And we've hit a milestone, my friends! UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona! Let's hope for another 50 more! Because this story isn't anywhere close to the end. I mean…is the Kaneshiro the halfway point? Can me and JGResidentEvil accidently write the longest piece of literature? Probably not, but holy effin' shit it would a serious achievement.

Anyways, onto the reviews. I'm glad to see that no one is even close to what the principal's Palace actually is. I should probably give a hint to the principal's Palace first, right? Well…It's pathetic and it's the very last thing you would ever think of. I actually thought of it when they added dialogue for the teachers in Royal. Kobayakawa admits that he wants people to be envious of him and I sort of…got his Palace. Until then, my Keyblade remains uneaten. To a random Guest: Well…you'll see if Fubuki makes into the story.

Anyways, that's it! Let's prepare the storm.

Load Game…Start!


Chapter 50: The Calm


(6/12, Early Morning)

(Leblanc, Attic)

It was quite a peaceful early morning Sunday.

Akira, Yusuke, Yumi and Morgana had stayed up until midnight discussing everything they needed to talk about. They inputted more distortions into the MetaNav for the principal's Palace, but they didn't get anything still and they didn't really have anything they could use against the principal just yet. They refined the plan in case they were busted, which involved the Brainwash Spells after bringing the ones who discovered them into a Shinobi Kekkai.

By the last few hours, Akira got the two Kosei students to make infiltration tools with him, Morgana teaching them through the steps on how to make various fun things such as elemental bombs and Stealthanol.

It was quite a productive night, even though they hadn't solved their problems, but that would be enough until they had their next target, going to sleep in hopes of enjoying a lazy Sunday.

Suddenly, the light grey haired girl's eyes snapped open.

"I HAVE SOMEWHERE TO BE TODAY!" Yumi suddenly exclaimed.

"Ugh..." Yusuke groaned before checking his phone. "It's 5AM senpai...Wait, are you talking about that university fair?" He then asked.

"Yes!" Yumi answered as she got off the couch. "I need to be there by...by...ten." She soon realized, causing her to blush in embarrassment.

"Do you often have panic attacks in the middle of the night?" Akira yawned out, having been awoken by the light grey haired girl's exclamation.

"Early morning, actually." Yusuke corrected.

"And...not often." Yumi soon answered.

"That's not a no..." Akira pointed out. "So, why are you going to a university fair? You're not gonna attend university, are you?" He then asked and pointed out.

"I have rather good grades, so I have to keep up appearances." "And thanks to my time so far at Kosei, I might decide to attend university even after graduating from Gessen." She then revealed.

"Is there a shinobi university?" Yusuke asked.

"Oh no, usually you are considered an adult after graduating from a shinobi academy." Yumi explained. "If you manage to pass the final exam." She then added.

"Final exam?" Akira repeated. Akira repeated with a raised eyebrow.

"The true test of one's abilities." Yumi informed. "It's different for each academy, but the result of failure is the same: Having to repeat the year...or lose the path of shinobi." She then concluded. "Of course, thanks to being away, I actually need to attend another year at Gessen unless I'm told otherwise, so there's plenty of time for me to prepare." She assured.

"...You have your work cut out for you huh?" Akira admitted.

"You don't know the half of it." Yumi muttered out as she got up and stretched. "I need to go home and get ready." She then added as she took out her scroll.

"Hey, you still have a good few hours before you have to. Stay for breakfast at least when Boss arrives." Akira soon offered with a smile as he swiftly took out his phone and typed some quick messages.

Grrr...

"E-Erm...that would be lovely." Yumi replied with a blush as she sat down.

"Good. Now, if you'll excuse me..." Akira began before instantly falling back asleep. "Zzzzz..." he then snored out, causing Yumi to sweatdrop.

"Zzzzz...I told you so...Zzzz..." Morgana mumbled in his sleep.

"W-Wait, if we've gotten up early, you can at least use the time productively-" Yumi advised, only to see her junior had fallen back to sleep too.

"Zzzzz...Ann, you look beautiful today...Zzzz..." Yusuke mumbled in his sleep, causing Yumi to sweatdrop even more.

Yumi in response sighed to this. "It is indeed like being back at Gessen." She muttered as she couldn't help but smile.


(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

"I am so sorry, Sis." Homura apologized once again, on her hands and knees, her forehead on the floor.

"Moh, it's okay Homu-nee." Asuka replied as she cooked breakfast. "Please stop and put on some clothes! It's pretty cold this morning..." She then requested.

"The guilty don't deserve such pleasures." Homura mumbled out in shame. "Not to mention you're doing that cute naked apron again..." She then quietly added with her head steaming.

"Homu-nee, I'm the one who caused it remember?" Asuka reminded.

Homura then sighed in slight exhaustion. "Look, we're gonna get nowhere if we keep playing the self-blame game so let's just both admit I almost killed you. Again." She soon stated.

"...Alright." Asuka sighed out. "Now please put something on." She then requested.

BZZT! BZZT!

"Who's texting so early?" Asuka asked as her roommate went to the bedroom to see which phon

e was vibrating.

"Don't worry Sis, it's for me!" Homura called out as she pulled the plug on her phone. "Want me to give you your phone?" She then offered.

"Sure!" Asuka responded.

"'Kay!" Homura replied as she grabbed her roommate's phone while checking out her messages.

[TheWildJ0ker: Homura, can you train Yumi tonight in Magic?]

[TheWildJ0ker: I'll pay you at school tomorrow.]

[FireGirl20: Got it, Leader!]

(...)

[FireGirl20: Hello?]

Homura however raised an eyebrow after waiting a couple of moments. "Huh, Akira usually responds." She muttered before shrugging her shoulders before going through their clothes, choosing a black t-shirt and headed out of the bedroom to toss her roommate her phone. "Heads up!" She called out as she tossed it over.

Asuka meanwhile caught her phone with ease. "Who was that?" She asked as she put her phone down on the counter.

"Ah, just Akira ordering training for Yumi-senpai." Homura answered. "I'm gonna double it by asking her to train me more in Elegance." She then added.

"Well, I hope it goes- Asuka replied with a nod, but at that moment...

BZZT! BZZT!

"...Well." Asuka finished as she looked at her phone. "Hold on." She soon got out as she opened the IM.

[TheWildJ0ker: Hey Asuka, think you could make some sushi for us?]

[SushiRoll23: Sure! I'll bring it in for you tomorrow at school!]

"...Who was that?" Homura asked.

"Akira-kun." Asuka answered. "Huh, I wonder why he isn't responding..." She muttered in concern from not getting another message.

"Well, it's 5AM and since it's on a Sunday, he probably went back to sleep after he texted us." Homura assumed. "That's sort of rude of him to assume we'd say yes." She then added.

"But wouldn't we do so anyways?" Asuka however asked.

"Yes, but..." Homura began before blinking a couple of times to think about it. "...Alright, point taken." She soon replied.

"...I'll make the sushi later. Breakfast is now." Asuka meanwhile decided.

"Come on Sis, you can kill two birds with one stone. Just make sushi as our breakfast today and make sure to make more than usual." Homura however suggested as she sat down at the table.

Asuka looked down to see the fish she was cutting up before nodding. "Good idea! Thanks Homu-nee!" She then replied.

"You're welcome. Efficiency!" Homura responded with a smirk on her face.

"...Bath time after breakfast?" Asuka then suggested as she brought the food to the table.

"Bath time after breakfast." Homura repeated with a nod.

Just another morning for the Shirokage-Shinkukage apartment.


(6/12, Daytime)

(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc)

A few hours later, the Kosei students had woken up again, gotten dressed before greeting the cafe owner and sitting down for a cup of coffee.

"Aaaaaahhhh..." Yumi breathed out as she put down her empty cup. "I don't think I can ever get tired of this taste." She then admitted.

"Indeed. It's such a delight to enjoy coffee of this quality." Yusuke complimented.

"Thank you." Sojiro replied, smiling a little at the compliment before seeing the boy's luggage side him. "Uh...Yusuke, right? You could stay until you find a place, you know. I can't promise it'd be comfortable here though." He then offered.

The young artist could only shake his head to that. "Thank you, but I'll return to the dorms." Yusuke responded. "I realized something after talking with everyone last night. Perhaps it's due to my upbringing, but I don't know anything of the world, let alone other people." He soon explained. "If I'm to depict people in my art, I need to learn more about them; I must interact with them more. So I'll return to the dorms...and start over by talking with the people closest to me." He then promised.

"It won't be easy, Yusuke-san." Yumi informed as she gave her kouhai a look of worry. "The students are still wary after what happened with Madarame." She then reminded.

"And that's okay. I'm determined to conquer such challenges." Yusuke declared. "In order to pursue true beauty, you must face such trials head on." He then reasoned.

"I see. Good on you for realizing that yourself." Sojiro got out with a smile.

"There's no need to exaggerate. May I come again sometime to enjoy your coffee?" Yusuke replied and requested.

"My doors are always open." Sojiro replied, patting the young artist on the shoulder. "You too, Tsukikaze-san." He quickly added.

"Thank you." Yumi replied with a nod. "You know, Akira-kun's been through a lot too, from what I've heard. Are you a relative of his?" She then pointed out and asked in a curious manner.

"Huh? Oh...How would I describe it... We're just acquaintances. Not family or anything." Sojiro murmured as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"If that is the case, why did you decide to take him in? If you don't mind me asking." Yumi questioned. "If l remember correctly, you must have volunteered to do so in the first place so there's nothing you can really benefit from letting him stay here. What's your reason?" she soon added.

"My reason, huh..." Sojiro muttered out before chuckling to himself. "Probably because...he reminds me of my old self." He then vaguely answered.

"Hm?" Yumi hummed out with a raised eyebrow. "Old self?" She mentally repeated.

"That's all?" Yusuke got out in surprise.

"Doesn't take much when someone takes consideration of someone else. Your art instructor-" Sojiro got out before stopping himself. "Um, former art instructor. He must've felt something for you too, besides just stealing your talents." He comforted the young artist."

"Truth be told...I cannot hate him from the depths of my heart either." Yusuke admitted as he looked down his glass.

"Yusuke-san..." Yumi got out, surprised to hear that, even after everything they went through regarding his Palace. "I...I do not share the same feeling, but I will not try to convince you otherwise." She soon confessed, trying her best not to break the cup in her hands.

"It is understandable Senpai." Yusuke responded with a nod. "I should probably get going..." He soon got out as he stood up from his seat.

"Hey, are you sure about this?" Sojiro asked as the three glanced over to the Sayuri hanging by the entrance. "The painting, I mean. It'd be a waste to keep it here." He then added.

"Even if I kept it at the dorms, it'd only be met with skepticism. I doubt it would want that." Yusuke answered. "Adding a hint of color to an otherwise ordinary day...I'm sure my mother would've done the same." He added with a smile.

"It actually fits the atmosphere perfectly." Yumi meanwhile admitted with a smile.

"...I see. I'll hold onto it for you then." Sojiro replied with a nod.

"Thank you for the coffee. I'll come again when I can." Yusuke responded as he then left.

"Ah, I need to go as well." Yumi got out as she saw the time. "Thank you for the coffee, Sakura-san." She then added as she gave a polite bow.

"No problem." Sojiro replied with a nod. "I'll tell the kid when he wakes up." He then informed.

"Thank you." Yusuke got out before the two left the cafe.

"Heh, what a well-mannered girl." Sojiro admitted.

BZZT! BZZT!

"Hello?" Sojiro started before his eyes widened. "What? No, I wasn't checking the girls out..." He sighed out as he resisted a groan. "...No, I'm not asking them that, you're fine the way you are..." He soon stated before pausing. "Wait, how do you- Nevermind..." He then started before groaning. "Don't start laughing now..." He requested.


(Leblanc, Attic)

Akira yawned as he got off his bed. "There's nothing like sleeping after waking up." He breathed out before spotting Morgana by his feet.

"You're finally awake..." Morgana got out as the Leader stretched his limbs. "You know, when I encourage you to sleep, I didn't mean until 1AM." He bluntly stated.

"Ah, shut it." Akira chuckled out as he ruffled the not cat's head before looking around. "Where's Yusuke and Yumi?" He then asked.

"Don't know. Maybe they went downstairs." Morgana guessed.

Akira nodded as he went downstairs to see Sojiro cleaning up the counter.

"You're finally up, huh." Sojiro got out as he put down his cloth. "You do know it's past noon right?" He soon pointed out.

"As I have been aware of for the past minute." Akira replied before doing a double take when he saw the Sayuri hanging on the wall. "Wait, he left it here?" He got out, stunned.

"Yep. Before he took off with his girlfriend." Sojiro informed. "Supposedly to thank us for taking care of him for the night." He then added.

This caused the Leader to blink to learning that. "That's...a really big reward." Akira admitted, not exactly sure how he could express how important that painting was. "Please don't sell it." He then requested.

"Don't be ridiculous. I'd never let go of a beauty like this. This painting is amazing." Sojiro assured as he studied the painting." Not only is the mother stunning, but the expression on her face...The regulars will probably freak out when they see it in here. The artist had some serious talent." He soon complimented.

"Yeah. She did." Akira muttered with a smile.

"Still...I feel like I've seen it somewhere. It's a bit different from how I remember it, though." The cafe owner admitted as he narrowed his eyes.

"Yeah..." Akira replied. "It wasn't like it was all over the news and stuff recently." He mentally added with an awkward chuckle.

"Well...If you're up for the day, go on and get dressed. I opened shop hours ago, so go take the cat out somewhere." Sojiro soon suggested.

"Got it." Akira replied as he went back up stairs.

After getting changed and doing a quick workout, his phone buzzed so he quickly grabbed it.

[All4Painting: Thank you again for letting me stay the night.]

[All4Painting: Apologies for leaving so quietly, but your rest seemed peaceful.]

[All4Painting: After a great deal of inner struggle, I have decided to return to the dormitories. Furthermore, I've entrusted the "Sayuri" to your protector, Sojiro. That painting should no longer exist in reality...but it is truly what my mother painted.]

[All4Painting: I am simply satisfied that we were able to obtain it. And it was all because of you guys. I cannot thank you enough.]

[All4Painting: PS, I still believe porridge is the best way to end a hot pot.]

[TheWildJ0ker: It's udon or death.]

[TheWildJ0ker: But thanks. It means a lot.]

"So Yusuke went home, huh? Well, that was probably for the best." Morgana responded.

"Yeah." Akira replied before seeing that Ryuji had posted on the group chat, and went to see what was going on.

[Shut7heFUp: Yo, you guys been checkin' the Phan-site?]

[Shut7heFUp: There's some kinda thread on there looking for info about burglars using the Phantom Thieves name. Sounds pretty lame to me.]

[FireGirl20: What!? Checking it out now!]

[SushiRoll23: No way! They're even using calling cards!]

[Sweetkat06: Oh, I saw that too. They target restaurants, right? I actually found a really interesting post on there. "My brother has suddenly started acting violent towards everyone. I might end up getting killed at this rate...I wonder if it's because he got caught up with all those weird people in Shibuya."]

[Shut7heFUp: You think he means those burglars when he's talking about them "weird people"?]

[All4Painting: It may be too soon to assume that.]

[Sweetkat06: The post said he started spending a bunch of money lately too...Isn't that kind of suspicious?]

[FireGirl20: Yeah, it does.]

[SushiRoll23: Mementos target?]

[TheWildJ0ker: Maybe. We don't know the whole situation yet. Or if he's even involved.]

[Sweetkat06: I wonder how many burglar groups are even in Shibuya...]

[Negative8Degrees: Not many, presumably. The police have been cracking down on organised crime and such lately.]

[Shut7heFUp: Dammit, if we don't have enough shit on our plate already!]

[TheWildJ0ker: We are looking into though.]

[Shut7heFUp: OH HELL YEAH WE ARE!]

[Sweetkat06: I thought you'd say that.]

[Negative8Degrees: I will get right on it as well.]

[All4Painting: Although how exactly will we go about investigating?]

[Sweetkat06: We'll go to Shibuya in the middle of the night and catch them red-handed!]

[SushiRoll23: Ann-chan...you guys would be caught by the police if you did that. ^^"]

[SushiRoll23: Plus it would be bad if Akira-kun goes out in the middle of the night.]

[All4Painting: Hm, if they target restaurants...Aha! What if we drew them to Leblanc?]

[FireGirl20: ...How about no?]

[FireGirl20: That would be the worst idea ever.]

[FireGirl20: Of all time.]

"There's no way...Who would go after a shop like this?" Morgana got out.

"That's not the problem here, Morgana..." Akira got out through gritted teeth. "We really gotta get you a phone or something..." He then thought.

[SushiRoll23: I don't want Boss to get robbed! Think of something else!]

[Negative8Degrees: Boss will kick out Akira-kun if we failed.]

[Negative8Degrees: And you just left Sakura-san the Sayuri.]

[Sweetkat06: YOU DID WHAT!?]

[Shut7heFUp: How'd you forget something that important!?]

[All4Painting: I didn't forget it. I gave it to him as a gift.]

[All4Painting: But you guys are right. I shall not allow the Sayuri to fall into corrupt hands again.]

[FireGirl20: Good boy.]

[Shut7heFUp: I can just read the virtual head pats you're giving him...]

[Sweetkat06: Either way...I don't really want more thieves to be posing as us in the future. I wish there was some way we could make an example of these ones...]

[All4Painting: At the moment, our lack of info means we will just have to wait until senpai's network digs something up. We can continue searching for more information wherever possible, though.]

[Shut7heFUp: Yeah.]

[Negative8Degrees: My informants are already on it.]

[Shut7heFUp: I'm gonna try looking for stuff too!]

"I will not allow petty burglars to shame the name of the Phantom Thieves. We better resolve this soon!" Morgana got out in determination.

"We will. We do have a network after all." Akira pointed out as he put away his phone. "But for now, I'm gonna hang out with Ann today." He soon decided.

"What do you mean by having their own rules of physics!?" Akira heard the cafe owner exclaim.

"...Sojiro is one lucky man." Akira and Morgana thought before heading down.


(University)

"Who just calls their university, Generic University?" Yumi thought as she walked down the halls. "Tokyo is quite odd...maybe I should look into Tokyo U next..." She then muttered.

"What do you mean they've arrived!?" She suddenly heard a girl exclaim, causing the light grey haired girl to turn to see a brunette in the Shujin Academy uniform on her phone. "I...Ugh, I'll check them out later today or tomorrow. I'm in the middle of something so keep them in the Council Room." She soon sighed out before putting away her phone.

"Hm, she seems quite on top of things." Yumi thought before blinking. "Wait..." She got out as she pulled out her phone and accessed her cloud drive. "I know this face...There." She muttered. "Oh, so that's Makoto Niijima." She realized before noticing another face she recognised. "And that's...Goro Akechi..." She then thought as she looked on from a distance.

Meanwhile, Makoto groaned as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Of all the...this is all spiralling out of control..." She muttered in frustration before quickly putting on a calm facade when she saw the young detective approach her.

"You're Sae-san's younger sister, correct?" Akechi deducted. "May I talk to you for a moment?" He then asked.

"Is it about the Phantom Thieves...Akechi-kun?" Makoto assumed.

"...You're quite perceptive." Akechi complimented with a smirk. "I was wondering if there were any points in common between Kamoshida's and Madarame's cases. There have been victims, after all. The Phantom Thieves need to be pursued." He then stated.

"You criticize the Phantom Thieves, yet you don't doubt their actual existence." Makoto responded.

"Oh, you saw that show on TV." Akechi got out. "Common sense can get in the way at times when pursuing the truth. Many details become logical if I think on the premise that they do exist. And how can I not given their stunts." He soon informed.

"Is this...because my sister told you to do so?" Makoto soon asked in a hesitant manner.

"It was just a coincidence." Akechi off-handedly answered.

Makoto however narrowed her eyes in response. "Why do I get the feeling that you're enjoying this?" She soon questioned.

"...You may be right." Akechi replied with a smile.

"Huh...?" Makoto gasped out.

"Phantom thieves that use calling cards and succeed in their crime...As the so-called Detective Prince, it'd be hard for me to not see them as my rival." Akechi explained himself. "Like a modern day story of Sherlock Holmes and Arsene Lupin." He then exemplified.

"You have such high self-esteem. So the Phantom Thieves are evil, and you are just?" Makoto remarked and questioned.

"Compared to people who manipulate others' hearts as they see fit, I believe I'm on the side of justice." Akechi answered in a confident manner. "Besides, I'm only using my natural-born talents for the sake of serving the world. Don't you think the same about yourself too?" He then added and questioned.

"I..." Makoto started, but then trailed off.

"...Oh, that's surprising. So you're just the good-girl type of pushover. " Akechi stated.

Makoto's eyes soon widened to that. "What did he just call me!?" She thought in anger, but physically kept herself calm. "H-Hey, I'm-" She then started.

RING RING RING!

However, they were interrupted by a bell ringing, announcing that the presentation was about to be under way. "It's starting soon." Akechi got out before bowing to the girl. "Please send Sae-san my regards." He soon requested before leaving the girl to wallow in her own sadness.

"...Why does everyone get on my case...?" Makoto muttered in depression.

Yumi narrowed her eyes as she came out of her little hiding spot. Attacking both the Phantom Thieves and insulting someone to their face. "I can see why Homura-san defends her. Everyone gangs up on her." She thought to herself.

Makoto soon sighed as she walked down the hallway, giving the light grey haired girl a prime opportunity to try and-

Bump!

Accidentally collided with the other Student Council President. "Oh, my apologies." Yumi apologized in a well mannered tone as the girl stumbled back a little.

"Ah! Sorry, I-I was just..." Makoto started as she blinked, the light grey haired girl obviously noticing the brunette's eye drift down. "My God, there's more of you people." She muttered.

"Excuse me?" Yumi innocently asked while trying to stop her eye from twitching.

"N-Nothing!" Makoto yelped out as she focused back on her eyes. "I-If I recall...you are Kosei's Student Council President." She then stated.

"Hai, Yumi Tsukikaze." Yumi replied as she brought out her hand for a handshake. "And you are Makoto Niijima, the Student Council President of Shujin Academy." She replied.

"Yes, I've heard about you online. A lot of it is quite good, but there have been...concerns." Makoto replied with a small wince. "You also knew Madarame, didn't you?" She then questioned.

Yumi cringed before looking down. "Hai, at the time he seemed to be a good man who took care of my kohai." She replied.

"Yusuke Kitagawa." Makoto got out.

Yumi in turn sighed to that. "Hai." She breathed out in an exhausted manner. "Honestly it is more like I take care of him..." She then admitted.

"And you probably were." Makoto stated before blushing. "I am so sorry, that came out before I could stop myself." She soon apologized.

"It's alright." Yumi got out. "To be honest, I wish I've done more for him..." She then admitted.

"Excuse me but...how did you become such a good Student Council President Tsukikaze-san?" Makoto soon asked. "It's just that I have read good things that were said about you on the Kosei website." She then explained.

"You mentioned that before." Yumi pointed out. "Well, I just ensure that students are acting in an appropriate manner. I also give myself the chance to know them on a personal level and help them in any way I can." She then explained.

"I...I see..." Makoto stammered out, surprised by the answer. "Do you mind if I ask a personal question?" She soon requested.

"Not at all, go ahead." Yumi responded.

This in turn caused the brunette to sigh and gather her thoughts. "Do you ever feel...trapped by your own future?" Makoto soon enough questioned.

"What do you mean?" Yumi asked in response with a raised eyebrow.

"Like...Look around." Makoto started to explain as she watched other third-years walk around. "Everyone here is preparing for it and making sure it goes well. But they have to work hard and do things they might normally do, all for the sake of it. I want a good future...but I want a good present too." She then explained. "Do you...get what I mean?" She then asked.

Yumi frowned before nodding. "I do get what you mean. And not at all, because I recently learned that nothing is set in stone." She answered. "A friend of mine...she realised she was born into a shadow of someone who could not hope to become. So, she began to forge her own path. Maybe that's something you should do as well."

That in turn got Makoto's attention. "Forge her own path..." She repeated in a mutter.

"If I may ask...Is this about the Principal of your school? I heard he doesn't have the best reputation and that he might make some questionable decisions due to the incident with Suguru Kamoshida..." Yumi soon guessed and explained.

"I guess that PR isn't doing that much, huh." Makoto sighed out. "...Yes. And recently, I have not become the biggest fan of him either..." She soon revealed.

"Can you tell me about it?" Yumi soon requested.

"There's a lot to tell..." Makoto confessed.

"We have time." Yumi assured.

"Um...no, we don't." Makoto reminded before pointing down the hall. "The presentation?" She then pointed out.

Mentally cursing herself, the light grey haired girl quickly thought up something. "Ah, we better get going before we're late then." Yumi soon replied. "We can talk more after. How about we go get something to eat." She then offered.

"...Sure. I would like that." Makoto responded.

"Thank you. You know, Homura-san has spoken highly of you Makoto-san." Yumi replied with a smile before heading off.

Nodding to that, the brunette followed behind as she made her way to the presentation. "...Wait, how did she know I'm friends with Homura-san?" Makoto thought to herself in a curious manner as she looked at the back of the light grey haired girl. "Could she..." She soon wondered before another thought came to mind. "Homura-san...spoke highly of me?" She then thought, unintentionally smiling to that as she felt her mood brighten a bit as she made her way to the presentation herself.

Meanwhile, from a distance away, Akechi narrowed his eyes at the light grey haired girl before leaving.


(6/12, Evening)

(Shibuya, Diner)

The two Student Council Presidents had decided to go to the diner as they sat down and ordered some food.

"So Makoto-san, shall we continue from where we were?" Yumi suggested.

"You...didn't have to pay for my food Tsukikaze-san." Makoto got out.

"You're right. I want to." Yumi simply replied with a smile before gaining a serious expression. "So, what has your Principal been making you do?" She soon asked.

"Well..." Makoto began.

BZZT! BZZT!

"Ah, pardon me." Yumi got out as she took out her phone.

[FireGirl20: Yumi-senpai, Akira has requested me to train you in Magic tonight. Can we meet so you can also further train me in Elegance too?]

[Negative8Degrees: Of course, though currently I'm in the middle of something at the moment. Please go to the rooftop and meditate for the time being.]

[FireGirl20: Yes Ma'am.]

"Ah, sorry for the interruption." Yumi apologised as she placed her phone in her skirt pocket. "Go ahead." She then requested.

Makoto opened her mouth but quickly stopped herself. "I...I can't just talk to a stranger about this." She soon pointed out.

"It's ok, I'm studying to be a guidance counselor and this is a prime opportunity to practice my skills." Yumi assured.

Actually, the Gessen Elite was leaning more towards music in her studies, but she did not need a pianist right now.

Sighing to that, the Shujin Student Council President started to relax herself. "I...bought listening devices...and I plan to slip them into my best friend's disciplinary committee armband so I can listen in on them..." Makoto confessed and revealed.

"...Is that even legal?" Yumi questioned. "So she still kept them and is planning to use them..." She thought to herself.

"Probably not, but I don't think there's any other way." Makoto admitted.

The light grey haired girl then narrowed her eyes. "Even at the risk of betraying your best friend? " Yumi questioned in a serious tone.

"I...I just have to. I mean, they're potentially involved in something rather dangerous, but..." Makoto soon stated.

"But..." Yumi repeated.

"But...their friendship means everything to me. And what they're doing is...it's helping people. At least, I hope so..." Makoto confessed as she looked down.

"And why do you doubt that?" Yumi then asked.

"That's what the listening devices are for." Makoto stated as they got some water placed on the table. "I...I want to confirm their justice. I already used one, but it must've fallen off and got destroyed." She then explained.

"And what would you do after that? Confront them about it?" Yumi questioned.

"I...I don't know...I would have to at some point." Makoto replied. "I just don't want to lose them but I know that...whatever they're doing..." She then began before trailing off at the end.

"You should talk to them about it. Have a heart to heart with them." Yumi advised. "There is always a reason for their actions and you should never jump the gun." She then added as she remembered when she first attacked her friends. "Tell me, what is actually more important to you?" She suddenly asked.

"...My mind is saying that friends come and go. That if I try hard enough afterwards, I'll find new ones and just forget about it. My future is more important, that the only thing that matters this year is my grades, and I should only look out for myself right now." Makoto admitted as she closed her eyes.

"But...?" Yumi got out with a raised eyebrow.

"...My heart says that I should just forget it and be with my friend, let fate decide who I'll be at the end of the day." Makoto continued. "Honestly, I'm a mess..." She soon confessed as she covered her face with her hands.

"I can see that." Yumi replied with a concerned expression. "God, to think she was in this kind of state." She thought to herself in a sympathetic tone. "So, which do you think is right then?" She soon asked.

"...I want a future." Makoto answered. "But I also want friends..." She then added. "What do I do?" She asked back.

"...Talk to your friend. Explain it to them and apologize to them for your plans to spy on them."

"But...If they are doing something illegal or dangerous, I can't-" Makoto started, however...

"Then they must have their reasons, just talk to them about it." Yumi interrupted. "I'm sure they'll explain themselves. Have more faith in your friends." She then reassured and suggested. "Don't give them a reason to hate you if you care for them." She soon stated.

"But...I can't help but feel angry whenever I see them." Makoto suddenly admitted. "It's small but...it's going to grow out of control..." She then added.

That in turn caught the light grey haired girl's attention. "Please elaborate." Yumi requested.

"I mean...They don't have to worry about their future, they aren't stuck trying to please everyone. They can do anything they want and they'll support each other and I...I just don't have any of that." Makoto explained.

"So you are jealous." Yumi assumed.

"I envy them." Makoto confessed in shame. "And I hate myself for that...and I want that myself..." She then added.

"Again, talking will resolve that issue." Yumi assured before frowning. "And what's stopping you from just sitting down and simply working things out?" She once more questioned.

"...I'm afraid." Makoto answered in a small voice. "There will be consequences to my actions...and if I don't do it right...I'll lose everything I have worked for." She then explained.

"As I thought..." Yumi thought as she narrowed her eyes. "...Try and find your will then. It's there, deep in your heart, but you'll find it." She vaguely suggested in a serious yet reassuring tone. "I need to go. I think my, uh, student will get restless if I stay any longer." She then informed.

"O-Okay." Makoto replied, soon noticing that the two had indeed finished their food. "I hope to see you again Tsukikaze-san. Thank you for your advice." She got out as she stood up.

"And I hope to see you too, Makoto-san." Yumi replied. "And please, just call me Yumi." She then requested with a smile before getting up from her seat and leaving the diner.


(Rooftop)

The light grey haired girl soon arrived at her usual training spot to see the tan skinned girl in a meditative state. "Sorry I couldn't come sooner, Homura-san." Yumi apologized.

"..." Homura however was silent as she kept sitting in place.

"Ah, you're still meditating. Well, don't let me interrupt you." Yumi got out before sitting next to the tan skinned girl and closed her eyes, emptying her thoughts and listening to the sounds of the city.

"Your whole life is a lie, Pinocchio! You're even less of a real child now! You're a fake incarnation of a fake child!"

"To lose is to forget, to forget is to lose, to heart is to light, to card is to dark, to bagel is to turkey sandwich..."

"Please keep feeding me more of your sushi, Sis..."

And that was enough of the sounds of the city.

Wait, what was that last one?

"Zzzzz...No Sis, you can't do that in public..." Homura mumbled out before giggling.

"You fell asleep!?" Yumi mentally exclaimed, though couldn't help but giggle. "Homura-san, it's time to begin." She then informed while lightly nudging her shoulder...before finding herself being flipped over the edge of the building. "AAAHHH!" She then screamed.

Homura's eyes immediately snapped open in response as she grabbed her friend. "Sorry! Force of habit!" She quickly got out before pulling with all her might. "God, that doesn't happen when Sis does it..." She muttered out as sure that her teacher was safe. "I apologize for my actions Yumi-senpai." She then got out while bowing to her.

"It's fine, I shouldn't have done that." Yumi quickly got out. "You have good reflexes though." She then admitted.

"Thank you. Lightning fast reflexes and rampant paranoia make a great combination." Homura muttered out.

"...That isn't exactly a good thing Homura-san." Yumi pointed out with a sweatdrop.

"I was being sarcastic." Homura deadpanned.

"Even so..." Yumi repiled. "Sarcasm isn't really elegant." She then informed.

"There is elegance in sarcasm though." Homura pointed out.

"You still have a lot to learn Homura-san," Yumi sighed out before smiling. "And I will be happy to help you." She then reminded.

"And once more, I thank you." Homura replied in a grateful tone.

"So, what is Asuka-san doing?" Yumi soon asked in a curious manner.

"She's finishing the last of her homework." Homura revealed. "I had finished mine earlier and she decided to stay home to finish up. She wants to make sure she stays at the top of the class." She then explained.


(Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

"What the hell is a vinculum!?"

As you can see, the Vice Leader was doing...well.

Asuka felt her Knowledge and Diligence increase as a result as she metaphorically slammed her head at her problems to see what sticks.


(Rooftop)

"So, what about you Yumi-senpai, what did you do today?" Homura soon asked.

"Ah, I went to a presentation at a university." Yumi replied. "Also...I met Makoto Niijima while I was there." She then revealed.

"Oh, you met up with her, huh?" Homura questioned in a surprised manner. "How was she Yumi-senpai?" She then asked in concern.

Yumi in turn gained a saddened expression. "Not good Homura-san." She honestly confessed. "Her mind and her heart are at war with one another." She soon revealed in a serious tone.

Homura's eyes immediately widened in shock and concern. "Oh no..." She breathed out. "How bad is it?" She then questioned.

"She's...just needs to sit down and talk things out." Yumi informed. She could tell her about the listening devices, but it would be best for the Shujin Student Council President to do so herself. "Though I'm not sure that would be possible..." She mentally admitted.

"...Don't tell...she still has them, doesn't she?" Homura soon guessed in a serious tone.

"...I don't know." Yumi lied as she shook her head. "I...can't tell her...not yet..." She thought to herself in a guilt filled tone.

"Do you...think we should let her know?" Homura soon asked. "I mean...it's eating away at Makoto-senpai..." She then added in concern.

"You know we can't do that." Yumi reluctantly reminded.

"We did it with Ann. She...She had her reasons for revenge against Kamoshida and we let her enter the Metaverse." Homura revealed, surprising the light haired girl. "We can do the same if we can just figure what his stupid distortion is-Chessboard! Military base! Gym?" She quickly got out as she pulled out her phone.

[Candidate not found]

"Why does it sound more condescending than last time!?" Homura growled in frustration before she put her phone back in her pocket.

"I didn't know that about Ann-san. You didn't mention it before." Yumi pointed out.

"...We were all angry that day...it was the day Shiho jumped...the day after I recorded what happened to her..." Homura revealed in a shame filled tone.

"...You were going to kill him." Yumi stated.

"It was on the table. But even after we decided to change his heart, we all weren't exactly in the right headspace." Homura admitted. "We let Ann into the Metaverse, knowing the type of danger we were putting her in. God, she would have been dead ten times over if luck wasn't on our side." She then groaned out. "And...Now I managed to convince myself why dragging Makoto into the Metaverse is a bad idea." She soon stated as she dropped her head in depression.

"You can't just solve all your problems with the Metaverse." Yumi soon stated in a wise tone. "You're thinking like a thief, and your approach is like a shinobi. You need to calm down and think and deal with it like a person. She isn't ready for a Persona yet." She then advised.

"You know, we're talking like we're experts about this stuff but in reality we could be just scratching the surface of the Metaverse." Homura pointed out. "Maybe...We shouldn't try to force it. Let nature take its course or something like that." She then admitted.

"That's probably for the best." Yumi replied in agreement. Yumi agreed. "For now at least." She then added.

"I guess...I'm just afraid of how broken minded Makoto-senpai could become..." Homura admitted. "I want to help her...but I'm probably not the best person to do so." She then confessed.

"You are. Don't worry about it and things will turn out fine." Yumi however encouraged with a smile. "You're her best friend. Talk it out. If your bonds are truly strong, then this will simply become a good story to tell your children." She then stated in a more amused tone.

Homura immediately blushed in response to that. "I-I am not...It's not gonna be like that!" She yelped out. "P-Plus, that's not how that works..." She then added.

"Hm?" Yumi got out in confusion before she blushed as she realised. "Oh, sorry, I mean like a funny story to look back on and laugh at!" She then explained.

"W-Wait a...Where did the children come from!?" Homura soon questioned in a panic. "I severely doubt I'll live that long." She then added.

"Don't get distracted!" Yumi called out, her voice cracking as her face became red. "H-Hopefully Makoto-san can find her will of rebellion." She soon stated as she calmed down. "She is someone who clearly deserves to join the Phantom Thieves, but not right now." She then added.

"I agree Yumi-senpai." Homura replied with a nod. "So, that's enough preamble. Ready to get some training underway?" She then stated and asked.

"Only if you can handle mine, Homura-san." Yumi replied with a coy smile on her face.

"Hey, elegance may be an art but nothing beats some good old fashioned beatdowns- I mean, exercise." Homura started before correcting herself.

"I'm getting the feeling you had too much fun with the others' training sessions." Yumi awkwardly noted.

"Hey, if you enjoy what you do, you never work a day." Homura quoted. "Now if only I could apply that without much violence." She mumbled under her breath as the two did their hand signs.

"Shinobi Kekkai!" The two soon called out in perfect unison, their eyes immediately widening as they both vanished.


(Homura and Yumi's Dual Shinobi Kekkai)

To say both girls were in shock at the scenery around them.

Both a crimson sun and light blue moon were out at the same time as it shined onto a fluctuating snow field that shifted between the two colors while red and blue flames danced in the wind.

"Our Shinobi Kekkai..." Homura started in shock.

"Fused together?" Yumi finished in amazement.

"This...wasn't supposed to happen." Both girls admitted in unison. "Why did you do it?" They then asked one another.

"Well, I thought it was my turn to make the Kekkai." Homura admitted.

"I thought it was my turn!" Yumi responded as she looked around. "I didn't think it would be possible though." She then confessed.

"Oh! I remember! I think my sensei looked into this." Homura remembered. "If multiple shinobi share the same mindset, they can create a larger barrier than normal. I think she managed to make one by using puppetry though." She then explained.

"It's...honestly beautiful..." Yumi breathed out in amazement to the scenery. "The same mindset, huh?" She then repeated in a curious manner as she looked at the tan skinned girl.

"Indeed...we must be thinking the same thing." Homura assumed.

"The want for elegance and grace." Yumi responded.

"Hai, Yumi-senpai." Homura replied with a nod and a smile on her face as the two looked around once more. "As well as wanting to change for the better." She then added. "...I wonder if my Kekkai can also fuse with Sis'." She meanwhile thought.

"You would have to try it sometime." Yumi soon replied.

Homura simply nodded in agreement to that before she then realized something. "Eh? H-How did you know what I was thinking Yumi-senpai?" She questioned in confusion while looking at the light grey haired girl.

Yumi in turn blinked as that caught her attention. "I am. . .Not sure." She confessed as she looked at the tan skinned girl.

"...Oh my God, we can read each other's minds in this Kekkai, can't we!?" Homura soon guessed.

"That seems..." Yumi gasped out.

"Useful given the situation?" Homura finished before an excited smile.

"Unbelievable." Yumi thought in disbelief. "I-I think we should be exploring the possibilities of this tonight along our training."

"Like?" Homura mentally asked in growing excitement.

"I...I'm not even sure." Yumi confessed. "But I don't think we can spar if we know what we're doing at all times..." She then pointed out. "...but if we do mental training..." She soon thought.

"We could expand our minds." Homura mentally suggested.

"How so?" Yumi soon asked.

"I don't know. Just...Ugh...I think I'm getting a headache..." Homura replied as she winced a bit while holding her head. "We will need to work on this..." She then admitted.

"Hai, but it is still amazing though." Yumi admitted. "How about we first start with your Elegance training Homura-san?" She soon suggested.

"Hai." Homura replied with a nod of agreement.

"Shinobi Tenshin!" The two declared as the clothes vanished and their matching kimonos (save for colors) formed on their bodies.

"Ah, it feels good being back in this kimono." Homura confessed with a smile.

"I am happy to hear that Homura-san." Yumi replied with her own smile as she brought her fans out. "Shall we?" She then asked.

"We shall indeed." Homura replied as she brought out her katanas.

The light grey haired girl then took out a music player and placed it on a nearby tree. "Ok Homura-san, this time, I want you to follow my moves perfectly." Yumi requested. "No going off the mark this time." She then added.

"Yes Ma'am." Homura responded with a nod of seriousness.

"Also, relax yourself. You will tense up your body if you don't." Yumi soon instructed.

Nodding to that, Homura took in a long deep breath. "Hai..." She calmly replied.

Soon, the music started playing...and the two closed their eyes before they began to dance as their bodies flowed with the music.

"Now...Noh dance is quite traditional." Yumi revealed. "They are set, it cannot be changed. It lacks true innovation." She then explained.

This however caused the tan skinned girl to tilt her head. "But shouldn't dance be about expression Yumi-senpai?" Homura soon asked.

"Yes. In our dances of death, we can understand each other, see who we are. It is the shinobi's way of communication." Yumi answered as she circled around the tan skinned girl. "In some ways, Noh style dance is another form of expression that is unique like any other." She then added. "Let me see your mask, Homura-san." She then requested.

Homura nodded as her mask appeared in crimson flames on her face.

Yumi in response took some time to examine it before she nodded. "A blank face. Something that contains an unknown beauty, hidden from the world. You can be anyone and no one at the same time, and the only way to truly express yourself is through your body." She soon stated. "However, it seems to be made of porcelain. A strong enough blow will shatter it if you are not careful." She then informed in a serious tone.

"Okay, but it's just a plain mask." Homura muttered out.

"You can; tell a lot about someone based on their mask." Yumi stated. "And your mask, and by extension Asuka-san's mask, are beautiful in their simplicity as you two are Yin and Yang. You do not need to put a lot of effort to be elegant in some cases." She then added with a smile.

"Alright..." Homura replied as her mask vanished in crimson flames.

The light grey haired girl then went into her kimono before pulling out two red fans. "Now then Homura-san," Yumi started with a gentle smile while offering the items to her. "Shall we dance?" She soon offered in perfect English with a smile. "This will be a form of imagery training where you will practice with my style of weapons before you then switch to your katanas." She then explained.

"Hmm...fans this time?" Homura muttered as she took the items and opened them. "Well, there is a time to learn something new." She then admitted.

"Okay, now repeat after me." Yumi soon instructed while bringing her fan out before doing a pose, which the tan skinned girl repeated. "Good, now then..." She then continued.

Slowly, but surely, the tan skinned girl was flowing into each and every step the light grey haired girl taught her with grace and elegance, becoming easier and easier with each move.

It was only a few minutes later when Homura suddenly realised her friend had stopped dancing with her. She was only watching her dance.

...Not that it mattered to her at this point.

She wanted to dance in the most elegant and graceful way possible.

"Who are you?" Yumi meanwhile asked.

"I am...righteousness..." Homura soon confessed in a calm and cool tone similar to the light grey haired girl while pointing her fan at the girl.

"And what do you wish for?" Yumi then questioned in a curious tone.

Homura then brought her fans down in front of her in a prim and proper stance, standing similar to how the other girl was. "To change the world with our righteousness Yumi-senpai." She soon replied.

"Hmm, we seem to be perfectly synchronized..." Yumi soon informed. "Do you believe it is because of the Kekkai?" She then deducted.

"It is possible since it is our combined Kekkai." Homura responded. "I feel...at peace with myself...and have a newfound want for righteousness to cleanse this evil stained world." She then confessed.

This meanwhile surprised the light grey haired girl, but she also couldn't help but smile. "You sound as though you have taken in my Grandfather's ideals Homura-san." Yumi thought in amazement, making sure her friend heard her.

"Hm, well some of your Grandfather's ideals do appear to resonate with me now Yumi-senpai." Homura mentally confessed with a smile of her own. "I also feel as though he is a wonderful grandfather to you." She then added.

"He is indeed Homura-san." Yumi replied in a nostalgic tone. "I believe he would like you if he learned about your situation." She then confessed.

This in turn caused the tan skinned girl to blush in a bashful manner. "I don't want to be pitied, but it would be nice." Homura replied. "Not to mention Sis' Grandfather likes me as well as her mother." She then added with her hands on her cheeks.

The light grey haired girl in response couldn't help but giggle at her friend's cute reaction. "Well, either way Homura-san, your dance was amazing this time." Yumi soon praised.

"Why thank you Yumi-senpai." Homura replied with a gentle smile, feeling her Elegance increasing as a result.

"Well, at this rate, we will be able to move onto the more advanced steps next session." Yumi soon revealed.

"Really? How wondrous." Homura gently replied with a smile, just imagining what was to come filling her with excitement. Suddenly, her eyes widened as something hit her. "You know, this sort of gave me an idea..." She suddenly admitted.

"Really now?" Yumi got out with a raised eyebrow. "Please, do tell me of this idea." She then requested.

"It's...It's a little embarrassing though..." Homura muttered out with a blush on her face.

"There are no bad ideas, just ones that need more thought than others." Yumi however stated with a kind smile.

After taking a deep breath, the tan skinned girl nodded and decided to just let it out. "O-Okay...well, I was thinking about applying our dance and well...we'll make it a spectacle as we embrace our elegant dance." Homura began as they started hashing out the details between each other.

After several minutes of practicing the motions and Homura gesturing what she was imagining, Yumi managed to get the basic gist of this...elegant attack.

"That...sounds...interesting." Yumi muttered out as she blinked. "You gave this idea a lot of detail for just coming up with it Homura-san." She then added in amazement.

"Yes, but it is just...not really that practical. More for style than anything else." Homura mumbled out. "It would certainly be fun to do though." She sheepishly admitted.

"I believe it is a wonderous idea, Homura-san." Yumi replied with a smile. "Now if it was only physically possible...I...I don't even know where we can get all those fireworks..." She then added.

"Again, it's just an idea. I don't even know where it came from..." Homura soon admitted

"Hey, don't we have a star that grants wishes? Maybe that's the thing that triggers it."

"That's wishful thinking..." Homura responded, however she then giggled to that idea. "But we won't know until we try it." She then admitted.

"Hai." Yumi replied while giggling a little. Her student had quite the imagination.

"Now then, shall we begin your training Yumi-senpai?" Homura soon asked while preparing herself.

"We shall." Yumi answered as she did some stretches. "I want you to be a little more forceful about this. Unlike your previous students, I am...used...to..." She began in a confident tone before noticing her friend's eyes glowing crimson. "Oh my..." She breathed out.

FWOOOOOOOOSH! HISSSSSS!

Turns out, Homura had figured out how to control their fused Kekkai and used it to summon an army of burning snakes...ones with wings and had teeth dripping with poison.

"Mwhahaha...HAHAHAHA!" Homura laughed out. "Your Magic will increase in the end, Yumi-senpai! Or you will die trying!" She declared, slightly drunk off her new found power as the snakes took off into the sky and dived towards the poor girl.

Gulping slightly, the light grey haired girl prepared herself. "Ojii-chan...! Give me strength!" Yumi mentally squeaked out before the crimson light engulfed her.


(Shin Megami Apartment Complex)

Asuka stopped doing her homework and blinked.

Why could she hear the faint screams of one of her friends' tortured soul?

"...I think I need a break." Asuka muttered out as she went to fix herself a snack. "Uhh...I think I'll go for some Pocky." She soon decided as she went to the kitchen.


(Rooftop)

Suddenly, a very sorry Homura and a very shellshocked Yumi appeared back in reality.

"I...I may have gone too far in some places." Homura admitted, grimacing slightly as she remembered her little power trip.

"I can still feel them...wriggling..." Yumi got out in an empty tone. At least she was still standing up.

"I apologize once more Yumi-senpai." Homura apologized in guilt and shame. "I must say I'm impressed, I think you are the first person to-" She then began praising, however...

THUD!

"...Never mind." Homura corrected herself with a wince. "...Should I lighten up on my training methods...?" She then asked as she then thought about it for a good...two seconds before shrugging. "...No, she is probably just rusty since she has been in Tokyo much long then myself and Sis." She assumed. "She should be fine after another session or two." She told herself before hearing her friend's groaning.

Yumi's Magic Stat has increased!

However at that moment...the tan skinned girl felt a wave of exhaustion hitting her, causing her to end up on one knee. "W-Whoa...ngh..." Homura groaned out. "Okay, too many snakes..." She then admitted before...

THUD!

That.

Homura and Yumi laid there for a while before they managed to get enough strength to stand as they looked at the night sky.

"Well...I can say with confidence that it was a good training session." Homura muttered out.

Yumi in response nodded in agreement. "Homura-san...was that how your former family trained you? Or was it Hebijo's training?" She soon enough asked.

"...A little bit of both..." Homura answered as she then got to her feet and offered a hand. "It is like...pushing yourself past your limits every time you train." She soon explained. "Hebijo will not have time for weaklings and those who give up." She then confessed in an ashamed tone.

"Well, Good Shinobi Academies like Hanzō and Gessen aren't too different. We expect the best, or else we'll end up as our opponent's next kill." Yumi admitted as she took hold of her friend's hand and got herself to her feet. "However they do not sacrifice others." She then added.

"...Do you miss the days where everything was black and white?" Homura soon asked. "The bad guys were the bad guys, the good guys were the good guys. Just...not having to deal with all this...morality stuff." She the explained

"...No. I do not." Yumi stated. "I'd rather suffer the knowledge of my actions than live in blissful ignorance." She then explained. "And does it really matter? We are now above it." She then calmly pointed out.

"I know, I just..." Homura got out before sighing and sitting down over the edge of the building. "We better get going, Yumi-senpai." She then suggested.

"Hai. I will see you tomorrow after school then?" Yumi soon asked.

"Definitely." Homura replied with a smile.

Yumi gave her a smile of her own before two vanished from the rooftop.


(Shinjuku, New Moon Apartment Complex)

An exhausted Yumi soon made it back to her apartment as she locked the door behind her.

She desperately wanted to flop over her futon and let the bliss of unconsciousness take her, and she was going to do that...

However, realization soon came to Yumi's mind as she then got out her phone and started texting the group.

"I have to tell them...They need to know..." Yumi whispered out.

[Negative8Degrees: I met with Makoto today and she confessed she still has the devices.]

However, just as she was about to hit send...something stopped her.

If she told everyone about the listening devices...that was it.

She had heard they've talked about it multiple times at this point and every time Makoto has lied about the devices.

Once, shame on Makoto. Twice, shame on the Thieves. Three times...there was no way the Thieves would be able to trust her, let alone be part of the team.

She really didn't have any faith in Makoto to confess the truth.

She was about to take things into her own hands and rob Makoto of any chance for the Thieves to truly trust her.

Not only would they see her as an enemy, but Homura would be devastated.

Makoto would lose her best friend.

After what felt like hours of deliberation, the light grey haired girl discarded the message. "...One day." Yumi whispered out as she put away her phone. "I will give her one day." She muttered her decision.

She just had to trust Makoto to make the right decision for now. Because at the end of the day, friendship in the present was more important than a lonely future.

At least, that's what she told herself as she went to sleep that night.


(Niijima Residence)

Makoto had come back home with a lot to think about. That encounter with the Student Council President of Kosei had left her with the final pieces of the puzzle.

It was so simple that she almost screamed into her panda pillow with all her anger and frustration, but instead did that on her plain pillows before flipping over with her back on the bed.

She was feeling really stupid now that she didn't think of it before.

"Just talk, huh?" Makoto muttered out as she stared at the ceiling. "And don't jump to conclusions..." She then repeated as she then took out her phone and went to the Phan-Site.

That was all she needed to do.

It was going to be simple.

Have a heart-to-heart with Homura alone and get her to say the magic words: I am a Phantom Thief.

And if she didn't say it, she understood. They actually had their reasons for their actions. She would just let them go.

But that didn't mean she would give up just yet.

Homura Shinkukage. Asuka Shirokage. Akira Kurusu. Ryuji Sakamoto. Ann Takamaki. Yusuke Kitagawa. And now Yumi Tsukikaze.

She knew they were the Thieves despite their constant denial. But she really didn't care anymore.

It didn't bother her that they probably blackmailed their victims into confessing or have done something else just as illegal and dangerous in order to do whatever they did.

No. Not at all.

It didn't have to go to the principal since she now despised him, it didn't even have to affect their relationship since they were her friends, it would just be a fun little fact that she could never tell anyone.

Ever.

And all they had to do in exchange was just help her destroy the mafia and prove to her that they are indeed just, maybe make the principal confess all his sins as well along the way and then everything will go back to normal.

Easy...right?

Makoto couldn't help but smile. She was no longer unsure of what to do as she pressed YES on the Phan-Site. Talk to her best friend and don't jump to conclusions.

Tomorrow, everything will fall into place.

Tomorrow...she'll find the whole truth.

It was either her friendships that were precious to her...or her future she wanted...

And well...

Why not have both?


Save Game…Quit!


Asuka/Yin's Social Stats:

Leadership- Outspoken (Level 2)

Knowledge- Informed (Level 2)

Proficiency- Decent (Level 2)

Diligence- Persistent (Level 2)

Courage- Brave (Level 3)

Homura/Yang's Development Stats:

Maturity- Adolescence (Level 2)

Knowledge- Learned (Level 2)

Femininity- Effeminate (Level 2)

Elegance- Disciplined (Level 3)

Understanding- Generous (Level 3)


Okay, a word of warning for the next few chapters. Makoto's life is gonna suck.

Hard.

…That's it really.

UknownHero signing off, my friends.