I feel like I'm running PR whenever I write these. Hey, UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona. I really wish the laptop I'm currently using had a better battery life so I could actually use it without it running out of power after two hours. But then again, thanks to the bricks outside my window protecting me from a crumbling outside world that worry isn't going to be much of one until this thing blows over.
Anyways, onto the reviews! To WX-Lazer: Okay, we'll settle down on Ann's bitchiness but Makoto's situation isn't going to get better. It doesn't in canon so why stop. Also, the reason we stop doing those beginning bathroom scenes…well, I put a stop to it because I felt it was just filler. We already established how much they care about each other and it was starting to get tedious to write so I asked to stop it.
Okay, that was it. Time to…play Lotus Juice, I dunnno.
Load Game…Start!
Chapter 54: Moving Forward Too Far
(6/16, Early Morning)
(Niijima Residence)
Makoto woke up feeling...actually quite good.
Huh. That was new.
Well, not new new but...
God, she missed the feeling of being happy to go to school.
She honestly had to admit that going to school felt a lot better.
So, with a quick stretch, she got up from her bed and went through her daily routine, starting the day off right with some breakfast. as she entered the living room "...Good morning Sis..." Makoto hesitantly greeted.
"Good to see you're no longer moping around." Sae noted as she organised her things for the day. "Did you and your friend make up or something?" She then asked.
Makoto opened her mouth to say so...but she stopped herself before she could. "I...Well..." She hesitantly started, but then trailed off at the end.
To that hesitant response, Sae shook her head and sighed. "Makoto, you shouldn't get so hung up on it. It'll hurt you in the long run. Studies come first after all." She advised. "I'm going to work. It might be an all-nighter so don't cook dinner for me." She then informed before heading out the door.
Makoto only grunted in acknowledgement as her sister left for work, her mood soured. "Same routine as always..." She muttered before groaning. "And I have to deal with the bullshit from the principal today..." She then added. With a sigh, she finished her breakfast and went back to her room to pick out her outfit for the day.
Although...she wasn't feeling like wearing her usual uniform...and she realized her uniform top was actually dirty.
Time for a little change.
(Subway)
"One of these days they'll install air conditioning into train cars." Homura thought as she struggled to breathe. "Not today, but some day, dammit." She then mumbled out as the two soon listened to the news.
"Now for today's Train News. Today's headlines are...Shady Drug Deals in Shibuya! Is this the same organization behind both this and the extortions? Alongside the phishing scams that have been on the rise, this may be their source of funding."
"They need to fact check their information..." Akira muttered to himself. "What they're doing is more blackmail and extortion." He then added.
"Restaurant Factory Fire! A worker from the restaurant giant Hareruya was arrested for arson. Though he admits to the charges, he claims to not know why he did it. This industry is raising lots of eyebrows."
"Oh yeah, something weird happened in food service before, right? Some employee cooking naked and all these extortions and scams...this world's really messed up." Morgana got out in a sad tone.
"I mean a naked apron isn't bad at home when it's really hot out..." Asuka mumbled to herself before shutting her mouth.
"...Oh great. Now it's even more tight in here." Akira mentally deadpanned as their train went on.
(Shujin Academy, Front Gate)
"It looks like we lost Akira-kun after the stationter getting off the train." Asuka got out as she looked around to find their friend.
"Guess he stopped to get something for a quick bite, he'll meet up with us." Homura however waved off. "We should keep going." She then suggested.
"Hai." Asuka replied with a nod, only to overhear a conversation between two boys in front of them.
"Hey, I heard the principal's new gopher was arguing in his office." The excited boy got out. "Something about a mafia? What was that all about?" He then asked.
"I dunno. The principal's been using Niijima ever since she became the Prez." The disheartened boy responded. "You know, I hear her older sister's involved with the investigation. Maybe she's just trying to play detective, too." He then informed and guessed.
"Are you kidding me? I can't handle a student council president with no focus. She and the principal can both get lost for all I care." The excited boy jokingly replied.
"GRRRRRRR!" Both Asuka and Homura growled in anger.
"Haha, yeah." The disheartened boy chuckled out in agreement as the two continued walking.
The two roommates meanwhile glared in disgust and anger. "...Why is everyone a dick to people we care about!?" Homura growled out.
"That...I have no-" Asuka responded before bumping into someone. "Oh! S-Sorry!" She quickly apologized to the person in front of them, whose head was covered by a hood.
"Ugh..." The person groaned out, the voice being female. "...It's alright Asuka-san, just be more careful in the future." She then advised.
"Eh?" Asuka got out, surprised to hear the familiar voice as the hooded girl pulled their hood down to reveal the Shujin Student Council President.
"Ah, Makoto-senpai." Homura politely greeted with respect, though she then noticed a slight change in her attire. "...A hoodie? Makoto-senpai, it's 24°C today. Are you sick? You have to be warm in that." She soon asked and stated in concern with a raised eyebrow."...I thought it would make people back off Homura-san." Makoto explained as a heat induced blush was on her sweating face.
"Well, considering the sweat you're drowning in, that is clearly working." Homura responded with a sweatdrop. "Gimme the hoodie. You'll pass out again if you keep wearing it." She then added.
"No." Makoto responded while shaking her head. "Actually Homura-san...it's more along the lines that I can't." She then vaguely informed.
This however confused the two roommates. "What do you mean you- I don't care, you need to take it off so you don't overheat." Homura started in a demanding tone as she went and grabbed it.
SQUISH!
"N-No! Wait Homura-san! I-" Makoto started in a panicked manner.
"OH NO! I AM SICK OF STUBBORN PEOPLE RIGHT NOW! TAKE IT! THE EFF! OFF!" Homura loudly interrupted with an authorial tone...only to get a better feel, gaining a confused expression as a result. "...Wait a minute..." She then got out as she rubbed her friend's body to try and feel for the school uniform underneath.
"Hm? What's up Homu-nee?" Aauka meanwhile asked while tilting her head.
"...There's nothing underneath..." Homura muttered with widened eyes as she slowly raised her head to look at her now blushing friend.
Turns out, Makoto was only wearing the hoodie along with just her bra underneath.
"...Makoto-senpai...please explain...now..." Homura soon requested.
"...My top's still in the wash..." Makoto meekly answered in a small voice when tugging on the hood over her head.
"WHAT!?" Asuka quietly exclaimed with a blush on her face.
" ...What the hell did I just walk in on?" The girls suddenly heard Akira say, causing them to turn and see the Leader and the dyed blond staring at them with dropped jaws.
"Er...Good morning?" Homura and Makoto awkwardly greeted at the same time.
"...I'll see you in homeroom. Homura, Asuka." Akira deadpanned as he walked past the mortifying scene. "Makoto-kaichou." He then added.
"Kurusu-kun. Sakamoto-san." Makoto responded while slowly nodding.
"Akira-kun, Ryuji-kun..." Asuka and Homura replied in perfect unison.
And with a silent agreement that this morning never happened, the students made their way to class.
(6/16, Lunchtime)
(Shujin Academy, Principal's Office)
As much as Makoto wanted to kick the door down and scream about all the bullshit she had to put up with him, she decided against and came through the door.
"Niijima-kun, why weren't you in yesterday?" Kobayakawa questioned in a disapproving tone.
Straight to the point. Not even a hello.
"I was sick sir." Makoto immediately responded with her hands in her hoodie pocket, not letting the overweight man see that they were balled into fists of held back fury and rage.
"Well, it doesn't seem so severe if you are to come the next day. Plus, you know we require a note from your doctor, which you have not provided." Kobayakawa pointed out, causing the girl to wince. "You are a wonderful student, Niijima-kun, but I'm afraid I cannot allow you to let your grades fall. If it is a simple cough or sneeze, please wear a mask before coming to school." He then advised.
"Sir..." Makoto quietly got out.
"Niijima-kun, you have a bright future ahead of you, but you need to focus on your present and you must not waste it over this...slump you're going through." Kobayakawa advised. "I'm letting you off the hook this time, but if you skip school again, I'll inform your sister to maybe take you to a doctor. Your health is my utmost importance, just like everyone else's." He soon stated.
"That's a load of bullshit and you know it you bastard. I hope Homura-san and the others change your heart." Makoto thought to herself. She wanted to scream it at him...but she knew she couldn't. Plus, if her sister was informed of her actions lately, from faking an illness to ditch school to her continued moping, she would not be happy. She'd probably force her to go.
"...I understand." Makoto eventually got out in defeat, each word hurting her heart. "I'll try to come to school, sir." She then added.
"Good. Now, I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do so please make your way to class."
Makoto recluently bowed before leaving the office, sadder than when she came in today.
(6/16, After School)
(Shibuya, Accessway)
After the day at school quickly ended, the group soon gathered to talk about what they were going to do.
"Mkay, we're all here." Ryuji got out as he put away his phone.
"Hai. Let's get started." Asuka said as she pumped her fist.
"There sure are a lot of high schoolers during the day. They must be targeting them somehow." Ann soon stated.
"It will be quite difficult to figure out how many people are around, though." Yusuke meanwhile admitted.
"We have to do this." Akira declared.
"Right! We're gonna grab 'em by the tail!" Ryuji soon declared.
"As we discussed yesterday, we should head over to Central Street, Akira." Ann got out, the Thieves nodding in response.
"Sweet, let's get goin'! Lemme know if you find any shady people!" Ryuji soon declared while pumping a fist in excitement.
"Hold on..." Homura however got out as she looked around. "We still have one more person coming." She soon informed as her roommate nodded in agreement.
"What? What are you-" Ann got out in confusion...before seeing someone in a hoodie approaching them. "You!" She soon exclaimed as the group saw someone approach them.
Despite having her hood up, the people who knew who it was were surprised to see her. "Kurusu-kun, Sakamoto-san, Yumi-san, Kitagawa-san..." Makoto listed off before looking at the ash blonde. "...Takamaki-san." She hesitantly got out with a more guilt filled expression on her face.
Ann however narrowed her eyes. "Why are you here?" She harshly asked while glaring at the hooded girl.
"She has the same-" Homura began, however the ash blonde was having none of it.
"I'm not asking you, Homura." Ann interrupted. "I'm asking you. Why are you here?" She asked once more.
This in turn caused the Shujin Student Council President to take a deep breath and gained a more serious expression on her face. "...Redemption." Makoto soon answered as she tugged on her hood over her head while shadows covered her eyes. "I want in...a chance at those bastards in the mafia that are ruining the lives of others..." She then added in a darker tone.
"You shouldn't be here after that stunt you pulled." Ann simply stated with the reminder.
"Hate me all you want Takamaki-san, I will redeem myself...even putting my life on the line." Makoto soon informed in a dead serious tone while narrowing her eyes.
"We're only getting information, Makoto." Akira meanwhile pointed out. "I will not tolerate unnecessary risks. If it seems that you're getting into something dangerous, run and send a message through IM, got it? Your life isn't something to put at risk." He soon advised before looking between the two girls. "And no fighting, got it? If I hear a peep from either of you that isn't productive, related to our task at hand or general nonsense, I'm locking you both in a love hotel because that's the only way you're gonna solve your differences at this point." He then ordered and declared.
Ann in turn blushed to that before sighing and nodding. "Fine. We can work together. For now." She muttered.
"...What exactly is a love hotel?" Makoto suddenly asked.
"Duh, it's a hotel full of love! Right?" Asuka innocently answered before noticing a few of the Thieves slapping their foreheads. "Is that not right?" She soon asked while tilting her head.
"Not...at all Asuka-san..." Yumi hesitantly responded while blushing crimson. She knew what exactly they were since she was staying in Shinjuku.
"...Go out more. Please." The ash blonde requested.
"But I go out plenty, Ann-chan." Asuka replied.
"Homura-san, may I at one point?" Yumi however vaguely requested.
"...Only if I'm with you, Yumi..." Homura answered, getting a nod of agreement from the light grey haired girl.
"Dude, what made you think love hotel, anyways!?" Ryuji whispered.
"Technically stayed in one during summer two years ago. Don't wanna talk about it." Akira off-handedly answered.
"That...That doesn't answer-" Ryuji got out, only to be shut down by his Leader's glare.
"Don't want to talk about it." Akira repeated in a blunt tone.
"Excuse me though, but aren't you warm wearing a hoodie like that?" Yusuke soon asked the Shujin Student Council President.
"I'm not affected by the heat at the moment..." Makoto answered.
"You'll overheat. It's pretty humid today." Akira bluntly stated. "Take off the hoodie." He then advised.
"...She can't." Homura however answered as the Student Council President blushed and placed the hood over her head.
"Huh?" Ann got out in confusion before walking up to the hoodie wearing girl. "Take it off." She then ordered in a blunt manner as she went and took hold of both sides of the hoodie.
"Wait! Ann-chan! It's not what you-" Asuka got out in a panic.
The ash blonde however started to bring the hoodie up before noticing bare skin underneath, stopping as a result. "...You don't have a top." Ann soon realized.
"It's in the wash..." Makoto mumbled out.
"YOU'RE NOT WEARING-!?" Ryuji however began to yell, only for the tan skinned girl to cover his mouth.
"Shut up! We're in public!" Homura hissed out.
"Hm? Maybe I could use this technique..." Yusuke meanwhile muttered to himself in a fascinated tone. "Laundry day is coming up..." He then added.
"You will not." Yumi bluntly responded in disapproval.
"Ooooh, so that's what that was about this morning..." Akira meanwhile realized before going into his bag...and pulled out a white t-shirt and handed it over to the girl. "Here." He soon offered.
"...Why do you have a spare t-shirt in your bag?" Makoto asked.
"Because I know people who have an unusual amount of nudity in their lives, now go and put it on." Akira flatly explained, causing the three shinobi girls to blush.
Makoto couldn't help but sigh as she went off to change. Once she returned, she still had her hoodie on, but now with the zipper undone to reveal the v-neck t-shirt the boy gave her.
"You good? It's not too tight?" Akira soon asked.
"Thank you..." Makoto sighed out with relief. "I owe you more now..." She then added.
"No you don't. Now we better get going." Akira replied and advised as the others nodded in agreement and started heading out, however...
"Still Makoto-san, I told you not to jump the gun during our last discussion." Yumi reminded in a chiding manner.
"I know...it was because I thought back to the video..." Makoto shamefully responded while dropping her head in depression. "...I should have tried talking it out..." She then added.
"Yes, you should have." Yumi replied with a nod of agreement. "All you can do now though is move on." She then added.
"Cause friends are temporary that come and go?" Makoto depressingly guessed.
This however caught the attention of the group to hearing that. "Huh!? Where the hell did you get that idea from!?' Homura questioned.
"My sister told me that..." Makoto mumbled out as she started lagging behind the others. "She told me to get over it and just concentrate on my studies that day..." She then explained, causing the Leader's eyes to narrow in disapproval to learning that.
"Damn, she sounds like a real bitch." Ryuji got out in a blunt tone.
"She's just weary of the world." Makoto sighed out in a more exhausted manner.
"Guys! Come on! We're wasting daylight!" Ann called out.
"R-Right! Coming!" Makoto stammered out as she went and fast walked past the others to catch up to the ash blonde.
"Who the hell says something like that to their own family?" Akira grumbled out in anger. He already had it bad enough with his own parents not even supporting him when he got a probation for something he didn't even do, but hearing that triggered a different form of anger in him.
"Someone who doesn't care about anything but what they do." Morgana mumbled out as they all headed to Central Street.
(Central Street)
"This is the area where Iida-kun said he encountered the mafia." Asuka informed.
"We better be careful here..." Yumi soon advised.
"You know how these mafia guys are looking for unassuming students?" Homura got out, getting everyone's attention. "We'll have a better chance of encountering them if we have someone like that going around Central Street." She then added.
"Okay, who are the most generic, unassuming and most likely to blend in with the crowd out of all of us?" Yumi questioned before looking over everyone.
It was slow, but they all turned to Akira and Makoto.
"...I'll take that as both a compliment and an insult." Akira deadpanned.
"Looks like you two are in charge of the investigation here then." Morgana stated. "I guess everyone else will check out Station Square and the underground just in case they have people operating there as well."
"Right." Akira responded. "Alright, split up into teams of two. You'll cover more ground in your given areas." He then ordered.
"I'll be with Asuka-san at Station Square then." Yumi soon offered.
"Me and Ryuji will be checking the Accessway then." Homura then stated.
"That leaves me and Yusuke with the underground." Ann concluded.
"Alright, remember what I said before everyone. And make sure to write down what you find out just in case you forget." Akira instructed.
The other Thieves nodded before they all separated to scour Shibuya for any information.
However, Makoto's gaze lingered on the tan skinned girl's retreating form before sighing and putting on a determined face. "Okay, Kurusu-kun. Let's catch some mafiosos." She then declared.
"Good to see some fire in your eyes, Makoto-kaichou." Akira admitted.
"How can I not? Despite certain people making me do this, I still want to help people." Makoto responded. "I may have ruined everything with my best friend, but I will help others with everything I can..." She then added.
"You really see Homura as your best friend?" Akira soon stated more than asked.
Makoto in turn nodded to that. "Yes...but I don't think that's what we are now..." She replied. "I ruined the trust between my only real friend because of my own idiocy..." She then added.
"But Homura still thinks of you as a friend though." Akira pointed out.
"Only out of sympathy..." Makoto countered. "...Look, I've had enough of this conversation for a lifetime, so...can you just stop? Please?" She sighed out and requested in an exhausted manner.
"Alright. I'm also sorry about Ann." Akira responded and then apologized as the two walked the streets.
"You don't have to apologize for her. She has every right to hate me...like everyone else does..." Makoto responded in a saddened tone.
Akira however sighed after hearing that. "You are really letting this get to you huh?" He soon muttered.
"Can you blame me?" Makoto countered. "I'm...still surprised you want to get involved with this..." She then admitted in a more awkward tone.
Akira could only shrug in response. "I have what people call Chronic Hero Syndrome. I can't help myself but try and do what I can to make things better for people no matter how small." He replied and explained. "And look where it's got me now." He then added.
"...You're smiling." Makoto got out while blinking a couple of times.
Akira in response nodded. "I am, because this is a hell of a lot better than keeping my head down for an entire year." He then revealed.
"That...does sound better..." Makoto hesitantly admitted. "I could never do that though..." She then confessed.
"Well, you can still help in small ways. You don't need to tag the school and send calling cards. Just brightening someone's day is great." Akira replied. "But enough of that. Let's get to work." He then added.
"Yes sir." Makoto responded with a nod as the two started searching.
"Once again, there is nothing to report." They overheard a police officer say. "There are many people falling victim, but not perpetrators." He then added.
"They appear and disappear as they please...Not only that, but they blend in with normal teenagers..."
"Stop complaining! If we don't try getting information, people will say the police are useless! The media are already on our case, and the higher-ups aren't doing a thing...This is bad for morale..."
"As much as I don't like the police, it is kinda sad to hear that..." Akira admitted.
"..." Makoto meanwhile remained silent to hear that.
"Is something wrong?" Akira soon asked in concern.
Makoto in response shook her head. "No. Nothing. We didn't learn anything new so there's point in asking these men." She then got out as she walked off.
Akira narrowed his eyes before following her down the street.
"Hey, aren't you interested in all the hottest brands?" They suddenly heard a man with various piercings ask, talking to a couple of high school students.
"Hello..." Akira whispered out as they listened in.
"We're having a special sale just over there." The other man, probably his partner-in-crime, got out as he jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "How 'bout you go take a peek?"
"We ordered way too much, so I have a ton left over." His buddy explained. "My boss'll kill me if I go back to him with all these extras. Look, I'll sell 'em to you for cheap. Whaddya say?" He soon explained and offered.
"What should we do?" One of the students asked his friend.
"It depends on the price, wouldn't you say?" His friend replied in an interested tone.
"Hmm...They seem suspicious..." Makoto mumbled out before going to approach the men, only for the boy to stop her.
"Hold on." Akira got out. "That's all too vague. Give it a minute." He then advised.
Makoto in turn nodded in agreement to that as she waited.
At that moment, one of the two men turned to the two. "Hey, what about you? Your girlfriend looks like she could use something nice."
Makoto quickly blushed an intense red to that. "I-I'm not-" She sputtered out.
"We're not interested." Akira answered in a calm tone.
"Well that's disappointing. Come back if you change your mind." The pierced man got out in a disappointed tone. "We sell the best piercings on the market." He then informed.
"Really? The shop's right over there. Just go take a look."
"P-Piercings?" Akira repeated in disbelief after hearing that. "Huh. I guess context matters..." He then admitted.
"Oh...they sell jewelry..." Makoto realised. "They're not the people we're looking for." She then sighed out.
"They...really need to change their looks..." Akira muttered to himself. "Hmm...I'm not seeing any suspicious individuals...Although I doubt these guys are gonna make bad enough mistakes to get caught by high school students." He then mumbled to himself before pulling out his phone.
"Agreed..." Makoto admitted in agreement while placing the hood over her head. "...Though I'm not one to talk at the moment..." She then added while tugging on the hood before noticing the Leader was on his phone. "What are you doing?" She soon asked in a curious manner.
"Asking for a hint." Akira answered as he pulled up the IM on his phone.
[TheWildJ0ker: Hey Yumi. A little stuck here. What type of person would know a thing or two about the streets?]
[Negative8Degrees: The homeless.]
[Negative8Degrees: I have one or two homeless informants.]
[Negative8Degrees: Most people ignore them, which makes them perfect in collecting useful information.]
[Negative8Degrees: Actually, I have someone there right now. Try a rather rough-looking fellow and mention my name to them.]
"Hmm...We didn't think about homeless people..." Akira hummed out and admitted. "But I guess that only proves how useful they are in the information business." He soon added.
"What are you mumbling about?" Makoto meanwhile asked.
"Don't worry about it. Do you know where we can find a homeless person?" Akira responded and asked.
"Well, it's warm today so they're probably somewhere cool like an alleyway or inside a public place." Makoto answered before looking around. "Ah, I think I see someone like that down that alley."
"Near Untouchable?" Akira got out before spotting a homeless man hanging around. "That he is." He then added as he two walked towards the man.
"What's wrong, kid? Don't see guys like me very often?" The homeless man said in a gruff voice.
"...We want a part-time job." Akira got out.
"Hm? Is that supposed to be some kinda password?" The homeless man got out in confusion. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I haven't been here long. Try talking to someone else." He then suggested while waving the two off.
"Yumi Tsukikaze sent us." Akira quickly added, causing the homeless man to cough.
"Heh, Weaver's got you in her web, huh?" The homeless man chuckled out.
"Um...you could say that. Now introduce us, please." Makoto soon requested.
"That ain't so easy." The homeless man stated. "I only know one guy around here that knows about that type of stuff and he doesn't like talking...Sometimes I see him in the alley across the way, but I don't think he's there today. He might be near the station. Go there if you wanna see him."
"The station. Got it." Akira got out with a nod before the two handed the man a few bills then headed off towards Station Square.
(Station Square)
When the two arrived at Station Square, they spotted Asuka and Yumi talking to people...however, they were too distracted by their chests to actually say anything useful.
"And of course the men act as perverts..." Makoto sighed out in disapproval.
"I dunno, the girls are taking pictures too." Akira pointed out as they heard the Vice Leader yelp at the flash of a camera blinding her. "Plus, she is in magazines." He then added.
"Huh? She is?" Makoto asked in a curious manner as she blinked a couple of times to hear that.
Akira simply nodded to that before seeing the two Good Shinobi notice them and ran up to them. "Asuka, Yumi." He soon greeted with a nod.
"Hey guys." Asuka greeted back. "Are you ok Makoto-chan?" She then asked.
"I-I'm fine Asuka-san." Makoto responded with a flustered blush.
"How is your investigation coming along? Did you meet up with my informant?" Yumi soon asked.
"Pretty well. And yes." Akira answered with a nod. "We need to find another homeless guy. He might have info on whoever's offering these part-time jobs." He then informed.
Asuka frowned as she began thinking. "Hmm...Oh! I think I gave money to one in the underground! I think he should be at a closed off area, by some cardboard boxes through there." She then informed as she pointed over to where she saw the man.
"Right, I've seen him a few times on my way to school." Akira realised. "Thanks. We'll head over there right now." He then added before looking at the Vice Leader. "Also Asuka, be careful from now on. You're becoming famous and all with your modeling." He soon advised.
Asuka in response giggled to that while rubbing the back of her head in a playful manner. "Got it Akira-kun." She replied while playfully sticking her tongue out in a cute manner.
Yumi could only shake her head though. "Well, it's currently interfering with our investigation." She soon stated. "Maybe you should be wearing a hoodie for a while Asuka-san." She then suggested.
"But it's too hot...!" Asuka whined out.
Akira in turn chuckled in amusement to the antics of his friends before turning to the Shujin Student Council President. "Come on Makoto, we're burning daylight." He then reminded.
"R-Right." Makoto responded with a nod as the two started walking away. "Asuka-san seems so...confident and fulfilled now. I remember when I first met her back during the volleyball rally when she and Homura-san were being harassed by the girls in the locker room..." She then got out.
"I know. I could hear the girls chanting We want tits from the boys' locker room." Akira stated. "Thanks for saving them." He then added in a grateful tone.
"Well, the two were being harassed over something ridiculous at the time..." Makoto got out as she shook her head. "Even though the principal told me not to interfere with anything Kamoshida related as he was the star of the school and his business was his own as said by the fat man of a principal, I just couldn't let Asuka-san and Homura-san go through what they did at the time." She then explained.
That in turn got Akira's attention to what was said. "So, Kobaykaaka did force you not to interfere..." He then got out in shock. "God, that man is scum..." He then grumbled in annoyance.
"I have to agree with that Kurusu-kun..." Makoto responded with a nod with a scowl on her face. "...I hope you can change his heart..." She then confessed.
"We will, but we have the mafia to deal with right now." Akira reminded.
"You're right." Makoto replied in agreement. "But afterwards...I want to help with changing his heart. He deserves as much as this mafia boss and Kamoshida." She then requested in a more serious and determined tone with a fire in her eyes.
"Not possible." Akira responded. "At least, not in the state you're in." He then added.
"...Because I'm broken." Makoto stated more than guessed in depression with the fire immediately fading from her eyes.
"No, because you can't do what we can." Akira vaguely stated, confusing the girl. "Maybe you will soon enough, but not now." He soon explained as they found the homeless man the Kosei Student Council President's informant talked about.
"What's those scary looks on your faces?" The homeless man asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. "If you have something to say to me, just say it." He bluntly stated.
"We know Yumi Tsukikaze." Akira informed, causing the man's eyes to widen.
"...I have no idea who that is. She a hooker or somethin'?" The homeless man got out in a blunt tone.
"Oh, you're not..." Akira got out before shaking his head. "Sorry. Look, we're looking for a part-time job." He soon requested.
"A part-time job...?" The homeless man repeated before narrowing his eyes. "You're not talking about some ordinary job, huh?" He soon guessed. "Take my advice: Don't do it. They'll squeeze every last yen out of you with threats and extortion. Some of my friends have fallen victim to their schemes...That mafia is evil, I tell you. At least the yakuza have standards. That mafia will use any means to make your lives miserable with all the secret rackets they have in Shibuya." He then stated and informed the two.
"Rackets?" Makoto repeated while narrowing her eyes.
"I ain't sayin' nothing. It'll make ya think twice when you're visiting the arcade." The homeless man vaguely stated.
"Your friends should run away." Akira suggested.
"It's easy to say that, but none of them have places to go..." The homeless man informed. "Just don't go anywhere near that mafia. But just so you know who to avoid, I'll teach you how to tell them apart from normal people." He then got out, before gesturing the two to move closer. "They use some weird phrases. Code words, you know. That's how they communicate with each other. Watch out if you hear any of that stuff. They'll try to come for you even during the day. They're relentless when it comes to targeting teens."
"We'll...keep that in mind." Makoto replied as she gave the man some money before leaving. "To think there are secret rackets as well...it's worse than we thought..." She muttered in disbelief before narrowing her eyes. "They need to be taken down as quickly as possible..." She then declared.
"And that I can agree on." Akira replied with a nod.
BZZT! BZZT!
And with that, Akira swiftly pulled out his phone and opened the IM.
[Sweetkat06: How's it going? Have you found anything?]
[TheWildJ0ker: Me and Makoto got something, we're heading out now to find them.]
[All4Painting: Ah, so you've grasped something already. As to be expected of someone like you, Akira.]
[Negative8Degrees: Why don't we just go over the intel we've gathered so far?]
[Shut7heFUp: I'll start. Homura heard some guy near the accessway talking about some kinda "strong drugs." I'm not counting on anything, but we'll go check it out.]
[SushiRoll23: As for me and Yumi-chan, we heard about someone talking about a "high-paying job" in the station plaza. Apparently they're mostly targeting girls. We'll go see what it's about.]
[All4Painting: On mine and Takamaki-san's end, I heard there are people saying strange things in the back alley near the arcade. Something about ice and vegetables, and something about snow tomorrow...I will go observe, just in case. The arcade is on Central Street, correct?]
"They all sound like leads..." Makoto whispered out.
"All right, we should do what we can to help them out." Akira got out as he put away his phone.
"We have no idea which of these leads are real. Try going to the most suspicious-sounding place." Morgana suggested from within Akira's bag.
"What the-" Makoto whispered, her eyes widened to recognize the voice and glanced towards the boy's bag. "The cat in Kurusu-kun's bag is that creature from that red dimension, isn't it...?" She mentally remembered before shaking her head.
"Something wrong?" Akira meanwhile asked as he leaned in and looked at the girl face to face.
Makoto however blushed to the close contact he was giving her. "L-Let's just go Kurusu-kun." She stammered out in a flustered manner before fast walking ahead.
Akira meanwhile raised an eyebrow to that before chuckling. "Well, at least she's recovering..." He thought to himself before going to catch up with her.
(Central Street)
"So Ryuji and Homura-san's lead ended up going nowhere and Asuka-san and Yumi-san's was just about hiring models." Makoto summarised as they made it back to Central Street. "I hope Kitagawa-san's lead goes somewhere..."
"Well, now that I'm looking over the text, it's the only one to possibly use codewords." Akira muttered out before putting away his phone. "Plus, it's June and we are nowhere near the type of weather for snow. Plenty of torrential rain though." He then added as they passed by the artist...who had no idea where the arcade was and was asking a police officer.
You know, after a little bit of thought, that was really sad.
"Now, the arcade is there, so the alleyway is..." Akira mumbled to himself as they made it to the arcade.
"It must be by Protein Lovers." Makoto whispered out.
"Oh, you go there Makoto-kaicho?" Akira asked in a curious manner.
Makoto in response nodded to that. "A few times with Homura-san...mostly to vent..." She replied, albeit a bit awkward to the second part. "To think they would operate so close..." She then muttered as they went into the alleyway and looked around.
"...Okay, what do we do now?" Makoto asked.
"..." Akira said nothing in response as he adjusted his glasses.
"You have no idea, do you." Makoto soon guessed.
"Well, I was hoping they were just here so we could eavesdrop on them." Akira admitted before frowning. "Should we come back tomorrow?" He then muttered out.
But at that moment, a rather skeezy-looking man approached the two, his eyes shifting left and right before speaking up.
"Hey, you two got some time? I have a great job for you." the man got out in a friendly tone. "It's real easy. Guess you could call it a delivery job." He then explained.
"It seems we didn't have to look very hard in the end." Makoto muttered.
"You're high schoolers, yeah? Don't you want something more than just your allowances?" The skeezy-looking man soon offered.
"I uh...My current job pays quite well." Akira responded, mentally reminding himself to fuse a Persona with Tentarafoo.
"Hm...by delivery, do you mean that of suspicious materials?" Makoto questioned, only to get nudged in the stomach.
"What the hell?" Akira whispered to the Shujin Student Council President. "Don't say that type of thing." He then added.
"I've got this covered. Trust me. Please." Makoto whispered back as she stepped forward.
"Heh, you're a funny girl." The skeezy-looking man chuckled out, causing the Leader suddenly getting the feeling he was beginning to plan something.
"Give me the details." Makoto soon requested. "Maybe what exactly we're delivering if we were to take this job?" She then asked.
"Eh?" The skeezy-looking man got out as he narrowed his eyes at the Student Council President. "What's up with you anyways? Why're you asking all these questions, huh?" He soon asked.
"Hey hey hey! Violence isn't the answer here." Akira quickly interjected as he pushed the two away from each other. "Back off, both of you, before I start calling for the cops." He soon threatened.
"...It was all a joke. Why would I get so worked up over some dumb kids." The sleazy-looking man scoffed out before spotting a few police officers walking past the alleyway. "Anyways, I can't hang. Seeya!" He then got out as he began to make his getaway,
At that moment, the Student Council President came up with an idea as she watched the man leave. "Hold on, I need some money." Makoto suddenly confessed. "Maybe if I meet your boss, we could figure out the details." She then added.
"Heh, you really are a funny girl ain't ya?" The sleazy-looking man responded in amusement. "So you are interested?" He then asked.
Akira meanwhile looked on in shock and horror. "Makoto, what are you doing!?" He whispered, a demand rather than a question.
"Whatever it takes to help you and the others..." Makoto whispered back in a determined and serious tone before focusing on the thug. "I might be." She soon answered.
This however shocked the Leader greatly and caused him to panic internally. "She isn't." Akira quickly got out before grabbing her hand. "Come on, we have somewhere to go." He soon ordered.
"K-Kurusu-kun..." Makoto got out in shock as she was dragged away.
"No. That is enough." Akira declared in a firm tone before turning to the skeezy-looking man. "Have a good day, sir." He then added as he pulled the girl into the other alleyway where Untouchable was.
"Why did you stop me?" Makoto asked in a frustrated tone.
"What did I tell you about taking unnecessary risks? What was your plan?" Akira however questioned, not exactly looking happy with the girl himself.
That instantly caused the girl to gain a guilty expression on her face as she looked away from his gaze in shame. "I'm sorry Kurusu-kun...but I did say I would redeem myself no matter what the case." Makoto responded. "...I just wanted to prove myself..." She depressingly added.
"By getting yourself pulled in as a victim?" Akira countered.
"But they are obviously connected." Makoto pointed out.
"Yes, and we got what we needed just from talking with that man. I get that you want to take this mafia down now, but you didn't need to do that." Akira however stated. "...I'm calling it day. I'm telling the others and we're regrouping with them." He soon informed.
"...Alright." Makoto responded with a nod as she watched the boy take out his phone before going to look over his shoulder.
[TheWildJ0ker: Found them.]
[Shut7heFUp: Holy shit, dude! Did you really!?]
[TheWildJ0ker: Yep. We even got to talk to him.]
[TheWildJ0ker: And then Makoto tried to get on the inside...by offering herself to them.]
[FireGirl20: She tried to what!?]
[Sweetkat06: Are you kidding me!?]
[Negative8Degrees: So she tried to make herself into an infiltrator for us.]
[All4Painting: Well she did say she would put her life on the line for this.]
[Sweetkat06: SHE DIDN'T NEED TO DO THAT! THAT WAS TOO RECKLESS!]
[Sweetkat06: Akira, stay with her. She can't be trusted to be by herself.]
[Sweetkat06: We are having an intervention right now.]
[Sweetkat06: Accessway.]
[FireGirl20: I thought you didn't care for her Ann?]
[Sweetkat06: That doesn't mean she has to go suicidal on us!]
[SushiRoll23: So you do care about Makoto-chan!]
[Sweetkat06: ...]
[Shut7heFUp: Oh, I can feel the cold stare with those eclipse.]
[Shut7heFUp: *Epicleptic]
[Shut7heFUp: *Epicenter]
[Negative8Degrees: Ellipses.]
[Shut7heFUp: Thanks Yumi.]
"...I just wanted to help ...even becoming an inside man for you guys if necessary..." Makoto soon explained in a more saddened tone.
"You were more than enough help already, but don't take unnecessary risks like that." Akira responded and advised. "Do that again, and I will put you on a leash." He soon declared, and from the look in his eye he looked serious.
"Like the one the principal already has on me and Homura-san?" Makoto however reminded in a depressed tone.
This in turn caused Akira to wince. "Not...like that." He hesitantly responded. "But I am serious about this not happening again." He then stated.
"And what can you do to free me from the principal's leash?" Makoto soon asked.
"Makoto, we're working on it!" Akira snapped before calming down upon seeing the girl flinch. "Sorry. Now stay quiet. You've already said enough." He then apologized and ordered with a sigh.
"...Yes sir..." Makoto depressingly responded.
"And don't call me sir." Akira ordered with a sigh as he dragged the girl all the way to the station. "And back to square one of depression with her..." He thought to himself.
(Accessway)
When the other Thieves arrived at the Accessway, some of them did not look happy to see Makoto.
"So, what do you have to say for yourself?" Akira asked as the Thieves narrowed their eyes at the guilty-looking girl.
Makoto soon bowed to the others. "I'm...I'm so sorry, I just wanted to help out any way I could and prove myself..." She apologized and explained herself. "Even getting on the inside to gather more information for you..." She then added.
"That was indeed reckless though Makoto-san." Yumi chided in disapproval before sighing. "However you did show determination in fooling those thugs." She then admitted.
"However, it wouldn't work. They'll probably keep you as much in the dark as all the other victims." Homura pointed out. "That was stupid. Plain and simple. You almost became another source of money for these guys." She then added in a concerned and serious tone.
"Again, she did say she would put her life on the-" Yusuke however started, however...
"SHUT UP!" Ann and Homura demanded in unison.
"I know I was reckless..." Makoto muttered.
"No! Reckless is one thing, what you did was stupid." Ryuji called out.
"I...I just wanted to-" Makoto started, however...
"Makoto. Enough. You had your chance." Ann interrupted with a sigh as she shook her head. "Just...go home for now. If you're going to pull stunts like that again, then we can't in good conscience let you be involved any longer. Either you'll only get in the way or make things worse. So stop trying to martyr yourself and start focusing on what you can do."
SLAM!
Suddenly, the Shujin Student Council President slammed a fist onto the nearby railing. "I AM TRYING TO DO WHAT I CAN DAMMIT!" Makoto however roared in a frustrated and furious manner. "...Fine. If you don't need me, then I'll go." She then got out in a defeated tone.
"No wait!" Homura called out as she grabbed her friend's arm to stop her. "S-She meant that you shouldn't pull stunts like that! We do need you!"
"No, you don't." Makoto lifelessly responded as she pulled away. "You just asked me to come to make me feel better. Well, enough. Stop. I know when I'm not needed. Both here and in school."
"Makoto-chan, you...it's not like that!" Asuka exclaimed. "Like...you shouldn't just give up..." She then added in concern.
"Why bother? Everyone at school already hates me and the teachers just want to use me and make me their bitch. No one would miss me." Makoto bluntly countered with any form of care while narrowing her eyes before pulling the hood of her hoodie over her head again. "I might see you around...just not at that prison." She then got out before walking off in the other direction.
As the Student Council President of Shujin walked away from the group, Morgana popped his head out of the bag as he looked at the retreating girl. "Yeesh, to think that happened to her just because of the other day." He got out with a wince.
"Ugh! What's with her!? Saying she'd put her life on the line for this?" Ann meanwhile grumbled in confusion and frustration. "She seriously almost made herself a victim in some desperate attempt to help us find this guy!? What the hell!?" She then added in disbelief.
"I guess to her, that's her chance of redemption." Morgana soon stated.
"That isn't redemption, that was a pointless sacrifice." Akira got out. "...She's not coming back to school any time soon...goddammit..." He then groaned in realization while pinching the bridge of his nose.
"She's gonna fall behind on her grades." Yumi muttered out. "But I don't think she cares in her current state of mind..." She then added.
"Look...let's just all go home now." Ryuji soon suggested while rubbing the back of his neck in an uncomfortable manner. "I mean I'm pissed she did that too...but she did want to help us." He then admitted.
"Homura, you should follow her home. I can't trust her to go straight home from here, not while these assholes are still around." Akira soon ordered.
Homura could only nod before vanishing in a blink of an eye.
"Actually, we should all go home. Today's was just exhausting..." Akira then stated.
"I agree, we have been out for a while." Yusuke replied with a nod.
"Yeah, and we're probably being followed by all the questions we've been asking." Ann assumed.
"Yes. We can discuss our findings tomorrow." Yumi stated. "So, where will we meet up? The usual hideout?" She soon asked.
"Sounds like a good idea." Ryuji replied with a nod, but at that moment...
GRRRR!
"Ugh...so hungry..." Ryuji groaned out.
"Let's swing by the Diner then. I'm paying." Akira suggested and offered. "It is getting dark so those guys have probably left for the day and I can also explain in further detail what we learned." He then added.
The Thieves nodded to that as they began making their way to Central Street.
(Diner)
"To think that this mafia already had rackets of all things in Shibuya as well..." Yumi quietly muttered once they finished their meals.
"So what, like trafficking, illegal alcohol sellin' and stuff like that?" Ryuji asked.
"Well, it would make sense for them to have other sources of revenue. I doubt many students and their parents have a lot of money..." Morgana stated before narrowing his eyes in disgust. "Still, it's sickening that there's also human trafficking possibly going on as well..." He soon admitted as well.
"We don't know that, though." Akira pointed out. "The guy said rackets, but now what type of rackets. Plus, knowing that they have other sources of income doesn't really point to much. If we tried to bust them right away, we'd be killed or worse." He then stated.
"Which is why we must be careful from now on." Yumi soon advised. "Plus, we shouldn't even be talking about this here. People could be listening, even with the noise." She then added in concern.
"Yeah, let's just save the rest for karaoke." Ann sighed out she sipped on her water.
"Why karaoke though? Why not the hideout? We always use the Kekkai and it's a lot more secure." Yusuke pointed out.
"Because I don't think we're welcomed in Asuka-chan and Homura's apartment anymore." Ann uncomfortably answered as she turned her gaze to the Vice Leader, who was glaring at them in disapproval.
"...I do not blame them." Yumi meanwhile confessed while also giving the others expressions of disapproval. "Still, Makoto-san's actions...while I disagree with her reasoning I believe there is more to why she did what she did then we know of." She soon stated in a more serious tone.
"...She did seem more determined when she heard how large they possibly were..." Akira admitted while narrowing his eyes.
"It was still stupid! No matter what her reasons are, it doesn't excuse the fact she was practically committing suicide." Ann soon declared. "We can't let her be involved any longer for her own safety." She then added.
"But that isn't going to stop her..." Asuka pointed out.
"Then we get you and Homura to stop her." Akira responded. "This isn't her fight anymore. And if she does try, she's going to get squished under their heel." He then added. "We are doing this to protect her Asuka." He soon stated.
"Mmm..." Asuka got out in an uneasy tone.
"Asuka, this is necessary. You don't want Makoto hurt, don't you?" Akira asked in a serious tone.
"No...neither does Homu-nee..." Asuka replied.
"Then protect her." Akira soon ordered. "Make sure she doesn't try and do something like walk right up to one of their goons and, I dunno, try and confront their boss or something equally as stupid." He then added.
"...So you want us to put her on another leash..." Asuka mumbled out.
"...Yeah. But at least this one is to her benefit." Akira pointed out as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Look...I'm stressed out by this entire situation. I know what I'm doing may be wrong in your eyes but we have no choice unless any of you have the final keyword to Principal Bloatboat's Palace." He soon got out before looking around to see that his friends were silent. "Then this is our only option to deal with Makoto. I'm fully aware of what it's doing to her, but I'm also doing my best to fix everything so no one dies here!" He then yelled out.
"..." The Thieves remained silent, having never seen their Leader this way.
"...Sorry." Akira mumbled out in an exhausted manner. "I'm taking my anger out on all of you. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. This entire thing is getting to me..." He soon explained.
The Vice Leader however narrowed her eyes in response. "...Now you know what Makoto-chan is going through." Asuka soon pointed out in her own harsh tone.
The Leader's eye in turn twitched to that comparison. "No. I'm not." Akira firmly stated. "She's going through worse." He then corrected.
"...It's clear everyone here cares for her safety." Yusuke spoke up. "However...if we protect her like this, we'll be nothing better than the adults we oppose. Suppressing freedom and preventing her from speaking up." He soon informed the group.
"But...we just can't let her do her own thing. There's no telling what type of trouble she could get into." Ann pointed out.
"Hey, we're gettin' into trouble too. We're dealing with the mafia, after all." Ryuji reminded before sighing. "But yeah, Makoto's going to get herself into somethin' way more dangerous than she's ready for if we don't stop her." He then added.
"I have to say though, with our luck, somehow I'm expecting Makoto to join the Phantom Thieves by the end of this." Morgana soon admitted.
"Huh? Why?" Ann asked in confusion.
"Just a gut feeling Lady Ann." Morgana simply replied.
"Plus that has happened, like, four times already." Akira added after counting on his hands.
"O-Only if they managed to stumble into the Metaverse..." Asuka pointed out. "...Although it could happen..." She then added.
"And if Ryuji-san isn't careful with his MetaNav again." Yumi stated.
"Why are you singlin' me out!?" The dyed blond exclaimed.
BZZT BZZT!
At that moment, the Vice Leader's phone vibrated.
[FireGirl20: Makoto-senpai made it home.]
[FireGirl20: I'm going home too, Sis.]
Asuka soon breathed in relief. "Makoto-chan's safe at home." She soon informed the others before putting her phone away.
"Good. And maybe it should be that way for now." Akira mumbled out as he shook his head. "I really wish there was a fix everything button right now." He then confessed.
"Well..." Asuka began as she slowly pulled out her phone.
"I will flip this table if you finish that sentence." Akira bluntly declared.
"But the tables are bolted down." Yusuke pointed out.
"I can try." Akira bluntly stated before letting out a sigh. "Let's just all go home before we start screaming at each other." He soon decided.
"Yeah. Let's just have a break and meet back up tomorrow." Ann breathed out as she stood up.
"I agree." Yumi replied as she stood up as well. "I'll see you at the karaoke. Hm, I always wanted to go there but never had the time." She then confessed with a curious gleam in her eyes.
"Well, I don't think we'll be singin' much when we're there." Ryuji pointed out, as one by one the Thieves left except for their Leader, who stayed to enjoy the coffee a little.
"The situation with Makoto is getting worse." Morgana muttered out. "She's becoming a real wild card now..." He then added.
"You know, with our luck recently, she'll probably use her Shadow to attack us in the real world." Akira murmured under his breath while adjusting his glasses. "But if she does get a Persona, then she's in." He then added.
"Who says she'll accept though, after everything we've done to her?" Morgana pointed out. "We have a lot of worries to worry about, focus on one at a time." He soon stated.
"Right." Akira got out with a nod before finishing his coffee and leaving the Diner.
Maybe he'll talk to Kawakami about it if she was available.
(6/16, Evening)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
"Ugh, why do they have to be so stubborn about this, I will never know..." Homura grumbled as her roommate washed her hair. They had jumped into the bath as soon as the Vice Leader returned to the apartment.
"There there Homu-nee, you aren't wrong." Asuka replied while scrubbing the tan skinned girl's hair. "And I'm not just saying that." She then added. "They just don't want to accept that you're right and they're wrong this time..." She soon explained.
"...But what if they're right?" Homura got out in a hesitant tone. "Like...am I blinded because of how close I am? Or I...I just refuse to accept that there is some truth to what they say..."
"No, it's like the Good and Evil Shinobi factions, it's all about ideals in the end." Asuka responded. "You have your thoughts and everyone else has their thoughts on the matter." She then explained.
"Yeah, but I believe they're wrong and I'm right here! It's so frustrating!" Homura called out. "The way they're treating her, she's gonna snap and do something even worse at this rate!" She soon stated. "And I know from personal experience that people have breaking points and she's getting to that point..." She then declared.
"But...It's not like we can't stop her before she does..." Asuka then pointed out before frowning. "But...she might be doing something right now with our backs turned and...I dunno..."
"...You know what, I'm gonna message Makoto-senpai to see how she's doing." Homura got out.
"After we get out of the bath though, Homu-nee." Asuka reminded.
"Then let's finish this now." Homura got out as she stood up. "We can't leave Makoto-senpai alone for too long." She then added.
"Ok." Asuka replied with a nod as the two got towels and wrapped them around their waists. They soon headed into their bedroom and grabbed their phones, where Homura quickly pulled up the IM.
[FireGirl20: I am so sorry, Makoto-senpai.]
(...)
[FireGirl20: I know you're seeing these messages. Your status says online.]
[Makoto N: Don't apologize.]
[FireGirl20: HELL NO]
(SushiRoll23 was added to the chat)
[SushiRoll23: Are you ok?]
[SushiRoll23: I'm sorry about what the others said.]
[SushiRoll23: They were completely out of line.]
[Makoto N: Stop]
[Makoto N: They were right. I tried to do something dangerous. I'm paying the price now.]
[FireGirl20: Okay, I admit you did but the others should've given you another chance.]
[Makoto N: I don't think second chances are possible now.]
(...)
[Makoto N: Older sisters...should be supportive to the younger siblings...right?]
[SushiRoll23: Of course they should!]
[SushiGirl23: Your sister was a teenager too. She should understand what it's like.]
[Makoto N: She spent it being a parent.]
[SushiRoll23: Eh?]
(...)
[FireGirl20: Don't tell me...]
[Makoto N: Not like that.]
[Makoto N: Look, you heard what the others said. They won't let me get involved anymore. It's over.]
[FireGirl20: Makoto-senpai!]
(...)
(...)
(...)
"She's gone." Asuka stated in a sad tone.
Homura could only throw her phone away (though was quickly caught by her roommate so it wouldn't break), grab the nearest pillow and scream into it.
(Niijima Residence)
Makoto meanwhile sighed as she turned off her phone. "Asuka-san...and Homura-san...they both care for me...but I don't deserve it..." She mumbled. "I...don't deserve anything..." She then added in her head.
How could she be so reckless and stupid!?
Her? An infiltrator? Yeah right. It was not like she was going to become the right-hand woman to their boss if she just asked.
No...She'd be a slave...just like all the other victims.
There had to be something else she could do to make it up to them, to regain their trust and just… let her be useful and not make things worse.
...But what?
With Principal Peanutball breathing down her neck to attend school, and her sister most likely agreeing, she wouldn't get the chance to really think about what she could do.
Her debt to her friends...to the Phantom Thieves...to society...to the world…
She didn't think she would ever repay it.
How could she at this point?
After staying up until 3AM staring at her phone, conflicted whether or not she had the guts to call Homura and Asuka once more, it finally ran out of battery and forced her to go to sleep.
She had to think more in her sleep.
Save Game…Quit!
Whew! Done! Next chapter is combining two days in one. Which means we're gonna meet…those two, okay, I wanted to do the Royal versions but…okay there's no good reasons.
UknownHero signing off, my friends!
