concluded in a dark tone.
"And remember, the sign says that they have no worth to him." Mona pointed out. "Couldn't this be about the abuse?" He then deducted.
"It's not physical abuse like Kamoshida. It's more like starvation and unhealthy living conditions." Yin then realized. "And when they have nothing left to give, he throws them away." She soon added.
"He's treating them like slaves or tools!" Panther exclaimed.
"That sounds familiar." Yang growled out, narrowing her eyes in anger.
"Why's Yusuke keepin' quiet about this? He's got no reason to cover this up!" Skull growled out.
"...He does though." Yin pointed out. "Yusuke-kun is an orphan. Madarame took him in. He owes him his life." She then reminded.
"That makes it even worse. Madarame took advantage of Yusuke's situation and is milking him for everything he's got." Joker stated.
"Asshole...!" Skull growled out.
"When we were at the exhibit, I praised one of the pieces on display." Panther started to explain. "But...Kitagawa-kun acted strange. Maybe that piece was plagiarized too." She soon deducted.
"I think it might be one of Yusuke-kun's own pieces..." Yin then added.
"How blatantly despicable! He hangs up one of Yusuke's own artwork, claims it as his own and the real artist can't and won't say anything. It must torture him on the inside..." Mona got out with a frown.
"What's the call? Ain't this enough to target Madarame!?" Skull asked their Leader.
"The proof is in the Palace." Joker stated as he adjusted his red gloves. "Let's do this." He soon declared.
"That's what I'm talkin' about!" Skull cheered out.
"Hold on, you two." Mona spoke up. "We should confirm these facts with Yusuke once more." He soon suggested.
"What?" Yang got out in disbelief. "You're kidding me!? All the evidence we have is here and made out of pure gold!" She soon stated as pointed at the golden statue. "Also, um, the entire Palace!" She then added.
"It means we should get solid evidence that such crimes took place." Mona explained. "All we've been doing is making assumptions based on what we've seen so far. For all we know, Madarame's distorted desires could be something completely different. We don't even know if Yusuke's situation is as bad as we imagine it to be. We've only known him for a few days after all and Yumi seems like the type of person to not let such abuse take place." He then added.
"Maybe we should ask Yumi-chan if she even knows anything about this..." Yin muttered out.
"Argh...What a pain in the ass!" Skull complained.
"He is right though." Panther replied in agreement. "I'll try contacting Kitagawa-kun. I might be able to get the truth out of him if I accept his modelling offer." She then added.
"Yeah. I should contact him too. We'll double-team him and get him to release everything he has on his teacher." Yin also replied with a nod. Suddenly, the males of the group started to cough. "Huh? Are you guys okay?" She then innocently asked.
"I-It's nothing, Yin." Joker got out with a blush on his face.
"Please be careful around Yusuke..." Yang pleaded.
"Yang-nee, I can take care of myself. I'm not an innocent little flower..." Yin whined out. "I'm a fierce and dirty frog. Gero~!" She attempted to roar out, but only ended up being adorable.
"Oh God! That's too cute!" Yang thought. "Must...resist...must...protect...despite cuteness...!" She added in her head in a strained manner.
"Besides, you're all coming too." Panther pointed out. "Even going with Yin, I'll be too scared to do it..." She then admitted.
"Okay, once we have the evidence we need, we'll tackle this Palace with style." Joker declared with everyone nodding in response.
"A famous renowned artist, huh? This might be tougher than Kamoshida." Skull muttered out. "Well, we'll just prep ourselves until we get confirmation from Yusuke. This is our first mission as the Phantom Thieves of Heart. We gotta succeed no matter what!" He then added.
"Hopefully that won't take too long..." Yang got out as she crossed her arms. "God, I still think this thing is a waste of time...collecting information when there's evidence already...plus the less Sis interacts with Yusuke, the better." She thought.
"We better leave. The Shadows might be returning to their posts any time now." Mona suggested.
(Shibuya, Madarame's Shack)
Once they left the Metaverse, Akira couldn't help but notice the Vice Leader glaring at Madarame's atelier.
"Dammit, this place makes me feel mad." Asuka admitted. "Yusuke deserves to live somewhere better than here. All because his sensei is cheaping out on him." She then added.
"You think Yusuke might get Madarame's money once we change his heart?" Ryuji asked.
"I doubt it." Homura replied. "He's likely going to take that money to the grave."
"Heh. Yeah. Well, let's see how much he's worth after a change of heart." Ryuji got out with a smirk.
"...Do you think Yumi knows about this?" Akira asked.
"Well, our Council President never said anything about Kamoshida..." Ann mumbled under her breath.
"Ann..." Homura got out in concern. It looked like she wasn't going to let go of her grudge against the Student Council President for a while.
"She's probably as much in the dark as everyone considering the amount of respect she has for Madarame, but it wouldn't hurt to ask her about any strange behavior." Akira muttered out.
"Yeah. We assumed that much too." Asuka admitted.
"We shouldn't loiter around our target's house. He'll get suspicious and Yusuke is more of a threat than an ally to us, so let's head back to Station Square." Morgana suggested.
"Right." The Phantom Thieves replied in unison before looking at the shack once more.
"Yusuke-kun...I really hope you're okay in there..." Asuka thought in concern before they walked away.
(Shibuya, Station Square)
"Rrgh...so damn frustrating..." Ryuji grunted out. "The evidence was right there...and we're delaying our heist on the off chance that Madarame isn't as bad as his Palace looks." He then added.
"Evidence that only we could see without getting the police involved." Homura reminded. "Do you really want to bring them into Madarame's Palace and try explaining everything?" She then questioned.
"Oh, hell no! I'm just sayin' that we should be preparing right now instead of gathering information. Damn pointless, dammit." Ryuji stated.
"There's no use complaining about it though." Homura stated in a lecturing manner. "Plus, if we take down Madarame, Yusuke's going to end up homeless as a result..." She then added.
"He's given Yusuke everything and nothing at the same time..." Ann mumbled out in concern.
"Well, no matter what, we have to steal Madarame's heart unless substantial evidence says otherwise." Akira pointed out. "So let's start planning our meetups. We need to fit time for Mementos as well now if Mishima sends me requests." He then advised.
"Of course, the first thing being is that we'll need a new meeting point to place up a Shinobi Kekkei. Shujin is way too far from here." Homura then stated.
"The Accessway then? It ain't too far from here." Ryuji suggested.
"...That has to be the single worst place you've ever suggested." Homura stated in a deadpan tone. "It's flat out in public, Ryuji! And I even saw cops there patrolling the area a lot. Even with a Kekkei, we would be practically begging to be exposed." She then added.
Asuka meanwhile nodded in agreement to that. "I have to agree with Homu-nee on that matter." She stated in the same deadpan tone. "Wait, how far are we from our apartment?" She then asked.
"Uh, let me check..." Homura replied as she pulled out her phone. "Let's see...what the-we live five minutes away from here!?" She exclaimed.
"Wait, you never realized how close you were?" Ann then asked.
"We don't usually go through here. The last time we were here was when we first went to Untouchable." Asuka awkwardly answered as the two rubbed the back of their heads.
"...Where the hell do you live?" Ryuji asked with a confused look on his face.
"The Shin Megami Apartment Complex." Asuka and Homura replied in casual unison.
"...What kind of name is that?" Ryuji then asked.
"More importantly, what's the address?" Ann added.
"Hey, are you going to complain or do you wanna meet up at our apartment?" Homura deadpanned.
"Oh! Lady Asuka and Lady Homura's apartment!" Morgana got out in an excited tone while popping out of the Leader's bag and laying on his shoulder. "Can we see it? Can we!?" He then asked.
"Only if the majority rules." Akira answered.
"It sounds like a good place. We might not even need the Kekkai." Ann stated.
"Alright, that sounds good enough for me. Let's go there." Ryuji decided.
Nodding agreement to that, the group started walking as they began following the Vice Leader.
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
Five minutes later, the Thieves were standing in front of the apartment door.
"Here it is. Apartment 269." Asuka introduced.
"69, huh? Nice." Ryuji got out.
"Vulgar monkey." Morgana bluntly insulted in disgust.
"You know 69?" Akira asked in surprise.
"It's a very common number, along with 420, 42, 4...actually 4 comes up a lot in Japanese culture..." Morgana answered. "As well as the...inappropriate meaning behind it that some humans made for it." He then added.
"What in the world are you guys talking about?" Homura asked in a curious tone.
"Nothing!" The boys quickly answered.
The tan skinned girl just narrowed her eyes while Asuka unlocked the door. "And...open. Okay, here we are." The brunette got out as she let her fellow Thieves into the apartment.
"Huh, so this is where you live." Ann got out as she and the others looked around.
"How are you near Shujin, yet far enough to take the train, yet five minutes away from Station Square and...Urgh...Never mind. Shinobi speed, I'm guessin'." Ryuji started before giving up.
"Come on in." Asuka soon offered.
"Ooooooh!" Morgana got out in excitement as he jumped out of the bag and ran in.
Asuka meanwhile giggled to that excitement. "Take it easy Morgana-chan." She called out as she entered the apartment to see the not cat resting on the couch.
"Oooohhhh~ It smells like flowers and...ashes." Morgana noted.
"...ashes?" The two roommates repeated in confusion as the rest of the group entered the apartment.
"Oh, it was probably from the fire from a few days ago..." Homura mentally guessed.
"So this is your apartment..." Akira got out as he looked around.
"I didn't expect something so...spartan..." Ann admitted.
"Yeah, what happened to all the plushies you won?" Ryuji wondered.
"Ah, I sent some of them to one of my friends back home." Asuka revealed. "She loves stuffed animals." She then explained.
The tan skinned girl in response nodded. "Yeah. But what do you mean by that?" Homura then asked.
"She means lacking life or personality. Bare necessities only." Akira spoke up.
"Well we are only renting it out for the year." Homura then pointed out.
"Yeah you say that but I bought nutrients for my plant anyways." Akira countered. "And I'm only living where I'm staying for a year as well." He then reminded.
"...I guess we could decorate our apartment more..." Asuka then admitted in a slightly meek manner. "But the bathroom is amazing though!" She soon declared.
"What, you two take baths together so somethin'?" Ryuji remarked in a joking tone as a chuckle came out of his mouth.
In response to that, there was only silence as the two roommates blushed...
The Leader then sweatdropped. "...Well, considering you sleep together naked as well, that's not really surprising." Akira admitted.
"...How about I just cook us some steaks for dinner?" Homura then offered as she went to the kitchen.
This however surprised the others. "You can cook?" Ann asked in a curious manner.
"I can survive, not cook." Homura corrected.
"Homu-nee's steaks are pretty good though." Asuka happily declared. "Hehe, if Homu-nee wasn't training to be a shinobi, she could be a chef." She then added with a giggle escaping her lips. "Meanwhile I can't go near the meat section without my breasts being wrapped in butcher's twine." She mentally added with a blush.
"You mean like how you're good at making that awesome lookin' sushi?" Ryuji asked with a smirk.
"Y-You're just saying that!" Asuka however stammered out with an embarrassed blush on her face from the praise.
Homura however just giggled to that stammering. "Ah don't mind Sis, she's just being modest." She remarked as she continued cooking. "So, how do you guys want your steaks?" She then asked.
"Uh...by MonHun logic, well-done?" Ryuji answered.
"MonHun logic...?" Asuka repeated in confusion.
"It's nothin'. So, this'll be our hideout from now on." Ryuji got out as he looked around.
"Yes, but probably not for long. We should move our hideouts on a daily basis, just in case." Morgana advised. "I would recommend scouting out locations should the need arise." He then added.
"Well, Leblanc's always an option as long as Boss isn't around." Akira informed.
"Oh yeah, we haven't visited that place before, huh." Ann realised. "Curry and coffee...I kinda wanna try it someday." She then admitted.
"Soon. Maybe." Akira replied as the food was set onto the table. "Thank you." He then got out.
"You're welcome." Homura replied as she then looked down. "Gah, totally forgot about Morgana. You want your fish raw or cooked?" She got out.
"Raw please Lady Homura!" Morgana soon requested in excitement.
"Alright. Now...where was that raw fish again..." Homura muttered to herself.
"I got it." Asuka replied as she went to the fridge, getting a large tuna out.
"Oooooooh!" Morgana got out in even more excitement to the sight of the fish.
"Damn, that smells good!" Ryuji praised.
"Yeah. Homu-nee is a great cook." Asuka got out with a smile.
"P-Please..." Homura mumbled out as she sat down.
"Itadakimasu." The Thieves prayed in unison before digging in.
"What an excellent fish Lady Asuka, Lady Homura!" Morgana happily praised as he ate his food.
"Why thank you Morgana. Sis was the one who got all the groceries." Homura informed while giving a thumbs up to her roommate.
"Yeah. It was on sale and I was planning on making sushi with it, but that's fine." Asuka explained as she ate her steak. "So you guys, how's Homu-nee's cooking?" She then asked in a curious manner.
"Pretty good." Akira replied.
"Yeah! This is like a five star chef!" Ann got out in amazement.
"Y-You're just saying that Ann!" Homura stammered out with a blush.
"But it's true though. I can barely cook, myself." Ann admitted.
"Come on, Ann-chan, it can be that bad." Asuka replied.
"Asuka-chan...You know the Slimes in Mementos..." Ann started in an awkward manner.
"Okay, that's enough of that." Akira interrupted. "I don't want to lose my appetite. Just eat." He then got out.
"Maybe Homura can be the Phantom Thieves' personal chef!" Ann then suggested.
"...10,000 yen." Homura suddenly stated.
"What?" Ann got out, blinking at the request.
"10,000. Up front. Now." Homura replied with a playful smirk.
"Uh, no." Ann got out.
"Welp, no personal chef then. Cook for yourself, you freeloaders." Homura declared.
"But aren't you a freelo-" Ryuji started to point out, only for the Leader to cover his mouth.
"I'm kidding guys." Homura soon giggled out. "You don't have to pay. I'm not that desperate." She then added.
"Then why don't you provide training for free?" Akira asked.
"That's an exception since you need it as our Leader and you need the training." Homura replied as the boy in mention groaned.
"You know, with the way you cook, you could totally be a wife someday." Ryuji admitted, though was barely heard as his mouth was full of meat so it came out more like..."Mmph pmhp mph mhmop mphe mhr, mernb mpe me whife." He muffled out.
"Swallow, Ryuji." Homura however instructed. "What did you say?" She soon asked.
Ryuji swallowed his food like instructed before shaking his head. "Ah, nothin', just something you'd kill me over..." He replied.
"...Knowing you, I'll take that as it is." Homura responded before going back to eating herself.
(5/16, Evening)
"Thanks for dinner Asuka, Homura. It was great." Akira admitted with a smile.
"Yeah, we should do this some other time." Asuka got out with a smile of her own.
"Sounds great. Maybe under better circumstances though." Akira stated. "Well, see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah. Bye Akira-kun! Have a safe trip back!" Asuka called out before shutting the apartment door.
"Oh thank God, everyone's finally gone..." The two girls quietly breath out in relief.
"Even though it was fun." Asuka soon added. "We're gonna have to clean the apartment more often for a while, just in case we have a meeting..."
"I guess that's a good thing though." Homura admitted. "...And I forgot to ask Ann about femininity training..." She soon realized.
"There's always next time." Asuka reassured her as she started stripping down. "Time for bed now." She then suggested.
Homura in turn nodded in agreement to this as she stripped down as well. "We got our work cut out for us this time with this museum Palace." She then stated.
"You said it. This...This is probably gonna be harder than the castle." Asuka soon admitted.
"Hey, at least we know what we're doing this time instead of getting ourselves killed." Homura replied while patting her roommate' head. "And we got a goal this time, to steal the Treasure and make him pay for his crimes." She then added as they cleaned the kitchen.
"And save Yusuke-kun..." Asuka added as the two finished up.
"Yeah, him too." Homura got out with a nod. "Let's just hope nothing too bad happens this time." She then added as they headed for the bedroom
"Hey, we're ready and prepared to take him on. Maybe this time we don't even need to meet up with the ruler." Asuka pointed out as they got into the futon and laid down.
"Sis, with our luck, it will happen." Homura replied as she tenderly hugged her roommate. "But we'll be strong enough to take down whatever is thrown at us." She replied in reassurance.
Asuka in response nodded to that. "Yeah. I...I believe in us." She replied as she closed her eyes. "Good night." She mumbled out.
"Good night, Sis." Homura responded as she also closed her eyes.
The two soon drifted off to sleep after the intense day they had, knowing it was about to get even more intense from that point on.
Save Game... Quit!
Asuka/Yin's Social Stats:
Leadership- Pushover (Level 1)
Knowledge- Informed (Level 2)
Proficiency-Bumbling (Level 1)
Diligence- Persistent (Level 2)
Courage- Reliable (Level 2)
Homura/Yang's Development Stats:
Maturity- Underdeveloped (Level 1)
Knowledge- Learned (Level 2)
Femininity- Boyish (Level 1)
Elegance- Nonexistent (Level 1)
Understanding- Kindly (Level 2)
God, I need to go out... Well, I have a serious wishlist of games in the coming year. No More Heroes 3, Animal Crossing and Persona 5 Royal. And it only took me until the end of January to realize that I bought a Switch just for those games. 2020 is shaping up to be great year for games. Everywhere else, kinda sucks, but games though!
UknownHero signing off, my friends!
